We just returned from our trip and all I can say is...WOW!!! We had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the YC CL. We were there for 2 nights before and 2 nights after a 4 night Disney Dream cruise.
My inlaws were with us and had never stayed on property before, and hadn't been to WDW in 20 years. Our twin boys (age13) were looking forward to showing their grandparents the ropes (we've gone pretty much once a year since they were 8). We stayed CL at the Grand Floridian, and as many of you know, once you have stayed CL, you can't look back!
I really hoped we'd check in on the 5th floor but they were very busy. I was hoping to ramp up the surprise of CL for my inlaws. Still, check in was quick and friendly. We were then taken upstairs and warmly welcomed by the lovely CL concierges. They were amazing! We had connecting rooms 5178 and 5180...although right over the entrance and the view was the entry and parking lot, it really was quite attractive, lots of light. And the best part? Well, our rooms plus 2 others share the balcony that is above the entranceway so it is a HUGE area...just perfect for a group of 6 to spread out on for drinks in the evening! We saw our neighbours only once, and everyone was friendly. We enjoyed watching the buses arrive etc. Noise was not a problem. We'd had an early start and my gang collapsed into bed early. And at 10:00 I had my special surprise...I could watch Wishes far in the distance! I knew it was going to be a great trip.
The lounge staff were incredible. One of our children has a physical disability and finds the lounges tough to get around. With that amazing balcony, he preferred to stay in the room or on the balcony. The ladies were wuick to help with a tray etc, much appreciated! The food offerings were good and to everyone's taste, always plentiful and quickly replenished.
We returned after the cruise for another 2 nights, had a OK but not stellar water view in rooms 5149/5151. I knew we would have seen Illuminations from that view but, thanks to slow seating at the Rose & Crown on Friday night, we ended up with a terrific view right in the park! Loved being able to see around the Boardwalk at night, and drawn to the view of Stormalong Bay.
We had a late flight out on Saturday and the CL staff (concierge and lounge) made it clear that we were welcome to use the facilities as long as we wanted. And we did! Our son with cerebral palsy was really whacked from the sun and heat of the day and they kindly let me stay with him in the lounge while it was closed to set up for evening appetizers. It was probably the most relaxed hour of the vacation! I was pleased that one of the CL managers came through so I was able to pass along my positive feedback.
And now...I must also apologize for being utterly confused just before we left. I read the posts about the jib sllide being closed and read the dates wrong, thought it was closed while we were there etc. Thanks for not slamming me...put it down to last minute frenzy! We enjoyed great fun at Stormalong Bay. Yes, the "wall" dividing the pool is still in place and I'd prefer to not have to get out of the pool to move sections (especially the first time when I did not yet have my bearings and walked...in my bathing suit...at age frumpy 50...right past the afternoon crowds at Beaches and Cream...mortifying, please just let me jump back in the water!). But this was a minor detail.
We have had the pleasure of enjoying 5 CL experiences: Grand Floridian both Royal Palm Club and Sugarloaf, Polynesian, Beach Club and now the Yacht Club. We've enjoyed them all and the Epcot locations are definitely favourites in our family (but you always have a soft spot for your first visit and that was GF RPC for us) - last year at the Beack Club was great and probably the only problem was that it was too short (2 nights before the same cruise we did this year). We definitely felt that these 4 nights total at the YC were our best CL experience yet!!!
Thanks to all for your advice kindly given and your enthusiasm for these resorts you love. It helps build the anticipation and planning the trip is half the fun for me! I agree with the many who have commented that this is the friendliest thread around.
Must fly...lots of laundry and errands to do to help cope with my post-Disney depression...no trip planned...have no idea when or if...but I must remember that I've said that before and somehow we make it back!
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