Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[DisneyFansInNYC]

This is OT for this thread (I'm sorry) but I have a WWYD question and I trust the judgement of folks around here. Also just blowing off some steam so bare with me.

We usually use a car service to/from MCO. We've used Tiffany Towncar bunches of times but our favorite driver recently left and we just weren't feeling the two drivers we had on our last trip. For this trip, we opted to try FL Tours as they seem to get positive reviews around the boards.

Our MCO to Disney segment was excellent... great car, great driver, A++.

The Disney to MCO trip today was a totally different story. Car was old/dirty... had 184,000 miles on the odometer. It had a horrible cigarette smoke stench, either from the current driver smoking in the car or from a long history of being smoked in. The car was clean enough, but with the type of worn leather and floorboard stains you'd expect from a car with 184,000 miles on it. It was a very unpleasant 40 minute trip, primarily due to the cigarette smoke smell.

I am not one to get up in arms about things.... I can roll with the punches most of the time. But I was (and still am) absolutely livid. I 'almost' refused service right there at CR and was going to insist on them sending another car, but I 1) didn't want to make a scene in front of my son and 2) couldn't really risk being late to the flight.

I plan on writing FL Tours and also posting my review on the Transportation board, but just curious... are my expectations too high in regards to a car service?

FL Tours might be one and done for me.

The smell of smoke would have done it for me. It is great not to make a scene in front of your son but I would definitely write a letter.

Boy, we really did have polar opposite stays and if that had been my BC experience, I wouldn't have enjoyed it either!

I wouldn't hesitate to stay at either again, but the edge from this trip definitely goes to BC.

Back to the Poly lounge itself. What a difference in the food offerings from last year. Everything that has been mentioned here with the small plates, shrimp tarts, roast beef crostinis, plus potstickers and different tuna every night. Protein at breakfasts, different lettuce wraps during the snacks. Variety of desserts including yummy macaroons. However the one unwelcome beverage change (in our party's opinion) was replacing the Blue Moon with the Bud Light. Now I'm a dark beer drinker, love stouts, porters, black ale etc so the beer in CL is never my jam and I know that going in. I don't mind a wheat/Blue Moon in a pinch but never, ever would I reach for a Bud Light. Other options were Angry Orchard and a Longboard Lager, neither which I care for. Wine was average.

The real big big turn off was the running out and early shut down of lounge feeling from several of the CMs. One night by 9:10 or so they had run out of Bailey's. When asked if they were bringing out more the answer was no they are out. Pretty unacceptable to be out of cordials during cordial hour. I will say though that after asking two CMs, Normita - who is outstanding - went above and beyond and came over to us and said while they didn't have any more, she was going to send someone to the bar and get a glass for us. She was by far the best CM we encountered last year and this year.

They had also stopped stocking the fridge with beer by 9:10ish and by 9:30 they started cleaning up, putting away dessert offerings. Several guests were asking for beer and I overheard one CM tell another how guests were getting unhappy and they've told XX before that beer needs to stocked in the fridge until 10pm and then the CM brought a bunch out. They also ran out of oatmeal one morning with the same "we're out".

The happily ever after fireworks from the beach/lounge were okay, but nothing special. Hallowishes OTOH, was incredible. Oh how didn't know how much I'd missed it until I saw it.

Over at BC, the food was also much improved from the last time we were there, and personal preference, I preferred BC. Enjoyed the BBQ, shrimp ceviche, salads more. Also, while the beer was no better, BC had sangria and a really good red that I would buy at home. Desserts never rotated like the did at Poly.

Lastly, despite the scheduled BC lounge closings that I worried about, we never felt like we were kicked out, rather we were welcomed to stay during set up/break down. Even at close, the CMs came around kind of like a last call to make sure people's drinks were full, plates full etc. just good energy.

While we did chat a lot more with some Poly CMs, we found the Poly CMs to be either fully engaged and chatty, or lackluster. At BC, while I didn't find them to personally chit chat like some at Poly, I do feel like the overall service vibe was better at BC, from the bartender, to the rovers, Hope the lounge manager, to in general making sure we being taken care of.

The running out of food at any CL lounge is unacceptable. If the food should be served until 10:30am then it should be available until 10:30am. They ran out of food at the Poly when we were just there 2 weeks ago.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Evening all. Just got back from another great CR Atrium Club stay and wanted to get a few thoughts/pics out while they are fresh. These posts will be pic heavy, so I apologize in advance.

Quick background... this trip was four nights, 8/31-9/4. I've said before that CR is my Disney "business trip" resort of choice. I like CR a lot but prefer it for shorter stays that usually have some purpose. I don't love it enough to stay there for a longer trip. For this trip, the purpose was MNSSHP this past Friday. I also had EMM scheduled for Sunday. The walk-ability factor from CR really helps on trips such as this, IMHO.

I last stayed Atrium Club for a very similar trip this time last year, and this was my third Atrium Club stay. All in all I found things pretty much the same overall, no material changes in amenities or offerings. Some of you may remember we stayed a couple of nights in Tower Club earlier this year as well, which has effectively identical offerings.

Overall CR Atrium Club gets high marks from me. Like all CLs, there are pros/cons, but it gets the job done for my expectations.

So here goes!

I had a TPV room, #4833. Three doors down from the lounge (great!) on the Chef Mickey's side of the building (bad!). Note I did not submit any room requests (on purpose), although in the past I have requested to not be on the Chef Mickey's side. I was reminded why I feel that way... the fact is you do hear a bit of noise from CMs and Contempo Cafe starting at 7AM until about 11PM at night. When the A/C is on there's enough white noise you don't notice it... but if the A/C has cycled off, you learn the words to that "Celebrate" song real quick. Ok, maybe slight exaggeration, but if you want an absolutely quiet room, this side of the building is not for you.

Anyways.... a few pics...


The room was quite nice. I could be wrong but the carpet seemed like it had been replaced recently. No more bed throws or yellow accent pillows here... which is pretty much the style all over WDW I guess....



Again, could be wrong, but it looked like this couch had been recovered recently.



No clocks in CR these days. There are only four USB plugs in the room, all right here on the nightstand.



Keurig machine. But, no bottle of water like last year. I figured that could be cut quickly. An unfortunate change as I found that to be a nice touch.



Joffrey's French Roast....



Two robes, two slippers....



I promptly used one sink to hold my toiletry bag the duration of the trip, the other sink was actually used.



Latest in-room offerings. The mouthwash was new to me, had not seen that before.



Many people seem to like how the toilet is in a separate room at CR...


Shower with a few additional toiletries...

 

[GADisneyDad14]

So if you're counting... the room came with two shampoos, two conditioners, and two body washes. Oddly, we did not get a single bottle replenished on our trip. Granted it was just two of us and we didn't run out... but often I come home with gobs of bottles. I didn't really care that much and I didn't ask for any, but interesting none-the-less.


I had forgotten CR also has a hamper in the bathroom, like at GF.



For those that don't know, CR has a TV channel the plays fireworks music. Although Disney is a bit slow to update the channel lineup!



The view was lovely. Late afternoon storms rolling through....


The TPV rooms get some pretty intense afternoon sun. I think the Bay Lake side gets the better sun exposure....


Never really gets old to me.


Could sit on the balcony all day....


I like how the view always looks a bit different as the night moves along...



And let's not forget the odd numbered rooms... it's likely worth using that as a request for most folks.



Love the changing Florida skies and the view over the 7 Seas Lagoon.....

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I see lots of posts about how "you need to be in the MK/at the castle to enjoy HEA" which is true to some extent, but I like this show outside the park just as much. In many ways it's a better fireworks show than Wishes (I know, blasphemy) and the view from CR did not disappoint. Plus the sound from the TV. Yep, no complaints here.

I'll always be partial to the "head on" view from Poly, but this is the next best thing....





The villains segment is intense from this viewing angle. Pics don't do it justice.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Edited

 

[jods]

So, we have an adult only trip planned for Clearwater beach, Florida for our 15 anniversary on 9/20. Now with Irma coming as a cat 5, this may not be happening. I pray she doesn't hit this hard for all the people living in Florida and in its path. Of course I would be bummed about my 1st adult only trip (other then our usual 1 night trips in Atlantic City) but my concern is the people impacted by the storm. For fun I went to see availability for Disney thinking maybe we could but up F and W at epcot since we are flying into Tampa anyway. Well, not one club level room on property available. The only deluxe room is the Yacht Club. Which is great for Epcot but I didn't live BC when we were there 2 weeks ago. I would have stayed Boardwalk. I'll wait and see what Irma does and either cancel altogether or see what Disney has. My husband wants nothing to do with Disney though I'm torn on this whole weekend trip.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Moving on.... of course it's always all about the food.... IMHO CR's best service is breakfast. The offerings are generally plentiful, somewhat healthy, and tasty.

Oatmeal in the canister thing....although they didn't do a good job of keeping it from drying out. Seemed like every time I tried to get some it was a goopy/dry mess. Might have just been bad timing on my part. CMs were always around and ready to help though.


Flavored and plain yogurt with granola and honey toppings....


Fruit on that top tray is pretty limited. Just grapes and cheap melons. Not much else. Cheese and meats would make a good breakfast sandwich.


Croissants... lox....


Flavorful toppings....


I like the pre-sliced egg whites... keeps them from rolling off my plate! Plain bagels, white, and wheat bread in the storage container below.


A few pastries....





Every other morning they had out cinnamon rolls that had more of a Cinnabon-like topping instead of these standard ones below. OMG....


Dollops of creme cheese and butter....

 

[jods]

Moving on.... of course it's always all about the food.... IMHO CR's best service is breakfast. The offerings are generally plentiful, somewhat healthy, and tasty.

Oatmeal in the canister thing....although they didn't do a good job of keeping it from drying out. Seemed like every time I tried to get some it was a goopy/dry mess. Might have just been bad timing on my part. CMs were always around and ready to help though.
View attachment 267482

Flavored and plain yogurt with granola and honey toppings....
View attachment 267483

Fruit on that top tray is pretty limited. Just grapes and cheap melons. Not much else. Cheese and meats would make a good breakfast sandwich.
View attachment 267484

Croissants... lox....
View attachment 267485

Flavorful toppings....
View attachment 267486

I like the pre-sliced egg whites... keeps them from rolling off my plate! Plain bagels, white, and wheat bread in the storage container below.
View attachment 267488

A few pastries....
View attachment 267489


View attachment 267490

Every other morning they had out cinnamon rolls that had more of a Cinnabon-like topping instead of these standard ones below. OMG....
View attachment 267491

Dollops of creme cheese and butter....
View attachment 267495

Oooh, I like the individual yogurt cups. BC had the bug bowls of them but they kept running out of strawberry. It was replenished but seemed to be the favorite (it was my 10yos favorite as well).

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

@GADisneyDad14 These are great pictures. I was sorry we weren't staying at the CR for our MK days. I do not like leaving MK at the end of the night when having to take any form of transportation. Walking is great. You do take great pictures and thanks for posting.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

So for snacks... we were out and about a lot so really only saw one day and didn't get any pics. That day, they had pretty standard fare. Make your own trail mix and their "house-made chips" with some dipping sauces. Sorry no pics!

For evening apps, CR Atrium has a bit of a more limited menu compared to other MK CLs we've stayed recently. I can sometimes cheat at other resorts and make evening apps my meal, but not really at CR. This isn't necessarily a bad thing IMO, it's just very much more "light apps" here than anything else, at least at the moment! The menu was generally one hot app, one cold app, and the various standard rolls/crackers/cheeses. For kids, make-your-own PBJ was out nightly and chicken fingers and mac-n-cheese rotated every other night.

Evening lounge setup. Note Atrium Club doesn't have a ton of food counter space overall. The menu is on that TV screen although it is somewhat inconvenient to read for practical purposes. I do like the little table decorations. Nice touch.

Cold app up top... .this was shrimp with some type of relish garnish.


An unfortunately timed pic... but this is the hot platter. Tonight was some type of beef and potatoes. It was good.


Kids chicken fingers and PBJ sliders. I do much prefer this type of PBJ than the Uncrustables (ahem.... Poly... ahem)....





Tuna and big chunky chicken skewers on this night. I wasn't complaining.


CR has about the lamest beer selection out there (sorry!) with zero connection to the theme! Options include Sam Adams, Yuengling, I-4 IPA (which is dreadful), Bud Light (yes!), and Angry Orchard. A CM serves during evening apps but it's self serve during desserts for the most part from what I observed.

But... I had this same gripe last year... the beer is served in a bucket of sorts that's only barely filled with ice. The result is often luke warm beer. Boo to you CR. :-(


Red option #1....


Red option #2....


Only white available....

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Finally desserts... which I have almost zero pics of!

Dessert choices were tastefully prepared, but rather limited. Again, I'm OK with that.. but compared to what we experienced at GF SL in April, for example, this seems like slim pickins.

What an incredibly detailed and helpful display....











And here are a few misc lounge shots to finish it off...

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Couple of other final CR Atrium observations....

• CMs overall were great. Not over-the-top/in your face friendly, but nothing to complain about. I have experienced some of the more friendly CL CMs in my CR CL experiences, and this trip was similar.
• The lounge was busier than I've experienced on prior trips... there were a couple of times I couldn't get a seat. I guess I've been in slower times before. This wasn't a big problem, just an observation.
• Last year one thing I noted was how slow CMs were to clean tables. Not this year... tables were cleaned quickly... sometimes too quick!
• Small Dasani bottles are available upon request; we were commonly asked if we'd like some to take to the pool when we'd be walking by in our swim gear.

Happy to answer any questions, and thanks for following along!

 

[Lovinallthingsdisney]

Couple of other final CR Atrium observations....

• CMs overall were great. Not over-the-top/in your face friendly, but nothing to complain about. I have experienced some of the more friendly CL CMs in my CR CL experiences, and this trip was similar.
• The lounge was busier than I've experienced on prior trips... there were a couple of times I couldn't get a seat. I guess I've been in slower times before. This wasn't a big problem, just an observation.
• Last year one thing I noted was how slow CMs were to clean tables. Not this year... tables were cleaned quickly... sometimes too quick!
• Small Dasani bottles are available upon request; we were commonly asked if we'd like some to take to the pool when we'd be walking by in our swim gear.

Happy to answer any questions, and thanks for following along!

Thank you GADisneyDad14 for your insight and the wonderful pics. This is getting me excited for our upcoming trip! Glad to hear you enjoyed your stay!

 

[trishadono]

I see lots of posts about how "you need to be in the MK/at the castle to enjoy HEA" which is true to some extent, but I like this show outside the park just as much. In many ways it's a better fireworks show than Wishes (I know, blasphemy) and the view from CR did not disappoint. Plus the sound from the TV. Yep, no complaints here.

I'll always be partial to the "head on" view from Poly, but this is the next best thing....
View attachment 267473


View attachment 267474

The villains segment is intense from this viewing angle. Pics don't do it justice.
View attachment 267475

Beautiful pix! I was watching from the boat /7seas lagoon which also has a great view.

In-room box of chocolates and personalized CL note....
View attachment 267476

So I really hesitate to post this pic below. Sometimes I think folks should keep their pixie dust and/or unique guest experiences to themselves. Obviously these kinds of things are inconsistent among the resorts and Disney can't possibly do "extras" for every guest - it's just not possible. But, CR continues to impress me as the only WDW resort yet in our travels to repeatedly recognize us as a repeat guest. I have no idea if the below was a CL thing or resort thing (the card was from the resort General Manager), but it was a very thoughtful touch. And how cool is that chocolate monorail!
View attachment 267477 View attachment 267478

That is a lovely plate!

Moving on.... of course it's always all about the food.... IMHO CR's best service is breakfast. The offerings are generally plentiful, somewhat healthy, and tasty.

Oatmeal in the canister thing....although they didn't do a good job of keeping it from drying out. Seemed like every time I tried to get some it was a goopy/dry mess. Might have just been bad timing on my part. CMs were always around and ready to help though.
View attachment 267482

Flavored and plain yogurt with granola and honey toppings....
View attachment 267483

Fruit on that top tray is pretty limited. Just grapes and cheap melons. Not much else. Cheese and meats would make a good breakfast sandwich.
View attachment 267484

Croissants... lox....
View attachment 267485

Flavorful toppings....
View attachment 267486

I like the pre-sliced egg whites... keeps them from rolling off my plate! Plain bagels, white, and wheat bread in the storage container below.
View attachment 267488

A few pastries....
View attachment 267489


View attachment 267490

Every other morning they had out cinnamon rolls that had more of a Cinnabon-like topping instead of these standard ones below. OMG....
View attachment 267491

Dollops of creme cheese and butter....
View attachment 267495

I love gf for breakfast but that looks like a good 2nd for me.

So for snacks... we were out and about a lot so really only saw one day and didn't get any pics. That day, they had pretty standard fare. Make your own trail mix and their "house-made chips" with some dipping sauces. Sorry no pics!

For evening apps, CR Atrium has a bit of a more limited menu compared to other MK CLs we've stayed recently. I can sometimes cheat at other resorts and make evening apps my meal, but not really at CR. This isn't necessarily a bad thing IMO, it's just very much more "light apps" here than anything else, at least at the moment! The menu was generally one hot app, one cold app, and the various standard rolls/crackers/cheeses. For kids, make-your-own PBJ was out nightly and chicken fingers and mac-n-cheese rotated every other night.

Evening lounge setup. Note Atrium Club doesn't have a ton of food counter space overall. The menu is on that TV screen although it is somewhat inconvenient to read for practical purposes. I do like the little table decorations. Nice touch. View attachment 267498

Cold app up top... .this was shrimp with some type of relish garnish.
View attachment 267499

An unfortunately timed pic... but this is the hot platter. Tonight was some type of beef and potatoes. It was good.
View attachment 267500

Kids chicken fingers and PBJ sliders. I do much prefer this type of PBJ than the Uncrustables (ahem.... Poly... ahem)....
View attachment 267501


View attachment 267502

Tuna and big chunky chicken skewers on this night. I wasn't complaining.
View attachment 267503

CR has about the lamest beer selection out there (sorry!) with zero connection to the theme! Options include Sam Adams, Yuengling, I-4 IPA (which is dreadful), Bud Light (yes!), and Angry Orchard. A CM serves during evening apps but it's self serve during desserts for the most part from what I observed.

But... I had this same gripe last year... the beer is served in a bucket of sorts that's only barely filled with ice. The result is often luke warm beer. Boo to you CR. :-(
View attachment 267504

Red option #1....
View attachment 267505

Red option #2....
View attachment 267506

Only white available....
View attachment 267507

Beer to match contemporary? What would that be lol.

Couple of other final CR Atrium observations....

• CMs overall were great. Not over-the-top/in your face friendly, but nothing to complain about. I have experienced some of the more friendly CL CMs in my CR CL experiences, and this trip was similar.
• The lounge was busier than I've experienced on prior trips... there were a couple of times I couldn't get a seat. I guess I've been in slower times before. This wasn't a big problem, just an observation.
• Last year one thing I noted was how slow CMs were to clean tables. Not this year... tables were cleaned quickly... sometimes too quick!
• Small Dasani bottles are available upon request; we were commonly asked if we'd like some to take to the pool when we'd be walking by in our swim gear.

Happy to answer any questions, and thanks for following along!

I kept watching CR from GF thinking "there he is with ds having fun like us! ".

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Beer to match contemporary? What would that be lol.

Good question, I don't really know! Like any good Disney guest I reserve the right to complain but also not offer any suggestions on how to fix!

But I have always thought CR CL has a "missed" opportunity to do a special themed drink like you see at some other CLs. Tons of possibilities with the monorail, etc. Heck, serve a version of the "Seven Seas Lagoon" that they offer at Wave.

 

[TJA]

@GADisneyDad14 great pictures, as usual! Thanks so much for taking the time to take these pics and post here for us to enjoy. Had to laugh at your thoughts about the beer - remembering back to a couple of really happy guys on July 4 when Poly brought out the blue bottles of Bud Lite!

 

[mickeynut1]

We just came back from a split 10 day stay at BC CL and Poly CL. from 8/24 to 9/4.

Thanks for your review. Glad you had a great trip overall .

and final thought even though not CL related but more of times we live in now... we went to O'hana. the family on right - 2 kids about yr younger than mine - my guess 4 and 6 both had iPads and watched the movies entire dinner, older didnt want to go and participate in coconut race since she didnt finish her game, family on left was taking pictures of food and posting on FB non stop. just the times we live in....

We see this a lot at home. I think it's sad that a family can't go out for dinner (especially on vacation) and sit together without being on phones, ipads, etc .

So many inconsistencies...it is frustrating because when you reserve your room 10 months in advance and you are told you are entitled to certain things in a room at that level then you expect them as part of the package weather or not they are important to you or not.

I agree! I am one who doesn't mind not getting greeted upon arrival or getting turn down, but guests should get what was advertised when they made their reservation....or at the very least, get notified prior to their trip about the changes .

Nothing wrong with liking the chocolates! Its the little things in life, I always say.

The running out of food at any CL lounge is unacceptable. If the food should be served until 10:30am then it should be available until 10:30am.

I agree

Just got back from another great CR Atrium Club stay and wanted to get a few thoughts/pics out while they are fresh. These posts will be pic heavy, so I apologize in advance.

Thanks for your review and pics! Glad you had another great CR CL stay .

 

[Eastern]

I plan on writing FL Tours and also posting my review on the Transportation board, but just curious... are my expectations too high in regards to a car service?

FL Tours might be one and done for me.

No, I do not think your expectations are too high, especially in regards to smoke. Something like this happened to us several years ago. We reserved a local car/limo service to take us to the airport and the van that showed up was old and beat up, an embarrassment to ride in! I was so mad. I don't remember what exactly happened afterwards although I did complain, and some money (maybe $100?) was taken off my bill. The owner was a bit combative at first but I think he knew I was telling the truth about his junky van. Awful! Now we just drive ourselves and pay the parking fee at the airport.

Just curious why you do not use ME? We love it and consider it part of the trip. Yes, sometimes we have to wait a bit for it to fill up, but usually it's fairly prompt, always clean, and the drivers are usually pretty friendly. The biggest downside was the return trip: even leaving 3 hours early, after picking up other resort passengers we often worried about getting through security, but we solved that problem by getting everyone TSA precheck. Now we go through security in minutes and have time to spare.

 

[trishadono]

No, I do not think your expectations are too high, especially in regards to smoke. Something like this happened to us several years ago. We reserved a local car/limo service to take us to the airport and the van that showed up was old and beat up, an embarrassment to ride in! I was so mad. I don't remember what exactly happened afterwards although I did complain, and some money (maybe $100?) was taken off my bill. The owner was a bit combative at first but I think he knew I was telling the truth about his junky van. Awful! Now we just drive ourselves and pay the parking fee at the airport.

Just curious why you do not use ME? We love it and consider it part of the trip. Yes, sometimes we have to wait a bit for it to fill up, but usually it's fairly prompt, always clean, and the drivers are usually pretty friendly. The biggest downside was the return trip: even leaving 3 hours early, after picking up other resort passengers we often worried about getting through security, but we solved that problem by getting everyone TSA precheck. Now we go through security in minutes and have time to spare.

We love ME too!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Evening all. Just got back from another great CR Atrium Club stay. Three doors down from the lounge (great!) on the Chef Mickey's side of the building (bad!). Note I did not submit any room requests (on purpose), although in the past I have requested to not be on the Chef Mickey's side. I was reminded why I feel that way... the fact is you do hear a bit of noise from CMs and Contempo Cafe starting at 7AM until about 11PM at night. When the A/C is on there's enough white noise you don't notice it... but if the A/C has cycled off, you learn the words to that "Celebrate" song real quick. Ok, maybe slight exaggeration, but if you want an absolutely quiet room, this side of the building is not for you.

We were there a little before you.

While I'd agree that we heard chef Mickey's in the past when we stayed on the lower levels of CR, we've not had the experience of hearing the music since we started staying on Atrium level, even though our room was also on the CMickey's side of CR. Even coming and going from the room, we barely heard any music from CM.

I should add, when I stayed on the lower levels some years ago, we DID hear it at all hours from inside the room. I absolutely agree that the experience of hearing the song early every morning is annoying.