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

[GoGoBeans]

So excited!!! Just made a change to our October trip. Instead of CSR Business Class for the first night, I switched to CR CL in a King Room!! Trying to read up as much as I can on The Contemporary since we've never stayed there before. DH has always wanted to stay so I am going to surprise him and not say a word. Thank GOD I took advantage of the BB offer last year - not sure I could have pulled off this trip without that discount! Can't think of a better way to celebrate our anniversary: 1 night at CR CL, followed by 4 nights at YC CL .

What a treat! CR is my most favorite CL. You'll enjoy it. Toast with a glass of wine as you sit there and look out over MK.

 

[GoGoBeans]

Sugarloaf or CR CL? I had been planning to book a Sugarloaf reservation next summer when the new rates come out. Now, I am thinking of CR because of the reviews Sugarloaf is getting. I have only stayed CL once at the Boardwalk. I really enjoyed the experience. I found I spent less money on food, and we went so far as to cancel some table service meals because we just weren't hungry. In one more week, we are trying WL CL. Factors in making my decision are: I have a desire to stay at all the Disney hotels. I have stayed at all the deluxes, except GF and YC. I wanted to stay at a MK resort next summer, and I was underwhelmed by the Poly. Thought I would try the Grand. I have boys who are not particularly interested in the Grand, but I really am and I am paying. I loved the CR, and we have not stayed there in 11 years. My baby (10) has never stayed there. I think it would be fun to go back. So, with all that said, it boils down to which one is better. I can't spring for RPC. So which do you like better and why, CR CL or GF SL?

Well I'll start with saying I've never stayed GF because the theming turns me off. Now CR I love. The CL is the best I've experienced, rooms are awesome and the walk to MK cannot be beat. The only thing I don't like about CR is the pool and I will admit the GF pool looks great so that would weigh my decision.

 

[UrsulaTheSeaWitch]

Hi,

I have a few questions.
I just switched reservations again so now I am staying 3 nights Yacht Club Level in November. I made the reservation last night, this is the first time I have booked club.
How long after the reservation do you usually wait until the IPO contacts you about any services they can do for you?

Also, I have been looking at lots of photos of different club lounges. It looks like a lot of them have small numbers of appetizers on one dish where one family walking in can scoop up what is there in one go. How often are they replenished? Is there a long wait while they have to go off to get more hot food, or is that kept near by?

And if the appetizers look particularly good that night and you just want to make it your dinner, is there dirty looks if you take maybe 5-6 pieces vs 1-2 pieces?
What is the "club level etiquette"? For what you are paying extra, is it all you care to enjoy, or is there some unspoken rule you are only supposed to take one of each?

Thanks!

 

[mickeynut1]

Sugarloaf or CR CL?

I had been planning to book a Sugarloaf reservation next summer when the new rates come out. Now, I am thinking of CR because of the reviews Sugarloaf is getting.

I have only stayed CL once at the Boardwalk. I really enjoyed the experience. I found I spent less money on food, and we went so far as to cancel some table service meals because we just weren't hungry. In one more week, we are trying WL CL.

Factors in making my decision are:

I have a desire to stay at all the Disney hotels. I have stayed at all the deluxes, except GF and YC. I wanted to stay at a MK resort next summer, and I was underwhelmed by the Poly. Thought I would try the Grand.

I have boys who are not particularly interested in the Grand, but I really am and I am paying.

I loved the CR, and we have not stayed there in 11 years. My baby (10) has never stayed there. I think it would be fun to go back.

So, with all that said, it boils down to which one is better. I can't spring for RPC. So which do you like better and why, CR CL or GF SL?

I can't comment on the CR as we've never stayed there, but I didn't care for GF SL. The food offerings were great (they are the same as what's offered in RPC), but I thought the lounge was small with not enough seating to accommodate the number of people staying there. We don't stay CL every trip, but when we do, I love relaxing in the lounge and I didn't find the SL lounge too relaxing as it's located in the lobby of the SL building with no views. I will say, though, that SL is conveniently located to the courtyard pool and is great for grabbing snacks/drinks throughout the day if you plan to spend alot of time poolside. With all of that said, CR CL is one we want to try, so that would be my choice over GF SL. Good luck.

Here at the YC--the last resort of a 2-week/6-resort vacation and our third CL resort during this stay. I just checked in today, and am sadly unimpressed and think this will be our last CL stay at the YC unless something changes over the next day or two. Our room smells funky, our drain in the shower is clogged, housekeeping is rather mediocre, we have a crappy view over a roof, our room was ready late, we received no chocolates (again!), and I just really find the staff here very unenthusiastic and not very warm and friendly. (It's also my birthday and absolutely no acknowledgement of that even though it's on our reservation and my husband notified the IPO.) Also, the bathroom outside of the lounge (which we had to use since we didn't have a room for most of the day) is awful--it smells like someone peed all over it. It's rather disappointing as YC is one of my favorite resorts, but BW is priced the same and their CL staff blows YC's out of Crescent Lake.

It's not to say we won't stay at YC any longer, but I think we'll stay in a regular room and for shorter stays.

I'm sorry your YC stay isn't the best regarding the room/staff. YC CL and BC CL used to be on our list of clubs to try, but with all of the negative reviews lately on both, I now have no desire to try either one. Thanks for your review.

 

[thisismyusername]

I'm sorry your YC stay isn't the best regarding the room/staff. YC CL and BC CL used to be on our list of clubs to try, but with all of the negative reviews lately on both, I now have no desire to try either one. Thanks for your review.

I'm really bummed about this as YC was my 2nd favorite resort, and the one we've stayed at most frequently, but the price for CL is just not worth it here. Our room is not in good shape, the lounge was completely packed this morning and we had nowhere to sit for 15 minutes, and housekeeping didn't replenish our toiletries or towels during turn down last night. We've never experienced a lack of service with any CL staff. And while I could care less about getting balloons or a card or our welcome chocolates, the lack of consistency among who gets what is what's irksome.

If it weren't for SAB, I'd probably nix YC for the foreseeable future...

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm really bummed about this as YC was my 2nd favorite resort, and the one we've stayed at most frequently, but the price for CL is just not worth it here. Our room is not in good shape, the lounge was completely packed this morning and we had nowhere to sit for 15 minutes, and housekeeping didn't replenish our toiletries or towels during turn down last night. We've never experienced a lack of service with any CL staff. And while I could care less about getting balloons or a card or our welcome chocolates, the lack of consistency among who gets what is what's irksome.

If it weren't for SAB, I'd probably nix YC for the foreseeable future...

I hope things are better once the refurbs are completed and you have a better stay next time. I agree about the inconsistency as those things should be equal for all CL guests.

We liked SAB, but we are in the minority in that we weren't wow'd by it, so it is not something that would draw us back to the BC/YC. We are glad we tried it, but there are other resort pools we prefer to SAB.

 

[Kimberle]

Just got back from 6 nights on the 12th Fl CR. Our room was so quiet. We were the very last room on the MK side. No one to run past our room. The lounge staff was very friendly and attentive. I didn't ask anything special as I had everything planned out. The lounge food was yummy, very similar to what we had when we stayed on the 14th floor.

Little funny, one day a lady was in the elevator. When I matched my mickey head and pressed 12, she gave me a "stink eye".

 

[xjay]

So this upcoming trip (Dec 11-15) is our first time doing CL. We're going to be at the CR and I know that they serve beer and alcoholic drinks in the lounge, but I was wondering if we could bring those drinks to our room. I just think it would be nice to sit on the balcony after a long day at the parks, and just sit and watch Wishes with a beer in my hand. If they don't allow it, it's fine. I just wanted to know if we could or not so then I could order a case and have it delivered if they didn't.

 

[mickeynut1]

Just got back from 6 nights on the 12th Fl CR. Our room was so quiet. We were the very last room on the MK side. No one to run past our room. The lounge staff was very friendly and attentive. I didn't ask anything special as I had everything planned out. The lounge food was yummy, very similar to what we had when we stayed on the 14th floor.

Little funny, one day a lady was in the elevator. When I matched my mickey head and pressed 12, she gave me a "stink eye".

Thanks for posting, it sounds like you had a great time . Glad to hear the lounge staff was friendly and attentive and the food was good as we are hoping to try CR CL next year.

So this upcoming trip (Dec 11-15) is our first time doing CL. We're going to be at the CR and I know that they serve beer and alcoholic drinks in the lounge, but I was wondering if we could bring those drinks to our room. I just think it would be nice to sit on the balcony after a long day at the parks, and just sit and watch Wishes with a beer in my hand. If they don't allow it, it's fine. I just wanted to know if we could or not so then I could order a case and have it delivered if they didn't.

Yes, you can take drinks back to your room .

 

[trishadono]

So this upcoming trip (Dec 11-15) is our first time doing CL. We're going to be at the CR and I know that they serve beer and alcoholic drinks in the lounge, but I was wondering if we could bring those drinks to our room. I just think it would be nice to sit on the balcony after a long day at the parks, and just sit and watch Wishes with a beer in my hand. If they don't allow it, it's fine. I just wanted to know if we could or not so then I could order a case and have it delivered if they didn't.

That's a great perk of CL's, wine and beer upon request.

Cr is really nice about it too. I would ask for a glass of wine at lunch time or afternoon and they make you feel welcome to go get it.

FYI only 2drinks per person will be given at a time but you can go back often.

Sometimes at 5pm I would just pour an extra glass and put in my fridge for later so I didn't have to ask.

Also if you want water, milk anytime just ask. Also I asked for cereal at 9pm one night for my dh. No problem! Cr has great CM's. If they can they will do it.

 

[xjay]

That's a great perk of CL's, wine and beer upon request.

Cr is really nice about it too. I would ask for a glass of wine at lunch time or afternoon and they make you feel welcome to go get it.

FYI only 2drinks per person will be given at a time but you can go back often.

Sometimes at 5pm I would just pour an extra glass and put in my fridge for later so I didn't have to ask.

Also if you want water, milk anytime just ask. Also I asked for cereal at 9pm one night for my dh. No problem! Cr has great CM's. If they can they will do it.

Thanks for the info! That's good to know. I'll probably get an extra glass just in case we get back to our room after the lounge closes. I can't wait to try CL, especially at the CR! I've been hearing so many great things about it on these boards. It's getting me really excited for our stay!

 

[psac]

Hi,

I have a few questions.
I just switched reservations again so now I am staying 3 nights Yacht Club Level in November. I made the reservation last night, this is the first time I have booked club.
How long after the reservation do you usually wait until the IPO contacts you about any services they can do for you?

Also, I have been looking at lots of photos of different club lounges. It looks like a lot of them have small numbers of appetizers on one dish where one family walking in can scoop up what is there in one go. How often are they replenished? Is there a long wait while they have to go off to get more hot food, or is that kept near by?

And if the appetizers look particularly good that night and you just want to make it your dinner, is there dirty looks if you take maybe 5-6 pieces vs 1-2 pieces?
What is the "club level etiquette"? For what you are paying extra, is it all you care to enjoy, or is there some unspoken rule you are only supposed to take one of each?

Thanks!

Do you already have your ADRs booked, or were you hoping the IPO would do it for you? If it's the latter, I would contact them right away. Otherwise, in general, it can vary. Sometimes they never contact you at all! It seems like booking changes to CL often get lost in terms of IPO contact.

For the appetizers, I would say breakfast is definitely intended as the meal replacement. Dinner, not so much. Some people do, for sure, and you probably won't get scolded, per se, but it's not the intention. Some people eat a big/late lunch in the parks, so they do use the appetizers as their dinner, but it's not a dinner portion, if that makes sense.

Generally things are replaced reasonably quickly.

Enjoy your stay!

 

[Wheelwatcher]

Just got back from 6 nights on the 12th Fl CR. Our room was so quiet. We were the very last room on the MK side. No one to run past our room. The lounge staff was very friendly and attentive. I didn't ask anything special as I had everything planned out. The lounge food was yummy, very similar to what we had when we stayed on the 14th floor.

Little funny, one day a lady was in the elevator. When I matched my mickey head and pressed 12, she gave me a "stink eye".

I had the exact same experience! We also just got back from 12th floor Atrium Club level, and I got the same look from other people in the elevator, and I mean more than once! But I actually get a kick out of that...I think people are so funny! LOL

 

[Kimberle]

One more thing, when I checked in on the CR 12th floor, the lady told me they have individual bottles of water. They don't have them out, we just have to ask for them. She said "don't pay the expensive price in the parks, we'll give you bottles to take with you." As we had a prior stay at the Hard Rock, I had stopped at a store and purchased a couple flats of water. We had plenty, so I never asked.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Sugarloaf or CR CL?

They are both very nice. I'd say if your desire -like ours- is to try all there sorts, then I'd say give GF a try. As to which is 'better', there's no clear cut answer. I feel strongly that EVERY resort has pros and cons. We thought the Mermaid rooms at AoA were super! Guests get a ton for the price. Price is always a factor. If there's a good deal, and the price between the two is close - then take advantage of GF having a a low price point. If not, maybe go CR.

Let's see...
Some positives of CR: ease to MK, self-parking, view from lounge, better QS of the two

Positives of GF: THEMING, live music, POOL, slightly better lounge food, TS dining options, (quite a bit better), QS has better hours: open 24hours/day, better room layout, flagship feel, live music, CR rooms have odd bathrooms, with strange sinks. They don't drain.

Even though GF has more positives- we personally put a premium on the ease of transport at CR, but that's us.

Both resorts are convention hotels, but they are more visible at CR. OH! No promises, but you are quite likely to see wedding couples/brides at GF. Seeing a bride riding the Cinderella coach is fun.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

How long after the reservation do you usually wait until the IPO contacts you about any services they can do for you?
How often are they replenished? Is there a long wait while they have to go off to get more hot food, or is that kept near by?...is it all you care to enjoy, or is there some unspoken rule you are only supposed to take one of each?

Thanks!

Your last question has been debated on the DIS vigorously, often with kind of nasty results. I can't tell you how much food to take.
IPO usually contacts you near the 185 day mark. If you are close, you can contact them. Either way is fine. Rarely, they don't contact you , esp if you book under 180 days. But if you do, you might check on ADR's yourself.

There's usually plenty of food. Often CM's ask guests to take more at shift ends, because they can't serve the food twice. I was once told leftovers go to a pig farm. Beautiful trays of desserts....

Giving numbers like 1-2 vs. 5-6, is invalid.. You asking if you can only take 5 goldfish crackers? Or five whole bottles of wine? One limit, is appetizer sized plates; guests can only fit so much food on your plate. A second limit, is that offerings tend to be fried/cheese. Too much grease = queasy for us, nor do we want to gain 10 pounds.

I don't usually pay much attention to what others are doing. But it's a bit like a wedding reception. Do wedding guests dump an entire serving plate on their appetizer plates? As far as I've noticed, CL guests tend to be polite.

Most foods are quite plentiful. Time is one limit, as 10pm approaches, they don't replenish desserts. At 9:55am, they don't replenish pastries. It's not always clear what can be requested. Rules are a bit fuzzy, and much depends on the personality of the staff. Some staff actively ask, or expressly offer to get food. Others say no when asked directly about the same. A very few items have limited supply. I was told they only stock so much yogurt. The CM was kind of funny. He said some weeks nobody touches the stuff, other weeks they can't serve enough of it!

Also, well, sitting in the lounge means your missing out on all the OTHER WDW fun. Most folks visit WDW to hit the parks!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

One more thing, when I checked in on the CR 12th floor, the lady told me they have individual bottles of water. They don't have them out, we just have to ask for them.

Water bottles come and go. It's a big mystery. You got a gift. Most CL stays, the CL's have not had them - including CR. When we asked they looked at us like we were crazy. Only once have plastic water bottles been offered. Crazy, cause we don't drink much soft drinks.

This subject has been discussed much in this thread.

We almost always buy some. Les in winter, more in summer.

However, carrying bottles of water is another matter! If you've got a stroller, no biggie. If not, water is HEAVY! If nobody in our group has a stroller, we just refill. Ask for ice water at any CS.

 

[psac]

I had the exact same experience! We also just got back from 12th floor Atrium Club level, and I got the same look from other people in the elevator, and I mean more than once! But I actually get a kick out of that...I think people are so funny! LOL

One time we stayed in a deluxe club room at the BC, and those are off the club lounge floor. Well, during our trip, my wife hurt her arm (side note: the hospital in Celebration they take you to is beautiful!). So I would go eat some appetizers and then make a plate for my wife and bring them back to the room. Talk about stink eye on the elevators!!!

 

[MomofDisneyLoversx3]

Ok guys, sell me on BWI's CL. We have never stayed at BWI at all, and I'm worried! Looking at pictures the lounge looks small. I have until 8/5 to change my resort, so any pros/cons would be great.

 

[gwynne]

Ok guys, sell me on BWI's CL. We have never stayed at BWI at all, and I'm worried! Looking at pictures the lounge looks small. I have until 8/5 to change my resort, so any pros/cons would be great.

Could be the photo perspective. The CL lounge at BWI isn't small.
BWI CL is a lovely experience.