Disney's Club Level (CL) Information & Questions

[GOOFY4DONALD]

We just returned from our first CL stay (and first Deluxe stay) at BC. The resort itself definitely surpassed my expectations. It was beautiful and the proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios was fantastic. We were in a standard view room almost as far away from the CL lounge as you can be, but we thoroughly enjoyed our full balcony and the ability to watch the high Epcot fireworks from our balcony (with just a slight turn of our head from the balcony). We definitely fell in love with the resort.

I can't quite say the same about Club Level though. I will probably not pay for it again, unless it's the only way I can get a particular resort. We arrived on Magical Express around 9:45/10:00am. There were several people on the bus with us, so the check in line was long (and there was only one cast member checking in guests). We looked for a sign that said Club Level, and didn't see one so we got in line while my hubby went to find someone to ask. While we were in line, a cast member approached some people a few spots behind us in line and asked if they were club level. They then walked them up to the lounge. My hubby asked three different cast members about how to get checked in to Club Level and all three told him he had to find someone with an iPad (and didn't make any attempt to help him). He finally asked someone at Bell Services and he immediately went to the back and got a set of keys to take us upstairs to the lounge (he did not have an iPad). After he took us upstairs, we were finally able to get checked in. We had Oksana, who was wonderful. She even helped us get some food before the lounge closed, and held our bags so we could eat. While we were eating, she managed to get us another room since our original one wasn't ready. We really just wanted to change into our suits and hit the amazing pool! She turned a stressful check in around for us.

The food offerings were good. They weren't over the top, or something I would want to rush back from a theme park to eat, but they were good. We managed to hit every meal time throughout our trip. I was very happy with breakfast. There was a lot of variety, and I ate enough to last until midday which was nice. We don't drink alcohol, so we didn't feel like the offerings were substantial enough to justify the extra cost. I also wish they would have had more for kids. My DD13 didn't get a lot to eat, and since she doesn't drink soda, she drank water the whole time. We all LOVED the Stormalong Bay punch though and wish it would have been offered all day long. If I could find that recipe, I would be in heaven!!!!

We had a few small frustrating things happen food wise. We arrived around 9:25 for evening snacks (ended at 10:00) and there were hardly any items left. We could choose a lemon dessert (which we don't eat), and a few different cookies. The chocolate mousse that we really wanted was gone and all of the punch. They said they couldn't get any more of either one as they only make a set amount of food every day. As for the punch, they have to empty the large drink containers early because the dishwashers leave at 10:00. They didn't have any more in the back. It wasn't a huge deal, as these things happen, but we left Magic Kingdom early and thought we would enjoy a relaxing last night in the lounge. I get that things happen, but you would think since they are only open for 2 hours for the late night snacks, that they would be able to provide the offerings for longer. I could see if we walked in five minutes before closing, but 35 minutes before closing was a little unexpected.

So, all of this, with the lack of preplanning help going forward, I would probably skip Club Level in the future. However, I will not skip Beach Club! That resort was amazing and I can't wait to stay there again!!!

Great review. Sounds like we had the exact same room. And I agree Oksana waso absolutely amazing. Sorry you didn't like the club level as much as we did.

 

[caliope]

Thanks for this! Where is the CL check in desk at the poly?

Same location as check in for all guests, but on the far right side. We just stood in front of the little sign and someone approached us very quickly.

 

[cc1013]

OMG!! We are trying Magical Express tomorrow for the first time, we usually do a town car. I hope it's not that long of a wait. Can I ask how much the taxi cost? Just in case!

Sorry! Just seeing this now. I think for our group of five it was about $65 plus tip. Not cheap but worth it for us with two toddlers who were already spent from the flight.

 

[eeyore81]

What do they stock the fridge with? Cans of soft drinks? Bottles of water? Bottles of milk?

Cans of soft drinks, cartons of white milk, bottles of chocolate milk and apple juice. No bottled water. They also have yogurt in the frig in the mornings.

 

[starry_solo]

Cans of soft drinks, cartons of white milk, bottles of chocolate milk and apple juice. No bottled water. They also have yogurt in the frig in the mornings.

Thanks, I always wondered what was put into the fridges

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

Cans of soft drinks, cartons of white milk, bottles of chocolate milk and apple juice. No bottled water. They also have yogurt in the frig in the mornings.

When we were at the BC they did have bottled water and milk was available by request.

 

[titansgal]

Great review. Sounds like we had the exact same room. And I agree Oksana waso absolutely amazing. Sorry you didn't like the club level as much as we did.

We liked club level, I just didn't think it was worth the extra money for our family with our eating style. I would have rather stayed in a room one floor lower and eaten a table service meal (or did a dessert party) each day instead. I wouldn't trade Beach Club for anything though!!!! Club level was worth it once, but probably not again (for us).

 

[mickeynut1]

Here now at Club level - if you want to call it that- waited in line 15-30 minutes and finally asked CM where I needed to go since I paid for club level and did online check in. No welcome gift in room and my room requests of close to lobby close to elevator were not met. I requested turn down service but if the day goes the same I won't get it. Waited for a table at Sanaa even though we had reservations. Not to mention today was super busy at MCO waited 1.25 HOURS for our Magical express bus. Sorry for the rant but my day started at 3am and I'm beat and let down in my club level expectations.

I'm sorry your trip didn't get off to the best start, but I hope you are able to enjoy the rest of your trip .

OMG!! We are trying Magical Express tomorrow for the first time, we usually do a town car. I hope it's not that long of a wait. Can I ask how much the taxi cost? Just in case!

Hope you have a great trip .

I'm hoping the Poly becomes home to us too! DH was very reluctant to go away from his CR but we went to Poly for breakfast on our last day and asked if they had any rooms we can see or just walk around and check out - turns out they did and were super accommodating and gave us a little tour - which sealed the deal for our 2017 trip. I'm so in love with the Poly!

It is sometimes hard to try different resorts when you find one you love, but the Poly is amazing and I'm sure your DH will love it!

We just returned from a Poly CL stay and had a wonderful experience. It was our first CL stay, so we don't have anything to compare it to. We took advantage of the food offerings, which were excellent and LOVED the new espresso/latte machine (they just got it a few weeks ago). Did we drink/eat enough to make up for the increased cost? Definitely not. However, convenience has a value. Being so close to the pool and being able to head to the lounge whenever hunger struck (my kids tend to graze) was a major advantage in our minds. We would spend hours at the pool, so when the kids wanted a snack I just put on my cover-up and flip flops and picked up some things for them (and a cup of wine for me). I will say that not all CL CMs are the same and we found some to be far better than others... our only complaint is that they need to be more consistent in their level of service. My advice for anyone is that if you aren't happy with a response from one CM, ask another. I can't imagine not staying CL again, we were spoiled!

Thanks for posting. Glad you had a great first CL stay .

 

[KerryCM]

We are on our final day here at the Boardwalk and will miss it so much! I have been so very impressed with everything here and was so thrilled that we were able to return here after not being able to get a room for so long. With all the great changes I can see it will be very difficult to get a room again in the future! The cast here is so great and love seeing their repeat guests so much. I just feel so good being greeted by all of them when we come here.

We will be at the Beach Club club level in just 40 days, but I will miss the welcoming feeling. We have stayed at the Beach Club 8 times in the past 2 years and the same cast members are there, but they never give a hint that they recognize us. I know they see so many people over the years, but it is somewhat disappointing. I am looking forward to our stay anyway because we will be going with our son and his family and their good friends who have never been.

Anyway, if you have reservations at the BW in the near future you are in for a treat. The evening appetizers are amazing and the chef is great to talk to.

 

[Eastern]

I will say that not all CL CMs are the same and we found some to be far better than others... our only complaint is that they need to be more consistent in their level of service. My advice for anyone is that if you aren't happy with a response from one CM, ask another.

So true.

 

[crostorfer]

Here now at Club level - if you want to call it that- waited in line 15-30 minutes and finally asked CM where I needed to go since I paid for club level and did online check in. No welcome gift in room and my room requests of close to lobby close to elevator were not met. I requested turn down service but if the day goes the same I won't get it. Waited for a table at Sanaa even though we had reservations. Not to mention today was super busy at MCO waited 1.25 HOURS for our Magical express bus. Sorry for the rant but my day started at 3am and I'm beat and let down in my club level expectations.

This is disappointing, please come back and tell us how the rest of your AKL CL trip went. I'm kind of anxious because my 13 year old isn't super happy I picked the AKL to begin with.

 

[VAfamily1998]

We are on our final day here at the Boardwalk and will miss it so much! I have been so very impressed with everything here and was so thrilled that we were able to return here after not being able to get a room for so long. With all the great changes I can see it will be very difficult to get a room again in the future! The cast here is so great and love seeing their repeat guests so much. I just feel so good being greeted by all of them when we come here.

We will be at the Beach Club club level in just 40 days, but I will miss the welcoming feeling. We have stayed at the Beach Club 8 times in the past 2 years and the same cast members are there, but they never give a hint that they recognize us. I know they see so many people over the years, but it is somewhat disappointing. I am looking forward to our stay anyway because we will be going with our son and his family and their good friends who have never been.

Anyway, if you have reservations at the BW in the near future you are in for a treat. The evening appetizers are amazing and the chef is great to talk to.

I'm glad you had an awesome trip, Kerry! Thank you for posting the info about the evening appetizers a few days ago--we are arriving on Jan. 4 and can't wait! Did you happen to notice if they had yogurt available in the lounge at breakfast, and if yes, what kind? I'm hoping it's not a "diet" kind.

 

[KerryCM]

I'm glad you had an awesome trip, Kerry! Thank you for posting the info about the evening appetizers a few days ago--we are arriving on Jan. 4 and can't wait! Did you happen to notice if they had yogurt available in the lounge at breakfast, and if yes, what kind? I'm hoping it's not a "diet" kind.

They had Greek yogurt.

 

[VAfamily1998]

They had Greek yogurt.

Thank you!

 

[disneymommy1979]

We are planning on staying club level for our next trip and was wondering which resort would have the best club level with kids? They will be 9,7, and 4 at the time of travel. Thanks in advance!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

We are planning on staying club level for our next trip and was wondering which resort would have the best club level with kids? They will be 9,7, and 4 at the time of travel. Thanks in advance!

If you don't mind me asking, are you an experienced Disney family? Do you spend more time in one park over the other? What's more important... being on a monorail or walking to Epcot, or none of the above?

Just my opinion but I'd start with what park area you prefer (eg, MK, Epcot, or AK) and/or what overall resort appeals to you most. All of the CL's are roughly the same from a kid's pespecitive, and it's Disney so they are all kid friendly. So I'd start with the resort and/or area itself and then go from there.

Sorry for the non-answer there.

All of that said, I am a fan of Poly CL for a whole variety of reasons... but three big ones are that it's an "easy" CL with kids, convenience to CL and resort amenities, and among the largest room sizes on property.

 

[pixarmom]

I responded to @disneymommy1979 in another thread with a recommendation for Poly under the circumstances. And then I added that BWI is my favorite overall, but our kids are ages 9, 16 and 17 now so that's part of the calculation. One thing about BWI CL is the size of the lounge and the fact that there is no dedicated kids' area. He loved the kids' areas at Poly, WL, AKL, CR and GF - all with kid-sized furniture and cartoons playing, and crayons/coloring pages at WL. Not sure if that changed at WL with the renovation or if AKL still has that area with some of the changes there. Point is, one negative at BWI (and it's hard to find a negative at BWI) is that if adults are in the sofa area in front of the TV watching the news, it can be a downer for little kids. And it kind of stresses me out because our little one is on the autism spectrum and his CL lounge "routine" is getting snacks and watching Disney channel.

 

[disneymommy1979]

If you don't mind me asking, are you an experienced Disney family? Do you spend more time in one park over the other? What's more important... being on a monorail or walking to Epcot, or none of the above?

Just my opinion but I'd start with what park area you prefer (eg, MK, Epcot, or AK) and/or what overall resort appeals to you most. All of the CL's are roughly the same from a kid's pespecitive, and it's Disney so they are all kid friendly. So I'd start with the resort and/or area itself and then go from there.

Sorry for the non-answer there.

All of that said, I am a fan of Poly CL for a whole variety of reasons... but three big ones are that it's an "easy" CL with kids, convenience to CL and resort amenities, and among the largest room sizes on property.

Yes, we are an experienced Disney family, usually go yearly. Our favorite park is MK, but we've never stayed club level. I guess that narrows it down now to poly CL, the GF CL, or contemporary CL. We've stayed at the poly twice now and we do really love it! Now I'm wondering if we should try somewhere different this time around.

 

[VAfamily1998]

Are older teens (17 and 15) allowed to go to the lounge by themselves, or is it policy that anyone under 18 be accompanied by an adult? Just thinking ahead to a possible future trip with my teen sons. Thanks!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Yes, we are an experienced Disney family, usually go yearly. Our favorite park is MK, but we've never stayed club level. I guess that narrows it down now to poly CL, the GF CL, or contemporary CL. We've stayed at the poly twice now and we do really love it! Now I'm wondering if we should try somewhere different this time around.

I struggle with this every time I start planning.

Fundamentally, I think all three resorts and their respective CLs are great choices and tough to go wrong with any of them. They all have different nuances - both in terms of the resorts themselves and the CLs in each - it can be a bit tough to judge them all from afar without experiencing them for yourself.

For me personally, my votes in order of preference would be 1) Poly CL, 2) CR CL, 3) GF CL. Many would argue GF should be at the top of this list, but not really for us. But I will certainly stay in all three again in the future with no hesitations.

I could probably write a thesis on why, but no one wants to read that much! ;-)