Club level worthwhile for nondrinkers?

[LynJ]

When hearing about the wonders of club level rooms, I usually hear about the opportunities to drink. Are club level rooms worthwhile for non drinkers, or should we stick with Savanna view instead?

 

[Deeleebaker]

It’s probably not worth it financially. But, we ate breakfast there every day and the lattes flow freely. Late night snacks were great, but we never really got the tea or “dinner” services. I’m betting if I did a resort only, it would work price wise.

 

[Pixie Dusted Snow]

I don't think its all about alcohol...
My sister and I do not like beer or wine which is most of what CL offers.
Each evening with our little desserts we'd have hot chocolate with Amaretto shots added.
But really what we enjoyed most about CL was the breakfast, "dinner", and soda/water included.
One day we happened to be stopping back at the resort around lunch so we grabbed a burger at Contempo Cafe and took it up to the lounge and had a can of soda from there so we didn't need to buy a drink plus it was very chill.

 

[Judique]

Alcohol hasn't played that much of a role in my appreciation of club level rooms at Disney. Price has to some degree. When it was a room with 3-4 of us, it was usually a no brainer as the breakfast items and a late evening snack/dessert after dinner, plus a room to relax in that wasn't a room with beds made it worth it.

A quick visit for an early coffee to take back to my room in the morning is something I value. A lot of it is convenience. Getting a quick breakfast before heading to the parks, or grabbing something that can be eaten on the way saves time for those who want to maximize park time.

 

[_19disnA]

Club Level isn't specific to DVC, hotel guests can choose that option for an added price. When we were last at the Contemporary it was something like $200/day more. You would have to drink/eat a LOT to make it worth that much. Thought I read that CL isn't open during covid, so probably need to check the Disney site for latest info. CL reminds me somewhat of those airline clubs at airports. You get to sit in better furniture and there are free snacks/drinks. Used it a few times traveling on business when the company paid for it, but wouldn't spend the money on my own for that.

 

[mrsap]

Club Level is more about convenience than anything else. They offer breakfast in the morning, snacks in the afternoon, and hot appetizers in the evening. Drinks are out all day (soda, juice, coffee, tea and alcohol (alcohol is out in the evenings, but can get by request in the earlier afternoon hours.) Each lounge is slightly different in their offerings. We love to stroll in there, especially after a few hours in the park, and grab a nice cold drink, a snack or two and then move along with our day. We love having another space, other than our own room, to hang out. It’s such a nice, relaxing atmosphere in the lounge. With all that being said, I definitely think it’s worth it, even if you’re not drinking alcohol. Hopefully it comes back sooner than later!!

 

[lovin'fl]

It's not operating right now. Anyone have any idea when? I have club level AKV booked for end of March.

 

[mrsap]

It's not operating right now. Anyone have any idea when? I have club level AKV booked for end of March.

Unfortunately, nothing yet.

 

[Pixie Dusted Snow]

It's not operating right now. Anyone have any idea when? I have club level AKV booked for end of March.

Strange that you could even book it right now...
Most people have said it won't return until you can have buffets.
Although I don't see why it can't be more like on a cruise where you'd select what you want the night before an its served individually.
They could also have prepackaged foods to grab.

 

[mrsap]

Strange that you could even book it right now...
Most people have said it won't return until you can have buffets.
Although I don't see why it can't be more like on a cruise where you'd select what you want the night before an its served individually.
They could also have prepackaged foods to grab.

Universal Resorts are offering CL, and from what I understand, more along the pre-packaged type of situation. I’d like to see if I can find a review to get an idea of what they’re currently offering.

ETA: recent UO CL video.

I agree, I think serving food at breakfast and evenings would be great. For afternoon snacks, small bags of chips, candy and nuts would suffice. I think they’re being so cautious with everything right now, that CL is the least of their worries.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

In my opinion, the only way club level is financially worth it is if you chose to eat all your meals there... Drinking alone will not do it.
That said, while some offerings are more “dinner-like” than others, virtually none live up to being a meal at a signature restaurant. We enjoy nice dinners when visiting, and eating in the lounge is a poor substitute.

By far the best club level offerings (food & booze) that I have experienced was at the GF Royal Palm Club.

 

[Pixie Dusted Snow]

In my opinion, the only way club level is financially worth it is if you chose to eat all your meals there... Drinking alone will not do it.
That said, while some offerings are more “dinner-like” than others, virtually none live up to being a meal at a signature restaurant. We enjoy nice dinners when visiting, and eating in the lounge is a poor substitute.

By far the best club level offerings (food & booze) that I have experienced was at the GF Royal Palm Club.

IDK my sister and I were ESILY able to make a meal out of the offerings at CR. The one soup was to die for. The steak was quite good as well. And those dinner rolls.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

It's not operating right now. Anyone have any idea when? I have club level AKV booked for end of March.

It will not be open in March. At AKV it will not reopen until Jambo House hotel (non DVC) reopens. You will be refunded the point difference to Standard View.

Strange that you could even book it right now..

DVC is about the real estate. They cannot close off those rooms legally, even if they cannot contract for the Club Level services with the hotel right now. DVC assumes full occupancy. Realistically they are not near that, but in the interim they are moving people to Kidani if requested and refunding points either way.

 

[Ssplashhmtn]

We really like Club level. It is the thing we will miss most about moving our stays to DVC. We never made the math work, and we don’t drink, but it’s not about mathematical food cost for us. A Disney trip can be so active that we enjoy the pampering and added relaxation (our reason for vacation). It’s the convenience, but even more, the chance to casually/easily sample good dishes and desserts. I do wish they would change up the menu a little more, although admittedly Disney fans aren’t real big on change, so I get that too.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

We really like Club level. It is the thing we will miss most about moving our stays to DVC. We never made the math work, and we don’t drink, but it’s not about mathematical food cost for us. A Disney trip can be so active that we enjoy the pampering and added relaxation (our reason for vacation). It’s the convenience, but even more, the chance to casually/easily sample good dishes and desserts. I do wish they would change up the menu a little more, although admittedly Disney fans aren’t real big on change, so I get that too.

Yes, same here. Before (and after) DVC our stays were/are club level. The cost is never justified, but enjoy it none the less.
Have stayed club level at the Poly, WL, AKL, GF RPC, YC, and Grand Cal.
IMO, GF RPC was a cut (or two) above the rest.

 

[drusba]

Strange that you could even book it right now...
Most people have said it won't return until you can have buffets.
Although I don't see why it can't be more like on a cruise where you'd select what you want the night before an its served individually.
They could also have prepackaged foods to grab.

DVC has allowed club level booking since last summer. The problem, of course, is that the club level services, including the lounge, are not happening now The way it is working is that you can book club level and maybe it will return by the time you get there. However, if things are still closed when you get there, the room will be charged as a standard room and the extra points returned.

 

[barb969]

The more people in your room, the bigger the savings. For 2 people it’s close to break even. That’s $100 each per day. if you do breakfast and dinner along with snacks and soft drinks you are probably ahead. Where in Disney can a person have breakfast, dinner, desert, snacks and soft drinks for $100? If you throw in alcohol you are really ahead. With 3 people it’s $67 each, with 4 $50. Also remember the amount is unlimited, so,if you want multiple helpings that‘s ok.
We have used club at Poly,GF, CR and YC and always have had sufficient for dinner. We have a table service meal for lunch.
If you are in the park from RD to closing you will not get your money’s worth.
It has been said the reason why Disney reduced room capacity in some of the club rooms to 4 was because with more people they ate too much.

 

[lovin'fl]

The more people in your room, the bigger the savings. For 2 people it’s close to break even. That’s $100 each per day. if you do breakfast and dinner along with snacks and soft drinks you are probably ahead. Where in Disney can a person have breakfast, dinner, desert, snacks and soft drinks for $100? If you throw in alcohol you are really ahead. With 3 people it’s $67 each, with 4 $50. Also remember the amount is unlimited, so,if you want multiple helpings that‘s ok.
We have used club at Poly,GF, CR and YC and always have had sufficient for dinner. We have a table service meal for lunch.
If you are in the park from RD to closing you will not get your money’s worth.
It has been said the reason why Disney reduced room capacity in some of the club rooms to 4 was because with more people they ate too much.

Another thing many folks would do is put full capacity names on their club room even though 2 or 3 of them were staying in non club room. Example is SIL books a club level AKV room (she owns AKV) and DH and I use our BWV points to book standard view room at 7 months. But SIL adds our names (using an alternative name to what we have listed on our booking...like Billy instead of William for example or middle names) and she gets us access to the lounge with them. We have never done this, in fact we have never done club level yet. But I have read many TR where folks do that.

 

[AliceIn]

We've stayed club level at Beach Club, Polynesian, Contemporary and Grand Floridian. I know these aren't DVC rooms, but my whole family loves the club level experience. 4 out of the 5 of us don't drink. We ate breakfast in the lounge each day, and then later in the day we did the evening appetizers. I think we spend a lot less on food when we do club level, because the most expensive meal of the day is lunch. The appetizers are usually very nice, and then we get a very light meal later. Having soft drinks available all the time was a big plus. My husband was the only one who had alcohol. He doesn't drink wine or beer, but enjoys a glass of whiskey or a rum and coke in the evening.

Since there were 5 of us staying, food on club level does help reduce the cost of meals quite a bit. For a couple, likely not.

 

[mort1331]

Is it 200.per room or 200 per person..if not staying at CL?