One curiosity that I get asked about often is about Disney’s Club
Level offerings. What exactly are they? Are they worth the additional
price tag? Would this option be good for my particular trip? So I
thought it would be a good topic to give you some details on. I am
hoping that it helps you with the information you need to determine
the answers to these questions. And if you are thinking about Club
Level access at your next stay, will it be right for you?
There are 9 Club Levels in the Deluxe Resort category and one at Gran
Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort (the only moderate
with a club-level offering). Each of these Club Level lounges has
its own flair and theme in the truest Disney style. They are usually a
product of the chef and his team of a restaurant in that particular
hotel. So if you have seen one club level, you have definitely not
seen them all. For example, if staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge, you
can expect their Kilimanjaro Club to have some tastes and themes of
Africa. But, if you fancy a different kind of wilderness, The Old
Faithful Club at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will definitely please your
palate with sparkling Geyser Grog and smokey brisket. If you are
looking for upscale with a nautical touch, the Regatta Club at the
Yacht Club is the place to experience the tastes of the like of the
Yachtsman and Ale and Compass. These are just the amazing
cuisine themes offered by these top-notch lounges.
Ok, we know Disney loves a theme, but what types of food can you
expect in a club-level lounge? Meals here are generally light,
however, each lounge will have one beefed-up offering each day based
on their location. For example, if you are a big breakfast family, the
Chronos Club at Disney’s Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs is the
place to be. Bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, frittatas, and so
much more help you get a hearty start to your day. But if you like to
come back for a larger midday meal, Sugar Loaf Club at Disney’s Grand
Floridian Resort and Spa is right up your alley! Here you’ll find
everything from Mac n cheese and nuggies for the kids, to strawberry
soup and grilled salmon. The midday meal here is more than
substantial. If you prefer a large dinner offering, my favorite spot
is the Old Faithful Club at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. I already
mentioned that brisket…enough said there! Not to mention that
throughout the day from 6 am-10 pm there will be various snacks, light
bites, drinks (and yes alcohol is included), and other treats.
Each Club Level observes a schedule throughout the day. These
schedules are distributed to club-level guest rooms upon check-in.
An atypical schedule may look a little like this:
- Coffee: 6:30 am-7 am (don’t worry, coffee is available all day)
- Continental Breakfast: 7am-10:30am
- Light Snacks: 11:30am-4pm
- Heavy Hors d’oeuvres and beverages including wine and beer: 5 pm-7 pm
- Desserts and cordials: 8 pm-10 pm
- Drinks (including beer, wine, and some spirits are available
- throughout the day upon request)
And furthermore, is it enough of a value to impact the outcome of your
stay? Well, depending on your family’s needs and habits I feel most
can overall benefit from a Club Level stay, especially right now with
the absence of the Disney Dining Plan. In truth, the value of the
breakfast and snack offerings alone are worth the extra cost. Thinking
in terms of a family of four, by the time you purchase a full
breakfast and drinks through your day say roughly $100, this
additional cost could just be part of your resort room rate (Club
level upgrades range from +$100- +$275 per night of stay) and you
would be able to take advantage of a full day of the club-level
offerings. I think in truth, it’s a no brainer!
And I know I have gone on and on about the food, but there is much
more to Club Level service than just that. The concierge staff is
unparalleled. They offer a special private and exclusive check-in as
soon as you arrive. They can assist with so many things throughout
your stay like help with dining, assistance with Genie+, special event
tickets, arranging child care, arranging golf tee times,
transportation, and more. And, my favorite, they also do a turndown
service at night complete with chocolates! There is no better way to
feel like you are having a true vacation than experiencing a club-level stay.
Overall, of course you can do the math with food vs a club level stay
and decide if it works for your vacation style and your budget. But,
it is an option to consider when really trying to get the best
experience and value for your vacation dollars spent. Whether it be a
special occasion or just one serious vacation that you need, club
level is something worth exploring!