Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[Eastern]

Anyone stayed CR CL recently? Reading about cutbacks other places and have my first CL stay in August. Will be the first trip for 2 of my 3 boys. What have breakfast and evening offerings been?

Club Level CR -this was from January 2016
Notes* they usually had a 'wine of the day' that was a little nicer than the usual Disney selections, and Prosecco. They also had more 'interesting' cheeses, although not as kid-friendly. The hot appetizer portions were very small. Not sure if they are still serving the chicken nuggets, but that was the most popular thing when I was there.

Monday
Pumpkin ginger bisque
Flatbread crisps (for the soup)
Mushroom arancini w/marinara and cheese
Citrus shrimp (very tiny)
Vegetable crudité every night
Each night there is also a charcuterie and cheese plate. Choices are not really kid friendly. For ex: blue cheese, Brie, goat cheese, chorizo.
Chicken nuggets
Pb&j every night for the kids

Tuesday
Smoked tomato bisque
Flatbread crisps
Mushroom arancini w/marinara and cheese
Lobster BLT puff pastry (this was mostly pastry and small)
Mac and cheese

Wednesday
Pumpkin ginger bisque
Duck confit with arugula pesto (hazelnuts)
Prosciutto wrapped cantaloupe with Point Reyes blue cheese
Chicken nuggets

Thursday
Smoked tomato bisque
Goat cheese panna cotta with cherry compote (tiny)
Butternut squash ravioli with crispy sage
Chicken nuggets
They did add some cheddar cheese cubes

Friday
Pumpkin ginger bisque
Ahi tuna over cucumber slice with wasabi cream (tiny)
Braised pork belly on a steamed roll with pickled vegetables (good but the bun was big)
Mac and cheese

Food comes from The Wave

 

[saintrob]

I emailed the IPO at the Grand Floridian yesterday to confirm about some of the cutbacks. They replied by saying that at the moment they do have a form of curbside and escort to club level depending on cast member availability. They also confirmed they have eliminated the cordials but that a selection of wines would still be available.

As an addition they stated that they are always testing new offerings to the concierge lounge and that the above may change before our visit in July!

I'm hoping it doesn't mean that there will be more cutbacks!

 

[Eastern]

Chocolate covered strawberries have been gone a long time although they made a return on our summer 2015 trip when the were "experimenting with offerings" which were much better (including a carving station) but discontinued almost immediately due to costs.

I just don't get this. People are paying $200 extra per night to stay CL at GF. Is it possible that they are really eating that much worth of snacks and beverages each day, even if they tried? I wish I could see their calculations.

 

[SuperJ]

So between when I booked YC last month and when I just checked the CL description this morning, it no longer says anything about being personally greeted upon arrival or that you will receive any kind of welcoming (still mentions turndown) - did they do away with the champagne as well? A regular garden-level room is now available for my dates and I'm wondering if I should switch and forego club......

 

[conandrob240]

I just don't get this. People are paying $200 extra per night to stay CL at GF. Is it possible that they are really eating that much worth of snacks and beverages each day, even if they tried? I wish I could see their calculations.

Totally agree. The cost of ONE club level room difference per day more than covers the cost of ALL the food and drink for the day for EVERYONE, I'm sure. Food & drink costs to an entity like WDW are pennies. So, I don't get the reason you'd endanger the whole program by skimping to save $20 a day.

 

[mystery222184]

How unfortunate to hear about the changes at the Grand (and smaller changes elsewhere). When we stayed at RPC 2 years ago, it was incredible-- extremely relaxing atmosphere. We wanted to go back in December but when comparing costs, I was just too much higher than the Poly/BC club levels (where we will be staying) to justify this year. After hearing about these cuts, I'm glad I passed.

Some of the smaller changes taking place at all the resorts are certainly frustrating, and take some away from the premium feel, but wouldn't stop us from booking (greet off the bus, turndown). However, being how expensive GF RPC is, the elimination of liquors, drop in quality of champagne, and removal of meats at breakfast, is truly disappointing. Enjoying a glass of wine (albeit poor in quality) with a couple snacks and relaxing at the lounge is what makes the cost tolerable. I only hope this is a new GM order and it doesn't extend to all the resorts.

I left a review on TA and will be writing to Disney as well just to offer my opinion. I would encourage others to do the same and hopefully someone listens.

 

[mickeynut1]

Here is what they sent me:

Aloha!


Thank you for your email. At Disney's Polynesian Village Resort in the King Kamehameha Club cordials are still served in the Club Lounge from 8:00 to 10:00p.m. nightly.


When you arrive, please identify yourself as a club guest and the cast members will assist you in getting out to the Hawaii Longhouse where you can be checked in.


If you have further questions and concerns, please contact our office.


Have a magical day!

Thanks for sharing this .

First time staying on CL as an adult, and we're here at the YC now. Can't say that I'm impressed so far, and rather disappointed really. Our first room was a total bust, so we asked if we could pay for an upgrade. CL person gave us a 4th floor room, keeping CL access, but it was even worse than the first room (musty, desperate need of an upgrade, and looked over a roof but slated as a lagoon view). Went to the front desk, and they moved us to a gorgeous room on the 3rd floor keeping CL access. I find it very strange that the front desk was more helpful than the CL people.

We haven't hit up the entire food offerings yet, but the dessert options were just okay. Standard cookies, brownie bites, and some liqueurs. Didn't see any beer or wine. I will say that the lounge area is very nice, and I do like the balcony attached to it. But the food so far does not seem worth the extra cost.

Finally, texting the CL people for fast pass help hasn't been fruitful so far. We've gotten some of our party on a fast pass for this evening (we've all burned through three already), but for two of us it's being iffy. Texted CL for help, and all they responded with was "no availability." Which is weird, because I'm seeing plenty of availability on my end, it just won't let me through. My guess is that the system doesn't think we have been through our 3 fast passes, but who knows.

I hate being negative about WDW, especially since I do have so much fun here, but I guess I expected more help from the CL people. Total bummer for our real first time on CL. Here's to hoping it turns for the better!

I'm sorry your first CL stay has been less than stellar. It's sad that the CL CMs weren't very helpful, but glad the front desk was able to get your room switched. Hope the remainder of your trip is great .

Hello!! Just home from our first Club Level stay (and maybe the last?!?!). We were at GF Sugarloaf... Don't get me me wrong, we had a great vacation, but I think next time I would rather just order from Garden Grocer and get a larger villa room. We were a little cramped with myself, DH, DS (7), DD (5), and DD (3). The CL was friendly and often poured us wine/ champagne "doubles" in TO GO cups if we were walking down to fireworks or heading back to the room, but food wasn't really all that exciting... No cordials, as I have said on a previous post, and apps and desserts got a little monotonous after a few days. I wasn't "wowed". Also it was after 5:00 on our check in day that we finally got our room text. I had to go to the front desk and inquire, she said that that has been happening quite often lately, housekeeping hasn't been communicating when rooms are ready... Anyhoo, we had a great time, but really not any better than WL last year, (Woods View) and Garden Grocer delivery... which was considerably less expensive... and I am picky.

Thanks for your review. I'm sorry you weren't thrilled with your SL stay. It seems CL is changing at every resort (some more than others), and not for the better .

I emailed the IPO at the Grand Floridian yesterday to confirm about some of the cutbacks. They replied by saying that at the moment they do have a form of curbside and escort to club level depending on cast member availability. They also confirmed they have eliminated the cordials but that a selection of wines would still be available.

As an addition they stated that they are always testing new offerings to the concierge lounge and that the above may change before our visit in July!

I'm hoping it doesn't mean that there will be more cutbacks!

Thanks for this information .

So between when I booked YC last month and when I just checked the CL description this morning, it no longer says anything about being personally greeted upon arrival or that you will receive any kind of welcoming (still mentions turndown) - did they do away with the champagne as well? A regular garden-level room is now available for my dates and I'm wondering if I should switch and forego club......

It's sad when deciding whether or not to book CL becomes a tough decision based on not knowing exactly what you're going to get once you arrive. It's one thing to debate whether or not you want to pay the extra to get the services, but it's another to not know ahead of time just what those services/perks are. It seems like all the resorts are making individual changes for that particular resort and nothing is across the board, so you just don't know what you will get until you get there. If Disney feels certain perks/services should be taken away that's their choice, but I think they need to adjust all resorts equally so guests know what they're getting (or not getting) with CL.

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

I just don't get this. People are paying $200 extra per night to stay CL at GF. Is it possible that they are really eating that much worth of snacks and beverages each day, even if they tried? I wish I could see their calculations.

Staying CL is not just about saving money on food for us - it is truly a convenience. Now that our kids are older and we go to DW more often - we do not get up for park opening. I love the convenience of getting up early and going for coffee and breakfast with ours kids that get up early. We definitely eat breakfast and some sort of other snack throughout the day. We park hop a lot and are usually back at the room during the day at some time. If you aren't going to be around the resort much then the convenience isn't worth it either. Depending on when I book - I do have to say that with all the discounts - sometimes I got the CL for only $60 more a night. I was looking yesterday and the Poly TPV room was more expensive than the Poly CL GV room when we are traveling. It really does depend on when you go and when you book.

 

[crazy_for_the_dis]

Staying CL is not just about saving money on food for us - it is truly a convenience. Now that our kids are older and we go to DW more often - we do not get up for park opening. I love the convenience of getting up early and going for coffee and breakfast with ours kids that get up early. We definitely eat breakfast and some sort of other snack throughout the day. We park hop a lot and are usually back at the room during the day at some time. If you aren't going to be around the resort much then the convenience isn't worth it either. Depending on when I book - I do have to say that with all the discounts - sometimes I got the CL for only $60 more a night. I was looking yesterday and the Poly TPV room was more expensive than the Poly CL GV room when we are traveling. It really does depend on when you go and when you book.

Thanks for posting this, since I have felt the same way. My CL room is discounted with the TA I booked through, and the price is lower than non CL rooms at the same resort. It is lower than what I pay for some regular hotel rooms in some cities. I think the costs are very reasonable.

 

[DisDad4Life]

I just don't get this. People are paying $200 extra per night to stay CL at GF. Is it possible that they are really eating that much worth of snacks and beverages each day, even if they tried? I wish I could see their calculations.

We'll be staying at the YC CL and when I compared the cost of it with the cost of a Garden/Woods View room it came out to $150 more per night. With five adults in our party that calculated to $30 per night per person. We do take advantage of the morning offerings and often the afternoon and/or evening offerings when we take breaks from the parks as well as an adult beverage or two (three?) each day. All of that plus the lounge to relax in and the great service we've had from the club CMs is worth it to us to stay CL.

 

[saintrob]

We love CL as we don't get to the parks for opening and enjoy the breakfast. We also have a lot of pool time during the day so do pop back to the lounge for drinks and we also enjoy a glass of wine before heading to the parks in the evening. We haven't made a great use of the cordials as we're normally out and about although on the odd occasion it has been nice to return early and have a nightcap!

Apart from over the Christmas period we've managed to secure our bookings either on a bounceback or AP rate which we've considered as good value. It's the whole convenience and relaxation element of CL that we really like and I hope that the cutbacks don't affect this.

 

[Eastern]

We'll be staying at the YC CL and when I compared the cost of it with the cost of a Garden/Woods View room it came out to $150 more per night. With five adults in our party that calculated to $30 per night per person. We do take advantage of the morning offerings and often the afternoon and/or evening offerings when we take breaks from the parks as well as an adult beverage or two (three?) each day. All of that plus the lounge to relax in and the great service we've had from the club CMs is worth it to us to stay CL.

It's definitely a better value if you have more than 2 adults in the room. ita

 

[Eastern]

Staying CL is not just about saving money on food for us - it is truly a convenience. Now that our kids are older and we go to DW more often - we do not get up for park opening. I love the convenience of getting up early and going for coffee and breakfast with ours kids that get up early. We definitely eat breakfast and some sort of other snack throughout the day. We park hop a lot and are usually back at the room during the day at some time. If you aren't going to be around the resort much then the convenience isn't worth it either. Depending on when I book - I do have to say that with all the discounts - sometimes I got the CL for only $60 more a night. I was looking yesterday and the Poly TPV room was more expensive than the Poly CL GV room when we are traveling. It really does depend on when you go and when you book.

And of course I would agree that it is a better value if you are using the resort, paying less per night ($60 extra per night would be a great deal), and have multiple adults, children, or grandparents in your room, also using the facilities.

But of course if more people book this way, they will make less profits, and cost cutting will get even worse. And it can always get worse.

 

[Eastern]

Totally agree. The cost of ONE club level room difference per day more than covers the cost of ALL the food and drink for the day for EVERYONE, I'm sure. Food & drink costs to an entity like WDW are pennies. So, I don't get the reason you'd endanger the whole program by skimping to save $20 a day.

I have an upcoming POFQ stay and I keep looking at other resorts. But then I see that even the next cheapest price upgrade is like $800 and I think, that would pay for food for 5 days (or a good portion of it). I feel like I am getting free dining just by staying at a mod.

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

Thanks for posting this, since I have felt the same way. My CL room is discounted with the TA I booked through, and the price is lower than non CL rooms at the same resort. It is lower than what I pay for some regular hotel rooms in some cities. I think the costs are very reasonable.

I agree completely. We got a CL room at the Poly for a nice discount. I just love the convenience for coffee and breakfast.

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

And of course I would agree that it is a better value if you are using the resort, paying less per night ($60 extra per night would be a great deal), and have multiple adults, children, or grandparents in your room, also using the facilities.

But of course if more people book this way, they will make less profits, and cost cutting will get even worse. And it can always get worse.

I agree that the great discounting is not good for their profit. But I would pay $200 extra a night for CL if we will be at the resort to enjoy it. We are a family of 6 and the BWI and WL have a CL room that sleeps 6 and it is well worth it than us getting 2 rooms. When we travel with family of friends and get 2 rooms - as a PP said - it is not much per person additional for the added comfort. We love the convenience.

 

[tarak]

I'll be honest, I might not notice cutbacks unless they got rid of the oatmeal and fruit in the morning, the chips in the afternoon, and the wine at night, because that's really what I take advantage of. Well, that and the extra space provided by the lounge. I don't know that I'd pay for the Poly again. I love it at this resort, but the price difference is just too high for me. For the heck of it, I threw in some dates in the website, and CL at BWI came in at $65 more per night than a standard room. That was with the summer discount and it would be more than worth it to me.

 

[SuperJ]

Got my little vacation booklet in the mail yesterday. It says I'm staying at YC and as a concierge guest, I will enjoy access to "The Old Faithful Club." I thought that was odd so I double-checked online and, sure enough, that's the name of the WL CL and YC is called "Regatta." This silly typo in no way impacts my vacation, but I think it's another example of how the company continues to lose its once amazing attention to detail.

 

[Tuptup]

Sorry to hear about the room runaround you got at the start of your vacation, but hopefully things only get better from here on in. I'll be interested to see any more thoughts and opinions you might have about the YC CL during your stay as we'll be there in late June. We had our first YC CL stay last August and everything was wonderful - no complaints - but that was before all the recent negativity about cutbacks, reduced perceived customer service, etc.

We're going to YC CL towards the end of June and I've been wondering, based on all the CL complaints on the boards, whether it's worth it. We booked it at the summer savings rate (only reason we did - the CL room was cheaper than the only non-CL rooms left and we want Stormalong Bay) so I probably won't end up canceling but I think I am going to keep a closer eye on the website for vacancies at lower rates because it sounds like CL isn't worth ANY extra cost anymore.

I will say that having the lounge at night and in the morning has been great. The food isn't I'd-definitely-pay-$100-daily-for-this food, but we also got it at a lower rate from the spring discount, so it has been nice. We will eat breakfast up there, have a quick service lunch in the park, and make a dinner out of the h'ors d'oeuvres in the evening, so it does save some money between the two of us. The lounge people have been helpful too. I saw them bring out some gluten free bread and discuss some options with another family, so that's a positive!

I'm starting to think that it's YC in general (or maybe WDW in general with all the other comments I've seen) that has some real misses in terms of customer service. We have the after hours event for tonight in MK, and we had will call tickets, but we weren't sure exactly what "any ticket sales center" meant for picking them up. We called the front desk, they told us to go to concierge. Concierge blankly said "we don't know because it's new, but we don't have them." So I went to BC concierge, and they told me exactly where to go (guest services at any park). I know not everyone has answers, but so far the YC, CL and front desk/concierge, hasn't seemed to even want to help at times.

It's just such a mixed bag -- I can't tell if it's worth the extra cost or not! We are thinking about returning for Food and Wine in September, and we may try CL again if the discount gets us low enough. I just hate to give it one go and never come back, you know? We could just be really unlucky this go-round.

 

[conandrob240]

I know we can all now book th 4th FP right from our phones. I also know that in previous months, a "golden" 4th FP good for anything was added by resort CL CMs upon request by text.

I am unclear about whether the CL CMs still do this? Not sure if people are saying it's not needed or if they are saying it can't be done by CL CMs anymore. If it can still be done by CL CMs, is it automatically a FP good for anything? Or is it based on availability and for a specific ride?