Disney's Club Level (CL) Information & Questions

[DisneyFansInNYC]

LOL, the main reason is that I was not aware BWI had club level! ha!

You should look into it - it will be a nice treat for your anniversary. Enjoy!

 

[mickeynut1]

My 60 day mark is today. Heading to GF SL on 8/6. Should I do online check in or not? Is there any advantages or more importantly disadvantages? I an an AP voucher holder (will activate later that day) with a room only reservation if that makes a difference.

I have a room request into DSS and will send an email reminder on 8/1. Should I also do the touringplans fax request?

We never do OCI as I like checking in at the resort, but lots of others prefer to do it and have the chance of getting their room assignment via text without having to stop at the front desk. I can't comment or make a suggestion on touring plans as I've never used them, but hopefully others will post their opinions .

I can upgrade to GF Outer building CL( no DDP) for $240 more than Boardwalk Inn with DDP. It is our 25th anniversary, I think the benefits of being on the monorail alone is probably worth the extra cost? Is the food benefit worth it? Posts above look like the only meal you can really replace is breakfast, we cannot eat tons of sweets so the late evening selections are out.....We will be closing out most days at Epcot for F&W, that is why I booked BW to begin with. But this looks really tempting.....Help please, it has been forever since we have stayed on site.....

We've never stayed at BWI, but have stayed GF SL and while I'm glad we tried it, I didn't care for it. If it were me, I think I'd stick with BWI and try to do CL there. Good luck and I hope you have a great anniversary trip .

We are checking into the CR Tower club on 11/28. A few weeks ago I received a voicemail from DSS (saw Lake Buena Vista pop up on my cell but was meeting with my boss so no way to answer it!) explaining what they could do for us now that our ADR's were coming up. We preferred to book our own since they don't start until 9am -- on a side note we got almost everything we wanted that way!! Late in the evening a couple days later I sent an email requesting that they book an Illumination Cruise, a Keys to the Kingdom Tour, and a Sleigh Ride. I received a phone call the next afternoon from Allie clarifying a couple issues and all events were booked. Then she followed up with an email confirming our entire conversation. She was very nice and efficient. I was very pleased with the process and we are looking forward to our first CL (and, in fact, first on-site) stay!

How exciting for your first onsite/CL stay! I'm glad you were able to get all of your ADRs and that DSS was helpful in booking your tours. Enjoy the rest of your planning, hope you have a great trip .

We just returned from a fabulous week - split stay: AKL-CL then BWI-CL. Have done both before, love them both, but totally different experiences!!

I booked WL-CL (arriving 7/17 so it's getting close!) while at BWI and hoping those of you who have experienced Wilderness Lodge's Club Level might be able to give me some suggestions! We are booked in a Standard Room. Are there any "room requests" for location I should make? Thanks for any advice!

Glad you had a great split stay! Hope your WL CL trip is just as amazing .

You should look into it - it will be a nice treat for your anniversary. Enjoy!

I agree .

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Not club related but thought I would ask here too. I currently have the star wars dessert party booked. Not sure if its worth it. My kids love star wars but can't decide if its worth 250, especially since wr have drinks and desserts in the lounge. I can eat at yachtsman again for that price (well almost lol). Thoughts?

I hesitate to respond because I haven't done the Star Wars dessert party since Feb 2016. I think the format may be different now? At the time they had a whole area of stand-up tables and desserts/food set up outside in that courtyard area. I think maybe now they do the food inside and then walk you outside? I haven't followed it closely... actually I haven't been to HS since then, it's the one park I almost never go to.

But at the time, my opinion of the event:
- Great setup, very well run. It was a quality Disney up-charge event, in my opinion.
- View was great.
- I don't mind the stand-up tables (if they even still do that), but could be an issue for some. They had shorter tables that were perfect for DS.
- Quality of food/beverage was materially better than something like the MK fireworks dessert party. It's like night/day, and not just because the SW one has alcohol. Lots of options, variety, some unique eats. This made it feel more "worth" the money. The alcohol is a bonus as well but their "cute" special drinks are super sugary. I'm trying to remember but I think they even had some non-dessert options like fruit, cheese, meat plates, but I could wrong about that.
- They gave everyone take-home Chewbaca (sp) steins... DS still plays with it now (puts his legos in it, it's big).
- I liked it because I don't know HS very well and have no clue about crowd patterns, routines, etc... so having the reserved spot was a nice luxury.

Hope that helps. Again, take what I say with a grain of salt since it's a bit old/stale, but maybe some still applies.

Have fun!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I cancelled. I couldn't justify the cost. May do it when Star Wars Land opens.

Opps, I missed this one. Guess you already decided!

 

[Somnia]

Today's my 180 day mark, so excited for my first CL stay

Got all my restaurants booked (though I forgot it started at 6am est not 7am est!!!) and now I'm just waiting to do FP+'s and hoping to see the holiday firework schedules sooner than later.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

My 60 day mark is today. Heading to GF SL on 8/6. Should I do online check in or not? Is there any advantages or more importantly disadvantages? I an an AP voucher holder (will activate later that day) with a room only reservation if that makes a difference.

I have a room request into DSS and will send an email reminder on 8/1. Should I also do the touringplans fax request?

I do online check-in, but I could easily not do it and wouldn't think twice about it.

Advantages
- You set up your payment credit card so don't have to mess with paying any balance you may have when you arrive, that all automatically happens
- You can set up you pin for MB charges if you don't already have one from prior trips
- You can enter in your approx arrival time... may/may not impact when you get your room (although who really knows)
- You can bypass the entire check-in experience and go straight to your room when (or if) you receive a room ready text/e-mail that day if this appeals to you

Disadvantages
- None really that I can think of? But none of the advantages above are major earth shattering items either, so it's somewhat subjective.

FWIW, I personally do NOT mess with any of the Room Request options via online check-in, I just leave those alone. I also have been content with my room requests via DSS and haven't seen the need for a service like TP. I'm sure that works well too, just have never tried it or felt I needed to. The last few trips the CM checking me in read my room requests, which were VERBATIM from my e-mail to DSS, so I have some semblance of confidence in the setup.

If I can be nosy, what did you request for SL? After just agonizing over that back in April it's still top of mind for me.

 

[thaggie1]

I do online check-in, but I could easily not do it and wouldn't think twice about it.

Advantages
- You set up your payment credit card so don't have to mess with paying any balance you may have when you arrive, that all automatically happens
- You can set up you pin for MB charges if you don't already have one from prior trips
- You can enter in your approx arrival time... may/may not impact when you get your room (although who really knows)
- You can bypass the entire check-in experience and go straight to your room when (or if) you receive a room ready text/e-mail that day if this appeals to you

Thank yo so much! When I get there can I have then refund my credit card the rest of my room only nights and use my Disney Visa Rewards? I have enough rewards to pay my hotel off!

 

[jods]

Opps, I missed this one. Guess you already decided!

Haha. I'm back to thinking about adding it on again. I'm so indecisive!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thank yo so much! When I get there can I have then refund my credit card the rest of my room only nights and use my Disney Visa Rewards? I have enough rewards to pay my hotel off!

Hmmm... not sure about that... I only have one Amex so don't have experience with multiple cards and paying for reservations. Sorry!

 

[prgal0715]

Haha. I'm back to thinking about adding it on again. I'm so indecisive!

FWIW - I've done it a couple of times and have loved this dessert party. Happy to elaborate more if you want to shoot me a message! [don't want to clog up the thread with too much non-CL banter! ]

 

[mickeynut1]

Today's my 180 day mark, so excited for my first CL stay

Got all my restaurants booked (though I forgot it started at 6am est not 7am est!!!) and now I'm just waiting to do FP+'s and hoping to see the holiday firework schedules sooner than later.

Congrats on getting all of your ADRs booked! Good luck with your FP+s .

When I get there can I have then refund my credit card the rest of my room only nights and use my Disney Visa Rewards? I have enough rewards to pay my hotel off!

I can't answer whether or not they can do that refund, but if you have those reward points now (or will have them prior to arrival day), you should be able to call ahead of time and pay the balance with reward points. That way your room is paid in full before you arrive, so there won't be anything to charge on the morning of your arrival .

 

[AggieRach99]

We just returned from a fabulous week - split stay: AKL-CL then BWI-CL. Have done both before, love them both, but totally different experiences!!

I booked WL-CL (arriving 7/17 so it's getting close!) while at BWI and hoping those of you who have experienced Wilderness Lodge's Club Level might be able to give me some suggestions! We are booked in a Standard Room. Are there any "room requests" for location I should make? Thanks for any advice!

Just got back from a stay at WL CL on Tuesday. We booked a standard room, and the preferences on my reservation made through Signature Services were 1) Magic Kingdom View 2) Bunk beds. We received request #1 (but no bunk beds) and were in room 7066. It is the absolute closest room to the lounge, and we loved it. Our room view was mostly of the Contemporary. We couldn't see Cinderella Castle and could barely see Space Mountain through the trees, but had a great view of fireworks from our balcony at night. I will try to get some pictures up this weekend!

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

Just got back from a stay at WL CL on Tuesday. We booked a standard room, and the preferences on my reservation made through Signature Services were 1) Magic Kingdom View 2) Bunk beds. We received request #1 (but no bunk beds) and were in room 7066. It is the absolute closest room to the lounge, and we loved it. Our room view was mostly of the Contemporary. We couldn't see Cinderella Castle and could barely see Space Mountain through the trees, but had a great view of fireworks from our balcony at night. I will try to get some pictures up this weekend!

Can you give a mini review of the new lounge? We haven't been there since before the construction. Thanks!

 

[RachelTori]

Thank yo so much! When I get there can I have then refund my credit card the rest of my room only nights and use my Disney Visa Rewards? I have enough rewards to pay my hotel off!

I usually call and pay off the balance before we arrive. They can take any form of payment, including your Rewards Card!

 

[Lucys dad]

Following on from my post last week regarding CL at AKL. Overall a pleasant 7 days and can have no complaints about the staff in the lounge, very pleasant and helpful and always keen to offer refills and food/drink to take back to the room. I would have to say the rest of the staff at the hotel were of a lower standard including the staff that checked me in. I mentioned before the previous week I found the staff in general at the Beach Club quite poor and hope this is not a trend regarding staff overall. I like to think Im quite easy going but I really did tire of some of the staffs incompetence and general poor attitude

Back to the positives though. I checked out of AKL today and in to WL CL for my final week of a 3 week vacation. WOW. I have only been here since 1130 and the experience has already blown the other two hotels out of the water.(I should add my stay at BC was not in Club Level)

Fabulous treatment from the minute we arrived. Fussed alll over my 2 year old son calling him by name, escorted up to the lounge and access to our room before midday. Im sitting in the lounge just now and it really is lovely as is the food and drink selection. Had our lunch earlier at Geysers Point which is a fantastic addition. We have not stayed here since 2014 and have always felt most comfortable here, this has really confirmed it.

Overall. WL already a clear winner with pass marks for AKL and their lounge staff but a definite 'fail' for BC.

Any queries on WL Ill try and answer them as Ill be here for 7 days. Unfortunately my photography skills are as bad as my IT skills so pictures me be problematic.

All the best.

 

[Lucys dad]

Can you give a mini review of the new lounge? We haven't been there since before the construction. Thanks!

Ive just posted a glowing tribute !! The lounge is fantastic as is the food and drink. Like you, we had not been since before the construction started. We are in room 7055 which has bunks and a courtyard view.

Any specific queries ?

 

[RachelTori]

Just got back from a stay at WL CL on Tuesday. We booked a standard room, and the preferences on my reservation made through Signature Services were 1) Magic Kingdom View 2) Bunk beds. We received request #1 (but no bunk beds) and were in room 7066. It is the absolute closest room to the lounge, and we loved it. Our room view was mostly of the Contemporary. We couldn't see Cinderella Castle and could barely see Space Mountain through the trees, but had a great view of fireworks from our balcony at night. I will try to get some pictures up this weekend!

Thank you! Great info!

 

[RachelTori]

Following on from my post last week regarding CL at AKL. Overall a pleasant 7 days and can have no complaints about the staff in the lounge, very pleasant and helpful and always keen to offer refills and food/drink to take back to the room. I would have to say the rest of the staff at the hotel were of a lower standard including the staff that checked me in. I mentioned before the previous week I found the staff in general at the Beach Club quite poor and hope this is not a trend regarding staff overall. I like to think Im quite easy going but I really did tire of some of the staffs incompetence and general poor attitude

Back to the positives though. I checked out of AKL today and in to WL CL for my final week of a 3 week vacation. WOW. I have only been here since 1130 and the experience has already blown the other two hotels out of the water.(I should add my stay at BC was not in Club Level)

Fabulous treatment from the minute we arrived. Fussed alll over my 2 year old son calling him by name, escorted up to the lounge and access to our room before midday. Im sitting in the lounge just now and it really is lovely as is the food and drink selection. Had our lunch earlier at Geysers Point which is a fantastic addition. We have not stayed here since 2014 and have always felt most comfortable here, this has really confirmed it.

Overall. WL already a clear winner with pass marks for AKL and their lounge staff but a definite 'fail' for BC.

Any queries on WL Ill try and answer them as Ill be here for 7 days. Unfortunately my photography skills are as bad as my IT skills so pictures me be problematic.

All the best.

Wonderful information! DH and I stayed at AKL-CL May 30-June 2 and it was fine. We've been staying Club Level there for years and I have to admit, it has lost some of it's luster lately although it's still one of our favorites! Great to see some of our favorite CMs who have been there for years!

We moved to BWI-CL June 2-6 and found it as wonderful as it was last September! (I did miss the morning Jungle Juice Mimosas we got at AKL though! )

Excited to try WL's Club Level for the first time next month! We spent a week in a Woods View room in 2005 so it's been quite awhile since we stayed there! My DD, Victoria, will be working at the new Marina there soon! I don't know the official opening date, but it will be sometime late this month or in July!

I agree, Geyser Point is wonderful!

 

[VAfamily1998]

Ive just posted a glowing tribute !! The lounge is fantastic as is the food and drink. Like you, we had not been since before the construction started. We are in room 7055 which has bunks and a courtyard view.

Any specific queries ?

Thanks

 

[VAfamily1998]

Thanks for that! We are booked for WLCL in August and put in a request for bunk beds! I wonder how many CL bunkbed rooms there are?