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

[trishadono]

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!!!!

Congrats ! Happy planning

 

[The Sunrise Student]

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!

From reading your reports I understand why you like EPCOT Resorts... And it is why we use that area to stay in when we do our long weekends...

I will be driving down (and other trips when I do long trips I rent a car)... so having to wait for transport to get out there doesn't give us an issue. Where as when we do our long weekends trips we use Disney transport and love the EPCOT Resort area for the quick ability to get around.

The one thing I didn't see in your trip reports and is a big question for me is how to you transfer to a new resort, how much time does it take out of your trip to do this? That is really the biggest deciding factor for me doing a split stay.

 

[Eastern]

The one thing I didn't see in your trip reports and is a big question for me is how to you transfer to a new resort, how much time does it take out of your trip to do this? That is really the biggest deciding factor for me doing a split stay.

We have done 2 split stays. One time we had a cab pick us up from one resort and take us and our bags to the other.

Another time we dropped all our bags at bell services and let them transfer them to the hotel while we left for Epcot on a Disney bus. After lunch we went to the hotel to check in.

It doesn't really take a lot of time, but I find it a bit disruptive to have to collect our things from the room, and then have to unpack again.

I travel with 5 so it's more chaotic. Probably easier for a couple.

 

[mickeynut1]

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!!!!

How exciting . The Poly is our favorite resort but we have yet to try CL. We are starting to discuss our trip for next summer and Poly CL is at the top of the list. Enjoy your planning .

The one thing I didn't see in your trip reports and is a big question for me is how to you transfer to a new resort, how much time does it take out of your trip to do this? That is really the biggest deciding factor for me doing a split stay.

Like the pp said, it doesn't take alot of time, but there is the need to pack up and move and possibly be without a room for a good portion of the day (depending on what time of day you check in at the second resort). With that said, split stays are a great way to try different resorts in the same trip .

 

[Sandy321]

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!!!!

I know what you mean, I decided to book CL, but had to tell dd, we're going to try and keep it a secret from dh!

 

[Sandy321]

From reading your reports I understand why you like EPCOT Resorts... And it is why we use that area to stay in when we do our long weekends...

I will be driving down (and other trips when I do long trips I rent a car)... so having to wait for transport to get out there doesn't give us an issue. Where as when we do our long weekends trips we use Disney transport and love the EPCOT Resort area for the quick ability to get around.

The one thing I didn't see in your trip reports and is a big question for me is how to you transfer to a new resort, how much time does it take out of your trip to do this? That is really the biggest deciding factor for me doing a split stay.

We did not stay CL, but the one time we did a split stay (and you're right, it takes something out of you, so we've not done it since, but we're going to try it June 2015)

First resort - Pop, one night, we called, they came got our luggage, and we went to parks.

2nd resort - BWV - our luggage was held up in Baggage claim due to shortage of staff, we were in the parks, and I would call, so I knew our luggage was at BWV. it took numerous calls before we got our luggage before midnight When we left this resort we had to be in the room for them to take our luggage (but not at pop? I'm sure its changed since then)

3rd resort - WL (not CL) we took a bus over, I think we had an ADR, and after the ADR we went to WL, I'm pretty sure I had groceries - it again took forever - but since I had groceries I kept on it - I went down to the regular concierge and asked, and they had been assured it would come, he finally got on the phone and said he'd drive down and get our luggage! WL was great, I wasn't impressed with BWV (and yes, we tipped them per baggage as we do at Ohare airport)

I'm not sure but we may take a cab, we will be transferring from WL CL to BCV this time. I should've planned better, to do more commando things at BCV area and then relax at WLCL, I may still be able to move things around....

 

[LUVDisney1975]

I know what you mean, I decided to book CL, but had to tell dd, we're going to try and keep it a secret from dh!

Good luck!!!!! It's soooo hard to keep secrets. Especially when they are good ones!!!

 

[LUVDisney1975]

How exciting . The Poly is our favorite resort but we have yet to try CL. We are starting to discuss our trip for next summer and Poly CL is at the top of the list. Enjoy your planning .

Thank you!!!! You too!! I can't wait to stay there!!!! It's so beautiful.

 

[LUVDisney1975]

Congrats ! Happy planning

Thank you!!!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

From reading your reports I understand why you like EPCOT Resorts... And it is why we use that area to stay in when we do our long weekends...

I will be driving down (and other trips when I do long trips I rent a car)... so having to wait for transport to get out there doesn't give us an issue. Where as when we do our long weekends trips we use Disney transport and love the EPCOT Resort area for the quick ability to get around.

The one thing I didn't see in your trip reports and is a big question for me is how to you transfer to a new resort, how much time does it take out of your trip to do this? That is really the biggest deciding factor for me doing a split stay.

On moving day we sleep a bit later, have breakfast in the lounge, pack up and be out of the room before 11:00. Typically we take either a cab or drive our rental car over to the new resort. Check-in, leave our bags if room isn't ready yet, and head to a park. If it's an Epcot resort we would walk over to the World showcase, have lunch, do some shopping, maybe a couple of rides that don't have lines, then head back to the resort mid-afternoon once the room is ready. Unpack, rest, and hit the lounge at 5:00 for appetizers. We don't feel we miss anything at all.

If you don't have a car and don't want to mess with taking a cab you can just let the first resort transfer your luggage over to the second one. You can use Disney transportation to get to the new resort, check-in, and pretty much follow the exact same plan I just mentioned. Only one time did we have late luggage. It was a transfer from Poly to BC and for some reason we didn't get our bags until 6:30 PM. But all the other times we never had to wait long.

We've been getting rental cars more often recently, we like the flexibility of being able to go wherever we want.

 

[The Sunrise Student]

On moving day we sleep a bit later, have breakfast in the lounge, pack up and be out of the room before 11:00. Typically we take either a cab or drive our rental car over to the new resort. Check-in, leave our bags if room isn't ready yet, and head to a park. If it's an Epcot resort we would walk over to the World showcase, have lunch, do some shopping, maybe a couple of rides that don't have lines, then head back to the resort mid-afternoon once the room is ready. Unpack, rest, and hit the lounge at 5:00 for appetizers. We don't feel we miss anything at all.

If you don't have a car and don't want to mess with taking a cab you can just let the first resort transfer your luggage over to the second one. You can use Disney transportation to get to the new resort, check-in, and pretty much follow the exact same plan I just mentioned. Only one time did we have late luggage. It was a transfer from Poly to BC and for some reason we didn't get our bags until 6:30 PM. But all the other times we never had to wait long.

We've been getting rental cars more often recently, we like the flexibility of being able to go wherever we want.

Thank you That is exactly the details I was looking for

I just would hate to waste a day... I guess we are crazy and don't go often enough to the world because we are crazy and get to the parks are rope drop every morning... There has only been one trip that we missed rope drop and that's because we did three morning in a row during SWW that we went extra extra early and got in line for those Celebrity FP for autographs. After arriving at the park three days in a row around 3 to 4 am in the morning, one tends to poop out!

We have however told each other that there MUST be one break day this trip, running ragged as many days as we have planned plus driving from out neck of the woods we are bound to poop out!

Thank you very much for the info!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Thank you That is exactly the details I was looking for

I just would hate to waste a day... I guess we are crazy and don't go often enough to the world because we are crazy and get to the parks are rope drop every morning... There has only been one trip that we missed rope drop and that's because we did three morning in a row during SWW that we went extra extra early and got in line for those Celebrity FP for autographs. After arriving at the park three days in a row around 3 to 4 am in the morning, one tends to poop out!

We have however told each other that there MUST be one break day this trip, running ragged as many days as we have planned plus driving from out neck of the woods we are bound to poop out!

Thank you very much for the info!

I don't think I've ever been to a rope drop EVER!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

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.

In short, it does take time, but it can be minimal. I am always keenly aware, personally, of the value of my vacation time. That's why we like CL.

IMO, certain quantities of time are more value than others. Specifically, 7am- about 10am is highly valuable. Getting to the parks early is valueable. I'm not gung ho to arrive before any park opens (Actually, I consider that wasted time. Waiting is waiting, IMO.) Rope Drop is somewhat overrated on the DIS. After dark hours are even more valuable, IMO. CL helps us take full advantage of morning hours.

One asset of CL, is quick access to breakfast. Guests lose a ton of time walking back and forth through the resort. I think that often gets ignored. Sure, we have done a the grocery store run/eat in our room...I like CL better. It's costs more that groceries, but it's more fun. I like eating off real dishes! I like real lattes! Ooh - Do be sure to find the hot beverage machine!

Advantage two is portion control. You sample food as you desire. Though that comes with a big warning- much of CL offerings are kind of junk/high calorie foods: cheese, white flour, fried potato, FRIED, sugar. Still, (esp with kids) if you want more milk, help yourself! Would love to see more healthy appetizers! Still, they have fresh fruit, and veggies! So we pile those on our plates. If 'dinner' is a burger, it's no big deal because we've already had a pile of healthy stuff.

Going back to the time, and kids, etc. At many mods, if you forget something like a jacket back in the room from breakfast- it's going to cost you 20min. Many CL's have good locations within that resort, and most deluxes are close to at least one park.

The downsides of CL...if you will- or at least a shift for us:
You have to go back to your hotel to get the appetizers and desserts. If you aren't used to mid day breaks, it can be tricky/time consuming. Desserts end at 10pm, so choose: dessert, or PM EMH. (every other/few days?)

The second downside, is you are stuck eating in one place. Most lounges are lovely, but it can get boring seeing the same scenery again and again. So that's one plus of split stays.

Which brings us back around to time! Splitting a stay means being close to a certain park. (BC to Epcot/HS, GF to MK)

Another option with split stays is saving $. One easy option is to stay at a value resort, or offsite (using points?) on your first night, then transfer in the morning for breakfast. The Hyatt at MCO is super easy if you have a late arrival or early departure. Roll out of bed and you're at MCO.

We can also eat a meal outside the WDW bubble. There are tons of options.

Split stays are also great if you desire to visit Diagon Alley! the beach! the Everglades! St. Augustine! Florida is much more than the Mouse!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

First resort - Pop, one night, we called, they came got our luggage, and we went to parks.

2nd resort - BWV - our luggage was held up in Baggage claim due to shortage of staff, we were in the parks, and I would call, so I knew our luggage was at BWV. it took numerous calls BCV area and then relax at WLCL, I may still be able to move things around....

We've done a few splits using WDW transportation/ME. We had a similar experience. For us, a rental car was the solution! Plus we can use it all over WDW. On a split, we can maybe leave some bags in the trunk.

**********

Last month we checked out of our room at CR, checked into Portofino at US, ate breakfast, picked up a AP at GS, and were in UStudios by 8:25am! We even impressed ourselves!

One place where doing a slow transfer works is BC/YC. That whole area is really nice! The pool complex is lots of fun! The locker room is nice (to clean up if you don't have a room). There's a bunch of dining over that way. It is also worth hopping in to Epcot just for dinner. (though we always used to add Maelstrom ). Most deluxes also have treats like campfires and movies.

Ooh - one thing to note- some CL lounges have bathrooms and some don't. A good list is in this thread. Among those that do: AKL, YC, Bwk. Among those that do not: CR (both floors), GF (both), WL, and CSR (business).

 

[The Sunrise Student]

In short, it does take time, but it can be minimal. I am always keenly aware, personally, of the value of my vacation time. That's why we like CL.

IMO, certain quantities of time are more value than others. Specifically, 7am- about 10am is highly valuable. Getting to the parks early is valueable. I'm not gung ho to arrive before any park opens (Actually, I consider that wasted time. Waiting is waiting, IMO.) Rope Drop is somewhat overrated on the DIS. After dark hours are even more valuable, IMO. CL helps us take full advantage of morning hours.

One asset of CL, is quick access to breakfast. Guests lose a ton of time walking back and forth through the resort. I think that often gets ignored. Sure, we have done a the grocery store run/eat in our room...I like CL better. It's costs more that groceries, but it's more fun. I like eating off real dishes! I like real lattes! Ooh - Do be sure to find the hot beverage machine!

Advantage two is portion control. You sample food as you desire. Though that comes with a big warning- much of CL offerings are kind of junk/high calorie foods: cheese, white flour, fried potato, FRIED, sugar. Still, (esp with kids) if you want more milk, help yourself! Would love to see more healthy appetizers! Still, they have fresh fruit, and veggies! So we pile those on our plates. If 'dinner' is a burger, it's no big deal because we've already had a pile of healthy stuff.

Going back to the time, and kids, etc. At many mods, if you forget something like a jacket back in the room from breakfast- it's going to cost you 20min. Many CL's have good locations within that resort, and most deluxes are close to at least one park.

The downsides of CL...if you will- or at least a shift for us:
You have to go back to your hotel to get the appetizers and desserts. If you aren't used to mid day breaks, it can be tricky/time consuming. Desserts end at 10pm, so choose: dessert, or PM EMH. (every other/few days?)

The second downside, is you are stuck eating in one place. Most lounges are lovely, but it can get boring seeing the same scenery again and again. So that's one plus of split stays.

Which brings us back around to time! Splitting a stay means being close to a certain park. (BC to Epcot/HS, GF to MK)

Another option with split stays is saving $. One easy option is to stay at a value resort, or offsite (using points?) on your first night, then transfer in the morning for breakfast. The Hyatt at MCO is super easy if you have a late arrival or early departure. Roll out of bed and you're at MCO.

We can also eat a meal outside the WDW bubble. There are tons of options.

Split stays are also great if you desire to visit Diagon Alley! the beach! the Everglades! St. Augustine! Florida is much more than the Mouse!

We hadn't thought of CL as a replacement for normal sitdown meals, except for breakfast. We are probably not going to eat as much of the CL food as most people do...

We do like rope drop because we get alot of things done right off, especially with SWW. Star Wars Weekends at DHS is a totally different animal than what a normal WDW visit would be like. Now on days we march we will be back and forth and I am sure after we get out of costume and take a shower we will be invading the CL lounge before headed back to the parks.

We will be going to Universal Studios and have two days planed for that, so those days when we come back the food at US is not the quality of the sitdown meals at WDW so I know those days we will hit CL lounge too!

Being new to club level we aren't familiar with all the benefits, and we do hope that there will be a day or two in there with our 12 days stay that we slow down and come back and snack.

 

[Sandy321]

We've done a few splits using WDW transportation/ME. We had a similar experience. For us, a rental car was the solution! Plus we can use it all over WDW. On a split, we can maybe leave some bags in the trunk.

**********

Last month we checked out of our room at CR, checked into Portofino at US, ate breakfast, picked up a AP at GS, and were in UStudios by 8:25am! We even impressed ourselves!

One place where doing a slow transfer works is BC/YC. That whole area is really nice! The pool complex is lots of fun! The locker room is nice (to clean up if you don't have a room). There's a bunch of dining over that way. It is also worth hopping in to Epcot just for dinner. (though we always used to add Maelstrom ). Most deluxes also have treats like campfires and movies.

Ooh - one thing to note- some CL lounges have bathrooms and some don't. A good list is in this thread. Among those that do: AKL, YC, Bwk. Among those that do not: CR (both floors), GF (both), WL, and CSR (business).

Thank you for your detailed responses about CL and split stays, very helpful!

I think we're (ok, I'm speaking for dh who knows nothing about it, but if he did! ) looking forward to a glass of Gran Marnier! I can tell you its $35 for a bottle, but at a bar, its $$$ (good stuff!) Very special and we don't have it at home!

I was trying to figure out why I planned a CL stay before our BCV Stay! I should've swapped them around!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hey guys I'm here at WDW! I'm just hanging in my room waiting for my luggage. I'm thinking I'll go to MK tonight for a Dole Whip and Wishes!

AOA is fine so far. Very similar to Pop. I got both of my requests honored (top floor, near elevator). Plenty of space just for me alone. The wifi is terrible, but that's no big surprise.
Tomorrow morning I head to YC!

 

[DisneyLover0610]

On the topic of split stays...
I've asked this before, so forgive me, but I guess I didn't like the answer.
We're staying CL at GF for two nights with no park tickets. We transfer to BWI CL and that package has park tickets. Can't RPC just activate those bands for us so we can go to epcot before checking in to the BW?

- has anyone else noticed issues with the dis on their iPad since updating to iOS 8? It runs soooo slow!!

 

[gwynne]

On the topic of split stays...
I've asked this before, so forgive me, but I guess I didn't like the answer.
We're staying CL at GF for two nights with no park tickets. We transfer to BWI CL and that package has park tickets. Can't RPC just activate those bands for us so we can go to epcot before checking in to the BW?

- has anyone else noticed issues with the dis on their iPad since updating to iOS 8? It runs soooo slow!!

Maybe the easiest way to get an answer would be to call or email GF IPO.
We love split stays, too!

 

[DisneyLover0610]

Maybe the easiest way to get an answer would be to call or email GF IPO. We love split stays, too!

Obviously! This will be out 2nd and 3rd CL stay, I'm still not used to all they have to offer! Thanks so much