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

[JanetMom]

Here at the Beach Club, savoring our last night. We received a complimentary upgrade from garden view to Concierge standard! Now we're spoiled. How can we ever again vacation without this level of service? Pixie dust or smart business move? You be the judge. Either way, I'm thankful!

Smart business move all the way. Once you go club level you can never go back.

 

[MickeyT]

OK. Quick check in. Friday was our MVMCP day. After picking up GS (Pierce) at the airport we came back to check in our 2br villa. Agree with Heather and Teena. Not near as big as OKW or SSR but when you hear the bands from EPCOT playing all that drifts away.

MVMCP- We enjoyed but definitely not in a hurry to go back. Got there super early and did all the rides first (before and during the first parade). Then we just wandered around and soaked up the atmosphere. It was a sold out show but we were still able to maneuver around fairly well. Fireworks were spectacular of course and enjoyed the second parade (first time seeing it always moves it up on the special notch. Back to the room around midnight.

So we slept in yesterday. Made it to EPCOT by 11. Now I know why we go early. Everything in FW was already packed. Got FP’s for TT and Soarin. Rode Turtle Talk and walked around the Living Seas. This area used to be so much more. We had ADR’s at Biergarten. Ate with a day family of 7 that had come over from Tampa. They were fun and the kids were having a ball dancing to the Ompa Band. We got our Candlight Processional passes for the 5 oclock show and headed back to the room.

After they napped and I played we headed back to EPCOT. Timed our trip back to the Americas theater. With our passes we made from our room to our 6th row seats in 15 minutes. Loved it of course. After we grab our caramel pecan goodies (our second trip through here) and headed toward FW to use our FP’s. Met up with some friends from home and rode TT and Soaring with our FP’s and exited just in time for Illuminations. (Didn’t have full camera gear this time so low expectations on photos). Back in room at 10pm and straight to bed.

Off to HS today for rope drop and wing it from there. Last full day so gotta cram. Till Later!

 

[rusty4]

Here at the Beach Club, savoring our last night. We received a complimentary upgrade from garden view to Concierge standard! Now we're spoiled. How can we ever again vacation without this level of service? Pixie dust or smart business move? You be the judge. Either way, I'm thankful!

Wow! I bet you are spoiled. We lucked into CL at a Sheraton this past May for our Anniversary. It was a weekend in the downtown area sans kids. The only reason we did CL was because the special was for the same price as the regular rooms. What a treat it was! We really took advantage of it for breakfast and at night for wine and treats. We have never stayed CL ever before and I can imagine at Disney it is even better. There are so many things that it sounds like the CM's help the CL guests with not to mention the convenience of the food and treats at night. Enjoy the remainder of your trip and congratulations on the upgrade!

 

[rusty4]

Okay I have 2 camera's that I have narrowed my choices for. MM would you mind looking at my choices and giving me your opinion and anyone else that knows more than me on camera's (which is probably everyone!)

Best Buy has 2 on sale today that look good.

One is an Canon Powershot SX230HS on sale for $199.99 12mp with an 14x optical zoom

The other is a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 on sale for $149.99 14mp with an 16x zoom

I do have a good sony camera with a large zoom that I can only take outdoor daytime photos due to a broken flash. So I guess a large zoom may not be as big as deal as I think since you can zoom in on photos to print at home anyway.

We were so unhappy with our photos from my new kodak camera last year at Disney. I don't want that to happen again. I am not too worried about great fireworks shots. I just want something that I can get photo's at character meals and rides and such.

Hope it is okay that I am asking for help here.

 

[Marlton Mom]

Okay I have 2 camera's that I have narrowed my choices for. MM would you mind looking at my choices and giving me your opinion and anyone else that knows more than me on camera's (which is probably everyone!)

Best Buy has 2 on sale today that look good.

One is an Canon Powershot SX230HS on sale for $199.99 12mp with an 14x optical zoom

The other is a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 on sale for $149.99 14mp with an 16x zoom

I do have a good sony camera with a large zoom that I can only take outdoor daytime photos due to a broken flash. So I guess a large zoom may not be as big as deal as I think since you can zoom in on photos to print at home anyway.

We were so unhappy with our photos from my new kodak camera last year at Disney. I don't want that to happen again. I am not too worried about great fireworks shots. I just want something that I can get photo's at character meals and rides and such.

Hope it is okay that I am asking for help here.

Yes, it's not a problem but unfortunately I have no knowledge of these types of cameras. I am familiar with DSLR type cameras. I recommend posting this type of query on the Dis Photography boards.
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=97

I would post exactly what you wrote above, letting people know what you are looking to get out of your camera and how you want to use it.

Hopefully you can avoid making the same mistake with the new camera.

Good Luck and I'm sorry I couldn't be of more use.

~Marlton Mom

 

[rusty4]

Yes, it's not a problem but unfortunately I have no knowledge of these types of cameras. I am familiar with DSLR type cameras. I recommend posting this type of query on the Dis Photography boards.
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=97

I would post exactly what you wrote above, letting people know what you are looking to get out of your camera and how you want to use it.

Hopefully you can avoid making the same mistake with the new camera.

Good Luck and I'm sorry I couldn't be of more use.

~Marlton Mom

Thank you. I will post it over there. I wish I had the patience to learn how to use a DSLR camera!

 

[louey]

Here is the information from the first post on this thread about the differences between the Yacht Club and Beach Club:

The Beach Club and Yacht Club are similar resorts in terms of service and amenities, and have equal access to the shared pool complex, health club and video arcade. Both resorts have the same management team in place.

Some minor differences have been noted by guests:

Beach Club
Lighter, beachy decor in lobby and rooms
Lobby can be active and lively with families waiting for meals at Cape May
Closer to EPCOT and Marketplace Gift Shop
Approximately 50% of rooms in all room categories have full balconies. The remaining are standing balconies.

Yacht Club
Darker woods and nautical decor in lobby and rooms
Lobby is more serene
Convention attendees are more likely to be booked at YC
Closer to Hollywood Studios and Friendship Boats
Most rooms have a full balcony

Want more details about the differences between the two resorts? Check out this awesome blog post (November 2011) from The World of Deej: http://www.theworldofdeej.com/2011/11/review-disneys-yacht-beach-club-resorts.html

.

Thank you so much, sounds like I should make a request for a full balcony and maybe the gazebo view?

 

[MickeyT]

Does anybody know if they sell half & half (or coffee creamer of some kind) at the Marketplace?
Also, is it true that the in room coffee makers have been updated to the "pod" variety?

After a reminder from Teena I checked. They do have the half and half in the little carton at The Marketplace. $2.19

 

[cocoabean1]

Do they sell beer or wine in the Marketplace? Is so, what kind of prices are they (on average).

 

[Feckless]

Even if marked up, I'm sure the beer and wine is SO much cheaper than here, where they tax the he'll out if it. Last trip I almost died to see the wine at WalMart - first because they sell it (against the law here) and second because HOLY CHEAP BOOZE Batman!

Snowing here to tonight and the tree is getting decorated. Doing my Xmas cards (photoshopped my MIL out of a lovely picture of the kids and replaced her with a fireplace! Luckily my wonderful DH has a sense of humor!) and enjoying the moment.

A good friend is heading down on Xmas Day and staying at the Swalphin. She can oooh and ahhhh over BC while she is there! LOL I made her a reservation at Wave for Xmas dinner because she wanted a sit down and her plan was MK because they only have one day passes and a 4 year old who has never been. But isn't MVMCP going on that evening? She'll die if she has to buy tickets. She only asked me about the dining - I never thought about MVMCP. We've never gone at Xmas. Also, if she leaves, there's a chance she won't get back in, isn't there?

 

[natebenma]

Do they sell beer or wine in the Marketplace? Is so, what kind of prices are they (on average).

Part of your question- yes, they have beer and wine at the Marketplace (and also at Fittings and Fairings, whatever the YC gift shop is called). Here is a picture from the Marketplace thread (link on Page 1 or Page 36 of this thread)

Sorry, I can't make out the prices.

 

[LuvLDM]

Thanks sndral & MickeyT for answering my questions!

 

[TeenaS]

Saturday, December 24th - HOLLY JOLLY HAPPENINGS AT STORMALONG BAY:

12 Noon - Build a Snowman
12:30 PM - Name that Tune
1:00 PM - Ring Path
1:30 PM - Beach Volleyball
2:00 PM - Balloon Twisting Contest
2:30 PM - Stormalong Bay Pool Party
3:40 PM - Changing of the Guard
5:30 PM - Campfire at Crescent Lake Beach
7:00 PM - Holiday Movie under the Stars at Crescent Lake Beach - "The Santa Clause 3"

Sunday, December 25th - Special Food & Beverage Offering:
12:00 Noon - 9:00 PM - Holiday Buffet at Captain's Grille - Enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat buffet of Holiday classics. Advance reservations recommended! (In preparation for the buffet, the breakfast will be a la carte only).

Sunday, December 25th - HOLLY JOLLY HAPPENINGS AT STORMALONG BAY:

12:00 Noon - Egg on a Spoon Relay
12:30 PM - What's in your Beach Bag?
1:00 PM - Finish the Disney Lyrics
1:30 PM - Follow the Leader
2:00 PM - Mr. Potato Head Relay
2:30 PM - Stormalong Bay Pool Party
3:40 PM - Changing of the Guard
5:30 PM - Campfire at Crescent Lake Beach
7:00 PM - Holiday Movie under the Stars at Crescent Lake Beach - "I'll Be Home for Christmas"

 

[pixarmom]

Unfortunately, my Marketplace photos are getting a little old But I can zoom in on any of the photos to read prices - so please let me know whenever more detail is helpful.

In the photo above, the prices are as follows:

Small bottles of chardonnay, pinot grigio and white zin on the top are $6.95. They are either Sutter Home (pinot) or Beringer (white zin.)

Next shelf, the full bottle of pinot grigio is $14.95
Savignon Blanc is $18.95
Chardonnay is $19.95
White Zin is $19.95
"Celebration Cuvee" is $34.95

Bottles of Corona are $5.25
Heineken is $6.00
Bacardi Sangria is $5.25
Bacardi Lemonade is $5.25
Smirnoff Ice and Red Stripe are $6.00

Not sure about the red wine situation - it's not in any of my photos and I don't remember seeing it during our last visit in August. But I do recall that Screen Door General Store at the Boardwalk sells red wine and a full bottle is around $20.

Mickey T, hope you continue to enjoy your trip!!! (I'm enjoying the updates!)

 

[333disneymom]

Love the live reports. Thanks MickeyT!

 

[cocoabean1]

Unfortunately, my Marketplace photos are getting a little old But I can zoom in on any of the photos to read prices - so please let me know whenever more detail is helpful.

In the photo above, the prices are as follows:

Small bottles of chardonnay, pinot grigio and white zin on the top are $6.95. They are either Sutter Home (pinot) or Beringer (white zin.)

Next shelf, the full bottle of pinot grigio is $14.95
Savignon Blanc is $18.95
Chardonnay is $19.95
White Zin is $19.95
"Celebration Cuvee" is $34.95

Bottles of Corona are $5.25
Heineken is $6.00
Bacardi Sangria is $5.25
Bacardi Lemonade is $5.25
Smirnoff Ice and Red Stripe are $6.00

Not sure about the red wine situation - it's not in any of my photos and I don't remember seeing it during our last visit in August. But I do recall that Screen Door General Store at the Boardwalk sells red wine and a full bottle is around $20.

Mickey T, hope you continue to enjoy your trip!!! (I'm enjoying the updates!)

Thanks for the quick answer- I think my DS might want to go to the package store instead of the Marketplace!!!! I tried zooming in on the pictures to see the prices, but I couldn't make them out.

 

[Katesdad]

Thank you so much, sounds like I should make a request for a full balcony and maybe the gazebo view?

If going YC (since you are asking for gazebo view) you won't need the request for the full balcony. Yes, there is a chance you might not get a balcony as there are a few rooms at the YC that don't have any, but I wouldn't stress over that one. Instead I'd put as my request on by Garden View reservation "Gazebo View" and leave it at that. I still remember sitting out on the gazebo one afternoon watching a wedding take place, listening to the violinist playing and watching the little ring bearer who would have rather been anywhere at WDW than there in a suit. Priceless.

After a reminder from Teena I checked. They do have the half and half in the little carton at The Marketplace. $2.19

Mike, your dedication to helping those on this board with requests is just over the top. I'm not surprised Teena had to remind you of this. After your commando day at MK with It's a Small World still dancing in your head I'm surprised you can remember anything at all!

Do they sell beer or wine in the Marketplace? Is so, what kind of prices are they (on average).

Many have said that the quick walk over to the Hess gas station on the other side of the BW resort can get you any and all the beer and wine you would want at very reasonable prices.

 

[TeenaS]

Many have said that the quick walk over to the Hess gas station on the other side of the BW resort can get you any and all the beer and wine you would want at very reasonable prices.

That's right and if you have a car, Super Target has beer and wine really cheap!

 

[rusty4]

Many have said that the quick walk over to the Hess gas station on the other side of the BW resort can get you any and all the beer and wine you would want at very reasonable prices.

I would assume they have creamer as well there. I like the sweet stuff in my coffee! I may bring along some just for the trip. Maybe the little cups. Just afraid of them leaking in the luggage.

 

[natebenma]

Mike- Thanks for all your "man on the scene" request fulfillments!

Teena- Thanks for providing the schedule of holiday happenings at SAB. Added it to Page 1. Sounds like a lot of fun. Wish I were there!

Pixarmom- thanks for zooming in on the booze prices. I'll add that to the Marketplace thread, along with the price adjustments Mike found.