Disney's Club Level (CL) Information & Questions

[Eastern]

First ever CL stay started tonight (at Beach Club). Very unimpressive so far, following not getting a pre arrival phone call.

Maybe this is standard CL practice now, but I got no welcome letter, in room gift, concierge contact info, welcome drink, or dessert after 9:30 when they let the paltry spread run out. No system here to easily take any water from the club to your room, either.

Pre-arrival call has been erratic. Welcome letter should be provided. In room gift, 50/50. Letting things run out without replacing, variable. Welcome drink: I ask if none is provided. Water: I ask if bottles are available. You could also ask about water carafes.

Experiences are variable even at CL. It's unfortunate, as we are paying a premium price, and consistency should be the goal. All of the lounges seem to operate independently, which adds to the lack of consistency. Maybe speak to a manager to provide feedback, or respond to survey if you are offered one while you are still at the resort (rather than after you get home).

Good luck today

 

[PinkPixel]

Oh thanks for reminding me! I forgot to mention we did get a call from AKL CL the day before our arrival. I’m happy they did because the CM told me they were unaware of our allergies, as they were not listed on our reservation (even though I called and emailed DSS prior to our arrival due to their severity.) They made notes for us and said they would be prepared for our arrival. I know it’s usually hit or miss, but it was nice to hear from them. Have fun!

Can I ask or PM what CL did for allergies? My daughters have multiple life threatening food allergies and I haven’t stayed CL since oldest was a toddler because they didn’t seem willing or able to accommodate (Poly and and CR 2018/2019).

 

[LoveDaisy]

First ever CL stay started tonight (at Beach Club). Very unimpressive so far, following not getting a pre arrival phone call.

Maybe this is standard CL practice now, but I got no welcome letter, in room gift, concierge contact info, welcome drink, or dessert after 9:30 when they let the paltry spread run out. No system here to easily take any water from the club to your room, either.

I’m reserving judgement until I see how other times of day are tomorrow, but so far, so meh.

I stayed at boardwalk club level in December.

I did not get a pre arrival call, I did not get a welcome letter or welcome gift. We did get a card on our last day thanking us for staying signed by the club staff with 4 pieces of taffy. They did have water bottles you could use to take water back to your room but you had to ask for one, so you may want to ask. Desserts were meh even if you got there when you put them out.

Hoping your experience improves and you have a wonderful trip!

 

[SkyGuy]

First ever CL stay started tonight (at Beach Club). Very unimpressive so far, following not getting a pre arrival phone call.

Maybe this is standard CL practice now, but I got no welcome letter, in room gift, concierge contact info, welcome drink, or dessert after 9:30 when they let the paltry spread run out. No system here to easily take any water from the club to your room, either.

I’m reserving judgement until I see how other times of day are tomorrow, but so far, so meh.

I don’t believe we ever got a welcome gift at BC - we stayed there four times right after shutdown. They will give you small bottles of water if you ask, but they don’t always have them as they will run out during the day. I also don’t remember getting any specific contact info for the concierge there like I did for YC, BW, and GDT. They will make you killer coffee drinks if you ask a CM to make you something special, though, and they will bring you mimosas if you ask - and I was never impressed with their dessert items, so imo, you didn’t miss anything (I know this doesn’t really make it up to you!).

 

[jods]

First ever CL stay started tonight (at Beach Club). Very unimpressive so far, following not getting a pre arrival phone call.

Maybe this is standard CL practice now, but I got no welcome letter, in room gift, concierge contact info, welcome drink, or dessert after 9:30 when they let the paltry spread run out. No system here to easily take any water from the club to your room, either.

I’m reserving judgement until I see how other times of day are tomorrow, but so far, so meh.

That's how it was for us when we stayed there pre covid. The funny thing is another disser was there the same week and had the complete opposite experience as us. I remember waiting for a drink (CM pretty much just ignored me standing there) and another time giving up and having to purchase it downstairs. The other person there reported what wonderful service they had lol. So I guess it's all variable even during the same week. I hope it improves. Our experience was so bad we will never stay there again. We stayed BWI this summer, and unlike lovedaisy above, we got a prearrival call. I also found every CM at BWI to be SO friendly and warm.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I'd like to think I've had a fair number of CL stays... actually, probably best I'm not keeping count. I think I've said this around here before but I can count on maybe two fingers the number of times we've been offered a welcome drink. But yet others report the opposite, must be something in my file.

 

[SkyGuy]

I'd like to think I've had a fair number of CL stays... actually, probably best I'm not keeping count. I think I've said this around here before but I can count on maybe two fingers the number of times we've been offered a welcome drink. But yet others report the opposite, must be something in my file.

The only place I was offered an arrival drink was BC! But only once.

 

[HHMcG]

Staying CL for the first time next week. Is it possible to get (pay for) a CL ‘day pass’?
My aunt and uncle are driving up from Tampa to visit with us. They don’t want to do a meal or take up too much vacation time. It would be so nice to be able to sit in the lounge with them, have a snack and catch up.

 

[trishadono]

Staying CL for the first time next week. Is it possible to get (pay for) a CL ‘day pass’?
My aunt and uncle are driving up from Tampa to visit with us. They don’t want to do a meal or take up too much vacation time. It would be so nice to be able to sit in the lounge with them, have a snack and catch up.

I have been able to do that. However it depends . If the room you book has 5 occupancy and you have 3 or less in your reservation they can add the 2 guests to make 5.

They can visit your room however if you can’t them lounge access. At least you can visit and explore shops and grounds. When they arrive at resort they should say visiting x party room ###.

Ask at the resort ask what your options are. Usually they are pretty good if you ask .
Only time I had issues was at GF.

My in-laws live in Florida and visited many times.

 

[focusondisney]

First ever CL stay started tonight (at Beach Club). Very unimpressive so far, following not getting a pre arrival phone call.

Maybe this is standard CL practice now, but I got no welcome letter, in room gift, concierge contact info, welcome drink, or dessert after 9:30 when they let the paltry spread run out. No system here to easily take any water from the club to your room, either.

I’m reserving judgement until I see how other times of day are tomorrow, but so far, so meh.

We normally stay at YC, so same management & most of the time, they operate the same. We typically get a call from DSS after booking, but even that is inconsistent . A few weeks ago I booked CL stays for BWI & Poly for July & haven’t gotten a call for those yet. I don’t need anything, so i don’t care anyway. Getting prearrival calls from Y & B are only a recent occurance. For most of the years we stayed there, they didn’t do them. We did get them a few times, in the last year or so, but we check in Tuesday & haven’t gotten a call from them. Again, nothing I need & we’re very familiar with the resort so NBD to me. The welcome letter with concierge info is usually in the room at check in, so that missing is a housekeeping issue. Definitely ask for one today, either at the concierge desk or from housekeeper.

We haven’t gotten a welcome gift @ YC in probably 5 or more years. It has always been very hit or miss, never something to be expected as a guaranteed part of your stay. They don’t have a specific candy or treat that is routinely left as a gift. Over the years we’ve gotten a YC pin or a few candies, usually for a special occasion like our anniversary. As for the welcome drink, it seems to depend on who has escorted us up to club level. The CM checking us in hasn’t offered, because they’re busy checking us in. The person who brings us up will often offer to get us a drink from the lounge, I don’t know if they would bring a special drink but I assume they would if you say that’s what you want. We don’t drink & just go grab something in the lounge after we’re done checking in.

Y & B have never been consistent with giving out water bottles, thats been a complaint of many posters for as long as I can remember. Most of the time they haven’t had them at all, but when they do, you always have to ask, they’ve never just left them out. The CMs will fill your own water bottles with filtered water also. There’s no excuse for empty desserts at 9:30. I hope things go better for the rest of your stay & you have a great vacation!

 

[jemtx]

First ever CL stay started tonight (at Beach Club). Very unimpressive so far, following not getting a pre arrival phone call.

Maybe this is standard CL practice now, but I got no welcome letter, in room gift, concierge contact info, welcome drink, or dessert after 9:30 when they let the paltry spread run out. No system here to easily take any water from the club to your room, either.

I’m reserving judgement until I see how other times of day are tomorrow, but so far, so meh.

How did today go??

 

[PolyRob]

I don’t believe we ever got a welcome gift at BC - we stayed there four times right after shutdown. They will give you small bottles of water if you ask, but they don’t always have them as they will run out during the day. I also don’t remember getting any specific contact info for the concierge there like I did for YC, BW, and GDT. They will make you killer coffee drinks if you ask a CM to make you something special, though, and they will bring you mimosas if you ask - and I was never impressed with their dessert items, so imo, you didn’t miss anything (I know this doesn’t really make it up to you!).

I had a similar experience at BC pre-COVID. No gift, no water bottles, I even had to wait for a front desk person to take my family and I up in the elevator since there was no greeter and my MB is always messed up. I did get a welcome letter printed after we were taken in the elevator, but no arrival drink until we chatted with a lovely CM in the lounge who said we should have something special since it was our first night. BCs big draw then was the small ice cream freezer. I do have to say I loved all the CMs and they went above and beyond and it was my favorite CL experience. I guess it just depends on your expectations.

 

[KrazeeK120]

I stayed at BC in August and we asked for water bottles almost every day and it was no problem to get them. One day, the CM also offered to fill my son’s water bottle with ice water. We never had problems getting water…the CM’s were always more than happy to assist!

 

[Stooshi91]

Staying CL for the first time next week. Is it possible to get (pay for) a CL ‘day pass’?
My aunt and uncle are driving up from Tampa to visit with us. They don’t want to do a meal or take up too much vacation time. It would be so nice to be able to sit in the lounge with them, have a snack and catch up.

this was a few years ago, but when I stayed at AKL, WL, and BWI they gave my two brothers club access, they even got magic bands. They lived in Orlando and I was staying by myself if that matters.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Can I ask or PM what CL did for allergies? My daughters have multiple life threatening food allergies and I haven’t stayed CL since oldest was a toddler because they didn’t seem willing or able to accommodate (Poly and and CR 2018/2019).

The policy is slightly variable across hotels, and over time.

1. Call before your visit. I'm not sure this does much of anything, but WDW has asked us to do this. A plus is they will go over their policies with you.
2. Tell the hotel staff upon your arrival. They might have you fill out a paper form. They generally offer to have you speak to a chef. that is a good idea in most cases.

3. From there it depends a little on the hotel, but you can very much request food that has NOT been on the line. If you request it, they will make sure to follow full allergy protocols. If you do request a special plate for her, it does take extra time. In some cases, you can also opt to choose prepackaged food (again varies from lounge to lounge and visit to visit) or just take your chances with food that is on the line. (I'm not saying you should, just that it is an option.)

If you DO request a special plate, you have some obligation to be in the lounge to get it. So like if you say you want a special dessert plate, and you do not show up, they are stuck with it. They aren't always clear about this though, and timing at WDW is tough. In some cases, it maybe doesn't matter too much. Like if you request gluten free bread, and don't collect it one day, they maybe will just give you two plates the next time you ask for it.

So that is where it sometimes makes sense to just get food off the line. I am inclined to say whole mandarin oranges (you peel), whole apples, and canned soda are pretty safe options.

In other cases, the staff just gave us a pile of prepackaged food the first day.

THAT said, be careful if you are staying at the Contemporary. I'm not sure how to explain, but multiple prepared foods contained unexpected/unusual allergens, and the signage was not very clear.

 

[Mrs.AMC]

I have also seen the lounges provide toasters (at breakfast) marked just for use for allergies. I gather for those that need to avoid gluten and or nuts

i did not see what they do at poly where they have that conveyor type toaster. I suppose they have a traditional one to offer but never saw it brought out

 

[PinkPixel]

The policy is slightly variable across hotels, and over time.

1. Call before your visit. I'm not sure this does much of anything, but WDW has asked us to do this. A plus is they will go over their policies with you.
2. Tell the hotel staff upon your arrival. They might have you fill out a paper form. They generally offer to have you speak to a chef. that is a good idea in most cases.

3. From there it depends a little on the hotel, but you can very much request food that has NOT been on the line. If you request it, they will make sure to follow full allergy protocols. If you do request a special plate for her, it does take extra time. In some cases, you can also opt to choose prepackaged food (again varies from lounge to lounge and visit to visit) or just take your chances with food that is on the line. (I'm not saying you should, just that it is an option.)

If you DO request a special plate, you have some obligation to be in the lounge to get it. So like if you say you want a special dessert plate, and you do not show up, they are stuck with it. They aren't always clear about this though, and timing at WDW is tough. In some cases, it maybe doesn't matter too much. Like if you request gluten free bread, and don't collect it one day, they maybe will just give you two plates the next time you ask for it.

So that is where it sometimes makes sense to just get food off the line. I am inclined to say whole mandarin oranges (you peel), whole apples, and canned soda are pretty safe options.

In other cases, the staff just gave us a pile of prepackaged food the first day.

THAT said, be careful if you are staying at the Contemporary. I'm not sure how to explain, but multiple prepared foods contained unexpected/unusual allergens, and the signage was not very clear.

Thank you, I appreciate hearing your experience.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I have also seen the lounges provide toasters (at breakfast) marked just for use for allergies. I gather for those that need to avoid gluten and or nuts

i did not see what they do at poly where they have that conveyor type toaster. I suppose they have a traditional one to offer but never saw it brought out

I have not seen that. I'm not saying it didn't happen, but it is not what I have seen. More often they will bring an entire special plate, fully prepared, out to the person who needs it covered in plastic wrap.

It is slightly variable though, depending on the allergy. If it is breakfast and the allergy is shellfish, they might just say there's no shellfish served at breakfast (but you could still request a separate plate),but more or less they encourage the person to take food off the line.

At the other end, I have seen them provide a special plate with an entree off the allergen menu, WITH the allergen marker, same as you would get if you ate in a TS restaurant. (It looks like a large toothpick and says "allergy".)

Other times, they will simply prep a plate of fruit or something and have it waiting in the prep room, covered in plastic with that person's name on it.


Still other times, a chef will come in person and list off various options they can provide. This might be the case if the person has multiple allergies or is say, vegan +has an allergy.

It is a little variable in what the CL can/will do. It varies from hotel to hotel, and visit to visit at the same hotel over time.

 

[PinkPixel]

I have not seen that. I'm not saying it didn't happen, but it is not what I have seen. More often they will bring an entire special plate, fully prepared, out to the person who needs it covered in plastic wrap.

It is slightly variable though, depending on the allergy. If it is breakfast and the allergy is shellfish, they might just say there's no shellfish served at breakfast (but you could still request a separate plate),but more or less they encourage the person to take food off the line.

At the other end, I have seen them provide a special plate with an entree off the allergen menu, WITH the allergen marker, same as you would get if you ate in a TS restaurant. (It looks like a large toothpick and says "allergy".)

Other times, they will simply prep a plate of fruit or something and have it waiting in the prep room, covered in plastic with that person's name on it.


Still other times, a chef will come in person and list off various options they can provide. This might be the case if the person has multiple allergies or is say, vegan +has an allergy.

It is a little variable in what the CL can/will do. It varies from hotel to hotel, and visit to visit at the same hotel over time.

Thank you. I had wanted to stay at the Poly this time, but I think the GF could potentially, maybe, have better access to the shared allergy kitchen for GF cafe and Gasparilla's Grill. Whereas Poly CL is in its own building.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Thank you. I had wanted to stay at the Poly this time, but I think the GF could potentially, maybe, have better access to the shared allergy kitchen for GF cafe and Gasparilla's Grill. Whereas Poly CL is in its own building.

It has been 5+ year since my most recent Poly CL stay, so I can't give you much helpful info for Poly CL. (I did short non-CL stay though.) I have stayed at every CL over the years, and quite a few times overall.

I am sure Poly is fully able to handle an allergy. GF was perhaps a small cut above the rest, but most recent GF CL stay was pre-pandemic.

We have stayed a number of times at CR though, and every visit is a little different.

If the WDW CL's have one MAJOR issue it is lack of consistency. On our most recent CR CL stay that was a problem. Generally, though, the CL's are very good about helping with allergies. They will consistently allow/encourage you to talk to a chef upon arrival and you can spell out your needs at any WDW CL. It just takes time.

The only one I am personally wary of- for now- is CR. and we stayed there many times. To me though, the offerings are limited and skimpy right now. They also served multiple foods that were head scratchers. Allergens hidden in foods where we don't expect them. I feel like they used to know that was a bad idea.

Meanwhile, we had recent great experiences at WL and YC CL's.

With current pricing though, we've also done non-CL and offsite. The Flamingo Crossings area is nothing fancy, but new, clean and it is very easy to stop in the Target there. Easy to get an affordable suite with breakfast included for a 1/3-1/4 of WDW CL prices. For now, the drive onto WDW is not congested. I will also add Universal's CL's are also great. Probably the most helpful for food allergies (best service) is Royal Pacific, but it might depend what the allergy is. Portofino was also great. HRH is good. They have fun atmosphere, but food is secondary.