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

[TeenaS]

Has anyone tried the Albatross Treasure Cruise for their child? I am considering seeing if there is any space left when we are there. The only thing is that Nathan would be by himself. That worries him but he always makes friends easily so I think it would be okay. Trying to see if this is worth a try or not. He will be turning 8 on our trip if that helps at all. Sounds like they make several stops which may make it fun.

I've talked to a number of guests that did it and the children loved it. I've never had any bad reviews.

I get reviews all the time from our Sandcastle Club. The parents complain to me that once they use it for their children, the kids want to go back every night because they had so much fun.

 

[rusty4]

My kids have never done this, but I do have a link to a review someone posted on DIS:

Beach Club Albatross- Pirates Cruise- Review http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39868546&postcount=1

I believe DrMomof3(Amanda), who checks in on this thread frequently, sent a couple of her kids on this and has info in one of her trip reports. Maybe August 2010?

HTH

ETA: Pages 13 and 14 of Amanada's BCV report have a little info on the cruise. Here is page 13: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2539116&highlight=albatross&page=13

Thank you for the link. I think I will call and see if there are any openings.

I've talked to a number of guests that did it and the children loved it. I've never had any bad reviews.

I get reviews all the time from our Sandcastle Club. The parents complain to me that once they use it for their children, the kids want to go back every night because they had so much fun.

Chuck has asked if we are going to have a dinner by ourselves and have Nathan go to the Sandcastle Club. I had not planned on it because we are going away in May for our official 25th Anniversary trip to St. Johns without Nathan or our older 2 boys. I kind of feel guilty doing this though I know that I shouldn't and that Nathan will be fine with my MIL and his Brother's to watch over him. I feel like I should make this Disney trip all about Nathan. Though it would be nice to celebrate our Anniversary at Disney since Disney is where we Honeymooned 25 years ago. What to do?

 

[cocoabean1]

My DH always says that he 'needs a vacation from our vacation' because we are more on the go on vacation than we are at home!!!!

Everyone traveling to Disney in the next couple of weeks- remember PATIENCE!!!

Have a great time everyone.

 

[TeenaS]

My DH always says that he 'needs a vacation from our vacation' because we are more on the go on vacation than we are at home!!!!

Everyone traveling to Disney in the next couple of weeks- remember PATIENCE!!!

Have a great time everyone.

Good advice!!!!! And thank you!

 

[Marlton Mom]

Chuck has asked if we are going to have a dinner by ourselves and have Nathan go to the Sandcastle Club. I had not planned on it because we are going away in May for our official 25th Anniversary trip to St. Johns without Nathan or our older 2 boys. I kind of feel guilty doing this though I know that I shouldn't and that Nathan will be fine with my MIL and his Brother's to watch over him. I feel like I should make this Disney trip all about Nathan. Though it would be nice to celebrate our Anniversary at Disney since Disney is where we Honeymooned 25 years ago. What to do?

Well try to think about it from the kid's perspective! If you asked your son "would you rather go to a fancy restaurant where you had to sit still for a long time or would you rather go to Disney Playground for kids where they had toys and games and activities that you would love AND they had food for dinner that every kid would like?"

.... So? Which is it?

~MM

 

[rusty4]

Well try to think about it from the kid's perspective! If you asked your son "would you rather go to a fancy restaurant where you had to sit still for a long time or would you rather go to Disney Playground for kids where they had toys and games and activities that you would love AND they had food for dinner that every kid would like?"

.... So? Which is it?

~MM

I wish I had seen this before I talked to him. I approached it totally wrong this morning. I asked him "if he would like to go and play there", but did not give him the option of going to a fancy dinner. I just figured we would not have one. I will have to try your approach. He did not go for mine at all. It was all about me planning too many things for him because I asked about the pirate cruise as well. As soon as he saw the photos with the kids in life jackets that was it for him. No go! He is a very strange kid. He is fun loving and out going but he can get very stressed out over change. I think that he takes after me.

Last year he was wanting to do the Jedi training. Then when we went back to do it he was so stressed out and beginning to melt down. I have to admit I just pretended that I didn't hear him and sent him on his way. He had a blast too! It is just getting him to go outside his comfort zone. If he had someone to do these things with it would be no problem at all.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

My kids and my grandkids have done the Albatross Cruise and LOVED it. My kids like it even better that the Pirate Cruise from the GF and my dgs said it was his favorite part of his Disney trip!!!!

Warning - once they try the Sandcastle Club they want to keep going back. DS backed out on several dinners just so he could keep going back there.

 

[Marlton Mom]

I wish I had seen this before I talked to him. I approached it totally wrong this morning. I asked him "if he would like to go and play there", but did not give him the option of going to a fancy dinner. I just figured we would not have one. I will have to try your approach. He did not go for mine at all. It was all about me planning too many things for him because I asked about the pirate cruise as well. As soon as he saw the photos with the kids in life jackets that was it for him. No go! He is a very strange kid. He is fun loving and out going but he can get very stressed out over change. I think that he takes after me.

Last year he was wanting to do the Jedi training. Then when we went back to do it he was so stressed out and beginning to melt down. I have to admit I just pretended that I didn't hear him and sent him on his way. He had a blast too! It is just getting him to go outside his comfort zone. If he had someone to do these things with it would be no problem at all.

I know what you mean. I have a "Klingon" too... Most of the time it's not a problem but I've been trying to talk my 13 year old Klingon into a cruise and he is horrified at the thought of doing kid stuff without us. He just can't conceive that he would have fun. The one thing that helped was that I pointed out that all the other kids would be new and it would sort of be like the first day of school where everybody would getting to know each other and everybody would be new. E V E R Y B O D Y !

When I substituted in a preschool, parents would drop off their kids, and for some of them, the theatrics would begin. I'm talking hard core wailing and "DON'T LEAVE ME!!!!!!". We would always tell the parent it was ok and that it would stop shortly.... and it always did.

You see, the big something delicious that we had for kids to occupy themselves in the classroom soon out trumped the Mommy has ABANDONED ME theatrics and the kids quickly moved on from their tantrums.

Sometimes you can offer the kid a choice and say "Can you be mature enough for Mommy and Daddy to have some time to do some fancy dinner together?" Sometimes you just have to call the kid out and say "It's not your turn". I usually let my son know that his Dad and I do all these things for him and now it's our turn.

That usually ends it right there.

If you have a kid that still won't budge then you have to move to the "I'm not asking, I'm TELLING you you will do this" phase. The consolation there is that you know, after you leave, they really will get over it, even if they will never admit it, and they'll have a good time.

Paint your date as not attractive to a kid, which is true, and offer a more, shall we say Palatable option.

Then don't budge because you know you are right!

~MM

 

[rusty4]

I know what you mean. I have a "Klingon" too...
~MM

Love it!! Now I have the perfect name for him!! It is so new for us since our older 2 boys always had each other wherever we went. Nathan is almost like an only child at times since the age difference is so large.

I am going to talk to Chuck tonight. I may of talked him out of it when he asked about going to dinner. He was fine with the decision because of our big trip coming this Spring. I think I will email him some menus and go from there. Years ago (I think Nathan was 4 then) we sent him to the Neverland Club and we at the Kona Cafe. It was one of the highlights of the trip for us. I truly think I am fine with whatever. Just being at Disney with them will be enough for me.

Funny that you mentioned the cruise. Nathan tries to talk us into taking one of the Disney cruises and uses the kids club against us. He says, "you can have alone time while I play". Not sure why that doesn't bother him. Told you he is a strange kid. But I get seasick so a cruise may not be in the cards for us.

Is there any restaurants that you all would recommend for an adult night out close to the BC? I guess the WS is close too beauty of the Epcot resorts.
Nothing too heavy. We are both trying to lose weight and are trying to watch what we eat somewhat.

 

[TeenaS]

Love it!! Now I have the perfect name for him!! It is so new for us since our older 2 boys always had each other wherever we went. Nathan is almost like an only child at times since the age difference is so large.

I am going to talk to Chuck tonight. I may of talked him out of it when he asked about going to dinner. He was fine with the decision because of our big trip coming this Spring. I think I will email him some menus and go from there. Years ago (I think Nathan was 4 then) we sent him to the Neverland Club and we at the Kona Cafe. It was one of the highlights of the trip for us. I truly think I am fine with whatever. Just being at Disney with them will be enough for me.

Funny that you mentioned the cruise. Nathan tries to talk us into taking one of the Disney cruises and uses the kids club against us. He says, "you can have alone time while I play". Not sure why that doesn't bother him. Told you he is a strange kid. But I get seasick so a cruise may not be in the cards for us.

Is there any restaurants that you all would recommend for an adult night out close to the BC? I guess the WS is close too beauty of the Epcot resorts.
Nothing too heavy. We are both trying to lose weight and are trying to watch what we eat somewhat.

Yachtsman Steakhouse is lovely!!!

 

[Marlton Mom]

Love it!! Now I have the perfect name for him!! It is so new for us since our older 2 boys always had each other wherever we went. Nathan is almost like an only child at times since the age difference is so large.

I am going to talk to Chuck tonight. I may of talked him out of it when he asked about going to dinner. He was fine with the decision because of our big trip coming this Spring. I think I will email him some menus and go from there. Years ago (I think Nathan was 4 then) we sent him to the Neverland Club and we at the Kona Cafe. It was one of the highlights of the trip for us. I truly think I am fine with whatever. Just being at Disney with them will be enough for me.

Funny that you mentioned the cruise. Nathan tries to talk us into taking one of the Disney cruises and uses the kids club against us. He says, "you can have alone time while I play". Not sure why that doesn't bother him. Told you he is a strange kid. But I get seasick so a cruise may not be in the cards for us.

Is there any restaurants that you all would recommend for an adult night out close to the BC? I guess the WS is close too beauty of the Epcot resorts.
Nothing too heavy. We are both trying to lose weight and are trying to watch what we eat somewhat.

I have to tell you that I am a HUGE FAN of the Captain's Grill in the Yacht Club. It doesn't have the pomp of the Yachtsmen Steak house but the food is divine and I suspect it's from the same kitchen. The Captain's Grill has a really calm, dark and quiet atmosphere which is perfect for a conversational and relaxing date. I like that fact that after being submersed in Disney 24-7 during your vacation you can get away for just a bit and relax in the adult world for awhile. The service is superb as well.

If we lived in the Orlando area I'm sure it would be our favorite restaurant for breakfast lunch or dinner. We ate breakfast and lunch there but we did not make it for dinner. Since they did such a great job with the food for the first two meals I fail to see why they wouldn't shine for dinner.

There are also some restaurants at the Swolphin that you might want to check out. I hear that BlueZoo place is good albeit expensive. Downtown Disney also has some considerations so I'd look into that.

You have a world of options to choose from, both on and off property. Why don't you tell us what kind of food you and your hubby like and the rest of us can chime in with grown up suggestions?



~MM

 

[TeenaS]

I have to tell you that I am a HUGE FAN of the Captain's Grill in the Yacht Club. It doesn't have the pomp of the Yachtsmen Steak house but the food is divine and I suspect it's from the same kitchen. The Captain's Grill has a really calm, dark and quiet atmosphere which is perfect for a conversational and relaxing date. I like that fact that after being submersed in Disney 24-7 during your vacation you can get away for just a bit and relax in the adult world for awhile. The service is superb as well.

If we lived in the Orlando area I'm sure it would be our favorite restaurant for breakfast lunch or dinner. We ate breakfast and lunch there but we did not make it for dinner. Since they did such a great job with the food for the first two meals I fail to see why they wouldn't shine for dinner.

There are also some restaurants at the Swolphin that you might want to check out. I hear that BlueZoo place is good albeit expensive. Downtown Disney also has some considerations so I'd look into that.

You have a world of options to choose from, both on and off property. Why don't you tell us what kind of food you and your hubby like and the rest of us can chime in with grown up suggestions?



~MM

Nope ... two different kitchens and two totally different chef teams. But I agree the Captain's Grill is wonderful. Love their lobster roll at lunch!

 

[rusty4]

You have a world of options to choose from, both on and off property. Why don't you tell us what kind of food you and your hubby like and the rest of us can chime in with grown up suggestions?



~MM

Well, that's a tough one. Probably right now fish and seafood the most. Fits the light eating bill well. I know that we don't want any italian or mexican while at Disney. Sits to heavy for rides.

I like the looks of the scallops at the Captain's Grill and the appetizer and soup selection at the Yachtsman. I wonder if they would mind if you didn't order an entree there?

I remember watching a video of a meal being prepared at a Disney restaurant. I think it was a potato crusted snapper. But I can't remember where it was at.

We have a breakfast scheduled at the Captain's Grill for our first morning.

 

[pixarmom]

Hi rusty! I'm no help with most of the issues you raise - the last time we were out to dinner without kids at Disney was before the kids were born. We did plan to go out for a drink after dinner when my parents were along to hang out with them, but that didn't happen. (The going out for a drink part - my parents were there and we had a wonderful time!)

But if we do this someday, my first choice for grown-ups only dining would be Bistro de Paris. My parents loved it (they went with my aunt and uncle last year during food and wine) and it's one of the few places that we probably won't take kids with us at Disney. I'd also recommend Yachtsman and you might like Flying Fish. We take our kids to all of these, too, but I'd also consider each of them for a date!

As for the appetizer-only or soup/salad-only - I do this all the time. There is no way I could finish an entire entree and the appetizer menus almost always look more interesting to me. So definitely consider Yachtsman for soups and appetizers!

 

[BCV23]

rusty4, the potato crusted snapper is served at Flying Fish on the boardwalk and is so good. Lots of seafood on the menu there and everything we've had has been great. Sometimes my DH and I order an appetizer and a side of risotto. The chef makes divine risottos. One of the servers told us the chef changes it about every two weeks and each is better than the last.

It's been years since we've dined at Le Bistro but it is another great choice and as pixarmom said, children aren't as frequent there if that matters to you. No children's menu last I knew.

We also enjoy YSH and Captain's Grille but if you're looking for light and lots of seafood choices, Flying Fish might fit the bill. I have a reservation for our first night and can't wait.

 

[sndral]

We ate @ Flying Fish (dinner - in fact my son had the potato crusted fish entree,) Captains Grill (lunch,) Yachtsman (dinner,) and Le Chefs (lunch,) during the trip I just got back from yesterday. Flying Fish has the most fish options - but is lower key than most signature restaurants @ WDW. Le Chefs would be easy and close as it is in France, which is right next to the World Showcase entrance @ Epcot - some of the other countries are more of a hike. I personally loved Yachtsman - I'll return there, but they specialize in beef (you can see it hanging/aging in a glass room as you walk in.) We had breakfast at Kuozinas, which is also at the boardwalk, and I'd like to try it for a lunch or dinner in a future trip - love the imaginative flavor options. Check out the menus to see what appeals most to you and best fits your diet - any of the ones I've mentioned are w/in easy reach of YC/BC.

 

[rusty4]

Thank you everyone. You have been a big help. I have narrowed to the Flying Fish, Yachtsman, Captains Grill and the Chefs de France. I love lobster bisque and 2 of them have that.

I am forwarding the menus to Chuck. Have not talked to him yet because Nathan has been around. I had Nate stressed out enough yesterday.

I will call today and see if the Sandcastle even has any openings and check the restaurants too. That may be our answer right there since we are so close to our trip now anyway.

I bought a new camera and now I need to figure it out before our trip. I will take it to my parents this week when we go see them for Christmas. Hopefully, we do not get the snow that they have been calling for and we can go. If I don't like it I can exchange it before I go for another one so I need to start playing. Nathan took over my kodak one now and his pictures are coming out clear as day inside. Maybe it is all user error. I told him he can take it to Disney and we will have competition to see whose pictures come out better.

Thanks again! It really helps. We don't do alot sit down meals on our trips because we always have to pay OOP. Usually just one character meal and that is it. It helps to get the feedback from others.

 

[MMrules]

Has anyone tried the Albatross Treasure Cruise for their child? I am considering seeing if there is any space left when we are there. The only thing is that Nathan would be by himself. That worries him but he always makes friends easily so I think it would be okay. Trying to see if this is worth a try or not. He will be turning 8 on our trip if that helps at all. Sounds like they make several stops which may make it fun.

Last summer I sent my sons ages 4 and 6 on this cruise and it was one of the highlights of the trip!!! The woman "pirates" were awesome! They played the parts well and made boarding the boat very easy for my boys (the 4 year old doesn't socialize easily). They heard the legend of the treasure, docked at Canada in Epcot (while it was empty) and found treasure there. THen they chased the bad pirate on their boats. THey also got some "loot" when the cruise was over. It was great and I am going to sign them up again next summer when we go!!! He would love it!!!

 

[DrMomof3]

Has anyone tried the Albatross Treasure Cruise for their child? I am considering seeing if there is any space left when we are there. The only thing is that Nathan would be by himself. That worries him but he always makes friends easily so I think it would be okay. Trying to see if this is worth a try or not. He will be turning 8 on our trip if that helps at all. Sounds like they make several stops which may make it fun.

My children did it in August, 2010. Jessica was 4 and Nathaniel was 6. There were plenty of "solo" children on the cruise and they both made friends. It was definitely a highlight of the trip for them and it gave me some quality time with my neglected 3rd child (he wasn't old enough).

Amanda

 

[natebenma]

I think we're going with Yacht Club. I've been back and forth on this decision so much and who knows, I might change my mind again. It was always Beach or Yacht, but I keep changing my mind. And since we're not booking until after the holidays, there is still time for me to change my mind. Who knows!!

We are pretty set on our dates too - last week of October, right over Halloween. Can't wait - although I don't want to rush the summer either. Winter can fly by however. LOL

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.