Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[Ronferr80]

Poly Club Level question (first of prob many---SORRY!!) Am I wrong in assuming that Lagoon View may have some type of view of the castle? I mean obviously they have TPV rooms but the Hawaii Longhouse doesn't seem to be Huge so I was hoping or thinking that we may have a chance to see the castle and fireworks from our room. If not there is that AMAZING lounge I can't wait to see in person!!!!!

 

[mickeynut1]

17 days to go for us at the Polynesian!!!

Have a great trip .

We have rack for our upcoming December stay too. I wanted to secure CL especially to have a place to escape the crowds (although I'm expecting the lounge to be hopping as well). Figured I'd be kicking myself if I didn't. Hoping for a discount, but I'm doubtful. Especially if we're all booking up at rack, Disney has no need to discount.

This is what concerns me about booking now for next year. Looking at going in August and October and while I'd like to get something booked now so I get what I want (especially for Oct), I keep thinking it might hurt my chances of a discount later .

I do like the idea of shorter CL stays for the really expensive places like RPC or other ones at the upper end of the price range. That way you can get a bit of a taste of it without totally blowing the budget on something you may end up not liking.

This is me as well .

For the 2017 trip, we were ready first thing on both the day Free Dining was released, as well as the late fall room discounts. NOTHING available for GF! I check multiple times a day online, and my TA has called in multiple times, too. Maybe we're just unlucky???!

I was playing around with dates for both discounts and found availability very limited. I tried several lengths of stay and came up empty every time. I know there are only so many rooms offered at a discount, but I was kind of surprised to not find anything. It seems availability with discounts gets less and less each year .

Hi everyone!!! I'm so excited that I just booked Poly Lagoon View Club Level April 13th-23rd 2018 and I cant wait!! Only 251 Days but whos counting!!!! Not only will this be my families (Wife, me, Son (8), Son (6), Daughter (2) first stay at one of the Deluxe Resorts but also our first time Club Level!!! I've been reading all of these posts trying to take everything in but PLEASE anyone with any suggestions, opinions, advice, will be greatly appreciated and truly welcome!!!

Congrats on booking your first deluxe/CL stay! The time will go fast and it'll be April before you know it. Enjoy the planning .

I've been looking for a week for ANY deluxe rooms for Dec. 6-8 and can not find a single room available! That just seems crazy to me but so far not a single room!

I found the same thing. Tried several dates from 2-3 nts to 7-8 nights and not one deluxe room available for any dates I tried .

42 days to go before our anniversary trip to CR Tower CL...I cannot wait!!! With all of the changes and chaos going on with park hours, party changes etc. knowing we are going "home" to CR CL is the only low stress piece of planning for me. I don't really have a question, but DH is getting sick of my countdown

Hope you have a great anniversary trip .

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Poly Club Level question (first of prob many---SORRY!!) Am I wrong in assuming that Lagoon View may have some type of view of the castle? I mean obviously they have TPV rooms but the Hawaii Longhouse doesn't seem to be Huge so I was hoping or thinking that we may have a chance to see the castle and fireworks from our room. If not there is that AMAZING lounge I can't wait to see in person!!!!!

The LV rooms 'may' have a castle view but if they do they are usually 'in between' bungalows, plants, etc. You may have to slide to one side or the other of your balcony to see, or you may be in a spot where such structures totally block your view of the castle. It can vary.

As an example, here was my view from LV Room 1501 (taken in Feb of this year) The castle is just behind that first bungalow if I'm not mistaken. You would definitely be able to see high fireworks from here... or you can walk out to the beach and shift to the left just a bit for a better view of the caste/castle fireworks.

Hope that helps!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

42 days to go before our anniversary trip to CR Tower CL...I cannot wait!!! With all of the changes and chaos going on with park hours, party changes etc. knowing we are going "home" to CR CL is the only low stress piece of planning for me. I don't really have a question, but DH is getting sick of my countdown

Tower Club.... ahhhh... the best. Hope you have a GREAT trip!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Still doing research on a large family trip. Today I called Disney to just check on some prices for suites. For one thing it took me four tries to get through, the service kept hanging up on me. I thought they had a separate line for booking suites but I asked and no one seemed to know about it. The very pleasant CM that I spoke with looked up the Steeplechase suite for me and couldn't find it anywhere. They had the Sonora Suite and two 2 bedroom suites but the Steeplechase never showed for any dates. Do they book that room? I have seen videos of it and have been given a tour but it seems really strange that it is not a bookable room. She did give me the number for the Signature Services to see if they could help me. I think that is the service that replaced the IPO, correct? Anyone have any ideas?

Hi there @Disneytam! I can't answer your specific question but I had a similar experience when I tried to book CR Tower Club earlier this year. Took me several calls to different CMs to find one that knew what I was talking about and how to search. Probably also due to me asking the wrong question/using the wrong terminology that works with their searching. You could kind of tell from the beginning on each call if that CM knew what they were doing or not... I hate to admit but I bailed on a few of them because I wasn't comfortable with the answers they were giving me!

Good luck with your planning!

 

[Eastern]

So for those of you following this thread, I would appreciate hearing perspective from those who are familiar with CL. TIA.

So as a general answer, I would say that CMs, even at CL, can be variable in their helpfulness and demeanor. Honestly, if they are helpful and pleasant I am happy, but if they aren't, oh well. They are not all top level concierge types. I plan/do most things myself and if they can help me, great, but I do not depend on them to get something done. I always follow up.

I do not make special food requests, but from reading here, it seems the experience can be variable. Some guests enjoy the chef catering special items for them, while others receive lesser service. It's not right but unfortunately, that is how it is. In a case like this I would probably ask to speak to the chef or whoever is in charge of the food in the evening as the general CMs can be variable in their efficiency and helpfulness.

Specifically, with the umbrellas, I would not expect them to lend them out after you have checked out, as it is assumed you are not guaranteed to return. They allow you to use the facilities but I can see their point with the umbrellas.

 

[trishadono]

@trishadono , thanks for the tips and offer of help! That's so sweet. I have been leery of booking through third party sites, but it sounds like it's actually a good idea!
I agree, the limited availability is crazy. We booked almost a year in advance, and I'm thinking we should do so for next year, too! Disney is certainly not having any trouble filling rooms...

I have done all 3 of them. It seems once a year I find a deal. You can still cancel up to 5 days prior . You do have to pay all up front but I use ebates and end of making $ on that! You still link to MDE and get mbs and ME. I book ME online myself or can call. Really it is not a problem to do.

Watch here, once and a while it will help.

https://www.disboards.com/forums/disney-discount-codes-and-rates.93/?order=post_date

 

[Disneytam]

Hi there @Disneytam! I can't answer your specific question but I had a similar experience when I tried to book CR Tower Club earlier this year. Took me several calls to different CMs to find one that knew what I was talking about and how to search. Probably also due to me asking the wrong question/using the wrong terminology that works with their searching. You could kind of tell from the beginning on each call if that CM knew what they were doing or not... I hate to admit but I bailed on a few of them because I wasn't comfortable with the answers they were giving me!

Good luck with your planning!

Thank you so much for this GADisneyDad14! I thought it was just me there for a minute. That's one of the reasons we're doing our research way in advance because it is a lot to sort through and so far the CM I have talked to have been really friendly but kind of clueless.

 

[Disneytam]

@trishadono , thanks for the tips and offer of help! That's so sweet. I have been leery of booking through third party sites, but it sounds like it's actually a good idea!
I agree, the limited availability is crazy. We booked almost a year in advance, and I'm thinking we should do so for next year, too! Disney is certainly not having any trouble filling rooms...



@GoGoBeans - sounds like we're in the same boat! Even with no discount... at least we're going to Disney !



@Disneytam , we booked about a year out for this trip. I agree- it's crazy how Disney is booked up this holiday season! Good luck finding something. I just checked online for the dates you mentioned, and it seems like AKL is the only deluxe that has availability. Fingers crossed you find something that works for you!

Rachel GB- I was trying to surprise my son and his girl friend but I guess I am the one surprised! They are planning to arrive on the 6 and share a room for 2 nights at the BWI with his cousin who will be there for a week, and then move to Universal for the rest of the week. I was hoping to surprise them with their own room for those 2 nights and will keep searching. They won't have a car so AKL was the one deluxe that I didn't look at because it will be so far away from his cousin. I did see some rooms at the Swan so I may go with that. I was just so surprised that for 2 week day nights four months out and not a single room available in the 7 hotels that I looked at! I would have taken just about anything but I guess I will be stalking for the next couple of months. At least they do have a room at the Inn with his cousin

 

[gottalovepluto]

...For us, CL is largely about being efficient in the morning. When we stay at a value or mod, the walk to get coffee takes forever, and we often miss rope drop. Time is money, and morning time is especially precious. CL saves us time and stress.

Omg this! I'd been staying CL out in Disneyland for our last few trips but I booked a standard AKL room for 2 days at WDW a couple years ago and mornings were such a bear! Breakfast slowed me down so much in morning, the espresso was awful- at least it's drinkable when I can make it myself. I felt like I lost a good chunk of time not having the quick access to breakfast. Dollar wise I can buy a lot of non-CL breakfast food and coffee for what I pay for CL, but I can't get the speed and convenience out of the food courts and in park breakfast offerings that I get with CL. Funny thing to me was I didn't realize how much I valued mornings at CL until I didn't have it available. (I did realize how much I valued the appetizers and wine but for some reason breakfast value just never clicked.)

 

[mickeynut1]

Does anyone have (or know where I can find) a map of GF RPC rooms (specifically deluxe queen)? I know there are only a few of these rooms, just wondering what the views are and where they are located. TIA .

 

[GoGoBeans]

This is what concerns me about booking now for next year. Looking at going in August and October and while I'd like to get something booked now so I get what I want (especially for Oct), I keep thinking it might hurt my chances of a discount later .

Yep. The best laid plans. My new approach is to be better at booking bouncebacks. For the last few years we'd only visited in August and the bounceback were always for free dining, which we can't use. This year with our November and December trips, I'm hopeful the offer will be room only.

Good luck!

 

[focusondisney]

So I have been stalking the WDW website for reservations around a long Columbus Day weekend (fall break down here) and have been coming up with nothing for months.... not just CL, I'm talking almost ANY resort. Last night, in a random moment of searching, a YC CL Standard View room popped up so I booked it. I've been to BC (just one night last summer) but never YC. So now I need to get up to speed on what the heck I booked. Any tips/things I need to know with YC CL and/or that room category, or any other overall advice? THANK YOU!

Sorry it took so long to reply, I had to work all weekend. (Got to pay for these trips!) You probably know the YC is just finishing up a refurb. If you haven't seen the new rooms, check out page 1 of the Y & B thread, Dee has some links to pictures there. I have only stayed in a standard view once, we usuallly stay waterview. The standard views look over the front entrance. From what I know there are a few standard view rooms with really bad views. They are all the way down at he end of the floor. So I think requesting a room close to the lounge would help avoid those room.s

The lounge & club desks are right off the elevators, so close to lounge is also close to them. The renovated rooms have hardwood look laminate floors, no carpets. Some of the rooms have only a shower, no tub. So if you are traveling with your kids & need a tub, you might want to request that too. The new closets have a lot of storage room & the safe is the same size as the 1 we had at GF.

The lounge does close between service times & at night. So no place to hang out after hours if that is important to you. I really was impressed with the food offerings in May. For quite a few years, the appetizers were things like quesidillas & there fried pastry things. In May, we had beef & potatoes, pulled pork & polenta, salmon with wild grains & chicken skewers. Some nights there were chicken nuggets & mini pigs in the blanket that kids would like. Cold offerings included a broccoli slaw, caprese salad & mushroom stuffed phyllo cups. That's just what I remembered off the top of my head. I did post most nights offerings so I can see if I can find more. Cold meats (turkey, roast beef, salmon) were added at breakfast as I know most of the lounges have added those too. And the desserts were also much better. Every night there were 2 different mini cupcakes, 2 bar type desserts like lemon bars, a pudding like cup (like panda cota) 2 or 3 different cookies & brownies. Most nights they had some cupcakes that were frosted & had 4 different mini sprinkles with them so kids could decorate their own.

We don't drink so I can't comment on the adult offerings. But they do have a lemonade, unsweetened iced tea (with liquid syrup available) & a yummy specialty juice. Not positive about the name, something to fit the theme of course, something like Seabreeze maybe? Not positive on the name but it was refreshing & I mixed it with the lemonade a few times too. Very good!

And of course, can't beat the pool & the walk to Epcot. The boat to the Studios is better than a bus. And the bus stops at YC first, so you can usually get a seat on the way to anywhere. Hope that helps!

We are staying at CBR with our DS & DDIL in December. I'm gonna miss YC sooo much. But I fully intend to book 2 trips for next year on bouncebacks while we're there. Enjoy!!

 

[allsaintsatx]

Does anyone have (or know where I can find) a map of GF RPC rooms (specifically deluxe queen)? I know there are only a few of these rooms, just wondering what the views are and where they are located. TIA .

Hi @mickeynut1 ! I've never stayed at the GF, and had to google what RPC means but if it's the same thing as club level garden deluxe in the main building, Touring Plans shows 3 rooms on the 3rd and 4th floors each, located here:

Hopefully that's what you're looking for! Maybe?

 

[trishadono]

Sorry it took so long to reply, I had to work all weekend. (Got to pay for these trips!) You probably know the YC is just finishing up a refurb. If you haven't seen the new rooms, check out page 1 of the Y & B thread, Dee has some links to pictures there. I have only stayed in a standard view once, we usuallly stay waterview. The standard views look over the front entrance. From what I know there are a few standard view rooms with really bad views. They are all the way down at he end of the floor. So I think requesting a room close to the lounge would help avoid those room.s

The lounge & club desks are right off the elevators, so close to lounge is also close to them. The renovated rooms have hardwood look laminate floors, no carpets. Some of the rooms have only a shower, no tub. So if you are traveling with your kids & need a tub, you might want to request that too. The new closets have a lot of storage room & the safe is the same size as the 1 we had at GF.

The lounge does close between service times & at night. So no place to hang out after hours if that is important to you. I really was impressed with the food offerings in May. For quite a few years, the appetizers were things like quesidillas & there fried pastry things. In May, we had beef & potatoes, pulled pork & polenta, salmon with wild grains & chicken skewers. Some nights there were chicken nuggets & mini pigs in the blanket that kids would like. Cold offerings included a broccoli slaw, caprese salad & mushroom stuffed phyllo cups. That's just what I remembered off the top of my head. I did post most nights offerings so I can see if I can find more. Cold meats (turkey, roast beef, salmon) were added at breakfast as I know most of the lounges have added those too. And the desserts were also much better. Every night there were 2 different mini cupcakes, 2 bar type desserts like lemon bars, a pudding like cup (like panda cota) 2 or 3 different cookies & brownies. Most nights they had some cupcakes that were frosted & had 4 different mini sprinkles with them so kids could decorate their own.

We don't drink so I can't comment on the adult offerings. But they do have a lemonade, unsweetened iced tea (with liquid syrup available) & a yummy specialty juice. Not positive about the name, something to fit the theme of course, something like Seabreeze maybe? Not positive on the name but it was refreshing & I mixed it with the lemonade a few times too. Very good!

And of course, can't beat the pool & the walk to Epcot. The boat to the Studios is better than a bus. And the bus stops at YC first, so you can usually get a seat on the way to anywhere. Hope that helps!

We are staying at CBR with our DS & DDIL in December. I'm gonna miss YC sooo much. But I fully intend to book 2 trips for next year on bouncebacks while we're there. Enjoy!!

I think it was a seabreeze. it was so nice on a hot day.

Gf and poly have POG and bc/yc have seabreeze, does bwi cl have a specialty drink ?

Hi @mickeynut1 ! I've never stayed at the GF, and had to google what RPC means but if it's the same thing as club level garden deluxe in the main building, Touring Plans shows 3 rooms on the 3rd and 4th floors each, located here: View attachment 259731

Hopefully that's what you're looking for! Maybe?

Yep that's it!

 

[trishadono]

Poly Club Level question (first of prob many---SORRY!!) Am I wrong in assuming that Lagoon View may have some type of view of the castle? I mean obviously they have TPV rooms but the Hawaii Longhouse doesn't seem to be Huge so I was hoping or thinking that we may have a chance to see the castle and fireworks from our room. If not there is that AMAZING lounge I can't wait to see in person!!!!!

TPV means castle view for the most part. Lv for Hawaii is on the water side but not a direct view of the castle.

Even if you don't have a direct shot of the castle the fireworks are in the sky and I could see them from rooms ending in 05,11,13,15. (Side is 1-18 so that's almost the whole side).

Some you could see the castle if you stood in just the right spot on the patio(balcony or in room).

You can see most of EWP. It goes past the bungalows but looks cool as they peek through the buildings, the start will be on the far left and can see quite a bit from floor1. 2/3 would be better.

 

[samara]

17 days to go for us at the Polynesian!!! I just got off the phone with DSS. I wanted to let them know what I wanted to be delivered to our room for our great-niece, if not before we check-in, then ASAP after we get our room.

The CM was very helpful. My husband and I love our water bottle misters so we ordered one for her; we ordered a set of Minnie Mouse ears embroidered with our great-niece's name on it; a Mickey poncho; and a WDW beach towel. If we think of anything else we'll call them back to have them add it.

Any ideas of what an 18 year old girl would like to have for her trip?? I know she's been shopping for this trip for a while now, but we want her to be all set with helpful WDW items such as the mister-fan and the poncho.

My DD was 17 on our last trip to Disney, and I also had gifts for her and DS delivered to the room. To my surprise, her favorites were the Disney phone case and the Minnie Mouse plush I threw in at the last minute! Practical is good but don't overlook the sentimental choice

 

[mickeynut1]

Yep. The best laid plans. My new approach is to be better at booking bouncebacks. For the last few years we'd only visited in August and the bounceback were always for free dining, which we can't use. This year with our November and December trips, I'm hopeful the offer will be room only.

Good luck!

Thanks, and good luck to you with BBs on your upcoming trips! I hope there are some decent discounts for next year .

We are staying at CBR with our DS & DDIL in December. I'm gonna miss YC sooo much. But I fully intend to book 2 trips for next year on bouncebacks while we're there. Enjoy!!

Hope you have a great time at CBR! Good luck with booking bb's .

Hi @mickeynut1 ! I've never stayed at the GF, and had to google what RPC means but if it's the same thing as club level garden deluxe in the main building, Touring Plans shows 3 rooms on the 3rd and 4th floors each, located here: View attachment 259731

Hopefully that's what you're looking for! Maybe?

Yes, that's exactly what I'm looking for.....thanks so much!

Yep that's it!

ETA: Now that I see where these rooms are located (thanks again, allsaintsatx), I'm wondering how to word a request. Either room would be fine, but I would prefer one of the standard shaped rooms over the triangle-shaped one. Anyone have any suggestions on how to make a request for that?

 

[Mousemommy1]

EEEEK. 12 more days. And furthermore, it just hit me that this is the last trip where we don't have to pay for DS!!

Oh well, we got in 3 good "free" trips for him though.

Next year - we will be paying for the family of five

Speaking of next year -- I think we've actually decided on BWI CL....clown pool and all

 

[MGTDisney]

Does anyone have (or know where I can find) a map of GF RPC rooms (specifically deluxe queen)? I know there are only a few of these rooms, just wondering what the views are and where they are located. TIA .

We stayed in 4322 in May 2017. I uploaded a video of the room, and you can see at the end what the view from the room is like..