Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[KurtC]

Newbie question: Does the Room Only reservation refer to a room with no tickets and no dining plan, or just no dining plan? We are planning a trip in December of 2017 which will be our first on-site stay. We are more concerned about getting the type of room that we want (CL at CR, King w/TPV) on the specific dates that we want versus getting the discount. So we are willing to book 499 days out at rack rate and we know that we don't want the dining plan. So, since it would be nice to apply a discount later if available, is there anything we should do when booking to help a discount later (mostly need to know if we should add our 10-day park tickets at that point or not)?

 

[mickeynut1]

me too!

.

Heading to Grand Floridian RPC in 10 days!

Have a great time.....RPC is amazing!

Newbie question: Does the Room Only reservation refer to a room with no tickets and no dining plan, or just no dining plan? We are planning a trip in December of 2017 which will be our first on-site stay. We are more concerned about getting the type of room that we want (CL at CR, King w/TPV) on the specific dates that we want versus getting the discount. So we are willing to book 499 days out at rack rate and we know that we don't want the dining plan. So, since it would be nice to apply a discount later if available, is there anything we should do when booking to help a discount later (mostly need to know if we should add our 10-day park tickets at that point or not)?

RO is just the room, without tickets or DDP. There's really nothing you can do to help with getting a discount later as discounts are offered according to what/how many rooms Disney needs to fill. If your trip was dependent on a discount, I'd say wait to book as booking now "in hopes" of a discount can lessen the chances of a discount later as that's one less room Disney needs to fill. Also, having a reservation already in place doesn't guarantee a discount can be applied as the resort and room type has to be available under the discount in order to have it applied to your existing reservation. However, since you are willing to pay rack rate for a specific room type, you are smart to book as soon as you can to get exactly what you want. As far as adding tickets later, if you book RO now and want to add tickets later to make it a package, the RO will have to be cancelled/refunded and a package booked, requiring a new deposit of $200. Since RO and packages are different reservation systems, money paid toward one cannot be applied to the other. With that said, I'd book the room at 499 days out and buy your park tickets separate.

HTH

 

[jlundeen]

Here's an odd question for you...are there bathrooms that are in or close to the Lounges? Since some of the Club Level rooms are quite a distance from the Lounge...just wondering if there are other options....

THanks!

 

[Dispro1]

Here's an odd question for you...are there bathrooms that are in or close to the Lounges? Since some of the Club Level rooms are quite a distance from the Lounge...just wondering if there are other options....

THanks!

Some CLs have a bathroom in the lounge area (like BC and Poly) which is REALLY convenient, especially if you've already checked out of your room but your flight leaves later! Others, like RPC, are a pain because you have to take an elevator to another floor to get to a bathroom And I think you have to go to the main building at GF if you're staying at SL but don't want to go back to your room, but it has been years since we've stayed at SL, so I could be wrong. If you are asking about BWI specifically, since it seems that is where you are staying if I am remembering correctly, I can't answer your question because my first stay there will be in December. However, I would love to know if BWI has a restroom in the lounge area too!

 

[trishadono]

Some CLs have a bathroom in the lounge area (like BC and Poly) which is REALLY convenient, especially if you've already checked out of your room but your flight leaves later! Others, like RPC, are a pain because you have to take an elevator to another floor to get to a bathroom And I think you have to go to the main building at GF if you're staying at SL but don't want to go back to your room, but it has been years since we've stayed at SL, so I could be wrong. If you are asking about BWI specifically, since it seems that is where you are staying if I am remembering correctly, I can't answer your question because my first stay there will be in December. However, I would love to know if BWI has a restroom in the lounge area too!

You are correct, no bathroom in SL.

I love the bathroom on the 2nd floor of poly CL, very convenient. I didn't BC had one too. Good to know

 

[trishadono]

Finally finished my GF SL report if anyone's interested in reading: https://erika_murphy.silvrback.com/
And if you missed my BC CL report it's just below it.

I loved the lounge pix from above!! Can't believe I didn't think to do that! Our room was 4th floor over the doors on marina side. We loved that view!

 

[jlundeen]

Yet another question for everyone here. In addition to DH's and my Anniversary trip this fall (really excited about this - it will be our first CLUB experience, and our first Food & Wine trip!), I'm planning a getaway for four crazy ladies (with ages spanning 6 decades) for next April. Some of you have been kind enough to answer many of my questions already, and here's another....

We currently have 2 rooms booked at a moderate, but I'm really wanting to try to get a Club Level in either BC or BWI, but that can ONLY happen if there are some really nice Special Offers. Our current resv is through the Magical folks, and while they can't yet say what their Spring agency exclusive offers will be, they have told me that the only Club level that will be included for our dates would be the Poly.

So, my question to you all: Does anyone know if the official Disney Special offers that have historically been released in December for the Springtime, have included Club Level? And if so, what as the deal been? I know that you can't count of any new deals being the same as in previous years, but it would be great if we could get some input on what has happened before.

 

[mickeynut1]

Yet another question for everyone here. In addition to DH's and my Anniversary trip this fall (really excited about this - it will be our first CLUB experience, and our first Food & Wine trip!), I'm planning a getaway for four crazy ladies (with ages spanning 6 decades) for next April. Some of you have been kind enough to answer many of my questions already, and here's another....

We currently have 2 rooms booked at a moderate, but I'm really wanting to try to get a Club Level in either BC or BWI, but that can ONLY happen if there are some really nice Special Offers. Our current resv is through the Magical folks, and while they can't yet say what their Spring agency exclusive offers will be, they have told me that the only Club level that will be included for our dates would be the Poly.

So, my question to you all: Does anyone know if the official Disney Special offers that have historically been released in December for the Springtime, have included Club Level? And if so, what as the deal been? I know that you can't count of any new deals being the same as in previous years, but it would be great if we could get some input on what has happened before.

CL rooms are usually included in Disney promos, but sometimes not all resorts/CL rooms are offered. With that said, I often see both BC and BWI CLs offered at the highest percentage off (which, lately seems to be 30%). Like you said, this is not guaranteed, but it gives you an idea of what has been offered in the past .

 

[Eastern]

However, I would love to know if BWI has a restroom in the lounge area too!

Yes, there is a restroom right outside the lounge area at BWI.

 

[jlundeen]

Yes, there is a restroom right outside the lounge area at BWI.

Thank you!!!

 

[jlundeen]

CL rooms are usually included in Disney promos, but sometimes not all resorts/CL rooms are offered. With that said, I often see both BC and BWI CLs offered at the highest percentage off (which, lately seems to be 30%). Like you said, this is not guaranteed, but it gives you an idea of what has been offered in the past .

Thank you, that helps a lot....let's all keep crossed fingers for great Springtime offers!!

 

[KurtC]

Thanks mickeynut1!

 

[mickeynut1]

Thank you, that helps a lot....let's all keep crossed fingers for great Springtime offers!!

You're welcome! I'll keep my fingers crossed with you as we are considering a 3-4 night trip in the spring .

Thanks mickeynut1!

You're welcome .

 

[SleepingUgly]

Just returned from a six-day stay at BC CL with my three daughters (celebrated my youngest's 5th birthday while we were there) and wanted to share some thoughts re: CL at this lovely hotel (I posted my general thoughts on BC overall, not just CL, on the YC/BC General FAQ thread) ...

The Good ...
1) Convenience of the Lounge ... Traveling with three kids on my own (my husband had his own vacation by staying at home, haha), it was nice to send the older ones to the lounge on their own where they could relax and get something to eat. This was the main reason I did CL this trip, even though we also had Free Dining.
2) Service ... Check-in was awesome. We were greeted upon exiting the ME bus, taken to the fifth floor, and our room was ready. Everything was done quite efficiently. The Lounge employees were by far the nicest folks, greeting us at all times and asking about our days.
3) Our room ... #5677. This was standard view but we had a nice view of the pool if you just angled a bit to the left. We were not so close to the lounge that we could hear all the noise, but we weren't so far away that it was a long trek for us either. We had a full balcony and daybed as well so I was very happy with the room and its location.
4) Mousekeeping ... I left a little tip for the mousekeeping staff each day and they took great care of us. We had probably @ 6-8 bath towels left for us each day, and that many wash cloths as well. Traveling with three girls, two of whom are teenagers, this was much appreciated! We got plenty of soaps / shampoos, even though we preferred to use our own, and my little one's stuffed animals were arranged in fun manners on the bed everyday. Plus, we got tons of chocolates at turndown. Really pleased with overall mousekeeping experience.

The Bad ...
1) Service ... I know, I already put this under "Good", but also wanted to note that I felt I got better treatment when I spoke with folks at the main check-in desks a couple of times. Don't get me wrong ... the CL desk folks were helpful. They just didn't seem as warm and friendly as others, kwim? We also weren't told of the FP+ texting service that others had talked about. Think that depended on who checks you in b/c I heard another Cast Member tell another guest about it. So if you are interested in using that service, definitely ask them about it when you check in!
2) Food Offerings ... I wasn't that impressed, to tell you the truth. The food was tasty and fresh (especially the croissants for breakfast) but just rather blah. On Tuesday and Friday nights, they had the exact same evening offerings ... and, wouldn't you know it, those were the only two nights we checked it out so I'm not sure what was offered the other nights. And the desserts were exactly the same, each and every night. Even the kids got tired of it after the third night and just munched on a few Swedish fish and skipped the cakes and other offerings. I would have thought there'd be more variety.

The Ugly ...
1) Other Guests ... It wasn't as bad as when we stayed at GF RPC a while back, when some old man came to the lounge wearing only his bathrobe and boxers ... and didn't bother to tie up his robe very tightly ... but there were some folks who thought they could talk down to the folks working there or hoard all the alcohol b/c it was all included. Seriously, when you can barely walk without stumbling into other tables, maybe it's time for you to switch to water. Just sayin' ...

Overall, a really nice stay. I knew going in that Disney's CL may not measure up to CL offerings / benefits at non-Disney hotels, but also understood that we were paying for the location and the fact that it's Disney. I wouldn't say it was a good or bad value, but I did appreciate the convenience of the lounge and extra attention in service that we received. Regardless, I think the most important thing is ... your vacation is what you make of it. Have a smile and a friendly greeting for everyone and you'll be treated the same, and then you can't help but have a good time. This was definitely true at BC and all over Disney.

 

[Corinne]

We are at the WL CL right now. Check in was really a major let down. Not only were we not greeted off the ME, we had to check in at the front desk and it was far from special. The CM had to keep checking with another CM and asking her questions (no idea what the questions were, because we didn't ask anything).

Our room wasn't ready, (it was 10:30 AM), so that was fine, but the whole experience wasn't what I expected. The only other CL stay I've experienced was at the AKL, and we were brought to the lounge immediately and offered mimosas. It was a more personal experience at the AKL. It is also our 30th anniversary tomorrow and other than the pins, there was nothing in our room. We are vacation club members and we always receive balloons and a card.

It is very noisy in our hallway too, many loud guests who like to have conversations in the hallway lol.

Not trying to sound so negative! It's nice, but I guess I was expecting it to be more special. I will say the lounge staff and friendly housekeepers are fabulous here!

 

[valenrandy]

I'm sorry to hear that Corinne. We check into the Old faithful club next week and hopefully receive the proper attention they normally give. Did you voice your concerns with resort staff?

With that said, Can we please be added to the CL list?

Wilderness Lodge Old Faithful Club
9/23-9/29

thanks.

 

[Corinne]

I didn't voice my concerns because it just sounds whiny, lol. I jfeel like so many people stay CL now they don't have the staff to keep up.

 

[PRaffen]

Our last two CL stays (Poly and AKL) - like Corinne we were not greeted when we arrived but told to go to the front desk. If part of the experience is to bypass the front desk and be greeted, then I wish it was done for everyone. It was particularly disappointing at the AKL as the CL was a surprise to the family and I had written IPO to let them know our arrival time and about the surprise part to be sure someone was there to greet us but it didn't happen. The bellman at the Poly was clueless when I told him we were CL and just told us to check in inside. I found out later there was someone outside to greet guests - not sure why the bellman didn't know this. Poor training on Disney's part.

We were also underwhelmed at the Poly's offerings. (We were there 9/7-9) Little variety (afternoon snacks - open a bag of popcorn, goldfish, etc and pour into a bowl). Seriously, for the money spent, put a little effort into the offerings. Desserts were pretty much the same each night. Appetizers the first night were very good but on the second night only sushi was offered; no other choice (other than the standard veggies, cheese/crackers). DH won't eat sushi so no options for him.

The CL Poly has always been my favorite. We've stayed there several times, but I doubt we will spend the money again. This was our first Poly stay in eight years. I was disappointed at the diminished views due to the bungalows from Hawaii's lagoon side and the lounge's reduced food offerings.

On the plus side ... I thought the staff was outstanding - best service ever! We always clear our table and as I was doing so, one of the staff came over and took the dishes from me and said "Oh, let me spoil you a little." Check in staff was also wonderful. Mousekeeping was great - room was spotless. I loved, loved, loved, being in the room, opening the sliders (we were on second floor so no balcony) and having the Hawaiian music waft into the room. Perfect for relaxing.

 

[Ewoks]

I didn't voice my concerns because it just sounds whiny, lol. I jfeel like so many people stay CL now they don't have the staff to keep up.

You're paying for it. On top of the price of a regular deluxe hotel room at Disney, you're *paying* for CL perks. I'm usually not one to complain or make a scene over anything unless it's completely egregious (which is rare anywhere, especially WDW), but.. it's your vacation. If you don't have a good experience for some reason that could easily be resolved, it's on you to say something. We stayed at WL back in January. We had no issues with WL or the CL staff there and we loved it. We did, however, have a horrific experience with the buses at one point causing us to miss an ADR as well as be driven all over the WDW property for over an hour with no explanation given. I won't bore y'all with the details of that. Regardless, we mentioned it to the front desk staff at WL while we were down there asking about something else, basically joking about it (after the fact we found the whole bus situation kinda funny) and not in any way trying to complain since it wasn't the hotel's fault at all, and they fell all over themselves trying to "make our night better." It was so beyond our expectations! Long story short: if you don't say anything, nothing gets done about it. You paid for a vacation. If something is wrong and no one knows, it's gonna keep being wrong. Don't be afraid to mention it.

 

[trishadono]

I get off the bus and tell the valets i am staying cl and REQUEST an escort. Try that? Worse they can say is sorry you have to check in at the regular check in. The longest I have waited is 5 mins. Once i was told to do regular check in but inside i repeated my request and mysteriously someone quickly showed up for us.

I love the pampering too