Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[GADisneyDad14]

Question for the GF CL pros out there. On our last trip we decided we'd been hitting the Poly a little too much and needed to try something new. We currently have a 5-night reservation for late Feb in SL. This will be a "boys trip" - just me and my DS 5. I have read just about everything on this board but still debating whether I'd rather be in RPC. I don't really mind paying up for RPC if there's a good reason to do so. I know this is one of those no right answer questions and it's highly subjective, just curious for any opinions. We are not really park commandos and generally spend a good chunk of time at the resort, pool, lounge, etc. Thanks in advance!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

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?

I've done both. I do agree that when you go straight to your room you miss the personal greeting and CL welcome, so I don't recommend it unless you really just want to bypass the routine and get to your room quickly. Maybe if you're in a hurry to make an ADR or something. We didn't get our welcome drinks, welcome chocolates, etc, by going straight to our room. I probably won't do it again.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hey gang! I booked AKL CL for March (just Nic and I again this time) and I've already received my welcome letter from IPO. Is it crazy that I'm here in WDW right now and already looking forward to the next trip??? This is going to be VERY interesting because my son's girlfriend and her family are also going to WDW that week and staying at AKL. She is OBSESSED with animals and wants to major in something like marine biology. So this will be a very special trip for her. I'm planning to surprise the kids with the Wild Africa Trek and/or Night Safari, so that's going to be amazing.

I still owe you guys full reports from GF SL and BC CL. I will start working on those asap! If anyone has any questions about either please let me know.

 

[VbChristy]

Question for the GF CL pros out there. On our last trip we decided we'd been hitting the Poly a little too much and needed to try something new. We currently have a 5-night reservation for late Feb in SL. This will be a "boys trip" - just me and my DS 5. I have read just about everything on this board but still debating whether I'd rather be in RPC. I don't really mind paying up for RPC if there's a good reason to do so. I know this is one of those no right answer questions and it's highly subjective, just curious for any opinions. We are not really park commandos and generally spend a good chunk of time at the resort, pool, lounge, etc. Thanks in advance!

The things I liked better about RPC- you get to hear the piano and band from the lounge and some of the rooms. Best part personally!! Then 2nd for me is once you've returned via monorail or bus, it's a quick walk to your room. (It is further though from the boat...)

 

[vanwoo]

We're staying in a CL 1 Bdrm suite at BC from Oct 1-13. I've stayed CL before but this will be the first time that we are staying in a room that is not actually on the CL floor. Can I get some advice here? We like the extra room that a 1 bedroom suite offers but I can't decide if it is worth the extra "travel" to get to the lounge and the concierge desk. We use the lounge every morning for a quick breakfast so that we can schedule our character breakfasts later in the morning. We spend our afternoons at the pool, so we do stop by and get snacks and drinks before and after pool time, and sometimes before or after our evening park visits, so we do make use of the lounge quite a bit.

For anyone who has stayed in a room on another level, what are your thoughts? TIA

 

[mickeynut1]

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.

RPC is a little more upscale than other CLs, but it is just as kid friendly (IMO). I'm not saying you will be over run with kids during your trip, but in my experience, I have seen just as many kids in RPC than other CLs. With that said, kids or no kids, I think RPC is amazing with great food offerings, beautiful views, and awesome CL CMs!

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?

Personalized check in is a perk of staying CL, so if you want that service, I wouldn't do OCI. With that said, sometimes CL guests get checked in at the front desk. If the resort is busy and a CL CM isn't available, you go through regular check in. We have been checked in on the CL floor as well as at the front desk and for me, it's not a big deal to do it in the main lobby (but that's just me). We never do OCI as I like to check in at the resort, CL or not.

Question for the GF CL pros out there. On our last trip we decided we'd been hitting the Poly a little too much and needed to try something new. We currently have a 5-night reservation for late Feb in SL. This will be a "boys trip" - just me and my DS 5. I have read just about everything on this board but still debating whether I'd rather be in RPC. I don't really mind paying up for RPC if there's a good reason to do so. I know this is one of those no right answer questions and it's highly subjective, just curious for any opinions. We are not really park commandos and generally spend a good chunk of time at the resort, pool, lounge, etc. Thanks in advance!

Having stayed both RPC and SL, my choice would be RPC. The food offerings are the same, but the lounges are worlds apart, IMO. SL is very convenient if you will be spending a lot of time at the courtyard pool as the SL building is located just steps away; however, if you will be spending a lot of time in the lounge, I think RPC offers more as far as ambiance and a better overall atmosphere (my opinion). I'm glad I tried SL, but I didn't find the lounge very relaxing as it's located in the center of the lobby as you enter the building and had more of a cafeteria feel than a comfortable lounge feeling.

 

[OregonGirl]

RPC is a little more upscale than other CLs, but it is just as kid friendly (IMO)

I would hope it would be, really. I've always liked how Disney can have different feelings of 'exclusivity' depending on how much a guest wants to spend on a trip, without having a feeling of excluding any age group, really anywhere. And I for one don't mind kids. We're trying for one ourselves, in fact! Presumably any at RPC would be well behaved but even that's not a guarantee and it wont ruin my vacation if some ill-mannered little brat makes an appearance (though the mom might get a side glace from me). I may be opening up a can of worms here, but if a child is being a unsupervised terror, I WILL say something.

We never do OCI as I like to check in at the resort, CL or not.

Completely agree.

 

[OregonGirl]

I'm glad I tried SL, but I didn't find the lounge very relaxing as it's located in the center of the lobby as you enter the building and had more of a cafeteria feel than a comfortable lounge feeling.

Although I have never been, you and I share similar feelings on the matter I think. Also, I am mostly posting again because I can't edit my previous post but I wanted to mention that your animated GIF with the dancing Bull always cracks me up, and I see it a lot on this thread.

 

[saintrob]

We have just returned from the most amazing CL stay at the BWI. I'd asked a few questions in this forum before the trip as we hadn't stayed CL at this resort before. We booked a deluxe room but on check in were upgraded to the VP suite!!! I couldn't believe it as we've made over 20 trips to the world and have never experienced anything like this before. The CMs were superb and the very best that we've ever encountered. We've booked SL for summer and also the BWI again for next Christmas.

We moved to CL at the Contemporary for the actual Christmas period which has always been our favourite however the Innkeepers Club has now taken over. Thanks for the help in answering my questions before the trip. Have a great New Year.

 

[pas130]

Question for the GF CL pros out there. On our last trip we decided we'd been hitting the Poly a little too much and needed to try something new. We currently have a 5-night reservation for late Feb in SL. This will be a "boys trip" - just me and my DS 5. I have read just about everything on this board but still debating whether I'd rather be in RPC. I don't really mind paying up for RPC if there's a good reason to do so. I know this is one of those no right answer questions and it's highly subjective, just curious for any opinions. We are not really park commandos and generally spend a good chunk of time at the resort, pool, lounge, etc. Thanks in advance!

I've had a recent spectacular SL stay and an OK stay at RPC. My kids adored the CMs at SL. The offerings are the same, but IMO the CMs themselves are more "laid back" and friendly at SL. In contrast at RPC I watched the guests behaving badly, robes in the lounge and little ones with their hands in the food. The guests are were also more friendly and laid back, again only an opinion. We made several friends, one being the nicest pediatric dentist. The lounge at RPC is AMAZING, but we preferred the closeness of SL. It is just a different vibe that I got between the two CLs. That said, we are returning to SL this summer Enjoy your boys trip!

 

[pas130]

duplicate, sorry

 

[mickeynut1]

I would hope it would be, really. I've always liked how Disney can have different feelings of 'exclusivity' depending on how much a guest wants to spend on a trip, without having a feeling of excluding any age group, really anywhere. And I for one don't mind kids. We're trying for one ourselves, in fact! Presumably any at RPC would be well behaved but even that's not a guarantee and it wont ruin my vacation if some ill-mannered little brat makes an appearance (though the mom might get a side glace from me). I may be opening up a can of worms here, but if a child is being a unsupervised terror, I WILL say something.



Completely agree.

Yes, Disney is great in that there are a lot of different options for every taste, budget, etc .

Best of luck in starting a family .

Although I have never been, you and I share similar feelings on the matter I think. Also, I am mostly posting again because I can't edit my previous post but I wanted to mention that your animated GIF with the dancing Bull always cracks me up, and I see it a lot on this thread.

Thanks about the Bulls gif .

We have just returned from the most amazing CL stay at the BWI. I'd asked a few questions in this forum before the trip as we hadn't stayed CL at this resort before. We booked a deluxe room but on check in were upgraded to the VP suite!!! I couldn't believe it as we've made over 20 trips to the world and have never experienced anything like this before. The CMs were superb and the very best that we've ever encountered. We've booked SL for summer and also the BWI again for next Christmas.

We moved to CL at the Contemporary for the actual Christmas period which has always been our favourite however the Innkeepers Club has now taken over. Thanks for the help in answering my questions before the trip. Have a great New Year.

Congrats on the awesome upgrade! Glad you had a great time and enjoyed BWI CL .

I've had a recent spectacular SL stay and an OK stay at RPC. My kids adored the CMs at SL. The offerings are the same, but IMO the CMs themselves are more "laid back" and friendly at SL. In contrast at RPC I watched the guests behaving badly, robes in the lounge and little ones with their hands in the food. The guests are were also more friendly and laid back, again only an opinion. We made several friends, one being the nicest pediatric dentist. The lounge at RPC is AMAZING, but we preferred the closeness of SL. It is just a different vibe that I got between the two CLs. That said, we are returning to SL this summer Enjoy your boys trip!

Hi pas

 

[Wood Nymph]

Personalized check in is a perk of staying CL, so if you want that service, I wouldn't do OCI. With that said, sometimes CL guests get checked in at the front desk. If the resort is busy and a CL CM isn't available, you go through regular check in. We have been checked in on the CL floor as well as at the front desk and for me, it's not a big deal to do it in the main lobby (but that's just me). We never do OCI as I like to check in at the resort, CL or not.

We've stayed at the WL in a regular room on five trips now we have been greeted at the door by a CM who personally checked us in every time. The WL has the best check in staff. But this will be our first club level stay and I would be really disappointed if I didn't get the CL check in service. Is there a way to guarantee the personalized service?

 

[mickeynut1]

We've stayed at the WL in a regular room on five trips now we have been greeted at the door by a CM who personally checked us in every time. The WL has the best check in staff. But this will be our first club level stay and I would be really disappointed if I didn't get the CL check in service. Is there a way to guarantee the personalized service?

We've had 2 great stays at the WL and I agree that it has some of the best check in staff . I apologize if I made you nervous about CL check in, that wasn't my intention for anyone. Personalized check in up in the lounge is the norm for CL guests, but there is the occasional need to check in at the front desk (i.e., late arrival after CL CMs are gone for the night or the resort is very busy and a CL CM isn't available when you arrive). These are rare instances, but they do sometimes happen. With that said, if a CL CM doesn't come down to take you upstairs for check in, you can ask at the front desk if someone is available to do that. I'm sure they would be more than happy to accommodate your request .

We loved WL CL and had a great experience! I hope you report back after your stay .

 

[swanprincess06]

Question about CL the day you check out. Are you able to use the club lounge the whole day, even after you check out?

We booked CL at the Beach Club and ended up adding a day (yay!) but couldn't get a room with CL. We are still at the Beach Club so I was wondering if we could go up for dessert (and a glass of wine!) in the evening. Thanks!

 

[TeeterTots]

Question about CL the day you check out. Are you able to use the club lounge the whole day, even after you check out?

We booked CL at the Beach Club and ended up adding a day (yay!) but couldn't get a room with CL. We are still at the Beach Club so I was wondering if we could go up for dessert (and a glass of wine!) in the evening. Thanks!

Yes! Until midnight (actually when the lounge closes approx 10pm)

 

[vanwoo]

Maybe if I rephrase this, someone will have an answer. What are your thoughts on staying CL but your room or suite is on another floor? We love the CL lounge, we use it for a quick breakfast, snacks pre or post afternoon swimming and for drinks and snacks before heading to the parks for the evening. Our trip this year, we have a 1 Bedroom suite booked at the BC. Not sure what floor we will be on, but it won't be the CL floor. Has anyone done this and how big a deterrent, if any, was it to frequent the lounge? TIA

 

[gwynne]

...

 

[mickeynut1]

Maybe if I rephrase this, someone will have an answer. What are your thoughts on staying CL but your room or suite is on another floor? We love the CL lounge, we use it for a quick breakfast, snacks pre or post afternoon swimming and for drinks and snacks before heading to the parks for the evening. Our trip this year, we have a 1 Bedroom suite booked at the BC. Not sure what floor we will be on, but it won't be the CL floor. Has anyone done this and how big a deterrent, if any, was it to frequent the lounge? TIA

There were 2 times our room wasn't on the same floor as the lounge, GF RPC (room on 3rd floor, lounge on 4th) and GF SL (lounge is located in lobby of SL building) and it wasn't bad. With that said, however, the BC is more spread out, so your room might be a haul from the lounge (I'm not familiar with where the suites are located). I know for AKL CL the standard CL rooms are on a separate floor from the lounge (rooms on 4th, lounge on 6th), but from everything I read about AKL CL, that doesn't seem to be a big problem for a lot of people who stay there. Since we've never stayed CL at the BC or AKL I can't comment from experience, but hopefully others will be able to help .

I'm going to gently disagree with the yes. Guests can use the CL lounge on their checkout day certainly. (Usually while waiting for transport to the airport.)
Once you check in to another resort or same resort (non club level room) your access to the earlier CL ends. Your bands should be programmed for your new room, and won't give you elevator access to CL.

I was thinking this was the case, but wasn't sure so I didn't want to answer and give wrong information . Would you still have CL/elevator access if you didn't check into the new room right away (i.e., waiting until later in the evening to check in)? The only negative with doing that is you would be without a room for the day, but that could happen anyway if your room isn't available early.

 

[mmmears]

Maybe if I rephrase this, someone will have an answer. What are your thoughts on staying CL but your room or suite is on another floor? We love the CL lounge, we use it for a quick breakfast, snacks pre or post afternoon swimming and for drinks and snacks before heading to the parks for the evening. Our trip this year, we have a 1 Bedroom suite booked at the BC. Not sure what floor we will be on, but it won't be the CL floor. Has anyone done this and how big a deterrent, if any, was it to frequent the lounge? TIA

The only time we have had this type of setup was at AKL CL, and it was fine. In fact, it's a favorite for my family. It's not as convenient as staying on the same floor (but then again we have had the farthest room from the lounge at the BC and that was quite a hike even though we were on the same floor). You will gain so much room with the suite that I think it would be worth the walk (but then, how long will the walk be? If the suite is by the main elevator it will be much easier to get to/from the lounge than if it's way down one of those long corridors).