Club Level at Pixar Place

[LJ McG]

Not being able to take food out of the club lounge is going to be a deal breaker for me, too. I like to pick up food for my daughter so she can eat in the room and not have to get up as early. Guess I'll be saving some money.

 

[disneymum58]

We were considering staying a night or two at Pixar place Club level to experience it and have a rest day. We have teens and I know they would prefer to grab food and take it back to our room and eat it. I would also prefer to go back to my room, especially if we grab a cocktail/beer and even more so if we have a view room of DCA. The club lounge doesn’t not have a view of the park. I believe it’s on the 2nd floor. I just don’t understand this new rule and because of it, we no longer have interest in staying club level at Pixar Place.

The Club Lounge has no windows.

 

[disneymum58]

I think that the bloggers may have ulterior motives to say how great the Club lounge is.
I was very disappointed not to able to take some snacks out of the lounge and I wasn't impressed by the food.
Also, online it looks like Premium ViewClub level is $249 more than Premium View for the dates I looked up.

 

[DizMe]

The Club Lounge has no windows.

What??!! Man, this lounge is sounding more and more like our faculty lounge at the high school . That is not a point of pride.

 

[crystal1313]

The Club Lounge has no windows.

Wow! Really? That’s seems odd!! I swear it had windows before when it was paradise pier. Maybe I’m wrong?

 

[Reepicheep]

Wow! Really? That’s seems odd!! I swear it had windows before when it was paradise pier. Maybe I’m wrong?

As I recall, there were no windows to the outside, but there was an open section that overlooked the lobby.

I know the lounge is still on the 2nd floor, but does anyone know if the exact location has changed?

 

[crystal1313]

As I recall, there were no windows to the outside, but there was an open section that overlooked the lobby.

I know the lounge is still on the 2nd floor, but does anyone know if the exact location has changed?

Maybe that’s what I’m thinking of. I know you could see the lobby. But I thought you could look out from there too. But that was years ago and I don’t remember 100%

 

[Pluto468]

The Club Lounge has no windows.

Seriously? That is so weird. That makes me want to try it even less.

 

[disneymum58]

As I recall, there were no windows to the outside, but there was an open section that overlooked the lobby.

I know the lounge is still on the 2nd floor, but does anyone know if the exact location has changed?

There is no open section that overlooks the lobby. The inside is very nicely themed though with comfortable seating. This was my first visit to Club level at this hotel so I don't know if the location changed.

 

[Riss]

My family and I just checked in today for the lounge and experienced 3 out of the 4 services, with the breakfast being the one we have yet to try. Honestly, it’s not too bad. Granted, this is our first time doing club level, so we don’t have anything to base it on, but we find it okay. We don’t think we’ll leave the park to really come back to try things, but it wasn’t too terrible.

The cast member that checked us in did mention about the food staying in the lounge, but also said that if we want to take soda, we can, and that if we want to take the juice or coffee, ask them for a to-go cup. All of the staff inside were very helpful and nice, too.

Also, if anyone wants any reference, this is what we were told the themes would be for the rest of our stay. We check out Sunday.

Thursday: French
Friday: Mexican
Saturday: American

But we don’t think the lack of windows deters from the experience. We watched both World of Color shows from our rooms, we have connecting premium view rooms, and we also watched the fireworks on the pool deck, deck 3, where they also play the music.

The only downside so far has definitely been the elevators. They just take so long! Half of us transferred from the Grand Californian today and the elevators there were always quick. Here, they just take so much time to call one!

 

[DizMe]

My family and I just checked in today for the lounge and experienced 3 out of the 4 services, with the breakfast being the one we have yet to try. Honestly, it’s not too bad. Granted, this is our first time doing club level, so we don’t have anything to base it on, but we find it okay. We don’t think we’ll leave the park to really come back to try things, but it wasn’t too terrible.

The cast member that checked us in did mention about the food staying in the lounge, but also said that if we want to take soda, we can, and that if we want to take the juice or coffee, ask them for a to-go cup. All of the staff inside were very helpful and nice, too.

Also, if anyone wants any reference, this is what we were told the themes would be for the rest of our stay. We check out Sunday.

Thursday: French
Friday: Mexican
Saturday: American

But we don’t think the lack of windows deters from the experience. We watched both World of Color shows from our rooms, we have connecting premium view rooms, and we also watched the fireworks on the pool deck, deck 3, where they also play the music.

The only downside so far has definitely been the elevators. They just take so long! Half of us transferred from the Grand Californian today and the elevators there were always quick. Here, they just take so much time to call one!

Thank you so much for taking the time to report your experience! I hope you're having a great time.

Did you think that Club Level was worth the extra?

I'm sorry they didn't fix those elevators when they revamped the hotel from its Paradise Pier days! That has been a big complaint for years.

I didn't realize the club used an international food theme. Is that always true? It's interesting.

Enjoy the rest of your stay and thanks for reporting back!

 

[crystal1313]

We are shocked they didn’t address the elevator issues during the retheme of the hotel. This hotel has had elevator issues for years and years. It’s typically the number 1 complaint.

 

[Riss]

Thank you so much for taking the time to report your experience! I hope you're having a great time.

Did you think that Club Level was worth the extra?

I'm sorry they didn't fix those elevators when they revamped the hotel from its Paradise Pier days! That has been a big complaint for years.

I didn't realize the club used an international food theme. Is that always true? It's interesting.

Enjoy the rest of your stay and thanks for reporting back!

For our family, I think it’s worth it. We have a 5-year-old with us, so we do sometimes take mid-afternoon breaks, so stopping by the lounge is pretty nice. There’s also a total of 8 of us, so the split cost isn’t too bad either. It’s nice to get some snacks for the 5-year-old and even ourselves along with the soda, water, and juice. The staff will even fill up reusable water bottles with ice.

And yes, during Ka-Chow Hour, 5pm - 6:30pm, the description says that it features different cuisines from around the world. I don’t know the other days of the week, but I think I once saw that there was an Asian themed day, too.

 

[Riss]

My family and I are back on the east coast and I have to stay that ultimately, our family loved doing the club level. There were 8 of us on this trip and we split ourselves into 2 premium view rooms and were given rooms 1404 and 1406, connecting rooms.

We loved the accessibility of the club and being able to go down to the 2nd floor from the 14th, even if the elevators were very slow, to grab something before we headed out to the parks that day. We didn’t really ever feel the need to take something with us, although we saw some people taking some of the morning pastries in napkins when no one was sitting at the desk right at the entrance. The cast member would be showing another family around the club or having a conversation with a family. We did take sodas with us and sometimes got our cups refilled with ice before filling them with water.

The food wasn’t too bad although sometimes it just seemed a little strange. There were mostly one or two hot items for breakfast and the ka-chow hour. We only did the desserts once and they weren’t too bad. The midway snacks were the same each day, the same sandwiches with a salad bar, popcorn bar, and fruit, but we liked being able to go in after coming back from the parks for a mid-day break, grabbing some snacks and AC before heading to our room.

The staff was very friendly and some even approached us in the lobby the morning we were leaving to bid us farewell. They always struck conversation and made sure they introduced themselves to us. They even gave us some of the black pens ghat they had on that front desk. The wait staff in the lobby was awesome as well. We loved interacting with all of them!

As for the hotel itself, besides the elevators, we loved being able to see the fireworks on the 3rd floor pool deck. We thought it was perfect and we could see all of the fireworks. Our MagicBand+ even worked on the rooftop, lighting up and vibrating with the show. On the two nights we saw the fireworks there, there probably wasn’t any more than 20-30 people around. We could also see some of the fireworks they shot off from the castle, like the smaller ones, from one of the rooms, 1404. The bigger ones were too far left. We also loved being able to see World of Color from our rooms. I honestly thought it was better seeing it from in the room than down on the ground.

All in all, my family agrees that we liked having club level access and would probably do it again.

 

[CateinPhoenix]

We check in on Wednesday! The little guy in my photo is now 18 and likely one of the last times we will enjoy our Annual Disney trip. I assume that the days of chocolate covered strawberries in the lounge and Mickey Rice Krispie treats in our room are over for Club Level?

 

[Reepicheep]

My family and I are back on the east coast and I have to stay that ultimately, our family loved doing the club level...

Do you drink alcohol and, if so, did you ask for alcoholic drinks in the afternoon? Having a couple of beer during an afternoon break from the parks would be nice. My wife and daughters prefer to stay in the parks all day, so unless I can convince them it is worth it to take a break from (say) 1pm - 2pm and return to the lounge for lunch, I don't think we'll be giving club level a try.

 

[Riss]

Do you drink alcohol and, if so, did you ask for alcoholic drinks in the afternoon? Having a couple of beer during an afternoon break from the parks would be nice. My wife and daughters prefer to stay in the parks all day, so unless I can convince them it is worth it to take a break from (say) 1pm - 2pm and return to the lounge for lunch, I don't think we'll be giving club level a try.

I, personally, don’t drink that much. However, members of my family do and did have some drinks during our stay there. Alcohol was readily available, even during the afternoon. The cast members in the lounge even offered mimosas in the morning to us. My dad and brother were able to get beer, I believe it was Heineken and corona? I know Corona Premiere for sure, but not too certain on the second one.

The evening was when the wine and beer were actually out and in the fridges with the cast member at the counter. They also made their speciality drinks of the night as well. During the day, the alcohol is in the kitchen and they get it for you from there. I’m not sure if you could get wine during the day, we never tried.

 

[Kcrykerrider]

Disney’s Pixar Place “club level” review after one day!

First, if you have a reservation here, cancel it or move it to another hotel, or stay off property if necessary.

All the negative people have said above is 100% true. We have stayed club level at The Grand Floridian and The Boardwalk, and it was amazing. I will put a few points below on why I would never stay at, or recommend Pixar Place club level, or really Pixar Place at all.
As a note, my wife articulated the below to hotel staff, and we were moved to Grand Californian (have to check out today at 11, and into the Grand Californian at 3).

Our nightly rate here was about $790.

1. The food: sandwiches in the afternoon were made with stale bread. It was so dry and crumbly, it was honestly hard to swallow. You aren’t allowed to take food out of the club level because it is contracted out to a 3rd party. Every other club level hotel at Disney properties allows you to take food back to your room. If you don’t like Great Maple restaurant, then you will hate the food here even more, as it is managed by the restaurant, not Disney. For the evening bites it was some hummus and vegetables, along with vegan chili. No meat selection. Also, if you have anyone with nut allergies it is impossible to eat here, as half of the items had tree nuts. They had a popcorn salad, which was popcorn, gummy bears, Mike and Ike, and M&Ms in a bowl, no idea who thought that was a good idea. The overall quality of food was at or below school lunch from the 1980s. If you got club level to avoid buying food, you will be disappointed, as you will still need to buy meals, unlike other club levels at other Disney hotels where you can make a meal out of the snacks and offerings. I can’t put into words how honestly horrible the food was.
2. The staff: the first staff member we met was pleasant, and she was helpful. That all ended when the evening staff arrived. I have moderate peanut and tree nut allergies (meaning it probably won’t kill me, but the asthma attack it will cause isn’t fun), this is important below. If you have not stayed club/concierge level at Disney properties before, I will explain quickly. The concierge is basically there so you don’t have to think. They are typically amazing staff who go above and beyond everyday to get answers to any question you have. With that said, my wife asked if the chicken tenders we ordered were cooked in peanut oil. The “concierge” staff said “I don’t know you need to ask the food staff.” In any other Disney property if the concierge personal don’t know they will find out for you, not tell you to ask someone else. My wife asked a food staff member, who asked another food staff member, who went to find a manager of Great Maple, who 15 minutes later came up and said no peanut oil. It should not have been an ordeal, food staff should know what food had allergens. Diverging to the allergen point for another minute. Disneyland online menus are not friendly like Disney World, they don’t list allergens, and don’t have an allergy friendly section. I can manage my allergies easily at Disney World, not here. Back to the staff, again, it just doesn’t meet or even come close to the concierge staff service level at other club level Disney hotels.
3. The elevator. What people have said here is no exaggeration. The 14 story hotel has 3 working elevators (4 normally, but adding one more wouldn’t do much help). We thought we would just use the stairs, wrong! They are locked so once you are out you can’t get back in, even with your key. The hotel staff told us it is because they are for emergencies only. So if there is a fire, good luck getting help if you need it, because the doors will be locked, and the firefighters would need to wrestle with a physical key set from the front desk.

I really can’t say enough bad about this hotel. For nearly $800 a night I expect so much better! Don’t stay here, don’t let your friends stay here, don’t let your enemies stay here.

I might write more later.

KCRykerRider

 

[crystal1313]

Disney’s Pixar Place “club level” review after one day!

First, if you have a reservation here, cancel it or move it to another hotel, or stay off property if necessary.

All the negative people have said above is 100% true. We have stayed club level at The Grand Floridian and The Boardwalk, and it was amazing. I will put a few points below on why I would never stay at, or recommend Pixar Place club level, or really Pixar Place at all.
As a note, my wife articulated the below to hotel staff, and we were moved to Grand Californian (have to check out today at 11, and into the Grand Californian at 3).

Our nightly rate here was about $790.

1. The food: sandwiches in the afternoon were made with stale bread. It was so dry and crumbly, it was honestly hard to swallow. You aren’t allowed to take food out of the club level because it is contracted out to a 3rd party. Every other club level hotel at Disney properties allows you to take food back to your room. If you don’t like Great Maple restaurant, then you will hate the food here even more, as it is managed by the restaurant, not Disney. For the evening bites it was some hummus and vegetables, along with vegan chili. No meat selection. Also, if you have anyone with nut allergies it is impossible to eat here, as half of the items had tree nuts. They had a popcorn salad, which was popcorn, gummy bears, Mike and Ike, and M&Ms in a bowl, no idea who thought that was a good idea. The overall quality of food was at or below school lunch from the 1980s. If you got club level to avoid buying food, you will be disappointed, as you will still need to buy meals, unlike other club levels at other Disney hotels where you can make a meal out of the snacks and offerings. I can’t put into words how honestly horrible the food was.
2. The staff: the first staff member we met was pleasant, and she was helpful. That all ended when the evening staff arrived. I have moderate peanut and tree nut allergies (meaning it probably won’t kill me, but the asthma attack it will cause isn’t fun), this is important below. If you have not stayed club/concierge level at Disney properties before, I will explain quickly. The concierge is basically there so you don’t have to think. They are typically amazing staff who go above and beyond everyday to get answers to any question you have. With that said, my wife asked if the chicken tenders we ordered were cooked in peanut oil. The “concierge” staff said “I don’t know you need to ask the food staff.” In any other Disney property if the concierge personal don’t know they will find out for you, not tell you to ask someone else. My wife asked a food staff member, who asked another food staff member, who went to find a manager of Great Maple, who 15 minutes later came up and said no peanut oil. It should not have been an ordeal, food staff should know what food had allergens. Diverging to the allergen point for another minute. Disneyland online menus are not friendly like Disney World, they don’t list allergens, and don’t have an allergy friendly section. I can manage my allergies easily at Disney World, not here. Back to the staff, again, it just doesn’t meet or even come close to the concierge staff service level at other club level Disney hotels.
3. The elevator. What people have said here is no exaggeration. The 14 story hotel has 3 working elevators (4 normally, but adding one more wouldn’t do much help). We thought we would just use the stairs, wrong! They are locked so once you are out you can’t get back in, even with your key. The hotel staff told us it is because they are for emergencies only. So if there is a fire, good luck getting help if you need it, because the doors will be locked, and the firefighters would need to wrestle with a physical key set from the front desk.

I really can’t say enough bad about this hotel. For nearly $800 a night I expect so much better! Don’t stay here, don’t let your friends stay here, don’t let your enemies stay here.

I might write more later.

KCRykerRider

Oh no. How disappointing!! Did Disney move you to the grand with no additional cost? I certainly hope so!

 

[DizMe]

Disney’s Pixar Place “club level” review after one day!

First, if you have a reservation here, cancel it or move it to another hotel, or stay off property if necessary.

All the negative people have said above is 100% true. We have stayed club level at The Grand Floridian and The Boardwalk, and it was amazing. I will put a few points below on why I would never stay at, or recommend Pixar Place club level, or really Pixar Place at all.
As a note, my wife articulated the below to hotel staff, and we were moved to Grand Californian (have to check out today at 11, and into the Grand Californian at 3).

Our nightly rate here was about $790.

1. The food: sandwiches in the afternoon were made with stale bread. It was so dry and crumbly, it was honestly hard to swallow. You aren’t allowed to take food out of the club level because it is contracted out to a 3rd party. Every other club level hotel at Disney properties allows you to take food back to your room. If you don’t like Great Maple restaurant, then you will hate the food here even more, as it is managed by the restaurant, not Disney. For the evening bites it was some hummus and vegetables, along with vegan chili. No meat selection. Also, if you have anyone with nut allergies it is impossible to eat here, as half of the items had tree nuts. They had a popcorn salad, which was popcorn, gummy bears, Mike and Ike, and M&Ms in a bowl, no idea who thought that was a good idea. The overall quality of food was at or below school lunch from the 1980s. If you got club level to avoid buying food, you will be disappointed, as you will still need to buy meals, unlike other club levels at other Disney hotels where you can make a meal out of the snacks and offerings. I can’t put into words how honestly horrible the food was.
2. The staff: the first staff member we met was pleasant, and she was helpful. That all ended when the evening staff arrived. I have moderate peanut and tree nut allergies (meaning it probably won’t kill me, but the asthma attack it will cause isn’t fun), this is important below. If you have not stayed club/concierge level at Disney properties before, I will explain quickly. The concierge is basically there so you don’t have to think. They are typically amazing staff who go above and beyond everyday to get answers to any question you have. With that said, my wife asked if the chicken tenders we ordered were cooked in peanut oil. The “concierge” staff said “I don’t know you need to ask the food staff.” In any other Disney property if the concierge personal don’t know they will find out for you, not tell you to ask someone else. My wife asked a food staff member, who asked another food staff member, who went to find a manager of Great Maple, who 15 minutes later came up and said no peanut oil. It should not have been an ordeal, food staff should know what food had allergens. Diverging to the allergen point for another minute. Disneyland online menus are not friendly like Disney World, they don’t list allergens, and don’t have an allergy friendly section. I can manage my allergies easily at Disney World, not here. Back to the staff, again, it just doesn’t meet or even come close to the concierge staff service level at other club level Disney hotels.
3. The elevator. What people have said here is no exaggeration. The 14 story hotel has 3 working elevators (4 normally, but adding one more wouldn’t do much help). We thought we would just use the stairs, wrong! They are locked so once you are out you can’t get back in, even with your key. The hotel staff told us it is because they are for emergencies only. So if there is a fire, good luck getting help if you need it, because the doors will be locked, and the firefighters would need to wrestle with a physical key set from the front desk.

I really can’t say enough bad about this hotel. For nearly $800 a night I expect so much better! Don’t stay here, don’t let your friends stay here, don’t let your enemies stay here.

I might write more later.

KCRykerRider

Thank you for your honest assessment of a less-than-stellar experience. I've walked through the hotel post-update and thought it looked nice, but it still doesn't strike me as on par with the other Disney hotels. I remember staying in it years ago when it was called the Pan Pacific Hotel. Anyway, it's amazing that they didn't address the elevator situation during the refurb. I imagine that's a big, expensive job, but it's so crucial to the entire hotel experience.

But your information on the Club experience is incredible. For the prices they charge for it, it should offer stellar amenities, food, and service. I realize that concierge lounge food isn't 4 star quality, but fresh food, variety, and good service should be a given. The rule against taking things with you from the lounge is ridiculous, as that has always been one of the big selling points for me. I have taken my elderly mom and often bring things back to her from the lounge so she doesn't have to get out the scooter etc. We like to take snacks with us.

I just want to thank you so much for your detailed account and I am so sorry that it wasn't a better experience. I had higher hopes for the hotel.