Concierge/Club Level Information - Part III (October 2010)

[KatieCollette]

Hey guys, so DH said we could do CL for our trip in Feb! We're doing an adults only trip, 4 days. I've been going over all the reviews and I just can't make up my mind. BC was the front runner for the longest time, but now I just don't know. Especially after seeing all of CR resort fan 4 lifes posts about BWI.

Narrowed it down to : BC, BWI, CR, or WL. WL is in a distant 4th place finish though. Location doesn't really matter because we are only going to Epcot one day and MK the next.

Thoughts?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hey guys, so DH said we could do CL for our trip in Feb! We're doing an adults only trip, 4 days. I've been going over all the reviews and I just can't make up my mind. BC was the front runner for the longest time, but now I just don't know. Especially after seeing all of CR resort fan 4 lifes posts about BWI.

Narrowed it down to : BC, BWI, CR, or WL. WL is in a distant 4th place finish though. Location doesn't really matter because we are only going to Epcot one day and MK the next.

Thoughts?

Well if you read all my reviews of the Boardwalk Inn you already know what I think of their Club Level Cast Members and lounge.

I can also tell you their lounge is bigger then the Contemporary and Beach Club. The only one I can't comment on is Wilderness Lodge since I have not stayed Club Level there.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hey guys, so DH said we could do CL for our trip in Feb! We're doing an adults only trip, 4 days. I've been going over all the reviews and I just can't make up my mind. BC was the front runner for the longest time, but now I just don't know. Especially after seeing all of CR resort fan 4 lifes posts about BWI.

Narrowed it down to : BC, BWI, CR, or WL. WL is in a distant 4th place finish though. Location doesn't really matter because we are only going to Epcot one day and MK the next.

Thoughts?

Well if you read all my reviews of the Boardwalk Inn you already know what I think of their Club Level Cast Members and lounge.

I can also tell you their lounge is bigger then the Contemporary and Beach Club. The only one I can't comment on is Wilderness Lodge since I have not stayed Club Level there.

That's where I come in

We love WL's CL! But, we're trying BWI's and the RPC on our next trip. We've also tried the YC's and the CR's and IMHO, the WL was a step above. We love their CL because...

~The lounge seating area is very large and wraps around the gorgeous lobby seven floors below.

~The CL manager, Randy, is extremely attentive and genuinely wants to get to know each guest and treats them like family. He is the consummate professional.

~The lounge and seating area is always spotless and food is always replenished up until closing.

~The CL CMs are very friendly, helpful and accommodating.

~DH loves having a different homemade cobbler every night.

~Beer is in the fridge, so you don't have to ask for it.

~The CL views of Bay Lake, the geyser and the courtyard are gorgeous.

If you'd like to see more photos or read more about the WL, I have many more in the WL thread which is hyperlinked in my signature.

 

[bowbat]

Hey guys, so DH said we could do CL for our trip in Feb! We're doing an adults only trip, 4 days. I've been going over all the reviews and I just can't make up my mind. BC was the front runner for the longest time, but now I just don't know. Especially after seeing all of CR resort fan 4 lifes posts about BWI.

Narrowed it down to : BC, BWI, CR, or WL. WL is in a distant 4th place finish though. Location doesn't really matter because we are only going to Epcot one day and MK the next.

Thoughts?

We'll be staying at the BWI for the first time in a few weeks, and I can tell you the main reason I picked it over BC is because so many posts talk about the "lively, family-friendly" vibe of BC. While there's obviously nothing wrong with that, I prefer a more relaxing, mellow atmosphere. Plus, the pool at BC seems to be one of the primary reasons people stay there...February would be hit or miss for enjoying that. (Though that depends on where you're from & what you consider comfortable swimming weather. I live in SW Florida -- I'm in sweaters with the temps hit 70. )

We also really enjoyed our stay at CR, but I personally think an adults-only trip just screams for the EPCOT resort area. And we liked WL, but it definitely felt more "family" to me, plus the rooms seemed small & dark to us.

So as of right now, my vote would be for BWI. I reserve the right to change my vote, however, should we end up hating it when we're there.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We'll be staying at the BWI for the first time in a few weeks, and I can tell you the main reason I picked it over BC is because so many posts talk about the "lively, family-friendly" vibe of BC. While there's obviously nothing wrong with that, I prefer a more relaxing, mellow atmosphere. Plus, the pool at BC seems to be one of the primary reasons people stay there...February would be hit or miss for enjoying that. (Though that depends on where you're from & what you consider comfortable swimming weather. I live in SW Florida -- I'm in sweaters with the temps hit 70. )

We also really enjoyed our stay at CR, but I personally think an adults-only trip just screams for the EPCOT resort area. And we liked WL, but it definitely felt more "family" to me, plus the rooms seemed small & dark to us.

So as of right now, my vote would be for BWI. I reserve the right to change my vote, however, should we end up hating it when we're there.

I agree with your BC assessment. After our next trip, we will have stayed at every Deluxe, with the exception of BC, because of some of the reasons you mentioned. We also prefer a quieter and calmer atmosphere with a larger lounge. IMHO, the BC and YC lounges are too small to accommodate the number of guests and can quickly become crowded, messy and have empty serving dishes and it can be difficult to get a table at peak times, like breakfast.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I agree with your BC assessment. After our next trip, we will have stayed at every Deluxe, with the exception of BC, because of some of the reasons you mentioned. We also prefer a quieter and calmer atmosphere with a larger lounge. IMHO, the BC and YC lounges are too small to accommodate the number of guests and can quickly become crowded, messy and have empty serving dishes and it can be difficult to get a table at peak times, like breakfast.

Plus I didn't like how the Beach Club re-opens the Club Level lounge doors at 5:00 PM, because there was a line up of guests waiting to get in and that doesn't make for a relaxed atmosphere given the size of their lounge.

The only other Club Level lounge I have seen with actual doors is the Boardwalk Inn and they are kept open from 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM. Plus I can tell you from personal experience at 5:00 PM there is never a line up to get inside.

 

[KatieCollette]

We'll be staying at the BWI for the first time in a few weeks, and I can tell you the main reason I picked it over BC is because so many posts talk about the "lively, family-friendly" vibe of BC. While there's obviously nothing wrong with that, I prefer a more relaxing, mellow atmosphere. Plus, the pool at BC seems to be one of the primary reasons people stay there...February would be hit or miss for enjoying that. (Though that depends on where you're from & what you consider comfortable swimming weather. I live in SW Florida -- I'm in sweaters with the temps hit 70. )

We also really enjoyed our stay at CR, but I personally think an adults-only trip just screams for the EPCOT resort area. And we liked WL, but it definitely felt more "family" to me, plus the rooms seemed small & dark to us.

So as of right now, my vote would be for BWI. I reserve the right to change my vote, however, should we end up hating it when we're there.

Hmm... I think your changing my mind here. We want to go next Christmas with the kiddo, and I think we would stay at BC with him then, and save the "family friendly environment" vacation for him.

Plus I didn't like how the Beach Club re-opens the Club Level lounge doors at 5:00 PM, because there was a line up of guests waiting to get in and that doesn't make for a relaxed atmosphere given the size of their lounge.

The only other Club Level lounge I have seen with actual doors is the Boardwalk Inn and they are kept open from 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM. Plus I can tell you from personal experience at 5:00 PM there is never a line up to get inside.

Theres a line? Is there any other resorts that have lines? Yuck. DH wants to RELAX on this vacation, and not deal with lines. Which is why we are only spending a small amount of time in the parks, and more at the resort. Ok you guys are making BC fall into last place for me here now. And thanks for your WL pics WDWKOOK!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Theres a line? Is there any other resorts that have lines? Yuck. DH wants to RELAX on this vacation, and not deal with lines. Which is why we are only spending a small amount of time in the parks, and more at the resort. Ok you guys are making BC fall into last place for me here now. And thanks for your WL pics WDWKOOK!

Like I said before when comparing the Club Level lounges at the Boardwalk Inn and Beach Club since they both have doors at their entrances. Well the Beach Club is the only one that had a line up to get in at 5:00 PM since they close it just before, where as the Boardwalk Inn leaves their doors open until 10:00 PM and I have never seen a line up to get inside for a table.

I will also say again the Beach Club lounge is to small for their total number of Club Level rooms and the Boardwalk Inn lounge is a lot bigger when comparing those resorts.

 

[pmdeve]

They can basically takes items available in the lounge and put them in your fridge before you arrive, so you would need to make this request with the Grand Floridian IPO department.

Can this be requested on the atrium club? What do they charge for this service?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Can this be requested on the atrium club? What do they charge for this service?

I don't see why you couldn't request it when staying on the Atrium Club floor, however I am not sure if they charge you or not.

 

[contemporarymom]

I don't see why you couldn't request it when staying on the Atrium Club floor, however I am not sure if they charge you or not.

They don't charge.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

They don't charge.

That's good to know.

 

[KerryCM]

Well, my bags are packed and I am ready to go!! Our flight is at 9:45 tomorrow morning. We should be at the Boardwalk by 3, at the latest. My son and his family will get there about 5 and my daughter and her family will be there Thursday. cannot wait to see my grandchildren. We will be clebrating my granddaughter, Madyson's 9th birthday and my grandson, Jackson's 3rd birthday. Madyson shares Mickey's birthday, the 18th is so excited to be at WDW for it.
Unfortunately, we were supposed to be celebrating my daughter Suzy's remission from breast cancer, but the Air Force had other ideas. We will celebrate with her and her husband another time.
anything anyone wants me to find out let me know. I will need to bring my computer with us and may be online sometime.

 

[nascargirl]

KerryCM-Enjoy your trip and say Hi to you know who.

 

[sfbank]

KerryCM-Have a great trip! I know they are all looking forward to seeing you. That is too bad that your daughter and hubby are not tagging along now. I had heard all the things you were celebrating with her remission being one of them. On the bright side another Disney trip to plan!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

KerryCM,
I hope you have a great time and if it's possible can you try to remember what the new hot food offerings are on each night. If you can't it's no big deal since I will be there in a couple of weeks and I can find out myself.

 

[DWDude]

Hmm... I think your changing my mind here. We want to go next Christmas with the kiddo, and I think we would stay at BC with him then, and save the "family friendly environment" vacation for him.

Theres a line? Is there any other resorts that have lines? Yuck. DH wants to RELAX on this vacation, and not deal with lines. Which is why we are only spending a small amount of time in the parks, and more at the resort. Ok you guys are making BC fall into last place for me here now. And thanks for your WL pics WDWKOOK!

When I first booked our Dec trip, I started reading reviews of all the Club lounges at the deluxe hotels. I found both good and bad reviews for each one. (Imagine that!) So I realized that what I really wanted was location, location, location. We stayed at the YC Dec 2010 and loved the location since we spend most evenings at Epcot. Wanting something different than the YC, I compared the BC to the BWI. And over and over again. I was convinced that the BC had the atmosphere I was looking for on this trip. It seemed to me that the YC was very similar to the BWI in that regard.
Then along came the comments about having to wait in line for the lounge. I don’t like waiting in line for anything, much less club service. Then I saw that it was mostly for the 5pm feeding and seating at breakfast. I don’t really have plans to eat dinner at the club, so that part didn’t bother me. Actually, I’d feel like a sheep waiting for them to put the feeding trough out each night. Again, it came down to location for me and the breakfast issue. (My guess is all the club lounges are busy at that time with all the rope droppers getting some fuel for the morning sprint.) I have an ADR at the clam bake and love me some beaches and cream for great cheese burgers and shakes. Soooo… Beach Club it is. (Besides I checked on reservations for the BWI for my dates and it was full) EASY CHOICE

 

[ppony]

YIKES! A line to get IN to the lounge at the BC? YUCK! No way! Until that gets changed (if ever) I'm not going to do that. Cattle and sheep are a pretty good descriptive of how I'd feel. No thanks! Glad I peeked into this thread again. It's been a while.

 

[KatieCollette]

When I first booked our Dec trip, I started reading reviews of all the Club lounges at the deluxe hotels. I found both good and bad reviews for each one. (Imagine that!) So I realized that what I really wanted was location, location, location. We stayed at the YC Dec 2010 and loved the location since we spend most evenings at Epcot. Wanting something different than the YC, I compared the BC to the BWI. And over and over again. I was convinced that the BC had the atmosphere I was looking for on this trip. It seemed to me that the YC was very similar to the BWI in that regard.
Then along came the comments about having to wait in line for the lounge. I don’t like waiting in line for anything, much less club service. Then I saw that it was mostly for the 5pm feeding and seating at breakfast. I don’t really have plans to eat dinner at the club, so that part didn’t bother me. Actually, I’d feel like a sheep waiting for them to put the feeding trough out each night. Again, it came down to location for me and the breakfast issue. (My guess is all the club lounges are busy at that time with all the rope droppers getting some fuel for the morning sprint.) I have an ADR at the clam bake and love me some beaches and cream for great cheese burgers and shakes. Soooo… Beach Club it is. (Besides I checked on reservations for the BWI for my dates and it was full) EASY CHOICE

I think that at least one (maybe two nights) we will be using the Club as a light dinner. So I don't want to fight lines and seats. But like you said, LOCATION! That's why I quickly ruled out AKL. I think I'm leaning towards BWI.

Now another question for you wonderful people, I'm thinking about adding on another day to our trip (so 5 days, 4 nights) and doing a split stay. Is that crazy for such a small stay? I don't know if we would do club level again unless it's another adult's only trip, so I want to experience another resort. If I do 2 nights WLCL, and 2 nights at BWI CL, its not that much more cost wise. We're not planning on hitting the parks much, so I was thinking the day we switch could be our one big parks day so we would have something to do before check in. Other than that we were just going to enjoy our resort for most of the trip

 

[chimo2u]

YIKES! A line to get IN to the lounge at the BC? YUCK! No way! Until that gets changed (if ever) I'm not going to do that. Cattle and sheep are a pretty good descriptive of how I'd feel. No thanks! Glad I peeked into this thread again. It's been a while.

Well, BC wasn't my favourite, but when I stayed in Feb 2011 there was never a line to get into the lounge.....breakfast was always plentiful and I never had a problem finding a table.....could be different at other times of the yr. though