Disney's Club Level (CL) Information & Questions

[rxtiger]

Heard back from the email to Disney Signature Services within a couple of hours. They added my flight info to Disney Magical Express and gave me the same number listed on this thread. Very quick and attentive. Glad its back operational!

 

[mickeynut1]

My DH and I are really on the fence about weather or not to upgrade to club level. We are staying at a Wilderness Lodge in May with our to-be 18 month old son. We are staying 5 nights and it's almost $1000 to upgrade.

We've stayed club level once before, at Boardwalk. We were upgraded for free and really enjoyed it. This was before we had our son.

It seems like they have enough food that we could make it a meal at dinner and breakfast is obviously provided. DS is not at all picky - he eats a better variety of food than me! So I'm not worried about him not liking the food. We are planning to do rope drop and then be back by dinner each day (DS is an early riser). I think it would be great to have a relaxing place to have dinner/unwind with a toddler. Also, my husband is working on an insurance designation and wants a quiet-ish place to study at night. He enjoys his beer and it looks like they have some interesting options.

It wouldn't totally break the bank to upgrade, but it's not a drop in the bucket for us either.

We are really so, so torn. Any advice??

If the extra cost is doable without preventing you from doing other things, I think upgrading to CL is a good idea. WL CL was our first CL stay and we loved it. It's been awhile since our stay, but we had a great time and enjoyed every minute of it. The food offerings were nice, but we loved having the lounge for another place to relax. Good luck!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

My DH and I are really on the fence about weather or not to upgrade to club level. We are staying at a Wilderness Lodge in May with our to-be 18 month old son. We are staying 5 nights and it's almost $1000 to upgrade.

We've stayed club level once before, at Boardwalk. We were upgraded for free and really enjoyed it. This was before we had our son.

It seems like they have enough food that we could make it a meal at dinner and breakfast is obviously provided. DS is not at all picky - he eats a better variety of food than me! So I'm not worried about him not liking the food. We are planning to do rope drop and then be back by dinner each day (DS is an early riser). I think it would be great to have a relaxing place to have dinner/unwind with a toddler. Also, my husband is working on an insurance designation and wants a quiet-ish place to study at night. He enjoys his beer and it looks like they have some interesting options.

It wouldn't totally break the bank to upgrade, but it's not a drop in the bucket for us either.

We are really so, so torn. Any advice??

You've probably come to the wrong place if you want unbiased advice! Lol!

I won't give you advice but I'll tell you why we opt for CL. For us, it's mostly about convenience. I don't have to deal with crowds just for a morning cup of coffee or to feed the kiddos. I have a nice place to relax if the family is sleeping late or has gone to be early.

Traveling with a toddler can be tough (naps, early bed times, meltdowns, etc). We find CL gives us adults a nice little perk to make it all a bit easier.

Could we get by non-CL? Of course. But it sure is nice!

FWIW, we just spent a few nights at WL CL back at the end of November. We really enjoyed the new lounge and food offerings. The lounge is super cozy and would be a great place for your husband to do some studying. It's not going to be quiet because you have a lot of lobby background noise, but the chairs are comfy and the beer is plentiful.

 

[DLBDS]

My DD will be celebrating her 20th bday during our trip in June. What, if anything, could the WL CL CM's do for her that day? Would it be complementary or do they charge fees for different options they offer? Trying to decide if I should arrange something for her that day. I haven't had any contact with the new IPO yet. I upgraded last month when the discount came out.

 

[izzylovesmickey]

My DD will be celebrating her 20th bday during our trip in June. What, if anything, could the WL CL CM's do for her that day? Would it be complementary or do they charge fees for different options they offer? Trying to decide if I should arrange something for her that day. I haven't had any contact with the new IPO yet. I upgraded last month when the discount came out.

I don't know what they will do now but when we were there 2 years ago I had asked for some suggestions about an alternative to a cake (something like an ice cream cake or a cheesecake) to have in the room. They couldn't actually get me anything but did have some suggestions of who to contact. IPO at the time said that someone could go to get it if it was at one of the other close resorts. We didn't end up getting anything but they did leave a birthday card in the room.

 

[eastendlights]

My DD will be celebrating her 20th bday during our trip in June. What, if anything, could the WL CL CM's do for her that day? Would it be complementary or do they charge fees for different options they offer? Trying to decide if I should arrange something for her that day. I haven't had any contact with the new IPO yet. I upgraded last month when the discount came out.

My daughter has spent her birthday at WDW deluxe CL resorts the last five years. Other than a birthday button and some fresh flowers and chocolates (which were really welcome gifts that I am guessing all CL guests received) three years and just the button the last two, they have not done anything. You will need to plan and more than likely pay for anything other than a button.

 

[izzylovesmickey]

I'm trying to decide (justify) switching from our standard view BC room to a standard view CL room at BC. We usually stay BC LV CL when we go but we are bringing DD's BF for his first trip to Disney. He is only staying for 4 nights-he doesn't get that much time for vacation yet. We're ok being 5 in the room for just 4 nights (which is why we can't do LV) so that wouldn't change. I plan on getting an AP and am hoping for an AP discount but if I do book will do so being ok with the price one way or the other. I figure between breakfast, apps and adult beverages (everyone will finally be 21) we may make a dent in the extra cost. I know having some extra space would be helpful. Anything else anyone can think of for tipping the scale would be great! We are doing AKL CL for the end of the trip but that will be just DH, DD, DS and myself.

 

[DLBDS]

I don't know what they will do now but when we were there 2 years ago I had asked for some suggestions about an alternative to a cake (something like an ice cream cake or a cheesecake) to have in the room. They couldn't actually get me anything but did have some suggestions of who to contact. IPO at the time said that someone could go to get it if it was at one of the other close resorts. We didn't end up getting anything but they did leave a birthday card in the room.

This would be fine! Maybe they could add some Mickeyhead confetti with it. Anything just to acknowledge the special day. Did you have to request it or did they do it on their own?

My daughter has spent her birthday at WDW deluxe CL resorts the last five years. Other than a birthday button and some fresh flowers and chocolates (which were really welcome gifts that I am guessing all CL guests received) three years and just the button the last two, they have not done anything. You will need to plan and more than likely pay for anything other than a button.

I tried the button when she graduated from high school. She only wore it because I wanted her to. And only for one day. It will definitely be saved as a souvenir if they give her one but she probably won't wear it.

 

[izzylovesmickey]

This would be fine! Maybe they could add some Mickeyhead confetti with it. Anything just to acknowledge the special day. Did you have to request it or did they do it on their own?

I probably wasn't clear. I could order and pay for something from somewhere such as the special services bakery at GL or CR and a CM from the Club might be able to pick it up and have it in the Club so I could get it and bring it to the room. They wouldn't have just presented us with it. We have been at club level at BC and WL for birthdays- DD's 20th & 21st and DS's 18th and 19th. It may be somewhat different if they are younger but I think they can only do so much. For DD's 21st at BC they did get her an adult beverage at breakfast so she could celebrate legally! They were given buttons. DD wore her's and many people wished her a Happy Birthday. She was treated quite well from the bartender in Italy and was gifted dessert at Chefs but nothing other than the drink in the Club lounge. DS wouldn't wear a button if his life depended on it so who knows what would have happened!

 

[DLBDS]

I probably wasn't clear. I could order and pay for something from somewhere such as the special services bakery at GL or CR and a CM from the Club might be able to pick it up and have it in the Club so I could get it and bring it to the room. They wouldn't have just presented us with it. We have been at club level at BC and WL for birthdays- DD's 20th & 21st and DS's 18th and 19th. It may be somewhat different if they are younger but I think they can only do so much. For DD's 21st at BC they did get her an adult beverage at breakfast so she could celebrate legally! They were given buttons. DD wore her's and many people wished her a Happy Birthday. She was treated quite well from the bartender in Italy and was gifted dessert at Chefs but nothing other than the drink in the Club lounge. DS wouldn't wear a button if his life depended on it so who knows what would have happened!

You were clear! I was talking about the card with maybe some confetti. Something simple is fine!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

My DD will be celebrating her 20th bday during our trip in June. What, if anything, could the WL CL CM's do for her that day? Would it be complementary or do they charge fees for different options they offer? Trying to decide if I should arrange something for her that day. I haven't had any contact with the new IPO yet. I upgraded last month when the discount came out.

Your default expectation should be that CL CMs won't do anything special. Anything they do outside of giving everyone pins would generally be considered Pixie Dust. And even then you may need to ask for pins.

But, make sure to either call or e-mail the new DSS (IPO) and have then note on your reservation that you'll be celebrating a birthday. If it's noted on your reservation you at least have a chance of someone sprinkling a little dust in some manner. This would be the exception more than the rule, but you never know....

One trip I asked IPO for ways to help celebrate DS's 5th birthday. They referred me to Disney Floral & Gifts which offers a variety of in-room celebration packages for many different occasions. We did one of the Mickey birthday things and it was so cool. Very pricey, but a great memory.

You can also order a cake from Disney Dining (might have another name, can't remember). But again, a separate paid service.

Hope that helps!

 

[izzylovesmickey]

OK! I typed it quickly and wanted to be sure I didn't misstate anything. We still have the card from WL. It was nice to come back to the room and find it. DH & I ordered one of the princess packages from DIsney Floral for DD's 21st. It was pricey but we figured you're only 21 once! She wore the crown all day-she's such a girl...I know this year we won't do anything like that for DS's 21st but he wants to go golfing at the resort so that's his special.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I'm trying to decide (justify) switching from our standard view BC room to a standard view CL room at BC. We usually stay BC LV CL when we go but we are bringing DD's BF for his first trip to Disney. He is only staying for 4 nights-he doesn't get that much time for vacation yet. We're ok being 5 in the room for just 4 nights (which is why we can't do LV) so that wouldn't change. I plan on getting an AP and am hoping for an AP discount but if I do book will do so being ok with the price one way or the other. I figure between breakfast, apps and adult beverages (everyone will finally be 21) we may make a dent in the extra cost. I know having some extra space would be helpful. Anything else anyone can think of for tipping the scale would be great! We are doing AKL CL for the end of the trip but that will be just DH, DD, DS and myself.

Having five people, one of which is a non-family member, would be reason enough for me to book CL!! I'd definitely appreciate the extra space the lounge provides... a place to be while others are getting ready, showering, etc. I bet the BF would like it too!

 

[izzylovesmickey]

Having five people, one of which is a non-family member, would be reason enough for me to book CL!! I'd definitely appreciate the extra space the lounge provides... a place to be while others are getting ready, showering, etc.

I think that may be the biggest selling point. DD's BF has stayed with us a number of times. We have stayed with them in their apartment so the togetherness isn't a huge issue. We don't do a ton of resort time usually, but I don't want to burn the poor kid out so he never wants to go to Disney again. My daughter would never forgive me! So we are trying to schedule less and spend more time at the resort. I think there will be more adult beverages consumed than our usual but everyone is finally of age so I know it will change things. And having 2 young adult guys that will graze a little more, I think the lounge will be a bonus. See-just trying to justify !

 

[conandrob240]

tell me (or show me with pics) about CR Atrium CL. We've stayed BC CL, AK CL and Poly CL. Found food quality, variety for superior at BC, service tie between AK & BC. Found Poly subpar in food and service but easy walk out to pool from lounge and fireworks experience was awesome. And kids loved runnng in grass on ground floor room. We have BC for 4 nights and want to split the 4 other nights-considering trying CR club. Suggestions, thoughts welcome. I am mostly interested in 5-7 pm snack offerings

 

[GADisneyDad14]

tell me (or show me with pics) about CR Atrium CL. We've stayed BC CL, AK CL and Poly CL. Found food quality, variety for superior at BC, service tie between AK & BC. Found Poly subpar in food and service but easy walk out to pool from lounge and fireworks experience was awesome. And kids loved runnng in grass on ground floor room. We have BC for 4 nights and want to split the 4 other nights-considering trying CR club. Suggestions, thoughts welcome. I am mostly interested in 5-7 pm snack offerings

I like the idea of a BC/CR split. My first vote would probably be BC/Poly split but you've been there, done that.

So, I love Atrium Club. We've been twice (most recently September 2016) and have had great experiences both times. Like everywhere you get some dud CM's but overall we've had the best CM experiences at CR than any of our other CL stays.

Food as of September was good but not as good as what I had at BC over the summer. Much better than Poly but not quite as good or as much variety as BC. Although I'll note there have been several recent reports on here of upgraded food at Poly, FWIW.

If it weren't for what I consider a very inferior pool situation, CR would always be at the top of my list.

Here are some pics from my September trip....

 

[conandrob240]

This is fantastic, thank you. When were the reports of the upgraded food at Poly? We stayed July of 2016 so just wondering if more recent than that. We found the CMs then to range from completely disinterested to downright rude. Food choices were really bad.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

This is fantastic, thank you. When were the reports of the upgraded food at Poly? We stayed July of 2016 so just wondering if more recent than that. We found the CMs then to range from completely disinterested to downright rude. Food choices were really bad.

Like in the last 30 days or so. I've yet to see pics or read consistent opinions though so hard to really judge from where I sit. I'm going in a few weeks and very interested to see what I find.

I was at Poly in July of 2016 as well and that had to be among the worst the food has been in my few years of going, so I agree with you!

 

[conandrob240]

And they kept running out of everything and not replacing- that was annoying too. Where are the recent reviews suggesting it's improved? We are going in 3 weeks so I need to make a quick decision.

 

[KrazeeK120]

If the extra cost is doable without preventing you from doing other things, I think upgrading to CL is a good idea. WL CL was our first CL stay and we loved it. It's been awhile since our stay, but we had a great time and enjoyed every minute of it. The food offerings were nice, but we loved having the lounge for another place to relax. Good luck!

You've probably come to the wrong place if you want unbiased advice! Lol!

I won't give you advice but I'll tell you why we opt for CL. For us, it's mostly about convenience. I don't have to deal with crowds just for a morning cup of coffee or to feed the kiddos. I have a nice place to relax if the family is sleeping late or has gone to be early.

Traveling with a toddler can be tough (naps, early bed times, meltdowns, etc). We find CL gives us adults a nice little perk to make it all a bit easier.

Could we get by non-CL? Of course. But it sure is nice!

FWIW, we just spent a few nights at WL CL back at the end of November. We really enjoyed the new lounge and food offerings. The lounge is super cozy and would be a great place for your husband to do some studying. It's not going to be quiet because you have a lot of lobby background noise, but the chairs are comfy and the beer is plentiful.

Thank you so much for the info! I booked the upgrade! I am really looking forward to it!