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

[pixarmom]

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.

So far, we've stayed CL at BWI, Poly, CR and BC. (Also trying GF CL and AKL CL in January!) At this point, BWI CL is my favorite. The high ceilings and french doors in the BWI lounge make it seem more spacious than it appears in photos and the CMs are wonderful. It's a very relaxed atmosphere and quiet, but not too quiet for our three boys! So while the food at BWI isn't my favorite (might change after Kouzzina leaves) and the view isn't like at Poly or CR, the overall vibe and atmosphere at BWI makes it my first choice of CLs at this point.

 

[Best_Vacation_EVER!]

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.

We love BWI Club level and are staying there again in December. The lounge is actually pretty spacious and we've never experienced difficulties with the food offerings or finding a table. They are replenished regularly and the CMs are really wonderful.

The view from the balcony on the Club lounge gives a great view of the higher fireworks at EPCOT. On the nights we're at the resort (rather than a park) we tend to go there to watch the EPCOT fireworks.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

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

I got that each time at YC ..one even said "oh, wow!!"

 

[UrsulaTheSeaWitch]

I took my mother to Disney last Nov. It was actually the week before she was scheduled to have surgery to have cancer removed so we were there under the assumption this might be her last time.
Thankfully the surgery went great and they got all the cancer and she considers that surgery day her new "birthday". We are now set to go back again this November to celebrate her "1st Birthday".
When the club level IPO contacts you and asks you if you are celebrating anything special and I tell them it's my mother's birthday, am I going to get funny looks when I get there/or have the request ignored because they will see by her id that her real birthday was a few months before?
I'm wondering if I should even say anything. I don't want it to seem like she is trying to get a birthday button for free cupcakes, which she doesn't even eat.

 

[dansdad]

I took my mother to Disney last Nov. It was actually the week before she was scheduled to have surgery to have cancer removed so we were there under the assumption this might be her last time.
Thankfully the surgery went great and they got all the cancer and she considers that surgery day her new "birthday". We are now set to go back again this November to celebrate her "1st Birthday".
When the club level IPO contacts you and asks you if you are celebrating anything special and I tell them it's my mother's birthday, am I going to get funny looks when I get there/or have the request ignored because they will see by her id that her real birthday was a few months before?
I'm wondering if I should even say anything. I don't want it to seem like she is trying to get a birthday button for free cupcakes, which she doesn't even eat.

They ask because they want to know if you are celebrating anything. It doesn't matter when the actual day is that you're celebrating, just that you are celebrating it. Tell them about it and don't even think twice! Let her wear her button proudly for your entire stay.

 

[DisneyLover0610]

I took my mother to Disney last Nov. It was actually the week before she was scheduled to have surgery to have cancer removed so we were there under the assumption this might be her last time.
Thankfully the surgery went great and they got all the cancer and she considers that surgery day her new "birthday". We are now set to go back again this November to celebrate her "1st Birthday".
When the club level IPO contacts you and asks you if you are celebrating anything special and I tell them it's my mother's birthday, am I going to get funny looks when I get there/or have the request ignored because they will see by her id that her real birthday was a few months before?
I'm wondering if I should even say anything. I don't want it to seem like she is trying to get a birthday button for free cupcakes, which she doesn't even eat.

Glad to hear she's healthy! DH and I go in October to celebrate our anniversary - which is really in June. We just can't get away then. And when anyone asks when our anniversary is, we tell them the truth.
Your mother has a great story, and an amazing reason to celebrate her "birthday"

 

[MomofDisneyLoversx3]

Thanks for all of the positives re: BWI. Still dont know where we are going to stay! I had this whole trip planed and booked in Jan and have had to make more changes than I like. Oh, well, family!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

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.

We've stayed on every club level at least once and I do enjoy BWI CL. We arrive there Tuesday in fact. I'm looking forward to seeing the new colors and changes to the rooms and lounge.

Pros:
Lovely lounge with an actual view of something
Friendly CM's
Floor is very private

Cons:
lounge soft drinks are in a bucket of ice/water, sort of a drippy mess
long walk from the elevator to get back to the club level entrance, rat maze
no bookable views

To me the food offerings are a wash because we find them to be fairly similar in variety and concept at all the resorts. Variations in flavor based on resort theme (ie. AKL has African flavors) is really the only big difference. I do find the MK resorts seem to have more variety and quantity of food than the Epcot resorts. Probably because the rooms are more expensive and tend to have more high rollers. Lol

I really wanted to do my live report on the DIS for this trip but since I'm still in the "cone of shame" I decided not to draw anymore attention to my stripped privileges.

 

[Disneytam]

Glad to hear she's healthy! DH and I go in October to celebrate our anniversary - which is really in June. We just can't get away then. And when anyone asks when our anniversary is, we tell them the truth.
Your mother has a great story, and an amazing reason to celebrate her "birthday"

We did this in Feb. and I got the feeling that because our real anniversary was the end of Oct. that we never received any commits about it. I told the IPO at the BWI when we went over reservations that we would be celebrating our 25 anniversary and that we had honeymooned in Disney. We did receive a card in our room at check in but their was never any mention of it at any other time and we ate at a signature rest. every night of our 8 day stay. Not a big deal for us but if your expecting something you might be disappointed.

I have seen a lot of wonderful pixie dust that other guests have received when celebrating anniversaries so I just assumed since we were not visiting on the real date that our celebration was ignored.

Wonderful story on your mom and I wish her all the best.

 

[UrsulaTheSeaWitch]

Thanks for everyone's replies.
I wasn't expecting much. I heard about how sometimes there is a birthday card signed by Mickey when you get your room? And then of course the birthday button.

 

[wdwfan]

We've stayed on every club level at least once and I do enjoy BWI CL. We arrive there Tuesday in fact. I'm looking forward to seeing the new colors and changes to the rooms and lounge.

Pros:
Lovely lounge with an actual view of something
Friendly CM's
Floor is very private

Cons:
lounge soft drinks are in a bucket of ice/water, sort of a drippy mess
long walk from the elevator to get back to the club level entrance, rat maze
no bookable views

To me the food offerings are a wash because we find them to be fairly similar in variety and concept at all the resorts. Variations in flavor based on resort theme (ie. AKL has African flavors) is really the only big difference. I do find the MK resorts seem to have more variety and quantity of food than the Epcot resorts. Probably because the rooms are more expensive and tend to have more high rollers. Lol

I really wanted to do my live report on the DIS for this trip but since I'm still in the "cone of shame" I decided not to draw anymore attention to my stripped privileges.

I understand but was hoping you would still do your report. So many of us really appreciate your insight and opinions. But I respect your decision.

 

[AngiTN]

I really wanted to do my live report on the DIS for this trip but since I'm still in the "cone of shame" I decided not to draw anymore attention to my stripped privileges.

LOL. Good one

We did this in Feb. and I got the feeling that because our real anniversary was the end of Oct. that we never received any commits about it. I told the IPO at the BWI when we went over reservations that we would be celebrating our 25 anniversary and that we had honeymooned in Disney. We did receive a card in our room at check in but their was never any mention of it at any other time and we ate at a signature rest. every night of our 8 day stay. Not a big deal for us but if your expecting something you might be disappointed.

I have seen a lot of wonderful pixie dust that other guests have received when celebrating anniversaries so I just assumed since we were not visiting on the real date that our celebration was ignored.

Wonderful story on your mom and I wish her all the best.

How would they know the actual date of your anniversary? It's not like they look up marriage license info to confirm your celebration. Any pixie dust folks for when celebrating something is just that, pixie dust. Being there on the actual date has nothing whatsoever to do with it. The CM you encounter, 100% has everything to do with it.

The only guaranteed celebration you can get, that I know of, eat at Chef Mickey's. They give everyone celebrating something a special yellow napkin and there is a song during the meal to acknowledge everyone. Anything else you need to plan or pay for yourself. You are right, you should never expect anything.

 

[AngiTN]

Thanks for everyone's replies.
I wasn't expecting much. I heard about how sometimes there is a birthday card signed by Mickey when you get your room? And then of course the birthday button.

When we took DGD for her 5th birthday she did have a signed card from Mickey. There was also a birthday message for her on the phone in the room. Just note your Mom's celebration on all reservations and go from there. It doesn't matter what the actual date of anything is.

 

[mickeynut1]

I took my mother to Disney last Nov. It was actually the week before she was scheduled to have surgery to have cancer removed so we were there under the assumption this might be her last time.
Thankfully the surgery went great and they got all the cancer and she considers that surgery day her new "birthday". We are now set to go back again this November to celebrate her "1st Birthday".
When the club level IPO contacts you and asks you if you are celebrating anything special and I tell them it's my mother's birthday, am I going to get funny looks when I get there/or have the request ignored because they will see by her id that her real birthday was a few months before?
I'm wondering if I should even say anything. I don't want it to seem like she is trying to get a birthday button for free cupcakes, which she doesn't even eat.

I agree with the others that I'd have the celebration noted on your reservation, even if it's not her actual birthday as you both have something worth celebrating .

Your mother has a great story, and an amazing reason to celebrate her "birthday"

I agree .

Just note your Mom's celebration on all reservations and go from there. It doesn't matter what the actual date of anything is.

 

[MomofDisneyLoversx3]

We've stayed on every club level at least once and I do enjoy BWI CL. We arrive there Tuesday in fact. I'm looking forward to seeing the new colors and changes to the rooms and lounge.

Pros:
Lovely lounge with an actual view of something
Friendly CM's
Floor is very private

Cons:
lounge soft drinks are in a bucket of ice/water, sort of a drippy mess
long walk from the elevator to get back to the club level entrance, rat maze
no bookable views

To me the food offerings are a wash because we find them to be fairly similar in variety and concept at all the resorts. Variations in flavor based on resort theme (ie. AKL has African flavors) is really the only big difference. I do find the MK resorts seem to have more variety and quantity of food than the Epcot resorts. Probably because the rooms are more expensive and tend to have more high rollers. Lol

I really wanted to do my live report on the DIS for this trip but since I'm still in the "cone of shame" I decided not to draw anymore attention to my stripped privileges.

Thank you so much for your breakdown. The rats maze is concerning to me because I often let the kids walk ahead of me. I'm also concerned if our room isn't close to my mom and dad's it will be a hassle. Maybe BWI will be better for when mom and I go down for the Wine & Dine half.

I think at this point we may go with a suite at the S/D. Then we are all together, but we will miss CL so much! I think I may have a problem....when we first started planning this trip, the only thing my DD (8 ) asked for was CL

I'm so sad about the "cone of shame". You have always been welcoming and helpful. I would have loved to see your TR.

 

[AngiTN]

The answer to this may be in the thread somewhere (it's possible I even asked before) so sorry in advance if I've forgotten

How does the CL check in work when arriving on ME? Specifically at AKL. I know when we drove we were met in the lobby by someone to take us to the CL level for check in. The gate had notified them of our arrival and they had plenty of time to be out there to meet us by the time we drove up.

When coming in on the ME do they know based on who's checked in for that given bus? Or should we do something once we arrive?

I realize sometimes you aren't met and taken to the CL for check in (like they are super busy or closed). They won't be closed when we arrive so I was curious what normal operating procedures are.

 

[MomofDisneyLoversx3]

The answer to this may be in the thread somewhere (it's possible I even asked before) so sorry in advance if I've forgotten

How does the CL check in work when arriving on ME? Specifically at AKL. I know when we drove we were met in the lobby by someone to take us to the CL level for check in. The gate had notified them of our arrival and they had plenty of time to be out there to meet us by the time we drove up.

When coming in on the ME do they know based on who's checked in for that given bus? Or should we do something once we arrive?

I realize sometimes you aren't met and taken to the CL for check in (like they are super busy or closed). They won't be closed when we arrive so I was curious what normal operating procedures are.

I don't know what magic they use, but when we took ME, as we got off the bus with our carryons we were met by a CM. They knew exactly who we were, and whisked us upstairs. This happened twice in a row. Once with a 9ish pm arrival, and once with a 9ish am arrival.

Of course in our case, they probably have our picture up in AKL's back room or something. My DS is a runner, so I think every CM there knows us!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I understand but was hoping you would still do your report. So many of us really appreciate your insight and opinions. But I respect your decision.

I am doing a live report, but I'm not allowed to tell you where it is.

 

[UrsulaTheSeaWitch]

Hi again,

A couple more questions if you don't mind...

My Dining plan ends the day I start club level, so really I would only be interested in asking if they could get me a particular reservation on that day to use my last ts credit. If they are able to get it, do they contact you and let you know at the time they book it, or you don't find out until you get there? With having to make fastpasses 60 days in advance, I would hate to get there only to find out the dinner reservation is at the same time as a hard to get fp.

The nightly turn down service, what exactly is that? Is that done by the club level people or housekeeping? Are they tipped separately from the morning housekeeper?

Thanks

 

[OhioWDWDuo]

Hi Everyone,

First, thank you for the WEALTH of awesome information on this thread! I have a question about CL and booking through an online agent like Orbitz. If this has already been answered, I apologize. I just booked CL reservations at WL and YC through Orbitz tonight (sooooo excited, by the way!). But, since I booked through Orbitz, can I contact the IPO myself or do I have to go through Orbitz for all of that? I am really hoping that I can email with them directly and not go through the 3rd party.

Thanks in advance for the help! :