2014/2015 Beach and Yacht Club FAQ, Friends & Fun, Sept 2014-Mayl 2015

[Wood Nymph]

We arrive @ the Beach Club on 1/29/2015. I am pretty sure the CL room renovations lasted 6 weeks, correct? Just wondering if the 4th floor will be done by the time we arrive in late January? We are really hoping for one of those spiffy rooms!! Any guesses if they will be ready?

Thanks!

There are a lot more rooms on the fourth floor than there are on the fifth floor. The sections of the resort that are closest to the International Gateway only have three and four floors in the section, no fifth floors. So, unfortunately, it will take longer to get the fourth floor done. But I hope you'll be one of the lucky ones who do get a refurbed room.

 

[JanetMom]

I bought Aria a Stitch sleeper. She refused to take it off this morning, so she just went to daycare in it. What the heck - it was 35 degrees and drizzly outside. If I could find an adult version - and it wouldn't come across as completely creepy - I'd have worn one to work.

Love this!

 

[Katesdad]

Earlier, it was observed that the secret entrance at the YC did not work with Magic Bands. I would like to confirm that point. Unfortunately, you need a card, not a band, to activate the exterior electronic lock. At least that is what I found to be the case at the YC.

Back from our week at the YC. Lots of good things happened, some things not so magical, but overall we had a good time. I will say that we never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus or a boat. Even the bus service to DTD (going and coming back) was not bad this time around. We never had to stand during our transporation to any of the parks, and most of the cast memebers at the YC were freindly and helpful (anyone can have a bad hair day every once in a while, even castmembers). The Christmas train display is really great, especially if you take the time to study all the detail that is put into it. Taking close-up pictures of the figures and the buildings helped me see the tremendous effort that the individual responsible for the display put into it. Be sure to find the hidden Mickey. The Christmas carousel in the BC lobby is also full of detail. Make sure you find all the hidden Mickey's in this piece of art. Cape May did not disappoint. We didn't need reservations for dinner or breakfast at Captain's Grill. Could be a function of the time of year. Tried some dining establishments we hadn't been at before. A few were keepers, a couple don't merit repeat trips. However we find that this is all part of the WDW experience and something we'll continue to look forward to doing. I will say that no matter what dining establishment we ate at, the service was excellent. Weather was warm and sunny (save the one-hour obligatory Florida shower in the afternoon). Sat at SAB on Wednesday and enjoyed watching all the activity that went on. Rocky took really good care of us. I ordered a Sunken Treasure and she called me an "old timer". I think the folks on this Board are getting a reputation around there.

I'm a YC lover but I will be leaving the dark-side next December and coming over to the light. Booked a bounce-back for Dec. 11-17, 2015 in a BC-GV room. Don't know what came over me to do this. Must have been the Force at work. Guess I'll be hanging around the thread for at least one more year.

Katesdad

 

[natebenma]

page 127-129

Phew! I have not had much of a chance to keep up with replies on this thread over the past week. I have read all the posts, and responded to a few, but I have some time this morning to try to get all caught up.

I remain blown away by the pictures of the refurbed CL rooms and lounge. Thanks again for taking the time to share these photos with us!!!

I'll have lots of refurbishment of myself to do- lots of new pictures and links of the rooms and club level lounge to add to Page 1, in addition to some information.

I have not seen a posted estimate of the time it will take me to complete this, so keep tuned to Page 1 for enhancements!

Anyone know if they let you use Boardwalk's pool (feature pool, with slide) when Stormalong Bay's slide is down for refurb?

I was finally planning on splurging on BC or YC, but we are going late Jan. and no slide might be a dealbreaker. (We're from up North, so the 'cold' weather won't keep us from the pool.)

Has anyone been to BC/YC during slide refurb in years past? Even if you can't use BWI's pool w/slide, you can still swim in other parts of Stormalong Bay, correct? I read in post 1 that "1/3rd" of the pool is down at a time.

TIA!!!

to this thread, Amanda!!!

In the past, guest have been granted access to the Boardwalk pool when the Jib Slide at Stormalong Bay is closed, but I haven't seen that offered in the letters that have gone out this year about the maintenance closures.

So I don't really know if that will be allowed (you can always ask). Yes, there will be other parts of the feature pool open while the slide area and pools are being worked on. The lazy river and shallow sand bar area will be open. When the lazy river is worked on, the slide and sand area should be open.

Please let us know if you do end up booking your stay at the Beach or Yacht Club.

We just called Disney and changed reservation from POFQ to Beach Club (1. March to 6. March). We were told that they will renovate the pool but there were no more details.
So I hope DIS is right and the lazy river will open on 4th March
PS: Never imagined how much planning you need for a Disney World vacation... 180 days ADRs, 60 days Fast Pass... do we need anything more?

Sounds great!!!

I am optimistic that the maintenance will be completed on the pool area and all parts will be open for that date, since I think the estimates tend to be on the conservative side.

Yes, lots of planning! Thank goodness for the DIS!!!

84 more days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Question about Captains Grille...what's the likelihood of just walking in for Breakfast? Not a fan of committing to a morning ADR if we feel we have enough fuel to go straight to the parks

I agree with the others that you should have no problem just dropping in at the Captain's Grille in the morning for a table.

Hello BC/YC fans!

A few things...

1. Most importantly, I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving with friends, family, or with blessed peace & quiet!

2. Still loving those sneak peek pics of the newly renovated rooms at BC, but I have to agree with others, the step stool contraption on the end table looks ridiculous! Sometimes, when newly renovated rooms are first revealed, things change before the reno is complete, hopefully that thing will be rethought. Otherwise....stunning! Dee, I'd love to see the Mickey and Minnie pic that is hanging on the wall if you have access to it!

3. I just made an online purchase that I'm excited about. I love bringing a little bit of WDW home with me! On the Sobel Westex site, they are currently having a Black Friday 30% off pillows sale, AND offering free shipping on orders over $75. For my 2 most recent trips to YC and my most recent trip to the GF, I fell hard (asleep) for the pillows. I have a very sensitive neck...no headaches...only neck aches, and I'm particular about my pillows, and I loved the ones at YC and GF. They are by Sobel and they are called "Dolce Notte II." I just ordered 4, for a total of $62 and change. That's a killer deal, as full price with shipping is close to $100. Just wanted to pass the information on!

1. Thanks!

2. The picture is shown in one of the posts. Minnie and Mickey facing the ocean.

3. Thanks for the info about the pillows. I have info about how to purchase some "Beach Club/Yacht Club-like décor, furnishing and smells. I'll add the brand info you provided to that!

Checking into YC for one night on Saturday!! Looking forward to being close to Epcot for CLP/Illuminations and DHS for the lights!!

Hope you have a great stay!!!

Thanks for the "heads up"

I am not sure if I have welcomed you to this forum in the past, so to be on the safe side:

Just returned from our first stay at BC the week of Nov 15-22. Although we had another really wonderful time in Disney, I'm still on the fence about our stay at the BC. I was a little disappointed in the transportation. The boats were wonderful but the buses were really hit or miss. We had one really horrible day where we ended up paying for a cab to MK because the line for the bus was so long I didn't think we could afford to wait that long. We were there an hour before park opening and had no chance to make rope drop with the line so long. 3 AK buses came and no MK one. The line just kept growing and was about 100 people waiting! Unacceptable for a Deluxe resort. Had a few annoying problems in our room too. Closet door kept falling off the track and our fridge froze all the water and had this horrible buzzing noise. Drove me nuts at night! I wasn't impressed with marketplace either. No seating and very limited QS options. The pool was beautiful but very far from our room. The bonus was we were right next to Epcot walkway and the quiet pool and hot tub. That was nice. Too bad we only went to Epcot for dinner one night. The weather was unseasonably cold that week so we unfortunately didn't get to enjoy the pool like we had hoped. That might helped improve the whole experience? Still Loving the WL and Kinda wished we had stayed there

Thank you so much for sharing the feedback about your stay. I am sorry to hear that you experienced a lot of disappointing experiences and some issues with the conditions in your room.

As MickeyT said, make sure you share your opinions if Disney sends you a survey about your stay.

On our way to the airport for Thanksgiving last week, I turned to my husband (he was driving! Not me!) and said "I'm SO excited! I don't know how we'll ever be able to stay anywhere else."

Oh, the look he gave me. He tried to remind me this was a special experience.

I have a milestone birthday in January 2017. I think that's also worthy of staying in a deluxe, right? (And we typically go every couple of years)

I'm sure I can find something again in 2019....

I do love all the information in this thread, even if I am a lurker!

But I have one sort of generic parks question - my husband and I are avid water drinkers. We usually can plow through a case of water on a trip like this. For many reasons, we're debating whether or not we should buy those individual Brita filter bottles. Does anyone know if that helps eliminate the charming flavor of Disney water? Or would we be better off if we also brought along some water flavoring (those drops that you can add, for example)? It would be much nicer to haul in an empty bottle and fill it on the go!

I don't have any wisdom to add about the Brita filters, but I did want to say I loved your story about the excitement prior to your stay and desire to return. Please continue to hang around here, either as an active participant or a lurker, while you plot for the next visit.

 

[TeenaS]

Earlier, it was observed that the secret entrance at the YC did not work with Magic Bands. I would like to confirm that point. Unfortunately, you need a card, not a band, to activate the exterior electronic lock. At least that is what I found to be the case at the YC.

Back from our week at the YC. Lots of good things happened, some things not so magical, but overall we had a good time. I will say that we never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus or a boat. Even the bus service to DTD (going and coming back) was not bad this time around. We never had to stand during our transporation to any of the parks, and most of the cast memebers at the YC were freindly and helpful (anyone can have a bad hair day every once in a while, even castmembers). The Christmas train display is really great, especially if you take the time to study all the detail that is put into it. Taking close-up pictures of the figures and the buildings helped me see the tremendous effort that the individual responsible for the display put into it. Be sure to find the hidden Mickey. The Christmas carousel in the BC lobby is also full of detail. Make sure you find all the hidden Mickey's in this piece of art. Cape May did not disappoint. We didn't need reservations for dinner or breakfast at Captain's Grill. Could be a function of the time of year. Tried some dining establishments we hadn't been at before. A few were keepers, a couple don't merit repeat trips. However we find that this is all part of the WDW experience and something we'll continue to look forward to doing. I will say that no matter what dining establishment we ate at, the service was excellent. Weather was warm and sunny (save the one-hour obligatory Florida shower in the afternoon). Sat at SAB on Wednesday and enjoyed watching all the activity that went on. Rocky took really good care of us. I ordered a Sunken Treasure and she called me an "old timer". I think the folks on this Board are getting a reputation around there.

I'm a YC lover but I will be leaving the dark-side next December and coming over to the light. Booked a bounce-back for Dec. 11-17, 2015 in a BC-GV room. Don't know what came over me to do this. Must have been the Force at work. Guess I'll be hanging around the thread for at least one more year.

Katesdad

I'm thrilled you have "seen the light" and will be back next December!!! I so love WDW during the holidays!!!!! It will be wonderful to see you again too!

 

[natebenma]

page 130-133

Thank you for posting the lovely pictures. It looks great

to this thread and posting on the DIS!

After two years of not thinking about Disney World, I'm jumping back in... just booked a trip for next month, staying at the Yacht Club. Little bummed (my son is very bummed) to realize the pool will be partially closed, but we're sticking with it. Since I ignored Disney for awhile, they finally sent me a code to lure me back. First one I ever got! I guess absence does make the heart grow fonder... Disney World missed me.

back!!!

I'll add to you the Be Our Guest list for January.

Hi all,
i will be staying at BCR 12/23-1/2/15 and it looks like there will be minimal interruption other than possible noise for room rehabs. here is the post from Disney:

Disney's Beach Club Resort Guest Room Renovations Guest rooms will be refurbished with new hard and soft goods. Guests will not be accommodated in the affected areas but it is possible that some noise could travel while work is in progress (between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily). Oct. 13, 2014 - Aug. 22, 2015 Stormalong Bay Pool - Waterslide During this time, the waterslide and the waterway from the slide to the first bridge of Stormalong Bay will be unavailable. The remaining portions of the pool will remain available to Guests. Jan. 5 - Feb. 2, 2015 Stormalong Bay Pool - Lazy River During this time, bridges three and four will be under refurbishment and the lazy river/snorkel area will be closed. The remaining portions of the pool will remain available to Guests.

I'll add you to the Be Our Guest list.

Now that it's December, we are getting excited for our return to the Yacht Club. The last time we stayed at this resort was in 2000. Our DD's were 3 and 10; now they're 17 and 24!! We're looking forward to NYE in Epcot for the second straight year but this year we can walk home to our room at the YC.

I don't see you on the Be Our Guest list. Is your trip in December?

I debated buying Memory Maker early for our August trip (I was told by one CM that it's good for a year from the date of purchase). But I couldn't find confirmation of that on the site and, given the reliability of CM advice when you call reservations, I figured I was better off paying $20 more next year.

I bought Aria a Stitch sleeper. She refused to take it off this morning, so she just went to daycare in it. What the heck - it was 35 degrees and drizzly outside. If I could find an adult version - and it wouldn't come across as completely creepy - I'd have worn one to work.

That is too cute!

We arrive @ the Beach Club on 1/29/2015. I am pretty sure the CL room renovations lasted 6 weeks, correct? Just wondering if the 4th floor will be done by the time we arrive in late January? We are really hoping for one of those spiffy rooms!! Any guesses if they will be ready?

Thanks!

There are a lot more rooms on the fourth floor than there are on the fifth floor. The sections of the resort that are closest to the International Gateway only have third and fourth floors, no fifth floors. So, unfortunately, it will take longer to get the fourth floor done. But I hope you'll be one of the lucky ones who do get a refurbed room.

That is correct, Sue- there are more rooms on the 3rd and 4th floor so I would expect the work on those floors to take longer than the club level renovations. Plus, for the club level work, they closed down the entire floor from guests, and with the other floors they will just be doing one area at a time, and I would guess that would increase the time it will take to complete the refurbishment.

That being said, wishes114, some rooms/areas may be finished by the time of your trip. If you don't have any other important requests, you could always add "Renovated room, if available, please" to your reservation.

Earlier, it was observed that the secret entrance at the YC did not work with Magic Bands. I would like to confirm that point. Unfortunately, you need a card, not a band, to activate the exterior electronic lock. At least that is what I found to be the case at the YC.

Back from our week at the YC. Lots of good things happened, some things not so magical, but overall we had a good time. I will say that we never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus or a boat. Even the bus service to DTD (going and coming back) was not bad this time around. We never had to stand during our transporation to any of the parks, and most of the cast memebers at the YC were freindly and helpful (anyone can have a bad hair day every once in a while, even castmembers). The Christmas train display is really great, especially if you take the time to study all the detail that is put into it. Taking close-up pictures of the figures and the buildings helped me see the tremendous effort that the individual responsible for the display put into it. Be sure to find the hidden Mickey. The Christmas carousel in the BC lobby is also full of detail. Make sure you find all the hidden Mickey's in this piece of art. Cape May did not disappoint. We didn't need reservations for dinner or breakfast at Captain's Grill. Could be a function of the time of year. Tried some dining establishments we hadn't been at before. A few were keepers, a couple don't merit repeat trips. However we find that this is all part of the WDW experience and something we'll continue to look forward to doing. I will say that no matter what dining establishment we ate at, the service was excellent. Weather was warm and sunny (save the one-hour obligatory Florida shower in the afternoon). Sat at SAB on Wednesday and enjoyed watching all the activity that went on. Rocky took really good care of us. I ordered a Sunken Treasure and she called me an "old timer". I think the folks on this Board are getting a reputation around there.

I'm a YC lover but I will be leaving the dark-side next December and coming over to the light. Booked a bounce-back for Dec. 11-17, 2015 in a BC-GV room. Don't know what came over me to do this. Must have been the Force at work. Guess I'll be hanging around the thread for at least one more year.

Katesdad

Thanks so much for the comments about your stay!

I will add the issue with the Yacht Club Secret Entrance to the sections of the front page where applicable. I think it may be the same with the BC Secret Entrance, but I have never encountered it closed.

WOW, that is big news about your next stay. Glad you will be checking out the BC for yourself to see what all the fuss is about.

I'll add you to the list!

 

[Wheelwatcher]

We've enjoyed staying at the YC several times, and today I just read about the Secret Entrance...never knew about it before, but I think I can find it next time I'm there. For those of you who have used it, when did you use it? When did it come in handy to know about and use the secret entrance? I don't get it...why is the secret entrance important? Help!
Thanks all!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Earlier, it was observed that the secret entrance at the YC did not work with Magic Bands. I would like to confirm that point. Unfortunately, you need a card, not a band, to activate the exterior electronic lock. At least that is what I found to be the case at the YC.
Katesdad

I had trouble getting back inside the building from the Wedding Pavillion area. I was finally able to unlock the door by holding my MagicBand to the bottom of the touchpad. A room card would have been easier to use.

We've enjoyed staying at the YC several times, and today I just read about the Secret Entrance...never knew about it before, but I think I can find it next time I'm there. For those of you who have used it, when did you use it? When did it come in handy to know about and use the secret entrance? I don't get it...why is the secret entrance important? Help!
Thanks all!

The secret entrance can make a great shortcut if your room is located nearby, which ours was on one of our trips. Instead of walking through long corridors to the lobby elevator to get outside, you would use one of the fire exits to put you closer to where you want to be. The exit near the boat dock is very convenient for both the boat and walking to the International Gateway or the Boardwalk. There are several of these exits, including one that opens near the bridge to the Boardwalk and Swan/Dolphin, one that opens next to the wedding pavilion, the one near the boat dock, and probably at least one more. The Beach club has these convenient fire exits, too.

We almost never used a secret entrance on our last stay at the YC since our room was right next to the lobby. The convenience always depends on where your room is located and if it is pouring rain or really hot out and you want to escape the elements.

 

[jenjersnap]

I thought it was just us that couldn't get back inside from the YC secret entrance.

Oh my, the new room decor is so fantastic! Have to talk my husband into seeing it in person!

 

[natebenma]

I have updated the Be Our Guest list from the past week. Please take a moment to look it over and make sure your information is listed correctly.

Post 15: Be Our Guest list



.

 

[Katesdad]

For those of you who have used it, when did you use it? When did it come in handy to know about and use the secret entrance? I don't get it...why is the secret entrance important?

I had trouble getting back inside the building from the Wedding Pavillion area. I was finally able to unlock the door by holding my MagicBand to the bottom of the touchpad. A room card would have been easier to use.

I thought it was just us that couldn't get back inside from the YC secret entrance.

The "secret entrance" (otherwise known as the fire escape) is a nice way to slip in and out of the building without having to walk to the lobby as Sue pointed out. When you have a room close to one of these doors you really can save a lot of time getting out and going places. Coming back, if you are on the second floor the walk back up isn't bad. If you have more energy than I usually have when I'm returning to the resort, you can walk up to the higher floors. At the YC, the one door that exits by the boat dock has an elevator close by (this is the door that is on the left side of the Gazebo area as you are facing it from the dock). For the BC, there is a door that practically puts you at the IG when going to Epcot. It's a great timesaver (see comments regarding this on the first page of the thread). If you have a room by the lobby elevators, then these "secret entrances" don't really come into play at all unless it is the heat of the summer or pouring down rain and you are returning from Epcot to the BC. Then this side entrance can be a life-saver.

Sue, I was using the door closest to the Gazebo (right side as you are facing it from the dock). I really did try my band all over that darn pad but it wouldn't open back up. Hakuna matata. As I said though, I mostly use them for exiting because when I return I just am too tucker'd out to walk up the two flights of stairs to get to the third floor which is where we were this time.

Katesdad

 

[Katesdad]

I have updated the Be Our Guest list from the past week. Please take a moment to look it over and make sure your information is listed correctly.

Thanks Dee. It's a long way off but DW and I are looking forward to seeing what life is like on the other side.

 

[JanetMom]

I have not seen a posted estimate of the time it will take me to complete this, so keep tuned to Page 1 for enhancements!

 

[EGHopeful]

All I can say is WOW! Those new CL rooms are amazing and all in my DDs favorite colors! She would LOVE LOVE LOVE that Christmas tree. Too bad we won't be able to see it as we aren't going to be CL. A few more weeks until our first visit to the BC. So very excited to see WDW for the holidays!

 

[princessfansmom]

Thank you for the warm welcome !
We are arriving Dec 28(my birthday!) and checking out Jan 4, staying CL.
I have enjoyed reading this thread and share the enthusiasm of others for this resort area! We experienced a lovely BC stay in June of 2013. EPCOT is my favorite park and being able to walk there so easily was terrific. And last summer we used a Disney events photographer to have DD's graduation pictures taken outside at the BC;they turned out great, and coming from Michigan, I love having palm trees in her pics!
As I said, the last time we stayed at the Yacht Club was Dec 2000. We have enjoyed several different resorts over the years including the spaciousness of the villas, but I am so excited to return to the YC!

 

[HockeyMomR]

We are having a great time. The BC is terrific! Just love it here. Really enjoying the Christmas decor and went to the Osborne Lights last night. Wow!

 

[HockeyMomR]

Did I say I love this place?

 

[wishes114]

That is correct, Sue- there are more rooms on the 3rd and 4th floor so I would expect the work on those floors to take longer than the club level renovations. Plus, for the club level work, they closed down the entire floor from guests, and with the other floors they will just be doing one area at a time, and I would guess that would increase the time it will take to complete the refurbishment.

That being said, wishes114, some rooms/areas may be finished by the time of your trip. If you don't have any other important requests, you could always add "Renovated room, if available, please" to your reservation.

Ahh, so what you are saying is that the whole floor may not be ready by late January but some of the rooms on the 4th floor may be and it is possible they will open a partial floor?

We will arrive early morning (8am)...do you recommend doing online checkin or just doing regular check in? Do I have a better chance of getting a renovated room if I skip the online check-in. Thanks all for the great advice!

 

[natebenma]

Ahh, so what you are saying is that the whole floor may not be ready by late January but some of the rooms on the 4th floor may be and it is possible they will open a partial floor?

We will arrive early morning (8am)...do you recommend doing online checkin or just doing regular check in? Do I have a better chance of getting a renovated room if I skip the online check-in. Thanks all for the great advice!

Yes, that is what I am saying, but please note that this is ENTIRELY CONJECTURE on my part and not based on anything I have read or heard.

Based on the time it took for the club level floor to be completed, a little less than 2 months, I would think some rooms would possibly be ready by the end of January. I don't even know if they will be assigning the renovated rooms once a section is finished, but I don't see why not.

I know they are going to be working on the 4th floor rooms (and hallways?) next and I don't believe that they are closing down the entire floor during the work.

I don't know if the online checkin vs. regular checkin would give your a better chance of getting a renovated room if it is available. But this is not one of the options for online checkin, so you need to add this request to your reservation to notify the room assigners that you are interested in that.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

We only stayed for one night but it was wonderful! Our standard room was upgraded to a water view and it was breathtaking! We checked in at 8:30 and the room was ready by 10am. It will be hard to leave today to go to WL and give up the nice pool since theirs is a hot mess of construction but it will be nice
To have the Christmas feel too!!