Disney's Club Level (CL) Information & Questions

[trishadono]

Omg, you guys. I just had a nervous breakdown lol. I'm not going this year and decided to play on the website for next years trip. I'm not ready to book as dh doesn't get vaca picks until November. I know we want mid to late August anyway, poly CL and GF CL weren't available. At all. Changed my dates and still no availability . I was about to cry when Boardwalk CL had availability. I went to fake book and it asked if I wanted the enchanted offer and that's when it hit me, I was looking at 2018! Whew! Noone but the dis would understand my disney obsession.

I'm pretty set on poly. Noone but me likes the GF. Any reason I should try and convince my family or stick with poly? My kids do love WL but we stayed before the renovations. Not sure if it's still as relaxing and peaceful.

Surprisingly the discounts for gf have been WAY better than poly. You may want to buy one AP for the discount. Getting 30-40% off your resort plus discounts at many shops and meals is worth it.

However the family will get older and they will change what they like. I would never have guessed ds21 would someday appreciate RPC, tea time and the orchestra. So stick with what makes them happy for now. If they are happy, you will probably be too.

 

[yaya74]

My husband is obsessed with the coffee from these, so much that he was searching the internet to buy one.

Coffee from Nespresso is amazing! I have Nespresso at home, just a smaller, single serve one. Ever since I own a Nespresso at home, I rarely go to Starbucks...

 

[lambdabeta]

Maybe, but I think many folks are like me, they simply put up with Disney food because that's the only choice. Isn't it possible that WDW's QS menus are dated? They haven't changed because WDW customers are kinda stuck with what they have to offer; it takes too long to eat every meal off property.

Again, look at Universal's new Urban Kitchen. I'm excited to try it! Not 100% healthy, but fresh options are showcased and readily available! Yum!

I really like oranges, but the CL oranges offered at WDW are terrible. I've had many. People don't eat them because they aren't good quality oranges. The problem is self-reinforcing. But bananas disappear quickly! Fruit in the parks also sells. Lots of folks were lined up for fresh sweet corn!

Here's another: The Hyppo does extremely well just 2hrs east of WDW in high-tourist St. Augustine. They sell healthy and out of this world delicious fresh fruit popsicles made from flash frozen Florida produce in exciting flavor combos.

WDW would sell a ton of them! http://www.thehyppo.com/new-page/
They flash freeze fresh local Florida produce, with just a little sugar, and maybe some herbs. Mango, Avocado Mint, Ginger Juice, Blackberry, Blackberry Ginger, Mojito, Expresso Horchata, Guanabana (a tropical fruit), Guava Peach, Hibiscus lemonade, Strawberry, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potato, Orange Basil, and MANY more. Don't those sound exciting?

The world is evolving, WDW just hasn't caught up. Many new quick serve places roughly model the Blaze/Chipotle style (except healthier) and do extremely well. Cava is absolutely exploding: healthy, delicious, fresh, and inexpensive. Call me crazy, but many folks are just used to eating this way now. Remember, my original response was to a poster who regretted weight gain while visiting WDW. She did her best to eat healthy to enjoy WDW, but gained too many pounds while visiting WDW. Me too! I do much better eating at Universal, and we don't have to eat all TS to eat healthy.

I'm happy a number of folks chimed in to defend the CL's delicious new healthier options. I think that actually supports what I'm trying to say.

First I’ll use this post in its entirety to answer instead of just pulling out one little snippet which is something you complained about someone else doing to you earlier.

Second I don’t know why you think everyone feels they are just stuck eating the food as is. You stated earlier you complained many times but yet you don’t think anyone else would complain. WDW is a business and wouldn’t be serving people food they don’t want just because they feel like it. Maybe it is because more people are like me and actually like the menus. That makes more sense as a business model since WDW is a business. WDW does have a track record of changing with the times and meeting customers needs to maximize profits.

Remember the PP you responded to. She never said she regretted gaining a little weight which she quickly lost when she got home. If you were paying attention you would have seen the photos she posted of the food she was eating. The tomato soup with croutons, bread, and desserts. She actually never said the food was garbage or unhealthy just that she “let loose for a few days”. Oh and BTW, that is what I said most people do on vacation in my PP.

Lastly you may want to reread some of the previous responses because they were correcting you about CL food choices which is not necessarily agreement.

 

[jods]

Surprisingly the discounts for gf have been WAY better than poly. You may want to buy one AP for the discount. Getting 30-40% off your resort plus discounts at many shops and meals is worth it.

However the family will get older and they will change what they like. I would never have guessed ds21 would someday appreciate RPC, tea time and the orchestra. So stick with what makes them happy for now. If they are happy, you will probably be too.

I debated getting an AP for me. Then I can do a fall food and wine guilt free! Are the discounts usually good mid to end August? We are also going the following summer, possibly earlier in the year so that alone may be worth an AP. More then likely we will be at Poly, which I love. Though my 14 yo loved sitting in the lobby of WL. He thought it was very peaceful. He's an old soul.

 

[Rachel GB]

Surprisingly the discounts for gf have been WAY better than poly. You may want to buy one AP for the discount. Getting 30-40% off your resort plus discounts at many shops and meals is worth it.

However the family will get older and they will change what they like. I would never have guessed ds21 would someday appreciate RPC, tea time and the orchestra. So stick with what makes them happy for now. If they are happy, you will probably be too.

@trishadono , this is genius! I never considered an AP (since we don’t go more than once a year), but 40% off of RPC is pretty appealing!!!! Only one person has to have it? And it looks like memory maker would be included then too?! Amazing!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

That’s a great tip. Thank you! I hadn’t even realized before this that you could see the pool from the lounge! By the way, your detailed posts on the Poly CL are one of the main reasons I decided to go for it & try it out this trip. Seeing all of the photos you post & reading the experiences you take the time to share help CL newbies like me make more informed decisions about what we might like to try. Your posts are greatly appreciated!

Thank you for the nice post.

Although I do get a little nervous when someone says they're trying a resort because of my posts. If you go and don't like it, hopefully you won't remember this conversation!

Just kidding, hope you have a great time.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

People may also want to keep track of room only BB offers when they come out and schedule a visit. A BB discount on a future RPC stay can more than offset a quick trip down for a night or two. Or 4.

That's a good point. Oddly, I have never taken advantage of a BB, which is probably pretty dumb of me. I'm usually just living in the moment of that trip and have a hard time stopping to think about what/where/when will be next and doing it over the phone. When I book, I need spreadsheets, my computer, and time to overthink!

(I know you can modify a BB reservation later, I'm mostly kidding with my comments)

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I have a Boardwalk 1-bedroom villa booked, but I am dreaming about staying club level. We would really like more than one room, because the 2yo does not fall asleep well unless he's alone.

I went to look for club level suites, and I didn't see many. Does anyone know which resorts have 1-bedroom options at club level?

They are around, but they aren't cheap!

Poly has 1 BR Suite option, it's in the Tonga longhouse (I can explain more about this if interested).

CR has some 1 BR suites on the Tower Club Floor. This room type, in my opinion, is amazing. Also the Garden Wing Hospitality suites mentioned above.

GF has some outer building 1BRs with CL Access.

BC has 1BR suites with CL Access - we stayed in this room type once. It's far more reasonably priced than the three noted above. I liked this room.

WL has the Deluxe Rooms with CL Access that kind of offers a separate bedroom.

They are probably others I'm not thinking about at the moment.

Hope that helps!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

@trishadono , this is genius! I never considered an AP (since we don’t go more than once a year), but 40% off of RPC is pretty appealing!!!! Only one person has to have it? And it looks like memory maker would be included then too?! Amazing!

Full disclosure, 40% AP discounts are pretty rare birds. GF has generally been 25-35% most of the year, although there are some windows in Sept that have 40% this year, which is awfully nice. And AP discounts are limited by availability, they aren't a given - so it's not always a financial help. Frankly, my AP has only been a financial BURDEN because all it does is inspire more trips.

But yes, MM is included. That's no small chunk of change.

 

[jods]

In looking at APs it really might be worth it for me. Subtract the cost of MM, then restaurant discounts. We always eat at Ohanas (usually breakfast and dinner), CM (my 11yo favorite place in the world) and yachtsman steakhouse. Also Narcooses. Wdw website states APs get a 10% discount at these restaurants. That right there may pay the difference of the AP pass. Hmmm. Something to think about.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

In looking at APs it really might be worth it for me. Subtract the cost of MM, then restaurant discounts. We always eat at Ohanas (usually breakfast and dinner), CM (my 11yo favorite place in the world) and yachtsman steakhouse. Also Narcooses. Wdw website states APs get a 10% discount at these restaurants. That right there may pay the difference of the AP pass. Hmmm. Something to think about.

Plus discounts on some tours, Disney After Hours (25% off, which isn't too shabby), MNSSHP, MVMCP, etc. For awhile last year (or maybe the year before), they ran a special where the dining discount was 20%. Depending on how you tour and what you like to do, it can add up.

 

[jods]

In looking at APs it really might be worth it for me. Subtract the cost of MM, then restaurant discounts. We always eat at Ohanas (usually breakfast and dinner), CM (my 11yo favorite place in the world) and yachtsman steakhouse. Wdw website states APs get a 10% discount at these restaurants. That right there may pay the difference of the AP pass. Hmmm. Something to think about.

Plus discounts on some tours, Disney After Hours (25% off, which isn't too shabby), MNSSHP, MVMCP, etc. For awhile last year (or maybe the year before), they ran a special where the dining discount was 20%. Depending on how you tour and what you like to do, it can add up.

I pray dah is available when we go.

How would I go about doing this. I can't see discounts without an AP. Would I have to speak to someone on the phone? Hate that. How far in advance do AP discounts come out? Would it become active on my first park day and would I be able to do my fp in advance? Is it generally a little better then regular promotions?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I pray dah is available when we go.

How would I go about doing this. I can't see discounts without an AP. Would I have to speak to someone on the phone? Hate that. How far in advance do AP discounts come out? Would it become active on my first park day and would I be able to do my fp in advance? Is it generally a little better then regular promotions?

You can book a resort at an AP discount (assuming availability) without having an AP but you need to call. Or people will sometimes ask on the Discounts board "can someone check an AP rate for me" and usually people will respond, unless you're asking for like 10 resorts.

AP discounts usually come out "last" in any discount period - which is often around 3-6 weeks after the general public discount is released. Disney wants to fill their rooms with other (less discounted) folks first, then APs. There can be exceptions, but that's usually the case.

If you buy an AP online, you go activate it at a ticket window once you're there. That's "Day 1" of your year. You can book a room with an AP discount for that trip - you're just supposed to show your card when checking in (they may/may not ask). If they do ask and you haven't activated it yet, just tell them you're doing it that night and will come bring it by. They 'should' be fine with that.

Yes, you can book FPs in advance just like you normally do now.

The AP is usually 5-10% better than the general public discount. Availability is the wild card. I tend to think AP discount availability on CL inventory is pretty reasonable, but that's not always the case. There have been plenty of times where there wasn't any AP discount availability for what I wanted. For my trips this year, one was booked with an AP discount and the other was booked with a General Public discount.

I keep track of %'s at the Deluxes if you have any specific questions.

Sorry - TLDR... but hope that helps!

 

[jods]

You can book a resort at an AP discount (assuming availability) without having an AP but you need to call. Or people will sometimes ask on the Discounts board "can someone check an AP rate for me" and usually people will respond, unless you're asking for like 10 resorts.

AP discounts usually come out "last" in any discount period - which is often around 3-6 weeks after the general public discount is released. Disney wants to fill their rooms with other (less discounted) folks first, then APs. There can be exceptions, but that's usually the case.

If you buy an AP online, you go activate it at a ticket window once you're there. That's "Day 1" of your year. You can book a room with an AP discount for that trip - you're just supposed to show your card when checking in (they may/may not ask). If they do ask and you haven't activated it yet, just tell them you're doing it that night and will come bring it by. They 'should' be fine with that.

Yes, you can book FPs in advance just like you normally do now.

The AP is usually 5-10% better than the general public discount. Availability is the wild card. I tend to think AP discount availability on CL inventory is pretty reasonable, but that's not always the case. There have been plenty of times where there wasn't any AP discount availability for what I wanted. For my trips this year, one was booked with an AP discount and the other was booked with a General Public discount.

I keep track of %'s at the Deluxes if you have any specific questions.

Sorry - TLDR... but hope that helps!

Thanks for the info. The only discounts I'm really interested are the typical August discounts, Poly, WL and GF. No rush as I'm not booking anything for a long time. I will be going with or without discounts and typically book early.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Omg, you guys. I just had a nervous breakdown lol. I'm not going this year and decided to play on the website for next years trip. I'm not ready to book as dh doesn't get vaca picks until November. I know we want mid to late August anyway, poly CL and GF CL weren't available. At all. Changed my dates and still no availability . I was about to cry when Boardwalk CL had availability. I went to fake book and it asked if I wanted the enchanted offer and that's when it hit me, I was looking at 2018! Whew! Noone but the dis would understand my disney obsession.

I'm pretty set on poly. Noone but me likes the GF. Any reason I should try and convince my family or stick with poly? My kids do love WL but we stayed before the renovations. Not sure if it's still as relaxing and peaceful.

LOL. My soul would have been CRUSHED in your shoes!!

 

[Eastern]

That's a good point. Oddly, I have never taken advantage of a BB, which is probably pretty dumb of me. I'm usually just living in the moment of that trip and have a hard time stopping to think about what/where/when will be next and doing it over the phone. When I book, I need spreadsheets, my computer, and time to overthink!

(I know you can modify a BB reservation later, I'm mostly kidding with my comments)

BB offers are usually pretty good. I don't think I ever saw a cheaper BB offer for my RPC stay.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Those photos are amazing! Thank you for taking the time to share them! The photo that shows the view of the Lava Pool from the CL stairs surprised me & really put the Hawaii building’s location into perspective for me; I had no idea it was so close! I remember reading that the proximity to the pool was close, but I had no idea it was that close to both pools. My kids are going to love that.(Especially since the next portion of our trip will be at AKL and our beloved pool there will be under construction.) The building really is in a great location!

Do you know how long the pool construction will be at AKL?

 

[mickeynut1]

My husband refuses to do a split stay. We weren't happy with our resort last year and he refused to move hotels. It would have been from BC to Boardwalk, so an easy move. There is no way I could get him to move from a resort he likes.

We did a split stay once and my DH and both DSs said never again...lol. Split stays are a nice way to try/enjoy more than 1 resort in the same trip, but they can be a hassle (IMO) when it comes to unpacking/packing and moving .

I debated getting an AP for me. Then I can do a fall food and wine guilt free! Are the discounts usually good mid to end August? We are also going the following summer, possibly earlier in the year so that alone may be worth an AP. More then likely we will be at Poly, which I love. Though my 14 yo loved sitting in the lobby of WL. He thought it was very peaceful. He's an old soul.

After a lot of going back and forth with should I or shouldn't I, I upgraded my 3 day hopper to an AP last month and it has already paid off. I saved quite a bit in June with dining and merchandise discounts and the savings will continue to add up on my trip this Oct. Of course I'm always looking for other times to go to make good use of my AP, so like GADisneyDad posted, that could be good or bad, depending on how you look at it .

@trishadono , this is genius! I never considered an AP (since we don’t go more than once a year), but 40% off of RPC is pretty appealing!!!! Only one person has to have it? And it looks like memory maker would be included then too?! Amazing!

MM is another factor I used in my decision to get an AP. I'm taking my niece in Oct so having MM will be great .

Frankly, my AP has only been a financial BURDEN because all it does is inspire more trips.

I'm finding this out already after only having my AP a month .

In looking at APs it really might be worth it for me. Subtract the cost of MM, then restaurant discounts. We always eat at Ohanas (usually breakfast and dinner), CM (my 11yo favorite place in the world) and yachtsman steakhouse. Also Narcooses. Wdw website states APs get a 10% discount at these restaurants. That right there may pay the difference of the AP pass. Hmmm. Something to think about.

Definitely something to think about. Depending on how much you spend on merchandise, that's another perk as that discount is 20% .

You can book a resort at an AP discount (assuming availability) without having an AP but you need to call. Or people will sometimes ask on the Discounts board "can someone check an AP rate for me" and usually people will respond, unless you're asking for like 10 resorts.

AP discounts usually come out "last" in any discount period - which is often around 3-6 weeks after the general public discount is released. Disney wants to fill their rooms with other (less discounted) folks first, then APs. There can be exceptions, but that's usually the case.

If you buy an AP online, you go activate it at a ticket window once you're there. That's "Day 1" of your year. You can book a room with an AP discount for that trip - you're just supposed to show your card when checking in (they may/may not ask). If they do ask and you haven't activated it yet, just tell them you're doing it that night and will come bring it by. They 'should' be fine with that.

Yes, you can book FPs in advance just like you normally do now.

The AP is usually 5-10% better than the general public discount. Availability is the wild card. I tend to think AP discount availability on CL inventory is pretty reasonable, but that's not always the case. There have been plenty of times where there wasn't any AP discount availability for what I wanted. For my trips this year, one was booked with an AP discount and the other was booked with a General Public discount.

I keep track of %'s at the Deluxes if you have any specific questions.

Sorry - TLDR... but hope that helps!

Great explanation

 

[jods]

Definitely something to think about. Depending on how much you spend on merchandise, that's another perk as that discount is 20% .

We always spend! Dh golfs and I take kids to DS. They like it better because it's so overwhelming to me there that I let them buy whatever they want. Between the disney store and lego store I'm screwed lol

 

[Ariel620]

If money was no object, which club level room would you book? We have done AKL CL before, so we won't choose that one. But we want to splurge on one night at a CL room to begin our next trip. We will transfer to the contemporary for the rest of the trip (non-CL), where we will focus more on the parks. So for that one night we will mostly focus on enjoying the CL lounge. There are 4 of us (me, DH and 2 kids) and we all love to eat and drink!