Disney Wilderness Lodge: Club Level Is It Worth It?

[Giraffeitis]

Hello everyone, I was just wondering if it was actually worth it to upgrade to Club Level?

I think I could get the Deluxe Dining Plan and just get a Standard Room at WL and still save a bunch of money. I say this, because other than their lounge that serves food, I don't see any real benefits to it, but please surprise me! Let me know if there is any!

What's your opinion: Is it worth it or not really?

 

[strat68]

Although I have never stayed club level at WL, I have at AKL. IMHO, it's not worth it, especially if you are looking at it in terms of food. What they provide are not meal replacements other than possibly a light breakfast. They cannot get you any reservations that you can't get yourself either, according to most reports I see.

As for the Deluxe Dining, are you sure you can eat that much food? And is it cost-effective for you? It's probably less expensive to pay out of pocket and order whatever you want.

 

[Giraffeitis]

As for the Deluxe Dining, are you sure you can eat that much food? And is it cost-effective for you? It's probably less expensive to pay out of pocket and order whatever you want.

Yeah, I was considering questioning that as well, but wasn't sure if it would be relevant or if I'd have to take that question to the Restaurant or Budget Board ha-ha.

 

[rwdavis2]

Yeah, I was considering questioning that as well, but wasn't sure if it would be relevant or if I'd have to take that question to the Restaurant or Budget Board ha-ha.

Good thing to consider. We got (almost) free dining a couple years ago and the regular plan was too much food. Got so tired of eating dessert that I skipped a few. Honestly.

 

[SillySallySews]

We've stayed club level at BC and BWI. Unless maybe you're going to drink an insane amount of alcohol, you probably won't make up the price difference. We love being able to grab a quick breakfast in the lounge. We take afternoon breaks every day, and sometimes spend full days at the resort swimming, and it's nice to have a place to be other than the room. I'm not sure if you have kids, but the club level staff has always been super nice to our kids. They've given them buttons, balloons, coloring books and crayons, brought out special snacks, and probably a dozen other little things I'm not remembering. We love it, but club level is probably not something you can really justify dollar for dollar based on food costs alone. Have a great trip!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Hello everyone, I was just wondering if it was actually worth it to upgrade to Club Level?

I think I could get the Deluxe Dining Plan and just get a Standard Room at WL and still save a bunch of money. I say this, because other than their lounge that serves food, I don't see any real benefits to it, but please surprise me! Let me know if there is any!

What's your opinion: Is it worth it or not really?

I would not get club level during this construction period. We were there in January and they have moved the location and reduced the food offerings during the construction of the new club level lounge. In fact, we cancelled our second club level stay because it just wasn't worth it for us.

 

[madalex]

Club level isn't about getting your money's worth in free food and drink. It's about having extra help from a dedicated staff, a lounge to relax in (which is especially helpful on departure day if you don't leave until mid-afternoon, but you need to be out of your room by 11:00 am) and the intangible value of the exclusivity that comes from club level. If the cost is really an issue to you compared to an alternative, club level probably isn't going to be "worth it" for you.

 

[Eastern]

...and the intangible value of the exclusivity that comes from club level.

This is probably the worst reason ever for paying Club Level rates.

 

[Giraffeitis]

Club level isn't about getting your money's worth in free food and drink. It's about having extra help from a dedicated staff, a lounge to relax in (which is especially helpful on departure day if you don't leave until mid-afternoon, but you need to be out of your room by 11:00 am) and the intangible value of the exclusivity that comes from club level. If the cost is really an issue to you compared to an alternative, club level probably isn't going to be "worth it" for you.

Honestly, I could afford it and budget for it if I wanted to, but that's what I'm trying to figure out, basically what are the pros and cons to having Club Level Access, it seems nice, but is it actually worth paying ~$400/day extra for?

They cannot get you any reservations that you can't get yourself either, according to most reports I see.

And as strat68 pointed out, they can't really help me with anything that I couldn't already do myself. Although I'm sure that they might have some good advice, shouldn't all the staff?

 

[P2KMommy]

So glad for the insights because we have been thinking about it for our trip in March. Doesn't see worth it at this point.

 

[2forMe]

I would not do club level or deluxe dining plan. Neither are worth it for my family.

 

[danc18]

We are doing CL at WL because it was the only way to get a separate sleeping room for the kids who need to go to bed early. We didn't want the villas bc of construction and the walk to everything in the lodge. We were disappointed that there are no 1br suites without CL at the lodge.

 

[WhoDatDisney]

We stayed in CL a few years back in order to get a room that slept 5

Really didn't take advantage of the offerings as we usually hit the parks early and spend the entire day there

We would stop and eat breakfast on way out everyday

CM's were exceptionally helpful and pleasant

We felt "pampered " and enjoyed our stay

Doesnt seem worth it looking back though

Much happier in the villas especially after reading all the issues during the construction

 

[raddisneyfan]

After being upgraded twice to CL, I know for certain that I would never pay extra for that "privilege." The food offering wasn't anything special at all. The room locations are good, but again, not worth the extra cost in my opinion. As for the deluxe dining, never---too much food for sure.

 

[P2KMommy]

Thanks again! How do get upgraded?

 

[Lodge Captain]

Suggest you read WDWKOOKS detailed trip report. CL ain't what it used to be at many resorts now. Heed Wood Nymphs warning regarding WL CL!!

 

[disnmooner2013]

We stayed club level at WL in 2013. We did not make up the cost. But we liked having a private check-in and a lounge on our floor. It was nice for breakfast. It is nice having to have a "private" floor at the top of the Wilderness Lodge. We did not use the concierge service for pre-trip planning. However, we missed our original flight going home since our flight time was changed. The desk staff at the club level made sure our luggage which was already at the airport did not get on the wrong flight. They also paid for our taxi back to the airport since our flight was changed and we could no longer have the time to wait for Disney Express bus back to the airport.