2010 Yacht and Beach Club FAQ, Part II---Inactive Thread--- Please do not post here!

[Cinderumbrella]

I hope I didn't make it sound like YC wasn't "kid friendly". We started staying at YC when my kids were 6, 7 and 8 and they had a ball. BC is just bustling with more kids since Cape May Buffet is there. I would pick the gv over the standard view any day too!

Have a wonderful trip!

Robyn, no not at all!!!! I just didn't want anyone to get scared that I was going to let a wild boy go running through the lounge

Could anyone tell me about your kids Albatross Cruise experience? We are trying to decide between this one and the one at the GF, which seems to be the most popular. We are staying at the Beach Club and figured that we would do this one because of the convenience. Couldn't find much info about it elsewhere so any input is appreciated!

We haven't done the Albatross (but I might try to sign DS up for it in June), but he did do the GF one in Dec 2009. He was 6.5 at the time and LOVED it. He still brags about being the one to spot the treasure chest And as far as Disney activities go, it is pretty reasonably priced.

Another AWESOME pirate adventure was the Pirate & Pals voyage from the CR. He and I did that one together last June. It is nice since the whole family can do that one together.

Hi Kristin- I have stayed at BC CL twice. Personally, I think your idea to upgrade to CL and ditch the Deluxe Dining Plan is an excellent one. We had the Deluxe plan in 2008 and although we are all very enthusiastic eaters, it was way way too much food for us!!! And if you do a lot of sit down meals, it is also a lot of time spent eating, and eating when you are not even hungry.

The great thing about TiW is you don't feel like you HAVE to get dessert, just because it is part of the plan. If you want, you can get appetizers and split an entree- lots more flexibility than the dining plan.

The CL breakfast is absolutely perfect! Lots of selection and enough to tide you over until an early lunch at the parks around 11 or 11:30.

It is really nice to get a sweet treat from the lounge on the way back to your room at night- I was always amazed that my boys had room for a late snack every night, but they did!

Thanks for the input! We have done DxDDP a few times before (although never when staying CL) It is alot of food, but we do enjoy those A/C breaks in the heat of the summer. Like you said, TiW just makes more sense since its more flexible.

And face it, once you stay CL it is VERY hard not to anymore!

Thanks again for all the input everyone! I still would love to hear from some folks who have stayed on both the "dark side" and the "light side".

Kristin

 

[Arkansan]

We've stayed CL at both resorts (BC CL in May 2009 and May 2010, YC CL in Dec. 2010) and loved both resorts, but preferred YC. It is DH, myself, DD 10, DD 10 and DS 8. We had standard view rooms each time at each place. All our views were over the front entrance of the resorts in both places, all 3 times. (which was fine with us) Now they have the 3 view types, but we only had the GV or WV and, as a party of 5 I'm pretty sure we can't book WV as they usually don't have the daybed and we need it.

We really enjoy the location of the resorts, the opportunity to walk to Epcot (and in Dec. we figured out how to walk to DHS too), the proximity to the BW, and SAB. These are the same at both resorts.

The CL food offerings are the same, I believe. The CMs at both resorts were great. They were all friendly and very sweet to the kids. All that being said, we prefer YC.

We prefer the full balcony at YC (we had one full and one Juliet at BC, but it is always a chance not to get a full one) and we liked the layout of the CL lounge at YC better. We also liked that it was quieter at YC--still Disney, but more of a retreat. In May 2010 we had breakfast at the Captain's Grille on our last morning and really noticed how much calmer it seemed at YC. It was then that our kids and my DH said they would like to stay there next time. (little did the kids know that they'd have the chance just a few months later, as DH and I surprised them with the Dec. trip)

I really don't think you can go wrong either way! Both resorts are great and we would stay at either one again, but would choose YC as a first choice. I hope you have a great trip!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

We've stayed CL at both resorts (BC CL in May 2009 and May 2010, YC CL in Dec. 2010) and loved both resorts, but preferred YC. It is DH, myself, DD 10, DD 10 and DS 8. We had standard view rooms each time at each place. All our views were over the front entrance of the resorts in both places, all 3 times. (which was fine with us) Now they have the 3 view types, but we only had the GV or WV and, as a party of 5 I'm pretty sure we can't book WV as they usually don't have the daybed and we need it.

We really enjoy the location of the resorts, the opportunity to walk to Epcot (and in Dec. we figured out how to walk to DHS too), the proximity to the BW, and SAB. These are the same at both resorts.

The CL food offerings are the same, I believe. The CMs at both resorts were great. They were all friendly and very sweet to the kids. All that being said, we prefer YC.

We prefer the full balcony at YC (we had one full and one Juliet at BC, but it is always a chance not to get a full one) and we liked the layout of the CL lounge at YC better. We also liked that it was quieter at YC--still Disney, but more of a retreat. In May 2010 we had breakfast at the Captain's Grille on our last morning and really noticed how much calmer it seemed at YC. It was then that our kids and my DH said they would like to stay there next time. (little did the kids know that they'd have the chance just a few months later, as DH and I surprised them with the Dec. trip)

I really don't think you can go wrong either way! Both resorts are great and we would stay at either one again, but would choose YC as a first choice. I hope you have a great trip!

Thank you so much!!!!!! The reasons you stated are why I am inclined towards the YC as well.

I have a GV booked and probably will make no room requests except "close to the lounge." I like to be able to snag a quick cup of coffee before DS wakes up and would never do it if it was a long walk.

 

[Arkansan]

I also wanted to say that in Dec. I noticed french toast (not sure if it was sticks or pieces) on the Marketplace menu (didn't order it or see anyone order it so am not sure) and the YC has a small kiosk in the lobby that sells cereal, pastries, muffins, etc. We do not do a DDP so I'm sorry, but I'm not sure what these count as (snacks or CS) I remember reading threads from the summer that they removed the hand-scooped gelato from Marketplace in order to make room for more breakfast offerings.

Also in Dec. I noticed flatbread pizza in Marketplace for lunch/dinner. It smelled really good, but we never ordered it!

My family's favorite CS locations are Sunshine Seasons and the French Bakery. We also REALLY liked the Carmelle Kuche in Germany in Dec. Marshmellows dipped in chocolate and drizzled in carmel--YUM!!!

 

[Katesdad]

Will be staying at the YC for a week in June.
My son and daughter-in-law will be at the Swan for a seminar she is attending. We are planning on babysitting the granddaughters (2 & 1) for a couple of days. Do we have to add the granddaughters to our reservation for the 2 nights they will be with us? Would that effect their parents reservation at the Swan? That is booked by her company. Will we be able to take them into Storm Along Bay without them having a room key??

Wow, tough question. If you weren't planning on swimming at SAB and just using the quiet pools, I'd say you'd be fine not adding them to the ressie. However, if you are using SAB, you may need to get room cards for them. I'm betting the front desk can help you with that when you are there. Seeing as there is no additional charge if you are a room-only reservation you should have no trouble just getting a couple of cards for them. However, if you are on the DDP you might have to add them to that as a part of the package for the two days they will be in the room. Just remember, they are checking room keys for everyone (sometimes). Parent's reservation at the Swan will not be effected by this.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

My kids have done both the Pirate Cruise at the GF and the Albatross Cruise at BC/YC. They all preferred the Albatross Cruise. Their favorite part was being able to go into EPCOT before it opened.

When we took my grandchildren my grandson's favorite part of the whole vacation was the Albatross Cruise!

 

[doccoc2002]

Just booked a room at YC for Sept...there will be 5 of us DH & I and our 3 princesses they will be 8,6&2. Have always wanted to stay at BC&YC and now we are!
We have a garden view room...can't wait to surprise hubby and kids...last year was the last year we vowed to stay in MODs and this year we are doing another surprise trip but not telling DH...yet!!!

 

[focusondisney]

Just booked a room at YC for Sept...there will be 5 of us DH & I and our 3 princesses they will be 8,6&2. Have always wanted to stay at BC&YC and now we are!
We have a garden view room...can't wait to surprise hubby and kids...last year was the last year we vowed to stay in MODs and this year we are doing another surprise trip but not telling DH...yet!!!

Good for you! When is your trip? We are at YC Sept 10- 15. Maybe we'll see you at the pool.

I like to surprize DH with an upgrade or something once in awhile, too. Unfortunately, he now takes a bigger interest in the planning. Can't seem to lie if he asks where we're staying, etc. So no surprizes. Oh well. He never vetoes my plans, so it's all good. Have a great vacation!!

 

[tinkandonaldfans]

Hi Teena,

We are booked along with my soon to be inlaws at the Beach Club between the 7-22 of September 2011. My mother in law to be received a letter from Virgin holidays saying that there was refurbishment going on at both the Yacht and Beach Club during our stay

We are going out to get married and concerned that this will disrupt things. Do you know what the refurb involves and whether there is a set schedule in place yet?

slightly worrying that our boardwalk pictures may be affected, whether our room will be noisy etc.

I am hoping you are going to ease my mind!

Thanks

 

[Spoisal]

Hello everybody! We are arriving at BC CL on Jan 27! 2. Has the location of the lounge moved? I've seen some trip report videos and the lounge does not look like the lounge I remember from just a couple of years ago. It looked like it was moved to a room on the water side of the bldg and overlooked the beach and the lake.

We arrive a BC CL one day after you on Jan 28th! Did anyone answer this question for you? Has the location of the lounge moved? I was picturing it on the 5ht floor near the lobby side....is that correct? I haven't researched this trip as much as trips in the past - I better kick it in high gear!

 

[focusondisney]

Hi Teena,

We are booked along with my soon to be inlaws at the Beach Club between the 7-22 of September 2011. My mother in law to be received a letter from Virgin holidays saying that there was refurbishment going on at both the Yacht and Beach Club during our stay

We are going out to get married and concerned that this will disrupt things. Do you know what the refurb involves and whether there is a set schedule in place yet?

slightly worrying that our boardwalk pictures may be affected, whether our room will be noisy etc.

I am hoping you are going to ease my mind!

Thanks

Hmmm, I'm not Tina but I've stayed at YC for years now, usually in Sept, so maybe I can help you to not worry.

Both YC & BC rooms recieved updates within the last 2 years. New beds, carpets, linens, etc. So i don't think they would be redoing that already. Stormalong Bay pool is usually rehabbed early in the year if needed, not during one of the hottest months of the year.

The outside of both hotels have been "rehabbed" several times while we have been there. They put up scaffolding & tarps & paint the exterior. This has never affected the quality of our vacations at all. Now of course, we have not had a wedding or wanted wedding pictures while this was going on. But as far as noise or use of the pools & other amenities, it didn't affect us.

Again, only sections of the hotel are done at a time, not the whole hotel. So I'm sure you could just find a different area to take pictures in. Do you have a wedding co-ordinator at Disney you could ask? They should know if your plans will be affected.

Try not to get too worried. There are many beautiful areas around Y&B Club resorts. They won't all be affected at the same time. When is the wedding? We are at YC Sept 10- 15th. Maybe I'll see your wedding! Congratulations!!

 

[psindone]

The Beach Club CL lounge is still on the 5th floor. They have redone it and it is much better. More seating which was a problem. It is really nice and I'm sure you are going to enjoy staying there.....

 

[Spoisal]

The Beach Club CL lounge is still on the 5th floor. They have redone it and it is much better. More seating which was a problem. It is really nice and I'm sure you are going to enjoy staying there.....

That is awesome news! Where did they steal the extra seating area from? Is the lounge on the "lobby side" of the 5th floor?

 

[tinkandonaldfans]

Hmmm, I'm not Tina but I've stayed at YC for years now, usually in Sept, so maybe I can help you to not worry.

Both YC & BC rooms recieved updates within the last 2 years. New beds, carpets, linens, etc. So i don't think they would be redoing that already. Stormalong Bay pool is usually rehabbed early in the year if needed, not during one of the hottest months of the year.

The outside of both hotels have been "rehabbed" several times while we have been there. They put up scaffolding & tarps & paint the exterior. This has never affected the quality of our vacations at all. Now of course, we have not had a wedding or wanted wedding pictures while this was going on. But as far as noise or use of the pools & other amenities, it didn't affect us.

Again, only sections of the hotel are done at a time, not the whole hotel. So I'm sure you could just find a different area to take pictures in. Do you have a wedding co-ordinator at Disney you could ask? They should know if your plans will be affected.

Try not to get too worried. There are many beautiful areas around Y&B Club resorts. They won't all be affected at the same time. When is the wedding? We are at YC Sept 10- 15th. Maybe I'll see your wedding! Congratulations!!

Thanks, I know I am probably worrying for no reason but I feel responsible to ensure that everyone has a great holiday as they are spending a lot of money on a holiday that they wouldn't normally pick because of the wedding.

I am booking the wedding officially pon Wednesday so will discuss it with her then.

Its planned for the 12th September at 2:30 at Sea Breeze Point which is just the opposite side of Crescent Lake so I might see you there! I will be the one in the big white dress!

 

[psindone]

That is awesome news! Where did they steal the extra seating area from? Is the lounge on the "lobby side" of the 5th floor?

The lounge is still in the same spot. They have moved the food to where the t.v. and small table for the kids used to be. They seem to have gotten rid of the back kitchen and extended the room that way. Much much nicer than before. We stayed there on our last trip and it was really nice. Now that they have redone it I hope to stay CL more often.

 

[Spoisal]

I haven't noticed it from the pictures, but is there any outdoor lounge seating? Maybe a table or two on a balcony?

 

[pixarmom]

We're leaving for our quick extended weekend trip to the Poly tomorrow morning! We won't be at the BC until February, but if anyone has questions about World Showcase menus, or something in the parks we can investigate that might help on the BC/YC thread, let me know!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

We're leaving for our quick extended weekend trip to the Poly tomorrow morning! We won't be at the BC until February, but if anyone has questions about World Showcase menus, or something in the parks we can investigate that might help on the BC/YC thread, let me know!

Have a FABULOUS trip!!!!!!!!!



One more question for anyone who can answer: Is the BC lounge still open 24 hours? What about YC? TIA!

 

[natebenma]

Club Level Information

Stone Harbor Club
7:00 am - 10:00 pm 5th Floor, Main Building

Note: Starting September 2010, on a trial basis, the BC CL lounge will be open 24 hours a day for coffee and cold drinks.

Here are a few pictures of the Stone Harbor Club lounge:




And a link to more pictures, including food offerings, from the Concierge Lounge: www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2280631&highlight=concierge&page=187

From the first few pages of this thread. You should be able to click on the pictures for a bigger view.

Dee

 

[natebenma]

We're leaving for our quick extended weekend trip to the Poly tomorrow morning! We won't be at the BC until February, but if anyone has questions about World Showcase menus, or something in the parks we can investigate that might help on the BC/YC thread, let me know!

Have a great time! Can't wait to hear about your trip when you get back. Happy Birthday to your DS!