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

[mickeynut1]

We're going in June, I have 5 nights booked at Beach Club, but I want to do a split stay - we were going to do 3 nights at Universal, but after much thought (dd 17 mind you) we decided to stay all nights at WDW...

so back to planning - it is JUNE - we've gone for Marathon weekends, we've gone for F&W, but summer? so I've read others have done June,

Booked! WL Standard CL, I know I saw a nice picture of the layout of the CL floor, does anyone ever request rooms? For instance, we do not need handicap or bunk beds...

and this is new...

Has anybody done a custom cake btw? (its dh's birthday while we're there and I've spent hours going through the Cake thread on the restaurant board)

Congrats on booking WL CL . The WL is great in itself, but I think its CL is amazing. I love how the lounge seating is arranged overlooking the lobby as it's relaxing to sit and enjoy the lounge while watching the hustle and bustle down in the lobby. In addition to that, the food offerings are great and the CL CMs are wonderful as they are very friendly and always willing to help . We've only stayed WL CL once so I don't really have any suggestions for room requests, but hopefully others will have some suggestions. With that said, I agree with trishadono to check out the WL FAQ as that is an awesome thread with a lot of great information and pics about the WL as well as CL (and WDWKOOK is great at keeping things up to date ).

I can't help with custom cakes either as we've never done one.

For WL go to that thread. Kook that runs it goes there often and will help. Also Mickeynut loves it too and is usually on the boards.

I agree about KOOK, she is great and is always very helpful .

I do love WL CL as it's one of my favorites .

WL is pretty I just haven't stayed at their CL YET

WL CL is amazing!!! I'm trying to get BlueSkies to give it a try, but I can't seem to pull her away from the GF .

 

[Sandy321]

Dd19 and I stayed at poly CL 5/30-6/4 this year. For what it's worth, the weather was in the 80's but it was more cloudy than our spring and fall trips.

Still it was nice to get to use the pool , just try to do like 12-1p before afternoon storms hit.

WL is pretty I just haven't stayed at their CL YET

I really debated on Poly, but when it came down to it, I think DH would love the WL better, and dd would like the food better at WL - btw does the Poly CL leave chocolates on the pillows after turn down service?

Congrats on booking WL CL . The WL is great in itself, but I think its CL is amazing. I love how the lounge seating is arranged overlooking the lobby as it's relaxing to sit and enjoy the lounge while watching the hustle and bustle down in the lobby. In addition to that, the food offerings are great and the CL CMs are wonderful as they are very friendly and always willing to help . We've only stayed WL CL once so I don't really have any suggestions for room requests, but hopefully others will have some suggestions. With that said, I agree with trishadono to check out the WL FAQ as that is an awesome thread with a lot of great information and pics about the WL as well as CL (and WDWKOOK is great at keeping things up to date ).

I can't help with custom cakes either as we've never done one.



I agree about KOOK, she is great and is always very helpful .

I do love WL CL as it's one of my favorites .



WL CL is amazing!!! I'm trying to get BlueSkies to give it a try, but I can't seem to pull her away from the GF .

I finally made it through all 130 pages, and I wholeheartedly agree about WDWKook, and the pictures!!

We've done a custom cake before, it does depend on the bakery - GF vs BW bakery, GF usually gets better cakes, seeing the pictures, but I may get carried away, so it may not be necessary with the CL offerings.... I think the Contemporary used to offer (for a price of course) chocolate strawberries, I wonder if they still do this.... must google...

 

[trishadono]

This year we got chocolates on our pillows at CL of cr/poly/gf

 

[mickeyluv'r]

LOL, this type A mama would lose it with a split stay, I'm an unpacker! ... Sometimes on damp mornings here in Michigan I can smell morning Disney smell. Ok, I'm likely getting weird for some of you....take care~

My packing for split stays did require a few changes:

Bathroom stuff: I use 2-gal Ziplocs, and in two categories: "need every day" (T-paste) and "maybe" (otc meds) We only truly unpack the "need" bag.

Clothes:I mostly keep them in the suitcase, on luggage racks, desk/counter space. Clean undies are in a Ziploc. Dirty clothes go into a plastic bag right away.

One bag: Ideally, for one night stays, only open one suitcase. (best: Dirty laundry stays in car)

One person: does most (un)packing. Everything has a place, and I know it. We have a more clear division of labor. DH does other stuff.

Only a few items get un-and re-packed at each stop. Transfers cost a little time. However, a BIG benefit is first/last day (un)packing is minimal. That surprised me the first time we we tried it. Each time we get better.

******

As soon as we leave MCO, I love the Florida 'smell'. It's funny, because I don't think about it, it just kind of stops me in my tracks. The walkways to the parking garage are marked by coquina (looking) water fountains. I nearly always stop for a moment: the FL smell, the sound of splashing water, the feel of warmth, the sight of the fountain...four senses all at once, "FLORIDA!"

 

[mickeyluv'r]

This year we got chocolates on our pillows at CL of cr/poly/gf

BC, YC, BWK leave salt water taffy on the pillow.
I don't recall what AKL does.

 

[trishadono]

My packing for split stays did require a few changes:

Bathroom stuff: I use 2-gal Ziplocs, and in two categories: "need every day" (T-paste) and "maybe" (otc meds) We only truly unpack the "need" bag.

Clothes:I mostly keep them in the suitcase, on luggage racks, desk/counter space. Clean undies are in a Ziploc. Dirty clothes go into a plastic bag right away.

One bag: Ideally, for one night stays, only open one suitcase. (best: Dirty laundry stays in car)

One person: does most (un)packing. Everything has a place, and I know it. We have a more clear division of labor. DH does other stuff.

Only a few items get un-and re-packed at each stop. Transfers cost a little time. However, a BIG benefit is first/last day (un)packing is minimal. That surprised me the first time we we tried it. Each time we get better.

******

As soon as we leave MCO, I love the Florida 'smell'. It's funny, because I don't think about it, it just kind of stops me in my tracks. The walkways to the parking garage are marked by coquina (looking) water fountains. I nearly always stop for a moment: the FL smell, the sound of splashing water, the feel of warmth, the sight of the fountain...four senses all at once, "FLORIDA!"

So true!!!

I do some splits with dd when we want a few cl days. It does get easier with practice.

BC, YC, BWK leave salt water taffy on the pillow.I don't recall what AKL does.

Good to know, thanks.

 

[focusondisney]

BC, YC, BWK leave salt water taffy on the pillow.
I don't recall what AKL does.

We have stayed club level at YC at least a dozen times & 1 time at BC last January. Most recent YC club stay was in May. We have gotten chocolate candy with turn down service every time. There is taffy in a bowl on the CM's desk. But with turn down @ Y&B, you definately get chocolate.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hi friends It's good to be back here on the boards. I was struck down with a horrible, horrible flu and haven't been online at all. Definitely the most sick I've ever been in my life. My temperature got as high as 104. Scary stuff. I'm still hopeful to leave here Thursday for WDW. Fingers crossed!!! If anyone has any tips about surviving the flight without my ear drums bursting I'd love to know. That's my biggest fear right now.

Now I need to go back and read what's been going on around here.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

If you do online check-in and staying CL, I assume you have to go to the online check-in desk in lieu of checking in upstairs (staying at the BC)? Any other pros/cons of checking in online? We're not arriving after hours (probably be there about 1 PM on our check-in day).

TIA!

You still check-in upstairs with the CL staff.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hi CL fans!

I really need your help! I am torn between Poly CL TPV and CR Atrium Magic Kingdom view. I have stayed at YC and AKL CL before. We have stayed at Poly before regular room and love it. We have stayed one night at CR garden wing and liked it, many years ago however. This trip is for October 2015 so Poly should be done.

I had Poly in mind, but DH just loves the idea of walking in and out of MK, which I think is great too! This is likely our last big family trip in the October months as DS will be getting ready to go off to college. I am torn between the two and wondered if anyone has strong opinions either way, I would love all input!

Thanks so much for the help!
Erin

Tough choice! We've done both of those and my boys would probably pick CR because they just love it there. But I'm usually more of a Poly lover myself because I love all the lush tropical plants and decor, and I don't care for the pool area at the CR. I would imagine the Poly will look like a totally different resort by October 2015. That's exciting! Since you said this might be your son's last trip before college maybe let him choose his favorite. Really you can't go wrong with either one.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Hi CL fans!

I really need your help! I am torn between Poly CL TPV and CR Atrium Magic Kingdom view. I have stayed at YC and AKL CL before. We have stayed at Poly before regular room and love it. We have stayed one night at CR garden wing and liked it, many years ago however. This trip is for October 2015 so Poly should be done.

I had Poly in mind, but DH just loves the idea of walking in and out of MK, which I think is great too! This is likely our last big family trip in the October months as DS will be getting ready to go off to college. I am torn between the two and wondered if anyone has strong opinions either way, I would love all input!

Thanks so much for the help!
Erin

Before DS graduated HS he wanted to go back to WDW so last summer (2013) was OUR "last big Disney family trip" before our DS went off to college. He requested WDW and WL/CL since its his fav, and quite honestly the only place he has stayed on property. When we walked in to the magnificent lobby, the kids (then 17 and 20) surprised us, and themselves by tearing up. I caught DS's eye and he whispered a barely audible 'thank you' which meant a whole bunch of things, It was a very special trip for us at a big turning point in our lives. Every minute was savored by all of us.

Perhaps you could ask your DS where he would like to stay...

 

[mickeynut1]

I finally made it through all 130 pages, and I wholeheartedly agree about WDWKook, and the pictures!!

That's a lot of pages to get through, but they are very informative . KOOK is great, as are the people who post on that thread, so don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have because they are always willing to help .

 

[The Sunrise Student]

I have seen alot of you post split stay.... I am very surprised by this because I would be so worried that it would take time out of my schedule to switch Resorts.

At the moment we have 11 night reservation at AKL CL scheduled for May 2015, and this will be our first CL experience. We have stayed at a good number of Disney resorts but NEVER done CL. We are always on the go when we come to the World and never thought it would be worth it, but since we are staying for 12 days / 11 nights we thought it might be a good time to try it out.

So I guess my comments/questions are... how taxing on your schedule is switching resorts for a split stay, what does it involve...

And please teach me oh wise ones and tell me how I can get the best bang for my buck out of a CL stay, what makes CL so much better than the rest?

Thanks

 

[mommyrosa2]

Hi friends It's good to be back here on the boards. I was struck down with a horrible, horrible flu and haven't been online at all. Definitely the most sick I've ever been in my life. My temperature got as high as 104. Scary stuff. I'm still hopeful to leave here Thursday for WDW. Fingers crossed!!! If anyone has any tips about surviving the flight without my ear drums bursting I'd love to know. That's my biggest fear right now.

Now I need to go back and read what's been going on around here.

You poor thing, the flu is no fun at all.

As far as your ears...go and get some "Earplanes" earplugs! I SWEAR by them. You can find them at CVS or Walmart (Target is iffy). Myself and my youngest have a lot of ear issues and we never fly without them.

Feel better!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I have seen alot of you post split stay.... I am very surprised by this because I would be so worried that it would take time out of my schedule to switch Resorts.

At the moment we have 11 night reservation at AKL CL scheduled for May 2015, and this will be our first CL experience. We have stayed at a good number of Disney resorts but NEVER done CL. We are always on the go when we come to the World and never thought it would be worth it, but since we are staying for 12 days / 11 nights we thought it might be a good time to try it out.

So I guess my comments/questions are... how taxing on your schedule is switching resorts for a split stay, what does it involve...

And please teach me oh wise ones and tell me how I can get the best bang for my buck out of a CL stay, what makes CL so much better than the rest?

Thanks

11 nights would definitely be a split for us. I love AKL CL, but I think I'd be going crazy after about 4 or 5 nights there and ready to move. The AKL is beautiful, the animals are amazing to watch, but there's only so much to see and do at that resort. Personally I recommend a split with either an MK resort or an Epcot resort. I don't know if you have kids or what your likes/dislikes are, but we are big time lovers of the YC/BC. There's so much fun stuff to do in that area, walking to Epcot and the Studios, tons of restaurants and nightlife. After the calm relaxation of AKL you might be ready to live it up a bit.

 

[Sandy321]

Hi friends It's good to be back here on the boards. I was struck down with a horrible, horrible flu and haven't been online at all. Definitely the most sick I've ever been in my life. My temperature got as high as 104. Scary stuff. I'm still hopeful to leave here Thursday for WDW. Fingers crossed!!! If anyone has any tips about surviving the flight without my ear drums bursting I'd love to know. That's my biggest fear right now.

Now I need to go back and read what's been going on around here.

someone else mentioned Ear Planes - They aren't expensive, but to add to your Ear Planes do get some sudafed to also help "dry up" the area - and of course, then you'll need water! But this is what has worked for dh, he takes the sudafed about 20 min before take off

Before DS graduated HS he wanted to go back to WDW so last summer (2013) was OUR "last big Disney family trip" before our DS went off to college. He requested WDW and WL/CL since its his fav, and quite honestly the only place he has stayed on property. When we walked in to the magnificent lobby, the kids (then 17 and 20) surprised us, and themselves by tearing up. I caught DS's eye and he whispered a barely audible 'thank you' which meant a whole bunch of things, It was a very special trip for us at a big turning point in our lives. Every minute was savored by all of us.

Perhaps you could ask your DS where he would like to stay...

well, now I'm tearing up! I'm thinking this trip is going to be emotional for us as well... its why I picked WL CL

That's a lot of pages to get through, but they are very informative . KOOK is great, as are the people who post on that thread, so don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have because they are always willing to help .

Thank you!

You poor thing, the flu is no fun at all.

As far as your ears...go and get some "Earplanes" earplugs! I SWEAR by them. You can find them at CVS or Walmart (Target is iffy). Myself and my youngest have a lot of ear issues and we never fly without them.

Feel better!

 

[The Sunrise Student]

11 nights would definitely be a split for us. I love AKL CL, but I think I'd be going crazy after about 4 or 5 nights there and ready to move. The AKL is beautiful, the animals are amazing to watch, but there's only so much to see and do at that resort. Personally I recommend a split with either an MK resort or an Epcot resort. I don't know if you have kids or what your likes/dislikes are, but we are big time lovers of the YC/BC. There's so much fun stuff to do in that area, walking to Epcot and the Studios, tons of restaurants and nightlife. After the calm relaxation of AKL you might be ready to live it up a bit.

Hi TigrLvsPooh,
Why would you be going crazy at AKL after 4 to 5 days?! It's just me and my BF, and we normally spend very little time at the resorts when we go, we are always on the go, so with splurging on Club Level this time we are going to have to make ourselves relax, at least once and a while. (You might remember me from the SWW threads? We always keep a fast schedule and with us marching this year I am sure we will be super busy.)

I know in 2016 we will probably stay at YC/BC for our long weekender... So I am going to refrain from that one. I wasn't impressed with BWI when we stayed last year... I don't know, it just felt :shrug:

I have stayed at Wilderness Lodge before but like I originally posted this is my first time ever doing CL anywhere.

The one place I was thinking of IF I considered split time (again worried about taking too much time out of my trip to do that) is the Contemporary.

Thank you for the feed back, soaking it in!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hi TigrLvsPooh,
Why would you be going crazy at AKL after 4 to 5 days?! It's just me and my BF, and we normally spend very little time at the resorts when we go, we are always on the go, so with splurging on Club Level this time we are going to have to make ourselves relax, at least once and a while. (You might remember me from the SWW threads? We always keep a fast schedule and with us marching this year I am sure we will be super busy.)

I know in 2016 we will probably stay at YC/BC for our long weekender... So I am going to refrain from that one. I wasn't impressed with BWI when we stayed last year... I don't know, it just felt :shrug:

I have stayed at Wilderness Lodge before but like I originally posted this is my first time ever doing CL anywhere.

The one place I was thinking of IF I considered split time (again worried about taking too much time out of my trip to do that) is the Contemporary.

Thank you for the feed back, soaking it in!

I think it definitely varies based on the person. I'm a very active vacationer. I like to do and see as much as possible and I tend to get bored doing the same things over and over. So I just know this about myself and I know that after taking the bus to the parks day after day with no other alternative transportation, and having the same view out of my room and the same offerings in the lounge, I would be ready for something different. There is absolutely nothing wrong with AKL CL, we were just there in May and had a lovely stay. But I like to be closer to the action, I like having places to explore and different things to eat and see in the evenings. I just get ansty after a few days.
We had a FANTASTIC stay at the CR Atrium Club in March! Oh my goodness we absolutely LOVED our room and everything about it. I love, love, LOVE being able to walk to MK, and take the monorail to Epcot. I have a trip report if you'd like to check it out. Let me go find it and I'll post it right back.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Ok, so here is my report from the AKL CL: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3283367

And here is the one from CR Atrium Club (you'll have to skip some pages to get passed BC CL first): http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3252440

Hopefully those help give you more info!

 

[LUVDisney1975]

I'm so excited for August 2015!!!! I've told my girls that we are staying at the Poly but not that we are CL!!! It is fun to surprise them!!! I was going to have the whole trip be a surprise but couldn't hold it in any longer. So they'll get other surprises. CL here we come!!!!