Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[TigrLvsPooh]

It's online check-in time for us and I remember that it's better to request by amenity (vs specific room numbers). We are in a Jr Suite/Deluxe at WL and I really like the --53's (I think it's -153, more specifically) It's not too far down to the ends and overlooks the pool area. That would be "close to elevators, court yard view"?

I'd rather have something close to the elevators, but is there a major selling point to the other rooms? I feel like I've read all of this, but I just can't remember where!

Sorry I don't know anything about those WL deluxe rooms. I recommend talking to Kook over on the WL thread.

 

[jlundeen]

Off topic, but I wanted to report back that I am SO GLAD I grabbed that CSR room because now there are ZERO ROOMS at any resort, all categories! It's going to be crazy crowded for sure, at least the CSR buses tend to be the least crowded. That should help a bit. I got our MNSSHP tickets for 10/25. I'm sure that one will probably sell out. I'm exited for F&W, and I grabbed fastpasses for eat to the beat, that will be interesting to try.
Next up I'm going to try for an ADR at Morimoto Asia. They're supposed to release next week.

I've been searching for CL level rates for next April, and many of the Deluxe resort are showing NO AVAILABILITY in ANY room category...maybe be getting ready to release Spring Discounts? (I hope!!!)

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I've been searching for CL level rates for next April, and many of the Deluxe resort are showing NO AVAILABILITY in ANY room category...maybe be getting ready to release Spring Discounts? (I hope!!!)

That doesn't surprise me. People book those early in hopes of a discount later. I was checking March for us, that's our spring break, and I'm still seeing plenty of options. But I know they'll go like hot cakes soon enough.

 

[mickeynut1]

I've been searching for CL level rates for next April, and many of the Deluxe resort are showing NO AVAILABILITY in ANY room category...maybe be getting ready to release Spring Discounts? (I hope!!!)

Try looking again. Maybe it was just a fluke as I plugged in several dates for April and found availability at every deluxe resort, including CL .

 

[jlundeen]

the dates we are looking at are 4/22 - 4/29...we are a group of 4 ladies, ages are (mother daughter) mid-teen, early 40s, and 2 seniors (me and SIL). The two QNs and Daybed would work perfectly, or the QN & Bunks...We know we're going to be cramped in one room...that's why we were looking at club level for a bit of additional space in the lounge.

At this point, just trying to get rates, as the only way we could do this is with a really GREAT discount...otherwise, we currently have 2 moderates booked at French Quarter (which most likely won't be included in any discount offers, but would work great), but the thought of that club lounge keeps calling my name!

My spreadsheets tell me that MAYBE, if all the planets aligned, and we perform just the right sacrificial dances on the appropriate date of a full moon at midnight, we MIGHT be able to swing CLUB- and if we could stretch it to a Deluxe, that would be even better!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

the dates we are looking at are 4/22 - 4/29...we are a group of 4 ladies, ages are (mother daughter) mid-teen, early 40s, and 2 seniors (me and SIL). The two QNs and Daybed would work perfectly, or the QN & Bunks...We know we're going to be cramped in one room...that's why we were looking at club level for a bit of additional space in the lounge.

At this point, just trying to get rates, as the only way we could do this is with a really GREAT discount...otherwise, we currently have 2 moderates booked at French Quarter (which most likely won't be included in any discount offers, but would work great), but the thought of that club lounge keeps calling my name!

My spreadsheets tell me that MAYBE, if all the planets aligned, and we perform just the right sacrificial dances on the appropriate date of a full moon at midnight, we MIGHT be able to swing CLUB- and if we could stretch it to a Deluxe, that would be even better!!

If there's a discount it probably won't be more than 30-35%, so you should be able to calculate the possible nightly rate.

 

[sbeets]

Just booked YC CL for Dec 20-26. Would really like a deluxe room, and I'll keep watching for availability. Last club stay was a 2BR suite at CR. That's going to be tough to beat! I'm looking forward to a leisurely stroll to Epcot, and my kids will love the boat to HS.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

That doesn't surprise me. People book those early in hopes of a discount later. I was checking March for us, that's our spring break, and I'm still seeing plenty of options. But I know they'll go like hot cakes soon enough.

Yep.. I always book mine at rack rate then convert to Florida Res Rate when it comes out

 

[mickeynut1]

the dates we are looking at are 4/22 - 4/29...we are a group of 4 ladies, ages are (mother daughter) mid-teen, early 40s, and 2 seniors (me and SIL). The two QNs and Daybed would work perfectly, or the QN & Bunks...We know we're going to be cramped in one room...that's why we were looking at club level for a bit of additional space in the lounge.

At this point, just trying to get rates, as the only way we could do this is with a really GREAT discount...otherwise, we currently have 2 moderates booked at French Quarter (which most likely won't be included in any discount offers, but would work great), but the thought of that club lounge keeps calling my name!

My spreadsheets tell me that MAYBE, if all the planets aligned, and we perform just the right sacrificial dances on the appropriate date of a full moon at midnight, we MIGHT be able to swing CLUB- and if we could stretch it to a Deluxe, that would be even better!!

I just plugged in your dates and found a lot of availability for the deluxe resorts as well as CL (including a deluxe CL room at the WL), so you should be able to get some quotes to get an idea of cost .

Just booked YC CL for Dec 20-26. Would really like a deluxe room, and I'll keep watching for availability. Last club stay was a 2BR suite at CR. That's going to be tough to beat! I'm looking forward to a leisurely stroll to Epcot, and my kids will love the boat to HS.

Definitely keep checking as availability does sometimes change .

 

[jlundeen]

Yep.. I always book mine at rack rate then convert to Florida Res Rate when it comes out

I thought that didn't work anymore with the new policy for changing reservations....it was my understanding that you could not just convert an existing reservation anymore, that it had to be rebooked, and only if there was availability...

Maybe Ericka and any other TAs here could clarify and straighten me out if I don't have it right.

 

[rcraw45425]

I thought that didn't work anymore with the new policy for changing reservations....it was my understanding that you could not just convert an existing reservation anymore, that it had to be rebooked, and only if there was availability...

Maybe Ericka and any other TAs here could clarify and straighten me out if I don't have it right.

Not a TA but I was under the same impression.

 

[gwynne]

I thought that didn't work anymore with the new policy for changing reservations....it was my understanding that you could not just convert an existing reservation anymore, that it had to be rebooked, and only if there was availability...

Maybe Ericka and any other TAs here could clarify and straighten me out if I don't have it right.

It would be great if Ericka could clarify this. I always understood they had to search for a discount, and apply that rate to the reservation. There had to be available rooms (unsold) at the discount rate in order to do that.
It probably doesn't matter if folks are OK with paying rack, and will go regardless.

Me? I need the discount. I always wait, or book a mod (temporarily) if I really need something because I've already made air arrangements. When the discounts come out, I figure out which deluxe will work.
For next fall, it's trickier. Dh really wants to be CL at BWI. The good thing is we will have a lot of flexibility with our dates, so fingers crossed it will work out.

 

[pas130]

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

 

[gwynne]

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

The rate, applying discounts sounds like it's being done as usual. It did help, thanks!

Not Erica (our fearless leader ), but I'll weigh in. I think you'd truly love BWI Deluxe, especially with everyone traveling together. They rooms are long, and there is lots of space for everyone.
Each of the Epcot resorts are decorated, and Epcot? It's beautiful at Christmas. The Epcot tree is amazing!
You can always stop by and see the Gingerbread house at GF.

Decisions, decisions. Either way you guys will have a fabulous vacation!

 

[pas130]

The rate, applying discounts sounds like it's being done as usual. It did help, thanks!

Not Erica (our fearless leader ), but I'll weigh in. I think you'd truly love BWI Deluxe, especially with everyone traveling together. They rooms are long, and there is lots of space for everyone.
Each of the Epcot resorts are decorated, and Epcot? It's beautiful at Christmas. The Epcot tree is amazing!
You can always stop by and see the Gingerbread house at GF.

Decisions, decisions. Either way you guys will have a fabulous vacation!

Thanks Ginny I'm leaning towards switching back, BUT GF SL is now sold out so I need to be 99% sure..since I am never 100%. It is definitely a factor that we would otherwise NOT be able to fit into a Deluxe room My TA says absolutely no to WL deluxe room since so many are moving from WL due to construction and I do respect that. The deluxe rooms mostly are Lake and courtyard views if not all so the last thing I'd want is a construction view

 

[jlundeen]

I have changed an existing resv many times also, from one room type to another, or from one resort to another.

I guess what I was referring to was applying a "Special Offer" to an existing reservation. The thing I remember from the most recent Free Dining fiasco (won't get into that mess here!) was that many folks had booked full rate reservations in anticipation of the FD offer. When they tried to convert their reservation, many were told they couldn't because there was no availability. (Lots of folks believe that was CAUSED by so many booking full rate resv ahead of time, so that there were no new resv available). Apparently, these folks could ONLY take advantage of the FD offer if there were ADDITIONAL availability, regardless of the fact that they already had a resv.

Doesn't make sense to me, but that was my understanding....maybe they changed it back to the old way where you could convert an existing resv to a Special Offer.

 

[gwynne]

I have changed an existing resv many times also, from one room type to another, or from one resort to another.

I guess what I was referring to was applying a "Special Offer" to an existing reservation. The thing I remember from the most recent Free Dining fiasco (won't get into that mess here!) was that many folks had booked full rate reservations in anticipation of the FD offer. When they tried to convert their reservation, many were told they couldn't because there was no availability. (Lots of folks believe that was CAUSED by so many booking full rate resv ahead of time, so that there were no new resv available). Apparently, these folks could ONLY take advantage of the FD offer if there were ADDITIONAL availability, regardless of the fact that they already had a resv.

Doesn't make sense to me, but that was my understanding....maybe they changed it back to the old way where you could convert an existing resv to a Special Offer.

I think the issue might have been the difference between package and room only. I'm pretty sure you can't switch back and forth between the two.

I am one who doesn't think Disney discounts rooms that are already sold at rack. Could be wrong, but that's why I don't book unless I'm OK with the rate. I want to maximize my chances at a discount.

 

[mickeynut1]

I thought that didn't work anymore with the new policy for changing reservations....it was my understanding that you could not just convert an existing reservation anymore, that it had to be rebooked, and only if there was availability...

I don't think there has been any major changes as far as applying a discount. There has to be availability under that discount in order to have it applied, but that has always been the case. The biggest policy change that I have seen is when modifying a reservation by taking nights away. In the past, this was done without any problem, but now the shorter stay must be available in order to make the change. If you have a 7 night trip booked with a discount and need to change it to 5 nights, those 5 nights must be available under the discount, otherwise you lose the discount and pay rack rate.

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

AFAIK, this is still the case. The difference is when a trip needs to be shortened as I posted above. The new policy makes it harder to take nights away as those nights now need to be available to keep the discount.

We've never stayed at BWI, but I think I'd consider switching back. I know you love the GF and it is beautiful at Christmas, but the lobby does get very chaotic. Saving money is always a good thing and you will still have CL at BWI .....plus everyone will be in the same room, so no worrying about getting connecting rooms (if that was a consideration for you). Either way I'm sure you'll have a great trip! Good luck!

 

[mickeynut1]

I guess what I was referring to was applying a "Special Offer" to an existing reservation. The thing I remember from the most recent Free Dining fiasco (won't get into that mess here!) was that many folks had booked full rate reservations in anticipation of the FD offer. When they tried to convert their reservation, many were told they couldn't because there was no availability. (Lots of folks believe that was CAUSED by so many booking full rate resv ahead of time, so that there were no new resv available). Apparently, these folks could ONLY take advantage of the FD offer if there were ADDITIONAL availability, regardless of the fact that they already had a resv.

Doesn't make sense to me, but that was my understanding....maybe they changed it back to the old way where you could convert an existing resv to a Special Offer.

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.

I think the issue might have been the difference between package and room only. I"m pretty sure you can't switch back and forth between the two.

I am one who doesn't think Disney discounts rooms that are already sold at rack. I could be wrong, but that's why I don't book unless I'm OK with the rate. I want to maximize my chances at 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.

 

[pas130]

I don't think there has been any major changes as far as applying a discount. There has to be availability under that discount in order to have it applied, but that has always been the case. The biggest policy change that I have seen is when modifying a reservation by taking nights away. In the past, this was done without any problem, but now the shorter stay must be available in order to make the change. If you have a 7 night trip booked with a discount and need to change it to 5 nights, those 5 nights must be available under the discount, otherwise you lose the discount and pay rack rate.



AFAIK, this is still the case. The difference is when a trip needs to be shortened as I posted above. The new policy makes it harder to take nights away as those nights now need to be available to keep the discount.

We've never stayed at BWI, but I think I'd consider switching back. I know you love the GF and it is beautiful at Christmas, but the lobby does get very chaotic. Saving money is always a good thing and you will still have CL at BWI .....plus everyone will be in the same room, so no worrying about getting connecting rooms (if that was a consideration for you). Either way I'm sure you'll have a great trip! Good luck!

thank you my friend, you've said what I've been thinking