Concierge/Club Level Information- Part IV, July 2012

[VeronicaB]

When should I contact the IPO? Our trip is in May, our 180 days is November 20. Thanks!

 

[tinkermommyof3]

When should I contact the IPO? Our trip is in May, our 180 days is November 20. Thanks!

Anytime is fine, but if you want help with ADR's, now is the perfect time since you are at the 180 day mark.

 

[2manypets]

I'd like to pick up a few trinkets for the CL CM's (elvis related since I'm from Memphis) About how many CM's work the lounge and desk? I'd like to make sure I have enough to go around.

Also is there a way to send a few small gifts to the IPO office? They've been so helpful, I'd like to show my appreciation.

 

[trishadono]

Anyone have any recent info on the Contemporary Atrium Club, just me and DH.

We stayed there in June 2011. We loved it

Convenience of lounge on same floor as room was great.

The lounge didn't get too crowded.

The food was tasty. We all found something at 5pm

The view is fantastic

The cm's were helpful and friendly.

We would definitely stay there again!

 

[krb2g]

I had the IPO do our ADRs for our upcoming trip (Dec-Jan) to the Boardwalk. They were fine for the dining ADRs (I did a little bit of playing around with them myself). But we also wanted a fireworks cruise for NYE. They assured me that they could book that and that while they were not booking immediately at 180 days, they would check every day and book it for us. I started getting antsy and called the recreation line myself on the day that free dining opened up for the public (IIRC a Thursday; a little bit of a mistake, but I didn't realize till after...). I was told that the NYE reservations weren't ready yet but they'd open next week. I called again on the following Monday and was told that Illuminations (which we would have preferred because it's closer to our hotel than Wishes) was sold out already--reservations had opened the previous Wednesday!--but that I could book a Wishes cruise (which I did). I then called the club level (to make sure they hadn't booked an Illuminations cruise for us and not gotten around to telling us yet) and they told me 1) they were checking every day and 2) that reservations hadn't opened yet. The moral of the story is I should have been checking closer myself (although I suspect I got bad information from the recreation line the first time I called them too), but I was a little disappointed that the Club Level didn't seem to have been checking every day (if they had, how could they think that reservations hadn't opened yet, when theoretically they had opened 5 days earlier)--and that they told me they were. Honestly if they said, "if it's important to you, you're better off booking yourself," I would have been more than happy to do so, and I would have been a little more rigorous on checking the availability date.

 

[samnbilly]

I had the IPO do our ADRs for our upcoming trip (Dec-Jan) to the Boardwalk. They were fine for the dining ADRs (I did a little bit of playing around with them myself). But we also wanted a fireworks cruise for NYE. They assured me that they could book that and that while they were not booking immediately at 180 days, they would check every day and book it for us. I started getting antsy and called the recreation line myself on the day that free dining opened up for the public (IIRC a Thursday; a little bit of a mistake, but I didn't realize till after...). I was told that the NYE reservations weren't ready yet but they'd open next week. I called again on the following Monday and was told that Illuminations (which we would have preferred because it's closer to our hotel than Wishes) was sold out already--reservations had opened the previous Wednesday!--but that I could book a Wishes cruise (which I did). I then called the club level (to make sure they hadn't booked an Illuminations cruise for us and not gotten around to telling us yet) and they told me 1) they were checking every day and 2) that reservations hadn't opened yet. The moral of the story is I should have been checking closer myself (although I suspect I got bad information from the recreation line the first time I called them too), but I was a little disappointed that the Club Level didn't seem to have been checking every day (if they had, how could they think that reservations hadn't opened yet, when theoretically they had opened 5 days earlier)--and that they told me they were. Honestly if they said, "if it's important to you, you're better off booking yourself," I would have been more than happy to do so, and I would have been a little more rigorous on checking the availability date.

That is extremely frustrating! I'm so glad that you were at least able to obtain a reservation for Wishes.
This is the same thing I've been complaining about regarding Club Level.
I usually make most of my ADR's myself, but I was trying to get an ADR for Chef Mickey's & I started a little late in the game. After 3 e-mails, they told me that they needed a credit card to keep checking, & I had already obtained a reservation online. They (Club Level) continued calling me to obtain my C.C. for Chef Mickey's, but my other questions, I was given phone #'s, encouraged to fill out My Disney Experience, or they just went unanswered.
I feel the same way you do, if it was something they were going to have difficulty with, they should've told you to also try yourself.
I'm not sure if years ago, after 9/11, that the rooms at Disney were so difficult to fill, & especially rooms such as Club Level (years ago called Concierge) were just not really filled.
I think since the economy has come back, people are booking the more expensive rooms. I've been trying to book a Deluxe room at a few resorts with absolutely no luck! The 1 bedroom suites are sold out, but yet the standard club level is available. I think that the CM's on CL must be busier than ever. It seems that the pre planning dept. seems overwhelmed.

 

[kpm76]

We had an incredible experience on the CL and though we didn't ask IPO to do much, they were responsive. Here are a few observations from our recent stay, which is not meant to be evaluative or judgmental

We saw a few families of 5, with older kids, pre-teen and teen. CL can be a "value" for them if they attempt to use evening offerings as meal replacement. And breakfast is a savings as well. If you get a nice room only discount, CL really works in your favor if you are feeding older kids with bigger appetites. I think people have caught on to this and really try to maximize the benefits of CL so they are "getting their monies worth."

 

[samnbilly]

We had an incredible experience on the CL and though we didn't ask IPO to do much, they were responsive. Here are a few observations from our recent stay, which is not meant to be evaluative or judgmental

We saw a few families of 5, with older kids, pre-teen and teen. CL can be a "value" for them if they attempt to use evening offerings as meal replacement. And breakfast is a savings as well. If you get a nice room only discount, CL really works in your favor if you are feeding older kids with bigger appetites. I think people have caught on to this and really try to maximize the benefits of CL so they are "getting their monies worth."

I know this has been a hot topic with CL, that some families use it as a "meal replacement."
I don't see the worth in having anyone use this as some type of meal replacement with some light appetizers & perhaps some hummus, etc.
I feed 2 teenagers who are athletes & maybe you haven't experienced how much teenagers eat.
I cannot imagine how any person would/could use this as a meal replacement program.
Yes, there are always going to be people, including couples, families, etc that overindulge in the CL...that being said, I don't see them taking the R.O. offer to use CL offerings as a meal plan. Hopefully, ppl won't be talking about my kids, LOL! We definitely got the FD plan-plus upgraded it to the Deluxe..Wish I could upload my food bill receipts, & anyone that doesn't have a few teenagers, can see how much it costs to feed them!! Haha

 

[scottmel]

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....

 

[Mousemommy1]

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....

I had gone through this question in my head as well after our experience at YC. But, it came down to the fact that we like CL, and for a moderate increase, we would do it. In our case, we had been booked at CR Garden Wing and to upgrade to CL at CR was an extra $221/night....um, no thanks.

So, we switched to GF Sugarloaf, which was about $187.50/night extra, I was ok with that difference given the location, etc....except that no one in my family was very excited about GF....we try, but we just can't get excited about it.

So, we are now at AKL CL, which I have heard great things about...and the "distance" issues don't bother us, nor do buses, so I think it will be perfect! Plus, for the cost we added a night. The switch to CL in that instance was $80 night - perfectly reasonable for me!
Plus, we get an Arusha Savannah view and will have the opportunity to do the Sunrise Safari, which will be awesome! The extra $80.75/night makes that all worthwhile IMHO.

 

[scottmel]

I had gone through this question in my head as well after our experience at YC. But, it came down to the fact that we like CL, and for a moderate increase, we would do it. In our case, we had been booked at CR Garden Wing and to upgrade to CL at CR was an extra $221/night....um, no thanks.

So, we switched to GF Sugarloaf, which was about $187.50/night extra, I was ok with that difference given the location, etc....except that no one in my family was very excited about GF....we try, but we just can't get excited about it.

So, we are now at AKL CL, which I have heard great things about...and the "distance" issues don't bother us, nor do buses, so I think it will be perfect! Plus, for the cost we added a night. The switch to CL in that instance was $80 night - perfectly reasonable for me!
Plus, we get an Arusha Savannah view and will have the opportunity to do the Sunrise Safari, which will be awesome! The extra $80.75/night makes that all worthwhile IMHO.

Oh I never realized that CL cost differed per resort...I thought all were around the same in bump up cost! Do you think this is b/c your military your rates are different like that? I need to price this out....We just love YC for SAB and location but I would be agreeable to a split trip to save some money as I agree 80 a night is do-able!!!! THANKS!!!!!! Awesome idea to check another resort.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Oh I never realized that CL cost differed per resort...I thought all were around the same in bump up cost! Do you think this is b/c your military your rates are different like that? I need to price this out....We just love YC for SAB and location but I would be agreeable to a split trip to save some money as I agree 80 a night is do-able!!!! THANKS!!!!!! Awesome idea to check another resort.

Well, I was comparing the costs of each CL to the garden wing room we had, thus the variance.

I think if you look at a standard room at GF against a CL room at GF and a tower room at CR versus a CL room at CR, the up charge might be about the same. If that makes any sense....

But, if you look at a standard room at POLY versus at CL room at AKL, you're at about the same total price, but at AKL you get CL....it's just that AKL's rates are lower to begin with.

Again, of that makes any sense...

 

[samnbilly]

I had gone through this question in my head as well after our experience at YC. But, it came down to the fact that we like CL, and for a moderate increase, we would do it. In our case, we had been booked at CR Garden Wing and to upgrade to CL at CR was an extra $221/night....um, no thanks.

So, we switched to GF Sugarloaf, which was about $187.50/night extra, I was ok with that difference given the location, etc....except that no one in my family was very excited about GF....we try, but we just can't get excited about it.

So, we are now at AKL CL, which I have heard great things about...and the "distance" issues don't bother us, nor do buses, so I think it will be perfect! Plus, for the cost we added a night. The switch to CL in that instance was $80 night - perfectly reasonable for me!
Plus, we get an Arusha Savannah view and will have the opportunity to do the Sunrise Safari, which will be awesome! The extra $80.75/night makes that all worthwhile IMHO.

We've stayed at BC, Poly, GF & AKL CL. We love BC due to the vicinity to Epcot. If you don't mind the bus transportation, AKL CL was beautiful! We loved it. The lobby and entire resort has such an amazing and unique feel to it. We loved the Savannah view, and also, my kids were a little younger, but the bunk beds were the best thing since sliced bread! LOL
I dont really remember the food offerings in CL, but we ate at Jiko in the hotel, and it was amazing! For an $80, its more than worth the $$.
I hope you enjoy staying at AKL.

 

[Deb123]

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....

We've stayed at BC CL 3 times and most recently WL CL. I never have given Yacht Club CL a chance because I thought they served the same exact things as BC. Can you tell me a little more about the differences in YC CL and BC CL? This has me interested for sure! Thanks so much!!

 

[sarmat1]

I know this has been a hot topic with CL, that some families use it as a "meal replacement." I cannot imagine how any person would/could use this as a meal replacement program.

I can't tell from your post if you're being serious or sarcastic, but assuming someone likes the food they put out, it is EASY to make the offerings into a full meal. I should know since we did it not once, but twice on our stay at YC CL this past week. Consider on one night the following -

1. BREAD: Dinner rolls with butter
2. SALAD: Veggies/dip, salad offerings, marinated olives
3. CHEESE: cheeses on assorted breads and crackers with dried fruit and hummus
4. ENTREES: pork potstickers and conch fritters each with their own dipping sauces
5. WINE
6. FRUIT: with cut up fresh fruit - apples, oranges and bananas
7. KIDS OFFERINGS: Additional make your own PB&J on rolls and apple slices dipped in caramel sauce

Then, later :

8. DESSERT: Mini assorted desserts
9. CORDIALS
(We took dessert and cordials back to our room to eat/drink while watching illuminations from the balcony)


You don't think that's a meal?

 

[bluejasmine]

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..

 

[Tess]

I can't tell from your post if you're being serious or sarcastic, but assuming someone likes the food they put out, it is EASY to make the offerings into a full meal. I should know since we did it not once, but twice on our stay at YC CL this past week. Consider on one night the following -

1. BREAD: Dinner rolls with butter
2. SALAD: Veggies/dip, salad offerings, marinated olives
3. CHEESE: cheeses on assorted breads and crackers with dried fruit and hummus
4. ENTREES: pork potstickers and conch fritters each with their own dipping sauces
5. WINE
6. FRUIT: with cut up fresh fruit - apples, oranges and bananas
7. KIDS OFFERINGS: Additional make your own PB&J on rolls and apple slices dipped in caramel sauce

Then, later :

8. DESSERT: Mini assorted desserts
9. CORDIALS
(We took dessert and cordials back to our room to eat/drink while watching illuminations from the balcony)


You don't think that's a meal?

It certainly meets (exceeds) the food pattern suggested by the Department of Agriculture, i.e., meat/meat alternative (cheese and/or pot stickers/conch, peanut butter), vegetable (mixed vegetable tray and olives), fruit (apples, oranges, bananas) bread (dinner rolls) and milk (which while not mentioned is offered).

That would equal a well-balanced, FDA approved meal!

 

[DisneyLover0610]

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!

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

We have every intention of using CL as a meal replacement, at least for breakfast on a few days. A bagel and cream cheese and a small bowl of fruit is plenty for me for breakfast. It will be very convenient with the baby that is traveling with us, she gets up early and this way she can eat before we head out and none of us will feel rushed.

I know my DH and my friend and her husband are looking forward to the free beer and snacks in the afternoon/evening as well as the dessert options at the WL CL.

 

[gwynne]

We have every intention of using CL as a meal replacement, at least for breakfast on a few days. A bagel and cream cheese and a small bowl of fruit is plenty for me for breakfast. It will be very convenient with the baby that is traveling with us, she gets up early and this way she can eat before we head out and none of us will feel rushed.

I know my DH and my friend and her husband are looking forward to the free beer and snacks in the afternoon/evening as well as the dessert options at the WL CL.

Breakfast in the lounge is breakfast.
The evening offerings are appetizers. It's nice to stop by, relax, enjoy a few snacks and a drink. It's a great treat to come back later in the evening and have some dessert. Yummy!