It has been said once you do Club Level at Disney World there is no going back, and honestly after experiencing it ourselves we have to agree. Club Level at Disney World is next level amazing!
Club Level rooms are a bookable category at all eight deluxe level resorts and one moderate level resort (you can read more about Disney resort categories here: Which Disney World resort category is right for you?). Each resort with the Club Level offering has a restricted access lounge reserved for guests that have booked Club Level rooms.
So what exactly is Club Level at Walt Disney World?
You have probably heard of "concierge level" at high end hotel chains. Disney's Club Level is similar in that you have a dedicated concierge staff available to tend to your needs. Club Level rooms are typically located on a restricted access floor or separate building, depending on the resort, where you will also find a lounge that serves complimentary food and beverages.
What are the major perks of staying Club Level at Disney World?
The dedicated staff and restricted access location are great, and absolutely worth mentioning. Disney resorts can be crowded and having a space reserved specifically for a smaller portion of guests is a nice bonus. But the major perk, and let's be honest, the main reason people book Club Level at Disney World is for the FOOD. Each resort is going to provide a different spread, so if you have a particular palette you should pay attention to the menu of the signature restaurant at the resort you are considering booking. For instance, at The Contemporary Resort the food comes from California Grill, the resort's signature onsite restaurant. At every Club Level lounge there will be complimentary drinks and snacks set out for the duration of the day. At four set times (usually around meal times) a heavier selection of food will be available. We were able to make full meals out of the selections during our Club Level stay. Important to note- This INCLUDES alcoholic beverages!
How expensive is Club Level at Disney World?
It's not cheap, but actually more affordable than you might think. Hear us out! You will pay a couple hundred dollars more a night to stay Club Level at Disney World, this is true. But think about the amount of money you will spend on food each day of your vacation. Especially if you plan to indulge in a mixed drink or glass of wine. It all adds up fast. A family can easily spend upwards of $150 a day on food. You can easily reclaim some of that total by taking advantage of the food offerings at your Club Level lounge. Not to mention the Club Level food is going to be far superior to most quick service restaurants on property.
Another thing to consider is if you are already planning to pay for an upgraded room view (like Savanna view at Animal Kingdom Lodge) then the price difference reduces dramatically between a Club Level and non-Club Level room. In fact, on some occasions you may actually find Club Level to be less expensive or similarly priced as an upgraded room view.
How does Club Level at each resort differ? Are some better than others?
This is a hotly contested question that really just comes down to personal taste and priorities. The monorail resorts (Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian) are typically going to be the most expensive Club Level rooms. Their lounges have excellent views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, and they even pipe in the music from the show. Being able to watch the fireworks from the comfort of a Club Level lounge while sipping on your drink of choice is an undoubtedly amazing perk.
Otherwise, the offerings are going to be similar at each resort. Every resort is going to have a similar concierge staff, a lounge, restricted access, and complimentary food and beverages. The main difference being the type of food you will find at each, and again the food is usually similar to what you will find at the signature restaurant attached to the resort.
Who would enjoy Club Level?
Everyone! Club Level is not only for the fancy. Although you will certainly feel fancy being checked-in at your more private, restricted access area by a dedicated concierge cast member. We have seen guests of all types (adults, singles, honeymooners, families, you name it) enjoying Club Level. This is Disney after all, and Disney is excellent at catering to everyone. Club Level spreads will always include food options for your youngest travelers and picky eaters, and they will even accommodate allergies.
Still not sure Club Level is right for you? We have two excellent ideas for first timers that are on the fence:
Book a Split Stay- A split stay is when you switch between two (or three, or four!) different resorts or room types during your vacation. Disney makes this easy by moving your luggage for you. With a split stay you can try out Club Level for part of your stay rather than committing (and paying) for it for the duration of your trip. Split stays are also great for trying out different resorts and resort areas! Pro Tip: you can still access the Club Level lounge on both check-in and check-out days.
Try Chronos Club Level at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort- The Chronos Club is located in the newer Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs, which is the only moderate level resort to offer Club Level. Gran Destino Tower has the deluxe feel at a moderate price point allowing you to enjoy the perks of Club Level for less money.
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