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

[ofcabbagesandkings]

BWI alert: A quartet of twenty-somethings, two of which prefer walking barefoot on fruit loops in the Innkeeper's Club lounge, have arrived. One of the new guests prefers the barefoot approach with a bathrobe at breakfast. Think "Walking Dead" meets "Clueless."

Unfortunately, WDW rarely enforces its dress code policy (except at V&A's).

All the best.

There's a dress code at CL? Because I was totally planning on going to breakfast in my loungewear. But I will wear flip flops. I'm not a savage.

 

[ms tom morrow]

AKL CL rooms are quite a bit smaller than the GF, and can be a far distance from the lounge. There is no designated club level area or floor, CL rooms are mixed in throughout the resort with non-CL rooms. Because of this you don't get the exclusive location with keyed entry. Rooms on either side of your could be non-CL guests, there's no way of knowing. We noticed on more than one occasion our room wasn't setup with CL amenities. I don't blame the mousekeepers completely because I'm sure it's hard for them to know if a CL or non-CL guest is staying in a particular room. That's got to be confusing. Same with turndown service, it was hit and miss. At the other deluxe resorts the mousekeepers assigned to a club floor or club building would surely have a much easier time because every room has the same amenities.

The main building (GF RPC) is the ultimate in exclusivity and luxury. Every room and suite in the building is club level and only accessible by key. There's a reason they put celebrities and political leaders there, it is very private with very little mixing with non-CL guests. The rooms are large and unique. There are different floorplans and layouts due to the shape of the building itself so you don't have the long corridors of cookie cutter shaped rooms like you do at AKL.

Comparing the lounges I would definitely say the RPC has a more upscale variety of food and drink offerings, as well as more seating. Comparing the resorts of course the GF is right next to MK and has the monorail service to Epcot. AKL isn't close to anything except AK and every place you go you'll have to take a bus, or a car if you have one.

Finally, the price difference is huge!! You'll probably pay double or triple the nightly room rate for the GF RPC over AKL CL.

Agree with everything here, and I'd also add the huge benefit of monorail and boat transportation from the GF to MK. We enjoyed our stay at AKL but experienced many of the same lack of amenities and turndown service that TigrLvsPooh mentioned. I also really enjoy the afternoon tea service at the GF CL.

In my opinion, there is really no comparing AKL CL to GF RPC. I'd even choose GF SL (outer building club level) over AKL CL personally.

 

[2102raven]

Ya once you try CL it is hard to stop

Amen! I have stayed at most Deluxe resorts CL - 3 left to go (CR, WL, BWI).

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

They should be fine. Here's the floor plan: So basically it's just one hallway with two very short halls off of it. Even if they accidentally turned down one of these halls they'd know in a few seconds they went the wrong way.

thank you!!! I'm going to go print it off because I can't find the lounge on my phone

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

thank you!!! I'm going to go print it off because I can't find the lounge on my phone

Here I am! Sorry!

The lounge is that orange area (even bigger now after the expansion) that is just across from the 4 small red boxes (those are the elevators). This is a very old floor-plan, the categories for room views have changed, but it gives you an idea of the size of the floor. As you can tell it's about half the size of the 4th floor which is on the right. You can ignore all the notes and things written in the borders, they don't really apply anymore.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

There's a dress code at CL? Because I was totally planning on going to breakfast in my loungewear. But I will wear flip flops. I'm not a savage.

Clothes and shoes is what I've always been told. No swimwear, no bare feet. I have seen many lounge CMs stop people at the door and forbid them to enter if they try to come in with wet bathing suits and/or no shoes, but sometimes if they're really busy people slip through. It's completely gross.

Personally I don't like seeing people in their pajamas either, but many seem to think it's OK.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

No kidding!

My first CL stay was this week last year and while I have been to the World several times since, 3 have been CL!! It's like a drug..a wonder, frosting covered drug!

And someone should really warn you about GFCL..It would be impossible to go back to a normal GF room after it!

I've only had one stay in the RPC, but I agree it really can't compared to anything else. One of these days we'll get back.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Amen! I have stayed at most Deluxe resorts CL - 3 left to go (CR, WL, BWI).

And once you've tried them all then you really can't decide where to stay!

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

They should be fine. Here's the floor plan:

So basically it's just one hallway with two very short halls off of it. Even if they accidentally turned down one of these halls they'd know in a few seconds they went the wrong way.

Is this an older map? it states the club level isn't on the 5th floor. I was told what floor the Beach Club club level is on when I booked but I forgot.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Is this an older map? it states the club level isn't on the 5th floor. I was told what floor the Beach Club club level is on when I booked but I forgot.

Very old map, totally inaccurate information! But it does show you the size of the floor (yes club level is the 5th floor).

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

Very old map, totally inaccurate information! But it does show you the size of the floor (yes club level is the 5th floor).

thanks. I don't think my kiddos will get lost. Can you tell me where the lounge is on the map? I can't seem to find it

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

thanks. I don't think my kiddos will get lost. Can you tell me where the lounge is on the map? I can't seem to find it

It's the orange square (larger now after the recent expansion) that is just across from the 4 small red boxes (elevators) at the bottom of the floor plan.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

It's the orange square (larger now after the recent expansion) that is just across from the 4 small red boxes (elevators) at the bottom of the floor plan.

thank you!!!!! I'm so excited to stay so close to epcot and adding club level to it is making me almost giddy!!!!

 

[Maxie86]

Hi. My name is Bethany and I'm officially spoiled by CL at WDW.

It started innocently enough; a 4-night trip this past June to celebrate the 30th birthday of a loved one. "Let's stay CL at BC," I said. "There's a great AP discount available and it's *only* four nights!"

And so it began.

This summer's 10-day trip was spent staying CL at the glorious AKL. (R.I.P. Sunrise Safari. ) It was wonderful. It was amazing. I couldn't wait to go back.

When the late winter room only discounts were announced, planning a trip was a total no-brainer. We have AP's and flights are totally cheap. "Let's do this one on a budget," I said. "It will be fine."

Reservations were made for a preferred room at POR. I've stayed there a few times and really like the resort. But then...news came: a new job that *gasp* pays more! So what's the first thing I did? Added an extra day onto the trip and upgraded to CL at WL.

Is there a cure for the apparent CL sickness I've developed? Or should I just give in and go with it?

Sorry there is no cure for it...just go with it.

 

[BC1836]

We just returned home from our 5th stay at the Boardwalk's CL. As usual, the Innkeeper Club's CMs are first rate, with some going above and beyond the call of duty, namely Jackie, Pete and Linda. What amazing folks! And housekeeper Patsy is superb!

Alas, though, the Innkeeper's Lounge had the AC blasting all week as if it were 100+ degrees outside. It was cold.

And after over a half decade, it's time to change the red wine offering (merlot) to something else. Please, a cabernet sauvignon would be an ideal replacement. Please!

However, the awesome peanut butter and raspberry cake rollups remain..."as constant as the Northern Star."

And we're booked for October 2015.

All the best.

 

[MelanieRI]

Clothes and shoes is what I've always been told. No swimwear, no bare feet. I have seen many lounge CMs stop people at the door and forbid them to enter if they try to come in with wet bathing suits and/or no shoes, but sometimes if they're really busy people slip through. It's completely gross.

Last April, while waiting for ME after coming back from the park we waited in the (YC) lounge. The seats available were all wet, I had to wipe them down so we could sit. While I'm cleaning it up, another couple jumps and runs for the door because oh, they too were wearing wet bathing suits.

 

[CaliAdventurer]

Hello and thank you for your patience! 1st post. : ) I just returned home last night from 9 days at WDW. It was a dream. Normally, I do DL and a lot of it but my kids are now of age- 5 & 3 to venture further.

I booked BC CL Deluxe room with Deluxe DP yesterday, for same week in October 2015, before we checked out (it was that or start crying!!). Here is my dilemma:

Should I change the res to GF CL Standard Room (Sugar Loaf CL) with regular Dining Plan OR keep the BC CL with Deluxe Dining Plan.

Here are my thoughts:

Price- is the same, a couple hundred less for GF due to less dining plan

Food- Deluxe DP is a lot. BUT we used it all with signature dining which we do a lot of. However, the CL offerings at GF look substantial enough to get away with the regular mixed use DP. Plus, I ALWAYS book tea at GF anyway; it's my Favorite, and it looks like there's a pm Tea Service of sorts.

Location- I LOVE GF and am contemplating the DVC (so this may be moot). I love the vibe. location, everything. I was meant to be born a radical in the Victorian era. : ) vs. I LOVE EPCOT! and the BC gets you right into the World Showcase (its during the Food & Wine too!) I've never been to the BC though. Also, GF has restaurants we'd go to and close to MK.

Activities- We will have a 4 & 6 yo in tow. Swimming is the thing. Both resorts have beaches. But is the pool better at BC? Vibe for kids? Is it smothered in kids already?

Bottom line- I need to either find peace or make the switch today before its gone. Should we split? Is that super headachey? What say ye Internets? I am do grateful for your wisdom!!

 

[jenngaldiz]

Hello and thank you for your patience! 1st post. : ) I just returned home last night from 9 days at WDW. It was a dream. Normally, I do DL and a lot of it but my kids are now of age- 5 & 3 to venture further. I booked BC CL Deluxe room with Deluxe DP yesterday, for same week in October 2015, before we checked out (it was that or start crying!!). Here is my dilemma: Should I change the res to GF CL Standard Room (Sugar Loaf CL) with regular Dining Plan OR keep the BC CL with Deluxe Dining Plan. Here are my thoughts: Price- is the same, a couple hundred less for GF due to less dining plan Food- Deluxe DP is a lot. BUT we used it all with signature dining which we do a lot of. However, the CL offerings at GF look substantial enough to get away with the regular mixed use DP. Plus, I ALWAYS book tea at GF anyway; it's my Favorite, and it looks like there's a pm Tea Service of sorts. Location- I LOVE GF and am contemplating the DVC (so this may be moot). I love the vibe. location, everything. I was meant to be born a radical in the Victorian era. : ) vs. I LOVE EPCOT! and the BC gets you right into the World Showcase (its during the Food & Wine too!) I've never been to the BC though. Also, GF has restaurants we'd go to and close to MK. Activities- We will have a 4 & 6 yo in tow. Swimming is the thing. Both resorts have beaches. But is the pool better at BC? Vibe for kids? Is it smothered in kids already? Bottom line- I need to either find peace or make the switch today before its gone. Should we split? Is that super headachey? What say ye Internets? I am do grateful for your wisdom!!

I can only speak for SL. BC is still on my list of must do's. I say go with SL. Were there and 2013 love the food offerings was always satisfied with it and the regular dining plan. As far as the pool situation, they have a mad Hatter themed play area. With waterslides and water shooting everywhere. At the time our oldest daughter was 41/2 and could play on it for hours The zero entry At the larger pool was also a nice future. I vote for saving the money on the dining plan and having the convenience of the monorail. I understand what you're saying about Epcot it is our favorite as well. With the ages of your kids however I'm sure Magic Kingdom rates right up there. It was so nice to be a one stop away from MK and still not that far from Epcot. I hope that helps. Can't wait to hear what your final decision was.

 

[smellyia]

Just wanted to add that we are exactly in the same position for our January stay. It's a split between AKL CL/GF CL/Poly CL. We initially planned to stay RPC at GF. Then when the "real numbers" came out via Visa and then AP discounts, I had to make a final decision. We've stayed at all the deluxe resorts except for GF, so we have no personal experience to rely upon. And the difference in cost between RPC and SL is approx $150/night for two nights. I feel the same way you do - yes, that's within budget, but do I want to spend it? And will I feel like it's a good value?

Here's why we switched to SL:

1. Honestly, as great as the RPC lounge sounds, we have three boys and we're not going to spend much time there. I have these visions of sitting in the RPC lounge peacefully overlooking the lagoon, but that's not really going to happen. The only club lounge where all three of my kids actually stay put for long is Poly. Otherwise, it's good for a few minutes and convenient access to breakfast and snacks.

2. I like smaller buildings with fewer levels. That's one of the reasons we enjoy Poly. Just not as much a fan of resorts with big main buildings, which makes me think SL might be a better fit.

3. I'm not sure I'd be crazy about the band and the main lobby action. I understand why many really love it there, but I like that SL is a bit more removed from the action. I'm also not a fan of the smell in the main lobby, but maybe that's in all the buildings. I understand it can get crowded in the SL lounge, but we're going during value season, so hopefully it's not too bad.

4. I like the fact that SL is near the pool. I'm not planning on swimming in January, but at least our youngest son will be! So easy pool access is a benefit for us.

5. This is even more subjective than all the other reasons, but based on my reading, I think we'll prefer the vibe at SL. The whole concept of RPC exclusivity is more of a negative for me. We travel a lot, one might call me super picky about where we stay and eat, and I love a good upscale resort that, for lack of a better phrase, doesn't try too hard. Example: a resort in Mexico that was fabulous, but the words "premium" and "luxury" were so prevalent that it was comical. That's part of the reason that I'll always choose Four Seasons, Kimpton or a fun boutique hotel over Ritz Carlton. Anyway, I could be completely wrong, but just based on what I've read about RPC, it might bug me. But it might not.

Still considering RPC for a night sometime, but just feeling like SL is the way to go for this trip . . . at least right now. Maybe others will chime in and I'll change my mind!

Good luck with your decision!!!

I was on the fence for our January trip as well with SL vs RPC and opted for SL. With our AP discount SL was only $80/nt more than a garden view outer building room and cheaper by 100/nt than what we paid a couple weeks ago! However, RPC runs $230/nt more and with food being the same I couldn't justify it. There is no great lounging for me as my kids are 1 and 4. I also loved SL proximity to everything and the pools/hot tubs - so easy enough to pop in during some pool time or even in way up to room without having to make a special trip. Our lounge at Royal Pacific was like this and I loved it. I am not really impressed with the seating, but I wasn't with RPC's either.

AKL CL had bottle water available - is it the same at SL?

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Hello and thank you for your patience! 1st post. : ) I just returned home last night from 9 days at WDW. It was a dream. Normally, I do DL and a lot of it but my kids are now of age- 5 & 3 to venture further.

I booked BC CL Deluxe room with Deluxe DP yesterday, for same week in October 2015, before we checked out (it was that or start crying!!). Here is my dilemma:

Should I change the res to GF CL Standard Room (Sugar Loaf CL) with regular Dining Plan OR keep the BC CL with Deluxe Dining Plan.

Here are my thoughts:

Price- is the same, a couple hundred less for GF due to less dining plan

Food- Deluxe DP is a lot. BUT we used it all with signature dining which we do a lot of. However, the CL offerings at GF look substantial enough to get away with the regular mixed use DP. Plus, I ALWAYS book tea at GF anyway; it's my Favorite, and it looks like there's a pm Tea Service of sorts.

Location- I LOVE GF and am contemplating the DVC (so this may be moot). I love the vibe. location, everything. I was meant to be born a radical in the Victorian era. : ) vs. I LOVE EPCOT! and the BC gets you right into the World Showcase (its during the Food & Wine too!) I've never been to the BC though. Also, GF has restaurants we'd go to and close to MK.

Activities- We will have a 4 & 6 yo in tow. Swimming is the thing. Both resorts have beaches. But is the pool better at BC? Vibe for kids? Is it smothered in kids already?

Bottom line- I need to either find peace or make the switch today before its gone. Should we split? Is that super headachey? What say ye Internets? I am do grateful for your wisdom!!

I agree, book SL..it is amazing!! That being said, I had the same thought about tea as you in February when we went. It is my DD's favorite but it was not comparable to the tea room. It was nice, and very good.. But just not the same experience.. So I had IPO book my tea for Friday afternoon this coming trip.




On another subject but related - has anyone ever had tea served by Martin at the YC room service?? We had him this weekend and he was the best CM (next to Richard at GF) I have ever met.. A delight and gave my daughter a great tea lesson!