Disney's Club Level (CL) Information & Questions

[RNRMOM]

BC was only a wreck for one day (but it was a pretty big wreck - it seemed more like they were unprepared for a large influx of people).. They pretty much had it back together by the next morning.

Thanks for the update!

 

[MinMou]

That’s what I told my husband about DLH “it’s like a weird mix of CR and Poly….” And he’s like “WTH?!”

Two votes for Napa Rose, so it obviously must be done, and I can’t overlook any place that has bread that must be mentioned so I’ll give Carthay Circle a try. My daughter just want good churros, and honestly I’ll be happy just snacking my way around (and eating a good corn dog), but I’m always interested to hear if there are any true must eats (besides churros) since you just don’t hear about DLR restaurants as much in the land of Disney food. I guess I know what I’ll be doing when everyone goes to bed at night.

We have stayed at both the DL hotel and the Grand Californian.
The Grand Californian is very reminiscent of the WL at WDW, while the DL hotel seemed like a throwback to the 60s. Great service at both.

We loved our dinner at Napa Rose. I've heard people swear that no visit is complete without a meal at Blue Bayou, since it was Walt's favorite, but we had a preschooler with us, and we skipped it to avoid a midday meltdown. One of the draws is getting to see the boats from Pirates of the Caribbean cruise by.

It turns out that Walt's favorite restaurant, at least until Blue Bayou opened in 1967, was the Plaza Inn. It was designed by his wife, and was the fine dining place in the park. It's different now, but the design is similar to the Crystal Palace in MK.

 

[Sarahslay]

We have stayed at both the DL hotel and the Grand Californian.
The Grand Californian is very reminiscent of the WL at WDW, while the DL hotel seemed like a throwback to the 60s. Great service at both.

We loved our dinner at Napa Rose. I've heard people swear that no visit is complete without a meal at Blue Bayou, since it was Walt's favorite, but we had a preschooler with us, and we skipped it to avoid a midday meltdown. One of the draws is getting to see the boats from Pirates of the Caribbean cruise by.

It turns out that Walt's favorite restaurant, at least until Blue Bayou opened in 1967, was the Plaza Inn. It was designed by his wife, and was the fine dining place in the park. It's different now, but the design is similar to the Crystal Palace in MK.

I really wanted to stay at Grand Californian because I love that look (WL is a favorite), but my daughter really wanted DLH so we're going there, figured we can't go wrong either way. It looks like Blue Bayou is closing with Pirates for a while and is reopening sometime "in summer", so for usual Disney speak "who the heck knows, could be September", so we'll see. I like to do one sit down a day to rest my feet so will probably try Lamp Light, Napa Rose, and Plaza Inn as my three if Blue Bayou isn't open, but I really want a Monte Cristo (i'm down for anything fried). I think after this trip I'll need to do a longer trip so I can slow down and try more stuff, maybe stay CL and take my time more and relax, I feel pretty frantic just planning in. Doesn't help I also have a DCL cruise in 3 weeks, a solo trip to BWI CL in June, then this trip, and WL CL trip next December with my sister.....plus I'm training to do Run Disney stuff next year, that might be contributing. I think I'll go take a nap lol

 

[Sarahslay]

Got the ever rare (for me anyway) call from DSS for my stay at BWI in June, my 60 days is on April 2 (the day I leave on my cruise, so that'll be fun since I'll be driving) so they're nice and early for that. I was 20 minutes in to a 90 minute Peloton class, so for obvious reasons didn't pick up the phone. No one needs to hear that lol, but I saw where the call was coming from and figured it was them and they'd leave a message. It was the standard "calling to welcome you for your families upcoming stay at Boardwalk Inn in June.....if you have any questions or requests give us a call...." Told my husband and he's like "your family?! Does that mean we get to come to?!!!" "No, dear, still a solo trip. They must be referring to me, myself, and I."

 

[eeyore81]

So far we would vote Yacht Club over AKL. We have always loved AKL but this trip the attention to detail hasn’t be there. No welcome drink, no one checked our magic bands so they didn’t work once we got to the rooms, the lounge has been crowded and the offerings we feel were better at Yacht club. At YC we never had to ask for anything. The CMs were always asking if they could get us something and generally making sure we were happy. We have yet to have a CM at AKL ask us anything. We have had to go searching for someone to get a drink and when asked to clear a table, the CM was less than friendly. Hopefully it will get better because AKL is our special place but I’m afraid after this trip we will always choose Yacht Club.

 

[holden]

We stayed 5 night at BC CL. It was outstanding. The cast members we always helpful and happy to get us whatever we wanted. Food was great for the most part. I didn’t care for some of the desserts, but I’m not a big dessert person anyway. Highly recommend.

 

[SkyGuy]

We stayed 5 night at BC CL. It was outstanding. The cast members we always helpful and happy to get us whatever we wanted. Food was great for the most part. I didn’t care for some of the desserts, but I’m not a big dessert person anyway. Highly recommend.

I am one (maybe one of the few) who thinks Disney consistently underperforms in the dessert area. However, BC club level had a chocolate mousse cup they served on two different occasions last week that was delicious, and I am not a chocolate person. I’m more of a fruity dessert person. We are staying again end of April, and I hope to see it again!

 

[Eastern]

I am one (maybe one of the few) who thinks Disney consistently underperforms in the dessert area.

I think a lot of people think that...very rare that I find a buffet dessert that's worth eating but once in awhile you find something good (never to be seen again, lol). I've been recommended to try some 'amazing' desserts by the CMs that were pretty yucky. I give them credit for their positive attitudes, though.

When we first started going to Disney maybe 30 years ago I remember they had full size cakes on the buffet at CMC. You had to cut your own slice. It was pretty amazing.

 

[Wood Nymph]

We had dinner at Cape May earlier this month and at least two of the Cape May desserts that night were served in the YC lounge when we were there in February.

 

[SkyGuy]

We had dinner at Cape May earlier this month and at least two of the Cape May desserts that night were served in the YC lounge when we were there in February.

That proves my point - I loathe those Oreo Bon Bons that are so popular. Mushy Oreos topped with cookies and cream mousse (aka grey stuff ). I think the club levels at BC and YC serve essentially the same things. I never used to be a picky eater, but I’m pretty sure I’ve slipped into the crotchety old woman phase.

 

[Wood Nymph]

That proves my point - I loathe those Oreo Bon Bons that are so popular. Mushy Oreos topped with cookies and cream mousse (aka grey stuff ). I think the club levels at BC and YC serve essentially the same things. I never used to be a picky eater, but I’m pretty sure I’ve slipped into the crotchety old woman phase.

I seem to remember a huge uproar when Cape May stopped serving the Oreo Bon Bons several years ago. I never liked them. The desserts that they served at Cape May that were the same ones in the club lounge were the lemon curd and the delicious strawberry layered "thing" that tasted like strawberry shortcake.

 

[Eastern]

That proves my point - I loathe those Oreo Bon Bons that are so popular. Mushy Oreos topped with cookies and cream mousse (aka grey stuff ). I think the club levels at BC and YC serve essentially the same things. I never used to be a picky eater, but I’m pretty sure I’ve slipped into the crotchety old woman phase.

I've been in that phase since 12; my age finally caught up to my crank level.

You can't go against the grey stuff on the restaurant boards, you will be banned lol.

 

[jemtx]

I never liked those bon bons either, but over the last year or so I’ve had them a couple of times at chef mickeys and for some reason really liked them there. Maybe it was the biscuit song.
generally the buffet desserts always look better than they taste.

WoodNymph Did you go to Cape May since it’s back to a full buffet? How was it?

 

[Wood Nymph]

WoodNymph Did you go to Cape May since it’s back to a full buffet? How was it?

Yes. We had the full buffet last week. The crab legs were an additional add-on at $29 per pound. We aren't fans of crab legs so we didn't get them. I would say that they brought back maybe 80% of the usual offerings they had in the past. They didn't have the cheeses or the cold peel and eat shrimp, for example. They had hot (warm) peel and eat shrimp served in sauce, which was really messy to eat, but tasty. I only saw beef on the carving board and they used to have ham and maybe pork, but the beef was very good. They had two soups, clam chowder and minestrone and several salads. It was good and we were happy to have the buffet return. But I did miss a few of the things they used to serve.

One disappointment was the corn bread. They served little corn muffins instead of the larger rectangles and the little muffins were as dry as a bone. They need to bring back the delicious corn bread they used to serve. Forget the muffins.

 

[jemtx]

Yes. We had the full buffet last week. The crab legs were an additional add-on at $29 per pound. We aren't fans of crab legs so we didn't get them. I would say that they brought back maybe 80% of the usual offerings they had in the past. They didn't have the cheeses or the cold peel and eat shrimp, for example. They had hot (warm) peel and eat shrimp served in sauce, which was really messy to eat, but tasty. I only saw beef on the carving board and they used to have ham and maybe pork, but the beef was very good. They had two soups, clam chowder and minestrone and several salads. It was good and we were happy to have the buffet return. But I did miss a few of the things they used to serve.

One disappointment was the corn bread. They served little corn muffins instead of the larger rectangles and the little muffins were as dry as a bone. They need to bring back the delicious corn bread they used to serve. Forget the muffins.

Thanks for the review. I saw a video or two online and it looked like exactly as you said that it had been paired down slightly. I just remember everything being more bountiful and there being a few more options in each category. We’re not big seafood people and my DH isn’t thrilled at the prospect of going there.
I used to love the cornbread.

 

[dnw25]

just back from at full week at YC. We stayed numerous times prior to covid and this was our first Club level trip since reopening.

We arrived last Sunday morning and checking in was a mess, IMO. There was a CM greeting and beginning the CL check in process for a large group in front of the globe. I didn't want to interrupt so I got in a very long front desk line. In hindsight I should have just tried my MB first in the elevator but the line was so long I wanted to get my spot. When we were finally helped, the front desk had to call the 5th floor and tried numerous times and never got an answer. She finally just said she would escort us up since it was taking so long. Once upstairs it went fine. We were not offered a welcome drink/mimosa, etc. Not even told about drink options. At this point it was 11:00 so maybe too soon?

Three days of food selections on rotation. Never saw a chef's station or anything special on Sundays. We were very impressed with the breakfast options as opposed to pre covid. They've definitely stepped up the hot options, but we missed the cereal options (now just boxed cereal with whatever in stock) and fresh berries. The berries are different likely due to a vendor change. I used to take a massive plate of fresh, delicious fruit for breakfast and a snack later in the day. This time, they didn't even taste good. CM said the supply chain is limiting options. Dinner/Appetizers had expanded options as well. I was told the new chefs are responsible for the changes. We never saw a shortage of food. If something was decimated, CM supplied more.

Snacks were definitely disappointing (not that YC (or BC) ever really had any real selection) but there was variety. But you also could not rely on it. One day salt and vinegar chips, the next BBQ, one day Jays, the next Staci's. All seemed random and what in stock. Pastries were breakfast leftovers so once those disappeared they were gone. It felt that way with the chips as well.

Desserts seemed better than the past as well since there were more specialty options each night.

Housekeeping was amazing this trip. We've had fine over the years and only a few bad experiences. This time is was actually noteworthy. They were all so sincerely friendly, and clearly took pride in their roles. So so friendly. May have been inconsistent on when the room was clean but it was always perfectly finished and restocked.

Miss infused water, hand made chips and dip, Storm along bay punch. I thought the coffee was horrible and the Nespresso machine was having issues half the week.

M-F staff was amazing and all the returning, senior CMs. Sunday had amazing staff as well. Saturday seemed a little off.

Honestly, we were disappointed by the lack of Disney pixie dust this trip. We were celebrating my birthday (week before we arrived) and my DS's (three weeks earlier). I don't think we've had one trip where we didn't get a little something to our room during our CL stays. One year, when we were newlyweds they sent chocolate dipped strawberries, another time milk and cookies when my DS had just gotten his tonsils out, one year he got a stuffed animal for no reason, mother's day we had a selection of chocolates, another trip we were sent different desserts. Just small acknowledgements. This trip with two birthdays, they said happy birthday on the tv welcome screen. I had one CM come up to me at breakfast one day and verified it was my birthday trip and just say okay and walked away. Even my DH who could care less said numerous times he was surprised at the absolute nothing. not even a cupcake to the room. I know there are covid protocols still but they easily could have gotten a package treat from the marketplace, especially for an 8 year old.

The other real issue that rubbed me wrong was the lack of consistency (not the right word). I had a conversation with two different Club CM about running low on Advil/taking the last one. One said to go to the gift shop and the other said they could get me ice. Our last night, I mentioned I spaced out my Advil so I could do HS that day and the manager immediately, without hesitation said let me get you more and opened the closet behind the desk and grabbed some. WHAT? The CMs I talked to had it the whole time.

Same for the water bottles. I had no idea that I could get a water bottle to refill the entire week we were there. The same Saturday night manager our last night was getting them for people all evening. Definitely would have come in handy the whole week.

TIPPING - I witnessed a CM Saturday night accept what was definitely a massive tip. A group of 8 -10 hung out the the lounge during desserts to watch the basketball tournament. The mom offered a tip, the CM turned it down - against policy/not allowed - the mom said take it, the CM said no a second time, the mom said no one will know just take it and the CM said okay between us. I was appalled. I did not report it for various reasons but am still tempted to do so.

 

[dnw25]

Forgot to add. The elephant in this thread - is it worth it, would I do it again....

I don't think so again this year. We usually go 2-3 times a year. The amount of $$$ was honestly outrageous for what you get. We'll likely do it again but not every trip. Plus, over a 7 night trip, the choices do get repetitive.

 

[Eastern]

TIPPING - I witnessed a CM Saturday night accept what was definitely a massive tip. A group of 8 -10 hung out the the lounge during desserts to watch the basketball tournament. The mom offered a tip, the CM turned it down - against policy/not allowed - the mom said take it, the CM said no a second time, the mom said no one will know just take it and the CM said okay between us. I was appalled. I did not report it for various reasons but am still tempted to do so.

I would not report it in regular times, never mind these hard times. Did the CM actually say 'it's not allowed?' I've tipped lounge CMs on several occasions. They usually decline before accepting. It is definitely not expected but I'm sure it is appreciated.

As for the welcome drink, if they don't offer, I just ask

 

[dnw25]

I would not report it in regular times, never mind these hard times. Did the CM actually say 'it's not allowed?' I've tipped lounge CMs on several occasions. They usually decline before accepting. It is definitely not expected but I'm sure it is appreciated.

As for the welcome drink, if they don't offer, I just ask

I thought it was against the rules. then creating a tipping culture and service dependent on who tips and how much etc.

It was definitely uncomfortable in the lounge. We were not the only other parties there. DH and I then discussed whether we needed to tip and who because numerous amazing CM.

I'm curious how have you determined the how much to tip and who to give it to?

If this is the new norm, we need to know. definitely would impact service going forward.

 

[Crazyhorse]

I thought it was against the rules. then creating a tipping culture and service dependent on who tips and how much etc.

It was definitely uncomfortable in the lounge. We were not the only other parties there. DH and I then discussed whether we needed to tip and who because numerous amazing CM.

I'm curious how have you determined the how much to tip and who to give it to?

If this is the new norm, we need to know. definitely would impact service going forward.

I'm going on the record here! We will NOT be tipping the CL staff. Don't kid yourself....tipping is part of your exorbitant room rate...which we happily pay.