2011/2012 Beach & Yacht FAQ, Part IV- DO NOT POST- see new 2012 thread

[rusty4]

Oh yes! Should have seen our 'woods view' in the WL. Sure looked like a roof and driveway to me. Stayed in the room anyway and still one of our favorite trips ever at WDW. Because the memories are of the trip. Not the view!

Good to know. We usually are booking a convention rate so we do not get a choice besides standard view anyway. Though after this next trip we will probably not book that way. It will be 4 more years before it is back in Disney. I doubt that Nate and I will be able to wait that long!! Looks like standard view is the way to go. That way you won't be disappointed in paying for something that you expected that you don't get.

 

[jenneth79]

I am curious if they do the same thing at other resorts as well? Charge extra for views that aren't really views at all.

I will tell you that DH would be one that would not want to change once we are in the room no matter the view paid for or not. With our first day planning we are planning to hit AK for a few hours that will must certainly be the case. Now the only problem I see for us is if there is not a room ready when we check in so that we can be on our way. Not sure DH will want to leave his work laptop at the desk area checkin.

I can say that YC and WL are the same in the interpretation of views. I understand that each hotel has many different angles or views, so it's hard to categorize them, but I feel like it would make everyone's lives a lot easier if they just said "standard" view and "deluxe". Or start calling waterview or waterfront for the lagoon views, same as hotels do at most beach resorts.

We were a bit concerned with this as well at YC, though I guess we lucked out. I had a carryon bag with our Macbook Air in it, which we left w/ the bellhop thinking our room would be ready. (it wasn't.) the REALLY scary thing was that when we finally walked back downstairs, it was still sitting outside at the bellhop stand, AND we were able to walk right up to it and open our bags without anyone evening asking to see if we were who we said we were.

Security fail.

We took it back upstairs and asked the CM to hold it for us until we got back. They had no issue doing that, I'm sure you could ask the front desk as well.

 

[Hopefully]

I am just catching up on the thread, so a bit late to answer. But in the questions of a Beach Club Villa Studio vs a Beach Club Standard room, I personally would go with the Villa studio. I love the extra space in the room when the sofa bed is folded up. I love having a sitting area, other than a bed during the day. I like the kitchenette in the villa, and I really like the Villa quiet pool. We go to SAB some, but maily use the Villa pool.
I find it extrememly close to Epcot, and the main lobby is not far away.
I personally like the decor of the Villas, although very different, the rooms are stunning.
Either will be great.

 

[Katesdad]

the memories are of the trip. Not the view!

Couldn't have said this any better Mike. Also totally agree with MM's comments on stressing before the trip which turn out to be nothing once you are there and living the Disney magic. Sort of like the construction worries. Yes it's going on but it doesn't get in the way unless you let it.

 

[Marlton Mom]

Couldn't have said this any better Mike. Also totally agree with MM's comments on stressing before the trip which turn out to be nothing once you are there and living the Disney magic. Sort of like the construction worries. Yes it's going on but it doesn't get in the way unless you let it.

+1

There is more construction going on in people's heads than they'll ever see at the resort!!

~MM

 

[jenneth79]

+1

There is more construction going on in people's heads than they'll ever see at the resort!!

~MM

What's that? I can't hear you over this jackhammer behind my left eye.....

 

[suemom2kay]

Hi Natebenma! and everyone else!

The bad news is... I had to change my dates on an RCI/BCV exchange

The good news, I bought points protection insurance.

The other good news is I still got the BCV!!!

New dates: suemom2kay June 22-29 BCV

The other Bad News is the noodle family are otherwise occupied Unless I kidnap them!!!

Please Natebenma, if you could change the lists accordingly, I will be forever (or at least until tomorrow) in your debt.

Thanks!!!

 

[sndral]

Thought I would offer my 2cents on the philosophical discussion re: WDW and views. 2 trips ago I was @ the Poly, 'garden' view, well Poly's garden view is the lowest view category, but there's huge variation in views, some are of the marina, a few are of the parking lot. I obsessed over which view I'd get, which longhouse, etc. finally decided as long as I can't see the parking lot and have a balcony, I'll be happy. What I got - a view of the parking lot and no balcony. I could also see the monorail and adjusted to the view and grew to like it. Last year I was at AKL, savannah view, I thought as long as I don't see the people pens, I'll be happy, where was I? Right over the people pens - but there was a watering pond and lots of animals congregated there, so I grew to like 'my' animals.
I do think Disney is haphazard at best regarding view categories, at YC/BC you pay a premium for 'water' view - yet could end up looking out at the quiet pool. Clearly people who pay for an upgraded view do care about their view, thus it makes for good customer relations to deliver a decent view to those people. In my case, I have no interest @ this point in returning to the Poly, because clearly there's no pixie dust there for me, likewise w/ AKL. If my luck holds my garden view @ the YC this time will be the furthest point from Epcot looking towards the Swalphin - in which case, maybe it'll be time to give Disney a break, as 3 years of - in my mind - the worst possible room locations in my view category means I'm just not lucky there. I wonder if the fact that we travel from the west and don't get in until evening impacts were we end up. But we'll see, I am schooling myself to not act disappointed when I see the room, as my son can read my face and it starts the trip off on a down note if I look disappointed.

 

[jenneth79]

BTW, I thought I'd post a little update after my mini review of the YC in September. (I was working on my TR today and got to relive the "joy" of our first night...)

I just wanted to let everyone know that both Disney Guest Relations as well as the YC itself have been very active in regards to contacting me to discuss the issue....even up to last week when I got (another) call from the YC. We were compensated back after I wrote my letter with a credit for the full (not half) nights stay, which I thought was very fair. They haven't offered me more on these calls, nor did I want them to, what I'm impressed with is the effort people are making to understand the issue, and really pinpoint what they can do to make things better.

I find that promising for Disney... though if anyone else calls to talk about it, I am going to ask them to record it for the next manager who wants to chat.

Come to think of it, they may just be sharing the story in a "oh you gotta hear THIS" kind of way....

Anyway, just wanted to say that I've been very impressed with the response!

 

[heatherbabydoll1]

Left out at 4:30am. Joeseph fell fast to sleep. It rained non stop the whole drive through, KY, VA, TN, NC, and SC!!!!! Try to stay awake when the heater is going to keep you warm, it is dark even when the sun came up, and it is raining non stop!


We got here at my friend's house right before lunch time! Now enjoying home made cooking at friend's house and hanging with friend and family!

 

[bookgirl]

Hey Dee,

Had you seen this, I didn't remember hearing a heart wrenching cry of "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"


http://www.disboards.com/announcement.php?f=33&a=322

 

[natebenma]

Hey Dee,

Had you seen this, I didn't remember hearing a heart wrenching cry of "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"


http://www.disboards.com/announcement.php?f=33&a=322

ARGHH!!!

I DIDN'T see this.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

(The mods are going to be removing any private messages older than 6 months. Someone is going to be doing some archiving tomorrow)

.

 

[eah7]

Hi all,
I am struggling with decision to stay at GF or YC CL in Feb. My fantasy has always been to stay at the GF but is it really $200-400. more than YC? I have read the GF thread, been reading the CL thread and I am not sure I can really wrap my head around that.

My problem is do I want to afford it and what will I get that I won't get at the YC.

I realize everyone is partial to "their" resort but I am still in a state of extreme indecision and really want to decide by tomorrow. DH says do whatever you want! Too bad I don't know what that is...

Any ideas from the most helpful folks on the DIS?!!

 

[GinCar]

Hi all,
I am struggling with decision to stay at GF or YC CL in Feb. My fantasy has always been to stay at the GF but is it really $200-400. more than YC? I have read the GF thread, been reading the CL thread and I am not sure I can really wrap my head around that.

My problem is do I want to afford it and what will I get that I won't get at the YC.

I realize everyone is partial to "their" resort but I am still in a state of extreme indecision and really want to decide by tomorrow. DH says do whatever you want! Too bad I don't know what that is...

Any ideas from the most helpful folks on the DIS?!!

Have you thought of a split stay or is that out of the question? We have stayed at the GF but not BC, yet. Do you go to MK more days or EPCOT/HS? That would be a deciding factor for us.
Good Luck with your decision- either way you will have a great time!

 

[MickeyT]

Hi all,
I am struggling with decision to stay at GF or YC CL in Feb. My fantasy has always been to stay at the GF but is it really $200-400. more than YC?


Any ideas from the most helpful folks on the DIS?!!

Hi Liz,

Completely bias opinion here. Surprised DW with 3 nights at the GF earlier this year for the first part of our Jan Marathon trip. Did V&A's and Cali Grill and enjoyed the whole MK area. But the whole time we were there the DW kept saying "This is nice but I sure miss the BC". I know her choice would be YC CL hands down.

 

[goofyredraider]

Ok, let me just say I *finally* had time to read all the info at the beginning of the thread. So helpful! I am so excited!

In case I forgot to mention, we will be there from June 3-9. We are staying at POR from May 28-3, and then moving over for the second half of our trip. I cannot wait!

 

[natebenma]

Hi all,
I am struggling with decision to stay at GF or YC CL in Feb. My fantasy has always been to stay at the GF but is it really $200-400. more than YC? I have read the GF thread, been reading the CL thread and I am not sure I can really wrap my head around that.

My problem is do I want to afford it and what will I get that I won't get at the YC.

I realize everyone is partial to "their" resort but I am still in a state of extreme indecision and really want to decide by tomorrow. DH says do whatever you want! Too bad I don't know what that is...

Any ideas from the most helpful folks on the DIS?!!

Never stayed at the GF (or the YC for that matter).

I know that you can see the Wishes fireworks from the CR and Poly CL Lounges. Can you see them from the GF CL? That might be an advantage.

You are going in February, so the draw of Stormalong Bay is probably less of a factor (although hopefully there will still be some swimming time possible)

For me, and my family with two tween boys, it is more important for us to be closer to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios than to the MK. As a previous poster mentioned, figuring out which park you will be visiting most often should be an important factor in your choice.

Good luck with your decision and definitely let us know!

 

[natebenma]

As I am archiving my PMs going back to 2009, this may be a good opportunity to post one of the reasons the box is so full...

One of my little side projects is a photo memory album of guests/DIS posters on this board who have visited (or will visit) the BC/YC/BCV who have been helped in their planning by "random" CMs at the resort.

Each page of the book has a spread of up to 4 photos of a family at the resort, or enjoying Disney or meeting friendly CMs. I include a printout of the person's DIS avatar and as much information as they want to provide (names, hometown), all optional.

This book is a nice collection of memories of the many wonderful people who post on this board or have traveled through the lobby of these awesome resorts. Can you imagine how nice this collection would be for someone who meets so many people both virtually and in person? This is a neat way to actually put names and faces to screen names and personas.

I used to contact people individually by PM to let them know about this project and I was able to provide a few more details in a private forum, but time constraints (and space issues) have prevented me from sending out these messages lately.

So, if you are interested in participating in this, and want to get more information or send me pictures you can contact me at the following email address-

beachclubdee@yahoo.com

If you do e-mail me, please make sure to include your screen name- that's how we know everyone here.

Thanks!

Dee

PS- I have never and would never, share any pictures or information sent to me by PM or email on this board.

PPS- I am not a stalker. Or a creeper (as my son would say). Really!

 

[rusty4]

Hi all,
I am struggling with decision to stay at GF or YC CL in Feb.

We stayed at the GF last year. It had always been my dream resort as well. Probably because I knew we would never be able to afford it. Then last year we were able to go for a convention and could not pass it up. There were some things about it that we loved but not sure that we will ever stay there again.

1. The Beds and pillows were heavenly. Hoping that the BC will be the same when we go.

2. The EWP at night.

3. Loved the turn down service and chocolates at night. You can request that at the YC/BC. It may come with the CL. Not sure about the chocolate though.

4. Their toiletries were really nice.

5. Loved the monorail.

6. The smell! Mmmm

Why we won't stay again

1. DH and DS did not really care for the theme. I could take or leave it.

2. Did not like the food choices as much as we liked the ones at POR. With BC/YC area we are looking forward to many more choices including the WS.

3. Buses took longer than our trips to POR to be picked up coming and going.

4. We visited the CR and POLY and felt that we would of liked the POLY better. More food choices and a better theme.

You can see the fireworks from the resort. I caught them one night while getting a pizza to take back to the room. Did not get to enjoy them like I would of liked. Oh and I forgot to add that we liked the option of the boat to MK. You get that with the BC/YC to both Epcot and DHS.

One other factor for us is that when visiting EPCOT we wished that we had chosen BC instead. We love EPCOT the most with DHS coming in second. This is with traveling with a school aged boy. To be hones I think if it was just DH and we would feel the same. The idea of being able to stroll around the WS at night, eating where we want sounds so appealing. Maybe appetizers one place, meal another and then dessert at another. Unless MK holds the most appeal for you I would choose the YC. Plus, the GF now has the new DVC building going on. Something to consider when choosing.

As I am archiving my PMs going back to 2009, this may be a good opportunity to post one of the reasons the box is so full...

One of my little side projects is a photo memory album of guests/DIS posters on this board who have visited (or will visit) the BC/YC/BCV who have been helped in their planning by "random" CMs at the resort.

beachclubdee@yahoo.com

Thanks!

How sweet of you!
These are pics from our visits there, right? We don't go until Feb.

 

[natebenma]

How sweet of you!
These are pics from our visits there, right? We don't go until Feb.

Thanks for your great review of the pros/cons of the GF. I didn't quote out your post, but I can fill in a little of the info-

The bedding, pillows and toiletries at BC/YC are amazing! Many people are also blown away by the scents at the BC, but to be honest, I never paid much attention to the smell. There is turndown, AND CHOCOLATE, at Club Level.

Most of the pictures in the photo album follow a recent trip to BC/YC, but a few people have sent a pictures from a previous Disney vacation as a way to "introduce" their family before their trip. A nice way to meet in advance of your vacation. So some of my pages include one or two pictures of a family before their EPCOT resort trip and then a couple of pictures after they return.