Disney's Club Level (CL) Information & Questions

[jods]

@jods - FWIW, several of my trips have just been me and DS, and one was just me and both kids. In some ways those have been some of my favorite trips... less people = less worrying about keeping everyone happy. And Poly CL makes traveling solo super easy, IMHO.

That's good to hear. I've never traveled solo with the kids. We've gone on weekend trips without my husband, but I always had a friend along. If we go solo, it will definitely be poly cl. We love it there and so easy having the lounge. Adrs will be easier as my kids prefer character dining and qs (and yachtsman) and he prefers other adrs. I would plan on only what the kids want. I can do restaurant take out if I really want. I would also do the twilight feast if we go solo.

 

[mickeynut1]

Thank you all - well a TPV ACL opened up this morning, not under the Magical Promotion though, but DH gave me the green light to book it while it was still there. Only downfall is that he said if he really likes the CR TPV ACL, good luck getting him anywhere else. LOL. For now I consider it a win though! Our 2018 trip will be another story for another day. TPV here we come!

Congrats on finding CR TPV CL, glad you were able to change....even if it's not under the promo! Hope you have a great time!

General GF resort question: I have a two queen room Main Building with 5 people sharing for our upcoming stay. My 3 year old will be sleeping on the daybed/sofabed. If you've needed to make use of that a) Is it comfortable? I know a 3 year old would care less than I would, but I still don't want her feeling lousy for 8 nights. b) Does Disney make up the room with the sofabed set up already since I have 5 people and they know I'll need to use it? Or do I have to ask for something special at check in? c)Do they change the sheets on the sofabed just as often as the main beds? Does it have a pillow already?

Everyone's opinion is different, but my DS thought the daybed was very uncomfortable and didn't like it at all (he was 15 at the time). With that said, that was before the refurb, so maybe they changed them. Hopefully others will give some input .

 

[GADisneyDad14]

General GF resort question: I have a two queen room Main Building with 5 people sharing for our upcoming stay. My 3 year old will be sleeping on the daybed/sofabed. If you've needed to make use of that a) Is it comfortable? I know a 3 year old would care less than I would, but I still don't want her feeling lousy for 8 nights. b) Does Disney make up the room with the sofabed set up already since I have 5 people and they know I'll need to use it? Or do I have to ask for something special at check in? c)Do they change the sheets on the sofabed just as often as the main beds? Does it have a pillow already?

Well, in SL in April our then 2 year old slept on the sofa bed for the first two nights and DW slept on it the last two nights (don’t ask...). She says it was fine for sofabed standards - OK but not great. Passable for sleeping.

You have to make the bed yourself - there are sheets/a pillow in the closet. [ETA: We haven't done this but I’m sure you could ask a CL CM or call Mousekeeping to have someone come make it up for you] Once we made the bed initially, Mousekeeping made the bed/tidied up the sheets every day. Not sure about when/if they changed them.

One thing to watch is that in a standard room the HVAC vent pretty much blows straight towards the sofabed. That’s actually why DW ended up sleeping on it the last two nights. DD was getting a cough/cold and the cold air blowing on her didn’t really help things. Once we moved her it minimized the random nighttime coughing. Probably not an issue during some times of the year or in some room configurations. Also wouldn’t have been an issue if DD wasn’t getting sick - just sort of a fluke timing thing.

Hope that helps!

 

[Rachel GB]

I’m reading in the blogs that the monorail is being maintenanced intermittently until further notice... what?!!! Monorail resorts aren’t so appealing without the monorail! Does anyone have more info? TIA!

 

[foodiddiedoo]

Well, in SL in April our then 2 year old slept on the sofa bed for the first two nights and DW slept on it the last two nights (don’t ask...). She says it was fine for sofabed standards - OK but not great. Passable for sleeping.

You have to make the bed yourself - there are sheets/a pillow in the closet. [ETA: We haven't done this but I’m sure you could ask a CL CM or call Mousekeeping to have someone come make it up for you] Once we made the bed initially, Mousekeeping made the bed/tidied up the sheets every day. Not sure about when/if they changed them.

One thing to watch is that in a standard room the HVAC vent pretty much blows straight towards the sofabed. That’s actually why DW ended up sleeping on it the last two nights. DD was getting a cough/cold and the cold air blowing on her didn’t really help things. Once we moved her it minimized the random nighttime coughing. Probably not an issue during some times of the year or in some room configurations. Also wouldn’t have been an issue if DD wasn’t getting sick - just sort of a fluke timing thing.

Hope that helps!

You seem to know the answers to all my questions! I was thinking maybe the bed is made up at all times and you just "flipped" the cushions over or down or whatever, but it makes sense you have to make it up the first night. There's a blanket in the closet for the bed too right?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

You seem to know the answers to all my questions! I was thinking maybe the bed is made up at all times and you just "flipped" the cushions over or down or whatever, but it makes sense you have to make it up the first night. There's a blanket in the closet for the bed too right?

Actually, now that you mention that, I’m wondering if my memory is wrong on the sofabed. I think maybe it’s partially made up once you flip it over and then there are extra blankets/a top blanket in the closet? Big caveat on my info in case I’m wrong!! Hopefully someone that knows for sure can correct me.

 

[mmmears]

Actually, now that you mention that, I’m wondering if my memory is wrong on the sofabed. I think maybe it’s partially made up once you flip it over and then there are extra blankets/a top blanket in the closet? Big caveat on my info in case I’m wrong!! Hopefully someone that knows for sure can correct me.

It's been a little over a year since we used one, but I do think it's like you just said, partially made up.

 

[Alaskangirl02]

Well that was a FP 60 day FAIL!!! Sort of.

So like any good Disney planning nut I sit down around 6:45 ET this morning and get ready...

The clock ticks 7am, I click to make FPs... only to find my dates on the calendar aren't available.

Ok, don't panic...

Maybe I just have my 60 day count wrong. Checked a few websites and counted myself... no, today is definitely 60.

Maybe my reservation is messed up. Nope, all looks legit there.

Maybe Disney's website is just screwed up. Always a possibility.

Starting to get desperate now.... I can smell FOP slipping away at this point.

I give up and call Disney for help. As I'm on hold, I happen to scroll down to the "Tickets and Passes" section on the website and notice the expiration date of my APs is in two weeks.

DUUUHHHHHHH!!!! No valid tickets = no FPs.

I scramble to renew the APs and then can finally go about making my FPs. But alas, NO FOP, which is frankly the only reason I was stressing about the 60 day thing to begin with!!! DOH!

I'm mostly kicking myself for being so dumb but a bit annoyed that Disney has not sent a single e-mail or notification that it's time to renew our APs. Obviously totally my fault, but I just did not have it on my radar at all.

So, moral of the story... for those of you with APs.... keep track of your expiration date!

Sorry for the long OT rant!

Oh no, I am so very sorry.
Although this was in October (just last week) we found that Navi River Journey Fast Passes opened up later in the day that we could book after our first three fast passes were utilized.
Hopefully (a little pixie dust for you) you'll be able to secure FOP fast passes on property.

 

[Dispro1]

It's been a little over a year since we used one, but I do think it's like you just said, partially made up.

I agree! I don’t think we ever had to put sheets on the daybed...just the pillow and blanket, but since college DD either gets her own room with a friend or doesn’t go with us now, younger DD gets an actual bed, so it’s been a bit over a year since we used the daybed too!

 

[Dispro1]

Well that was a FP 60 day FAIL!!! Sort of.

So like any good Disney planning nut I sit down around 6:45 ET this morning and get ready...

The clock ticks 7am, I click to make FPs... only to find my dates on the calendar aren't available.

Ok, don't panic...

Maybe I just have my 60 day count wrong. Checked a few websites and counted myself... no, today is definitely 60.

Maybe my reservation is messed up. Nope, all looks legit there.

Maybe Disney's website is just screwed up. Always a possibility.

Starting to get desperate now.... I can smell FOP slipping away at this point.

I give up and call Disney for help. As I'm on hold, I happen to scroll down to the "Tickets and Passes" section on the website and notice the expiration date of my APs is in two weeks.

DUUUHHHHHHH!!!! No valid tickets = no FPs.

I scramble to renew the APs and then can finally go about making my FPs. But alas, NO FOP, which is frankly the only reason I was stressing about the 60 day thing to begin with!!! DOH!

I'm mostly kicking myself for being so dumb but a bit annoyed that Disney has not sent a single e-mail or notification that it's time to renew our APs. Obviously totally my fault, but I just did not have it on my radar at all.

So, moral of the story... for those of you with APs.... keep track of your expiration date!

Sorry for the long OT rant!

I was only able to get FOP for evening of our last full day in December which is a bummer because now DD14 will have to miss an extra day of school because we’re not missing FOP! FYI, if you don’t know, there’s a new VIP tour that includes FOP, Everest, Navi River and River of Lights, as well as a snack in Pandora. It was already sold out for December 2nd which was when I would’ve booked but maybe you could get it? $249 pp but 15% AP discount can be applied...although still pricey! Oh...I think it includes Dinosaur too!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I was only able to get FOP for evening of our last full day in December which is a bummer because now DD14 will have to miss an extra day of school because we’re not missing FOP! FYI, if you don’t know, there’s a new VIP tour that includes FOP, Everest, Navi River and River of Lights, as well as a snack in Pandora. It was already sold out for December 2nd which was when I would’ve booked but maybe you could get it? $249 pp but 15% AP discount can be applied...although still pricey!

Haha! Well, since I’m a sucker for Disney up-charge events, I was actually looking into this last night. Unfortunately they’re not offering it on some high crowds dates coming up... Tgiving, Christmas week, New Years, etc. It sounds pretty cool though, although yes, definitely pricey!

 

[Dispro1]

Haha! Well, since I’m a sucker for Disney up-charge events, I was actually looking into this last night. Unfortunately they’re not offering it on some high crowds dates coming up... Tgiving, Christmas week, New Years, etc. It sounds pretty cool though, although yes, definitely pricey!

It does sound pretty cool! I wonder if we’ll all have to buy into the VIP tour thing more once they start letting all those “good neighbor” hotel guests start booking FPs 60 days out too! It’s already almost impossible to get FOP!! And that stinks that they are excluding the busier times!!

 

[CogsworthTN]

Has anyone stayed recently at BWI? I’m interested in the evening appetizer rotation. When we were there this past May it was a three day rotation heavy on shrimp. In fact, shrimp was everyday along with the cheese fondue. We stayed 8 nights so needless to say we haven’t eaten a shrimp since then. We have another trip planned for May 2018 and was interested in knowing if the lineup has changed.

 

[beesly]

Just returned yesterday from our quick weekend trip to Beach Club. I was pleasantly surprised by the Beach Club lounge and service. Everyone was nice, welcoming and helpful. In May we stayed at Yacht, and I have to say that Beach Club was a far better experience. Upon arriving around 2pm, I had not received a room ready text, but was greeted in the lobby by Marie, who quickly looked up my reservation and then took us up to the lounge.

Our room was ready, but it hadn't been processed yet. Lauren quickly checked me in, offered us welcome drinks (yeah!) and gave my daughter her birthday button that was covered in glitter (so fun!). We did not receive a welcome back gift, though we had just stayed 8 nights of CL in May and June at YC and WL.

I had reserved a garden view room, and that was what we got. Room 5636, right down the hall from the lounge. The room was standard and my only complaint is that it was a bit worn. The carpet really needs replacing, lots of spots. Otherwise, we had an amazing view of Epcot fireworks every night, and the hallway was very quiet.

Hello there! I've been searching for YC CL experiences and found your post, among others, that expressed disappointment when comparing it to other resort CLs. Would you mind elaborating on your experience? I had a wonderful time at AKL CL in the spring - great food offerings, adult beverages available throughout the day (upon request, but still available), super friendly CMs, and the lounge didn't close between services - and it seems like YC CL is going to be a huge disappointment in comparison. There's no availability for me to change my resort at this point (and still stay within walking distance of Epcot for NYE), so I'm trying to prepare myself as best I can. TIA!

 

[ErinsMommy]

For those that have stayed CR CL lately, what has the procedure typically been when its super busy to be taken or given access to get upstairs to the 12th floor? (we're arriving on 12/22, so I'm anticipating yet hoping the lines aren't too bad). Do we stand and wait in the general check-in line, then once checked-in they take you up/or just 'turn on' your bands so you can access 12th floor?) Do they meet you curbside by the bus with the ipad? (I've seen some CMs standing out there with one when we got off the bus, but times have seen no one.) Thanks

 

[gottalovepluto]

I’m reading in the blogs that the monorail is being maintenanced intermittently until further notice... what?!!! Monorail resorts aren’t so appealing without the monorail! Does anyone have more info? TIA!

Hasn't the monorail been on intermittent maintenance and updates for last couple years at this point?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I’m reading in the blogs that the monorail is being maintenanced intermittently until further notice... what?!!! Monorail resorts aren’t so appealing without the monorail! Does anyone have more info? TIA!

Where are you reading that?

The monorails went through a period over the last few years where there was periodic maintenance on all three lines that led to annoying odd hours, mid-day closures, etc. Those days are pretty much over and monorail hours are pretty consistent lately. You’ll still have occasional maintenance issues, problems, etc, but no widespread planned closures (unless this is something new).

If you’re reading stuff on the DIS, I find that when someone posts a monorail complaint thread a lot of people like to pile on about how it’s horrible, dirty, slow, etc. Sure it’s possible to be delayed by a mechanical issue, a stopped train, or whatever, but the monorail has always been our go-to transportation method and I can’t think of a single time in our travels where a monorail problem has materially impacted a trip from point A to B. I’m sure it does happen so not minimizing people’s complaints, but our experiences have been . (Watch, now that I’ve said that I’ll get stuck on it next trip, probably on the really high point between GF and MK that gives me the willies!)

 

[gottalovepluto]

Where are you reading that?

The monorails went through a period over the last few years where there was periodic maintenance on all three lines that led to annoying odd hours, mid-day closures, etc. Those days are pretty much over and monorail hours are pretty consistent lately. You’ll still have occasional maintenance issues, problems, etc, but no widespread planned closures (unless this is something new).

If you’re reading stuff on the DIS, I find that when someone posts a monorail complaint thread a lot of people like to pile on about how it’s horrible, dirty, slow, etc. Sure it’s possible to be delayed by a mechanical issue, a stopped train, or whatever, but the monorail has always been our go-to transportation method and I can’t think of a single time in our travels where a monorail problem has materially impacted a trip from point A to B. I’m sure it does happen so not minimizing people’s complaints, but our experiences have been . (Watch, now that I’ve said that I’ll get stuck on it next trip, probably on the really high point between GF and MK that gives me the willies!)

I asked a TA friend who checked for me and confirmed this update is straight from Disney's refurbishment list that TA's can see. (Although she said that's usually one of the last places that seems to post refurbs so kinda weird this time it sounds like, but it's legit.) I still think they've just finally decided to quit fooling themselves into thinking they'll ever be done with it...

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

I thought Monorail refurb was finished at the end of September but I am not 100% positive.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

For those that have stayed CR CL lately, what has the procedure typically been when its super busy to be taken or given access to get upstairs to the 12th floor? (we're arriving on 12/22, so I'm anticipating yet hoping the lines aren't too bad). Do we stand and wait in the general check-in line, then once checked-in they take you up/or just 'turn on' your bands so you can access 12th floor?) Do they meet you curbside by the bus with the ipad? (I've seen some CMs standing out there with one when we got off the bus, but times have seen no one.) Thanks

We always drive ourselves and when we get to the guard gate, they call the valet or CL because usually when we pull up to valet, we chat a few minutes with the valet as it's all getting unloaded and then the club level host or hostess is down there at that time to take us up. One time we arrived SUPER early but it was only to drop off our car and luggage before we walked to be at rope drop a couple hours early and we let the guard know that, so that the valet was the only one waiting for us and they then called us later in the day while we were out in the parks.