Yacht Club First Timers!!

[Sappermont]

Hi Everyone!!

We just finalized our trip!!! We will be going in September and staying at the YC for a week. We are stoked for this. Our last trip (me & DH) was in August 2011 and we stayed at the Poly. We LOVED the poly.

We spent the last two years looking over all the hotels and thought that it would be awesome to try the Epcot area and the YC it is.

I'm super psyched and was wondering if anyone had any tips for YC first timers. We've never stayed at the Epcot area before!

Also, I love the theming at hotels like Coronado, Poly, Wilderness Lodge - from all the threads the theming at YC seems a bit less Disney? What do YC people think? Do you like the theming or just the location!??!

THANKS SO MUCH!!!! Open to any suggestions, recommendations, or Epcot area tips!!

Happy Vacation Planning Everyone!!

 

[natebenma]

The theming at the Yacht & Beach Club is definitely understated when compared to other Disney resorts, but nice- a beachy feel at the Beach Club and some elegant nautical decor at the Yacht Club. They are beautiful resorts.

But truly, the location and the amazing pool, Stormalong Bay, are the big draws for me.

A great place to start learning about the resorts is the first page of the Y&BC FAQ thread. You can get there by clicking on the link in my signature. Lots of information and pictures. Read the first post, then check out Post 13 (FAQ) and Post 14 (Other Useful Info).

And please pop into the main thread to introduce yourself and ask any questions you may have.

Enjoy!

 

[BringingUpDisney]

The location of the BC/YC can't be beat. I suggest looking at booking some evening ADRs in the World Showcase. You can quickly walk over there and after a busy day in the parks I love a hassle free dinner.

 

[Wood Nymph]

My number one advice to anyone staying in an Epcot resort is to buy park hoppers. The nicest thing about the location is how easy it is to walk into Epcot for the great dining options.

 

[justustoo]

My advice would be to consider walking to/ from Epcot at busy times rather than waiting on boat. We decided to walk to avoid long lines for boats after Illuminations and were pleasantly surprised by what an easy walk it was.
Also, we frequently grabbed quick to go breakfast at Ale and Compass when trying to make RD- saved time, and was plenty to get us through til lunch.

 

[Sappermont]

The theming at the Yacht & Beach Club is definitely understated when compared to other Disney resorts, but nice- a beachy feel at the Beach Club and some elegant nautical decor at the Yacht Club. They are beautiful resorts.

But truly, the location and the amazing pool, Stormalong Bay, are the big draws for me.

A great place to start learning about the resorts is the first page of the Y&BC FAQ thread. You can get there by clicking on the link in my signature. Lots of information and pictures. Read the first post, then check out Post 13 (FAQ) and Post 14 (Other Useful Info).

And please pop into the main thread to introduce yourself and ask any questions you may have.

Enjoy!

Thank you so much for the info!! I will definitely head over to the main thread to talk WDW & YC!! Thanks so much!! I'm starting to get excited!!

The location of the BC/YC can't be beat. I suggest looking at booking some evening ADRs in the World Showcase. You can quickly walk over there and after a busy day in the parks I love a hassle free dinner.

This sounds awesome. Thanks so much!! Any favorites that you'd recommend? We were thinking of trying Chefs de France & Biergarten this time around!!

My number one advice to anyone staying in an Epcot resort is to buy park hoppers. The nicest thing about the location is how easy it is to walk into Epcot for the great dining options.

Thanks for the tip! We are definitely going to make certain we get park hoppers!! So excited to just walk into Epcot. Thanks so much!!

My advice would be to consider walking to/ from Epcot at busy times rather than waiting on boat. We decided to walk to avoid long lines for boats after Illuminations and were pleasantly surprised by what an easy walk it was.
Also, we frequently grabbed quick to go breakfast at Ale and Compass when trying to make RD- saved time, and was plenty to get us through til lunch.

Thanks so much for the tips!! Is Ale & Compass a place where we can refill our mugs? Thanks, everyone. Getting psyched for YC!!!

 

[Sue M]

You can refill your mugs at the BC Marketplace, Hurricane Hana's and Beaches & Cream. You may be able to refill at Ale & Compass in the mornings only.

We stayed at BC & this August looking forward to YC. I think it's plenty Disney for us! No it doesn't have the in your face theming of the values, but it is Disney, with all the little touches. Try to find the hidden Mickey in the big lobby globe!

Do join us on the BC/YC thread! You'll get loads of info! Just never mind that Ninja Mom and Buzzy, they're nuts

 

[focusondisney]

Be forewarned--- after you stay at the YC, you may never want to stay anywhere else!

My tip: walk to the Studios in the morning. You might get there faster depending on where a boat is. You get a little exercise, it's a very peaceful & pleasant walk. Save the boat ride for the trip back when you're tired & hot.

And make sure you catch the afternoon pool activities. Even if you don't have kids, it's fun to watch the games & activities. I love watching the lifeguards dance at shift change!

As for the theming, yeah, it's not over done. But it does fit it's theme: an elegant New England Yacht Club. Lots of nautical stuff & model ships in the lobby. Comfortable, over stuffed furniture & dark wood too. Just like I imagine would be in a real yacht club. We love the quiet, relaxing atmosphere.

 

[BringingUpDisney]

This sounds awesome. Thanks so much!! Any favorites that you'd recommend? We were thinking of trying Chefs de France & Biergarten this time around!!

You can't go wrong with Chefs de France and Biergarten. We also love Rose & Crown, Teppan Edo and Via Napoli.

 

[Couchy]

Location is awesome and Storm Along Bay can't be beat

 

[Sappermont]

You can refill your mugs at the BC Marketplace, Hurricane Hana's and Beaches & Cream. You may be able to refill at Ale & Compass in the mornings only.

We stayed at BC & this August looking forward to YC. I think it's plenty Disney for us! No it doesn't have the in your face theming of the values, but it is Disney, with all the little touches. Try to find the hidden Mickey in the big lobby globe!

Do join us on the BC/YC thread! You'll get loads of info! Just never mind that Ninja Mom and Buzzy, they're nuts

Awesome!! Thanks. I'm so psyched to get my mug. It's the part of the vacation that says "I"m here!"

Good to know about the theming. I just love all the WDW touches. It certainly doesn't have to be over the top but I love all the WDW touches!!

Thanks again for the info.!!

Be forewarned--- after you stay at the YC, you may never want to stay anywhere else!

My tip: walk to the Studios in the morning. You might get there faster depending on where a boat is. You get a little exercise, it's a very peaceful & pleasant walk. Save the boat ride for the trip back when you're tired & hot.

And make sure you catch the afternoon pool activities. Even if you don't have kids, it's fun to watch the games & activities. I love watching the lifeguards dance at shift change!

As for the theming, yeah, it's not over done. But it does fit it's theme: an elegant New England Yacht Club. Lots of nautical stuff & model ships in the lobby. Comfortable, over stuffed furniture & dark wood too. Just like I imagine would be in a real yacht club. We love the quiet, relaxing atmosphere.

THANK YOU! Love this tip and am definitely going to do this. My DH and I were talking about walking to HS for breakfast! So exciting!!

That's good to know about the theming. I'm thinking that part of my hesitation with the theming is that I'm from New England - so it doesn't seem like "theming" to me. If that makes any sense. I'm excited to see inside the Yacht Club and try out SAB!!!

Thanks again!!

You can't go wrong with Chefs de France and Biergarten. We also love Rose & Crown, Teppan Edo and Via Napoli.

Thank you! Now I am craving fish & chips!! We had thought about Tokyo Dining and now I'm starting to hear more about Teppan Edo. I am going to have to look into that. THANK YOU!!

Location is awesome and Storm Along Bay can't be beat

So exciting! Thanks. Do adults use SAB too or is it mostly for the kiddos?

Thanks!!!!

 

[focusondisney]

THANK YOU! Love this tip and am definitely going to do this. My DH and I were talking about walking to HS for breakfast! So exciting!!

That's good to know about the theming. I'm thinking that part of my hesitation with the theming is that I'm from New England - so it doesn't seem like "theming" to me. If that makes any sense. I'm excited to see inside the Yacht Club and try out SAB!!!

Thanks again!!


So exciting! Thanks. Do adults use SAB too or is it mostly for the kiddos?

Thanks!!!!

I do understand the theming might seem underwhelming. But as a pp said, there are Disney touches around. For us, it is just a beautiful, upscale, quiet resort. If you are OK with that, you should be fine.

As for Storm Along Bay- it is for everyone. DH & I are late 50's (when did that happen?? ) & we love it. In fact, we don't swim a lot anywhere else, but we do SAB almost every day on vacation.

 

[sndral]

This sounds awesome. Thanks so much!! Any favorites that you'd recommend? We were thinking of trying Chefs de France & Biergarten this time around!!

Thanks so much for the tips!! Is Ale & Compass a place where we can refill our mugs? Thanks, everyone. Getting psyched for YC!!!

I do understand the theming might seem underwhelming. But as a pp said, there are Disney touches around. For us, it is just a beautiful, upscale, quiet resort. If you are OK with that, you should be fine.

As for Storm Along Bay- it is for everyone. DH & I are late 50's (when did that happen?? ) & we love it. In fact, we don't swim a lot anywhere else, but we do SAB almost every day on vacation.

I echo this, except, I don't bother to swim, I just hang and read and relax @ SAB.
Once you complete your short jaunt into Epcot's back door, turn right and voila, you are in France, or turn left and you are in England, thus both countries are great for nearby meals. I also personally like Cape May buffet, next door at the Beach Club.
The refillable mugs are not as convenient to refill @ YC as is the case in some resorts - I typically carted mine down to SAB when I was in the mood to do some relaxing/reading/lounging by the pool. This last trip we were on the far end of the YC - close to the Swolphin - our room looked out over a little pond (which I liked) and that section of the resort has an easy back door to the boat pier, but it was a long hike to refill the mug - so maybe request close to the lobby or SAB to reduce the hike for refills if that matters to you.

 

[Sappermont]

I echo this, except, I don't bother to swim, I just hang and read and relax @ SAB.
Once you complete your short jaunt into Epcot's back door, turn right and voila, you are in France, or turn left and you are in England, thus both countries are great for nearby meals. I also personally like Cape May buffet, next door at the Beach Club.
The refillable mugs are not as convenient to refill @ YC as is the case in some resorts - I typically carted mine down to SAB when I was in the mood to do some relaxing/reading/lounging by the pool. This last trip we were on the far end of the YC - close to the Swolphin - our room looked out over a little pond (which I liked) and that section of the resort has an easy back door to the boat pier, but it was a long hike to refill the mug - so maybe request close to the lobby or SAB to reduce the hike for refills if that matters to you.

Thanks so much, sndral!! Did you try Picabu in the Swolphin? I'm curious about that!

 

[Sappermont]

I do understand the theming might seem underwhelming. But as a pp said, there are Disney touches around. For us, it is just a beautiful, upscale, quiet resort. If you are OK with that, you should be fine.

As for Storm Along Bay- it is for everyone. DH & I are late 50's (when did that happen?? ) & we love it. In fact, we don't swim a lot anywhere else, but we do SAB almost every day on vacation.

Thanks so much, focusondisney!! I'm getting psyched for SAB!!!

 

[catho72]

Location. Location. Location.


Beaches and Cream!

Stormalong Bay!


Beaches and Cream!

Did I mention Beaches and Cream? The Kitchen Sink is fabulous! Getting one is a must-do for our family on each trip. We have yet to finish one. :

Our kids would rather swim at SAB than go into the parks. It's seriously that cool of a pool! We've enjoyed many meals from Hurricane Hannah's and now that they've refurbed it, we can't wait to try their new offerings. I just thought of a tip that hasn't been mentioned yet....,if you are on the dining plan, you get a dessert with your meal. If you choose ice cream as your dessert you are able to come back later (like an hour or so) and pick it up so it doesn't melt. Bring your receipt with you when you go back for it. A melted Mickey ice cream bar is NOT delicious! This tip is only good at HH.....not WDW-wide

Enjoy your trip!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[wdwfan]

We love the Yacht Club! We love the location between 2 parks and of course relaxing at Stormalong Bay! Love having park hoppers so we can walk on over to Epcot and watch the British Revolution in the English garden with a cool beverage. So much fun! Enjoy your stay!

 

[EagleScout]

Thanks so much, sndral!! Did you try Picabu in the Swolphin? I'm curious about that!

As a frequent dolphin guest, I can confirm picabu is great for getting relatively quick a la carte breakfast that can be as simple as a banana and yogurt, up to full eggs/waffles/etc, but based on our most recent stay at bc a few weeks ago, if staying at yc and trying to get going to parks, etc in morning, may be a bit of an inconvenience to walk all the way over there (not so far, but is further than bc marketplace, and certainly further than ale and compass or captains grille at yc). The only exception is if walking to dhs, picabu "sort of" on the way. Picabu is also open 24 hours, and even when at disney, I often have work calls, etc at crazy times, so if needed sustenance and bc marketplace closed (although is open until 11), was able to run over there. (Obviously much quicker when at dolphin itself). Picabu is also "fine" for lunch/dinner, but if at yc, really would be shame to eat there rather than walking over to boardwalk or even go other direction for (reasonably) authentic foreign food. One other hint re breakfast, although cape may buffet is pretty good food, and has fun characters, etc, those same characters make reservations hard to get, long waits if a walkup, and meal can take awhile, so if want "real" breakfast experience but a bit less involved, captains grille at yc (where you are staying) is fairly quick service - and often (always?) also have buffet that is essentially as quick as you want to walk, choose and eat. To answer your other questions, sab has lots of kids, but also lots of adults, and quiet pools at yc and bc are also both nice "regular" pools in their own right, and a more relaxed vibe.

 

[natebenma]

I just thought of a tip that hasn't been mentioned yet....,if you are on the dining plan, you get a dessert with your meal. If you choose ice cream as your dessert you are able to come back later (like an hour or so) and pick it up so it doesn't melt. Bring your receipt with you when you go back for it. A melted Mickey ice cream bar is NOT delicious! This tip is only good at HH.....not WDW-wide

Enjoy your trip!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

That IS a great tip!!!

I experienced this at the All Star Movies, too. You could get your dessert later. I wonder if that would also work if you get a meal at the Marketplace, too- They have grab and go sushi, sandwiches, flatbreads so if you order a meal using a dining credit, I would assume you could come back for a Mickey Bar or some packaged gelato later.

 

[Sappermont]

Wow! Thank you all for the awesome tips and information about Picabu!! I appreciate it!!!!

YC!!!!

I'm excited for the SAB slide!!

Thanks again for all the awesome tips, everyone!