Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[rcraw45425]

I do know this, per my TA. It used to be when you booked a bounce back you could book a reservation and then come back and tweak it. Drop days off, etc. Now they're starting to crack down and not allow you to drop days. I know I ran into that a couple of years back at Portofino Bay at Universal. I booked a room with a coed and needed to modify days due to daughters college not getting a full week off. IT was a nightmare. I think now that at least bounce backs are not allowing any modifications once booked.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I do know this, per my TA. It used to be when you booked a bounce back you could book a reservation and then come back and tweak it. Drop days off, etc. Now they're starting to crack down and not allow you to drop days. I know I ran into that a couple of years back at Portofino Bay at Universal. I booked a room with a coed and needed to modify days due to daughters college not getting a full week off. IT was a nightmare. I think now that at least bounce backs are not allowing any modifications once booked.

Oh, I too found out the hard way that US hotels do NOT allow tweaking! It really surprised us, because we were still outside the cancelation window. I almost did cancel!

Instead, Marriott was very nice about letting us drop a day, and WDW was very nice about finding us a CL room on the alternate date. I'll go back to Marriott's CL in Tampa!

Bouncebacks haven't been great for us for several years.

 

[rcraw45425]

Oh, I too found out the hard way that US hotels do NOT allow tweaking! It really surprised us, because we were still outside the cancelation window. I almost did cancel!

Instead, Marriott was very nice about letting us drop a day, and WDW was very nice about finding us a CL room on the alternate date. I'll go back to Marriott's CL in Tampa!

Bouncebacks haven't been great for us for several years.

I've not been that impressed with bounce backs either. I remember during our AKL stay I spent, I kid you not, 2 hours on hold trying to get through to book one, finally gave up. the US visit wound up being fine though, when we checked in I told the lady that I needed to drop a day because hubby's scheduler was already calling and bugging us about his work schedule (he is an ER doc). WE even slid in a little bit of Disney wit hThanksgiving dinner at 1900 Park Faire! This visit I have coming up, I started booked at Dolphin thinking it'd be he and I then he hurt his neck (ruptured a disc) and wasn't in any mood for me to even ask. I mentioned the new show at MNSSHP to my girls (college age now) and they were all on it. I then extended the invite to our "third child", the older daughter's BFF. Found a business class room at CSR, booked it, then moved to CY at WL. Then a lagoon view opened at Polynesian. Then for $34 more per night I could book CL and have more security and snack and drink offerings. So many changes!!!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hey gang! Here I am! Is everyone watching DISNEY on Wheel of Fortune right now??? The lady just called one of the 7 dwarfs "SNEAKY" instead of Sneezy!!!!!

I think we have pretty much covered the topic but yes you can add discounts to existing reservations pretty easily IF it is available for whatever you have booked. I had a ton of people booked for free dining that had to change resorts and/or categories due to lack of availability, and I was one of the lucky ones who got through on the phone line right at 7:00 AM when they opened. Boy was that a complete and utter nightmare. Some agents were on hold all day. Thankfully I never promise anyone anything because I've learned over the years you really never know for sure what will be available until it releases. Now as for dropping and/or adding nights yes that did change in the booking system because the agent has to actually find the whole reservation available and rebook it. I think Disney did that because it's easier for them to fill resorts when guests are moving in set chunks and not randomly adding and dropping nights unexpectedly. It was common for me to book guests with extra days front and back before they bought their airfare then go back and choose the exact dates later. Can't do that anymore. Heck I just got off the phone with DTA a minute ago trying to add a Wednesday night in October to the front of a reservation and the whole resort was full in every category. So they're going to have to split their stay because they bought airfare for different dates than what they had booked. Disney resorts are so full this fall it is insane!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I've not been that impressed with bounce backs either. I remember during our AKL stay I spent, I kid you not, 2 hours on hold trying to get through to book one, finally gave up. the US visit wound up being fine though, when we checked in I told the lady that I needed to drop a day because hubby's scheduler was already calling and bugging us about his work schedule (he is an ER doc). WE even slid in a little bit of Disney wit hThanksgiving dinner at 1900 Park Faire! This visit I have coming up, I started booked at Dolphin thinking it'd be he and I then he hurt his neck (ruptured a disc) and wasn't in any mood for me to even ask. I mentioned the new show at MNSSHP to my girls (college age now) and they were all on it. I then extended the invite to our "third child", the older daughter's BFF. Found a business class room at CSR, booked it, then moved to CY at WL. Then a lagoon view opened at Polynesian. Then for $34 more per night I could book CL and have more security and snack and drink offerings. So many changes!!!!

I am soooo disappointed with AP rates. They use to be the best and now they are horrible!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Booking early "in hopes" of a discount does limit the number of rooms offered under a promo later on. If a resort is at or near capacity, Disney will see no need to offer a discount for that particular resort (or the rooms offered at a discount are very limited). Having a reservation already in place does not guarantee a discount can be applied, so sometimes you have to be flexible with your resort and/or room type in order to take advantage of a discount.



Going from one reservation type to the other can be done, but it takes some work...lol. Since they are different reservation systems, the one has to be cancelled and the other booked, requiring a new deposit.

I agree with you about the discounts. The more rooms that are booked at rack rate, the less chance of a discount for that particular resort/room type.

I totally agree with this. I never book my own rooms until the discounts are released. But you can't convince people to wait, they want that room booked at rack rate asap. I encourage people to only book what they can afford without a discount, then if they can get it that's icing on the cake. But nobody listens to me!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

As someone who changes reservations often, you can change it and it stays under the same confirmation number, etc. It probably still works as long as the resort is available with the discount, they just apply the new rate. I've recently switched between the Fall RO discount and the Fall AP, and there was no issue. I have no clue if that helps LOL.

Speaking of changes....advice.....

I have 2 GF SL rooms booked for 12/12-15 for 6 of us, my kids are not as excited as me....I would save $$ switching back to BWI Deluxe and my kids want to switch back WWYD? It does seem a waste to have 2 rooms, even though I LOVE GF I can't justify overspending either when I am the only excited one. Erika??? You've stayed both places. I guess the biggest issue is the GF at Christmas, but as DH pointed out my DS6 will NOT appreciate a crowded lobby....Decisions...1st world problems LOL

In my personal opinion I'd definitely take two rooms at GF SL at Christmas over a deluxe room at BWI. More space, two bathrooms, more privacy, much better Christmas decorations in my opinion, love the huge lobby tree, love the gingerbread house, and it's so much easier to get to and from MK. We spent a TON of time at MK last Christmas and I heard people complaining about the transportation being slow from the Epcot resorts. When you're staying at an MK resort you can get to MVMCP so easily, and we love to see holiday wishes as many times as we can.

 

[SleepingUgly]

Hi all ... at BC CL now and what a great experience so far! We arrived yesterday and check-in was flawless ... was greeted when we got off ME and escorted directly to fifth floor. Check-in was efficient and quick and, even though it was only @ 1 pm, our room was available. We got a room with a daybed, which was my main request, even though it's just my three daughters and me. We also got a full balcony so that was nice. Direct, front view is roofopt but turn slightly to the left, you'll see Stormalong Bay so not bad at all. Walk to / from the lounge is down one hallways, turn left and we're two doors down, so not too bad at all. We had breakfast in the lounge this morning - kids had cereal and meats / cheeses and bagels / breads, while I had a croissant with cold meats and hard boiled egg. I may try the oatmeal or grits on Thursday morning. Tonight, we checked out the evening lounge offerings and pretty much had dinner. Chicken skewers that my kids loved and spicy spinach and cheese samosas that I loved. There was also a great quinoa salad, and very fresh tomatoes/mozzarella cheese in a nice balsamic vinegar ... everything was fresh and delicious. We pretty much had dinner there. Everyone has been just so nice and friendly and helpful ... not just in CL but all over the resort and in the parks. For instance, we had an issue with a FastPass not working at the Frozen Sing-A-Long at DHS and a supervisor came over to write out a FP+ for us for the next show AND gave my 4-year-old a pair of Frozen Mickey ears for free because it's her birthday this week and she had her birthday button on! There really is no place like Disney!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

What does everyone think of FERRYtale Wishes???? $99 a pop seems pretty expensive to eat some snacks on the ferry boat.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hi all ... at BC CL now and what a great experience so far! We arrived yesterday and check-in was flawless ... was greeted when we got off ME and escorted directly to fifth floor. Check-in was efficient and quick and, even though it was only @ 1 pm, our room was available. We got a room with a daybed, which was my main request, even though it's just my three daughters and me. We also got a full balcony so that was nice. Direct, front view is roofopt but turn slightly to the left, you'll see Stormalong Bay so not bad at all. Walk to / from the lounge is down one hallways, turn left and we're two doors down, so not too bad at all. We had breakfast in the lounge this morning - kids had cereal and meats / cheeses and bagels / breads, while I had a croissant with cold meats and hard boiled egg. I may try the oatmeal or grits on Thursday morning. Tonight, we checked out the evening lounge offerings and pretty much had dinner. Chicken skewers that my kids loved and spicy spinach and cheese samosas that I loved. There was also a great quinoa salad, and very fresh tomatoes/mozzarella cheese in a nice balsamic vinegar ... everything was fresh and delicious. We pretty much had dinner there. Everyone has been just so nice and friendly and helpful ... not just in CL but all over the resort and in the parks. For instance, we had an issue with a FastPass not working at the Frozen Sing-A-Long at DHS and a supervisor came over to write out a FP+ for us for the next show AND gave my 4-year-old a pair of Frozen Mickey ears for free because it's her birthday this week and she had her birthday button on! There really is no place like Disney!

YAY!!!! That is wonderful!!!! You're making me homesick for the BC!!! Enjoy your vacation!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I was just removing all the past stays from our guest list on page 1 and I think I just accidentally deleted someone who wasn't past their date. So check and see if I have you listed and if not PM me!

 

[rcraw45425]

I am soooo disappointed with AP rates. They use to be the best and now they are horrible!

This is one of the reasons I've not done APs in years. Plus, Jeff's reasoning behind not doing them is "What if we decide to go somewhere else?" Hahahahahaha, but still I just buy the days we need. But, it seems like I always have a room booked somewhere............ it's easy to book room only and cancel if we decide not to go. Heck, my refunded deposits paid form MNSSHP tickets!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

This is one of the reasons I've not done APs in years. Plus, Jeff's reasoning behind not doing them is "What if we decide to go somewhere else?" Hahahahahaha, but still I just buy the days we need. But, it seems like I always have a room booked somewhere............ it's easy to book room only and cancel if we decide not to go. Heck, my refunded deposits paid form MNSSHP tickets!

I still save money since I go multiple times a year. But it's definitely not for the room discount.

 

[rcraw45425]

We have also been going at least twice a year for several years now but the way the rates continue climbing IDK how much longer we can keep that up!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

We have also been going at least twice a year for several years now but the way the rates continue climbing IDK how much longer we can keep that up!

I know the feeling, but I've lost so much over the last two years I can't give up WDW too. It's my happy place!

 

[Gryhndmom]

What does everyone think of FERRYtale Wishes???? $99 a pop seems pretty expensive to eat some snacks on the ferry boat.

I agree with you and then add...just what I need is a couple thousand calories on top of the already mind boggling eating around the parks that I have probably done that day !(yes I do seem to think eating at disney won't show up on my hips and then I get home and see otherwise !)

 

[jlundeen]

What does everyone think of FERRYtale Wishes???? $99 a pop seems pretty expensive to eat some snacks on the ferry boat.

Well, if it wasn't $99, and it left from the MK side of the lake, rather than the opposite side, so we'd be able to catch the transportation back to our own resort rather than have to take a boat back across and then get in the line for bus, I might be tempted.....

Otherwise, no...my experience with the Tomorrowland Terrace has taught me that the desserts just really aren't that good...not $99 worth of good anyway...and I can see WISHES just fine from many other areas, including the FP reserved spots... So we probably will not be reserving this.

 

[Dispro1]

We have also been going at least twice a year for several years now but the way the rates continue climbing IDK how much longer we can keep that up!

Maybe you should take another look at AP? I agree that the room discounts aren't great, but our ticket prices have averaged about $25 per day because of the APs, but we have been more than twice per year. But we have found that two trips a year (or more) makes AP worth it because regular ticket prices have gone up so much! Plus, if you like the restaurants at Disney, TIW can save you even more money!

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi all ... at BC CL now and what a great experience so far! We arrived yesterday and check-in was flawless ... was greeted when we got off ME and escorted directly to fifth floor. Check-in was efficient and quick and, even though it was only @ 1 pm, our room was available. We got a room with a daybed, which was my main request, even though it's just my three daughters and me. We also got a full balcony so that was nice. Direct, front view is roofopt but turn slightly to the left, you'll see Stormalong Bay so not bad at all. Walk to / from the lounge is down one hallways, turn left and we're two doors down, so not too bad at all. We had breakfast in the lounge this morning - kids had cereal and meats / cheeses and bagels / breads, while I had a croissant with cold meats and hard boiled egg. I may try the oatmeal or grits on Thursday morning. Tonight, we checked out the evening lounge offerings and pretty much had dinner. Chicken skewers that my kids loved and spicy spinach and cheese samosas that I loved. There was also a great quinoa salad, and very fresh tomatoes/mozzarella cheese in a nice balsamic vinegar ... everything was fresh and delicious. We pretty much had dinner there. Everyone has been just so nice and friendly and helpful ... not just in CL but all over the resort and in the parks. For instance, we had an issue with a FastPass not working at the Frozen Sing-A-Long at DHS and a supervisor came over to write out a FP+ for us for the next show AND gave my 4-year-old a pair of Frozen Mickey ears for free because it's her birthday this week and she had her birthday button on! There really is no place like Disney!

How great that your room was ready upon arrival and your request was met. Glad you're having a great time .

 

[VbChristy]

Help me decide! I am looking at my trip for next May- a week long trip to celebrate my husband and I's anniversary and our will be 3 year old's bday! I want a good pool- splash pad. We are staying GF RPC in October (maybe I should decide where to stay after that... But I am obsessed.) So, we are staying 4 nights at GF in October. For May our options are in terms of price, all are club level choices- Poly, garden view. This is the lowest of the MK resort Club level options available to me. (I'm not considering WL due to construction.) Poly Lagoon view, about $400 more. Contemporary Atrium club- $200 more than base price. GF SL- $200 more or GF deluxe king main bldg, $1,100 more (the king is $200 more than standard RPC, and I would pay the $200 for the larger space & king bed.)

So, what would you pick? Splash pads are important as well as zero entry pools. I also have celiac- so I want a club level that will do best for that for me. best options for breakfast, snack and dinner apps that are gluten free.)
(One concern I have with poly is that recently someone stayed and all the afternoon snacks were those filled with gluten.They didn't have chips that other resorts had, so would there be anything offered or provided that I could have. I would also like a property that does some cheese & meats in the morning, so I can eat something GF...)
THANKS!