Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[WDWKOOK]

CR has long been the exception where greeters/escorts are concerned.

We have usually been directed to the front desk, and I say this as someone who stayed there with extended family that all arrived at different times and differing means (rental car or ME). Everyone was told they had to go to the front desk.

When we did the earlier 1.0 version of online check-in, our welcome packet was at the front desk.

Oh, I miss the gold cards CL used to get!

All resorts still offer a KTTW card instead of, or in addition to, the MB. Some CLs still even have yellow/CL KTTW cards left in stock which they can encode for you to use. My DH only uses the KTTW card.

When we first started staying CL, we loved the greeting and the escort to the club level was fun. That's because our first CL greeting experience at BC was great. I even remember the CM's name - Bret - and he was energetic, welcoming, friendly. But then, our CL greeting experiences started to vary at all the resorts (only place we've not stayed CL is YC.) When it's great, it's great. But when it's not great, it's kind of irritating. Trying to flag down a CM in the lobby, explaining the CL nature of our reservation, waiting for a CL greeter who walks us up but is just "meh" about the whole thing, walking back to Hawaii or up to the BWI CL desk on our own and having to explain who we are/why we're there. In the end, the CL CM roulette was becoming uncomfortable so we are now fans of the text and straight to room situation.

You bring up an issue that irks me with Disney Resorts, and CL in general - consistency and predictablility. If you've been staying on-property for many years, you've noticed the degradation. If you're a newcomer, then you can't compare it with your past stays. And, if you've stayed at 4-Star resorts, Disney CLs aren't in the same league.

It never used to feel like a privilege to be escorted upstairs to CL. In the days before text to room, you had to be escorted to get in the elevator - someone had to take you up there and check you in. Now, they've degraded the entire check-in process for everyone and have made it as impersonal as possible, CL or not.

Maybe there will be a Runner or Greeter upon arrival, maybe not. Maybe you'll get your room number by text, maybe not. Maybe your MB will work with all the doors, maybe not. Maybe someone will deign to let you up to the level you booked, maybe not. Maybe you'll get a tour of a new-to-you resort, maybe not...What a way to start a vacation

When it comes to housekeeping and extra levels of service, like CL, I wish that Disney Resorts were more consistent overall. Instead of degrading service and amenities, they should be kicking it up a notch to retain regulars and attract newcomers, especially with competition like the Four Seasons literally in their backyard.

I'm hearing recently about some improvements, such as RPC and BC, so I'll remain positive and optimistic for my upcoming CL stays. But, I'll definitely be weighing the relative worth of Disney CL and how it fits into my future stays and compares with past stays.

Keep in mind, CR is partly a business hotel. They have a bell services station outside. At most WDW hotels, bell services is off to one side. At CR, bell services greets everyone upon arrival, and asks if need help with your bags. (In the past) before we got to the front desk line, a coordinator told us where to go. Sometimes we were escorted upstairs, but more often we were told front desk would be faster.

At the other hotels, we've often been met by a greeter who greets us by name, but not ALWAYS, even during the day. CL staff works 7am-10pm. Outside of those hours, CL guests have to use the front desk.

We've been to CR a number of times, and all the CL's. Every hotel has a theme. We've always felt the theme of CR is contemporary, and the service approach fits that theme: smooth lines, minimal accessories, and not too much adornment. Other WDW hotels trend a bit more towards adornment approach to service.

We've stayed at CR many times and the Atrium Club, but this is my first Tower Club stay. Seeing that the Tower Club level has very few guests, I was just wondering if their CL Runner does a better job of greeting and escorting guests since there are fewer of them. I suspect that like Atrium Club, I have a 50/50 chance of being greeted curbside, but this will be my first ME arrival at CR so I suspect I'll have an even smaller chance of a greeting/escort.

 

[saintrob]

We arrived at SL after midnight so obviously no greeter. Throughout the rest of our stay we did see a mixture. Some guests were escorted across to SL and the lounge facilities were clearly explained to them whereas we saw other guests make their own way across.

I agree, consistency is so important.

 

[rcraw45425]

Same thing happened when we stayed Tower Club at CR last month...we were sent a text with the room number and found the room ourselves when we got there. No one showed us around and we actually went the wrong direction getting off the elevator because there aren't any signs saying which room numbers are where.

Wow, things have certainly changed with TC then, although granted it's been many years since we stayed there. We were greeted by TWO CMs and escorted up. I had booked atrium club and they were all apologetic, asking if we'd be okay staying Tower Club instead if it was a one bedroom suite. Talk about spoiling our teen girls!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Observation: I booked our last week of July 2016 Poly CL trip roughly 55 days out and it felt like when I was searching I had a ton of CL options (not just Poly) at very good discounts (both the public promotion and AP). I've been trying to find a 3-5 day window to go in September / October and man it's slim pickings for CL options, regardless of rack rate or discounts. I know a day or two here or there and number of people can change things a lot but so far I'm getting a bit frustrated. I've read a few blogs suggesting this fall could be pretty busy - certainly seems that way from my booking options. Dang free dining I guess?

BTW, I told DS6 that that MSEP was ending soon and he immediately started crying. I have either done a great job as a parent or failed miserably, I can't really tell? ;-)

Regardless, trying to make our next stop CR CL for a quick MNSSHP weekend. Getting tough this year with a real school where I can't just take him out whenever I want. Stay tuned!

 

[baler31]

Observation: I booked our last week of July 2016 Poly CL trip roughly 55 days out and it felt like when I was searching I had a ton of CL options (not just Poly) at very good discounts (both the public promotion and AP). I've been trying to find a 3-5 day window to go in September / October and man it's slim pickings for CL options, regardless of rack rate or discounts. I know a day or two here or there and number of people can change things a lot but so far I'm getting a bit frustrated. I've read a few blogs suggesting this fall could be pretty busy - certainly seems that way from my booking options. Dang free dining I guess?

BTW, I told DS6 that that MSEP was ending soon and he immediately started crying. I have either done a great job as a parent or failed miserably, I can't really tell? ;-)

Regardless, trying to make our next stop CR CL for a quick MNSSHP weekend. Getting tough this year with a real school where I can't just take him out whenever I want. Stay tuned!

Fall has been the busiest time for deluxe resorts and CL for quite a long time. You can see the historical shift if you look at the different pricing seasons and see deluxe is priced much higher in the fall and more heavily discounted in the summer.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Fall has been the busiest time for deluxe resorts and CL for quite a long time. You can see the historical shift if you look at the different pricing seasons and see deluxe is priced much higher in the fall and more heavily discounted in the summer.

I guess you're right...don't have many years of CL or Deluxe stays under my belt to to really tell the difference. Just feels different than the last two years, but obviously not a comprehensive analysis. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[baler31]

All resorts still offer a KTTW card instead of, or in addition to, the MB. Some CLs still even have yellow/CL KTTW cards left in stock which they can encode for you to use. My DH only uses the KTTW card.



You bring up an issue that irks me with Disney Resorts, and CL in general - consistency and predictablility. If you've been staying on-property for many years, you've noticed the degradation. If you're a newcomer, then you can't compare it with your past stays. And, if you've stayed at 4-Star resorts, Disney CLs aren't in the same league.

It never used to feel like a privilege to be escorted upstairs to CL. In the days before text to room, you had to be escorted to get in the elevator - someone had to take you up there and check you in. Now, they've degraded the entire check-in process for everyone and have made it as impersonal as possible, CL or not.

Maybe there will be a Runner or Greeter upon arrival, maybe not. Maybe you'll get your room number by text, maybe not. Maybe your MB will work with all the doors, maybe not. Maybe someone will deign to let you up to the level you booked, maybe not. Maybe you'll get a tour of a new-to-you resort, maybe not...What a way to start a vacation

When it comes to housekeeping and extra levels of service, like CL, I wish that Disney Resorts were more consistent overall. Instead of degrading service and amenities, they should be kicking it up a notch to retain regulars and attract newcomers, especially with competition like the Four Seasons literally in their backyard.

I'm hearing recently about some improvements, such as RPC and BC, so I'll remain positive and optimistic for my upcoming CL stays. But, I'll definitely be weighing the relative worth of Disney CL and how it fits into my future stays and compares with past stays.



We've stayed at CR many times and the Atrium Club, but this is my first Tower Club stay. Seeing that the Tower Club level has very few guests, I was just wondering if their CL Runner does a better job of greeting and escorting guests since there are fewer of them. I suspect that like Atrium Club, I have a 50/50 chance of being greeted curbside, but this will be my first ME arrival at CR so I suspect I'll have an even smaller chance of a greeting/escort.

I have held off reviewing our recent stays for fear of being flamed or labelled a complainer but I decided to post anyway. My reasons are simple. When I am planning to stay at a resort that I am not familiar with the threads are invaluable in deciding if the resort is for me. This is my opinion based on my recent experiences that are heavily biased based on my previous stays for more years than I like to admit to. I can't possible be that old


I agree about consistency. After speaking with someone in management during our last stay I will say that the CL greeters/check in is officially a thing of the past FOR NOW. This is supposed to be company wide. I was told they will be having more "runners" on hand to assist CL guests up to the proper floor/building but you wil have to check in at the main desk. My theories: This was laid out for the GM's of each resort from Resort Operations management that oversees all the GM's. Easy to cut with the new text to room service that they envision cutting out check in labor costs. Do away with welcome gifts and other small touches that are a fixed cost. Upgrade the food as surveys indicate most people book CL for the food.

I believe they are trying to implement upgrading the food. However, I do believe they want to minimize on going labor costs and to that end I could perhaps see turndown on the line at some point and time. We never received turndown on our recent RPC stay. Yes, there were chocolates left but that was it. They used to refresh the room and replace towels etc. Whether this was a singular housekeeping issue and issue with consistency is most likely the answer but I can still see turn down being something that could go away.

Everything at every resort IS inconsistent. My recent experiences at both BC and GF RPC were in 1 BR suites so I will compare both experiences.

BC in May had a check in/greeter, we had solar gel, foot cream and larger toiletries in the suite. GF no CL check in, no solar gel or larger toiletries. Yes we had the foot cream. Food at BC was very good, not pre 2006 good but certainly better than anything in years. Staff , meh. We have never seen any great CL staff members at BC. At least in a suite we don't have to walk by them as often to have them ignore us. Our room was fine, but unbelievably showed wear already. Daybed had several stains and there were other issues as well that would require removing the room from inventory for a deep cleaning to fix. Many of the items were caused by the carelessness of guests at one time or another. The room here FUNCTIONS very well. Adequate drawer space and lighting in the shower/bath area. Things that GF sorely lacks. The room refurb while lovely left the rooms very impractical. Despite being quite a bit smaller the 1br and the standard rooms in BC FEEL larger. The fact that nothing was done to the baths in GF is really apparent, the BC tile and fixtures are much cleaner appearing because they are new.

RPC, No CL check in, room had issues with water flow. Food was WAY below BC. Love the staff; have for years and years. Would not be surprised if some of the staff transfer or retire. Many are older birds that do this now their "real" career is done and don't need the stress this has become. I do think they desire to make the Grand "grand" again but what that represents is perhaps a bit different than what we are used to.

Personally, the food is a small aspect of the CL experience at any resort for us. I think it is short sighted to concentrate on one aspect to the detriment of others. The small things are often the things you remember. Bottom line: Yes, they seem to want to improve the food and other things but only as long as they stay within budget. If you go mostly for the food service or are new to the resort you will most likely love it. If you remember that a runner was someone who would drive you somewhere when you wanted to go you will agree that the service is very different now.

In their defense: I am not a millennial and may not understand what they want and I believe they are beginning to market to that generation. I don't think repeat guests are a blip on their radar and maybe rightly so. Maybe we spend less, I have no way of knowing that answer but it is brought up a lot. My standards are very high but I am not unreasonable. And, my standards are based on actual previous experiences. I would rather them just admit that CL is going in a different direction, which they sort of kind of did

 

[baler31]

I guess you're right...don't have many years of CL or Deluxe stays under my belt to to really tell the difference. Just feels different than the last two years, but obviously not a comprehensive analysis. Thanks for the feedback.

I should had said, Fall, Spring and Holidays are the busiest time. Wow, I am wordy tonight. Summer is the least buy would have sufficed. Sorry

 

[TJA]

Observation: I booked our last week of July 2016 Poly CL trip roughly 55 days out and it felt like when I was searching I had a ton of CL options (not just Poly) at very good discounts (both the public promotion and AP). I've been trying to find a 3-5 day window to go in September / October and man it's slim pickings for CL options, regardless of rack rate or discounts. I know a day or two here or there and number of people can change things a lot but so far I'm getting a bit frustrated. I've read a few blogs suggesting this fall could be pretty busy - certainly seems that way from my booking options. Dang free dining I guess?

BTW, I told DS6 that that MSEP was ending soon and he immediately started crying. I have either done a great job as a parent or failed miserably, I can't really tell? ;-)

Regardless, trying to make our next stop CR CL for a quick MNSSHP weekend. Getting tough this year with a real school where I can't just take him out whenever I want. Stay tuned!

Good luck - I hope you can get CR CL as its the perfect place to stay for MNSSHP! Brings back great memories....I used to pull my girls out of school for a fall disney trip every year right up until they were in 5th grade. I miss going at that time!

 

[Eastern]

In their defense: I am not a millennial and may not understand what they want and I believe they are beginning to market to that generation. I don't think repeat guests are a blip on their radar and maybe rightly so. Maybe we spend less, I have no way of knowing that answer but it is brought up a lot. My standards are very high but I am not unreasonable. And, my standards are based on actual previous experiences. I would rather them just admit that CL is going in a different direction, which they sort of kind of did

Why does it seem like CL operations are on such a strict budget? It's like they are trying to get the most out of every last penny (I changed from dime to penny, ha ha). Disney charges large premiums for CL, even the regular rooms are very expensive!

Anyone who stays outside Disney in similar accommodations will remark on how much they get for the price paid. Why is it that Disney can charge $600-1000 per night for a CL room and they still have to worry about turn-down services and wine guards? I really don't get it!

 

[rcraw45425]

Good luck - I hope you can get CR CL as its the perfect place to stay for MNSSHP! Brings back great memories....I used to pull my girls out of school for a fall disney trip every year right up until they were in 5th grade. I miss going at that time!

We usually use the Poly for our home base during the MK parties (Halloween and Christmas). CR is also a great location as you can walk. Skipping the Halloween party this year as it's priced itself out of my comfort zone ($400 for four adults in mid October). Oh well, more focus on F&W this time

 

[mickeynut1]

You bring up an issue that irks me with Disney Resorts, and CL in general - consistency and predictablility.

Maybe there will be a Runner or Greeter upon arrival, maybe not. Maybe you'll get your room number by text, maybe not. Maybe your MB will work with all the doors, maybe not. Maybe someone will deign to let you up to the level you booked, maybe not. Maybe you'll get a tour of a new-to-you resort, maybe not...What a way to start a vacation

When it comes to housekeeping and extra levels of service, like CL, I wish that Disney Resorts were more consistent overall. Instead of degrading service and amenities, they should be kicking it up a notch to retain regulars and attract newcomers, especially with competition like the Four Seasons literally in their backyard.

I agree. The biggest issue for me is the inconsistency. Disney is a business and like every other business in the world, makes changes as times change. However, the changes need to be standard across the board and not hit or miss with each guest and/or resort.

Observation: I booked our last week of July 2016 Poly CL trip roughly 55 days out and it felt like when I was searching I had a ton of CL options (not just Poly) at very good discounts (both the public promotion and AP). I've been trying to find a 3-5 day window to go in September / October and man it's slim pickings for CL options, regardless of rack rate or discounts. I know a day or two here or there and number of people can change things a lot but so far I'm getting a bit frustrated. I've read a few blogs suggesting this fall could be pretty busy - certainly seems that way from my booking options. Dang free dining I guess?

BTW, I told DS6 that that MSEP was ending soon and he immediately started crying. I have either done a great job as a parent or failed miserably, I can't really tell? ;-)

Regardless, trying to make our next stop CR CL for a quick MNSSHP weekend. Getting tough this year with a real school where I can't just take him out whenever I want. Stay tuned!

There really is no "slow" time at Disney anymore, but fall has gotten more popular over the years (particularly late Sept/Oct). Like you said, it's hard to find availability at rack rate, let alone a discount for that time of year. The same is happening for December. It used to be that the first 2-3 weeks of December were slow and easy to find availability, but booking for that time of year has gotten to be a chore as well. FD is popular, but I don't think it's the cause of limited/no availability. I think it's a combination of FD along with fall becoming very popular with everything going on during that time (just my opinion). With that said, I hope something becomes available and you are able to take your trip!

I believe they are trying to implement upgrading the food. However, I do believe they want to minimize on going labor costs and to that end I could perhaps see turndown on the line at some point and time. We never received turndown on our recent RPC stay. Yes, there were chocolates left but that was it. They used to refresh the room and replace towels etc. Whether this was a singular housekeeping issue and issue with consistency is most likely the answer but I can still see turn down being something that could go away.

I think Disney may have experimented with taking away turn down, only to bring it back. A couple months ago, guests were reporting turn down at AKL CL was by request only. It wasn't long after that, that reports were being made that turn down was back for CL guests without having to request it. Nothing says Disney can't/won't take it away at all resorts in the future as anything can happen, but it seems taking that perk away didn't go over too well with AKL CL guests.

 

[MKMK]

Some of the changes they have made we like much better -- when they work like they are supposed to - to the previous posters consistency comments. For example, while the CL greeter was nice, it seemed to take longer than it should for frequent visitors i.e. the greeter would always insist on having us reconfirm everything we already entered online. When the CL greeters went away, we had to go to the front desk - that was horrible -- the line was 20+ minutes long then when we got to the front of the line, they didn't know how to check in CL (sigh). On our next trip, for the first time we received the text to go straight to our room (yeah!) but the magic bands didn't work on the elevator because someone had to escort you the CL floor because we hadn't entered our room yet (huh?). On our last visit, we got the text, went straight to our room, unpacked and the kids were in the pool 15 minutes after stepping off Magical Express (loved it!).

 

[TJA]

We usually use the Poly for our home base during the MK parties (Halloween and Christmas). CR is also a great location as you can walk. Skipping the Halloween party this year as it's priced itself out of my comfort zone ($400 for four adults in mid October). Oh well, more focus on F&W this time

Poly is also our favorite now for parties; however, when our kids were stroller age we always chose CR because of the walkway. Same here -- we're getting priced out of some of the "extras" such as parties. It's rough when the kids hit age 10 and are disney adults!

 

[TJA]

Some of the changes they have made we like much better -- when they work like they are supposed to - to the previous posters consistency comments. For example, while the CL greeter was nice, it seemed to take longer than it should for frequent visitors i.e. the greeter would always insist on having us reconfirm everything we already entered online. When the CL greeters went away, we had to go to the front desk - that was horrible -- the line was 20+ minutes long then when we got to the front of the line, they didn't know how to check in CL (sigh). On our next trip, for the first time we received the text to go straight to our room (yeah!) but the magic bands didn't work on the elevator because someone had to escort you the CL floor because we hadn't entered our room yet (huh?). On our last visit, we got the text, went straight to our room, unpacked and the kids were in the pool 15 minutes after stepping off Magical Express (loved it!).

We're CL veterans and we also love the room-ready text! We were never wild about greeters and being walked to our room/building.
On the bright side, someone was just at RPC and started a separate thread on how RPC is back to the old RPC and possibly even better! I'm so glad the CL's seem to be headed back in the right direction. Guess the cutbacks didn't go over very well....

 

[AquaDame]

In their defense: I am not a millennial and may not understand what they want and I believe they are beginning to market to that generation. I don't think repeat guests are a blip on their radar and maybe rightly so. Maybe we spend less, I have no way of knowing that answer but it is brought up a lot. My standards are very high but I am not unreasonable. And, my standards are based on actual previous experiences. I would rather them just admit that CL is going in a different direction, which they sort of kind of did

I AM a millennial, and would have loved to have an experience like the one you described having years prior. I agree that food is/was important for us during our stay, but how much of that is a need for good food and how much was a need to justify CL since there is no longer anything else that does? I am starting to consider our next trip (not until 2018) and for example one week at the Poly in early May would add on $1700 (~$200/night) to take a standard room to club level. Thats just for us.. imagine how much extra they are pulling in with the number of club level guests they have. I can't get my head around how they can't afford the little nice touches that made it seem "worth" that extra price tag. :/

 

[pld5]

Hi there, I will be at BC CL next weekend - Arriving 8/19 and leaving 8/23. First time I will be at WDW on my 8/21 birthday!

 

[pooh'smate]

Joining in since I just booked our first ever stay at a deluxe resort (AKL) then I upgraded to club level since it was only $30 more a night (from savanna view).

 

[rcraw45425]

Poly is also our favorite now for parties; however, when our kids were stroller age we always chose CR because of the walkway. Same here -- we're getting priced out of some of the "extras" such as parties. It's rough when the kids hit age 10 and are disney adults!

Wait till they hit 18 and you're hit with the extra $25/"kid" /day fee. And also I love the random rate changes. I had an AP rate in December at the Poly for a regular non CL room. Rate for Amy an I was like $350/ night. Then I looked at my breakdown and they had randomly decided that my last night (like a Sunday night) they could take off the AP discount and charge me rack rate. Ticked me off something fierce but I didn't want to have to pack u and change rooms since we were checking out but I'm still steamed. I had originally booked this upcoming trip for CL at BWI again but started looking and they are reaming me. I'm saving at least $150/night changing to a standard room from a standard CL since I will have three college girls that are considered adults.

 

[Mshap001]

Checked in today at CR CL. Snacks were perfect - pretzels, goldfish, chips, gummy bears and a few other things. Whole fresh fruit. No special welcome, did have chocolates in our room. Since our room wasn't ready someone had to take us upstairs to the lounge.

Checked out dessert tonight too. Wine, beer, cordials all self service. Several different dessert options - all were tasty.

So far CL has met my expectations. CMs have been nice enough. Never stayed CL before so no comparison for Disney.

Hope to check out evening apps tomorrow.

Thanks to everyone on this board for advice and info in planning!