Concierge/Club Level Information - Part III (October 2010)

[MartyM]

So I had a wonderfully useless exchange with IPO.

My email to them:

Subject: Re: Introduction and Cali Grill ADR
Hello,

We are staying at the Beach Club club level (deluxe room) from June
27-July 1 (a gift from my wife for my 40th Birthday!).
Here is our info:
Leslie & Paul XXXXXX
Res # XXXXXXX
(other info)

We have been trying to get an ADR for two at California Grill on either
Thurs, June 28 or Friday, June 29, in the 7-7:30 range, but have had no
luck. (Only thurs at 5:30 or 9:30 and that is too early/late.). Do you
have any special concierge magic you could use to get us something?
Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Paul

Their reply:

Good Afternoon,

The only times we have avaliable is on June 28th, 5:30pm or 9:25pm. In
order for me to book either one, I will need a credit card to hold the
reservation. Please contact us at 407-934-1448. The office closes at 6pm
eastern standard time.
Have A Wonderful Day!

Gloria
Concierge Itinerary Planner
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

First, I was surprised that they weren't more personal (or personable) in the email, since this was our first contact with them. Second, she is giving me the same times I mentioned we could book ourselves. She basically could have said no, the times she has are the same, and doesn't have special availability. Just an odd exchange to me. Hopefully not an indication of the service we'll get on site! She did write back in less than an hour, so at least the response was quick.

That's odd. My email from the WL planners said that there are no times available for your desired time period, but that they would continue to check for me in the coming days. By the next day, they had my resi for 7:40 at the CG. You should ask them to continue checking for you up until your trip day. I'm sort of surprised that they didn't offer that to you in the email.

 

[mmtwinmama]

I don't see why you couldn't do that, but you might get some stares from guests who think you're using the mugs from a past trip to get refills in the QS. The lounge has cans of soda which you can also bring down to the pool or store in your fridge and there are styrofoam cups with lids that you can fill

I did not realize they had cups with lids! Even better. Thanks!

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

So I had a wonderfully useless exchange with IPO.

My email to them:

Subject: Re: Introduction and Cali Grill ADR
Hello,

We are staying at the Beach Club club level (deluxe room) from June
27-July 1 (a gift from my wife for my 40th Birthday!).
Here is our info:
Leslie & Paul XXXXXX
Res # XXXXXXX
(other info)

We have been trying to get an ADR for two at California Grill on either
Thurs, June 28 or Friday, June 29, in the 7-7:30 range, but have had no
luck. (Only thurs at 5:30 or 9:30 and that is too early/late.). Do you
have any special concierge magic you could use to get us something?
Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Paul

Their reply:

Good Afternoon,

The only times we have avaliable is on June 28th, 5:30pm or 9:25pm. In
order for me to book either one, I will need a credit card to hold the
reservation. Please contact us at 407-934-1448. The office closes at 6pm
eastern standard time.
Have A Wonderful Day!

Gloria
Concierge Itinerary Planner
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

First, I was surprised that they weren't more personal (or personable) in the email, since this was our first contact with them. Second, she is giving me the same times I mentioned we could book ourselves. She basically could have said no, the times she has are the same, and doesn't have special availability. Just an odd exchange to me. Hopefully not an indication of the service we'll get on site! She did write back in less than an hour, so at least the response was quick.

We just got back from a BC CL stay, and while the actual CL staff was very nice, I felt the IPO staff left quite a bit to be desired. Half the time their responses had little to do with my question. We had much, much better interactions with the Poly/WL IPO staff (and we LOVE the Poly and WL CL staff!!!). Although we enjoyed our stay, I think we're back at Poly CL next time around (plus, we missed our beach side, castle view rooms!!).

 

[Nancyg56]

So I had a wonderfully useless exchange with IPO.

I am hopeless with email communication so I called to introduce myself and request the first meal that we needed to book for this trip. I must say that is how I handled our stay at AKL when we stayed CL and was able to manage to create a "personal" relationship.

I know that most people are comfortable with using email as a primary form of communication but I find that my first contact is better when I can hear a voice so whenever it is feasible I use the phone. Once I have established that initial contact communication by email does not seem so stilted to me. I think that what seems to be a professional response to some seems impersonal to others.

 

[psac]

I am hopeless with email communication so I called to introduce myself and request the first meal that we needed to book for this trip. I must say that is how I handled our stay at AKL when we stayed CL and was able to manage to create a "personal" relationship.

I know that most people are comfortable with using email as a primary form of communication but I find that my first contact is better when I can hear a voice so whenever it is feasible I use the phone. Once I have established that initial contact communication by email does not seem so stilted to me. I think that what seems to be a professional response to some seems impersonal to others.

We just got back from a BC CL stay, and while the actual CL staff was very nice, I felt the IPO staff left quite a bit to be desired. Half the time their responses had little to do with my question. We had much, much better interactions with the Poly/WL IPO staff (and we LOVE the Poly and WL CL staff!!!). Although we enjoyed our stay, I think we're back at Poly CL next time around (plus, we missed our beach side, castle view rooms!!).

That's odd. My email from the WL planners said that there are no times available for your desired time period, but that they would continue to check for me in the coming days. By the next day, they had my resi for 7:40 at the CG. You should ask them to continue checking for you up until your trip day. I'm sort of surprised that they didn't offer that to you in the email.

MM1 is correct that they don't have any special wands or spells they can cast to make ADRs magically appear. They have a system in place that will search for ADRs right at the 180-day mark which is nice. I once had an IPO CM email me that they couldn't get and ADR for me that I wanted, but that I should keep checking online for an opening. I also once had a CL CM who told me that they couldn't get an ADR for us in the restaurant in the resort that same day. So, we went right over to the restaurant without an ADR and were seated within 15 minutes. CAG also has some limited seating available near the food prep. area (like a bar) that doesn't require a reservation.

Since CAG requires a CC, guests WILL cancel if they can't make it so the easiest thing to do is to either take the early ADR or keep checking the online system everyday for your preferred time.

Thanks everyone for the responses to my rant. My wife has been trying repeatedly every day for a cancellation, and that's always worked for us in the past. We did the same thing last year, booked a 3-4 day trip about 6 weeks out, and we were able to get every reservation we wanted eventually. This time Cali Grill has been especially tough to get, and I agree, now with the CC guarantee on so many meals, it was easier than before, although CG has taken the CC for a while now. But I think it was after I saw the post a few days ago from MartyM about IPO taking the info and keeping trying, I was expecting a similar response. And my wife was like "nahh, they won't be able to book anything that's not available online." So I was hoping to be right on this one, but I should know better. We also have a Yachtsman's reservation that we would cancel if we got the Cali Grill, but that also prevents us from hoping for a same day cancellation, since we would have to pay on our Yachtsman's guarantee.

To WDWKOOK's point about IPO sometimes not having the best communication skills, it is odd to have that as the first contact for Club guests, who are your "premier" customers to some respect. And thanks for the info, I always thought it was the Club CMs who did the IPO work when they weren't busy with on site issues.

It's also good to hear positive things about the Poly IPO/Club, we're considering that for our April 2013 trip, we haven't stayed there yet, so we might give it a try, and if we're not staying DVC, we usually like to stay club for the convience and also for some of the larger room categories. (We're DVC owners, but don't have enough points to cover all our trips and don't want to add on yet.)

Thanks again everyone!

 

[chimo2u]

I've found POLY IPO to be less personal than I am used to, but it's ok, they've done pretty much what I've needed. I don't think they're checking on an early request of mine, for another ADR time, I think they may have forgotten by now as I've never heard anything from them in a couple months. I am ok with my plans as they are now, and I am very happy they where able to get us a 7:45 Cali Grill reservation on our arrival night.....it'll be nice to try and catch the hallowishes fireworks

The IPO I've found most personal is AKL, they always answered my questions personally and with nice chit chat that was directly related to what I had written I especially liked dealing with Don, he was wonderful! I wish they had larger rooms, because the whole family LOVES it at AKL and we'd probably be back there if they could accommodate us this trip......

With that said, I AM still looking forward to our first POLY stay

 

[Mousemommy1]

I've found POLY IPO to be less personal than I am used to, but it's ok, they've done pretty much what I've needed. I don't think they're checking on an early request of mine, for another ADR time, I think they may have forgotten by nowas I've never heard anything from them in a couple months. I SM ok with my plans as they are now, and I am very happy they where able to get us a 7:45 Cali Grill reservation on our arrival night.....it'll be nice to try and catch the hallowishes fireworks

The IPO I've found most personal is AKL, they always answered my questions personally and with nice chit chat that was directly related to what I had written I especially liked dealing with Don, he was wonderful! I wish they had larger rooms, because the whole family LOVES it at AKL and we'd probably be back there if they could accommodate us this trip......

With that said, I AM still looking forward to our first POLY stay

I have to say, although this is my first dealing with the IPO, the WL IPO has been VERY personable and awesome!!! Even when I send them a generic type request, they respond in kind with my kids names (if the inquiry involves the kids)...our names...they have been very prompt in responding to us and getting us what we need. I have been very impressed with the WL IPO, even as someone who was skeptical about this whole CL thing...

 

[disneydreamin247]

Marie I'm sorry you haven't had a very friendly experience with the Poly IPO. There is one CM that is less personable than the rest. Other than her everyone is very helpful and has handled all of my requests very graciously.

 

[Nancyg56]

The IPO I've found most personal is AKL, they always answered my questions personally and with nice chit chat that was directly related to what I had written I especially liked dealing with Don, he was wonderful!

He is awesome, isn't he?

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

I've found POLY IPO to be less personal than I am used to, but it's ok, they've done pretty much what I've needed. I don't think they're checking on an early request of mine, for another ADR time, I think they may have forgotten by now as I've never heard anything from them in a couple months. I am ok with my plans as they are now, and I am very happy they where able to get us a 7:45 Cali Grill reservation on our arrival night.....it'll be nice to try and catch the hallowishes fireworks

The IPO I've found most personal is AKL, they always answered my questions personally and with nice chit chat that was directly related to what I had written I especially liked dealing with Don, he was wonderful! I wish they had larger rooms, because the whole family LOVES it at AKL and we'd probably be back there if they could accommodate us this trip......

With that said, I AM still looking forward to our first POLY stay

You'll love the Poly!! It's our WDW home!!

We tried AKV for the first time this trip (just two nights tacked on the start of our trip), and all of the AKL staff (we decided on a villa instead of CL because we weren't sure how the tastes of the kids would fit with AKL CL ) were super friendly!! We'd love to stay there again! Watching the animals from our balcony was so relaxing.

 

[GISELLEROL]

Question on Disney florist deliveries

I'm having 3 gifts delivered one of them that I know will need to be set up. Will the CL CM do this when it's delivered if your out?

It's roses on a silver tray with a bracelet and Mickey chocolates for DD15 and pirate chest with candies and pirate goodies for dS11 and Dh

Mind if I ask where you are ordering these from ? Would love to do something like this for my kids.

 

[hstrickland]

The IPO I've found most personal is AKL, they always answered my questions personally and with nice chit chat that was directly related to what I had written I especially liked dealing with Don, he was wonderful! I wish they had larger rooms, because the whole family LOVES it at AKL and we'd probably be back there if they could accommodate us this trip......

With that said, I AM still looking forward to our first POLY stay

I've been chatting with a lady named Michelle for our AKL visit. She has been great...she doesn't relpy with the typical form letter. Like you said...very personable. Know what you mean about room size....if my parents were not going, we might have to stay elsewhere. Luckily, DS10 usually stays with them. Glad to hear positive things about AKL! It makes me more excited about our trip.

 

[jcondrad]

So I had a wonderfully useless exchange with IPO.

My email to them:

Subject: Re: Introduction and Cali Grill ADR
Hello,

We are staying at the Beach Club club level (deluxe room) from June
27-July 1 (a gift from my wife for my 40th Birthday!).
Here is our info:
Leslie & Paul XXXXXX
Res # XXXXXXX
(other info)

We have been trying to get an ADR for two at California Grill on either
Thurs, June 28 or Friday, June 29, in the 7-7:30 range, but have had no
luck. (Only thurs at 5:30 or 9:30 and that is too early/late.). Do you
have any special concierge magic you could use to get us something?
Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Paul

Their reply:

Good Afternoon,

The only times we have avaliable is on June 28th, 5:30pm or 9:25pm. In
order for me to book either one, I will need a credit card to hold the
reservation. Please contact us at 407-934-1448. The office closes at 6pm
eastern standard time.
Have A Wonderful Day!

Gloria
Concierge Itinerary Planner
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

First, I was surprised that they weren't more personal (or personable) in the email, since this was our first contact with them. Second, she is giving me the same times I mentioned we could book ourselves. She basically could have said no, the times she has are the same, and doesn't have special availability. Just an odd exchange to me. Hopefully not an indication of the service we'll get on site! She did write back in less than an hour, so at least the response was quick.

I'm sorry you didn't have much luck with the IPO. We stayed BC CL in June 2011 and had fantastic luck with them. I had wanted to secure a ADR at Tusker House for breakfast for my DDs 2nd birthday but there was NO availability whatsoever. They were able to find us one no problem and booked it right away to make sure we got it.

We are coming up on our 180 day mark this upcoming week and I am such a planner that I am having a hard time requesting them to make our ADRs...but I think I may give it a try this time around and see how I make out.

 

[mslhb]

I ended up letting the WL IPO book my ADR's. I am a pretty anal planner and was a little nervous about not doing it myself. They got every single one I wanted at the date and exact time I wanted. Even got Ohana on our arrival day for dinner. That was the one I was most worried about. This thread has been super helpful and I am looking forward to reading it over the next 6 months in anticipation of my trip!

 

[nadira36]

Question on Disney florist deliveries

I'm having 3 gifts delivered one of them that I know will need to be set up. Will the CL CM do this when it's delivered if your out?

It's roses on a silver tray with a bracelet and Mickey chocolates for DD15 and pirate chest with candies and pirate goodies for dS11 and Dh

I just saw this and wanted to confirm - Disney Florist sets everything up amazingly! We've ordered something every year both for ourselves and our traveling companions and every time it's wonderful!

LAst year we ordered the pirate me adventure - our girls are STILL thrilled that Cap't Jack hid out in their room and left them treasure.

There was a bit of a problem with our order last year - but it was made better when Mickey himself snuck in and fixed it while the girls ran to the pool. Both MIckey and Jack stopped in their room

 

[VAfamily1998]

Hi!

I have booked a Standard view CL room at Yacht Club for mid September. I was able to make most of the ADRs myself, except I would like a early lunch on a specific day at Tusker House, but was only able to get a 1:45 pm. Ideally, I would like 11:30 am ....or at least anything earlier than 1:45!

I keep checking back myself to see if there have been any openings, and haven't had much luck. Is this something I should ask IPO about? Based on the previous posts, I worry that if I email and ask them for help--they'll just tell me that the only thing available is the 1:45, and that's the end of it. I was wondering if IPO will assist me by checking for cancellations over the next several days/weeks/etc...or do they just check once and that's it?

Is it better to call instead of email?

Thanks!

 

[mmmears]

It is my understanding that they do not have any special access to getting reservations over what we have...I could be wrong...

I've found POLY IPO to be less personal than I am used to, but it's ok, they've done pretty much what I've needed. I don't think they're checking on an early request of mine, for another ADR time, I think they may have forgotten by now as I've never heard anything from them in a couple months. I am ok with my plans as they are now, and I am very happy they where able to get us a 7:45 Cali Grill reservation on our arrival night.....it'll be nice to try and catch the hallowishes fireworks

The IPO I've found most personal is AKL, they always answered my questions personally and with nice chit chat that was directly related to what I had written I especially liked dealing with Don, he was wonderful! I wish they had larger rooms, because the whole family LOVES it at AKL and we'd probably be back there if they could accommodate us this trip......

With that said, I AM still looking forward to our first POLY stay

I've dealt Witt the IPO staff at many resorts and IMHO AKL is the best.

He is awesome, isn't he?

He's the BEST. But in all honesty, there are many great IPO CMs at AKL.

 

[mmmears]

A few pages back I promised to let some of you know how our check in went.

We are at YC CL right now, after a few days at AKL CL. I did use the online check in this time. The only thing it did was make our check in process a little faster since they already had our cc on file and our key cards made up. Saved us some valuable time but didn't take anything away from the CL normal check in process.

My room requests were met both times and I would definitely use the online check in again. We checked in at AKL late in the evening and YC early in the morning.

Hope this helps clarify things!

 

[Mousemommy1]

A few pages back I promised to let some of you know how our check in went.

We are at YC CL right now, after a few days at AKL CL. I did use the online check in this time. The only thing it did was make our check in process a little faster since they already had our cc on file and our key cards made up. Saved us some valuable time but didn't take anything away from the CL normal check in process.

My room requests were met both times and I would definitely use the online check in again. We checked in at AKL late in the evening and YC early in the morning.

Hope this helps clarify things!

Yay!!! Glad it went well! I really don't want to give up my online check in, it makes the trip feel closer!!!

Plus, my Disney website account is now giving me a daily countdown to online check in and that makes me so much more excited!!!

 

[Nancyg56]

He's the BEST. But in all honesty, there are many great IPO CMs at AKL.

They all made our stay magical!