Club level - which resort?

[jacksgirl]

Ok, so it's been quite a year, to say the least. I already had our reservations made for our September trip when I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in February. So, facing surgery, 4 months of chemo, and 2 months of radiation, then more surgery - I cancelled. But, next year in December (yes, I'm already planning), I'm planning the Disney trip of all trips. We will be celebrating DH and my 20th anniversary, DS10's birthday, DS17's graduation (we homeschool, and he's graduating in December), and, most importantly, one year from the end of my cancer treatment (CANCER-FREE - I'm not accepting anything less). Also, my parents and I were never close and have become much closer during the past few months. When we were growing up, we never went on vacation anywhere. We didn't have the money. So they've worked their whole lives and never really been anywhere, and they still can't afford to go. But I want them to go this once, and I want to treat them to this trip so they don't have to worry about where the money's coming from. So I want to do club level, DDP, MVMCP, Spirit of Aloha, pulling out all the stops. I'm leaning toward Wilderness Lodge - I think it would really appeal to my parents and my children, but I would love to hear from some folks who've done club level at various resorts so I can compare. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[JKMJ441724]

(CANCER-FREE - I'm not accepting anything less).

atta girl


Sorry...I'm no help on any of your questions!

 

[TxMickeyLover]

Ok, so it's been quite a year, to say the least. I already had our reservations made for our September trip when I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in February. So, facing surgery, 4 months of chemo, and 2 months of radiation, then more surgery - I cancelled. But, next year in December (yes, I'm already planning), I'm planning the Disney trip of all trips. We will be celebrating DH and my 20th anniversary, DS10's birthday, DS17's graduation (we homeschool, and he's graduating in December), and, most importantly, one year from the end of my cancer treatment (CANCER-FREE - I'm not accepting anything less). Also, my parents and I were never close and have become much closer during the past few months. When we were growing up, we never went on vacation anywhere. We didn't have the money. So they've worked their whole lives and never really been anywhere, and they still can't afford to go. But I want them to go this once, and I want to treat them to this trip so they don't have to worry about where the money's coming from. So I want to do club level, DDP, MVMCP, Spirit of Aloha, pulling out all the stops. I'm leaning toward Wilderness Lodge - I think it would really appeal to my parents and my children, but I would love to hear from some folks who've done club level at various resorts so I can compare. Thanks in advance for your help.

Wishing you the best with all of your treatments and surgeries.

We have stayed CL at both AKL and the Poly, and loved both. I'm not sure how they compare with the WL, but I can give you some of my favorite perks from each of the resorts we have done.

At AKL, you have the opportunity to do a special Sunrise Safari at AK that was absolutely incredible. You get to ride the safari before the park opens with a wildlife expert, and it's a much slower, more informative ride at a time when the animals are more up and about. We even got to see a baby that had just been born that even our guide had not seen yet. After that, they fed us breakfast. I think it costs $65 extra per adult to do, but I found it to be well worth it!

At Poly, one of the things I enjoyed was watching Wishes in the CL lounge while enjoying their evening appetizers and drinks. I rarely drink, but they have a cocktail punch that I had to have seconds on, it was so good.

Whatever resort you choose, I hope you have a magical time with your family, and all of the celebrations!!!!

 

[Lehuaann]

First off - here's to your sucessful recovery and to your attitude on kicking cancer in the face!

We've done CL at Poly, CR, and AKL 2x...sounds like you want to stay near the MK resort area? Personally for the price you pay with WL CL, you might want to consider GF, Poly, or CR as well. I know when I was comparing WL prices with Poly last year, the pricing wasn't too far off. The Poly lounge was nice and the location is SWEET, but I tend to favor AKL as my favorite CL on property...so far. The resort is so relaxing, like a mini-vacation within a vacation. We don't do parks at AKL, we just CHILL. We also loved CR, however, we stayed 14th floor Tower CL, not 12th floor CL...so it was uber quiet. Also, lounge food offerings are influenced by theme, AKL/African, Poly/Polynesian, WL/Northwest...just something to keep in mind if the food is important to you for light dinners, etc.

Btw - you sound like my kind of people. My parents had never taken a big vacation with us as kids, nor by themselves. So last year we treated them on their 40th to a AKL CL-FtW Cabin-Poly CL stay, all expenses paid. We had a blast! I'm also a HSing mom - congrats on all your hard work!

 

[jacksgirl]

First off - here's to your sucessful recovery and to your attitude on kicking cancer in the face!

We've done CL at Poly, CR, and AKL 2x...sounds like you want to stay near the MK resort area? Personally for the price you pay with WL CL, you might want to consider GF, Poly, or CR as well. I know when I was comparing WL prices with Poly last year, the pricing wasn't too far off. The Poly lounge was nice and the location is SWEET, but I tend to favor AKL as my favorite CL on property...so far. The resort is so relaxing, like a mini-vacation within a vacation. We don't do parks at AKL, we just CHILL. We also loved CR, however, we stayed 14th floor Tower CL, not 12th floor CL...so it was uber quiet. Also, lounge food offerings are influenced by theme, AKL/African, Poly/Polynesian, WL/Northwest...just something to keep in mind if the food is important to you for light dinners, etc.

Btw - you sound like my kind of people. My parents had never taken a big vacation with us as kids, nor by themselves. So last year we treated them on their 40th to a AKL CL-FtW Cabin-Poly CL stay, all expenses paid. We had a blast! I'm also a HSing mom - congrats on all your hard work!

You definitely sound like my kind of people lol. I looked at the club level offerings at Poly, and that one certainly sounds enticing. We LOVE the food at Ohana and Kona! I noticed your location is Tennessee, so we actually are pretty near each other geographically too. We are in northern Mississippi.

 

[Lehuaann]

You definitely sound like my kind of people lol. I looked at the club level offerings at Poly, and that one certainly sounds enticing. We LOVE the food at Ohana and Kona! I noticed your location is Tennessee, so we actually are pretty near each other geographically too. We are in northern Mississippi.

Awesome! We live in a suburb outside of Nashville, so not too far away.

Sounds like you would love Poly CL - like I said, the location is *primo* - short walk to the boat dock, picturesque views from the 2 story lounge of the Seven Seas Lagoon/GF/CR/MK/Cinderella Castle/fireworks/water parade/etc, HUGE guest rooms...and the lounge always seemed to have plenty of hot food when we were there, it never ran low. Have a blast planning your trip!

 

[jacksgirl]

Bump

 

[tiger4me2]

Best of luck with your treatments & hope that all goes well.

I have stayed club level at the Poly, WL, AKL, Yacht Club GF RPC, and the BWI. All of them were great. I personally love the BWI then the WL. Hard choice which one to pick. Depends on what parks you are going to etc.. The WL or AKL has great Christmas decorations. The Yacht Club & BWI has great Christmas decorations as well. But since 2007 we been staying at the BWI Club level at least two times a year more if we can.

Good luck & where ever you decide have fun !!!

 

[sfbank]

Best wishes and congrats on your celebrations. I am going to tell you that one to definately consider is the BWI. The resort is fun and relaxing. Club level staff is great. It is also very convenient as it is right in the middle of everything. We stay 2 times a year. Next trip coming up whatever you decide have fun

 

[guitarob]

I wish you the best in your treatments, and Congratulations on all of your celebrations!!

I may be a tad bit biased, but the Polynesian has the absolute best Concierge Lounge on the property. The views from the MK view rooms can't be beat. It's absolutely special to watch Wishes from your own private balcony. I have no words to accurately describe it.

There is a bunch of information about it with photos at the Polynesian Information Thread here: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43769556&postcount=10

The Cast Members that work in the lounge and downstairs at the concierge desks are the absolute best Cast Members on property (IMHO anyway, but I've seen it said elsewhere as well).

Whatever you choose, I hope you have a totally magical trip!!

 

[tinkbyday]

First, I just wanted to give you a big and wish for a full recovery. I also think that it is so kind of you to be thinking about taking care of your parents when you are the one going through so much - you sound like an amazing person

As for CL, I've only stayed YC CL, but I have read many wonderful things about WL CL as well. I also have read that WL is the top resort choice for the holidays (the atmosphere is supposed to be amazing).

When I received my pin code recently, I had inquired about switching over from BWI thinking that it would be much less expensive, but it really wasn't - the biggest factor for me is location, though - we love the Epcot area and Epcot/DHS are our favorite parks.

Which park(s) do you think you would spend most of your time in? That is usually a good starting point because you can keep in mind how much time you will spend traveling to the parks as well.