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

[kelleigh1]

I know your dates are not totally set in stone, but I added you to the Page 1 Be Our Guest List with Oct 28-Nov 4, YC. Let us know if this changes when you book.

Folks- I went through the last 20 pages about a week's worth of posting... and updated the guest list.

Once again, please check to make sure we are listing your information correctly.

LOL - hubby and I have been talking back and forth and I think we're moving it back a day so Nov. 27-Nov. 3 at Yacht Club. Pretty sure that is set (although not booked yet) unless something drastic happens. We just figured Sat-Sat works a little better for my work schedule and either way works for his.

 

[natebenma]

LOL - hubby and I have been talking back and forth and I think we're moving it back a day so Nov. 27-Nov. 3 at Yacht Club. Pretty sure that is set (although not booked yet) unless something drastic happens. We just figured Sat-Sat works a little better for my work schedule and either way works for his.

OK- made the change, OCT 27-Nov 3. For now.

Maybe you can help me with something- we are thinking of visiting Patriot Place over Christmas vacation as a treat for my NFL-loving son. Thinking of bringing a friend along for both boys. Any ideas or suggestions of things not to miss or to avoid? There is an interactive 20,000 Leagues under the Sea thingy there that I think my younger son would enjoy. Any favorite dining spots (casual, please).

 

[kelleigh1]

OK- made the change, OCT 27-Nov 3. For now.

Maybe you can help me with something- we are thinking of visiting Patriot Place over Christmas vacation as a treat for my NFL-loving son. Thinking of bringing a friend along for both boys. Any ideas or suggestions of things not to miss or to avoid? There is an interactive 20,000 Leagues under the Sea thingy there that I think my younger son would enjoy. Any favorite dining spots (casual, please).

There are so many good dining spots at Patriot Place...in all price ranges. Hubby and I ate at Skipjack's last night, which is our favorite place, but I don't think I'd suggest that for the boys. They might enjoy CBS Scene. The food is just ok in my opinion, but you go for the atmosphere. There are tons of TV's all over the place and some of the tables have TV's on them where you can watch old Brady Bunch episodes and other CBS shows. They have different pizzas, sandwiches, etc. I think the menu could be better, but it's not awful either. And it's right next to 5Wits, which is the interactive place. (I haven't been to 5Wits yet, but we keep talking about it.)

And the Hall at Patriot Place is fun. My nephew loved it when I took him when he visited. If you have AAA, make sure you ask for the discount. Saves $1 or $2 per admission. There are interactive exhibits at the Hall too. And the trophys and Richard Seymour's championship ring, which you can slip your finger into, although it is mounted. I think they'll probably love it.

Those things are all in the same area of Patriot Place, down near the Pro Shop. The other restaurants they might like are 5 Guys (fast food type burger place) or Red Robin (more of a gourmet burger place). Toby Keith's had potential, but the food was awful the one time we went. I would avoid it.

Patriot Place is separated into 2 main areas - North Retail and South Retail. My husband works in the south retail at Off Broadway Shoes. It's like DSW. The other stores down there are Staples; Christmas Tree Shop; Bed, Bath & Beyond...so the bigger stores. Bass Pro Shops is also in the South Retail and depending on the ages, they might have some fun in there with the giant aquarium and the "shooting range" - it's like an arcade game. Santa is also there still, I believe. If you want to check it out too, there is usually a shuttle, but I suggest hoping back in the car and driving down to the south retail.

CBS Scene, 5Wits and the Hall at Patriot Place are about as far away from Bass Pro as you can get and still be in the same shopping center.

you can check out the website too...www.patriot-place.com which has a pretty decent map on it and will give you info about sales and specials.

Oh...and there is an ice skating rink in the parking lot out behind Red Robin. I'm not sure how much it is to skate, but I'm sure that info is on the website.

let me know if you have any other questions!!

 

[natebenma]

kelleigh1- thanks for the great info and the tip about the AAA discount at the Hall!

We have been to the 5Wits in Boston, when it was Tomb. It was pricey, but a lot of fun. Worth it.

The boys like 5 guys, I think that would be our style. And the Bass Pro Shop would be a big hit, worth the drive.

Thanks so much for taking the time to type out this for me.

 

[kelleigh1]

kelleigh1- thanks for the great info and the tip about the AAA discount at the Hall!

We have been to the 5Wits in Boston, when it was Tomb. It was pricey, but a lot of fun. Worth it.

The boys like 5 guys, I think that would be our style. And the Bass Pro Shop would be a big hit, worth the drive.

Thanks so much for taking the time to type out this for me.

No problem! It's my backyard and we spend so much time there. I've also worked at 3 different places over there - part-time. Now that all my debt is paid off, I don't need to work 2 jobs, so I can go over there just to eat and shop.

 

[Susan121302]

Good morning everyone! I am booked in a BC studio villa 9/8-9/15 and decided I want to surprise DS and head to WDW a day early. I think we want to book that 1 night in a regular BC room. Of course that room rate is a little high for me. Is it usually an annual event that disney releases a discount on room only and how much is that usually for a deluxe resort? If I am only booking one night, is it usually applicable or is the discount on a multiple night's stay?

TIA for your help!

 

[TeenaS]

Good morning everyone! I am booked in a BC studio villa 9/8-9/15 and decided I want to surprise DS and head to WDW a day early. I think we want to book that 1 night in a regular BC room. Of course that room rate is a little high for me. Is it usually an annual event that disney releases a discount on room only and how much is that usually for a deluxe resort? If I am only booking one night, is it usually applicable or is the discount on a multiple night's stay?

TIA for your help!

I assume you are staying at the studio on points? A room at the BC and a studio at the BCV are usually the same price and I personally much prefer the room at the BC over the studio. Just my personal choice. As far as discounts ... they come out periodically. Ones were just released for the first half of 2012. The time you are planning is a slow time at WDW so I would imagine there will be discounts available for that period. They usually range from 25-45% off rack rates. Sometimes they offer free dining though instead of a room discount. In the past, you could get the discount for any length of stay and one night shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Susan121302]

I assume you are staying at the studio on points? A room at the BC and a studio at the BCV are usually the same price and I personally much prefer the room at the BC over the studio. Just my personal choice. As far as discounts ... they come out periodically. Ones were just released for the first half of 2012. The time you are planning is a slow time at WDW so I would imagine there will be discounts available for that period. They usually range from 25-45% off rack rates. Sometimes they offer free dining though instead of a room discount. In the past, you could get the discount for any length of stay and one night shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks so much for the response! Yes, I am renting DVC points for those dates at the Villas. But I really wanted to experience a night in the regular resort room too - and those beds look more comfy! so that's how the idea to fly down a night early was born....

 

[TeenaS]

Thanks so much for the response! Yes, I am renting DVC points for those dates at the Villas. But I really wanted to experience a night in the regular resort room too - and those beds look more comfy! so that's how the idea to fly down a night early was born....

Sounds like a good plan!!!

 

[HunnyJar]

Question for all you YC/BC goers..

We are a family of five and we are trying to figure out which resort to book. Normally, we are Poly visitors, but we wanted to try something a little different should we bring the kids next December. One of the reasons we love the Poly is that they have daybeds. Now I know that both the YC and BC have daybeds but they are not in every room. I know that you can make a request one before heading down to WDW, but what I want to know is how likely it would be to get a daybed room? Our girls will be 2 and 3 and our son will be 17 by our next trip.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

 

[readytogotodisney]

Hello everyone!
We're headed down to BCV for the first time on the 13th of January and I'm so excited!!! The kids have no idea and I'm looking forward to telling them on Christmas day.

I was wondering about the movies under the stars. When do you think the movie schedule will come out for mid January?
My 2 year old has never gone to the movie theater, but I think he'd really love to see one of his favorite Pixar movie on the big screen.
Thanks!

 

[Katesdad]

We are a family of five. I want to know how likely it would be to get a daybed room? Our girls will be 2 and 3 and our son will be 17 by our next trip.

Your family of five will have first dibs on rooms with day beds. Should not be a problem. Look at information on page one regarding day beds for more information. Although there have been reports of families of five not getting a day bed, I don't see this being a concern, especially if you don't do on-line check in and make sure when you get your room assignment at check in that you are getting what you need. They also have roll-away beds available.

I was wondering about the movies under the stars. When do you think the movie schedule will come out for mid January?

Dee pulls the movie list as soon as it comes out. She will put it on page one of this thread so I'd start looking the first week of January. It should be there then. Note that if it is too cool that evening (which it might be in January) they will move it inside so they will still have it, especially if you get a movie your son will really want to watch.

 

[milmore104]

After much debate we have finally decided on BC for our trip next Nov. I need some help w/ a few things. First is there a certain area we should request? Second my DH and I were wondering about taking the boat to Epcot. Where do you use your ticket to get into the park?

 

[kelleigh1]

After much debate we have finally decided on BC for our trip next Nov. I need some help w/ a few things. First is there a certain area we should request? Second my DH and I were wondering about taking the boat to Epcot. Where do you use your ticket to get into the park?

You can walk or take the boat to Epcot. The walk is almost nothing - maybe 10 minutes. You enter through International Gateway. You've probably never noticed it. We didn't until our last trip to Epcot but there is a gate that is to the right of the bridge before you cross over into France. This takes you over to the Boardwalk area and where the boats from those resorts pull up.

There is a map somewhere.

We haven't stayed at the Beach Club yet, but will be staying at the Yacht Club for the first time in Oct. We can not wait.

 

[TeenaS]

The walk to Epcot from the BC lobby is under 5 minutes. It takes much longer to walk to the boat from the BC lobby, wait for it, and then it takes about 20 minutes after you get on it. The boat doesn't go into Epcot, it takes you near the gate at the International Gateway.

If staying at the BC, we recommend walking to Epcot, take the boat to Hollywood Studios and the buses everywhere else.

 

[milmore104]

You can walk or take the boat to Epcot. The walk is almost nothing - maybe 10 minutes. You enter through International Gateway. You've probably never noticed it. We didn't until our last trip to Epcot but there is a gate that is to the right of the bridge before you cross over into France. This takes you over to the Boardwalk area and where the boats from those resorts pull up.

There is a map somewhere.

We haven't stayed at the Beach Club yet, but will be staying at the Yacht Club for the first time in Oct. We can not wait.

Thanks for the quick response. I figured that was were you went thru w/ your tickets. We have walked from BC to Epcot. It was a debate I've been having w/ my DH. He seems to think the boat took you right into the World showcase.
I took am so excited to try that area out for the first time...

 

[dgundry]

We usually request a room "near" the pool at BC (not SAB, but the Beach Pool). This area is nearer to Epcot and cuts down the walk time by a few minutes. Alternatively, you're a little farther away from the Lighthouse or SAB, but it's such an easy in-and-out of Epcot and the proximity to the Beach Pool for late night swimming works for us.

 

[kelleigh1]

The walk to Epcot from the BC lobby is under 5 minutes. It takes much longer to walk to the boat from the BC lobby, wait for it, and then it takes about 20 minutes after you get on it. The boat doesn't go into Epcot, it takes you near the gate at the International Gateway.

If staying at the BC, we recommend walking to Epcot, take the boat to Hollywood Studios and the buses everywhere else.

I had a feeling my estimate of 10 minutes was a little on the high side. I remember when we went to ESPN from Epcot for lunch. We had never been over to the boardwalk area so we thought we had to take the boat. So we hopped on at the International Gateway and then off we went. When we got there, we looked around and realized we could have walked it faster. After eating, we did walk back and almost wished it was a longer walk because we could have used the walk after all that food.

 

[natebenma]

new posters!!!

Question for all you YC/BC goers..

We are a family of five and we are trying to figure out which resort to book. Normally, we are Poly visitors, but we wanted to try something a little different should we bring the kids next December. One of the reasons we love the Poly is that they have daybeds. Now I know that both the YC and BC have daybeds but they are not in every room. I know that you can make a request one before heading down to WDW, but what I want to know is how likely it would be to get a daybed room? Our girls will be 2 and 3 and our son will be 17 by our next trip.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Your family of five will have first dibs on rooms with day beds. Should not be a problem. Look at information on page one regarding day beds for more information. Although there have been reports of families of five not getting a day bed, I don't see this being a concern, especially if you don't do on-line check in and make sure when you get your room assignment at check in that you are getting what you need. They also have roll-away beds available.

Only problem with the above is that Hunny Jar's family will not be considered a family of 5. They will have one child under 3 who won't be included in the room count. Same Disney logic that considers my 10 year old to be an "adult"

I'm not sure what percentage of rooms have daybeds, but if you don't get a room that has one, you may request a rollaway cot, free of charge when you check in.

Hello everyone!
We're headed down to BCV for the first time on the 13th of January and I'm so excited!!! The kids have no idea and I'm looking forward to telling them on Christmas day.

I was wondering about the movies under the stars. When do you think the movie schedule will come out for mid January?
My 2 year old has never gone to the movie theater, but I think he'd really love to see one of his favorite Pixar movie on the big screen.
Thanks!

Dee pulls the movie list as soon as it comes out. She will put it on page one of this thread so I'd start looking the first week of January. It should be there then. Note that if it is too cool that evening (which it might be in January) they will move it inside so they will still have it, especially if you get a movie your son will really want to watch.

Nice Christmas gift!!! Let us know how the surprise goes. I'll add you to the page 1 Be Our Guest List. What is your checkout day?

I pull the movie listing from the Build a Better Mousetrip website. As Katesdad states, it is usually available within a few days of the start of the month and I will post it on page 1 of this thread. Sometimes I see it a little earlier if one of the DISers here is staying club level and has the activities schedules emailed to them.

After much debate we have finally decided on BC for our trip next Nov. I need some help w/ a few things. First is there a certain area we should request? Second my DH and I were wondering about taking the boat to Epcot. Where do you use your ticket to get into the park?

When you book/have your dates set, let me know if you want to be added to the Be Our Guest List.

Like others have said, walking is the way to go to EPCOT.

 

[HunnyJar]

Your family of five will have first dibs on rooms with day beds. Should not be a problem. Look at information on page one regarding day beds for more information. Although there have been reports of families of five not getting a day bed, I don't see this being a concern, especially if you don't do on-line check in and make sure when you get your room assignment at check in that you are getting what you need. They also have roll-away beds available.

new posters!!!

Only problem with the above is that Hunny Jar's family will not be considered a family of 5. They will have one child under 3 who won't be included in the room count. Same Disney logic that considers my 10 year old to be an "adult"

I'm not sure what percentage of rooms have daybeds, but if you don't get a room that has one, you may request a rollaway cot, free of charge when you check in.

Thank you both for the information and for the welcome!

Do you happen to know if the rollaway cot is just kid sized for if a teenager could fit on it? Really hoping that we would be lucky enough to get a daybed, but knowing about other options is good!

I appreciate the help very much!