Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[mmmears]

Food...We liked the food at all three! Food at all the resorts varies over time. We've stayed at all the CL's, and several times at several of them. In some ways the food is similar at all CL"s, it also changes from visit to visit. It has been a while since I posted in this thread, but I sued to post regularly.

Perhaps I should have opened with - BC is one of our top two favorite CL's! We rank BC #1 in staff. also understand that basically BC and YC are one resort. They share ONE main kitchen. the only reason I don't rank YC the same as BC, is really only because we slightly prefer the theming of BC. We'd gladly go back to YC CL!

As I said, food varies over time, but where food was concerned, our most recent BC stay was the BEST stay we had at any CL. We really loved the additional fruit and yogurt offerings. The cost increases I could do without, but the food and service were excellent.

I couldn't agree more. The CL food up in the BC lounge this spring was a BIG improvement over our previous stays at either the YC or the BC. We loved the oatmeal bar, yogurt bar, quinoa salad, etc.

Splitting between a MK resort and an Epcot resort is great, too, since you can take advantage of being close to those parks as well.

I will say, though, that the BC CL rooms we have had felt significantly smaller than the ones at the Poly and the GF (and even the YC - I think it has to do with the slight dormer aspect to the BC CL rooms we had) and with 2 adults and 3 teens it might be a bit squishy (if that is an issue for you).

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I couldn't agree more. The CL food up in the BC lounge this spring was a BIG improvement over our previous stays at either the YC or the BC. We loved the oatmeal bar, yogurt bar, quinoa salad, etc.

Splitting between a MK resort and an Epcot resort is great, too, since you can take advantage of being close to those parks as well.

I will say, though, that the BC CL rooms we have had felt significantly smaller than the ones at the Poly and the GF (and even the YC - I think it has to do with the slight dormer aspect to the BC CL rooms we had) and with 2 adults and 3 teens it might be a bit squishy (if that is an issue for you).

Oh yes. Poly rooms are much bigger than any of the other hotels off the monorail. It was built when they weren't trying to put as many people in each hotel.
That is the big sell to me at the monorail resorts.. Bigger rooms!

 

[mickey2minnie1]

Thank you all for the information. What a great help!!!

The view at the Poly CL is what I love best so that is my main priority. Depending on the number of days we do in Disney will determine if we split. The bigger rooms are better for us too.

It sounds like BC would be second choice.

Thanks again!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I will say, though, that the BC CL rooms we have had felt significantly smaller than the ones at the Poly and the GF (and even the YC - I think it has to do with the slight dormer aspect to the BC CL rooms we had) and with 2 adults and 3 teens it might be a bit squishy (if that is an issue for you).

All are in square feet:

BWK rooms = 435 , suites 1,000
CR = 436
Poly = 409
YC/BC = 380 (though CL rooms are slightly larger according to my old guide book)
GF are about 400, except dormer and other special rooms

The guidebook doesn't list deluxe room sizes.

IMO, though the rooms at Poly and CR are technically larger than BC, the layout isn't as efficient, especially the closet area. The metal bar across the middle of the closet, and having two split closets makes them less useful IMO. But then, we tend to kind of live out of our suitcase. (as opposed to putting stuff in the drawers). I put one on the luggage rack, and otherwise I often put one on a desk/table.

I also like lots of counter space in the bathroom. At CR, we end up using only one of the two (odd, square and very flat bottomed) sinks. We use the other one just as counter space.

CR at least has shelves and desk space in the rest of the room. IMO, all hotels should have lots of counter and shelf space! And plenty of luggage racks!

 

[JodyLynC]

Sorry, what is BWK?

 

[mickeyluv'r]

BWK = Boardwalk

Sorry, I tend to go by hotel name abbreviations over the names of the different Club levels.

When I see RPC, my mind thinks Royal Pacific Club level (over at US), which is very nice, by the way.

 

[Missymoe4]

Oh yes. Poly rooms are much bigger than any of the other hotels off the monorail. It was built when they weren't trying to put as many people in each hotel.
That is the big sell to me at the monorail resorts.. Bigger rooms!

That is half true. A typical room at the Grand Floridian is 440 square feet, Poly 415 and the Contemp. is 394 square feet (on average). This site has some great information: https://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/hotels/disneys-contemporary-resort

You are correct in saying that a standard room at a MK resort are bigger than those at the others (Boardwalk, Yacht, Beach Club). Save for the Wilderness Lodge, if you want a big room you cannot go wrong with any of the MK resorts.

Staying at both the Poly and the Contemp, I feel the Contemp's rooms feel larger because they are wider. The Poly rooms seem longer. The last two statements are based on my opinion, so please don't quote me.

 

[Missymoe4]

All are in square feet:

BWK rooms = 435 , suites 1,000
CR = 436
Poly = 409
YC/BC = 380 (though CL rooms are slightly larger according to my old guide book)
GF are about 400, except dormer and other special rooms

The guidebook doesn't list deluxe room sizes.

IMO, though the rooms at Poly and CR are technically larger than BC, the layout isn't as efficient, especially the closet area. The metal bar across the middle of the closet, and having two split closets makes them less useful IMO. But then, we tend to kind of live out of our suitcase. (as opposed to putting stuff in the drawers). I put one on the luggage rack, and otherwise I often put one on a desk/table.

I also like lots of counter space in the bathroom. At CR, we end up using only one of the two (odd, square and very flat bottomed) sinks. We use the other one just as counter space.

CR at least has shelves and desk space in the rest of the room. IMO, all hotels should have lots of counter and shelf space! And plenty of luggage racks!

I think the Boardwalk numbers are off. I have never seen one above 395 (typical room).

And it's listed as 371 square feet for a typical room. https://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/hotels/disneys-boardwalk-inn

The smallest rooms are definitely at the Wilderness. 3 adults in one room is not a good situation.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I think the Boardwalk numbers are off. I have never seen one above 395 (typical room).

And it's listed as 371 square feet for a typical room. https://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/hotels/disneys-boardwalk-inn

The smallest rooms are definitely at the Wilderness. 3 adults in one room is not a good situation.

I got my numbers from a copy of Passporter. The parent website of the DIS: WDWinfo.com ALSO says BWK rooms are 434 square feet.

Passporter says, WL rooms = 350 square feet. (though doesn't specify CL), while WDWinfo says 340.

Passporter says AKL standard are 344, but floor 5 rooms are 381. (to be fair, my guide dates to when AKL was new, before AKL added DVC.) I don't see room sizes easily listed on WDWinfo's AKL page.

Mousavers only says AKL at 344 is smallest, and GF at 440 is largest.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I am confused.. I have seen a few different places saying where the AKL CL rooms are. Some say 5th floor and some say 4th.. Which is it and are they all Arusha views?

 

[rcraw45425]

Actually, after staying CL at BWK earlier this week, the room did seen to be decent sized. Our last few stays though have been CR and Polynesian though but I found the layout of the BWK room to not seem cramped. Nothing can help with AKL and WL rooms though, they really do seem tight for four adults!

 

[eeyore81]

If you are staying in a standard club level room then it will be on the 4th floor Arusha view. If your room is a DVC room then it could be on the 5th or 6th floor and could have a Savannah room or not.

 

[TeeterTots]

If you want club level for DVC at AKV, they are only on 6th floor. You'll have a pool/roof view or savannah view. Luck of the draw.

 

[mmmears]

I am confused.. I have seen a few different places saying where the AKL CL rooms are. Some say 5th floor and some say 4th.. Which is it and are they all Arusha views?

The 5th floor info is very old info. All of the CL rooms (other than the few DVC ones on the 6th floor) and now located on the 4th floor and they face the Arusha Savanna. We love AKL CL and have fit 3 adults (well, 2 adults and one teen) in a room with no issues, but the rooms are considerably smaller than those on the monorail.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Thank you!

We have stayed at AKL many times but this is our first CL stay there.

I do prefer GF and CR CL but my daughter wanted to stay at AKL this trip.

We once had a 5th floor Arusha DVC room and we really couldn't see the animals under the tree canopies.

3 sleeps!!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Sorry for any confusion on AKL.

AKL was nice during our last stay. We had a few issues, but our stay was now a while ago, and I posted more than enough details about it at the time. I've read that they have since made significant changes to the lounge area and food offerings.

I don't know if they still offer warm quinoa at breakfast (alongside traditional oatmeal), but that was a very nice treat!

 

[anjalee6]

Sorry for any confusion on AKL.

AKL was nice during our last stay. We had a few issues, but our stay was now a while ago, and I posted more than enough details about it at the time. I've read that they have since made significant changes to the lounge area and food offerings.

I don't know if they still offer warm quinoa at breakfast (alongside traditional oatmeal), but that was a very nice treat!

Our last stay was last summer and there was quinoa and oatmeal each morning.

 

[mickeynut1]

Made the jump from a standard room (non club) at BWI to a Standard View Club Level BC for the end of the month! My parents have never stayed at the BC (YC once) and will love it I'm sure!

Have a great trip!

Mickeynut1-Thank you and you will have to try Innkeepers Club at the BWI. The CMs are worth the stay alone

You're welcome .

BWI CL is definitely on my list to try, especially after reading so many great things about the CMs .

Thank you!! I am currently so excited I can't STAND it! I'm actually about to embark on my CURRENT WDW trip on Monday for a week at AKL!!! First time on property AND celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary. I'm beyond excited!!! It will also be my parents first time on property when they go. We have dining plans, everything. I don't want them to lift a finger.

AKL is amazing! Have a great anniversary trip .

I'm sure your parents will have a great time when they go .

I am planning a trip for my family next June. We have loved the Poly CL the two times we have done it in the past, although some of the latest reviews have not been the best.

I am thinking of maybe doing a split to try another. I have narrowed it down to YCCL, BCCL, or BWICL. My DH wants GF, but I think that is just over budget.

I have three teens and type of food is most important.

Any suggestions? It would be a total of 6 or 7 nights, ending with the Poly. Thank you so much in advance!!

We've never stayed CL at the BC, YC, or BWI, but if those were my choices, I'd go with BWI CL. I have seen some positive reports on BC CL and YC CL recently, but BWI CL seems to always get rave reviews .

In all honesty, we look at our CL vacation as more about which lounge is the most relaxing, offers the best views, and is easy to go back and forth to the pools

This is how we feel as well. When we stay CL, we do it more for the lounge/atmosphere than the food .

We LOVE Poly CL -- it's our favorite along with RPC!

I love RPC, so I'm really excited to try Poly CL .

I will say, though, that the BC CL rooms we have had felt significantly smaller than the ones at the Poly and the GF

I agree. We haven't stayed CL at the BC, but I found the standard rooms to be quite a bit smaller than Poly and GF.

Nothing can help with AKL and WL rooms though, they really do seem tight for four adults!

We have 2 grown boys and while we do ok at WL/AKL, we do notice a difference in room size compared to the Poly & GF where the rooms are definitely larger/more spacious (and they have daybeds, which is an extra perk) .

We love AKL CL and have fit 3 adults (well, 2 adults and one teen) in a room with no issues, but the rooms are considerably smaller than those on the monorail.

I agree!

 

[eeyore81]

Just booked a quick 3 day trip for AKL Club Level for December!!! I should have booked a bounce back when we were there in May--oh well. Here's to hoping for discounts soon.

 

[Lovinallthingsdisney]

Just added onto our November Yacht Club stay...added a couple nights at the GF (SL). 11/15-17 at GF, 17-23 at YC. Very excited.