Disney's Club Level (CL) Information & Questions

[TJA]

Glad I asked here, because y'all are so right...there's no need to book an expensive dinner when we're staying CL! Thank you for helping me keep my head I'm also giving a second thought to EMM, because I hadn't considered the issue of check out! Plus with EMM, my family would probably benefit from a mid-day room break & that won't be possible.
Soooo...for just a relaxing pool day/evening upon arrival, with a chill morning and MK in the afternoon, what do you think...Poly?

Side question: We'll be checking into Bay Lake, bell services will move our things over, is that right?

My first instinct is to vote for RPC since you'll be having a relaxing resort day and RPC really does have the best food selections throughout the day/night out of the 3 resorts you listed (in my opinion). During early afternoon, they put out soup/breads/crackers/veggies, etc., which makes a nice and light lunch. Then the warm scones come out. Then the nighttime apps from 5-7pm which vary and change frequently, so it would be hard to predict what your one night might consist of. Some mornings there is a chef making mickey waffles for breakfast. We lucked out our last trip and I think she was there every morning for us.

However....Poly CL is very conveniently located to both Poly pools, which makes for ease going back and forth during a pool day for drinks/snacks. RPC, not quite as convenient in that way. So if you only have one day and it will be spent at the pool(s), then Poly may be your best bet. The food is not quite as "grand," but we always find things we like.

One last thing to consider. Since now I see you're moving to BLT, it would probably be quite easy to just walk over from CR and check-in over there with your luggage in hand! Saves waiting on the transfer from a neighboring resort. However, you'd be giving up "better" pools over at the Poly and GF, even though we've never minded the CR pools but the fun factor is more prevalent at GF and Poly (according to my kiddos when they were younger...).

So in conclusion, I'd base decision on what is most important to you. CL food? Go with RPC. CL convenience to pools? Go with Poly. Easiest transfer to BLT? Go with CR.

Whatever you choose, all 3 are great!!

 

[mickeynut1]

Soooo...for just a relaxing pool day/evening upon arrival, with a chill morning and MK in the afternoon, what do you think...Poly?

I think Poly is a great choice for a relaxing resort/pool day. As I mentioned in my previous post (and as TJA posted), the CL longhouse is conveniently located to the main pool (as well as the Oasis pool), so it makes popping into the lounge for snacks/drinks very easy. Plus, you have a beautiful view of the lagoon with the castle in the distance, which allows you to watch the fireworks while swimming .

However....Poly CL is very conveniently located to both Poly pools, which makes for ease going back and forth during a pool day for drinks/snacks. RPC, not quite as convenient in that way. So if you only have one day and it will be spent at the pool(s), then Poly may be your best bet. The food is not quite as "grand," but we always find things we like.

 

[Babsy]

Glad I asked here, because y'all are so right...there's no need to book an expensive dinner when we're staying CL! Thank you for helping me keep my head I'm also giving a second thought to EMM, because I hadn't considered the issue of check out! Plus with EMM, my family would probably benefit from a mid-day room break & that won't be possible.
Soooo...for just a relaxing pool day/evening upon arrival, with a chill morning and MK in the afternoon, what do you think...Poly?

Side question: We'll be checking into Bay Lake, bell services will move our things over, is that right?

Yes, as others have said, the atmosphere and convenience of the Poly to pools is excellent. I would choose the Poly as first choice and RPC as a close second (lounge is very nice and food is the best, IMO).

You can give Bell Services your luggage and they will get it moved for you. We have done so, but lately have begun taking a taxi to the second resort. It erases my mind a little to know that we can have access to our 'stuff' at any time and not have to wait until evening at the second resort.

Sounds like a great stay! Have fun!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Glad I asked here, because y'all are so right...there's no need to book an expensive dinner when we're staying CL! Thank you for helping me keep my head I'm also giving a second thought to EMM, because I hadn't considered the issue of check out! Plus with EMM, my family would probably benefit from a mid-day room break & that won't be possible.
Soooo...for just a relaxing pool day/evening upon arrival, with a chill morning and MK in the afternoon, what do you think...Poly?

Side question: We'll be checking into Bay Lake, bell services will move our things over, is that right?

With your big crew of teenagers to a 4 year old, I vote Poly CL. Best mix of convenience, relaxation, room sizes, and pools/water features that appeal to a wide age range. The teens will likely be all over the volcano slide while the 4 year old will likely really enjoy the Tiki splash pad area. The Hawaii longhouse just steps from both pools is really nice on pool/relaxation days.

It’s hard to make a meal out of Poly apps, so I’d have a few apps 5-6 just to see what it’s all about, but then order the Twilight Feast from the Private Dining menu for dinner and eat in your room if you have a TPV or LV view, or the lounge. The Twilight Feast is the same food served at Ohana and the portions are quite large. You get the good Ohana food without the long Ohana wait.

Cap it off with watching Happily Ever After fireworks from the beach (steps from the Hawaii longhouse) or the CL lounge. And make sure to watch the Electrical Water Pageant too.

Hard to beat that in terms of a quality resort day in my opinion.

Like others have said, all three have great attributes and would be good choices as well. Have fun.

 

[Minnie1222]

For the first time, I was able to book the elusive YC's garden view CL for this July. I don't know why, but this room category has always been unavailable to me in the past decade.
Already got a (missed) call from WDW Signature this afternoon. Impressive.

 

[ninafeliz]

For the first time, I was able to book the elusive YC's garden view CL for this July. I don't know why, but this room category has always been unavailable to me in the past decade.
Already got a (missed) call from WDW Signature this afternoon. Impressive.

Nice, we had one once and it was a great room! Close to the lounge, elevators, and CMs without being too close, and a great view of the gazebo with an easy sideways view of the lake! Plus full balcony and daybed! Such a great trip and room, so much better view them the standard that looked at the entrance we got the next time. I don’t think there are many of them and IMO that view was almost as good as water view without the cost, which is probably why they are hard to book.

 

[BabybetterDisney]

Well, that's a value proposition that you have to answer for yourself, just like being in Club Level.
To me, the seat is just part of it- something one might not know if upgrades at the gate is one's only experience with it. It cuts down on a ton of standing in line.I have RA so this matters a lot to me. There is priority at the check-in counter, at TSA, at boarding, and when picking up your luggage. . I spend way less time at the airport than I used to.

If you're running late it's a lifesaver. One time in San Jose I made a mistake on my flight time and was off by an hour and still made the flight. Curb-to-seat was less than 20 minutes- I know, because I was watching the clock!

The upshot of it is that it's made flying fun again. My vacation starts when I leave my house, instead of when I get to my destination. And if my destination is Europe, the whole first day is much better because I've slept. I figure flying first class gives me 3 extra days of vacay when I fly overseas!

I just booked my plane ticket, and your post convinced to to get first class for the first time! For my family of 4!

 

[mickeynut1]

For the first time, I was able to book the elusive YC's garden view CL for this July. I don't know why, but this room category has always been unavailable to me in the past decade.
Already got a (missed) call from WDW Signature this afternoon. Impressive.

Congrats on getting GV CL! I've noticed that room category being hard to get as well. When pricing for my June trip (under the AP discount), I never saw GV CL as an option, just SV & WV. Enjoy the rest of your planning, hope you have a great trip .

 

[QueenElinor]

I just booked my plane ticket, and your post convinced to to get first class for the first time! For my family of 4!

I think you'll enjoy it. I got tied up in traffic again getting on 280 headed toward San Jose Airport last week during rush hour and was chill(although my BIL was not- he was driving!) because I knew if the TSA lines were long, they'd open up a priority lane. Checked the bag, got on the flight, no muss no fuss. It was great.

I always have to connect to go anywhere, so my trips are much longer than most people's. I think that adds a lot of value for me, too. Basically, I am in four first class seats every time I travel. I'm usually exhausted by the end of it, anyway, but it'd be worse without it!

 

[Simba's Girl]

Just bit the bullet for Sugarloaf Aug 16-22...I'm excited!

 

[PolyTigger]

Simba I see you are MA the snow will make you do that. Sugarloaf building is great, our favorite.

 

[Simba's Girl]

Simba I see you are MA the snow will make you do that. Sugarloaf building is great, our favorite.

Well, that and the AP excuse but I also know it will be surface of the sun hot there in August. HA!

Our first stay at the GF and looking forward to it.

 

[mickeynut1]

Just bit the bullet for Sugarloaf Aug 16-22...I'm excited!

Enjoy the planning! Hope you have a great trip .

Our first stay at the GF and looking forward to it.

The GF is an amazing resort, you will love it .

 

[Llama mama]

So I read somewhere that conceirge and cm’s not allowed to accept cash tips . We are staying CL YC in June .So what does everyone do to show appreciation? I heard they can accept gifts. Does a gift card count as a gift or cash? Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[ninafeliz]

So I read somewhere that conceirge and cm’s not allowed to accept cash tips . We are staying CL YC in June .So what does everyone do to show appreciation? I heard they can accept gifts. Does a gift card count as a gift or cash? Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks

We are normally very good tippers- in restaurants, Minnie vans, RAC, housekeepers, etc... But we have never tipped CL CMs, and it honestly never occurred to me except for when this question comes up occasionally on here. I don’t know why, but I guess no one has ever done anything for us that seemed to warrant a tip . Some are friendlier than others, some more helpful than others, and there are so many and in different positions/roles that I’m not even sure how it would work if I wanted to tip? I can’t be carrying around ones to just slip into hands every time someone gets me a drink, etc lol (that was a joke, BTW, I don’t mean to insult anyone or make them think that I think anyone would actually mean this .)

ETA plus in this day and age it seems tipping less than $5 is being cheap, so I definitely am not carrying $5’s around do when I knock and get wine before thebusual wine service begins

If you really feel that you need to give them something, take a dozen cupcakes from a local bakery, or more than a dozen of the little cupcakes, or somerging similar that they can share in the back room.

I also don’t mean to make you think it’s a bad idea to give them something, I just mean to indicate I don’t ever get the feeling tipping is done or expected. I also want to make sure I’m not the only one not tipping, as like I said we usually tip well and I would hate to think we’re not being appropriate!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

So I read somewhere that conceirge and cm’s not allowed to accept cash tips . We are staying CL YC in June .So what does everyone do to show appreciation? I heard they can accept gifts. Does a gift card count as a gift or cash? Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks

You’re right, they are not supposed to accept cash. You can offer 3 times and they can then say yes, but that has to be turned into some sort of communal pot, or something - or so I’ve read.

Highly personal topic, obviously. I don’t like to speak for other people, but my guess is the large majority of CL guests do not give any kind of gifts or tips.

Speaking for myself, I have only rarely done a gift or other form of appreciation, and that has been reserved for situations where we’ve gotten to know said CM(s) on a more routine/repeat level over multiple trips. That wouldn’t be the norm for some/many guests and that only really applies to us at 1-2 resorts.

However, I do make a point to remember names and write to guest services and/or the resort GM when we get back when/if we’ve had experiences that call for it. I have no idea if those get dumped in the trash or actually make it to that CM in some rewarding way, but I’ve always ‘hoped’ it does.

Maybe I’m alone in our thinking and just don’t know it, but that’s what we do.

 

[PPFlight75]

You’re right, they are not supposed to accept cash. You can offer 3 times and they can then say yes, but that has to be turned into some sort of communal pot, or something - or so I’ve read.

Highly personal topic, obviously. I don’t like to speak for other people, but my guess is the large majority of CL guests do not give any kind of gifts or tips.

Speaking for myself, I have only rarely done a gift or other form of appreciation, and that has been reserved for situations where we’ve gotten to know said CM(s) on a more routine/repeat level over multiple trips. That wouldn’t be the norm for some/many guests and that only really applies to us at 1-2 resorts.

However, I do make a point to remember names and write to guest services and/or the resort GM when we get back when/if we’ve had experiences that call for it. I have no idea if those get dumped in the trash or actually make it to that CM in some rewarding way, but I’ve always ‘hoped’ it does.

Maybe I’m alone in our thinking and just don’t know it, but that’s what we do.

We've only given a gift once and have never tipped cash. Like you, we have submitted names of resort CMs including CL staff who made our stays extra special or were just really great. I feel like the "try 3 times" thing would emotionally wear me out lol!

 

[PPFlight75]

DH and I are starting to plan our 20th anniversary trip to Disney (no kids!) for Spring 2020. We think we have our choices narrowed down to:
CR CL
GF CL RPR
BWI CL Garden Suites
YC CL

We have only stayed CL at Poly and BWI but not the Garden Suites. I am thinking that if we stay GF we would definitely want to main building, but I'm totally lost about CR as we have only stayed once in a garden wing room.

Are there 2 different CR CL options and can anyone tell me the pros and cons of each?
Of these 4, which once would you recommend for an adults only stay?
TIA!

 

[focusondisney]

For the first time, I was able to book the elusive YC's garden view CL for this July. I don't know why, but this room category has always been unavailable to me in the past decade.
Already got a (missed) call from WDW Signature this afternoon. Impressive.

There are only 4 (maybe 5) garden view club level rooms at a YC. I think they book pretty quickly & hardly ever discounted. So it is hard to snag one.

I also want to make sure I’m not the only one not tipping, as like I said we usually tip well and I would hate to think we’re not being appropriate!

Nope, you’re not the only one not tipping. We’ve been staying club level for at least 17 -18 years & have never tipped the CL cast members. They are not a tipped position. We have never needed anything special or had “over & above” type service that would warrant a tip. Occasionally posters say they bring some specialty food from their hometown, but again, not something I have done. Personally, I don’t see the need to tip CMs just because they work on the club level floor. They are basically doing the same work as the CMs that work in the lobby. I’m sure they don’t expect it & I would bet most guests never consider tipping them either.

 

[KateMW]

So I read somewhere that conceirge and cm’s not allowed to accept cash tips . We are staying CL YC in June .So what does everyone do to show appreciation? I heard they can accept gifts. Does a gift card count as a gift or cash? Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks

This is true. I tried because a couple of them at the Contemporary went out of their way for us in December. Between faxing work documents for my husband on his dinner break to checking in on us bc we were all sick to rearranging ADRs due to weather and illness, they were all very nice. I ended up giving them something for the communal tip jar at the end of the trip.