Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[inkedupmomma]

Thanks for your review, appreciate you taking the time to post. We stayed RPC back in Feb (first time) and honestly a lot of what you say above resonates with our experience as well. Particularly the CMs not being overly friendly/happy and lack luster check-in. Sometimes I wonder if my concern about GF being too stuffy was a self-fulfilling thought that influenced our stay. We found we enjoyed GF for more of the overall resort offerings and physical setting (lobby, pools, kids splash area, shops, beach, etc) vs being in love with the CL experience there. I remember thinking when we left I'd have a hard time justifying the extreme cost of RPC in the future outside of a special occasion.

Now all of that being said (and I guess I'm part of the problem here), I would still willingly book RPC again, although would likely give SL a try next time. I was just looking at our photos last weekend and it was giving me the feels to go back.

BTW, how were the cabins? We visited friends staying in one a few trips ago. DS did not want to leave, thought FW was the coolest place ever.

We honestly entered the experience with hearts wide open. We frequent GF often, so knew what we were getting ourselves into, or so we thought. Again, I'm not sure what we expected, but we didn't just weren't feeling the love..or like for that matter (except from the amazing club level servers, they were very sweet!) The price IMO could NOT be justified. Maybe if there was a steep room discount.

The cabins were AMAZING! If you like the idea of camping even bit or hate it but like the idea of clamping then its a great fit! It felt Disney and not Disney all at the same time! The whole experience was awesome. Trails End restaurant is truly a hidden gem. The grounds are HUGE and you could spend a few days just hanging at the cabin and make a vacation of it. really can't say enough good things. Only drawback, and it really isn't one, is that the bunk beds imo were too close to the queen bed and there is only one bathroom. The refurbs are so nice though, and we would def stay again!

 

[mickeynut1]

Oh, we did! Honestly, we didn't let any of it bug us, just reporting back here because I find these boards and all Disney forums so helpful to us! Cabins were actually surprisingly awesome ( the golf cart is a must, so fun!) and YC had wonderful cast members, but the rooms could def use a refurb! Great location though! Staying in a regular GF room in December ( DD dream and her sweet 16 trip) and I am curious to see how it goes

Glad you had a great time. I always like reading both the good and bad/not-so-great reviews as not everyone has the same experiences. Thanks for your honest review. Hope you have a great time in December .

Trails End restaurant is truly a hidden gem.

Trails End is on our list to try as I'm always reading great reviews about it .

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

Trails End is on our list to try as I'm always reading great reviews about it .

I know this is in the wrong thread but I had to give my review of the Trail's End. I have to say we finally tried Trail's End and we are so sorry we haven't tried it sooner. The first part of our split stay this summer was at the POR RR. We went to have breakfast once at the Riverside Mill. I almost walked out. If my son wasn't that hungry we would have. None of us ate there but him. The food was premade and just thrown on a plate waiting for someone to order it and take it. I had to take a plate of eggs and pancakes that was already on the counter with some of the eggs on the counter. There was so many people it was unbelievable. For his plate of food plus an orange juice and a coffee it cost $18. The next day we decided to try the Trail's End I can't even believe the different. Besides the food being fresh and delicious, the variety was unbelievable and endless as it is a buffet. We couldn't even try everything. Plus the price is $20 per person including drinks. We had the TIW discount so it cost us less than at the Riverside Mill and it was relaxing. Our server was so sweet. Yes it is a hike to get there - but it is well worth it. It is an easy boat ride from MK.

 

[lklasing]

Please forgive me if this is already addressed in this thread - at 311 pages, I can't make it all the way through to find out!

The last time I stayed club level at WDW was almost 10 years ago so I'm certain this may have changed, but back then, I believe we were able to make our ADRs before the regular ADR window opened up. Is that still true? In other words, does club level have the ability to make ADRs prior to 180 days before the first day of the trip?

Thanks for any feedback!

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

Please forgive me if this is already addressed in this thread - at 311 pages, I can't make it all the way through to find out!

The last time I stayed club level at WDW was almost 10 years ago so I'm certain this may have changed, but back then, I believe we were able to make our ADRs before the regular ADR window opened up. Is that still true? In other words, does club level have the ability to make ADRs prior to 180 days before the first day of the trip?

Thanks for any feedback!

No sorry you cannot do that. I wish you could - that would be a great perk!

 

[lklasing]

Thanks! That's what I figured since I haven't heard anything about it but thought I'd check.

 

[HBGdancermom]

Hi CL friends! I am travelling back to the World with my daughter, her friend and her mom in January. The girls are going to be dancing at Disney.



Anyway, I am having some trouble deciding where we should stay. We have a room block at CBR but for some reason I don't want to stay there since I have been bit by the CL bug and really enjoy the resorts and amenities. I really would like to stay at Poly CL but am trying to justify the cost in my mind. I'm looking for your expert opinions...

Poly CL (10% winter dsct) for 4 nights: $2615 (main concern is price)
BWI CL (25% visa dsct): $2079.02 (I've stayed here before and loved it, but was a little concerned about renovations)
AKL CL (25% dcst): $1,851 (main concern being location)

I have stayed at BWI before but know we will be spending a lot of time at MK so that's why I was leaning toward Poly. I also didn't know about AKL and having to take a bus everywhere. I know the animals would be a big hit though.

I really appreciated all opinions. Thanks!!

 

[kcpinwdw]

I really appreciated all opinions.

okay I am not a widely experienced CL person... but I just stayed Poly CL and I would not pay that price for 4 nights. With those choices I would probably pick AKL actually, and make the vacation pretty centered around the resort. The animals are amazing and the resort is very relaxing, albeit large. We found the bus service at AKL to be decent. I think the $800 difference in price can probably go a long way in Uber fares when you don't want to wait too

 

[Mousemommy1]

I am so excited because we have officially booked next years trip!! We are finally staying at Poly CL in August! I had to do a Lagoon View because options were limited under the discount, but we are thrilled!!!

We have stayed CL at WL, YC and BC, and have always wanted to stay at the Poly but haven't because of construction and stuff, but next year will be the year!! I can't wait!!

So, the lagoon view...it seems as though those would face in the same side as TPV, no? Any chance we can get a glimpse, or side glimpse of the castle?


OH! And our dates are 8/20/17 - 8/29/17 for page 1!

 

[Mike&AllisMom]

Hi CL friends! I am travelling back to the World with my daughter, her friend and her mom in January. The girls are going to be dancing at Disney.



Anyway, I am having some trouble deciding where we should stay. We have a room block at CBR but for some reason I don't want to stay there since I have been bit by the CL bug and really enjoy the resorts and amenities. I really would like to stay at Poly CL but am trying to justify the cost in my mind. I'm looking for your expert opinions...

Poly CL (10% winter dsct) for 4 nights: $2615 (main concern is price)
BWI CL (25% visa dsct): $2079.02 (I've stayed here before and loved it, but was a little concerned about renovations)
AKL CL (25% dcst): $1,851 (main concern being location)

I have stayed at BWI before but know we will be spending a lot of time at MK so that's why I was leaning toward Poly. I also didn't know about AKL and having to take a bus everywhere. I know the animals would be a big hit though.

I really appreciated all opinions. Thanks!!

I would not pay that price for Poly. I would also not stay at AKL if you are going to spend most of your time at MK. My vote is for BWI

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

I really appreciated all opinions. Thanks!!

As much as I would love to stay at the AKL someday - I would not stay there when I am spending most of my time at MK. We love the BWI CL a lot and love the Boardwalk night life - but we just stayed at the Poly and truly loved it the most. We love that you can sit on the beach and watch the fireworks or in the lounge and just talk late at night. If you won't be spending much time at the resort than I would do the BWI - but if you have some down time than I would stay at the Poly.

 

[TJA]

Hi CL friends! I am travelling back to the World with my daughter, her friend and her mom in January. The girls are going to be dancing at Disney.



Anyway, I am having some trouble deciding where we should stay. We have a room block at CBR but for some reason I don't want to stay there since I have been bit by the CL bug and really enjoy the resorts and amenities. I really would like to stay at Poly CL but am trying to justify the cost in my mind. I'm looking for your expert opinions...

Poly CL (10% winter dsct) for 4 nights: $2615 (main concern is price)
BWI CL (25% visa dsct): $2079.02 (I've stayed here before and loved it, but was a little concerned about renovations)
AKL CL (25% dcst): $1,851 (main concern being location)

I have stayed at BWI before but know we will be spending a lot of time at MK so that's why I was leaning toward Poly. I also didn't know about AKL and having to take a bus everywhere. I know the animals would be a big hit though.

I really appreciated all opinions. Thanks!!

I'm thinking since you'll only be there 4 nights and will be mostly at MK, then Poly makes the most sense. I know it's a steep price. Believe me, I think about that every time I book it. However, my justification is that we love Poly CL so much that it enhances our family time together and makes our vacation that much better. You can watch Wishes from the lounge or the beach, or your room if you book that type. The boat to MK is nice and quick. Also can't beat having the TTC right next to Poly too.

 

[TJA]

I am so excited because we have officially booked next years trip!! We are finally staying at Poly CL in August! I had to do a Lagoon View because options were limited under the discount, but we are thrilled!!!

We have stayed CL at WL, YC and BC, and have always wanted to stay at the Poly but haven't because of construction and stuff, but next year will be the year!! I can't wait!!

So, the lagoon view...it seems as though those would face in the same side as TPV, no? Any chance we can get a glimpse, or side glimpse of the castle?


OH! And our dates are 8/20/17 - 8/29/17 for page 1!

I am a big Poly CL LV fan! Yes, the LV rooms face the same way as the TPV rooms. Main difference is now the bungalows block the perfect TPV on the 1st floor, so a lot of those old TPV rooms are now LV. But....we still love them! We always request 1st floor and so far have always received it. We stayed 3rd floor a few times and LOVE that too (absolutely perfect view on the 3rd floor!), but most of those rooms are TPV. Here's my last pics from our July 4 week:

Room 1505 LV. Views from our patio.
To the left:

Straight ahead:

Zoomed in from the right side of our patio:

We had 1503 for 3 trips in a row and that LV was slightly better because we could see the tip of the Castle from all spots on our patio. In 1505, we had to be on the far right side of our patio to see the Castle tip.

However, both rooms offered a perfect view of Wishes!!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Hi CL friends! I am travelling back to the World with my daughter, her friend and her mom in January. The girls are going to be dancing at Disney.



Anyway, I am having some trouble deciding where we should stay. We have a room block at CBR but for some reason I don't want to stay there since I have been bit by the CL bug and really enjoy the resorts and amenities. I really would like to stay at Poly CL but am trying to justify the cost in my mind. I'm looking for your expert opinions...

Poly CL (10% winter dsct) for 4 nights: $2615 (main concern is price)
BWI CL (25% visa dsct): $2079.02 (I've stayed here before and loved it, but was a little concerned about renovations)
AKL CL (25% dcst): $1,851 (main concern being location)

I have stayed at BWI before but know we will be spending a lot of time at MK so that's why I was leaning toward Poly. I also didn't know about AKL and having to take a bus everywhere. I know the animals would be a big hit though.

I really appreciated all opinions. Thanks!!

How exciting! I will caveat that I have never stayed BWI or AKL, but I think Poly CL is an excellent choice given your circumstances. I am very much a Poly lover and have become pretty good at convincing myself the cost is worth it. Here are some thoughts from my perspective:

• With a shorter trip and a MK focus, you really can't beat the ease/convenience of the Poly location. Quick monorail or boat ride readily available. If you and the other mom want some adult time you can walk to the TTC and take the monorail to Epcot. Walkability to TTC is one of the most underrated aspects of Poly IMHO.
• I like the idea of a short/four day stay at the more "expensive" CLs like Poly, GF, etc. If it turns out you hate it, it's not like you've blown the bank on a week long trip. If you love it, you know what it's all about and can be comfortable possibly spending that kind of money on future trips if it strikes you.
• Are you and the other mom/daughter sharing a room? If so, Poly CL is PERFECT as you can use the lounge as a place to hang out while others in your party are getting ready. Just gives you more space. The Poly lounge never closes and the Hawaii building is not very big - all rooms are reasonably close to the lounge, which is not the case at some other resorts.
• The only downside I see is that your trip is in Jan and using/enjoying the pools may be hit/miss depending on the weather (assuming that's of interest). The pools/relaxing by the pool/enjoying the beach are integral parts of our enjoyment of the Poly. But the pools are heated and Hawaii is a short walk to each pool (and really close to the main pool hot tub). This still doesn't change my opinion above, you just may not get the full Poly vibe if it's cold.
• Question - where are you getting the 10% discount? I didn't think the winter discounts were out yet (not that I've been watching or anything...)? Is that the historical discount?

Whatever you decide, I hope you have a great trip! Please report back!

 

[OnceUponATime15]

@GADisneyDad14 The Disney Chase Visa offer for Winter/17 came out today - Both RO and Stay/Play/Dine
Jan?/17 to March 7/17

Expected to be released to the general public Oct 1/16
Bookable until Dec 21/16

 

[yaksack]

What do you extras do you get for CL? The only perk i think that is good is the food.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I am a big Poly CL LV fan! Yes, the LV rooms face the same way as the TPV rooms. Main difference is now the bungalows block the perfect TPV on the 1st floor, so a lot of those old TPV rooms are now LV. But....we still love them! We always request 1st floor and so far have always received it. We stayed 3rd floor a few times and LOVE that too (absolutely perfect view on the 3rd floor!), but most of those rooms are TPV. Here's my last pics from our July 4 week:

Room 1505 LV. Views from our patio.
To the left:

Straight ahead:

Zoomed in from the right side of our patio:

We had 1503 for 3 trips in a row and that LV was slightly better because we could see the tip of the Castle from all spots on our patio. In 1505, we had to be on the far right side of our patio to see the Castle tip.

However, both rooms offered a perfect view of Wishes!!

This is great! I'm so excited!!! I would request 3rd floor because we like higher floors and want a balcony, so maybe I'll see that castle...and WISHES!!!

I told my DH about how there were no garden views available, so I had to take LV, and I thought he would be irritated, but he said "does this mean you can watch Wishes from the room?" I was like, I think so! He got all giddy...so I think the room is a keeper!

 

[mickeynut1]

I know this is in the wrong thread but I had to give my review of the Trail's End. I have to say we finally tried Trail's End and we are so sorry we haven't tried it sooner. The first part of our split stay this summer was at the POR RR. We went to have breakfast once at the Riverside Mill. I almost walked out. If my son wasn't that hungry we would have. None of us ate there but him. The food was premade and just thrown on a plate waiting for someone to order it and take it. I had to take a plate of eggs and pancakes that was already on the counter with some of the eggs on the counter. There was so many people it was unbelievable. For his plate of food plus an orange juice and a coffee it cost $18. The next day we decided to try the Trail's End I can't even believe the different. Besides the food being fresh and delicious, the variety was unbelievable and endless as it is a buffet. We couldn't even try everything. Plus the price is $20 per person including drinks. We had the TIW discount so it cost us less than at the Riverside Mill and it was relaxing. Our server was so sweet. Yes it is a hike to get there - but it is well worth it. It is an easy boat ride from MK.

Thanks for your input on Trails End. Riverside Mill doesn't sound very magical and while every restaurant has its bad days, your experience sounds like more than just a "bad day". Being served pre-made food isn't very enticing . On a happier note, Trails End sounds great and will definitely be on our list to try next trip.

Hi CL friends! I am travelling back to the World with my daughter, her friend and her mom in January. The girls are going to be dancing at Disney.



Anyway, I am having some trouble deciding where we should stay. We have a room block at CBR but for some reason I don't want to stay there since I have been bit by the CL bug and really enjoy the resorts and amenities. I really would like to stay at Poly CL but am trying to justify the cost in my mind. I'm looking for your expert opinions...

Poly CL (10% winter dsct) for 4 nights: $2615 (main concern is price)
BWI CL (25% visa dsct): $2079.02 (I've stayed here before and loved it, but was a little concerned about renovations)
AKL CL (25% dcst): $1,851 (main concern being location)

I have stayed at BWI before but know we will be spending a lot of time at MK so that's why I was leaning toward Poly. I also didn't know about AKL and having to take a bus everywhere. I know the animals would be a big hit though.

I really appreciated all opinions. Thanks!!

My first choice would be Poly CL since you will be spending a lot of time at MK, with AKL CL my 2nd choice. AKL is out away from from everything, but we find the buses to be fine as it doesn't take more than maybe 5 extra minutes to get around compared to other resorts. Also, since the buses only service AKL and Kidani, there's no sharing with any other resort(s). Good luck, although I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter which resort you choose .

You can watch Wishes from the lounge or the beach, or your room if you book that type. The boat to MK is nice and quick. Also can't beat having the TTC right next to Poly too.

These are just a few of the many reasons we love the Poly .

Room 1505 LV. Views from our patio.
To the left:

Straight ahead:

Zoomed in from the right side of our patio:

As always, awesome pics, TJA .

What do you extras do you get for CL? The only perk i think that is good is the food.

While the food offerings are a nice perk, it's not our main reason for staying CL. We don't stay CL every trip, but when we do, it's more for the lounge and having another place to relax rather than in the room or around the resort. We do enjoy the breakfast offerings and are sometimes around for the evening apps and desserts, but the lounge itself is our main draw when staying CL .

 

[pixarmom]

While the food offerings are a nice perk, it's not our main reason for staying CL. We don't stay CL every trip, but when we do, it's more for the lounge and having another place to relax rather than in the room or around the resort. We do enjoy the breakfast offerings and are sometimes around for the evening apps and desserts, but the lounge itself is our main draw when staying CL .

I agree! The extra space in the lounge is a significant benefit to us. Our youngest son is very social and really enjoys the opportunity to meet other kids and talk with the CMs. My husband often uses the lounge early in the morning to work, and mid-day for a quiet space if he needs to make a call (and most are out in the parks at that time.) After the marathon a couple years ago, many of us (my family and other families) watched playoff games in the Poly lounge upstairs. Really convenient to have beverages available and then families ordered pizza or brought in food from Captain Cook's. My husband and I also use it as a 15-minute date spot after our kids are settled in at night (oldest is 17, so we're not leaving tiny kids in the room!)

Breakfast is also a huge draw for us. We're a family of five rotating in and out of the bathroom in the morning and waking up at different times. So breakfast is not only included in the price, but incredibly convenient. Our youngest is up super early and doesn't have to wait for his teen brothers to be showered and ready to go before starting his day - one of us just takes him to the lounge when he's ready and he can hang out with us there while the big kids move at their pace.

Finally, this can be hit or miss, but I do appreciate having CL CMs available to help with things that might come up during the stay. In some CLs, I'd never ask for help because I don't get the vibe that such requests are welcome. BWI, however, is the exception. The CL CMs there are generally outstanding, and have offered things like extra water for race weekends, extra breakfast foods to take to the room for race mornings, help with Magical Express (it was messed up once, and they fixed it for us.) When we stayed there pre-cruise, a CM was keeping an eye on the hurricanes and helping dig up last-minute info about our sailing. A CM ran in to World Showcase to grab caramel bars for me during our resort only stay - my husband tried to pay but they declined. When we decided to ditch the AKL part of our split stay and stay at BWI for the rest of the trip, they took care of everything. I still remember sitting at Blue Zoo dinner and getting the call from Pete with the good news! Years ago, they assisted us with an in-room pirate surprise - we gave them a credit card and a runner purchased all the items we ordered. Then Jackie set everything up in our room after we checked in but before the boys walked in to the room. At another lounge, CMs have given my husband attitude when he asked for a diet coke when the lounge was closed for cleaning, so it really depends.

Yesterday, I applied the visa discount to our Marathon Weekend stay, and upgraded to BWI CL, so you can tell I'm super excited about this! Erika, we're January 4-9!

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

I agree! The extra space in the lounge is a significant benefit to us. Our youngest son is very social and really enjoys the opportunity to meet other kids and talk with the CMs. My husband often uses the lounge early in the morning to work, and mid-day for a quiet space if he needs to make a call (and most are out in the parks at that time.) After the marathon a couple years ago, many of us (my family and other families) watched playoff games in the Poly lounge upstairs. Really convenient to have beverages available and then families ordered pizza or brought in food from Captain Cook's. My husband and I also use it as a 15-minute date spot after our kids are settled in at night (oldest is 17, so we're not leaving tiny kids in the room!)

Breakfast is also a huge draw for us. We're a family of five rotating in and out of the bathroom in the morning and waking up at different times. So breakfast is not only included in the price, but incredibly convenient. Our youngest is up super early and doesn't have to wait for his teen brothers to be showered and ready to go before starting his day - one of us just takes him to the lounge when he's ready and he can hang out with us there while the big kids move at their pace.

Finally, this can be hit or miss, but I do appreciate having CL CMs available to help with things that might come up during the stay. In some CLs, I'd never ask for help because I don't get the vibe that such requests are welcome. BWI, however, is the exception. The CL CMs there are generally outstanding, and have offered things like extra water for race weekends, extra breakfast foods to take to the room for race mornings, help with Magical Express (it was messed up once, and they fixed it for us.) When we stayed there pre-cruise, a CM was keeping an eye on the hurricanes and helping dig up last-minute info about our sailing. A CM ran in to World Showcase to grab caramel bars for me during our resort only stay - my husband tried to pay but they declined. When we decided to ditch the AKL part of our split stay and stay at BWI for the rest of the trip, they took care of everything. I still remember sitting at Blue Zoo dinner and getting the call from Pete with the good news! Years ago, they assisted us with an in-room pirate surprise - we gave them a credit card and a runner purchased all the items we ordered. Then Jackie set everything up in our room after we checked in but before the boys walked in to the room. At another lounge, CMs have given my husband attitude when he asked for a diet coke when the lounge was closed for cleaning, so it really depends.

Yesterday, I applied the visa discount to our Marathon Weekend stay, and upgraded to BWI CL, so you can tell I'm super excited about this! Erika, we're January 4-9!

I completely agree with you and @mickeynut1 about CLs . We have 4 children and half of us are early risers while the other half like to sleep in. I love being able to get showers over for some of us and go eat breakfast with some of the kids while my DH and the other kids sleep in. The lounge is the best part of club level. This is why we like the lounges that do not close - it is a place to sit and relax. We do not stay at the parks from morning until night so maybe if you did the CL would not be worth it. We park hop almost every day and are always back at the resort for either snacks or appetizers.

I also agree about the CMs at the BWI - they are in a class by themselves. Love Anita and Lorenzo. One time our DD was sick and Anita on her own went to get me some crackers and ginger ale when the lounge was closed. We love the Boardwalk. But I will say this trip we had great CMs at the CR CL.