Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[thumper*]

Yes - I have been off the Disboards for a while with tax season. Thank you so much for the compliment. We too love to make the videos. The one we made last summer for our DDs 21st birthday - was so much fun. Yes we are going for two weeks this summer - The BWI CL and the Poly CL. I can't wait. We were trying to take a smaller trip but probably won't make a video. Thanks again. It is fun to be back on the Disboards.

I loved your videos. What program do you use to edit them?

 

[qbmillar]

Just a quick fun fact, I received a really nice card from DSS in the mail yesterday. Had the contact info and a few of the items the can help with. Nothing fancy, but I thought it was a nice touch! Counting down the days!!

 

[mickeynut1]

Okay question.....Disneyland hotel recommendations....venturing into a new world.
My 17 year old wants his graduation gift to be a trip to the west coast....Well you know how I interpret that....Do they offer same type room only discounts? How is CL?

Thanks. This would be for next April. Probably fly into Phoenix and do the Grand Canyon and Sedona for a few days then head to Cali...

Sounds like a great trip! We are considering a trip out to Cali next year. We've never been out west so there's a lot we want to do/see. Enjoy the planning .

Ok I'm going to review the AKL CL portion of our stay. We were there for 2 nights last week (April 10 and 11). Our flight down was delayed, unfortunately, so we missed our ROL FP! But, I'm always looking for a bright side to things, and we got to fly during sunset with some magnificent views!

I'm sorry about your flight delay and that you missed your ROL FP, but sounds like you had a nice flight. Love the pics from the plane .

Getting around wasn’t as complicated as I thought it would be. Our room was on the 4th floor and the lounge on the 6th floor. In a nutshell, there is a large open lobby down below like at the GF RPC and WL. So when exiting our room, we walked towards the lobby noise and just traced the lobby until we got to the elevators to go up to the lounge or down to restaurants/pool/lobby.

The lounge overlooking the lobby is one of the things that appeals to me about AKL CL as I loved that aspect of GF RPC and WL CL .

Yes - I have been off the Disboards for a while with tax season. Thank you so much for the compliment. We too love to make the videos. The one we made last summer for our DDs 21st birthday - was so much fun. Yes we are going for two weeks this summer - The BWI CL and the Poly CL. I can't wait. We were trying to take a smaller trip but probably won't make a video. Thanks again. It is fun to be back on the Disboards.

Welcome back! I think a BWI CL/Poly CL is a great split. Enjoy the planning, hope you have a great time .

Before going onto the CL food, I just wanted to touch on a few things. We loved this AKL CL so much, but there are some resort drawbacks for us. (1) the buses! We are used to what we're used to (monorail, walking path, boat) so it's hard for my family to stay at a bus resort. However, for just going to AK park it's great. We did have to stand both times on the bus, but it's a very short drive so not a big deal. (2) the beds! We are a family of 4 with 2 teens. DH and I are used to a king bed, while my kids each have their own queen bed. These beds at AKL felt like double beds? They were very small and hard! At least compared to what we're used to. Next time we stay there, we will most likely pack some sort of air mattress. Otherwise, AKL CL was an awesome experience! And we'll definitely stay there again!

We are the same way. DH and I have a king and our boys each have queens, so staying with 2 queens on vacations is a challenge....lol. But we love AKL, so we don't mind sacrificing every once in awhile .

So in conclusion, AKL resort itself has a couple obstacles for my family (buses and beds), but the CL part of things was very impressive. For what it's worth, my kids (age 14) didn't love the CL dinner apps. I, on the other hand, was in heaven with the eggplant, olives, stew, and sangria! DH can eat most anything and was happy with the choices. But we've all agreed that the price is definitely right for AKL CL and we'll be back for another split stay sooner rather than later!!

Thanks for your review and all of the great pics! Glad you enjoyed AKL CL .

Tax season is over!!! We're a family whom includes a CPA too, so today is great day! We're at RPC next week to celebrate!!!

Hope you have a great trip!

My neck of the woods! West Coast is the best Coast!

Discounts: a little different out here. Room-only yes, there are no dining plans. Discounts vary from 15%-25% on select (usually premium) rooms valid Sun nights to Thurs nights and are released a couple months out. If you are going to do it even without a discount I'd go ahead and book the hotel you want and then call to have the discount applied when it gets released. I haven't heard of anyone being told they don't have anymore discounted rooms left under the promotion like at Disney World. If you travel over Easter you might not get a discount at all because they do black-out popular travel dates.

CL: we love Grand CA CL! And the hotel is undergoing a MAJOR refurbishment this year, including the CL. There are rumors the lounge will be reworked to make offerings nicer in quantity at least (they are about half of what you see at a WDW CL I've been told). GCH has tea time, DLH does not. DLH has beautiful views of the DL fireworks from the lounge, GCH lounge can only see the top half of the fireworks show. I haven't had the chance to stay DLH CL but have heard good things, we always stay GCH CL because we LOVE the location and have wonderful service. Seriously there's nothing quite as great as getting soaked on the River Rapids and being back in the room a couple minutes later (I love water rides- but hate wet clothes). All the photos you see of the hotel insides will change lots over this year as the refurb is bringing a whole new look to the rooms. Lounge should be done around Oct, fingers crossed, so you should be able to get some reviews on that well before your trip to help you evaluate it.

ETA: DLH has bigger rooms if that's important to you, GCH rooms are similar in size to AKL.

I wasn't the one who asked about DL hotels, but thanks for your input. We are thinking about a trip next year, so this is great information to have .

I can't tell you how many times I've said I'd never go in the summer and now we are looking at 4th of July week (one kid in college with a different spring break from the one in HS, one plays a fall sport, one plays a spring sport and a December cruise so this is our only chance). I had a great girls trip to BWI so we def. want to go back there for part of our stay. I was thinking about doing poly CL for 7/3-5 but DH has mentioned wanting to stay at GF. We have never stayed at this resort. It's about $140 difference btwn outer building standard view and main building standard view (both of which are cheaper than the TPV at poly which is only thing available with my dates/code). Would love opinions on SL versus RPC. Thanks in advance!!

I can't comment on Poly CL, but having stayed both GF RPC and SL, my choice would be RPC without hesitation. I didn't care for SL as I thought the lounge was small and chaotic with not a lot of seating to accommodate the number of guests staying there. The SL building is conveniently located to the courtyard pool and is easily accessible for grabbing snacks/drinks if you are poolside, but other than that, I didn't see many positives for SL. If I was looking at the GF and RPC wasn't possible, I'd stay outer building GV over SL. I know a lot of people love SL, but it just isn't a CL for us. Good luck with your decision .

Well, I've jumped ship (BC CL) and went with the men's vote for our trip (hubby and DS21/ DS25) decided to go back "home" and chose AKL CL for our November trip.... it's the family favourite, they love the buses and the unique quiet beauty of AKL. I love the CL lounge.... so we decided to go back. I feel at peace and believe we've made the best decision for everyone, we're only there for 5 days/ 1 Park per day so I think buses will be fine, if not I can uber it in a pinch. I've read many wonderful things about AKL CL and hope it's as wonderful as we remember in Jan 2008, and Sept 2009!

Congrats on the change. I'm sure you'll have a great time!

chimo2u, I totally understand your feelings about AKL CL. It's a really special resort and the lounge is just wonderful. Sometimes we really prefer to be tucked away in our own little world and I feel like a stay at AKL is a real getaway. Enjoy!

That's one of the things I love most about AKL! It's sort of isolated which makes for a quiet/peaceful stay, but it's not that far from all of the action. You can venture out into the action, but come "home" to a little peace and quiet at the end of the day .

If this were me, for July 4th I would choose Poly CL over GL RPC or SL no matter the cost (within reason). Head on view of the fireworks, reserved area on the beach for CL guests, etc. I have not stayed there July 4th but it's on my list sometime soon. There are several folks around that are Poly CL regulars on July 4th who can probably comment bettter than me.

I have to agree with this (even though we haven't stayed CL at the Poly). We have stayed at the Poly and the view of the castle/fireworks is hard to beat compared to the GF .

As to your RPC vs. SL question, my vote would be a strong preference for RPC. I've been struggling with my own assessment of SL since my trip two weeks ago. I really liked the location of SL better than RPC, and the price was certainly materially better (cheaper rooms = more Disney CL trips, which is a big consideration for me).

But I agree with nearly everything @DisneyFansInNYC said above, particularly the comment about the CMs and cold feeling of the building. I had a lot of the same reaction. @mmmears has made some excellent points to consider as well.

I 'think' my ultimate conclusion about the GF CL's is it's RPC or bust for us. In some ways I found myself thinking I'd rather stay in a non-CL GF outer building over SL - which was an odd feeling because I'm a big CL fan.

 

[TDluvsDaisy]

I don't post often but read the boards frequently. You guys are great with the information!!

My family and I are staying at Beach Club CL June 10-13th after a 4 day stay at Grand Californian. My husband decided he wanted to do a back to back trip since it will most likely be many years before we get back to the West Coast. As a surprise for him I booked us BC Club Level. We haven't done BC CL before but we have done AKL, RPC and YC Club level stays. I am assuming BC should be similar to YC. Maybe?

Does anyone have pictures or menu of the recent dinner offerings at Beach Club? My daughter has a gluten intolerance and my husband is allergic to any type of bird (chicken, duck ect). I've emailed Disney Signature Services but they didn't send me a food listing since "it changes weekly". Previous Club Level stays I've been able to get the menus.

 

[trishadono]

I can't tell you how many times I've said I'd never go in the summer and now we are looking at 4th of July week (one kid in college with a different spring break from the one in HS, one plays a fall sport, one plays a spring sport and a December cruise so this is our only chance). I had a great girls trip to BWI so we def. want to go back there for part of our stay. I was thinking about doing poly CL for 7/3-5 but DH has mentioned wanting to stay at GF. We have never stayed at this resort. It's about $140 difference btwn outer building standard view and main building standard view (both of which are cheaper than the TPV at poly which is only thing available with my dates/code). Would love opinions on SL versus RPC. Thanks in advance!!

Poly, GF sl or rpc I would always go back to. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses. For pool time poly or sl are good. For food gf is better. For evening EWP and fireworks Poly is better.

For an upcoming trip for my mom I am paying way more than I want to. However for mom who smokes RPC has a smoking balcony. This will really help for her. At poly she had to take and elevator, leave the building and walk a path to the smoking section. Even after 5 days she still got lost!

What I do like about SL is how small the building is! Really no room is far from an elevator/lounge. The building is close to everything. RPC is better but is it hundreds a night better??? Maybe yes maybe no. I have done RPC for special occasions but am happy with sl too.

For the 4th I would do RPC or Poly/ because I always do extra for holidays . However most would consider ANY cl a splurge so really any .

LOL i am going in circles! I could find reasons for each. Pick one and enjoy and youll have a great trip!

 

[trishadono]

I don't post often but read the boards frequently. You guys are great with the information!!

My family and I are staying at Beach Club CL June 10-13th after a 4 day stay at Grand Californian. My husband decided he wanted to do a back to back trip since it will most likely be many years before we get back to the West Coast. As a surprise for him I booked us BC Club Level. We haven't done BC CL before but we have done AKL, RPC and YC Club level stays. I am assuming BC should be similar to YC. Maybe?

Does anyone have pictures or menu of the recent dinner offerings at Beach Club? My daughter has a gluten intolerance and my husband is allergic to any type of bird (chicken, duck ect). I've emailed Disney Signature Services but they didn't send me a food listing since "it changes weekly". Previous Club Level stays I've been able to get the menus.

I finally tried BC in 11/15. They had so many options! Also it was hidden but there is a bathroom in the lounge which is nice for arrival and departure days. I would also check the bc thread because lots of info there as well.

Sounds like a fun split!!!

 

[mmmears]

Just a quick fun fact, I received a really nice card from DSS in the mail yesterday. Had the contact info and a few of the items the can help with. Nothing fancy, but I thought it was a nice touch! Counting down the days!!

Me, too!

 

[mmmears]

Okay question.....Disneyland hotel recommendations....venturing into a new world.
My 17 year old wants his graduation gift to be a trip to the west coast....Well you know how I interpret that....Do they offer same type room only discounts? How is CL?

Thanks. This would be for next April. Probably fly into Phoenix and do the Grand Canyon and Sedona for a few days then head to Cali...

There are discounts at DL, but, just like everything else, they are on a different time frame than at WDW. In my experience, they tend to offer them much later in the game, so late that sometimes the rooms sell out altogether and then there is no discount. It feels less predictable than at WDW. The good thing is that you do not need to book your dining (or FPs) way in advance, either.

We always stay at the Grand Californian because we just really, really like how close it is to Disneyland and that it has an entrance directly into California Adventure. The Disneyland Hotel has larger rooms and a Trader Sam's, which make it nice, but at the end of the day we are thankful to not have to walk that far. All 3 on-property hotels, plus quite a few others, will let you walk to the parks.

 

[petrola]

Hi all... we are booked at the Yacht Club CL room the end of June for 5 nights and I am having second thoughts due to the resort still being under construction. My DS naps every afternoon and I am not sure if the construction will be an issue with his naps? I'm wondering if it makes sense to switch over the GF - maybe in the SL building? We've never stayed there before but it's the only other club room available for the days we are going - with the exception of RPC. (RPC would be an additional $1600 for the 5 nights over SL and I just don't see the value there.)

Anyway, after reading some of the feedback on the GF SL, I'm not sure that is the right choice either? We mainly use CL for breakfast as we are in the parks for lunch and usually at a character meal for dinner. (read: no character meal, means my little guy loses interest in eating dinner after about 10 minutes which means we don't get to eat, so character dinners it is!!) I've always wanted to stay at the GF - and we definitely need to be able to grab a quick breakfast for the kids - so CL works out great for that - but still not sure what to do? any advice? tia!

 

[alex9179]

I'll be there at the beginning of June and the info being shared, here, doesn't indicate that there have been problems. The 5th floor rooms, which have the CL, are completed. They've worked their way down to the 3rd floor. I really don't think you'll have any problems with construction noise.

I'd love to stay at GF, too, so I'm not trying to talk you out of it. Prices will only go up

 

[tinydancer312]

What I found most impressive was, the manager was present and engaging with guests ... obviously a huge property but we saw him at least 3 times helping guests with questions (or their luggage!) during our short stay.

Given I was a bit critical/disappointed last year, wanted to update my opinion to a huge thumbs up!

Was it Alfredo? We were there in October and there were a few issues with our magic bands and some rather disappointing meals at the hotel. We were staying in the Sugarloaf and the manager personally called my mom; he was interested in meeting with her to discuss any concerns. He came over to SL, sat in the lounge and talked with her for almost an hour.

We have stayed at the GF and CL each time we've been on property, so we notice the changes both good and bad. It was awesome knowing the management is listening and looking to improve! Glad it's continuing!

 

[JennLTX]

I'll be there at the beginning of June and the info being shared, here, doesn't indicate that there have been problems. The 5th floor rooms, which have the CL, are completed. They've worked their way down to the 3rd floor. I really don't think you'll have any problems with construction noise.

I'd love to stay at GF, too, so I'm not trying to talk you out of it. Prices will only go up

Was it just me or were you relieved, too, to hear they'd finished the 4th floor and wouldn't be a worry when we're there?

 

[alex9179]

Was it just me or were you relieved, too, to hear they'd finished the 4th floor and wouldn't be a worry when we're there?

It was definitely good news! I don't know if I'll be able to get the kids to rest before the evening park, but knowing that there won't be hammers and such to contend with is a relief. I can't wait to see the looks on my family's faces when they walk into the room!

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

Happy Tax Day! My dad has a CPA firm and my whole life always revolved around tax season!! I hope you get some rest now.

Thank you - I will. Our returns were the last to get done - of course.

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

I loved your videos. What program do you use to edit them?

Thank you for watching them.

We use IMovie. It is so much fun making them. Actually my DD started making them at 14 and she taught me (LOL) - so now we both edit them.

 

[MGTDisney]

We stayed at SL in Aug '16 with our children and loved it! It sounds like their offerings have even improved since then. However, if I were to be only using CL for breakfast, I would would book a non-CL room and order room service. Let me know if there are any questions I can answer about our SL stay!

Hi all... we are booked at the Yacht Club CL room the end of June for 5 nights and I am having second thoughts due to the resort still being under construction. My DS naps every afternoon and I am not sure if the construction will be an issue with his naps? I'm wondering if it makes sense to switch over the GF - maybe in the SL building? We've never stayed there before but it's the only other club room available for the days we are going - with the exception of RPC. (RPC would be an additional $1600 for the 5 nights over SL and I just don't see the value there.)

Anyway, after reading some of the feedback on the GF SL, I'm not sure that is the right choice either? We mainly use CL for breakfast as we are in the parks for lunch and usually at a character meal for dinner. (read: no character meal, means my little guy loses interest in eating dinner after about 10 minutes which means we don't get to eat, so character dinners it is!!) I've always wanted to stay at the GF - and we definitely need to be able to grab a quick breakfast for the kids - so CL works out great for that - but still not sure what to do? any advice? tia!

 

[chimo2u]

Just updated the guest list!

Changes needed for me!
November 11-16, 2017 AKL CL ☺
Thanks!!!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

@TJA - belated thanks for the AKL review and pics. So cool to see! Are they really double beds there? Yikes!

I know this gets said a lot but I still do a double-take every time I see "Bunny Stew."

 

[beesly]

Y'all... I just e-mailed my TA to ask about their labor day rates. I think my DH is going to kill me if this ends up in another family WDW visit this year... but then maybe thank me after a few days at Poly CL (Poly is his favorite resort but he's not stayed CL yet...).

 

[TJA]

@TJA - belated thanks for the AKL review and pics. So cool to see! Are they really double beds there? Yikes!

I know this gets said a lot but I still do a double-take every time I see "Bunny Stew."

I know lol. Around here where I live, it's popular for people to have pet bunnies, so it's hard for me to imagine bunny stew!

The beds would work well for a quick trip with your DS! You could each have a bed. It was really difficult sleeping for my family of 4....they sure seemed small to us, but again could just be because of what we're used to at home.