Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[rteetz]

FYI, Memory Maker dropped to $149 today

People who purchase previously will receive a $20 credit.

 

[baler31]

When you renew your AP online you don't get the green voucher card anymore. Your AP renewal should be listed on your MDE account under "my reservations and tickets". Your new AP magic band order should automatically show up on your MDE account under your profile where it says "magic band and cards" within a day or two. You only get the voucher card if you renew over the phone. Also if you renew over the phone you don't get a magic band order automatically. You have to take the voucher to guest services to activate it then you'll get an AP magic band order later.
When your magic band order arrives you'll have your new AP discount card inside the box. If you don't have time to order your AP band before your trip just go to guest services and get a hard ticket to use for your AP discount. It works the same way. We had to do that last time because I didn't renew the boys passes until right before we left. No time for the magic band order to arrive.

FWIW, I was told they no longer send discount cards. I did not receive a new one in my magic band AP order this week. I inquired about this with an AP CM via phone and was told they don't use them anymore. She told me CM's should scan our band. I pointed out that CM's still ask to see the card as recenty as Nov. and that the brochure that came with the AP bands indicated I should use my discount card. She just repeated that they don't send those any more and that I would have to go to GR to get a hard ticket AP is I required further "proof" to show CMs.

As for the issues at BWI, with the exception of a few kind long time CM's the service is so reduced there I no longer bother.

Dispro1, I would contact someone more about the attitude than the message but someone does need to clarify the policy with the CM's so they are actually stating correct information at the least.

 

[baler31]

People who purchase previously will receive a $20 credit.

Can I look for a credit on my AP renewal

 

[Miked0292]

Can I look for a credit on my AP renewal

How about it we were like 2 days short from saving the $100 on our 2 passes

 

[Wood Nymph]

When your magic band order arrives you'll have your new AP discount card inside the box. If you don't have time to order your AP band before your trip just go to guest services and get a hard ticket to use for your AP discount. It works the same way. We had to do that last time because I didn't renew the boys passes until right before we left. No time for the magic band order to arrive.

We received the new AP bands in the fancy new passholder box (very classy looking) but I didn't see any cards in there.

Have you been to WDW since you renewed your AP? I'm curious to know if we can walk into a park without stopping at guest relations first. That is always such a big time waster.

 

[Disneytam]

FWIW, I was told they no longer send discount cards. I did not receive a new one in my magic band AP order this week. I inquired about this with an AP CM via phone and was told they don't use them anymore. She told me CM's should scan our band. I pointed out that CM's still ask to see the card as recenty as Nov. and that the brochure that came with the AP bands indicated I should use my discount card. She just repeated that they don't send those any more and that I would have to go to GR to get a hard ticket AP is I required further "proof" to show CMs.

As for the issues at BWI, with the exception of a few kind long time CM's the service is so reduced there I no longer bother.

Dispro1, I would contact someone more about the attitude than the message but someone does need to clarify the policy with the CM's so they are actually stating correct information at the least.

I'm getting really depressed reading this info on the BWI CL cast members. As others have said unless this is a new policy we have always been welcomed in the lounge on our check out day and the cast members were very much aware that we were leaving that day. I have always tried to be thoughtful and we are usually out of our room by 8 am so that the house cleaning staff could get started on our rooms for the next guests. We just store our luggage with bell services and head to a park. On our next trip we will not be leaving until 6 pm so I fully plan on having drinks and apps. in the lounge before our town car service picks us up.

I had thought about calling the IPO and asking them but sometimes I get strange answers from them compared to the actual cast members at the resort. Hoping someone that is at the BWI can find out for all of us but if not I will certainly find out in March.

 

[focusondisney]

FWIW, I was told they no longer send discount cards. I did not receive a new one in my magic band AP order this week. I inquired about this with an AP CM via phone and was told they don't use them anymore. She told me CM's should scan our band. I pointed out that CM's still ask to see the card as recenty as Nov. and that the brochure that came with the AP bands indicated I should use my discount card. She just repeated that they don't send those any more and that I would have to go to GR to get a hard ticket AP is I required further "proof" to show CMs.
.

I was just at Hollywood Studios this morning & forgot my AP card in the room. I couldn't get the pass holder Osborne Lights t shirt without it. The CM said they need to see the card as they don't have the ability to scan your band to check if you have an AP. Typical that one department doesn't know what the other is doing.

 

[focusondisney]

During my last BWI CL stay there were a couple of loud mouthed lounge CMs who really got under my skin. When I'm down there in the mornings early, just trying to drink my coffee and wake up, I don't want to hear CMs bellowing to each other.

I'm so glad to hear you say this! I thought it was just me! We stayed at BWI club level only once, maybe 3 years ago. The CMs got rave reviews on the Dis but I was not impressed. I had the same thoughts as you did: loud, annoying & unprofessional. I was glad we were only there for a few nights coz I couldn't have taken a week of that.

 

[pas130]

One would think the policy would be the same throughout all of Walt Disney World. Blueskies said I should contact the GM at BWI. Perhaps I should??

I really think emailing guest services would help, they seem very knowledgeable and responsive

 

[Maxie86]

We received the new AP bands in the fancy new passholder box (very classy looking) but I didn't see any cards in there.

Have you been to WDW since you renewed your AP? I'm curious to know if we can walk into a park without stopping at guest relations first. That is always such a big time waster.

Yes you can just walk into a park no need to stop at guest relations.

Dispro, Sorry to hear about the rude CM at the BWI. It is amazing how many CM's don't know the rules and procedures.

I really think emailing guest services would help, they seem very knowledgeable and responsive

I totally agree.

I was just at Hollywood Studios this morning & forgot my AP card in the room. I couldn't get the pass holder Osborne Lights t shirt without it. The CM said they need to see the card as they don't have the ability to scan your band to check if you have an AP. Typical that one department doesn't know what the other is doing.

I am not surprised to hear this. Even with the card not all CM's ask to see it and some ask to see a license and some didn't. They do have the ability to scan your band and know what ticket you have...they do it all the time entering the park when your MB doesn't work. There is something wrong when the guests know more than the CM's.

 

[baler31]

We received the new AP bands in the fancy new passholder box (very classy looking) but I didn't see any cards in there.

Have you been to WDW since you renewed your AP? I'm curious to know if we can walk into a park without stopping at guest relations first. That is always such a big time waster.

We had no problems using bands for park admittance after renewal. We did not go to GR. Guess we will have to go get a card next time.

 

[married2mm]

Never stayed cl at wdw before...
Considering just one night in either may or October

Don't know which resort to choose...
Really need assistance:

Do any lounges provide greater accessiblity for wheelchair users than others?
Are some lounges generally quieter/busier than others?
Would want to make use of the fitness room at the resort-best health club?

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

With online renewal you don't need to go to guest relations. As long as you see your renewal listed in your MDE account under your tickets then you're good to go.
We have discount cards for all our AP magic bands that were shipped... I hadn't heard they were getting rid of them. That is news to me. When we renewed with our vouchers last summer they gave us hard ticket APs to use for the discount. But with online renewal our cards were under our magic bands.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Never stayed cl at wdw before...
Considering just one night in either may or October

Don't know which resort to choose...
Really need assistance:

Do any lounges provide greater accessiblity for wheelchair users than others?
Are some lounges generally quieter/busier than others?
Would want to make use of the fitness room at the resort-best health club?

For wheelchair accessibility I would vote for the CR. Nice big rooms that are super close to the lounge, plus the monorail is right there.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

People who purchase previously will receive a $20 credit.

A $20 photopass store credit. Folks are none too happy with that.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Yes you can just walk into a park no need to stop at guest relations.

We had no problems using bands for park admittance after renewal. We did not go to GR. Guess we will have to go get a card next time.

Thanks for letting me know. I guess we will try walking into the park and see what happens. Right now we plan to head over to the International Gateway when we arrive, so we can "conveniently" go back to Guest Relations if the AP MB doesn't work.

With online renewal you don't need to go to guest relations. As long as you see your renewal listed in your MDE account under your tickets then you're good to go.
We have discount cards for all our AP magic bands that were shipped... I hadn't heard they were getting rid of them. That is news to me. When we renewed with our vouchers last summer they gave us hard ticket APs to use for the discount. But with online renewal our cards were under our magic bands.

We did online renewal and there aren't any cards in our box. I double checked. But it makes sense that they are doing away with the hard Passholder cards, although I think I'll stop at Guest Relations to see if I can get one. Sometimes it is easier to use the hard card.

 

[BlueSkies]

Yep. We're stunned!! We are at CR til Wednesday then move to YC. I do have it noted that it is my DH's 60th birthday. I figure the short stay & his celebration for us some really big Pixie Dust.

Congratulations!! What a terrific surprise....and great way to celebrate your DHs birthday!

That sounds amazing!!!! I didn't even realize they had suites facing the lake side, for some reason I thought they all faced MK. Personally I LOVE the lake side, I think it's beautiful. Enjoy it!!!!
Oh, any news on texting for fastpass there???

Bay Lake side is almost all suites..just one standard CL room...and I agree ..love the BL view best..staying CL gives you the best of both worlds..that wonderful BL view from your room/suite..and those MK views from the lounge!

it is alive and well, I totally forgot to post that a few days ago. Sugarloaf blows RPC out of the water in every aspect. Mind you I'm kind of getting some VIP treatment but my kids are having a blast and the CMs are literally "wish is my command" it's incredible here. And the decorations are simply amazing!!

So happy that you are having a Grand time..and the the GF has redeemed itself....! ..Loving the text pics too...its the next best thing to being there...Many thanks!!!

We renewed our Annual Passes last month via the Disney website. We received a receipt but there wasn't any kind of instructions or voucher that said we had to get the AP's activated at a ticket window before using them. We received that voucher last year at renewal time, but not this time. Did they do away with the vouchers? Do you still have to go to a ticket window or guest relations booth to activate the AP's? Has anyone done this lately? I would assume we would need to do this in order to get the AP hard ticket, but I wanted to make sure first.

Thanks.

We just did this...renewed DDs pass via the website...did it through MDE...and it linked right her profile....upon arrival at WDW we headed straight for a park..no need to stop at GR...for park entry...but..since they no longer send you a card for discounts/parking..you will at some point need to stop to pick up the card...I spoke with a CM there...and she said that there was a lot of confusion with having cards mailed....and guests picking up cards at GR..and that is why they have it changed the process...and no longer sending the cards with the MBs....Any time that we purchased anything we were asked for our AP discount card though...so it doesn't seem like the MB is replacing the card for entitlements..just yet....HTH....

Planning our first Club Level stay at Beach Club for Christmas holiday. I have a food allergy - gluten. Normally, I can find things to eat anywhere on property, but I am wondering if the Club Lounge will be worth the extra money for me. Will I just be watching my family eat there and looking for food in my suitcase?

Anyone else have a food allergy and were they able to accommodate it at the concierge club lounge? Do you talk to someone ahead of time from home to see if they can help? I really need to decide quickly to stay club level or put the money elsewhere.

Please help. Thank you very much!

You can call IPO ahead of time to find out what daily offerings are available...and what the ingredients are...I have heard..although we have never requested..that you can have a small selection of offerings prepared specifically for the guest with the allergies...there is usually a good variety of foods/snacks offered..so overall I would say that there will be a few things available through out the day ...

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There were no texting services offered at BWI, but one CM did say that if we had already used the three and were back at the hotel, he might be able to schedule more for us...better than nothing, but we really didn't spend much time in the parks. We spent a lot of time in the lounge and LOVED it!! My DH loved the 65" TV!! Lorenzo is amazing, and evidently, Gary Sinise and his family know and love him too! They were gone by the time we arrived. We had Neil Patrick Harris at our CP, but I don't know where he likes to stay...evidently not BWI. The only complaint I have is that on our departure day, one of the CL managers was in the lounge...after talking to us a bit in the lounge (we were resting before returning to the Christmas party at a little after 5pm), she realized we had already checked out and said "once you check out, you are no longer supposed to have access to the lounge because you aren't included in our count...but it's ok." What!!!!???? I was furious!!! I have stayed at several different CLs many, many times, and I have ALWAYS been told we have access to the lounge until the lounge closes (some 10pm) or midnight at the ones that don't have doors that close. She wasn't ugly about it, but she actually believed that was true!! From that point, I really felt like she was guarding the food and wine! We had dinner with Blueskies (GF thread knowledgeable CL DISer friend of mine) and she couldn't believe the manager thought that was true! I hope this isn't a new policy because we always get a later flight out! Anyway, I had such a good time at BWI and enjoyed the sitting areas (porches outside primarily) where you could have a drink and chat with friends. The CL even gave us a tray to carry some desserts and cordials to the porch since the lounge was closing! I have numerous pictures, but I'll just post a few. Let me know if there is a specific thing you'd like to see, and I'll see if I have a pic! The clam chowder was delicious and the cucumber tea sandwiches in the afternoon were as well

It was just wonderful spending time with you and your DH during our trip ( and thanks for your kind words! ) ..made lounge time even more fun ...and I agree...we really enjoyed staying CL at the BWI too...of course the GF will always be number one to us....but BWI may just have bumped the CR as our 2nd fave... I think that the resort has so many lovely and relaxing niches..it was a very pleasant surprise ..as for all of the confusion over information...I am still stumped...BWI IPO told me that they did indeed have texting service????????????? and when I inquired at check in they told me...that's just for notification of your room being ready...ok?????....we too asked about getting a 4th fast pass...spent the morning at DHS..used our 3 FPP...and were heading to Epcot in the evening...so we asked a CL CM to make a 4th FPP for us for that evening...and was told that was discontinued at least 6 months ago..due to guests not using the extra FPP that were being made...????????????? I replied that we had recently stayed CL at the GF and that was not the case.............??????????????? All small things..not a big deal...and certainly did not take away from the overall nice experience....with the exception of not being able to use the lounge until closing on the day of check out.....I have never heard of such a thing....at any other CL that we have stayed at....so I do think that that is something that does need clarification.....So sorry that this happened to you...it would have made me feel uncomfortable too....

Yes, my band/key has always worked for the cl floor even after official check out time. If this is an actual rule I think many would rethink cl, I know many use the lounge as a more comfortable/private area to wait for transportation when leaving.

....

FWIW, I was told they no longer send discount cards. I did not receive a new one in my magic band AP order this week. I inquired about this with an AP CM via phone and was told they don't use them anymore. She told me CM's should scan our band. I pointed out that CM's still ask to see the card as recenty as Nov. and that the brochure that came with the AP bands indicated I should use my discount card. She just repeated that they don't send those any more and that I would have to go to GR to get a hard ticket AP is I required further "proof" to show CMs.

As for the issues at BWI, with the exception of a few kind long time CM's the service is so reduced there I no longer bother.

Dispro1, I would contact someone more about the attitude than the message but someone does need to clarify the policy with the CM's so they are actually stating correct information at the least.

On the Disney website on the AP FAQ the very last line of the question about passholder discount cards indicates that discounts cards are no longer necessary..and new passholders will not receive one...well from our experience they sure are still necessary...but...are not being sent to passholders ???????????????? Disney logic??????????? lol..Thank goodness that GR is still providing them to AP holders....

Can I look for a credit on my AP renewal

We received the new AP bands in the fancy new passholder box (very classy looking) but I didn't see any cards in there.

Have you been to WDW since you renewed your AP? I'm curious to know if we can walk into a park without stopping at guest relations first. That is always such a big time waster.

As I mentioned above...we just did this...and no..you don't need to stop at Guest Relations to activate your AP..its already linked through MDE to your MB...

Maxie Liking your new ticker!

Erika Almost trip time or you...looking forward as always to your live TR!

 

[baler31]

Yes you can just walk into a park no need to stop at guest relations.

Dispro, Sorry to hear about the rude CM at the BWI. It



I am not surprised to hear this. Even with the card not all CM's ask to see it and some ask to see a license and some didn't. They do have the ability to scan your band and know what ticket you have...they do it all the time entering the park when your MB doesn't work. There is something wrong when the guests know more than the CM's.

Thanks for letting me know. I guess we will try walking into the park and see what happens. Right now we plan to head over to the International Gateway when we arrive, so we can "conveniently" go back to Guest Relations if the AP MB doesn't work.

We did online renewal and there aren't any cards in our box. I double checked. But it makes sense that they are doing away with the hard Passholder cards, although I think I'll stop at Guest Relations to see if I can get one. Sometimes it is easier to use the hard card.

We had no problem with our bands for renewal or parking but every purchase we were asked for the card that we did not have. I did show my expired card and told them I had renewed and they did honor it but I don't like not having the "proof" if they are consistently asking for it. The request for id was about 50-50.

 

[baler31]

My favorite is the booklet that came with my AP renewal that tells me to present my card for my AP discount. I will just stop by GR and get an updated hard ticket to show until everyone is onboard with scanning the bands for the discount.

 

[showers2flowers]

Usually what the resorts do is move the lounge temporarily to another location in the resort. The AKL CL IPO is very responsive. You could email them and ask about the plans.

Just wanted to post an update on this. Although the AKL club lounge still shows on the refurb list for 1/11 through 2/5, I received the following in an email today in response to my inquiry:

Dumela (Greetings) April,



Thank you for sending in the planning form. The Club lounge renovations have been moved back to later in the year. There will be no impact on your visit.



At your service,



Don

Hope that helps some others with plans in January and February!