Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[mickeynut1]

I guess I’m worried we are missing out if we keep going back to the same place... but maybe if it’s not ‘broke’, don’t fix it?

Nothing wrong with that! We like trying new resorts, but we also have our favorites. It is hard to venture out and try something new when what you like/are used to works just fine. With that said, by trying something new, you might find another resort/CL you really enjoy. I love RPC and thought I'd never find another CL to compare, but after trying others, I now have several favorites as all of them are great in different ways

 

[Rachel GB]

We had a long (very long) string of repeat Poly CL stays when we first started doing WDW trips. It fit us so perfectly I was always very scared to "blow" a vacation budget on something else - plus I really had very little desire, just didn't seem worth it. Vacation time is scarce, we like to use it wisely.

But like anything, we grew a little tired of repetition so have branched out to the others over time. We transitioned to "MK resort" folks as we were very MK/monorail-centric in our touring style. It has only been more recently where we brought the Epcot resorts & AKL into the fold. In fairness, our family vacation habits have also transitioned from 1 or maybe 2 week long stays to several smaller/shorter stays over any given year (darn real school and school breaks), so we take those shorter trips as a chance to move around. If we only did one trip a year, I'd have zero regret about doing Poly every time.

It's weird, when you latch on to a place, get to know the people (CL CMs, Mousekeepers, etc), familiar faces, etc, it adds a different element to a trip. For us, that has mostly happened at Poly. When we go somewhere else and don't necessarily have that same connection or familiarity because of infrequency of stays, it feels a bit different. Not bad, just different. Of course, anyone can have great 'connections' at any resort.

I do admit there's not a non-Poly trip that goes by where I don't wonder what's going on at Poly. I don't even really like visiting Poly when not staying there, which is strange. Ultimately our other travels only serve to solidify the various pros/cons of all resorts/CLs, and accentuate what we like about the ones towards the top of our favorite list.

Anyway, long ramble, sorry. Interesting question.

@GADisneyDad14 , thank you for your thoughtful reply! I always remember you as a Poly-lover. It's interesting to see how your vacation style has evolved as the length and frequency of your trips have changed. I feel the same way in that we know we're happy at RPC and given we only are able to go once per year, it's hard to change resorts and take the chance that we may not like the new resort as well.
I also understand what you mean about not enjoying a visit to Poly when you're not staying there. Our most recent trip (2BR @ OKW w/ in-laws), we had meals at each of the mono resorts. My husband and I both sighed of contentment and visibly relaxed when we stepped into the GF lobby- it just has that effect on us. It was wonderful to be there, but the whole time I kept wishing we were staying there!
I'll probably continue to have a wandering eye in regards to resorts, but will feel better about always coming back to GF after reading your response! Of course, all bets could be off for a BB for next year anyway (w/ SWGE, either no BB or terrible crowds or both), so it might be a fruitless discussion . Hope you have another trip soon as my husband and I both love reading your wonderful trip reports! Thanks again!

I love CR, I keep posting about the pool. I love it! The palm trees, the views of CR and blt, bay lake etc. you feel like part of the MK action. Also it's not mad crazy busy. I posted tons of pix last July FYI. I took camera into pool lol to show how cool it is.


Dh loves gf and not a fan of others. I love to mix it up. I have never had a bad stay from value, mod, deluxe villa or deluxe.

I'm at Disney !!!!

Honestly my CR stays have all been good. The problem is getting a decent discount . Gf seems to have a good AP one. Last summer I was so happy CR atrium TPV was same price as RPC so I went for it. It had been a few years and I missed it. It's a good one to try.

Then again gf is always good too!

@trishadono , thank you for another wonderful reply! I looked back through this thread at your CR posts, and hopped over to the CR thread to view your posts there, as well. I can really see its wonderful qualities! Your pool photos do highlight some special features that I hadn't seen before, too! I even tried another call to the BB CMs to see if a CR TPV CL room has come up to book as our backup trip (in case there's a hurricane during our September trip), but of course, nothing available.
And as you mention, the non-BB offer on CR is only 15%, which is better than nothing, but 30% is hard to beat! We aren't AP holders as we plan to go roughly once per year and don't plan many park days. So glad you're able to take advantage of the wonderful AP discounts that have been offered recently!
And I looked over your Cali Grill brunch photos again, too. Thanks again!

Nothing wrong with that! We like trying new resorts, but we also have our favorites. It is hard to venture out and try something new when what you like/are used to works just fine. With that said, by trying something new, you might find another resort/CL you really enjoy. I love RPC and thought I'd never find another CL to compare, but after trying others, I now have several favorites as all of them are great in different ways

@mickeynut1 , thank you for reply! You make a great point that you never know you have a new favorite if you don't try new things! Lots to think about.

 

[smmco]

We just completed a BWI/ AKL split. As much as I love the BWI I really did not enjoy the club level. They really had nothing palatable for kids. I did get the feeling they it’s geared for adults and that’s the way they want it. AKL on the other hand was awesome. Great options for kids and adults. I will say the rooms are much in need of a refurb. Beds were very uncomfortable and the shower head was a disaster. It was impossible to take a shower without flooding the bathroom.

We also spent a night at CSR. I will say I was very impressed with new rooms. Kuerig coffee pots, granite countertops, and the rainforest shower head are fantastic. The rooms are more upscale then AKL or Wl. I found it to be the best bang for your buck. I can’t wait to stay CL in the new tower.

 

[Babsy]

What did we miss the most? Trash and towel turndown service and wheres my chocolates???

LOL! I miss the chocolates the most when staying non CL as well! The little things matter - especially iff there is chocolate involved!

I have stated at cr both std and cl. We do like CR which is why it was extra nice to eat there since we stayed at BC.

I missed cl but we did so so many things.

Arrival day we took a bus to MK and mono to poly and ate at traders. We each had 2 appies .

Saturday we went to DS for lunch and had Blaze pizza after shopping and then did the illuminations dinner ( posting pix on rest thread area soon).

Sunday we had the CG brunch then added last minute fantasmic dinner at Brown Derby because dd wanted F! and we could walk home for a change (way easier).

Monday we had Cosmic Rays after doing the triple mtn whammy then headed over to AKL with 3 FP. We caught bus to BWI and had an early dinner at ESPN before our ME.

So with so many cl trips we tried to cram in as much as we could. I have to say it worked good for this trip.

However I am glad I have cl next up!

Sounds wonderful!

I tried to answer and its too hard. Each has something the others do not.

GF has the band and scone time.

Poly has the beach and pools close with a lovely low view of the castle across the water.

Cr has all the rooms near to lounge, great views and guaranteed balcony.

WL and AKL have fun themed lounges and food.

BC/YC/Bwi are a little less interesting but good location for hs and epcot and prices are better than monos.

Overall I am a mono girl for CL. I need to be able to see that castle lol. It makes it for me

YOUR fav?

This is a perfect summary. I agree! The three monorail resorts are definitely the best, IMO. That castle really does feel magical when viewed from your resort.

I love CR, I keep posting about the pool. I love it! The palm trees, the views of CR and blt, bay lake etc. you feel like part of the MK action. Also it's not mad crazy busy. I posted tons of pix last July FYI. I took camera into pool lol to show how cool it is.


Dh loves gf and not a fan of others. I love to mix it up. I have never had a bad stay from value, mod, deluxe villa or deluxe.

I'm at Disney !!!!

Honestly my CR stays have all been good. The problem is getting a decent discount . Gf seems to have a good AP one. Last summer I was so happy CR atrium TPV was same price as RPC so I went for it. It had been a few years and I missed it. It's a good one to try.

Then again gf is always good too!

It is amazing to me that there are people that have stayed at the CR and dislike it so much! I totally agree with you! Staying in the tower here (especially in CL) is wonderful in our opinion. We simply love it! And I agree that the pool, while plain, is very enjoyable. (Your pictures are awesome, BTW.) We were pleasantly surprised during our first CR stay at how much we enjoyed staying here and even using the pool. However, the prices are way over the top lately, with nary a discount in sight it seems. (We typically only go in late fall and winter months, so we are missing out on the great prices offered this spring/summer.) Looking for rooms for next Dec and prices are so high! It's doable for one room, but we are looking at extended family so we need about 3 - 4 rooms! AT those prices - Yikes!

 

[trishadono]

@GADisneyDad14 , thank you for your thoughtful reply! I always remember you as a Poly-lover. It's interesting to see how your vacation style has evolved as the length and frequency of your trips have changed. I feel the same way in that we know we're happy at RPC and given we only are able to go once per year, it's hard to change resorts and take the chance that we may not like the new resort as well.
I also understand what you mean about not enjoying a visit to Poly when you're not staying there. Our most recent trip (2BR @ OKW w/ in-laws), we had meals at each of the mono resorts. My husband and I both sighed of contentment and visibly relaxed when we stepped into the GF lobby- it just has that effect on us. It was wonderful to be there, but the whole time I kept wishing we were staying there!
I'll probably continue to have a wandering eye in regards to resorts, but will feel better about always coming back to GF after reading your response! Of course, all bets could be off for a BB for next year anyway (w/ SWGE, either no BB or terrible crowds or both), so it might be a fruitless discussion . Hope you have another trip soon as my husband and I both love reading your wonderful trip reports! Thanks again!



@trishadono , thank you for another wonderful reply! I looked back through this thread at your CR posts, and hopped over to the CR thread to view your posts there, as well. I can really see its wonderful qualities! Your pool photos do highlight some special features that I hadn't seen before, too! I even tried another call to the BB CMs to see if a CR TPV CL room has come up to book as our backup trip (in case there's a hurricane during our September trip), but of course, nothing available.
And as you mention, the non-BB offer on CR is only 15%, which is better than nothing, but 30% is hard to beat! We aren't AP holders as we plan to go roughly once per year and don't plan many park days. So glad you're able to take advantage of the wonderful AP discounts that have been offered recently!
And I looked over your Cali Grill brunch photos again, too. Thanks again!



@mickeynut1 , thank you for reply! You make a great point that you never know you have a new favorite if you don't try new things! Lots to think about.

I posted some more of the Illuminations Dinner Package today too if interested. Over restaurant board.

Welcome!

 

[trishadono]

LOL! I miss the chocolates the most when staying non CL as well! The little things matter - especially iff there is chocolate involved!



Sounds wonderful!



This is a perfect summary. I agree! The three monorail resorts are definitely the best, IMO. That castle really does feel magical when viewed from your resort.



It is amazing to me that there are people that have stayed at the CR and dislike it so much! I totally agree with you! Staying in the tower here (especially in CL) is wonderful in our opinion. We simply love it! And I agree that the pool, while plain, is very enjoyable. (Your pictures are awesome, BTW.) We were pleasantly surprised during our first CR stay at how much we enjoyed staying here and even using the pool. However, the prices are way over the top lately, with nary a discount in sight it seems. (We typically only go in late fall and winter months, so we are missing out on the great prices offered this spring/summer.) Looking for rooms for next Dec and prices are so high! It's doable for one room, but we are looking at extended family so we need about 3 - 4 rooms! AT those prices - Yikes!

Thanks!

Randomly last July Atrium finally matched GF discount. I jumped on that so fast lol.

 

[Rachel GB]

LOL! I miss the chocolates the most when staying non CL as well! The little things matter - especially iff there is chocolate involved!



Sounds wonderful!



This is a perfect summary. I agree! The three monorail resorts are definitely the best, IMO. That castle really does feel magical when viewed from your resort.



It is amazing to me that there are people that have stayed at the CR and dislike it so much! I totally agree with you! Staying in the tower here (especially in CL) is wonderful in our opinion. We simply love it! And I agree that the pool, while plain, is very enjoyable. (Your pictures are awesome, BTW.) We were pleasantly surprised during our first CR stay at how much we enjoyed staying here and even using the pool. However, the prices are way over the top lately, with nary a discount in sight it seems. (We typically only go in late fall and winter months, so we are missing out on the great prices offered this spring/summer.) Looking for rooms for next Dec and prices are so high! It's doable for one room, but we are looking at extended family so we need about 3 - 4 rooms! AT those prices - Yikes!

I agree, I really feel like I'm AT DISNEY over at the mono resorts! The idea of CR is growing on me, although hubby says he'll only do a room there if he can get CL TPV room, and so far no luck finding that under the Bounceback offer! Yes, it would be nice to get a good discount there. Do you find that your room is loud given that it's off of the open atrium?

I posted some more of the Illuminations Dinner Package today too if interested. Over restaurant board.

Welcome!

Thanks! Will have to poke around and see if I can find the board/thread!

 

[Babsy]

I agree, I really feel like I'm AT DISNEY over at the mono resorts! The idea of CR is growing on me, although hubby says he'll only do a room there if he can get CL TPV room, and so far no luck finding that under the Bounceback offer! Yes, it would be nice to get a good discount there. Do you find that your room is loud given that it's off of the open atrium?

We never had any trouble with noise in our room. However, we have always been on either the CL floor or the floor directly below it when staying non CL in the tower. So we have never been in one of the rooms on the lower floors - except in the garden wing. We have stayed in the garden wing rooms and found them to be quiet. It has been a while since we stayed there as the rates seem to have increased over there as well! It is no longer the great deal it once was to stay in the garden wing, IMO. We have stayed in both the TPV rooms and in the BL view rooms. I honestly don't know which view that I like the best. Personally, I believe that I like the lake view in the CL rooms best because you can watch the fireworks/TPV from the lounge. Either way, the CR tower is a really nice place to stay!

Interestingly, we tried to book a BB recently for next Dec and could only get availability at the CR, but in the GW only!

 

[Rachel GB]

We never had any trouble with noise in our room. However, we have always been on either the CL floor or the floor directly below it when staying non CL in the tower. So we have never been in one of the rooms on the lower floors - except in the garden wing. We have stayed in the garden wing rooms and found them to be quiet. It has been a while since we stayed there as the rates seem to have increased over there as well! It is no longer the great deal it once was to stay in the garden wing, IMO. We have stayed in both the TPV rooms and in the BL view rooms. I honestly don't know which view that I like the best. Personally, I believe that I like the lake view in the CL rooms best because you can watch the fireworks/TPV from the lounge. Either way, the CR tower is a really nice place to stay!

Interestingly, we tried to book a BB recently for next Dec and could only get availability at the CR, but in the GW only!

Thanks for your quick reply! Something to think about for the future! I THINK we are set on GF RPC for this September, but we're already planning what we may want to book for a Bounceback. It's great to hear you like the standard view rooms, too, as they seem to become available under the discounts more often! Good luck finding a discount for a future CR stay for your family!
P.S. The font sizes are randomly changing up on me for some reason lol, that is not intentional.

 

[trishadono]

I agree, I really feel like I'm AT DISNEY over at the mono resorts! The idea of CR is growing on me, although hubby says he'll only do a room there if he can get CL TPV room, and so far no luck finding that under the Bounceback offer! Yes, it would be nice to get a good discount there. Do you find that your room is loud given that it's off of the open atrium?



Thanks! Will have to poke around and see if I can find the board/thread!

Some more on the next page too.
Illuminations Dining Package at Rose and Crown

 

[mrsap]

Thanks for your quick reply! Something to think about for the future! I THINK we are set on GF RPC for this September, but we're already planning what we may want to book for a Bounceback. It's great to hear you like the standard view rooms, too, as they seem to become available under the discounts more often! Good luck finding a discount for a future CR stay for your family!
P.S. The font sizes are randomly changing up on me for some reason lol, that is not intentional.

!!!

 

[Babsy]

Thanks for your quick reply! Something to think about for the future! I THINK we are set on GF RPC for this September, but we're already planning what we may want to book for a Bounceback. It's great to hear you like the standard view rooms, too, as they seem to become available under the discounts more often! Good luck finding a discount for a future CR stay for your family!
P.S. The font sizes are randomly changing up on me for some reason lol, that is not intentional.

LOL! This has happened to me as well. I have no idea why! Is the computer trying to whisper? Trying to keep how great the CR is under wraps? If others don't know to book, we might have a better chance at those discounts!

 

[Babsy]

Does anyone know if you are able to book the extra CL FP+ if you have only a single night CL stay? Or do you need a minimum of two nights? What about if you have the two nights but your nights are not consecutive?

Will we be able to book these with the CSR new CL rooms? Opinions?

TIA!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Does anyone know if you are able to book the extra CL FP+ if you have only a single night CL stay? Or do you need a minimum of two nights? What about if you have the two nights but your nights are not consecutive?

Will we be able to book these with the CSR new CL rooms? Opinions?

TIA!

Assuming they are right (I suspect they are), I've seen reports that DSS has confirmed the Gran Destino Tower will be eligible.

You do need a 2 night minimum stay to book. I'm going to say no, 2 non-consecutive nights won't work - but it's worth asking DSS to see what they'll say (and report back if you don't mind for tracking purposes!).

 

[Babsy]

Assuming they are right (I suspect they are), I've seen reports that DSS has confirmed the Gran Destino Tower will be eligible.

You do need a 2 night minimum stay to book. I'm going to say no, 2 non-consecutive nights won't work - but it's worth asking DSS to see what they'll say (and report back if you don't mind for tracking purposes!).

Thanks!! This is for Dec so it might take a while to report back, but will do when I know!

 

[jods]

LOL! I miss the chocolates the most when staying non CL as well! The little things matter - especially iff there is chocolate involved!



Sounds wonderful!



This is a perfect summary. I agree! The three monorail resorts are definitely the best, IMO. That castle really does feel magical when viewed from your resort.



It is amazing to me that there are people that have stayed at the CR and dislike it so much! I totally agree with you! Staying in the tower here (especially in CL) is wonderful in our opinion. We simply love it! And I agree that the pool, while plain, is very enjoyable. (Your pictures are awesome, BTW.) We were pleasantly surprised during our first CR stay at how much we enjoyed staying here and even using the pool. However, the prices are way over the top lately, with nary a discount in sight it seems. (We typically only go in late fall and winter months, so we are missing out on the great prices offered this spring/summer.) Looking for rooms for next Dec and prices are so high! It's doable for one room, but we are looking at extended family so we need about 3 - 4 rooms! AT those prices - Yikes!

We've never stayed CR but we are one of those people who probably wouldn't love the hotel. The lounge and its offerings sound great but the actual tower and hotel does nothing for me. We live in the NYC area and want to get away from bug buildings and craziness on vacation. We like the more relaxed feel of the Poly and WL. We like the pretty grounds and trees. What we love about both Poly and WL is that is has a more relaxed vibe. We didn't like BC either! I found it too noisy and crowded. I know people say the poly's lobby gets crazy but other then to eat we didn't stay there. We were content with the outdoor bar and lounge.. I may have felt differently if we didn't stay CL. Now my 11yo is in love with the Contemporary. He always asks to stay there. Our first day ever at wdw we started at CM for breakfast. It's been love ever since for him. In fact many years later we have to start our first full day at disney at CM. He would be in heaven if we stayed tower CL there.

 

[Rachel GB]

LOL! This has happened to me as well. I have no idea why! Is the computer trying to whisper? Trying to keep how great the CR is under wraps? If others don't know to book, we might have a better chance at those discounts!

 

[ninafeliz]

We've never stayed CR but we are one of those people who probably wouldn't love the hotel. The lounge and its offerings sound great but the actual tower and hotel does nothing for me. We live in the NYC area and want to get away from bug buildings and craziness on vacation. We like the more relaxed feel of the Poly and WL. We like the pretty grounds and trees. What we love about both Poly and WL is that is has a more relaxed vibe. We didn't like BC either! I found it too noisy and crowded. I know people say the poly's lobby gets crazy but other then to eat we didn't stay there. We were content with the outdoor bar and lounge.. I may have felt differently if we didn't stay CL. Now my 11yo is in love with the Contemporary. He always asks to stay there. Our first day ever at wdw we started at CM for breakfast. It's been love ever since for him. In fact many years later we have to start our first full day at disney at CM. He would be in heaven if we stayed tower CL there.

I never wanted to stay at the CR, it also didn’t do much for me in terms of theming. But my kids always loved chef mickeys and wanted to stay there, so when we went over Christmas a couple of years ago we decided to book the CR to take advantage of being able to walk on Christmas Day and not have to wait for any transportation. I was very pleasantly surprised, and really enjoyed the resort and our stay. I wouldn’t say it becamel my favorite, but it exceeded my expectations and the plusses far outnumbered the negatives. In fact, we stayed there again as part of a split stay last summer. That was a long winded way to say you might be surprised and like it, it happened to me! I have boys that are 5 and 9, and I think it might be their favorite resort, or one of the top 3. For reference, we were Atrium CL Bay Lake view both times.

 

[ninafeliz]

I agree, I really feel like I'm AT DISNEY over at the mono resorts! The idea of CR is growing on me, although hubby says he'll only do a room there if he can get CL TPV room, and so far no luck finding that under the Bounceback offer! Yes, it would be nice to get a good discount there. Do you find that your room is loud given that it's off of the open atrium?

I just wanted to say that in the case of CL at the CR, the standard view is really spectacular, and I feel arguably the better view. Seeeping trees and lake and the Pools, with no parking lot in site. Plus you can see the EWP at night from your balcony. I agree if I were not CL I would prefer TPV to be able to watch HEA and to see that iconic view, but with CL you can see that from the lounge and get the other amazing view from the room. The lounge is never (or I guess I should say rarely) busy, and we could always watch HEA from one of the 3 balconies with no problem. I honestly think when staying CL I prefer the SV room, and as a bonus it’s also less expensive! Just food for thought for your husband

We were on the Chef Mickeys side both stays and never noticed any problem with noise from the atrium at all. We also got a lower discount than the other monorail resorts when we stayed there, we just decided to do it anyway since it’s what we wanted, so I tried not to compare

 

[Jdogbeanie]

Do any of you always (or almost always) stay CL at the same resort? I see many posts about hopping around, but I'm curious if some of you love a resort CL so much that you stick with it every (or nearly every!) trip!