Part Of That (Club Level) World
When I look back on my childhood Disney trips I can’t help but reflect upon how lucky I was and how naive I was about the Disney experience. My family went every year and stayed at the Grand Floridian, as that was where my papou (grandfather in Greek) preferred to stay. One year, upon arriving at the resort, we were told that our outer-building room wasn’t ready, and to make up for the inconvenience would we mind staying Club Level in the main building?
And just like that, I was introduced to the Club Level experience.
Club Level existed for me in a fairy tale like state until I once again got to live my best life upon returning to Disney World with my mom for the Princess Half Marathon in 2016. My grandparents had recently passed away, and we were all feeling a little nostalgic for the trips we had taken in years past. We chose to once again stay Club Level at the Grand Floridian.
Let. Me. Tell. You. It. Was. Luxurious.
Now, we totally get that Club Level is an extravagance that is out of many people’s price range. And we totally understand that most people will think it is crazy for splurging on this experience when you can stay at a much more affordable location (especially if you won’t be spending that much time in your hotel room). However, that being said here are some of the reasons we suggest trying out Club Level at least once in your Disney lifetime.
Our experience is based off of staying at the Grand Floridian as well as the Polynesian so this is in no way a full accounting of all Club Level resort experiences.
The rooms are LUXURIOUS. As someone who stays once a year at the All Star Resort (no shade), I can tell you that there is a definite difference in the quality of the mattress. After an 18-hour park day there’s nothing better than collapsing into a bed as soft as the clouds in Andy’s bedroom.
Personalized itineraries and concierge. Every day we were greeted with a customized report on the weather and special things going on in the parks. Additionally should we have needed assistance that the My Disney Experience app couldn’t provide, we had access to several private concierge attendants who solely work with Club Level guests.
There are snacks ALL DAY LONG. Literally. Starting early in the morning there are muffins, pastries and fresh fruit followed by an assortment of snacks available in the Club Level lounge. Alcohol is available to those of age in the late afternoon, however we learned that if you ask nicely they will give it to you at anytime. We have to say we think the Polynesian has a leg up on the Floridian in the snack department, but maybe that’s because we imbibed in one too many pog-mosas while staying there. We do think it’s possible to save money on food while staying at club level by simply loading up on the delicious treats that are made available throughout the day.
Room location. At both the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian you are close to transportation to the parks. The Grand Floridian club level is located in the main building, meaning it’s just a short elevator ride away from catching the monorail or walking to the bus stop. The Polynesian Club Level is a separate building, but it is close to the docks where a boat is waiting to take you to the Magic Kingdom.
Fireworks. At the King Kamehameha Club (that’s the name of the club level building at the Polynesian) we had the added benefit of being able to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks directly from our balcony. The resort pipes in the music from the park, and while we couldn’t see the castle projections it still made for an incredible and unique viewing.
Ultimately, staying at Club Level is an incredible treat. We feel very lucky to have gotten the chance to stay at not one, but two club level resorts. If you are looking for luxury along with your Disney Vacation, we definitely cannot recommend the experience enough. This is definitely a way to treat yo self the next time you visit Walt Disney World!