Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[TJA]

@PackYourPixieDust we used to love the Food and Wine when our kids were that age, and the BC was our favorite for that time frame. Will your 4 year old fall asleep in a jogger/stroller? Both of my kids easily fell asleep, so we'd pack up the jogger every night with favorite stuffed animals, blankets, light-up toys...and we'd walk around the Epcot countries. The girls would fall asleep eventually, we'd recline the seats and put up the canopies.....and DH and I would enjoy some snacks and drinks from around the world as our girls slept . Then just walk back to BC afterward, sometimes we'd take the long way around the boardwalk just enjoying the night. It looks like your choice for that time frame is YC -- I'm not sure what the refurb status is there? Surely it must be done? We do prefer the BC CL -- love the new lounge and new rooms, but I'm sure YC will be great when finished. I wonder if you'd catch the tail end of the F&W for your November dates, and then maybe catch the beginnings of Christmas decorations? That might be my vote -- November trip at BC CL.

We always love Poly CL, but to us it feels like a summer destination. It's probably just a vibe I get because we always stay there over the July 4 week.

 

[PackYourPixieDust]

@PackYourPixieDust we used to love the Food and Wine when our kids were that age, and the BC was our favorite for that time frame. Will your 4 year old fall asleep in a jogger/stroller? Both of my kids easily fell asleep, so we'd pack up the jogger every night with favorite stuffed animals, blankets, light-up toys...and we'd walk around the Epcot countries. The girls would fall asleep eventually, we'd recline the seats and put up the canopies.....and DH and I would enjoy some snacks and drinks from around the world as our girls slept . Then just walk back to BC afterward, sometimes we'd take the long way around the boardwalk just enjoying the night. It looks like your choice for that time frame is YC -- I'm not sure what the refurb status is there? Surely it must be done? We do prefer the BC CL -- love the new lounge and new rooms, but I'm sure YC will be great when finished. I wonder if you'd catch the tail end of the F&W for your November dates, and then maybe catch the beginnings of Christmas decorations? That might be my vote -- November trip at BC CL.

We always love Poly CL, but to us it feels like a summer destination. It's probably just a vibe I get because we always stay there over the July 4 week.

Our child sadly won't fall to sleep in the stroller... At least not at night, he occasionally does during the day- like when we are on a cruise, after swimming or playing on a beach all day. but otherwise, the kid needs his bedtime routine. I wonder though if I should risk it sometime.... But otherwise, I don't mind bring of the those peanut butter and jelly pocket sandwiches for him to eat and then eating an early dinner around the world for my husband and I. I was looking at the dates, and if they are similar to this year, if we go in November, we should have a couple of days of F&W left...

 

[GADisneyDad14]

@PackYourPixieDust If I can ask, can you share a bit more about your Disney "style"? Meaning, do you go often or is this a first trip? Are you Disney pros or still learning the ropes? Are you partial to any park in particular? What's a typical day like for you at Disney? In my opinion some of the pro/cons of your options/dates really conflict in my mind, so I find myself questioning what to say.

For instance, I think Poly CL is an IDEAL CL setup for two parents and a four year old, especially if you try to stick to any sort of napping and bed time schedule. The lounge is really close to any room and is open 24/7. Everything about the Poly CL layout (both the lounge and Hawaii longhouse itself) makes the trip a heck of alot "easier" with a younger child, if that makes sense. One of our true loves is that even if DS goes to bed early, we as the adults can still enjoy things like Wishes, the electrical pageant, etc. The whole vibe is "laid back" and "easy" in the best sense.

But I kind of agree with @TJA in that I'd rather be at Poly with guaranteed warm/Florida weather. Early December could be hit/miss. I'd still enjoy staying then of course, but you just might not get the full experience if it's particularly cold.

Some other pluses of Poly the first week of December are being close to MK if you're into the holiday party. Even if you're not, the holiday fireworks view from Poly is phenomenal and arguably worth staying for that reason alone. They do the perimeter fireworks for the holiday party just like Hallowishes, so Poly offers a great view.

I like the idea of a November BC CL trip from a date/time of year perspective for the reasons mentioned by PPs above. F&W can be a nice treat! But I give some demerits to the BC CL lounge with a younger child... it closes at times during the day and some rooms can be pretty far away. This isn't a total deal killer but I just like Poly CL's setup better. BC CL has some really great food going on right now, for what that's worth.

I agree with @Eastern in that I'd probably rule out mid October for crowds alone. I went the last week of October last year and it was the most crowded of any of the trips in my signature by a long shot. It was manageable, but you had to "work at it" a lot more than I ever had before.

In the end, I don't think you can make a WRONG choice given your options. Let us know what you decide and why!

 

[mickey2minnie1]

I am going to post this here.

We are booked at the BCCL with a GV. I found the rooms on touring plans and there are very, very few.

What I can't figure out is are these rooms near the lounge?

Are they a good location?

Which side is better in location and view, since there are only two small locations? I could not get an accurate view from the site.

Thanks everyone!

 

[PackYourPixieDust]

@PackYourPixieDust If I can ask, can you share a bit more about your Disney "style"? Meaning, do you go often or is this a first trip? Are you Disney pros or still learning the ropes? Are you partial to any park in particular? What's a typical day like for you at Disney? In my opinion some of the pro/cons of your options/dates really conflict in my mind, so I find myself questioning what to say.

For instance, I think Poly CL is an IDEAL CL setup for two parents and a four year old, especially if you try to stick to any sort of napping and bed time schedule. The lounge is really close to any room and is open 24/7. Everything about the Poly CL layout (both the lounge and Hawaii longhouse itself) makes the trip a heck of alot "easier" with a younger child, if that makes sense. One of our true loves is that even if DS goes to bed early, we as the adults can still enjoy things like Wishes, the electrical pageant, etc. The whole vibe is "laid back" and "easy" in the best sense.

But I kind of agree with @TJA in that I'd rather be at Poly with guaranteed warm/Florida weather. Early December could be hit/miss. I'd still enjoy staying then of course, but you just might not get the full experience if it's particularly cold.

Some other pluses of Poly the first week of December are being close to MK if you're into the holiday party. Even if you're not, the holiday fireworks view from Poly is phenomenal and arguably worth staying for that reason alone. They do the perimeter fireworks for the holiday party just like Hallowishes, so Poly offers a great view.

I like the idea of a November BC CL trip from a date/time of year perspective for the reasons mentioned by PPs above. F&W can be a nice treat! But I give some demerits to the BC CL lounge with a younger child... it closes at times during the day and some rooms can be pretty far away. This isn't a total deal killer but I just like Poly CL's setup better. BC CL has some really great food going on right now, for what that's worth.

I agree with @Eastern in that I'd probably rule out mid October for crowds alone. I went the last week of October last year and it was the most crowded of any of the trips in my signature by a long shot. It was manageable, but you had to "work at it" a lot more than I ever had before.

In the end, I don't think you can make a WRONG choice given your options. Let us know what you decide and why!

Thanks for this thorough thoughts. My son sadly doesn't nap, but momma does. I found another Beach Club week that would fit a week earlier in November guaranteeing our ability to get lots of food and wine snacking time

My son has been to Disney about 8 or 9 times. We've had AP's while he has been under 3. In fact earlier this year he referred to the grand Floridian as his other house. Next year will represent the longest by far that he's been in the parks but we have some other trips in the world over Disney. I think I agree that I like the idea of the Poly when it's warmer so I will plan for that in maybe April of 2018 they haven't had he best gluten free options in the past either from what I've seen so maybe waiting another year will give them a chance not to fail at that

we are pathetic in the park. We usually do 3 hours ish in the morning, have lunch, ride one more thing and take a break at the hotel. Then we return somewhere for dinner- either another park or hotel.

For whatever reason the beach club during food and wine just seems like a good idea. we'll get park hoppers too so we can just head over for dinner too.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Sounds like a great trip! Happy planning .

Thank you! We just got back from the World on Friday, our cruise was the cancelled October 7th one, so we rebooked our cruise and vacation while we were still on property! LOL! It's amazing that you can be in WDW for over 15 days and still can't stop counting down to the next trip

 

[chimo2u]

Ooooo I love Colorado! I lived in Aspen for a year when I graduated from college. Best year of my life! Also we lived in Boulder for a year, another amazing adventure. I'd love to get back there again soon. It's been too long.

Did I tell you I quit the travel biz? I'm back to teaching again. Much less chaotic!

I'm going to New York Comic Con so I had to choose a hotel near Javits and MSG. Nothing fancy, but the price tag is making CL look cheap! They jack the prices up for all the suckers coming into town like me. LOL

I think you made the right choice, nothing is as important race weekend as location. Let me NOT tell you about the year we did AKL that weekend. Not good at all! I learned my lesson.

I definitely want to get back to the FS again though. That view was to die for!!!

Hi Tgrlvspooh! Can you tell me what you love about four seasons!? I'm trying to decide if I should do my whole 6 nights (Nov 11-17, 2017) at YC CL or all 6 nights at 4 seasons, or split it 4 YC CL and 2 at 4 seasons! I don't want to regret not being in the bubble But I'd love a relaxing luxury experience too! Also I am leaning towards the 4/2 split so I could do ADRs and the ddp 120 days out Thoughts? (it's just hubby and I on a solo trip, there's a chance our 21 year old son might join us if he can get leave from the military but he'd be relegated to the sofa bed if he did, lol

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thanks for this thorough thoughts. My son sadly doesn't nap, but momma does. I found another Beach Club week that would fit a week earlier in November guaranteeing our ability to get lots of food and wine snacking time

My son has been to Disney about 8 or 9 times. We've had AP's while he has been under 3. In fact earlier this year he referred to the grand Floridian as his other house. Next year will represent the longest by far that he's been in the parks but we have some other trips in the world over Disney. I think I agree that I like the idea of the Poly when it's warmer so I will plan for that in maybe April of 2018 they haven't had he best gluten free options in the past either from what I've seen so maybe waiting another year will give them a chance not to fail at that

we are pathetic in the park. We usually do 3 hours ish in the morning, have lunch, ride one more thing and take a break at the hotel. Then we return somewhere for dinner- either another park or hotel.

For whatever reason the beach club during food and wine just seems like a good idea. we'll get park hoppers too so we can just head over for dinner too.

Lol, no naps. I'm sorry! DS still napped at 4 (most days) and even STILL will nap at 6 occasionally if we've had a hard charging morning. And BTW, my son calls CR his "home base." He calls Poly daddy's "home base."

FWIW, your "pathetic" day at a park sounds like a WONDERFUL day to me. More often than not that's our routine as well.

Ok, back to your question. Sounds like you have a good handle on the Disney experience so I guess just go with your gut and whatever you and DH prefer that's also reasonably appealing for a four year old. I have to admit I sort of dismissed the Epcot resorts at first until I tried BC over the summer (it was just one night, mind you). But call me a convert, I really liked BC for things like the pool, closest walk to Epcot, freshly renovated rooms, and the CL food.

Have fun planning!

 

[mickeynut1]

Okay all please help me decide. I'm planning my trip for next year- here are my options (For the choices I list, these are basically the only hotel choices I can make...)
My options are- October 15th for 1 week staying at the Yacht Club (will be during food and wine still and can probably swim in the pool.) Beach Club 11/12/17 for one week. (If the food and wine dates for next year are similar to this year, we'd only get 2 nights of food and wine...) 12/3/17 for one week at the Poly. All the choices would be club level. It will be myself, my husband and our 4 year old. So, who votes for which?

I haven't stayed CL at any of your choices, but have stayed at the BC and Poly and my choice would be Poly first week of December. We enjoyed our BC stay, but the Poly is our favorite and we love being in the MK area, especially during the holidays. With that said, I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter which resort/time frame you choose. Good luck .

Thank you! We just got back from the World on Friday, our cruise was the cancelled October 7th one, so we rebooked our cruise and vacation while we were still on property! LOL! It's amazing that you can be in WDW for over 15 days and still can't stop counting down to the next trip

I'm sorry your cruise was cancelled, but glad you were able to rebook! Hope you had a great time in Disney. LOL on counting down to your next trip after just getting back from a long one.....but I see nothing wrong with that . Have fun planning the next one!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Hi Tgrlvspooh! Can you tell me what you love about four seasons!? I'm trying to decide if I should do my whole 6 nights (Nov 11-17, 2017) at YC CL or all 6 nights at 4 seasons, or split it 4 YC CL and 2 at 4 seasons! I don't want to regret not being in the bubble But I'd love a relaxing luxury experience too! Also I am leaning towards the 4/2 split so I could do ADRs and the ddp 120 days out Thoughts? (it's just hubby and I on a solo trip, there's a chance our 21 year old son might join us if he can get leave from the military but he'd be relegated to the sofa bed if he did, lol

DW and I stayed at FS August 2015 for a long weekend, no kids, so I have some experience. I'm cutting/pasting my post from another FS thread awhile back, FWIW. Some of this was addressing the specific questions from that thread but some may apply here.

We very much enjoyed our FS stay, but I'm not so sure we'd go back outside of a special occasion. Frankly I'd probably rather go back with our kids than just us, the pool area/facilities are phenomenal and pretty much blow any Deluxe out of the water (even YC/BC). Obviously the whole place is nice, new, clean, beautiful, spotless, etc, etc. Dining options are all first rate. Having true poolside service with quality food/drinks is divine (I wish Disney would up their game on this front). Service is top notch. DW had a spa treatment that she said was one of the best she'd ever had. It was very low key and relaxing, which was perfect, although we did get bored one night and took the bus to Epcot for a change of scene.

But... to us it was a bit sterile and I missed the vibe of staying at a real Disney property (some people probably very much like it for the not in-your-face Disney feel!). I know it's the FS and it just costs more, but I disliked small things like having to pay a fortune for a small bottle of water (vs, say, 'free' CL water readily available). I'd rather have a CL breakfast any day than an overpriced FS breakfast, but maybe that's just me.

I'm glad we tried it - definitely no regrets in doing so. It's just totally a "different" type of Disney experience. On the whole, we'd probably rather stay CL on property if given the choice, even for a couples weekend.

Obviously just our opinion. FS opinions are certainly as subjective as they come! Happy to answer any questions.
(end of my cut/paste from another thread)

So all of that being said, I'd go with the split stay! Best of both worlds!

 

[chimo2u]

DW and I stayed at FS August 2015 for a long weekend, no kids, so I have some experience. I'm cutting/pasting my post from another FS thread awhile back, FWIW. Some of this was addressing the specific questions from that thread but some may apply here.

We very much enjoyed our FS stay, but I'm not so sure we'd go back outside of a special occasion. Frankly I'd probably rather go back with our kids than just us, the pool area/facilities are phenomenal and pretty much blow any Deluxe out of the water (even YC/BC). Obviously the whole place is nice, new, clean, beautiful, spotless, etc, etc. Dining options are all first rate. Having true poolside service with quality food/drinks is divine (I wish Disney would up their game on this front). Service is top notch. DW had a spa treatment that she said was one of the best she'd ever had. It was very low key and relaxing, which was perfect, although we did get bored one night and took the bus to Epcot for a change of scene.

But... to us it was a bit sterile and I missed the vibe of staying at a real Disney property (some people probably very much like it for the not in-your-face Disney feel!). I know it's the FS and it just costs more, but I disliked small things like having to pay a fortune for a small bottle of water (vs, say, 'free' CL water readily available). I'd rather have a CL breakfast any day than an overpriced FS breakfast, but maybe that's just me.

I'm glad we tried it - definitely no regrets in doing so. It's just totally a "different" type of Disney experience. On the whole, we'd probably rather stay CL on property if given the choice, even for a couples weekend.

Obviously just our opinion. FS opinions are certainly as subjective as they come! Happy to answer any questions.
(end of my cut/paste from another thread)

So all of that being said, I'd go with the split stay! Best of both worlds!

Thank you so much for your WONDERFUL info! I think I am leaning towards the split just to try it out even if it means adding it towards the end of our trip before heading to Universal and HRH CL for 1 night - it's a lot of hotel hopping, but I think we might just be ready to experience something new by then

 

[pixarmom]

We have not stayed at the Four Seasons at Disney, but have stayed in several other Four Seasons properties. We love Four Seasons hotels generally and have never regretted a Four Seasons stay. I keep considering Four Seasons at Disney, but I don't think we'll end up there. Location/transportation is a huge part of this. The ability to walk to two parks in the Epcot area or just hop on the monorail in the MK area are significant factors for us. And I agree with the breakfast issue - would rather have breakfast in a Disney club lounge than deal with breakfast at Four Seasons. Overall, our focus is different at Disney - we're there for the parks, to run races, or to spend some time in the bubble. As much as I appreciate the Four Seasons level of service, convenience and Disney bubble win out at Disney!

 

[HBGdancermom]

All good choices so I would look at crowds. I would probably pick 11/12/17. mid-late October is crowded; my mother went last year and she said it was mobbed. First week (or two?) in December you get all the cheer groups.

I'm with Eastern! 11/12/2017. I also have been at that time at BC and it was fantastic. The pool was a big hit. You really can't go wrong though with these options.

 

[javamoma]

We are staying CL at AKL for the first time this February!!! And we are so excited! Quick question. We have a gluten allergy in our party. Do any of you have experience with food allergies and CL at AKL? I know there is usually an attendant that we can ask about foods but I am more curious if there will be very many appropriate food options out. Fruit and yogurt will only get you so far. I'm wondering if the snacks and other items throughout the day will offer a few options. Thankfully this CL is suppose to have an African flare. Most traditional foods are naturally gluten free which is why we love Boma's!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hi Tgrlvspooh! Can you tell me what you love about four seasons!? I'm trying to decide if I should do my whole 6 nights (Nov 11-17, 2017) at YC CL or all 6 nights at 4 seasons, or split it 4 YC CL and 2 at 4 seasons! I don't want to regret not being in the bubble But I'd love a relaxing luxury experience too! Also I am leaning towards the 4/2 split so I could do ADRs and the ddp 120 days out Thoughts? (it's just hubby and I on a solo trip, there's a chance our 21 year old son might join us if he can get leave from the military but he'd be relegated to the sofa bed if he did, lol

It's been over a year now since I stayed at the FS, so I don't have it fresh in my mind. But I did post a trip report that would probably be more helpful than my foggy memory. Here's the link: http://www.disboards.com/threads/th...-the-bc-and-gf-july-25-august-3-2015.3431066/

We were in a park view suite and it was absolutely incredible.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

We have not stayed at the Four Seasons at Disney, but have stayed in several other Four Seasons properties. We love Four Seasons hotels generally and have never regretted a Four Seasons stay. I keep considering Four Seasons at Disney, but I don't think we'll end up there. Location/transportation is a huge part of this. The ability to walk to two parks in the Epcot area or just hop on the monorail in the MK area are significant factors for us. And I agree with the breakfast issue - would rather have breakfast in a Disney club lounge than deal with breakfast at Four Seasons. Overall, our focus is different at Disney - we're there for the parks, to run races, or to spend some time in the bubble. As much as I appreciate the Four Seasons level of service, convenience and Disney bubble win out at Disney!

I couldn't have said it better! The FS Orlando is best for a more laid back trip. If you plan to hit the parks most of the time then it really doesn't make any sense to be "off property". A split would be nice to end with a few relaxing days after touring.

 

[PackYourPixieDust]

Hi Tgrlvspooh! Can you tell me what you love about four seasons!? I'm trying to decide if I should do my whole 6 nights (Nov 11-17, 2017) at YC CL or all 6 nights at 4 seasons, or split it 4 YC CL and 2 at 4 seasons! I don't want to regret not being in the bubble But I'd love a relaxing luxury experience too! Also I am leaning towards the 4/2 split so I could do ADRs and the ddp 120 days out Thoughts? (it's just hubby and I on a solo trip, there's a chance our 21 year old son might join us if he can get leave from the military but he'd be relegated to the sofa bed if he did, lol

I second the idea of a splits stay. We just did an adults only weekend at the FS 2 weeks ago. (Right after the hurricane.) It was pure amazingness! I think they've upped their game. This was my 3rd stay and my favorite. Our stays have all been short, the other 2were with my son and my mom. It was really nice to have the adults only & quiet pool to visit this trip. There's nothing anywhere on Disney property that compares. (They even have a sign that day's no playing of music or talking on your cell phone in the pool area.)

Someone commented on water- I couldn't drink enough bottles of water. You get them when you arrive at the hotel, leave the hotel, there's some in your room when you arrive and at turn down each night.

One thing that rubs me the wrong way is $6 glass of coke anywhere. That's the crazy. But the rest of it felt a little higher but not by a crazy amount.

For breakfast there is a little coffee shop that has sandwiches, bagels and yogurt. Go there!

 

[RenegadeRed85]

Hi, everybody. My family and I just came back from a trip staying Royal Palm Club Level at the Grand Floridian. We've posted a couple of our videos on YouTube (with more to come) showing in depth video footage of the food offerings we had during our stay. We had a wonderful trip and the food offerings were great! We were also escorted from the main lobby to the club level lobby upon our arrival. I'm not sure if this has become part of the norm again, but I was pleasantly surprised to experience this after having read about some recent changes going on at the hotel.

Here is a link to our first video:

and here is the link to our second:

Both videos focus quite a bit on the Grand Floridian Club Level as it was our first time staying at the Grand Floridian and our first time staying Club Level at a Disney resort. Hope you enjoy them and I hope it provides some answers for those of you with questions about the current state of cutbacks, etc. I know that I was constantly searching for any info regarding the cutbacks the weeks before our trip.

 

[mickeynut1]

We are staying CL at AKL for the first time this February!!! And we are so excited! Quick question. We have a gluten allergy in our party. Do any of you have experience with food allergies and CL at AKL? I know there is usually an attendant that we can ask about foods but I am more curious if there will be very many appropriate food options out. Fruit and yogurt will only get you so far. I'm wondering if the snacks and other items throughout the day will offer a few options. Thankfully this CL is suppose to have an African flare. Most traditional foods are naturally gluten free which is why we love Boma's!

I can't help with your food allergy question, but wanted to say I hope you have a great trip and enjoy AKL CL .

Hi, everybody. My family and I just came back from a trip staying Royal Palm Club Level at the Grand Floridian. We've posted a couple of our videos on YouTube (with more to come) showing in depth video footage of the food offerings we had during our stay. We had a wonderful trip and the food offerings were great! We were also escorted from the main lobby to the club level lobby upon our arrival. I'm not sure if this has become part of the norm again, but I was pleasantly surprised to experience this after having read about some recent changes going on at the hotel.

Here is a link to our first video:

and here is the link to our second:

Both videos focus quite a bit on the Grand Floridian Club Level as it was our first time staying at the Grand Floridian and our first time staying Club Level at a Disney resort. Hope you enjoy them and I hope it provides some answers for those of you with questions about the current state of cutbacks, etc. I know that I was constantly searching for any info regarding the cutbacks the weeks before our trip.

Glad you had a great time! Love the videos, thanks for sharing .

 

[HBGdancermom]

Hi everyone! I was hoping you could save me a call. I actually received yesterday one of those UOC in the mail. My first one in several years...... I currently have a 10% off my January stay Poly CL TPV. I know horrible discount, I'm paying way too much....but I've already rationalized it in my expert way....

Did anyone receive one as well for the Jan 1-Jun 7th time period that can tell me the dsct for Poly CL?

Thanks!!!