Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[trishadono]

Just wondering if anyone has had a positive experience with AKL CL recently? I can't say I've read the entire thread, but did read the last 20 or so pages, and it sounds like things haven't been good there recently. DH and I booked a BB offer for September 2018 for our 20th Anniversary, and now I'm wondering if we made a mistake. We originally chose the Poly, but the room availability was scarce and the price was out of our budget. We love the look of AKL, but reading a lot of the negative feedback has me a little nervous.

However, I've loved reading about experiences with YC CL, as we have a stay booked there with our family for June 2018. Can't wait!

Mine was January and I do realize things change. However if anyone tries to compare the offerings of GF to any cl they will probably be disappointed.

People do have different needs and tastes so really its hard to say.

I would not move if you like the resort theme, the beautiful relaxing lounge and unique food. We loved the appies. Dessert selections were usually just a few so that wasn't the strong point but honestly Poly doesn't put out a great variety either.

I like cl for lounge space and time convenience the most.

I would stay, things are always changing so who knows what will be going on a year from now?

 

[MinMou]

I am now 53 days away from our trip to Happiness! Our meal and FastPass reservations are done, I got our airline tickets and our park tickets, and we even picked out colors for our Magic Bands.
I am waiting until after Christmas to buy our park souvenirs at the dollar store, and I bought almost all our gifts for the holidays.
But I am still in a planning mood, so I decided to start working on my shopping list for Amazon Prime Now.

When I went to Disneyland 2 years ago, we ordered lots of diapers and everything to go with them, but we won't need that this time. (YIPPPPPPPEEEEEEE!) We did buy some drinks and snacks for the room, but we ended up not using some things, since we had access to the concierge lounge, and our stay was much shorter.

We are going to be on the Atrium Level at the Contemporary, so I wondered what we will need, and what the concierge/resort will provide.
I am planning on the room having a Keurig and mini fridge. So my questions are:
- Is the fridge really just a cooler (like in some hotels and on most cruiselines), or is it a real fridge? And what size is it?
- Is there much storage for food outside the fridge?
- Is it acceptable to take snacks from the lounge to have in your room? Or to take to the park?
- Does the lounge have any snacks that I would want to take into the parks?
- What times are food available in the lounge? Is anything available overnight?

And one non-food question: do the rooms have DVD players?

 

[NicoleLarson]

Just wondering if anyone has had a positive experience with AKL CL recently? I can't say I've read the entire thread, but did read the last 20 or so pages, and it sounds like things haven't been good there recently. DH and I booked a BB offer for September 2018 for our 20th Anniversary, and now I'm wondering if we made a mistake. We originally chose the Poly, but the room availability was scarce and the price was out of our budget. We love the look of AKL, but reading a lot of the negative feedback has me a little nervous.

However, I've loved reading about experiences with YC CL, as we have a stay booked there with our family for June 2018. Can't wait!

We recently stayed here in October and have been staying here at least once a year for the past 5 years. I can't say that I've ever had a "bad" experience here. There are CMs that go out of their way and there are others that are there to just solely do their job...period, they're not rude but they don't try to go that extra mile. But this has been at each CL that we have stayed at. A lot of people don't like the food because it's definitely different. If you like the food from Boma, Jiko and Sanaa then you'll be fine. Unlike the poster a couple of days ago, we can usually make a meal of the evening offerings. The chef usually has something delicious but they moved that cart away from the food to the other side of the room and we noticed a lot of people didn't realize that they had food over there. The view from the lounge is stunning and the lounge itself is nice and open with lots of seating. The resort itself is a vacation in itself. Make sure to take advantage of the resort activities. If you would like pics of the drink selections or menus just PM me and I can send them to you.

 

[GoGoBeans]

We recently stayed here in October and have been staying here at least once a year for the past 5 years. I can't say that I've ever had a "bad" experience here. There are CMs that go out of their way and there are others that are there to just solely do their job...period, they're not rude but they don't try to go that extra mile. But this has been at each CL that we have stayed at. A lot of people don't like the food because it's definitely different. If you like the food from Boma, Jiko and Sanaa then you'll be fine. Unlike the poster a couple of days ago, we can usually make a meal of the evening offerings. The chef usually has something delicious but they moved that cart away from the food to the other side of the room and we noticed a lot of people didn't realize that they had food over there. The view from the lounge is stunning and the lounge itself is nice and open with lots of seating. The resort itself is a vacation in itself. Make sure to take advantage of the resort activities. If you would like pics of the drink selections or menus just PM me and I can send them to you.

It’s been a few years since we’ve stayed AKL. Will be back next month. Can not wait.

So while this isn’t a recent experience, we’ve always loved our stays at AKL. We’ve only opted for Poly and Beach Club for proximity of what parks we were planning. AKL is probably our fave resort wise as we love the chill vibe.

Lounge CMs were eh, food was good (I’m not adventurous so there’s that), but we just love the resort overall that CL is icing on the cake.

Hope you love it!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

1. Is the fridge really just a cooler (like in some hotels and on most cruiselines), or is it a real fridge? And what size is it?
2. Is there much storage for food outside the fridge?
3. Is it acceptable to take snacks from the lounge to have in your room? Or to take to the park?
4. Does the lounge have any snacks that I would want to take into the parks?
5. What times are food available in the lounge? Is anything available overnight?
6. And one non-food question: do the rooms have DVD players?

Hi @MinMou - your trip will be here before you know it!

I'll see if I can address some of your questions.....

1) This pic is technically of a Poly fridge, but CR is similar, if not identical. Think a dorm room type/size fridge. It's a legit fridge in terms of keeping things cold. Note, I tend to find that when empty they don't really 'feel' all that cold at first, but once you put some stuff in there it keeps things perfectly cool. Note, CR's fridges are in a rather enclosed cabinet with not a lot of air circulation - if you find yours not working well, just tell a CL CM.



2) To me, there's not much storage at CR. While the rooms are big, the furniture doesn't really facilitate a lot of places to put things away. There is some, but not a ton. There's more "surface" storage (meaning the desk area, the shelf under and next to the TV) than places to actually store items out of sight.

3) Yes, you can take snacks/food wherever you want. Many people will grab a plate and take back to the room, or a drink to go, etc. Very common.

4) Probably nothing really worth taking to the parks. The afternoon snacks are usually a make your own trail-mix type of deal. You scoop what you want into a little baggie. That might be worth it for a snack, although I'd be a little worried about melted chocolate and such (depending on the temp).

5) Hours...

Coffee: 6:30am
Breakfast: 7-10:30am
Lite Bites: 11:30-4pm
Apps: 5-7pm
Cordials/Desserts: 8-10pm

They might leave some sodas in the fridge overnight, but other than that they put everything away at 10pm

6) I am 'pretty sure' the box underneath the TV in this pic is a DVD player, although not 100% confident in that. Someone please correct me if you know for sure.



Hope that helps!

 

[KrazeeK120]

Hi all! So, I’ve currently got a non-CL stay booked for next year through a Disney. I’m waiting for a particular travel agency to release fall discounts for next fall to see if we may want to change our reservation. I’ve noticed that this travel agency often has BC CL on their list of available discounts. My DH has been bitten by the CL bug and also apparently thinks money grows on trees, so he’s asked me to look into this if it’s on the list for our dates.

We are planning on the week prior to Halloween. It’s us and our son, who will be almost 3. Any thoughts on BC CL for our party?

 

[mickeynut1]

Mine was January and I do realize things change. However if anyone tries to compare the offerings of GF to any cl they will probably be disappointed.

People do have different needs and tastes so really its hard to say.

I agree on both counts .

I like cl for lounge space and time convenience the most.

Me too

 

[RachelTori]

I love BWI and am excited to be checking in there in about a week and a half (although this will be our first stay in a cottage). BUT........

those of you posting about YC got me in that frame of mind for our May 2018 trip! Last night, that's what I booked! Today I got the call from DSS! I likely won't use their services for anything, but it's nice that they called right away (since I'm already inside my 180 days! )

I last stayed at YC (non-CL) during Hurricane Irma and, although it was an intense 4 days, I really enjoyed my stay there! I haven't stayed Club Level there since September 2010 so this will be a whole new experience for me!

 

[MinMou]

Hi @MinMou - your trip will be here before you know it!

I'll see if I can address some of your questions.....

........

Hope that helps!

Thank you so much for your VERY comprehensive response!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thank you so much for your VERY comprehensive response!

No problem, happy to help. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any other questions.

I have to admit, seeing that pic with the clean room and view looking out over the 7 Seas Lagoon gives me a bit of the feels. Gets me every time.

 

[KerryCM]

I love BWI and am excited to be checking in there in about a week and a half (although this will be our first stay in a cottage). BUT........

those of you posting about YC got me in that frame of mind for our May 2018 trip! Last night, that's what I booked! Today I got the call from DSS! I likely won't use their services for anything, but it's nice that they called right away (since I'm already inside my 180 days! )

I last stayed at YC (non-CL) during Hurricane Irma and, although it was an intense 4 days, I really enjoyed my stay there! I haven't stayed Club Level there since September 2010 so this will be a whole new experience for me!

See you in the lounge!

 

[pld5]

Apologies for all of my BWI questions....I’m having a bad case of resort changer-itis for an upcoming long weekend trip. I never second guess myself on the MK resorts but I’m out of my comfort zone when it comes to the Epcot resorts!

So I’ve pretty much decided (I think) on BWI CL - Standard Room. I’d prefer a better view type, but nothing is available for my dates. Anyone have any pros/cons they’d like to share regarding that room type? Location relative to the lounge? Anything else I should keep in mind?

For context, this is a three night trip over the Princess Half weekend in late Feb. Adults only.

Alternative options among the other Epcot area resorts currently include BC CL Standard View and YC CL Lagoon/Pool View, just FYI.

Thank you in advance!

We loved the BWI CL. Staff was excellent in the lounge both times we stayed there. We had a Boardwalk View both times (same room, in fact 2 years apart), so I can't speak to the Std CL rooms. I believe St CL may give you a view of the quiet pool and you can usually see some of Epcot (Eiffel Tower). I will say that when Boardwalk view was not open for our next stay, we looked elsewhere.

We stayed BC CL Lagoon/Pool view and loved it. For me, who typically avoids the sun as much as I can with my fair skin, it was great to watch and wave to my husband and son at Stormalong Bay before joining them for a fraction of the time they wanted to stay there.

We also stayed YC CL standard view and also loved the room because it was a corner room that gave us more space. But had no view, so I would think the Lagoon/Pool view would be fun!

 

[pld5]

Sounds fun! It's looking like I might be in WDW for the Princess Half weekend too, although probably not at WL (still working on this part). DW is running her second PHM as well and her friend who is supposed to run with her has been throwing hints about bailing. So now I'm thinking I'll go down with her and make it a long weekend.

Before DS was in school we did a few trips in that last week of Feb time frame. Still probably my favorite time to go crowd wise of any of the other trips we've made since.

Hope you enjoy WL CL!

Sorry for my delayed response! We've done many trips in that last week of February since it is my son's birthday. We've seen 30 degree weather with rain, 90 degree weather with no rain, and everything in between. Hasn't mattered because we are at WDW! This is his last year in elementary school, so we figure it will be summer or holiday trips in future years.

Hope that my family and yours can meet up in some fashion during PHM weekend!

 

[trishadono]

I just posted a bunch of pix and review of bwi cl on that thread if interested .

 

[mickeynut1]

I am now 53 days away from our trip to Happiness! Our meal and FastPass reservations are done, I got our airline tickets and our park tickets, and we even picked out colors for our Magic Bands.
I am waiting until after Christmas to buy our park souvenirs at the dollar store, and I bought almost all our gifts for the holidays.

Enjoy the rest of your planning! Hope you have a great trip .

I love BWI and am excited to be checking in there in about a week and a half (although this will be our first stay in a cottage).

Hope you have a great trip!

View attachment 286071 I just posted a bunch of pix and review of bwi cl on that thread if interested . View attachment 286069

Hope you're having a nice time and enjoying BWI CL .

 

[ShannyG]

I have a question about online check-in. How does it work when you are staying on the Concierge Level? Do they still show you around and give you a welcome drink?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I have a question about online check-in. How does it work when you are staying on the Concierge Level? Do they still show you around and give you a welcome drink?

You have some options.

If you do online check-in and get the room ready text/e-mail, you can bypass everyone if you’d like - front desk, CL CMs, etc.

You can do online check-in and STILL stop by the CL CMs to do a traditional check-in as well. This is what I do, even if I’ve already recieved my room ready text. I just like the chit chat, getting any paperwork, hearing the latest CL info, etc.

Some resorts and CL CMs do a better job with this than others... meaning sometimes CMs will get you a drink, discuss lounge hours and offerings, etc. Some just check-you in and say “the lounge is to the right” (or whatever the case is) with minimal fanfare.

When I arrive at the resort, I typically tell anyone quasi-official looking that we’re checking in CL. Some resorts have greeters down front that ‘should’ escort you to the CL CMs... some resorts don’t. My experience is a mixed bag in this regard.

Does that help?

 

[ShannyG]

You have some options.

If you do online check-in and get the room ready text/e-mail, you can bypass everyone if you’d like - front desk, CL CMs, etc.

You can do online check-in and STILL stop by the CL CMs to do a traditional check-in as well. This is what I do, even if I’ve already recieved my room ready text. I just like the chit chat, getting any paperwork, hearing the latest CL info, etc.

Some resorts and CL CMs do a better job with this than others... meaning sometimes CMs will get you a drink, discuss lounge hours and offerings, etc. Some just check-you in and say “the lounge is to the right” (or whatever the case is) with minimal fanfare.

When I arrive at the resort, I typically tell anyone quasi-official looking that we’re checking in CL. Some resorts have greeters down front that ‘should’ escort you to the CL CMs... some resorts don’t. My experience is a mixed bag in this regard.

Does that help?

This helps so much! Thank you!

 

[Disneytam]

I have a question about online check-in. How does it work when you are staying on the Concierge Level? Do they still show you around and give you a welcome drink?

When we stay CL at the BWI we always get the text saying to stop at the lounge desk before going to our room. I will admit the first time that happened I was a little worried but the second time I asked about it and was told they do it that way because you have to walk past the desk to check in anyway. Every other place that we have stayed in the past couple of years we have always received a text with our room number and have by passed the desk all together.

 

[GoGoBeans]

Hi all! So, I’ve currently got a non-CL stay booked for next year through a Disney. I’m waiting for a particular travel agency to release fall discounts for next fall to see if we may want to change our reservation. I’ve noticed that this travel agency often has BC CL on their list of available discounts. My DH has been bitten by the CL bug and also apparently thinks money grows on trees, so he’s asked me to look into this if it’s on the list for our dates.

We are planning on the week prior to Halloween. It’s us and our son, who will be almost 3. Any thoughts on BC CL for our party?

We were BC CL through a particular travel agency last September. I have nothing but great things to say about BC CL and my agent.

When our kids were littles AKL was our go to.

Stormalong Bay has a great sandy bottom area of the pool for your 3 yo to play.