I am continuing my thread-in-the-thread about my multiple CL stays. I am trying to focus on speaking about the actual differences in how we experienced the various resorts, and not to make this sound like a trip report.
Next came the WL. We took the monorail to Magic Kingdom and transferred by boat, arrived just before end of breakfast. Our room was already ready when we arrived. I went to the concierge desk anyway (but needed not to), and was then handled two plastic bottles of water to use in the refill station (handy, the CR did not give me that, neither will the Poly) and the chocolate statue (I would probably have received it in the room, had I not been to the desk).
The layout is totally different, reminded us of the AKL CL which we liked very much, except here you do not have to walk a mile to get back to your room. We had room 7911 which we absolutely loved. It's on the lounge floor, but it's not in the restricted area, which means you have to cross the lounge door every time you pass, but it's a minor inconvenience given it's the room closer to the elevator and it has a very nice layout — picture it as a room that is turned 90°, which makes it so even the bathroom has a window.
The offering was quite different in this club, we missed the edible straws (we wished we had asked to take a few with us) though the coffee machine is improved (it's not one of those Nespresso machine that confuses everyone because when you're the first one to use it after a while it auto-rinses).
For lunch I ordered from Geyser Point and my wife from Roaring Fork and we ate in the lounge. I really appreciate the convenience of this service. It's even better when you're staying CL as you can unwind in the lounge, enjoy the drinks, the atmosphere, the quietness. Would do again in a snap.
Needless to say I already knew about the draft beer but I did not know that the vanilla-bourbon beer is SO DELICIOUS. My wife and I are moderate drinkers and we rarely have more than a few drinks, only a special occasions, but THIS BEER… we had a quite few I can tell. I also tried the IPA as I love IPAs. It was delicious but no match to the Lexington's.
Pros:
- The cast members treat this place as a restaurant, they are very forward to making sure every of your needs is fulfilled, and they clean tables regularly.
- The vanilla bourbon draft beer is superb.
- I did not mention but I also tasted the wines, and some are really good. Probably the best I've had at a Disney lounge in the USA.
- The pool is a hotter than at the CR. I don't understand why it's always so cold at the CR.
- The hotel layout is splendid. You really are in the middle of a natural park, only just a step away from WDW.
Cons:
- Breakfast offerings were a hit or miss for me. Maybe I've been spoiled by the advocado toasts at the CR. I only liked one of their two rotational menus I've tried, and would have wished they did not rotate and provide everything everyday — it's a breakfast make it easy for everyone, we have not had our coffee yet.
Not really a con, but worth noting:
- This lounge is very much like a restaurant, and, like a restaurant, closes between services. It's only a very minor inconvenient though as, not like those lounges that really do close their door and ask you to leave (such as the YC) you can still enjoy your seating and if you really need something ask about it and someone will bring it to you. It did not bother me in any ways.
Out of all the lounges at WDW, I think this gets easily in the spot 3 for me. Would easily enjoy staying here for a few days or even a few weeks.
(To be continued with the Poly)
