Help Picking a Club Level

[kemmerlinj2]

Hello! I am planning a two week trip next December as part of a college graduation (with a Disney Fantasy Cruise for New Years) trip I'm taking with my parents. Since Star Wars Land should be (fingers crossed) open by that time I'm thinking that it would be smart to be at one of the Crescent Lake resorts. And since this'll be a "once in a lifetime" type trip due to the length of it and occasion, I am planning on doing two club level rooms to take advantage of the benefits as well as extra fastpasses that you can buy. I think I'm going to choose either Beach Club or Boardwalk Inn since I hate the way the new Yacht Club rooms look and I loved the old rooms. Also, thinking about Swan and Dolphin club level since I heard they do the extra fastpass option. Any tips or suggestions would be great. Thanks!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

They are all great! I, personally, would pick whichever is cheapest as you can't go wrong with any of them. I would probably lean toward BWI or Swan, however, as, if you are going over Christmas week, I find the most efficient transportation is walking (buses, boats and monorails will be quite crowded that week) and Swan and BWI are closest to the DHS path, but also still very close to EP.

 

[lala5176]

Hello! I am planning a two week trip next December as part of a college graduation (with a Disney Fantasy Cruise for New Years) trip I'm taking with my parents. Since Star Wars Land should be (fingers crossed) open by that time I'm thinking that it would be smart to be at one of the Crescent Lake resorts. And since this'll be a "once in a lifetime" type trip due to the length of it and occasion, I am planning on doing two club level rooms to take advantage of the benefits as well as extra fastpasses that you can buy. I think I'm going to choose either Beach Club or Boardwalk Inn since I hate the way the new Yacht Club rooms look and I loved the old rooms. Also, thinking about Swan and Dolphin club level since I heard they do the extra fastpass option. Any tips or suggestions would be great. Thanks!

I agree with OP about BWI. I believe ya/bc are very busy with families and children and BWI would be a great choice and closest to HS for StarvWars

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Sorry if you already know this, but just FYI, the CL paid FP program is currently a trial that could presumably end at some point, or be changed/expanded in some fashion. Obviously you have a long time between now and then, but I wouldn’t totally craft your plans around it still being available in its current form. Although TBD of course.

Happy planning!

 

[kemmerlinj2]

Sorry if you already know this, but just FYI, the CL paid FP program is currently a trial that could presumably end at some point, or be changed/expanded in some fashion. Obviously you have a long time between now and then, but I wouldn’t totally craft your plans around it still being available in its current form. Although TBD of course.

Happy planning!

Oh I know it's a trial and even if they end up not continuing it I still would want to do Club Level. More of a bucket list item for us. Well for me anyways since my stepdad has never been to a Disney park and my mom has never stayed at a Disney resort before.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Oh I know it's a trial and even if they end up not continuing it I still would want to do Club Level. More of a bucket list item for us. Well for me anyways since my stepdad has never been to a Disney park and my mom has never stayed at a Disney resort before.

Cool, just checking. FWIW, I vote BWI CL.

 

[Shanti]

Oh I know it's a trial and even if they end up not continuing it I still would want to do Club Level. More of a bucket list item for us. Well for me anyways since my stepdad has never been to a Disney park and my mom has never stayed at a Disney resort before.

Plus, I have a hard time imagining them taking this particular pay-for-play perk away. It makes those overpriced club level rooms so much more appealing. I'm sure their club level bookings have increased from it and will continue to do so.

 

[Maxie86]

While it's true the CL paid FP's are available at the Swan and Dolphin in deluxe rooms or suites, they do not have a CL...I wish they did that is the thing that keeps me from booking there more often.

 

[ToyStory3]

Beach Club CL is our favorite vacation on earth. It's our favorite resort, favorite pool, and favorite location. And, we absolutely LOVE their Club Level! I've sent a few friends to stay CL at BCR and they all came back and raved...including one who didn't even like Disney vacations before that. They had even stayed at the Poly and didn't enjoy it. But, absolutely loved the BCR. To be honest -the BWI doesn't do anything for me. I'm not a huge fan of the boardwalk area overall. It feels a little "carnival-ish" to me, and their pool isn't very appealing to me, either.

 

[megs1313]

I'd do BWI!

 

[drwadadli]

I am going to play devil's advocate here...

More of a bucket list item for us.

What makes this a "bucket list" for you? The free food or wine/beer?

I have been going to WDW for 40-some years and have never wanted to stay Club-Level. The amount of money we save from not doing CL still out-ways the cost of a beer or two or snacks. Also, with everything that is available at WDW, why would I want to sit in a lounge instead of out there enjoying it (especially for people that have never been to WDW)?

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I've stayed at all the CL's, so I can pretty much tell you about nay of them. The first thing I will clarify for you is that the Swan and Dolphin do NOT have a club level. The Swan and Dolphin SUITES are part of the new extra fastpass offer; they are the only NON-club level rooms that are part of that offer. If you stay in one of the Swan or Dolphin suites you will get a BIGGER room, but no special lounge.

Otherwise, the rest of the hotels in the offer are ALL CLUB LEVEL. The rest of the hotels I the offer include BOTH 'regular' club level rooms and larger suites. In this case, when I say a regular room, I mean the room itself is the same décor and size as a non-club level room at the same deluxe hotel, except that most WDW club level rooms are located on a specific floor of the hotel such that ONLY club level guests have access to that whole floor/area of that hotel, because that's where the lounge is located. To get to any WDW CL room, you have to scan you r Mickeyband in the elevator.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Of the two you list: BC and Bwk, I like BC better. Truly though, BC and YC are kinda just two halves of the same hotel. They each have their own lounge/decor, but otherwise they share amenities. There is some difference in what food they bring to each lounge, but the two halves share one kitchen, one main pool, etc.

Which hotel- of all of them- is really a matter of what your priorities are. Of all, Swan/Dolphin will be prob be lowest- because you're just getting a room. Instead, the Dolphin has multiple restaurants. Breakfast at the Fresh Mediterranean Market is very similar to a CL breakfast, except that at the FMM you can choose a CL style continental breakfast (no eggs/meat) or the full buffet (with eggs+meat, including custom omelets and Mickey waffles!) The rooms at both S/D are very nice, and you can use SPG/Marriott Rewards there.

Typically, of the CL's, AKL and WL cost less, because those rooms are slightly smaller, and the hotel locations aren't quite as prime. typically Poly and GF are the highest $$$.

Typically, the WDW (all but the Swan/Dolphin) suites are VERY expensive. They do exist, but expect to pay upwards of $1100 per night! Probably a much better bet would be to get TWO regular CL rooms. (or perhaps suites at S/D.) You can request adjoining rooms, and will likely get adjoining if you request, but WDW doesn't promise that request. Almost certainly though, if you get two rooms, they will be on the same floor.

Another factor perhaps is that most regular CL rooms sleep 5 people, and CL is a flat rate. All WDW owned rooms charge extra if you have more than 2 adults per room, but otherwise the CL rate is the same for 2 adults as it is for a family of 2adutls+3 kids (if kids are under 18.)

As far as food offerings, there are some differences, but most of the CL's are fairly similar: continental breakfast, light mid-day snacks (think gummy bears and potato chips), evening appetizers (think: raw veggies+cheese trays, bread/crackers, tiny portions of sushi-tuna or potstickers and/or Uncrustables PBJ, and maybe tomato-vinaigrette salad), and later desserts (think tiny tarts, cookies, apple slices).

Another difference between various lounges is the view they offer. The higher priced resorts often have better views. The two you mention have covered windows, so no view of the theme parks at all. The Poly CL has a view of the MK castle, so that's a big part of why it costs extra. the GF offers slightly better food than the others.

My most recent BWK CL stay was some time ago, but I have heard they improved the food there as well- since my last stay.

OH- with all CL's- take everything menu-wise that you hear with some grain of salt- because the food at all CL's changes over time. The menus have always followed he general guidelines what I wrote above, but the type of muffins/breads/yogurt/dumplings/etc changes over time. So if someone says they had chocolate cookies, don't count on getting the same ones.

Another small way to lower the cost, is to stay Sun-Wednesday. a good way to lower costs is to avoid major holiday weeks. Also with CL- avoid late arrivals and very early departures to get the full benefits of CL.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I have been going to WDW for 40-some years and have never wanted to stay Club-Level. T

To be certain, CL isn't for everyone. It is only worthwhile if you actually spend time in the lounge. If your touring style is to go to the parks from 9am until 9pm, then CL isn't really worthwhile. You can only access the CL lounge if you take time to go back to your hotel; sometimes it IS better to stay in the parks. And it is a trick to do both CL AND use 6 FP all in one day. You can't be two places at once, and getting around WDW takes a good amount of time.


One reason we have liked CL is that we like a quick continental breakfast in the morning. I expect ride queues, but I dislike the unpredictability of having to wait in line for breakfast. We don't always make rope drop, but we try to arrive early. For folks who strongly prefer bacon breakfasts, CL probably won't be your thing. We all have to eat though, so it is nice to eat off real plates without having to wait in line. (Yes, I've done in-room quickie granola-bar type breakfasts too!)

the lounge can also be a nice place to relax. It isn't earth-shattering, but if you do return to the resort mid-afternoon, it is nice to find ice-cold lemonade and a plate of cookies waiting for you.

Likewise, I wouldn't say the extra staff services are anything earth shattering, but sometimes it is nice to ask a question of staff without having to wait in line. And let's face it, the WDW staff do not all have the of the same level of training or experience. Most CL staff really know their stuff, and that can be significant. Like if you are running late for an ADR, and need to know the fastest way to get to Hoop de Doo.

But again I say, CL isn't for everyone, and anyone attempting to make full use of CL+ADR's+6FP for 3+ days in a row faces a big logistical challenge! I suggest either the extra FP or ADR's, but not both on the same day, otherwise you'll be paying for something you likely will be too tired to use.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Of the two you list: BC and Bwk, I like BC better. Truly though, BC and YC are kinda just two halves of the same hotel. They each have their own lounge/decor, but otherwise they share amenities. There is some difference in what food they bring to each lounge, but the two halves share one kitchen, one main pool, etc.

Which hotel- of all of them- is really a matter of what your priorities are. Of all, Swan/Dolphin will be prob be lowest- because you're just getting a room. Instead, the Dolphin has multiple restaurants. Breakfast at the Fresh Mediterranean Market is very similar to a CL breakfast, except that at the FMM you can choose a CL style continental breakfast (no eggs/meat) or the full buffet (with eggs+meat, including custom omelets and Mickey waffles!) The rooms at both S/D are very nice, and you can use SPG/Marriott Rewards there.

Typically, of the CL's, AKL and WL cost less, because those rooms are slightly smaller, and the hotel locations aren't quite as prime. typically Poly and GF are the highest $$$.

Typically, the WDW (all but the Swan/Dolphin) suites are VERY expensive. They do exist, but expect to pay upwards of $1100 per night! Probably a much better bet would be to get TWO regular CL rooms. (or perhaps suites at S/D.) You can request adjoining rooms, and will likely get adjoining if you request, but WDW doesn't promise that request. Almost certainly though, if you get two rooms, they will be on the same floor.

Another factor perhaps is that most regular CL rooms sleep 5 people, and CL is a flat rate. All WDW owned rooms charge extra if you have more than 2 adults per room, but otherwise the CL rate is the same for 2 adults as it is for a family of 2adutls+3 kids (if kids are under 18.)

As far as food offerings, there are some differences, but most of the CL's are fairly similar: continental breakfast, light mid-day snacks (think gummy bears and potato chips), evening appetizers (think: raw veggies+cheese trays, bread/crackers, tiny portions of sushi-tuna or potstickers and/or Uncrustables PBJ, and maybe tomato-vinaigrette salad), and later desserts (think tiny tarts, cookies, apple slices).

Another difference between various lounges is the view they offer. The higher priced resorts often have better views. The two you mention have covered windows, so no view of the theme parks at all. The Poly CL has a view of the MK castle, so that's a big part of why it costs extra. the GF offers slightly better food than the others.

My most recent BWK CL stay was some time ago, but I have heard they improved the food there as well- since my last stay.

OH- with all CL's- take everything menu-wise that you hear with some grain of salt- because the food at all CL's changes over time. The menus have always followed he general guidelines what I wrote above, but the type of muffins/breads/yogurt/dumplings/etc changes over time. So if someone says they had chocolate cookies, don't count on getting the same ones.

Another small way to lower the cost, is to stay Sun-Wednesday. a good way to lower costs is to avoid major holiday weeks. Also with CL- avoid late arrivals and very early departures to get the full benefits of CL.

The WDW EP suites over Christmas week are actually substantially more than that - more toward the $2,000 a night range. Right now, rack rate for a Water View - CL Room at YC/BC is over $1,000. That's just for a room, not a suite, and OP wants 2 rooms.

If OP's only objective in booking CL is to get the extra FP+, my vote would be something at Swan/Dolphin. For the money saved, you could eat multiple signatures each day and still have money left over to book a private WDW VIP guide and I'm not exaggerating! There is no way, IMHO, that spending an extra $1000 a night during that week for two CL rooms justifies the food and beverage offerings in any CL lounge.

 

[drwadadli]

To be certain, CL isn't for everyone. It is only worthwhile if you actually spend time in the lounge. If your touring style is to go to the parks from 9am until 9pm, then CL isn't really worthwhile. You can only access the CL lounge if you take time to go back to your hotel; sometimes it IS better to stay in the parks. And it is a trick to do both CL AND use 6 FP all in one day. You can't be two places at once, and getting around WDW takes a good amount of time.


One reason we have liked CL is that we like a quick continental breakfast in the morning. I expect ride queues, but I dislike the unpredictability of having to wait in line for breakfast. We don't always make rope drop, but we try to arrive early. For folks who strongly prefer bacon breakfasts, CL probably won't be your thing. We all have to eat though, so it is nice to eat off real plates without having to wait in line. (Yes, I've done in-room quickie granola-bar type breakfasts too!)

the lounge can also be a nice place to relax. It isn't earth-shattering, but if you do return to the resort mid-afternoon, it is nice to find ice-cold lemonade and a plate of cookies waiting for you.

Likewise, I wouldn't say the extra staff services are anything earth shattering, but sometimes it is nice to ask a question of staff without having to wait in line. And let's face it, the WDW staff do not all have the of the same level of training or experience. Most CL staff really know their stuff, and that can be significant. Like if you are running late for an ADR, and need to know the fastest way to get to Hoop de Doo.

But again I say, CL isn't for everyone, and anyone attempting to make full use of CL+ADR's+6FP for 3+ days in a row faces a big logistical challenge! I suggest either the extra FP or ADR's, but not both on the same day, otherwise you'll be paying for something you likely will be too tired to use.

Thank you for the replay and insight.

We don't go from 9am to 9pm. We plan to hit the parks just after rope drop and then head back to the resort around 2pm or so for a short nap/freshen up before heading back out for the evenings and nights at Disney Springs.

Thank you again for the extra thoughts.

 

[Eastern]

BWI

 

[mickeyluv'r]

OP said December, but to be honest, I didn't pay all that much attention to the specific dates. But here are some specific rates...

I have a Standard Club level room at the Bwk (Xmas week weeknight) at $1077/night with tax, and that is higher than I'd want to pay, but a Standard non-CL room the same night is $783/night w/tax.

So the difference between CL an on-CL is $294 per night...or if OP had two rooms that would be $588 per night.

YC non-CL stndrd view room is $748, and Garden view $759, while CL garden is $1054/night w/tax. So the difference there is $295/night for a Xmas week weeknight.

Earlier in December though the YC rates for garden view are $573 non-CL Garden and $887 CL water view. So the difference is $314/night for CL vs. non-CL per room.

Also, over Christmas week- a deluxe alcove suite (lowest room category that qualifies) at the Swan is $578+resort fee = $612/night. So that particular week, choosing the Swan suite is only $275 less/per night than the YC room.


The way I see it, it really depends how many people are in the room. If we say the CL difference is about $300/night, and you have five people in the room....then that works out to a rate of $60 per person for CL at YC (vs. non-CL at YC) or $275/night for YC CL over a suite at the Swan. And at the Swan...only 4 people are allowed in a deluxe alcove room.

Generally, I agree that CL is not worth $60 per person.

It would really depend what if any discounts WDW ends up offering, how much they are using the lounge, and how much they value the reserved fireworks seating. If WDW ends up offering 30% off, then CL, IMO, is probably worth $42 per person. The DDP is $75.50 per day for anyone over age 9 ($26 for kids 3-9)! CL doesn't quite cover all our food, but it covers more than 60% of our food costs....and the OP would be weighing the value of the extra FP PLUS the value of a reserved fireworks viewing area. Over a holiday week...the value of a reserved fireworks spot is significant!

I'm currently looking at a summer rate where non-CL is more or less the same price as CL (though the non-CL is slightly better view).. so that's kind of a no brainer.

Much of the year, we typically have been able to get WDW CL's for about $150 extra per night, so for 4 people that = about $37.50 per person. Now if you'd stay in a condo and go to a grocery store for your breakfast, your food will cost less than that. If you compare CL rates to the cost of eating at the Swan's breakfast buffet instead every morning...then that rate is more comparable.


It is also hard to price the value of one's time. Anyone who tries to eat in a WDW food court at 8am over a holiday week IS going to lose time standing in line and waiting for their food order. You can also forget about getting a latte at the MK Starbucks unless you are willing to lose 20-30minutes. When we stay CL, we have immediate access to the CL latte machine. I can't say what that is worth to anyone else, but for me, even a free latte isn't worth losing 30minutes of MK time.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

OP said December, but to be honest, I didn't pay all that much attention to the specific dates. But here are some specific rates...

I have a Standard Club level room at the Bwk (Xmas week weeknight) at $1077/night with tax, and that is higher than I'd want to pay, but a Standard non-CL room the same night is $783/night w/tax.

So the difference between CL an on-CL is $294 per night...or if OP had two rooms that would be $588 per night.

YC non-CL stndrd view room is $748, and Garden view $759, while CL garden is $1054/night w/tax. So the difference there is $295/night for a Xmas week weeknight.

Earlier in December though the YC rates for garden view are $573 non-CL Garden and $887 CL water view. So the difference is $314/night for CL vs. non-CL per room.

Also, over Christmas week- a deluxe alcove suite (lowest room category that qualifies) at the Swan is $578+resort fee = $612/night. So that particular week, choosing the Swan suite is only $275 less/per night than the YC room.


The way I see it, it really depends how many people are in the room. If we say the CL difference is about $300/night, and you have five people in the room....then that works out to a rate of $60 per person for CL at YC (vs. non-CL at YC) or $275/night for YC CL over a suite at the Swan. And at the Swan...only 4 people are allowed in a deluxe alcove room.

Generally, I agree that CL is not worth $60 per person.

It would really depend what if any discounts WDW ends up offering, how much they are using the lounge, and how much they value the reserved fireworks seating. If WDW ends up offering 30% off, then CL, IMO, is probably worth $42 per person. The DDP is $75.50 per day for anyone over age 9 ($26 for kids 3-9)! CL doesn't quite cover all our food, but it covers more than 60% of our food costs....and the OP would be weighing the value of the extra FP PLUS the value of a reserved fireworks viewing area. Over a holiday week...the value of a reserved fireworks spot is significant!

I'm currently looking at a summer rate where non-CL is more or less the same price as CL (though the non-CL is slightly better view).. so that's kind of a no brainer.

Much of the year, we typically have been able to get WDW CL's for about $150 extra per night, so for 4 people that = about $37.50 per person. Now if you'd stay in a condo and go to a grocery store for your breakfast, your food will cost less than that. If you compare CL rates to the cost of eating at the Swan's breakfast buffet instead every morning...then that rate is more comparable.


It is also hard to price the value of one's time. Anyone who tries to eat in a WDW food court at 8am over a holiday week IS going to lose time standing in line and waiting for their food order. You can also forget about getting a latte at the MK Starbucks unless you are willing to lose 20-30minutes. When we stay CL, we have immediate access to the CL latte machine. I can't say what that is worth to anyone else, but for me, even a free latte isn't worth losing 30minutes of MK time.

I think you may have misstated the numbers. You said earlier in December YC CL water view is $887 and during Christmas week, Swan Alcove is $612, making it a difference of $275, but you are comparing early December rates with Christmas week rates, so I don't think that's an accurate comparison. Not trying to throw shade! I just think you misstated what you were trying to say.

We are staying at the Swan in 2-bedroom, Grand Suite over Christmas week for a little over $1000 a night including taxes and resort fees. It's 2-bedrooms (2 queens and a king) and a huge living room. If we had booked 2 YC CL rooms that week (only water view is currently available), it would have cost, at rack rate, $2,342 a night. We saved $1,342 PER NIGHT by staying at the Swan! There is no way CL at YC is worth an extra $1,342 a night. We are staying 6 nights, so we literally saved $8,000 by booking the 2-bedroom at the Swan vs. 2 YC CL rooms. We could have fit our family into one YC CL room, but that still would have been over $100 more a night than the 2-bedroom at the Swan, so I would have been sacrificing space and money by booking YC.

I totally agree with you. You have to price out all options and compare the numbers. The "value" will definitely fluctuate based on how many people are in the room as well. Yes, if you pack a CL room with max capacity of guests, you are definitely getting more value out of the cost of the room.

 

[sfbank]

Another vote for the BWI. Innkeepers CMs are great and the resort itself is very relaxing. It is one of the smaller resorts by room count so to us we like the less crowded feeling of the resort itself. Have fun whatever you choose.