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

[Travellerman]

If I have a request put in for a room type/location which I made over the phone with Disney. If I go online to do check in before I leave should I ignore the room request online since I've already had a note made of it with a reservations agent over the phone? Or does it matter if I do both?

 

[JanetMom]

This time tomorrow we should be flying to Orlando. We're really looking forward to getting back to the Beach Club. We have a very laid back trip planned. I want to do some exploring. We've never set foot in either a value or moderate resort and I've always wanted to see what some of them looked like. Thursday's plan is to walk to HS, ride a few rides, then head over to Art of Animation to check it out. Then we'll take the Generation Gap bridge to Pop Century. I have to see these oversize icons for myself. They look huge in pictures.

I love exploring the different resorts. Your plan sounds great!

 

[EveryMoment]

@natebenma Thank you so much!

 

[hobbes4444]

It's been a few years since we've been at the YC/BC resort, and this time we have a 1BR booked at the BCV. So a couple of questions . . .

1. Is the only place to get an espresso or decent coffee (not the giant urn dredge) still at the Ale and Compass over at YC? I'm planning to pick up some coffee and filters for the room on our way from the airport while making a quick stop at Target for breakfast and other supplies, and an aerobed for our son's friend who's joining us this trip. However, I still like to get the occasional latte or espresso and take a morning walk while everyone else is still snoozing.

2. Is online check in worthwhile? We just want a quiet room, preferably not facing the pool, on a high floor. Is that request an option for BCV online check in?

just saw the note someone posted about renovations to BCV being on hold. While some have complained about the tired look, I don't think it's all that bad. Glad to have the opportunity to stay here with the beach theme still in place. Just hoping the furnishings aren't really worn as has been reported from time to time.

Thanks to everyone for the wealth of information here.

 

[HockeyMomR]

This time tomorrow we should be flying to Orlando. We're really looking forward to getting back to the Beach Club. We have a very laid back trip planned. I want to do some exploring. We've never set foot in either a value or moderate resort and I've always wanted to see what some of them looked like. Thursday's plan is to walk to HS, ride a few rides, then head over to Art of Animation to check it out. Then we'll take the Generation Gap bridge to Pop Century. I have to see these oversize icons for myself. They look huge in pictures.

Have a great trip! I really like your plan to tour AoA. I would also like to check it out. Look forward to your report!

 

[ichabody]

If I have a request put in for a room type/location which I made over the phone with Disney. If I go online to do check in before I leave should I ignore the room request online since I've already had a note made of it with a reservations agent over the phone? Or does it matter if I do both?

That's a great question. Does anyone know if the online requests override the requests made over the phone?

 

[Abow75]

HI! First time on the thread, we will be first time guests at BC memorial day weekend
I received a letter yesterday stating they will be under construction during our stay. How much can I expect this to effect us? I will be 35 weeks pregnant and my toddler still takes afternoon naps. Any suggestions on what to do as far as room requests?

We were on floor 4 last week and we never heard a sound or saw any construction as well! I agree, upper floor (4, or 5 if club level) would be perfect!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

I need your expert help on my line up.
Question 1, we land at 5:30 PM and will be getting a rental car. Could I make a FP for Epcot for 8PM ? Or is that pushing it
Question 2. On our AK day, I have a breakfast ADR at AK but then I made a ADR for Beaches and Cream for 1 PM. We have a rental car, how far is BC from AK?
part 2 of question 2. On our DHS day we have lunch at Mamma Melrose at 11:30 with Fantasmic at 8:30, should I do Beaches and Cream that night for dinner? If so, what time should I do dinner to get to Fantasmic on time with the dinner package seating?
Question 3. For club level food / snacks will they give you and kids friendly appitizers? Like peanut butter sandwich (no jelly) If you ask for it?
Thank you for your help. I am so excited for my first deluxe stay.

 

[anjalee6]

Well as an early anniversary gift, we decided to stay at BC CL instead of YC like originally planned. So looking forward to seeing the new renovations. It just seemed like a nice splurge since we can't go away for our actual anniversary this year. We are still traveling the same days, August 10-13, just BC instead.

 

[hobbes4444]

I need your expert help on my line up.
Question 1, we land at 5:30 PM and will be getting a rental car. Could I make a FP for Epcot for 8PM ? Or is that pushing it
Question 2. On our AK day, I have a breakfast ADR at AK but then I made a ADR for Beaches and Cream for 1 PM. We have a rental car, how far is BC from AK?
part 2 of question 2. On our DHS day we have lunch at Mamma Melrose at 11:30 with Fantasmic at 8:30, should I do Beaches and Cream that night for dinner? If so, what time should I do dinner to get to Fantasmic on time with the dinner package seating?
Question 3. For club level food / snacks will they give you and kids friendly appitizers? Like peanut butter sandwich (no jelly) If you ask for it?
Thank you for your help. I am so excited for my first deluxe stay.

Can't help with 3, but for #1, that's pushing it, as nothing ever happens quickly at MCO. but if it's an 8-9 window you should be ok. we try to have one of us head down to start the car rental process and the other wait with the bags. Used to work when we were sans kids, not as easy now. For #2, B&C is (great and) generally pretty quick in and out. But you need to factor in ice cream time. I'd think a 6PM should give you enough time to make it to MGM/DHS and have time to get into Fantasmic, especially with the package seating. Have fun!

 

[LENNON500]

We are going the week before you and just received our letters this week.

jb

Annnnnnnnnd our letter arrived this afternoon.....

 

[xjay]

HI! First time on the thread, we will be first time guests at BC memorial day weekend
I received a letter yesterday stating they will be under construction during our stay. How much can I expect this to effect us? I will be 35 weeks pregnant and my toddler still takes afternoon naps. Any suggestions on what to do as far as room requests?

I'm going the week before you and did not receive any letter about construction. Can you enlighten me on what the letter says?

 

[Katesdad]

I'm going the week before you and did not receive any letter about construction. Can you enlighten me on what the letter says?

It is just letting you know that there will be activity as they upgrade the facility from 9:00am to 4:00pm every day. For more information and the lastest information on the work being performed and where it is happening, please see page one of this thread. Dee does a great job keeping the information fresh and relevant.

Katesdad

 

[natebenma]

I'm going the week before you and did not receive any letter about construction. Can you enlighten me on what the letter says?

I have a link to the letter posted in the Page 1 section about the resort refurbishment- See below

You are staying on the 5th floor club level, which has already been done. You shouldn't have any reason to go onto the BC 3rd floor where work is currently being done, so the work should not affect you at all.

I don't know if CL guests are receiving letters or not now.

We received this letter from Disney regarding our upcoming (April 15th) stay at the BC (GV room):


We are delighted you have chosen to stay with us at Disney's Beach Club Resort, your charming home-away-from-home nestled on the cusp of Crescent Lake, and we are excited to host you as our Guest!

In an effort to continually enhance the Guest experience and spread magic here at the Walt Disney World Resort, we often refresh our offerings and atmosphere. In preparation of your upcoming stay, we wanted to make you aware that Resort refurbishment will be taking place during your visit. This refurbishment should have minimal impact on you and your vacation; however, we wanted to make you aware since you may overhear our magic-making. Construction is scheduled to occur daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All of our unique Resort amenities, including our shopping, dining and recreation experiences, will remain open to you during your stay. While you may experience our work in progress, please know that we are making every effort to ensure your comfort and enjoyment of all that we have to offer. Guests have been cherishing the delightful, seaside magic of our Resort for nearly 25 years, and we are excited to share that magic with you!

If you need assistance with your reservation, please contact your original booking agent listed on your confirmation letter. If you booked through the Walt Disney World Resort or have additional questions, please call 877-676-6873 and one of our Cast Members will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Miriam A. Flynn
General Manager of Disney's Beach Club Resort

 

[natebenma]

I need your expert help on my line up.
Question 1, we land at 5:30 PM and will be getting a rental car. Could I make a FP for Epcot for 8PM ? Or is that pushing it
Question 2. On our AK day, I have a breakfast ADR at AK but then I made a ADR for Beaches and Cream for 1 PM. We have a rental car, how far is BC from AK?
part 2 of question 2. On our DHS day we have lunch at Mamma Melrose at 11:30 with Fantasmic at 8:30, should I do Beaches and Cream that night for dinner? If so, what time should I do dinner to get to Fantasmic on time with the dinner package seating?
Question 3. For club level food / snacks will they give you and kids friendly appitizers? Like peanut butter sandwich (no jelly) If you ask for it?
Thank you for your help. I am so excited for my first deluxe stay.

Not sure if you will make it in time for your FP or not (will depend on a lot of factors like if your plane lands on time/early or late) and how long it takes to get your luggage and rental car. But is there any downside to making the FP? If you make it there, great, you have it. If you don't, then you haven't lost anything unless you were planning on making a FP someplace else (like MK).

Can't really help on driving distance/time as we only use Disney transportation, or the timing of B&C because I haven't eaten there.

Last time I stayed club level, they had peanut butter set out, and rolls, so if they still have that, you can make your own sandwiches.

 

[floridagirl61]

Cantwaitvac09, we are eating at Flame Tree in AK at 11am, plan on being done by 11:45 and back to the front of AK by 12. We also have an ADR at B&C for 1pm for ice cream. We are driving back to BC from AK, it is maybe a 10 minute drive. So even if we run a little late from lunch we have plenty of time to make it to our ADR at B&C.

 

[xjay]

I have a link to the letter posted in the Page 1 section about the resort refurbishment- See below

You are staying on the 5th floor club level, which has already been done. You shouldn't have any reason to go onto the BC 3rd floor where work is currently being done, so the work should not affect you at all.

I don't know if CL guests are receiving letters or not now.

Ok. Thanks Dee! I was getting a little worried that there was going to be more construction than what I already knew about. As long as it doesn't affect us, I'm ok

 

[natebenma]

page 248-249

Some of you may have noticed, I have started to put together the new FAQ thread. I have a bit more polish to put on, but I have to start working on some other real-life things this morning (Boo!), so I am not going to activate it until tomorrow morning. Continue posting here until notified otherwise.

:

This time tomorrow we should be flying to Orlando. We're really looking forward to getting back to the Beach Club. We have a very laid back trip planned. I want to do some exploring. We've never set foot in either a value or moderate resort and I've always wanted to see what some of them looked like. Thursday's plan is to walk to HS, ride a few rides, then head over to Art of Animation to check it out. Then we'll take the Generation Gap bridge to Pop Century. I have to see these oversize icons for myself. They look huge in pictures.

You should be in the air right now!!!

I love your plan to check out other resorts. I agree, the icons at POP and AoA look really cool. The over-the-top theming is one of the things I like when we stay at ASMovies for the class trip.

As of today... BC CL LV 8/13-19 then PBH CL 8/19-24 (of course always scheming, ahem planning to do the 19th at BC since it's my bday....decisions decisions)

Still in erasable virtual ink...

If I have a request put in for a room type/location which I made over the phone with Disney. If I go online to do check in before I leave should I ignore the room request online since I've already had a note made of it with a reservations agent over the phone? Or does it matter if I do both?

That's a great question. Does anyone know if the online requests override the requests made over the phone?

Good questions! I don't really know.

I have never done the online checkin. If my (only) phone request was "Full balcony please", then I would be comfortable reinforcing that with the online checkin selection. If my request was "Full balcony, please. Daybed if possible." I think I would skip the online checkin because you can't indicate the request for a daybed when you checkin online. I wouldn't want that part to get overlooked. I also would feel more comfortable discussing the features of my room at front desk checkin, and possibly requesting a change if available, if I did NOT do the online checkin.

Well as an early anniversary gift, we decided to stay at BC CL instead of YC like originally planned. So looking forward to seeing the new renovations. It just seemed like a nice splurge since we can't go away for our actual anniversary this year. We are still traveling the same days, August 10-13, just BC instead.

I'll make the change.

 

[natebenma]

It's been a few years since we've been at the YC/BC resort, and this time we have a 1BR booked at the BCV. So a couple of questions . . .

1. Is the only place to get an espresso or decent coffee (not the giant urn dredge) still at the Ale and Compass over at YC? I'm planning to pick up some coffee and filters for the room on our way from the airport while making a quick stop at Target for breakfast and other supplies, and an aerobed for our son's friend who's joining us this trip. However, I still like to get the occasional latte or espresso and take a morning walk while everyone else is still snoozing.

2. Is online check in worthwhile? We just want a quiet room, preferably not facing the pool, on a high floor. Is that request an option for BCV online check in?

just saw the note someone posted about renovations to BCV being on hold. While some have complained about the tired look, I don't think it's all that bad. Glad to have the opportunity to stay here with the beach theme still in place. Just hoping the furnishings aren't really worn as has been reported from time to time.

Thanks to everyone for the wealth of information here.

1. The Nescrape sludge previously appearing at the BC Marketplace has now been replaced with Joffrey's coffee. Still in the big urns, but better quality. I don't think they offer espresso drinks there, but I just drink my coffee black, nothing fancy, so I don't know. I have been ridiculed at Starbucks for ordering a "Large black coffee" because they don't understand what I mean.




These are the requests for online checkin- I don't think what you are looking for is quite covered in these options so you are probably better off phoning it in.

Beach Club Villa 60 Day Check In:

Room Request Options-Choose 2 out of the four listed:

Near Elevator
Lower Floor
Woods View
Larger Balcony

I don't know why larger balcony is there. Actually, I think that option is gone now.

Can someone with an upcoming stay at BCV confirm the options for me? Thanks!

 

[natebenma]

Thanks for the offer of help. I'm back home and sorting through photos. Can you guide me to some good trip reports and how to do it and I'll get started.

Trip report tips:

Do you have a title in mind?
Something unusual that happened during the trip? Something someone said during the trip that stuck as a private joke? An overall feel.

Format:

Most people start with a short introduction post as the first post- Who What Where When and Why. You can include some pre-trip report planning here (or put it in a subsequent post, if a lot of planning went into the trip). You can include some teasers of upcoming events...

The second post is usually for trip report chapter links- Make sure you Post here right after your first post "Saved for Chapter Links" Do you know how to do hyperlinks to a post? I have some info in the FAQ post on this thread, but I suspect there may be an easier way using the link icons that now appear at the top of the browser window. I haven't used these yet.

Then, start your report (either immediately, or wait a few days between posts). Most reports are chronological. Start with your arrival day and then as you get your writing flow/pictures together, you will hopefully be able to figure out where you want to break for different chapters.

Pictures-

There are two way to post pictures. You can direct link them by using the "Upload a file" feature, bottom right of the post you are writing. You are limited to 10 photos per post using this method. You may also need to resize your photos if you use this method. Ichabody posted a really nifty way to resize a lot of pictures at the same time.

Or you can use a service like Photobucket or Flickr, and post the links to each photo into the report. I think the 25 photos/icons per post limit still applies. You have to set up an account, which is free, but if your bandwidth is exceeded (you have a lot of people viewing your photos, or you exceed storage limits) you need to pay for a pro account. I had to do that shortly after I started managing this thread.

Writing- I like to write the trip report in Microsoft Word first, then copy it into the posting window. Easier to edit a word document than the browser here.

Getting readers- Definitely post your link here! Then read/subscribe/comment to a couple of trip reports that interest you.

My Trip Reports tend to be very long (as Janetmom pointed out, I had a 33 chapter report for my 2 day Beach Club solo trip). My reports can be found in my signature. My favorite trip report that I wrote is my "145 Middle Schoolers- Wicked Awesome or Epic Fail!" The format for that one is as I described and you seriously can not make up the drama I encountered on that one! "What happens at the Beach Club" is another good one since it features my stay at the beautiful Beach Club and has lots of guest stars that you will recognize from this thread.

Missyrose has some great trip reports (and her husband Franklin's photos are out of this world good). Teekathepony's reports also have some great photos. Disneykid4life(Rob) has a lot of humor in his reports and a true appreciation and love for Disney. I also have a trip section in Post 16 of this thread which are trip reports with a Beach Club/Yacht Club/BCV setting:

What Happens at the Beach Club, Aug 2014 by natebenma
Dining with DISers, An August 2014 BC report by Janetmom (in process)
Hijinks & Shenanigans (but not much Mayhem), Hard Rock and Beach Club, July 2013 by natebenma
Beach Club posts start on page 19
Happily Ever After Begins Here by missyrose, pictures by pixeldust, Oct 2012 BCV
A May 2012 Beach Club Trip of a Lifetime by Feckless
March Break 2012 at the Yacht Club by JanetMom



Does that help to get you started or do you have some other specific questions?

Just be careful- reading and writing trip reports can be addictive! I have made some very dear friends over the years just by "meeting" them and their families through sharing our trips and a mutual love of Disney.

: