Concierge/Club Level Information- Part IV, July 2012

[gwynne]

Thank you! Going to AKL CL in 3 weeks too and so excited. First time at a deluxe let alone a CL. How are the views from the CL rooms?

It's been a few years since we've stayed CL. When we were there before, we thought the savanna view from our room was very good. It's pretty amazing to look out and see a giraffe. I also like that there are many places all around the resort (even occasional windows in the hotel halls) where you can view the animals.

 

[samnbilly]

Thank you! Going to AKL CL in 3 weeks too and so excited. First time at a deluxe let alone a CL. How are the views from the CL rooms?

AKL is absolutely beautiful! When you first walk in the lobby, you will love how stunning & unique it is. They take you up to check in @ CL & usually if there are kids with you (if they're old enough) they can go the lounge if its open. Usually just one of us checks in & the other takes the kids to get a drink or maybe a snack.
They've always been as accommodating as possible @ AKL CL. I loved their CM's!
We had a beautiful room with bunk beds for our kids (they were younger @ the time) & they absolutely loved it. I found the room to seem more spacious due to the bunk beds & not having two queens in there.
Jiko was & maybe still is, one of our favorite restaurants to eat in @ Disney. Depends on what you're looking for, a little more upscale, & they have an amazing wine selection. We don't drink a lot, but the wine flavors are unique.
I personally loved some of their unique hand carved animals at the Gift Shop as gifts for my nieces & nephew.
The buses at AKL were great, although I don't think I know any resort that has a quick bus to DTD. We actually took a cab back to our resort, it was well worth the $$. I find at almost any resort it takes approx 1-1 1/2 hrs to get back. I've had ppl actually fall asleep on my shoulder (not someone I knew! Lol) my husband taught me to give them a little nudge to get them off! Haha
The CL IPO's @ AKL are great-if u need to change an ADR, their very helpful (within reason-they can't get you something that's always booked-but they sure can try!)
You can ask others about booking the Sunrise Safari, because we never did it, but I hear it's a wonderful perk of staying CL!
Enjoy!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Sorry, my last post was a bit long winded.

Simply put, guests can't be everywhere at once. There's always 100 things you are not doing at any moment. That was more my point. time = money. That's true for both the guest and WDW. In that light, it's an interesting way to consider WDW, and the value (to WDW) of offering CL.

I didn't mean to offend anyone who likes to relax on vacation. My apologies.

I see how certain points are boring. Conversely, one aspect of a WDW vacation (and the DIS) I enjoy is the opportunity to think about WDW in the bigger picture. "Guest management" in the context of Club level is an interesting avenue to think about WDW as a whole.

It's fun to sit in the CR lounge watching all the buses come and go! It's fascinating to contemplate how many folks WDW transports via that depot every day! The CR CL lounge is an absolutely ideal spot!

It's going to be even more crazy when they open the new bus depot! One of the bus drivers said they expect the new depot to be open in September. Anyone staying on the Mk side of CR Tower, or CL at CR will get a great show!

Bah! Forget Wishes! Wishes is old school entertainment.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Should we do online check- in if staying CL? Or does it really not matter either way?

I don't think it gives guests much of an advantage.

Here's my take: WDW likes it, because it = guests putting a cc on file for charges. Check-in is slightly faster for you, but also for WDW. Same as the airlines like preprinted boarding passes. Lower personnel costs.

Putting a cc on file = authorizing WDW to charge your cc near the end of your trip as well. (just after midnight!)

WDW is now processes your final invoice earlier. They send your it to your email instead of giving you a paper copy to review on your last morning. It's green practice, costs less, and I'm thinking most guests spend less time nitpicking emails than paper invoices.

Maybe I'm just a tad cynical.

 

[kerryk74]

Hi!

I was able to book all of my dining reservations except one, but I keep checking every day. The CL staff said they would check, as well. If they are able to find a reservation, will they email me or will it just appear on MDE? I know it's not guaranteed that they will find a spot, but I am curious! Looking forward to our stay in Oct!

Thanks!
Kerry

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

so the couple I booked into CL got there and they couldn't get the passes added to their room cards...finally they did and they comp'd them a whole day...nice! They didn't even complain but the CM's did it because they had to wait 30 minutes

 

[CT Disney]

I didn't mean to offend anyone who likes to relax on vacation. My apologies.

Definitely no apologies needed! In fact, I thought your entire post was completely spot on. I have never thought about Disney costs in a big picture kind of way, so thanks for making me look at something in a completely new light.

And, as far as us spending so much time at the Poly lounge...even we were shocked that we seemed to be present for almost every food offering! We even wondered if the CL CMs were starting to think we were crazy people who never left the resort!

 

[TJA]

We just returned from our first WL CL stay (we've stayed CL at BC, CR, and Poly), and I have to say WOW over the food offerings in the lounge! Breakfast was the normal things we are used to, except we truly did miss the oatmeal, HOWEVER one huge addition was the greek yogurt which I thought was fantastic and I had one every single morning. We are not usually around during the daytime, so no comment on the snacks. However, the appetizers during the dinner hour were way over our expectations. I had pre-read the menus, but I was still in awe over things like shephards pie - wow! It was really, really good and very filling. And a different night, we had the barbeque pork with normal-size (large) rolls - another wow - really good and very filling. And to think there was another hot appetizer with each of those. Then salad or turkey/cheese roll-ups on some nights. And of course the normal veggies, bread, crackers, pb&j each night. I was just totally impressed with all the food variation. My kids ate a ton of stuff. Anyway, I just wanted to post how impressed I was with the food offerings. CM's were great too, very friendly and helpful. Main drawback for us is we simply don't enjoy the bus system and that is where BC, CR, and Poly have a huge advantage given the walking paths and/or monorail. The WL boat system is pretty good, but we had a spider/flying bugs episode and that really steered us away from wanting to take the boats....

 

[Deb123]

We just returned from our first WL CL stay (we've stayed CL at BC, CR, and Poly), and I have to say WOW over the food offerings in the lounge! Breakfast was the normal things we are used to, except we truly did miss the oatmeal, HOWEVER one huge addition was the greek yogurt which I thought was fantastic and I had one every single morning. We are not usually around during the daytime, so no comment on the snacks. However, the appetizers during the dinner hour were way over our expectations. I had pre-read the menus, but I was still in awe over things like shephards pie - wow! It was really, really good and very filling. And a different night, we had the barbeque pork with normal-size (large) rolls - another wow - really good and very filling. And to think there was another hot appetizer with each of those. Then salad or turkey/cheese roll-ups on some nights. And of course the normal veggies, bread, crackers, pb&j each night. I was just totally impressed with all the food variation. My kids ate a ton of stuff. Anyway, I just wanted to post how impressed I was with the food offerings. CM's were great too, very friendly and helpful. Main drawback for us is we simply don't enjoy the bus system and that is where BC, CR, and Poly have a huge advantage given the walking paths and/or monorail. The WL boat system is pretty good, but we had a spider/flying bugs episode and that really steered us away from wanting to take the boats....

Yep, that's just how we felt! Having stayed at BC CL 3 different times, I expected the same type of food....that was NOT the case! How about that cobbler, huh?!

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

I don't think it gives guests much of an advantage.

Here's my take: WDW likes it, because it = guests putting a cc on file for charges. Check-in is slightly faster for you, but also for WDW. Same as the airlines like preprinted boarding passes. Lower personnel costs.

Putting a cc on file = authorizing WDW to charge your cc near the end of your trip as well. (just after midnight!)

WDW is now processes your final invoice earlier. They send your it to your email instead of giving you a paper copy to review on your last morning. It's green practice, costs less, and I'm thinking most guests spend less time nitpicking emails than paper invoices.

Maybe I'm just a tad cynical.

At this point, we do not see a need for online check in when staying CL. We did put a cc on file when we got there and loved it when the dreaded checkout email was sent and our balance was $0.00! (We used gift cards and Disney Visa Rewards $$)

Definitely no apologies needed! In fact, I thought your entire post was completely spot on. I have never thought about Disney costs in a big picture kind of way, so thanks for making me look at something in a completely new light.

And, as far as us spending so much time at the Poly lounge...even we were shocked that we seemed to be present for almost every food offering! We even wondered if the CL CMs were starting to think we were crazy people who never left the resort!

. One of the best places to relax!

We just returned from our first WL CL stay (we've stayed CL at BC, CR, and Poly), and I have to say WOW over the food offerings in the lounge! Breakfast was the normal things we are used to, except we truly did miss the oatmeal, HOWEVER one huge addition was the greek yogurt which I thought was fantastic and I had one every single morning. We are not usually around during the daytime, so no comment on the snacks. However, the appetizers during the dinner hour were way over our expectations. I had pre-read the menus, but I was still in awe over things like shephards pie - wow! It was really, really good and very filling. And a different night, we had the barbeque pork with normal-size (large) rolls - another wow - really good and very filling. And to think there was another hot appetizer with each of those. Then salad or turkey/cheese roll-ups on some nights. And of course the normal veggies, bread, crackers, pb&j each night. I was just totally impressed with all the food variation. My kids ate a ton of stuff. Anyway, I just wanted to post how impressed I was with the food offerings. CM's were great too, very friendly and helpful. Main drawback for us is we simply don't enjoy the bus system and that is where BC, CR, and Poly have a huge advantage given the walking paths and/or monorail. The WL boat system is pretty good, but we had a spider/flying bugs episode and that really steered us away from wanting to take the boats....

Great to read a 2nd time!

Yep, that's just how we felt! Having stayed at BC CL 3 different times, I expected the same type of food....that was NOT the case! How about that cobbler, huh?!

A. Maze. ING.

 

[GoGoBeans]

We were at AKL CL earlier this month. We've had better views from other rooms. We looked right right out to Arusha rock and not many animals were near. Did see two funny warthogs which was a first. We saw plenty of people out on the rock. They were right under our nose. We've usually been further down the Zebra trail where we've seen more animal action and we've always felt in our own world with no one else around. Didn't have that feel being near the rock. Last year we faced the savannah looking toward Kidani and I thought that was a great view.

CMs were okay. Nice enough but nothing amazing to make me gush over them. Never addressed us by name and usually busy at the desk with someone so no hellos or good days. Not just with us but in general. That doesn't bother us.

Lounge was nice and big. Never had problem getting a seat. Enjoyed talking with a couple other families and it was nice the kids enjoyed each other too.

We ate at Jiko twice and I think it's gone down hill. Years ago they had a Kenyan Coffee rubbed short ribs which were outstanding. The one they have now is smaller and not as good. They also took the babootie rolls off the menu. My kids used to get those as their meal. My steak was fine and the spoon bread delicious.

All in all we had a great time and enjoyed our stay. I think CR Atrium ranks higher than AKL and both are leaps and bounds better than BC. BC had the best CMs but the lounge was nothing.

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi!

I was able to book all of my dining reservations except one, but I keep checking every day. The CL staff said they would check, as well. If they are able to find a reservation, will they email me or will it just appear on MDE? I know it's not guaranteed that they will find a spot, but I am curious! Looking forward to our stay in Oct!

Thanks!
Kerry

IPO should notify you if/when they are able to get the ADR .

We just returned from our first WL CL stay (we've stayed CL at BC, CR, and Poly), and I have to say WOW over the food offerings in the lounge! Breakfast was the normal things we are used to, except we truly did miss the oatmeal, HOWEVER one huge addition was the greek yogurt which I thought was fantastic and I had one every single morning. We are not usually around during the daytime, so no comment on the snacks. However, the appetizers during the dinner hour were way over our expectations. I had pre-read the menus, but I was still in awe over things like shephards pie - wow! It was really, really good and very filling. And a different night, we had the barbeque pork with normal-size (large) rolls - another wow - really good and very filling. And to think there was another hot appetizer with each of those. Then salad or turkey/cheese roll-ups on some nights. And of course the normal veggies, bread, crackers, pb&j each night. I was just totally impressed with all the food variation. My kids ate a ton of stuff. Anyway, I just wanted to post how impressed I was with the food offerings. CM's were great too, very friendly and helpful. Main drawback for us is we simply don't enjoy the bus system and that is where BC, CR, and Poly have a huge advantage given the walking paths and/or monorail. The WL boat system is pretty good, but we had a spider/flying bugs episode and that really steered us away from wanting to take the boats....

Glad you had a great WL CL stay . WL CL is one of our favorites (runs a very close second to GF RPC for me ).

We were at AKL CL earlier this month. We've had better views from other rooms. We looked right right out to Arusha rock and not many animals were near. Did see two funny warthogs which was a first. We saw plenty of people out on the rock. They were right under our nose. We've usually been further down the Zebra trail where we've seen more animal action and we've always felt in our own world with no one else around. Didn't have that feel being near the rock. Last year we faced the savannah looking toward Kidani and I thought that was a great view.

CMs were okay. Nice enough but nothing amazing to make me gush over them. Never addressed us by name and usually busy at the desk with someone so no hellos or good days. Not just with us but in general. That doesn't bother us.

Lounge was nice and big. Never had problem getting a seat. Enjoyed talking with a couple other families and it was nice the kids enjoyed each other too.

We ate at Jiko twice and I think it's gone down hill. Years ago they had a Kenyan Coffee rubbed short ribs which were outstanding. The one they have now is smaller and not as good. They also took the babootie rolls off the menu. My kids used to get those as their meal. My steak was fine and the spoon bread delicious.

All in all we had a great time and enjoyed our stay. I think CR Atrium ranks higher than AKL and both are leaps and bounds better than BC. BC had the best CMs but the lounge was nothing.

Thanks for your review.....glad you had a good stay . AKL CL is one we are hoping to try some day, but have others we want to try first. It's nice to hear that CR Atrium CL is nice as we are trying that (along with Poly CL) in December.

 

[HBGdancermom]

Hi!

I was able to book all of my dining reservations except one, but I keep checking every day. The CL staff said they would check, as well. If they are able to find a reservation, will they email me or will it just appear on MDE? I know it's not guaranteed that they will find a spot, but I am curious! Looking forward to our stay in Oct!

Thanks!
Kerry

The IPOs over at BC CL have been searching for an ADR for me as well. They have my cc on file and said they would email me if it gets booked.

Hope that helps.

 

[smiths02]

Have the same discounts offered for Deluxe resorts generally been available for CL rooms?

 

[trishadono]

Have the same discounts offered for Deluxe resorts generally been available for CL rooms?

Sometimes!

I usually use passholder and generally there is discounts on CL . However last April it was only 5% for CL where rooms were 20-30%. Orbitz sometimes has discounts on CL rooms so I got the 5 % off they matched but they also offered a promo code for an additional 20%!!!!


Suites don't get discounts.

 

[bluejasmine]

Yes I've been able to use 30% & 40% at CR CL & 40% twice at Poly CL, 40 % once at GF CL & 35% at BC CL

 

[mickeynut1]

Have the same discounts offered for Deluxe resorts generally been available for CL rooms?

It depends on availability and whether or not CL rooms need to be filled for a particular time period at a certain resort, but yes, CL rooms can be booked with a discount. I have gotten 40% in the past on GF RPC.

 

[vettegirl]

We have 40% for the BC CL in a few weeks

 

[mom_of_2]

Has bc started to label their offerings yet? I'm a vegetarian and didn't want to try much of there offerings bc I didn't want to chance eating any chicken meat or fish.

I just got back yesterday from BC CL and no they do not label their hot offerings. I have no idea why since most people are asking what each item is.

 

[LB1122]

Looks like people are having great CL experiences which makes me happy as we will be staying CL and WL for the holidays.

S far the IPO sent a simple intro letter and than after I sent a longer response with questions I received a informed responses that was super helpful for our final planning.

Very excited especially about the lounge food reviews I have been reading.