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

[trishadono]

I like the food enjoy breakfast in the lounge. Some CL lounges have afternoon tea with biscuits cream & jam. And I like the evening Appies, I'm more of a grazer, so we'll have a late lunch at a TS, then enjoy evening Appies, Wine, & desserts in the lounge.

My first CL stay we were on DDP, and never got to enjoy the Appies in the evening or desserts.

We prefer to do our own ADRs, so only time I used CM service was at AKL to book a tour. It is nice to go to lounge to do your check in instead of standing at the main desk in line. Also having a lounge is nice to hang out in.

So for us, if I'm not eatting the CL food, there is no advantage to staying CL. Rooms are the same size. But that's just me.

Last early morning for a while. Ds has a chemistry exam soon. Tomorrow we sleep!

I am up with my coffee and thought I was reading how you love the APPLES in the lounge!

I do like the apples in the lounge but the appies are even better


For CL people I find it is worth it for my short trips. Mainly for me because I am a light eater and the food is good for grazers. I also drink more wine on vacation vs home and in the restaurants it is $$$$$! For poly and cr I love the lounge space and will hang out there at any time of the day. At gf I love love love the tea time.

However if I travel with a full breakfast needed person I would probably skip unless a special occasion.

 

[abk96]

I like the food enjoy breakfast in the lounge. Some CL lounges have afternoon tea with biscuits cream & jam. And I like the evening Appies, I'm more of a grazer, so we'll have a late lunch at a TS, then enjoy evening Appies, Wine, & desserts in the lounge.

My first CL stay we were on DDP, and never got to enjoy the Appies in the evening or desserts.

We prefer to do our own ADRs, so only time I used CM service was at AKL to book a tour. It is nice to go to lounge to do your check in instead of standing at the main desk in line. Also having a lounge is nice to hang out in.

So for us, if I'm not eatting the CL food, there is no advantage to staying CL. Rooms are the same size. But that's just me.

I like the food too! The reason why I talked my husband into upgrading to CL at GF is for the afternoon tea. I was so sad when I found out that the tea room was closed during our stay for refurb and when I found out that I could have tea and scones in the lounge I was thrilled.

The breakfast and appies in the evening are great too. We're not big breakfast eaters and don't really want to load up on a big meal in the evening since we go in July most of the time.

 

[wdwfan]

We stay CL and the reason we keep going back to CL (although I've questioned this myself) is for the convenience of the lounge and the service that we get from the CL CM's while there. If we have any problems they are there to lend a hand. I also use the IPO. They made most of my ADR's for me and just yesterday they made a reservation for me for a Magic Kingdom tour. So for us, it works.

 

[Wheelwatcher]

We really like Club Level because it's limited access. As in, we have a feeling of being in a more controlled environment. We're not snobs by any means, but when we're on vacation with the family we really appreciate that not just anyone can access our private little space. I know there are ways for people who aren't paying for CL to get onto the floor (I'm sure it happens) and nobody's guaranteeing that our next-door neighbor on the CL isn't a criminal or just plain weirdo, but what I'm talking about is the FEELING of exclusivity. We find it extra relaxing. You know, whenever we've stayed CL, the cast members at the desk by the elevator greet us by name when we arrive on the floor. I do think they watch to see who comes and goes. Hey, do you think our names pop up on a screen at the desk when we use our MBs to activate CL floor access? Or do the cast members remember us because we're the family with the awesome-est hair? LOL!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

2. I am still trying to decide if CL in general makes sense for us or not? It is just DH and me on our WDW trips (we are in our 30's). We don't have children. DH prefers a full hot leisurely breakfast in the morning (we are NOT RD people, but we always go in September so that is usually not an issue for us). I like to book my ADRs myself as I have fun constantly moving meals around. I wouldn't mind help with things like booking Illuminations or Wishes private cruises (not sure if the CL CM staff help with that or just tell you where to call?). So if we wouldn't be eating breakfasts most mornings, in your expert opinions, do you think there is enough value there for us for CL?

Thanks!

Is the amount of time you have to vacation a precious commodity?

Some folks don't mind spending half their vacation standing in line, driving to a grocery store, waiting on hold, etc...to save a few dollars. I don't say that to be mean, I just mean some folks are reluctant to see time as a commodity. they are happy to pursue a bargain, no matter how much time it takes. they drive to a distant gas station because it's $.05 less per gallon. If that is you, then CL may not be worthwhile. there are many things I like to do for myself, but things that waste vacation time are not in that category.

One value of CL- beyond food, drinks, adult beverages, of CL, is that you get to spend less time waiting. Staff is available to help answer questions. If you need transportation to Hoop De Doo- they can't tell you the quickest way to get there. If you lose something, they know the number to Lost and Found. they can tell you how to go there. If your vacation is perfect, you won't use it, but more than once, they've saved us time.

Also, just because you let them book your ADR's, doesn't mean you can't change them. The first few times we tried it I booked my own ADR's. then I let them do it one time because I couldn't. they got great times. And well....Shh...when they book an ADR, we tend to get the better tables. (ones w./a view) Not always, but often enough.

It's also just nice to find a chocolate on your pillow at the end of the day. and to have the extra space.

 

[Meldev]

Is there a restroom nearby the Club Level Lounge in most resorts? Just thinking of the resorts we're considering for future stays and not all rooms on the CL floor, is there a handy place to use the restroom (with 4 younger kids, we may need the restroom nearby - or know to be prepared to get them to the room) littlest may be training during next visit.

Thanks

 

[mrsclark]

Thanks for everyone that replied - gives me a lot of food for thought!

If any has stayed in the garden cottages at BWI since they have been renovated, please let me know as I am interested in hearing the details!!!

One more question, DH and I have only stayed in Epcot and AK resorts. How much of a benefit are the lounges at MK resorts for watching Wishes and the nightly electrical boat parade? I like to watch Wishes, but I hate being squished in with a thousand people in the good sections at MK, it would be nice to be able to go to the lounge and watch the show in a relatively uncrowded place - how are the views from GF (main building CL) and CR? Do the lounges get crowded during the fireworks?

 

[thisismyusername]

Is there a restroom nearby the Club Level Lounge in most resorts? Just thinking of the resorts we're considering for future stays and not all rooms on the CL floor, is there a handy place to use the restroom (with 4 younger kids, we may need the restroom nearby - or know to be prepared to get them to the room) littlest may be training during next visit.

Thanks

Here's what I know:

YC, yes. There's one right next to lounge.
Poly, yes. It's just upstairs from the lounge (visible from the lounge).
GF SL, none that I'm aware of, but my guess is that there is one.
CR, none that I'm aware of. I believe we were directed down the elevators to the main lobby when we needed to use the facilities before our room was ready.
BWI, none that I'm aware of.

 

[Meldev]

Here's what I know:

YC, yes. There's one right next to lounge.
Poly, yes. It's just upstairs from the lounge (visible from the lounge).
GF SL, none that I'm aware of, but my guess is that there is one.
CR, none that I'm aware of. I believe we were directed down the elevators to the main lobby when we needed to use the facilities before our room was ready.
BWI, none that I'm aware of.

Thank you so much!
Love the fast responses on DIS - even for such crazy questions!

 

[JnKinVA]

Thanks for this thread!

We are staying CL at WL from Oct 17-23.
My husband doesn't know that we are going to be CL, he thinks we have just a CV. This trip is our 'reunion vacation' from him coming back from Afghanistan. He's a civilian contractor there.
Comes home Sept 28 and will return for another tour Nov 6.

 

[abk96]

Here's what I know:

YC, yes. There's one right next to lounge.
Poly, yes. It's just upstairs from the lounge (visible from the lounge).
GF SL, none that I'm aware of, but my guess is that there is one.
CR, none that I'm aware of. I believe we were directed down the elevators to the main lobby when we needed to use the facilities before our room was ready.
BWI, none that I'm aware of.

There's a restroom right outside the BWI lounge. And the BC has one inside the lounge.

 

[casey5457]

I lurk on these boards all the time, but rarely post. Today I need your help!

We (my best friend, me, and our kids) may be booking another trip fairly soon to WDW. When we were there in November, we stayed CL at the Poly and had a fantastic time! We've spoiled ourselves now and don't want to stay anywhere other than CL ever again!

I know the Poly is a mess right now, but we spend a ton of time in the parks and don't really think that would bother us.

Looking online, we only have a few options for CL since we'd be going so soon (August) and I wanted everyone's opinion on what to book. One of the main things we loved about Poly CL was that there was 24 hour access to the lounge and the coffee/soft drinks even if we were late getting in at night. What other CL lounges allow 24 hour access for drinks?

Our options would be:

Poly
Garden Wing Hospitality Suite @ CR
Beach Club
Wilderness Lodge
AKL

Thanks in advance!

 

[JnKinVA]

I do have one question, and I apologize if this has been answered before.

Since I upgraded from CV at WL to CL late Friday, how many business days should I wait to hear from an IPO before I email them?

We are 116 days from, checking in to WL (we are doing a split stay, with 3 nights first at the BC)

TIA!

 

[Mainemama]

I do have one question, and I apologize if this has been answered before.

Since I upgraded from CV at WL to CL late Friday, how many business days should I wait to hear from an IPO before I email them?

We are 116 days from, checking in to WL (we are doing a split stay, with 3 nights first at the BC)

TIA!

I upgraded at about 40 days out, and heard from IPO at 26 days... Right after I posted the ? here.

 

[JnKinVA]

I upgraded at about 40 days out, and heard from IPO at 26 days... Right after I posted the ? here.

Haha well maybe I will hear from them soon then!

Thanks!

 

[mickeynut1]

I lurk on these boards all the time, but rarely post. Today I need your help!

We (my best friend, me, and our kids) may be booking another trip fairly soon to WDW. When we were there in November, we stayed CL at the Poly and had a fantastic time! We've spoiled ourselves now and don't want to stay anywhere other than CL ever again!

I know the Poly is a mess right now, but we spend a ton of time in the parks and don't really think that would bother us.

Looking online, we only have a few options for CL since we'd be going so soon (August) and I wanted everyone's opinion on what to book. One of the main things we loved about Poly CL was that there was 24 hour access to the lounge and the coffee/soft drinks even if we were late getting in at night. What other CL lounges allow 24 hour access for drinks?

Our options would be:

Poly
Garden Wing Hospitality Suite @ CR
Beach Club
Wilderness Lodge
AKL

Thanks in advance!

Out of your choices we've only stayed CL at the WL. The lounge area (seating) is always open, but the food offerings are in an enclosed area that is locked nightly. With that said, WL CL was our first CL stay and it was amazing. Hopefully others will be able to give some input on the other CLs .

I do have one question, and I apologize if this has been answered before.

Since I upgraded from CV at WL to CL late Friday, how many business days should I wait to hear from an IPO before I email them?

We are 116 days from, checking in to WL (we are doing a split stay, with 3 nights first at the BC)

TIA!

Some people have reported that if they upgraded to CL after the original booking that they didn't get notified from IPO. I have changed from a standard room to CL before and have always gotten notified, so I'm not sure why some get a welcome email regardless of when they book CL and why some don't . With that said, if you don't hear from them soon, you could always email them and give them your trip details, along with anything you might need them to do .

I upgraded at about 40 days out, and heard from IPO at 26 days... Right after I posted the ? here.

Glad to hear someone else has gotten a response from IPO after upgrading . I have always heard from IPO whether I booked CL from the beginning or changed later on, but for a lot of others it doesn't work that way.

 

[JnKinVA]

Some people have reported that if they upgraded to CL after the original booking that they didn't get notified from IPO. I have changed from a standard room to CL before and have always gotten notified, so I'm not sure why some get a welcome email regardless of when they book CL and why some don't . With that said, if you don't hear from them soon, you could always email them and give them your trip details, along with anything you might need them to do .

If I haven't heard from them by Friday, I will go ahead and send an email. Since this is a special occasion and I am splurging on this, I have a couple requests that I would like to see if they can accommodate. I know nothing is guaranteed, but can always hope.

CL to us seems to be like having a Suite on a cruise ship, which is all we do when we cruise so I hope the concierge is similar

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

If I haven't heard from them by Friday, I will go ahead and send an email. Since this is a special occasion and I am splurging on this, I have a couple requests that I would like to see if they can accommodate. I know nothing is guaranteed, but can always hope.

CL to us seems to be like having a Suite on a cruise ship, which is all we do when we cruise so I hope the concierge is similar

Go ahead and contact them whenever you want. There's really no need to wait.

 

[mickeynut1]

If I haven't heard from them by Friday, I will go ahead and send an email. Since this is a special occasion and I am splurging on this, I have a couple requests that I would like to see if they can accommodate. I know nothing is guaranteed, but can always hope.

CL to us seems to be like having a Suite on a cruise ship, which is all we do when we cruise so I hope the concierge is similar

If you don't hear from them, I would definitely contact them with your special requests. We've never stayed concierge on a cruise, but we do love staying CL at WDW. Hope you have a great trip and enjoy WL CL .

 

[JnKinVA]

Go ahead and contact them whenever you want. There's really no need to wait.

Duly noted, already emailed

If you don't hear from them, I would definitely contact them with your special requests. We've never stayed concierge on a cruise, but we do love staying CL at WDW. Hope you have a great trip and enjoy WL CL .

Not sure what kind of special requests we might have, so I sent a general email to them, but I did let them know that this is a surprise for my DH and that this trip is special since he will be home from Afghanistan but returning on Nov. 6.

How much 'clout' does the concierge have when it comes to making an ADR when it may not be available through online??