What no mini-bar? BC concierge let down

[Deb & Bill]

I think I have read some of your other posts. I have been second guessing myself over and over. Especially after reading that you didn't think it was worth the money. The family is sold on the pool area but I was also thinking of the cabins. They seem to give you the most space for your money and a full-size fridge that you can stock yourself. I don't know, I have never been there either.

If you think the cabins are nice, try the DVC villas. One or two bedroom should work nice for you. You could stay at the BCV villas and use SAB.

 

[Haganfam5]

If you think the cabins are nice, try the DVC villas. One or two bedroom should work nice for you. You could stay at the BCV villas and use SAB.

WOW, that's sounds like a great idea!

I just tried to search them and either they are not available or they are not a part of the 4/3 deal. That's the only way we would be able to swing it. We already have our flight booked so I am set with our time frame. I will look into them for next time though. Thanks!


It is snowing like crazy here in upstate New York! I love to be snowed in!.....well, maybe just for one day!-for the 5 of us!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I have never stayed at anything deluxe or club level before so I guess I thought it was just one of those extra things. Also, I don't think it was rude to agree to a downgrade, I think it is not good business practice.

But what did you expect the reservationist to do? As someone pointed out above, that person has no authority to promise you anything, or to negotiate with you, or appease you by claiming that "Well, okay, just this once we will create a mini-bar for your resort room, please don't change your reservation." That person did what they COULD do when you threatened to cancel your club-level room and change to a non-Concierge reservation: they offered to MAKE THAT CHANGE FOR YOU.

 

[Haganfam5]

But what did you expect the reservationist to do? As someone pointed out above, that person has no authority to promise you anything, or to negotiate with you, or appease you by claiming that "Well, okay, just this once we will create a mini-bar for your resort room, please don't change your reservation." That person did what they COULD do when you threatened to cancel your club-level room and change to a non-Concierge reservation: they offered to MAKE THAT CHANGE FOR YOU.

I think the point is, I wasn't asking anyone to "create" something for me that I thought I was already paying for in the package. When I said I was going to go down to a standard room, I WAS (at that point I was pretty frustrated after being put on hold 3 times and feeling that I wasn't getting anywhere). I guess it was just my reaction to being told that they don't honor things that shouldn't be on there reservation description. I just thought I better talk to my husband first . It wasn't a threat, I just was kind of surprised at the quick response.



Looking back now, I see that I over-reacted. I probably would not want to spend the money on the over-priced items anyway!

They realy need to do something about fixing the out-dated descriptions. The CM also pointed out to me that it says "non-smoking" rooms available. All the rooms are non-smoking at Disney....and for how long now? How hard it is to change that?

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Has anyone had experience with the IPO booking dinners for you? I was also told by the CM on the phone that "they have a way of getting you into things that might already be booked to everyone else." I am a huge anal-retentive planner (as you can probably tell) and I usually book everything myself as soon as the time window allows. Should I just do that anyway, or is it worth putting my reservations in someone elses hands? I am not sure if I would be better off waiting for them or not?

I'm staying at the Polynesian in Club Level for 5 nights in Sept 2009. I emailed the Poly IPO and they got back to me within 48 hours. The IPO will send you a form to fill out, basic info, when you are arriving (time of day) and then a list of ADRs....they will make all ADRs for you at the 90 day mark (which is the new booking window) and they will also book dinner shows, fireworks cruises etc.

They do advise that if you are making any ADRs that require a credit card hold that you call them directly to give CC info, as it should not be done over email.

I'm an anal-retentive planner too but for once I'm relieved to have someone else take care of my ADR hassles! I change my mind so many times I bet my IPO is going to want to kill me LOL

 

[kaytieeldr]

And you are discovering that, despite the money they have and the talent to which they have access, the Disney website relatively stinks!

Both your points about outdated information are excellent; I suppose, technically, "non-smoking rooms available" can be considered accurate (although somewhat pointless ), given that no other type of room is available.

But it will be interesting to see how long it takes the site administrators to update the mini-bar misinformation.

I'm in for May, 2011. Anyone else?

Seriously - that site could be, and work, SO much better than it is and does. You're better off asking here FIRST - and as much as I love the DIS, an unofficial site should not be more reliable and work better than a business's own site.

 

[Haganfam5]

I love May in Disney. It is one of the best times to go I think. We went the week of May 15, 2005 and we had many of the streets to ourselves! That never has happened during the other times we have went. As Memorial Day weekend approached it became increasingly busier. We have to take the kids out of school but we get their work ahead of time. I can't wait!!

 

[Karlzmom]

I'm staying at the Polynesian in Club Level for 5 nights in Sept 2009. I emailed the Poly IPO and they got back to me within 48 hours. The IPO will send you a form to fill out, basic info, when you are arriving (time of day) and then a list of ADRs....they will make all ADRs for you at the 90 day mark (which is the new booking window) and they will also book dinner shows, fireworks cruises etc.

They do advise that if you are making any ADRs that require a credit card hold that you call them directly to give CC info, as it should not be done over email.

I'm an anal-retentive planner too but for once I'm relieved to have someone else take care of my ADR hassles! I change my mind so many times I bet my IPO is going to want to kill me LOL

When does the IPO send this form? I contacted the YC IPO & go a quick "Hi" back [misspelled my name, of course ] but no form to start putting the plan together....I do have some time before my 90 window but think that my requests need to be in before then, correct?

 

[vicki_c]

I made our June Poly CL reservation on 11/6 and had a note from the IPO office on 11/16 (I just checked my e-mails to see how long it took).

Had Disney kept the ADRs at 180, they would have been making my reservations in December, and were e-mailing the paperwork and asking what ADRs I wanted. Of course, now the ADRs can't be made until March anyway, so I haven't sent them anything yet.

If you're getting close to your 90 days and haven't heard from them, I would send an e-mail to your resort IPO office. Most of the resort FAQ threads have those e-mail addresses in them.

 

[eliza61]

Wow. You're not big drinkers and only want a few sodas and juices, yet this is a "HUGE" complaint?
And you think Disney is "making such a big deal about a little thing"?
And you think it's rude that when you asked to be downgraded to a standard room, the CM complied with your request?
Sounds more like you are the one over-reacting and making the big deal.
Relax, and don't let a few juice boxes come between you and a great vacation!

I thought the same thing.
Op, I'm not sure I understand the problem. Do you or don't you want the mini bar and you asked to be downgraded and they did it. So tell me again why you're mad at Disney?

 

[Bella O]

Hagenfam5,

I hope I haven't been too negative about my reviews. We had a split stay - BC cl first, followed by the Poly CL stay. We really did like BC, and your kids will love SB. I do think the Villas would be great for you (we are a family of five and had originally booked a villa), but you can't beat that 4/3 deal. And we felt the club was fine, just not, well special. But that's just me, and we were there the busiest time of the year. There are many that had a great experience - I'm sure you will all have a great stay!

 

[DebbieB]

I think the point is, I wasn't asking anyone to "create" something for me that I thought I was already paying for in the package. When I said I was going to go down to a standard room, I WAS (at that point I was pretty frustrated after being put on hold 3 times and feeling that I wasn't getting anywhere). I guess it was just my reaction to being told that they don't honor things that shouldn't be on there reservation description. I just thought I better talk to my husband first . It wasn't a threat, I just was kind of surprised at the quick response.

Didn't they offer to stock the mini-bar for you? I don't think the information ever said "complimentary mini-bar", you assumed it was complimentary. Even when they had them, they were not complimentary. My guess is most people preferred the empty fridge rather than a stocked mini-bar that they did not use. So it was easier to stock it as requested.

 

[DisneyMim]

My daughter and I stayed BC club level this last August and had a wonderful time. I will add that we prefer Poly CL, but we had a really magical "girl's only" trip to the BC. Yes the lounge is pretty small. We were there a week and I would say that about half the time we brought our food and drinks back to our room to enjoy out on our balcony. We did this at the Poly at times also and nobody every said we couldn't do it. We were on the dining plan so club level stuff was just "extras" as they are supposed to be, not a whole meal, so I never once felt like I was overdoing it with food/drinks, although I did see some people doing just that, and to me it just isn't right. Now as for the concierge staff being able to get you whatever ressies you want.....not anymore. I remember past years getting ressies at the last minute, but not this last trip. My daughter and I had already made all of our ressies ourselves way before our trip, but I overheard other guests asking the staff if they could make dinner ressies and the staff would look on the computer just like any other staff member would do and most times the guests were told no. I think it's getting harder and harder to make last minute ressies and even the concierge staff is not longer doing it. I could be wrong and it could work for you, but I would make mine in advance, just to be sure.

ENJOY!!

 

[kirbsam]

back to op. you asked to be downgraded, they called your bluff and you decided not to? sounds like you were hoping they would cave. hope you are not planning to play poker for money anytime soon. that part of your post had me laughing out loud.

 

[Deb & Bill]

From what I read, the OP had a misunderstanding with CRO that is now straightened out. And she has realized that, so I don't think anyone needs to harp on the original post anymore.

 

[Haganfam5]

From what I read, the OP had a misunderstanding with CRO that is now straightened out. And she has realized that, so I don't think anyone needs to harp on the original post anymore.

Thank you Deb & Bill. I cannot believe how negative these people are being-almost snobbish. I did mention that I never stayed club level before. I have also said that I was over-reacting and you are right it is a big mis-understanding. I wish I could delete all of this because these people are making me feel so small. Thanks again for your support!

 

[Haganfam5]

back to op. you asked to be downgraded, they called your bluff and you decided not to? sounds like you were hoping they would cave. hope you are not planning to play poker for money anytime soon. that part of your post had me laughing out loud.

Why do you people read into my words so much? I didn't want them to cave into anything. It just made me feel un-important. Good business is not poker!

I am done with this post. I cannot believe how rude people can be here. I was looking for support and experiences not insults!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Enjoy your stay, Hagan Family. You'll love the BC.

 

[TagsMissy]

From what I read, the OP had a misunderstanding with CRO that is now straightened out. And she has realized that, so I don't think anyone needs to harp on the original post anymore.

I fully agree. The OP has said thinking back there was some confusion/overreaction. We need to move forward to helping the OP with any further questions to help make their trip enjoyable! (LOL Not that I've stayed in concierge or the hotel OP is staying at so I am little to no help in that respect hehehe.)

 

[RMulieri]

WOW, that's sounds like a great idea!

I just tried to search them and either they are not available or they are not a part of the 4/3 deal. That's the only way we would be able to swing it. We already have our flight booked so I am set with our time frame. I will look into them for next time though. Thanks!


It is snowing like crazy here in upstate New York! I love to be snowed in!.....well, maybe just for one day!-for the 5 of us!

The Villas are not always included in the discount promos.I don'
t think they are in the 4/3.I know with the current 40% only the studios were allowed at the BCv.So it may be they are not allowed with the promo, or they are simply not available.BCv are EXTREMELY popular with the DVC members so in peak times there is often no regular CRO cash reservation rooms available.