The club level room category in Disney is something I don’t typically recommend for the majority of my guests, but there are certain clients who might really benefit from this type of room.  Here are my top reasons for which guests will get the most out of a club level room:

1.  A family who has been to Disney numerous times and doesn’t feel the need to rush around.  The club level room allows for a more relaxed and hotel oriented vacation.  There is so much to do at the parks on a first visit that a club level room would be a waste of money if the family isn’t really taking advantage of the lounge.  Using the lounge during the day is ideal for the summer months since the weather is so hot it is brutal to walk around the parks in the afternoon heat.

2.  If you are interested in staying at a deluxe resort and do not want to get a 2 bedroom villa or two separate rooms.  I have stayed in a deluxe studio in The Wilderness Lodge (a small one bedroom situation) and in the Boardwalk deluxe studio (one long room with two queen beds and a queen pull-out).  These are great options for a bigger family because you will spend less overall on the lodging and in return get an awesome lounge to use during your stay.

Here is a picture of the Boardwalk room:

3. Extra fast passes.  If you are staying club level you are able to purchase three extra Fast Passes per day and book your selections at 90 days out from arrival.  These will cost $50 per person/per day, with a minimum of three days.  The entire party does not have to participate with the extra Fast Passes if only certain members of the group wish to purchase them.

4.  Guests who would like a little extra pampering during their vacation.  Let’s face it, everyone likes to get some extra attention every now and then.  The club level will not disappoint in making you feel super special.  From the moment of arrival you will be swept up to the concierge desk check-in and will then have full access to the club level lounge for the length of your stay.

Aside from the lounge you get a few extra perks in the club level room including a welcome note, extra toiletries, and daily printouts of your itinerary:

The Innkeeper’s Lounge:

Breakfast from 7am – 10am:

Drink selection: espresso machine, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, juices, water, and a cold coffee brew:

Breakfast selections include bagels and bread, muffins, scones, croissants, and cereal:

Oatmeal, grits, polenta, hard boiled eggs, fresh fruit, cheese, meats, and crostini:

Fruit and drinks available at all times:

Light lunch/snacks from 11am – 4pm:

Candy and cookies:

Fresh veggies and dips, fresh fruit, bite size panini sandwiches, and make your own granola:

Hot apps between 5-7pm and dessert/cordials from 8-10pm.  They usually have two hot apps and then an array of other choices that can be anything from a cheese and vegetable platter, to hot spinach and artichoke dip, chicken salad served in small jars, tomato bruschetta, shrimp cocktail, a small chopped salad, etc.

At the Boardwalk hotel they bring in a chef to cook the hot apps in the actual lounge.  One night we had grouper and steak and another night mussels and gnocchi.  This particular chef works at the Flying Fish, and after hearing we were missing the following night’s apps because we were leaving, he prepared a little bit of what he had in mind so we could taste it.  Great guy and cooked some legit awesome food!

Photo credit: Michael (everyone has to contribute to family research)

Dessert table:

The club level lounges also have a private viewing area for fireworks, but we chose to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from our room balcony since it had been a long, hot day and the kids were already in pajamas.  I have heard the Polynesian club level lounge has floor to ceiling windows and you can watch the fireworks from there – I’m sure that is an amazing view.

If you are interested in trying out the club level but not wanting to commit for an entire vacation I would recommend a split stay.  We spent a few nights at another hotel before heading over the club level, and honestly, two or three nights is enough for me.  I love the lounge, don’t get me wrong, but after the third day the food gets a little redundant and we feel compelled to eat the hot apps for dinner every night and then missed going out to dinner.

Please note the club levels at each resort might have their own twist, especially since the apps are from the hotel restaurants, but overall the menus are pretty similar for breakfast and snacks.

by Ellen Volpe – Co-Owner of ET Family Travel