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

[Newsies]

That's tough. For us, it would depend in part on our park plans and the rates for our dates of stay, I think. If it worked for the budget, I'd choose BWI over GF SL, but BWI CL vs. GF RPC is a more difficult choice. At BWI, I love the proximity to Epcot and the CMs are great. If we're up for a chat, the BWI CMs are among the best for that, at least in our experience. Of course, the cost is far lower than GF RPC. At GF RPC, you have the view, a significantly larger array of food offerings, the amazingly peaceful lounge and atmosphere to/fro your room, quick and easy access to the monorail and friendly CMs (although they didn't engage as much as BWI CMs unless we initiated the conversation - which could go either way depending on your preferences.) The rooms at GF are so much more spacious. For me, views from the room are comparable, although at BWI you run the risk of getting a garden view, which you may or may not like. (I like water view, but my husband prefers garden for the quiet.)

This is not very helpful . . .

No, thank you so much this was very helpful!! Personally, I'm more of an MK girl, and GF is my home, so the CL sounded divine. I've actually only stayed at monorail resorts (that being said, I've gone twice in my life), so I might try BWI to see how much I like the Boardwalk and the walk to Epcot. Still, I'm worried of missing my beloved monorail... in any case, thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me. Your reply is incredibly appreciated and helpful

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I always give CRO and IPO my room requests. Then I check the boxes when I do online check-in if they are listed. Seems like online check-in rarely has the requests I want to list though.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Anyone at GF right now?? I want to know if they have the large 2oz sea marine shampoo in the room or do I need to bring my own

 

[AliceIn]

We've done all three.

All of the lounges can get busy at peak times, especially if all the CL rooms are full. Then again, that's not all bad either. Yes, there can be some challenge keeping food on the line, but the opposite is CL staff throwing food away, or food that sits out too long.

Among the lounges that were the worst in that regard- our recent AKL stay. I love BC, but I'd also say BC and YC can get pretty full, where you can't find a seat full.

The good news is that CR is one of our favorite CL's - and this is one of the aspects I enjoy. Then again...6:45am and 10pm are among my two favorite times to be in the lounge! At 6:45am, I can sip coffee and enjoy the view almost to myself as MK comes alive! At the other end, Wishes is at 10pm many parts of the year. As soon as the show is over, the lounge is empty. In the hubbub of WDw, it is relaxing to have a nice space like that to yourself.

If you really want low crowds, try to book the upper 14th floor lounge. The floor is mostly suites, so fewer guests. When we stayed there, the only way to get that floor was to call WDW. (that might have changed.)

The biggest plus of CR though is how quickly you can get around the resort, to GF/Poly via monorail, and to MK via walking. The downside is being far from the World Showcase, and the minimal theming of CR. If we stay at CR, we find our best ADR options were always at CR/GF/Poly/WL (Ft. WL is also fine). The boat to WL isn't super fast, but it is relaxing and peaceful.

The 14th floor option sounds interesting! I'll have to call and see if that is something I can request. I'm glad so many have said that they enjoy the CR club level. I am really looking forward to this visit.

 

[collections]

Me and my son have a standard room at AKL booked for Saturday night and a club level room for Sunday night.
If we want access to the Kilimanjaro Club Sunday morning, do we need to be checked out (and physically out) of the standard room and checked into the club level room first?

I realize that our club level room my not be ready until 3 but I would like to utilize the club lounge as much as possible.

On Monday we move to CSR, can we continue to use the AKL club lounge on Monday?

 

[pixarmom]

Me and my son have a standard room at AKL booked for Saturday night and a club level room for Sunday night.
If we want access to the Kilimanjaro Club Sunday morning, do we need to be checked out (and physically out) of the standard room and checked into the club level room first?

I realize that our club level room my not be ready until 3 but I would like to utilize the club lounge as much as possible.

On Monday we move to CSR, can we continue to use the AKL club lounge on Monday?

We've done a number of split stays with magic bands, and our most recent was last month. We always check out of Resort/Reservation #1 first so that our bands will work for Resort/Reservation #2. According to CMs, this is important if you want to access Resort/Reservation #2 before 11am. (If after 11am, Resort/Reservation #1 automatically checks you out.) Once we check out of #1, the bands no longer work for the room, so we do need to be out (or have one of us still in the room waiting to let Bell Services in to get the luggage.) Our bands work for Resort #2 club access only when we actually check in at Resort #2.

If these rules hold true for your upcoming stay, you would go to the front desk in the morning (either with your luggage or after storing it with Bell Services), check out and let them know you are checking in CL. They should get someone to take you up to the club lounge, check in there and then you're set to go! For your transfer on Monday, I'd think your magic bands would work for AKL CL until you check in at CSR.

 

[pixarmom]

Anyone at GF right now?? I want to know if they have the large 2oz sea marine shampoo in the room or do I need to bring my own

We stayed GF RPC last month, and the bottles were the 1.25oz in our standard CL room. The last time I saw the 2oz bottles was when we stayed in 2-bedroom suite at BWI last year. I remember someone guessing the 2oz bottles are for suites and cruises only.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

We stayed GF RPC last month, and the bottles were the 1.25oz in our standard CL room. The last time I saw the 2oz bottles was when we stayed in 2-bedroom suite at BWI last year. I remember someone guessing the 2oz bottles are for suites and cruises only.

Thank you!!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Thank you!!!

I've only had the larger sea marine in deluxe rooms and suites. Haven't seen any in the regular club level rooms.

 

[mickeynut1]

circusgirl and mickeynut, thanks SO much for the WL CL review and info. Really love the photos and the perspective!

You're welcome. We love the WL and CL is just amazing, IMO. I hope you have a great time.

Personal preference question- BWI or GF CL for those who have done both/either? I really love the GF, but was wondering iabout BWI. Really want to do CL at some point in a future trip and deciding between the two.

I can't comment on BWI CL, but between GF RPC and GF SL, my choice would be RPC. The GF is one of my favorite resorts and RPC is just amazing (didn't care for SL). The food offerings are the same in both, but the lounges are worlds apart. The RPC lounge is spacious with great views, while SL is kind of small (IMO) with no views.

 

[Newsies]

I can't comment on BWI CL, but between GF RPC and GF SL, my choice would be RPC. The GF is one of my favorite resorts and RPC is just amazing (didn't care for SL). The food offerings are the same in both, but the lounges are worlds apart. The RPC lounge is spacious with great views, while SL is kind of small (IMO) with no views.

I wouldn't dream of staying at SL- RPC just seems too good to pass up

 

[grubens]

I wouldn't dream of staying at SL- RPC just seems too good to pass up

Is there anything good to be said about SL? We have a reservation there for President's Week and now I'm wondering if we made a mistake.

 

[Ferrentinos]

Is there anything good to be said about SL? We have a reservation there for President's Week and now I'm wondering if we made a mistake.

We stayed SL last summer and loved it! Good was wonderful and its location to the pool was perfect! We can't wait to stay there again in Dec!

 

[mickeynut1]

I wouldn't dream of staying at SL- RPC just seems too good to pass up

RPC is amazing .

Is there anything good to be said about SL? We have a reservation there for President's Week and now I'm wondering if we made a mistake.

There are alot of people who love SL, but like anything else, there's also some who don't care for it. The food offerings are the same as RPC, but I thought the lounge was very small and I didn't like that there were no views. It also didn't feel very relaxing to me as the lounge is located in the center of the lobby as you walk into the SL building. However, SL is very convenient to the courtyard pool, so if you will be spending a lot of time at that pool, SL is great for grabbing snacks/drinks throughout the day while relaxing poolside. I think RPC has a much more relaxing atmosphere with great views, but it also comes with a much larger price tag.

 

[grubens]

We stayed SL last summer and loved it! Good was wonderful and its location to the pool was perfect! We can't wait to stay there again in Dec!

Thanks. I guess I needed a little bit of reassurance.

but it also comes with a much larger price tag.

That was certainly the case for us. The difference between SL and RPC was over $4,000 for our week!

 

[mickeynut1]

That was certainly the case for us. The difference between SL and RPC was over $4,000 for our week!

That's crazy!! As much as I love RPC, there's no way I'd spend $4,000 more .

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Is there anything good to be said about SL? We have a reservation there for President's Week and now I'm wondering if we made a mistake.

I am in sugarloaf now.. While it doesn't have great views from the lounge, I like the intimate feel. I also like walking out the building and right to the pool at night for a hot tub visit.. Especially tonight when it was in the 50's and the wind was kinda nippy.
This is our 2nd SL stay and while RPC would be nice, I can't justify it for the big $$$$ difference.

Ps.. I got a turret / deluxe room today. The one without a balcony on the 4th floor, but that is ok because the extra sitting area is soooo nice!!

 

[LoveToTravel2001]

I will be honest - I did not read through the entire thread, I did start at page 145 as well as the first page with specific CL summaries.
This May will be our first CL experience at AKL. Traveling with DH and DD for cheerleading competition and will be celebrating DD birthday a month early. So far I have to say the IPO staff have been fantastic. I email and get a response the same day or within 24 hours (I think it's also a slow time of year).
I emailed with questions about the safari and and a few other special bookings and heard back the next day with times and availability.
I emailed about a cake and I heard back the next morning and they were able to arrange it. They confirmed that there is a non-carbonated beverage option (DD does not drink soda.)
Today I had the realization that one room configuration is a King with bunk - uh oh. DD will be recovering from spine surgery (there for cheerleading competition but not competing) and a bunk is not an option. I called CRO and they noted our reservation. They suggested I contact CL staff and to contact AKL staff directly 7-10 days before check in. I emailed and heard back a few hours later.
Thought I would put some positive feedback about my experience so far.

I do have a question that came up as I read through the thread - someone mentioned a kids area with kid friendly offerings. What kind of offerings are there? DD may be going on 14 but is very picky. Given what her medical status will be, I want to be sure there are either things she might eat or be sure to pack extra favorites or have them delivered. (I always have at least some favorites but we will be there six days.) breakfast she's good plus we have some ADRs for breakfast. The apps I've read about are not things she would be interested in.

 

[NicoleLarson]

The kids area at AKL usually has ham and cheese or turkey and cheese roll ups. Gummy bears, ants on a log, uncrustables, veggies and ranch, or chicken nuggets. Not all of these are available each night but there's usually 3-4 choices. Also on the "adult" buffet there's fruit, crackers and cheese.

 

[LUVDisney1975]

I am sooo impressed with Poly IPO!!! Today is my ADR day. At 3:20 am (west coast time) I had an email with ALL of my requests, including BOG!!!!! Even the exact times I asked for!!!!! The best part......I didn't have to wake up at 3 AM to snag them. Yay Poly CL!!!!!