Concierge/Club Level Information- Part IV, July 2012

[Scott MC]

I think perhaps it's best to move on from this topic as people are not ever going to agree. Having spoken with CL CMs at different resorts on several occasions, I can assure y'all that CL appetizers are not meant to be a meal replacement, and I think we all can agree that scooping up an entire plate of chicken, shrimp, or whatever is in bad taste. If you're going in with the attitude that you're paying for it, and you're going to make a meal out of it, there's nothing the rest of us can do, and yes, it will eventually ruin it for those who use the food the way it's meant to be used/consumed and that's sad and unfortunate.

But could we please move on from this topic onto more pleasant things?

Any recent CL stays to report on? Perhaps with pictures?

 

[DisneyLover0610]

I have stayed @ BC (non club) & YC (club level) many times. I can say all club rooms @ both resorts are on the 5th floor, except the deluxe rooms & some suites. And you need to take the key- controlled main elevators to access the 5th floor, so your room request should be "near elevator". So no access to the "secret" Epcot entrance, except from the lobby.

Can't answer about the full balcony. If no one answers here, ask on the Y&B Club thread. Teena, who posts there, is a greeter @ BC & will have an answer for you. Plus lots of posters there have stayed club level & will probably know.

I kinda figured I couldn't get lucky enough to have a room near the secret entrance but it was worth asking. I thought I read somewhere that BC CL had SV rooms on the 3rd floor, so thank you for clearing that up! Do you know how Magic Bands will work with getting to CL? Would I also receive a card?
Thanks again!!

 

[Scott MC]

Hi y'all

I'm having a lot of issues with the ore planning iPo's right now, which I've never had before. I was hoping someone new of who I would talk to about this as I am getting rather ticked off. 1/2 the reason we pay for CL is for the IPO so I don't have to babysit our vacation. Now I feel like I have to baby sit the IPOs.

Judging by your ticker, I'm guessing you're dealing (or not dealing) with the IPO at the Polynesian Resort? Is the problem that they're not fulfilling your requests? Or are you unable to get in touch with them?

I would think the only person to speak to/email would be the GM at the Polynesian, and I'm going to go poke around on the POLY thread for that person's name. If I can't find it, I'm going to poke around and post. Perhaps the famous "TikiMan" can help.

 

[Scott MC]

Morning!


I've changed our plans for October a number of times, mostly to get the biggest bang for our buck and take advantage of the great discounts Disney has been offering. I have now made my final change (fingers crossed) and we are staying BC SV CL. I've heard good and bad stories, but I'm more interested in knowing how I should put a room request in. We want to be on the 5th floor, and full balcony, but does anyone know if these rooms exist near the EPCOT entrance? Can anyone recommend anything else I should request? Thanks so much!

The way the BC is designed (architecturally), the CL rooms only extend about as far as the volleyball court...and not all the way to the end of the resort where you're looking to be, also, the elevators are central, so even if there wre CL rooms over by the secret Epcot entrance, you'd still have to walk a long way back to the elevator to get downstairs. If full balcony is important, then I'd make that my only request: "Full balcony please."
As far as Magic Bands, I'm a regular poster on the BC/YC thread, and people there recently have been discussing how they need both their band and their room key to get into SAB (annoying..I know), so I'd imagine at this point, you'll be given both a band and a card.

 

[sjs314]

I just want to say I started my reply then was distracted by time I hit send it was asked by scottmel we drop the subject

So torn this year. In 2009 stayed BWI CL loved it! 2010, 2011 were YC CL and LOVED IT and 2012 was BC CL and didn't like it one bit.....However BC CL is getting expanded and redone etc. for 2014 June. We skipped CL in 2013 June and none of us missed it a bit. We were upgraded to a lagoon view and I loved that view!!!!

Here are my worries:

1. To book BC CL GV there are 5 rooms in this category. So if you have problem with one room or are given the handicapped room not so good for my family. No where else to be moved to.

2. DD15 is gluten intolerant now. Which was the main reason for not booking 2013 CL...however they have told me in 2014 food will be provided for her etc.

3. DD15 bringing friend for first time. So nice to have the extra space...

I just was so disappointed in BC CL in 2012 in terms of food, differences from YC etc. not sure if it is worth the risk to try again...Anyone have a threshbold has to what CL is worth a night to them? On a AAA discount the difference is 183 a night and I am not seeing the worth right now....

Scottmel I have looked at the price to upgrade to CL many times and since There are just 2 of us now and the fact we neither partake of alcoholic beverages I always came to the conclusion that the value just was not there fr us.

We were booked at the Poly and decided we might upgrade when Fall discounts were released, we switched to BW CL for around $40 a night more than what we were laying for the Poly room. I talked myself into it being worth it this trip, I do feel the connivence of the continental breakfast will be nice we usually do a TS but only made one ADR for Breakfast this time.

It's not meant as a meal it's meant as a snack or appetizer.

The problem comes from guests taking so much of the offerings not thinking about the other ppl in the lounge or making their way to the lounge to eat as well. It's not fair to the other guests to take enough to make a meal if it was meant as a meal it would say Dinner but it doesn't. Breakfast is the only offering meant as a meal.

Maybe you were able to take just a little of each & could call that a meal but I know for my family & we are all small ppl, could not make that our dinner and be satisfied..

BlueJasmine I totally agree with you. That being said I did change the times of all but one of our Dinner ADRs so that we can partake of the evening offerings (Apps) before we go to dinner. And on 2 nights I plan to come back to BW in time to view IllumiNations from the lounge Balcony and try some desserts

I have read about people Decending upon the evening offerings like a plague of locusts taking helping platefuls without regards to the guests inline. I do think that is just poor manners, perhaps never being told you take one or two of something then go back later if you want more.

I just had an argument like this at work. Those complaining about people taking too much likely suffer from not getting enough themselves so the real complaint is they did not get enough. The blame is being placed on those they see as taking too much but really how many rules does Disney set for this?

I have never stayed club level so I don't honestly know what rules are stated, but if there are no stated rules about how much to take then you are relying on common courtesy and that varies from person to person. We are in a recession and during tough times a lot more people will look at club level as an alternative to the DDP because the cost is much cheaper for a family of 4 or so. This does deprive the other guests but if there are no rules, then there is nothing to stop these guests from taking everything.

If you push hard enough, Disney will set in place controls or rules to prevent greediness, however, that means you will also be held to these rules which means that if you hate fish and the offerings are pork, sushi, and some other fish dish then you would only be allowed to grab one of the pork and nothing else. Or, Disney could greatly reduce the offerings or eliminate them altogether. In other words, when complaining, make absolutely sure you are prepared to deal with the consequences.

I see a ton of posts in this thread that complain about over-indulgence and I get it but you could wind up losing something you love by complaining. If it's reached that point where it is ruining your vacation and you really need something done, then have at it, otherwise be thankful that you don't have to live off of hors d'oeuvre and move on with enjoying your vacation.

wyurm Honestly I am worried about DH since he is very picky and may only like one of the items, I will be giving him a moderation is key lecture before we step not the doors.

Over the years I have harped on him at various family functions about taking extra before the platter as been passed around to everyone, he never grew up being served family style and would think nothing of taking 3 pork chops or 4 pieces of chicken before anyone else had taken even one piece.

 

[DisneyLover0610]

The way the BC is designed (architecturally), the CL rooms only extend about as far as the volleyball court...and not all the way to the end of the resort where you're looking to be, also, the elevators are central, so even if there wre CL rooms over by the secret Epcot entrance, you'd still have to walk a long way back to the elevator to get downstairs. If full balcony is important, then I'd make that my only request: "Full balcony please."
As far as Magic Bands, I'm a regular poster on the BC/YC thread, and people there recently have been discussing how they need both their band and their room key to get into SAB (annoying..I know), so I'd imagine at this point, you'll be given both a band and a card.

I try to keep up on the BC/YC thread but it moves so quickly I guess I missed that
Hopefully we do get cards with the bands, I know it sounds silly, but DH has always wanted a gold card, and this is a surprise for him

Thanks!

 

[Scott MC]

Hi y'all

I'm having a lot of issues with the ore planning iPo's right now, which I've never had before. I was hoping someone new of who I would talk to about this as I am getting rather ticked off. 1/2 the reason we pay for CL is for the IPO so I don't have to babysit our vacation. Now I feel like I have to baby sit the IPOs.

On the POLY thread.....the suggestion was to call the IPO ((407) 824-2466) and ask to speak to Marcello......

 

[Adlergray]

Judging by your ticker, I'm guessing you're dealing (or not dealing) with the IPO at the Polynesian Resort? Is the problem that they're not fulfilling your requests? Or are you unable to get in touch with them?

I would think the only person to speak to/email would be the GM at the Polynesian, and I'm going to go poke around on the POLY thread for that person's name. If I can't find it, I'm going to poke around and post. Perhaps the famous "TikiMan" can help.

Hi Scott thank you. We are staying at the poly. I can get in touch with them just fine it's their answers I'm having issues with. If I'm on the watch list for O'hannas for a res after 7pm I get one for 5:15. I asked them to book a breakfast for us between 8 and 9 for 6 ppl and get a dinner at 7:55 for 7. And a few other things. I've just started handling our own reservations as its easier to do it once then this stuff.

 

[sarmat1]

To be honest, I'll eat what I want and how much. I'm not going to take one of each, but if I really like something I may have two, three or even an entire plate of that item. Yes, I'm a very light eater so that will be a "meal replacement" for me. That's what club level is about. If the food runs out, the staff needs to fill it back up.

Yup. And contrary to what a couple of other posters in this thread want people to believe, the staff DOES keep filling up the food. So nobody is being denied any food regardless of how much anybody eats. At YC earlier this week, there were 6 different families eating when we were there on one of the nights. All of them using the food as dinner. I'm not sure why there are a few posters here who are offended by this or copping such a smug attitude saying that Disney doesn't intend for CL to be used that way. They're making up their own rules. When we were there, the CM's encouraged people to eat as much as they wanted. When one tray ran out, they immediately brought out more. In fact, for dessert, one CM was trying to get people to take more back to their rooms since she said that they have to throw out any food leftover once it's been put out.

 

[sarmat1]

Hopefully we do get cards with the bands, I know it sounds silly, but DH has always wanted a gold card, and this is a surprise for him

Last week at YC we got the gold cards to go along with the magic bands. We didn't actually need to use the cards at all, though. The bands worked the elevator and room door just fine. In addition, the bands by themselves were enough to get into SAB.

 

[bluejasmine]

Hi y'all

I'm having a lot of issues with the ore planning iPo's right now, which I've never had before. I was hoping someone new of who I would talk to about this as I am getting rather ticked off. 1/2 the reason we pay for CL is for the IPO so I don't have to babysit our vacation. Now I feel like I have to baby sit the IPOs.

You pay alot of money for this service, I'd call, it's much quicker than email too.

 

[bluejasmine]

Hi Scott thank you. We are staying at the poly. I can get in touch with them just fine it's their answers I'm having issues with. If I'm on the watch list for O'hannas for a res after 7pm I get one for 5:15. I asked them to book a breakfast for us between 8 and 9 for 6 ppl and get a dinner at 7:55 for 7. And a few other things. I've just started handling our own reservations as its easier to do it once then this stuff.

The only thing about that is, IPO has access to the same reservations we do, they have no special strings. Could it be that's all that's available? I know Ohanas is especially hard to get..

 

[DisneyLover0610]

Last week at YC we got the gold cards to go along with the magic bands. We didn't actually need to use the cards at all, though. The bands worked the elevator and room door just fine. In addition, the bands by themselves were enough to get into SAB.

Awesome! Thanks for the update

 

[Scott MC]

Yup. And contrary to what a couple of other posters in this thread want people to believe, the staff DOES keep filling up the food. So nobody is being denied any food regardless of how much anybody eats. At YC earlier this week, there were 6 different families eating when we were there on one of the nights. All of them using the food as dinner. I'm not sure why there are a few posters here who are offended by this or copping such a smug attitude saying that Disney doesn't intend for CL to be used that way. They're making up their own rules. When we were there, the CM's encouraged people to eat as much as they wanted. When one tray ran out, they immediately brought out more. In fact, for dessert, one CM was trying to get people to take more back to their rooms since she said that they have to throw out any food leftover once it's been put out.

Per the Disney website...


The exclusive Club Level Lounge offers a variety of complimentary, daily refreshments, like:

Continental breakfast
Afternoon tea with scones and jams
Hot samples from Resort restaurants
Evening wine and beer selections
Desserts and cordials


Per AllEars.net...

Coffee and continental breakfast is available in the mornings, snacks around the lunch hour, hors d'oeuvres and wine before dinner and dessert and cordials for early evening. The food offerings in the Concierge Lounge will not take the place of a regular meal!

Again...
I think it's best we move on from this conversation, as people are never going to completely agree and it seems to be a topic that inspires some heated discussions that I wouldn't want turning ugly, and/or getting board moderators involved.

Thank you.

 

[HBGdancermom]

We have never intended CL as a meal replacement, however different appetites at different times have made that happen from time to time. On our recent stay at WL CL the food was so hearty, that it did indeed become dinner a few times. (and it was not because we made pigs of ourselves or anything, the food is just very filling) For example: Buffalo chili and honey chili glazed chicken wings were served one night IN ADDITION to all of the other appetizers. Also beef stew, or seafood chowder. Always a fresh berry cobbler in the evening. Their blueberry cobbler was one of the most delicious things I have ever put in my mouth.

Yum! Beef stew? Chili? That is awesome!

 

[Ofinn]

Per the Disney website...


The exclusive Club Level Lounge offers a variety of complimentary, daily refreshments, like:

Continental breakfast
Afternoon tea with scones and jams
Hot samples from Resort restaurants
Evening wine and beer selections
Desserts and cordials


Per AllEars.net...

Coffee and continental breakfast is available in the mornings, snacks around the lunch hour, hors d'oeuvres and wine before dinner and dessert and cordials for early evening. The food offerings in the Concierge Lounge will not take the place of a regular meal!

Again...
I think it's best we move on from this conversation, as people are never going to completely agree and it seems to be a topic that inspires some heated discussions that I wouldn't want turning ugly, and/or getting board moderators involved.

Thank you.

I'm sure it all balances it in the long run with people who eat a lot of the food and those that don't. I don't think it really matters, and I have never seen them run out of food. I agree it's time to move on.

 

[pamkat1820]

We have been here at YC CL since Friday. This is our first CL stay. We have enjoyed it. The one thing I have to say is that every CM I have seen that deals with taking plates, & putting out the offerings have been nothing but nice. I honestly feel bad for them during apps because all they do is run back to the kitchen area with a smile on their faces refilling the food offerings. And it's a consistent flow back and forth. They have been nothing but kind. I'm not going o get into the agreement over who takes too much or not enough. All I have to say is those poor cm's work really hard during those high flow times. We have been taking the food back to our rooms so I can't comment on too much of what others have done and honestly I really don't care. I'm here to enjoy my stay here with my family not nit pick what others do.

 

[Mousemommy1]

We have been here at YC CL since Friday. This is our first CL stay. We have enjoyed it. The one thing I have to say is that every CM I have seen that deals with taking plates, & putting out the offerings have been nothing but nice. I honestly feel bad for them during apps because all they do is run back to the kitchen area with a smile on their faces refilling the food offerings. And it's a consistent flow back and forth. They have been nothing but kind. I'm not going o get into the agreement over who takes too much or not enough. All I have to say is those poor cm's work really hard during those high flow times. We have been taking the food back to our rooms so I can't comment on too much of what others have done and honestly I really don't care. I'm here to enjoy my stay here with my family not nit pick what others do.

Enjoy the rest of your stay!!

 

[sjs314]

Do the CM's clear the plates,utensils etc at the Innkeepers Club Lounge or is there a receptacle so the guests can clean up after themselves? I've read that it varies from resort to resort. TIA

 

[gwynne]

Do the CM's clear the plates,utensils etc at the Innkeepers Club Lounge or is there a receptacle so the guests can clean up after themselves? I've read that it varies from resort to resort. TIA

Hi sjs314,
As you walk into the lounge at BWI, on your left you'll see a smallish round table. That's where most folks put their dishes. The CM's clear the round table regularly.