Is Club Level Worth It???

[drwadadli]

I had my first Poly CL stay this past Oct and I loved it! The Poly is my favorite resort and CL didn't disappoint. The lounge is on the 2nd floor of the Hawaii building (dedicated CL) with a second seating area on the 3rd floor. Food offerings are only put out certain times throughout the day, but the lounge itself is accessible 24/7 if you wanted to just go sit and relax. The view from the lounge is also amazing .

Thank you so much for your opinion. The Poly is my favorite resort too so I think we still keep the CL at the Poly when it comes to booking the room.

 

[alex9179]

The Poly is my favorite resort too so I think we still keep the CL at the Poly when it comes to booking the room.

You won't hate it
We enjoyed our stay and would book it again if the price and timing lined up. We seem to be on a mission to try all of the resorts that our family will fit, before revisiting any.

 

[drwadadli]

You won't hate it
We enjoyed our stay and would book it again if the price and timing lined up. We seem to be on a mission to try all of the resorts that our family will fit, before revisiting any.

LOL.....off subject.....we started that too but we found favorites that we go back to before trying a new one.

I know Disney lists 33 individual resorts (like Poly and then Poly Villas or GF and then GF Villas). Grouping them together, there are 18 resort (I think) and we have stayed at 6 of them though we don't plan go back and hitting all the All-Star individually.

 

[White Rose]

Anyone have any opinion of CL at the Poly? I haven't seen anyone post about that resort.

We were upgraded to club level in 2008, so quite awhile ago. Things have changed since then. The lounge was wonderful and the staff was lovely. The exclusivity of the Hawaii building and the great views from the club are wonderful! Running down to the club and back was awesome for nighttime snacks.

Our following experience was not the norm...we were celebrating our 5th anniversary and on the all inclusive plan which is not offered anymore. (Platinum plan) I think that influenced the following:

We got daily gifts in our room: signed cards from Minnie and Mickey, chocolate covered strawberries, cookies and milk, 2 gift baskets with Hawaiian themed gifts, a bottle of wine...but we had the best concierge person (Jeff Todd) as our “assigned” person. We were on the platinum plan which included itinerary planning for the whole trip. We had third floor rooms, facing MK, so the best fireworks viewing rooms with nothing blocking our view. It was wonderful.

Worth it? Well our plan included food and the planner so, no, it would not have been financially worth it if we paid for it.

If we did not have the “All you can gorge plan” ( think deluxe dining plus all meals are one credit even Victoria and Alberts as well as room service was included as one credit) it might have been “worth it”.

But for the experience of getting it for no cost? Oh heck yea, worth it!

 

[QueenElinor]

We just got back from BWI and I think it definitely was worth it to us- first of all it was the only way to get the Deluxe room, and I wanted the space since there were basically 5 adults in the room- the "kids" have gotten big and they eat a lot. They also can drink alcohol. In one day around the pool we probably drank $100 in beer and hard cider, all of which originated in the lounge though they might have had a stopover in our room fridge.

My biggest regret was too many ADRs. There was just no need. I know that BWI probably has among the best food offerings so this may not be true of every CL lounge, but it was certainly true for us. We had one ADR a day, mostly for lunch. Honestly, the family would have been happy with the lunch sandwiches & snacks at the lounge (which are not as awesome as the dinner offerings), and it takes less time as well. A lot less time. We also like trying new snacks in the parks, and you can only eat so much.

And finally, we got the club level FP, which turned out to be a really great choice for us. At least right now, you have to be Club Level to get those. CLFP and ADRs also don't get along- you can only do so much as- well as only eat so much!

 

[catnik]

We just returned from a week at Poly CL, room 1502 (lagoon view, patio). We booked it on a bounce back rate from a stay last November. I am prejudiced as Poly is my favorite resort. I love waking up to the view of Bay Lake and Hawaiian background music. We are not huge eaters so the hot/cold breakfast offerings, snacks at lunch and appetizers in the late afternoon totally met our needs. This trip was more for experiencing signature meals, shows and specialty events vs rope drop and rides. We spent most days at the resort so used the lounge and its offerings extensively. We have stayed CL at Beach Club and loved it, Wilderness Lodge and liked it and AKL, which we found lacking. I think how much you enjoy the ambience of a resort strongly influences how one feels about its CL. The extra $ spent is for the quality, not cost value, of the resort experience. From our most recent experience: water view 1st floor rooms after 1503 are charged as theme park views but in reality the views are the bungalows, not MK/the castle. 3rd floor rooms are high enough to have true theme park views over the bungalows. My husband appreciated the variety of craft beers during the day and cordials at night. I appreciated my daily fix of diet sodas, expresso and filtered water. My daughter happily collected all the individual bottles of shampoo, lotion, mouthwash, etc each day and has enough stashed to relive her Poly experience for the foreseeable future LOL. We can not afford to stay CL every visit, but when we do we schedule much more down time at the resort to take full advantage of the experience. drwadalli, have a great time!

 

[mickeynut1]

Thank you so much for your opinion. The Poly is my favorite resort too so I think we still keep the CL at the Poly when it comes to booking the room.

You're welcome! I think you'll have a great time and really enjoy Poly CL. Have fun planning .

I think how much you enjoy the ambience of a resort strongly influences how one feels about its CL. The extra $ spent is for the quality, not cost value, of the resort experience.

I agree

 

[SillySallySews]

For us it is financially worth it. We use a military discount and the difference between club level and non-club level is usually about $100 a night. We eat breakfast in the lounge instead of spending $60-$75 on quick service breakfast. If my husband and I each have two alcoholic beverages at some point during the day, financially the difference has been paid or close to it. It’s way more convenient to grab a drink in the lounge then run all the way down to a mug refill station. We don’t use the concierge to book anything for us, although I guess having the option is nice. The option to purchase the club level fast passes is nice too. The worst part about staying on club level is once you do it, it’s hard to go back to a non-club level room.

 

[KrazeeK120]

We were pixie dusted an upgrade at BWI back in 2014 from a standard room to a garden cottage. We really enjoyed the lounge, but didn’t get a ton of use out of it because we hadn’t planned for it.

Fast forward to 2017. This time we were traveling with an 18 month old. We stayed CL at WL (which seems to barely ever get mentioned). It was nice to have the convenience of the lounge with a toddler. We ate breakfast and dinner there most nights and also enjoyed the desserts. We really enjoyed the food there and our room had a view of the MK fireworks (although not all CL rooms have this view). I have nothing bad to say about our stay there.

I’m hoping we can do BC CL next summer. We’ll see if we can swing it financially.

 

[Ruth B]

We loved our Akl club stay. With 4 of us in the room it was nice to have a extra space to hangout in and wait for others to be ready. We thought the food was good and could off eaten breakfast and dinner there each day. The price difference was around $60 per night.

This summer we are doing 2 nights club at poly and YC and cant wait

 

[toodycat]

I’ve stayed CL several tiimes at the GF and once at AKL. The first time we stayed at Sugarloaf CL at the GF was a very long time ago—-2001. Then, I would have said it was a bargain! They gave you so much food, beverages and so many snacks that you did not need to pay for breakfast and lunch. We would bring our son back to the GF at lunchtime for a snack, nap and swim. There were always cookies and a smiling CM ready to kid around with him, The service was incredible. The CMs did things like fill up our water bottles for us. They also helped with dining reservations and transportation to the airport. Keep in mind that all of this was pre-DME and pre-online Disney dining and before online boarding passes. Having a CL CM to handle all that for you was invaluable. Over the years, I would say that it has really decreased in value. If you are a continental breakfast kind of person, the muffiins, fruit and yogurt available at CL will be fine for you. We like to eat a big breakfast but a smaller lunch, so CL breakfast offerings don’t do it for us. A lot of the afternoon offerings seem to be selected with an eye for economy in terms of both ingredients and size, with a few exceptions like the duck confit and the lamb, but keep in mind that you are literally getting bites of food. The wow factor is not what it was. Our last GF RPC stay was in 2012. The concierge was very helpful with my elderly parents who slept through the breakfast offerings. He comped their breakfast at the GF Cafe. In 2010, we stayed at AKL CL for the opportunity to do the now defunct Sunrise Safari. That was the only morning we ate the rather “meh” breakfast offerings in the club lounge. The CMs there were completely indifferent to our experience and the one time we requested assistance, the guy in charge seemed annoyed. Also, the lounge is on a different floor than your room, so not really convenient. Prices have also escalated considerably since my first CL stay ($375/night at the GF) and my son is a grown-up who doesn’t need a midday snack and nap, so it’s no longer worth it to me. Nowadays, we are much more inclined to spend our money on a two-bedroom villa, make our own hot breakfast and come home to the type of snacks that we choose ourselves.

 

[Babsy]

Whether or not CL is worth it depends upon how much extra you actually pay, how many people are in your room and what you are looking for as a result of staying CL. We have stayed in them all at one time or another. I guess that I am not good at getting deals like most people here. We often pay about $200 extra per night for CL. The AKL does seem to have the smallest increase for CL. I'm looking forward to trying CL at CSR when we go back to WDW in Dec.

We stay CL often, mostly for the extra space in the lounge and for the ease of grabbing a continental breakfast in the morning. The amount of food and type of food offered as hors d'oeuvres in the evening (usually between 5 and 7) varies from one resort to the next. We have also found significant changes from one year to the next.

For example: there first time that we stayed in CL at the YC and then the BC we were served Maine lobster, shrimp and scallops that were fresh and delicious. Fast forward two years later and we were served some kind of 'mystery meats" and small fried items. Not foods that I was interested in eating. Add a few cold crudités that were OK at best and that was pretty much all there was. Disappointing.

Now the offerings seem to have improved again, but not to the "WOW" level of some years ago. We find that we use CL as a convenience but not usually as a meal replacement, except at breakfast. You can make a meal there, and some CL's have more substantial items than others, but we find it is much nicer to not count on the CL lounge for meals. Not only due to the limited food selection, but also because it isn't always convenient to be back at the lounge at the time when these foods are offered. Also, we enjoy dining at many restaurants on property and don't want to feel tied to the lounge.

FWIW, JMHO: Forget lunch in the lounge. Candy, potato chips and cookies are the most common snacks served lunch time and are 'food like substances' IMO, with no real nutrition. Certainly NOT a meal for us. YMMV.

Beyond the lounge, the rooms there are exactly the same as the rooms that you get outside CL. They do put robes and cheap slippers in the room for you to use. Personally, I bring my own. They do a turn down service that includes a chocolate on your pillow. We enjoy the chocolates, but I wish that they would leave my bed and drapes alone. I have tried to decline the turn down, but it seems to happen anyway unless we are in the room when they come around.

The other small reason to book CL is to get a room in that area of the resort. It is usually in a nice location, although not necessarily the 'best' location. If you have a group of people with more than one room, booking CL will offer at least some degree of proximity. Plus you will have the lounge in which to gather.

The CL Cms will book things for you, but have no access any better than you do yourself. I prefer to book myself. They are very willing and, for the most part, try hard to make your stay as special as possible. They will also book CL FP+ at 90 days out from your departure date, for a fee, of course. It is a nice perk if you are willing to pay (significantly) extra for the advance booking, fewer restrictions, and much greater opportunity to get a FP+ for the headliner attractions. ($50.00 pp/per day for a minimum of three days when we did this. With 4 people in the room that is $600 minimum total, for something that is generally 'free').

Sometimes CL is 'worth it' to us, sometimes it is not. They all have their unique advantages. RPC in the GF is in the main building. SL in GF is in a conveniently located outer building, AKL CL carries a smaller upcharge and has delicious food, IMO. The CR has all rooms on the same floor and very close, has a great view of MK fireworks and is 'open' all the time. The BWI has some of the friendliest CMs that we have had the pleasure to encounter. The Poly has a huge window with a spectacular view across Seven Seas lagoon to the Castle, as well as a centrally and conveniently located outer building.

Have a wonderful trip, whether you choose to go with CL or not!!!

 

[k5thbeatle]

Thanks to ALL for the great replies and opinions. I appreciate it!

 

[vinotinto]

I think @Babsy provides a very good assessment of CL.

We just returned from our first CL and I think "value" is determined by how many times you will use the offerings in the lounge. Will you be at the lounge enough times during the day and will you be happy with what is available? With the exception of some of the fancy suites, the room sizes and views are similar to the ones that can be booked without CL access. And while DSS can act as a concierge and book things for you, they have access to the same inventory that you can see online and can book yourself, so I also do not see any "value" in that.

So, back to the idea of "value," here are some thoughts to help you determine if you will get "value" from a CL stay:
- The breakfast is usually "continental," which includes breads, pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, a rotation of cheeses, cured meats, hot oatmeal, hard-boiled (cold) eggs, sometimes a breakfast casserole of some sort, and a hot "special" dish for Sunday brunch, along with a nice cappuccino machine. It *can* be a substantial breakfast for some, but if you prefer a heartier breakfast on vacation such as omelettes, bacon, sausage, and mickey waffles, then you should factor that you may not use the lounge every morning or most mornings.

- Mid-day are usually snacks, including candies, make your own trail mix with different types of nuts, fresh veggies with dips, and cold appetizers, such as smoked salmon with cucumber, ham sandwiches, PB&J sandwiches, etc. We did have snacks in the lounge on some days, but did get a proper lunch in the parks every day.

- Fridge with sodas, juice and beers is available pretty much all day and it's self-serve. My kids, drank like 5 Cokes every day each, so I probably would have needed to get them a mug each, so that was like $20 in savings per kid right there. However, do you need a particular soda flavor or like a particular beer? For example, my DH likes IPAs and our CL stay did not have an IPA. I think he had a Sams Adams or something along those lines that was good, but not what he would have preferred. I like Coke Zero and Coke Zero Vanilla, but they had regular Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite. So, factor in whether you would use the fridge beverages or not.

- Appetizers from 5-7 are what are considered "heavy appetizers" and there is also a variety of wines available (at least a red, a white, a sparkling and a rose). You could make a meal out of the apps. There's usually a couple of hot offerings per day and some small cold apps along with charcuterie, cheeses, veggies, dip, etc. My main complaint is that the lounge we were in (BWI) did not have enough seating for everyone. I've seen this complaint about other lounges as well when things get busy. The first night, after awkwardly standing around my DD and I got a 2-top, but we were unable to get a larger table for the rest of our family. Some take their food back to their room. There's also a variety of wines available, but do you prefer a mixed cocktail? A particular varietal of wine? If you are good with taking advantage of the daily 5-7 appetizer and wine/beer offerings, then it could work very well in terms of value. But, it's not a restaurant, you are not guaranteed a table, you don't get to choose from a menu. So factor in whether you would utilize this apps offering instead of a proper dinner, and whether you would be at the lounge at that time, or at the parks.

- There's also desserts. We usually were trying to catch the fireworks properly somewhere so didn't get to enjoy this.

- Convenience - Last but not least, there is the convenience of having these offerings and beverages available near your room without spending time in a line somewhere. Consider whether this would be more convenient than having snacks and beverages delivered to your room?

Here is a thread with a ton if info and pics. I found it very valuable to see the types of offerings at each CL.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/disneys-club-level-cl-information-and-questions.3414590/
Whatever your choice, you'll be at Disney! Enjoy!

 

[MissionMouse]

Stayed club at many resorts over the years. Generally, the rooms are the same. Often the majority of the room are on a floor or building where you must activate security locks to gain access. Food and beverage offerings have eroded over the last decade. If you plan on a lot of resort/pool time, club becomes of value. Especially, if you have toddlers who need a midday nap. Lounge offers an extension to your room. Kids area in the lounge offers a level of fun for the kids and of course so do the food an beverage offerings. If you get a discount rate ...it's the only way we would do it. Without a great discount you can get a view room...take the savings from not taking club and make a lot of magic on your own.

 

[Nancyg56]

Right no one is questioning spending the extra money, at least for me personally Im wondering where the "luxury" is in it?

I htink if you compare teh 'luxury" of a WDW CL stay to a CL stay anywhere else, you would shake your head. There really is no comparison, and there really is no "normal" luxury. What a WDW CL stay gives you is room and choices. My family loves CL stays but we cannot justify the cost every time. If we plan an on the go go go trip, I would not consider adding cost of the CL stay, however we generally do not enjoy that kind of trip. We liek a relaxing vacation and we use teh resort as part of that stay, so adding CL to the mix also adds an extra level of amenities in regards to space and a bit of pampering and personalized treatment. The staff gets to know you quickly, and will often have your beverage of choice in a flash once they spot you. It is nice to have a spot to gather after the day and enjoy a sweet treat, a after dinner cordial or wine, or coffee, sitting at a real table and chairs, and not using the bed as part of the living space. Things like this. My DH thinks like you, it is a waste of money, and he can have his cupcake as easy in the room watching TV. LOL!

Now luxury and WDW in the same sentence makes me laugh a bit. I will not pay upcharges for parade or fireworks viewing but knwo a lot of people do and do not blink. I cringe. I do not look at any of the uncharges, from location, resort or resort level or special viewing options in WDW as luxury. I see them as personal ways to make a very hectic and crowded vacation destination a bit less stressful.

 

[lmantry]

I have enjoyed reading all the responses and opinions. I had the same questions as the original poster. I was looking (haven't stopped looking yet) at doing a CL in fall of 2020 for my birthday trip and likely at Poly.

Anyone have any opinion of CL at the Poly? I haven't seen anyone post about that resort.

We are a family of 2 adults and typically "on-the-go" couple at WDW but as we have gotten older we might even come back to the room to rest a bit before heading back out for the evening and late nights at DS. So, all the responses and opinions have been very helpful.

It was mentioned several times that they sometimes offer discounts on CL rooms. When are they discounts usually posted?

Just FYI - we booked our September 2020 trip about a week ago. I wanted the Polynesian Club Level and those were already sold out. So, we went with Contemporary CL.

 

[focusondisney]

Just FYI - we booked our September 2020 trip about a week ago. I wanted the Polynesian Club Level and those were already sold out. So, we went with Contemporary CL.

Hmm, weird. Poly club level shows absolutely no availability except a 1 bedroom suite after September 8, 2020. No matter what check in dates or length of stay.... is it possible they are getting a rehab? Nothing the rest of September or any of October.. not 1 room. I know Disney is busy, but every club level room booked for 2 solid months well over a year in advance? Something has to be up.

 

[AngiTN]

Nah, probably just not loaded in the system yet. There are always odd quirks, especially when you are looking at things a year out

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

Not worth it for us. We did it once at Yacht Club and simply didn’t “use” it enough. We were usually at the parks during the food times so didn’t get to take advantage of that. With respect to alcohol, it is a hike from the club level lounge at Yacht Club to the pool and I wasn’t going to run back and forth for drinks so just purchased them from the pool lounge. We won’t do it again