Resort Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

Dave006 · May 5, 2026

Ariel620 said:
how are the contents of the lounge food/drink offerings at:

Boardwalk Innkeeper Club vs Old Faithful Club at Wilderness.....which would you choose?

Food is based on the restaurants on site. I would also vote for the WL Old Faithful Club option, and you also get make your ice cream creation with different cobbler selections nightly.

Ariel620 said:
Has anyone else been bumped from AKL club in Dec? I just got the call. I had a DVC club level stay booked Dec 18-23. They said those rooms and the lounge itself will all be closed part of Nov and Dec.

I would make sure that this offer in writing, and you can verify it by checking Disney Signature Services (DSS) by calling them at 407-939-7777 from 9 to 5 Eastern Time.

Dave

Ariel620 · May 5, 2026

mrsap said:
ETA: Did they mention the lounge would also be receiving a refurbishment?

As far as my opinion, I would go with Wilderness Lodge, especially during the holidays! Enjoy!

Thanks to both of you, I just watched a lot of youtube videos as well. And with both of you also recommending it, I switched to Copper Creek (with Old Faithful CL access)

Yes, not just the rooms, specifically they said the AKL CL lounge will be closed for refurbishment, with no other types of food experience at AKL like there was last time during the refurb, so the only option to keep CL was to change resorts, but I still view it as a positive because now I am only going to be charged 16-17 points per night, and I still get CL access. And now still in a cozy Christmas resort. I view this as a very good accommodation during the refurb.

mrsap · May 5, 2026

Ariel620 said:
Thanks to both of you, I just watched a lot of youtube videos as well. And with both of you also recommending it, I switched to Copper Creek (with Old Faithful CL access)

Yes, not just the rooms, specifically they said the AKL CL lounge will be closed for refurbishment, with no other types of food experience at AKL like there was last time during the refurb, so the only option to keep CL was to change resorts, but I still view it as a positive because now I am only going to be charged 16-17 points per night, and I still get CL access. And now still in a cozy Christmas resort. I view this as a very good accommodation during the refurb.

Thank you for the confirmation! I’m still leaving my waitlist up.

Now I have to book another CL.

GADisneyDad14 · May 5, 2026

Ariel620 said:
Thanks to both of you, I just watched a lot of youtube videos as well. And with both of you also recommending it, I switched to Copper Creek (with Old Faithful CL access)

Yes, not just the rooms, specifically they said the AKL CL lounge will be closed for refurbishment, with no other types of food experience at AKL like there was last time during the refurb, so the only option to keep CL was to change resorts, but I still view it as a positive because now I am only going to be charged 16-17 points per night, and I still get CL access. And now still in a cozy Christmas resort. I view this as a very good accommodation during the refurb.

Copper Creek w/ CL access sounds better than BWV w/ CL access (logistically less desirable IMO).

Sorry you had your holiday trip overhauled but at least the notice is well in advance (just trying to find the positives here).

Similar to a PP’s sentiment, that’s the kind of situation that can sometimes play out differently on the ground so save your notes/communications. I’m not making excuses for Disney but with the multiple departments involved there (DVC member services, guest services, the resort itself, etc) - the “you’ll have CL access” part makes me a tad nervous in terms of it playing out on the ground. It will probably be fine/as expected, but if not you may need to have a ‘chat.’ Sorry if that’s obvious, just have seen too many left hand/right hand situations at times.

GADisneyDad14 · May 5, 2026

trishadono said:
Had some nice time with @Maxie86 ! Been 10 years now of overlapping trips! @BlueSkies and I had conflicting arrival and departure and missed our meet n greet. At least we did have Feb meet!

I thought @Maxie86 had left us for DCL Concierge??!!

(Speaking of which for the CL regulars - I highly recommend!)

trishadono · May 5, 2026

2vets said:
Just changed my room in August back to GF deluxe king! My sister moved her room over first, so ofc I followed.... I could only get it Fri-Sun so am now debating between non-CL or garden cottage BWI Wed-Fri. I may need to do garden cottage....

They are a fun room. @Maxie86 has shown me hers. Any q’s she has done those many times

trishadono · May 5, 2026

GADisneyDad14 said:
I thought @Maxie86 had left us for DCL Concierge??!!

(Speaking of which for the CL regulars - I highly recommend!)

Well she does miss us sometimes! Her and her DH showed me lots of pix and videos! They are def big fans and have more booked.

It’s on my must do list maybe next year.

2vets · May 5, 2026

trishadono said:
They are a fun room. @Maxie86 has shown me hers. Any q’s she has done those many times

Good to know!!! I need to call, though, so no commitment today, but I read that you can go up a back set of fire stairs 3 floors for more direct lounge access - that I can do for that glorious bathroom…

trishadono said:
It’s on my must do list maybe next year.

I might do this with DSis and her daughter next year, but I’m waffling. WDW aside, when I travel, I want to be away from people. But the ships look incredible, and the idea of laying on my butt for a bit is very appealing.

Happy bd to your gorgeous grandkiddo!!!

PolyRob · May 5, 2026

Dave006 said:
I would make sure that this offer in writing, and you can verify it by checking Disney Signature Services (DSS) by calling them at 407-939-7777 from 9 to 5 Eastern Time.

GADisneyDad14 said:
Similar to a PP’s sentiment, that’s the kind of situation that can sometimes play out differently on the ground so save your notes/communications. I’m not making excuses for Disney but with the multiple departments involved there (DVC member services, guest services, the resort itself, etc) - the “you’ll have CL access” part makes me a tad nervous in terms of it playing out on the ground. It will probably be fine/as expected, but if not you may need to have a ‘chat.’ Sorry if that’s obvious, just have seen too many left hand/right hand situations at times.

@Ariel620 I agree about getting something in writing, especially because it's a CCV deluxe studio rather than a WL cash room and those typically aren't eligible for the CL add-on when paying cash. Obviously recovery on the back end can do whatever needs to be done, but I wouldn't want any more issues after Disney had to move you!

I know someone with an AKV CL reservation that had to be be moved and got almost no recovery until she pressed further.

trishadono · May 6, 2026

trishadono said:
We did not get a welcome gift at either resort poly/gf,

melissa723 · May 7, 2026

Ariel620 said:
Has anyone else been bumped from AKL club in Dec? I just got the call. I had a DVC club level stay booked Dec 18-23. They said those rooms and the lounge itself will all be closed part of Nov and Dec.

At first they offered a $50 per person credit and a move to a Sav view room at AKL. I asked if instead they could move me to a different club level (they said I could if I waive the $50 pp credit). I requested GF, Poly, or BLT, but they said those were not available, but they offered me Boardwalk or Copper Creak deluxe studio and promised that I would have access to the club lounge. I chose Boardwalk since we will be going to Jollywood, so it seemed convienient. But maybe I could still change to Copper Creak, since I realized how beautiful it will be at Christmas. What do you guys think about those 2 lounges themselves...

not counting location or decorations, how are the contents of the lounge food/drink offerings at:

Boardwalk Innkeeper Club vs Old Faithful Club at Wilderness.....which would you choose?

You'll be there the week after me! Anyway, I got the call on Monday and asked for the exact same thing you did, but the CM told me that moving to another CL resort wasn't an option since I had a DVC room booked with points. After hanging up with him I just didn't feel right about it, so I sent a nice email to member services and a wonderful CM called me back yesterday offering exactly what they offered you the first time. I went with WL because I've been lucky enough to stay CL there in the past and it's one of our favorite lounges. Plus it's extra special at Christmas time.

Also, just to help you with your choice, the lounge for Boardwalk is going to be a nice little walk from the DVC area of the resort, so keep that in mind when you want a snack at night and have to hoof it back and forth to your room.

Ariel620 · May 7, 2026

melissa723 said:
You'll be there the week after me! Anyway, I got the call on Monday and asked for the exact same thing you did, but the CM told me that moving to another CL resort wasn't an option since I had a DVC room booked with points. After hanging up with him I just didn't feel right about it, so I sent a nice email to member services and a wonderful CM called me back yesterday offering exactly what they offered you the first time. I went with WL because I've been lucky enough to stay CL there in the past and it's one of our favorite lounges. Plus it's extra special at Christmas time.

Also, just to help you with your choice, the lounge for Boardwalk is going to be a nice little walk from the DVC area of the resort, so keep that in mind when you want a snack at night and have to hoof it back and forth to your room.

I did call make and make the switch to Wilderness! You will have to let me know how it goes!

Btw, nothing is changed with my reservation yet, it still says AKL CL room for the reservation, but they said that will switch when my 7 month window opens up (since I don't have home resort priority for Copper Creek, they can't move it yet). As many in this thread have recommended, I asked for written confirmation (a second time when I called back to switch to CC) that I will still have club level access, but none was provided, were you able to get anything in writing?

melissa723 · May 7, 2026

Ariel620 said:
I did call make and make the switch to Wilderness! You will have to let me know how it goes!

Btw, nothing is changed with my reservation yet, it still says AKL CL room for the reservation, but they said that will switch when my 7 month window opens up (since I don't have home resort priority for Copper Creek, they can't move it yet). As many in this thread have recommended, I asked for written confirmation (a second time when I called back to switch to CC) that I will still have club level access, but none was provided, were you able to get anything in writing?

Not yet. The only thing I have is the same email that you do and them also telling me it will switch at the 7 month mark. I do have the names of both cast members I spoke with, and they also told me that they record the calls so they can go back and reference anything if need be. If nothing pops up at the 7 month mark then I guess I’ll call them again, but for now I’m going to stay hopeful.

trishadono · May 8, 2026

To CL or NOT? Do the MYOCL (make your own club level) TM @trishadono

Gosh I do, don’t do, regret, am glad,,,, Every trip is different. How many days, what month, who’s going, what discounts, and importantly , what’s happening in your life you need cl?

This last trip me, dd 31 and DGD 1 , cl was by far the most needed, dd and I enjoyed poly and gf lounges and views. Stuck in a room after 7:30 we might have consumed lots of alcohol and desserts but we WERE on vacation. I love being on seven seas lagoon so much. It was a great stay!

Next up is a me and dd trip ….. I did enjoy our WL CCV trip 2024. Great location, food options we enjoy. Ds bday 6/29 so trying to get my kids together. CSR did have cl for 2 night, but oddly nothing with discounts the night before. As usualy I will stalk,

Happy Planning! Each trip we have is different, try something new!

Maxie86 · May 9, 2026

trishadono said:
Busy work day! Missing the lounge this morning.

Quick notes, this trip the lounge really worked. Baby eats solids now, there was water and milk available etc. last 2 trips she was having formula.

Having a lounge to hang out in was nice for naps and early bed times. Dd and I used our patio/balcony more than ever.

Poly was great for Epcot and MK. We only did HS on bus OW. To leave we took skyliner to Epcot then mono back.

Soup yesterday was corn chowder, there was a tortellini salad and a sandwich as well.

Oddly hot foods were never hot. The pot pie was tasty but gravy was congealed. Better to put in soup crock and let us scoop ourselves.

Had some nice time with @Maxie86 ! Been 10 years now of overlapping trips! @BlueSkies and I had conflicting arrival and departure and missed our meet n greet. At least we did have Feb meet!

Next up and dd and me so I can ride rides. I do miss my thrill rides.

It was so nice to see you and spend time with you, DD and Bella in the lounge. Bella is adorable.

We didn't get a welcome gift from the GF either, but did at the BWI. Got the usual taffy...the good stuff from New Jersey not the regular Disney taffy

. Also a hand written welcome note and a photo signed by the staff thank you for staying with us. The GF needs better managers. The food was cold and housekeeping was scarce. Our room wasn't ready until after 5 on check in and the room wasn't cleaned until after 4 the next day. Not acceptable. Hardly saw any housekeepers. I don't blame them they work so hard, there just weren't many of them.

There were lots of them at the BWI.

2vets said:
Good to know!!! I need to call, though, so no commitment today, but I read that you can go up a back set of fire stairs 3 floors for more direct lounge access - that I can do for that glorious bathroom…

I might do this with DSis and her daughter next year, but I’m waffling. WDW aside, when I travel, I want to be away from people. But the ships look incredible, and the idea of laying on my butt for a bit is very appealing.

Happy bd to your gorgeous grandkiddo!!!

There are two sets of fire stairs you can take, but depending on where your room is it's just as easy to take the elevator up to the 4th floor. Only one set of stairs comes out in the CL area. I do not mind the walk to the lounge at all. I love walking around the courtyard and the leisure pool is very nice and never crowded. Lots of lounge chairs and several tables with umbrellas. Happy to answer any questions you may have.

The concierge area on the ship is not nearly as crowded as the rest of the ship, it's easy to stay away from people. Private sun decks with lots of loungers and seating. The food and service is so much better than the resorts. The suites on the ships have two full bathrooms!! When you add in the cost of park tickets, CL and food at WDW concierge on the ship is actually cheaper. Other than tips you wouldn't have to spend any money on the ship if you didn't want to. I don't think you would be disappointed if you did a cruise.