Is Club Level Worth It?

[roomthreeseventeen]

We had a free upgrade at GF, to RPC, and loved it. It is especially wonderful if something goes wrong. We had a luggage issue, and the RPC cast members were all over it. They bought us new clothes, tracked down our lost bags, and kept in touch with us about what was happening so we could enjoy the parks.

 

[DrMomof3]

We certainly don't always stay club level but we have definitely enjoyed the perk when we have. I have never done a dollar for dollar analysis of "worth it" so I can't comment on that.
We're a family of 5 and we tend to travel with 2 strollers so even a room at a deluxe hotel can get a little tight. Being able to use the space in the lounge as an additional "living room" is great! The kids like to sit at the kid tables and eat breakfast or snacks while watching Disney channel. We love having access to snacks and sodas all day. The cereal, yogurt, oatmeal, toast, etc. is plenty for us for breakfast (although my parents didn't like the breakfast offering as they prefer a bacon and egg type breakfast). And it's certainly nice to have a "free" glass of wine available to you at the end of a long day!
When we stay CL we tend to slow down a bit and take more time to relax. With 2 busy careers and 3 little kids I consider this a positive of staying CL. My family enjoys our vacations much more when we don't try to do too much. Having the lounge helps us slow down and enjoy our time together.
We use a travel agent so we tend not to use IPO services very much. On our most recent CL trip my parents decided to join us at the last minute. I asked IPO if they could add my parents to our existing ADRs, including one for a restaurant at our resort, and the answer was a resounding NO. I will admit I was a bit disappointed but we were able to replace our ADRs with some wonderful other options. On another trip I asked IPO if they could arrange a gift basket with gift cards in it for my family and the answer was also no. I do know people who have been able to arrange other gift baskets through IPO so I don't completely understand how that works.
I guess my thought is that if you can afford CL without breaking the budget and you manage your expectations (you still won't get a same-day Chef Mickey reservation and there are some limits to what the IPO people will be able to help you do), it's worth the splurge!

Amanda

 

[MickeyNicki]

We have stayed CL a few times and honestly the only time it was super special was at the AKL CL where we could do the early am Sunrise Safari in AK. I would much rather spend the $$ in a better room location then waste it in so so food and a bathroom in the room.

 

[fly girl]

Thank you all so much for the opinions and advice. I know that in the mornings going to the crowded breafast areas as like POP was so impossible with the two kids in tow. One of us would have to stay back while the other one got food and then switch and the kids got really antsy in the mean time. My kids are 6 and 3. I don't need any of the planning because honestly we already did all of our ADR's in advance and I wasn't considering club level until now and we leave in 104 days... I was thinking that this might be easier to grab a quick bite in the mornings with the kids. They only eat basics anyway not really too much. I hate that you have to spend so much on a breakfast at the resorts and then they don't even eat half of it. Since we aren't in a villa it is harder to get all the stuff to put a breakfast in the room together, ie, bowls, milk, spoons etc... We don't rent a car because we would never probably use it.

I am so torn... I will probably never stay CL again honestly so this might be the one and only chance, however much like the time we stayed at the contemporary we were truly spoiled by that monorail... hahahaha....

Decisions Decisions!

Well, I have a 3 year old (almost 4) and we were upgraded once and now we can't go back to standard. They got us: hook, line, and sinker!! Is it worth the price? Ehh...probably not dollar for dollar. However, is it worth the ease and convenience especially with a little one (or two in your case)? Oh yeah!

We stay at the Boardwalk CL and we have been spoiled rotten. Granted, we do get a discount (airline employee) so the price is discounted, but it still is $$ Cha-Ching! I do all the ADR's too so I can't comment on that aspect. (looks like you have those anyway)

I'm telling you, it's just so darned nice to leisurely walk up to the Inn Keepers Lounge in the morning and grab a breakfast of bagels, oatmeal, fresh fruit, pastries or cereal and then head out into the parks. On our way out, we fill our DD's sippy cup with ice and water and we're off onto our days adventure. FYI, they also allow you to take bottles of water to your room for later use. (see, the little things are starting to add up...)

We have never gone during lunchtime, but I hear it is not overwhelming. Basic snack stuff. However, if you do a pool day take some drinks and snacks for the pool! (with you having SB, pool time is probably on your agenda)

After a day in the park we head back to the CL lounge to cool off and relax with a couple of beers, and juice for our DD. We feel we have a nice selection, our personal fave Yuengling. They also have soft drinks and wine too. The appetizers are great, no they won't be a meal, but it is nice to just unwind with a little something. DD loves the crudite, and how can a parent go wrong with fresh veggies for a snack!

In the evening hours we usually just have one parent make a quick stop over and bring back a dessert and cordials to the room while the other parent is giving DD a bath. You are more than welcome to take offerings back to your room. (another very nice perk with kids!)

The convenience adds up, that is why we spend the extra cash. The ease makes it worth every penny to us.

I say...


GO FOR IT!!!


...you'll always wonder "what if" if you don't try it. just kiddin'

Honestly though, I know it's hard to spend the cash (Disney is expensive enough) but I think you'll love it. Good luck in your decision making, I know it's not easy taking the plunge. Just remember you can't go wrong either way, YOU'RE GOING TO DISNEY!!!

 

[chocovrdmicears]

I am 10 minutes away from hitting the *book it now* button...I am so struggling with CL or not CL for AKL.... the option for the sunrise safari is calling my name...what to do..what to do...

 

[Timrobb]

We were upgraded to CL at the Poly about 6 trips ago...we have never looked back !

Since that trip we have stayed CL at the Poly two more times, AKL, and WL twice. We are heading back to WL CL in February.

We love it for all of the reasons posted.

GO FOR IT- awesome it will be!!

 

[Feckless]

We are having out first CL stay in May at BC, and can say that the IPO at BC is willing to pre-purchase welcome items for us, and also receive shipments from us from outside vendors for welcome baskets for the kids.

 

[catne]

and have to say: getting the savannah room is worth the extra $$$ but we are seriously UNimpressed with AKL Club level. Here's why:

1. people at the CL desk yesterday and today seem really, really distant...like they are not there when you walk by (no hello, welcome, etc.) Just odd.

2. food and beverages...seriously not-much on offer here. Beer is often missing in the teeny-tiny fridge and takes a long time to see a re-stock. People keep talking about convenient to grab a bottled water...AKL CL does not have individual bottled water...there are a couple a large bottles of Evian water with pour spigots next to an ice bucket & glasses. So you can get a glass of bottled water...but there's no taking a bottled water with you when going to the park or back to your room. The Wine is cheap stuff and not very good. Appetizers are meh. Desserts are underwhelming. The 3 cordials were good-quality stuff, but who can drink $100 worth of super-sweet liqueurs? Breakfast is about the size of a cheap hotel continental breakfast: 2 kinds of pastry,fruit loops, oatmeal, quinoa (runny quinoa) with a couple of toppings, bagels, fruit, coffee & tea. That's it. Now we did have breakfast in the CL room, but that's not worth $100 extra a night, either.

3. AKL Club level rooms are SMALL. Cannot imagine 4 people in these rooms. And the bathrooms are ridiculously small...there is a double sink but hardly enough counter space for 2 adults' toiletries (and no counter space below the sink cabinetry-though there is plenty of room they could have put a shelf down there.) The toilet/tub area is no bigger than the value resort bathrooms (about 4 inches on each side of the toilet--door just barely clears the toilet. The tile & shower curtain is fancier at AKL, but who cares when the space is so small!) You get a balcony, yes...but that's the only extra space in this "deluxe" room. Anyone thinking they're getting a bigger room because they booked CL better check the figures...yeah, it's bigger than a value resort but not a whole lot bigger than the mod. resorts.

I would not stay at AKL Club Level for the club level "benefits" Matter of fact, not sure we're even going to try CL anywhere else at this point..just don't see the value for us

Now, if your main interest is a fabulous view of the animals in a savannah-view room, then yes, I would book the CL rooms at Jambo/AKL.

 

[lucas]

No, it is not worth the extra money. Not at all. We are not in the room that much - it's Disney - too much other stuff to do. We do not use the services, we book our dining ressies on our own. The food is ok, but not that great. We always get refillable mugs so free sodas are not a big deal. I don't like to schedule my time around when the other food offerings come out.

 

[yulilin3]

and have to say: getting the savannah room is worth the extra $$$ but we are seriously UNimpressed with AKL Club level. Here's why:

1. people at the CL desk yesterday and today seem really, really distant...like they are not there when you walk by (no hello, welcome, etc.) Just odd.

2. food and beverages...seriously not-much on offer here. Beer is often missing in the teeny-tiny fridge and takes a long time to see a re-stock. People keep talking about convenient to grab a bottled water...AKL CL does not have individual bottled water...there are a couple a large bottles of Evian water with pour spigots next to an ice bucket & glasses. So you can get a glass of bottled water...but there's no taking a bottled water with you when going to the park or back to your room. The Wine is cheap stuff and not very good. Appetizers are meh. Desserts are underwhelming. The 3 cordials were good-quality stuff, but who can drink $100 worth of super-sweet liqueurs? Breakfast is about the size of a cheap hotel continental breakfast: 2 kinds of pastry,fruit loops, oatmeal, quinoa (runny quinoa) with a couple of toppings, bagels, fruit, coffee & tea. That's it. Now we did have breakfast in the CL room, but that's not worth $100 extra a night, either.

3. AKL Club level rooms are SMALL. Cannot imagine 4 people in these rooms. And the bathrooms are ridiculously small...there is a double sink but hardly enough counter space for 2 adults' toiletries (and no counter space below the sink cabinetry-though there is plenty of room they could have put a shelf down there.) The toilet/tub area is no bigger than the value resort bathrooms (about 4 inches on each side of the toilet--door just barely clears the toilet. The tile & shower curtain is fancier at AKL, but who cares when the space is so small!) You get a balcony, yes...but that's the only extra space in this "deluxe" room. Anyone thinking they're getting a bigger room because they booked CL better check the figures...yeah, it's bigger than a value resort but not a whole lot bigger than the mod. resorts.

I would not stay at AKL Club Level for the club level "benefits" Matter of fact, not sure we're even going to try CL anywhere else at this point..just don't see the value for us

Now, if your main interest is a fabulous view of the animals in a savannah-view room, then yes, I would book the CL rooms at Jambo/AKL.

We check out yesterday from AKL CL. Bit of a background on us: We live in Orlando, have had AP for the past 13 years so we were not going to the them parks, my DH is CM and we got a 60% off rate. This was a birthday present for myself and after booking the Arusha View I noticed that it was only $14 more for CL for both nights (regular rate is $15 more per night so it still isn't that much), we have never stayed CL anywhere else so can't compare. We were treated in a special way since the moment we drove to the security gate, the security guard made more conversation while she got our parking pass and radioed front desk that we were coming. There was a CM at the entrance waiting for us, called us by last name and escorted us to the lounge. Carmen checked us in and we got our first surprise that we re upgraded to a bunk bed room (which was more expensive that the standard room CL) my kids were happy DS15 and DD11 didn't wan't to share a bed. The room was great, Zebra Trail 4411, we had zebras, antelopes, giraffes, water hogs in front of our room almost all the time (there's a feeding station right in front of this room) there were chocolate flamingoes on the table. The room is standard size, if you want something bigger then you need to book a 1 bedroom suite.
Onto your question Is it worth it?
In our case yes. We weren't planning on leaving the hotel, the kids wanted to do all the animal and cultural activities. We were going to spend money on all of our meals there, so we used the lounge for breakfast and dinner. We found the offering to be fine for breakfast although would've liked to see some eggs, or maybe just ham and cheese for the croissants. For dinner it was 2 hot appetizers and then a spread of cheese, different types of breads and hummus. The kids table had ham and cheese rolls, flatbread pizza, apple slices and carrots.We used the lounge to grab quicks snacks in the afternoon, they have spicy nuts, chex mix (pretzels, banana chips, m&m,goldfish) cookies, yogurt covered pretzels.
In the room the night we check in they left a bag with a birthday button with my name on it, a stuffed elephant and a bead giraffe (those you can find in the gift shop for $25) turn down service leaves you chocolates by your pillows.
In our case it was worth it, we saved alot of money on food alone and the service was great.
I do agree that some CM at the concierge desk in CL didn't really look up when you walked by, this was the exception in our case, we had plenty of CM being very nice, when we asked for a bottle of water to take up to our room the girl gave us a full bottle of Evian, I'm not a wine drinker but I did enjoy the Indaba Chardonnay and the Tusker beer was great. If you didn't see it in the fridge you could just ask for it any time of day and they bring it out.
Every person will have a different opinion, this is our review of the Club Level offerings.

 

[yulilin3]

sorry double post

 

[fly girl]

Bumping this thread to see what OP decided to do!