Disney's Club Level (CL) Information & Questions

[Spoisal]

I keep up with this thread, but things change so fast. I would love some more current answers to some basic questions:

1. How is CL if someone in your party has a Peanut Allergy? Or does that really depend on which CL?
2. What/when is this room check I see referenced?
3. Has anyone heard anything about Disney CL bringing back the perk of extra paid Lightning Lanes (was FP when they did this before) for CL guests. Someone had stated earlier in this thread that it was an old Pilot and they didn't expect it to happen again (I think it stopped with covid)....but I read this quote recently in Disney Tourist Blog: "there is currently no special line-skipping option for Club Level guests, but we expect that to return in late 2024 or 2025 after pre-arrival Lightning Lanes debut." This has me wondering if there is information out there that I have missed regarding this old program and bringing it back.

 

[Steph H]

Desserts! So good. The cobbler was always amazing and the ice cream was very good just all on its own. They also had Mickey bars but I only knew that from a fellow Diser. They were not advertised at all.View attachment 885500View attachment 885501View attachment 885502View attachment 885503View attachment 885504View attachment 885505

Thank you for posting all these pictures! You're getting me excited for our GF RPC trip!!

 

[mrsap]

I keep up with this thread, but things change so fast. I would love some more current answers to some basic questions:

1. How is CL if someone in your party has a Peanut Allergy? Or does that really depend on which CL?
2. What/when is this room check I see referenced?
3. Has anyone heard anything about Disney CL bringing back the perk of extra paid Lightning Lanes (was FP when they did this before) for CL guests. Someone had stated earlier in this thread that it was an old Pilot and they didn't expect it to happen again (I think it stopped with covid)....but I read this quote recently in Disney Tourist Blog: "there is currently no special line-skipping option for Club Level guests, but we expect that to return in late 2024 or 2025 after pre-arrival Lightning Lanes debut." This has me wondering if there is information out there that I have missed regarding this old program and bringing it back.

If you go back a couple of pages you will see a recent discussion about allergies.

We haven’t heard anything about that offering returning.

 

[2vets]

We haven’t heard anything about that offering returning.

I cannot believe I'm saying this because the LL now add up already...but for certain times of year the ability to purchase extras would really, really be helpful.

 

[vinotinto]

I keep up with this thread, but things change so fast. I would love some more current answers to some basic questions:

1. How is CL if someone in your party has a Peanut Allergy? Or does that really depend on which CL?
2. What/when is this room check I see referenced?
3. Has anyone heard anything about Disney CL bringing back the perk of extra paid Lightning Lanes (was FP when they did this before) for CL guests. Someone had stated earlier in this thread that it was an old Pilot and they didn't expect it to happen again (I think it stopped with covid)....but I read this quote recently in Disney Tourist Blog: "there is currently no special line-skipping option for Club Level guests, but we expect that to return in late 2024 or 2025 after pre-arrival Lightning Lanes debut." This has me wondering if there is information out there that I have missed regarding this old program and bringing it back.

1. On the subject of allergies, hopefully someone will chime in. We don't have any, but have overheard a few interactions and it seems they always check with the kitchen on what you can have and they may also get you something else directly from the kitchen, but note this may take some time. It's not as quick as a restaurant where the kitchen is right there. So, just keep that in mind.

2. The room checks have been happening since the Las Vegas attack. We leave the room for a good portion of the day (parks, pool, Disney Springs!) and we never use the "Room Occupied" sign and we usually don't even know when they have done the room check. In general, the people that I see complaining are the ones that are spending a large amount of time in the room (babies and toddlers that need 1-2 substantial naps) and are using that Room Occupied sign.

3. Hmmmm, that sounds like speculation. We know that the extra FP purchase program for CL guests was to test that out and pave the wave for the paid Genie+. Unless they are looking pilot a mid-level program where you could select from different levels of advance LL purchase? But my understanding is that Disney is not interested in cannibalizing its profitable plaid service, so I don't think it's likely.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Do you mind to expand on the difference in the service part?

Man, I had typed out my opinion the other day, decided to wait before posting just to ponder my thoughts, saved the post - but now it's gone. Argh.

But it was something along the lines of seeing the difference in a cruise ship environment where many/most cast have in all likelihood chosen the hospitality profession as a career and seem, from outward appearances at least, to really be putting their heart/soul into guest service/interaction/etc. You certainly see some of that with WDW CL, but with their reliance on CP and entry level labor I think you end up with a mix of people that have what it takes in a 'concierge' type of environment, and others, with all due respect, that probably would be best for other roles. What I don't know is if it's Disney being cheap with the hiring practices and not paying a decent wage to retain top customer-facing CL talent, or there just simply aren't enough customer-facing quality CMs to fill the roles. Probably a little of both I assume.

I always hesitate to get too opinionated on these things as my perspective as a repeat CL guest over many years is likely skewed.

 

[vinotinto]

Man, I had typed out my opinion the other day, decided to wait before posting just to ponder my thoughts, saved the post - but now it's gone. Argh.

But it was something along the lines of seeing the difference in a cruise ship environment where many/most cast have in all likelihood chosen the hospitality profession as a career and seem, from outward appearances at least, to really be putting their heart/soul into guest service/interaction/etc. You certainly see some of that with WDW CL, but with their reliance on CP and entry level labor I think you end up with a mix of people that have what it takes in a 'concierge' type of environment, and others, with all due respect, that probably would be best for other roles. What I don't know is if it's Disney being cheap with the hiring practices and not paying a decent wage to retain top customer-facing CL talent, or there just simply aren't enough customer-facing quality CMs to fill the roles. Probably a little of both I assume.

I always hesitate to get too opinioned on these things as my perspective as a repeat CL guest over many years is likely skewed.

We noticed that our CL experience in 2023 had a lot more college program employees than in 2019. I may also be skewed in my thinking, but I don't recall seeing any college program employees in 2019. And the employees that had made our stay so very special in 2019 were not there in 2023. We also wondered what went on behind the scenes. Did employees leave Orlando permanently during COVID? Is Disney purposely filling these positions with cheaper labor? Both?

And I am not knocking down the college program students. They are enthusiastic and were working hard, and I, selfishly, am encouraging my kids to consider the DCP! Just not quite the same as those seasoned employees.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

What/when is this room check I see referenced?

PP explained it well. Usually the mousekeeper daily service is the check, so the large majority of guests never even know there was anything of the sort. If you've declined housekeeping service you can expect a visit from someone usually once daily to come in, look around, and leave. The true reasoning is unknown - be it security concerns, human trafficking, monitoring property conditions, etc, we will never know.

I don't mean to downplay anyone that comes around here claiming to have had a bad experience with room checks - I'm sure with 30k+ rooms, 365 days a year, things happen. But I personally have never had one and don't spend a second even thinking about it. Usually when you see a report about it, they are DVC guests (who don't get regular housekeeping service) or values/moderates who don't get daily service, or people that leave the Room Occupied up all the time.

 

[Spoisal]

I am probably in the minority here, but as much as I love the idea of a VIP Tour, my family and I don't want to spend an entire day of our vacation with a Plaid (no matter how wonderful they are - it is just awkward to us). I would rather spend that money to buy those LL perks and tour on our own. Oh well...I will continue to have wishful thinking....

 

[NicoleLarson]

Man, I had typed out my opinion the other day, decided to wait before posting just to ponder my thoughts, saved the post - but now it's gone. Argh.

But it was something along the lines of seeing the difference in a cruise ship environment where many/most cast have in all likelihood chosen the hospitality profession as a career and seem, from outward appearances at least, to really be putting their heart/soul into guest service/interaction/etc. You certainly see some of that with WDW CL, but with their reliance on CP and entry level labor I think you end up with a mix of people that have what it takes in a 'concierge' type of environment, and others, with all due respect, that probably would be best for other roles. What I don't know is if it's Disney being cheap with the hiring practices and not paying a decent wage to retain top customer-facing CL talent, or there just simply aren't enough customer-facing quality CMs to fill the roles. Probably a little of both I assume.

I always hesitate to get too opinionated on these things as my perspective as a repeat CL guest over many years is likely skewed.

Thank you, I kind of thought that's what you were saying. So you would recommend staying CL at DL? I'm assuming your "mistake" was just seeing a higher level of service. Perhaps one that used to exist at WDW?

I am probably in the minority here, but as much as I love the idea of a VIP Tour, my family and I don't want to spend an entire day of our vacation with a Plaid (no matter how wonderful they are - it is just awkward to us). I would rather spend that money to buy those LL perks and tour on our own. Oh well...I will continue to have wishful thinking....

I'm always very perplexed when I see a VIP tour in a really weird attraction, like we saw one in Country Bear Jamboree. They sat in the waiting area with everyone prior to the show, so they spent at least 30-40 minutes on that attraction. I'm just thinking you just spent at least $250 extra to see country bear Jamboree .
I think the whole eating thing would be awkward. Like you are forcing this person to eat at a certain restaurant and their meal isn't included. I would pay for theirs but it would just be strange. So I get what you are saying about it being awkward.

 

[SkyGuy]

Thank you, I kind of thought that's what you were saying. So you would recommend staying CL at DL? I'm assuming your "mistake" was just seeing a higher level of service. Perhaps one that used to exist at WDW?

I'm always very perplexed when I see a VIP tour in a really weird attraction, like we saw one in Country Bear Jamboree. They sat in the waiting area with everyone prior to the show, so they spent at least 30-40 minutes on that attraction. I'm just thinking you just spent at least $250 extra to see country bear Jamboree .
I think the whole eating thing would be awkward. Like you are forcing this person to eat at a certain restaurant and their meal isn't included. I would pay for theirs but it would just be strange. So I get what you are saying about it being awkward.

We have done quite a few VIP Tours, and once we were with a newbie who really wanted to ride the safari. As we didn’t know if we’d be back to AK, we agreed. One of the giraffes decided it was the time to stand in front of our vehicle. Our driver said he’d wait a few minutes before calling the keepers. Then it took 10ish minutes for the keepers to arrive, then about 15-20 for them to lure the giraffe away. I kept thinking about the money wasting away and now refuse to do safari on a VIP tour.

 

[jods]

We have done quite a few VIP Tours, and once we were with a newbie who really wanted to ride the safari. As we didn’t know if we’d be back to AK, we agreed. One of the giraffes decided it was the time to stand in front of our vehicle. Our driver said he’d wait a few minutes before calling the keepers. Then it took 10ish minutes for the keepers to arrive, then about 15-20 for them to lure the giraffe away. I kept thinking about the money wasting away and now refuse to do safari on a VIP tour.

Hahaha. It is a waste of money but nothing makes me happier then when giraffes and other animals block our path. My kids (17 and 20) get giddy when it happens.

 

[Eastern]

We have done quite a few VIP Tours, and once we were with a newbie who really wanted to ride the safari. As we didn’t know if we’d be back to AK, we agreed. One of the giraffes decided it was the time to stand in front of our vehicle. Our driver said he’d wait a few minutes before calling the keepers. Then it took 10ish minutes for the keepers to arrive, then about 15-20 for them to lure the giraffe away. I kept thinking about the money wasting away and now refuse to do safari on a VIP tour.

wow, $400 delay.

I would be like that the entire day. Like Haunted Mansion is costing me $275 to ride. Having a water break: $130. Stopping to look at decorations: $75.

 

[Eastern]

Hahaha. It is a waste of money but nothing makes me happier then when giraffes and other animals block our path. My kids (17 and 20) get giddy when it happens.

It's great until it's $800/hour

I think that's the average price now.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I’ve heard stories of people spending the day resort hopping with their guide. Do enough of them and you start to see/hear all sorts of things people do on VIP tours that buck the usual “maximize every second on rides” narrative.

Not sure if I’ve ever done Country Bears with a guide, but sometimes you do plan a tour that’s just solely focused on one park (MK the usual target) and you want to do all the things. Or you’re taking advantage of the parade and fireworks viewing areas so needing to fill in some time and sometimes things like Tiki Birds and Bears are good time fillers.

Way back when BOG was good we had a long lunch once with our guide - an expensive 1.5 hours but it was bonkers hot and the adults, kids, and guides, all enjoyed the break!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thank you, I kind of thought that's what you were saying. So you would recommend staying CL at DL? I'm assuming your "mistake" was just seeing a higher level of service. Perhaps one that used to exist at WDW?

My original post was about Disney Cruise Line, FYI. Frankly not a fair apples to apples comparison as they are two different products, just both Disney billed “concierge” accommodations.

Unfortunately I’ve only been to DL once, for one night. Keep meaning to change that but life keeps getting in the way!

 

[ktink]

Just dropping in to say that we check into Poly CL 2 weeks from today!!

 

[SkyGuy]

I’ve heard stories of people spending the day resort hopping with their guide. Do enough of them and you start to see/hear all sorts of things people do on VIP tours that buck the usual “maximize every second on rides” narrative.

Not sure if I’ve ever done Country Bears with a guide, but sometimes you do plan a tour that’s just solely focused on one park (MK the usual target) and you want to do all the things. Or you’re taking advantage of the parade and fireworks viewing areas so needing to fill in some time and sometimes things like Tiki Birds and Bears are good time fillers.

Way back when BOG was good we had a long lunch once with our guide - an expensive 1.5 hours but it was bonkers hot and the adults, kids, and guides, all enjoyed the break!

My last post derailing the CL thread. On one of our tours, our guide told us she was hired by the husband to hang with his wife. She spent the day shopping at Disney Springs with her.

 

[KrazeeK120]

In regards to the room check…

I posted several pages back but we were at Disney (CR Atrium CL) and I tested positive for Covid. My husband and son went out (masked around others) and my husband told the concierge desk to skip our room for housekeeping.

A bit later, housekeeping stopped by to double check that we wanted to be skipped. I said I have Covid so yes that’s correct. Then housekeeping called to confirm. I said…I have Covid, please don’t come. Then the housekeeping manager came and wanted to change the trash and towels. I explained that I had Covid. She absolutely insisted so I let her in. Then some people from technology came by and said they needed to get some cord out of the closet because something or other was being updated (I don’t even remember) and I told them I had Covid and they said it was fine, it would only take a few seconds (which was true).

I wasn’t feeling great but was sitting in bed watching the Olympics. But for real, if I’d felt really sick, I would have been super annoyed. As it was, I found it a little comical. It was the first time we had declined housekeeping, ever, I think.

 

[Eastern]

My last post derailing the CL thread. On one of our tours, our guide told us she was hired by the husband to hang with his wife. She spent the day shopping at Disney Springs with her.

It sounds like Ben Affleck and JLo