Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[GADisneyDad14]

Okay, so after reading pages and pages and pages of this thread, but still not all of it, I have decided that we MUST keep the CL room. We also ended up not needing a really costly home repair that we thought we definitely needed, so of course we should use some of that money to cover the CL difference! That's how the Disney math I read about works, right?

As I mentioned, I didn't make it through all 643 pages, so I'm wondering if someone can point me to the latest information about the Poly CL food and drink offerings. I saw from this thread that they changed a lot over the past few years, but couldn't find the latest and greatest information. TIA!

I think the pics in some of my trip report links below do a decent job of giving someone a sense of the current offerings. Sometimes my posts aren’t quite back-to-back so you might have to scroll a page or two. Hope it helps!!

Poly CL - Feb 2017

Poly CL - May 2017 Food

Poly CL - October 2017 Pics

ETA, if you scroll past the first few posts on the room on some of these, you’ll get to the lounge/food stuff.

 

[Scooter2376]

Thanks so much, GADisneyDad14! Disney amateurs like myself are lucky that there are so many CL regulars like you on these threads to keep us updated as Disney changes things. I hope the improved Poly CL food sticks around until our January trip.

Another Poly specific question: our flight arrives at MCO around 1:30 on our first day. I planned a quiet non-park afternoon that day before gearing up to go, go, go the rest of the week. I made an ADR for dinner at Kona thinking we'll want to stick close to home, but now I'm wondering if that isn't Poly-food overkill with the similar Asian-inspired lounge food. Do you recommend the Poly restaurants or do you avoid them because of the lounge and prefer to make all your ADRs elsewhere? We are definitely going to do the Best Friends Breakfast because my 6-year-old is obsessed with Stitch.

 

[GoGoBeans]

Thanks so much, GADisneyDad14! Disney amateurs like myself are lucky that there are so many CL regulars like you on these threads to keep us updated as Disney changes things. I hope the improved Poly CL food sticks around until our January trip.

Another Poly specific question: our flight arrives at MCO around 1:30 on our first day. I planned a quiet non-park afternoon that day before gearing up to go, go, go the rest of the week. I made an ADR for dinner at Kona thinking we'll want to stick close to home, but now I'm wondering if that isn't Poly-food overkill with the similar Asian-inspired lounge food. Do you recommend the Poly restaurants or do you avoid them because of the lounge and prefer to make all your ADRs elsewhere? We are definitely going to do the Best Friends Breakfast because my 6-year-old is obsessed with Stitch.

Poly is a great choice. You will love it

We’ve done Kona before and thought it was just okay. A must for us is Ohana. We get the Ohana Twilght Feast delivered to the lounge. We also tend to get apps (skewers and nachos) from Tambu and enjoy a beverage. Our friends like picking up sushi from Kona Isle. The drinks at Trader Sam’s are fun.

 

[Surgie2]

Another Poly specific question: our flight arrives at MCO around 1:30 on our first day. I planned a quiet non-park afternoon that day before gearing up to go, go, go the rest of the week. I made an ADR for dinner at Kona thinking we'll want to stick close to home, but now I'm wondering if that isn't Poly-food overkill with the similar Asian-inspired lounge food. Do you recommend the Poly restaurants or do you avoid them because of the lounge and prefer to make all your ADRs elsewhere? We are definitely going to do the Best Friends Breakfast because my 6-year-old is obsessed with Stitch.

We have a similar arrival at Poly as you. We are planning to take the monorail one stop to the Grand Floridian that night for an early dinner at 1900 Park Fare. We thought it would be a fun way to kick off our vacation with a character meal and our GKs love Cinderella and the stepsisters. We have a 5:00 ADR so it won’t be a late evening.

 

[mickeynut1]

Disney needs to get a handle on this policy, formalize it, make ALL policies publicly known instead of having to make calls to Disney and be met with inconsistent information, ENFORCE it- or get rid of it completely.

Thank you for confirming I haven’t gone crazy! I agree that Disney should have had their ducks in a row so to speak and had a clear cut policy and enforce it consistently throughout WDW. It’s easier to start out extremely strict then loosen the rules as time goes on than to regain control after having helter skelter.

I agree with both of the above .

I received a call from a woman from Guest Relations two weeks ago where she positively assured me that all dogs at YC would be confined to the 1st floor...no exceptions. So naturally, when the Trip Advisor review showed up with the dog obviously on the CL floor, I forwarded the information to her, and the voicemail I got back claims she said they would be allowed in certain sections of the resort, and that I must have been mistaken thinking she said first floor only.

So now apparently, I'm hearing things.

Apparently she isn't aware of the many people who have been told that same thing, that dogs would be restricted to 1st floor/close to outside access...instead she's making it look like you didn't understand .

Are there any special offerings on New Years Eve in club level? Will be at Yacht club this year for the first time for new year celebration.

I can't answer your question, but hopefully others will be able to help .

Okay, so after reading pages and pages and pages of this thread, but still not all of it, I have decided that we MUST keep the CL room. We also ended up not needing a really costly home repair that we thought we definitely needed, so of course we should use some of that money to cover the CL difference! That's how the Disney math I read about works, right?

That's definitely Disney math at its best . Congrats on deciding to keep CL. Hope you have a great trip .

@mickeynut1.....in regards to the Bulls/Spurs game...just wanted to say How 'bout those Spurs?!? ( kinda surprised the Spurs actually won especially the way they have been playing lately!) Drinks on me if we are ever at WDW at the same time! Maybe one of the club levels will let us sneak a whole bottle of wine!

Omg the Bulls are just horrible! Ever since they fired Thibs and got rid of everybody, I honestly can't stomach watching them much anymore as I can't stand the coach and the front office peeps have ruined (and are continuing to ruin) that team . There are few other select teams I watch (with the Spurs being one of them as I love Pop), but the Bulls are just BAD!

We'll definitely get together for drinks if we're ever at Disney the same time . Lol on sneaking a bottle wine.....I'm sure we could manage to do that .

Thanks so much, GADisneyDad14! Disney amateurs like myself are lucky that there are so many CL regulars like you on these threads to keep us updated as Disney changes things.

I agree

 

[Eastern]

It is a complicated situation. It does violate a guest's health privacy if they must tell what their reason is for needing the dog. Many legitimate reasons for having a service dog are not obvious to onlookers. Dogs can be trained to remind a person with depression to take their medication. I think the CMs probably have been instructed not to ask, for good reason.

That said, I have no interest in staying at a resort that allows dogs - service or pets. But I do agree with people not being required to "prove" that they need a dog to perform a task for them.

When a person with a service animal enters a public facility or place of public accommodation, the person cannot be asked about the nature or extent of his disability. Only two questions may be asked:

1. Is the animal required because of a disability?

2. What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

This is on the ADA website. So they don't need to "prove" anything, but they can be asked those questions.

 

[Eastern]

Another Poly specific question: our flight arrives at MCO around 1:30 on our first day. I planned a quiet non-park afternoon that day before gearing up to go, go, go the rest of the week. I made an ADR for dinner at Kona thinking we'll want to stick close to home, but now I'm wondering if that isn't Poly-food overkill with the similar Asian-inspired lounge food. Do you recommend the Poly restaurants or do you avoid them because of the lounge and prefer to make all your ADRs elsewhere? We are definitely going to do the Best Friends Breakfast because my 6-year-old is obsessed with Stitch.

I see what you mean about Poly-food overkill. Kona is not a must-do for us. I would probably choose to have 1 adult 'Ohana feast delivered to the room. From what I have read here, it is a lot of food, and it would be a relaxing dinner before watching the fireworks from the lounge or the beach later. After dinner just walk around the resort getting oriented.

Here is a review of 'Ohana Twilight Feast from Trip Advisor https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34515-d3137029-r315473516-Ohana-Orlando_Florida.html

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thanks so much, GADisneyDad14! Disney amateurs like myself are lucky that there are so many CL regulars like you on these threads to keep us updated as Disney changes things. I hope the improved Poly CL food sticks around until our January trip.

Another Poly specific question: our flight arrives at MCO around 1:30 on our first day. I planned a quiet non-park afternoon that day before gearing up to go, go, go the rest of the week. I made an ADR for dinner at Kona thinking we'll want to stick close to home, but now I'm wondering if that isn't Poly-food overkill with the similar Asian-inspired lounge food. Do you recommend the Poly restaurants or do you avoid them because of the lounge and prefer to make all your ADRs elsewhere? We are definitely going to do the Best Friends Breakfast because my 6-year-old is obsessed with Stitch.

Thanks for the nice note!

As far as Kona, I’ll get jumped on for this because I’m in the minority but I’m actually not much of a fan. For full disclosure, I’ve only been once (a few years ago).... I had read all the hype for years around here so went in anxiously awaiting the meal (it was lunch). The service that day was awful and the food was nothing to write home about. In five years of Disney trips this is the only restaurant where I’ve asked to speak to a manager - the service was that bad - and I have a very high threshold of tolerance when it comes to restaurant service.

But I will concede, any restaurant can have a bad day and my one experience is certainly not enough of a track record to form a full body of work. I know others rave about Kona, so my experience must be isolated.

On arrival day, we often use the time to swim so we usually end up eating either the Oasis Bar & Grill or Cap’t Cooks.

If you’re looking to kill some time, one of my favorite places is The Wave at CR - it’s a quick monorail ride over and the menu is not-Polynesian.

 

[Scooter2376]

Okay, I cancelled the Kona ADR. I ended up booking a 6:15 Hoop-Dee-Doo ADR for our arrival day, which is kind of the opposite of a low-key dinner at the resort, but HDD seemed like a good use of time on a day when we wouldn't be using a park ticket. There's just so much I want to do! My husband jokes that I'm trying to "win Disney."

 

[mmmears]

I'll chime in and agree that, for us, Kona didn't impress. It was good, just not great. When we stay at the Poly we'll usually go to Ohana once and otherwise eat out on the monorail (Grand Floridian Cafe is one we like) or even venture out to the WL - love riding the ferries. Poly CL is fun - enjoy!

ETA- I just saw your post (same time) and HDDR sounds like fun!

 

[trishadono]

Kona has been a Must DO for us for years.We always got good tasting hot food and they were great with substitutions. However June, Sept and Oct were all disappointing.So for the first time in a decade I did not book a single Kona meal for my upcoming trip.

Although with cl I don't mind fetching food from Cap Cooks and eating it in the lounge.

 

[Gryhndmom]

Thanks for the nice note!

As far as Kona, I’ll get jumped on for this because I’m in the minority but I’m actually not much of a fan. For full disclosure, I’ve only been once (a few years ago).... I had read all the hype for years around here so went in anxiously awaiting the meal (it was lunch). The service that day was awful and the food was nothing to write home about. In five years of Disney trips this is the only restaurant where I’ve asked to speak to a manager - the service was that bad - and I have a very high threshold of tolerance when it comes to restaurant service.

But I will concede, any restaurant can have a bad day and my one experience is certainly not enough of a track record to form a full body of work. I know others rave about Kona, so my experience must be isolated.

On arrival day, we often use the time to swim so we usually end up eating either the Oasis Bar & Grill or Cap’t Cooks.

If you’re looking to kill some time, one of my favorite places is The Wave at CR - it’s a quick monorail ride over and the menu is not-Polynesian.

Have to agree with you on Kona cafe...after years of loving the tonga toast, they have changed it (believe that happened last year) and now my fav thing is just not the same(thought last year was a fluke so went back this year). Service too was mediocre at best so we definitely didn't leave the "suggested" 18% tip.

 

[Eastern]

As far as Kona, I’ll get jumped on for this because I’m in the minority but I’m actually not much of a fan. For full disclosure, I’ve only been once (a few years ago).... I had read all the hype for years around here so went in anxiously awaiting the meal (it was lunch). The service that day was awful and the food was nothing to write home about. In five years of Disney trips this is the only restaurant where I’ve asked to speak to a manager - the service was that bad - and I have a very high threshold of tolerance when it comes to restaurant service.

But I will concede, any restaurant can have a bad day and my one experience is certainly not enough of a track record to form a full body of work. I know others rave about Kona, so my experience must be isolated.

It's the only place I've asked to speak to a manager, as well, due to a service issue. He took care of it.

That being said, I find the food to be rather bland. Not horrible, but not great.

Went to the Wave last trip (September) and they burned my $20 burger. And then put the burnt side down so I wouldn't see it? They took care of that, too.

Disney dining is really inconsistent so I hate to recommend or criticize because the next person will inevitably have the complete opposite experience

 

[MouseMomx4]

5 more days until our first Poly CL stay!! MK opens at 8am one day next week with 7am EMH. We’re hoping to be at the MK gate around 6:45. I’m assuming the boat or monorail will be running early enough to get us there? Do you think we’ll have any luck with the CL Lounge opening up a little early so we can grab a quick breakfast?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

5 more days until our first Poly CL stay!! MK opens at 8am one day next week with 7am EMH. We’re hoping to be at the MK gate around 6:45. I’m assuming the boat or monorail will be running early enough to get us there? Do you think we’ll have any luck with the CL Lounge opening up a little early so we can grab a quick breakfast?

Fun!

If I use this week's Times Guide as a resource (http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/p/weekly-walt-disney-world-times-guides.html)... if you look at this Friday (also an 8AM opening with 7AM EMH), the monorail looks like it starts running at 6:30AM. This would be my first choice, boat could be questionable that early.

I suspect next week's monorail hours will be similar.

They usually have the coffee out early in the lounge. You may get a nice CM to slip you a bagel or pastry, although you may not. I'd make a little "stash" the day before if it's critical to you.

Hope you have a GREAT trip!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Okay, I cancelled the Kona ADR. I ended up booking a 6:15 Hoop-Dee-Doo ADR for our arrival day, which is kind of the opposite of a low-key dinner at the resort, but HDD seemed like a good use of time on a day when we wouldn't be using a park ticket. There's just so much I want to do! My husband jokes that I'm trying to "win Disney."

Well yes, that would pretty much be the exact opposite of a low key dinner! Love HDDR.

(Watch the all-you-care-to-enjoy beer...)

 

[MouseMomx4]

Fun!

If I use this week's Times Guide as a resource (http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/p/weekly-walt-disney-world-times-guides.html)... if you look at this Friday (also an 8AM opening with 7AM EMH), the monorail looks like it starts running at 6:30AM. This would be my first choice, boat could be questionable that early.

I suspect next week's monorail hours will be similar.

They usually have the coffee out early in the lounge. You may get a nice CM to slip you a bagel or pastry, although you may not. I'd make a little "stash" the day before if it's critical to you.

Hope you have a GREAT trip!

Thanks! I’m bookmarking that page to watch for next week’s Times Guide, but I’ll plan on taking the monorail. Breakfast isn’t a major factor, but I’ll see about building a little stash for the kids in case they’re hungry that early.

 

[mickeynut1]

Okay, I cancelled the Kona ADR. I ended up booking a 6:15 Hoop-Dee-Doo ADR for our arrival day, which is kind of the opposite of a low-key dinner at the resort, but HDD seemed like a good use of time on a day when we wouldn't be using a park ticket. There's just so much I want to do! My husband jokes that I'm trying to "win Disney."

We've never been to HDDR, but I'm always reading great reviews for it! Hope you have a great time .

5 more days until our first Poly CL stay!!

Have a great trip!

 

[AggieRach99]

@AggieRach99 , I’ve always heard amazing things about WL CL, but your experience makes me nervous! We have it booked for next December, but wondering if that isn’t the right move!

Hi! I was referring to YC CL on the negatives. We LOVE WL CL and are heading back there in the spring.

 

[Rachel GB]

Hi! I was referring to YC CL on the negatives. We LOVE WL CL and are heading back there in the spring.

@AggieRach99 , thanks so much!!! We are deciding between WL CL and CR TPV CL or even GF SL CL for next year. Glad to hear you love WL!!!