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

[jdd]

The boys are zero help. They say they don't care which resort as long as they have good snacks. They love the food at the BC CL, I guess the RPC food is more of an unknown since I haven't stayed there in many years. Do you think my kids will find things to eat? They don't eat anything healthy, they love the fried stuff and anything with meat. Connor is happy as long as they have PB&J. For me personally I don't really care about the food, we eat so much in restaurants it's a non-issue for me. I'm more interested in the awesome location of the resort and the beauty of the main building. I know I will enjoy every moment of that. But if the boys were complaining the whole time that would really put a damper on things.
Urgh!!!! I hate decisions!!!! And this is really a win/win so that makes it so much tougher.

I've never stayed CL at either resort (and never stayed at GF at all) so I'm no help there. $1,200 is a lot of money though, and I think I'd switch and use that to plan another trip . Or, would you want to do a split stay? That way you'd have a few days close to MK and then a few days close to Epcot, and spend more pool time those days (in SAB). Would it work out to save you $600? Best of both worlds??

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Ya, me too! The whole reason we're staying CL is because I read one of Erika's CL reviews two years ago I think. We stayed CL at the Yacht Club in 2013. Last year we stayed at AoA in a suite and it just wasn't as magical, lol! This year we're at BC CL July 31st -August 5th.

HA! Disney should put me on the payroll!!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I've never stayed CL at either resort (and never stayed at GF at all) so I'm no help there. $1,200 is a lot of money though, and I think I'd switch and use that to plan another trip . Or, would you want to do a split stay? That way you'd have a few days close to MK and then a few days close to Epcot, and spend more pool time those days (in SAB). Would it work out to save you $600? Best of both worlds??

That's actually not a bad idea! Hmmmmm....

 

[pixarmom]

The boys are zero help. They say they don't care which resort as long as they have good snacks. They love the food at the BC CL, I guess the RPC food is more of an unknown since I haven't stayed there in many years. Do you think my kids will find things to eat? They don't eat anything healthy, they love the fried stuff and anything with meat. Connor is happy as long as they have PB&J. For me personally I don't really care about the food, we eat so much in restaurants it's a non-issue for me. I'm more interested in the awesome location of the resort and the beauty of the main building. I know I will enjoy every moment of that. But if the boys were complaining the whole time that would really put a damper on things.
Urgh!!!! I hate decisions!!!! And this is really a win/win so that makes it so much tougher.

The new BC CL food, in our opinion, is even better than before - more variety, better quality. When I mentioned this to a CM while chatting, he said that's by design - they are really trying to mix it up and offer more and better quality items. Of the three boys, we have one foodie, one picky eater who prefers kids' items (he often eats apples and rolls in the club lounge) and one sort of in between. I'd say both lounges offer something a picky eater would like, but just not a ton of choices.

As for GF, I loved the lounge atmosphere, the band and the food. I don't usually eat club lounge desserts, but these were better than average. And every time we stepped out of our room into the lobby, it was just so relaxing. That's probably the part I remember the most - walking to/fro the room was unlike any trek to our room at any other resort. While the BC renovations are great, the lounge cannot compare to GF. The view from our room was incredible. So peaceful. On the other hand, yes, our teens were silly about it - commenting about how they couldn't wait to transfer to Poly, making cracks about some guests who took themselves too seriously (I'd agree they were present,) claiming CMs were stuffy (I didn't think so once I talked with them.) Our youngest loved it all - especially the Alice splash pad. The older boys didn't dislike it, they just wouldn't want to return. Our oldest even said he didn't think it was a good value (but yay, he's thinking about finances!) I did feel more pressure to spend time in the lounge because of the cost, so they didn't love that either. So in the lounge, it was kind of a "hurry up and relax" thing going on for me. Which is better than no relaxing at all, but I'm guessing you know what I mean!

I'm not helpful. But I'd agree that, if you're willing, a split stay is the way to go. Our GF RPC stay was part of a split over nine nights (and it was the part before my husband joined us, so I was a mom on my own w/ kids for that stay.)

 

[AliceIn]

The new BC CL food, in our opinion, is even better than before - more variety, better quality. When I mentioned this to a CM while chatting, he said that's by design - they are really trying to mix it up and offer more and better quality items. Of the three boys, we have one foodie, one picky eater who prefers kids' items (he often eats apples and rolls in the club lounge) and one sort of in between. I'd say both lounges offer something a picky eater would like, but just not a ton of choices.

As for GF, I loved the lounge atmosphere, the band and the food. I don't usually eat club lounge desserts, but these were better than average. And every time we stepped out of our room into the lobby, it was just so relaxing. That's probably the part I remember the most - walking to/fro the room was unlike any trek to our room at any other resort. While the BC renovations are great, the lounge cannot compare to GF. The view from our room was incredible. So peaceful. On the other hand, yes, our teens were silly about it - commenting about how they couldn't wait to transfer to Poly, making cracks about some guests who took themselves too seriously (I'd agree they were present,) claiming CMs were stuffy (I didn't think so once I talked with them.) Our youngest loved it all - especially the Alice splash pad. The older boys didn't dislike it, they just wouldn't want to return. Our oldest even said he didn't think it was a good value (but yay, he's thinking about finances!) I did feel more pressure to spend time in the lounge because of the cost, so they didn't love that either. So in the lounge, it was kind of a "hurry up and relax" thing going on for me. Which is better than no relaxing at all, but I'm guessing you know what I mean!

I'm not helpful. But I'd agree that, if you're willing, a split stay is the way to go. Our GF RPC stay was part of a split over nine nights (and it was the part before my husband joined us, so I was a mom on my own w/ kids for that stay.)

My kids were not fond of the GF either. They much prefer the Beach Club. Some of that has to do with the pool situation. The GF's quiet pool seems to be quite a bit larger than the feature pool, and the kids games didn't seem to have enough room on either the deck nor in the water to accommodate the crowd of kids. The staff at the BC pool was more animated and my kids couldn't get back to the pool fast enough. My kids did not like the food offerings at the GF club very much, and they were not enamored of the lounge staff there, as they seemed a bit standoffish compared to the BC.

I loved our room at the GF, but overall, I found my stay there to be less than I'd hoped for. I would rate it at the bottom of the resorts that I've stayed at for a family vacation, even including the AoA suite. I would not stay there again with the kids, though I might consider it one day if it were just my husband and I going.

We're going to be staying at the CR CL and the BC CL for our next trip (in just 3 weeks!). They are really excited about the CR due to the monorail running through it, and also they liked the pool. We'd visited the CR during our last trip, and the kids thought the activities looked right up their alley. Then we head over to the BC for their Stormalong Bay fix.

 

[pixarmom]

We're going to be staying at the CR CL and the BC CL for our next trip (in just 3 weeks!). They are really excited about the CR due to the monorail running through it, and also they liked the pool. We'd visited the CR during our last trip, and the kids thought the activities looked right up their alley. Then we head over to the BC for their Stormalong Bay fix.

We did a CR/BC split a few years ago! Our boys loved CR CL! CMs were very friendly, view of MK was so festive and the monorail was just so convenient. I loved the view of bay lake from our room, and the quick walk to MK. The food was OK at CR, but everything else compensated for that. And while the pool isn't the best at CR, I find it really relaxing. Again, the relative quiet and the view of bay lake from the pool deck are wonderful. Particularly enjoyed the quiet pool by the lake. Great split!

 

[AliceIn]

HELP!!! BC CL just became available for my dates. Should I switch? It would be sooooo nice to have SAB in the horrible late July heat. Plus it's $1200 cheaper for the week. Plus I haven't stayed since the refurb and new lounge. I don't know what to do!!!!!

I just replied to Pixarmom - my kids much prefer BC to GF. For $1200 less, I'd go for it!

 

[Dispro1]

That's actually not a bad idea! Hmmmmm....

From the other posts I've been reading, it sounds like a split would be a good idea...unless you don't want to have to switch resorts (repacking). Your boys might like BC better, but you might like GF better...and since you are the one paying, you deserve to treat yourself too I do feel like GF has more food (particularly in the afternoon), but this is based on my BC experience last year so that may not be true anymore. I guess I'll find out soon enough! Obviously, it all comes down to personal preference. FYI, my kids don't eat very healthy either, so they loved the fried Mac n cheese balls and chicken tenders they put out on the kid friendly food side of RPC...but they didn't have that every night (fortunately, my kids like sushi too).

 

[SeaSpray]

Hi everyone!!! I really need your help, please!!!!

We are currently booked CL at the Polynesian for 8 days at the end of August. I will be using an ECV (electric scooter) to get around. Normally the Polynesian is the best place on property for ease of transportation, with the resort monorail from the Great Ceremonial House, plus just a short pathway to TTC for the Epcot monorail. This is so much easier than having to use a bus with an ECV to get anywhere.

Now here is where I really need all of your help! This trip is for our 15th anniversary; we are NOT park commandos; the ambiance at the resort is equally important to us as the parks are. We need a resort where we can truly relax for part of each day and swim, hang out at the pool, and basically just enjoy the resort itself. We have ADRs booked for almost 3 meals per day, with the exception of a few mornings having breakfast in the lounge.

With all of the work that is going on at the Polynesian right now (yes, even with the main pool being completed), there is still a lot of work going on, all around the resort, well into next year. I know for a fact that the pathways and shortcuts between the longhouses to get to the TTC are blocked off, and will probably still be blocked off during our trip due to major construction of the quiet pool and area.

So I have emailed my travel agent. He totally understands our concerns about the Polynesian. Here are the alternatives that we can choose from, to still get the awesome agency-exclusive discount, and what's available during our dates. We already have our airfare and don't want to change dates.

Disney's Beach Club Resort - Standard View - Club Level - 3,563.30
Disney's Beach Club Resort - Pool View - Club Level - 3,649.89
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Standard View-NON Club Level - 2,775.80

I would gladly switch to the GF. We've stayed there before and loved it, but I really want to stay CL.

So this is where all of you come in! We have never stayed at an Epcot resort before. How is the Beach Club?? How is their Club lounge?? Can you get a room close to, or at least on the same floor as, the lounge?? Which view would be a better room in regards to proximity to the lounge and in regards to my mobility issues?? Have any of you stayed there with someone using a wheelchair or ECV?? And most importantly, is there any kind of construction going on there?? LOL

So please give me the great, the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Beach Club CL!!!

 

[AliceIn]

Hi everyone!!! I really need your help, please!!!!

We are currently booked CL at the Polynesian for 8 days at the end of August. I will be using an ECV (electric scooter) to get around. Normally the Polynesian is the best place on property for ease of transportation, with the resort monorail from the Great Ceremonial House, plus just a short pathway to TTC for the Epcot monorail. This is so much easier than having to use a bus with an ECV to get anywhere.

Now here is where I really need all of your help! This trip is for our 15th anniversary; we are NOT park commandos; the ambiance at the resort is equally important to us as the parks are. We need a resort where we can truly relax for part of each day and swim, hang out at the pool, and basically just enjoy the resort itself. We have ADRs booked for almost 3 meals per day, with the exception of a few mornings having breakfast in the lounge.

With all of the work that is going on at the Polynesian right now (yes, even with the main pool being completed), there is still a lot of work going on, all around the resort, well into next year. I know for a fact that the pathways and shortcuts between the longhouses to get to the TTC are blocked off, and will probably still be blocked off during our trip due to major construction of the quiet pool and area.

So I have emailed my travel agent. He totally understands our concerns about the Polynesian. Here are the alternatives that we can choose from, to still get the awesome agency-exclusive discount, and what's available during our dates. We already have our airfare and don't want to change dates.

Disney's Beach Club Resort - Standard View - Club Level - 3,563.30
Disney's Beach Club Resort - Pool View - Club Level - 3,649.89
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Standard View-NON Club Level - 2,775.80

I would gladly switch to the GF. We've stayed there before and loved it, but I really want to stay CL.

So this is where all of you come in! We have never stayed at an Epcot resort before. How is the Beach Club?? How is their Club lounge?? Can you get a room close to, or at least on the same floor as, the lounge?? Which view would be a better room in regards to proximity to the lounge and in regards to my mobility issues?? Have any of you stayed there with someone using a wheelchair or ECV?? And most importantly, is there any kind of construction going on there?? LOL

So please give me the great, the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Beach Club CL!!!

The Beach Club has had extensive renovations on the club lounge, and it's looking great now. There is still work going on at the BC, but it won't affect you as they have finished the 5th floor already. The difference between a nice view and the standard view is pretty small, I'd likely swing for the Pool view. Be warned that if you like to nap, the pool parties in the afternoon can be a bit loud if that's an issue. I'd definitely pick the BC Club level over the GF non-club. The Poly is a resort that I'm dying to try, but I want to wait until all the construction is done first.

 

[lala5176]

HELP!!! BC CL just became available for my dates. Should I switch? It would be sooooo nice to have SAB in the horrible late July heat. Plus it's $1200 cheaper for the week. Plus I haven't stayed since the refurb and new lounge. I don't know what to do!!!!!

This is a tough call. We have stayed at both resorts and did stay RPC last June. We really enjoyed GF but I definitely think my kids like the atmosphere over at BC better. We enjoyed the offerings in the lounge at RPC. I don't recall the little peanut butter and jelly shooters but they do put out some cheese and deli meats for breakfast and they have the best brioche bread some mornings.. Also they have some yummy scones in the afternoon at tea time. We did miss some hard boiled eggs for breakfast like they have at BC but found lots of other things to eat. As OP stated the lounge itself is so beautiful. The views of the resort and the music playing.... just a different atmosphere.
The pool is very nice at the Grand but very different than Storm along Bay. Now $1200.00 is a lot of cash so I would say if this is an only chance to stay then do it but if you think you'll have another chance to do it a little cheaper some time, then I would wait.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

The new BC CL food, in our opinion, is even better than before - more variety, better quality. When I mentioned this to a CM while chatting, he said that's by design - they are really trying to mix it up and offer more and better quality items. Of the three boys, we have one foodie, one picky eater who prefers kids' items (he often eats apples and rolls in the club lounge) and one sort of in between. I'd say both lounges offer something a picky eater would like, but just not a ton of choices.

As for GF, I loved the lounge atmosphere, the band and the food. I don't usually eat club lounge desserts, but these were better than average. And every time we stepped out of our room into the lobby, it was just so relaxing. That's probably the part I remember the most - walking to/fro the room was unlike any trek to our room at any other resort. While the BC renovations are great, the lounge cannot compare to GF. The view from our room was incredible. So peaceful. On the other hand, yes, our teens were silly about it - commenting about how they couldn't wait to transfer to Poly, making cracks about some guests who took themselves too seriously (I'd agree they were present,) claiming CMs were stuffy (I didn't think so once I talked with them.) Our youngest loved it all - especially the Alice splash pad. The older boys didn't dislike it, they just wouldn't want to return. Our oldest even said he didn't think it was a good value (but yay, he's thinking about finances!) I did feel more pressure to spend time in the lounge because of the cost, so they didn't love that either. So in the lounge, it was kind of a "hurry up and relax" thing going on for me. Which is better than no relaxing at all, but I'm guessing you know what I mean!

I'm not helpful. But I'd agree that, if you're willing, a split stay is the way to go. Our GF RPC stay was part of a split over nine nights (and it was the part before my husband joined us, so I was a mom on my own w/ kids for that stay.)

Another big thing is the beds. The deluxe king room is putting my boys on a sleeper sofa, the BC CL room would give them a real bed.

 

[isaboo]

Another big thing is the beds. The deluxe king room is putting my boys on a sleeper sofa, the BC CL room would give them a real bed.

$1200 is a nice healthy deposit towards your next trip.

 

[Mywishes3]

Another big thing is the beds. The deluxe king room is putting my boys on a sleeper sofa, the BC CL room would give them a real bed.

BC gives them a bed and SAB.

Oh wow, so many little things to factor in, being boys, they probably don't much care.

Oh, but it's for a December trip? Would they get to use the pool? In 2010 it was so cold they closed SAB!

Good Luck, either way, I'm looking forward to the trip report!

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

I mentioned before we just booked a honeymoon suite CL at WL. This is our first time CL. Does anyone have pics of the room or views from the room? I saw the 2 pics on the WL thread but wondered if anyone ever stayed in this room. We are excited about CL but not the view ( we like the lake view/ pool view.) I've been trying all week but there are no standard CL rooms under the pin. Hope I don't sound like I'm whining but we just want to enjoy the views.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Hi everyone!!! I really need your help, please!!!!

We are currently booked CL at the Polynesian for 8 days at the end of August. I will be using an ECV (electric scooter) to get around. Normally the Polynesian is the best place on property for ease of transportation, with the resort monorail from the Great Ceremonial House, plus just a short pathway to TTC for the Epcot monorail. This is so much easier than having to use a bus with an ECV to get anywhere.

Now here is where I really need all of your help! This trip is for our 15th anniversary; we are NOT park commandos; the ambiance at the resort is equally important to us as the parks are. We need a resort where we can truly relax for part of each day and swim, hang out at the pool, and basically just enjoy the resort itself. We have ADRs booked for almost 3 meals per day, with the exception of a few mornings having breakfast in the lounge.

With all of the work that is going on at the Polynesian right now (yes, even with the main pool being completed), there is still a lot of work going on, all around the resort, well into next year. I know for a fact that the pathways and shortcuts between the longhouses to get to the TTC are blocked off, and will probably still be blocked off during our trip due to major construction of the quiet pool and area.

So I have emailed my travel agent. He totally understands our concerns about the Polynesian. Here are the alternatives that we can choose from, to still get the awesome agency-exclusive discount, and what's available during our dates. We already have our airfare and don't want to change dates.

Disney's Beach Club Resort - Standard View - Club Level - 3,563.30
Disney's Beach Club Resort - Pool View - Club Level - 3,649.89
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Standard View-NON Club Level - 2,775.80

I would gladly switch to the GF. We've stayed there before and loved it, but I really want to stay CL.

So this is where all of you come in! We have never stayed at an Epcot resort before. How is the Beach Club?? How is their Club lounge?? Can you get a room close to, or at least on the same floor as, the lounge?? Which view would be a better room in regards to proximity to the lounge and in regards to my mobility issues?? Have any of you stayed there with someone using a wheelchair or ECV?? And most importantly, is there any kind of construction going on there?? LOL

So please give me the great, the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Beach Club CL!!!

Just wanted to say great price on the Gf room. What was the discount?

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

BC gives them a bed and SAB.

Oh wow, so many little things to factor in, being boys, they probably don't much care.

Oh, but it's for a December trip? Would they get to use the pool? In 2010 it was so cold they closed SAB!

Good Luck, either way, I'm looking forward to the trip report!

It's July!!! So great pool weather!

 

[Mywishes3]

It's July!!! So great pool weather!

I must be stuck in a different trip!

 

[Babsy]

Anyone recently back from CL at the POLY? Wondering how the TPV rooms views are and how the CL lounge is these days?

Of course always interested in the construction news, too!

thank you!

 

[Lisann]

Hi everyone!!! I really need your help, please!!!!

We are currently booked CL at the Polynesian for 8 days at the end of August. I will be using an ECV (electric scooter) to get around. Normally the Polynesian is the best place on property for ease of transportation, with the resort monorail from the Great Ceremonial House, plus just a short pathway to TTC for the Epcot monorail. This is so much easier than having to use a bus with an ECV to get anywhere.

Now here is where I really need all of your help! This trip is for our 15th anniversary; we are NOT park commandos; the ambiance at the resort is equally important to us as the parks are. We need a resort where we can truly relax for part of each day and swim, hang out at the pool, and basically just enjoy the resort itself. We have ADRs booked for almost 3 meals per day, with the exception of a few mornings having breakfast in the lounge.

With all of the work that is going on at the Polynesian right now (yes, even with the main pool being completed), there is still a lot of work going on, all around the resort, well into next year. I know for a fact that the pathways and shortcuts between the longhouses to get to the TTC are blocked off, and will probably still be blocked off during our trip due to major construction of the quiet pool and area.

So I have emailed my travel agent. He totally understands our concerns about the Polynesian. Here are the alternatives that we can choose from, to still get the awesome agency-exclusive discount, and what's available during our dates. We already have our airfare and don't want to change dates.

Disney's Beach Club Resort - Standard View - Club Level - 3,563.30
Disney's Beach Club Resort - Pool View - Club Level - 3,649.89
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Standard View-NON Club Level - 2,775.80

I would gladly switch to the GF. We've stayed there before and loved it, but I really want to stay CL.

So this is where all of you come in! We have never stayed at an Epcot resort before. How is the Beach Club?? How is their Club lounge?? Can you get a room close to, or at least on the same floor as, the lounge?? Which view would be a better room in regards to proximity to the lounge and in regards to my mobility issues?? Have any of you stayed there with someone using a wheelchair or ECV?? And most importantly, is there any kind of construction going on there?? LOL

So please give me the great, the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Beach Club CL!!!

SeaSpray - Beach Club is great and so is Grand Floridian.

With regard to the Beach Club, though...I would NOT take a standard view. I usually always go with a standard view, but I would NOT do that at Beach Club, because you might end up with a very ugly view of the roof. The Epcot deluxes are the only ones where my minimum acceptable view is garden or better.