Poly beach

[sunnydays28]

Or any of the other hotels that have them, are they really like beaches? Build in the sand, maybe some waves crashing, put her toes in the water, if warm enough take a dip?

I was hoping we could get to St. Pete or Cocoa this trip but that doesn't look like it is going to happen. So maybe an afternoon break (no, still have not made any park hopping decisions, still gathering info and options) at one of the hotels would work.

Can anyone visit the hotels and beach? (We are not staying onsite.)
Best one?
Which one is easiest from MK?
Any have food on the beach, maybe we could do dinner and watch Wishes from a beach? Are they crowded during the fireworks?

 

[Rudi610]

You can lay out on the beach, but you cannot go into the water. There are signs posted all along the beach saying no swimming.

 

[jundland]

The Poly beach is nice, but no swimming allowed....but they have a pool with a view of their beach.

 

[vicki_c]

The Poly beach is nice, but no swimming allowed....but they have a pool with a view of their beach.

For guests of the Poly only (the pool I mean).

Disney bodies of water are strictly "decorative" - LOL. No swimming due to (1) a very dangerous ameoba found in shallow freshwater bodies in warm places like Florida and (2) possible gators.

 

[ninecrayons]

To answer your questions:

The question about going for a dip has clearly been answered - stay out of the damn lakes! There aren't waves either as it's a lake, and a man-made one at that. (*cue monorail voice over*)

Anyone can visit the beaches and the hotels whether you are staying onsite or not.

Personally, I am very partial to the Poly but the Grand Floridian is nice as well. Both are easily accessible from MK.

FWIW, Wishes from the Poly beach is amazing. The view is amazing and they pipe the music in as well, so it's a lovely experience. When we last did this in February of 2010 there were a bunch of people there but it was by no means crowded.

My advice to to you would be have a meal at the Poly and then catch the fireworks. There are several options for both QS and TS. Captain Cooks is a fairly good option that you could take out and enjoy on the beach.

Have a great time!

 

[jundland]

Yes, I forgot to mention the whole "You gotta stay there to swim there" deal. Its kinda important.

 

[sunnydays28]

Thanks everyone!

Hmmm, now wonder if my 2y8m daughter would prefer the beach or to see the fireworks from right at the castle. Can I assume you can't see Tinkerbell from the beach?

 

[ninecrayons]

Nope, no Tink. The castle is pretty far away.

If you want the full experience, definitely watch it in the park. Perhaps if you have free time then try and go to the beach some other time?

 

[smidgy]

It is fun to watch the fireworks from the Poly beach, but I wouldn't do it instead of watching it from inside the park.

BTW, we tried watching from just in front of the Castle once. not so good. you have to look up too much. Wishes is actually choreographed to be watched from a ways back, in front of the castle.
we stand on main street just before the Watch factory, bacuase from the Watch factory back (to the train station), they leave the lights on.

if you do go to the poly beach, also watch the Electrical Water pagaent!!! ANd order a Lapu Lapu from the pool bar.

 

[Sweettears]

There is a nice sand beach by the YC/BC as well. Not sure about the waves though unless you are there on a very windy day.

 

[smidgy]

There is a nice sand beach by the YC/BC as well. Not sure about the waves though unless you are there on a very windy day.

yes. we stayed at beach club villas in July. they also show movies on the beach. while you need to be staying at Y&BC to enter stormalong Bay, Hurrican Hannahs (the bar and snck bar) is outside that area. so anyone can buy food and drink there. the burgers are pretty good, and surprisingly cheap.

also, the bridge going from Beach lub to Boardwalk is a great place to view Illuminations. you can even ehar the music.! (again, not a substitute for being there in the park, but fun to do on a non park day.)

after illuminations, you can walk over to the Swan for Karaokee, or Jelly Rolls for dueling pianos (both adult activities).

 

[Sweettears]

yes. we stayed at beach club villas in July. they also show movies on the beach. while you need to be staying at Y&BC to enter stormalong Bay, Hurrican Hannahs (the bar and snck bar) is outside that area. so anyone can buy food and drink there. the burgers are pretty good, and surprisingly cheap.

also, the bridge going from Beach lub to Boardwalk is a great place to view Illuminations. you can even ehar the music.! (again, not a substitute for being there in the park, but fun to do on a non park day.)

after illuminations, you can walk over to the Swan for Karaokee, or Jelly Rolls for dueling pianos (both adult activities).

I see that you are enjoying this wonderful Chitown weather by focusing on WDW as am I. Go Bears!

 

[smidgy]

yes, sweettears. recently got home from work.

am hoping for a Bears/Packer match up!!!!. go Bears!

 

[ninecrayons]

I see that you are enjoying this wonderful Chitown weather by focusing on WDW as am I. Go Bears!

Same here in NYC btw. It's that part of the year that's so cold and grey I'm convinced I will never see grass again.

 

[kaligal]

Or any of the other hotels that have them, are they really like beaches? Kinda. Build in the sand, Yesmaybe some waves crashing,No put her toes in the water, Possible, but not advisableif warm enough take a dip? No

Can anyone visit the hotels and beach? Hotels, absolutely. Beach - it may or may not be against some rule, but you could do it. (We are not staying onsite.)
Best one?Poly
Which one is easiest from MK?Poly or GF
Any have food on the beach, maybe we could do dinner and watch Wishes from a beach? YesAre they crowded during the fireworks?Sometimes.

The fireworks are nice to see if you happen to be staying in a hotel near them, but you don't see the whole show.

They're best viewed inside the park.

If you do the beach on the right night and time, you could see the EWP, which is cute. I wouldn't make a specal trip to do it, but it is cute and a much better viewing than the fireworks would be.