CR 14th Concierge - HELP!!!

[slavike]

Our family hasn't stayed @the Contemporary since 1989. I am a little concerned about the resort's state because of the reports I have read here.

The week we are going the Funai Golf Tournament is going on so we couldn't get into GF. We stayed at the POLY last year and my Husband and thought it was super shaby, and rooms run down, So we decided on the Contemporary.

We are a HUGE fan of Disney Concierge service (a change I know)! It has saved us many times with Reservations and Activities (sold out Halloween Parties and Booked up Breakfasts).

Has anyone ever stayed on the 14th Floor there? Is it as bad as the wings are supposed to be? How is it, overall? MOST IMPORTANTLY do they have a daybed in the Standard Room on the 14th floor or is it a sitting area?. My Mother will be coming with us so we need so place for the kids, and the 1 bedrooms were sold out.

HELP HELP HELP!!!

Thanks - Slavike

 

[nygrl]

we stayed on the 12th floor this past oct mostly because of the bad reviews i saw on here about the 14th floor. the standard room does NOT have the day bed and the rooms are not in that great condition. the 12th floor on the other hand was great. no you dont have a real lounge and you dont get as much food offerings but the service from the concierge staff was incredible we did get several ps last minute and tickets to mnsshp as well as a birthday cake and a card signed by goofy and balloons waiting in the room for my ds on his birthday. i could go on all day telling about the wonderful service we got but i wont.lol all i can say is if it is good service and a nice clean big room that you are looking for try the 12th floor tower club you wont be dissapointed.and also the price is much less than the 14th floor with imo the same service just not as much food!

 

[ducklite]

I stayed in a 14th floor room a couple months ago. The bathroom was in slight need of updating, but not bad, no mold, very clean. The rest of the room was incredibly clean and fresh, no stains, rips, tears, dated look, shopworn, etc. It was really very lovely!

The lounge was incredible, and because there are only 16 or so rooms on the entire floor, the service was extremely personalized.

We were in a king room, and there was no daybed, but I don't know about the rooms with two queens, sorry.

Anne

 

[slavike]

I went ahead and bought the 14th Floor - Standard with 2 Queens and guaranteed MK View. The CSR I spoke with said that it did have the daybed. Can anyone confirm? Sometimes the speak of what not they know.

 

[Kimberle]

humm, I've only seen 1 "bad" review abt the 14th floor.....

We spent a wonderful week on 14 last Sept. It was wonderful. We requested and received a lake view.

Our balcony.

We loved the view.

 

[Kimberle]

The lounge was great. We'd watch the FW and have dessert & coffee.

Water Bridge, other side of MK, from Lounge Balcony:

MK from lounge balcony:

 

[Kimberle]

I don't know why the photo's are showing up...

Here is a link to the album.

http://community.webshots.com/album/295349425atFsxA

 

[slavike]

You're correct! I haven't seen much bad about 14. But 12, Sugarloaf at GF and Poly, I have seen some bad.

 

[nygrl]

I went ahead and bought the 14th Floor - Standard with 2 Queens and guaranteed MK View. The CSR I spoke with said that it did have the daybed. Can anyone confirm? Sometimes the speak of what not they know.

i was 99% positive that the 14th floor did NOT have the extra day bed. and as for guarenteeing you a mk view that is never done by cro they cant guarentee anything. unless you booked a mk view suite which i dont think you did.

 

[Lives4Disney]

The 14th floor rooms do not have the daybed. We are a family of 5 and they made us upgrade to a one bedroom suite. The regular queen rooms only sleep 4 people. They won't bring in a rollaway, either.

I was EXTREMELY disappointed in the 14th floor. If your husband thinks the Poly is "shabby" - oh boy is he in for it with the 14th floor - especially the suite we were in. YUCK. It was nasty. There were stains all over the walls, ripped wallpaper, the ceiling tiles in the bathroom were caving in and gunk and dust was hanging there.....umm just nasty. Lipstick smudges on the bathroom walls, the switch plates were grimey, stains in the hallway carpet, the "wood" furniture was peeling, the chairs in the living room area had thin thready spots on the upholstry......Oh - the "kitchen" area - it had a microwave that was probably as old as I am (38) just looked extremely dated and rundown. Oh and there was black mold in the shower all over the tile grout. It just hadn't had a good cleaning EVER. They just let it run down.

I have to say that I am a huge fan of the CR, though. It remains my kid's favorite resort (even after many other deluxes). I have enjoyed the 12th floor many times and decided to splurge on this 14th floor and was just SO disappointed. The CMs are nice - same as 12th floor - the food is basically the same, too. You don't get the evening appetizers and treats, but other than that it is pretty much the same. The 12th floor just doesn't seem to be in as bad of disrepair, though.

Good luck on your choice - but I know the room you say you booked only sleeps 4. The CRO people don't have too much of a clue about the 14th floor. I had problems with them when I booked our stay.

Lives4Disney

 

[dreamflight99]

We stayed in a 1BR suite (2 Queens), MK view on the 14th floor during a week in mid-July of 2003. This was our first stay on this floor, as we had stayed on the 12th floor concierge (which is not truly considered FULL concierge by the resort staff, but rather "Concierge light") during most all of our previous stays. We are a family of three, and were quite comfortable in this roomy suite. It had two comfy queen beds, and a queen sofa sleeper in the living area. It also had 1 ½ baths, a small fridge, dining table/chairs and a private balcony overlooking the MK and resort front area. Incidentally, our microwave actually "shorted-out" and expired when we first attempted to use it (to prepare a bag of popcorn). One call to the Concierge staff, and maintenance brought what appeared to be a NEW one! It was very efficient, and popped the corn without any problem. This suite was close to 1500 square feet. I believe it sleeps six with this configuration (but be sure to ask if interested).

I do know, they will NOT bring in a day bed for the single standard rooms on this floor (such as "queen or King" rooms). I have no idea as to WHY this is? It truly does not make any sense to me (as I'm sure one would fit). I found out about this oddity, as my girlfriend reserved a standard queen on the 14th, and "presumed" she could simply request a daybed upon arrival/check-in (5 in her party). She was extremely upset and disappointed, and after much distress & arguing, management finally "upgraded" her to a 1BR (complimentary)suite!

The staff was very accommodating and kind when we visited, and went over & above to make our stay memorable. The condition of our room was not nearly as bad as described by Lives4Disney, but I admit...it was definitely "tired" and in desperate need of refurbishment (especially the bath area). It was kept clean, and housekeeping was wonderful. We thoroughly enjoyed the robes placed in our closets for our use. We are planning another visit to the CR in the near future, and will most likely reserve the 14th again. We enjoyed the exclusivity and quiet the 14th floor affords the resort guests. As ducklite posted, the floor only accommodates a limited number of guests, and all others are prevented access (via the security method utilized in the elevator). We loved the evening turndown service, complete with the little MM chocolates on the pillows. We also truly enjoyed the delicious daily appetizers/nightly desserts (plus cheese/wine) which were presented during the week we visited. When we missed some delicious offerings on a couple of eves, the staff had a plate prepared and placed on our dining table for our return! These are catered directly from the California Grill restaurant, one of our favs on all of WDW property! The staff also kept our mini-fridge stocked with our desired soda and bottled water. On DD's birthday, we were surprised with a cake, balloons, confetti, a signed card and gift (upon returning from the parks). This alone, made the stay worth the extra.

I hope you enjoy your visit, and everything is as nice/better than what we experienced!

 

[Lives4Disney]

I just have to say that compared to other posts regarding the 14th floor, I felt VERY let down and disappointed about our stay - many aspects of it. I was not impressed at all with the evening appetizers that many people have posted are so terrific (not just Dreamflight, but I had read many posts regarding these before I booked our stay). I don't recall specifically what they were, but one night they were jalopena poppers just like you can buy frozen at the grocery - not even that good - nothing great during our stay at all - nothing extra yummy or memorable. After reading so many fabulous posts about the exclusivity of the 14th floor, I had some high expectations and none of them were met from front desk check in, no special room key, to my husband having to make several calls and hunt down his expensive tuxedo strawberries that he ordered as a "surprise" that didn't show up as planned/agreed upon with the concierge, no special chocolates at turn down (same as 12th floor), to the scummy condition of our suite.

Just a warning to you, particularly since you were not thrilled with the Poly. I didn't feel there was much special at all about the 14th floor and just want to voice that side of the story for anyone out there dreaming of staying there. It isn't that great at all. Maybe after the resort has it's makeover, but not at this stage. Keep trying for the Grand Floridian. It is my new favorite. There are always cancellations!! Good luck!

Lives4Disney

 

[4DisneyAddicts]

I have the 14th floor CR reserved for DS's birthday this July. We haved stayed in the tower a couple of times, but never concierge. We are trying it because it is only a 4 day stay and with it being July we figured the water, soda, snacks, etc may pay for themselves! Plus the extra conveniences and treatment for my son's birthday...

When I was booking the guy booking it for me offered concierge as an option and said that you are GUARANTEED a MK view if you request it on the 14th floor. We have, however, had our request granted when we booked regular tower as well.

I can just taste the mickey ice cream bar now ...and see the fireworks... come on July!!

 

[dreamflight99]

I was not impressed at all with the evening appetizers that many people have posted are so terrific (not just Dreamflight, but I had read many posts regarding these before I booked our stay). I don't recall specifically what they were, but one night they were jalopena poppers just like you can buy frozen at the grocery - not even that good - nothing great during our stay at all - nothing extra yummy or memorable.

I feel so badly for you...As I know these things definitely happen, at all resorts. Unlike your experience, I have memories of one appetizer in particular...which was some shrimp and rice dish. It was SO good. Another was the egg rolls and hot wings. There were even some type of little gourmet pizzas (sliced, thin crust) with goat cheese and fresh tomatoes. Like I wrote, this was our first stay on the 14th, and it was heavenly. I would have gone BONKERS if I experienced the things you did! I only hope you contacted corporate guest services as soon as you returned home. There is absolutely NO excuse for the things you described, especially the tuxedo strawberries fiasco! No chocolate MM at turndown? I would be upset...seriously. I too, expect "certain" things to be associated with this type of stay. It's never too late to contact Disney. I would do so ASAP, and please, explain all the details you posted here (and any you possibly omitted). Someone in Concierge definitely "dropped the ball" with respect to your stay. Please, pm me for any assistance, and let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

4DisneyAddicts~This is exactly why we reserved a stay on the 14th, to celebrate DD's 16th *(and then onto the surprise Disney Wonder Cruise!). After reading what poor Lives4Disney had to endure, I almost feel guilty posting about our stay. The entire visit, from the moment we arrived to the time we left...was absolutely "picture-perfect." In fact, there isn't one thing I can honestly say was ever overlooked. Every detail, and every request, was not only "honored" it was exceeded.
Be sure to maintain an "open and friendly" contact/communication with a concierge staff member prior to your arrival. You may "call" and personally speak with someone, and develop a repor before your visit. I find this is the best way to "break the ice" and insure a smooth & enjoyable experience. I do this with just about everything, from car rentals to resorts.

I also, purchase a special gift for the concierge associates to share, and present it upon our first meeting (in person). Of course, this is never necessary--but it's something I've always enjoyed doing, and have passed onto my DD. Usually, it's something edible, which can be distributed and enjoyed by the entire concierge staff. I have brought Mrs. Prindible's chocolate dipped pretzels, which are individually wrapped & presented in a nice decorative tub, Individual mini-boxes of SEE'S chocolates, Special taffy peanut butter chews from Los Angeles, etc. Even a starbucks giftcard (with a minimal amount sufficient for a coffee beverage and pastry) presented in a personal thank you card for each member of the staff. I obtain the names before arrival, and present the cards when we see them. On another occasion just prior to our departure, I noticed the Orlando Entertainment books were on sale @ $10.00 each, and purchased one for each concierge. I presented these with 2-theater passes each to the PLEASURE ISLAND AMC cinema. You would have thought they won the lottery, they were so pleased. It was a small gesture, but it's the thought that counts. I wish you a wonderful stay, and a great birthday celebration for your DS!

 

[nygrl]

I just have to say that compared to other posts regarding the 14th floor, I felt VERY let down and disappointed about our stay - many aspects of it. I was not impressed at all with the evening appetizers that many people have posted are so terrific (not just Dreamflight, but I had read many posts regarding these before I booked our stay). I don't recall specifically what they were, but one night they were jalopena poppers just like you can buy frozen at the grocery - not even that good - nothing great during our stay at all - nothing extra yummy or memorable. After reading so many fabulous posts about the exclusivity of the 14th floor, I had some high expectations and none of them were met from front desk check in, no special room key, to my husband having to make several calls and hunt down his expensive tuxedo strawberries that he ordered as a "surprise" that didn't show up as planned/agreed upon with the concierge, no special chocolates at turn down (same as 12th floor), to the scummy condition of our suite.

Just a warning to you, particularly since you were not thrilled with the Poly. I didn't feel there was much special at all about the 14th floor and just want to voice that side of the story for anyone out there dreaming of staying there. It isn't that great at all. Maybe after the resort has it's makeover, but not at this stage. Keep trying for the Grand Floridian. It is my new favorite. There are always cancellations!! Good luck!

Lives4Disney

this is why we opted for the 12th floor and i must say we werent dissapointed. we DID have special check in. we told the valet we were staying on the 12th floor and we were given a special key to go up. when we got off the elevator we were greeted by a concierge cm by name like they new we were comming. we also DID have turndown service with a chocolate on our pillows every night. i really dont think there is much difference between the 2 floors and for the money i will stick to the 12th

 

[Lives4Disney]

Dreamflight99- Thanks for the sweet words. You made me smile.

I did actually discreetly speak to a concierge CM - one that I have known for the past 10 yrs actually - regarding the state of our suite. She mentioned the issues to housekeeping and had them do a more thorough cleaning. It wasn't really a housekeeping issue, though, but more of a maintenence problem. It just really was run down. She spoke with a manager and they took a tiny bit off my bill. She (concierge cm) didn't think it was adequate, but that is all the manager would agree to. I was actually surprised they took any money off. It was unexpected. I also emailed Disney regarding the issues we had during our stay. It took them almost 2 months to respond by phone - and of course I wasn't home!- but they left a message apologizing etc. No big deal anymore to me. I have found my new love - the Grand Floridian!! I am just envious of you and others that had such a fabulous stay on the 14th floor!! I was expecting to be wowed. Oh well. Live and learn. I will try it again after the makeover. The concierge CMs for the most part are wonderful.

Unfortunately for my kids, though, that stay has really soured me on the CR overall. It is no longer a place I am dying to stay for any of our WDW vacations. My kids LOVE that place. (they don't care about $$$ or dirt ). I understand what they enjoy about it, but that visit just left me with a bad feeling about the resort.


Thanks again for being so sweet about trying to help me contact them, Dreamflight99. Oh, and I believe you are one of the Swan fans - my husband and I are staying for 5 nights in May at the Swan!!! Yay!! No kids this time - first time in 17 yrs - just us!!!

Lives4Disney

 

[dreamflight99]

Lives4Disney~Happy to help...anyway I can (even with a little empathy). [/b] I still feel terrible for you, and would have left feeling "shafted" after such a stay. You definitely SHOULD have been wowed, and there is simply no excuse for what you experienced. Isn't it a shame, how one truly horrible experience can damper/sour all the previously wonderful memories?!? You seem to have a pretty healthy perspective on it, and don't let it sour you to WDW completely! I must agree, most of the reasoning behind our concierge visits, is due to the phenomenal staff of concierge CMs.

I too...LOVE the GF! Please, tell me where/how you stay when you visit? We have only stayed there once, long ago. Concierge was completely sold-out during our visit, so we stayed in a deluxe room. It was nice, the view was memorable, but nothing like the posts I've read of the wonderfully extravagant & attentive service/accommodations available through concierge in this heavenly resort. I would enjoy any/all details and info you can provide.

YES, you are indeed correct! I am a SWAN/DOLPHIN afficionado!
Oh, just you and your DH for "FIVE NIGHTS in MAY?" *(Sounds like a movie title!). I KNOW you will have a fab time at the Swan. Are you reserved in Concierge? MAMA T & Thabo are the BEST, and you will be thrilled by the service you receive, and those dreamy...HEAVENLY BEDS! Since the inception of these sleep systems, it's difficult to stay anywhere else! LOL.

If I can help you with any questions regarding the SWAN, please do not hesitate. Thanks!

DF99