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

Status
Not open for further replies.
Hi there. Coming out of lurkdom to ask something. First of all, very informative thread -- kudos to all the people who had a hand in putting it together.

I'm torn about where to stay for our June trip. The plan was to stay at the Dolphin again. However, I foolishly didn't book when the rate was really low a couple of months ago because I thought I had time. The Swan rate is actually lower right now for my dates (although, still close to $30/night more than that Dolphin rate from a couple of months ago -- Dolphin is currently $25/night more than that Swan rate).

When the 30% off discount for certain deluxes came out a week or so ago, I looked at BC/YC out of curiosity.

For $500 more than I would pay at the Swan (this includes taxes, resort fee and parking there), I could stay at the BC or YC. It's only $300 more than the Dolphin (at its current rate).

I know you all would say to choose BC/YC, but I need convincing. LOL We drive, so Magical Express doesn't play a factor (and I've already calculated resort and parking fees for Swan into my amounts). We're happier NOT on the dining plan, so I don't need that.

I have visited the BC and really liked it (LOVED the smell of the lobby), but enough to spend $500 more? The rooms look nice, but they're nice at the Swan, too. As far as being in the "Disney bubble", the Swan/Dolphin are so close to it all, I don't really feel like I'm missing out in that regard.

Last year was our first stay in the Epcot resorts area (at the Dolphin) and I just loved it -- we normally stayed at moderates. I would never pay rack rate for the Disney deluxes, but 30% off isn't too shabby.

Is SAB all that? My kids would probably love it, but they're perfectly content at the grotto pool at the S/D, too. The younger one probably wouldn't be able to ride the Jib slide anyway from what I can tell, but he can ride a decent slide at the grotto pool (not just a kiddie slide).

I love the idea of a full balcony at BC (although, I know that’s not guaranteed), but Starwood will give you a free upgrade if they can – I probably wouldn’t be upgraded to a balcony at Swan, but I have a good chance of getting upgraded to a lovely resort view.

Split stay in not an option since we’re already doing a split stay by moving to Universal property later that week.

So, right now, these are the main things pushing me toward BC: 1) closer walk to Epcot; 2) SAB; 3) possibility of a full balcony; 4) to take advantage of a discount that may or may not be offered again during our usual June dates; 5) the QS food would be cheaper at BC than at Picabu.

Cons would be: 1) $500 more; 2) having to “learn” a new resort when we already have new things going on (i.e., doing SWW for the first time and going to US/IOA). I think those are really the only cons.

I’m tempted to reserve and put down a deposit for both and make my mind up later . . . DH doesn’t care what we do, so he’s useless. :lmao: I would love to hear from someone who has stayed at both the S/D and at BC/YC, but I appreciate any opinions. Thanks!
 
Hi Music City Mama! We've stayed at both Dolphin and BC (this year, 1x at Dolphin and 2x at BC.) As you expected, I'd highly recommend BC and I do think it's worth $500. In fact, during our Dolphin stay, we spent quite a lot of time walking over to BC/YC and BWI! I should add that while we love BC, we've stayed at a number of other resorts and will continue to do that. I also recommend other resorts when there is a better fit under the circumstances. So this isn't just an automatic recommendation, and I really do think BC is a good choice, given the information you provided.

Either way, you have access to all of the restaurants, shops, movies on the beach, etc. For us, the advantages of BC over Swan/Dolphin are:

1) As you mentioned, it's great to be a bit closer to Epcot after a long day.

2) We really prefer the SAB environment over the grotto pool. I know others report different experiences, but SAB has always been far less crowded than what we experienced at the grotto pool. And we prefer the overall atmosphere at SAB. (For example, when we were at the grotto pool, there were a good number of convention groups there and employees selling $5 shots from their backpacks.) As for the kiddie slide at SAB, it's much smaller than the grotto slide, but even our pre-teen boys still enjoy the kiddie slide - it's small but fast.

3) I didn't think this would matter, but I really missed the CM friendliness when staying at Dolphin. With very few exceptions, the CMs at BC have been wonderful and really make a difference.

4) BC has more of a vacation feel because of the music, scents, landscaping and overall environment. It feels more cozy and relaxing to us.

5) The balconies at BC have an entirely different feel than the metal Dolphin balconies. At BC, they are enclosed in a way that makes me more comfortable with kids.

6) There are several refill mug locations throughout BC and they are easier to carry than the Dolphin mugs.

7) We have a strong preference for the BC room decor over the Swan/Dolphin decor. And while we had a lovely view from our Dolphin room, I like the opportunity to open a door and step outside on the balcony - even if it's just a partial balcony - prevents that "closed in" feeling I get in hotel rooms.

Hope that helps a little!
 
So I cannot speak directly for the BC as our last stay was YC... however....
Is SAB all that? My kids would probably love it, but they're perfectly content at the grotto pool at the S/D, too. The younger one probably wouldn't be able to ride the Jib slide anyway from what I can tell, but he can ride a decent slide at the grotto pool (not just a kiddie slide).

It's more than all that. This coming from two 30-somethings with no kids. We loved the atmosphere, and that there were areas which worked for all ages (sun deck right over bar for adults, slides for kids, baby pool ) and they had tons of activities for kids to do. (We watched a "Dunk a Dad" game for a bit, classic!:rotfl2:)

Our biggest complaint was that we only got to enjoy the pool for two afternoons!

I would also say that shorter walk to Epcot is key. There were a few times when I saw the entrance to BC and whined that I wished we were staying there just so the walk would be shorter! I am also lazy.
 
t

I’m tempted to reserve and put down a deposit for both and make my mind up later . . . DH doesn’t care what we do, so he’s useless. :lmao: I would love to hear from someone who has stayed at both the S/D and at BC/YC, but I appreciate any opinions. Thanks!


I am not qualified to answer because we have stayed at neither. We will stay at the BC for the first time this Feb. I had to comment on your DH though. You had me :rotfl::rotfl:!
 

We are here @ YC - beautiful view right above the wedding gazebo looking out onto the lake, boat dock to the left, :banana: will try to post a picture from the balcony later but now off in search of food - 4 am pst was a long time ago! And Epcot as EMH hours tonight, I suspect I'll revive from the flights in time to enjoy illuminations.
 
How long is the walk from BC to the entrence of Epcot. ( I'm a slow walker)
 
/
I’m tempted to reserve and put down a deposit for both and make my mind up later . . . DH doesn’t care what we do, so he’s useless. :lmao: I would love to hear from someone who has stayed at both the S/D and at BC/YC, but I appreciate any opinions. Thanks!

That's what we did.

As soon as I get confirmation from my travel agent that my PIN reservation at the BC has gone through, I'll cancel my Dolphin reservation.
 
How long is the walk from BC to the entrence of Epcot. ( I'm a slow walker)

Well......

If you're a slow walker, like take a step, get distracted, take a step, oh look at those ducks on the beach, take a step (toward the ducks) oh look there's a BENCH by the Ducks on the Beach! Take more steps, oh look the ducks ran away. Take 5 steps, I think I'll sit here until they come back. Take a seat, oh look there's a hammock! Take 10 steps, oh look the ducks are on that guy who's passed out in the hammock! Take a step. I think I'll pretend to have food for the ducks. Take a step and hold out hand. Take a step and the ducks are still not buying it, take a step and give up, take a step and oh look there's the Boardwalk! Take a step towards your family who is trying to reel you back in. Take a step so you can hear what they are yelling, take a step so you hear that they are leaving you here unless you get a move on and start heading to EPCOT.

Take one more step and you are there!

All that would take 10 minutes.

For normal people walking at a normal pace we're looking at 5 minutes.

Any other questions?

~Marlton Mom
 
Well......

If you're a slow walker, like take a step, get distracted, take a step, oh look at those ducks on the beach, take a step (toward the ducks) oh look there's a BENCH by the Ducks on the Beach! Take more steps, oh look the ducks ran away. Take 5 steps, I think I'll sit here until they come back. Take a seat, oh look there's a hammock! Take 10 steps, oh look the ducks are on that guy who's passed out in the hammock! Take a step. I think I'll pretend to have food for the ducks. Take a step and hold out hand. Take a step and the ducks are still not buying it, take a step and give up, take a step and oh look there's the Boardwalk! Take a step towards your family who is trying to reel you back in. Take a step so you can hear what they are yelling, take a step so you hear that they are leaving you here unless you get a move on and start heading to EPCOT.

Take one more step and you are there!

All that would take 10 minutes.

For normal people walking at a normal pace we're looking at 5 minutes.

Any other questions?

~Marlton Mom


You have such a way with words and stories! Oh and pictures!!!

~Nannette
 
I was curious if you have decided yet?!:)[/QUOTE]

Wellllll...right now I have courtesy hold on a reservation at GF SL CL. I am still dithering. I think what has me most concerned about GF are the comments of how run down some of the rooms seem to be. I know what the YC has because we were there last year. :confused3

I have to make a decision very soon. The one thing I won't have at YC is a great room...standard CL.
 
Hi Music City Mama! We've stayed at both Dolphin and BC (this year, 1x at Dolphin and 2x at BC.) As you expected, I'd highly recommend BC and I do think it's worth $500. In fact, during our Dolphin stay, we spent quite a lot of time walking over to BC/YC and BWI! I should add that while we love BC, we've stayed at a number of other resorts and will continue to do that. I also recommend other resorts when there is a better fit under the circumstances. So this isn't just an automatic recommendation, and I really do think BC is a good choice, given the information you provided.

Either way, you have access to all of the restaurants, shops, movies on the beach, etc. For us, the advantages of BC over Swan/Dolphin are:

1) As you mentioned, it's great to be a bit closer to Epcot after a long day.

2) We really prefer the SAB environment over the grotto pool. I know others report different experiences, but SAB has always been far less crowded than what we experienced at the grotto pool. And we prefer the overall atmosphere at SAB. (For example, when we were at the grotto pool, there were a good number of convention groups there and employees selling $5 shots from their backpacks.) As for the kiddie slide at SAB, it's much smaller than the grotto slide, but even our pre-teen boys still enjoy the kiddie slide - it's small but fast.

3) I didn't think this would matter, but I really missed the CM friendliness when staying at Dolphin. With very few exceptions, the CMs at BC have been wonderful and really make a difference.

4) BC has more of a vacation feel because of the music, scents, landscaping and overall environment. It feels more cozy and relaxing to us.

5) The balconies at BC have an entirely different feel than the metal Dolphin balconies. At BC, they are enclosed in a way that makes me more comfortable with kids.

6) There are several refill mug locations throughout BC and they are easier to carry than the Dolphin mugs.

7) We have a strong preference for the BC room decor over the Swan/Dolphin decor. And while we had a lovely view from our Dolphin room, I like the opportunity to open a door and step outside on the balcony - even if it's just a partial balcony - prevents that "closed in" feeling I get in hotel rooms.

Hope that helps a little!

So I cannot speak directly for the BC as our last stay was YC... however....


It's more than all that. This coming from two 30-somethings with no kids. We loved the atmosphere, and that there were areas which worked for all ages (sun deck right over bar for adults, slides for kids, baby pool ) and they had tons of activities for kids to do. (We watched a "Dunk a Dad" game for a bit, classic!:rotfl2:)

Our biggest complaint was that we only got to enjoy the pool for two afternoons!

I would also say that shorter walk to Epcot is key. There were a few times when I saw the entrance to BC and whined that I wished we were staying there just so the walk would be shorter! I am also lazy.

Thank you both for your responses. Very helpful. :) Still undecided. I think that if we go with S/D, every time we pass the BC, I'll feel envious, wishing I would've booked there. But if BC doesn't seem that much better to me than S/D, I'll be kicking myself for spending the extra money. Even though the BWI itself doesn't appeal to me that much, I do love the BW area. Do you typically take the boat or walk around when you go over there? We'd walk from the Dolphin, but for some reason, it seems farther from BC/YC -- not sure if it actually is, just seems that way since it's directly on the other side.
 
Thank you both for your responses. Very helpful. :) Still undecided. I think that if we go with S/D, every time we pass the BC, I'll feel envious, wishing I would've booked there. But if BC doesn't seem that much better to me than S/D, I'll be kicking myself for spending the extra money. Even though the BWI itself doesn't appeal to me that much, I do love the BW area. Do you typically take the boat or walk around when you go over there? We'd walk from the Dolphin, but for some reason, it seems farther from BC/YC -- not sure if it actually is, just seems that way since it's directly on the other side.

We always walk from one Epcot resort to another. The only time we take the boat is to/from DHS if there is a boat ready to depart (or if the weather isn't so good.) But BC to BWI seems just as close as Dolphin to BWI. Good luck with your decision!
 
We always walk from one Epcot resort to another. The only time we take the boat is to/from DHS if there is a boat ready to depart (or if the weather isn't so good.) But BC to BWI seems just as close as Dolphin to BWI. Good luck with your decision!

That's the only time we took the boat, too. One day, we just happened to walk by the boat launch when it was going to Epcot so we decided to get on. I couldn't believe how many more people got on at the BC/YC and BW to go to Epcot. I'm thinking that they just didn't realize how close they were or something -- because that was a colossal waste of time for them.

Anyhow, I was cleaning the bathroom a little while ago (this is my quiet, thinking time :laughing:), and I had a revelation, I think. I'm more than likely going to try and rent points at BLT in 2013 (at a 1 bedroom), which will take a large chunk of cash and we'll probably not do the Epcot resorts area that year. Sooooooo . . . might as well jump on BC for 2012, right?
 
That's the only time we took the boat, too. One day, we just happened to walk by the boat launch when it was going to Epcot so we decided to get on. I couldn't believe how many more people got on at the BC/YC and BW to go to Epcot. I'm thinking that they just didn't realize how close they were or something -- because that was a colossal waste of time for them.

Anyhow, I was cleaning the bathroom a little while ago (this is my quiet, thinking time :laughing:), and I had a revelation, I think. I'm more than likely going to try and rent points at BLT in 2013 (at a 1 bedroom), which will take a large chunk of cash and we'll probably not do the Epcot resorts area that year. Sooooooo . . . might as well jump on BC for 2012, right?


BLT 1 bedroom is beautiful! DD and I just spent 2 nights in a 1 bedroom water view and it was amazing! Beautiful room! I don't know anything about BC rooms, but YC is beautiful as well! I don't think you can go wrong with either resort.

~Nannette
 
Status
Not open for further replies.














Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE













DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top