GF Royal Palm Club - How much better is it than Sugarloaf?

[Crispity]

Hi all,

We are planning a stay at the Grand Floridian for next year. We'd like to stay concierge for the additional space to hang out, readily available snacks and drinks, and convenient room location. We had been planning on a room in the Sugarloaf building; however, we could book a main building deluxe king room for 35% off through a pin number that I received.

Even at 35% off, the main building room is breathtakingly expensive (over $200 more per night than the Sugarloaf room), and I would never pay cash for the upgrade. However, I have "reward points" from work that can be traded in for Disney gift cards, among other things. I could use the reward points to cover the entire difference between Sugarloaf and RPC, so the upgrade would essentially be "free", though it would use up a good chunk of the points I have saved.

In general, we like to use reward points to splurge on fabulous travel experiences that we would never pay for out of pocket. My question is, does the upgrade to RPC fit into the "fabulous travel experience" category for which it would be worth using my points? Is it that much more fabulous than Sugarloaf? We will have my 2-year-old DD with us, if that makes a difference. Any insight would be much appreciated!

 

[Sue M]

With a 2 yr old, I'd have to ask you to think about how much time you'd be able to spend enjoying the lounge?

Yes, the RPC lounge is fabulous. But only if you have time to relax & enjoy it.

I've heard the food is the same in Sugarloaf. It's just the atmosphere is different. My daughters are adults, so we really enjoyed spending evening time in the RPC lounge. Sitting there enjoying Appies & wine, or dessert & cordials while listening to the piano and quartet, watching the comings & goings down in the lobby, or enjoying the views out the windows was so nice.

With a busy 2 yr old I would doubt you'd have much time to sit & relax in the lounge. So I'd say to stay with Sugarloaf & save RPC until you can enjoy it.

 

[pixarmom]

We're staying at GF for the first time in January, so I can't answer your question but I'm in your boat! I initially booked RPC, then switched to SL for the reasons Sue mentioned. We have three boys, ages 15, 14 and 7. While I like the idea of sitting in the RPC lounge enjoying the view and the atmosphere, and probably would with just our teens, that's not really going to happen with our 7-year-old. And the $200/night extra didn't end up feeling worth it to me in either cash or rewards points (I have those too and will spend them in January!) For this stay, we need the snacks, breakfast, drinks that CL offers, a little extra space and close proximity to the pool. We've stayed CL at BWI, BC, CR and Poly, and my most relaxing CL memories are bringing dessert/coffee/wine out on our balcony while our youngest gets some much-needed sleep!

 

[Crispity]

Thanks for the replies! Excellent point about the time in the lounge with DD. She definitely will not want to sit and "take it all in" for long . I do think the readily available snacks will be great for DD (and DH is really excited about that as well!), but since we'll have that at Sugarloaf, the atmosphere at RPC may not be worth the upgrade. Now if DH and I were ever to go on our own...

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi all,

We are planning a stay at the Grand Floridian for next year. We'd like to stay concierge for the additional space to hang out, readily available snacks and drinks, and convenient room location. We had been planning on a room in the Sugarloaf building; however, we could book a main building deluxe king room for 35% off through a pin number that I received.

Even at 35% off, the main building room is breathtakingly expensive (over $200 more per night than the Sugarloaf room), and I would never pay cash for the upgrade. However, I have "reward points" from work that can be traded in for Disney gift cards, among other things. I could use the reward points to cover the entire difference between Sugarloaf and RPC, so the upgrade would essentially be "free", though it would use up a good chunk of the points I have saved.

In general, we like to use reward points to splurge on fabulous travel experiences that we would never pay for out of pocket. My question is, does the upgrade to RPC fit into the "fabulous travel experience" category for which it would be worth using my points? Is it that much more fabulous than Sugarloaf? We will have my 2-year-old DD with us, if that makes a difference. Any insight would be much appreciated!

Having stayed both SL and RPC, RPC does fit the "fabulous travel experience" for me. The food offerings are the same in both clubs, but the lounges are worlds apart. I didn't care for SL as I found the lounge small and chaotic, with not enough seating to accommodate the number of people staying there (they did, however, add a few more tables/chairs with the refurb, but the lounge has a cafeteria look to me, which I don't care for, but that's just me). Also, there are no views from the lounge as the lounge is located in the center of the lobby as you walk into the SL building. RPC, on the other hand, is great (IMO) as it's large and spacious with seating spread throughout the lounge, there are great views of the grounds, and it's much more relaxing (to me) than SL. With all of that said, only you can decide if the extra cost is worth it, but if it were me, I wouldn't hesitate to go with RPC. Good luck.

 

[pixarmom]

Having stayed both SL and RPC, RPC does fit the "fabulous travel experience" for me. The food offerings are the same in both clubs, but the lounges are worlds apart. I didn't care for SL as I found the lounge small and chaotic, with not enough seating to accommodate the number of people staying there (they did, however, add a few more tables/chairs with the refurb, but the lounge has a cafeteria look to me, which I don't care for, but that's just me). Also, there are no views from the lounge as the lounge is located in the center of the lobby as you walk into the SL building. RPC, on the other hand, is great (IMO) as it's large and spacious with seating spread throughout the lounge, there are great views of the grounds, and it's much more relaxing (to me) than SL. With all of that said, only you can decide if the extra cost is worth it, but if it were me, I wouldn't hesitate to go with RPC. Good luck.

I must admit that every time I see one of mickeynut's posts regarding RPC vs. Sugarloaf, I second-guess my decision!!! Less than two months until check-in, and if RPC pops up with the AP discount again, I can't guarantee I won't change my mind before we arrive!

 

[mickeynut1]

I must admit that every time I see one of mickeynut's posts regarding RPC vs. Sugarloaf, I second-guess my decision!!! Less than two months until check-in, and if RPC pops up with the AP discount again, I can't guarantee I won't change my mind before we arrive!

I'm sorry, I don't mean to make anyone second guess their decision. I'm glad I had the opportunity to try SL, I just prefer the lounge and atmosphere of RPC. The food offerings are the same and SL is in a great location (especially if a lot of time will be spent pool side as it's right next to the courtyard pool), but I think RPC is a nicer lounge for resort down time (I also love the beautiful views from the RPC lounge). I think I am in the minority regarding SL as it does have a good following, but I don't care for it enough to pay the extra cost for it over a GV.

 

[Sue M]

I must admit that every time I see one of mickeynut's posts regarding RPC vs. Sugarloaf, I second-guess my decision!!! Less than two months until check-in, and if RPC pops up with the AP discount again, I can't guarantee I won't change my mind before we arrive!

SL was just refurbed. I had access to both so out of curiosity I looked at SL. True, it doesn't have the same atmosphere, but does have same food. There seemed to be enough tables, with the refurb, and it looked nice. But if you're only using the lounge for food & drinks and aren't planning on spending much time there, it's not worth the $200 extra a night!

There was the occas morning at RPC we couldn't find a table.

 

[elaw]

.... the lounges are worlds apart. I didn't care for SL as I found the lounge small and chaotic, with not enough seating to accommodate the number of people staying there (they did, however, add a few more tables/chairs with the refurb, but the lounge has a cafeteria look to me, which I don't care for, but that's just me). Also, there are no views from the lounge as the lounge is located in the center of the lobby as you walk into the SL building. RPC, on the other hand, is great (IMO) as it's large and spacious with seating spread throughout the lounge, there are great views of the grounds, and it's much more relaxing (to me) than SL. With all of that said, only you can decide if the extra cost is worth it, but if it were me, I wouldn't hesitate to go with RPC...

I agree 100%. If RPC is not an option, I'd personally just pick a view room in one of the outer buildings, skip CL all together and save the money. Plus if you are staying RPC, you have full access to SL's lounge. SL guests do not have access to RPC.

 

[addiesmom]

We just had our first stay at RPC last month during F&W but it was just DH and I...no DD that is 6. My personal feeling is when we go in June with DD we won't be able to enjoy the things that made RPC so much more special over Sugar Loaf for us. We literally sat in the lounge for hours enjoying the music and bustle of the lobby while we sipped and snacked away!!! It was such a relaxing and amazing experience overall. But when we discussed our summer trip with DD we decided Sugar Loaf will be actually better fit for our family. We will still get all the amazing food and service (we didn't find any special CM treatment just for being in RPC). We like the convenience of breakfast in the lounge before the park. To us it's easier and faster. Plus I usually get up early and have some "me time" with coffee in the lounge before the craziness of the day begins. Plus with Sugar Loaf you are right by the pool and my DD would rather be there most days than at the park. Crazy kid! M lol. So my feeling is there is still a huge benefit to staying Sugar Loaf and I would highly suggest that with a little one. By the way DH and I loved RPC so much some days we canned our day at the park!! And did I mention desserts?!? Amazing!!! At night we'd have our own little dessert party and take a tray with our desserts and a drink down to watch fireworks in front of Gaspys. Magical!! I daydream often about that trip...and the chips with spinach dip...and the bread and butter in the lounge! Anyway I'd save the money for you and DH to do RPC solo and enjoy Sugar Loaf with your daughter. Honestly can't go wrong either way!

 

[addiesmom]

Oh and I forgot to add...we were told no use of Sugar Loaf anymore staying RPC. We asked several CMs and they said no. We tried our bands just to peak at remodel and they didn't work. Just FYI in case that is part of your decision.

 

[Crispity]

We just had our first stay at RPC last month during F&W but it was just DH and I...no DD that is 6. My personal feeling is when we go in June with DD we won't be able to enjoy the things that made RPC so much more special over Sugar Loaf for us. We literally sat in the lounge for hours enjoying the music and bustle of the lobby while we sipped and snacked away!!! It was such a relaxing and amazing experience overall. But when we discussed our summer trip with DD we decided Sugar Loaf will be actually better fit for our family. We will still get all the amazing food and service (we didn't find any special CM treatment just for being in RPC). We like the convenience of breakfast in the lounge before the park. To us it's easier and faster. Plus I usually get up early and have some "me time" with coffee in the lounge before the craziness of the day begins. Plus with Sugar Loaf you are right by the pool and my DD would rather be there most days than at the park. Crazy kid! M lol. So my feeling is there is still a huge benefit to staying Sugar Loaf and I would highly suggest that with a little one. By the way DH and I loved RPC so much some days we canned our day at the park!! And did I mention desserts?!? Amazing!!! At night we'd have our own little dessert party and take a tray with our desserts and a drink down to watch fireworks in front of Gaspys. Magical!! I daydream often about that trip...and the chips with spinach dip...and the bread and butter in the lounge! Anyway I'd save the money for you and DH to do RPC solo and enjoy Sugar Loaf with your daughter. Honestly can't go wrong either way!

You've definitely convinced me to do Sugarloaf with DD - sounds fantastic! Thanks so much to everyone for the replies!