2012 Beach and Yacht FAQ, Part 3- Don't Post Here!!! New Thread, November 2012

[pixarmom]

Crews Cup Lounge.

I just re-read the original post and saw the bit about the adult beverage. So DEFINITELY crew's cup lounge - love it there!!!

 

[natebenma]

Wow - just realized that I don't have a photo of the B&C take-out, which is really odd because that's a late-night tradition for my husband and our boys. Never took a photo! Anyway, I can definitely confirm that both chocolate malts and rootbeer floats are on the menu, because that's their standard order.

That must mean that it is time for another trip so you can correct that!




Hey, everyone, I'm finally back at full attention! It has been a month and a half of pure frenzy and craziness for me! I survived Casino Night last night and I did not spend today curled up in in a ball of despair, so I guess that's a good thing. This was our first year with this event and turnout was lower than we hoped for to raise the funds we need for enrichment programs at my son's middle school, but everyone who DID go had a fantastic time, so I am happy about that.

I have been able to keep up with reading the thread, but I look forward to spending some time tomorrow morning really catching up on several days worth of pages, welcoming new faces and being jealous of everyone with upcoming trips.

Oh, and you may have noticed that we are inching towards the 250 page mark on the thread, so I will be monitoring the situation as we approach that milestone. I'll let you know when it is time to pack up and move. T and KD, hope you can find us when you are back from your wonderful cruise- I'll leave some breadcrumbs.

 

[JanetMom]

That must mean that it is time for another trip so you can correct that!




Hey, everyone, I'm finally back at full attention! It has been a month and a half of pure frenzy and craziness for me! I survived Casino Night last night and I did not spend today curled up in in a ball of despair, so I guess that's a good thing. This was our first year with this event and turnout was lower than we hoped for to raise the funds we need for enrichment programs at my son's middle school, but everyone who DID go had a fantastic time, so I am happy about that.

I have been able to keep up with reading the thread, but I look forward to spending some time tomorrow morning really catching up on several days worth of pages, welcoming new faces and being jealous of everyone with upcoming trips.

Oh, and you may have noticed that we are inching towards the 250 page mark on the thread, so I will be monitoring the situation as we approach that milestone. I'll let you know when it is time to pack up and move. T and KD, hope you can find us when you are back from your wonderful cruise- I'll leave some breadcrumbs.

I was just thinking of you tonight and wondering how the casino night went. Nice to hear that it was great for those who were there. Too bad about the low turnout, but it is hard to get something new to catch on in the first year. I'm sure if it is done again next year, there will be a huge increase in attendance.

Can't believe we are nearing 250 already!

 

[TeenaS]

Thanks Teena!! My DH will be working in Maitland so he'll be looking for a small place in a surrounding city/town.
Just looking for the best one. Luckily we won't all have to relocate so not worrying about schools and such will make it a little easier.
Thanks for you reply!!

Dee~ if you see this let me know and I'll shoot you an email to fill you in.

Is he looking to buy or rent? There are some great deals out there right now for buying. A six year old house in our development that was built for a little over $200,000 just sold for $130,000. The owner got transferred. And you can build brand new starting at $160,000 in our area ... that's a 3 bedroom/2 bath with normal size lot. We wanted to stay away from all the tourist stuff and traffic so that's why we're where we are ... plus we like the lakes, hills and orange orchards!

 

[hughjulia]

We stayed at the Beach Club three weeks ago, room 1548. It was a wonderful stay. We were really close to Epcot. There was an exit to the small pool right next to our room. It felt like Epcot was even closer than the bus stop.

The only negative for our entire stay was that the Wi-Fi in our room was pretty bad. We had a good signal according to the “bars” on our iPads and iPhones. The problem was the connection would only work a minute or two, and then sites or email just wouldn’t come up. The “bars” still looked good, but nothing functioned. I found that if I went into the iPad or iPhones settings and turned Wi-Fi off and then back on again it would start working for a few more minutes. The problem of course is that I had to do this repeatedly. It was more trouble than it was worth.

The odd part is we found the Wi-Fi in the parks to be excellent for the same devices. I really wasn’t expecting that!

Was it just our room? Was it our iOS devices? This might not be the best thread to post this in, but I work in IT. I’m curious. Has anyone else had this problem?

 

[JanetMom]

We stayed at the Beach Club three weeks ago, room 1548. It was a wonderful stay. We were really close to Epcot. There was an exit to the small pool right next to our room. It felt like Epcot was even closer than the bus stop.

The only negative for our entire stay was that the Wi-Fi in our room was pretty bad. We had a good signal according to the “bars” on our iPads and iPhones. The problem was the connection would only work a minute or two, and then sites or email just wouldn’t come up. The “bars” still looked good, but nothing functioned. I found that if I went into the iPad or iPhones settings and turned Wi-Fi off and then back on again it would start working for a few more minutes. The problem of course is that I had to do this repeatedly. It was more trouble than it was worth.

The odd part is we found the Wi-Fi in the parks to be excellent for the same devices. I really wasn’t expecting that!

Was it just our room? Was it our iOS devices? This might not be the best thread to post this in, but I work in IT. I’m curious. Has anyone else had this problem?

We had the same experience with our iPad in the room. Lots of turning the wireless on and off to get it to work.

We didn't have a US roaming package for our phones, so we didn't use them in the parks, so I cannot offer that comparison.

Now for anyone who is reading this and getting ready to panic about how the lack of wireless may ruin their vacation - remember you are at Disney, there is plenty to do without wireless!

 

[DisneylandDad]

After much discussion, we booked the BC/YC for our trip next Aug./Sept. Please give me your honest views of transportation at this resort. We are a bit worried as we have read some negative reviews on this--mostly the bus to MK, AK, and DTD. I am not as worried about the negative reviews of the bus to DTD as many resorts have that. I am more concerned with the bus service to the MK and AK. Please reassure us--thanks!!

 

[Sue M]

We had the same experience with our iPad in the room. Lots of turning the wireless on and off to get it to work.

We didn't have a US roaming package for our phones, so we didn't use them in the parks, so I cannot offer that comparison.

Now for anyone who is reading this and getting ready to panic about how the lack of wireless may ruin their vacation - remember you are at Disney, there is plenty to do without wireless!

The parks now have wifi . At last I can use my Lines App!

We had good wifi most of the time during our AKL stay in Aug.

 

[natebenma]

Thanks Teena!! My DH will be working in Maitland so he'll be looking for a small place in a surrounding city/town.
Just looking for the best one. Luckily we won't all have to relocate so not worrying about schools and such will make it a little easier.
Thanks for you reply!!

Dee~ if you see this let me know and I'll shoot you an email to fill you in.

Just saw this. Will be looking for my message.

 

[MickeyT]

Just saw this. Will be looking for my message.

Just wanted to say to this new poster, natebenma. We will try to answer any questions you may have.

Seriously welcome back and thanks for all you do. Life does get busy.

 

[MickeyT]

To give you a sign that it's going to be a good week. Welcome Home.

 

[MickeyT]

Or to take a left to the other side of heaven!

 

[natebenma]

Just wanted to say to this new poster, natebenma. We will try to answer any questions you may have.

Seriously welcome back and thanks for all you do. Life does get busy.

Thank you for the hospitable welcome!

I think I'm gonna like it here!

Great duo of signs! Wouldn't mind being at either crossroad!



Dee

 

[Ninja Mom]

To give you a sign that it's going to be a good week. Welcome Home.

I'm turning, I'm turning!! 3 weeks to go. If I can get past Thanksgiving and all the Holiday preparations I think I'll make it!

~NM

 

[elmpark]

hi all - new to this site - I'm staying at the beach club next july/august and have the dining plan.

great thread lost of good info.

now, there are 8 of us and I have a couple of questions if ok.

getting to disney prob around 7pmish on a sunday after a 9 hour flight. wondering what would be a good place to go on the first night to eat. probably best to stay in hotel or boardwalk perhaps? We have either a quick dining or table dining credit to use. nothing too fancy perhaps for first night as we may be tired?

also, and apologies in advance for this, but being English we are not used to giving 18% gratuities for restaraunts. I'm happy to give 10% as we normally do here in UK, but have noticed if 8 of us get table together they force us to pay 18$ tip on top - can we book 2 tables of 4? we have booked the holdiays 'seperately' i.e. under two family names and 2 credit cards.

 

[Katesdad]

hi all - there are 8 of us and I have a couple of questions if ok. getting to disney prob around 7pmish on a sunday after a 9 hour flight. wondering what would be a good place to go on the first night to eat. also, and apologies in advance for this, but being English we are not used to giving 18% gratuities for restaraunts. I'm happy to give 10% as we normally do here in UK, but have noticed if 8 of us get table together they force us to pay 18$ tip on top - can we book 2 tables of 4? we have booked the holdiays 'seperately' i.e. under two family names and 2 credit cards.

I am glad to welcome you to the thread, especially since you are a newbie. Getting in at seven with a party of eight, you will want to head into Epcot and check out the Rose and Crown in the UK paviliion (thinking fireworks display at 9 or 9:30). Make a reservation, it will be needed. If not interested in walking the five minutes to the UK after flying for nine hours to get away from there, then may I suggest either Beaches and Cream or Captain's Grill for some good old American light fare?

Sorry about this, but get use to the way we tip in the colonies. Remember, we won the war. 18% to 20% is standard in the States because the way the servers are compensated. Their salaries are based on the assumption that they will be "earning" the tip. If you short them, it will not benefit them or you in the long run.

Welcome and happy planning

 

[MickeyT]

Have just changed our trip!! We are now staying at BC Villas in a 2 bedroom from 9/7/13 till 9/11/13 and then switching to 2 rooms at BC CL from 9/11 till 9/15. We have never stayed at either the Villas or the BC. Can anyone recommend a good location for the Villa? We really don't care about the view but would probably prefer something in a quiet location, not sure what to request for the on-line check-in. Thanks for your help.

This is a good map of BCV. I would suggest something at the end of the halls and away from the pool.

http://www.parkinfo2go.com/dvc-bcv/

Do not do online checkin and take a copy of the map with you as you check in to see where your room is. If not satisfactory ask about any openings closer to your needs. But also understand that the BCV's stays pretty booked up and they have a lot less flexibility of moving you around at checkin.

hi all - new to this site - I'm staying at the beach club next july/august and have the dining plan.

great thread lost of good info.

now, there are 8 of us and I have a couple of questions if ok.

getting to disney prob around 7pmish on a sunday after a 9 hour flight. wondering what would be a good place to go on the first night to eat. probably best to stay in hotel or boardwalk perhaps? We have either a quick dining or table dining credit to use. nothing too fancy perhaps for first night as we may be tired?

also, and apologies in advance for this, but being English we are not used to giving 18% gratuities for restaraunts. I'm happy to give 10% as we normally do here in UK, but have noticed if 8 of us get table together they force us to pay 18$ tip on top - can we book 2 tables of 4? we have booked the holdiays 'seperately' i.e. under two family names and 2 credit cards.

Welcome elmpark!

There are some great answers to a similar question on page 236 about late evening dining. And I don't see why you can't split up your parties. They do print the suggested amount on your check and it is customary. I'm thinking they put 18% and 20%.

 

[suemom2kay]

hi all - new to this site - I'm staying at the beach club next july/august and have the dining plan.

great thread lost of good info.

now, there are 8 of us and I have a couple of questions if ok.

getting to disney prob around 7pmish on a sunday after a 9 hour flight. wondering what would be a good place to go on the first night to eat. probably best to stay in hotel or boardwalk perhaps? We have either a quick dining or table dining credit to use. nothing too fancy perhaps for first night as we may be tired?

also, and apologies in advance for this, but being English we are not used to giving 18% gratuities for restaraunts. I'm happy to give 10% as we normally do here in UK, but have noticed if 8 of us get table together they force us to pay 18$ tip on top - can we book 2 tables of 4? we have booked the holdiays 'seperately' i.e. under two family names and 2 credit cards.

There is the Marketplace in Beachclub. Others will have more suggestions. Beaches is Table service, but it is mostly sandwiches, burgers, salads and ice cream. There is however, often a long wait to get in and no advanced reservations are available.

As for gratuities, this applies to table service or buffets. Unless the service is substandard it is very poor form to tip less than 15% for a small party or 18% for a large party. Wait staff in the US generally get paid less than $3.00/hour so you would be negatively impacting their financial status. Not to mention the waitstaff will not think very highly of you. Remember to calculate the gratuity (if Disney doesn't do it for you) before tax. My standard (which is pretty common here in the US) is 15% for mediocre service, 18% for good service, 20% or more for exceptional service.

I always try to adapt to other countries' customs when visiting them. Creates good will and cuts down on misunderstandings.

 

[Clarabel]

hi all - new to this site - I'm staying at the beach club next july/august and have the dining plan.

great thread lost of good info.

now, there are 8 of us and I have a couple of questions if ok.

getting to disney prob around 7pmish on a sunday after a 9 hour flight. wondering what would be a good place to go on the first night to eat. probably best to stay in hotel or boardwalk perhaps? We have either a quick dining or table dining credit to use. nothing too fancy perhaps for first night as we may be tired?

also, and apologies in advance for this, but being English we are not used to giving 18% gratuities for restaraunts. I'm happy to give 10% as we normally do here in UK, but have noticed if 8 of us get table together they force us to pay 18$ tip on top - can we book 2 tables of 4? we have booked the holdiays 'seperately' i.e. under two family names and 2 credit cards.

We have just got back from a 2 week stay at Yacht Club on the dining plan traveling from uk. We arrived at 8pm and because that's 1am body clock time we really didn't have the energy or want to commit to a meal. We used counter service credits to get some food from the marketplace and took it back to our room to settle in which was casual and flexible. It was also a good chance to pick up our refillable mugs and to scope out the amenities too.

With regards to the tipping, although it hurts (!) I think you just have to suck it up. It's not fair to penalize the server (most of whom offer excellent service) just because we usually tip 10% here in UK. In the US the tip is not just a bonus for good service but forms the basis of the server's earnings, that's why it's not really discretionary. Hope this helps

 

[JanetMom]

I'm turning, I'm turning!! 3 weeks to go. If I can get past Thanksgiving and all the Holiday preparations I think I'll make it!

~NM

Wow that trip came up fast!

You better bring us back some pictures!