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

[LisaCM614]

If you were going to do a quick trip over the last week of December, which CL would you pick? I'm thinking just 3 days. We're going to go to Sarasota to visit family the week after Christmas and I am playing around with the idea of Jan 1-4 at WDW. I know it will be crazy and I know it will be crazy expensive. But what else can I do? Not go to WDW when I'm just going to be over on the Gulf?
YC/BC seems like a tease because it could be too cold for swimming. Maybe CR? or GF?

 

[LisaCM614]

Any experiences with direct-to-room check-in on club level? Thinking about it for next trip. Thanks!

We did last week. We received a text when we checked in at Magical Express saying our room was not quite ready. Rode ME to BC, we were escorted to CL, kids had snacks got their swimsuits on and then we go the text saying our room was ready and the #. We went to the room and dropped the luggage and the kids went for a swim. It was seamless!

 

[TJA]

We did last week. We received a text when we checked in at Magical Express saying our room was not quite ready. Rode ME to BC, we were escorted to CL, kids had snacks got their swimsuits on and then we go the text saying our room was ready and the #. We went to the room and dropped the luggage and the kids went for a swim. It was seamless!

I think I'm going to try this in July with Poly CL. My only request is full balcony/patio and I'll be able to tell by the room number if that wish is not granted....

As for your other post, I've always wanted to stay at GF during the holiday season so I'd look at that one. I'd tell myself for only 3 nights it's ok to stay at the most expensive option . I personally think GF and WL are the prettiest resorts during the holiday season.

 

[LisaCM614]

GF with the gingerbread house in the lobby sounds perfect!

 

[pixarmom]

Any experiences with direct-to-room check-in on club level? Thinking about it for next trip. Thanks!

We did direct-to-room check-in for Pop, WL CL and BC CL for spring break. For all three, we received the "room not quite ready" followed by the "room ready - here's your room #" text.

For Pop, it was truly direct-to-room. In other words, stepped off Magical Express, went directly to our room and used magic bands to enter. We didn't stop at the desk, speak to any CMs, etc. Really direct to room.

For CL at WL and BC, it wasn't direct-to-room in the same way because, as previous posters mentioned, a CM greeted us upon arrival and escorted us up to club level. Then a CL CM gave us the spiel and the quick lounge tour and escorted us to our room to make sure our magic bands worked properly. So unlike Pop, we didn't just walk into the resort and go directly to our room without any stops or interactions. At WL, CM Mike told us that our bands won't work on the elevator to the 7th floor until they tap the room door, so the greeting/escort may remain necessary.

 

[outahere]

At WL, CM Mike told us that our bands won't work on the elevator to the 7th floor until they tap the room door, so the greeting/escort may remain necessary.

I know from experience that is true. One time we checked in to WL CL and our room was not quite ready. My DW went down to Roaring Fork to get us a sandwich to eat upstairs in the lounge and tried to use her MB to get back up to the 7th floor - no luck. Mike had even given us a temporary KTTW card and that didn't work either. She had to get one of the CMs at the front desk to tap their card so she could get back up. I've also been told the same thing is true when we've checked into YC CL, but have no first hand experience there.

 

[trishadono]

We did direct-to-room check-in for Pop, WL CL and BC CL for spring break. For all three, we received the "room not quite ready" followed by the "room ready - here's your room #" text.

For Pop, it was truly direct-to-room. In other words, stepped off Magical Express, went directly to our room and used magic bands to enter. We didn't stop at the desk, speak to any CMs, etc. Really direct to room.

For CL at WL and BC, it wasn't direct-to-room in the same way because, as previous posters mentioned, a CM greeted us upon arrival and escorted us up to club level. Then a CL CM gave us the spiel and the quick lounge tour and escorted us to our room to make sure our magic bands worked properly. So unlike Pop, we didn't just walk into the resort and go directly to our room without any stops or interactions. At WL, CM Mike told us that our bands won't work on the elevator to the 7th floor until they tap the room door, so the greeting/escort may remain necessary.

I know from experience that is true. One time we checked in to WL CL and our room was not quite ready. My DW went down to Roaring Fork to get us a sandwich to eat upstairs in the lounge and tried to use her MB to get back up to the 7th floor - no luck. Mike had even given us a temporary KTTW card and that didn't work either. She had to get one of the CMs at the front desk to tap their card so she could get back up. I've also been told the same thing is true when we've checked into YC CL, but have no first hand experience there.

For my poly, gf and wl cl stays I was escorted and had to do check in at a desk but the CR cl stay I was met at bus and they just asked a few quick questions. DD and I went right to MK and we got a text around 1pm our room was ready. Our mbs worked on the elevator before tapping on room door

The cl cm at the desk delivered us paperwork about 10 mins after we got to our room. THAT was easy peasy

 

[pixarmom]

For my poly, gf and wl cl stays I was escorted and had to do check in at a desk but the CR cl stay I was met at bus and they just asked a few quick questions. DD and I went right to MK and we got a text around 1pm our room was ready. Our mbs worked on the elevator before tapping on room door

The cl cm at the desk delivered us paperwork about 10 mins after we got to our room. THAT was easy peasy

I love this!

 

[mmmears]

12 day mark today! Maybe even 11 day mark as DH is considering adding yet another day. I'm also reading The Boathouse opens today for walk ups!

Just curious if anyone has experience at AKL main pool. Description says largest pool on Disney property but I thought SAB was? With 90+ degree temps we may spend lots of time there!

Happy Monday to all.

Liz

I'm not sure gallon to gallon which is larger, but the AKL pool is one big pool (no little coves or river areas) so it does feel like the largest pool at WDW (that we've been to anyway). There is a small slide at one end, but mainly it's just a nice pool with a very nice area around it. Convenient to the Mara as well. The pool over at Kidani is smaller, but they have a fun splashy play area for younger kids. I really like the AKL pool. Hope this helps.

 

[pixarmom]

We also love the AKL pool. It's incredibly relaxing and the slide mmears mentioned is fun for the kids. It's not the best slide on property, but the combination of sufficient lounge chairs (which seem spread out to me - not stacked in multiple rows like at some other resorts), the zero depth entry, the nearby playground and the pool slide make it an ideal place for our entire family. If we need more activity, the Kidani pool is great fun and available to AKL guests (at least during our two AKL stays.) Kidani also has the zero depth entry, a huge splash pad/water play area and a fun slide. It seems more crowded to us, but it's a fun place for additional activities.

 

[trishadono]

12 day mark today! Maybe even 11 day mark as DH is considering adding yet another day. I'm also reading The Boathouse opens today for walk ups!

Just curious if anyone has experience at AKL main pool. Description says largest pool on Disney property but I thought SAB was? With 90+ degree temps we may spend lots of time there!

Happy Monday to all.

Liz

I loved the pool! My dh however didn't like that it was "green" vs blue like other pools. It was meant to look like a real lake but he felt like all algae

Adding another day? As if we weren't jealous enough you going so soon

 

[mommyrosa2]

I'm reading everyone's experience with receiving texts about their rooms with envy because I have to say that in all of our stays (both CL and non) where we were told we'd get a text when our room was ready...we never have . Really starting to wonder if it's a mobile carrier issue (we have TMobile). As for CL access before checking into our room, our MB's didn't work to access the CL floor in the elevators. Twice (CR & YC), we were given temporary cards at check-in so we could gain access to the CL floor.

 

[BlueSkies]

MickeyNut Yes it might be time for that stay at WL CL....When you and I can finally nail down our trip dates maybe we can plan a split stay....

Question for everyone!! When I stayed at WL CL last month (one night), it was around 8pm and we had not had turn-down service so I asked at the desk and was told that you don't get it if you only stay one night. Is that a new rule?
I've stayed at GF, Poly, and YC all within the last year for one night and was automatically given turn down. I've stayed at regular rooms at Deluxe and have requested to have it and they've come for one night stays. It's not a huge deal but the CM wasn't too nice about me requesting it (or the fact that I told her you have to touch the MB to the room door before it will work in the elevator…MB pro here!) but I said it says within the booking description that you are entitled to it therefore, it's nice to have whether you stay one night or 14, lol…just curious if anyone else had the same experience.

Happy to say..no ..we have always gotten turn down service even for a one night stay...But..we have received the the card upon check in in the event that the MB did not work to access the elevator...

Looking for some insight.. We stayed at GF club level last year and found that with the large portion of evening h'ourderves (sp)?? We were sometimes too full to eat a full service dinner. Most nights we would share something at a quick serve and as a result ended up saving some money as a sweet bonus!!
We are now contemplating switching (if available) to Club level at Poly but were wondering if we would be in the same position as we were with GF ?
As a side note, does anyone know if all the standard rooms in Hawaii will be facing the quiet pool and all its construction?

There is more of a variety during evening appetizers at the GF...but the Poly CL does have a nice variety..and usually two different hot offerings each evening...and unless you are a big eater def very filling......as for the room views...a while back over on Tikiman's site the description for some the ground floor rooms facing the lagoon had changed from TPV to GV...but I am not sure if that was just during the construction...

We're staying at BC CL in May and am not concerned about the drinks as we will probably just have a glass of wine. However, this is the first I've heard of texting and FP....sounds great.

It's a wonderful perk!

If you were going to do a quick trip over the last week of December, which CL would you pick? I'm thinking just 3 days. We're going to go to Sarasota to visit family the week after Christmas and I am playing around with the idea of Jan 1-4 at WDW. I know it will be crazy and I know it will be crazy expensive. But what else can I do? Not go to WDW when I'm just going to be over on the Gulf?
YC/BC seems like a tease because it could be too cold for swimming. Maybe CR? or GF?

For me the holiday decorations and festivities are a lot more about the monorail resorts..and the MK..than the other parks or resorts (although..there is something nice at each and every place..lol...) So I would say GF...between the beautiful tree.. and.the gingerbread house...and of course its proximity to the MK...I agree how can you be sooo close and not head over to WDW...Disney logic..!!

We did last week. We received a text when we checked in at Magical Express saying our room was not quite ready. Rode ME to BC, we were escorted to CL, kids had snacks got their swimsuits on and then we go the text saying our room was ready and the #. We went to the room and dropped the luggage and the kids went for a swim. It was seamless!

Sounds like a great way to start your trip!

I'm reading everyone's experience with receiving texts about their rooms with envy because I have to say that in all of our stays (both CL and non) where we were told we'd get a text when our room was ready...we never have . Really starting to wonder if it's a mobile carrier issue (we have TMobile). As for CL access before checking into our room, our MB's didn't work to access the CL floor in the elevators. Twice (CR & YC), we were given temporary cards at check-in so we could gain access to the CL floor.

We have gotten those temporary cards to access the CL floors also...although I think that the MBs did work also ...lol.......As for the texts...since its been consistent..I would double check that they have your correct phone number listed on your account...I found that although my MDE account had my mobile phone number listed...the contact number in my general account did not..even though I had updated it....Just a thought...

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

I'm not sure gallon to gallon which is larger, but the AKL pool is one big pool (no little coves or river areas) so it does feel like the largest pool at WDW (that we've been to anyway). There is a small slide at one end, but mainly it's just a nice pool with a very nice area around it. Convenient to the Mara as well. The pool over at Kidani is smaller, but they have a fun splashy play area for younger kids. I really like the AKL pool. Hope this helps.

This does help! Thank you.

We also love the AKL pool. It's incredibly relaxing and the slide mmears mentioned is fun for the kids. It's not the best slide on property, but the combination of sufficient lounge chairs (which seem spread out to me - not stacked in multiple rows like at some other resorts), the zero depth entry, the nearby playground and the pool slide make it an ideal place for our entire family. If we need more activity, the Kidani pool is great fun and available to AKL guests (at least during our two AKL stays.) Kidani also has the zero depth entry, a huge splash pad/water play area and a fun slide. It seems more crowded to us, but it's a fun place for additional activities.

Thank you for the reply! It sounds like we'll love it. I am not a fan of tripping over folks around a pool and won't bother going (WL comes to mind in July) if it's wall to wall people/kids.

I loved the pool! My dh however didn't like that it was "green" vs blue like other pools. It was meant to look like a real lake but he felt like all algae

Adding another day? As if we weren't jealous enough you going so soon

Hmm a green pool . I guess it's the color of the bottom (Hopefully!)

And I know about the extra day! I asked DH if it might be possible to arrive in time Saturday to make the Dooney event in DTD and that was his answer! It's really depend on his big project at work. If it goes well he'll get Friday off and we get the extra day. If not then we skip the event and head down Saturday as planned. It is actually scary how accommodating he is being about me going shopping I suspect there is food/beverage in his reasoning somewhere!

Liz

 

[lala5176]

There is more of a variety during evening appetizers at the GF...but the Poly CL does have a nice variety..and usually two different hot offerings each evening...and unless you are a big eater def very filling......as for the room views...a while back over on Tikiman's site the description for some the ground floor rooms facing the lagoon had changed from TPV to GV...but I am not sure if that was just during the construction...

We are not big eaters and for that reason find it hard to get the dining plan. We NEVER eat dessert twice a day (although I don't mind it too much) and the portions could be kind of heavy. Club level has worked out great for us though. My only problem is since we are staying nine nights, that is a very hefty price tag attached. Maybe we can split standard 4 days and club level 5 days. But then do you tack it on to the end or beginning....ooooh that would be a tough decision.

 

[mmmears]

The AKL pool used to be more on the green side, so it looked more "natural" but so many people complained about it that they made it just plain "pool blue" the last time we were there. I actually liked the earlier color -- it just worked better with the theming and had nothing to do with algae. Really, it's a nice, relaxing pool deck, with 2 "hidden" jacuzzis and some real flamingoes to visit if you get out of the pool or up from your lounger.

 

[trishadono]

I'm reading everyone's experience with receiving texts about their rooms with envy because I have to say that in all of our stays (both CL and non) where we were told we'd get a text when our room was ready...we never have . Really starting to wonder if it's a mobile carrier issue (we have TMobile). As for CL access before checking into our room, our MB's didn't work to access the CL floor in the elevators. Twice (CR & YC), we were given temporary cards at check-in so we could gain access to the CL floor.

I have learned with many trips that you need to receive the "accept text " and respond in order for it to work.

They will ask you if you want it but if you don't get the text to accept and resond it won't work. It is a short time from when they ask to when you SHOULD get a text to accept. Therefore, if with a cm tell them you didn't get the text to accept.

I have been surprised many CL cms don't do this correctly. However ones I recognize do it right , newbies don't.

We will now be at cr for some days then you at poly when I'm at gf ! A dis meet is on the horizon.......

 

[Wheelwatcher]

We're staying at BC CL in May and am not concerned about the drinks as we will probably just have a glass of wine. However, this is the first I've heard of texting and FP....sounds great.

Does anyone know if the texting for FP feature is available now at BWI?

 

[trishadono]

The AKL pool used to be more on the green side, so it looked more "natural" but so many people complained about it that they made it just plain "pool blue" the last time we were there. I actually liked the earlier color -- it just worked better with the theming and had nothing to do with algae. Really, it's a nice, relaxing pool deck, with 2 "hidden" jacuzzis and some real flamingoes to visit if you get out of the pool or up from your lounger.

Oh thats good to know. My dh would not go back so maybe now he will.

 

[AliceIn]

Oh thats good to know. My dh would not go back so maybe now he will.

Isn't it funny how husbands decide what is and isn't acceptable? Mine won't ever go back to the GF. We stayed in Sugar Loaf, and the lounge there is very noisy due to it being in the center of the atrium. He can deal with it being noisy in the lobby, at the pool, or even while he's sleeping. It's not acceptable during breakfast if breakfast is within 20 minutes of awakening.