YACHT CLUB/CLUB LEVEL Review

[SRUAlmn]

Like I said we prefer the lounge at the BWI and we do like the WL club level as well.

I remember your post on your stay. I am sorry you didn't like the Club level at the BWI. I started off at the WL and loved it there. This was before they even had a club level. But then tried club level and loved it. But we did try the innkeepers at the BWI. And loved it. But in my defense believe everyone has their right to their views.

Each to their own and I stated this in my post.

Agreed! We, like Kook, were not fans of the BWI CL experience we had, but we LOVED the CR CL. Looking forward to possibly trying others in the future! Perhaps WL after reading Kook's rave reviews

 

[elaw]

Have you ever try the club level at the BWI ? We find we prefer it over most of the clubs we stayed at and it has been all of them. :good vibes

With this said, I think everyone has their favorites club levels, just my view

Yes, we've tried it ... twice even. We've tried all the CL's except for the Poly (Last Resort on the "Bucket List"). It's not a major issue but ... unlike the rest of the Club Lounges, the lounge at BWI is quite a hike from the main elevators. We usually like to stop by and grab something when we return to our room and just found it odd.

 

[tiger4me2]

Yes, we've tried it ... twice even. We've tried all the CL's except for the Poly (Last Resort on the "Bucket List"). It's not a major issue but ... unlike the rest of the Club Lounges, the lounge at BWI is quite a hike from the main elevators. We usually like to stop by and grab something when we return to our room and just found it odd.

We always stay on the 4th floor ( not sure if you were in Deluxe room on 3rd floor or not) ..our room is a short distance from the lounge. We done the Poly club level twice and first time loved it but second time was so so. Wouldn't stay there again.

 

[elaw]

We always stay on the 4th floor ( not sure if you were in Deluxe room on 3rd floor or not) ..our room is a short distance from the lounge. We done the Poly club level twice and first time loved it but second time was so so. Wouldn't stay there again.

We were on the 4th floor ... had room 4212 last time, the room and view were pretty nice.

 

[gogo]

Thank you for the through review with pictures. Do you know if the bartender service is for all the club levels or just YC? I much prefer to get my own so this is disappointing.

 

[lbv7]

We were on the 4th floor ... had room 4212 last time, the room and view were pretty nice.

Looks a lot better than the roof top view that WDWKOOK had the Yacht Club.

 

[elaw]

Thank you for the through review with pictures. Do you know if the bartender service is for all the club levels or just YC? I much prefer to get my own so this is disappointing.

I know this question is directed at WDWKOOK but i'll take a stab at it ... Personally, I can't speak for all of the CL's ... We only experienced it at the YC during our last trip in May. WL was still self service as it has traditionally been.

 

[elaw]

Looks a lot better than the roof top view that WDWKOOK had the Yacht Club.

It was a nice room ... off in the corner by ESPN ... I was just a bit of a hike to the lounge.

 

[Janet B]

Hi Kook,
Always refreshing to read your thorough, honest reviews. And while we aren't staying CL, we are really looking forward to our YC stay (and SAB!!). We all will have to give you our take on the non-CL experience.

Oh I've heard great things about YS! And your steaks looked delish (as well as that mac n cheese). Now that my Sam is a vegetarian (yes, this happened in the last few months)... wondering what the steakhouse might have to offer. Probably too difficult to fit it in this trip, but your B&C food (and fat-free shake) had me definitely eyeing this up for our arrival day.

Also wanted to say.. miss you!

 

[gogo]

I know this question is directed at WDWKOOK but i'll take a stab at it ... Personally, I can't speak for all of the CL's ... We only experienced it at the YC during our last trip in May. WL was still self service as it has traditionally been.

Thanks for the reply. I do hope that the bartender thing isn't the norm. I usually have anywhere between 1-3 drinks depending on how I feel and I prefer to get it my self same for getting my own food.

Sometimes I feel social and want to mingle with CM's and other times I like to slip in and quietly enjoy a drink or snack. Sounds like mayb they're experimenting with this as a cost-cutting measure like not having individual water bottles.

 

[hstrickland]

Well, after reading your review, I'm feeling very uninspired to give YC CL a try. The unceremonious check-in wasn't a great way to start your trip, was it? Perhaps the CM was a novice. And my heavens!! There was a plethora of trash/linens left in the hall!! Unsatisfactory. Glad the lamp didn't keel over on any unsuspecting guest like yourself


The Yachtsman does have excellent steaks I concur. DH likes the bone marrow as well.


Thanks for your most candid and honest reviews of this resort! I'll be passing this information along to my parents (they're planning a F&G trip). Since they've had such positive experiences at other CLs, I have a sneaky suspicion that they would be disappointed

Have a fabulous weekend!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I think it's great that you gave YC CL another try because now you know it's not a resort for you .

I'm glad you liked YS. We loved everything about it and can't wait to go back.

Haven't booked for next summer yet as I'm still pricing out different resorts, but I'm hoping to make a decision and book soon .

LOL on your DD......teenagers .

I completely agree with you about seeing things differently from actually staying at a resort vs just visiting. Staying there does give a better feel of the resort overall, IMO.

Hurry up and book - I've been waiting…forever, it seems

KOOK Thanks for posting your review!

As for that pic of your DD...teenagers!!!!! lol....

Yep, teenagers...

What she said!!

Awww, thanks.

Agreed! We, like Kook, were not fans of the BWI CL experience we had, but we LOVED the CR CL. Looking forward to possibly trying others in the future! Perhaps WL after reading Kook's rave reviews

While we do love WL-CL, I do think it's important to try many. Each one is quite different. Atrium/Tower Clubs have amazing lounge views, I think the best on property.

We were on the 4th floor ... had room 4212 last time, the room and view were pretty nice.

Were you able to see Illuminations off to the left of your balcony? I know guests love a BWV at BWI, but I think the GV is very nice there - it's a very peaceful setting.

Thank you for the through review with pictures. Do you know if the bartender service is for all the club levels or just YC? I much prefer to get my own so this is disappointing.

I know this question is directed at WDWKOOK but i'll take a stab at it ... Personally, I can't speak for all of the CL's ... We only experienced it at the YC during our last trip in May. WL was still self service as it has traditionally been.

I did ask the CL manager at WL about this. He said that each CL manager makes the decision for their club and WL won't be transitioning to the bartender. (Although now they have a new manager, so I suppose that could change). He said that since each club has its own budget, there must have been some "overages" or some monetary reason that prompted YC to do this and/or a perceived/real issue with underage consumption. They may have had too many people taking alcohol off-pemises and wanted to cut down costs. The CL bartender concept wasn't something that was mandated by Disney - yet. If it works at YC to cut down costs, then it may be adopted by other CLs, just like the removal of the water bottles.

Hi Kook,
Always refreshing to read your thorough, honest reviews. And while we aren't staying CL, we are really looking forward to our YC stay (and SAB!!). We all will have to give you our take on the non-CL experience.

Oh I've heard great things about YS! And your steaks looked delish (as well as that mac n cheese). Now that my Sam is a vegetarian (yes, this happened in the last few months)... wondering what the steakhouse might have to offer. Probably too difficult to fit it in this trip, but your B&C food (and fat-free shake) had me definitely eyeing this up for our arrival day.

Also wanted to say.. miss you!

Well, there you are. So nice to have you POP in here

Yes, all the TSs have vegetarian options and you can always talk to any chef for special dietary requests. Don't forget that B&C now takes ADRs and would be a great place for a RC meet-up. We've tried many times on past trips to eat there, but it was always super crowded and over-flowing with people outside. This was the first time we were able to get in. I made the ADR for shortly after they opened, 11:30, on our arrival day. This worked great because it wasn't crowded at all at that time and we always enjoy "exploring" a resort after checking-in.

I hope you and Sam have a wonderful trip. It sounds like an epic RC meet 'N Greet and I can't wait to see proof

Thanks for the reply. I do hope that the bartender thing isn't the norm. I usually have anywhere between 1-3 drinks depending on how I feel and I prefer to get it my self same for getting my own food.

Sometimes I feel social and want to mingle with CM's and other times I like to slip in and quietly enjoy a drink or snack. Sounds like mayb they're experimenting with this as a cost-cutting measure like not having individual water bottles.

That's exactly what it is. But, my DH sees it as a good thing because he likes being served, but it makes me feel a bit like I'm at a cash bar at a wedding or convention and feels less like being at "home." Not a big deal since we don't even drink much, but it's just my preference.

I know this will have the cost-cutting impact they're hoping for and if it turns out to be significant, like the removal of the small water bottles you mentioned, self-service CL alcohol may be a thing of the past. But, for now, I believe that only YC is doing this.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Well, after reading your review, I'm feeling very uninspired to give YC CL a try. The unceremonious check-in wasn't a great way to start your trip, was it? Perhaps the CM was a novice. And my heavens!! There was a plethora of trash/linens left in the hall!! Unsatisfactory. Glad the lamp didn't keel over on any unsuspecting guest like yourself


The Yachtsman does have excellent steaks I concur. DH likes the bone marrow as well.


Thanks for your most candid and honest reviews of this resort! I'll be passing this information along to my parents (they're planning a F&G trip). Since they've had such positive experiences at other CLs, I have a sneaky suspicion that they would be disappointed

Have a fabulous weekend!

Well, look at us on a Saturday morning posting at the same time

As you know, everyone has different standards and likes/dislikes when staying CL and that's why I think it's especially enlightening to try as many as you can. What we appreciate or what we don't, can be very different from others. I also see nothing wrong with sticking with a resort or CL you know you consistently like so as not to even risk being disappointed. But, resorts don't stay the same and over time, management change and so, too does the resort's atmosphere and level of service. Disney keeps you on your resort pickin' toes!

Don't work too hard this weekend

 

[Goofy1976]

I agree never again for YC Club level and maybe people were taking beers back to the room and leaving them in the fridge like I did on checkout day after my 2 night stay in 2012.Also I don't like Wilderness Club level because I hate the open setup on the 7Th floor I had a minor panic attack on my last visit because I am scared of heights.

 

[mickeynut1]

Hurry up and book - I've been waiting…forever, it seems

While we do love WL-CL, I do think it's important to try many. Each one is quite different. Atrium/Tower Clubs have amazing lounge views, I think the best on property.

I'm working on it . Still pricing out a few resorts as other family members may be going with us, so trying to narrow things down to accommodate
everybody .

I do agree about it being important to try many CLs as everyone does have different opinions/experiences. CR CL is definitely one on my list as all of the reviews I've been reading lately have been very positive .

 

[morrismhs]

Sorry your experience was not great. We are die hard WL CL fans - just returned from there on 7/16. Even though we are tempted to try another resort we just love WL so much we end up back there.

 

[kpm76]

Thank you so much for your honest review! And I really appreciate the pictures! We are traveling in Nov, staying at the BWV for 4 nights and then up in the air about the other 3 nights. We'll be with my parents celebrating their 40th anniversary and they only like the Epcot area resorts - so it's between YC and BWI. We want to do CL as we love BWI CL, but right now there's no availability with the RO....hoping for more selection with AP discounts. YC SV CL is available for our dates, but I was not excited about possible rooftop views and after seeing your pics, that sealed the deal for me. We've stayed at YC in a GV regular room and it was great, so might go that route too.

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

WDWKook...was the resort, in general, fairly full? The restaurants...bus stops...lobby? Was the WL seemingly more booked up in comparison?

 

[francie]

kook, your review would be my exact words using the description of our experience at the yacht club club level last april. the cl cm's were uninspired at best, the halls were, indeed, very dirty, dark and depressing and the rooms were not clean. I was embarrassed I suggested my daughter and her family stay there and pay all that money.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I'm working on it . Still pricing out a few resorts as other family members may be going with us, so trying to narrow things down to accommodate
everybody .

I do agree about it being important to try many CLs as everyone does have different opinions/experiences. CR CL is definitely one on my list as all of the reviews I've been reading lately have been very positive .

Sorry your experience was not great. We are die hard WL CL fans - just returned from there on 7/16. Even though we are tempted to try another resort we just love WL so much we end up back there.

I completely understand and appreciate sticking with a resort you know you'll love. We wanted to give YC a second try since we really do love being able to walk to Epcot and DHS. We've decided though that we really don't mind taking the bus

Thank you so much for your honest review! And I really appreciate the pictures! We are traveling in Nov, staying at the BWV for 4 nights and then up in the air about the other 3 nights. We'll be with my parents celebrating their 40th anniversary and they only like the Epcot area resorts - so it's between YC and BWI. We want to do CL as we love BWI CL, but right now there's no availability with the RO....hoping for more selection with AP discounts. YC SV CL is available for our dates, but I was not excited about possible rooftop views and after seeing your pics, that sealed the deal for me. We've stayed at YC in a GV regular room and it was great, so might go that route too.

Well, are your parents staying at BWV, too? If they're already doing BWV, then a MK Resort might be a great split. One way that your parents could avoid the rooftop view is to book a Deluxe room at YC. I don't believe there are any Deluxe rooms on the 5th floor

WDWKook...was the resort, in general, fairly full? The restaurants...bus stops...lobby? Was the WL seemingly more booked up in comparison?

Both WL and YC were at 100% occupancy during our stay of 6/22 - 7/3. We ate at YS our first night and there were empty tables. We also ate at B&C on our arrival morning at 11:30 and it was empty. I would say that the dining seemed far less crowded than the resorts. But, unless you were staying CL and using the lounge, you probably wouldn't have noticed the high capacity. The lounges were much more crowded than when we usually go in the summer in August or even when we last went over Christmas. The parks were really crowded at Christmas, but the Deluxe resorts weren't.

kook, your review would be my exact words using the description of our experience at the yacht club club level last april. the cl cm's were uninspired at best, the halls were, indeed, very dirty, dark and depressing and the rooms were not clean. I was embarrassed I suggested my daughter and her family stay there and pay all that money.

Well, so it wasn't just us then. Just curious, where might your DD stay next time instead? Do you have a favorite resort?