Disney's Club Level (CL) Information & Questions

[GADisneyDad14]

This might be a stupid question, I'm gonna ask it anyway lol. I stay CL all the time but have not taken advantage of the extra paid FP program before, I just had the thought of booking it for my solo trip in January since my 90 day mark is coming in less than a month, but is the program still running? I hadn't heard anyone talk about it so I wasn't sure and didn't want to waste a CMs time (or my own) calling about it if it's no longer available.

It’s still available. And still labeled as a “trial” program, so in theory, it could go away at any time.

You can find more info on the program basics here: https://www.disboards.com/threads/f...nytime-bonus-fps-cl-fps.3538258/post-56320893

Happy to help with any questions.

 

[Sarahslay]

It’s still available. And still labeled as a “trial” program, so in theory, it could go away at any time.

You can find more info on the program basics here: https://www.disboards.com/threads/f...nytime-bonus-fps-cl-fps.3538258/post-56320893

Happy to help with any questions.

Thanks! I've already looked it all up before, this is just the first time I've ever thought about pulling the trigger on booking it. It's a short 4 day/3 night trip so I figured it could help me make the most of it.

 

[mickeynut1]

We just booked BWI CL for our 20th anniversary Yay!

We were thinking we would try something new, but we love BWI and the Epcot area so I think this will be perfect for us! We are really looking forward to it and hoping for some after-hour events!!

BWI CL is a great place for an anniversary trip! Hope you have a great time .

View attachment 442910
Good morning from BWI. I love this view over toward the Yacht Club.

Beautiful view! Hope you're having a great time .

 

[JessietheNCCowgirl]

I would definitely book one of the Garden Cottages at BWI! They only come with king beds, so that part of your wish list would definitely be fulfilled. The other part would be the full balcony...most of the Garden Cottages have that, but others have a full patio instead (all of these rooms are two story), so you would definitely need to put in a request for that. However, most of the Garden Cottages do have the full balcony (I think I remember being told that only 2 or 3 don't), so more than likely that request would be granted.

The Garden Cottages are our favorite rooms on WDW property...we've stayed in them twice (once with the balcony, and once with the patio), and we have that room category booked for 3 upcoming stays as well. If you search my old posts you can see photos of both of the rooms we've stayed in.

Am seriously thinking about staying in one of these for an upcoming spring break trip, so have been doing some research. Just curious, which cottage version did you prefer - with or without the balcony? In the cottages with the balcony, does it feel darker since you lose the loft/vaulted ceiling?

Also, are there DVD players in the cottages?

I saw a YouTube video and the vlogger stated they stayed in 1212 and there were stairs (accessible with MagicBand) to the right of that cottage to get up to the 4th floor lounge. I've also read there is another set of stairs next to 1201 - do you know if that's the case? Did you use those staircases or walk to the main building to access the lounge via the elevator?

I've heard the lounge is small at BWI - is it near impossible to find seating? Am thinking during spring break/Easter week that will really be the case.

Thanks for your input!

 

[MemphisVanessa]

This might be a stupid question, I'm gonna ask it anyway lol. I stay CL all the time but have not taken advantage of the extra paid FP program before, I just had the thought of booking it for my solo trip in January since my 90 day mark is coming in less than a month, but is the program still running? I hadn't heard anyone talk about it so I wasn't sure and didn't want to waste a CMs time (or my own) calling about it if it's no longer available.

The program is still running! I booked mine a few weeks ago. There is a discussion thread where we all share tips and experiences:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/t...ing-discussion.3657573/page-125#post-61142812

 

[Happy2BMommy0812]

Question - I need opinions. I have always stayed at MK resorts so the Epcot ones are new to me. If I wanted a room with a king bed and a full balcony on club level, which should I choose? Yacht, Beach or Boardwalk? Is there one that would have a better chance of receiving that request? TIA

I would for sure book BWI and request an extra large balcony. We did this and the room was amazing, with a fantastic view and a huge balcony. I think we could have put our dining room table and 6-8 people around it!

 

[reluctantredhead]

Am seriously thinking about staying in one of these for an upcoming spring break trip, so have been doing some research. Just curious, which cottage version did you prefer - with or without the balcony? In the cottages with the balcony, does it feel darker since you lose the loft/vaulted ceiling?

Also, are there DVD players in the cottages?

I saw a YouTube video and the vlogger stated they stayed in 1212 and there were stairs (accessible with MagicBand) to the right of that cottage to get up to the 4th floor lounge. I've also read there is another set of stairs next to 1201 - do you know if that's the case? Did you use those staircases or walk to the main building to access the lounge via the elevator?

I've heard the lounge is small at BWI - is it near impossible to find seating? Am thinking during spring break/Easter week that will really be the case.

Thanks for your input!

I loved both versions, but I actually preferred the version without the balcony, but for maybe a silly reason...I just find the little white picket fence and "front yard" so charming, and our room that had the balcony didn't have the fence and "front yard." To me, this feature also adds an extra element of privacy...and indeed one of the things we love most about these rooms is that they feel so private and you can't hear your neighbors above or on either side when you're in the rooms. Also, although we love the idea of using our balcony when we have one, we never seem to spend much time out there, so it ends up being "wasted" on us, lol.

With respect to the darkness issue, my husband does recall it being a little bit darker downstairs in the room with the balcony, but not to the point where it bothered us.

The floorplan is a bit different too between the rooms with or without the balcony (at least for the ones we stayed in). In the balcony room, the bed is turned sideways from the front windows, and the bathroom is back on your left towards the stairs, if that makes sense. But in the room with the fence and front yard and no balcony, the bed is facing the front windows (and you can open and close those shades to let in more light), and the bathroom area is to your right if you're facing the windows.

We never tried to watch a DVD while we were staying there, but in this photo from one of our stays it looks like there is a DVD player on a shelf under the TV. Sorry the photo is sideways...I couldn't figure out how to rotate it.

As for the stairs, we always just took the main brick ones into the building and then took the elevator...but if there are secret/non-obvious stairs, I'd love to hear about them!

As for the lounge, yes it is fairly small, but we've never had a problem finding a table as a party of 2. We've been in early April and in late February/early March, so I'm not sure if the time of year made a difference. Honestly the CMs at that lounge are the absolute BEST though! And of course Chef Redgie is just amazing. For us, those factors more than make up for the size of the lounge, and if there were no tables available we'd be ok with taking our food back to the room.

 

[ninafeliz]

Am seriously thinking about staying in one of these for an upcoming spring break trip, so have been doing some research. Just curious, which cottage version did you prefer - with or without the balcony? In the cottages with the balcony, does it feel darker since you lose the loft/vaulted ceiling?

Also, are there DVD players in the cottages?

I saw a YouTube video and the vlogger stated they stayed in 1212 and there were stairs (accessible with MagicBand) to the right of that cottage to get up to the 4th floor lounge. I've also read there is another set of stairs next to 1201 - do you know if that's the case? Did you use those staircases or walk to the main building to access the lounge via the elevator?

I've heard the lounge is small at BWI - is it near impossible to find seating? Am thinking during spring break/Easter week that will really be the case.

Thanks for your input!

I can’t help with the garden cottages, but I do agree that the lounge is small and congested. We usually took our food to our room, once we sat on the sofa and chairs outside the lounge with our kids to eat. If there are 2 of you, which I presume is the case given the cottage interest, I think you’ll usually be able to find a seat. There were 6 of us including 4 kids, so we had more trouble. We had no problem at all during off hours, it was breakfast and certain times during apps it was busy.

It is hard to explain, but I just didn’t find the flow conducive to fitting our entire family in. The tables were close and all for 2-4people, and getting food I kind of felt in the way. The evening food was awesome, though, the plated food the chefs cooked was the best we’ve had in any CL (haven’t done AKL or the new CSR, or CR tower club).

 

[trishadono]

Hello from CSR!

These sideways ones are killing me! My phone keeps getting a virus for dis so I’m using my iPad. Oh well you get the point!

Van makes the fun mimosas! OJ and cranberry ! Just the right mix! Yum!

Had a slight hiccup with room. I got my triangle living area for suite request but it had a tub not shower, I’m traveling with 20 somethings so that’s not the best. The were really good about listening to what would work and found me another room.

We are on the 8th floor and it’s really nice! I love how the bed faces the window. I can see the dig site pool as I type, nice!

Lounge staff is top notch! Glad I came back again!

 

[Runnsally]

Only three of the garden cottages actually have a balcony, the others don't, I believe they are room numbers 1205-1207. The others have the nice little patio out front but no balcony. You can see them on a room map on touring plans, they are situated "long ways" as I would put it (don't know how else to describe it lol). I have one booked for January and have been doing a stupid amount of research on them considering it's just a hotel room.

Will be in the garden cottages 1/29-2/2. Would love to hear more about your research. Which cottage appeals to you the most (or if our dates overlap, second-most!)? Thanks.

 

[Sarahslay]

Will be in the garden cottages 1/29-2/2. Would love to hear more about your research. Which cottage appeals to you the most (or if our dates overlap, second-most!)? Thanks.

Our dates almost match lol, I’ll be there 1/30-2/2 ! Because I’m alone and the openness of the loft kinda scares me (I don’t know why, makes me feel vulnerable) I find the cottages with the balcony more appealing since the bed area is more enclosed. I don’t really care if I have a little garden out front, so that doesn’t play in to my decision. The sofa is smaller in those three balcony rooms but otherwise everything else is the same. I have never stayed at BWI before, only visited, so I’m still trying to figure out the best route to take to the lounge, and I probably won’t know that till I get there I guess. I’ve been watching a lot of YouTube walk through videos and that’s been super helpful. It’s probably going to be too much space for me but I’m still really excited (and no need to walk upstairs to use the restroom, there’s a half bath on the bottom floor!!)

 

[PPFlight75]

BWI CL is a great place for an anniversary trip! Hope you have a great time .

Thank you!!

 

[JessietheNCCowgirl]

I loved both versions, but I actually preferred the version without the balcony, but for maybe a silly reason...I just find the little white picket fence and "front yard" so charming, and our room that had the balcony didn't have the fence and "front yard." To me, this feature also adds an extra element of privacy...and indeed one of the things we love most about these rooms is that they feel so private and you can't hear your neighbors above or on either side when you're in the rooms. Also, although we love the idea of using our balcony when we have one, we never seem to spend much time out there, so it ends up being "wasted" on us, lol.

With respect to the darkness issue, my husband does recall it being a little bit darker downstairs in the room with the balcony, but not to the point where it bothered us.

The floorplan is a bit different too between the rooms with or without the balcony (at least for the ones we stayed in). In the balcony room, the bed is turned sideways from the front windows, and the bathroom is back on your left towards the stairs, if that makes sense. But in the room with the fence and front yard and no balcony, the bed is facing the front windows (and you can open and close those shades to let in more light), and the bathroom area is to your right if you're facing the windows.

We never tried to watch a DVD while we were staying there, but in this photo from one of our stays it looks like there is a DVD player on a shelf under the TV. Sorry the photo is sideways...I couldn't figure out how to rotate it.

As for the stairs, we always just took the main brick ones into the building and then took the elevator...but if there are secret/non-obvious stairs, I'd love to hear about them!

As for the lounge, yes it is fairly small, but we've never had a problem finding a table as a party of 2. We've been in early April and in late February/early March, so I'm not sure if the time of year made a difference. Honestly the CMs at that lounge are the absolute BEST though! And of course Chef Redgie is just amazing. For us, those factors more than make up for the size of the lounge, and if there were no tables available we'd be ok with taking our food back to the room.

Thank you for the information and thoughts on your experiences. Maybe I won’t make any room requests, and just be surprised when we get there. The CL sounds there great; am looking forward to experience a “new to me” lounge - so far AKL CL has been my favorite.
I hope you enjoy your upcoming stays at BWI!

 

[TaraWasHere]

We stayed CL in the Sugar Loaf building at GF this September, which is my personal favorite resort. We stayed CL in the main building once, but never really thought it was worth the extra cost. I was wanting to book CL at the Poly this year, but as of right now there are no rooms available for my travel dates. Hoping that some open up in the near future...

 

[mickeynut1]

Thank you!!

You're welcome .

 

[Maxie86]

I loved both versions, but I actually preferred the version without the balcony, but for maybe a silly reason...I just find the little white picket fence and "front yard" so charming, and our room that had the balcony didn't have the fence and "front yard." To me, this feature also adds an extra element of privacy...and indeed one of the things we love most about these rooms is that they feel so private and you can't hear your neighbors above or on either side when you're in the rooms. Also, although we love the idea of using our balcony when we have one, we never seem to spend much time out there, so it ends up being "wasted" on us, lol.

With respect to the darkness issue, my husband does recall it being a little bit darker downstairs in the room with the balcony, but not to the point where it bothered us.

The floorplan is a bit different too between the rooms with or without the balcony (at least for the ones we stayed in). In the balcony room, the bed is turned sideways from the front windows, and the bathroom is back on your left towards the stairs, if that makes sense. But in the room with the fence and front yard and no balcony, the bed is facing the front windows (and you can open and close those shades to let in more light), and the bathroom area is to your right if you're facing the windows.

We never tried to watch a DVD while we were staying there, but in this photo from one of our stays it looks like there is a DVD player on a shelf under the TV. Sorry the photo is sideways...I couldn't figure out how to rotate it.

As for the stairs, we always just took the main brick ones into the building and then took the elevator...but if there are secret/non-obvious stairs, I'd love to hear about them!

As for the lounge, yes it is fairly small, but we've never had a problem finding a table as a party of 2. We've been in early April and in late February/early March, so I'm not sure if the time of year made a difference. Honestly the CMs at that lounge are the absolute BEST though! And of course Chef Redgie is just amazing. For us, those factors more than make up for the size of the lounge, and if there were no tables available we'd be ok with taking our food back to the room.

View attachment 442974

I agree about the cottages with the balcony. In July we were assigned one of those and after looking around asked to be moved. I was very disappointed that it didn't have the fence and gardens, and we didn't like the set up of the bedroom. We preferred the open loft. The balcony is off the bedroom and not really convenient to use either. They are also a bit smaller than the ones with the fences.

There are stairs at both ends of the row of cottages that go to the 4th floor. Never used the ones near 1201 because it is right under the main brick ones. The stairs on the other end come out inside the innkeepers door. We were in 1210 in July which is close to those stairs and very convenient when it was raining, we used it several times. It is a white door and not marked in any way, it is not locked and you don't need your MB until you get to the 4th floor.

 

[JessietheNCCowgirl]

I agree about the cottages with the balcony. In July we were assigned one of those and after looking around asked to be moved. I was very disappointed that it didn't have the fence and gardens, and we didn't like the set up of the bedroom. We preferred the open loft. The balcony is off the bedroom and not really convenient to use either. They are also a bit smaller than the ones with the fences.

There are stairs at both ends of the row of cottages that go to the 4th floor. Never used the ones near 1201 because it is right under the main brick ones. The stairs on the other end come out inside the innkeepers door. We were in 1210 in July which is close to those stairs and very convenient when it was raining, we used it several times. It is a white door and not marked in any way, it is not locked and you don't need your MB until you get to the 4th floor.

Thank you for the info - I didn't realize the cottages with balconies were smaller. Thanks for confirming the stair locations - very helpful!

 

[trishadono]

That cordial was yummy!

So the coffee AM fetch test:

Short walk to elevator and up and around corner for lounge. Get back and bf wants one so I go back. I didn’t get that “ugh I dont want to do it” feeling you get when you are too far from lounge !

 

[ColoradoMom12]

but it had a tub not shower,

I hope I’m just misunderstanding this, lol. Was there actually no shower at all in your room, just a bathtub?? I can’t imagine having just a tub!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

What are the opinions on the extra FPs? It‘s just me and my 25 yo DD for our December trip and we typically do well with the regular FPs. But now with the stupid tiering at DHS, I’m thinking about shelling out $300 to get us a few days of the extras. Part of me thinks it’s not that valuable and I’d be happier with some nice meals, but another part wants the good rides. Our trip dates are 12-14 thru 12-19 if that figures into the calculation. We will be at BWI this time. Thanks!

We did it when it was new, over busy spring break, and back then it included PM fireworks reserved seating (special area just for extra FP folks).

Most important of all, on that trip we qualified for the extra FP by staying at one of the suites at the Dolphin hotel - so no CL lounge. At the time, our room there cost quite a bit less than CL (used saving to pay for breakfast buffet).

We did three days: 2 MK and 1 AK. Epcot doesn't have enough FP rides, IMO. At the time, HS didn't either.

It worked well for MK. I will never forget the awesome reserved fireworks viewing spot! We even got to SIT on the soft fake lawn! And still had a great view.

On AK day, things didn't go as awesome. We used our FP, but it was a stretch to use all of them due to fatigue at the end of the trip. We went back to the hotel and accidentally slept through the PM RoL show.

*****

Since then, we have we skipped the program and felt we did almost just as well getting same day extra FP. It was nice getting all the pre-booked tier 1 FP, but we were stuck with the times. We felt compelled to use all the pre-paid FP, vs. choosing in the moment.

When we did the paid FP, we didn't have ANY ADR's or lounge access, so those made logistics easier. It would be hard to use pre-paid FP and go to the lounge for appetizers. We also had extended spring break park hours.