EXPIRED: Part ONE of 2015 CLUB LEVEL (CL) INFORMATION and HELP Thread DO NOT POST HERE!!!

[ClarabelleCow]

So here's a hard question, how do you guys decide what resort to stay at? Do you always pick somewhere new to try different CLs or do you stick to one place? Anyone have opinions about these three CL resort options? Which would you prefer and/or which lounge is the best? We are a family of all adults and sometimes it's extremely hard to please everyone, but I think we all would enjoy any of these resorts. Poly CL BWI Deluxe Room CL GF Sugar Loaf CL We are going in August 2015 if that's helpful. I'm so torn between these three options that I have no idea where to stay! This summer we stayed at the BC and I loved it, but I do want to stay somewhere else next year. We are planning on 13 days and we are not willing to do a split stay so I want to be sure about my choice, but I swear everyday I think I've decided and I'm ready to book then the next morning I've changed my mind already! How do you guys do it, do you just make a choice and stick with it or are you always wavering back and forth like I seem to do?

I'm not an EPCOT resort fan or a GF fan. CR, Poly or WL CL would be my choice. Love MK area because no matter which of these resorts it feels more like "Walts dream"! My fav is WL because you can get away and wander via woodsy trails over to fort wilderness and hang out at the bar there. Or ride bikes to and from for a more laid back vacation, but still be in the middle of things. Nothing like renting boats/mice and buzzing around bay lake as the ferry goes by! Just my thoughts.

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm due to check in BC CL on Saturday 6th September. The comments about the temporary lounge worry me. Is there any indication when the refurb will be complete on the original lounges?

Thanks

According to the first page of the BC/YC FAQ, the lounge refurb started August 4, but I don't think there's any time table as far as a completion date. Here is a link to the first page of the FAQ that states a guest booked for 9/20-9/27 emailed IPO asking about the lounge refurb and was given a response that the lounge would be under refurbishment during their stay:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3277682

It seems like the work could have started earlier than planned, but I wouldn't count on it being completed within the next week and a half (just my opinion).

So here's a hard question, how do you guys decide what resort to stay at? Do you always pick somewhere new to try different CLs or do you stick to one place?

Anyone have opinions about these three CL resort options? Which would you prefer and/or which lounge is the best? We are a family of all adults and sometimes it's extremely hard to please everyone, but I think we all would enjoy any of these resorts.

Poly CL
BWI Deluxe Room CL
GF Sugar Loaf CL

We are going in August 2015 if that's helpful. I'm so torn between these three options that I have no idea where to stay! This summer we stayed at the BC and I loved it, but I do want to stay somewhere else next year. We are planning on 13 days and we are not willing to do a split stay so I want to be sure about my choice, but I swear everyday I think I've decided and I'm ready to book then the next morning I've changed my mind already!

How do you guys do it, do you just make a choice and stick with it or are you always wavering back and forth like I seem to do?

The only CL out of your list I can comment on is GF SL, which I didn't care for. I love the GF and I'm glad I was able to try SL, but I didn't care for the lounge itself. The offerings were good, but I found the lounge small and cramped with not enough seating to accommodate the number of guests staying there. Another con (to me) is that the lounge is located in the lobby of the SL building, so there are no windows/views and it's not very relaxing (at least not to me) to sit and enjoy the surroundings as people are constantly coming and going from the building. However, one pro I have is the SL building is convenient to the courtyard pool, so if you will be spending a lot of time pool side, it is great for grabbing snacks and drinks throughout the day. With all of that said, the Poly is our favorite resort and even though we've only stayed GV, I have read nothing but great things about CL, which we are hoping to try July 2015. I have also read great things about BWI CL, so if I had to choose from your choices, my first choice would be Poly CL, followed by BWI CL. Good luck with your decision and happy planning .

 

[fairy oma]

Here's a tip I can tell you: booking in-room food treats + club level is kind of a waste, because they will be the same. Often items like desserts/cookies in the hotel restaurants are also the same as CL offerings, and the CL offers guests plenty of desserts.

The flowers are pricey, but quality is excellent.

Just being CL is a huge perk everyone is sure to enjoy.

for us, if I'm going to add one extra perk - it's a rental car/minivan. It's not romantic, but gives everyone a better experience all visit. One prior tip, we had a minivan with a DVD player. Generally, I wouldn't want one...but at WDW, it was fun. It would be totally fun to play a personal photo DVD as a birthday treat for the groups while commuting to the parks.

We are seriously considering renting a van for our stay but we have not discussed it amongst ourselves as yet. I agree that CL is a huge perk and I think I will devote my time in coming up with ideas for a special little something for the granddaughters each day from their fairy godmother.

 

[ixmnrs]

Hi! We just booked a CR--Atrium Club Level Standard Room!!! Wondering if we should request anything specific? 18 DAYS!!!! Thanks!!

[Added: If Theme Park View, (sorry read original quote as TPV)] odd number room so your bed is facing the MK. Hopefully on the opposite side of chef mickeys also. Our room was 4841 and the view was amazing!

 

[xjay]

Odd number room so your bed is facing the MK. Hopefully on the opposite side of chef mickeys also. Our room was 4841 and the view was amazing!

I believe that the Standard Level rooms don't have views of the MK. So having an odd number room wouldn't really matter..

 

[BabyFu18]

I'm not an EPCOT resort fan or a GF fan. CR, Poly or WL CL would be my choice. Love MK area because no matter which of these resorts it feels more like "Walts dream"! My fav is WL because you can get away and wander via woodsy trails over to fort wilderness and hang out at the bar there. Or ride bikes to and from for a more laid back vacation, but still be in the middle of things. Nothing like renting boats/mice and buzzing around bay lake as the ferry goes by! Just my thoughts.

Thanks for the input, we stayed WL CL last Christmas and we really enjoyed it as well, very lovely resort though we want to try something different for our next trip. We have also stayed at CR and Poly before too (not CL) and loved both as well, so there are so many amazing choices!

The only CL out of your list I can comment on is GF SL, which I didn't care for. I love the GF and I'm glad I was able to try SL, but I didn't care for the lounge itself. The offerings were good, but I found the lounge small and cramped with not enough seating to accommodate the number of guests staying there. Another con (to me) is that the lounge is located in the lobby of the SL building, so there are no windows/views and it's not very relaxing (at least not to me) to sit and enjoy the surroundings as people are constantly coming and going from the building. However, one pro I have is the SL building is convenient to the courtyard pool, so if you will be spending a lot of time pool side, it is great for grabbing snacks and drinks throughout the day. With all of that said, the Poly is our favorite resort and even though we've only stayed GV, I have read nothing but great things about CL, which we are hoping to try July 2015. I have also read great things about BWI CL, so if I had to choose from your choices, my first choice would be Poly CL, followed by BWI CL. Good luck with your decision and happy planning .

Thanks for the info about GF Sugar Loaf, I love the look of the GF from just eating there and looking around the grounds, but have never stayed there and always wanted to, but it would be sad to stay there and be disappointed. I'm really leaning toward Poly if we want to do CL level, but I'm scared the bungalows are going to ruin our beautiful room view. I guess it's a risk we will have to take, thanks for your input!

 

[disney meema]

So here's a hard question, how do you guys decide what resort to stay at? Do you always pick somewhere new to try different CLs or do you stick to one place? Anyone have opinions about these three CL resort options? Which would you prefer and/or which lounge is the best? We are a family of all adults and sometimes it's extremely hard to please everyone, but I think we all would enjoy any of these resorts. Poly CL BWI Deluxe Room CL GF Sugar Loaf CL We are going in August 2015 if that's helpful. I'm so torn between these three options that I have no idea where to stay! This summer we stayed at the BC and I loved it, but I do want to stay somewhere else next year. We are planning on 13 days and we are not willing to do a split stay so I want to be sure about my choice, but I swear everyday I think I've decided and I'm ready to book then the next morning I've changed my mind already! How do you guys do it, do you just make a choice and stick with it or are you always wavering back and forth like I seem to do?

I tend to do a new resort and then an old favorite resort as our families traveling style or an occasional split stay with one new resort and then a favorite. Upcoming November trip we are staying 3 nights at GF TPV and then 10 nights at AKL CL so a very old favorite and something new trip.
Of your 3 picks I've never stayed at BWI CL so no help with that club level experience. Sugar loaf has great food & fabulous staff but the location is in the sugar loaf building and nothing extra special about the location in my opinion. But if your a come & go traveler and plan to take food back to your room then off to a park or end the night grabbing desserts it is perfect for that type of vacation style. ( plus your at the grand Floridian and it's a gorgeous resort ) But of your 3 CL picks and especially since by August 2015 the poly will be put back together again I would choose poly with it's beautiful CL views, relaxing atmosphere and excellent food offerings. We are planning on staying at WL CL & poly CL split stay next August with our twin granddaughters ... But sure I'll change my mind and add some GF since it seems to always happen. Good lucking picking it's so fun planning : )

 

[Rjmdds]

Never mind

 

[Eastern]

I believe that the Standard Level rooms don't have views of the MK. So having an odd number room wouldn't really matter..

Correct, you would have to book a TPV room. Standard rooms face the lake.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

So here's a hard question, how do you guys decide what resort to stay at? Do you always pick somewhere new to try different CLs or do you stick to one place?

Anyone have opinions about these three CL resort options? Which would you prefer and/or which lounge is the best? We are a family of all adults and sometimes it's extremely hard to please everyone, but I think we all would enjoy any of these resorts.

Poly CL
BWI Deluxe Room CL
GF Sugar Loaf CL

We are going in August 2015 if that's helpful. I'm so torn between these three options that I have no idea where to stay! This summer we stayed at the BC and I loved it, but I do want to stay somewhere else next year. We are planning on 13 days and we are not willing to do a split stay so I want to be sure about my choice, but I swear everyday I think I've decided and I'm ready to book then the next morning I've changed my mind already!

How do you guys do it, do you just make a choice and stick with it or are you always wavering back and forth like I seem to do?

We like to jump around to different resorts to keep things interesting. If we do a MK resort one trip, we'll do an Epcot resort the next time. It helps every trip feel different. Also we choose depending on any special events or occasions (ie. Epcot resorts for Food & Wine, etc)

In August of next year I'd say one of your top priorities will be the pool. The heat in August is insane. We literally felt like we were baking in the parks and tried to get out of them early to avoid the strongest heat of the day. Another priority for you might be space, since you're a family of all adults. 13 days in one room is a long, long time. We always do a split stay when staying for that great length of time. I'd do 6 nights at a MK resort and 6 nights at an Epcot resort if I were you.

The BWI CL deluxe room is awesome, super spacious! We just stayed in one a couple of weeks ago with our teenage sons and it felt great to have room to spread out. But the pools at the BW leave a lot to be desired in my opinion. The main pool doesn't have a luxurious or tropical feel to it, the quiet pool is a bit boring. If your group likes to spend a lot of time at the pool they might not be thrilled. But the Boardwalk area itself is amazing, love all the activity and things to see and do. It's so nice to be close to Epcot and the Studios. We walked to and from the Studios several times by cutting through BWV to the path. It's so much faster than the boat. I think this option would be my first choice if I were you based heavily on the deluxe room space!

Poly CL has been one of my top choices for years but right now it's such an unknown I can't even recommend it until we see how things turn out with the construction. If all goes well it might be totally amazing and the best possible choice. But I'm more of a "believe it when I see it" type of person.

GF Sugarloaf would be nice, it's close to MK, you've got access to the boat and monorail transportation which is great, and they have a nice pool area and beach. However I find that most people either love or hate the theme of the resort. Personally I like the feel of it, I've always thought it was luxurious and tropical in a more upscale way that feels like being pampered. But for your group of all adults you'd probably find more nightlife and adult activities to enjoy around the Boardwalk area. The GF does have great restaurants but not anything I would consider nightlife.

Good luck making your choice!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

So here's a hard question, how do you decide what resort ? Do you always pick somewhere new to try different CLs or do you stick to one place?

Yes! In all seriousness we do both. We enjoy new places, and returning to favorites. We're also a fan of split stays. (which allows us to do both per visit) Changing resorts takes time, but having a fresh view mid-week is nice.

Anyone have opinions about these three CL resort options? Poly CL, BWI Deluxe Room CL, GF Sugar Loaf CL We are going in August 2015 if that's helpful.

How do you guys do it, do you just make a choice and stick with it or are you always wavering back and forth like I seem to do?

We've now tried all CL, including CBR business. I opt for the best deal/biggest discount. When all the resorts are high, we stay at a value (AoA is really cute!), one of the mod-deluxes: AKL/WL/CBR, or offsite. If discounts are great, we stay more deluxe.

I rank your three: GF, Poly, BWI. All resorts have some pros and cons.(These three are actually among my least faves, to be honest.) All are lovely. The downside of both Poly and BWI are the long walks around the resort. We stay CL because we feel it helps us be efficient. Both Poly and BWI sprawl. At Poly, you have to go out side, then up and down to use monorail. Ugh! The lounge is beautiful though! Of all the WDW pools, the BWI one is deep. The slide is fun. Love the shops and décor. Long walk from our room to pool and lounge. Ugh!

GF is always pricey. It has slightly better food than all the rest, but you pay for it. We really enjoyed S Loaf; it is a little more laid back than the main building. Of all the resorts, GF makes me feel slightly like I am in a museum....or at least a place of conspicuous consumption. The other deluxes don't give us that feeling.

Oh - important thing about GF- the self-park lot is now much closer than it used to be.

BWI is short walk to two parks. Poly has fun pool, and bonus of being near TTC. (so monorail to Epcot is an option).

Our overall faves? CR and BC. They both feel cheery, relaxed, and efficient. BWI is slightly closer to the two parks, but the pool at BC/YC is a big plus. CR is just efficient. The theming isn't very exciting.

As for changing resorts...ADR's are a big constraint. We tend to eat at places that are convenient to our resort. It's time consuming to travel from a monorail resort to the World Showcase/Epcot deluxe. It can also be a miserable trip in high heat or pouring rain. Who wants to show up to Teppan Edo or Cali Grill dripping wet? Or worse, dripping with sweat!?! Once we pick ADR's, we tend to be set. We're not a heavy planners, but at some point, we start to imagine details like where we'll be swimming. Once we imagine swimming in the Nemo or dragon pool, nothing else interests us.

 

[tsme]

So here's a hard question, how do you guys decide what resort to stay at? Do you always pick somewhere new to try different CLs or do you stick to one place?

Anyone have opinions about these three CL resort options? Which would you prefer and/or which lounge is the best? We are a family of all adults and sometimes it's extremely hard to please everyone, but I think we all would enjoy any of these resorts.

Poly CL
BWI Deluxe Room CL
GF Sugar Loaf CL

We are going in August 2015 if that's helpful. I'm so torn between these three options that I have no idea where to stay! This summer we stayed at the BC and I loved it, but I do want to stay somewhere else next year. We are planning on 13 days and we are not willing to do a split stay so I want to be sure about my choice, but I swear everyday I think I've decided and I'm ready to book then the next morning I've changed my mind already!

How do you guys do it, do you just make a choice and stick with it or are you always wavering back and forth like I seem to do?

We've stayed Poly CL (3 times) in a ground floor room that had the perfect view at the time. Now with the construction of the bungalows it seems that view is no more. The actual lounge and the cms were awesome. We really enjoyed it there.
We've stayed at BC CL. The resort is nice, but we were on the first floor and it was a long trek to the lounge.
Last year, we stayed BWI CL Deluxe. We really enjoyed it as well. The cms were very nice.
Out of all three, I'd say the food was better at the Poly, but the Poly was also the most crowded. BC & BWI were about even in crowds & food, though I did find the space to be smaller at BC.
I don't think you can go wrong with any of the choices you listed.

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks for the info about GF Sugar Loaf, I love the look of the GF from just eating there and looking around the grounds, but have never stayed there and always wanted to, but it would be sad to stay there and be disappointed. I'm really leaning toward Poly if we want to do CL level, but I'm scared the bungalows are going to ruin our beautiful room view. I guess it's a risk we will have to take, thanks for your input!

You're welcome .

The GF is a great resort, IMO, but I'd stay GV over SL again for a GF stay (unless RPC was an option), but that's just my preference. SL does have alot of followers, but it just wasn't for me. With that said, I think Poly CL is a great choice. Good luck with your decision .

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Just to piggyback this...we just got back from 10 nights BC CL and it drove me nuts that they wouldn't let us clean off our table. They insisted we leave it there and didn't even provide trash cans or a place to dispose of our stuff. It felt so wrong to leave it but that's what we were instructed to do.

Did they mention a timeline for the refurbishment of the lounge or the rooms at the BC??

 

[Mousemommy1]

Did they mention a timeline for the refurbishment of the lounge or the rooms at the BC??

I believe that they said the lounge would be done around 9/22 and then the CL will be totally closed for room refurb. Everything is being replaced including furniture, plumbing and all soft goods.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I believe that they said the lounge would be done around 9/22 and then the CL will be totally closed for room refurb. Everything is being replaced including furniture, plumbing and all soft goods.

Ok great Can't wait to see how it turns out!


Has anyone here ever spent 12/24 and 12/25 at WDW before? I have posted on resorts, restaurants, countdowns, WL FAQ, and pretty much everywhere on the DIS trying to talk to someone about holiday dining and decorations. Let me know if anyone here can help.

 

[CaliTex]

I'm sorry that no one has answered you; I have seen your posts. Surely someone knows the answers to this nice lady's questions?

We always go in December, never for the actual Christmas day, though. I know the decorations are awesome, but I'm sure you know that. I would think holiday menus would be available soon on the WDW site? I have seen them for Thanksgiving. Are they the same, I wonder? If it were me, I would want to have a Christmas Eve candlelight processional package at Le Cellier and breakfast Christmas morning pre-rope drop at CP, or Akershus in EPCOT.

I heard the parks are crazy busy. Sorry I am not more help. Have fun, and let us know what happens!

 

[vettegirl]

So excited for the BC CL refurb and new rooms for our Dec trip

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I'm sorry that no one has answered you; I have seen your posts. Surely someone knows the answers to this nice lady's questions?

We always go in December, never for the actual Christmas day, though. I know the decorations are awesome, but I'm sure you know that. I would think holiday menus would be available soon on the WDW site? I have seen them for Thanksgiving. Are they the same, I wonder? If it were me, I would want to have a Christmas Eve candlelight processional package at Le Cellier and breakfast Christmas morning pre-rope drop at CP, or Akershus in EPCOT.

I heard the parks are crazy busy. Sorry I am not more help. Have fun, and let us know what happens!

I'm beginning to think there's a secret society of people who are are sworn to never reveal the truth of what goes on at WDW for Christmas!!! I even emailed WL IPO and asked them and got no response. If I ever uncover any info I'll have to come back here to the DIS and share with everyone. Luckily we've traveled to WDW over the holidays many times so I'm pretty knowledgeable on most of the holiday events going on down there. I did grab a Candlelight Processional dinner package for 12/25, everything was booked for 12/24 already. I'm not sure what we'll do on 12/24, it seems most of the things that are popular are already booked up. I will keep digging around!

 

[DisneyKK]

Ok great Can't wait to see how it turns out!


Has anyone here ever spent 12/24 and 12/25 at WDW before? I have posted on resorts, restaurants, countdowns, WL FAQ, and pretty much everywhere on the DIS trying to talk to someone about holiday dining and decorations. Let me know if anyone here can help.

I've done Chrismtas Eve and Christmas, but we're not really ADR people so I don't know that much. I do recall there are usually special Christmas Day brunches at some of the deluxe resorts. There are also characters at all the resort lobbies the days before Christmas and Santa is there on Christmas Eve.

Last year we did Epcot on 12/24. Future World was a ghost town in the evening and we popped back into World Shocase to use our Illuminations FP to end the night. We stayed in at YC CL on 12/25 so I don't have any parks experience for then. I would definitely do this time of year again. So magical!

Have fun!