Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[SkyGuy]

We are running our first Dopey! So more questions on runner experiences I have done rundisney before, but never stayed club level for a full race weekend. We did the poly club the week after the race in 2024, but wanted to hear if clubs did anything different during the actual race weekends for runners or spectators.

We didn’t notice anything different in CL for marathon - we’ve stayed Chronos other times of the year as well. There are constant buses for runners and spectators coming and going from CSR, but I’m assuming other resorts have that as well.

 

[NicoleLarson]

We are running our first Dopey! So more questions on runner experiences I have done rundisney before, but never stayed club level for a full race weekend. We did the poly club the week after the race in 2024, but wanted to hear if clubs did anything different during the actual race weekends for runners or spectators.

Not CL, in my experience they havent opened early or anything but twice I've had resorts put out some stuff for runners. Once at AKL they had a coffee table in the lobby. Also once at GF they at coffee, granola bars, bananas, etc. That is twice out of I dont know how many races...a dozen? So dont count on it but can be a nice surprise.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

We are running our first Dopey! So more questions on runner experiences I have done rundisney before, but never stayed club level for a full race weekend. We did the poly club the week after the race in 2024, but wanted to hear if clubs did anything different during the actual race weekends for runners or spectators.

Yay - first Dopey!

My CL runD experience... it varies. You see some variability from resort to resort/CL to CL as to if they even acknowledge there's a race going on or not. I think it's one of those things that's left to the individual resort GM/manager level. Generally speaking I wouldn't expect anything out of the ordinary in terms of CL. CR CL has typically put out bananas/bagels/water bottles overnight to grab the AM, although unlike GDT it has a lounge that's always open. I think if I'm not mistaken they had the kids pasta out the night before the marathon for those looking for carbs. Some CMs know there's a race occurring and it becomes a topic of conversation over the course of a stay, others have no clue. Some will just be concerned with any traffic possibly impacting their commute. Sometimes I've had a 'congratulations' treat left in the room on Sunday, sometimes nothing.

So to manage expectations, I wouldn't expect anything 'different' from CL.

Where I do find benefit in CL over a race weekend (particularly a Dopey attempt) is that you usually find another runner or two that you start to run into in the lounge, you can swap stories/pleasantries of your race experiences, etc. Bonding in shared misery and sleep deprivation.

Some people are park commandoes and runners during a weekend and others are on a more relaxed pace, so the lounge can come in handy, in my opinion. I love a good CL breakfast after the 5 and 10k as you'll be back in time. Plus I appreciate the constant access to water. Also CL can be great for grabbing any food items you may want each morning (consider bringing ziplock bags for bagels), bananas, etc.

CSR is a nice central spot on WDW grounds - short ride to WWoS for the Expo and to Epcot in the AM. It's a hard one for a bus driver to get lost heading to Epcot (don't laugh, it happens).

Sorry for the ramble. Hope you have a great Dopey weekend.

 

[2vets]

All star night at GF RPC for apps last night! Not new, but omg, these short ribs. I could bathe in them. Apparently they come from Citricos and are finished here. Just delicious!

 

[trishadono]

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m taking my sparkling coffee and headed to my Peter Pan LL, as one does.

Enjoy! Have a good night!

 

[2vets]

GM! Last day at GF RPC, but I’m ready to go home, I suppose. There’s only so much lycra, after all. It has been an absolutely flawless stay here. I had a great room (4428, so sort of elongated), the CMs were wonderful, the food was yummy, and I even scored a late checkout.

Two new-to-me apps last night, and both were DEEELISH! Shrimp and grits and delightfully crispy tonkatsu.

 

[bethclayton]

Can anyone share reviews on either the Yosemite suite at WL or 2 bedroom CL access at AKL for a family trip next year? Which would you choose? Price is comparable

We had a dream stay at the AKL 2 bed CL access in summer 2023. We got one of the rooms that is not all the way at the very end of those long hallways. We were directly over the animal overlook right off the pool, where they have a guide stationed to answer questions. Our balcony overlooked that area and the savanna, and the kids' balcony overlooked the savanna. I could have sat out on that balcony all day, it was amazing. Animal watching, people watching, it never got old. The walk to the lounge was long, but not as long as some of the other rooms in that category. My (adult) kids and dh loved being able to go down the back steps which were right by our room to go to the pool bar or The Mara. The suite was also absolutely stunning and huge. The bathroom off the king bedroom was incredible. I still think about that suite all the time and hope to go back one day.

 

[Angehd2]

We had a dream stay at the AKL 2 bed CL access in summer 2023. We got one of the rooms that is not all the way at the very end of those long hallways. We were directly over the animal overlook right off the pool, where they have a guide stationed to answer questions. Our balcony overlooked that area and the savanna, and the kids' balcony overlooked the savanna. I could have sat out on that balcony all day, it was amazing. Animal watching, people watching, it never got old. The walk to the lounge was long, but not as long as some of the other rooms in that category. My (adult) kids and dh loved being able to go down the back steps which were right by our room to go to the pool bar or The Mara. The suite was also absolutely stunning and huge. The bathroom off the king bedroom was incredible. I still think about that suite all the time and hope to go back one day.

Thank you for sharing! This sounds amazing!

 

[Samblair24]

Staying Club Level for the first time and wondering if there are any advantages to doing online check-in. I haven’t used this feature yet.

 

[Ricguz]

Staying Club Level for the first time and wondering if there are any advantages to doing online check-in. I haven’t used this feature yet.

I always do on line check in however I always and importantly talk to signature services by phone and by text prior to my arrival date usually a few weeks before with all of my requests such as room location, type of room, Minnie Van airport service, any food allergies, special celebrations, etc…. I usually hit on most of them if not all of the requests. Luckily!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Staying Club Level for the first time and wondering if there are any advantages to doing online check-in. I haven’t used this feature yet.

It allows you to start charging to your account and to know when your room is available even if you haven’t visited the hotel in person. It also saves a tiny bit of time as you don’t have to present a cc to put on file when you do arrive. There are no unique CL advantages to checking in online vs non-CL stays.

 

[Samblair24]

I always do on line check in however I always and importantly talk to signature services by phone and by text prior to my arrival date usually a few weeks before with all of my requests such as room location, type of room, Minnie Van airport service, any food allergies, special celebrations, etc…. I usually hit on most of them if not all of the requests. Luckily!

Thank you much appreciated

 

[lotsohugginbear]

It really says something about WDW CL prices that none of us are posting about Thanksgiving or December CL
trips. I looked at prices for 12-17-12-22 for CL, and they were shocking. Even with a BB, I could not justify it. We're staying at the Swan. It was $ 279.00 a night for a deluxe resort view balcony room. I can eat at a signature every night and still come out way
ahead.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I was just there for a week… not CL…

 

[2vets]

I'm still stinging from Nov rates and crowds. And I don't know if anyone here saw my post on the theme parks board, but I had kind of a bad experience (not related to resort/CL) at a party my last night that really, really bothered me, and I'm not feeling that WDW "pull" to return like I usually do when I get home. I'm booked for April (Sun-Thurs, great BB rate, CR CL) and have 2 After Hours tickets. I was briefly considering a single Sunday night if I go visit my mom in Feb (I have a BB I can use for that night if I want, don't know about CL), and I have the money but don't know if I want to go back yet. Leaning towards just doing Aug/Sept instead if I do anything - ridiculous weather, but cheap for WDW and minimal crowds.

I was just there for a week… not CL…

Shocking. That is a big tell right there!

 

[Eastern]

I'm going Sunday, and you know I'm not in CL

 

[Eastern]

I'm still stinging from Nov rates and crowds. And I don't know if anyone here saw my post on the theme parks board, but I had kind of a bad experience (not related to resort/CL) at a party my last night that really, really bothered me, and I'm not feeling that WDW "pull" to return like I usually do when I get home.

Sorry that happened. Don't over think it. Next time you got to shoot from the hip, no flash, lol.

 

[2vets]

Sorry that happened. Don't over think it. Next time you got to shoot from the hip, no flash, lol.

I need to get over it, but I do not do well with yelling. Don't know if I'll do another party solo, I have to say. Anyways, have a great trip!!!!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Shocking. That is a big tell right there!

To be fair, I usually go around NYE CL, so highest of the year rates and no discounts. So just needed a little balance!

 

[auntfrannie]

I'm still stinging from Nov rates and crowds. And I don't know if anyone here saw my post on the theme parks board, but I had kind of a bad experience (not related to resort/CL) at a party my last night that really, really bothered me, and I'm not feeling that WDW "pull" to return like I usually do when I get home. I'm booked for April (Sun-Thurs, great BB rate, CR CL) and have 2 After Hours tickets. I was briefly considering a single Sunday night if I go visit my mom in Feb (I have a BB I can use for that night if I want, don't know about CL), and I have the money but don't know if I want to go back yet. Leaning towards just doing Aug/Sept instead if I do anything - ridiculous weather, but cheap for WDW and minimal crowds.


Shocking. That is a big tell right there!

Yep, completely understand. Somehow Disney has managed to take the fun away from vacation. I have a February BB at Boardwalk CL but will probably cancel it. I'm seriously considering a Celebrity cruise and I've never cruised before.