Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[Newsies]

Aloha from a recent King Kamehameha guest!

We had been upgraded to Hawaii at the time of check-in and were elated. We had never stayed Club Level before and we were so excited!

The whole week was a dream come true. The staff and guests of Hawaii were equally kind and warm. Everybody was very considerate of each other and the staff in the lounge and other shared spaces, it really was a delight.

Here's a view of MK from the lounge, which gave us an *awesome* view of the fireworks every night.

Here are some of the breakfast offerings:

And the evening offerings, including the drinks that are served throughout the day. It was SO dangerous having a reserve of POG juice at my disposal throughout the week, I think I drank like at least 3 cups a day.

The selections that night were Hawaiian meatballs and mahi mahi. The only other selections I saw that week were pot stickers (yum!) and a little tart that had shrimp and cream cheese, but my family had dinner ADRs that whole week so I only saw these selections once or twice.

Of course, there were PB&Js at the kid-friendly table every night.

I only have a few shots of the dessert offerings, but the desserts were scrumptious every single night. Pictured below are mini guava cheesecakes, mocha tarts, and peanut butter mousse squares. On other nights, they had strawberry mousse squares, smores tarts, little tarts that had cherry pie filling and whipped cream.

And of course there were rice krispie treats, what is a club level stay without a plate of rice krispie treats? The second night I returned for dessert here, these had been replaced with mini eclairs, and I did NOT complain about that.

​

Overall- a fantastic stay. The Polynesian has some of the most amazing and polite CMs on property, and you can't go wrong with a Poly stay of any sorts- club level, standard, DVC, or otherwise. But the King Kamehameha club is a wonderful way to enhance your stay.


I have a TR going where I talk a little more about my stay right here: Newsies' Quest for the Unicorn Pinata - A Julaugust TR

I also wrote a post on my personal blog that just goes into King Kamehameha club level specifics here: Good to be King: A King Kamehameha Club Review

 

[JodyLynC]

I stayed at King Kamehameha last week and came here to post some photos, then I saw this. We crossed paths last week! I was in the room with you as this was happening last week, sitting at the table directly next to this family (looked like a couple) when they encouraged us to have some of their food and I was seriously tempted. It was just around 30/40 minutes before HEA, yes?

Yes! Our family was playing a board game that night.

 

[JodyLynC]

Poll regarding a CL CM greeting you in the lobby upon arrival:

1. When you arrived for your CL stay, did a CM greet you in the lobby? If you've done multiple CL stays, please answer if this has always happened, sometimes happened, etc.

2. Which resort has this happened/not happened?

3. Did you arrive via Magical Express, taxi, private hired towncar, your own/rented car?

4. Was there anything unusual about your stay/arrival that might have influenced whether you were met or not (for example, they weren't expecting you until 10pm, but you ended up arriving early at 3 pm, etc.)

Greeted at both Poly and YC. This was last week. At Poly we arrived via Car Care Center shuttle. At YC, we walked in after spending the morning at Epcot. Nothing unusual for us.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Poll regarding a CL CM greeting:

1A.) Greeters sometimes happen. Generally, there are no escorts at CR, but bell services almost always greets you at the curb. I can't say 100% what will happen post-renovation, but we were told at WL that during the day guests must wait for an escort.
1B.) NO greeter at any resort if you arrive after 10pm (or before they open in AM).
1C.) At all the resorts, they only have so many staff for this job. Odds of a greeter go up if you arrive at an odd time and if you say when you plan to arrive. Odds go down if you arrive at a popular time, or if a delay causes a later arrival than expected, etc.

2. See #1

3. We mostly rent a car, but have also done ME. I don't think it matters- see #1.

4. Again, see #1.

We've now stayed at all the CL's, and CSR's business class. (Temporarily closed. CSR's business class is like CL light: breakfast at 7am, drinks all day, but post-breakfast food is mostly just snacks like chips/salsa.)

Having a greeter isn't a big deal to us. One of my pet peeves is people talking down to me. If I say, "Yes, I've been here before," but the CM still continues to go over every detail as if it was our first visit, that's mildly annoying. If you're just going to ignore my answer, why ask?

 

[NJBILL]

Just returned from Atrium Club Level stay. First time CL at CR but have done CL at Poly & AKL.
Enjoyed our stay very much. My first stay at CR,and loved it. Concierges were very cordial and receptive to needs. We had a mechanical problem with our personal vehicle and we had it repaired at the Disney Car Care Center. Very good service at reasonable price.
My only complaint is not really with CR but with the "occupation" of the lounge by unsupervised Pre/Teens. Even when parents were around, the parents were in one part and kids in the other.
When my kids were younger, we always sat and ate as a family. I guess I would like to see some more intervention by staff to keep the volume level and activity levels in check, or perhaps I'm just getting old..

 

[Mousemommy1]

Thank you @Newsies!!! We have 10 more days to go until we check into Hawaii.

******
To answer the earlier question, we have previously stayed CL 3x (WL, YC and BC) and have never been greeted outside. It doesn't really bother us, but it will be interesting to see if it happens at the Poly.

 

[trishadono]

Finally getting to my DL @ GCH to WDW cl comparison lol!

Brand new rooms were nice. Lots of outlets, loved the shower and the cute Chip n Dales and Oranges on the wall gave a nice Disney touch.

The bath stuff looked like we are used to as well!

The room was similar to WL/AKL for size but maybe a bit larger. The sofa was not a bed more a loveseat size. Turndown was the same with trash and towel and chocolates too. Same Ghiradelli!

I loved staying here the resort was so lovely. Much nicer in person . As many have said, looks like wl but feels like GF and its true!






View attachment 260358

 

[trishadono]

Missed this handy one.

 

[IceQueen182]

I have just booked my first club level experience at the Poly this October. Are there any tips or tricks I should know to get the best out of my stay? I'll be in club level for only 2 nights so I want to get the best of it ! It will also be my first time at the poly as well so we're super excited.

We love Poly CL (especially with kids- BWI is our favorite w/o kids!)! My tips are to take advantage of the excellent coffee/espresso and adult beverages that are available throughout the day. We loved grabbing a beer before heading to the pool. Also give yourself some time to stake out a spot in the lounge if you are going to watch the fireworks. Tables filled up pretty quickly during our last stay in February (a traditionally slow week), and if we weren't sitting close to the windows I didn't find the view that great. We also found it helpful to get to breakfast on the earlier side, before the lounge got more crowded.

We will be going back in November. Have a wonderful time!!

 

[prgal0715]

Poll regarding a CL CM greeting you in the lobby upon arrival:

1. When you arrived for your CL stay, did a CM greet you in the lobby? If you've done multiple CL stays, please answer if this has always happened, sometimes happened, etc.

2. Which resort has this happened/not happened?

3. Did you arrive via Magical Express, taxi, private hired towncar, your own/rented car?

4. Was there anything unusual about your stay/arrival that might have influenced whether you were met or not (for example, they weren't expecting you until 10pm, but you ended up arriving early at 3 pm, etc.)

I have done multiple CL stays and being greeted by a CM has been hit or miss. I've always arrived by DME and it's never been unusual that would have influenced being met or not. AK CL - greeted, escorted and offered an arrival beverage; BC CL - greeted and escorted; Poly CL - in two CL stays, I have never been greeted. Last time I wasn't even offered a lei! I'm checking into the Poly soon; maybe third time is the charm!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

So when everyone says they were "greeted" - are you talking about someone out front specifically looking for YOU in particular? Or just a general greeter around the front that you initiated contact with about checking in CL?

We've only really ever had ONE time where someone was out front and immediately said "Hello, XXX Family, we've been expecting you" and that was at WL (non-CL) on our very first trip years ago. We always thought it was amazing how they just seemed to "know" who we were and it left a matching impression.

We've since had occasions where we track someone down and tell them we're checking in CL, but I haven't been 'greeted' since that very first time.

I guess I'm on the "this guy's already addicted so we don't have to go over the top for him" list.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

@Newsies - GREAT Poly CL pics, thanks for sharing! Now I'm HUNGRY!!!!

 

[JodyLynC]

So when everyone says they were "greeted" - are you talking about someone out front specifically looking for YOU in particular? Or just a general greeter around the front that you initiated contact with about checking in CL?

We've only really ever had ONE time where someone was out front and immediately said "Hello, XXX Family, we've been expecting you" and that was at WL (non-CL) on our very first trip years ago. We always thought it was amazing how they just seemed to "know" who we were and it left a matching impression.

We've since had occasions where we track someone down and tell them we're checking in CL, but I haven't been 'greeted' since that very first time.

I guess I'm on the "this guy's already addicted so we don't have to go over the top for him" list.

No one looking for my family in particular. Just a general greeting welcoming us to Poly or YC.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

@trishadono - Nice looking room! Someday I'll make it out there....

My only nit picky style/design complaint.... what's up with the cables underneath the TV? Did y'all plug in a personal device or is that just the way they have the cables run for the TV? Seems a bit messy?

Have they gone with carpet or a solid surface for the flooring? Can't quite tell from the pics.

Love that shower though.....

 

[trishadono]

@trishadono - Nice looking room! Someday I'll make it out there....

My only nit picky style/design complaint.... what's up with the cables underneath the TV? Did y'all plug in a personal device or is that just the way they have the cables run for the TV? Seems a bit messy?

Have they gone with carpet or a solid surface for the flooring? Can't quite tell from the pics.

Love that shower though.....

There were lots of places to plug in so didn't have to do by TV lol.

Like gf its hardwood (fake) entrance area then switches to carpet .

Loved the shower, nice and bright!


Also I still have lounge pix and food to come hopefully tomorrow.

 

[jods]

So when everyone says they were "greeted" - are you talking about someone out front specifically looking for YOU in particular? Or just a general greeter around the front that you initiated contact with about checking in CL?

We've only really ever had ONE time where someone was out front and immediately said "Hello, XXX Family, we've been expecting you" and that was at WL (non-CL) on our very first trip years ago. We always thought it was amazing how they just seemed to "know" who we were and it left a matching impression.

We've since had occasions where we track someone down and tell them we're checking in CL, but I haven't been 'greeted' since that very first time.

I guess I'm on the "this guy's already addicted so we don't have to go over the top for him" list.

Us too! We got off dme at WL ( for a mom club level stay) and were greeted by name from a cm with an iPad. We did our check in sitting down in the lobby. It was so nice and personal. Much nicer then poly co check in.

 

[mickeynut1]

I have more details on my Trip Report at https://www.disboards.com/threads/austin-family-blowout-aug-2017.3622185/ . But here is a comparison between Poly and YC. This is based on our experiences, likes/dislikes, and personality preferences so this may not be the safe as other experiences.

Overall when comparing the two resorts, the Poly was hands down the much better resort for us. Maybe if we stayed at YC first, we would have enjoyed it more, but in comparison, it was Poly all the way.

Poly 8.75 out of 10. YC 5.5 out of 10.

I think the next time we decide to go to WDW, we would consider a Poly/BWI split. We would not go to YC again, at least not CL.

Great comparison, thanks for sharing your opinions on both resorts. Glad you had a great time .

Does anyone know how late guests can access the CL lounge on check-out day?

It used to be right up until closing, but perhaps it has changed, as it has been years since last I asked.

Anyone have any problems returning in the afternoon?

AFAIK, CL guests have access to the lounge until midnight (or until it closes, if it's a lounge that closes/locks up at night). Hopefully others will verify that or correct me if I'm wrong .

Doesn't sound like I would like YC CL at all!

Me either.....just isn't a CL that appeals to me much .

Aloha from a recent King Kamehameha guest!

We had been upgraded to Hawaii at the time of check-in and were elated. We had never stayed Club Level before and we were so excited!

The whole week was a dream come true. The staff and guests of Hawaii were equally kind and warm. Everybody was very considerate of each other and the staff in the lounge and other shared spaces, it really was a delight.

Overall- a fantastic stay. The Polynesian has some of the most amazing and polite CMs on property, and you can't go wrong with a Poly stay of any sorts- club level, standard, DVC, or otherwise. But the King Kamehameha club is a wonderful way to enhance your stay.

Congrats on the upgrade! Thanks for your review and pics, glad you had a great time and enjoyed Poly CL .

Just returned from Atrium Club Level stay. First time CL at CR but have done CL at Poly & AKL.
Enjoyed our stay very much. My first stay at CR,and loved it. Concierges were very cordial and receptive to needs. We had a mechanical problem with our personal vehicle and we had it repaired at the Disney Car Care Center. Very good service at reasonable price.
My only complaint is not really with CR but with the "occupation" of the lounge by unsupervised Pre/Teens. Even when parents were around, the parents were in one part and kids in the other.
When my kids were younger, we always sat and ate as a family. I guess I would like to see some more intervention by staff to keep the volume level and activity levels in check, or perhaps I'm just getting old..

Glad you enjoyed CR CL .

Finally getting to my DL @ GCH to WDW cl comparison lol!

Brand new rooms were nice. Lots of outlets, loved the shower and the cute Chip n Dales and Oranges on the wall gave a nice Disney touch.

The bath stuff looked like we are used to as well!

The room was similar to WL/AKL for size but maybe a bit larger. The sofa was not a bed more a loveseat size. Turndown was the same with trash and towel and chocolates too. Same Ghiradelli!

I loved staying here the resort was so lovely. Much nicer in person . As many have said, looks like wl but feels like GF and its true!


View attachment 260345

View attachment 260343
View attachment 260346 View attachment 260348 View attachment 260349 View attachment 260351 View attachment 260353 View attachment 260354 View attachment 260355
View attachment 260358

Thanks for your comparison and room pics. Glad you had a nice time .

Also I still have lounge pix and food to come hopefully tomorrow.

Looking forward to it .

 

[Mousemommy1]

This one is for you @GADisneyDad14

SINGLE DIGIT DANCING!!! 9 DAYS TO GO....

 

[trishadono]

This one is for you @GADisneyDad14

SINGLE DIGIT DANCING!!! 9 DAYS TO GO....

Coffee with that view! Won't be long!

 

[trishadono]

Breakfast at GCH is pretty similar to WDW cl's.

We loved sitting on the outside balcony. That was something you don't usually get to do.


Croissant! Sandwich a'la trish !