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

[DJFan88]

This is so good to know. The FP+ stresses me out. My husband is already not thrilled about having to know where we want to eat 6 months in advance, now I have to plan the rides too. I worry is what if my kids want to do TSM 3x but do not like BTM. So do I plan to go to DHS 3 days in a row?
How do you plan your rides?

Well, I can figure 2 times on TSM. Make your fast pass for a later time in the morning like 11 or something. Go to the ride first thing. Usu. you can go on at that time with a 20 min. wait. Then you have the fast pass for later.

 

[Gitts2008]

Well.. Apparently, I am going to spend my time in Disney in a scooter. I have been having pain in my heel and arch and they think I tore a ligament. I am in a boot and looks like I will be until at least August. I can walk without it but after even just a bit of pool time today in flip flops, my arch is aching.. I contacted Buenavista scooters and will be using them.. Anyone have any suggestions?? I haven't used one except in the grocery store here and once at Disney when I was 18 weeks pregnant..17 years ago. I am worried about being a pain for bus riders and other guests

So sorry about your foot.

We push my mom in a wheelchair, so I have a few tips.
Don't fret about being a pain. Anyone who would complain is not very Disney. The CM's are great about assisting you on where to go in the lines for the bus and rides. Remember you can't stop on a dime. Take your time getting used to the scooter. People will cut you off, don't run them over :0. Be aware of the space around you. When people are rude I either wish them a magical day ( which means what you think it should mean) or if I'm being pushed into a wall on line or off the side walk I stop until I can make sure we are safe. I've stepped in front of scooters by accident. Some ppl are good drivers and some are }%##<>. Enjoy your vacation

 

[trishadono]

So sorry about your foot.

We push my mom in a wheelchair, so I have a few tips.
Don't fret about being a pain. Anyone who would complain is not very Disney. The CM's are great about assisting you on where to go in the lines for the bus and rides. Remember you can't stop on a dime. Take your time getting used to the scooter. People will cut you off, don't run them over :0. Be aware of the space around you. When people are rude I either wish them a magical day ( which means what you think it should mean) or if I'm being pushed into a wall on line or off the side walk I stop until I can make sure we are safe. I've stepped in front of scooters by accident. Some ppl are good drivers and some are }%##<>. Enjoy your vacation

Great advice

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

I thought I read the Grand Floridian RPC would be finishing renovations the end of July. We have a short stay around that time in WL and as the DH is a pin trading maniac we will be visiting GF a few times!

I would like to get some pictures of the updated area during our visit. Do they allow that? I'd be happy to share if they do!

Liz

 

[mickeynut1]

I thought I read the Grand Floridian RPC would be finishing renovations the end of July. We have a short stay around that time in WL and as the DH is a pin trading maniac we will be visiting GF a few times!

I would like to get some pictures of the updated area during our visit. Do they allow that? I'd be happy to share if they do!

Liz

RPC was scheduled to start refurbs yesterday, but I'm not sure just when it's expected to be complete. If you are asking if you can go up to RPC for pics, that would not be possible unless you are staying RPC. The 3rd/4th/5th floors are keyed access, so unless you are staying RPC, you will not be allowed up to the 4th floor where the lounge is located. You could always ask at the front desk if it's possible to get a tour of RPC, but you would not be allowed access on your own.

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

RPC was scheduled to start refurbs yesterday, but I'm not sure just when it's expected to be complete. If you are asking if you can go up to RPC for pics, that would not be possible unless you are staying RPC. The 3rd/4th/5th floors are keyed access, so unless you are staying RPC, you will not be allowed up to the 4th floor where the lounge is located. You could always ask at the front desk if it's possible to get a tour of RPC, but you would not be allowed access on your own.

If they aren't crazy busy I might ask for a tour while DH is pinning. If they can't then I'm sure a lovely someone will post them after it reopens. Worst case I'll see it in October! Thank you for the insight Mickeynut!

Liz

 

[mickeyluv'r]

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

CL's with Bathrooms:

AKL - yes
BC - yes
YC- yes
BWK - yes
CR - no, but access to main floors is pretty easy, just go own nearby elevator
GF- don't know about main building
GF Outer CL - gosh can't recall, but I think no.
Poly - Yes
WL- no

A very important list!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I agree 100% that I love the CL that allows 24 hour access. BC and BWI does not. I know it is not an option but GF SL is always open - and can always get something to drink and sit and talk.

Just to clarify...

Each CL is slightly different...while many have true 24 hour access, some are mostly open 24hours, they like to lock the doors in the morning while they set up breakfast.

Also, most CL's have a drink cooler, like a dorm fridge. Staff stocks it just before 10pm, but it is not restocked overnight. If other guests take all the Sprite, that's it. There's usually something still available, but it may not be the drinks you like. Diet Coke always seems to go quickly!

The rooms all have fridges though, so we usually just stow one there in case there's none left when we get back.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Well.. Apparently, I am going to spend my time in Disney in a scooter. I have been having pain in my heel and arch and they think I tore a ligament. I am in a boot and looks like I will be until at least August. I can walk without it but after even just a bit of pool time today in flip flops, my arch is aching..

I contacted Buenavista scooters and will be using them.. Anyone have any suggestions?? I haven't used one except in the grocery store here and once at Disney when I was 18 weeks pregnant..17 years ago. I am worried about being a pain for bus riders and other guests

Sorry to hear that. We've used Buena Vista Scooter before with great results, plus other good companies. You might want to look at the DISabilities section of the DIS. Lots of good info about navigating with a scooter.

Loading up on buses is not particularly fun for anyone. With a scooter, riding the monorail is easier. As is being able to walk/scoot to a given park. But that's always true! Since you are posting on the CL thread...if convenience is what you want, consider CR or GF Main Building. Then you'll have easy access to all monorail loop dining (if ADR's are your thing). Similarly, the Epcot area deluxes will have easy access to Epcot/HS. I don't think you should feel bad for needing a scooter, but I sympathize with wanting a stress-free vacation.

You may even wish to consider a split stay- do Epcot/Hs from the Epcot resort, and MK/AK from the monorail resort CL. Then you'd only have to take one bus (to AK). If you have some mobility (enough to pack a room) then that may be a good option. If we are staying a week, then we like doing split stays for the variety. You lose some time packing/checking -in, but WDW staff will transfer bags for free (just tipping). Baggage service staff in general are very helpful! We often go with extended family, so we help each other out. I don't know the make-up of your group, but sometimes having another adult along makes it easier.

You can also request a wheelchair for the airport if you call ahead. And WDW will transfer luggage from and to the airport if you can use the resort bag check service (most airlines).

CL staff has always been great if ever we run into any problems. The staff can't do/fix everything, but they are often wonderful about knowing who to call. Like f you need a taxi, or need to contact a pharmacy.

 

[prgal0715]

I thought I read the Grand Floridian RPC would be finishing renovations the end of July. We have a short stay around that time in WL and as the DH is a pin trading maniac we will be visiting GF a few times!

I would like to get some pictures of the updated area during our visit. Do they allow that? I'd be happy to share if they do!

Liz

I have asked for tours of a couple of CL and CM's have been very accommodating. I usually mention if I'm staying CL elsewhere, too...not that I'm sure it really makes a difference!

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

thanks for the input.

We are staying at YC for this trip..It is only 2 nights, so I think I will just stick to there. I plan a bunch of pool time. I can't wear the boot to the pool, but it shouldn't be too hard getting around on the pool deck if I take it slow.

 

[mickeynut1]

If they aren't crazy busy I might ask for a tour while DH is pinning. If they can't then I'm sure a lovely someone will post them after it reopens. Worst case I'll see it in October! Thank you for the insight Mickeynut!

Liz

You're welcome .

As prgal0715 said, the CMs are usually very accommodating, so unless it's very hectic with alot of check in's, I'm sure someone would be happy to give you a tour .

 

[casey5457]

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 .



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 agree 100% that I love the CL that allows 24 hour access. BC and BWI does not. I know it is not an option but GF SL is always open - and can always get something to drink and sit and talk.

Thanks for your helpful insight. This is also my first time trying to include quotes from the thread so if I've goofed please forgive me!

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

i have been in CL 3 times and never got the IPO letter. I just email them and note my Reservation #

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks for your helpful insight.

You're welcome .

 

[Gitts2008]

Great advice

Thanks. I've seen people who feel that they have the right of way just because they are using a scooter. Kindness and patience go a long way.

 

[jcondrad]

I've been hearing things on the YC/BC board about YC CL switching up their CL offerings. Alcohol is now served from a cart, poured by a CM. I've also heard of reports that the cart isn't always out when expected...8-10 cordials/desserts and 820 still no drink cart.

Is this happening other places as well? We stayed BC CL 3 years ago and loved it! But now we're reconsidering our CL stay because of all the changes. So far I haven't had good experiences with my emails...son is 2, drinks lactaid because he's lactose intolerant. Asked them about having it there for us upon arrival (we just expected to pay extra) and was told to ask at checkin for the runner to go, but runners don't go always frequently and we might be without anything for an entire day. I also asked about lounge offerings, they basically said to talk to the chef and they 'might' have something he could have in the lounge. We will probably order groceries through garden grocer which defeats the purpose of staying CL.

Anyone else have thoughts on this or am I overreacting...I just know past trips I had much better experiences ::shrug::

 

[Travellerman]

In my planning, I've been considering club level for the first time (for trip next April) Is the service on club level pretty much the same at any of the hotels at Disney that offer it? Do any have perks that the others don't have? Hope you all don't mind me asking this in this thread (still making up my mind and changing which place I'd like the most at this point lol)

 

[Grand Admiral]

We are staying at the CR club level in October.

Would it be a huge faux pas to bring a couple of friends to the club lounge to watch Wishes? We have some friends who will be there at the same time and it would be nice if we could have them join us for a little while.

 

[Eastern]

I haven't stayed CL at CR. What is the difference between Atrium Lounge and the one on the 14th floor (Tower Club?)

Who can go into which lounge? Is the 14th floor for suites only?