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

[mickeyluv'r]

, the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party is amazing. !!

to me, this is just paying extra to kind of duplicate something you can get at the hotel for the CL price you are already paying.

Truly, the lounges generally serve the same little tarts they serve property wide at all buffets.

On our last trip, we stayed GF CL part of the trip, then dined at 1900Park Fare. Literally, the buffet had almost exactly the same offerings as the lounge! The only difference was truly negligible: I think one had chocolate cake in slices where the other had chocolate cupcakes.

the one time I did a special order food item from AKL, it was kind of neat looking. It was something they no longer make. It was a chocolate AKL logo with chocolate animals and cookies. Unfortunately, the cookies were EXACTLY the same varieties they had in the lounge!

Otherwise, there may be small differences in the tarts offered property-wide, but pretty much a custard tart is a custard tart is a custard tart, IMO.

Truly, if this is your first CL stay, enjoy it! Take advantage of what the lounge has to offer. We've now stayed at every CL at WDW, and our best experiences have been the ones where we didn't try to do too much, where we actually used the lounge to relax a bit. Always the lounge helps us to quickly get up an out in the morning. Later in the day, lounge access helps to to schedule the afternoon break we might not otherwise take- and actually ENJOY that break. We also try to make an effort - not every night- but at least some nights- to take advantage of the desserts offered.

There's nothing quite so nice as sipping an adult beverage, while nibbling snacks and watching the afternoon thunderstorm cozy and dry. The lounge at AKL is beautiful, as is the entire resort. Lounge access means you can BETTER take advantage of the amenities the resort has to offer- like the free activities, the story teller, the fireplaces, the beautiful walk ways, the zebras.

If you really are looking for something extra, I strongly suggest doing the animal safari tour at the resort that is only open to AKL guests. I've never actually done it, but if I was going to pair any extra perk with AKL, that would be it. There are no boar options at AKL, you'd have to go to another resort to do that. Best to do the thigns that AKL offers if youa re at AKL.

If that doesn't strike your fancy, my next extra would be Hoop De Doo. Take a taxi to get there if coming form AKL (You'll get a direct bus on the way home, but not to get there) Or dinner at a signature options: Jiko, Narcoosee's, or Cali Grill (esp for fireworks) The improved MK viewing at CG is much better than it was in the past, esp if you let them know it is a special event.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Hi I am debating doing my own dining or letting the GF concierge do them. Can anyone share their experience with the Gf cl? Thanks

If you are over 180 days, there is an advantage to giving them your info. Close to 180 days, it's a bit of toss up. Considerably under 180 days - but before you go, getting ADR's might mean making choices- Do you prioritize the location you want or the ADR timing?

Once you are AT WDW , again it makes sense to let the staff help.

GF concierge is excellent, especially the in-person staff. (I'm no expert, but I suspect when you call it is routed to a call center)

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Can we still get the plastic keys for our room or is it only Magic Bands now? We are staying CL at WL and my son wants a gold card in the worst way. TIA!

Plastic, yes. Gold, no.

At least that's what I was told on my last few visits.

We really loved the gold cards, too. So maybe if enough folks speak up they will change their mind. I don't really see where it costs Disney a whole lot extra to order plastic cards in two colors. No doubt it costs something, to have a less streamlined approach, but with what Disney charges per day to stay CL, I think they can afford the extra penny per week.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Hello!!! CL at GF? In november, we were surprised with a CL upgrade at the Yacht Club and have received:

1) champagne glasses on arrival
2) received a welcome gift in the room + a couple of coca-cola
3) fresh flowers in the room
4) access to the CL lounge (with food, drinks or alcohol on request)
5) Turndown service

Should we expect the same? Also we are not coming to the GF with Magical Express but in a cab (or a shuttle, we'll see). It's going to be for our last night in Orlando (after the cruise we have 2 free nights somewhere else but I wanted the trip to end with Disney). We want to check-in as early as possible (Between 7 and 8 am).

We are celebrating our birthdays a few days prior to our stay so it's my birthday gift.

So excited!!!

I saw your post in another thread, yes?

1.) No
2.) yes, sort of. Likely a tiny box of chocolates. if you are there for a celebration, you might get a card or a button. Not usually Coke. You can get it from the lounge yourself though.
3. most CL, no. We've had them a few times. the top floor of Cr was one, but it was just one orchid.
4.) Yes, that's what CL is. The lounge is open 7am to 10pm, with coffee usually out at 6:45am. some CL's start to bring out food just prior to 7am, others are locked. At GF outer, the lounge is not locked, you can sit in the lounge any hours. After 10pm options vary. All lounges leave out apples, oranges- until what they left out runs out. GF is unique in that they also have pears, but, IMO, the pears are under ripe. (they are great a few days later) Most lounges also have a soda/soft drink cooler. I can't recall what GF outer had, but I'm pretty sure they have a cooler. It is basically stocked with soda and lemonade. Most lounges do NOT have plastic bottled water. They serve filtered ice water, but not to take. You will get a room fridge, so you can take drinks and food to your room, but staff usually request you use paper plates if you do. you can also take beer/wine to your room, but same request- they have limited # of wine glasses. (I imagine theft/breakage is also an issue) you are allowed to take drinks to the pool - but absolutely NO GLASS allowed at the pool. You must use paper cups.
5. Yes. complete with little chocolates. Personally, with desserts in the lounge, we usually save these chocolates for home. good way to ease the pain of leaving the bubble.
6. You will also get other services, but not overwhelming. More or less, if you have any questions during your visit, you can ask staff. You also get to bypass the front desk, not that GF ever has a check-in line. When you want to talk to staff, you get to sit in a comfy seat beside a desk. Oh, and fair warning, there's a bowl of candy on the desk. GF has blue hard candies. (others have taffy)

7.) Check in at 7am is fine! Staff will typically offer coffee while you do check-in! Your room probably won't be ready, but you are allowed to eat breakfast right away, and anything else the resort offers. We find over multiple visits, that CL guests seem to often request late check out (who can blame them!) So mostly, CL rooms are not ready until 4pm.

Should you have any problems, it pays to ask staff. CL staff generally know their stuff. It always pays to be nice. Sometimes they will tell you no, they can't do X. Other times they will wave the proverbial magic wand. Like staff who magically made juice boxes appear (not a normal offering at the time), or immediately knew the phone number of the lost and found desk. (I knew MK had one, but not that every resort ALSO has their own.)

Also, over time the lounge offerings change. Staff also varies. Some are very warm and seek to be helpful, others are a bit less enthusiastic. Most are nice, it more than some staff is outgoing/relish problem solving, and others are a bit more rule-oriented- or new to the job. Some folks report the staff wouldn't do much of anything extra. Last visit, a guest was SO appreciative She hugged the CM's when she left! I don't known what they did, but she sure was gushing.

Oh, but the next day, staff was prepping some kind of presentation for a guy that was planning to propose. I have little doubt he paid for what he was getting, but they really appeared to be giving it their all! What fun!

 

[LovemesomeDW]

I'm considering upgrading to CL at the Poly. Can anyone tell me how crowded the lounge gets? I can see us using the lounge a lot in the evening and to watch Wishes, just wondering if the lounge is normally packed and no seats or if we will have lots of space to relax and enjoy the view.

 

[jandkmom]

I'm considering upgrading to CL at the Poly. Can anyone tell me how crowded the lounge gets? I can see us using the lounge a lot in the evening and to watch Wishes, just wondering if the lounge is normally packed and no seats or if we will have lots of space to relax and enjoy the view.

When are you going? When we go at the end of Jan, it's not crowded at all but then again it's a historically quiet time. For Wishes, we will grab seats close to the window about 15 minutes early and enjoy the treats. People are very nice and accommodating if you have a LO that wants to sit up close to the window so they can see. They pipe in the music too. It's awesome

 

[GrumpyBelle]

How far in advance should you send in you dining requests? We booked BC Cl last night for October. This is our first time staying CL. I am concerned that if we submit our requests and we change our minds, is it possible to change the reservations? Is it better to wait until we are certain about what we want to do? Usually we book dining and then end up changing reservations for a variety of reasons.

 

[LovemesomeDW]

When are you going? When we go at the end of Jan, it's not crowded at all but then again it's a historically quiet time. For Wishes, we will grab seats close to the window about 15 minutes early and enjoy the treats. People are very nice and accommodating if you have a LO that wants to sit up close to the window so they can see. They pipe in the music too. It's awesome

We will be there the last full week in October. We have never done CL before and this will be the first time at the Poly. I think I'm going to contact our TA and let her know I want to upgrade to CL!!

 

[trishadono]

We will be there the last full week in October. We have never done CL before and this will be the first time at the Poly. I think I'm going to contact our TA and let her know I want to upgrade to CL!!

I have tried Poly, Cr and both types of cl at GF. Poly is my fav! The views are amazing and the people great. ENJOY

I am looking forward to trying WL next week. I haven't had a bad cl stay yet

For food I would pick GF because of the amount of offerings. Its just you end up at the resort all day. Also the views from GF not as good as CR and Poly.

I love them all and would go back to each again if possible

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hey gang Just added my WL CL pics to page 1. I feel pretty good about the photos we have, probably the only ones that could use refreshing would be CR 14th floor and Sugarloaf. Everything else should be recent. If anyone has pics to add or info to add please let me know. I want to keep this FAQ as up to date as I can.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Can anyone give me an update on the texting service? Last summer GF and CR were piloting a service where guests could contact IPO via text. I don't mean the text they offer all guests to say when your room is ready, but real-time texting to a live CM.

Just wondering if WDW has continued, dropped, or expanded that service.

The CM's then seemed to think it might be expanded to all CL if it went well, and I guessed Jan would be about the time they expanded it.

 

[trishadono]

Can anyone give me an update on the texting service? Last summer GF and CR were piloting a service where guests could contact IPO via text. I don't mean the text they offer all guests to say when your room is ready, but real-time texting to a live CM.

Just wondering if WDW has continued, dropped, or expanded that service.

The CM's then seemed to think it might be expanded to all CL if it went well, and I guessed Jan would be about the time they expanded it.

When I was at poly CL in Nov I asked about it.(had stayed at cr and gf over summer and LOVED it).they said cr, gf and AkL were in testing phase.

I'll be at WL CL on the 18th so I'll ask again for an update unless someone knows before then.

Also I agree about your post about the "same food" in CL as restaurants. That's why I love CL. I eat breakfast then buy a lunch then enjoy the Appies and desserts at night. To me it is definitely worth it.

 

[tarak]

Also I agree about your post about the "same food" in CL as restaurants. That's why I love CL. I eat breakfast then buy a lunch then enjoy the Appies and desserts at night. To me it is definitely worth it.

This is what we do. I remember the first time we stayed CL at AKL, the difference between the savannah view we were already paying for and CL was about $150 for the week. One morning, we went down and had breakfast at Boma. That meal alone cost close to what we paid for the CL upgrade. Granted, we had a large party, but there was some sticker shock going on, for sure.

The only thing I noticed different about our last CL stay (at the YC), was we didn't get to the appetizer hour more than twice. I suspect that was in part because my kids are older (my toddler stayed home with dad) and we were able to stay in the parks until close. I think being able to walk to Epcot also had an effect on things. When we stay at AKL, we spend more time at the resort, so we get a good amount of use from the lounge.

Right now, we have two rooms booked at AKL (savannah view). We're a party of six come this March when my youngest turns three. Assuming a decent discount comes out, I might just spend the money on a suite. We've had good luck renting points in the past but I'm not sure I want to do that this time around.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

This is what we do. I remember the first time we stayed CL at AKL, the difference between the savannah view we were already paying for and CL was about $150 for the week. One morning, we went down and had breakfast at Boma. That meal alone cost close to what we paid for the CL upgrade. Granted, we had a large party, but there was some sticker shock going on, for sure.

The only thing I noticed different about our last CL stay (at the YC), was we didn't get to the appetizer hour more than twice. I suspect that was in part because my kids are older (my toddler stayed home with dad) and we were able to stay in the parks until close. I think being able to walk to Epcot also had an effect on things. When we stay at AKL, we spend more time at the resort, so we get a good amount of use from the lounge.

Right now, we have two rooms booked at AKL (savannah view). We're a party of six come this March when my youngest turns three. Assuming a decent discount comes out, I might just spend the money on a suite. We've had good luck renting points in the past but I'm not sure I want to do that this time around.

This is my experience as well. We easily spend the cost of the upgrade just with breakfast and snacks. We often miss the evening appetizers because we do big dinners out, so I don't even figure that into the budget. I absolutely love the ease of getting a cup of coffee or a diet coke, plus my teenagers constantly have to have food in their mouths at all times.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

With the poly dvc opening you'll have a new item on your bucket list

I am short SS, AoA BWI and BC. I do have VGf though. I don't think I'll bother with Aoa or SS but I do want BWi. I don't know if BC needed if we tried YC and we're just ok with it.

We love monorail resorts since we run back and forth from there all day.

So hoping to snag a res for a bungalow!!!

I'm very skeptical of Poly DVC, so I guess I will have to stay there at least once to form an opinion. I'm sure the rooms will be just like all the other DVC resorts, which I'm not a fan of, and as far as the bungalows go I just can't picture sleeping while hovered over that nasty smelly water in the lake. I picture loads of mosquitos and moths swarming them at night attracted to the lights and I worry about snakes and critters coming out of the water. I will let LOTS of other people test them out first!

Definitely give BWI and BC a try. Surprisingly BC is very different than YC in many ways. You might like it.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

When I was at poly CL in Nov I asked about it.(had stayed at cr and gf over summer and LOVED it).they said cr, gf and AkL were in testing phase.

I'll be at WL CL on the 18th so I'll ask again for an update unless someone knows before then.

Also I agree about your post about the "same food" in CL as restaurants. That's why I love CL. I eat breakfast then buy a lunch then enjoy the Appies and desserts at night. To me it is definitely worth it.

Thanks for your post!

Others rave about the MK dessert party, but I think CL is a better deal. I think some folks cringe at the up front cost of CL, and end up paying just as much piecemeal over their vacation for things like the dessert party, a daily beer, snacks, soft drinks.

Truly, I've been there. One trip, we were staying at Pop and even bought a $10 coffee maker at Walmart to use in our room! I came to the DIS to find discounts and ways to visit WDW for the least amount of $.

After our first CL stay, I had mixed feelings about being tied to the lounge, as Tarak describes. But then we got a deal on a return trip, and I remembered the wonderful push button latte machine! For little more than the cost of our usual QS breakfasts, we'd get all day lounge access, and hassle free coffee! That trip, we ran into some small travel issues, and the IPO CM's were able to help us in minutes, the extra service saved us half a day! That's when we were truly sold. Later, we added extended family; meeting up in the lounge, and avoid being tied to fixed breakfast ADR's was great. This past summer, we were able to use the texting service. Time is $. It added so much value to CL. I'm not a big fan of new FP, and the way it is being implemented, but at least there's a way to bypass the dumb kiosk lines!

Truly, Most folks think about rides lines, but not all the other waiting they do at WDW. Like walking from the room to the food court for coffee, food lines, Guest services, or waiting past your ADR to be seated. Previously, I also used to focus purely on budget- going to WDW for the least amount of $.

To me, the main benefit of CL is more efficient use of our limited time. Still, the values are fine.

But I'm also disappointed with current state of WDW: glitches, many attractions in need of an update, and every ADR = the risk of a $100 no show fee = no more extended family trips.

 

[trishadono]

Thanks for your post!

Others rave about the MK dessert party, but I think CL is a better deal. I think some folks cringe at the up front cost of CL, and end up paying just as much piecemeal over their vacation for things like the dessert party, a daily beer, snacks, soft drinks.

Truly, I've been there. One trip, we were staying at Pop and even bought a $10 coffee maker at Walmart to use in our room! I came to the DIS to find discounts and ways to visit WDW for the least amount of $.

After our first CL stay, I had mixed feelings about being tied to the lounge, as Tarak describes. But then we got a deal on a return trip, and I remembered the wonderful push button latte machine! For little more than the cost of our usual QS breakfasts, we'd get all day lounge access, and hassle free coffee! That trip, we ran into some small travel issues, and the IPO CM's were able to help us in minutes, the extra service saved us half a day! That's when we were truly sold. Later, we added extended family; meeting up in the lounge, and avoid being tied to fixed breakfast ADR's was great. This past summer, we were able to use the texting service. Time is $. It added so much value to CL. I'm not a big fan of new FP, and the way it is being implemented, but at least there's a way to bypass the dumb kiosk lines!

That's why I love CL and FP+

We eat breakfast in the lounge and head to park for rope drop.

Eat lunch either sit down or QS.

Then we enjoy the afternoon at the resort. Have 5 ppm apps then I book fp's for 5:30-6:30,6:30-7:30,7:30-8:30. When done with last ride we head back for desserts!

That leaves plenty of time in between rides for extras too!

I found that worked on family trips, mom and me with dd, dh and I alone and even with my Mom and me with my mom that worked great. You get a lot packed in and still back in time for desserts and early bedtime.

Truly, Most folks think about rides lines, but not all the other waiting they do at WDW. Like walking from the room to the food court for coffee, food lines, Guest services, or waiting past your ADR to be seated. Previously, I also used to focus purely on budget- going to WDW for the least amount of $.

To me, the main benefit of CL is more efficient use of our limited time. Still, the values are fine.

But I'm also disappointed with current state of WDW: glitches, many attractions in need of an update, and every ADR = the risk of a $100 no show fee = no more extended family trips.

I found this with my 70+ mom having cl let us do so many things without wearing her out! We loved the ability to hang in the lounge too! SO fancy she thought.

TIME IS MONEY!! That's why I love CLUB LEVEL

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I found this with my 70+ mom having cl let us do so many things without wearing her out! We loved the ability to hang in the lounge too! SO fancy she thought.

Totally agree. We did GF last year with my 77yo mom and booked it again for this year because if she gets tired or needs a snack, it is easy for her to hop the monorail and come back to the lounge and take a break

 

[perditax]

Not sure if this is the right thread, but:

Is it true that all AKL Club rooms now have a Savannah view? I booked a room through Orbitz that is described as "Standard Room - Club Level". It was the same price as a Club room on the wdw site that said "Arusha View" under the words Standard Room - Club Level. (I went with orbitz because it had a 10% coupon.)

The Internet seems to suggest that AKL club rooms can be savannah or pool view. People on other sites (trip advisor, for example) have told me I might get a pool view. When I called the hotel and described my reservation type (those four words: standard room, club level) they said I will definitely have a view of the animals. But they didn't ask for my reservation #.

I'm familiar with the argument that you don't NEED a savannah view, but on this particular occasion it's a requirement. So I'd like to know for sure. It seems obvious that in the past some AKL club rooms had pool views, does anyone know the definite answer NOW? Thanks in advance.

EDIT: I went back and read the first page of this thread, which states unequivocally that all club rooms at AKL are Savannah view. Leaving my question anyway for posterity.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Not sure if this is the right thread, but:

Is it true that all AKL Club rooms now have a Savannah view? I booked a room through Orbitz that is described as "Standard Room - Club Level". It was the same price as a Club room on the wdw site that said "Arusha View" under the words Standard Room - Club Level. (I went with orbitz because it had a 10% coupon.)

The Internet seems to suggest that AKL club rooms can be savannah or pool view. People on other sites (trip advisor, for example) have told me I might get a pool view. When I called the hotel and described my reservation type (those four words: standard room, club level) they said I will definitely have a view of the animals. But they didn't ask for my reservation #.

I'm familiar with the argument that you don't NEED a savannah view, but on this particular occasion it's a requirement. So I'd like to know for sure. It seems obvious that in the past some AKL club rooms had pool views, does anyone know the definite answer NOW? Thanks in advance.

EDIT: I went back and read the first page of this thread, which states unequivocally that all club rooms at AKL are Savannah view. Leaving my question anyway for posterity.

Yep, all CL rooms have a savannah view, and I really feel it's a must have for AKL. Walking out on your balcony to see the animals is so awesome, even if you aren't an animal lover you'll find yourself mesmerized by it all. The savannah view is the best! Otherwise you might as well stay at the WL and be closer to the parks.