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

[TigrLvsPooh]

I can only get BC CL LV the last 4 nights, should I do that? AHHHHH this is a hard decision!!! Is 7 nights too short for a split?

 

[mmmears]

I'd do the split. I don't think 7 nights is too short, but then we like split stays. Some of my favorite trips were splits between MK and Epcot resorts. And it's a bonus that you'll save some money in the bargain.

 

[Dispro1]

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!!!

Grand Floridian is my favorite, but if I couldn't have club level there, I would go with BC CL...and since the price isn't much more for pool view, I would do that! We stayed at BC CL for the first time last spring, and we loved it! GF is still our favorite (RPC specifically), but being close to Epcot and HS makes the trip completely different, and BC really is pretty! I do miss the band in the evening at BC, but you make up for it by going to the WS to watch illuminations...which is really easy to do from BC! And SAB is awesome too. However, getting to MK from BC is not easy. That is something to consider if you don't want to use the buses. We are going to BC CL again on May 30, so obviously we like it, but part of that is due to a much cheaper price than RPC. The renovations at BC look really nice in pictures, so I am eager to see those! Most of the BC CL rooms are on the fifth floor unless you book a deluxe room (or some of the suites, I think). I do not like that the BC CL lounge doors are locked at certain times, but it's not that big of a deal if you have a few extra sodas in your fridge. The rooms at BC are also quite a bit smaller than the standard rooms at GF, but this doesn't really bother us since we don't spend too much time in the room...and they are still a decent size. Good luck with your decision. You'll probably be happy at either resort.

 

[Dispro1]

I can only get BC CL LV the last 4 nights, should I do that? AHHHHH this is a hard decision!!! Is 7 nights too short for a split?

I agree with mmmears. I don't think 7 nights is too short. It would be 3/4 split, right? We had to do 2 nights at Poly before GF when my husband messed up our dates last fall, and that was a bit short, but I think 3 would be fine. 2 nights wasn't even that bad except for having to repack too soon!

 

[em36]

I can only get BC CL LV the last 4 nights, should I do that? AHHHHH this is a hard decision!!! Is 7 nights too short for a split?

I say go for it! We love YC and we also like the GF RPC. We almost always stay at the YC now, but my daughters still look longingly at the GF when we are at the MK. They have said that they wish the GF was in the Epcot area with a pool like Storm Along Bay. They have decided that the GF is a great winter resort and the YC/BC is a great summer resort.

 

[SeaSpray]

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

It's a Labor Day agency-exclusive rate. That price includes 7-day Park Hoppers +1 (for water park or mini golf or DQ), for 2 adults. Definitely an excellent price. I don't know if we are able to name other travel agencies, but if you want to know, send e a PM or email.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Well, last night, after a fantastic stay at BC CL last weekend and my concern over the Poly construction, I moved my July reservation the BC.

I am in construction and usually like to watch work going on, but when I saw a picture of Hawaii GV gardens condition.. I changed to LV for a big jump.. Now that the monorail will have a change in hours, I just can't justify this as much as I want to stay there.

We moved to BC CL P/L view.. 65 days!!!

 

[Ferrentinos]

Well, last night, after a fantastic stay at BC CL last weekend and my concern over the Poly construction, I moved my July reservation the BC.

I am in construction and usually like to watch work going on, but when I saw a picture of Hawaii GV gardens condition.. I changed to LV for a big jump.. Now that the monorail will have a change in hours, I just can't justify this as much as I want to stay there.

We moved to BC CL P/L view.. 65 days!!!

Looks like we might be at BC CL at the same time - we are doing a split stay - 1st week at Poly CL (eek! taking our chances!) and 2nd week at BC CL. We arrive at BC CL on July 7th. Can't wait! We've stayed at the YC but never BC! Can't wait to try out the BC CL after all of the positive reviews recently!

 

[cpdisney]

Good morning all. Just back from 8 nite trip CL BC. You have all been so helpful so I thought I'd share some of my observations, the good and the not so good (never "bad" at Disney).
Good - the rooms are beautiful. There was plenty of food in the lounge. As soon as a platter was empty another replaced it. The bartender was fine, never made me feel uncomfortable about asking for a drink. The chef/kitchen/wait staff were super friendly. I had a problem and dealt with two lobby front desk employees and they were amazing, kind, understanding and helpful. Their professionalism is the reason I keep going to Disney. I loved the texting service. Bell service was prompt and the busses were better then my last trip. The not so good - CL CM were NOT up to Disney standards. I can only compare them to BC lobby personnel and WL CL CM's and I'm sorry to say they were lacking. Their actions, attitudes and answers were more like hourly mall personnel then Disney professionals. Room 5698 is too close to service elevator to sleep. It runs alllll night and felt like it was vibrating against my headboard. All in all my 38th trip was amazing and I'm looking forward to 39. I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thanks again for all your help.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Good morning all. Just back from 8 nite trip CL BC. You have all been so helpful so I thought I'd share some of my observations, the good and the not so good (never "bad" at Disney).
Good - the rooms are beautiful. There was plenty of food in the lounge. As soon as a platter was empty another replaced it. The bartender was fine, never made me feel uncomfortable about asking for a drink. The chef/kitchen/wait staff were super friendly. I had a problem and dealt with two lobby front desk employees and they were amazing, kind, understanding and helpful. Their professionalism is the reason I keep going to Disney. I loved the texting service. Bell service was prompt and the busses were better then my last trip. The not so good - CL CM were NOT up to Disney standards. I can only compare them to BC lobby personnel and WL CL CM's and I'm sorry to say they were lacking. Their actions, attitudes and answers were more like hourly mall personnel then Disney professionals. Room 5698 is too close to service elevator to sleep. It runs alllll night and felt like it was vibrating against my headboard. All in all my 38th trip was amazing and I'm looking forward to 39. I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thanks again for all your help.

Thank you so much for your report! We are so grateful for your thoughts and experiences. I am really disheartened by all the negative reviews of the CL CMs. To me this is the make or break part of a good CL stay. I hope you will let the BC management know because that's the only way we can get changes to happen. There have just been too many negative reports the last couple of months for this to be a fluke.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I agree with mmmears. I don't think 7 nights is too short. It would be 3/4 split, right? We had to do 2 nights at Poly before GF when my husband messed up our dates last fall, and that was a bit short, but I think 3 would be fine. 2 nights wasn't even that bad except for having to repack too soon!

I've decided to stick with the GF. I just want to unpack and settle in for the week, I am in desperate need of relaxation and de-stressing! If the boys don't like the snacks I'll send them down to Gasparilla's. We eat so many big meals it's not like they're going to starve. LOL

79 days!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jdd]

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.

This is exactly how my boys are - oldest eats everything in sight. Middle one is very picky - his favorite thing in the lounge is the cheese and crackers, and the bread off the mini hot dogs (yep, he won't even eat a hot dog ). Oh, and the hot chocolate machine - I will never figure that one out - hot chocolate in August in Florida!!! Youngest is a mixed bag - I think he'd try more foods if his next older brother wasn't his hero.....

 

[jdd]

I've decided to stick with the GF. I just want to unpack and settle in for the week, I am in desperate need of relaxation and de-stressing! If the boys don't like the snacks I'll send them down to Gasparilla's. We eat so many big meals it's not like they're going to starve. LOL

79 days!!!!!!!!!!!

Sounds like a good decision - I'm sure the snacks at GF will be fantastic! And you really can't beat the location - they can always stroll over to the Poly for some different food choices if needed! And I would definitely think the vibe at the GF is more relaxing...

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

This is exactly how my boys are - oldest eats everything in sight. Middle one is very picky - his favorite thing in the lounge is the cheese and crackers, and the bread off the mini hot dogs (yep, he won't even eat a hot dog ). Oh, and the hot chocolate machine - I will never figure that one out - hot chocolate in August in Florida!!! Youngest is a mixed bag - I think he'd try more foods if his next older brother wasn't his hero.....

My boys are so weird. My oldest is extremely picky. Pretty much the only thing he eats in the lounge are spring rolls and chicken or steak skewers. My youngest is the king of PB&J and cookies. If they have those two things he's golden.

 

[mickeynut1]

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!!!

We've stayed at all of the resorts you mentioned (although CL at just the GF) and while I do enjoy CL and having the lounge for another place to relax and wind down, I would choose non club at the GF if Poly CL is out. The BC is a nice resort and I'm glad we tried it, but we prefer the MK area and the monorail resorts. BC CL was always on our list to try, but I have read more negative reviews than positive that it has lost its appeal. We also found the BC rooms to be quite a bit smaller than the Poly and GF, which isn't a huge deal, but it is nice to have a larger more spacious room (IMO). With all of that said, however, if BC CL is one you've wanted to try, I say give a try while you can get a great deal. Good luck .

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.

I don't have any pics of views, but wanted to say keep trying. Sometimes availability does change and a standard club room might become available .

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!

I would like to know this as well .

It's a Labor Day agency-exclusive rate. That price includes 7-day Park Hoppers +1 (for water park or mini golf or DQ), for 2 adults. Definitely an excellent price. I don't know if we are able to name other travel agencies, but if you want to know, send e a PM or email.

I have gotten quotes for that deal. They are awesome deals that are too good to pass up .

Good morning all. Just back from 8 nite trip CL BC. You have all been so helpful so I thought I'd share some of my observations, the good and the not so good (never "bad" at Disney).
Good - the rooms are beautiful. There was plenty of food in the lounge. As soon as a platter was empty another replaced it. The bartender was fine, never made me feel uncomfortable about asking for a drink. The chef/kitchen/wait staff were super friendly. I had a problem and dealt with two lobby front desk employees and they were amazing, kind, understanding and helpful. Their professionalism is the reason I keep going to Disney. I loved the texting service. Bell service was prompt and the busses were better then my last trip. The not so good - CL CM were NOT up to Disney standards. I can only compare them to BC lobby personnel and WL CL CM's and I'm sorry to say they were lacking. Their actions, attitudes and answers were more like hourly mall personnel then Disney professionals. Room 5698 is too close to service elevator to sleep. It runs alllll night and felt like it was vibrating against my headboard. All in all my 38th trip was amazing and I'm looking forward to 39. I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thanks again for all your help.

Thanks for your review. I'm sorry about the CL CMs, it's sad to read about the lack of professionalism lately . With that said, I'm glad you had a nice stay overall .

 

[Mousemommy1]

Good morning all. Just back from 8 nite trip CL BC. You have all been so helpful so I thought I'd share some of my observations, the good and the not so good (never "bad" at Disney).
Good - the rooms are beautiful. There was plenty of food in the lounge. As soon as a platter was empty another replaced it. The bartender was fine, never made me feel uncomfortable about asking for a drink. The chef/kitchen/wait staff were super friendly. I had a problem and dealt with two lobby front desk employees and they were amazing, kind, understanding and helpful. Their professionalism is the reason I keep going to Disney. I loved the texting service. Bell service was prompt and the busses were better then my last trip. The not so good - CL CM were NOT up to Disney standards. I can only compare them to BC lobby personnel and WL CL CM's and I'm sorry to say they were lacking. Their actions, attitudes and answers were more like hourly mall personnel then Disney professionals. Room 5698 is too close to service elevator to sleep. It runs alllll night and felt like it was vibrating against my headboard. All in all my 38th trip was amazing and I'm looking forward to 39. I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thanks again for all your help.

That's interesting. We stayed BC CL back in August and felt the same way about the CM's there. I thought maybe it was because they were working in unusual circumstances (this was during the lounge remodel, and the lounge had been relocated to the presidential suite), but now I'm thinking maybe not?

 

[Dispro1]

I've decided to stick with the GF. I just want to unpack and settle in for the week, I am in desperate need of relaxation and de-stressing! If the boys don't like the snacks I'll send them down to Gasparilla's. We eat so many big meals it's not like they're going to starve. LOL

79 days!!!!!!!!!!!

It will definitely be more relaxing to stay the whole time at one resort, and I think you're going to LOVE RPC! And who knows...your boys may like it as much as my girls do! My girls do usually find something they like to eat...and they do have egg rolls in RPC sometimes And the main building is just so beautiful! FYI, the back elevator is much easier to get to Gasparilla. Wow...all this talk about RPC really makes me want to be there right now!

 

[Dispro1]

Good morning all. Just back from 8 nite trip CL BC. You have all been so helpful so I thought I'd share some of my observations, the good and the not so good (never "bad" at Disney).
Good - the rooms are beautiful. There was plenty of food in the lounge. As soon as a platter was empty another replaced it. The bartender was fine, never made me feel uncomfortable about asking for a drink. The chef/kitchen/wait staff were super friendly. I had a problem and dealt with two lobby front desk employees and they were amazing, kind, understanding and helpful. Their professionalism is the reason I keep going to Disney. I loved the texting service. Bell service was prompt and the busses were better then my last trip. The not so good - CL CM were NOT up to Disney standards. I can only compare them to BC lobby personnel and WL CL CM's and I'm sorry to say they were lacking. Their actions, attitudes and answers were more like hourly mall personnel then Disney professionals. Room 5698 is too close to service elevator to sleep. It runs alllll night and felt like it was vibrating against my headboard. All in all my 38th trip was amazing and I'm looking forward to 39. I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thanks again for all your help.

Wow...this is not something I wanted to hear since we will be there May 30th. Last spring, we had a wonderful time there, so I'm hoping for the same this time. We are "regulars" in GF RPC, so we do get spoiled by knowledgeable CMs, but we did really like one CM named Sean that was at BC last year. And, of course, there's Neil!! It does seem that there are a lot of newbies at BC CL for some reason. As long as I find one good CM, I think I'll be happy. They should all be good, of course. Thanks for the tip on room 5698. I am very worried about getting some sleep! Last time, we were right by the lounge, so early risers woke me up talking every morning...and so did the CMs getting the lounge ready for breakfast!

 

[TJA]

Wow...this is not something I wanted to hear since we will be there May 30th. Last spring, we had a wonderful time there, so I'm hoping for the same this time. We are "regulars" in GF RPC, so we do get spoiled by knowledgeable CMs, but we did really like one CM named Sean that was at BC last year. And, of course, there's Neil!! It does seem that there are a lot of newbies at BC CL for some reason. As long as I find one good CM, I think I'll be happy. They should all be good, of course. Thanks for the tip on room 5698. I am very worried about getting some sleep! Last time, we were right by the lounge, so early risers woke me up talking every morning...and so did the CMs getting the lounge ready for breakfast!

On the Beach Club FAQ thread, a bunch of us noted the rooms with the service elevator very loud noises -- I think I started it when we stayed in 5699 and I posted about the incredible sound -- especially heard during the night like it was right next to my head! It sounded like a jackhammer or drill. My very sound sleeper DH even woke up each night, and that NEVER happens lol. Anyway, others started posting about their experiences with "the noise" and someone took a look at the resort room map to see the path the service elevator takes right up and down at the "x699" rooms. So I can totally relate to what cpdisney heard in 5698.

 

[SeaSpray]

Thanks to everyone who gave me feedback.

But after getting in touch with a couple of people who are there now and who were just there, they were able to answer some very specific questions that I had in regards to getting around the resort, and access to TTC. This is very important to us because of my health and mobility issues, and use of ECV.

Anyway, long story short, DH and I discussed it last night, weighed it all out, and we will be staying with the Polynesian CL. DH pretty much summed it up when he said "After all, the Polynesian IS our home there".

Now I'm excited again about this trip. (I was beginning to dread it!! )