Is it worth paying for club level?

[Azza1987]

Hi guys!

Can anyone let me know if it's worth paying for club level at BC/YC? Just looking at prices for this year with the room discounts and it's not as bad as I thought it would be! The room discounts might be better then utilising the free DDP!

What do you get with club level? Ta! X

 

[ChipnDaleRule]

I suppose it depends on how much you think you will spend on food in the parks.if you think you will eat mainly at the resort then it can pay. We've looked at CL too but for two weeks + on buffet food and generally similar each day I think we would struggle, but we really do enjoy planning our TS restaurants.

 

[ChipnDaleRule]

Just to add its worth popping over to the Beach & Yacht Club thread on the resort board,they have good info on Club Level.

 

[Elise79]

Club level snack offerings for us can only really replace breakfast.

You get cereals, pastries bagels etc for breakfast.

During the day there are snacks out such as goldfish crackers, crisps, gummy bears etc

Early evening they put out some hot appetisers and beer.

Late evening it is desserts and "cordials" or liqueurs to us!

All day there are soft drinks and coffee & tea.

Personally, yes for a short stay not sure I would spend the extra for 2 weeks. One of my best trips of CL 14th floor at the CR however it was only 3 nights- Amazing view and staff. Also got to see Marty Sklar over breakfast

 

[Azza1987]

Thanks guys!

Sounds like it would be fine for breakfast for us but we'd need a TS evening meal.

We did free DDP last year & I think we got good value as we stayed as SSR so got a room discount as well but there was too much fussing around booking TS restaurants to use all the credits! So it might be nice to get a better hotel & save on the room and just eat as & when and only book a few main TS meals that we want to do like Cali Grill & BOG! Then just chill out the rest of the time!

At least with CL they book all your reservations don't they?! Less stress on the 180 day mark!

 

[penlanspice]

We've done CL at the Grand Floridian, Contemporary and Animal Kingdom, in my honest opinion I don't feel it's worth the money (we did GF and CR for our wedding stay) I know people love it but really what are you getting for your money?? I wouldn't do it again unless it was a mega good deal.
You can definitely make use of the breakfast offerings which would see us through until an early evening meal. During the evening they usually have a small selection of appetizers but definitely not enough to make a meal, you can usually get free drinks all day and beer in the evening.

 

[DLPDreams]

I obviously haven't done CL at WDW as haven't been yet! But I've done CL at other hotels around the world, prior to having our children (I wouldn't pay for CL now we have the kids as we just don't spend long enough in a room/resort to warrant it). I think the thing is, like others have said, unless you intend spending a lot of time in your hotel/resort, and can make full use of the drinks/snacks etc that come with the package then really is it worth it?

In addition, when we've gone CL it's normally partially because we've had a better room view e.g when we've stayed in Singapore we had a superb, top floor room with view right over the river, in the maldives we had a water bungalow right out on sticks etc which came with CL package. I think as you can book a 'view' room at WDW without having CL then really, I would prefer that of the two if I were spending the money. Seeing the fireworks from your room (and a good view, not just a side view etc), must be lovely.

I guess this is where Paris differs - you can't 'buy' a good Park view without going CL in the DLH in Paris. The two go hand in hand.

Good luck with the decision.

 

[penlanspice]

I obviously haven't done CL at WDW as haven't been yet! But I've done CL at other hotels around the world, prior to having our children (I wouldn't pay for CL now we have the kids as we just don't spend long enough in a room/resort to warrant it). I think the thing is, like others have said, unless you intend spending a lot of time in your hotel/resort, and can make full use of the drinks/snacks etc that come with the package then really is it worth it?

In addition, when we've gone CL it's normally partially because we've had a better room view e.g when we've stayed in Singapore we had a superb, top floor room with view right over the river, in the maldives we had a water bungalow right out on sticks etc which came with CL package. I think as you can book a 'view' room at WDW without having CL then really, I would prefer that of the two if I were spending the money. Seeing the fireworks from your room (and a good view, not just a side view etc), must be lovely.

I guess this is where Paris differs - you can't 'buy' a good Park view without going CL in the DLH in Paris. The two go hand in hand.

Good luck with the decision.

We've also stayed CL in hotels all over the world, as you say it usually comes with a better view/room and in our experience the price hasn't been a huge difference, unlike Disney. Everywhere we've stayed CL we have always had an open bar for a number of hours during the evening, we usually have our monies worth out of that alone.

Looking forward to our first hotel Friday night in Ho chi minh - Concierge.

 

[NatalieMT]

I got upgraded to CL for free at BC in 2008 I think it was, for 10 days - the room was lovely, such a nice balcony looking right over Stormalong Bay. We thought the food offerings were really good, I'd agree with those who said it only really replaces breakfast and maybe like an appetizer in the evening. We weren't on the dining plan that trip so I suppose going from expecting to pay out of pocket for meals we did save some. But then I didn't pay the $$$$ for CL in the first place!

I suppose it depends what you want from your trip. If I could afford CL every time then I would. We've stayed at the BC since but just standard view. Last time 2012 we got a lovely ground floor room with views of Illuminations without paying over the odds plus we got free dining which was fantastic. I'm someone who likes to do TS every night at Disney!

 

[DLPDreams]

We've also stayed CL in hotels all over the world, as you say it usually comes with a better view/room and in our experience the price hasn't been a huge difference, unlike Disney. Everywhere we've stayed CL we have always had an open bar for a number of hours during the evening, we usually have our monies worth out of that alone.

Looking forward to our first hotel Friday night in Ho chi minh - Concierge.

Agreed .

Wow, that sounds a holiday and a half. I have done a bit of the Far East (my favourite place to visit in the world) but Vietnam is somewhere I am yet to go (the kids came along and scuppered our faraway travel plans - only joking, well partially). DH has mentioned that a job may be available in Malaysia for a couple of years in the next year or so (I have said when do I need to book the flights ). Bit far for WDW but great for HKDL .

Hope you have a fabulous holiday - I'm sure you will .

 

[penlanspice]

Agreed .

Wow, that sounds a holiday and a half. I have done a bit of the Far East (my favourite place to visit in the world) but Vietnam is somewhere I am yet to go (the kids came along and scuppered our faraway travel plans - only joking, well partially). DH has mentioned that a job may be available in Malaysia for a couple of years in the next year or so (I have said when do I need to book the flights ). Bit far for WDW but great for HKDL .

Hope you have a fabulous holiday - I'm sure you will .

No kids for us we love our holidays too much.
Two more days of work and off for a month, we've spent a few months twice travelling around Thailand and we've also been to Singapore 13 months ago, so Asia is our third fav place after Orlando and vegas.. lol a little cheaper tho. We've seriously considered moving over there ourselves.

 

[DLPDreams]

No kids for us we love our holidays too much.
Two more days of work and off for a month, we've spent a few months twice travelling around Thailand and we've also been to Singapore 13 months ago, so Asia is our third fav place after Orlando and vegas.. lol a little cheaper tho. We've seriously considered moving over there ourselves.

Yeah, holidays are never quite the same! But don't get me wrong I wouldn't be without my lovely girls . We did manage a lovely Red Sea holiday last year for DH's 40th .

Azza - getting back on topic . I saw you have booked and have upgraged to CL - good for you. Hope DH is OK about it all .

Serious question - how is a week trip when almost a full day of it will be spent travelling? Have you done it before? We've done New York before and went for 5 nights, so I suppose it's similar really...?

Sounds like Epcot F&W will be amazing and then you always have next year to go back for longer .

 

[Azza1987]

Yeah, holidays are never quite the same! But don't get me wrong I wouldn't be without my lovely girls . We did manage a lovely Red Sea holiday last year for DH's 40th . Azza - getting back on topic . I saw you have booked and have upgraged to CL - good for you. Hope DH is OK about it all . Serious question - how is a week trip when almost a full day of it will be spent travelling? Have you done it before? We've done New York before and went for 5 nights, so I suppose it's similar really...? Sounds like Epcot F&W will be amazing and then you always have next year to go back for longer .

Well to be honest I wanted Beach Club if it's just me and OH this year and all they had left was CL so they made my choice for me This is a one off treat

Next year when there's a group of us we'll be back to OKW/SSR with free DDP!

When we went in May we did 8 nights & that was fine for us but we'd done 4 nights in NYC prior to Disney so the travel was fine. Recently we went all the way to Vegas for 4 nights! 22 hours travelling door to door each way! Yuck! But travelling doesn't bother us I'm hoping we can extend our 7 nights to 9 nights as it makes no difference in flight prices really (about £20) & obviously 2 extra nights at BC but I might look into a split stay and move to the Poly for our last two nights if I can get it! I just need to confirm some extra leave off work first.

This time we want to explore Disney a bit more, enjoy the pool, relax & enjoy good food! They'll still be a space mountain race though

 

[penlanspice]

Yeah, holidays are never quite the same! But don't get me wrong I wouldn't be without my lovely girls . We did manage a lovely Red Sea holiday last year for DH's 40th .

Azza - getting back on topic . I saw you have booked and have upgraged to CL - good for you. Hope DH is OK about it all .

Serious question - how is a week trip when almost a full day of it will be spent travelling? Have you done it before? We've done New York before and went for 5 nights, so I suppose it's similar really...?

Sounds like Epcot F&W will be amazing and then you always have next year to go back for longer .

Once we went for a week once as we booked a last minute trip after a rubbish week at work, (yes we are impulsive). It was one of the best trips we ever had and probably did more in one week than we have on any other holiday, we really made the most off it.

 

[DLPDreams]

Well to be honest I wanted Beach Club if it's just me and OH this year and all they had left was CL so they made my choice for me This is a one off treat

Next year when there's a group of us we'll be back to OKW/SSR with free DDP!

When we went in May we did 8 nights & that was fine for us but we'd done 4 nights in NYC prior to Disney so the travel was fine. Recently we went all the way to Vegas for 4 nights! 22 hours travelling door to door each way! Yuck! But travelling doesn't bother us I'm hoping we can extend our 7 nights to 9 nights as it makes no difference in flight prices really (about £20) & obviously 2 extra nights at BC but I might look into a split stay and move to the Poly for our last two nights if I can get it! I just need to confirm some extra leave off work first.

This time we want to explore Disney a bit more, enjoy the pool, relax & enjoy good food! They'll still be a space mountain race though

Cool - sounds great to me .

Actually we've done a few longer haul short breaks (pre kids) and as adults I think you get on with the travel knowing you are getting a great time at the end of it (I actually used to like flying from LHR as I just used to love people watching in the airport before the flight!).

But with Disney I'd be worried I couldn't do as much as I would like. Even when I go to DLRP I worry I can't get to do everything I would like to in that few days .

I LOVE the look of the Poly but I have been outvoted on it sadly. If we do, do deluxe hotel it will be a few nights at the Contemporary for the walk to MK and monorail I think. However, it is looking increasingly like we will go for OKW due to the size of the accom. It looks really nice - very pretty, I just worry about the buses taking a long time/waiting times etc.

 

[Azza1987]

Cool - sounds great to me . Actually we've done a few longer haul short breaks (pre kids) and as adults I think you get on with the travel knowing you are getting a great time at the end of it (I actually used to like flying from LHR as I just used to love people watching in the airport before the flight!). But with Disney I'd be worried I couldn't do as much as I would like. Even when I go to DLRP I worry I can't get to do everything I would like to in that few days . I LOVE the look of the Poly but I have been outvoted on it sadly. If we do, do deluxe hotel it will be a few nights at the Contemporary for the walk to MK and monorail I think. However, it is looking increasingly like we will go for OKW due to the size of the accom. It looks really nice - very pretty, I just worry about the buses taking a long time/waiting times etc.

I was worried about bus travel before going to SSR & honestly it was brilliant! We never waited more then 10 minutes for a bus apart from one evening when we waited 20 mins for the MK bus but it was EMH night!

It was really quick to Epcot/HS about 10-15 mins, about 15-20 mins to MK! Perfect I know your looking at OKW but they aren't too far away from each other SSR/OKW.

The poly looks lovely, it's just so expensive! Have you considered booking WL? I think that's the cheapest of the ones closet to MK and although you can't walk to MK you can get a lovely boat ride x

 

[DLPDreams]

I was worried about bus travel before going to SSR & honestly it was brilliant! We never waited more then 10 minutes for a bus apart from one evening when we waited 20 mins for the MK bus but it was EMH night!

It was really quick to Epcot/HS about 10-15 mins, about 15-20 mins to MK! Perfect I know your looking at OKW but they aren't too far away from each other SSR/OKW.

The poly looks lovely, it's just so expensive! Have you considered booking WL? I think that's the cheapest of the ones closet to MK and although you can't walk to MK you can get a lovely boat ride x

Yeah - I have read conflicting things about the buses. I think a lot of it depends on when you go. At busy times they seem to have the buses running well, at quieter times it can seem to be hit and miss as perhaps services aren't as frequent. But no matter where you go, you are going to have to travel aren't you . Thanks for the info though - it puts my mind at rest a little more.

I'm not keen on the look of WL at all and have read reports it's long overdue a refurb (someone said it is due this year). I am getting my head around CR and OKW but then someone has told me there may be an issue with free DDP and split stays....

Will you do a TR after your trip in October - I'd love to read it .

 

[Azza1987]

Yeah - I have read conflicting things about the buses. I think a lot of it depends on when you go. At busy times they seem to have the buses running well, at quieter times it can seem to be hit and miss as perhaps services aren't as frequent. But no matter where you go, you are going to have to travel aren't you . Thanks for the info though - it puts my mind at rest a little more. I'm not keen on the look of WL at all and have read reports it's long overdue a refurb (someone said it is due this year). I am getting my head around CR and OKW but then someone has told me there may be an issue with free DDP and split stays.... Will you do a TR after your trip in October - I'd love to read it .

I'll try! I did one after our May holiday but didn't start it until August then I seem to have missed the last few days, whoops!

I'm not to keen on the theming of WL either but I can see its appeal being rustic & woodland like, it also does seem reasonably priced given its close proximity to MK! The CR looks lovely, all clean lines & modern definitely up there with somewhere id like to stay! Especially a room with a view of the castle, that would be pretty fab.

I'm sure you'll be 100% fine at OKW, we are definitely booking there for next year (if I get away with 3 consecutive years ). I loved SSR but the theming was just very 'normal' which is what we wanted but OKW seems to have a lot more going for it from what I've read.

Have you considered any of the boardwalk villas? BC villas or boardwalk villas? They are close to Epcot, a quick walk through and onto the monorail straight to MK! Thats what were planning on doing, and get the boat to HS!

Now I've got it booked all I'm waiting for is the park times to be released so I can figured out our ADRs, not that I'll have to book them, thank you CL! This is a complete one of treat, so I'm excited to relax about it all. I've never used CL anywhere before so hopefully it'll mean a bit more time chilling!