just back from at full week at YC. We stayed numerous times prior to covid and this was our first Club level trip since reopening.
We arrived last Sunday morning and checking in was a mess, IMO. There was a CM greeting and beginning the CL check in process for a large group in front of the globe. I didn't want to interrupt so I got in a very long front desk line. In hindsight I should have just tried my MB first in the elevator but the line was so long I wanted to get my spot. When we were finally helped, the front desk had to call the 5th floor and tried numerous times and never got an answer. She finally just said she would escort us up since it was taking so long. Once upstairs it went fine. We were not offered a welcome drink/mimosa, etc. Not even told about drink options. At this point it was 11:00 so maybe too soon?
Three days of food selections on rotation. Never saw a chef's station or anything special on Sundays. We were very impressed with the breakfast options as opposed to pre covid. They've definitely stepped up the hot options, but we missed the cereal options (now just boxed cereal with whatever in stock) and fresh berries. The berries are different likely due to a vendor change. I used to take a massive plate of fresh, delicious fruit for breakfast and a snack later in the day. This time, they didn't even taste good. CM said the supply chain is limiting options. Dinner/Appetizers had expanded options as well. I was told the new chefs are responsible for the changes. We never saw a shortage of food. If something was decimated, CM supplied more.
Snacks were definitely disappointing (not that YC (or BC) ever really had any real selection) but there was variety. But you also could not rely on it. One day salt and vinegar chips, the next BBQ, one day Jays, the next Staci's. All seemed random and what in stock. Pastries were breakfast leftovers so once those disappeared they were gone. It felt that way with the chips as well.
Desserts seemed better than the past as well since there were more specialty options each night.
Housekeeping was amazing this trip. We've had fine over the years and only a few bad experiences. This time is was actually noteworthy. They were all so sincerely friendly, and clearly took pride in their roles. So so friendly. May have been inconsistent on when the room was clean but it was always perfectly finished and restocked.
Miss infused water, hand made chips and dip, Storm along bay punch. I thought the coffee was horrible and the Nespresso machine was having issues half the week.
M-F staff was amazing and all the returning, senior CMs. Sunday had amazing staff as well. Saturday seemed a little off.
Honestly, we were disappointed by the lack of Disney pixie dust this trip. We were celebrating my birthday (week before we arrived) and my DS's (three weeks earlier). I don't think we've had one trip where we didn't get a little something to our room during our CL stays. One year, when we were newlyweds they sent chocolate dipped strawberries, another time milk and cookies when my DS had just gotten his tonsils out, one year he got a stuffed animal for no reason, mother's day we had a selection of chocolates, another trip we were sent different desserts. Just small acknowledgements. This trip with two birthdays, they said happy birthday on the tv welcome screen. I had one CM come up to me at breakfast one day and verified it was my birthday trip and just say okay and walked away. Even my DH who could care less said numerous times he was surprised at the absolute nothing. not even a cupcake to the room. I know there are covid protocols still but they easily could have gotten a package treat from the marketplace, especially for an 8 year old.
The other real issue that rubbed me wrong was the lack of consistency (not the right word). I had a conversation with two different Club CM about running low on Advil/taking the last one. One said to go to the gift shop and the other said they could get me ice. Our last night, I mentioned I spaced out my Advil so I could do HS that day and the manager immediately, without hesitation said let me get you more and opened the closet behind the desk and grabbed some. WHAT? The CMs I talked to had it the whole time.
Same for the water bottles. I had no idea that I could get a water bottle to refill the entire week we were there. The same Saturday night manager our last night was getting them for people all evening. Definitely would have come in handy the whole week.
TIPPING - I witnessed a CM Saturday night accept what was definitely a massive tip. A group of 8 -10 hung out the the lounge during desserts to watch the basketball tournament. The mom offered a tip, the CM turned it down - against policy/not allowed - the mom said take it, the CM said no a second time, the mom said no one will know just take it and the CM said okay between us. I was appalled. I did not report it for various reasons but am still tempted to do so.