Club Level - Anyone Else Noticing Changes

[jcjen519]

I'm sure there are people like the ones you described, however, the majority of guests don't act like that yet Disney is punishing everyone? I think it's more of the charge more/give less philosophy. It will continue until people tell Disney either through emails, pocketbooks, or a combination that enough is enough.

I agree. we have stayed club level multiple multiple times over many years and at all of the resorts but wl. In all those stays I've never seen anything that struck me as inappropriate. A lot of guests don't even show up for the food, we've done that plenty of times. I'm sure that Disney is making money off of club level guests no matter how much of their cheap alcohol is being consumed. I do not believe this has anything to do with a guest's behavior. Disney is trying to see just how much they can get away with and still keep the club levels booked.

There is a marked change from club level just a few years ago. We have had enjoyable experiences at RPC this summer but there is no denying that its not what it once was. This is all the way around though, not just in regards to food.

 

[AliceIn]

We did one night at GF Sugar Loaf prior to our cruise last week, and then one night at the BC Club level just after. Both club experiences were less than stellar. The GF was not replacing food quickly enough, and you'd wait on line to get to the sideboard, and there would be nothing there for you.

The BC is in a temporary location, and the layout is not very good. There was no cappuccino machine, and the service was lack luster. Last year I absolutely adored the BC, this time it was disappointing. I still love the resort, and would rate it much higher than the GF.

 

[jd99]

I guess it depends on when you are going. We will be there in less than two weeks for a long weekend and the difference in price per night is $85. For us, that is actually worth it - beyond the fact that we just like having the extras in club. We figured it out this way: last time we were at WDW and didn't have club, we had breakfasts that cost nearly $60 per day at the boardwalk..just getting egg sandwiches, coffee and juice - and if we go to yacht club restaurant it is even more. Add to that a few glasses of wine per night and you've already "made up" the 85 bucks. So this time it was an easy decision to go for the upgrade.

 

[Eastern]

I do not believe this has anything to do with a guest's behavior. Disney is trying to see just how much they can get away with and still keep the club levels booked.

Probably right.

 

[wendybeth75]

I cannot say enough good things about WL CL. When we were there in April there were no limits on drinks, the food was always kept up and refilled and the staff were wonderful. That is my only reference for CL as we typically don't stay there. I am sorry to hear about the restrictions in other places.

 

[jd99]

I really don't think that there are "restrictions" anywhere except maybe don't take a whole bottle of wine at one time or 10 beers. If you want to chug 10 beers in 2 hours, go for it. Just do it two at a time. I think some people are assuming from these posts that if they stay at YC they can only get two drinks in a night - or in a stay. That's just not true.

 

[Disneychick75]

I really don't think that there are "restrictions" anywhere except maybe don't take a whole bottle of wine at one time or 10 beers. If you want to chug 10 beers in 2 hours, go for it. Just do it two at a time. I think some people are assuming from these posts that if they stay at YC they can only get two drinks in a night - or in a stay. That's just not true.

The OP said there was a 2 drink limit. "They now serve you the evening drinks and limit you to two."
As for restrictions, there may not be any stated but I would count the Nurse Ratched CMs hovering as an implied restriction. I felt like I was going through a TSA x-ray as I went to the CL buffet. All I wanted was one small cheesecake tart.

 

[jd99]

The OP said there was a 2 drink limit. "They now serve you the evening drinks and limit you to two."
As for restrictions, there may not be any stated but I would count the Nurse Ratched CMs hovering as an implied restriction. I felt like I was going through a TSA x-ray as I went to the CL buffet. All I wanted was one small cheesecake tart.

Sorry you had that experience. We have stayed in CL at YC, BC, GF, BWI and AKL and have never had that happen. We always find it to be welcoming with pleasant CMs who are focused on service not restricting - and overall find it a nice 'treat.' Will be at BC in two weeks and report back if anything has changed from our perspective.

 

[Ashley Marie]

We were lucky enough to be upgraded to Grand Floridian CL (Sugar Loaf) in May. That was our first experience with CL, and I have no complaints. Then again, I wasn't paying for CL, so we saw everything as being a bonus for us. But we enjoyed it enough that I booked CL for the last night on our upcoming trip when I found a good deal on it (WL this time).

 

[pamkat1820]

We stayed last August at YC CL. It was very nice and we enjoyed the resort. We only stayed CL because of an awesome deal we were given threw an agency. After we decided that our next trip we probably would not stay CL again. The took a few beers to our room one night. We were at the parks during app time. It was great for the kids but I was afraid if they took more than one item. My sons big meal is breakfast. I felt like the staff looked at everything on your plate. the only time I was encountered by a overly friendly staff member was one night we came in right at closing my daughter wanted a mini cupcake, there was about 4 on the dish left. She wanted2 and I told her no there isn't many left and leave them for someone who might run in quick. the staff member saw my son and insisted they each take 2 and won't let me say no. she said they were going to throw the desserts out and offer me & my husband cheese cake they just took back to service room. she was really nice and I never saw her again lol

I just felt a little funny to be honest. I felt uncomfortable asking for water bottles because I didn't want to be "that family". Even in the back of my mind I saying I'm paying for the service like everyone else. if we only ask once a day and we don't drink soda then I'm not doing anything wrong. But the staff didn't really make us feel welcome or like it was ok to ask. I didn't expect anything over the top, but I felt like for the money please crack a smile. We might splurge again someday but It won't be at the YC or BC I think I would save it for a GF or Poly trip. go big or go home, trip....???

 

[Disneytam]

I really think each CL is very different. We stayed at the GF RP CL on three different occasions. The first was wonderful (Halloween 1998) and we felt so pampered with very friendly cast members and wonderfully varied evening app. It could not have been better. The next time was Nov. 2002 again main building GF. As the cast member was walking us to our room he mentioned the wine and cheese that was out in the lounge. I asked what about the hot apps. and salads and I received a funny look and he repeated that from 5:00 to 7:00 pm wine and cheese was available. I was really upset, even now looking at my notes from that trip I can see how upset I was. For the whole week we were their the only thing set out was a plate of cheese and crackers during dinner time.

Years later we tried it one more time for a couple of nights after staying at Portofino Bay club level. The hot apps. were back but in very short supply and if I wanted a soda for my son or I you had to ask. By the third time I asked the can was slammed down so hard in front of me that when I opened it I got to wear some of it. The rudest borderline meanest cast members I have ever dealt with. We will never stay again.

On the positive side we have stayed at the AK CL and loved it. CM could not have been more helpful and they even held a small cooking class in the lounge one night. Also very happy to look up and keep us informed about the space shuttle launch and we discussed best places to view this.

The CL we keep returning to though is the BWI. The food offerings seem to be going downhill a little and I'm curious if they will change with Kouzzinne(sp?) closing. I also detest the ice and water tub to hold cold beverages in but the CM are top notch and welcoming and they are what keeps us coming back. Can't wait to return next month!

 

[Disneychick75]

I really think each CL is very different. We stayed at the GF RP CL on three different occasions. The first was wonderful (Halloween 1998) and we felt so pampered with very friendly cast members and wonderfully varied evening app. It could not have been better. The next time was Nov. 2002 again main building GF. As the cast member was walking us to our room he mentioned the wine and cheese that was out in the lounge. I asked what about the hot apps. and salads and I received a funny look and he repeated that from 5:00 to 7:00 pm wine and cheese was available. I was really upset, even now looking at my notes from that trip I can see how upset I was. For the whole week we were their the only thing set out was a plate of cheese and crackers during dinner time.

Years later we tried it one more time for a couple of nights after staying at Portofino Bay club level. The hot apps. were back but in very short supply and if I wanted a soda for my son or I you had to ask. By the third time I asked the can was slammed down so hard in front of me that when I opened it I got to wear some of it. The rudest borderline meanest cast members I have ever dealt with. We will never stay again.

On the positive side we have stayed at the AK CL and loved it. CM could not have been more helpful and they even held a small cooking class in the lounge one night. Also very happy to look up and keep us informed about the space shuttle launch and we discussed best places to view this.

The CL we keep returning to though is the BWI. The food offerings seem to be going downhill a little and I'm curious if they will change with Kouzzinne(sp?) closing. I also detest the ice and water tub to hold cold beverages in but the CM are top notch and welcoming and they are what keeps us coming back. Can't wait to return next month!

You're right about BW CL. Those staffers have to be among the best CMs at Disney World!

 

[Eastern]

Our only stay CL so far has been BWI last January. The CMs were friendly enough, maybe too friendly. They let a father and son come in every day in their socks and put their feet up on a table or nearby chair. They would sit their for hours on their computers. A CM told me they were not allowed to say anything negative to guests.

A woman in the suite across the hall came in everyday with a tray and loaded it up and took it back to her suite. They didn't say anything. They actually told me, 'oh no, you are not allowed to do that', but they saw her and didn't say anything.

Things were replaced but sometimes you had to remind them.

They would give you a bottle of water for your room if you asked.

People posted that you could get beers before 5pm if you asked. I asked and they looked at me like I had 3 heads. Then the next day, a woman came in and took several beers out in an ice bucket, before 5pm. Seems they had just arrived

I think their biggest problem is inconsistency with guests, and between CL lounges. But really, for the money you are paying for CL, snacks should be available. CL is not a place for them to be cutting costs to the last penny.

 

[ToyStory3]

A woman in the suite across the hall came in everyday with a tray and loaded it up and took it back to her suite. They didn't say anything. They actually told me, 'oh no, you are not allowed to do that', but they saw her and didn't say anything. Things were replaced but sometimes you had to remind them. They would give you a bottle of water for your room if you asked. People posted that you could get beers before 5pm if you asked. I asked and they looked at me like I had 3 heads.

I agree that for the money they shouldn't be cutting it back. And you should be able to grab a beer anytime if you'd like one.

When we were there (2011) we were encouraged to come in and take a beer with us to the pool or back to our room if we wanted. I don't think we should have to sit in the lounge with it if we don't want. We were always told we could take our snacks or desserts back to our room. So we did. We liked to eat out on our balcony. So I don't understand why they're saying that woman couldn't take a tray back with her.

 

[Eastern]

So I don't understand why they're saying that woman couldn't take a tray back with her.

She had a big tray from the room. If there were two rows of cookies, she would take an entire row. Most of a tray of hot snacks, half a tray of cheese, etc. My kids were behind her one day. She said something to them like, you go first, because when I am done there won't be much left!

And then I see people posting here that they won't take more than 1 item if there are only a few left. If they run out of something, they should replace it.

 

[jecon]

I've only had good experiences with CL. We've stayed at the GF sugar loaf, main building and atrium club at CR and the cast members are wonderful and accommodating. I haven't noticed a slip in anything since we've only stayed CL since 2008. (However the three are a little different). On the other hand, I have never paid full price for those rooms (always pin code or 35% off at least!) and don't think I ever would!!

 

[vettegirl]

We had a great CL experience at the BC in Sept and will be returning again in Dec to enjoy the new refurbed lounge

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Babsy]

Yes, we have seen a decline in the service and in the food offerings, both quality and quantity. CL was always an indulgent splurge but was 'worth it' for the luxurious pampering. Now, it doesn't feel quite as 'worthwhile' to me anymore.

It has never been a good idea as far as value for money spent. Now CL seems to be losing some of the intangible value as well.

It saddens me to see so many areas of decline in WDW.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I think Disney is really pushing it if they think people will continue to pay for club if the product is declining. Sounds like that will be the first thing that people will cut out of their vacation budgets, even if they still make the trip and stay at the hotel. It's such an optional expense.

 

[wdwfan]

I think that the people who abused the service and felt like they had to get their money's worth from a service in which you're not going to get your investment back have ruined it for those of us who use club level to relax, enjoy, dabble a bit, and not get overwhelmed with stuffing yourself and getting your money's worth.

I've been back and forth with this issue. When it comes down to it, I love the service behind club the most. I don't want to eat tons of carbs for breakfast and over stuff myself with snacks. I like coffee anytime, I like a beer or a glass of wine or two, but usually I don't like their wine that much, I'm never there for desserts, I like the water bottles at YC, and water in my room. I love that if I have a problem or need help, I can get it from the club level cm's.

As far as snippy attitudes - I've run into them there, but I keep that in perspective...they've picked to work in the service industry and if they have a chip on their shoulder....that's their problem to solve...it does not interfere with my enjoyment.