Grand Floridian Club Level - Back to normal?

[TKH]

We've stayed at the Grand Floridian in the Sugar Loaf (Club Level) building in the past. We've loved it there, especially the easy and quick food offerings in the lounge. I've read some reports here that have indicated the level of service and lounge foods have diminished greatly. I've also read that those cutbacks have been turned around and Club Level is top notch again. Can anyone who has stayed there recently confirm if Club Level is back to normal? Also, if you have stayed in the Royal Palm Club in the main building, is the lounge similar? Are you just paying more for location at RPC? Thank you.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

We've stayed at the Grand Floridian in the Sugar Loaf (Club Level) building in the past. We've loved it there, especially the easy and quick food offerings in the lounge. I've read some reports here that have indicated the level of service and lounge foods have diminished greatly. I've also read that those cutbacks have been turned around and Club Level is top notch again. Can anyone who has stayed there recently confirm if Club Level is back to normal? Also, if you have stayed in the Royal Palm Club in the main building, is the lounge similar? Are you just paying more for location at RPC? Thank you.

Complicated question and answer.

CLs across property went through a period of “cut backs” early 2016 for a short time. Small things were impacted... they did away with some of the dedicated CL greeters, offerings were reduced, the quality of the food was arguably lacking, I think they started offering cheaper wines, etc. Nothing flat out horrible but just small stuff that repeat CL guests might notice. To be fair, this was during a period of other cutbacks across property that were timed around the opening of Shanghai Disney.

And of course, my one RPC trip to date (Feb 2016) was right in the middle of it.

But that was a bit of a blip on the radar, not much talk of that kind of stuff anymore. Generally speaking, the food/beverage offerings amongst the CLs I have been to recently (Poly, CR, GF SL, WL) have been pretty darn good. Some of the stuff - such as always getting a greeter outside when you arrive to check-in - is very spotty and depends on the resort.

Admittedly, I have only been staying CL since 2014 so only have a few years to form my frame of reference. I occasionally see folks with more experience than me say things like “it’s not what it used to be” but I don’t really know what that means. From my perspective, I generally rate the current state of CL as relatively strong across all of WDW... about the best I have seen it in my travels. But I may be influenced by what I don’t know, just not sure.

As to SL, we stayed there this past April. Here’s a link to some pics of the food offerings (my posts aren’t all back to back to keep scrolling a bit):
GF SL April 2017 - Food

I thought the offerings were pretty good, maybe not our favorite in our CL travels but still very good. They had recently started a rotating chef’s table preparing fresh items. One morning they were there making Mickey Waffles, one afternoon they were out making a special snack. They switch between SL and RPC so aren’t there every day. I believe this is still continuing from what I’ve read.

“Service” can mean different things to different people, so I always struggle with how to put this one into words. If I’m honest, we found the SL CMs very cold and lacking personality. No one was particularly helpful at all. But I have a DISfriend who stayed there in the same general time period and Had a great experience with the CMs there, so it’s all relative I guess.

As to SL vs RPC.... the RPC lounge is totally different and worth the price difference alone. The RPC lounge is large and overlooks the main lobby. Having evening apps or a glass of wine while listening to the orchestra is a real treat. I found it to be a far more pleasant lounge experience than SL. The RPC lounge is a place I WANT to be. The SL lounge is a place where I just want to eat and leave. Personally I am more of a fan of the CLs where the lounge is a “scene” in itself - like Poly, RPC, WL, CR, etc.

When it comes to RPC, I think you’re paying 1) for the better lounge, 2) being in the main building, 3) better room views (all rooms are high / nothing blocking any room). SL has an inferior lounge and room views, but obviously a MUCH more attractive price for many folks. I personally prefer the location of SL more than RPC, even though it’s an outer building. The walk to/from the pools, the boat dock, Gaspy’s from SL is very convenient.

Anyway, turned into a long post but hope that perspective is helpful. Obviously highly subjective stuff though, so curious as to what others have to say as well.

Also, there are many people on the CL thread with a lot of repeat experience at both SL and RPC. If you find you’re not getting much traction on this thread, definitely come ask the same thing over there too.

Have fun!

 

[Babsy]

Complicated question and answer.

CLs across property went through a period of “cut backs” early 2016 for a short time. Small things were impacted... they did away with some of the dedicated CL greeters, offerings were reduced, the quality of the food was arguably lacking, I think the started offering cheaper winds, etc. Nothing flat out horrible but just small stuff that repeat CL guests might notice. To be fair, this was during a period of other cutbacks across property that were timed around the opening of Shanghai Disney.

And of course, my one RPC trip to date (Feb 2016) was right in the middle of it.

But that was a bit of a blip on the radar, not much talk of that kind of stuff anymore. Generally speaking, the food/beverage offerings amongst the CLs I have been to recently (Poly, CR, GF SL, WL) have been pretty darn good. Some of the stuff - such as always getting a greeter outside when you arrive to check-in - is very spotty and depends on the resort.

Admittedly, I have only been staying CL since 2014 so only have a few years to form my frame of reference. I occasionally see folks with more experience than me say things like “it’s not what it used to be” but I don’t really know what that means. From my perspective, I generaly rate the current state of CL as relatively strong across all of WDW... about the best I have seen it in my travels. But I may be influenced by what I don’t know, just not sure.

As to SL, we stayed there this past April. Here’s a link to some pics of the food offerings (my posts aren’t all back to back to keep scrolling a bit):
GF SL April 2017 - Food

I thought the offerings were pretty good, maybe not our favorite in our CL travels but still very good. They had recently started a rotating chef’s table preparing fresh items. One morning they were there making Mickey Waffles, one afternoon they were out making a special snack. They switch between SL and RPC so aren’t there every day. I believe this is still continuing from what I’ve read.

“Service” can mean different things to different people, so I always struggle with how to put this one into words. If I’m honest, we found the SL CMs very cold and lacking personality. No one was particularly helpful at all. But I have a DISfriend who stayed there in the same general time period and Had a great experience with the CMs there, so it’s all relative I guess.

As to SL vs RPC.... the RPC lounge is totally different and worth the price difference alone. The RPC lounge is large and overlooks the main lobby. Having evening apps or a glass of wine while listening to the orchestra is a real treat. I found it to be a far more pleasant lounge experience than SL. The RPC lounge is a place I WANT to be. The SL lounge is a place where I just want to eat and leave. Personally I am more of a fan of the CLs where the lounge is a “scene” in itself - like Poly, RPC, WL, CR, etc.

When it comes to RPC, I think you’re paying 1) for the better lounge, 2) being in the main building, 3) better room views (all rooms are high / nothing blocking any room). SL has an inferior lounge and room views, but obviously a MUCH more attractive price for many folks. I personally prefer the location of SL more than RPC, even though it’s an outer building. The walk to/from the pools, the boat dock, Gaspy’s from SL is very convenient.

Anyway, turned into a long post but hope that perspective is helpful. Obviously highly subjective stuff though, so curious as to what others have to say as well.

Also, there are many people on the CL thread with a lot of repeat experience at both SL and RPC. If you find you’re not getting much traction on this thread, definitely come ask the same thing over there too.

Have fun!

Well said!!! I think that you covered it all!!!

 

[Sue M]

Covered it all! RPC is wonderful. Loved hanging out in the lounge, esp at night listening to the piano or orchestra. During the morning or afternoon we enjoyed a window seat looking out at the resort.

 

[TJA]

@GADisneyDad14 covered everything (of course! ), but I just wanted to say that we feel exactly the same way as he does. SL is definitely convenient for pools and boat transportation. However, RPC is great when you want the whole experience. Example: we are staying at RPC right after Thanksgiving, and I think it will be a perfect place to stay during the holiday. We plan to enjoy the lounge and entire GF atmosphere a lot just by being inside the main building. But when it's not a holiday, I might be inclined to stay in SL if we plan to have a fair amount of pool and park time.

 

[TKH]

Complicated question and answer.

CLs across property went through a period of “cut backs” early 2016 for a short time. Small things were impacted... they did away with some of the dedicated CL greeters, offerings were reduced, the quality of the food was arguably lacking, I think they started offering cheaper wines, etc. Nothing flat out horrible but just small stuff that repeat CL guests might notice. To be fair, this was during a period of other cutbacks across property that were timed around the opening of Shanghai Disney.

And of course, my one RPC trip to date (Feb 2016) was right in the middle of it.

But that was a bit of a blip on the radar, not much talk of that kind of stuff anymore. Generally speaking, the food/beverage offerings amongst the CLs I have been to recently (Poly, CR, GF SL, WL) have been pretty darn good. Some of the stuff - such as always getting a greeter outside when you arrive to check-in - is very spotty and depends on the resort.

Admittedly, I have only been staying CL since 2014 so only have a few years to form my frame of reference. I occasionally see folks with more experience than me say things like “it’s not what it used to be” but I don’t really know what that means. From my perspective, I generally rate the current state of CL as relatively strong across all of WDW... about the best I have seen it in my travels. But I may be influenced by what I don’t know, just not sure.

As to SL, we stayed there this past April. Here’s a link to some pics of the food offerings (my posts aren’t all back to back to keep scrolling a bit):
GF SL April 2017 - Food

I thought the offerings were pretty good, maybe not our favorite in our CL travels but still very good. They had recently started a rotating chef’s table preparing fresh items. One morning they were there making Mickey Waffles, one afternoon they were out making a special snack. They switch between SL and RPC so aren’t there every day. I believe this is still continuing from what I’ve read.

“Service” can mean different things to different people, so I always struggle with how to put this one into words. If I’m honest, we found the SL CMs very cold and lacking personality. No one was particularly helpful at all. But I have a DISfriend who stayed there in the same general time period and Had a great experience with the CMs there, so it’s all relative I guess.

As to SL vs RPC.... the RPC lounge is totally different and worth the price difference alone. The RPC lounge is large and overlooks the main lobby. Having evening apps or a glass of wine while listening to the orchestra is a real treat. I found it to be a far more pleasant lounge experience than SL. The RPC lounge is a place I WANT to be. The SL lounge is a place where I just want to eat and leave. Personally I am more of a fan of the CLs where the lounge is a “scene” in itself - like Poly, RPC, WL, CR, etc.

When it comes to RPC, I think you’re paying 1) for the better lounge, 2) being in the main building, 3) better room views (all rooms are high / nothing blocking any room). SL has an inferior lounge and room views, but obviously a MUCH more attractive price for many folks. I personally prefer the location of SL more than RPC, even though it’s an outer building. The walk to/from the pools, the boat dock, Gaspy’s from SL is very convenient.

Anyway, turned into a long post but hope that perspective is helpful. Obviously highly subjective stuff though, so curious as to what others have to say as well.

Also, there are many people on the CL thread with a lot of repeat experience at both SL and RPC. If you find you’re not getting much traction on this thread, definitely come ask the same thing over there too.

Have fun!

Thank you so much for the detailed answer! I really appreciate the time and thought you put into your response. We're booked at GF SL in January, and now I'm confident that we'll be as happy there as we have been in the past. We're considering upgrading to RPC, I'll check availability/prices. Again, thank you! Have a nice night.

 

[PRaffen]

We just returned from our first stay at RPC and loved it! Mickey waffles were offered one morning which were quite good although for the price of their rooms, waffles or eggs should be offered EVERY morning. We have stayed club level several times at AK and the Polynesian and usually are not impressed with the evening offerings. Not this time at RPC - the hot offerings were very tasty and plentiful enough to take the place of dinner. The crème brulee was some of the best I've ever had. We especially enjoyed the afternoon tea (scones, banana bread, etc). This was more of a resort trip so we spent a couple hours each afternoon/evening sitting in the lounge enjoying the piano player and orchestra. We found the seating on the fifth floor much quieter and the view of the castle and seven seas lagoon is wonderful.

The staff was some of the best we've interacted with. Very pleasant, and they spent time engaging with the guests and were quite proactive checking to see if anyone wanted anything. Best service we've had during our club level stays.

 

[trishadono]

I did sl in march, it was for Dd's 22nd bday, I love sl for location and room views.

I also have rpc booked for December. This time I'm taking my mom. I choose rpc even though the cost is much higher because I wanted mom to try it at least once. I have only had 3 short stays there previously and 4 at Sl.

I like that there is more than just a lounge in rpc. There was seating (couches and chairs)kind of scattered on floors 3-5. The views from floor 5 were wow! The couches are nice to hang out on for arrival or departure days without having to be in a "lounge" per se.

i have found for food in my mind I feel like I'm getting the same it's just set up nicer at rpc because they have more space to spread it all out.

Rooms are mostly the same expect a few in rpc have different configurations. Xx23/xx28 have a longer hall for expample.

So I don't have a favorite between the two. For warmer weather I love sl because it's a great location for pools. For trips I know I'll be at the resort more I like rpc. Sure if price was the same I'd pick rpc every time but is it worth the extra for every trip? For me no. I get most of the same experience from sl so it works.

All of my sl trips have had great cm experiences but my rpc has been mixed. I have found as a middle aged mom the cms seem to spend more time with families. I have learned to just start conversations and then that seems to work to get some attention.

Tea time is my fav! Scones and champagne says VACATION!

 

[mickeynut1]

As to SL vs RPC.... the RPC lounge is totally different and worth the price difference alone. The RPC lounge is large and overlooks the main lobby. Having evening apps or a glass of wine while listening to the orchestra is a real treat. I found it to be a far more pleasant lounge experience than SL. The RPC lounge is a place I WANT to be. The SL lounge is a place where I just want to eat and leave. Personally I am more of a fan of the CLs where the lounge is a “scene” in itself - like Poly, RPC, WL, CR, etc.

I feel the same way .

When it comes to RPC, I think you’re paying 1) for the better lounge, 2) being in the main building, 3) better room views (all rooms are high / nothing blocking any room).

I agree

SL is definitely convenient for pools and boat transportation. However, RPC is great when you want the whole experience.

These are my thoughts as well .

 

[TKH]

For what it's worth, the Disney Visa room only discount came out today with rooms available in RPC, but not SL. So we upgraded to RPC and saved $1,300 over SL! Very exciting! We can't wait! Thanks for everyone's information.

 

[Eastern]

For what it's worth, the Disney Visa room only discount came out today with rooms available in RPC, but not SL. So we upgraded to RPC and saved $1,300 over SL! Very exciting! We can't wait! Thanks for everyone's information.

Is there a link for this? I can't find anything.

 

[TKH]

Is there a link for this? I can't find anything.

It wasn't available online, only by phone.

 

[Eastern]

Called the number on the back of the card. Dates are Jan 1, 2018-April 14, 2018

 

[TKH]

are the dates up to April?

I wish I could tell you more, but I was so surprised by the great discount that, after verifying it, I didn’t question it. I only know that the Visa discount is much better than the Gift of Magic in certain cases, and it’s only available by phone. It was 40% off. I do think it runs through April 14th as availability allows, but I’m not 100% sure on that. If I can find out, I’ll let you know.

 

[Eastern]

I wish I could tell you more, but I was so surprised by the great discount that, after verifying it, I didn’t question it. I only know that the Visa discount is much better than the Gift of Magic in certain cases, and it’s only available by phone. It was 40% off. I do think it runs through April 14th as availability allows, but I’m not 100% sure on that. If I can find out, I’ll let you know.

See my edited post above yours. I just called the number on the back of the card to get the offer.

 

[foodiddiedoo]

I'm new to the boards so please forgive me if this is the wrong place to post. I'm staying RPC in February of 2018 for our first family vacation. Is there somewhere on the boards that show a list of the wine/beer/spirits offerings that are currently available? Also if you have the Disney Dining plan, do you find any reason to hit up the lounge in the evenings? Since we're going when the parks close around 8PM most nights I figured that my husband and I or my parents could enjoy the lounge in the later evening, any idea when the desserts/drinks are put away for the night? Sorry for such a newbie post.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I'm new to the boards so please forgive me if this is the wrong place to post. I'm staying RPC in February of 2018 for our first family vacation. Is there somewhere on the boards that show a list of the wine/beer/spirits offerings that are currently available? Also if you have the Disney Dining plan, do you find any reason to hit up the lounge in the evenings? Since we're going when the parks close around 8PM most nights I figured that my husband and I or my parents could enjoy the lounge in the later evening, any idea when the desserts/drinks are put away for the night? Sorry for such a newbie post.

Come on over to the Club Level thread. We’ll get you taken care of over there.