Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[Eastern]

We are booked for our first ever CL stay at the Poly, 4/13-4/17 before heading off on the Magic for our cruise. I really appreciate everyone's knowledge, advice and opinions as I've had the same questions that others have had. I started with post #1 and read every post...until I came to the "remember when" posts. A couple of times before those posts came up I had already become a little anxious because of people talking about being disappointed and of there being cutbacks. Then mickeynut1 would post a reminder that one person's bad experience was another person's best vacation ever and I really want to have that mentality going into my vacation...my very pricey vacation...so I chose to skip those posts at this time so I wouldn't be running the risk of negatively comparing what I experience with what others did in the past. I'll probably come back and read them after, though!

We have stayed CL at BWI, CR and Poly, and so far Poly is our favorite. I was surprised because I never really wanted to stay at Poly, but I finally booked it, and it ended up being our favorite resort overall.

We liked the theming, and the food available at the resort, both TS and CS. It was nice being able to walk to the TTC, or take the monorail to MK. The CMs here were the most helpful and friendliest. The food assortment was the best of the three, and it seemed like the chef took care with the selections, asking for feedback from the guests. I would definitely return to Poly, either regular room or CL.

 

[mickeynut1]

I lurked on these boards awhile before posting and once I had experienced several trips on my own I realized just how varied all of our perspectives are, especially at WDW. I appreciate everyone's opinions but take things with a small grain of salt until I can experience it myself.

I agree!

We have stayed CL at BWI, CR and Poly, and so far Poly is our favorite. I was surprised because I never really wanted to stay at Poly, but I finally booked it, and it ended up being our favorite resort overall.

We liked the theming, and the food available at the resort, both TS and CS. It was nice being able to walk to the TTC, or take the monorail to MK. The CMs here were the most helpful and friendliest. The food assortment was the best of the three, and it seemed like the chef took care with the selections, asking for feedback from the guests. I would definitely return to Poly, either regular room or CL.

Poly CL is on our list. Glad to hear you rate it as one of the best in your experience .

 

[kcpinwdw]

I recommend contacting them at least one day before you hit 180 if you have any hard to get ADRs. Better yet just call them because they are going to need your CC info to book those.

Thanks, I actually just called the regular number on my 180 day because the computer wasn't working for my +10, and did it that way. Luckily I had no problem getting good reservations. I emailed the IPO about Lilo's playhouse, but I didn't think about the credit card thing... too bad they haven't figured out a way to secure it with our MDE card on file. I don't know if I added myself to the guest list yet, Erika, if you don't mind... 9/3-9/10 Poly.

 

[opusone]

Does anyone know what the "personalized Front Desk" service is? I assume this replaces the recently-eliminated curbside greeters, but does it mean club level has it's own line now, or something else?

I went back and checked my emails from last year and they also have this same wording.

Thanks @TigrLvsPooh, I guess this isn't a new phrase. I did e-mail the YC IPO last night and received the following response (bold font is mine, not theirs), so it sounds like they believe the curbside greeters are still in full operation:

As a club level guest, when you arrive at the Yacht Club, there will be a cast member waiting for you, to escort you up to club level like before. They will be waiting just inside the main entrance, but they will find you to check you in on the club level. Since you are a club level guest, you will still be escorted upstairs to receive the welcome letter, but having done the online check in should greatly reduce the time of your check in. When you arrive at the resort, you may let the club level greeter know that you do not wish to go to the club level check in since you already completed the online check in and bypass it completely if you'd like. We look forward to seeing your family!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Thanks, I actually just called the regular number on my 180 day because the computer wasn't working for my +10, and did it that way. Luckily I had no problem getting good reservations. I emailed the IPO about Lilo's playhouse, but I didn't think about the credit card thing... too bad they haven't figured out a way to secure it with our MDE card on file. I don't know if I added myself to the guest list yet, Erika, if you don't mind... 9/3-9/10 Poly.

Remember the +10 doesn't mean you can book earlier than the 180 mark it just means that once you reach your 180 mark you can make reservations for that date and the 10 days that follow.
I will get you added to our guest list.

 

[kcpinwdw]

Remember the +10 doesn't mean you can book earlier than the 180 mark it just means that once you reach your 180 mark you can make reservations for that date and the 10 days that follow.

Yup, but the 10 days that followed weren't highlighting on my MDE. I guess it's a probably with many booking through that agency. It happened same way with my Poly stay last year. But I called and got everything no problem. Even now that we are rolling into that week with regular 180 I can't book past the general date on MDE. Thanks for the add!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Yup, but the 10 days that followed weren't highlighting on my MDE. I guess it's a probably with many booking through that agency. It happened same way with my Poly stay last year. But I called and got everything no problem. Even now that we are rolling into that week with regular 180 I can't book past the general date on MDE. Thanks for the add!

Is your Disney resort reservation linked to your MDE account? And are you signed into that same account when you check availability for dining? Because you shouldn't just see one day at a time like that.

 

[kcpinwdw]

Is your Disney resort reservation linked to your MDE account? And are you signed into that same account when you check availability for dining? Because you shouldn't just see one day at a time like that.

Oh yes. In fact the days are highlighted and it lets me search for the reservation and pick a time, I just cant book it. It is a glitch for sure. On the app the days are not highlighted at all though, so I can see that there is an error somewhere. When I called they had no trouble seeing my reservation dates and booking the dining. There was a thread on the reservations page about people having the same issue, all through travel agency bookings.

 

[AquaDame]

Sounds silly but CL is what makes Disney more of a "vacation" than a "Disney trip" for us, if that makes any sense. I lurked on these boards awhile before posting and once I had experienced several trips on my own I realized just how varied all of our perspectives are, especially at WDW. I appreciate everyone's opinions but take things with a small grain of salt until I can experience it myself. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

I am so glad you said this..! My husband has been struggling with trips to WDW - so much walking, and the high temps make for a crabby husband. He is always up to go, and often will ask but once there acts fairly miserable very quickly. Finding more of a vacation vibe should help...!

We have stayed CL at BWI, CR and Poly, and so far Poly is our favorite. I was surprised because I never really wanted to stay at Poly, but I finally booked it, and it ended up being our favorite resort overall.

We liked the theming, and the food available at the resort, both TS and CS. It was nice being able to walk to the TTC, or take the monorail to MK. The CMs here were the most helpful and friendliest. The food assortment was the best of the three, and it seemed like the chef took care with the selections, asking for feedback from the guests. I would definitely return to Poly, either regular room or CL.

haha yes! I love the food options too but now we are cheating on Kona Cafe with breakfast in the lounge...! I am so glad to hear you liked the food there also. I am trying to decide if I should bother booking any ADRs or if having that and supplementing with CS will be enough this trip.

Thank you both for positive reviews..! I try to remember that there are a lot of people who don't report on their perfectly wonderful time. Its easier to write negative ones after all!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I am so glad you said this..! My husband has been struggling with trips to WDW - so much walking, and the high temps make for a crabby husband. He is always up to go, and often will ask but once there acts fairly miserable very quickly. Finding more of a vacation vibe should help...!

Just show him this, maybe he'll have a better mindset. This qualifies as a good vacation for me! (Sorry this is kinda OT)

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Oh yes. In fact the days are highlighted and it lets me search for the reservation and pick a time, I just cant book it. It is a glitch for sure. On the app the days are not highlighted at all though, so I can see that there is an error somewhere. When I called they had no trouble seeing my reservation dates and booking the dining. There was a thread on the reservations page about people having the same issue, all through travel agency bookings.

I've been having a lot of glitches too. Last night and this morning. I think it was due to the price increase with the dining plan today. Anytime Disney changes pricing on something the website goes whacko.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I try to remember that there are a lot of people who don't report on their perfectly wonderful time. Its easier to write negative ones after all!

Definitely!!! I enjoy reading all the good and bad reviews, I want to hear about as many experiences as I can. But when it all boils down to making my decision about booking a resort or room category I don't let it influence me that much. All the cutbacks and price increases are not what I want to see, but it's also not going to keep me from going. I guess that makes me a sucker!

 

[BlueSkies]

The great thing about the CL at Poly is that there are so many other perks that can't possibly be cut back, such as the location of the CL building. If you don't have a LV or TPV room booked, then you can fully enjoy the spacious lounge view to watch Wishes, while eating/drinking, or we even enjoy sitting in the lounge just for a little break from the day. There's something special about sitting in that lounge at Poly, and I'm positive it has everything to do with the view.

Also, the main pool is right next to the CL building, so you can easily go back and forth between the pool and the lounge for drinks/snacks.

Another thing we consider a perk of any CL is having breakfast in the lounge, and no matter what the cutbacks entail, there should always be something adequate to grab for breakfast. Also, another big perk for us is having drinks available all day/night. Again, cutbacks shouldn't take away every drink...maybe a few? but there should still be enough to choose from.

Well said TJA..

You've had a lot of similar replies but wanted to throw mine in as well. I don't have the long-term historical CL perspective about the "way it used to be" but have stayed Poly CL several times over the last few years. Of our CL stays (Poly, GF, CR), Poly CL is our hands down favorite. Everything from the location, the lounge, the service, the small perks, the view, the food, the convenience, the CMs, did I say view, fantastic coffee each morning without leaving the building, could go on and on. A lot of these are timeless Poly CL features that aren't likely to change drastically no matter what Disney tweaks with their CL offerings. Heck, knowing what longhouse you'll be in and not having to worry about that part of a Poly stay is worth a lot of the price! BTW, the new Oasis Pool (just steps away from Poly CL as well) looks absolutely fantastic and should make the Hawaii longhouse location even better (looks like it will be open for your dates I suspect).

Sounds silly but CL is what makes Disney more of a "vacation" than a "Disney trip" for us, if that makes any sense. I lurked on these boards awhile before posting and once I had experienced several trips on my own I realized just how varied all of our perspectives are, especially at WDW. I appreciate everyone's opinions but take things with a small grain of salt until I can experience it myself. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

and GADisneyDad... We are not new to CL at all..with more than 25 years of CL stays...and I share your sentiments that staying CL gives more of a vacation feel....

While there are things that I miss from way back when...there are new and improved things too...the texting service for instance....Having curbside check in was a nice perk..and should have had consistency ..but for years that was not an option at all... and we checked in just fine...Although I do think each resort should have a designated CL check in desk...

Breakfast and beverages all day are such a nice perk...itinerary planning an even better one.....and having a lovely lounge for extra space terrific..as for the rest....just gravy IMO ..mid day snacks were meant to be just that...and evening appetizers just that too...truly not supposed to be a replacement for a meal....just a little something to enjoy....and while a some variation in the offerings is preferable...its certainly not what a CL stay is meant to be all about..although I too have sometimes lamented about things that we enjoyed that are no longer offered...(pecan sticky buns!! lol..) This from someone whose mantra is...Its always about the food...lol... I just think that if you have the right expectations about what a CL stay is all about it will generally be a great stay..as for its value..that certainly is up to the individual....Just my two cents...

So for first timers....I think that you are in for a treat..CL stays truly do make a vacation that much nicer....

 

[gwynne]

Well said TJA..



and GADisneyDad... We are not new to CL at all..with more than 25 years of CL stays...and I share your sentiments that staying CL gives more of a vacation feel....

While there are things that I miss from way back when...there are new and improved things too...the texting service for instance....Having curbside check in was a nice perk..and should have had consistency ..but for years that was not an option at all... and we checked in just fine...Although I do think each resort should have a designated CL check in desk...

Breakfast and beverages all day are such a nice perk...itinerary planning an even better one.....and having a lovely lounge for extra space terrific..as for the rest....just gravy IMO ..mid day snacks were meant to be just that...and evening appetizers just that too...truly not supposed to be a replacement for a meal....just a little something to enjoy....and while a some variation in the offerings is preferable...its certainly not what a CL stay is meant to be all about..although I too have sometimes lamented about things that we enjoyed that are no longer offered...(pecan sticky buns!! lol..) This from someone whose mantra is...Its always about the food...lol... I just think that if you have the right expectations about what a CL stay is all about it will generally be a great stay..as for its value..that certainly is up to the individual....Just my two cents...

So for first timers....I think that you are in for a treat..CL stays truly do make a vacation that much nice....

Great post, and ITA. We don't always stay CL, but it makes for an extra special vacation. DH has serious health issues so making the day a bit easier and more relaxing for him really helps. We are looking forward to a great stay next month. I'll post when we get back.

 

[BlueSkies]

Thanks ..and have a wonderful trip gwynne...glad that staying CL makes the vacations easier for your DH...
Looking forward to hearing all about your trip!

 

[pas130]

Even with the cutbacks and all, CL is just an little extra special for us. Is it "worth it"? In terms of food, beverages, etc... of course not. However, having the lounge to chill out and there's always at least one CM who connects so well with my babies. It's just special, and therefore required for us LOL.

That said, this resort changer needs and wants advice. I am definitely doing a MK/Epcot split. But I'm torn between RPC and Poly CL. I LOVE the Grand! DH not as much, and we had a so-so RPC stay....so I'm torn whether to switch. If I do switch I'm thinking TPV CL...just because

Thoughts?

 

[mickeynut1]

I try to remember that there are a lot of people who don't report on their perfectly wonderful time. Its easier to write negative ones after all!

Very true! I think people are more inclined to take the time to write about a bad experience than a good one, which is why I always recommend reading reviews with a grain of salt and trying a resort for yourself to form your own opinion .

This qualifies as a good vacation for me! (Sorry this is kinda OT)
View attachment 155646

What a lovely pic .

Breakfast and beverages all day are such a nice perk...itinerary planning an even better one.....and having a lovely lounge for extra space terrific..as for the rest....just gravy IMO ..mid day snacks were meant to be just that...and evening appetizers just that too...truly not supposed to be a replacement for a meal....just a little something to enjoy....and while a some variation in the offerings is preferable...its certainly not what a CL stay is meant to be all about..although I too have sometimes lamented about things that we enjoyed that are no longer offered...(pecan sticky buns!! lol..) This from someone whose mantra is...Its always about the food...lol... I just think that if you have the right expectations about what a CL stay is all about it will generally be a great stay..as for its value..that certainly is up to the individual....Just my two cents...

So for first timers....I think that you are in for a treat..CL stays truly do make a vacation that much nicer....

I couldn't agree more ......and I'm with you on the pecan sticky buns.....I'm still sad they were taken away .

We don't always stay CL, but it makes for an extra special vacation. DH has serious health issues so making the day a bit easier and more relaxing for him really helps. We are looking forward to a great stay next month. I'll post when we get back.

We don't stay CL every trip either, but when we do, it does make the trip extra special .

Hope you have a great time next month. Can't wait to hear all about it when you return .

Looking forward to hearing all about your trip!

Me too .

 

[AquaDame]

Even with the cutbacks and all, CL is just an little extra special for us. Is it "worth it"? In terms of food, beverages, etc... of course not. However, having the lounge to chill out and there's always at least one CM who connects so well with my babies. It's just special, and therefore required for us LOL.

That said, this resort changer needs and wants advice. I am definitely doing a MK/Epcot split. But I'm torn between RPC and Poly CL. I LOVE the Grand! DH not as much, and we had a so-so RPC stay....so I'm torn whether to switch. If I do switch I'm thinking TPV CL...just because

Thoughts?

Is there availability for your dates...? There was not for us so we have a garden view.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

That said, this resort changer needs and wants advice. I am definitely doing a MK/Epcot split. But I'm torn between RPC and Poly CL. I LOVE the Grand! DH not as much, and we had a so-so RPC stay....so I'm torn whether to switch. If I do switch I'm thinking TPV CL...just because

Thoughts?

Why would there even be a debate????? I randomly checked AP discounts the other day and am now dying to book a summer trip.

 

[mickeynut1]

Even with the cutbacks and all, CL is just an little extra special for us. Is it "worth it"? In terms of food, beverages, etc... of course not. However, having the lounge to chill out and there's always at least one CM who connects so well with my babies. It's just special, and therefore required for us LOL.

I agree . Whenever we stay CL, it's more for the lounge than the food offerings, so it's always worth it to us!

That said, this resort changer needs and wants advice. I am definitely doing a MK/Epcot split. But I'm torn between RPC and Poly CL. I LOVE the Grand! DH not as much, and we had a so-so RPC stay....so I'm torn whether to switch. If I do switch I'm thinking TPV CL...just because

Thoughts?

I'm not much help because I don't think you can go wrong with either one....LOL. I can't comment from experience on Poly CL, but I do love the Poly and can't wait to try CL. With that said, even though I think RPC is amazing, I think Poly CL has a lot to offer. Good luck!