Disney's Club Level (CL) Information & Questions

[focusondisney]

I have always heard CMs must refuse 3 times & then can accept. But it must be turned into the manager & pooled for treats for all staff. Sounds like the CM did refuse the way they were supposed to. Will it be turned in, who knows. Not my problem. I do NOT intend to start tipping. I don’t care what others do, but after 20 years of staying club level, I’m not starting that now. JMO.

 

[limegreenmonorail]

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 a former Cast Member and I worked front desk at AKL, which is also a non-tipped position. The rule of thumb for a CM in a non-tipped role when someone is insistent on giving you a tip is to decline twice. If the guest continues to push, then you accept. You don't get to keep it, and have to go turn the tip over to your manager afterward. But you've got a job to do and you can't stand there all night going back and forth with a guest that refuses to accept anything other than you taking the money, don't want to be rude or turn it into a big scene. Easier to just accept the tip and handle it with management after the guest leaves.

Sounds like this CM did exactly the right thing in that situation.

 

[Eastern]

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.

It's not the new norm. It was a personal decision. Once I give them the money I don't care what they do with it. Maybe they pool it. No one ever said they weren't allowed though, which is why I asked if you actually heard them say that phrase.

 

[focusondisney]

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.

Honestly, you had exceptional experiences already if you got that many pixie dust extras. That is not the norm that we experienced in over 20 years of CL stays. And we often stay CL 2, 3 or 4 times a year. Over the years we had an occasional anniversary card or pin. Many years ago they would leave a welcome chocolate in the room, but that was a standard that everyone received. We have never received any special desserts or other treats, no matter the occasion. Those random touches were scaled back for several years & already rare even before the close down. So many people would hear of these things that people came to expect them & complained when they didn’t get something too. Random pixie dust became an expectation. Especially now, everyone at WDW is celebrating something.

 

[dnw25]

Honestly, you had exceptional experiences already if you got that many pixie dust extras. That is not the norm that we experienced in over 20 years of CL stays. And we often stay CL 2, 3 or 4 times a year. Over the years we had an occasional anniversary card or pin. Many years ago they would leave a welcome chocolate in the room, but that was a standard that everyone received. We have never received any special desserts or other treats, no matter the occasion. Those random touches were scaled back for several years & already rare even before the close down. So many people would hear of these things that people came to expect them & complained when they didn’t get something too. Random pixie dust became an expectation. Especially now, everyone at WDW is celebrating something.

that's exactly what I told DH. Now, every single person is celebrating at WDW. Also, most of those were for our extremely charming DS. CMs usually adore him.


I do think if they are going to charge the increased pricing with extremely limited discounts they do need to step it up some - bottle of water, working Nespresso machine, more drink options, etc. We stayed 8 nights for the same week in March 2020 and paid easily $1400 more for our 7 night stay this past week.

 

[MinMou]

We stayed 8 nights for the same week in March 2020 and paid easily $1400 more for our 7 night stay this past week.

Not sure where you live, but everything where I live has gone up significantly since March 2020. Not just gas

 

[fairygagamother]

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.

My husband & I were there for our Fiftieth anniversary & I thought it was pretty special to be celebrating that milestone along with Mickey’s. Upon arrival upstairs( we were at BWI club level), we weren’t even offered a button! Or the basic information sheet about club level! Not even a warm welcome of any sort!
However, all the lounge CMs were all very friendly & eager to serve or help. And most of those were the younger ones. Surprisingly, it was the more seasoned CMs, who I recognized from past years, that seemed bored or not engaging as much with guests. With the exception of Lorenzo, of course! He’s unfailingly a rockstar as far as interacting with guests with joy & enthusiasm!
And I must mention how extraordinary the housekeeping was as well! No turndown, but very thorough & friendly. I am a tea drinker & I also use a lot of sugar & many ( most) times neither one of those are consistently replaced. Even when I leave a note with the tip that request is usually ignored. But not this trip! Both were kept replenished daily & I was thrilled with that !

 

[MinMou]

My husband & I were there for our Fiftieth anniversary & I thought it was pretty special to be celebrating that milestone along with Mickey’s. Upon arrival upstairs( we were at BWI club level), we weren’t even offered a button! Or the basic information sheet about club level! Not even a warm welcome of any sort!

I thought that you had to request a button, so I went to City Hall to get our first time visit buttons.
But I agree that a returning guest should not have to do that.

 

[Disneykingofkings]

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.

oh yes, i remember way back then at Park Fare, they had this wonderful elderly female CM who stood behind the dessert table to the left; she was also the pastry chef and we had many a convo; there were whole cakes and she would give you a slice; my fav was the all white cake with white filling and frosting; in fact, we had that made special for us a few times for up in the CL; there was even a story in the newspapers maybe 25 yrs ago, about this guy who flew down for his anniversary, picked up 2 of these cakes, and flew home and surprised his wife since it was her fav dessert there; and no it wasnt me simply because i would never fly anywhere without my DW;

 

[jods]

Ironically the only time we've ever been pixie dusted was when we stayed at a value. Our first trip we arrived at midnight and my son lost his first tooth on the way to the hotel. The gift shop was closed so I asked the desk when we checked in if anything was open anywhere. She came back with a signed mickey post card and a small toy to leave for him. Nothing for my 50th or my son's 17th bday. I wasn't expecting anything as a million people at Disney are celebrating something. I qss just so grateful for that first CM who acknowledged his tooth and snuck us treats to leave for him.

 

[DJFan88]

I got pixie dusted once during a CL stay at WL. I couldn’t find the laundry room so I stopped downstairs in the main lobby to ask where it was.
The CM gave me a card to get into the free laundry room which was just down a level or so pretty close to CL and it was for I think like DVC members or something. So free laundry that week! Really the money saved was great, but it was more so that he made the whole thing so convenient for me. I never did learn where the regular laundry was. Perhaps my staying CL also made me a desirable candidate for this too?

 

[Turksmom]

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.

I'm a little slow in catching up here. We were at YC 3/3-4, and AKL 3/6-7. Both experiences were terrific! Our service in the lounge at AKL was actually a little better. We couldn't always find CMs at YC (when we did, they were great! Austin and Stephen spent a lot of time chatting with us) and AKL always had several people greeting us and offering to get whatever we couldn't find. I think it must be a matter of timing. Coral was so awesome that we booked CL at AKL again for next week! I did take some pix of food at YC, but it looks like others who were there at the same time, and more on the ball than I am, have already posted.

 

[CrystalClear82]

Post Covid - Are they still serving Sunday Brunch at the Innkeepers Club?? If so, is there a set time for it or is it just during regular breakfast hours?

 

[Dispro1]

I'm a little slow in catching up here. We were at YC 3/3-4, and AKL 3/6-7. Both experiences were terrific! Our service in the lounge at AKL was actually a little better. We couldn't always find CMs at YC (when we did, they were great! Austin and Stephen spent a lot of time chatting with us) and AKL always had several people greeting us and offering to get whatever we couldn't find. I think it must be a matter of timing. Coral was so awesome that we booked CL at AKL again for next week! I did take some pix of food at YC, but it looks like others who were there at the same time, and more on the ball than I am, have already posted.

Coral is awesome! We love Francisco from RPC who is currently at AKL too. Coral actually picked up a shift at BWI when we were there last Month…nice surprise! We’re checking into YC this morning. New experience for us since we usually stay at BWI, so I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed it…as well as other people who regularly post on this thread. We just booked last week so YC was the only thing we could get (obviously someone canceled). I hope they do a good job with gluten free like most the other CLs do (some are better than others). I guess we’ll find out soon enough!

 

[Dispro1]

Post Covid - Are they still serving Sunday Brunch at the Innkeepers Club?? If so, is there a set time for it or is it just during regular breakfast hours?

Yes they are, but they’re serving Mickey waffles and scrambled eggs instead of the omelettes. They have toppings for the eggs so it’s still really good!

 

[jemtx]

Yes they are, but they’re serving Mickey waffles and scrambled eggs instead of the omelettes. They have toppings for the eggs so it’s still really good!

That’s so nice. I wish other CL’s would do that. Hope you have a great time at YC.

 

[DisneyMountainWoman]

So if guys are interested, I am doing a detailed trip report at my stay at Club LV at AKL. I am slowly updating it daily.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/p...ur-dvc-weekend-trip-report-2-25-2-28.3875587/

 

[Minnie1222]

Does anyone know where the AKL's Standard View - 1BR suites are located?

Thanks

 

[Turksmom]

Coral is awesome! We love Francisco from RPC who is currently at AKL too. Coral actually picked up a shift at BWI when we were there last Month…nice surprise! We’re checking into YC this morning. New experience for us since we usually stay at BWI, so I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed it…as well as other people who regularly post on this thread. We just booked last week so YC was the only thing we could get (obviously someone canceled). I hope they do a good job with gluten free like most the other CLs do (some are better than others). I guess we’ll find out soon enough!

I was just able to book YC again for next week- 1 CL night, 1 standard, but I'll take what I can get!

 

[ninafeliz]

Coral is awesome! We love Francisco from RPC who is currently at AKL too. Coral actually picked up a shift at BWI when we were there last Month…nice surprise! We’re checking into YC this morning. New experience for us since we usually stay at BWI, so I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed it…as well as other people who regularly post on this thread. We just booked last week so YC was the only thing we could get (obviously someone canceled). I hope they do a good job with gluten free like most the other CLs do (some are better than others). I guess we’ll find out soon enough!

The YC was fine with gf for us in the past- not above and beyond, but accommodating. They had a gf toaster and gf bread of some type for the morning, and would get separate butter/cream cheese since at least then they used a communal plate. They typically had at least some gf options, but IIRC the YC and BC CLs never offered to get us a separate meal or separate options or anything, like some of the other CLs have. That is what I would call above and beyond. But we were always happy and fine with the options. Also, this was all pre-COVID so who knows now.