Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[lala5176]

How is the condition of rooms at BWI? I currently have a booking for BWI deluxe CL room for next summer. I have heard of great things about the service and offering at BWI and my family would like to stay in the Epcot area for the first time. Deluxe CL room is a lot of $$ but the extra space for my family is appealing. HOWEVER, it has been a couple years since the last refurb at BWI. Green is NOT my favorite color. The green carpet in the BWI room looks... The newly renovated room over at YC/BC looks so good in the picture. Just hope that I won't regret spending all those $$$ on the BWI deluxe cl room. TIA

I agree that I love the cleanliness of a no carpet room but didn’t feel like the carpet was worn or dirty. Rooms were very clean and well maintained but could probably use a little updating. Not sure what the deluxe rooms are like though. The extra space of a deluxe is well worth the $$$ in my book. We are a family of 5.

 

[mickeynut1]

Looking forward to the rpc review we will be there is less than a month

Hope you have a great trip .

Will definitely post a comparison review when we return. We have stayed RPC before but Boardwalk was a brand new experience. Definitely not disappointed!

Looking forward to reading it .

Just want to mention we’ve had kind of bad luck with the weather on our patio days here at the Poly — both days, the pool areas have closed due to storms in the vicinity. Today, for example, the pool closed at 3, reopened very briefly and then closed again (still closed right now). However, I talked to one of the club level CMs, and they easily refunded our rental fee. So don’t let the chance of a storm deter you. I’m still glad we rented today because we did get to use it for the first few hours.

Sorry the weather has been less than perfect, but glad you were able to use the patio for at least a few hours .

We’re coming off a wonderful 9 day stay- 6 at Poly Club level, 3 at BC. We thought Poly Club level was awesome. Best stay ever! Food offerings vastly improved over past years and always a friendly lounge staff. Beach club club level seemed to have slid quite a bit on food quality/offerings and team there isn’t as warm and friendly. But nice overall stay at both! We did MK fireworks 7/3 from our balcony and Epcot on 7/4 from Spice Road Table. Both were awesome.

I agree about the very friendly Poly CL staff! Sorry the BC CL offerings didn't match up to Poly's, but glad you had a great time overall .

How is the condition of rooms at BWI? I currently have a booking for BWI deluxe CL room for next summer. I have heard of great things about the service and offering at BWI and my family would like to stay in the Epcot area for the first time. Deluxe CL room is a lot of $$ but the extra space for my family is appealing. HOWEVER, it has been a couple years since the last refurb at BWI. Green is NOT my favorite color. The green carpet in the BWI room looks... The newly renovated room over at YC/BC looks so good in the picture. Just hope that I won't regret spending all those $$$ on the BWI deluxe cl room. TIA

Haven't stayed in a deluxe room, but stayed in a regular CL room last year and I thought the room was great. I didn't find anything wrong as far as it being dirty or lots of wear and tear. Hope you have a great time .

 

[reluctantredhead]

We've stayed in the garden cottages at BWI twice in the last year (with another stay coming up in October) -- these are CL rooms, but not the exact CL room you asked about. As others have said, we found the decor to be incredibly charming, and the room and furnishings were clean and in good repair. The main colors are a soft green, yellow, and a dark pink. The garden cottages are actually our favorite rooms at WDW, and although our own home isn't decorated in this style, we like the antique-y, turn-of-the-century decor. That said, if your personal taste calls for decor that is super sleek and modern, you may be disappointed in the BWI rooms -- I have read some on the DIS describe the decor as "grandma-ish". We don't find that to be the case, but to each his own...and one of the great things about the hotels at WDW is that there is almost certain to be one to match anyone's taste.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Ecomommy09]

Hello! I’m not sure if anyone can help me with this question, but I thought this would still be the place to ask!

I started planning my ODD big 10th birthday WDW trip in August 2018....She’ll be 10 the day before we head down for Disney 12/1/2019. Unfortunately, iin the fall, her failure to thrive was attributed finally to wheat and tomato allergies. She’s growing well since we’ve cut out those allergens, but what does that mean for CL offerings? Everyone keeps telling me Disney is great with allergies, but is that true for the lounge? I see you guys posting photos of food, and most of it is stuff she can’t eat. I’m afraid I’ve wasted a lot of money on a CL room and we won’t really be able to enjoy the lounge breakfast. Any experience with allergies and CL?

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Hello! I’m not sure if anyone can help me with this question, but I thought this would still be the place to ask!

I started planning my ODD big 10th birthday WDW trip in August 2018....She’ll be 10 the day before we head down for Disney 12/1/2019. Unfortunately, in the fall, her failure to thrive was attributed finally to wheat and tomato allergies. She’s growing well since we’ve cut out those allergens, but what does that mean for CL offerings? Everyone keeps telling me Disney is great with allergies, but is that true for the lounge? I see you guys posting photos of food, and most of it is stuff she can’t eat. I’m afraid I’ve wasted a lot of money on a CL room and we won’t really be able to enjoy the lounge breakfast. Any experience with allergies and CL?

I've posted on this topic in this thread many tiems, but it has a great mnay pages.

Yes, WDW, including- and maybe especially the CL's are great about food allergies, as dining goes. Personally, I think she's lucky to finally have her allergies identified (NOT knowing is far worse!)
For someone with allergies, CL is a little better than non-CL.

To report an allergy, you simply tell the CM at the desk when you arrive, if you arrive during the CL hours. If you arrive after hours, you simply talk to a CM the next morning. They will go over your options, but usually they will call a chef to talk directly to you (or the parent/child combo in the case of a minor) about your dietary needs. They will usually ask about the length of your stay, and what you like to eat. Each resort is slightly different. After your 1st day, they might come talk to you again, or they might just prep a special plate just for you at each meal. A third option is that the chef will simply go down the line with you and tell you which items are safe for you to eat- if you are comfortable with eating items off the buffet. (cross-contamination is possible in some cases). The lounge serves items like whole apples, and oranges, so those are likely safe for her to eat.

If you need a meal that is specially prepared for you, it just takes them a few minutes to prep it. In some cases they might offer her prepackaged items that are certified wheat-free. If you look in the DISabilities section of the DISboards, you should be able to find a thread that is specifically maintained by folks with allergies, to see exactly which pre-packaged foods WDW is currently offering in different locations property-wide.

At every ADR, you will get asked about your allergy needs upon arrival. If not, you should tell them. In some cases, you will be given an allergy-friendly menu. (Likely one that lists wheat-free options), for the tomato allergy, you might need to talk to a chef. If you have the CL staff book your ADR's they should do this for all your ADR. If you do them yourself, you can at least list the whet allergy for now. (and just mention the tomato allergy when you talk to the chef.)

At QS locations, you will often be given an allergen menu, or prepackaged items upon request. You simply tell the cashier, and the staff will ALSO make sure your food is prepared away from allergens. If they can't, they will tell you a food is not safe for you to eat. they are VERY careful, in my experience.

FYI, Universal staff are also great when it comes to allergies! they have very similar policies.

A nice thing about CL, is that you are likely going to have similar staff all week, so no need to explain yourself multiple times. This is also true if you have any ADR's at your base hotel. Most of the WDW hotels have one central kitchen- even BC/YC. so if are staying at the BC or YC- and eat at any TS place in BC or YC they are the same staff as the BC/YC CL. GF also mostly uses one central kitchen.

The only places that might be slightly less great for her are the special event kiosks (like during food and Wine Festival), and other kids at the babysitting places might not understand her allergy and accidentally cross-contaminate her plate.

DO check out the special bakery in Disney Springs. you might also want to pack just a few snacks for her, especially if you are flying or driving a long distance.

If you will have a car (or even use a towncar service) there's a Whole Foods near Universal. (Sand Lake ) Publix is also decent grocery store chain, but WF is super for allergies, if you want to pick up a few allergen-free snacks after you arrive. For something like mid-day snacks, that might be easier and that way you KNOW she'll get the specific foods she likes without any effort.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Is the club level lounge for the Yacht Club directly above the check in desk. If not where is it located on the 5th floor. I am trying to figure out what room catagory is the closest to the lounge. My mom uses a cane. Thanks

I second what Mzpalmtree posed. I know for certain there are standard and pool view located next to the lounge. The lounge is on a corner near the elevators, to the right, but I can't say for certain what rooms are on the left hand hall.

I can also say, the CM's won't guarantee a room that is close to the lounge, but can usually comply. though if you are not initially assigned a room that's close, if you ask right away, they might be able to swap you to a room that IS close. Sometimes they are able to swap.

That said, the halls are fairly long at YC. Some rooms are quite a ways. You might want to rent a scooter. Even if your room is close, getting around the resort for everything else = a fair amount of walking.


Another option- maybe for a future trip - is the Contemporary. It is very easy for those with mobility challenges. Not only are the halls short, but getting around all of CR is pretty easy, and even getting to all the monorail dining options is easy. Via scooter- she can also motor directly to MK without having to board a bus. (plus Epcot via 2 monorails, though that takes a little longer.) For that matter, CR also = easy access via boat to WL and Ft Wl.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

nm

 

[mickeyluv'r]

the butternut squash soup also but the chicken corn chowder....

Both soups have been offered at Boma for years.

I have both recipes, if anyone is interested just PM me!

Fair warning though, you might not love them as much after you see how much cream/cheese/butter are in both recipes!

At home, I actually make both with less dairy/fat/sugar, and they still taste great. The original recipe calls for baked squash, but I just boil or substitute canned pumpkin (though fresh squash is a bit better). The soup works great with every variety of yellow/orange winter squash.

For the chicken corn chowder, I also use less fat, and have happily subbed turkey, a grocery-store precooked rotisserie chicken, or even deli turkey (just ask for a thick slice then break up in chunks with a fork).

Both are pretty easy recipes, especially if you use one of the above shortcuts.

I have a few more WDW recipes too! Including Zebra domes, - though I have never made those at home. (long and complicated!)

 

[vinotinto]

Both soups have been offered at Boma for years.

I have both recipes, if anyone is interested just PM me!

Fair warning though, you might not love them as much after you see how much cream/cheese/butter are in both recipes!

At home, I actually make both with less dairy/fat/sugar, and they still taste great. The original recipe calls for baked squash, but I just boil or substitute canned pumpkin (though fresh squash is a bit better). The soup works great with every variety of yellow/orange winter squash.

For the chicken corn chowder, I also use less fat, and have happily subbed turkey, a grocery-store precooked rotisserie chicken, or even deli turkey (just ask for a thick slice then break up in chunks with a fork).

Both are pretty easy recipes, especially if you use one of the above shortcuts.

I have a few more WDW recipes too! Including Zebra domes, - though I have never made those at home. (long and complicated!)

Would love to see you post these recipes!

And are the soups only at lunch time? Is there a different one every day?

 

[Sajchinook2015]

I second what Mzpalmtree posed. I know for certain there are standard and pool view located next to the lounge. The lounge is on a corner near the elevators, to the right, but I can't say for certain what rooms are on the left hand hall.

I can also say, the CM's won't guarantee a room that is close to the lounge, but can usually comply. though if you are not initially assigned a room that's close, if you ask right away, they might be able to swap you to a room that IS close. Sometimes they are able to swap.

That said, the halls are fairly long at YC. Some rooms are quite a ways. You might want to rent a scooter. Even if your room is close, getting around the resort for everything else = a fair amount of walking.


Another option- maybe for a future trip - is the Contemporary. It is very easy for those with mobility challenges. Not only are the halls short, but getting around all of CR is pretty easy, and even getting to all the monorail dining options is easy. Via scooter- she can also motor directly to MK without having to board a bus. (plus Epcot via 2 monorails, though that takes a little longer.) For that matter, CR also = easy access via boat to WL and Ft Wl.

Thanks for all the reply’s. The trip for April 2020 is hard to plan right now. We stayed at CTR a couple of months ago and fell in love with the location. And she did rent a scooter for that trip. But having the lounge close to the room makes it easier. We have never stayed club level at Yacht and think this might be a good choice. We have stayed club level at BWI, beach club, Poly, GF at both royal at Sugarloaf, and then in 2015 the Coronado when the had the business class. Guess we only have the Yacht, WL and AK left to try.

 

[Ecomommy09]

I've posted on this topic in this thread many tiems, but it has a great mnay pages.

Yes, WDW, including- and maybe especially the CL's are great about food allergies, as dining goes. Personally, I think she's lucky to finally have her allergies identified (NOT knowing is far worse!)
For someone with allergies, CL is a little better than non-CL.

To report an allergy, you simply tell the CM at the desk when you arrive, if you arrive during the CL hours. If you arrive after hours, you simply talk to a CM the next morning. They will go over your options, but usually they will call a chef to talk directly to you (or the parent/child combo in the case of a minor) about your dietary needs. They will usually ask about the length of your stay, and what you like to eat. Each resort is slightly different. After your 1st day, they might come talk to you again, or they might just prep a special plate just for you at each meal. A third option is that the chef will simply go down the line with you and tell you which items are safe for you to eat- if you are comfortable with eating items off the buffet. (cross-contamination is possible in some cases). The lounge serves items like whole apples, and oranges, so those are likely safe for her to eat.

If you need a meal that is specially prepared for you, it just takes them a few minutes to prep it. In some cases they might offer her prepackaged items that are certified wheat-free. If you look in the DISabilities section of the DISboards, you should be able to find a thread that is specifically maintained by folks with allergies, to see exactly which pre-packaged foods WDW is currently offering in different locations property-wide.

At every ADR, you will get asked about your allergy needs upon arrival. If not, you should tell them. In some cases, you will be given an allergy-friendly menu. (Likely one that lists wheat-free options), for the tomato allergy, you might need to talk to a chef. If you have the CL staff book your ADR's they should do this for all your ADR. If you do them yourself, you can at least list the whet allergy for now. (and just mention the tomato allergy when you talk to the chef.)

At QS locations, you will often be given an allergen menu, or prepackaged items upon request. You simply tell the cashier, and the staff will ALSO make sure your food is prepared away from allergens. If they can't, they will tell you a food is not safe for you to eat. they are VERY careful, in my experience.

FYI, Universal staff are also great when it comes to allergies! they have very similar policies.

A nice thing about CL, is that you are likely going to have similar staff all week, so no need to explain yourself multiple times. This is also true if you have any ADR's at your base hotel. Most of the WDW hotels have one central kitchen- even BC/YC. so if are staying at the BC or YC- and eat at any TS place in BC or YC they are the same staff as the BC/YC CL. GF also mostly uses one central kitchen.

The only places that might be slightly less great for her are the special event kiosks (like during food and Wine Festival), and other kids at the babysitting places might not understand her allergy and accidentally cross-contaminate her plate.

DO check out the special bakery in Disney Springs. you might also want to pack just a few snacks for her, especially if you are flying or driving a long distance.

If you will have a car (or even use a towncar service) there's a Whole Foods near Universal. (Sand Lake ) Publix is also decent grocery store chain, but WF is super for allergies, if you want to pick up a few allergen-free snacks after you arrive. For something like mid-day snacks, that might be easier and that way you KNOW she'll get the specific foods she likes without any effort.

Thank you so much for all the information. I meant to thank you last night, but I had to get the girls to bed and got busy.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Thanks for all the reply’s. The trip for April 2020 is hard to plan right now. We stayed at CTR a couple of months ago and fell in love with the location. And she did rent a scooter for that trip. But having the lounge close to the room makes it easier. We have never stayed club level at Yacht and think this might be a good choice. We have stayed club level at BWI, beach club, Poly, GF at both royal at Sugarloaf, and then in 2015 the Coronado when the had the business class. Guess we only have the Yacht, WL and AK left to try.

YC is a bit like BC food-wise. Since both resorts share amenities, you also already know the layout and easy access to both Epcot and HS, including meals in the WS (as long as no soaking rain).

We enjoy YC. I think our two favorite deluxe hotels are BC and CR, but we'll happily choose YC if it has better availability.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Would love to see you post these recipes!

And are the soups only at lunch time? Is there a different one every day?

I've been to Boma many times, but not very recently, so it is possible the menu has changed. Same thing with AK CL. someone who has a more recent stay can likely better describe recent experiences. All CL's change over time without much notice, where food is concerned.

For years though, the practice was that the Boma menu alternated. Mon-Wed-Fri it was one menu, and Tues-Thurs-Sat (I think) it was the other menu. One day a week- I think Sunday- it was a bit of a mishmash menu. No place can ever re-serve food, but they sometimes get ingredients/prep food that is never served. The mishmash menu day was when they had some flexibility to balance their pantry.. I've also been told that sometimes the chefs order an item, but for some reason they are unable to get it (especially seafood).

I once asked about Greek Yogurt at WL, and the CM said they ordered it every week. Some weeks they got it; other weeks they got regular yogurt. Some weeks people quickly gobbled up all the yogurt, other weeks people didn't eat yogurt at all.

As I understand it, WDW has their own food warehouse distribution system. They used to have a less centralized system with more vendors/contracts, but some years ago, they realized it was more cost effective to have a centralized system. (big contract=more buying power).

This is only what CM's have told me, but as I understand it, the CL's piggy back off items available in the central kitchen of each WDW hotel. Thus the AK CL has - more or less- the same soups as Boma, and mostly the same menu week to week, but as there's no set menu, when chefs have too much or too little of something- all the WDW resorts have flexibility where CL offerings are concerned. The buffets also have some flexibility, but they try hard to have fixed menu and allergy-friendly items available at all times!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Thank you so much for all the information. I meant to thank you last night, but I had to get the girls to bed and got busy.

No worries. Overall, restaurants are now MUCH more aware of allergies than they were in the past, and both WDW and Universal are among the best. Most WDW chefs truly aim to please. CL is a valuable upgrade for folks with food allergies.

Navigating allergies isn't always easy, but the benefit of good health makes it all worthwhile. Food allergies scare some people, I suppose, so they don't always respect treat allergies the way other conditions are treated. That's where your daughter will always have to be careful, but she's lucky to know her allergens. Also, well..as crazy as this sounds, allergies = a small upside: personal responsibility.

*****
Among the most awesomest-est chefs in all of WDW is one called Chef TJ. He is supposedly now working at Cape May (BC/YC). He's legendary among vegetarians and folks with food allergies! If you are at Yacht Club, you might get to meet him.

 

[Nadine and Fred]

No worries. Overall, restaurants are now MUCH more aware of allergies than they were in the past, and both WDW and Universal are among the best. Most WDW chefs truly aim to please. CL is a valuable upgrade for folks with food allergies.

Navigating allergies isn't always easy, but the benefit of good health makes it all worthwhile. Food allergies scare some people, I suppose, so they don't always respect treat allergies the way other conditions are treated. That's where your daughter will always have to be careful, but she's lucky to know her allergens. Also, well..as crazy as this sounds, allergies = a small upside: personal responsibility.

*****
Among the most awesomest-est chefs in all of WDW is one called Chef TJ. He is supposedly now working at Cape May (BC/YC). He's legendary among vegetarians and folks with food allergies! If you are at Yacht Club, you might get to meet him.

Also want to put in a good word for Redgie chef at BW CL. I am a sugar free, limited carb pescaterian ; he was able to accommodate all of these issues!!!

 

[Llama mama]

I am hoping once The Gran Destino Tower Club Level opens tomorrow guests will start to post pictures. Light refreshments sounds very vague lol. Those CL rooms are priced pretty cheap.

 

[momcubed892]

Our family is staying at the Contemporary CL Atrium TPV this fall. I read through this thread and it was mentioned that the Chef Mickey side could be loud. Does anyone have room numbers that offer good views and are on the quiet side? Thanks in advance.

 

[KrazeeK120]

I am hoping once The Gran Destino Tower Club Level opens tomorrow guests will start to post pictures. Light refreshments sounds very vague lol. Those CL rooms are priced pretty cheap.

Based on the photos I saw last week, it appears to be a regular “Club Level.”

I imagine it’s less expensive because it’s at a moderate resort vs a deluxe.

 

[Mzpalmtree]

Based on the photos I saw last week, it appears to be a regular “Club Level.”

I imagine it’s less expensive because it’s at a moderate resort vs a deluxe.

Yeah...my thoughts after seeing the pics posted last week: “Well that’s going to be booked solid when word gets out...”
Excited to hear first hand reports when they start coming in from the guests.

 

[trishadono]

http://allears.net/2019/07/08/preview-walk-through-disney-worlds-gran-destino-tower-deluxe-suites/The deluxe suite at gran destino includes cl access. There are 2 presidential suites, 4 1 bedroom suites and 44 deluxe.

They also said 30 std cl access rooms.

When I booked my price did not go up for the extra adult charge for this room.

I love the extra 1/2 bath!