Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[GADisneyDad14]

For those that have stayed CR CL lately, what has the procedure typically been when its super busy to be taken or given access to get upstairs to the 12th floor? (we're arriving on 12/22, so I'm anticipating yet hoping the lines aren't too bad). Do we stand and wait in the general check-in line, then once checked-in they take you up/or just 'turn on' your bands so you can access 12th floor?) Do they meet you curbside by the bus with the ipad? (I've seen some CMs standing out there with one when we got off the bus, but times have seen no one.) Thanks

My Sept experience... no greeter, had to check-in at the main desk (which is pretty consistent with prior CR stays). I told them I was checking in CL and she did some stuff on her computer then called up. She then told me to go to the elevator and go to 12 myself. On prior stays the desk CM left their post and personally escorted us up to 12. I thought the “just go up yourself” treatment was a little weak, but I’m not really that picky about it.

I was met by a CL CM as soon as I exited the elevator... we sat and did a bit more check-in work (just a minute) and she then escorted us to our room, checked to make sure our MBs worked, etc. Unlike some other CLs I’ve experienced I think the CR CL CMs do a pretty job of getting you “acquainted” with both your room and the lounge. Unsolicited the CL CM offered up information about fireworks times (actually accurate info), the channel # the music plays on, lounge service times, etc. I generally tend to enjoy the “intro” here more than other places, even if I’ve heard it all before. The CMs seem to me to be more informed, generally speaking.

Like all things Disney and CL (as you see with the PP’s experience!), YMMV!

Have fun!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I asked a TA friend who checked for me and confirmed this update is straight from Disney's refurbishment list that TA's can see. (Although she said that's usually one of the last places that seems to post refurbs so kinda weird this time it sounds like, but it's legit.) I still think they've just finally decided to quit fooling themselves into thinking they'll ever be done with it...

It’s funny, the DIS has had that same note on their refurbishment list (http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/rehab.htm) for the longest time, but that hasn’t matched my personal experience (although note I haven’t been since Columbus Day weekend). Hoping there’s not something more substantial going on, it was just starting to get normal!

Gotta love Disney info, right?

 

[Rachel GB]

Where are you reading that?

The monorails went through a period over the last few years where there was periodic maintenance on all three lines that led to annoying odd hours, mid-day closures, etc. Those days are pretty much over and monorail hours are pretty consistent lately. You’ll still have occasional maintenance issues, problems, etc, but no widespread planned closures (unless this is something new).

If you’re reading stuff on the DIS, I find that when someone posts a monorail complaint thread a lot of people like to pile on about how it’s horrible, dirty, slow, etc. Sure it’s possible to be delayed by a mechanical issue, a stopped train, or whatever, but the monorail has always been our go-to transportation method and I can’t think of a single time in our travels where a monorail problem has materially impacted a trip from point A to B. I’m sure it does happen so not minimizing people’s complaints, but our experiences have been . (Watch, now that I’ve said that I’ll get stuck on it next trip, probably on the really high point between GF and MK that gives me the willies!)

@GADisneyDad14 , I read it here under the MK section:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/rehab.htm

Edit: Anddddd I just read your newest comment that you saw it there too, lol.

 

[gottalovepluto]

@GADisneyDad14 , I read it here under the MK section:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/rehab.htm

Edit: Anddddd I just read your newest comment that you saw it there too, lol.

Finally we're all on the same page guys! Monorail might go down at unexpected and inconvenient times but they're doing important stuff to it so be happy. You know, future planning and whatnot stuff. Yeah... nothing to see here folks, just cross your fingers monorail will be working for your trip like everyone's been doing for the last couple years anyway

 

[ErinsMommy]

We always drive ourselves and when we get to the guard gate, they call the valet or CL because usually when we pull up to valet, we chat a few minutes with the valet as it's all getting unloaded and then the club level host or hostess is down there at that time to take us up. One time we arrived SUPER early but it was only to drop off our car and luggage before we walked to be at rope drop a couple hours early and we let the guard know that, so that the valet was the only one waiting for us and they then called us later in the day while we were out in the parks.

My Sept experience... no greeter, had to check-in at the main desk (which is pretty consistent with prior CR stays). I told them I was checking in CL and she did some stuff on her computer then called up. She then told me to go to the elevator and go to 12 myself. On prior stays the desk CM left their post and personally escorted us up to 12. I thought the “just go up yourself” treatment was a little weak, but I’m not really that picky about it.

I was met by a CL CM as soon as I exited the elevator... we sat and did a bit more check-in work (just a minute) and she then escorted us to our room, checked to make sure our MBs worked, etc. Unlike some other CLs I’ve experienced I think the CR CL CMs do a pretty job of getting you “acquainted” with both your room and the lounge. Unsolicited the CL CM offered up information about fireworks times (actually accurate info), the channel # the music plays on, lounge service times, etc. I generally tend to enjoy the “intro” here more than other places, even if I’ve heard it all before. The CMs seem to me to be more informed, generally speaking.

Like all things Disney and CL (as you see with the PP’s experience!), YMMV!

Have fun!

Thank you both for your replies and experiences - I was hoping to avoid the main desk downstairs because theres usually a long line and we just want to get to the park ASAP. I don’t think we’ll mind the unescorted part so much

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thank you both for your replies and experiences - I was hoping to avoid the main desk downstairs because theres usually a long line and we just want to get to the park ASAP. I don’t think we’ll mind the unescorted part so much

To be honest, I could have just gone straight up to 12 myself as (I’m assuming) my MBs would have worked. I really just stopped by the front desk for no other reason than to experience the process and see how’d it go as a CL guest. If there had been a line in the main lobby, I would have definitely gone straight up.

 

[ErinsMommy]

To be honest, I could have just gone straight up to 12 myself as (I’m assuming) my MBs would have worked. I really just stopped by the front desk for no other reason than to experience the process and see how’d it go as a CL guest. If there had been a line in the main lobby, I would have definitely gone straight up.

Oh that's good to know! I thought maybe the front desk had to activate bands for the 12th floor or we had to 'formally' check-in at the main desk before going to the 12th floor desk. Thanks

 

[Maxie86]

Oh that's good to know! I thought maybe the front desk had to activate bands for the 12th floor or we had to 'formally' check-in at the main desk before going to the 12th floor desk. Thanks

I can't speak for the CR specifically but in our experience sometimes the MB's work...and sometimes they don't. It has been very inconsistent for us.

 

[Maxie86]

It does sound pretty cool! I wonder if we’ll all have to buy into the VIP tour thing more once they start letting all those “good neighbor” hotel guests start booking FPs 60 days out too! It’s already almost impossible to get FOP!! And that stinks that they are excluding the busier times!!

Hi Dispro I'm hoping that is just a rumor. It doesn't make sense to open it up to more hotels when it is so difficult to get a fp now. On our October trip it was impossible to make any changes or book a 4th fp unless you can stay up past 10 PM Are you abandoning the GF in February We'll be in RPC the end of January beginning of Feb...we'll miss you.

 

[ReginaRJ]

Hi!! Do you know if they have whisky and sangria at WL CL? Thanks!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Hi!! Do you know if they have whisky and sangria at WL CL? Thanks!

Hi there. @barbliny had a great run-down of WL beverages back in Sept, here is the post: WL CL Beverages - Sept 2017

Honestly I only remember that post because of the whiskey part.

I am not sure about Sangria - although I think I’ve seen it mentioned at WL? Hopefully someone can chime in.

 

[ReginaRJ]

Hi there. @barbliny had a great run-down of WL beverages back in Sept, here is the post: WL CL Beverages - Sept 2017

Honestly I only remember that post because of the whiskey part.

I am not sure about Sangria - although I think I’ve seen it mentioned at WL? Hopefully someone can chime in.

THanks!

 

[trishadono]

Oh that's good to know! I thought maybe the front desk had to activate bands for the 12th floor or we had to 'formally' check-in at the main desk before going to the 12th floor desk. Thanks

I have been skipping the checkin . Cr I could access the elevator last stay. They tucked paperwork under our room door about an hour after we entered room. (Got room # via text)

I go so often I prefer to skip when I can . Also what's nice is you can go to the cm desk anytime. So if we are hungry or run to pool or park we do that first then stop by desk later .

Also many cls have texting so I'll just ask any questions that way too.

For cl I have been getting texts when room ready . I will check after an hour or so after arrival but the texting has been accurate .

However I have been getting my room requests so if you prefer 1st available you should check in sooner.


For my next trip with mom i may request an escort since she may enjoy that however Im sure I can do a good job if needed

 

[Dispro1]

Hi Dispro I'm hoping that is just a rumor. It doesn't make sense to open it up to more hotels when it is so difficult to get a fp now. On our October trip it was impossible to make any changes or book a 4th fp unless you can stay up past 10 PM Are you abandoning the GF in February We'll be in RPC the end of January beginning of Feb...we'll miss you.

Hi, Maxie! Are you at GF for Super Bowl weekend? The last time we stayed at GF for Super Bowl weekend, everyone had bailed on us and moved to BWI so we've been going over there in February now. The food in the evening has been amazing over there since they added the chef...plus the omelettes on Sunday mornings are awesome! It's also pretty nice to walk to Epcot since the weather is cooler and we enjoy the activity on the BW too. I'm not in love with the pools there, but it's usually too cool to swim anyway in February. If our dates overlap, I hope you'll come visit us! We 'll gladly come visit you...RPC is my fave! I'd check into a split stay if you guys are going to be there...if I weren't paying rack rate for our December RPC trip! BTW, I hope you're right about the good neighbor FP thing because it's getting ridiculous!

 

[Maxie86]

Hi, Maxie! Are you at GF for Super Bowl weekend? The last time we stayed at GF for Super Bowl weekend, everyone had bailed on us and moved to BWI so we've been going over there in February now. The food in the evening has been amazing over there since they added the chef...plus the omelettes on Sunday mornings are awesome! It's also pretty nice to walk to Epcot since the weather is cooler and we enjoy the activity on the BW too. I'm not in love with the pools there, but it's usually too cool to swim anyway in February. If our dates overlap, I hope you'll come visit us! We 'll gladly come visit you...RPC is my fave! I'd check into a split stay if you guys are going to be there...if I weren't paying rack rate for our December RPC trip! BTW, I hope you're right about the good neighbor FP thing because it's getting ridiculous!

We won't be there for SB, we are leaving on Saturday. We're at the Grand from 1/29-2/3 after two nights YC. Last year we didn't go because DH had knee surgery and the year before I could't get a decent rate so we stayed at the YC. I got an acceptable AP rate this year. You could do a split with GF first then move to BWI for SB. Check out those AP rates.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Was doing a little research this morning on the early 2018 public and AP room only discounts (since this is how I usually book our stays). Thought the below might be helpful for some folks. These apply to both CL and non-CL standard rooms, but not Deluxe Rooms, Suites, etc (seemed like in most cases those room types were only 10% for both offers, but depends on the resort). Also seemed like the AP rate had more weekend exclusions, based on my random searching. And as always, availability is limited.

Lots of 35% off resorts, if you can find availability. Happy booking!

 

[Dispro1]

We won't be there for SB, we are leaving on Saturday. We're at the Grand from 1/29-2/3 after two nights YC. Last year we didn't go because DH had knee surgery and the year before I could't get a decent rate so we stayed at the YC. I got an acceptable AP rate this year. You could do a split with GF first then move to BWI for SB. Check out those AP rates.

Forgot about your DH's knee surgery...glad he's better! Your trip sounds great, but I think we're going to just miss you- boo! DH is flying to Orlando from San Diego now, so the only way he can get there before Saturday night is if he takes the red eye, and I don't think he wants to do that, so we'll probably stay offsite Saturday night. We refuse to pay CL prices if we can't arrive before evening apps!! I'll let you know if anything changes. Maybe we'll see you at the airport!

 

[dmetcalfrn]

Was doing a little research this morning on the early 2018 public and AP room only discounts (since this is how I usually book our stays). Thought the below might be helpful for some folks. These apply to both CL and non-CL standard rooms, but not Deluxe Rooms, Suites, etc (seemed like in most cases those room types were only 10% for both offers, but depends on the resort). Also seemed like the AP rate had more weekend exclusions, based on my random searching. And as always, availability is limited.

Lots of 35% off resorts, if you can find availability. Happy booking!


View attachment 281558

We added on 2 nights to our BLT DVC stay at AKL CL with the 35% discount in April. I'm considering it "research" as it is our first CL stay there

 

[MrToadfan]

For a CR ACL Bay Lake View stay, any particular room request suggestions?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

For a CR ACL Bay Lake View stay, any particular room request suggestions?

Just my opinion, but I prefer to be away from the Chef Mickey’s side. I find the restaurant noise/songs drift up and can be annoying inside your room, at times. It’s not ‘so bad’ that I’d ask to be moved if I got a room on that side, but I do think it’s worth a request if you feel so inclined.

This graphic may help. My preference would be to be somewhere approx 4812-4824.



Here’s another way to look at it....


Hope that helps!