What no mini-bar? BC concierge let down

[TagsMissy]

Honestly Minibars are somewhat... passe now... I travel a lot for business and it's somewhat rare to have a minibar anymore and I am actually glad. I can put my own stuff in the fridge LOL I really don't see the big deal you going to the lounge to get what you want and putting it into the fridge yourself. It's only a few extra steps in a day to do so and cheaper than paying for a minibar

 

[kaytieeldr]

I travel alot for work and any hotel that has a mini-bar charges inflated prices for the items. I usually just look at the price list for laughs. A candy bar for $2.50. They probably removed them because they were not being used and they have the job of taking inventory everyday.

Nah, it's done electronically now. If you even MOVE anything, you get charged for it . The Rio in Las Vegas - at least a couple of years ago - had both a mini-bar and an empty fridge in the room/suites, along with a sign warning Guests NOT to use the mini-bar to store personal items.

 

[Haganfam5]

Honestly Minibars are somewhat... passe now... I travel a lot for business and it's somewhat rare to have a minibar anymore and I am actually glad. I can put my own stuff in the fridge LOL I really don't see the big deal you going to the lounge to get what you want and putting it into the fridge yourself. It's only a few extra steps in a day to do so and cheaper than paying for a minibar

Sorry if I sounded like I was over-reacting. I just think it was a combination of a never-ending chat conversation with the CM (in which I went in a complete circle) and the phone call that I had to call abou 23 times before I even got through.

You are all right. I am not going to let this ruin our vacation. I just didn't want to feel and look stupid taking drinks and bringing them back to our rooms. I thought that it would be rude because there is 5 of us.

 

[RMulieri]

After reading the ops posts I have to say You will probably be very disappointed.If you are expectations for Club level are as high as they seem, nothing they do will stand up and meet them.Here is some info on Club Level (aka Concierge) From allears.net
"What Is Concierge?"

"The term concierge actually dates back to the late Middle Ages and was coined by Louis XI. The role of the concierge has evolved over the years and today the goal is to "establish and maintain warm cordial relations with the guests frequenting an establishment" (International Concierge Institute).

Each hotel has its own interpretation of what exactly that means and how it is transformed into a guest experience. At Disney, you are pampered, to varying degrees, by Cast Member services and amenities. When you book concierge, you will be assigned a member of the concierge staff to assist in your vacation planning. The concierge can make priority seatings, obtain tickets for dinner shows and answer your vacation questions. The planner should contact you several weeks before your visit, either by email or telephone. This tends to be very sporadic and not a dependable feature. Your best bet it to contact the hotel's Concierge host directly.

Concierge rooms are usually located on a private floor or wing of the hotel and generally have keyed access. In other words, you wouldn't be able to just wander in on your own. Each concierge club at WDW offers a special lounge for guests. Coffee and continental breakfast is available in the mornings, snacks around the lunch hour, hors d'oeuvres and wine before dinner and dessert and cordials for early evening. The food offerings in the Concierge Lounge will not take the place of a regular meal!

If you have special dietary requests, your concierge can sometimes assist in getting you the item(s) you might need during your stay. Again, this tends to be very very sporadic depending on the resort and even the Cast Members you speak to.

The Disney hotels that offer concierge are now all the Deluxe Resorts (Beach and Yacht Club, Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk and Animal Kingdom Lodge).

Some concierge clubs offer a special treat. For instance, at the Polynesian, the lounge has floor to ceiling windows facing the Magic Kingdom's Castle. You can watch the fireworks in the comfort of big soft chairs, sipping coffee or your favorite after-dinner cordial. At the Boardwalk, the balcony provides a view of IllumiNations at Epcot. The Animal Kingdom Lodge concierge offers a special Sunrise Safari into"

 

[Haganfam5]

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!

My "HUGE" complaint is the lack of communication and rediculousness I encounted along my search for something that I thought was "included."

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. Who cares if there is 10 other people waiting for my room. Disney (un my experience) usually treats you like YOU are the only one that matters. BTW, I realy wanted to downgrade my room at that point but then I thought I better consult with my husband first! I think he agrees with everyone else, but he is a much calmer person than I am . I guess I just have nothing else to worry about when the kids are in school........

 

[Haganfam5]

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?

 

[Haganfam5]

After reading the ops posts I have to say You will probably be very disappointed.If you are expectations for Club level are as high as they seem, nothing they do will stand up and meet them.Here is some info on Club Level (aka Concierge) From allears.net
"What Is Concierge?"

"The term concierge actually dates back to the late Middle Ages and was coined by Louis XI. The role of the concierge has evolved over the years and today the goal is to "establish and maintain warm cordial relations with the guests frequenting an establishment" (International Concierge Institute).

Each hotel has its own interpretation of what exactly that means and how it is transformed into a guest experience. At Disney, you are pampered, to varying degrees, by Cast Member services and amenities. When you book concierge, you will be assigned a member of the concierge staff to assist in your vacation planning. The concierge can make priority seatings, obtain tickets for dinner shows and answer your vacation questions. The planner should contact you several weeks before your visit, either by email or telephone. This tends to be very sporadic and not a dependable feature. Your best bet it to contact the hotel's Concierge host directly.

Concierge rooms are usually located on a private floor or wing of the hotel and generally have keyed access. In other words, you wouldn't be able to just wander in on your own. Each concierge club at WDW offers a special lounge for guests. Coffee and continental breakfast is available in the mornings, snacks around the lunch hour, hors d'oeuvres and wine before dinner and dessert and cordials for early evening. The food offerings in the Concierge Lounge will not take the place of a regular meal!

If you have special dietary requests, your concierge can sometimes assist in getting you the item(s) you might need during your stay. Again, this tends to be very very sporadic depending on the resort and even the Cast Members you speak to.

The Disney hotels that offer concierge are now all the Deluxe Resorts (Beach and Yacht Club, Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk and Animal Kingdom Lodge).

Some concierge clubs offer a special treat. For instance, at the Polynesian, the lounge has floor to ceiling windows facing the Magic Kingdom's Castle. You can watch the fireworks in the comfort of big soft chairs, sipping coffee or your favorite after-dinner cordial. At the Boardwalk, the balcony provides a view of IllumiNations at Epcot. The Animal Kingdom Lodge concierge offers a special Sunrise Safari into"

Thank you for all that information. Everyone on here is so amazing and so helpfull. I wish I would have joined 2 trips ago! Is it true that the boardwalk CL doesn't measure up to the other "club levels?"

I realy don't want to be disapointed. I have never been disapointed by Disney before. They usually do everything over the top and have an amazing experience (which as soon as I can post pics I have some wonderful stories to show and tell). We just love it at the greatest place on earth .

 

[RMulieri]

Thank you for all that information. Everyone on here is so amazing and so helpfull. I wish I would have joined 2 trips ago! Is it true that the boardwalk CL doesn't measure up to the other "club levels?"

I realy don't want to be disapointed. I have never been disapointed by Disney before. They usually do everything over the top and have an amazing experience (which as soon as I can post pics I have some wonderful stories to show and tell). We just love it at the greatest place on earth .

There is also a review chart of the Club levels and how they compare check out www.allears.net Look under accomodations and then select Conceirge.There are tons of reviews and info there for you to peruse.

 

[Booyakasha]

My "HUGE" complaint is the lack of communication and rediculousness I encounted along my search for something that I thought was "included."

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. Who cares if there is 10 other people waiting for my room. Disney (un my experience) usually treats you like YOU are the only one that matters. BTW, I realy wanted to downgrade my room at that point but then I thought I better consult with my husband first! I think he agrees with everyone else, but he is a much calmer person than I am . I guess I just have nothing else to worry about when the kids are in school........

No offense but the ridiculous communication could have come from your expectation that you were going to get a refrigerator stocked with FREE beverages including alcohol. That is a completely unrealistic expectation. I don't know what you expected disney to do. I suppose you could be upset that there is no minibar. That is a legitimate gripe if it does say that in the room description. Disney did offer to sort of put one together for you so I can't find fault with Disney there but to truly expect FREE stuff stocked in your room is compleyely unreasonable and nowhere near what a minibar really is. There is no reason why Disney should do anything for you on that one.

Sorry.

B.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

First I went to tell you that we loved BC CL! The staff was sooo helpful. We had a Grand Gathering - 4 rooms. The staff did everything they could to make sure we had a wonderful time. They treated my Mom (who was celebrating her 80th birthday) like royalty. THey were even so kind to get air in the tires of my oldest dd's double stroller.

There is no problem with grabbing and extra soda or something to take back to your room. We often did this so we could have something when the lounge closed. We were in the rooms years ago when they had the mini-bars but never really utilized them - who wants to pay $10 for a can of nuts!

Just relax - I think you will just love the BC!!!!

 

[Haganfam5]

There is also a review chart of the Club levels and how they compare check out allears.net Look under accomodations and then select Conceirge.There are tons of reviews and info there for you to peruse.

Thank you! I will be sure to check that out! Again, I appreciate your help!

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Sorry if I sounded like I was over-reacting. I just think it was a combination of a never-ending chat conversation with the CM (in which I went in a complete circle) and the phone call that I had to call abou 23 times before I even got through.

You are all right. I am not going to let this ruin our vacation. I just didn't want to feel and look stupid taking drinks and bringing them back to our rooms. I thought that it would be rude because there is 5 of us.

I can completely understand why you felt the way you did. Going around in circles is never a good thing and then frustration sets in.

Don't think it would be rude for you to take drinks and goodies back to your room. This is why you pay for club level. Sometimes there isn't enough room to sit in the lounge, so we often take our stuff back to our room.

To answer your question about IPO making dining ressies for you. We have had IPO do this for us a couple of times. All the others I did it myself. I like to be in control of my stuff. Sometimes there are restaurants that no matter how hard you or IPO tries, they won't be able to get you in. If you make the ressies way ahead of time, you should have no problem getting most if not all of your dining requests. I always do the 180 day mark and we are able to get everything we want. Happy planning.

 

[Deb & Bill]

There is no problem with taking your beverages and snacks back to your room as long as you don't go overboard. You won't be the only guest on that level and they only put out so much food/beverages. Take what you need or plan to consume at that point and go back if you need additional. Just don't stock up and deprive the other guests from getting the same items.

And please watch your children. There are all sorts of stories about Concierge level guest areas where children try something (stick their fingers into the food offering, lick the spoon, etc) and put it back, contaminating the rest of the offerings.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

And please watch your children. There are all sorts of stories about Concierge level guest areas where children try something (stick their fingers into the food offering, lick the spoon, etc) and put it back, contaminating the rest of the offerings.

This is the worst part for us. We have seen this and I have said something to the parents and the CL employees. I can honestly say my son has never done this.

 

[Haganfam5]

There is no problem with taking your beverages and snacks back to your room as long as you don't go overboard. You won't be the only guest on that level and they only put out so much food/beverages. Take what you need or plan to consume at that point and go back if you need additional. Just don't stock up and deprive the other guests from getting the same items.

That is what I was thinking. We won't need to "stock up" because we are getting the dining plan and the food in the lounge will just be a compliment.

And please watch your children. There are all sorts of stories about Concierge level guest areas where children try something (stick their fingers into the food offering, lick the spoon, etc) and put it back, contaminating the rest of the offerings.

I have heard these stories and omg, that is discusting! It makes me sick to think of unsupervised children dipping fingers and licking spoons in the food . My children are well behaved and stay by us at all times. They are 5 1/2, 7 and 8 so they are not too young and they know better. Now, my 2 year old niece that would be a different story! She is into everything!!.....and no she will not be there!

Speaking of supervising children, I heard it is hard at the BC pool because of the size. Is that true? We will be with them but just to be safe do they have life vests? Do you know if you have to rent themor if they are available?

Thanks for your help!

 

[DebbieB]

When I stayed at AKV Conceirge in June, the lounge was close to our room and in the evenings it was pretty crowded so we took our stuff back to the room. The issue we had wasn't little kids but teenagers. When the stuff was brought out they filled their plates up and 2 or 3 took it all. I guess they were taking it back to their family's table but it was irritating to have to keep waiting for more to be brought out.

 

[RMulieri]

I believe the life vests are free of charge.The inner tubes are a charge though, and they do not allow tubes from home( they do allow waterwings).It is a very spread out area.We watched our DD very closely because there are very deep sections of the pool( the small lazy river is 8ft) and my dd can't swim.But we saw plenty of other older swimmers off on their own.

 

[SplashMtnCrew]

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?

IOP is the way to go, IMO. Plus your resort's IPO has its own phone number and someone answers it every time, you're not put on hold when you call IPO. You'll still be able to make adjustments to your adr's because they are yours. I believe IPO can get you adr's at certain restaurants when you otherwise might not be able to get them Each adr they made for us was within 5 minutes of the time we requested.

 

[Bella O]

Just back from our stay there. We actually were a little disappointed with BC CL as compared to Poly (only two I've stayed at w/Disney). While the CL cm's were nice, I did not find them very helpful at all. Plus there, many times you may have to take your food/drink back to your room, depending on when you're there.....we were there at a busy time and not one morning were we able to eat in the lounge. Actually, the lounge has no view and I found it to be a bit dark and depressing, I like eating in our room better. Found the food selection at the Poly better.

We liked the BC as a whole, but would not spring for CL there again.

 

[Haganfam5]

Just back from our stay there. We actually were a little disappointed with BC CL as compared to Poly (only two I've stayed at w/Disney). While the CL cm's were nice, I did not find them very helpful at all. Plus there, many times you may have to take your food/drink back to your room, depending on when you're there.....we were there at a busy time and not one morning were we able to eat in the lounge. Actually, the lounge has no view and I found it to be a bit dark and depressing, I like eating in our room better. Found the food selection at the Poly better.

We liked the BC as a whole, but would not spring for CL there again.

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.