Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[TJA]

No comment. Lol....

Actually, 'probably' going to do a quick WL CL Deluxe Room trip for a few days after Thanksgiving. I've been having fits about our Spring Break plans and questioning if WL Deluxe room is the right call for us, so been looking for the chance to do a smaller "trial" trip.

That's some real Disney logic right there for you!

That is definitely Disney logic! Of course your logic is beneficial to me since we're both in the same boat as far as the WL CL deluxe room. I'm still not settled on the room either. I just can't shake that it's not going to be very convenient, and I know convenience is key for my family. So I love that you may have a chance to experience it very soon -- maybe the new lounge will be open or at least ready enough that you can take a look! Don't forget to stop over at the GF to see the Gingerbread House!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

So.... wanted to add to the IPO discussion that's been going on lately. Seems like my experience is similar to those that have posted recently. I guess I didn't really want to believe what I was reading so had to dig in myself.

I have booked WL CL twice in the last 30 days, once a few weeks ago for an April Spring Break trip and another reservation yesterday for a few days after Thanksgiving. I never did get the IPO e-mail from the first reservation, but since that happens from time to time I didn't think much of it.

I e-mailed the WL IPO yesterday with a room request. I received the same generic e-mail that has been posted by others:

Thank you for contacting us at Walt Disney World Resort. Our Concierge team is currently assisting other guests. However, our reservation cast member are available to assist you with your planning needs. If you are looking to book a dining reservation, please contact 407-WDW-DINE from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time or visit My Disney Experince. For other types of requests please contact 407-WDISNEY. A cast member will be happy to assist you. We look forward to seeing you once you arrive at the resort.

When I call the IPO phone number on page 1 of this thread you get a VM with the same message/instructions, but it does say you can leave a detailed VM and someone will get back to you.

I guess this in fact means that the IPOs are dead/gone as we know them, to be replaced with whatever centralized function is to come. Assuming the GF IPO responses are correct about "something new coming in the new year" I guess.

Personally I'll withhold judgement until the dust settles and we see what happens. I'd be fine with a centralized properly-trained IPO staff with the same convenient and relatively quick e-mail and phone access. I don't really need any of the pre-arrival planning services but I do appreciate being able to send things like room requests and if I DO need help not having to call the main number and wait.

But what's up with the "gap" for guests right now? I'm not one to get all up in arms about changes in service levels and things like that, but that's pretty weak for Disney standards, in my humble opinion!

 

[trishadono]

So.... wanted to add to the IPO discussion that's been going on lately. Seems like my experience is similar to those that have posted recently. I guess I didn't really want to believe what I was reading so had to dig in myself.

I have booked WL CL twice in the last 30 days, once a few weeks ago for an April Spring Break trip and another reservation yesterday for a few days after Thanksgiving. I never did get the IPO e-mail from the first reservation, but since that happens from time to time I didn't think much of it.

I e-mailed the WL IPO yesterday with a room request. I received the same generic e-mail that has been posted by others:

Thank you for contacting us at Walt Disney World Resort. Our Concierge team is currently assisting other guests. However, our reservation cast member are available to assist you with your planning needs. If you are looking to book a dining reservation, please contact 407-WDW-DINE from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time or visit My Disney Experince. For other types of requests please contact 407-WDISNEY. A cast member will be happy to assist you. We look forward to seeing you once you arrive at the resort.

When I call the IPO phone number on page 1 of this thread you get a VM with the same message/instructions, but it does say you can leave a detailed VM and someone will get back to you.

I guess this in fact means that the IPOs are dead/gone as we know them, to be replaced with whatever centralized function is to come. Assuming the GF IPO responses are correct about "something new coming in the new year" I guess.

Personally I'll withhold judgement until the dust settles and we see what happens. I'd be fine with a centralized properly-trained IPO staff with the same convenient and relatively quick e-mail and phone access. I don't really need any of the pre-arrival planning services but I do appreciate being able to send things like room requests and if I DO need help not having to call the main number and wait.

But what's up with the "gap" for guests right now? I'm not one to get all up in arms about changes in service levels and things like that, but that's pretty weak for Disney standards, in my humble opinion!

I don't use ipo except for room requests. However for what they have raised the prices to for 2016 and 2017 they should be adding not taking away services.

I agree properly-trained is the key. It is so disappointing when we know stuff and they don't have a clue.

I hope you will get the new lounge at WL!!! I will be awaiting pix.

Oh mom said " I will get up and go down to the lounge for my coffee and bring yours back like last time." So cute! We were at poly last time and I got to explain how nice WL will be because our room will be near the lounge and on same floor.

 

[gwynne]

So.... wanted to add to the IPO discussion that's been going on lately. Seems like my experience is similar to those that have posted recently. I guess I didn't really want to believe what I was reading so had to dig in myself.

I have booked WL CL twice in the last 30 days, once a few weeks ago for an April Spring Break trip and another reservation yesterday for a few days after Thanksgiving. I never did get the IPO e-mail from the first reservation, but since that happens from time to time I didn't think much of it.

I e-mailed the WL IPO yesterday with a room request. I received the same generic e-mail that has been posted by others:

Thank you for contacting us at Walt Disney World Resort. Our Concierge team is currently assisting other guests. However, our reservation cast member are available to assist you with your planning needs. If you are looking to book a dining reservation, please contact 407-WDW-DINE from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time or visit My Disney Experince. For other types of requests please contact 407-WDISNEY. A cast member will be happy to assist you. We look forward to seeing you once you arrive at the resort.

When I call the IPO phone number on page 1 of this thread you get a VM with the same message/instructions, but it does say you can leave a detailed VM and someone will get back to you.

I guess this in fact means that the IPOs are dead/gone as we know them, to be replaced with whatever centralized function is to come. Assuming the GF IPO responses are correct about "something new coming in the new year" I guess.

Personally I'll withhold judgement until the dust settles and we see what happens. I'd be fine with a centralized properly-trained IPO staff with the same convenient and relatively quick e-mail and phone access. I don't really need any of the pre-arrival planning services but I do appreciate being able to send things like room requests and if I DO need help not having to call the main number and wait.

But what's up with the "gap" for guests right now? I'm not one to get all up in arms about changes in service levels and things like that, but that's pretty weak for Disney standards, in my humble opinion!

I agree. I've called a resort IPO before and when their lines are busy you are usually routed to another IPO. An IPO CM for GF was very helpful to me and took care of a request, even though I was booked at BWI. I don't have a problem with centralized, as long as they are trained and helpful.

I also think part of the generic IPO email reads like it's really a voice mail message script. What is the point of telling someone who's emailing "Our concierge team is currently assisting other guests?"

 

[rxtiger]

I too was shocked this am when I submitted my itinerary planning form to the GF IPO email address and got the generic "busy helping other guests" response. I just communicated with them two weeks ago. I tried texting the line for onsite Club Level guests and got this response: "The resort planning offices no longer assist with dining or recreational bookings. That can all be booked by calling Disney' Dining Line or Recreational Line or via your My Disney Experience". I expressed my disappointment that I had not received this information from Disney and he replied "we are not sure how these new processes are being communicated to the guests. We do apologize for the lack of communication."

Take it for what its worth, but very disappointing. I have had excellent experience with IPO making my reservations (and keeping me from getting up at the crack of dawn). My 180 day mark is next week, so guess I am glad I checked the this forum.

 

[mickeynut1]

That's some real Disney logic right there for you!

Makes complete sense to me!

Me too .

I'd be fine with a centralized properly-trained IPO staff with the same convenient and relatively quick e-mail and phone access.

I agree! As long as the CMs are knowledgeable about CL, it should be fine; otherwise, there could be a lot of unhappy guests .

I also think part of the generic IPO email reads like it's really a voice mail message script. What is the point of telling someone who's emailing "Our concierge team is currently assisting other guests?"

I thought the same thing. Strange how the same message is being given for both phone calls and emails .

I too was shocked this am when I submitted my itinerary planning form to the GF IPO email address and got the generic "busy helping other guests" response. I just communicated with them two weeks ago. I tried texting the line for onsite Club Level guests and got this response: "The resort planning offices no longer assist with dining or recreational bookings. That can all be booked by calling Disney' Dining Line or Recreational Line or via your My Disney Experience". I expressed my disappointment that I had not received this information from Disney and he replied "we are not sure how these new processes are being communicated to the guests. We do apologize for the lack of communication."

Take it for what its worth, but very disappointing. I have had excellent experience with IPO making my reservations (and keeping me from getting up at the crack of dawn). My 180 day mark is next week, so guess I am glad I checked the this forum.

Not very good customer service. I think Disney needs to find a better way to transition from one policy/process to another .

 

[GADisneyDad14]

And funny enough.... along the lines of a PP a page or two ago I just recieved a very nice response back from my e-mail request yesterday saying the my request had been added to my reservation. So I guess someone is actually monitoring e-mails for the moment.

Although I did chuckle a bit... the response was from the WL IPO e-mail address but it was from someone at the Poly IPO. I know that was common before whatever changes are underway, but seeing "Aloha!" and "Mahalo" on his e-mail made me laugh.

 

[TJA]

And funny enough.... along the lines of a PP a page or two ago I just recieved a very nice response back from my e-mail request yesterday saying the my request had been added to my reservation. So I guess someone is actually monitoring e-mails for the moment.

Although I did chuckle a bit... the response was from the WL IPO e-mail address but it was from someone at the Poly IPO. I know that was common before whatever changes are underway, but seeing "Aloha!" and "Mahalo" on his e-mail made me laugh.

....and didn't you get a little twinge at the thought of staying on that 3rd floor in Hawaii?!
Just kidding. It makes perfect sense to try WL now -- especially during this season cause it will be so festive.

I suspect this IPO changeover won't end up being that bad. As long as they continue responding to us via email until the changeover date. Maybe in their email replies until January 1, they should include a sentence at the end telling us to look for changes to the IPO set-up beginning on Jan 1.

 

[focusondisney]

We have been staying club level for over 10 years, most often at Yacht Club. I hardly ever use IPO for anything as I enjoy making my own arrangements. If they're going to encourage/ direct you to make your own ADRs online or by phone, they need to stop advertising that as a club level benefit. I just copied this from the Disney website:

 

[mickeynut1]

Just kidding. It makes perfect sense to try WL now -- especially during this season cause it will be so festive.

I think so, too. WL is beautiful anytime of year, but especially so during the holidays .

If they're going to encourage/ direct you to make your own ADRs online or by phone, they need to stop advertising that as a club level benefit.

I agree. You would think they'd change that before they started giving generic responses about CMs being busy and directing guests to book ADRs, etc online or by calling the general number .

 

[Ewoks]

Haven't been on here in a long time, but I wanted to add my dates to the list! My husband and I will be back at CR Tower Club January 21-28!

 

[eeyore81]

So far we are having a great time at AKL. We checked in at midnight last night. The front desk cast member was very nice. We had breakfast in the lounge this morning. The usual offerings. Blueberry muffins, cinnamon pastries, bagel, croissants, strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, raspberries, hard boiled eggs, oatmeal and quinoa. We missed the afternoon snacks. We did make it back for tea time. Yummy scones with cream, rice krisipie treats and brownies. I'll take a picture of the secret stairs that someone asked about tonight. The weather is great and Magic Kingdom today wasn't too crowded.

 

[mickeynut1]

Haven't been on here in a long time, but I wanted to add my dates to the list! My husband and I will be back at CR Tower Club January 21-28!

It won't be long before your trip is here! Happy planning .

So far we are having a great time at AKL. We checked in at midnight last night. The front desk cast member was very nice. We had breakfast in the lounge this morning. The usual offerings. Blueberry muffins, cinnamon pastries, bagel, croissants, strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, raspberries, hard boiled eggs, oatmeal and quinoa. We missed the afternoon snacks. We did make it back for tea time. Yummy scones with cream, rice krisipie treats and brownies. I'll take a picture of the secret stairs that someone asked about tonight. The weather is great and Magic Kingdom today wasn't too crowded.

Thanks for checking in. Glad you're having a great time .

 

[trishadono]

So far we are having a great time at AKL. We checked in at midnight last night. The front desk cast member was very nice. We had breakfast in the lounge this morning. The usual offerings. Blueberry muffins, cinnamon pastries, bagel, croissants, strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, raspberries, hard boiled eggs, oatmeal and quinoa. We missed the afternoon snacks. We did make it back for tea time. Yummy scones with cream, rice krisipie treats and brownies. I'll take a picture of the secret stairs that someone asked about tonight. The weather is great and Magic Kingdom today wasn't too crowded.

That was me! Thanks for the info. I just booked our FP's for our akl cl trip today! WOOOHOO

 

[HBGdancermom]

Hi everyone!

I am taking my teenage boys to WDW in late June for a 4 day trip staying BC CL. They will be 17 and 14 at the time ( They are getting old to quick) Anyway, I am thinking of adding a trip to Universal for a couple nights either before or after. We have never been there. Does anyone have advice on this type of trip?

Looking at the Hard Rock CL (Not sure if it is comparable to WDW)?
How much time would you suggest?
Do they ever offer discounts like WDW?

Thanks!!

 

[trishadono]

Hi everyone!

I am taking my teenage boys to WDW in late June for a 4 day trip staying BC CL. They will be 17 and 14 at the time ( They are getting old to quick) Anyway, I am thinking of adding a trip to Universal for a couple nights either before or after. We have never been there. Does anyone have advice on this type of trip?

Looking at the Hard Rock CL (Not sure if it is comparable to WDW)?
How much time would you suggest?
Do they ever offer discounts like WDW?

Thanks!!

I recommend US before WDW. We stayed at HRH twice. The hotel is OK,I guess I am fussy because I just love Disney. However walking convenience was great.

DD was 15 and ds13 when we went. We did 2 nights because dd and I are huge potter fans.

On our transfer day we checked out of US and left bags with them. We then went into parks until we done around lunch. (the passes you get staying at U is nice for cutting some lines but awesome for early entry for WWOHP!!)

Then we walked back to hotel, grabbed our luggage, a cab and headed to check in at WDW. We moved to POLY last time. Having CL you know if room not ready you will still have the lounge and SAB until then.

I would look at UT and Orbitz etc for discounts.

 

[Ewoks]

Question for the AKL CL pros on here: does AKL have any honeymoon-style king rooms like WL/BWI/CR/GF/PVR have?

Obviously each of those resorts offer something a bit different in this regard, but each has a room or two that isn't just a standard king room but has something a bit unique about it (WL with the neat location and whirlpool tub, PVR with the small suite in the Tonga building, GF with the octagon rooms, BWI with the garden rooms, CR with the 14th-floor King rooms with huge balconies, etc). Anyone know?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Well, finally have plans complete, and yes, we're officially nuts. It's a post-Thanksgiving festivus!

The plan is to feed 'em and street 'em Thanksgiving day then fly to MCO that evening. Spending the first night at the MCO Hyatt then off to WL first thing Friday. Staying at the airport the first night is partly due to Disney availability (or lackthereof), partly due to it being materially cheaper than another night at Disney, and party because it'll be a little late and just easier to get DD to bed close to a reasonable bedtime.

Excited to 1) try out a Deluxe WL room, 2) maybe check out the new lounge if it's open by then (not keeping my hopes up), 3) get back to WL, which is the place we stayed years ago that started this whole mess, and 4) start off the holidays at Disney!

Plus it's all four of us this time! DW says we cannot leave until an appropriate group photo worthy of a holiday card is secured. A strange box arrived today which I suspect may contain (gasp!) matching shirts.....

Anyone have any WL tips or things to keep in mind? We went years ago (non-CL) when we were Disney newbies and have always wanted to go back (but must admit the allure of the monorail resorts has kept us away). Do they still do the thing where you can sign up to raise the morning flag?

Just a short trip this time (darn school)...11/25-11/28. But planning on a holiday party, Early Morning Magic at MK, and maybe try to figure out the Candlelight Processional thing if we want to punish ourselves with squirmy DD.

Thanks all! Will report back when we return!

 

[trishadono]

Well, finally have plans complete, and yes, we're officially nuts. It's a post-Thanksgiving festivus!

The plan is to feed 'em and street 'em Thanksgiving day then fly to MCO that evening. Spending the first night at the MCO Hyatt then off to WL first thing Friday. Staying at the airport the first night is partly due to Disney availability (or lackthereof), partly due to it being materially cheaper than another night at Disney, and party because it'll be a little late and just easier to get DD to bed close to a reasonable bedtime.

Excited to 1) try out a Deluxe WL room, 2) maybe check out the new lounge if it's open by then (not keeping my hopes up), 3) get back to WL, which is the place we stayed years ago that started this whole mess, and 4) start off the holidays at Disney!

Plus it's all four of us this time! DW says we cannot leave until an appropriate group photo worthy of a holiday card is secured. A strange box arrived today which I suspect may contain (gasp!) matching shirts.....

Anyone have any WL tips or things to keep in mind? We went years ago (non-CL) when we were Disney newbies and have always wanted to go back (but must admit the allure of the monorail resorts has kept us away). Do they still do the thing where you can sign up to raise the morning flag?

Just a short trip this time (darn school)...11/25-11/28. But planning on a holiday party, Early Morning Magic at MK, and maybe try to figure out the Candlelight Processional thing if we want to punish ourselves with squirmy DD.

Thanks all! Will report back when we return!

I have to say that dd and I found getting to the park for Rd or in a hurry we prefered using the bus to MK. They came continuously and were pretty empty. We then used the boat when we wanted to relax.

Say you are at AKL/Hs/Epcot. We take the bus/mono to a mono resort mid day and eat there. (Usually poly) . Then we mono either to MK or CR and take the boat to WL. (I do this in reverse when staying at a mono resort, I bus to WL and eat then head to my resort by boat). I enjoy the resorts as much if not more than the parks/rides.

I am not sure with construction what is still there but ds always loved exploring each floor for the randomly placed rock cases. He loves rocks!

Seeing ewp is always a fav and of course the geiser.

The wilderness salad with walnuts and apple bits is my quick serve meal at RF.

Matching shirts! I got my kids to match me but if it's not a solid dh is a big NO lol.

Bet they make for a nice family picture tho, so enjoy! N

( and I am totally jealous, sounds like a great plan)

 

[Eastern]

I am taking my teenage boys to WDW in late June for a 4 day trip staying BC CL. They will be 17 and 14 at the time ( They are getting old to quick) Anyway, I am thinking of adding a trip to Universal for a couple nights either before or after. We have never been there. Does anyone have advice on this type of trip?

Looking at the Hard Rock CL (Not sure if it is comparable to WDW)?
How much time would you suggest?
Do they ever offer discounts like WDW?

On our January trip we did Universal before Disney since my kids were dying to see HP world. We stayed at Portofino Bay CL and it was really nice. I loved the room, the cocktail hour, and the ferry to the parks was very convenient, never crowded. (We stayed at HRH on a previous visit and while it was convenient for walking, I didn't like the atmosphere. Rock and roll music playing 24/7 everywhere in the hotel, even in the elevators, that I did not find relaxing. Service was a weird style: 'cool!' 'take it easy!' Teens probably love it; my teens didn't care one way or the other.)

We stayed 2 nights at PBH. On first day, we arrived around 2pm, checked in and went to HP world. Next day we got up early and did HP stuff all day (until about 5pm). I had planned on doing the last morning at HP world but kids wanted to get to Disney so we checked out and took a taxi to Disney (it was a reasonable price and readily available).

Price: the problem with Universal is that they like you to stay longer, so their 'deals' are usually if you are staying several nights or more. We stayed only 2 nights so not much in the way of discounts, although compared to Disney, I thought the CL price was a deal! I switched back and forth between Orbitz and booking direct. Turns out that booking direct was my best price by about $80 for the 2 nights CL at PBH. Prices change so keep watching.