The NEW WL FAQ (Part 5) Simbas and Tiggers and Humphreys OH MY! Part 2

[latharia]

Has anyone stayed on Concierge lately to offer any updated reviews?

I'd love to hear this, too, since I just upgraded to surprise DH this May!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Has anyone stayed on Concierge lately to offer any updated reviews?

Lisa and Latharia

Jeannie just got back from concierge this past Sunday. She'll be along soon I'm sure.

She also has some new photo's I'm waiting to see.

Beckie

 

[Renee1061]

Today is March 1st, so now I can say, "We'll be there next month"!!!! (DD and I will be there April 21-27).

 

[Taylor'sMom]

The main pool & kids pool is scheduled to be closed until March 31st. We'll be there starting the 28th. Anyone have any idea if there's a chance they'll be done before then? I'm disappointed, this will be our first stay actually on Disney property (usually stay with family) and I feel we'll be mIssing a big part of the appeal for our group (3 toddlers), plus I'm a picture-taking-nut!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

The main pool & kids pool is scheduled to be closed until March 31st. We'll be there starting the 28th. Anyone have any idea if there's a chance they'll be done before then?

Taylor'sMom

I know it's disappointing to have the pool closed and I wish we knew if it would be done before your trip but It's construction and there are so many factors that can cause delays. We should know here on the FAQ Thread as soon as it opens. I'll be at the Lodge on March 24th I'll try and take my laptop and post to let ya know while I'm there.

Beckie

 

[ransom]

Any thoughts on the WDW expansion plans that were announced today?

Am I right in my understanding that the Four Seasons part to be placed across Bay Lake from the Wilderness Lodge?

If so, do you think it'll ruin the view, and make us feel less like we're a million miles away?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I'm back with another transportation question! Sorry, I know I've read the answer to this question, but I've scanned many pages and not found it.

When I called and made an 8:05 breakfast AR for CP a couple days ago, the cm stated that we would have to enter the MK through the TTC, since our res. is before park opening. When I reminded her that I was staying at WL, and questioned her as to the accuracy of her information, she became very unsure. It was obvious that she has never been to the MK or WL, as she did not know anything about how you entered the park.

When looking at the first page of this FAQ, I noticed that there was a link that stated that the buses begin at 7 a.m. every day. Is this still accurate, even on non-EMH mornings? If so, will this be our best bet for reaching the MK @ 8:05? I saw that the boat gets to the WL @ approx. 8:20 on non-EMH days.

Thanks again for all the assistance!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Any thoughts on the WDW expansion plans that were announced today?

It's really too early to even quess they may keep the Osprey Ridge Golf Course as is and not try and build that far back off the road, as 535 would make for better/easier access to the area.

Even if they build on Bay Lake with the old Discovery Island in the middle of the lake it could be blocked. I would think it might impact Ft. Wilderness Campground more, and I'm sure they are going to try and keep that area as natural or as uncultivated as possible to keep the ambience.

Beckie

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I've scanned many pages and not found it.

When looking at the first page of this FAQ, I noticed that there was a link that stated that the buses begin at 7 a.m. every day. Is this still accurate, even on non-EMH mornings? If so, will this be our best bet for reaching the MK @ 8:05?

K&A&C'sMom
You found your answer on page 1, the buses start running around 7:00am another option would be to catch a Blue Flag Resort Boat going to the CR not Ft. Wilderness Campground (Ask the Boat Captian which resort the small boat is going to before you board) then you could either walk through the CR to the Monorail Station and ride around around. Or just walk to the Magic Kingdon from the CR, walking should take about 15 minutes from the marina at CR, this maybe quicker then waiting and riding the Monorail.

Beckie

 

[DLBDS]

We stayed on the Club Level earlier this month for the first time. Check-in was not good. We had to find somone to get us up there and then they checked us in right off the elevator instead of taking us to our room to settle in first (which I thought was standard procedure for this level). When I thought we were done and would start to turn away to go to our room, she would say "Oh, I forgot blah blah blah." I think she did that 3 times. She never asked if I wanted the express check-out (which I did) and I didn't get the itemized list of charges on my door to go over. I had to go back to the concierge desk to check-out. They were very quick with it though. It only took a minute. That said, I really enjoyed my stay there. The food was great and always fresh. We were able to pick up our P&PP tickets there instead of going to the Guest Relations window at MK. This was a huge convenience that day. They cancelled 3 dining reservations for us during our stay too. There was just so much food at the OFC that we decided to eat there and relax at the resort rather than rushing somewhere for an ADR. The CMs were polite and professional but not very friendly in a personable kinda way (if that makes any sense). There was one CM there (I can't remember her name) that I really liked. She was very friendly. I can't believe I've forgotten her name! I enjoyed the convenience of the OFC so much that I've changed our reservation to CL in Oct. You can definitely make a meal out of the food offerings here!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks again, Beckie, for your help. You are right, I did read that on a link from the first page, but wasn't sure it was still accurate.

DLBDS - Although I haven't stayed at WL before, I thought I would mention that I have stayed concierge at AKL, Poly, BWI and GF and have never once been taken to my room before checking in. Not even when we stayed in the Main building at the GF did they allow us to go to the room first. So maybe your experience at WL CL was the norm, rather than a mixup on their part. Just thought you'd want to know!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

The CMs were polite and professional but not very friendly in a personable kinda way (if that makes any sense).

WOW, Sorry I agree the the Cast members are polite and professional but the not very friendly in a personable way. I have always thought they are the friendliest group of Cast Members anywhere at WDW.

When we arrive at the gaurd station they call ahead and someone from Concierge is waiting for us to arrive at the entrance or the valet calls when we get out of the car. If you arrive Via Magical Express you should tell the bellman your checking in at concierge.

We have checked in at the desk first before being showed to our room several times.

I have never been asked rather I wanted express check-out, it has always been automatic when I leave a credit card to secure the room charges. Unless I was checking out before the statements had been delivered to the room.

Maybe the Cast Member was just having an off-day, or for some reason by herself. It could/does happen.

Beckie

 

[DLBDS]

DLBDS - Although I haven't stayed at WL before, I thought I would mention that I have stayed concierge at AKL, Poly, BWI and GF and have never once been taken to my room before checking in. Not even when we stayed in the Main building at the GF did they allow us to go to the room first. So maybe your experience at WL CL was the norm, rather than a mixup on their part. Just thought you'd want to know!

That's good to know but I got my info straight from Beckie on the 1st page of this thread:


When you arrive, if your room is ready they may show you directly to your room to freshen up and get settled in...before going back and checking in.

"They may" being the key phrase, I guess. I swear I read here where others were shown to their room before checking in but I can't provide an example here. I would have to hunt for something and that could take forever. Has anyone bypassed check-in on the CL upon arrival and then gone back after settling in?

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Has anyone bypassed check-in on the CL upon arrival and then gone back after settling in?

Yes I have also been shown to my room before checking-in at the desk. You did read it you are correct, but it would depend on the staff that's available at the time you check-in.

Beckie

 

[DLBDS]

WOW, Sorry I agree the the Cast members are polite and professional but the not very friendly in a personable way. I have always thought they are the friendliest group of Cast Members anywhere at WDW.

When we arrive at the gaurd station they call ahead and someone from Concierge is waiting for us to arrive at the entrance or the valet calls when we get out of the car. If you arrive Via Magical Express you should tell the bellman your checking in at concierge.

We have checked in at the desk first before being showed to our room several times.

I have never been asked rather I wanted express check-out, it has always been automatic when I leave a credit card to secure the room charges. Unless I was checking out before the statements had been delivered to the room.

Maybe the Cast Member was just having an off-day, or for some reason by herself. It could/does happen.

Beckie

I assumed this too. However, I was indeed asked when we went in Nov/Dec. We were staying Courtyard though that time. I kept checking the door handle before we were ready to leave and there was nothing. I made it a point to check other room doors as I walked up the hallway and I saw 2 with the check-out envelopes hanging from the door handles.

This was my first time on the CL. I now know how it all works and I expect a completely different experience next time.

The CM wasn't alone. There were 2 of them but she was the one handling our check-in. She didn't seem like she was a newbie just a bit, well, "distracted" seems like a good word to use.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Funny story one morning while we where staying at the Grand Floridian, a family was checking out, the young child was following his parents down the hallway...taking every express check-out statement as he went pass. Just as I was going to say something the mother saw him and they walked back down the hall with the little boy placing all the envlopes back on the correct doors.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

That's good to know but I got my info straight from Beckie on the 1st page of this thread:

So sorry, I didn't mean to give out erroneous info. I just thought I would mention that I've stayed concierge level at other resorts and never been shown to my room prior to check-in, or even offered that option. As I've never stayed at WL before, I did not know it was the norm there. Hope I did not offend.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

So sorry, I didn't mean to give out erroneous info.

K&A&C'sMom
In no way did you post erroneous information, you posted your experiences with other Disney concierge staff. I have never stayed at anyother Club Level so it's good to know.

I'm the one responsable for DLBDS being disapointed with her concierge check-in because I posted:

When you arrive, if your room is ready they may show you directly to your room to freshen up and get settled in...before going back and checking in. If your room isn't ready you may still check-in and enjoy the lounge and food offerings.

I thought all the resorts did this. I'm just sorry the the check-in process didn't go smooth for DLBDS. Concierge is all about the small personal things that the Cast Members do and I believe it did effect her trip.

But she doesn't seem to be type that let's anything or one come between her and a GREAT time at WDW or the Lodge. She's a pro now.

Beckie

 

[Taylor'sMom]

Taylor'sMom

I know it's disappointing to have the pool closed and I wish we knew if it would be done before your trip but It's construction and there are so many factors that can cause delays. We should know here on the FAQ Thread as soon as it opens. I'll be at the Lodge on March 24th I'll try and take my laptop and post to let ya know while I'm there.

Beckie

Thanks Beckie! I'm actually an architect so I know all too well about construction and delays! But I'm sure you can also understand why that also means I would really appreciate the WL in it's breathtaking entirety! I was just hoping maybe a WL Vet had been there this week or last and heard that they were ahead of schedule. Wishful thinking I'm sure! Thanks for your response though!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Your in luck, because someone posted a new thread last night of the construction site with photo's.

Beckie

I put 10 or so photos up at www.denisesfitnessblog.org/disney - they will only be up a week or so, then I'll remove them. (they hopefully will be obselete, I'd like to see them getting the pool up and running soon!)

I took them a few hours ago.