Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[Friendlyadvice2]

Thank you gwynne I'm a huge Trixie fan. I think maybe my expectations were too high. My husband didn't want me to do anything myself, but he's super busy all the time at work. He really just wanted to know where to go to order the extras. He really didn't expect them to do it for him, he just wanted some basic information. I'll pass the information you gave on to him-thank you so much!

No Trixie, there is absolutely nothing in your post that indicates your expectations were out of line! And therein lies the problem with what really seems to be a degradation of service in many areas by Disney; while at the same time lowering the expectations of guests such as yourself and increasing rates at the same time.

 

[bigskip]

No Trixie, there is absolutely nothing in your post that indicates your expectations were out of line! And therein lies the problem with what really seems to be a degradation of service in many areas by Disney; while at the same time lowering the expectations of guests such as yourself and increasing rates at the same time.

So the IPO isn't really worth bothering with?

 

[gwynne]

So the IPO isn't really worth bothering with?

It depends. If I need something really basic, I email.
If I need something that is going to take some time I think calling is best. I usually get a more helpful result that way.
If I'm trying to get a hard to obtain dining reservation, I prefer to do it myself. (And as mentioned upthread, Touring Plans helps too.)

I noticed from your siggie you will be staying at AKL CL. Their IPO is very helpful and responsive, more than some of the others at times.

 

[AngiTN]

I don't even want to say it, but I've been surprised at our interactions with IPO. This is our first CL stay at Disney, so maybe my expectations are too high. We didn't get a welcome email after booking, so after 4 days my husband emailed them to ask if they could help us get ADRs at 2 restaurants. He mentioned it was my 50th birthday and asked for information on ordering a cake/balloons or flowers for the room. He got an auto reply that someone would respond within 24 hours. The response the next day was short, curt and only stated that there were no ADRs for one restaurant and that the other one doesn't take ADRs. No acknowledgement of his questions about ordering a cake or flowers.

I actually ended up being able to get ADRs for both restaurants on my own using Touring Plans reservation finder. So their information was actually incorrect. It definitely was not a welcoming email like others I've seen on here. What's the advantage to CL if the IPO staff aren't helpful? I'm hoping that it was just a bad day, but honestly it makes me less inclined to stay at Disney and more inclined to consider switching to the Waldorf or even Bonnett Creek.

Thank you gwynne I'm a huge Trixie fan. I think maybe my expectations were too high. My husband didn't want me to do anything myself, but he's super busy all the time at work. He really just wanted to know where to go to order the extras. He really didn't expect them to do it for him, he just wanted some basic information. I'll pass the information you gave on to him-thank you so much!

It's a shame they didn't tell you that they can't do the cake or balloons and just told him how to do them.

Completely agree! My limited interactions with IPO over the last month have been identical. There is absolutely no value in IPO for me. For the time it takes to type out an email or call you can simply accomplish the task yourself. I suppose it's possible that they might provide value for someone that has limited experience with Disney and isn't up on the latest procedures. Further, a portion of the increased nightly rate for a CL room is attributed to the IPO service. Sure, I can get all the hard-to-get reservations myself and plan my entire trip, but then don't charge me or advertise the IPO service if they aren't able to provide any value.

For example, I asked IPO if they could get me one additional child spot to a sold out dessert party. They said they could not but would get it for me as soon as a cancellation occurred. I'm completely fine with that....they can't "create" a spot if there just isn't one to be had, but I was happy that they would get it for me IF it opened up. The issue I have is that a few days later at least 20 spots were added to the dessert party for every night of our trip (capacity increase) that they were allegedly going to be checking several times a day and grab for us if available. Obviously I booked it myself and now two weeks later I still have yet to hear from IPO and the party is sold out again. What's sad is that the person who isn't knowledgeable about Disney and was relying on the IPO would still be without a reservation. That is unacceptable to me. They should just have said they could not get it and weren't planning on trying to get it instead of leading me to believe they were actively working for us.

Yeah, we are another family who finds nothing of use from the IPO. I can book my own ADR easier than I can tell them what I'd like. Same with FP (for those that offer that)
The only time I used an IPO was at AKL when we wanted to book the Sunrise Safari that you have to be DVC or CL to book. I think it had to be booked through them.
We have a stay at RPC later this month and I'm not bothering with contacting them at all.

So the IPO isn't really worth bothering with?

For someone on the DisBoards, no, not at all. They really can't do anything you can't do yourself, probably quicker.

 

[Friendlyadvice2]

So the IPO isn't really worth bothering with?

For us it's a big NO; my dessert party example says it all, in my opinion. I think @AngiTN said it best, "they really can't do anything you can't do yourself, probably quicker".

 

[Trixie Belden]

I think that's the problem, what about the people who aren't on the disboards? Also, they have flatly incorrect information. They said that Art Smith's Homecoming wasn't taking reservations (that mess is a whole other story), but they are. To be fair, Disney Dining had the same incorrect information. I really appreciate everyone helping out with their experience and knowledge about Disney Floral and the cake thread. That's exactly what he was looking for.

 

[mickeynut1]

For the time it takes to type out an email or call you can simply accomplish the task yourself. I suppose it's possible that they might provide value for someone that has limited experience with Disney and isn't up on the latest procedures. Further, a portion of the increased nightly rate for a CL room is attributed to the IPO service. Sure, I can get all the hard-to-get reservations myself and plan my entire trip, but then don't charge me or advertise the IPO service if they aren't able to provide any value.

I agree .

For example, I asked IPO if they could get me one additional child spot to a sold out dessert party. They said they could not but would get it for me as soon as a cancellation occurred. I'm completely fine with that....they can't "create" a spot if there just isn't one to be had, but I was happy that they would get it for me IF it opened up. The issue I have is that a few days later at least 20 spots were added to the dessert party for every night of our trip (capacity increase) that they were allegedly going to be checking several times a day and grab for us if available. Obviously I booked it myself and now two weeks later I still have yet to hear from IPO and the party is sold out again. What's sad is that the person who isn't knowledgeable about Disney and was relying on the IPO would still be without a reservation. That is unacceptable to me. They should just have said they could not get it and weren't planning on trying to get it instead of leading me to believe they were actively working for us.

I agree, not everyone knows about the Dis and/or the ins and outs of planning a Disney vacation, so when one books CL they expect a certain level of service (especially when it's advertised as a CL perk).

I'm glad you were able to book an additional spot for the dessert party .

So the IPO isn't really worth bothering with?

It's hit or miss, IMO. Some IPO CMs are great, while others do just enough to get by. This is just my opinion, but if there's something you really want, I'd book it on your own. If you need to be diligent and keep looking every day for availability, at least you know it's being sought out. Sometimes you don't find out until it's too late that IPO dropped the ball and could have gotten that hard-to-get booking, but didn't, for whatever reason(s).

 

[bigskip]

It's hit or miss, IMO. Some IPO CMs are great, while others do just enough to get by. This is just my opinion, but if there's something you really want, I'd book it on your own. If you need to be diligent and keep looking every day for availability, at least you know it's being sought out. Sometimes you don't find out until it's too late that IPO dropped the ball and could have gotten that hard-to-get booking, but didn't, for whatever reason(s).

My only problem is that we will be in Florida on our ADR booking day, and driving from Orlando to the Keys for an overnight stay, only on ADR we really want to ensure, What time of day in the US can we book? Might have to delay our departure to get on line/ on the phone before we go.

 

[mickeynut1]

My only problem is that we will be in Florida on our ADR booking day, and driving from Orlando to the Keys for an overnight stay, only on ADR we really want to ensure, What time of day in the US can we book? Might have to delay our departure to get on line/ on the phone before we go.

To call, it's 7 am, with online (I think) being as early as 6 am (all times eastern). Hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[KerryCM]

I will say for our past few stays I have not used IPO at all. Our January trip with my son and his family is different this year as they are also traveling with friends who have never been. We are all staying at the Beach Club. I emailed IPO about a week before our 180 days letting them know my son's requests and my requests. My son's were for 9 and mine were for 2. I also let them know how unsure I was about turning the planning over to someone else!

They were wonderful! They got every reservation we wanted at the time we wanted including the castle for my son and his party. It is also one of the children's birthday and they have gone above and beyond with suggestions and help with plans. I am so very pleased.

 

[gwynne]

My only problem is that we will be in Florida on our ADR booking day, and driving from Orlando to the Keys for an overnight stay, only on ADR we really want to ensure, What time of day in the US can we book? Might have to delay our departure to get on line/ on the phone before we go.

Me? In this case I'd ask the IPO to book it. I'd email it ahead of time, and then call to make sure they had my CC on file. (And probably politely review the request.)
This is where the internet isn't always terribly clear. The reservations that are difficult are past the 180 day mark. Booking at the usual 180 days is different.
That said, you have to do what you are most comfortable with.

 

[AngiTN]

I think that's the problem, what about the people who aren't on the disboards? Also, they have flatly incorrect information. They said that Art Smith's Homecoming wasn't taking reservations (that mess is a whole other story), but they are. To be fair, Disney Dining had the same incorrect information. I really appreciate everyone helping out with their experience and knowledge about Disney Floral and the cake thread. That's exactly what he was looking for.

I don't disagree at all. They should do better, without a doubt. Especially since it's a service they advertise.
Though I wonder, if someone books online without reading what CL is, does it ever mention IPO services? I can't remember

 

[AngiTN]

My only problem is that we will be in Florida on our ADR booking day, and driving from Orlando to the Keys for an overnight stay, only on ADR we really want to ensure, What time of day in the US can we book? Might have to delay our departure to get on line/ on the phone before we go.

I'd probably give the info to IPO and hope they do it. And watch/check to be sure they do. Of course, that also depends on what ADR it is and how critical it is they do it at 7:00 AM on day 180. If it's not BOG you are probably fine to wait. For most all the others you are ok waiting and if you find out they didn't do it, you'll be ok doing it yourself.

 

[gwynne]

I'd probably give the info to IPO and hope they do it. And watch/check to be sure they do. Of course, that also depends on what ADR it is and how critical it is they do it at 7:00 AM on day 180. If it's not BOG you are probably fine to wait. For most all the others you are ok waiting and if you find out they didn't do it, you'll be ok doing it yourself.

When I've given them my dining requests before the 180 day they usually pop into my MDE between 6:30 and 7:30AM Eastern on my 180 day.

 

[bigskip]

To call, it's 7 am, with online (I think) being as early as 6 am (all times eastern). Hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

If this is correct, i can book via MDE or phone from the Villa before we set off. It's mainly Brunch at the Cali we want to get and Bog Dinner one day, but not fussed which day.

Thanks all for the help

 

[cwis]

Just checked-in yesterday night. We were given a dormer room on the third floor with a king bed, we absolutely love our room! The king-size bed was our only room request, so we're glad they were able to fullfill it. (We decided not to stack up too many room requests but we also wanted a room in a corridor for the reduced noise and a dormer room, they succesfully manage to fullfill those requests as well even if we didn't tell them about it !)

This is our first stay at the WDW so we can't really compare, however my wife and I are regular guests of every resorts at Disneyland Paris, and while the SL certainly doesn't beat the location of the "Castle Club" service at Disneyland Hotel (that overlooks Main Street with a direct view on the castle and Space Mountain and a private elevator going just before the turnstile; unbeatable), we can say that service at the GF SL certainly exceeds our expectation: food is great (I definitively enjoyed the Quiche at breakfast), so many choices in drinks (there were even cans of Diet Coke Caffeine-Free available to pick-up in the night)

 

[mickeynut1]

If this is correct, i can book via MDE or phone from the Villa before we set off. It's mainly Brunch at the Cali we want to get and Bog Dinner one day, but not fussed which day.

Thanks all for the help

You're welcome! Good luck with your ADRs .

Just checked-in yesterday night. We were given a dormer room on the third floor with a king bed, we absolutely love our room! The king-size bed was our only room request, so we're glad they were able to fullfill it. (We decided not to stack up too many room requests but we also wanted a room in a corridor for the reduced noise and a dormer room, they succesfully manage to fullfill those requests as well even if we didn't tell them about it !)

This is our first stay at the WDW so we can't really compare, however my wife and I are regular guests of every resorts at Disneyland Paris, and while the SL certainly doesn't beat the location of the "Castle Club" service at Disneyland Hotel (that overlooks Main Street with a direct view on the castle and Space Mountain and a private elevator going just before the turnstile; unbeatable), we can say that service at the GF SL certainly exceeds our expectation: food is great (I definitively enjoyed the Quiche at breakfast), so many choices in drinks (there were even cans of Diet Coke Caffeine-Free available to pick-up in the night)

Glad your requests were met. Hope you continue to have a great time and enjoy SL .

 

[Sixx]

Does anyone have updated info on The Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Level Refurb? Or is there a separate thread for it?

Thanks !

 

[tinydancer312]

WDWKOOK - I just wanted to quickly say how much I admire/appreciate the work you do on the other resort threads! Your dedication to helping your fellow Disney travelers and DIS'ers is incredibly impressive.

As to your question, I had this same internal debate prior to my Feb GF trip. In the end it simply came down to one (arguably snooty) thought/fear.... I just did not want to walk out of SL every day and look up at the main building and have that "I wonder what it's like in there" feeling. I figured GF is not a place we would go that regularly in the future, so what the heck, go big or go home. Ultimately I didn't leave RPC with a lot of Disney warm/fuzzy/magic feelings (mostly due to kind of cold CMs), but there are a lot of things that RPC does very well relative to other CLs and all things considered, we really enjoyed the stay. No regrets whatsoever. I'm not sure I could justify the very large price difference every time, but for a bucket list three day stay, heck yeah.

As to the views from RPC, I had a "Main Building-Standard Room-Club Level" room with two queens (I'm not sure if this is the same or different than your Deluxe Queen, frankly the RPC room categories kind of confused me a bit). Regardless, while I was also worried about the view, turned out I really liked it! My room category meant you either had views of the courtyard pool (which I had) OR more towards the lagoon/Poly direction. Here was my view:

To the right....(note Epcot in background)
View attachment 183139

Straight ahead....
View attachment 183141

To the left....
View attachment 183142

And some other view photos.... Sunrise...
View attachment 183143

Wishes....
View attachment 183144

Couple of other reasons to stay RPC!
View attachment 183152 View attachment 183147

I gotta ask @GADisneyDad14 what is the room number you were in? That is the view I would love to have!,

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I gotta ask @GADisneyDad14 what is the room number you were in? That is the view I would love to have!,

It was 4418. Here's a floor plan, red dot is the room. I was a happy camper being just a few steps from the lounge and also on the side with the "secret" elevator. I remember writing a few picky critical comments afterwards about RPC but looking at my photos just now, I WANT TO GO BACK!!!