ask @Dispro1Not a Disney resort, but I'm looking for any opinions/reviews anyone might have on Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes Orlando, specifically CL. I scrolled through almost 10 pgs of the Orlando Hotels & Attractions forum but didn't see anything. I thought maybe I'd get a little more input here regarding CL than on the other forum. TIA for any suggestions/opinions anyone can offer.
I booked club level two queen beds for October
. They haven't been Disney, but I've taken 3 trips so far this year, with another planned for middle of Aug and yet another for end of Oct 
. Our last Disney trip was Dec 2019 and while I thought I'd never be able to go anywhere else, I have enjoyed trying other places since last fall when airfare was so cheap. Thinking ahead of a possible quick trip to Orlando sometime before Christmas made me start looking at non-Disney resorts when Ritz Carlton popped up. The lounge looks amazing from the pics, which is very tempting for me to book! I hope there might be someone who has been recently who can shed some light on CL. I haven't looked at reviews yet, just thought of posting here to see if there were any Disney CL fans that might have experienced it.
Abdul is who I thought of when there were posts about CMs who have been placed elsewhere returning to their old roles. Abdul was the best. I asked for a Perrier once and ever since he would always have one chilled for me (whether I want it or not)
I did a split stay with GF and Ritz CL a few weeks ago. Feel free to ask whatever you want! I feel like a lot of those reviews on TripAdvisor are 50/50 so I don't read too much into them but like to look at the pictures. I tend to always have a better experience than a lot of those negative reviews, and I'm honestly a picky person! I gave a bit of a review on here when I got back (early June), but I didn't post pictures since it's not a Disney resort, and I don't really know the rules about that on DIS. I'll just say that the Ritz has the best CL I've ever experienced, but it was missing the Disney magic for us. I think I would only want to do it as a split stay TBH, but I definitely want to stay there again sometime because it was a great experience. The lazy river is awesome! If you don't mind your hotel being out of the Disney bubble, I highly recommend it! The view from the lounge balcony is really beautiful...you can see DS in the distance, but Seaworld is much closer.It certainly does look like a beautiful place! I think the rooms were just redone this year too, which is a plus. The resort overall looks beautiful, but CL looks very nice! It's so hard to decide about somewhere after reading reviews when the reviews are split between good and bad.
I think I might need an intervention too
As far as finding a price for CL, when I've tried getting a quote I've noticed there are usually 3 different categories......one is maybe standard rate, another pre-pay/no cancel, and then another for deals/packages.....with CL not always showing up in all 3 categories. Try clicking on any/all categories to see if CL rooms come up.
He said that he wants to return. I really hope Disney returns back all Club level CM’s to their home resort.
.What you expressed is what my concern is: that I'm not in the Disney bubble! Honestly, what little I have read regarding the place and the CL tempt me greatly, but am I going to be wanting to be in one of the monorail resorts most of my visit? Yeah, probably, so not sure I can book it unless, as you say, it's a split stay. And we don't usually do those.
I need to find that review as well. I've not experienced as many of the CLs but do love the GF best. From what little we have learned, even when CL comes back there in Sept. it could be a pitiful attempt at placating those who want that experience. (pre-packaged food)Thanks for posting! I'm very picky as well, so seeing you post that it's the best CL you've ever experienced is good to hear. I've stayed at all Disney CLs except AKL & BC and while RPC is my favorite, I've enjoyed them all......so if Ritz CL exceeds Disney's, I know I'll love it! I'm looking at just a quick getaway for maybe 2-3 nts in mid December, so other than maybe going to DS, we'd probably spend a good amount of time at the resort taking advantage of the lounge and its offerings. I think I remember reading your review, but I'm going to go back and look for it. Thanks for your input
They are charging so much for CL (and deluxe in general) that I think they have to come back with something wow. Otherwise they are going to alienate a group that they want to preserve. Of course I've been wrong before
I think the soft finishes will be redone. Prepare to see some orange in the CR lounge. btw there is an Incredibles food list posted on a website. Get ready for mac n cheese and mushy peas!
. Maybe the fact that it’s modular limits what they can do, but just very unappealing to me - And people complain that the GF is sterile…
They are charging so much for CL (and deluxe in general) that I think they have to come back with something wow. Otherwise they are going to alienate a group that they want to preserve. Of course I've been wrong before
