k&a&c'smom
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 29, 2002
- Messages
- 5,363
Hi everyone. Thanks for this thread, I've read it cover to cover!
My boyfriend and I will be heading to the GF for the first time in late Sept. The resort was originally going to be a surprise, but I ended up having to spill the beans for work reasons. BUT, he still doesn't know that we are booked CL (SL), and I'm definitely keeping that as a surprise!!So, all that said, I have a few questions:
- How does check in work? We've stayed CL at WL in the past and someone met us downstairs to take us to the room. But since SL is a separate building, do we just check in at the main lobby and head over there ourselves? We'll be coming in on DME, and I'm wondering when it will dawn on him that we are CL! I don't think he even knows that SL is CL only, so we could theoretically get all the way to the pastries before he realized!!!
- Going through the thread, I've read some not great reviews about SL. They mostly seem to pertain to overcrowding in the lounge, which I wasn't worried about since our dates (28Sep - 04Oct) are typically the "slow" season. But now I've been reading about the WL and Poly refugees and am getting a bit more concerned with a full GF. Is it really bad enough that I should consider upgrading to the main building?
Thanks!!
Welcome!


As trish posted, you will be met at the DME curb, no worries there. In the off chance you are not (and it has happened, it is possible there will be a lot of people checking into CL at the same time and not enough CMs), just walk up to the CL podium that is usually stationed near the doors, ask a valet or go to the front desk and say you are checking into club level. They will call someone to come meet you.

Do not worry about SL, it is wonderful. I was unaware there were a lot of bad reviews of SL on this thread - I normally post about our great experiences there, as do others, and I don't recall any major issues being reported. Mornings can get a bit rushed, but I have never felt it was any more so than the CL rooms at any of the other resorts. I have found it less so than either WL or YC, for instance, as those lounges have their food service in a rather small room - SL's is at one end of the building lobby, so it feels more airy, to me.
Good luck, I have a terrible time keeping a vacation secret.

Hi everyone! I stayed up til 1:30am last night reading all about the GF.
I booked yesterday with the RO discount for a GV room 11/30-12/8. We have had many wdw trips, but this is our 1st GF trip. Loved the BC and easy access to Epcot last year. Looking forward to easy MK access and all the gorgeous Christmas decor at GF this year!
What is your favorite date night restaurant at GF, or on the monorail line? I don't think V&A is of interest to us, but any others? Also, anyone know if the never land club is open or closed for remodel? Does CR have a kids club?
We love Citricos and I would suggest it over Narcoossee's for a date night, though both are wonderful. Citricos has a less busy atmosphere, fewer small children, it seems to me. (not that kids are a bad thing or unwelcome there, just that it makes for a quieter restaurant in general) Don't dismiss V&A, it is incredible!!

I would have suggested Cali Grill, but just read the new menu the other day and wow! The prices have really gone up. If you have the DDP, it's not a big deal, but paying out of pocket - ouch.
Don't know about the CR and a kids club, but I thought the Neverland Club was reopened as of this past spring? I'll have to check that out over on the Poly FAQ.
That cute pool with the Alice in Wonderland play structure and slides, what ages can play there? Is it only for toddlers or for children under 10 or so? I think my kids would love it, but I want to find out if they are too big for it before I show it to them.They are not the best swimmers yet, and they may need kick boards for anything too deep, if those are allowed in the big pool.
Thanks,
Anne
The Alice Splash Zone seems to be fun for all ages, I have not heard or read of any specific restrictions. Here is a link to photos of the splash area, and there are kids who look to be 8-10 or so playing. I know I've seen kids of all sizes in the area.
Let me tell you how grateful I am to you ladies this morning! I was on the phone with the TA until 10 last night, and there was *nothing* nothing! she could do. No discounts no FD. I was bummed and debating canceling the whole trip over how it went down... then this morning I read this board and decided to try on my own. I GOT it! Saved $750. Of course I wasn't allowed to change the TA reservation, so I made a new one. I'll cancel her reservation and use the one I just made.Thank you all so much!
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We also used a TA and when the free dining and RO discounts were released in May it was as if she didn't want to apply it for us. First she told us it would not apply because we are going during Food and Wine Festival. I don't think we will ever use a TA again for Disney. I realize they work on commission and when our package price goes down so does their pay...but still it is their job. I am curious to see what your TA says when you cancel.![]()
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I think if you use a Disney specialized TA that is Ear Marked (recognized by Disney) you wouldn't have that problem. This is what they do, and often they will contact you about upcoming discounts. Sometimes they know when one is coming out a couple of days before release. They will automatically apply discount without even asking you. I'm surprised that you had this experience. It's not typical of Disney Authorized Vacation Planners. Which is why I'm thinking the one you used wasn't.
I've used some super TAs for Disney travel.
THIS. We don't use a TA often, but if we need or want to, we always use a Disney Specialist - regular TAs do not have enough knowledge of the very complicated WDW vacation planning!