Resort Club vs Cruise Concierge

[Ivylie1234]

Hello, I'm considering a pre/post trip to WDW around my cruise next August. What are the perks associated with Club level rooms at the WDW resort? I have stayed on property before but never Club level. I imagine it's very different from cruise Concierge. Thanks for any direction!!!

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Hello, I'm considering a pre/post trip to WDW around my cruise next August. What are the perks associated with Club level rooms at the WDW resort? I have stayed on property before but never Club level. I imagine it's very different from cruise Concierge. Thanks for any direction!!!

I haven't done concierge on DCL so I can't tell you differences but concierge at the Polynesian was all about food, alcohol, location and exclusivity. We had a very nice room close to the pools and beach, had a separate building that only concierge could enter. They also served a very nice breakfast, had non alcoholic beverages available all day. Then came happy hour!!!! Lots of appetizers and alcohol flowed for several hours, closed that down for about an hour, then reopened for dessert with lots of great sweets and more alcohol. There were always at least 2 CM's in the lobby to take care of dining reservations and other things but we never used them for any of that. I think the biggest advantage of it was alcohol if you're into that kind of thing. We were upgraded to concierge after a series of unfortunate mishaps the day we checked in. It was nice but we probably won't ever do it again.

 

[Pens Fan]

We have stayed at the Yacht Club in the club level rooms many times. Our experience has been pretty identical to what was noted above. Instead of a separate building, you have a dedicated floor that can only be accessed by a club level KTTW card. We also always use Magic Express and every time there has been someone to greet us when we stepped of the bus and they whisked us up to the concierge floor to check in. It's is a nice perk, especially if there are a large number of families getting off the bus and checking in at the same time.

For us, we enjoy it because of it's so quick and easy to just step down the hall and grab breakfast before heading to the parks. We also make great use of the appetizers in the evening. We always make late dinner reservations - 8 or 9 pm, preferring to tour the parks and ride the rides during the normal dinner rush times, so grabbing a few snacks around 5 or so is a nice way to fuel up the teenager until dinner time. We don't make too much use of the alcohol as we are usually heading back to the parks, but love the option of grabbing pop, etc. throughout the day.

I will add, though, that we only go to WDW when we get a discount on the room rate. The rack rates have gotten ridiculous, and I simply can't justify the cost.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

We are DVC Members and after several mishaps, the last which we were told we didn't have a room at the Grand Floridian when we were checking in (yes, I had a reservation), we were put in Club Level at WL. No separate building, but a dedicated floor accessed by club level access card. There were usually 1 or 2 CM outside sitting at desks that will help you with reservations or whatever you may need assistance with. The lounge could only be opened with your access card. It's pretty much the same as what other posters said....refreshments, snacks, alcohol (usually wine) and breakfast. All and all I was a little bit underwhelmed. Thought is would be better. I would not pay all that extra money to stay Club Level after what I experienced (this was April 2015). We will be going on our first Disney cruise and traveling concierge but it's probably a once in a lifetime trip for us. Choose concierge because of several big milestones for our family.

 

[endotoothdoc]

We have stayed Concierge in both the Fantasy (Cat R) and Club Level at the Grand Floridian. Our experience has been that the Concierge on DCL is superior in that they get the opportunity to get to know both you and your family's likes and needs over the course of the week that you are on the ship and better anticipate your requests. When we go to Disney World, we end up spending the majority of our time in the parks and come back to the Grand Floridian for a little rest and relaxation. There is little to no interaction with the Club Concierge hosts due to our children wanting to come and go and not sit still for too long. On the Cruise (Fantasy), we spend quite a bit of time on the boat, thus the Concierge team will go the extra mile to accommodate you and your family. I have enjoyed the friendships that our family has developed with various concierge hosts and appreciate all of their hard work and efforts to make guests comfortable. You will enjoy both experiences (Concierge/DCL and Club/Hotel); however in my opinion, the DCL Concierge service is more bang for your buck.

 

[timrousbeastie]

Hello, I'm considering a pre/post trip to WDW around my cruise next August. What are the perks associated with Club level rooms at the WDW resort? I have stayed on property before but never Club level. I imagine it's very different from cruise Concierge. Thanks for any direction!!!

We're staying club level at the Boardwalk Inn after our upcoming cruise. It's our first time in club level, but it's become extremely difficult to get a villa at the Boardwalk or Beach Club, which are by far our favorite resorts for longer stays, unless you're a DVC member. I decided to pay for club level just to be able to have the extra freedom to get up and have breakfast when we want. Between the need for dining reservations, show times, and fastpasses, our last few trips to WDW have become so much about being on time for everything that it has taken quite a bit of the spontaneity and fun out of them. I hope club level will give a little extra room to breathe in the morning. I don't expect much from the service, however, and wouldn't have paid the difference if it hadn't been for a good discount. DCL concierge provides far more tangible benefits for our family and it was an easier decision.

 

[jmpurdy]

We were just upgraded (shocked!) to concierge at Boardwalk 3 weeks ago. It was great! They met us outside and escorted us to the club level floor. We were treated so well. We were only there 3 nights and got fast passes arranged for us no problem. As stated above, pretty good appetizers (not knock your socks off, but good), good breakfast choices, and a very nice happy hour. I could get a glass of wine any time I wanted during the day, just had to ask. Closed at 10:00 PM. Did not like seeing people take many items back to their room. Just not necessary as you can come in anytime during open times to get what you want by asking. Our room was lakefront with a balcony. I would never pay the rack rate either, but being surprised with this upgrade was just so lovely.

 

[chimo2u]

We're staying club level at the boardwalk inn after our Oct 31 fantasy cruise which we are sailing concierge , so I'll be able to compare when I'm done -- however I am a 100% club level girl and I love wdw CL, and only stay CL on my Disney trips. I've stayed AKL CL, BEACH CLUB CL, Polynesian CL -- love them all

 

[timrousbeastie]

We're staying club level at the boardwalk inn after our Oct 31 fantasy cruise which we are sailing concierge , so I'll be able to compare when I'm done -- however I am a 100% club level girl and I love wdw CL, and only stay CL on my Disney trips. I've stayed AKL CL, BEACH CLUB CL, Polynesian CL -- love them all

That's a fun coincidence: we're doing exactly the same just two weeks after you. I'd love to hear what you think after your stay. Glad to hear you're so positive about CL. I haven't done a lot of searching, but the few youtube videos, I found about concierge at the Boardwalk, were not all that positive. The Boardwalk itself is so amazingly nice, though. We stayed at the GF villas before and after our cruise last year, but the Boardwalk is still our favorite resort, closely followed by the Beach Club.

 

[chimo2u]

That's a fun coincidence: we're doing exactly the same just two weeks after you. I'd love to hear what you think after your stay. Glad to hear you're so positive about CL. I haven't done a lot of searching, but the few youtube videos, I found about concierge at the Boardwalk, were not all that positive. The Boardwalk itself is so amazingly nice, though. We stayed at the GF villas before and after our cruise last year, but the Boardwalk is still our favorite resort, closely followed by the Beach Club.

HEY! We check into the BWI on Nov 7-11.... we have only heard the highest of praises for the BWI CL, it gets one of the best reviews of all the club levels, so very much looking forward to the resort and our stay. This is my first time staying at the BWI, but I like the nostalgic seaside theme, and I think the vibe is one I will really enjoy. I have stayed at the BC, but it didn't wow me. For some reason though, the BWI has always had that special something that made me want to try it! So far our families favourite club level and resort has always been AKL, we've stayed there twice and enjoyed it immensely each time! I just love having CL to go to on a WDW trip. Hoping I will enjoy DCL concierge, it's our first time cruising so we shall see what we think!

 

[Ivylie1234]

I haven't done concierge on DCL so I can't tell you differences but concierge at the Polynesian was all about food, alcohol, location and exclusivity. We had a very nice room close to the pools and beach, had a separate building that only concierge could enter. They also served a very nice breakfast, had non alcoholic beverages available all day. Then came happy hour!!!! Lots of appetizers and alcohol flowed for several hours, closed that down for about an hour, then reopened for dessert with lots of great sweets and more alcohol. There were always at least 2 CM's in the lobby to take care of dining reservations and other things but we never used them for any of that. I think the biggest advantage of it was alcohol if you're into that kind of thing. We were upgraded to concierge after a series of unfortunate mishaps the day we checked in. It was nice but we probably won't ever do it again.

Thank you so much! Your insight is very helpful.

 

[Ivylie1234]

We have stayed at the Yacht Club in the club level rooms many times. Our experience has been pretty identical to what was noted above. Instead of a separate building, you have a dedicated floor that can only be accessed by a club level KTTW card. We also always use Magic Express and every time there has been someone to greet us when we stepped of the bus and they whisked us up to the concierge floor to check in. It's is a nice perk, especially if there are a large number of families getting off the bus and checking in at the same time.

For us, we enjoy it because of it's so quick and easy to just step down the hall and grab breakfast before heading to the parks. We also make great use of the appetizers in the evening. We always make late dinner reservations - 8 or 9 pm, preferring to tour the parks and ride the rides during the normal dinner rush times, so grabbing a few snacks around 5 or so is a nice way to fuel up the teenager until dinner time. We don't make too much use of the alcohol as we are usually heading back to the parks, but love the option of grabbing pop, etc. throughout the day.

I will add, though, that we only go to WDW when we get a discount on the room rate. The rack rates have gotten ridiculous, and I simply can't justify the cost.

Thanks, this feedback will help me determine if the extra cost is worth it. Our WDW visit will be short so I am not sure it will make too much sense to add it to the expense of the concierge cruise.

 

[Ivylie1234]

We are DVC Members and after several mishaps, the last which we were told we didn't have a room at the Grand Floridian when we were checking in (yes, I had a reservation), we were put in Club Level at WL. No separate building, but a dedicated floor accessed by club level access card. There were usually 1 or 2 CM outside sitting at desks that will help you with reservations or whatever you may need assistance with. The lounge could only be opened with your access card. It's pretty much the same as what other posters said....refreshments, snacks, alcohol (usually wine) and breakfast. All and all I was a little bit underwhelmed. Thought is would be better. I would not pay all that extra money to stay Club Level after what I experienced (this was April 2015). We will be going on our first Disney cruise and traveling concierge but it's probably a once in a lifetime trip for us. Choose concierge because of several big milestones for our family.

This is so helpful! Thanks for taking the time to respond.

 

[Ivylie1234]

We have stayed Concierge in both the Fantasy (Cat R) and Club Level at the Grand Floridian. Our experience has been that the Concierge on DCL is superior in that they get the opportunity to get to know both you and your family's likes and needs over the course of the week that you are on the ship and better anticipate your requests. When we go to Disney World, we end up spending the majority of our time in the parks and come back to the Grand Floridian for a little rest and relaxation. There is little to no interaction with the Club Concierge hosts due to our children wanting to come and go and not sit still for too long. On the Cruise (Fantasy), we spend quite a bit of time on the boat, thus the Concierge team will go the extra mile to accommodate you and your family. I have enjoyed the friendships that our family has developed with various concierge hosts and appreciate all of their hard work and efforts to make guests comfortable. You will enjoy both experiences (Concierge/DCL and Club/Hotel); however in my opinion, the DCL Concierge service is more bang for your buck.

So excited to sail Concierge for our first time! Thanks for your help.

We're staying club level at the Boardwalk Inn after our upcoming cruise. It's our first time in club level, but it's become extremely difficult to get a villa at the Boardwalk or Beach Club, which are by far our favorite resorts for longer stays, unless you're a DVC member. I decided to pay for club level just to be able to have the extra freedom to get up and have breakfast when we want. Between the need for dining reservations, show times, and fastpasses, our last few trips to WDW have become so much about being on time for everything that it has taken quite a bit of the spontaneity and fun out of them. I hope club level will give a little extra room to breathe in the morning. I don't expect much from the service, however, and wouldn't have paid the difference if it hadn't been for a good discount. DCL concierge provides far more tangible benefits for our family and it was an easier decision.

I think I've learned that if I want to book Club level I at least need to look out for a good discount. Thanks for providing your viewpoint!

We're staying club level at the boardwalk inn after our Oct 31 fantasy cruise which we are sailing concierge , so I'll be able to compare when I'm done -- however I am a 100% club level girl and I love wdw CL, and only stay CL on my Disney trips. I've stayed AKL CL, BEACH CLUB CL, Polynesian CL -- love them all

I hope you will get a chance to share your experience!