Concierge/Club Level Information- Part IV, July 2012

[TigrLvsPooh]

I'm a little concerned with my split ressie!
We have changed our ressie for Oct. & split our stay, so we are staying 3 nights in WL Deluxe CL & 5 nights at BWI. This is our 1st stay in both.
I've e-mailed both IPO's with some questions & planning help-nothing crazy..
WL IPO is amazing! They answer every question, give amazing suggestions & help. They have been the best IPO, so far, I've ever used!
BWI is making me a little nervous! We only changed because my family loves to spend almost every night at Epcot, so it's more convenient. I could only get a deluxe room for the 5 nights, so I had to split my stay.
I asked them a few questions & they've given me very limited info & the one thing I was very unfamiliar with planning for-they just gave me a phone #, I had asked for restaurant suggestions on the Boardwalk, they forgot to answer me, I had to e-mail them back. I know that I could book something myself, isn't that why I asked them?
WL has been SO on top of things, asking for my flight info, being so incredibly helpful, that I'm almost regretting having to move!
Please tell me it's Better once I get there! I'm not one who books CL for the food. I book it for the convenience of planning & changing certain things..I'm starting to worry!!!!

I think YC/BC/BWI all share an IPO department. When we stayed at the BWI CL in January the emails went to the same people who helped us at yacht and beach. Unless maybe its just the emails that are the same but the offices are different? I'm not sure.

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[sjs314]

I think YC/BC/BWI all share an IPO department. When we stayed at the BWI CL in January the emails went to the same people who helped us at yacht and beach. Unless maybe its just the emails that are the same but the offices are different? I'm not sure.

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From what I understand that is correct.

 

[ClareH37]

Yes the YC/BC/BWI all share the same great IPO, their office is based at the BC.

 

[samnbilly]

I switched my entire ressie over to BWI last night. I don't want to bother with packing/re packing & worrying about waiting for our luggage the day of my DH's Birthday.
I e-mailed them again & made note of the change. I asked if they could suggest some activities for my teenagers because we haven't gone since 2008, & it was a very different vacation. My DH had just had brain surgery & had a difficult time there & the kids were quite a bit younger.
I wasn't sure if they did the small boat rentals for the kids (14 & 17) or any other suggestion of an activity over by BWI.
They e-mailed me back & said they already noted my room request & DH Birthday in my file (I asked if you were able to request a balcony in the Garden Suite?) this is a new room we changed to & I've never stayed there & for my DH B-Day I wanted to get some balloons & whatnot (I thought they'd recommend someplace to purchase these things)
They wrote back & said that I could fill out my profile info under my Disney Experience & see the things that are available once I filled out my profile & see what came up?
Wow! What a difference from WL IPO..I asked for help with a few specifics & was completely blown off while WL IPO offered me suggestions, offered to book things for me, etc. I'm kinda p.o.'d to be honest!
Yes, I could build a profile & take care of the other things I'm completely unaware of booking there, but isn't that the point of IPO? Maybe ppl are right! Maybe it's turned into Concierge employees putting out food & shoving out phone #'s? I really wish WL worked for us. My family spends every night in Epcot & I have a nerve disorder that's progressive & I might need an ECV this year, so making constant transfers would be more difficult when I could take the back way thru Epcot & be at our hotel!
Someone please give me some suggestions how to proceed with this because honestly- I could do their job!! I book CL because that's what I use it for/ actual pre-planning help! No offer to help book anything!! Not even an ADR!!

 

[mickeynut1]

I switched my entire ressie over to BWI last night. I don't want to bother with packing/re packing & worrying about waiting for our luggage the day of my DH's Birthday.
I e-mailed them again & made note of the change. I asked if they could suggest some activities for my teenagers because we haven't gone since 2008, & it was a very different vacation. My DH had just had brain surgery & had a difficult time there & the kids were quite a bit younger.
I wasn't sure if they did the small boat rentals for the kids (14 & 17) or any other suggestion of an activity over by BWI.
They e-mailed me back & said they already noted my room request & DH Birthday in my file (I asked if you were able to request a balcony in the Garden Suite?) this is a new room we changed to & I've never stayed there & for my DH B-Day I wanted to get some balloons & whatnot (I thought they'd recommend someplace to purchase these things)
They wrote back & said that I could fill out my profile info under my Disney Experience & see the things that are available once I filled out my profile & see what came up?
Wow! What a difference from WL IPO..I asked for help with a few specifics & was completely blown off while WL IPO offered me suggestions, offered to book things for me, etc. I'm kinda p.o.'d to be honest!
Yes, I could build a profile & take care of the other things I'm completely unaware of booking there, but isn't that the point of IPO? Maybe ppl are right! Maybe it's turned into Concierge employees putting out food & shoving out phone #'s? I really wish WL worked for us. My family spends every night in Epcot & I have a nerve disorder that's progressive & I might need an ECV this year, so making constant transfers would be more difficult when I could take the back way thru Epcot & be at our hotel!
Someone please give me some suggestions how to proceed with this because honestly- I could do their job!! I book CL because that's what I use it for/ actual pre-planning help! No offer to help book anything!! Not even an ADR!!

I just want to say congrats on getting BWI for all nights. I hope you have a great trip . I can't help with suggestions as I never use IPO when we stay CL as I prefer to book all of my own ADRs and research anything out of the ordinary that I might need/want to do. I'm sorry IPO isn't being very helpful . I hope someone will be able to give you some suggestions on how to proceed.

 

[samnbilly]

I just want to say congrats on getting BWI for all nights. I hope you have a great trip . I can't help with suggestions as I never use IPO when we stay CL as I prefer to book all of my own ADRs and research anything out of the ordinary that I might need/want to do. I'm sorry IPO isn't being very helpful . I hope someone will be able to give you some suggestions on how to proceed.

I have booked just about all of my own ADR's. I'm not asking them for something that would require a lot of research or that's complicated, I had a few questions re: things I cannot find online & yes, I could sit here & build a profile & try & hope that turns up some suggestions for them, but the help would've been nice.

 

[1girln3boys]

I tried to email AK IPO but it was bounced back. Can someone post the email again please?

 

[mickeynut1]

I have booked just about all of my own ADR's. I'm not asking them for something that would require a lot of research or that's complicated, I had a few questions re: things I cannot find online & yes, I could sit here & build a profile & try & hope that turns up some suggestions for them, but the help would've been nice.

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't saying you needed them to do a lot of research on anything, I was just commenting that I have never used IPO so I couldn't give any advice on how to proceed . I do understand your frustration, though, because IPO is supposed to be there to help those staying CL and I'm sure it gets very irritating when that help doesn't come through.

 

[ClareH37]

I have booked just about all of my own ADR's. I'm not asking them for something that would require a lot of research or that's complicated, I had a few questions re: things I cannot find online & yes, I could sit here & build a profile & try & hope that turns up some suggestions for them, but the help would've been nice.

I'm sorry you're having some issues, I've got to know a few of the IPO there personally over the years but unfortunately like everywhere there may be 1 or 2 who perhaps don't come across as helpful or enthusiastic.

Can I suggest you email them today (assuming you haven't done so already?), one particularly helpful CM is there

I hope you have a bit more success.

 

[samnbilly]

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't saying you needed them to do a lot of research on anything, I was just commenting that I have never used IPO so I couldn't give any advice on how to proceed . I do understand your frustration, though, because IPO is supposed to be there to help those staying CL and I'm sure it gets very irritating when that help doesn't come through.

I'm sorry-that's not what I meant..I book a lot of things myself, but in the past, they've successfully helped with with many things.
I think I'm just second guessing my switch over to BWI & I'm frustrated with the lack of desire to be of any assistance. I could see if I wanted them to book my whole trip! Lol!!
IPO has been very helpful in the past, I just hope it hasn't turned into something that I hoped it wouldn't !!

 

[samnbilly]

I'm sorry you're having some issues, I've got to know a few of the IPO there personally over the years but unfortunately like everywhere there may be 1 or 2 who perhaps don't come across as helpful or enthusiastic.

Can I suggest you email them today (assuming you haven't done so already?), one particularly helpful CM is there

I hope you have a bit more success.

Thank you..I was thinking of it.. I've tried 3X & keep getting the same one (I'm not going to mention any names) that doesn't seem to be interested in being of any help! As I said to another poster, I'm not asking anyone to plan my trip! Lol

 

[ClareH37]

Thank you..I was thinking of it.. I've tried 3X & keep getting the same one (I'm not going to mention any names) that doesn't seem to be interested in being of any help! As I said to another poster, I'm not asking anyone to plan my trip! Lol

I know what you're saying, I'm similar in that I'm not asking for someone to take over the planning of my trip but a few suggestions shouldn't be too difficult.

Please try again and hopefully they'll come through for you

 

[samnbilly]

I know what you're saying, I'm similar in that I'm not asking for someone to take over the planning of my trip but a few suggestions shouldn't be too difficult.

Please try again and hopefully they'll come through for you

Not sure how you feel, but I'm starting to feel like a bother. She repeats re one thing she noted on my reservation & then ignores the other few things I've asked..frustrating!

 

[ClareH37]

Not sure how you feel, but I'm starting to feel like a bother. She repeats re one thing she noted on my reservation & then ignores the other few things I've asked..frustrating!

Hmmm that is frustrating I know this isn't ideal but maybe give a quick phone call?

 

[mom_of_2]

Hmmm that is frustrating I know this isn't ideal but maybe give a quick phone call?

I was going to suggest the same thing. I also agree, it is not ideal to have to call. But I was having some trouble through email with a particular CM so I decided it call and it was a world of difference. The CM who I spoke to was very helpful and answered all of my questions. I hope that helps as I feel your frustration...I was very frustrated as well. Good luck!

 

[samnbilly]

Yes, I think I will have to call. It seems like there's one person answering all of the e-mails for BC & BWI, & I know YC. I was booked @ BC & moved to BWI & had a split stay booked @ BWI.
I'm not sure who WL splits their IPO with, but they were fantastic!

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm sorry-that's not what I meant..I book a lot of things myself, but in the past, they've successfully helped with with many things.
I think I'm just second guessing my switch over to BWI & I'm frustrated with the lack of desire to be of any assistance. I could see if I wanted them to book my whole trip! Lol!!
IPO has been very helpful in the past, I just hope it hasn't turned into something that I hoped it wouldn't !!

Oh no need to apologize.....I just didn't want you to take my post to mean that I thought you were asking them to do more than what they are there for because I don't think you are asking for anything difficult (especially since it's their job). IMO, they are there to give suggestions on things and to help guests with information on planning things rather than just give them phone numbers, etc. and let them be on their way. I agree with the pp's that even though calling isn't the most ideal, I would maybe try that as talking directly to someone is sometimes more productive. Good luck .

 

[HBGdancermom]

Hmmm that is frustrating I know this isn't ideal but maybe give a quick phone call?

That might be a good idea. I have been working with the Ipo over at BC which I guess is the same as BWI and I have always called.

I had them working on getting me a wishes ressie and they were able to. I was trying alongside them as well. Now they are trying to switch a 1900 park fare of one comes up.

Never emailed with them though. Good luck!

 

[kpm76]

Yes, I think I will have to call. It seems like there's one person answering all of the e-mails for BC & BWI, & I know YC. I was booked @ BC & moved to BWI & had a split stay booked @ BWI.
I'm not sure who WL splits their IPO with, but they were fantastic!

We are staying at the BWI CL next week and I will be sure to post a full report. I might try to do a live report, but it's our youngest's 3rd birthday so not sure I will actually be able to pull it off.

I would call. I know what you mean about not "getting the answers you were looking for." There was one woman who was pretty short with emails but when I actually got her on the phone, we spent 30 min chatting and she was super helpful. Maybe some people are better on the phone? I don't know. It should not be that way, but it was my experience. Wishing you lots of luck and fun in planning your trip

 

[pixarmom]

I switched my entire ressie over to BWI last night. I don't want to bother with packing/re packing & worrying about waiting for our luggage the day of my DH's Birthday.
I e-mailed them again & made note of the change. I asked if they could suggest some activities for my teenagers because we haven't gone since 2008, & it was a very different vacation. My DH had just had brain surgery & had a difficult time there & the kids were quite a bit younger.
I wasn't sure if they did the small boat rentals for the kids (14 & 17) or any other suggestion of an activity over by BWI.
They e-mailed me back & said they already noted my room request & DH Birthday in my file (I asked if you were able to request a balcony in the Garden Suite?) this is a new room we changed to & I've never stayed there & for my DH B-Day I wanted to get some balloons & whatnot (I thought they'd recommend someplace to purchase these things)
They wrote back & said that I could fill out my profile info under my Disney Experience & see the things that are available once I filled out my profile & see what came up?
Wow! What a difference from WL IPO..I asked for help with a few specifics & was completely blown off while WL IPO offered me suggestions, offered to book things for me, etc. I'm kinda p.o.'d to be honest!
Yes, I could build a profile & take care of the other things I'm completely unaware of booking there, but isn't that the point of IPO? Maybe ppl are right! Maybe it's turned into Concierge employees putting out food & shoving out phone #'s? I really wish WL worked for us. My family spends every night in Epcot & I have a nerve disorder that's progressive & I might need an ECV this year, so making constant transfers would be more difficult when I could take the back way thru Epcot & be at our hotel!
Someone please give me some suggestions how to proceed with this because honestly- I could do their job!! I book CL because that's what I use it for/ actual pre-planning help! No offer to help book anything!! Not even an ADR!!

Hi samnbilly! We've stayed CL at BWI twice, at BC twice and at CR once. I can share our experience with BWI/BC IPO, in case it's helpful. I make our ADRs, but I've been in contact with them many times.

I've learned that some BWI/BC IPO CMs there are more helpful than others. For example, when I asked about an in-room celebration, one IPO CM really pushed me to go through Disney Florist. A friend over on the BC/YC thread previously received assistance from IPO for an in-room celebration, and she suggested that I just respond that I'd like to work with IPO directly. Wow - that worked! BWI IPO (albeit a different CM) was on it - worked with me to create a list of pirate-themed items that IPO purchased in advance from various stores all around WDW with my credit card info, and then gave the items to the CL CMs to set up in our room when we checked in. When I called with my credit card info and to confirm the details, Omar at BWI IPO was wonderful - not only helpful, but extremely enthusiastic about our plan and our surprise!

Since then, I've just asked BWI IPO to link up parts of split stays, asked questions about pool closures, etc. - they have been responsive, but occasionally miss part of a question, so I just follow up.

And as you may know, the IPO CMs are different from the BWI CL CMs up on the 4th floor of the resort. As I've mentioned before, I really believe the BWI CL CMs are among the best at Disney. So while it may not be an ideal start to the planning process, I think the end result will be great!