Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[Babsy]

Suggestions please?!!
We have an upcoming Feb. 2019 stay with a group, but hubby and I are thinking of booking a Bounceback for just the two of us for a long weekend in late May/ early June 2019.
***We may skip the parks altogether, so the resort and CL lounge and food would be important. *** I’m thinking a lazy and luxurious adult trip!
GF (RPC) is our fave, but without the kids, we’re willing to venture away from MK area resorts if it’s worth our while!
Although I know it all depends on what would be available under the offer, if all CLs were available, which would you choose for this trip?
TIA!!!!!

I would probably book the AKL or BWI, if the CL lounge and a location away from the MK are the main criteria. Storm Along Bay is nice at the YC/BC but the BWI is a nicer overall CL experience, IMO. The CM's were quick to give little extras, offer tips and advice, engage in pleasant conversation and just generally were a huge asset. I like the YC/BC as well, but I like a full balcony so worry about that at the BC and I have had a few (minor) 'not-so-good' experiences at the YC. Admittedly these issues aren't necessarily CL related and could have occurred anywhere, but we did have issues at the YC on all three of our CL stays there, so my opinion of the YC CL has suffered as a result. The Epcot area is a great place to stay at any level, though, with the fantastic location between Epcot and DHS. This is especially true for an adults only visit.

AKL is a beautiful resort with really good food in the CL. If food quality is a factor, then GF RPC and the AKL are our personal favourites for the offerings that we have received. Again, we have also found the staff to be a notch above the average at the AKL CL. One thing that I do not like about the AKL CL is that it overlooks the lobby rather than through windows facing directly outside. But that is just a personal preference and many may even find the view in the AKL of that gorgeous lobby preferable to the 'views' at the Epcot resorts CL's. I really like the pools at the AKL as well. They are much smaller than at SAB, for example, but we find them pleasant and relaxing.

Of course, GF RPC is always a special experience, kids or no kids. But it is so nice to try all the various CL experiences.

 

[mickeynut1]

Happy to hear that you had a good time at BWI CL! It is our favourite CL in the Epcot area - we also found the CM's there to be willing to help and pleasant to deal with/talk to. We felt like we were friends by the time we left. The room is small, but when we were there we never had a problem getting a table and felt that the intimate atmosphere led to cordial conversations amongst the guests and CMs. Lots of laughter and good times!

Thank you! I really did enjoy it and can't wait to go back. We enjoyed the lounge several times a day throughout our 5 days there and we also never had a problem getting a table. One evening it did get a little crowded, but nothing crazy. We, too, had lots of laughs with the CMs....made for a fun and relaxing time .

@mickeynut1 , thanks for the BWI vote! I read such good things about it, definitely worth considering!

You're welcome! Definitely consider it. I love RPC as there's nothing quite like it, but BWI CL is a great alternative (IMO) for something different .

Christmas decor is up!

It snowed a lot up here so I decided to just do the tree then oops it all got done!

Oh I might have upgraded from SL to RPC for January when an AP rate finally became available.

I'll join you on Christmas decor/tree being up . Like you, I thought I'd just do the tree but one thing led to another and all the decor came out...lol.

Congrats on the AP rate and upgrading to RPC .

Today I am trying to finish up my work and then tomorrow I clean my house. Then I can pack and cook on Wednesday! Then Thanksgiving Day with my parents/family. Then some online shopping later at night, try to catch some sleep, and then up and ready for our flight to GF! It's going to be a whirlwind of a vacation as we're going to try to cram in as much as possible, yet still try to enjoy RPC - how can we not?!?!

Sounds like you have a crazy couple of days ahead of you, but RPC will be a great way to relax and wind down after all the craziness .

 

[DisneyLifePapioNe]

 

[DisneyLifePapioNe]

Wife and I have been able to hold the secret in about our pre GF stay over at the YC, kids still don’t know!!! I was able to get a 3rd night but had to go with a SV CL room, I’ll take it though to add on another night.


Here’s to the next couple of weekends at Disney!!!!!!!!!!!!




P.S. I don’t care if it’s 10:15 am CST......!!!


How do ya like it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[HBGdancermom]

Well my husband doesn't like Disney either so it seems silly to spend all that money when I'm the only one who wants to go. My kids didn't complain, we gave them choices. They loved the Bahamas last year (as did DH and I) and it was a great family trip. I'm just sad my kids are outgrowing disney. I may try and take a trip there with a friend .

Jods...I am totally thinking you might need to slip in a solo trip or girls trip next year....

 

[Rachel GB]

Well, you can’t beat RPC. But if you want something different, I vote for YC. It is a quieter lounge, the food offerings have improved immensely. Like crepes with strawberries & whipped cream!

View attachment 366194

You can relax at StormAlong Bay for hours plus 3 hot tubs to choose from. Poolside servers for food & drinks. A quiet pool if you prefer. The Boardwalk is a quick 5 minute walk. You can enjoy the dining & entertainment options there but don’t have to deal with the scary clown slide.

@focusondisney , thank you for your reply! The crepes are certainly a selling factor . Sounds like a great option to consider!

I’ll be the contrarian and vote for an Epcot resort. We used to cling to the MK resorts/what we knew, but lately have been enjoying the Epcot resorts... walkability to Epcot (and DHS), all the dining options, etc. A lot of folks on the thread like BWI for an adults only trip, but we’re more partial to YC. All fit the “lazy and luxurious” adult trip for us.

We’ve tried to do “no park” trips in the past but ultimately have a hard time staying out of them, so being able to just pop right into Epcot is mighty nice.

An equal honorable mention for us would also go to CR. Great views, great CL, we really like Cali Grill upstairs. While the CR pools won’t win any awards, the setting is beautiful and it’s usually very peaceful/quiet.

Good luck deciding.

@GADisneyDad14 , thanks for your input! Another vote for YC! While Contemporary resort vibe isn't a match for my personal style, I can definitely see the positives there. We've considered the CL TPV rooms there before, although from the reviews we've read, we were worried the CL food offerings there may be a little light? Have you found that to be the case? Our only prior experience is SL and RPC, which, as you know, have very plentiful offerings.
I have to say that I'm surprised at the responses I've received so far, but I so appreciate the thoughtful replies and enjoy taking it all in!

I would probably book the AKL or BWI, if the CL lounge and a location away from the MK are the main criteria. Storm Along Bay is nice at the YC/BC but the BWI is a nicer overall CL experience, IMO. The CM's were quick to give little extras, offer tips and advice, engage in pleasant conversation and just generally were a huge asset. I like the YC/BC as well, but I like a full balcony so worry about that at the BC and I have had a few (minor) 'not-so-good' experiences at the YC. Admittedly these issues aren't necessarily CL related and could have occurred anywhere, but we did have issues at the YC on all three of our CL stays there, so my opinion of the YC CL has suffered as a result. The Epcot area is a great place to stay at any level, though, with the fantastic location between Epcot and DHS. This is especially true for an adults only visit.

AKL is a beautiful resort with really good food in the CL. If food quality is a factor, then GF RPC and the AKL are our personal favourites for the offerings that we have received. Again, we have also found the staff to be a notch above the average at the AKL CL. One thing that I do not like about the AKL CL is that it overlooks the lobby rather than through windows facing directly outside. But that is just a personal preference and many may even find the view in the AKL of that gorgeous lobby preferable to the 'views' at the Epcot resorts CL's. I really like the pools at the AKL as well. They are much smaller than at SAB, for example, but we find them pleasant and relaxing.

Of course, GF RPC is always a special experience, kids or no kids. But it is so nice to try all the various CL experiences.

@Babsy , thank you for your detailed reply! I'm not at all opposed to an MK area resort (in fact, it's our preference), but we are open to venturing away from that area, too! We've been drawn to the location and serenity of AKL in the past. Our hesitations are the smaller room sizes (compared to GF, for example) and what appear to be heavily themed CL food offerings (which is also a plus depending on one's perspective, but I have some picky eaters). However, your experience there sounds wonderful, so it sounds like it's definitely worth a look! Thanks again for giving us so much to consider!

 

[DisneyLifePapioNe]

 

[mickeynut1]

Wife and I have been able to hold the secret in about our pre GF stay over at the YC, kids still don’t know!!! I was able to get a 3rd night but had to go with a SV CL room, I’ll take it though to add on another night.

Congrats on the extra night! Hope you have a great trip .

Jods...I am totally thinking you might need to slip in a solo trip or girls trip next year....

 

[Amy M]

I just booked our first CL stay at AKL for next July. We are really looking forward this trip. We may get spoiled and always have to stay CL in the future!

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

CL FP+ help...

Do you purchase at time of booking or do you call to purchase at a later date?

Do all 6 have to be in the same park or can I split them between parks in the case of park hopping?

How does tiering work?
AKA can I only get 1 tier one, 2 tier ones, all could be tier one?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

CL FP+ help...

Do you purchase at time of booking or do you call to purchase at a later date?

Do all 6 have to be in the same park or can I split them between parks in the case of park hopping?

How does tiering work?
AKA can I only get 1 tier one, 2 tier ones, all could be tier one?

A lot of program basics can be found in this post over on the TPAS board: https://www.disboards.com/threads/f...ing-anytime-fps-cl-fps.3538258/#post-56320893

But the gist...

You can't book the program before 90 days from your check-out date...so most folks purchase/book the program at that point or shortly thereafter. If you wait too long past your 90 days from check-out mark, then you start bleeding over into when regular guests can start booking from the FP pool (which is the same pool for everyone).

The 3 "Extra FPs" can be in any tier in any park - you can mix/match as you see fit. The 3 "Regular FPs" need to be in the same park - the same FP rules apply as normal (the only difference is that you can book them at the 90 day from check-out mark when using this program).

Does that help? Happy to answer any questions.

 

[CogsworthTN]

I just booked our first CL stay at AKL for next July. We are really looking forward this trip. We may get spoiled and always have to stay CL in the future!

We have been here since Sunday. The resort is stunning. Christmas tree went up last night. We have thoroughly enjoyed the club level offerings and the club level cast mates. You will love it. I will try to do a full report when we return.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

We have been here since Sunday. The resort is stunning. Christmas tree went up last night. We have thoroughly enjoyed the club level offerings and the club level cast mates. You will love it. I will try to do a full report when we return.

Hey there, glad to see it sounds like things are going well. Hope your father is enjoying the trip as well. Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

A lot of program basics can be found in this post over on the TPAS board: https://www.disboards.com/threads/f...ing-anytime-fps-cl-fps.3538258/#post-56320893

But the gist...

You can't book the program before 90 days from your check-out date...so most folks purchase/book the program at that point or shortly thereafter. If you wait too long past your 90 days from check-out mark, then you start bleeding over into when regular guests can start booking from the FP pool (which is the same pool for everyone).

The 3 "Extra FPs" can be in any tier in any park - you can mix/match as you see fit. The 3 "Regular FPs" need to be in the same park - the same FP rules apply as normal (the only difference is that you can book them at the 90 day from check-out mark when using this program).

Does that help? Happy to answer any questions.

Thanks!
So just so I am clear...
-you contact what? IPO around 90 days prior to check out date to purchase?
-you can make the FP+ selections yourself at the 90 days prior to check out day?
-you can make all 6 FP+ selections at once but the 3 "regular" ones have to follow the same park rule and the tiering rules but the additional 3 can be split in any parks and could all be tier one? (Example: "regular" could be TSM, RNRC, and TOT then additional could be FEA, TT, and FOP?)

One other CL general question...
Are you allowed to take food/drinks out of the lounge for later consumption or must all food and drink stay in the lounge?
Say I'd like to take a pastry back to my room or a bottle of water for the parks is that allowed?

Just trying to figure out how to get the best value for my dollar especially since we tend to be at the parks all day.

 

[GraceMonica]

SOS! I booked YC CL for next October and tomorrow on the way to my in laws (2 hour drive) my husband and I are going to discuss things.

I need all the perks of staying CL and all the wonderful things about YC so I can sell him on it. He wants a relaxing vacation, so I booked water view so we can watch the boats from our balcony. It's for our 5 year anniversary, so I thought splurging on WV CL would be lovely.

I'm afraid he's going to say we don't need to spend the extra money to stay CL and just have me downgrade to non CL and obviously I don't want that.

I've been doing a lot of research on CL but it's information overload right now.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thanks!
So just so I am clear...
-you contact what? IPO around 90 days prior to check out date to purchase?
-you can make the FP+ selections yourself at the 90 days prior to check out day?

You book through Disney Signature Services (DSS), which is basically a pre-arrival 'concierge' type service available to guests who book club level. DSS replaced the IPOs in early 2017. DSS effectively does the same thing as the IPOs, but it's a centralized service rather than CMs specifically located/dedicated to individual resort club levels.

More info on DSS can be found here: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/signature-services/

And their contact info is:
(407) 939-7777
disney.signature.services@disneyworld.com

You call DSS to book the Extra FP program. They take your info, confirm your resort reservation, take your payment info, etc. They walk you through the booking process for each day based on your FP requests. Some CMs will take notes and do the actual FP booking after you get off the phone, some will book with you on the phone. It's a bit of a manual/tedious process for the CMs, especially if you have a lot of days. And I find trying to plan 6 FPs is actually quite difficult when you sit down to do it! It's easy to second guess your park plan at every step.

DSS has to book all 6 FPs when you first book at the 90 day from check-out mark. You can then right away change/modify the three Regular FPs yourself within MDX, but you can't manually change/modify any of the "Extra FPs" at any time. This is why some recommend to make the three "Extra FPs" ones you are not likely to want to change down the road, since it involves a phone call.

Thanks!
-you can make all 6 FP+ selections at once but the 3 "regular" ones have to follow the same park rule and the tiering rules but the additional 3 can be split in any parks and could all be tier one? (Example: "regular" could be TSM, RNRC, and TOT then additional could be FEA, TT, and FOP?)

Yes, the example you outlined is accurate. The ability to bridge parks and tiers is where the real value of the program lies (for some).

One other CL general question...
Are you allowed to take food/drinks out of the lounge for later consumption or must all food and drink stay in the lounge?
Say I'd like to take a pastry back to my room or a bottle of water for the parks is that allowed?

Just trying to figure out how to get the best value for my dollar especially since we tend to be at the parks all day.

Yes, people take food/beverages out of the lounges all the time. No issues there at all.

Hope that helps!

 

[Babsy]

Thanks!
So just so I am clear...
-you contact what? IPO around 90 days prior to check out date to purchase?
-you can make the FP+ selections yourself at the 90 days prior to check out day?
-you can make all 6 FP+ selections at once but the 3 "regular" ones have to follow the same park rule and the tiering rules but the additional 3 can be split in any parks and could all be tier one? (Example: "regular" could be TSM, RNRC, and TOT then additional could be FEA, TT, and FOP?)

One other CL general question...
Are you allowed to take food/drinks out of the lounge for later consumption or must all food and drink stay in the lounge?
Say I'd like to take a pastry back to my room or a bottle of water for the parks is that allowed?

Just trying to figure out how to get the best value for my dollar especially since we tend to be at the parks all day.

You call 1 407 939-7777 90 days from the day you check out.

The CM on the phone (DSS) will book the FP+ that you want for the times that you provide.

Yes

You are able to bring CL food items and drinks to your room. We have asked for bottled water to take back to the room and to the parks. Some have it available for you, but some do not.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

SOS! I booked YC CL for next October and tomorrow on the way to my in laws (2 hour drive) my husband and I are going to discuss things.

I need all the perks of staying CL and all the wonderful things about YC so I can sell him on it. He wants a relaxing vacation, so I booked water view so we can watch the boats from our balcony. It's for our 5 year anniversary, so I thought splurging on WV CL would be lovely.

I'm afraid he's going to say we don't need to spend the extra money to stay CL and just have me downgrade to non CL and obviously I don't want that.

I've been doing a lot of research on CL but it's information overload right now.

We've recently fallen in love with YC CL (it was our last resort/CL combination to try, which in hindsight was a mistake). I don't have time at the moment to expound on its wonderfulness, but here are links to some posts from earlier this year with some YC CL pics... so I'll let those do the talking.

Yacht Club CL - July 2018

Yacht Club CL - Oct 2018

Is hubby a beer drinker? Just tell him you can get 'free' beer all day, and YC CL has had the coldest beer of any CL we've tried.

But seriously, I rank the YC CL food very very high among the various CLs. Outside of AKL CL, it's probably my favorite.

Happy to answer any question.

 

[Babsy]

You book through Disney Signature Services (DSS), which is basically a pre-arrival 'concierge' type service available to guests who book club level. DSS replaced the IPOs in early 2017. DSS effectively does the same thing as the IPOs, but it's a centralized service rather than CMs specifically located/dedicated to individual resort club levels.

More info on DSS can be found here: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/signature-services/

And their contact info is:
(407) 939-7777
disney.signature.services@disneyworld.com

You call DSS to book the Extra FP program. They take your info, confirm your resort reservation, take your payment info, etc. They walk you through the booking process for each day based on your FP requests. Some CMs will take notes and do the actual FP booking after you get off the phone, some will book with you on the phone. It's a bit of a manual/tedious process for the CMs, especially if you have a lot of days. And I find trying to plan 6 FPs is actually quite difficult when you sit down to do it! It's easy to second guess your park plan at every step.

DSS has to book all 6 FPs when you first book at the 90 day from check-out mark. You can then right away change/modify the three Regular FPs yourself within MDX, but you can't manually change/modify any of the "Extra FPs" at any time. This is why some recommend to make the three "Extra FPs" ones you are not likely to want to change down the road, since it involves a phone call.



Yes, the example you outlined is accurate. The ability to bridge parks and tiers is where the real value of the program lies (for some).



Yes, people take food/beverages out of the lounges all the time. No issues there at all.

Hope that helps!

This is great!!!!!!!!

Ok, so I answered without seeing yours! LOL! I had a phone cal and was away from the computer and didn't post until after I returned, so you beat me to it! LOL!

BTW, I confess that I ended up booking 3 days of extra CL FP+ afterwards. I really like getting all the top FP+ regardless of tier for the same day!

I know - it's over the top!

 

[Babsy]

We've recently fallen in love with YC CL (it was our last resort/CL combination to try, which in hindsight was a mistake). I don't have time at the moment to expound on its wonderfulness, but here are links to some posts from earlier this year with some YC CL pics... so I'll let those do the talking.

Yacht Club CL - July 2018

Yacht Club CL - Oct 2018

Is hubby a beer drinker? Just tell him you can get 'free' beer all day, and YC CL has had the coldest beer of any CL we've tried.

But seriously, I rank the YC CL food very very high among the various CLs. Outside of AKL CL, it's probably my favorite.

Happy to answer any question.

I am happy that you enjoyed the YC CL. We have been there several times (It was actually our first CL experience, way back when Maine lobster, scallops and shrimp were often out as an hors d'oeuvre.) but we were very disappointed in our experiences (3-4) in recent years.

I guess that I am wondering what you liked about the YC CL to rank it so highly? Hopefully it has improved again to its original great quality and we should give it yet another chance.