EXPIRED: Part ONE of 2015 CLUB LEVEL (CL) INFORMATION and HELP Thread DO NOT POST HERE!!!

[gwynne]

I've only given cash to mousekeepers, I've never attempted to give cash to club level CMs either at the desk or in the lounge because I was always told they could be terminated if caught accepting cash. Is this a new policy change?

If lounge CMs are allowed to accept cash I would definitely like to get the first page updated to reflect that information. However I can see where this could cause confusion because in many of the club levels the CMs crossover between working the desk and serving the lounge. Sometimes even both at the same time (especially at the BWI CL). So I'm not sure how a person would be able to distinguish who is strictly working with food service???

Anyone else experience this????

Tipping housekeepers is fine, and always has been.

On the other hand, I have heard many times (from folks whom I trust) tipping CM's with cash is a no-no. I would never do it. I wouldn't want to cause a situation where I got someone in serious trouble.

Little gifts, candy cookies, etc have always been fine.

 

[bama belle]

Teena just announced over on the YC/BC FAQ that the brand new freshly remodeled and expanded lounge at the Beach Club opens tomorrow morning at 7:00 AM!!!!! She says it's huge!!!!!!

How exciting!! Can't wait to see pictures of it!

 

[The Sunrise Student]

Tipping housekeepers is fine, and always has been.

On the other hand, I have heard many times (from folks whom I trust) tipping CM's with cash is a no-no. I would never do it. I wouldn't want to cause a situation where I got someone in serious trouble.

Little gifts, candy cookies, etc have always been fine.

I have heard the same thing, and was shocked... especially when cruise lines and other hotels are very very tip orientated service. BUT I have also heard if you insist on tipping a CM they have to take it and give it to their manager (or they get fired), and then the manager keep the money in a pot and when there is enough collected gets the whole CM staff at that area pizza or goodies with it.

So what types of goodies or gifts to IPO staff and Club Level CMs would you suggest? I mean they are around awesome food all the time so I would think that would be boring to get them food goodies. I was thinking of sending some thank you flowers to the IPO office if I have them do alot for me after the trip was over to show I appreciated their efforts but as for anything else to do for them I am at a loss. The only other thing I could think of is figure out who the manager is of the site and make sure I send a letter/card and call out CMs and IPO staff that were awesome and hope they get some type of kudos from management for it.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

We did not stay CL, but the one time we did a split stay (and you're right, it takes something out of you, so we've not done it since, but we're going to try it June 2015)

First resort - Pop, one night, we called, they came got our luggage, and we went to parks.

2nd resort - BWV - our luggage was held up in Baggage claim due to shortage of staff, we were in the parks, and I would call, so I knew our luggage was at BWV. it took numerous calls before we got our luggage before midnight When we left this resort we had to be in the room for them to take our luggage (but not at pop? I'm sure its changed since then)

3rd resort - WL (not CL) we took a bus over, I think we had an ADR, and after the ADR we went to WL, I'm pretty sure I had groceries - it again took forever - but since I had groceries I kept on it - I went down to the regular concierge and asked, and they had been assured it would come, he finally got on the phone and said he'd drive down and get our luggage! WL was great, I wasn't impressed with BWV (and yes, we tipped them per baggage as we do at Ohare airport)

I'm not sure but we may take a cab, we will be transferring from WL CL to BCV this time. I should've planned better, to do more commando things at BCV area and then relax at WLCL, I may still be able to move things around....

WOW, this seems like alot of work to change resorts... I don't know... maybe after a few more times a Disney I might try it, but for this trip I think I am sticking to AKL CL... If I need to be busy, and the resort starts to bore me there are 4 perfectly good amusement parks close by

 

[The Sunrise Student]

We have done 2 split stays. One time we had a cab pick us up from one resort and take us and our bags to the other.

Another time we dropped all our bags at bell services and let them transfer them to the hotel while we left for Epcot on a Disney bus. After lunch we went to the hotel to check in.

It doesn't really take a lot of time, but I find it a bit disruptive to have to collect our things from the room, and then have to unpack again.

I travel with 5 so it's more chaotic. Probably easier for a couple.

Eastern with all our costuming gear for us to continue to pack and unpack would be murder as well! So it might be just the two of us but I completely understand!

 

[bookluvingbabe]

Hi! We (well really just me) are pondering a split stay All Star Sports/Wilderness Lodge CL stay right before Christmas.

Pros: We had a terrible trip to POR in August and I think a little Club Level pampering would be nice.

I'll be traveling solo with DS (7) and having the lounge, snacks and wine at my disposal would also be a treat.

This is our 3rd trip in 2014 and usually after 2-3 days of hard going in the park, we need more down time.

Cons: Goodness gracious, it is insanely expensive. Even with an AP discount and picking WL CL over other resorts. We had toyed with the idea of another long weekend before the AP's expired and I'd effectively be using that money to stay Club Level.

The other option would be to split the difference and just stay in a Woods Room at WL but that just doesn't sound as appealing.

But I had questions after trying to read much, but not all, of this thread.

1) If we aren't leaving until 6 pm on MDE, we can vacate our room, stow our bags with bell services and still access the lounge, right?

2) Since we are so close, would the IPO still be able to check for a few lingering ADRs that I'm pondering?

3) Is there any protein in the breakfasts? Or is it just a light breakfast? DS needs a good protein base in the mornings and I had planned to order groceries--cold cuts and yogurt--to have in the room but if we could get decent food in the lounge, I could skip it.

Thanks!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hi! We (well really just me) are pondering a split stay All Star Sports/Wilderness Lodge CL stay right before Christmas.

Pros: We had a terrible trip to POR in August and I think a little Club Level pampering would be nice.

I'll be traveling solo with DS (7) and having the lounge, snacks and wine at my disposal would also be a treat.

This is our 3rd trip in 2014 and usually after 2-3 days of hard going in the park, we need more down time.

Cons: Goodness gracious, it is insanely expensive. Even with an AP discount and picking WL CL over other resorts. We had toyed with the idea of another long weekend before the AP's expired and I'd effectively be using that money to stay Club Level.

The other option would be to split the difference and just stay in a Woods Room at WL but that just doesn't sound as appealing.

But I had questions after trying to read much, but not all, of this thread.

1) If we aren't leaving until 6 pm on MDE, we can vacate our room, stow our bags with bell services and still access the lounge, right?

2) Since we are so close, would the IPO still be able to check for a few lingering ADRs that I'm pondering?

3) Is there any protein in the breakfasts? Or is it just a light breakfast? DS needs a good protein base in the mornings and I had planned to order groceries--cold cuts and yogurt--to have in the room but if we could get decent food in the lounge, I could skip it.

Thanks!

Everyone deserves some extra pampering sometimes! I say go for it! You will love the convenience and ease of club level, and WL CL at Christmas time couldn't be more perfect. To answer your questions...

1. Yes you can continue to access the lounge after the 11:00 AM checkout time for snacks, drinks, etc, up until your scheduled departure to the airport. That is a great perk we've taken advantage of many times.

2. Yes IPO can help you with dining now, or anytime before or during your vacation. Often times I will have them help me last minute, and even day-of reservation openings. That's what they are there for! We were on the waiting list for BOG last March and they were able to find us an opening about 3 days before our trip. Definitely utilize them.

3. You'll find a lot of variety at breakfast. Fruits, different bread items like bagels, muffins, croissants, as well as several cereals, yogurt and delicious hot oatmeal with all the fixins. We always find plenty to eat in the mornings.

Enjoy your planning and maybe I'll see you there! We'll be at WL CL 12/19-12/26.

 

[jenngaldiz]

Quick question. Does anyone have any room suggestions for WL CL? Will be there 12/12-20 for DH 40th birthday and want to give him the best room possible. We have a standard club room. Oh yeah one more thing. We reserved our room about two weeks ago and are 72 days out haven't heard from the lodge staff at all. Do they only do this for guests who are around the 180 day mark? Thanks

 

[gwynne]

Quick question. Does anyone have any room suggestions for WL CL? Will be there 12/12-20 for DH 40th birthday and want to give him the best room possible. We have a standard club room. Oh yeah one more thing. We reserved our room about two weeks ago and are 72 days out haven't heard from the lodge staff at all. Do they only do this for guests who are around the 180 day mark? Thanks

Sounds like you're planning a great celebration.

I usually just send the IPO an email when we book. On the subject line, include your last name, and reservation number. It's a nice way to introduce yourself and get the ball rolling.

Wilderness.Lodge.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com


You can also call them. I spoke with the WL CL folks today, they were very nice.
Here's the WL IPO phone # (only for those with an active reservation)
407.934.5348

You might get some good suggestions for room requests on the Wilderness Lodge thread. Lots of great information there!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3292974

 

[jenngaldiz]

Thank you so very much for all your help. I will try to send them am email. I will also try again on the wilderness page. Tried once and didn't get anywhere. I think everyone is all caught up with the pool construction. Thanks again!

 

[gwynne]

Thank you so very much for all your help. I will try to send them am email. I will also try again on the wilderness page. Tried once and didn't get anywhere. I think everyone is all caught up with the pool construction. Thanks again!

Glad I could help! We are staying in the Old Faithful Club next month for several days. I'm happy to answer any q's when I return.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Hi! We (well really just me) are pondering a split stay All Star Sports/Wilderness Lodge CL stay right before Christmas.

Pros: We had a terrible trip to POR in August and I think a little Club Level pampering would be nice.

I'll be traveling solo with DS (7) and having the lounge, snacks and wine at my disposal would also be a treat.

This is our 3rd trip in 2014 and usually after 2-3 days of hard going in the park, we need more down time.

Cons: Goodness gracious, it is insanely expensive. Even with an AP discount and picking WL CL over other resorts. We had toyed with the idea of another long weekend before the AP's expired and I'd effectively be using that money to stay Club Level.

The other option would be to split the difference and just stay in a Woods Room at WL but that just doesn't sound as appealing.

But I had questions after trying to read much, but not all, of this thread.

1Thanks!

1- you can access the lounge until 10pm the day you check out - AND - first thing in the morning on the day you check IN.
2. Yes.
3. Depends slightly. All have yogurt, but not top quality yogurt. No Greek yogurt, mostly Dannon. some low sugar/diet, some high sugar. Most CL's have oatmeal as stated above. A few CL's have (or had) boiled eggs - look at the start of the thread. Only GF has turkey/ham in the am.

You are always allowed to take food to your room. In the afternoons, meatballs are sometimes offered. Always cheese. You could certainly stow some of those in your fridge to eat the next morning. All C's have milk in the am.

If you want something like a classic breakfast platter- then you won't get that on CL. You are however, allowed to bring food from the QS up to the lounge. sometimes one person in our family will run down and grab some eggs, then we get all else in the lounge.

Again- look at the opening of this thread and individual threads on each resort for lots of pictures of the food.

 

[HelenParr]

I like to make my own ADRs, and almost never use IPO for that. I've noticed in past trips that IPO wants me to send my self made itinerary in case they need to assist me. A reasonable request from them.

While I got the usual intro IPO note at this time -- I did not get the follow up request. for my plans. I'm guessing that's because they able to access my MDX and therefore do not need me to write out my plans (which would be fine with me). Or if I want them to know I should still send a note?

TIA

 

[gwynne]

I like to make my own ADRs, and almost never use IPO for that. I've noticed in past trips that IPO wants me to send my self made itinerary in case they need to assist me. A reasonable request from them.

While I got the usual intro IPO note at this time -- I did not get the follow up request. for my plans. I'm guessing that's because they able to access my MDX and therefore do not need me to write out my plans (which would be fine with me). Or if I want them to know I should still send a note?

TIA

The IPO should be able to see your dining reservations. You can always ask them, though. I generally don't send in the long itinerary. It's easier for me to just draft an email with basics such as how we are arriving, aprox time, our aprox departure time, and any other pertinent details.
Hope this helps.

 

[HelenParr]

The IPO should be able to see your dining reservations. You can always ask them, though. I generally don't send in the long itinerary. It's easier for me to just draft an email with basics such as how we are arriving, aprox time, our aprox departure time, and any other pertinent details.
Hope this helps.

Very helpful, thanks! I started preparing an email with the basic info, and then got the note from them after all.

 

[pas130]

Glad I could help! We are staying in the Old Faithful Club next month for several days. I'm happy to answer any q's when I return.

Oooooo popping in to congratulate you Ginny on your latest change...LOVE WL

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Quick question. Does anyone have any room suggestions for WL CL? We reserved our room about two weeks ago and are 72 days out haven't heard from the lodge staff at all. Do they only do this for guests who are around the 180 day mark? Thanks

The resorts tend to send out emails when guests are around day 200 to 190. Often, they catch later bookings, but not always right away. So if you booked under the 180 day mark, then yes, send them an email.

You could also look yourself, if you desire. Sometimes under the 180 day mark, that is easiest. Only because your first choice might be taken....and then you need to make a judgment call...Say you want Cali Grill at 7pm, but only 5pm is available. Do you take the 5pm, or shoot for 7pm somewhere else?

As for room selection, I can't help much there. When we stayed CL, we didn't make any requests. I would have been fine with anything. We had a great room: close to the lounge, courtyard view. I'd also have been happy with a dumpster view- if it meant facing MK and a partial view of the fireworks. (No WL rooms = the Wishes view that the monorail resorts have). For us, convenience always trumps view quality. If I make any request it is simply to be near the lounge or elevator. A nice view is a bonus!

 

[jenngaldiz]

The resorts tend to send out emails when guests are around day 200 to 190. Often, they catch later bookings, but not always right away. So if you booked under the 180 day mark, then yes, send them an email. You could also look yourself, if you desire. Sometimes under the 180 day mark, that is easiest. Only because your first choice might be taken....and then you need to make a judgment call...Say you want Cali Grill at 7pm, but only 5pm is available. Do you take the 5pm, or shoot for 7pm somewhere else? As for room selection, I can't help much there. When we stayed CL, we didn't make any requests. I would have been fine with anything. We had a great room: close to the lounge, courtyard view. I'd also have been happy with a dumpster view- if it meant facing MK and a partial view of the fireworks. (No WL rooms = the Wishes view that the monorail resorts have). For us, convenience always trumps view quality. If I make any request it is simply to be near the lounge or elevator. A nice view is a bonus!

Thank you so much! I called them and they are working on it for us.

I agree with you as far as convince. I'll look and see if I can find what rooms those would be.
Thanks again.

 

[gwynne]

Oooooo popping in to congratulate you Ginny on your latest change...LOVE WL

Thanks pas!

 

[SharonLowe]

So, I made a CL reservation at the Contemporary (1 room and a 2BR suite) in early August. Our dates are April 19-25, 2015. IPO has yet to contact us and our 180 day mark is October 3. I typically make our own ADRs so not that big of a deal but I am a bit upset that we have not been contacted given the amount of money we will be spending on our rooms alone. I'm using this as a test though to see how long it takes them to contact me. However, if they don't contact us by next week, I will email them with a bit of a complaint that no one bothered to contact me. This trip is for my son's 30th birthday and I want it to be special but I hate to have to chase IPO - it is their job to contact me and help me in any way needed.