Sadly, I am back from what may have been one of my best WDW stays. I have to say CL at Beach Club and Grand Floridian (SL) were both great in their own ways. There were definitely some pros and cons at each resort, but it would be hard for me to pick an overall favorite.
I would have to give the staff at BC the best score and the food at GF SL a slight edge. BC’s staff was just so pleasant and engaging. I looked forward to talking to them during my lounge time and felt they did a great job circulating and clearing items/tables. GF’s staff was a little more meek and I felt there were less people circulating. I also felt that items were cleared much slower at GF and empty tables sat with dirty plates for an extended period of time.
BC seemed to have larger hot “dinner” items than small plate items for the evening appetizer time, but there was only 1 adult item and 1 child item. GF seemed to have a much larger variety of hot food, but there were truly more hors d’oeuvres. GF had fresh mickey waffles 2 out of the 4 mornings which were great in addition to more light snack choices, desserts with every course, and a larger alcohol and soft drink selection (Angry Orchard, caffeine free diet soda, Coke Zero, etc).
BC’s lounge was removed from the guest rooms and had the concierge sitting in front of the entrance by the elevators. You could go pay a bill or ask a question and it was very peaceful. GF’s lounge was a little crazy. There was a podium right when you walked in, or a desk tucked away in the back left near the child’s television. The GF’s lounge was almost always chaotic and loud and harder to cut through since I was in a room on the first floor to the right behind the big double doors.
BC’s check-in was great. There was no one standing in the front of the resort when we arrived via DME, but as I got in line for the front desk, I got the text the room was ready and the front desk called upstairs and escorted us up in the elevator. While there, we were provided with a custom welcome letter, all the times guides, champagne, and chatted about some of the new lands and Disney movies coming out.
GF’s check-in was nonexistent. We transferred at 9:30am via Minnie Van and stowed our bags with bell services and proceeded to enter the main building. I saw someone with an iPad outside and explained that we were checking into the resort. He pointed to the back left and said all the restaurants were back there. I just continued in and figured I would find someone else inside. As we were walking in, the same CM came running back and realized what I meant, tapped my band, and then walked us to SL. The podium and desk were both occupied so we were dropped at a table and had some light breakfast (since we had just eaten at BC). I went to the desk once it was free and explained that we were checking in and the CM checked and said ok, you will get a text when your room is ready. No welcome letter, times guides, welcome to GF, etc. We’ve stayed at GF multiple times and knew our way around, but it was just a huge difference compared to my lovely BC check-in.
BC housekeeping was done promptly at 10 am daily. One time we were still in the room waiting to head out and the CM said he would come back. GF times staggered daily, but we had a great housekeeper who left cute touches in the room daily. Turndown at BC included individual dove chocolates whereas GF had Ghirardelli chocolates. We also received a print out of our plans each night at both resorts. Only BC showed our dining reservations and my specific My Disney Experience avatar. Not sure what happened at GF, but plans were missing in addition to my avatar.
I am so grateful for all of the information shared here. It really helped my family and I make the most of the lounge. We were in the know about asking for things we did not see out and hoarded some items from earlier meals for later enjoyment. We even had some hacks for combining items. My favorite was taking some of the caramel from BC hors d’oeuvres (apple slices and caramel) and combining it with an Edy's ice cream and some of the Mars candy that was out 24/7 for my own little sundae after coming back from the parks.
The CL upgrades also saved us about $600 in food. We enjoyed it so much that we cancelled some more meals and moved some plans around on the go to accommodate lounge time.
I kinda failed at taking pictures besides the first day. I think I was just so exited at BC and SL was always packed. If anyone has any questions about BC or GF SL, I can gladly answer them while I look to see whats available for CL discounts in October and December!
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