Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[disprincess2213]

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iance and proximity to the MK.

They serve different food/snacks, have different vibes, etc. But mostly I choose based on which resort we want to stay at. If you are looking for something in particular maybe you can share than and I could recommend one over the other. But really, we have always enjoyed our stays at WDW.

I have also stayed at each of these deluxe resorts but never stayed CL! I know what you (and everyone else) are saying about each place having its own charm and vibe! That is the BEST part about Disney!! Its always a different feel and vibe!!

I think what Im really asking is if any club level lounges amenities/offerings is better than another. For example, Does the YC CL have better food and wine options over, say, poly CL? I guess I was wondering about the actual lounges/food/wine/beer offerings were better than others, not taking into account the hotel/location/rooms.

Thanks again to all who gave input! I love to hear opinions!

 

[VbChristy]

I think it's a weird thing to do but I can understand that some people have a real need for coffee in the morning so I would probably not say anything.

Now if she sprawled out on a bench and read the paper like that, I might mention it to a CM.

I agree. I saw some people like that at GF RPC - I guess it doesn't bother me. I am not fully dressed for the day when I go to the lounge to get coffee. I'm not in slippers, but I am in partially in the clothes that I sleep in...

 

[mickeynut1]

We've tried YC, Contemporary, BWI and AKL. This probably sounds like a wimpy answer but they are all very nice. Each has something special about the location or the CM's. I don't think you can go wrong with CL at WDW. We often make the decision based on whether we can get a discount.

If you don't mind me asking, which is your favorite (as far as lounge/offerings/CMs)? CR CL and AKL CL are at the top of my list to try, with BWI CL a possibility .

Thanks. We have stayed there for a couple of different trips with my son (not club level, but savanah view over on the DVC property.) Unfortunately, AK CL doesn't have availability for when I would change my dates to I will be staying with my original long trip and hope it works out. I book under a specific rate, and apparently there just isn't availability.

Availability does sometimes change, so if AKL CL is one you want, keep checking .

I have also stayed at each of these deluxe resorts but never stayed CL! I know what you (and everyone else) are saying about each place having its own charm and vibe! That is the BEST part about Disney!! Its always a different feel and vibe!!

I think what Im really asking is if any club level lounges amenities/offerings is better than another. For example, Does the YC CL have better food and wine options over, say, poly CL? I guess I was wondering about the actual lounges/food/wine/beer offerings were better than others, not taking into account the hotel/location/rooms.

Thanks again to all who gave input! I love to hear opinions!

I agree, each Disney resort has its own unique charm .

 

[gwynne]

I probably should have added this when I replied to the lounge dress question:
I wear jeans (or capris) a tee and flipflops when I go to the lounge in the mornings. If I'm feeling cold, I pop a hoodie over. We don't always eat breakfast in the lounge, but I do bring back coffee for the two of us several times. Sometimes I bring back a bit of breakfast-yogurt and muffins or that sort of thing.

 

[gwynne]

If you don't mind me asking, which is your favorite (as far as lounge/offerings/CMs)? CR CL and AKL CL are at the top of my list to try, with BWI CL a possibility .



Availability does sometimes change, so if AKL CL is one you want, keep checking .



I agree, each Disney resort has its own unique charm .

Hi Mickeynut1, I don't mind you asking at all.

Lets see I'll try to break it down this way:
Our favorite by a mile is BWI. It's not always easy to get into, but we love the atmosphere, the CM's the location. I probably will like it even better now that they aren't getting so much greek food from Cat Cora's house.
Seriously, we think their snacks and desserts are delicious. We also like that the Bellvue Lounge is nearby. We really enjoy spending a bit of time there.

AKL is just plain fun! We love the animals and all the artwork around the resort. I could wander around there for hours, and have. The snacks are very good, we enjoy pretty much everything they serve there. It's also the place where I was introduced to Amarula. Yum. A bit over ice in the evening, what a treat!

Contemporary was lovely as a one and done. DH doesn't really enjoy the MK all that much. (Dare I say that on a Disney board???) We did like the easy walk back and forth, and the view from the lounge was first rate.

I'm also a big fan of the Yacht Club. There is just something about walking in there that is so relaxing. Love, love, love SAB, so we have to stay there occasionally.

This is an extra special year. We'll be at YC CL for Flower and Garden and BWI CL for Food and Wine. Can't Wait!!!!
No trips in 2017, we'll be moving and that will be enough excitement.

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi Mickeynut1, I don't mind you asking at all.

Lets see I'll try to break it down this way:
Our favorite by a mile is BWI. It's not always easy to get into, but we love the atmosphere, the CM's the location. I probably will like it even better now that they aren't getting so much greek food from Cat Cora's house.
Seriously, we think their snacks and desserts are delicious. We also like that the Bellvue Lounge is nearby. We really enjoy spending a bit of time there.

AKL is just plain fun! We love the animals and all the artwork around the resort. I could wander around there for hours, and have. The snacks are very good, we enjoy pretty much everything they serve there. It's also the place where I was introduced to Amarula. Yum. A bit over ice in the evening, what a treat!

Contemporary was lovely as a one and done. DH doesn't really enjoy the MK all that much. (Dare I say that on a Disney board???) We did like the easy walk back and forth, and the view from the lounge was first rate.

I'm also a big fan of the Yacht Club. There is just something about walking in there that is so relaxing. Love, love, love SAB, so we have to stay there occasionally.

This is an extra special year. We'll be at YC CL for Flower and Garden and BWI CL for Food and Wine. Can't Wait!!!!
No trips in 2017, we'll be moving and that will be enough excitement.

Thanks so much for your input . BWI CL sounds amazing, I'll have to try to squeeze that one in .

It sounds like you have 2 great trips planned for the upcoming year......hope you have a magical time .

Good luck with the move! Hopefully you can start planning another trip once the move is done .

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I agree. I saw some people like that at GF RPC - I guess it doesn't bother me. I am not fully dressed for the day when I go to the lounge to get coffee. I'm not in slippers, but I am in partially in the clothes that I sleep in...

I have once or twice let my son go to the Poly CL lounge and have breakfast in his PJs (shoes on of course). I guess I never thought of that as "wrong" but maybe I should re-think that!

 

[OregonGirl]

What is the best club level, in your opinion?? For those who have stayed, which is the best to you and why!!

I think what Im really asking is if any club level lounges amenities/offerings is better than another.

I have stayed CL in Boardwalk, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and have GF RPC booked in March.

Personally, I wasn't as jazzed about the AKL CL, as the lounge itself felt dark and sort of small, even though it has a great view of the main Jambo House and it does have that punch that none of the other resorts have (except maybe Poly?). Also, I am pretty sure you will always have to take the elevator up a level to get to it... or there might be a bunch of rooms on the same level as it, but there are a bunch of rooms that are a level below as well.

BWI is a favorite, definitely. Its fun to access the rooms and lounge behind a keyed entry. The lounge itself is very bright and friendly. With the check in area of the resort and how its located in the lagoon, it feels very 'resort-y' in a way that it self contained without the fact that there is a park next door (hope that makes sense). The lounge doesn't have fancy views or opens up to a common area below, but that doesn't bother me.

I am very much looking forward to GF RPC for the similar 'fancy resort' feel, despite being a part of a larger 'theme park experience'. The lounge looks big and spacious. I am looking forward to looking down at the lobby and listening to the piano. I am hoping for an upscale, sans kids experience, more or less. I love kids and have nothing against them, but I am hoping for the romance and I figure RPC will offer it the most.

DH and I love the tropics, and will give Poly a try some day, but construction has to be done first. I am fully willing to pay a premium for my vacations (and do), but that has to mean no construction.

Hope that info helps. If you are wanting a CL that caters more to kids, I would think the AKL, Contemporary or maybe Beach Club would be the best fit?

- Carey

 

[Eastern]

I think what Im really asking is if any club level lounges amenities/offerings is better than another. For example, Does the YC CL have better food and wine options over, say, poly CL? I guess I was wondering about the actual lounges/food/wine/beer offerings were better than others, not taking into account the hotel/location/rooms.

I don't think that this is a factor. I have stayed CL at BWI and Poly and the offerings were similar in scale. From what I have read here, people have pros and cons for each location, and it can vary between visits. I would guess that if any place should have 'better offerings', it should be GF RPC, as the prices for CL are the highest.

Also, I don't think any lounges are less kid-friendly than others. The best resort would be the one that appeals to your kids most. For ex pool at BC, monorail at CR, proximity to favorite parks, etc.

 

[cocoabean1]

I just feel that I wouldn't walk into a restaurant (Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts...) with pj's and slippers on to get a coffee. Why would I do it in a CL lounge. This isn't my kitchen. Just my opinion.

 

[focusondisney]

I just feel that I wouldn't walk into a restaurant (Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts...) with pj's and slippers on to get a coffee. Why would I do it in a CL lounge. This isn't my kitchen. Just my opinion.

I agree!! I'm old school: my pj's are private apparel. I just don't get parading around in public in what you slept in. I know many do, it's just not for me.

 

[ksoehrlein]

I'm about to stay Poly CL for the first time and am wondering how much of the info on the interwebs is pre-refurb and therefore a little outdated. I read that sodas and coffee are available 24/7. Is this still true? I'll be running the Dopey Challenge, which means one 3:30 AM wake-up call followed by three 2:30 AM mornings in a row. Having access to a beverage or two before setting out for each race will make those early mornings a bit more palatable. I'd also love to be able to grab a bagel before heading out, but I realize that might be too much to ask. If absolutely nothing is available at 3 AM, I hope I can bring a drink and bagel back to my room the day before without other guests giving me the stink-eye (especially if I promise to be fully clothed at the time!). Thoughts?

 

[mmmears]

I just feel that I wouldn't walk into a restaurant (Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts...) with pj's and slippers on to get a coffee. Why would I do it in a CL lounge. This isn't my kitchen. Just my opinion.

I couldn't agree more. If you wouldn't go down to the lobby or have breakfast in a hotel restaurant in what you are wearing, it's probably not appropriate for the lounge. Access may be restricted to a certain number of rooms, but it's still a public space.

 

[mmmears]

I'm about to stay Poly CL for the first time and am wondering how much of the info on the interwebs is pre-refurb and therefore a little outdated. I read that sodas and coffee are available 24/7. Is this still true? I'll be running the Dopey Challenge, which means one 3:30 AM wake-up call followed by three 2:30 AM mornings in a row. Having access to a beverage or two before setting out for each race will make those early mornings a bit more palatable. I'd also love to be able to grab a bagel before heading out, but I realize that might be too much to ask. If absolutely nothing is available at 3 AM, I hope I can bring a drink and bagel back to my room the day before without other guests giving me the stink-eye (especially if I promise to be fully clothed at the time!). Thoughts?

I don't think anything at all is available at 3am. When we stayed at the Poly, they would stock drinks in the refrigerator when they closed up the food area. It was pretty much empty by midnight. There is nothing wrong with taking a bagel and a few beverages to your room, though. In fact, I would highly recommend it since there isn't anyone in the lounge at 3am (so you won't be able to ask a CM to grab you a bagel or a drink from the kitchen). Not sure about the coffee machine at that time of day. There is also whole fruit that you can take to your room (usually bananas, oranges, and wrapped apples). Plenty of people take food out of the lounge -- you shouldn't be getting the "stink-eye" for walking out with a bagel and a can of soda. Having said all of this, you can always ask if there are any special provisions for people running these races.

 

[mmmears]

I think what Im really asking is if any club level lounges amenities/offerings is better than another. For example, Does the YC CL have better food and wine options over, say, poly CL? I guess I was wondering about the actual lounges/food/wine/beer offerings were better than others, not taking into account the hotel/location/rooms.

Thanks again to all who gave input! I love to hear opinions!

From my own experience and then reading here on the boards, it's really subjective. People LOVE the food at the Poly, but my family tired of it (and the mad, crazy rush of people at 5pm) after a couple of days. We thought the mid-day snacks were not great.

Some people don't like the food at AKL, but we loved it every time we stayed CL. From the homemade granola bars mid-day to the scones at tea-time, to the spiced nuts, it was all delicious (for us). It's not the same "run of the mill" stuff that most CLs have, which makes it more interesting IMHO.

The GF has more food mid-day (both in terms of snacks and then scones with jam and cream at tea time) than the other CLs. AKL is the only other one where I've seen a 5th service (tea time).

Honestly, they seem to keep changing the food offerings so it's been hard to keep up. We stay YC or BC because we like the location, but the food is just ok for us.

WL food looks good and different, but I haven't stayed there so I can't really comment on it. My point, though, is that, just like the restaurants, some people will love something that others dislike. Sorry I can't be more helpful, but I think it's so subjective that it's hard to say which ones are better.

 

[ksoehrlein]

Thanks, mmmears!

 

[disprincess2213]

From my own experience and then reading here on the boards, it's really subjective. People LOVE the food at the Poly, but my family tired of it (and the mad, crazy rush of people at 5pm) after a couple of days. We thought the mid-day snacks were not great.

Some people don't like the food at AKL, but we loved it every time we stayed CL. From the homemade granola bars mid-day to the scones at tea-time, to the spiced nuts, it was all delicious (for us). It's not the same "run of the mill" stuff that most CLs have, which makes it more interesting IMHO.

The GF has more food mid-day (both in terms of snacks and then scones with jam and cream at tea time) than the other CLs. AKL is the only other one where I've seen a 5th service (tea time).

Honestly, they seem to keep changing the food offerings so it's been hard to keep up. We stay YC or BC because we like the location, but the food is just ok for us.

WL food looks good and different, but I haven't stayed there so I can't really comment on it. My point, though, is that, just like the restaurants, some people will love something that others dislike. Sorry I can't be more helpful, but I think it's so subjective that it's hard to say which ones are better.

This was completely helpful! Everyone who has answered has been awesome! These are exactly what I was looking for!!! Thanks so much for taking the time!

 

[holbie18]

For those of you that stay CL, do you do a dining plan? We are staying CL @ the Polynesian. It's four of us - myself, husband, 9 year old son, and 7 year old daughter. I am trying to decide if I should add on a quick service dining plan or if it is not worth it when staying club level. I know my kids will want the Mickey snacks (ice creams, etc). I know we'll eat breakfast in the lounge. I think we'll come back to the hotel mid-day but then go back out to the parks in the evening again. Kids are not into characters and I don't think we are planning on any table service meals. Thoughts on if a quick service plan is worth it or not? It's the last time my son would qualify for the child dining prices....I would not consider it if he was 10.

 

[VbChristy]

I'm about to stay Poly CL for the first time and am wondering how much of the info on the interwebs is pre-refurb and therefore a little outdated. I read that sodas and coffee are available 24/7. Is this still true? I'll be running the Dopey Challenge, which means one 3:30 AM wake-up call followed by three 2:30 AM mornings in a row. Having access to a beverage or two before setting out for each race will make those early mornings a bit more palatable. I'd also love to be able to grab a bagel before heading out, but I realize that might be too much to ask. If absolutely nothing is available at 3 AM, I hope I can bring a drink and bagel back to my room the day before without other guests giving me the stink-eye (especially if I promise to be fully clothed at the time!). Thoughts?

Yes take food to your room!! (I don't know if there's pop in the middle of the night. There will be a coffee maker in your room if you want that. They've given me a tray before to take stuff to the room when my son and husband were there during snack time. So- feel free to take some items.

For those of you that stay CL, do you do a dining plan? We are staying CL @ the Polynesian. It's four of us - myself, husband, 9 year old son, and 7 year old daughter. I am trying to decide if I should add on a quick service dining plan or if it is not worth it when staying club level. I know my kids will want the Mickey snacks (ice creams, etc). I know we'll eat breakfast in the lounge. I think we'll come back to the hotel mid-day but then go back out to the parks in the evening again. Kids are not into characters and I don't think we are planning on any table service meals. Thoughts on if a quick service plan is worth it or not? It's the last time my son would qualify for the child dining prices....I would not consider it if he was 10.

It's really not worth it since pop is offered in unlimited quantities in the lounge. Basically the price for the meals is not usually that high per person. Although do you also drink pop (soda) at lunch- everyone in the party. That add's up. Then does everyone want dessert with each meal? So then there is the refillable mug. But you get beverages in the lounge. We had the regular dining plan with our last trip- we never once even used our refillable mugs. We took them and I actually just regifted one to my son's day care teachers at Christmas we essentially were able to get a room only discount plus a little dining plan discount so financially it didn't cost as much as it should have. But otherwise I would not recommend it. So long answer- it depends on your family!

 

[ksoehrlein]

So I just received the email telling me I can "skip the front desk" by checking in online and that this will allow me to go straight to my room once it is ready. Isn't the personalized check-in one of the perks of staying CL? I'm not sure I would want to skip it. What do you think?