Resort Thread Disney's Club Level (CL) Thread

[Ricguz]

After a bit of an absence, DH and I are heading to The Grand Floridian (main building) in September. Our last trip was June 2023 (Yacht Club Club Level). And I let me AP go shortly afterwards....

A question (though I may have more as we get closer):
How is everyone getting to the resort from the airport these days? I used to use Tony Hinds (Gosh, I miss him!). And the friends we're meeting will be landing hours after us. I've emailed Signature Services about a Minnie Van (it's vacation!) as well as Grayson's (anyone used them?)

Thanks!

I have used the Minnie Van service half dozen times since Magical Express was taken away from us. Never had a problem of complaint. Always waiting for us at MCO texting before we land with their name and number. Upon departure they are waiting for us at YC with the same info. What I like the best is there is no 3 hour departure rule. You can set the time to get picked up. I usually get picked up about two hours before a flight if my departure time is mid afternoon.

 

[dmetcalfrn]

I’ve been using GoodRide Express since 2023. It’s owned by one of Tony Hind’s former drivers Riland who I believe took over the business from Tony. Good communication and reasonable pricing. Found out about them from an auto reply after emailing Tony that year. Search for the website, fill out a jot form and he usually replies within hours with a quote. I always get a separate thank you for my loyalty email (since I’ve used them multiple times).

We used Tony and now Riland. Great service!

 

[ktink]

After entertaining CR TPV, we decided to stay put at BWI cl. We have an upcoming stay at CR King Room Tower cl so I'll patiently wait for that view until 2026. I know I'd have more food options w/ the dining plan but I just can't give up cl this time.

 

[Stacey25]

We have used Minnie Van round trip for our last three trips and plan to use them again when we go in September. We have had 5 excellent experiences and one that was just so-so because the driver was annoying. I highly recommend.

@trishadono love the pics! Miss that view! My (adult) kids are dying to go back there.

@Stacey25 congrats to your ds and his future wife! I love that adorable pumpkin carriage ring holder. Glad your experience at ALK was better than YC. We love AKL also.

Thank you! I picked up that pumpkin carriage ring holder about a year ago when my son mentioned he was going to be proposing at some point. I was strolling through Hobby Lobby and it caught my eye! It was absolutely perfect for a Disney proposal. We had such a magical day

 

[Angehd2]

Finishing up our stay at BW CL. First time here. Love the location, boardwalk view room (we stayed in a deluxe CL room on the 4th floor- loved it), and lovely CL staff, in particular Lorenzo. Small negatives include a musty smell in the room, overcrowded lounge- multiple times we have not been able to get seating, and the food is rather average IMO. Overall, love the resort and would definitely stay here again. Tomorrow we move to GF/RPC and then on to YC. My husband said BW is his favorite resort (we have stayed at contemporary, poly, and grand Californian previously). I really enjoyed Poly last year but the location at BW can’t be beat!

 

[Angehd2]

Adding one more negative after a fifth night - the darn couch bed!!! My 200+ pound husband slept on it and it creaked and crackled every time he moved. It has woken me up every night (light sleeper). If you book this room I do not recommend the pull out couch for an adult.

 

[2vets]

Finishing up our stay at BW CL. First time here. Love the location, boardwalk view room (we stayed in a deluxe CL room on the 4th floor- loved it), and lovely CL staff, in particular Lorenzo. Small negatives include a musty smell in the room, overcrowded lounge- multiple times we have not been able to get seating, and the food is rather average IMO. Overall, love the resort and would definitely stay here again. Tomorrow we move to GF/RPC and then on to YC. My husband said BW is his favorite resort (we have stayed at contemporary, poly, and grand Californian previously). I really enjoyed Poly last year but the location at BW can’t be beat!

I hope the move goes smoothly! I enjoyed BWI, and what wonderful CLMs— but I still prefer GF/RPC, in largest part for the incredible space.

 

[focusondisney]

Finishing up our stay at BW CL. First time here. Love the location, boardwalk view room (we stayed in a deluxe CL room on the 4th floor- loved it), and lovely CL staff, in particular Lorenzo. Small negatives include a musty smell in the room, overcrowded lounge- multiple times we have not been able to get seating, and the food is rather average IMO. Overall, love the resort and would definitely stay here again. Tomorrow we move to GF/RPC and then on to YC. My husband said BW is his favorite resort (we have stayed at contemporary, poly, and grand Californian previously). I really enjoyed Poly last year but the location at BW can’t be beat!

We had the same issue with getting seats in the lounge 2 years ago, which has made us reluctant to return. Our deluxe room was in the 3rd floor, making it hard to carry food back. I’m interested to hear your thoughts on how loud the GF RPC lounge seems with the lobby construction. We’re doing a YC CL/ RPC stay next month.

 

[Angehd2]

We had the same issue with getting seats in the lounge 2 years ago, which has made us reluctant to return. Our deluxe room was in the 3rd floor, making it hard to carry food back. I’m interested to hear your thoughts on how loud the GF RPC lounge seems with the lobby construction. We’re doing a YC CL/ RPC stay next month.

RPC has been amazing so far!!! The CMs greeted us upon arrival and gave us a tour/signature drink. The food is really good and they have a chef on site checking in. We are staying in a TPV room and are far away from the lobby and are not bothered at all by any construction noise. Haven’t heard a peep even when visiting the lounge but it may be because it’s the weekend. Will report back with any updates.

 

[Angehd2]

Oh and so far monorail resorts >>>> Epcot resorts IMO. Trying YC next!

 

[ninafeliz]

Well, after saying we probably won't be able to stay CL now that we are a family of 6 and bought DVC, we once again added on a trip for this month and a WL Deluxe room became available. So we threw the idea of a less expensive trip out the window and booked it!

We have stayed in this category once, but it was so long ago that Copper Creek didn't exist and the room we had is now DVC. I see there are only 10 deluxe rooms now. I am inclined to request a high floor and leave it at that, but i was wondering if there would be any real differences or reasons to want one floor or room over another? I generally like to be high up and have open balconies, FWIW, hence the high floor request. Also, anything new (and by new I mean last 5-7 yrs lol) about WL CL I should know? We will be arriving very early in the morning and have 5 days there, but one day will be spent entirely at Epic Universe. Thanks!

 

[jods]

For those that have been to the Halloween and Christmas parties, how do they compare and which do you like better? I'm taking a quick 2 night trip this fall and debating which party. If I do the Christmas party it will be mid November to catch the end of food and wine. I've been to Halloween already, my friend hasn't been to either. Thanks for always putting up with my OT questions!

 

[Dave006]

I see there are only 10 deluxe rooms now. I am inclined to request a high floor and leave it at that, but i was wondering if there would be any real differences or reasons to want one floor or room over another?

The first 2 floors have a lot Stone work that tends to enclose the balcony on the Deluxe rooms on those floors. You would want to request Floors 3-5.

The Old Faitful Club has make your own sundaes nightly to go with the different cobblers that rotate through the week.

Dave

 

[Ricguz]

For those that have been to the Halloween and Christmas parties, how do they compare and which do you like better? I'm taking a quick 2 night trip this fall and debating which party. If I do the Christmas party it will be mid November to catch the end of food and wine. I've been to Halloween already, my friend hasn't been to either. Thanks for always putting up with my OT questions!

I have always enjoyed the Halloween party/parade better than the Christmas party/parade however stating that you can’t go wrong with either. I do like the Christmas decorations and resorts being dolled up for the holidays. If I had the choice which I do I will be at the 2026 Christmas holidays at DW at YC resort. I did the Halloween party in 2023.

 

[NicoleLarson]

For those that have been to the Halloween and Christmas parties, how do they compare and which do you like better? I'm taking a quick 2 night trip this fall and debating which party. If I do the Christmas party it will be mid November to catch the end of food and wine. I've been to Halloween already, my friend hasn't been to either. Thanks for always putting up with my OT questions!

Do you like Space Mountain? The Christmas overlay makes it seem like a completely different ride. I would say you can't go wrong with either so pick the season that appeals to you and your friend the most.

 

[trishadono]

For those that have been to the Halloween and Christmas parties, how do they compare and which do you like better? I'm taking a quick 2 night trip this fall and debating which party. If I do the Christmas party it will be mid November to catch the end of food and wine. I've been to Halloween already, my friend hasn't been to either. Thanks for always putting up with my OT questions!

I have done both parties too! Also have done both in different months, Halloween in Aug, Sep and Oct and MVMCP in Nov early, late and Dec.

You can give a good argument for all. Aug trips are hot but more resort choices and cheaper prices for example.

I would do latest you can get for MNSSHP because it’s less humid if do MNSSHP.

I have done mid Nov recently and enjoyed it. The Christmas decor is up in MK at least. The f&w is still there and temps usually good. If you like to swim it’s a good time to go. Also a good time for a balcony because it’s not too hot or cold.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

For those that have been to the Halloween and Christmas parties, how do they compare and which do you like better? I'm taking a quick 2 night trip this fall and debating which party. If I do the Christmas party it will be mid November to catch the end of food and wine. I've been to Halloween already, my friend hasn't been to either. Thanks for always putting up with my OT questions!

I've found my preference has changed over time. When the kids were younger we were heavy MNSSHP, often several per year. I love that dang parade and the old fireworks show (I don't enjoy the new show as much). In more recent years I've started to favor MVMCP - usually cooler weather and just more of a vibe. I adore Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks and think it's the best "special" show in rotation right now. Plus you can combine it with, say, an evening dinner at a monorail resort, check out the decorations, etc.

Granted the candy haul you can get at MNSSHP is a heck of a lot better than the junk cookies they have at MVMCP (in my humble opinion).

Can't go wrong either way of course.

 

[trishadono]

Granted to candy haul you can get at MNSSHP is a heck of a lot better than the junk cookies they have at MVMCP (in my humble opinion).

Agreed!

 

[TexanInTheMidwest]

For those that have been to the Halloween and Christmas parties, how do they compare and which do you like better? I'm taking a quick 2 night trip this fall and debating which party. If I do the Christmas party it will be mid November to catch the end of food and wine. I've been to Halloween already, my friend hasn't been to either. Thanks for always putting up with my OT questions!

It's been awhile for me - however it would all depends on what I want to do - I love the Christmas Parade and the Fireworks. However, the last party I went to just felt like pure chaos. I'd only do a party now if my friends really wanted to go.

On the flip side, we are doing a fireworks cruise on the night of the Halloween Party so we can see the fireworks from that perspective!

 

[jods]

Do you like Space Mountain? The Christmas overlay makes it seem like a completely different ride. I would say you can't go wrong with either so pick the season that appeals to you and your friend the most.

Ha, no! I'm a ride wimp! I enjoy the ambiance and atmosphere. Thank you for the feedback. I was leaning fall to see the sun but the thought of possibly seeing Christmas decorations makes me happy. Christmas was always my favorite day/time of the year until my Mom passed away 6 years ago. I lost my Christmas spirit. It would be before Thanksgiving because we still want food and wine. A Christmas parade would do my heart good. I think my friend may prefer Halloween but she will go to either. My oldest also needs oral surgery and of course it will be when I'm back to work and he's back to school so that kind of kills September. (Don't have a date yet).