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

[DisneyChristmas]

WOW, what a fantastic surprise! Had you made any special requests when checking in? Did you do online check-in or wait until arrival to check in? I'm SO hoping for an upgrade...we have CL TPV booked later this month and I know we'll love it no matter what. But I think I'm hoping for a little extra magical surprise!

We did online check-in but not until we arrived in the parking lot...basically a couple of minutes before heading into the door. A CM was waiting for us on the main floor of the CR. Beyond specifying the CL TPV (which in itself is heaven) when we made the reservation, we didn't ask for anything more. It was just our pixie dust day!

 

[trishadono]

A few more details. When we arrived at the CR and the CM came down to escort us up, I saw her key in 14th floor. I nudged DH who was a bit oblivious to what I'd seen. As we got checked in on the 14th floor, something was said about a one-bedroom, but I still expected a regular room. The CM led us down the hall, and when she opened the door, the first thing that I saw was an entry hall leading to a TV sitting room on the left and a kitchen/dining room on the right plus a large bathroom. Then I saw the gorgeous Christmas tree. It was sort of a blur from there as I realized that the bedroom (the size of the regular CL TPV room) was a separate walk-in from the TV sitting room. OMG And then I noticed that the bedroom and bath had their own hall entrance. So we had two doors. The CM probably gets this reaction all the time, but I was over the moon at our surprise upgrade.

Thanks for posting. I love pixie dust.

We got our first upgrade from a GV room to atrium CL MKV for ds 14th in 2011. Now I love to stay CL.

Dh and I did a last minute trip to poly last year. We were planning on staying at his parents all weekend but I talked him into one night. I booked a GV room because I wanted a king (not available at poly CL).

At check in I inquired about a king they said non available but gave up a TPV CL room instead.

Still hoping for a suite someday!

 

[weesignlanguage]

Random question- Does the Poly's club level serve the Stitch juice? My son adores it! I think it's actually just guava juice or something like that!

 

[Wheelwatcher]

A few more details. When we arrived at the CR and the CM came down to escort us up, I saw her key in 14th floor. I nudged DH who was a bit oblivious to what I'd seen.

I love this part...that is SO us! LOL

 

[Tiggerific04]

Random question- Does the Poly's club level serve the Stitch juice? My son adores it! I think it's actually just guava juice or something like that!

Yes, they do! They call it POG juice and I believe it's a mix of passion fruit, orange, and guava juices. Hubby and I lived on that stuff last summer when we were there.

 

[wdwfan]

In planning my trip for next summer, I'm trying to decide between Royal Palm Concierge or Sugarloaf. I love the Yacht Club, but I'm really leaning toward the Grand Floridian since I've never tried it before. For those of you who have stayed either Royal Palm or Sugarloaf, can you tell me why you like it? I know Royal Palm is top notch, but I think I'm suffering a little sticker shock...and prices for next year haven't come out yet, but that being said, I've always wanted to stay there. So, what are your thoughts? I need help deciding. Thank you!

 

[thisismyusername]

In planning my trip for next summer, I'm trying to decide between Royal Palm Concierge or Sugarloaf. I love the Yacht Club, but I'm really leaning toward the Grand Floridian since I've never tried it before. For those of you who have stayed either Royal Palm or Sugarloaf, can you tell me why you like it? I know Royal Palm is top notch, but I think I'm suffering a little sticker shock...and prices for next year haven't come out yet, but that being said, I've always wanted to stay there. So, what are your thoughts? I need help deciding. Thank you!

I haven't stayed RPC, but we were very happy being in SL. We definitely plan to stay RPC at least a night or two at some point in the future, but I think if we were planning for more than 2 nights, we'd stay SL. I just don't think I could justify the cost differential, unless I had a bottomless wallet or were celebrating a very special occasion.

 

[MattDisney]

In planning my trip for next summer, I'm trying to decide between Royal Palm Concierge or Sugarloaf. I love the Yacht Club, but I'm really leaning toward the Grand Floridian since I've never tried it before. For those of you who have stayed either Royal Palm or Sugarloaf, can you tell me why you like it? I know Royal Palm is top notch, but I think I'm suffering a little sticker shock...and prices for next year haven't come out yet, but that being said, I've always wanted to stay there. So, what are your thoughts? I need help deciding. Thank you!

We have stayed at both and given the opportunity, we would choose RPC. However, we liked Sugarloaf and would do it again. I have Christmas/New Years booked and RPC was full so we are currently in Sugar Loaf.

The good offerings are the same but the atmosphere in the lounge is what makes the difference for us. I never thought it would be worth the cost difference, but once we stayed there it was. Either way, you will enjoy it. Have fun!

 

[disney meema]

In planning my trip for next summer, I'm trying to decide between Royal Palm Concierge or Sugarloaf. I love the Yacht Club, but I'm really leaning toward the Grand Floridian since I've never tried it before. For those of you who have stayed either Royal Palm or Sugarloaf, can you tell me why you like it? I know Royal Palm is top notch, but I think I'm suffering a little sticker shock...and prices for next year haven't come out yet, but that being said, I've always wanted to stay there. So, what are your thoughts? I need help deciding. Thank you!

The food offerings are the same in both SL and RP so either would be a treat to stay CL. I think the main difference is the RP experience being in the main building overlooking the lobby with the music in the evening, people watching and general overall beauty of the grand lobby. Then of course the rooms are closer to the monorail, shops and restaurants. But the plus of SL is the building is close to the marina and then the boat transportation is a nice option. Then of course it is a couple hundred dollars less per night which was always a deal breaker for us and especially since we've brought our family.
I've stay at SL twice and loved our stays but have to admit I am looking forward to RP very much for our upcoming trip this November, It's just my husband and I for our first disney trip non family or extended family. We are booked for 10 nights at animal kingdom lodge CL and their CL overlooks the lobby so should be very nice, and then 3 nights at Grand Floridian RP ... It's 4 months away now and it's fun to plan and the time has really flown by since starting our plans. I know if you go with either SL or RP on your trip it will be an incredible vacation ... We've stayed at the Floridian close to 20 week or more vacations over the years and the hotel has never disappointed on bringing the magic and excellence in every possible way. We are trying animal kingdom lodge for something new and I still have that feeling I want to stay the entire time at the Floridian ... Trying to get over it lol something new mixed with the end of our trip at the RP should make for wonderful memories : )

 

[mickeynut1]

In planning my trip for next summer, I'm trying to decide between Royal Palm Concierge or Sugarloaf. I love the Yacht Club, but I'm really leaning toward the Grand Floridian since I've never tried it before. For those of you who have stayed either Royal Palm or Sugarloaf, can you tell me why you like it? I know Royal Palm is top notch, but I think I'm suffering a little sticker shock...and prices for next year haven't come out yet, but that being said, I've always wanted to stay there. So, what are your thoughts? I need help deciding. Thank you!

I've stayed both and while I don't really care for SL, RPC is amazing. The food offerings are the same, but the lounges are worlds apart. The SL lounge is located in the lobby as you enter the SL building. I thought it was a little chaotic and got pretty crowded as it's in a small area. Also, since the lounge is in the center of the building, there are no views. However, one perk for SL is that it's located right next to the courtyard pool, so it's very convenient for grabbing drinks/snacks throughout the day if you will be spending a lot of time at that pool. The RPC lounge, on the other hand, is spacious with alot of seating, some with great views of the courtyard and pool. It's also very relaxing to sit in the lounge (which overlooks the lobby) listening to the band play. With all of that said, I'm glad I was able to try SL, but it's not a CL for me as I like spending down time in the lounge and I didn't find the SL lounge to be a very relaxing place to sit as there's not really much atmosphere to sit and enjoy like there is in RPC (just my opinion). If the cost is doable, I'd go with RPC as it really is amazing. Good luck.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

In planning my trip for next summer, I'm trying to decide between Royal Palm Concierge or Sugarloaf. I love the Yacht Club, but I'm really leaning toward the Grand Floridian since I've never tried it before. For those of you who have stayed either Royal Palm or Sugarloaf, can you tell me why you like it? I know Royal Palm is top notch, but I think I'm suffering a little sticker shock...and prices for next year haven't come out yet, but that being said, I've always wanted to stay there. So, what are your thoughts? I need help deciding. Thank you!

We stayed Sugarloaf, but were able to walk through Royal Palm. For us, there were advantages to Sugarloaf.
First, we had a car we used frequently. It was easier to access the car from where we were located.
Second, anyone staying for business purposes will find Sugaloaf is closer to the convention center.
Third, well, in the main building you get the music. It is charming, but there's also no no way to turn it off/down. For me, one of the perks of CL - in general- is that many are relatively quiet. After a day of go-go-go, quiet is relaxing.

But some time we'll try the main building. If for no other reason, it's the only CL we have not yet tried.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Is the service on club level pretty much the same at any of the hotels at Disney that offer it?

Yes and no. We are lucky enough to have stayed at least 1 night at nearly every CL lounge. (FYI, we also like values and mods) In general, all CL's are similar. The only clear cut unique perk I can think of is the special safari offered at AKL for just AKL CL guests. I haven't tried it. Also, the semi-CL offered at CSR is slightly different (no APO).

The personality of each CL is unique, with small differences in food, unique to each theme. BC has Sam Adams beer (Boston), but so do most CL's. AKL has the special "Safari Amber" unique to AKL/AK. All have Bud Light.

One variation is part of the 5-7pm food- most food is same/similar, but each CL has a few 'unique' offerings, often dumplings, in the resort's theme. Poly has meat skewers ('Ohana), BC has tiny portions of lobster salad (1 day/week = NE), Med salads at BWK (Kouzzina)...Then again, most CL's offer a Tomato/mozzarella/basil salad and meat skewers once a week.

Breakfast- the most important offering - is basically the same: slightly different fruit, or slightly different pastries. IMO, muffins are muffins. All have latte machines- but two different types of machine: Nescafe or Nespresso. Push button lattes are a great perk! Also, say goodbye to nasty refillable mugs and paper plates. Yippee! Unless you want them! CL guests get real dishware! (or paper)

The layout of each CL is probably the biggest difference. There are also small differences in the personalities. BC has IMO the best service, but the lounge does not offer the view that CR/Poly offer. They have stunning views of MK, including Wishes. WL is 'rustic'- stew/cobbler. GF is slightly upscale. AKL has great view of AKL lobby. CL's are CL guest access only. The whole CL floor/building is CL guests only, so it's an added level of privacy/security. There's also a convenience factor that's hard to describe.

Always though, like any place else at WDW, so much depends on the personality of the staff you happen to get. Most are very good. CL means extra service. Hard to pinpoint what that means. Some folks don't use it, others love it. I see it almost like trip insurance: run into an issue, and they can help solve it quickly. They can't do everything, or make miracles happen, but CL guests avoid most of the (in-resort) line waiting.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

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?

There are two lounges. Each is only for that floor. Most of the 14th floor is suites. The 14th floor has been remodeled since our stay, but the 12th floor is quite a bit better. Generally speaking, guests are only able to access their assigned floor. The 14th floor lounge is smaller, gets replenished less often. The 12th floor capacity is just about right; a certain amount of turnover keeps the food fresh.

Like I said, the top floor has been replenished since we stayed. It was in desperate need: multiple water leaks, and wall stains. Most tower rooms sleep five; the top floor has bigger balconies and bigger bathrooms. I can't say what was done in the remodel, but before, 14th floor had two rooms that slept four, and two rooms w/ king size bed. I think the king rooms were smaller than average rooms. The rest were suites which combine the footprint of two/three rooms into one joint space with multiple balconies.

My previous post, I mentioned the latte machines. CR has the temperamental Nespresso machines. I have yet to have a stay at a CL (that has one) where the machine actually worked properly throughout our stay! Maybe I'm a latte machine jinx. During one stay, the latter machine was completely broken so the CL staff gave me two choices: buy lattes and get reimbursed (it was time consuming), or go to the 14th floor.

On the second day, I tried the 14th floor. The 14th floor was convention guests. An aha! moment! They had special chocolate logos on display. As in, the corporate logo handcrafted in chocolate. Just a guess, but maybe big corporation/convention CEO-types get lounge access as a reward.

 

[YCFAN]

It is my understanding that Tower Club guests (14th floor) have access to both lounges where Atrium Club guests (12th floor) only have access to the one on 12.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

In planning my trip for next summer, I'm trying to decide between Royal Palm Concierge or Sugarloaf. I love the Yacht Club, but I'm really leaning toward the Grand Floridian since I've never tried it before. For those of you who have stayed either Royal Palm or Sugarloaf, can you tell me why you like it? I know Royal Palm is top notch, but I think I'm suffering a little sticker shock...and prices for next year haven't come out yet, but that being said, I've always wanted to stay there. So, what are your thoughts? I need help deciding. Thank you!

RPC is amazing, but I would only do it again if my budget allowed the extra splurge. I wouldn't want to feel I had to cut out any sit-down dinners or shopping. But if you can swing it and still have enough in the travel budget to enjoy your trip then I say go for it!!!

 

[wdwfan]

Thanks for the great advice everyone!! I should add that this is only going to be a quick 3 night stay at RPC or SL to celebrate my birthday, my 50th So I have to go big! My husband is kind of getting adamant about going someplace else next summer for our official summer vacations....but we usually just do Disney and Myrtle Beach. Oh well...have to start changing things up.

I think I'm really leaning toward RPC. Although the location of the SL building to the pool and boat transportation sounds, and of course lesser price sound very good...This is something that I've always been curious about, so I think I'm going to just go for it this time! I just hope I don't miss Yacht Club and the Epcot area, but who knows...this could be the start of something new! (Liking the MK area resorts, not staying RPC everytime - don't want to go broke!)

Ah- a good question- Does anyone know if RPC is available with the discounts should any become available?

 

[RedStars]

If fall room-only rates are released for our trip, we might be switching to YC CL garden (from YC pool/lagoon ).

Question about food allergies: I'm allergic to shellfish, the hot snack menu looks like they have shellfish days. Will they have non-shellfish options too?

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks for the great advice everyone!! I should add that this is only going to be a quick 3 night stay at RPC or SL to celebrate my birthday, my 50th So I have to go big! My husband is kind of getting adamant about going someplace else next summer for our official summer vacations....but we usually just do Disney and Myrtle Beach. Oh well...have to start changing things up.

I think I'm really leaning toward RPC. Although the location of the SL building to the pool and boat transportation sounds, and of course lesser price sound very good...This is something that I've always been curious about, so I think I'm going to just go for it this time! I just hope I don't miss Yacht Club and the Epcot area, but who knows...this could be the start of something new! (Liking the MK area resorts, not staying RPC everytime - don't want to go broke!)

Ah- a good question- Does anyone know if RPC is available with the discounts should any become available?

You won't regret trying RPC as everything about it is amazing . RPC is often included in promos (although the amount and how many rooms are available with the discount will depend on how booked up it is), but I think your chances are pretty good of getting a discount as I've seen RPC included more times than not .

If fall room-only rates are released for our trip, we might be switching to YC CL garden (from YC pool/lagoon ).

Question about food allergies: I'm allergic to shellfish, the hot snack menu looks like they have shellfish days. Will they have non-shellfish options too?

I don't have any experience with food allergies, but hopefully someone else will be able to help .

 

[Travellerman]

Mickeyluv'r you had me at real dishware lol. I know its a little thing but its one of those little things that stands out for me lol.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Mickeyluv'r you had me at real dishware lol. I know its a little thing but its one of those little things that stands out for me lol.

Glad to help. I know it's a small thing, but it's important to me as well.

Often too, the dishware is actually pretty, I love that the desserts (picturing Cr right now) often come in cut little sample size dishes. The cobbler at WL was delicious, and love cobbler...but we all missed the cute dishes.

It's also really just so nice to be able to get snacks and drinks without having to wait in line. I'm not even big on soft drinks.

*******************
Food allergies:

As far as I recall, the lounges always have plenty of non shellfish options: cheese/veggie trays, bread/crackers, often a salad each day. By salad I mean something like tomato basil mozzarella salad, not dressed iceberg. (Only exception I recall was CSR) Dips are also common, like hummus. I also recall AKL having Boma's squash soup.

Every day the line also has two hot items. If one is seafood/shellfish, the other is not. At least as far as I recall. Another item I've seen a number of times are bacon wrapped scallops, and crab Rangoon.

If you are concerned about allergies, then most certainly talk to the staff. Each lounge handles them slightly differently, but they will send a chef to talk about your dietary needs if you request one.

Sometimes they will just tell you which foods you want to avoid (or maybe that all breakfast items are shellfish free). Other times they may offer you a substitute item, or a packaged item (like a bag of chips that's sealed).