Good question. I don't recall it being two separate bookable categories before this year (2018) & it continues for 2019 bookings. There was some talk about it last year at the resort but nothing official has ever been provided "in writing".Was the option to have a deluxe room without club level access at the Beach Club something that was by request only prior to 2019? I don't remember seeing the category on the WDW website before 2019, although I wasn't looking for it, either.
The change at the WL is a great example of being creative, since almost exactly 50% of the CL inventory was removed in the remodel of the South wing to Copper Creek Villas. The ability to add CL Access to any WL room has been well received by knowledge guests or guests that have inquired at check-in (controlled availability). Regular guests of the WL either love or hate the dormer enclosed balconies available on the CL floor, having the possibility of adding CL access at check-in for other room locations has been great.
Dave