2012/2013 Beach and Yacht FAQ- Closing Soon- New Thread Started- Don't Post Here

[MelanieRI]

Originally Posted by Ninja Mom

The dream had died. No more cutesy little rides with my little boys, holding on to them as they were scared of the dark. Now the only holding was going to be on Mom as she was propelled halfway out of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad car.

~NM

Awww.....tears to my eyes at that one! Kids grow up so fast! Next it'll be grandchildren that you're holding onto in those dark rides!

[JanetMom]

Originally Posted by natebenma

And I bet it still cost them all a wing and a talon!

Thanks for sharing the picture!

The two of you are HILARIOUS!

[west&east]

Originally Posted by dawnbu40

My family (all adults) stayed CL in Sept and did breakfast and dinner in the lounge and table service at lunch. We found it to be plenty of food and we saved money by not purchasing dinners and adult beverages. We loved it so much we are doing it again in May

Originally Posted by jennyjinx3

Looking for opinions, I think I may try and talk DH into CL, and drop the dining plan for our May trip. We would come out $200 cheaper than what we have now, and could use that money to put towards CS lunches in the parks. I know for sure he would want to keep a couple of our dinner ressies. (BOG - although we could eat lunch there instead...and Le Cellier).

My question is this, with BC CL is there enough to make breakfasts and enough snacks at the dinner hour? Then we could make due with lunches that are always very filling anyway.

THanks!!

I agree with Dawn. We LOVE CL at BC. It is wonderful to be able to enjoy breakfast in a comfortable location, especially if you are trying to make rope drop. We usually have breakfast in the lounge early, CS for lunch, and then return to the room for a rest when we might grab afternoon snacks (we all love the homemade potato chips!) or even the later hot appetizers and a glass of wine in the lounge (or back in our room) before we head back out for dinner, fireworks, whatever. Depending on what time we return, it is great to have something sweet and a nightcap before bed. There is a CL thread that has pictures and more info about the offerings, but I can give you more details if needed, and can update you once we return from our trip for MLK weekend. Remember too, that you can bottled waters and cans of sodas for your room fridge and the concierge staff provides personal shopping. They helped us track down the last two santa hats in all of WDW a couple of years ago, and also helped us replace a Disney Yoda figure that we lost in one of the parks. They just send their runner and it arrived in our room, billed to our card.

[jennyjinx3]

Originally Posted by west&east

I agree with Dawn. We LOVE CL at BC. It is wonderful to be able to enjoy breakfast in a comfortable location, especially if you are trying to make rope drop. We usually have breakfast in the lounge early, CS for lunch, and then return to the room for a rest when we might grab afternoon snacks (we all love the homemade potato chips!) or even the later hot appetizers and a glass of wine in the lounge (or back in our room) before we head back out for dinner, fireworks, whatever. Depending on what time we return, it is great to have something sweet and a nightcap before bed. There is a CL thread that has pictures and more info about the offerings, but I can give you more details if needed, and can update you once we return from our trip for MLK weekend. Remember too, that you can bottled waters and cans of sodas for your room fridge and the concierge staff provides personal shopping. They helped us track down the last two santa hats in all of WDW a couple of years ago, and also helped us replace a Disney Yoda figure that we lost in one of the parks. They just send their runner and it arrived in our room, billed to our card.

Wow, sounds amazing. Sadly DH is not open to the idea, and wants to keep all our ADR's which would kind of defeat the purpose of the savings. I on the other hand only wanted to keep a few. Maybe the when the three DD's are a little older...
I love the idea of doing easy breakfasts in the lounge before heading out for the day. Sounds great....as do the nightcaps!

[Crazy Kanga]

We will be back May 26-31. Don't know for sure yet but probably at YC. I love to have a balcony and tho I like the rooms at BC a bit more I will most likely go with YC for a balcony room.

[Mousemommy1]

Finally doing the double digit dance!!!!!



In 99 days, we'll be at the YC!!!!!

[natebenma]

Originally Posted by Barnhill9586

Love this thread!! So much good information! Can't wait to catch up on everything that's gone on since our last visit.

Could you add us to the list for 2013?

We'll be back at the BC May 25th-June 2nd!

back!

It will be my pleasure to add you to the Be Our Guest list

Originally Posted by deebeck

I just wanted to write a big thank you to those on this board with great suggestions and feedback. We were so used to Grand Floridian but decided to try Beach Club for our last minute trip (week before Xmas). Wow... we had the most amazing time. We would go to bus early in the morning (no crowd) and short walk to station with no trouble at all (for MK). It was so nice walking to Epcot each day or afternoon and taking the boat to DHS.

Even though it was freezing that week(we drove down from NE so we had our winter coats.. thank goodness), the kids still got to take a swim on the day before we left. They loved it.. met other kids to play with and had a blast.

The room was great. We had a garden view but when I checked in I asked the front desk person if they could upgrade us to Lagoon view. They had two Lagoon view rooms avail. We loved it... had a great view of Boardwalk and rooms were so close to steps to main lobby. The rooms were in great condition and we liked the decor.

I was so surprised how quiet it was at night too(in our room). We didn't hear much noise even though we were close to lobby.

The Marketplace was convenient and staff very helpful and friendly. Even walking around the property... staff was super super nice.

I already booked our next trip in June this year (didn't tell DH yet),

Thanks Beach Club.
d.

back!

Glad to hear you had a fantastic time and are returning so son after your trip. I'll add you to the list, but mum's the word everyone! Don't spoil the secret!



On behalf of the folks on this board, we appreciate the very kind words and accept the thanks for helping you plan your stay.

Originally Posted by daneenm

We are headed toward our second WDW vacation and second stay at YC. We loved it so much the first time, hubby didn't even consider a different resort. So, we will be YC CL 7/29 - 8/10. Wooohooo!

back for another stay!

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

Originally Posted by poohgirl6

Got a 35% off PIN code in snail mail today for my Sept 2013 dates. Booked GV CL at YC Sept 8-13 We will be at CR Sept 1-8 for Experience Conference/NOJ then transfer over to YC. Can't wait Please add us to the BOG list

and congrats on the PIN Code!

Sounds like a really great split stay!

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

Originally Posted by Crazy Kanga

We will be back May 26-31. Don't know for sure yet but probably at YC. I love to have a balcony and tho I like the rooms at BC a bit more I will most likely go with YC for a balcony room.

I'll put the dates onto the list.

[ocalla]

Originally Posted by Mousemommy1

Finally doing the double digit dance!!!!!



In 99 days, we'll be at the YC!!!!!

I'll join in to give you a little company!!!

[Mousemommy1]

Originally Posted by ocalla

I'll join in to give you a little company!!!

So excited for our first YC stay!!

[MickeyT]

Originally Posted by luvpoohandcompany

wow you got a lot done in a day
Really looking forward to your photos
Also have to say that I love your grandson's name Do you have Irish ancestors perhaps?

You can thank Irishman Pierce Brosnan for that. Daughter just loved the name.

[MickeyT]

BCV’s countdown. 1 more day!

Well yesterday’s highlights were airport/dining. Main mission – get Pierce to airport and home. Check. Everything went perfect. On the plane and home in time for a weight lifting session for his baseball team. That boy has one gear. Wide open.

So with him gone we switched to relax mode. Here’s a tip. I don’t usually recommend or condemn restaurants because one person’s favorite may be another’s demise. On the way back from the airport we stopped my DTD for lunch. Having already done our favorite, Wolfgang Puck Express, on our arrival day we stopped in Bodie’s All American for a quick burger. This little burger counter is in the same building as Pollo Campero. Well it was one of the best burgers we ever had at WDW. And if you don’t know, Babycakes is a small bakery in the corner of this establishment. Wonderful products. Just had coffee and their blueberry bread for breakfast while watching the sun come up over Bay Lake.

We did come back and hit the MK. It was more of a stroll day. We rode the RR all the way around. Met the cutest little boy on the train. He must have been about 2 and shook everyone within reach’s hand. He then put his Mickey hands and sorcerers hat on and high fived everyone within reach. Then almost immediately fell asleep. These are the memories Lee Ann and I cherish.

Then over to Narcoossee’s for diner. Great food. Ate too much. The waitress talked us into dessert. A decadent almond crusted cheesecake. Could go there daily for this alone.

Then back to BLT for Wishes. I know this may sound strange but I’m ready for me some Illuminations! So far we’ve had one F! and four Wishes. We can see the high Illuminations off in the distance from our room so it just adds fuel to the fire.

Plans for today…..Camera day. Getting ready to grab the bag and head to MK for a slow stroll and snap. Just take it as it comes. They're calling for record high temps today 80's plus. We may finally go for that swim. Or just wait for SAB......

[nannette]

Originally Posted by MickeyT

BCV’s countdown. 1 more day!

Lovin' the reports Mike! Enjoy your day and the warm weather!!

~Nan

[TeenaS]

Originally Posted by MickeyT

BCV’s countdown. 1 more day!

Well yesterday’s highlights were airport/dining. Main mission – get Pierce to airport and home. Check. Everything went perfect. On the plane and home in time for a weight lifting session for his baseball team. That boy has one gear. Wide open.

So with him gone we switched to relax mode. Here’s a tip. I don’t usually recommend or condemn restaurants because one person’s favorite may be another’s demise. On the way back from the airport we stopped my DTD for lunch. Having already done our favorite, Wolfgang Puck Express, on our arrival day we stopped in Bodie’s All American for a quick burger. This little burger counter is in the same building as Pollo Campero. Well it was one of the best burgers we ever had at WDW. And if you don’t know, Babycakes is a small bakery in the corner of this establishment. Wonderful products. Just had coffee and their blueberry bread for breakfast while watching the sun come up over Bay Lake.

We did come back and hit the MK. It was more of a stroll day. We rode the RR all the way around. Met the cutest little boy on the train. He must have been about 2 and shook everyone within reach’s hand. He then put his Mickey hands and sorcerers hat on and high fived everyone within reach. Then almost immediately fell asleep. These are the memories Lee Ann and I cherish.

Then over to Narcoossee’s for diner. Great food. Ate too much. The waitress talked us into dessert. A decadent almond crusted cheesecake. Could go there daily for this alone.

Then back to BLT for Wishes. I know this may sound strange but I’m ready for me some Illuminations! So far we’ve had one F! and four Wishes. We can see the high Illuminations off in the distance from our room so it just adds fuel to the fire.

Plans for today…..Camera day. Getting ready to grab the bag and head to MK for a slow stroll and snap. Just take it as it comes. They're calling for record high temps today 80's plus. We may finally go for that swim. Or just wait for SAB......

Can you believe this winter here in FL??? I only wore long jeans two days so far.

[pixarmom]

Originally Posted by jennyjinx3

Wow, sounds amazing. Sadly DH is not open to the idea, and wants to keep all our ADR's which would kind of defeat the purpose of the savings. I on the other hand only wanted to keep a few. Maybe the when the three DD's are a little older...
I love the idea of doing easy breakfasts in the lounge before heading out for the day. Sounds great....as do the nightcaps!

Just wanted to add that we usually have two ADRs per day, no dining plan and think CL is a good value for our family if the additional cost is $100/night or less. The convenience factor is HUGE for us. (I significantly underestimated that factor before we stayed CL, but the ease of stopping by the lounge for breakfast, snacks, coffee, etc. - especially with three kids - just can't be beat.) So first, we factor in the value of that convenience.

Then, breakfast. The cost of breakfast for a family of five can become significant and we really only need something quick to get us going in the morning until our lunch ADR.

On more recent trips, we started taking an afternoon break to swim or shop. Nice to have drinks, chips, treats, etc. available in the afternoon. We occasionally grab a favorite snack in the parks, but it's less frequent with CL. More savings. And for our family, it prevents my husband from going to BC Marketplace and overbuying a bunch of packaged snacks that are likely to be wasted in the end anyway.

The evening appetizers are GREAT, especially with kids. I usually have a glass of wine, and my husband has wine or beer. It's great for our kids to get a healthy snack before our dinner ADR, so we never arrive at dinner really hungry and if our youngest falls asleep at dinner - no problem. The club lounge food is some of the healthiest our youngest and middle son eat on vacation! Veggies, fruit, cheese, rolls, etc. We order FAR less at dinner because we had that snack - and it was relatively healthy. So that's additional cost savings, as long as you're not on the dining plan.

And we don't eat dessert right after dinner, but it's nice to have that option later in the evening. When our youngest asks for something in the park, we just suggest checking out the club lounge and they always like that idea. More savings.

[Me!Thatswho]

Originally Posted by jennyjinx3

Wow, sounds amazing. Sadly DH is not open to the idea, and wants to keep all our ADR's which would kind of defeat the purpose of the savings. I on the other hand only wanted to keep a few. Maybe the when the three DD's are a little older...
I love the idea of doing easy breakfasts in the lounge before heading out for the day. Sounds great....as do the nightcaps!

We stayed at the BC CL in August, and, after loving it, we're going to be visiting the "dark side" for the first time in a mere 8 days. When we booking CL, we were a little skeptical of the savings potential because, after all, its more than the standard room rate.

For the last 4 or 5 trips to the world, we always did the DDP complete with the daily routine of snacks, a QS & a TS. After visiting DL in 2011 which has a different system for DDP (it's merely a prepaid voucher system with no actual savings), we ate a different way. Instead of pre-planning ADRs for the entire trip, we agreed to 2 TS options that we really wanted, and went with the flow for the rest. We were there for 6 days - we ate a our 2 ADRs, we did a walkup for a 3rd TS, and the rest of the days we snacked or ate at QS. Also, we didn't buy breakfast. Instead, we bought packages of bagels (they actually sell them by the 1/2 dozen retail for the cost of 2 from the kitchen) from the GC store. In total we had about $120 left in our food budget (we calculate our budget based on estimated cost of WDWs DDP). Needless to say, we were floored.

So, when we returned to WDW in Aug, we applied our strategy from DL to see how things turned out. We were there again for 6 days. We ate at 4 ADRs (one for each of us, including the Biergarten - which I absolutely love but always end up paying about $200 due to the beer!) and 2 dinners at QS. Thanks to the CL, we didn't pay for breakfast, coffee, snacks, water, a few sodas, dessert, or adult beverages for the entire trip. Plus, one of our ADRs was breakfast, and a 2nd was lunch. On one of those days, we enjoyed appetizers and chips, which constituted a light dinner, and another we managed to get a walk-in table at Beaches & Cream.

Now for the math: For CL, we payed about $100 more per night than we would have with a BC GV. (FYI: we had a DV 35% discount). For the DDP (3 adults, 1 child), it would have cost about $1,800. So, $1800-$600 = $1300. For our 4 ADRs, we paid oop ~$650. Leaving $550. Finally, we spent about another $300 on QS. Amazingly, we came home with full stomachs (I, unfortunately, gained about ~8lbs - but its Disney, so why not!) and with just about $250 left in our food fund.

Going forward, we will never stay non-CL ever again.