Disney's Club Level (CL) Information & Questions

[GoGoBeans]

Strange indeed! I'm one that used to love BC CL, even with the old (tiny) lounge. Though for us, I'd say the thing that kept us returning to BC CL was more about the resort itself. We really like it there, love the pool, love walking to 2 parks. The CL part is just an added perk for us, especially the ability to grab a quick breakfast and drinks all day/night. The overall CL food and CL CMs don't really factor into our enjoyment (unless we have an overly awful experience...don't think we ever have?).

I also find it interesting how the CLs went through a cutback phase a couple years ago, then were revamped and better than ever, now I keep reading cutbacks again? Seems so weird, not sure what is going on. Our CL stays so far this year have shown great improvements in the food, such as a chef going to GF CLs on certain days for special preparations, Poly's much improved food options particularly during the afternoon hours, BWI having the omelet station on Sunday mornings, etc. Hope they don't decide to discontinue all of these improvements!

Same/similar. We love the convenience of BC for being able to pop into Epcot too. When the kids were littles we stayed a lot at AKL when we were in for the night. We changed over to BC/YC for the pool and walkability once they were older. Love being able to scoot into Epcot for dinner or a ride into the evening. Love Poly for the serenity of the beach and view, but I don't think I could handle a longer stay.

 

[no one]

With my limited CL experience I will completely defer to all of you. From the comments here it seems that the CL experience is changing to be all about the lounge and food. While service seems inconsistent people seem overall to be satisfied with the food and drink options. When we stayed at AKL CL April 2016 we admittedly did not use the evening offerings that much, we were happy with breakfast but definitely no protein then. So it seems that is changing. I dont remember people posting much about the food offerings back then when I was monitoring this site more often, but I could be wrong.
So what CL will mean going forward is being happy with the CL food offerings and not expecting any enhancements to your room experience, except maybe better views in some of the resorts. As to that age old question is CL worth it t? It will depend on whether you think the food offerings are enough to justify the extra cost. It could, if you like the breakfast offerings (like us) and you like to have a drink and appetizer before dinner or even have enough appetizers to skip dinner which some people here have posted doing themselves.
If you are expecting some pampering or extra enhancement to your room experience it looks like you will be disappointed. Whether this is all a good direction for CL we can all debate and as always the demand will dictate what Disney does.

 

[mmmears]

My daughter decided she would handle this (it is just the two of us this trip as she is starting the Disney college program next week and I came to help get her settled) so she went to complain in the lounge. The CL CM told her no more greetings (which I am aware was the case last year but then it seemed they were doing it sporadically again), no more arrival gifts, no more printed itineraries, severely reduced staffing and club level budgets.

I personally find this really unacceptable considering what they are charging for their CL rooms. We've been staying club level for a long time now (first CL stay was in 1999) and I've noticed a steady decline in service over the years, coupled with some true inconsistencies (like AKL CL having truly stellar service and being better than the others a few years ago then just ok on our last stay). In 2016 we did a BC/RPC split and honestly BC CL blew the GF CL away. Did the same split this past May/June and it really was the other way around that time.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Bud Light, Gad? You're now batting .995 on this board.

Ha! It must have been you. They did replace Blue Moon with Bud Light. When we checked in the desk CM was talking about the changes since we were there last year and she said mostly for the better, referencing the food, with the notable exception of the beer change.

Sorry y'all! Gotta watch the calories somewhere.

 

[AngiTN]

@GoGoBeans So are you saying Bud Light has replaced Blue Moon recently? I hope I didn't have something to do with that. I wrote a comment after a few stays earlier this year when they had removed Bud Light. Sometimes I don't like all those heavier beers and do like a light beer option, especially when lounging around Poly. Sorry!

Blech! Life's too short to drink cheap, and bad, beer.

With my limited CL experience I will completely defer to all of you. From the comments here it seems that the CL experience is changing to be all about the lounge and food. While service seems inconsistent people seem overall to be satisfied with the food and drink options. When we stayed at AKL CL April 2016 we admittedly did not use the evening offerings that much, we were happy with breakfast but definitely no protein then. So it seems that is changing. I dont remember people posting much about the food offerings back then when I was monitoring this site more often, but I could be wrong.
So what CL will mean going forward is being happy with the CL food offerings and not expecting any enhancements to your room experience, except maybe better views in some of the resorts. As to that age old question is CL worth it t? It will depend on whether you think the food offerings are enough to justify the extra cost. It could, if you like the breakfast offerings (like us) and you like to have a drink and appetizer before dinner or even have enough appetizers to skip dinner which some people here have posted doing themselves.
If you are expecting some pampering or extra enhancement to your room experience it looks like you will be disappointed. Whether this is all a good direction for CL we can all debate and as always the demand will dictate what Disney does.

CL has always been like 90% food and lounge. Rooms are the same exact rooms you get anywhere else in the resort. I'm not really sure what "enhancements to the room experience" you are referring to. Turn down service? I'll be honest here, I don't get why folks care about it. So someone comes by and turns your covers down. Why? Exactly what is that supposed to be for anyway?

Any how, if you aren't staying CL to experience the lounge I guess I don't understand why anyone is staying CL. That's sort of always been the case though, not recent. Without that, I can't see how it would ever be worth it. Or the point of staying there

 

[anomamatt]

This is OT for this thread (I'm sorry) but I have a WWYD question and I trust the judgement of folks around here. Also just blowing off some steam so bare with me.

We usually use a car service to/from MCO. We've used Tiffany Towncar bunches of times but our favorite driver recently left and we just weren't feeling the two drivers we had on our last trip. For this trip, we opted to try FL Tours as they seem to get positive reviews around the boards.

Our MCO to Disney segment was excellent... great car, great driver, A++.

The Disney to MCO trip today was a totally different story. Car was old/dirty... had 184,000 miles on the odometer. It had a horrible cigarette smoke stench, either from the current driver smoking in the car or from a long history of being smoked in. The car was clean enough, but with the type of worn leather and floorboard stains you'd expect from a car with 184,000 miles on it. It was a very unpleasant 40 minute trip, primarily due to the cigarette smoke smell.

I am not one to get up in arms about things.... I can roll with the punches most of the time. But I was (and still am) absolutely livid. I 'almost' refused service right there at CR and was going to insist on them sending another car, but I 1) didn't want to make a scene in front of my son and 2) couldn't really risk being late to the flight.

I plan on writing FL Tours and also posting my review on the Transportation board, but just curious... are my expectations too high in regards to a car service?

FL Tours might be one and done for me.

We've only used (and use them on every trip) Tiffany Towncar and I love them. Their reservation "system" is a bit crazy (always needing to call in a card, they never keep mine on file), but never had a problem with the drivers. My kids like Jerome a lot and he's been our driver on a bunch of trips now.

 

[anomamatt]

All the bad reviews about BC CL are strange. We stayed there 8/25-8/29 and had a great time... We thought the CMs were nice. Not as engaging as some other CL CMs, but always smiling and saying hello/welcome home/etc. I thought the CL food was the low point (quality wise, always had plenty), but everything else was on par (or better) compared to other CLs we have stayed at this year (WL, AKL, and CR).

But, of course, the real lesson with all things Disney is that there is no consistency.

 

[focusondisney]

This is OT for this thread (I'm sorry) but I have a WWYD question and I trust the judgement of folks around here. Also just blowing off some steam so bare with me.

We usually use a car service to/from MCO. We've used Tiffany Towncar bunches of times but our favorite driver recently left and we just weren't feeling the two drivers we had on our last trip. For this trip, we opted to try FL Tours as they seem to get positive reviews around the boards.

Our MCO to Disney segment was excellent... great car, great driver, A++.

The Disney to MCO trip today was a totally different story. Car was old/dirty... had 184,000 miles on the odometer. It had a horrible cigarette smoke stench, either from the current driver smoking in the car or from a long history of being smoked in. The car was clean enough, but with the type of worn leather and floorboard stains you'd expect from a car with 184,000 miles on it. It was a very unpleasant 40 minute trip, primarily due to the cigarette smoke smell.

I am not one to get up in arms about things.... I can roll with the punches most of the time. But I was (and still am) absolutely livid. I 'almost' refused service right there at CR and was going to insist on them sending another car, but I 1) didn't want to make a scene in front of my son and 2) couldn't really risk being late to the flight.

I plan on writing FL Tours and also posting my review on the Transportation board, but just curious... are my expectations too high in regards to a car service?

FL Tours might be one and done for me.

Mind saying which driver has left? We use Tiffany every trip. Hope it's not Renata!

 

[focusondisney]

Also surprised with the bad reviews of the BC. We were at YC in May. I was impressed with the food offerings & the additional amenities in the room like bottled water & improved toiletries. I thought things were looking up. How quick things change!

 

[eastendlights]

We were told today the bottled water at BC was also permanently cut.

I have a flight out Sunday night at 8-just when Irma is supposed to hit here so it looks like I will be having the pleasure of experiencing BC CL during a hurricane. I booked our room for three more nights just in case today. What was the definition of insanity again?

 

[mickeynut1]

No, if I was paying the rates that go with a car service I would be livid too.

If you were paying town car rates then I don't think your expectations were too high. I don't mind a high odometer, but old and run down is a different story. The cigarette smell is completely unacceptable.

I agree with both of the above as old run down car with a nasty smoke smell is totally unacceptable to me. I understand why you didn't insist on a different car, but I would not have been able to take a 5 min ride in the car you described, let alone a 40 min ride. I would definitely do as you are doing and write a letter.

Following my earlier post, I think the biggest issue with CL right now is consistency. It should not be luck of the draw on getting a nice experience at CL. It should be uniform as to the extras, ie turndown, delivery, greetings etc. It is not an argument as to whether any of those individual items are "needed", strictly speaking nothing in CL is "needed". What I see from these posts is that people are frustrated that the service at CL is not consistent. Turndown service is a perfect example, it is just a little perk, but it should not depend on what resort you stay at or that you know to request it, since they do not make it clear it is something you can request.

I agree

If we got a smokey smelling vehicle like the one you just experienced, I would most definitely not be happy and I would voice my concerns similarly. I understand not wanting to make a scene in front of family (or anyone). I don't think your expectations are too high at all. Towncar service is not cheap.

Part of the deal, though, is a clean, comfortable vehicle. Not getting that is a deal breaker in my opinion.

Couldn't agree more!

We've only used (and use them on every trip) Tiffany Towncar and I love them. Their reservation "system" is a bit crazy (always needing to call in a card, they never keep mine on file), but never had a problem with the drivers. My kids like Jerome a lot and he's been our driver on a bunch of trips now.

Us too.....we've only used Tiffany Town Car and won't use anyone else as we've always had great service/drivers/experiences .

 

[no one]

Blech! Life's too short to drink cheap, and bad, beer.


CL has always been like 90% food and lounge. Rooms are the same exact rooms you get anywhere else in the resort. I'm not really sure what "enhancements to the room experience" you are referring to. Turn down service? I'll be honest here, I don't get why folks care about it. So someone comes by and turns your covers down. Why? Exactly what is that supposed to be for anyway?

Any how, if you aren't staying CL to experience the lounge I guess I don't understand why anyone is staying CL. That's sort of always been the case though, not recent. Without that, I can't see how it would ever be worth it. Or the point of staying there

I think judging from the posts that people just expect a bit more from the CL experience. Everyone here agrees that the lounge, food experience is the main reason for choosing CL. But I think people are looking for something that makes their stay a little more "special" or pampered. As I said before there is nothing in CL that you "need", ie turndown, greeting on arrival etc. What seems to be happening is that there is a little bit less service but the price staying the same. Kind of like the trick at the grocery store where you pay the same price when the packaging goes from 16oz to 12oz.
As to turndown, what its interesting is that when you click on the amenities for CL on the MDE the very first thing on the list is turndown, lol. But this is not about the merits of turndown. Its more about the CL experience is a little less special according to many people on here. It all comes down is CL worth $125-$150 more a night for oatmeal, fruit and coffee in the morning and appetizers, cupcakes and average beer, wine in the evening. It just focuses what CL is all about now. I say this as someone booked for CL in April, because I like the convenience of the breakfast since it works for my family. When I booked AKL CL in 2016 I thought it might be nice to have our first trip be a little extra special with CL, now I realize what you really get with it.

 

[Rachel GB]

I think judging from the posts that people just expect a bit more from the CL experience. Everyone here agrees that the lounge, food experience is the main reason for choosing CL. But I think people are looking for something that makes their stay a little more "special" or pampered. As I said before there is nothing in CL that you "need", ie turndown, greeting on arrival etc. What seems to be happening is that there is a little bit less service but the price staying the same. Kind of like the trick at the grocery store where you pay the same price when the packaging goes from 16oz to 12oz.
As to turndown, what its interesting is that when you click on the amenities for CL on the MDE the very first thing on the list is turndown, lol. But this is not about the merits of turndown. Its more about the CL experience is a little less special according to many people on here. It all comes down is CL worth $125-$150 more a night for oatmeal, fruit and coffee in the morning and appetizers, cupcakes and average beer, wine in the evening. It just focuses what CL is all about now. I say this as someone booked for CL in April, because I like the convenience of the breakfast since it works for my family. When I booked AKL CL in 2016 I thought it might be nice to have our first trip be a little extra special with CL, now I realize what you really get with it.

@no one , I have to agree. We are counting down to our first WDW (and first CL) trip, and have already booked another CL trip for next holiday season. While we chose CL for the convenience of the lounge and food offerings, we also wanted to feel 'special', and experience a level of service (and maybe some pixie dust!) we wouldn't otherwise. I'm nervous after reading some of the more negative CL reviews, and may cancel next year's CL stay if our upcoming CL stay doesn't live up to our expectations.
Of course, I do try to keep in mind that we're lucky enough to be going to WDW, so we'll have a magical time no matter what!

 

[Rachel GB]

Does anyone know the travel times to the parks from the various resorts? For example, if I'm at GF, and want to go to Epcot (or MK, AK, or DS), how much travel time should I allow? I understand there are variables, but a general idea would be helpful as I plan our trip itinerary. TIA!

 

[KerryCM]

My family has been staying CL for many years, since 2000 at least. We started doing to for the convience of an early breakfast, and the service we received. As the years have gone on we chose to stay CL mainly for the special service we got. The majority of our stays were at the Boardwalk were the cast became like family to us, but the service we saw offered to others were equal. You can see why there are so many repeat guests there. We have seen many changes over the years in the lounge offerings, but the service remained consistent.

We did stay at the Beach Club CL quite a few times during this same time period, along with stays at the YC, WL and GF all CL. Since we love the Epcot area the majority of non BW stays have been at the BC. We have encountered the same CMs there and have never been greeted as repeat quests, even if we have been there just 6 weeks prior. I just never got that warm feeling from any cast there except maybe 1 or 2. Now, sometimes I put it off to me being a retired cast member and not you normal guest, but that should not matter, I am still a guest as is my family.

 

[Mousemommy1]

@no one , I have to agree. We are counting down to our first WDW (and first CL) trip, and have already booked another CL trip for next holiday season. While we chose CL for the convenience of the lounge and food offerings, we also wanted to feel 'special', and experience a level of service (and maybe some pixie dust!) we wouldn't otherwise. I'm nervous after reading some of the more negative CL reviews, and may cancel next year's CL stay if our upcoming CL stay doesn't live up to our expectations.
Of course, I do try to keep in mind that we're lucky enough to be going to WDW, so we'll have a magical time no matter what!

In our personal experience, CL is nice, but I don't think we will be booking it again anytime soon. We have stayed CL at WL, YC, BC and now POLY, and while they were all good experiences, we really feel like it's not an expense we are willing to shell out for anymore. Nothing in particular to make us feel that way, but I guess it's just not "worth" it to us. For us, I think a lot of it has to do with family dynamics too. We had our son a few years ago (unexpected!) and as a family of 5 now, we are going back to using the dining plan next year. The lounge offerings are nice, but our kids just don't really like a lot of the stuff offered.

I will say though that the view from the Poly CL lounge was almost worth the upgrade cost though - it was fantastic! I certainly won't turn down a magical free upgrade to CL, but I can't see us paying for it again.

 

[JackOliva07013]

We just came back from a split 10 day stay at BC CL and Poly CL. from 8/24 to 9/4.

at both hotels we were welcomed and brought to CL by CM. at both places were offered a drink upon arrival and given an introduction to CL and hotels.

Turndown service offered at Poly and not BC.

CMs at both places were very nice but... when asked about items bought online and optional delivery to hotel - I was told by CL CM that I would have to pick it up at the hotel store rather than delivered to my room. One item was delivered to the store and I had to go and pick it up - next 2 were room delivered.

I needed a change to my dinning reservations - both CLs made that happen.

Food offerings: I cant say much since we only took advantage of continental breakfast / lunch at both places and only once during dinner time at both resorts. so breakfast time - I liked BC better due to meat choices ( ham / salmon). lunch time - lettuce wraps at Poly hands down and POG juice.

dinner time apps - Poly had chicken skewer (delicious) and BC had some beef. both tasted fantastic.

Cordials/sweets --- both places very similar.

What surprised me most was lack of "towel characters" that we got during our last trip 2 yrs ago at non CL Poly trip.

I mean everything else was said earlier - if you hit the lounge at 8am when everyone runs to grab breakfast - you may not find a table since everyone is there. kids are kids - i have two ( 5 & 7 ) so they all behave the way they behave. We tried to limit our time - simple in and out.

in both lunges you could listen to others people phone conversations all day long.

Overall - no complaints and I think for those who wonder if it is worth it to upgrade my simple answer is: convenience of continental breakfast, snacks and simple beer/wine --- and if you get CL at nice discount - than yes. I would probably not stay BC CL due to location. I mean miles of walking to the pool - remember 2 kids - and its not CL fault but hotel set up ( a completely different topic but BC is just awkward with its set up and we weren't the only ones asking CMs where is the entrance to the pool)

Poly - I really like the resort. We had our room at ground level and both pools no more than 50 feet away from a patio. also you dont need walk through entire lobby from the pool to your room.

and final thought even though not CL related but more of times we live in now... we went to O'hana. the family on right - 2 kids about yr younger than mine - my guess 4 and 6 both had iPads and watched the movies entire dinner, older didnt want to go and participate in coconut race since she didnt finish her game, family on left was taking pictures of food and posting on FB non stop. just the times we live in....

 

[anomamatt]

Turndown service offered at Poly and not BC.

Just an FYI, on 8/25 they (BC CL CMs) told me turn down was 'by request only'. I requested it and got it every night. But given how in flux this is (they ended it, brought it back, and then reinstated it by request only), maybe they changed it again?

 

[Simba's Girl]

So many inconsistencies...I'm going to hang tight for a while and not change anything just yet but it is frustrating because when you reserve your room 10 months in advance and you are told you are entitled to certain things in a room at that level then you expect them as part of the package weather or not they are important to you or not.

Full disclosure: I only like turndown for chocolates and fresh towels.

 

[no one]

So many inconsistencies...I'm going to hang tight for a while and not change anything just yet but it is frustrating because when you reserve your room 10 months in advance and you are told you are entitled to certain things in a room at that level then you expect them as part of the package weather or not they are important to you or not.

Full disclosure: I only like turndown for chocolates and fresh towels.

Nothing wrong with liking the chocolates! Its the little things in life, I always say.