Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[mickeynut1]

Awesome!!! We are at 290 days to go!!! Seems so long but it will be here before we know it

The time will go fast and you will be there before you know it. Enjoy the planning .

We are staying AKL CL (DVC) in a 1 bedroom villa in 5 weeks. We've never stayed here using our DVC and I'm unsure what room request to make. Can I request a savannah view?

Not CL but we're then moving to the Poly for four nights, still DVC in a lake view studio. Any ideas for a room request here?

Thanks

I can't help with any requests, but wanted to say I hope you have a great trip .

Hi all! Just got back from another great Poly CL stay. I wanted to share a few pics and thoughts on the trip. As with any Disney resort and Disney CL, there are always good things and bad things about the trip… mostly good, a couple of minor nit-picks…but a total reaffirmation of why I love Poly and Poly CL.

Glad you had another great stay. Thanks for your review and for the great pics .

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Let's talk breakfast....

Pretty typical Disney CL stuff here, although it felt like variety was better than prior stays.

Morning lounge setup...coffee is now over on the former trash can/tray return (where the wine is in the evenings).


Selection of breads...


Various toppings for the bread. That's oatmeal on a hot plate there on the right with toppings as well.


Turkey, cheeses, eggs, and yogurt were out every day of my trip. The turkey actually seems freshly carved if you can believe it. It was good!


A better shot of the yogurt. I appreciate that 1) they have a non-flavored/plain option, 2) it's on a chilled tray. One morning it was serve yourself from a bigger bowl, the other mornings it was these single-serve yogurts.


More pastry options than I remember in the past. Some of these trays repeat but there are at least five or six different things here.


Fruit relegated to this location, which gets overlooked. The chopped fruit is the typical Disney large melons with precious few raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Plenty of good apples and bananas though, which is always appreciated by this family.


My morning routine.

 

[Maxie86]

I can't see the pics of the food but it sounds like a big improvement over our August trip. The GF has the fresh turkey as well. Is the coffee machine new...I don't remember seeing it in August and I am a big coffee drinker....how did I miss this??? Thanks for the update.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Again, sorry to hog all these posts. If I don't do this now I won't do it. Hopefully this is useful to someone!

Afternoon snacks were materially different than prior visits.

As I mentioned earlier, note the partitions aren't closed. In the past they would have been during afternoon service. They are using the extra space for increased offerings.


Wonton and normal chips with a few sauces. Some cookies. Swedish fish (random). They had goldfish out at least one day.


One of the bigger changes...lettuce wraps. The ingredients were the same every day... lettuce, shrimp, and carrots with various sauces/toppings.


Here's a pic with a full shrimp platter. This is JUST ME talking but the shrimp don't look that appetizing, if I'm being honest. But gosh, compared to the traditional snack mix and cookies that has been around for years, this gets an A for effort from me.


Make your own trail mix.


Some veggies and dip.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

LAST POST, I promise.

So, the big one. Evening apps. They have certainly made some big changes from prior years here. Like some other CLs they have moved to the "small-plate" concept with smaller, individual servings. Generally there is more variety and the flavors are pretty bold.

The chef is behind the counter pretty much the whole service, constantly replenishing apps and "plating" each dish, usually with a little garnish or sauce. This stuff seems pretty labor intensive to prepare and serve to be honest.

Part of me wonders if it's "too foodie" for some guests?

Again, I'll give Disney an A for effort. I enjoyed the options, but the portions are pretty small. I very much liked less reliance on the standard fried options.

I was disappointed with the lack of options for children... it was only PBJ each night. A more adventurous kid may do OK with the hot apps, but not mine! I think this is a miss on Disney here.

Evening app setup. You can't see it but there are four different varieties of main apps there in the middle. You can see the garnish bottles the chef uses there in the background. Note tonight each dish was labeled. Some nights NOTHING was labeled. Annoying inconsistency.


Seared Cumin Dusted Mahi and Hawaiian Style Meatballs. Both very good. The meatballs are the same as before, just all fancied-up in a single plate!



Assorted cheeses, which used to be 1) more basic varieties and 2) a bigger focus of evening apps. These are some pretty bold varieties and they take up less counter space than before. Same ones were out each night for me.


A better look at the meatball, Mahi, and a turkey-bacon BLT. All were very good.


Here's another night. Another repeat appearance of a regular item - the potsticker - with a different garnish and a dab (literally) of sauce. The deviled egg was a crab rangoon (sp), on the right was octopus I'm pretty sure (I didn't take a pic of the name but I'm almost certain this is what it was).

They were all good, just a little small. I arrived at the VERY end of service, there might have been other larger options earlier - not sure.


Another night....

The potsticker (and dab of sauce) again, a tiny piece of fish, maybe Mahi again, not sure. I'm not sure what kind of fish is on the right plate, I'm assuming tuna. The yellow thing is some kind of beet dish. Talk about BOLD flavors. Wowzers. No signs out on this night so I'm having trouble remembering.

But I do like the small touches... the garnishes... the pickled toppings, etc.



Another night, another longboard.

Chicken skewers with pineapple topping. Pulled pork in the middle. The plate on the right is pork pate - that's the bold dish of the night! I mean, do they serve pate anywhere else at Poly? They just have it sitting around? Kona maybe?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thanks for following along! All in all, it was a great, relaxing stay. I was honestly shocked at the CL changes, Poly food has been pretty much the same every time I've been, didn't think it could change! I think they are overall for the better, but I am going to write a note about the need for more child-friendly options in the evening.

We saw many of the CMs we've gotten to know over the last few years, which was great. A few new faces that were pretty much duds (ahem, if I say hello it's usually nice to say hello back).... but that's to be expected anywhere I guess.

Is it perfect? Heck no. But we almost always have a good time every time we go. All around, it's still my favorite (for the moment!)

Happy to answer any questions!

 

[Surgie2]

Thanks GADisneyDad for all of your CL pics and posts! We have reserved 3 rooms in Hawaii for our 2018 trip and it's nice to see the variety of food offered.

 

[trishadono]

Thanks for following along! All in all, it was a great, relaxing stay. I was honestly shocked at the CL changes, Poly food has been pretty much the same every time I've been, didn't think it could change! I think they are overall for the better, but I am going to write a note about the need for more child-friendly options in the evening.

We saw many of the CMs we've gotten to know over the last few years, which was great. A few new faces that were pretty much duds (ahem, if I say hello it's usually nice to say hello back).... but that's to be expected anywhere I guess.

Is it perfect? Heck no. But we almost always have a good time every time we go. All around, it's still my favorite (for the moment!)

Happy to answer any questions!

It was neat watching the managers tweak AKL cl in early January. It appears from what I have seen they are trying to be a bit more uniform/consistent with the cls. It may turn out to be beneficial to have one central ipo /DSS. There may be a learning curve but it should be better if done right.

As always, love all the pix and review.

You must be missing your longboard about now and that view.

 

[TJA]

@GADisneyDad14 great pictures and review! Yes, food seems very bold - I welcome the change/upgrade, though. I'm with you about the shrimp offered during lunch hours. I'd really rather make a lettuce wrap with chicken. Hopefully they switch it up and sometimes have chicken instead.

Welcome back and must be time to button up plans for next trip....?!

 

[princessemsmom]

@GADisneyDad14 Thank you so much for this! We ae our first Poly CL stay coming up in May. I think DD (6) will like some of the evening apps, but I agree a few more child friendly would be helpful. I must say it all looks great to me and I cannot wait to check in - 89 days!!!

 

[jbb4me]

Can someone help me understand what exactly is available from the DSS office? I sent an email asking for help with a number of things (changing a ressie to an earlier time, birthday celebrations, etc.) and received a very nice email back that basically said "we can't help you" in the nicest way possible. Will they continually look for reservations? Do they craft touring plans? Maybe my expectations are too high or maybe I need to ask things a different way? Appreciate any help you kind folks are able to provide.

 

[SeaSpray]

Thanks for following along! All in all, it was a great, relaxing stay. I was honestly shocked at the CL changes, Poly food has been pretty much the same every time I've been, didn't think it could change! I think they are overall for the better, but I am going to write a note about the need for more child-friendly options in the evening.

We saw many of the CMs we've gotten to know over the last few years, which was great. A few new faces that were pretty much duds (ahem, if I say hello it's usually nice to say hello back).... but that's to be expected anywhere I guess.

Is it perfect? Heck no. But we almost always have a good time every time we go. All around, it's still my favorite (for the moment!)

Happy to answer any questions!

Thank you so much for all of the information and the pictures! I wish I could give your posts a "Love" instead of a "Like".

And thanks for the LV room pics; we're booked in a LV room for this August and since the bungalows have been built I've wondered what those views would look like. (Yeah they've basically ruined the views from that side of the Hawaii building, IMHO). Hopefully it'll be worth the price difference from GV; not about to pay so much more for TPV since we've had that view so many times in years past. We're bringing our great-niece (17 yr old) with us for her first-ever trip to WDW which is why we're going with LV.

Speaking of our great-niece, she has severe shellfish allergies; what a time for Polynesian CL to add shrimp to the line up! LOL We already have it noted on our reservation so it should be ok, and of course we'll speak directly to the chef once we arrive.

Again thanks SO MUCH for your posts, I really loved the info, pictures, and your commentary!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Can someone help me understand what exactly is available from the DSS office? I sent an email asking for help with a number of things (changing a ressie to an earlier time, birthday celebrations, etc.) and received a very nice email back that basically said "we can't help you" in the nicest way possible. Will they continually look for reservations? Do they craft touring plans? Maybe my expectations are too high or maybe I need to ask things a different way? Appreciate any help you kind folks are able to provide.

Craft touring plans? No.

They can make dining reservations for you, reserve a cabana at a resort/water park, things like that. If you asked them to move an existing reservation to an earlier time, they should be able to do that, assuming there is availability. I wouldn't expect them to keep checking if there in fact isn't availability at the moment. It's possible but not likely.

They are really better suited to "one and done" tasks.

They can add room requests to reservations.

They can add a note that you're celebrating a birthday to your reservation, but they won't plan or do anything specific to celebrate the birthday. They will likely refer you to other offices - such as the Disney Cake Hotline or Disney Floray & Gifts, which can assist with directly planning something to celebrate a birthday.

Does that help?

The DSS service is pretty new so we're all still learning exactly how they will operate. The above is pretty much how IPO (DSS predecessor) operated, and I'd expect the same with DSS.

If any questions, feel free to call them. I found a CM I talked to last week very knowledgeable and eager to help.

 

[jbb4me]

Craft touring plans? No.

They can make dining reservations for you, reserve a cabana at a resort/water park, things like that. If you asked them to move an existing reservation to an earlier time, they should be able to do that, assuming there is availability. I wouldn't expect them to keep checking if there in fact isn't availability at the moment. It's possible but not likely.

They can add room requests to reservations.

They can add a note that you're celebrating a birthday to your reservation, but they won't plan or do anything specific to celebrate the birthday. They will likely refer you to other offices - such as the Disney Cake Hotline or Disney Floray & Gifts, which can assist with directly planning something to celebrate a birthday.

Does that help?

The DSS service is pretty new so we're all still learning exactly how they will operate. The above is pretty much how IPO (DSS predecessor) operated, and I'd expect the same with DSS.

If any questions, feel free to call them. I found a CM I talked to last week very knowledgeable and eager to help.

Does that help?

Thank you, @GaDisneyDad, that is very helpful. This is our first time staying CL at WDW, so I really have no idea what to expect other than what it's been like staying CL at other non-WDW resorts. This all sounds relatively straight-forward. Just wanted to be sure I wasn't missing out on any special pixie dust! Thanks again

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thank you, @GaDisneyDad, that is very helpful. This is our first time staying CL at WDW, so I really have no idea what to expect other than what it's been like staying CL at other non-WDW resorts. This all sounds relatively straight-forward. Just wanted to be sure I wasn't missing out on any special pixie dust! Thanks again

Yeah, it's not really a "pixie dust" magic kind of setup. I'd call it basic concierge level services at best, meaning I'd keep your expectations relatively low. They don't have any special pull or ability to secure reservations that aren't otherwise available.

Taking an ADR for example, if you don't see one available when you search online, they won't either.

Which CL are you staying at?

Don't hesitate to ask any questions here - lots of knowledgeable folks around!

 

[jbb4me]

Yeah, it's not really a "pixie dust" magic kind of setup. I'd call it basic concierge level services at best, meaning I'd keep your expectations relatively low. They don't have any special pull or ability to secure reservations that aren't otherwise available.

Taking an ADR for example, if you don't see one available when you search online, they won't either.

Which CL are you staying at?

Don't hesitate to ask any questions here - lots of knowledgeable folks around!

We will be staying at the Contemporary, Atrium Club Level. I'm relatively self-sufficient when it comes to making reservations - especially with how easy Disney makes it online - so it sounds like I will likely still be doing all of that this next trip since what I see is what they will see re: availability. And that's ok! I just like to know what I'm dealing with. Even so, we are very excited to be staying CL, and can't wait to introduce our son to the magic of Disney.

Appreciate the assistance!

 

[Laundress]

GADisneyDad14 thank you for sharing your info and picks. Throughly enjoyed it. Been a while since we were at the Poly. This trip we will be trying CR Atrium Club Level.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

You must be missing your longboard about now and that view.

It is odd that all of my pics seem to have a Longboard in them.

@GADisneyDad14 Welcome back and must be time to button up plans for next trip....?!

Me? Planning another trip? Never.

@GADisneyDad14 Thank you so much for this! We ae our first Poly CL stay coming up in May. I think DD (6) will like some of the evening apps, but I agree a few ore child friendly would be helpful. I must say it all looks great to me and I cannot wait to check in - 89 days!!!

I do hope they keep the changes to the food. A CM told me people were complaining about the small plates/portion sizes. Seems like Disney could quickly cut this if they go into $ saving mode again.

Hope you have a great trip!

And thanks for the LV room pics; we're booked in a LV room for this August and since the bungalows have been built I've wondered what those views would look like. (Yeah they've basically ruined the views from that side of the Hawaii building, IMHO). Hopefully it'll be worth the price difference from GV; not about to pay so much more for TPV since we've had that view so many times in years past. We're bringing our great-niece (17 yr old) with us for her first-ever trip to WDW which is why we're going with LV.

Speaking of our great-niece, she has severe shellfish allergies; what a time for Polynesian CL to add shrimp to the line up! LOL We already have it noted on our reservation so it should be ok, and of course we'll speak directly to the chef once we arrive.

You probably know this but there are some other select rooms on 2 and 3 that are LV as well. Just a few though, where a palm tree is just in the right spot. But I'll be honest, I really liked the convenience of the first floor! Didn't think I would so glad I tried it! I agree, TPV prices are outrageous this spring, even with discounts.

I saw several folks who I assume have certain allergies talking to CMs/the chef who would go in the back and bring out a special/different/wrapped plate of items. We don't have any allergies so I'm not sure exactly how all of that works, but I almost always see this happen multiple times on each trip. Hopefully they can work around that allergy!

GADisneyDad14 thank you for sharing your info and picks. Throughly enjoyed it. Been a while since we were at the Poly. This trip we will be trying CR Atrium Club Level.

Shhhn, don't tell anyone at Poly but Atrium is my secret favorite of the MK resort CLs.

 

[mickeynut1]

Again, sorry to hog all these posts. If I don't do this now I won't do it. Hopefully this is useful to someone!

No need to apologize, love the report and pics .

@GADisneyDad14 Thank you so much for this! We ae our first Poly CL stay coming up in May. I think DD (6) will like some of the evening apps, but I agree a few ore child friendly would be helpful. I must say it all looks great to me and I cannot wait to check in - 89 days!!!

Hope you have a great trip and enjoy Poly CL .

 

[JodyLynC]

GADisneyDad14 Thank you for the pics. Do you have any for the Desserts/Cordials? We will be staying at Poly CL this August. It will be our first time at a Club Level so we are very excited. It is disappointing that there may be no escorts to take us to Hawaii. I am hoping they may do that for first time guests.