Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[KerryCM]

Did see 2 greeters outside the Beach Club this morning. Maybe they are there during the early hours for now

 

[TheFloatingBear]

I'm confused about what's going on with the kids' offerings. Is there a plan to take away kids' food in the clubs? Is this somehow being reported as an allergy thing? Because I don't buy that--a parent of a kid with food allergy is super-diligent regardless of whether the buffet is labeled "Kids" or "Grown-Ups" and regardless of whether the item is a spring roll or a chicken nugget.

I don't really know - and not even sure if the information that IPO gave me is accurate. I had posted earlier but in case you didn't see it, I had read somewhere here that the offerings at ALK had changed and they didn't have separate "kid-friendly" food anymore during the afternoon, so I emailed about it since I have a couple of picky eaters, and the reply was that it indeed had changed because of concerns with children with food allergies. I followed up, since her response was a little vague regarding the food offerings, and I was curious if it was all the CL's, since if it was a concern such as that, it might be Disney-wide and not just one of the hotels. But she said at this point, it was just AKL and didn't elaborate whether it was going to change elsewhere. At this point, I'm just trusting that they'll be something there that they'll like!

 

[mrsap]

I'm confused about what's going on with the kids' offerings. Is there a plan to take away kids' food in the clubs? Is this somehow being reported as an allergy thing? Because I don't buy that--a parent of a kid with food allergy is super-diligent regardless of whether the buffet is labeled "Kids" or "Grown-Ups" and regardless of whether the item is a spring roll or a chicken nugget.

You are absolutely right. My son has a severe peanut and egg allergy. I ask no matter if I feel something is safe to eat or not. WL has always been great providing us with a binder showing all the ingredients of what food is out. WL has not had a 'kids food table' the past few years we have gone, so this is the first I'm hearing of one. It would be great if AKL still has it or at least just keep nuggets out since a lot of kids are picky eaters to begin with!!

 

[TheFloatingBear]

You are absolutely right. My son has a severe peanut and egg allergy. I ask no matter if I feel something is safe to eat or not. WL has always been great providing us with a binder showing all the ingredients of what food is out. WL has not had a 'kids food table' the past few years we have gone, so this is the first I'm hearing of one. It would be great if AKL still has it or at least just keep nuggets out since a lot of kids are picky eaters to begin with!!

I agree - my friends whose children have food allergies are always vigilant about ingredients, and I've heard that Disney is good about providing information. The IPO insisted that my children will love the African stew, but I'm not so sure - neither one is a particularly adventurous eater, so I'm hoping they'll be some nuggets or something hanging around!

 

[eeyore81]

The first time we experienced AKL without the kids area was May 2015. I thought it might just be a trial. However, it seems to have remained that way. I emailed the IPO awhile ago and was informed of the same thing. When I asked about kid friendly food options they told me that kids like the African stew. Not sure where she got that info, as I know my child will not eat it. Its a bit of a disappointment. Many of the other club levels offer something for children. I understand the peanut allergy concern but I think they could offer a few non-allergy foods for kids. Previously, they had pizza, turkey roll ups, corn dogs, etc.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

The first time we experienced AKL without the kids area was May 2015. I thought it might just be a trial. However, it seems to have remained that way. I emailed the IPO awhile ago and was informed of the same thing. When I asked about kid friendly food options they told me that kids like the African stew. Not sure where she got that info, as I know my child will not eat it. Its a bit of a disappointment. Many of the other club levels offer something for children. I understand the peanut allergy concern but I think they could offer a few non-allergy foods for kids. Previously, they had pizza, turkey roll ups, corn dogs, etc.

We've never stayed at AKL, so I wasn't sure when it changed. It's funny that IPO said the same thing to you! They told me that the African Stew is a big hit with the kids and it's a big success! When I followed up about other options on the outside chance that this wasn't the case, she just repeated that they would love the African Stew! I'm sure I will love the African Stew, but considering the only soup they usually eat is tomato soup with their grilled cheese, I'm not so sure, but maybe they will surprise me! Pizza would have been a safe bet... My main concern is more that I had to talk DH into the splurge, so it could become problematic for me, lol...

 

[gwynne]

We've never stayed at AKL, so I wasn't sure when it changed. It's funny that IPO said the same thing to you! They told me that the African Stew is a big hit with the kids and it's a big success! When I followed up about other options on the outside chance that this wasn't the case, she just repeated that they would love the African Stew! I'm sure I will love the African Stew, but considering the only soup they usually eat is tomato soup with their grilled cheese, I'm not so sure, but maybe they will surprise me! Pizza would have been a safe bet... My main concern is more that I had to talk DH into the splurge, so it could become problematic for me, lol...

There generally is a variety of things, including all sorts of fresh cold veggies (beyond just the usual carrot sticks, etc) a variety of cheeses in squares, a few different crackers and then the hot apps. I hope you have a nice visit, we really love AKL CL.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

There generally is a variety of things, including all sorts of fresh cold veggies (beyond just the usual carrot sticks, etc) a variety of cheeses in squares, a few different crackers and then the hot apps. I hope you have a nice visit, we really love AKL CL.

Thanks for the info - veggies, cheese and crackers will keep them happy! Not sure why they didn't include that info, it would have been helpful! We can't wait to stay there, the kids are so excited!

 

[TeeterTots]

Thanks for the info - veggies, cheese and crackers will keep them happy! Not sure why they didn't include that info, it would have been helpful! We can't wait to stay there, the kids are so excited!

I hope this isn't a repeat reply, but they have apples with caramel, cookies, goldfish, trail mix, rice crispy treats, homemade potato chips, homemade granola bars, hummus and a variety of breadsticks, pita, naan. Oh ranch dressing too for the veggies.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

I hope this isn't a repeat reply, but they have apples with caramel, cookies, goldfish, trail mix, rice crispy treats, homemade potato chips, homemade granola bars, hummus and a variety of breadsticks, pita, naan. Oh ranch dressing too for the veggies.

No, not at all - I appreciate the info! All good stuff! Should keep them happy - especially the homemade potato chips and rice crispy treats! And if they're happy, I can enjoy my adult beverage...and my African stew...

 

[TeeterTots]

No, not at all - I appreciate the info! All good stuff! Should keep them happy - especially the homemade potato chips and rice crispy treats! And if they're happy, I can enjoy my adult beverage...and my African stew...

Absolutely!!! Lol
There is also desserts and gummy bears! (My children use to call CL the gummy bear room! Lol) I really think I'm repeating but the breakfast offerings are the best! The fridge has soda, Minute Maid apple juice, nestle chocolate milk, whole milk cartons, dannon light and fit yogurt, silk soy milk and there is jungle juice, water and tea or lemonade in pitcher (carafes....idk the proper term)

 

[eeyore81]

If you have picky kids I wouldn't count on the cheese. It isn't cheddar, Monterey jack, etc. We like it, but I wouldn't consider it kid friendly cheese. The veggies are not your typical veggie tray veggies. The carrots are big with the ends still attached, there are fresh green beans, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes and I think green peppers. There is ranch dressing to go with the veggies. They do have apples with caramel like the previous poster said. That is the only thing I would consider kid friendly in the evening. The goldfish, trail mix, chips, etc. is out at snack time in the afternoon. I have never seen anything like this out at the evening app time. When we first encountered the no kid options in May 2015 we were disappointed. I even thought about changing our hotel for future visits. However, taking away some kid friendly food is not going to make us switch. We absolutely love AKL. The breakfast options are great. The room views can't be beat. We have consistently been staying at AKL for well over 10 years. I have strayed in the past a few times to the Beach Club, Pop Century, Grand Floridian and Art of Animation, but we keep coming back to AKL. It is our happy place and feels like home. For a few bucks I can buy a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, pizza, fries, etc. at Mara. Our family eats breakfast in the lounge, a large lunch at a table service restaurant then we come back for snacks in the lounge and eat the apps in the lounge for dinner with supplement from Mara, Earl of Sandwich or another counter service place for dinner. We swim every evening and enjoy the resort. We have been to the parks so many times that we go in the mornings but are pretty much back to the resort by 2 or 3 and spend the rest of the evening at AKL. I wouldn't change my decision on staying Club Level. The drinks, breakfast and snacks are worth it in my opinion even if your kids did not eat one thing in the evening (although I am sure they will find something). My daughter eats the pita chips, cracker/bread and one of the types of cheese. I have also been able to get her a yogurt if she wants one. The CMs are just awesome. Go and have a blast. Your kids will love it.

 

[saintrob]

We've got SL booked for 10 nights in summer and I'm really unsure about a room request. We normally book a CL room that has a specific view so this is new to me. I've read a lot of the info on here and also on the GF board. Would it be better to request a higher floor with the smaller balcony in order to gain a better view? We don't actually spend a great deal of time on our balcony so the smaller size wouldn't pose much of a problem. We're also not fussed about the pool or marina view. Any suggestions for a room request please?

 

[dansdad]

We've got SL booked for 10 nights in summer and I'm really unsure about a room request. We normally book a CL room that has a specific view so this is new to me. I've read a lot of the info on here and also on the GF board. Would it be better to request a higher floor with the smaller balcony in order to gain a better view? We don't actually spend a great deal of time on our balcony so the smaller size wouldn't pose much of a problem. We're also not fussed about the pool or marina view. Any suggestions for a room request please?

It sounds like you're not picky. In that case, I would leave it up to fate and not make any requests. The couple times our requests weren't able to be met we ended up with awesome rooms/locations that we would have never thought to request. I can't imagine a "bad" room in Sugar Loaf.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Feel selfish for saying this, but only 4 sleeps left! Telling DS tomorrow. Looking forward to giving RPC a try!

 

[Disneytam]

Feel selfish for saying this, but only 4 sleeps left! Telling DS tomorrow. Looking forward to giving RPC a try!

Not selfish at all! I'm right there with you. Looks like the weather is going to be pretty nice for us. Have a great trip.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Not selfish at all! I'm right there with you. Looks like the weather is going to be pretty nice for us. Have a great trip.

Yeah, I was just looking at the weather. Wouldn't mind a few degrees warmer, but I'll take it. Been a couple of years since we've been in Feb, need to get my mind around packing more then shorts, t-shirts, and flip flops. Also was just searching ADR times to maybe do some tinkering and decided I need to just stop already! Hope you have a great trip as well.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Thanks, @eeyore81 , for all of your information and your encouraging words! For me, it just helps to have an idea of what to expect so this is great! I'm sure we'll be fine and they'll find things in the afternoon. And like you said, breakfast is a big part of it for us - handy and quick so we can get to the parks. We tend to be early park goers, then afternoon resort people too! Just out of curiosity, is Mara far from the main lobby? It's near the pool, yes? Just thinking about supplemental snacks!! And who knows, maybe they'll surprise me with what they'll try in the spirit of things and all...

As I mentioned, this is our first time staying at AKL. We visited for lunch to check things out during our last visit, and knew we wanted to stay on our next trip! And I definitely won't change my mind about CL! I can't wait to have a cup of morning coffee on my balcony watching the animals! I just can't wait! Thanks again!

 

[TeeterTots]

Thanks, @eeyore81 , for all of your information and your encouraging words! For me, it just helps to have an idea of what to expect so this is great! I'm sure we'll be fine and they'll find things in the afternoon. And like you said, breakfast is a big part of it for us - handy and quick so we can get to the parks. We tend to be early park goers, then afternoon resort people too! Just out of curiosity, is Mara far from the main lobby? It's near the pool, yes? Just thinking about supplemental snacks!! And who knows, maybe they'll surprise me with what they'll try in the spirit of things and all...

As I mentioned, this is our first time staying at AKL. We visited for lunch to check things out during our last visit, and knew we wanted to stay on our next trip! And I definitely won't change my mind about CL! I can't wait to have a cup of morning coffee on my balcony watching the animals! I just can't wait! Thanks again!

Yes the Mara is next to the pool 1st floor almost directly below the lobby which is 3floor

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Yes the Mara is next to the pool 1st floor almost directly below the lobby which is 3floor

Good to know - thanks!