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

[Feckless]

Such a disappointment when a ride is closed like that! My kids are upset about BTMR which was their favorite ride last time. But Space Mountain was closed last time so they might get a different fave!

Thanks for the vote of confidence for the lifeguards, MM!

 

[natebenma]

Thank you! I scrolled through and saw that the Marketplace has some GF offerings like Divvies and French Meadow brownies.

Thank you again. I should have specified that I was looking more at breakfast rather than dinner. My daughter has a severe shellfish allergy that would make me very nervous at the dinner buffet.

Have you had a chance to check out the menu listing for the breakfast? I think this was my favorite character breakfast, especially when Chip & Dale were there (we have only done Cape May, Chef Mickey and Tusker House but CP is on my bucket list). But we haven't been since 2008, so I don't have any recent info to share about the offerings there.

Has anyone here (particularly anyone who has gluten concerns) been to Cape May character breakfast lately?

Just found out that Test Track is going to be closed this summer. I consider this truly bad news though it appears they are refurbing the ride to make it better in the future. Epcot doesn't have that many thrill rides and my family isn't that interested in Soarin', losing Test Track is a big blow to staying in an Epcot resort. We'll probably end up spending more time at HS when we go. Ah well.... can't have everything!

I know one of the main reasons for your trip was to check out non DL rides.

I just found that out about TT yesterday, too and I am bummed! It is scheduled to be closed during my "To Be or Not To Be" 8th Grade Class Trip. When I told my son he said "Well, we're not going to EPCOT then" (Not that he gets to decide, but when we travel with kids we spend less time than we want to in our favorite park as it is. My plan now is to lure the teenagers in with caramel, braces be d*mned!)


And Feckless and MM- thanks for your input about the lifeguards and free-range children. ITA. To be honest, I would have no qualms about letting my boys (ages 10 and 13) get out of site, as long as we had checkin times, but a few things have prevented this on past trips-

The boys have different interest levels in swimming, so they would not stick together.

My husband is one of those over-protective types. He is getting better though as the boys have entered/are approaching the teen years.

I love to swim as much (probably more) than the kids, so hanging out with them in the water is not an issue.

 

[natebenma]

Much to the chagrin of her teacher-mother, Lily learns how to shoot spitballs from her Nanny Teena:

Look out, Pop-Pop!

 

[natebenma]

Dee and Robyn, I just delivered your messages regarding the secret entrance. He was very excited to hear from both of you! He said "I can find it and I can take a picture! Can you tell them that?" He also asked, "Did I get any messages from Sue?" Sue, any more tips?

this is very intriguing DisneyMom. Shouldn't this information also be added to the front page just like the information on the secret door in the Beach Club? Just wondering. Any pictures?

Edit: I see that many people, including the keeper of the board has already requested this information. Inquiring minds.....

Please tell your son "Thank you!" from Dee. And let him know that Laffites Landing also wants this information. Now he will be expecting messages from you, though!

We are all counting on him!

 

[Feckless]

Now seeing BOTH TT and BTMRR are closed during our stay.

Allears is saying BTMRR might reopen April 30th - maybe to soften the bow of two big attractions closed at once??

Just got to chat with my friend who spent Xmas in the Swan. Last trip they had I did Touring plans for them that included the run for Soarin FP while the rest of the family went to TT - runner joins in singles rider line and meets up with family. Worked great for us last time! Anyway, her boys (one younger one older) who watch R rated scary movies where mine are scardey cats were so terrified by TT that they wouldn't get on any other rides the whole trip. Even the then 10 year old! I felt so bad but how was I to know???? Anyway they go back this year and I'm not making ANY plans for them after ruining their holiday last time. LOL. They go to DHS on Xmas Eve, no plan, and rode NOTHING again! Everything was too long a wait and all FPs were gone when they got there. They saw the Indiana Jones show. That's IT. I think they had a similar day in MK on Xmas Day. Luckily I snagged them a dinner ADR at the Wave so they did have a nice Xmas dinner. I am trying to reform from my former commando ways, but to go to two parks and do no rides???? Wow.

 

[Feckless]

When I first plannned the trip I was dreaming of when the Mickey pushpin on my ticker would be over SSE. LOOOOOK how close it is!!!

I got some conflicting info when I made my room reservation (BC GV CL) and the only request I have is full balcony. If they all have full balcony, should in ask for Epcot facing please? What would be your #1 request?

I emailed about getting the Guide to the Magic shipped and the book is I think $19 and the shipping is $22!!!! The guy said he could ship it to the resort for $7. I was thinking of having welcome presents the kids when we arrive - that might be a nice idea, don't you think? Is it better tonhave this book before you go? I know the kids want to get a Duffy bear but I imagine they'd want to pick him out. I wonder if I could get a certificate for one from Mousegears? I guess I can start asking IPO these questions, hey???? LOL

 

[ocalla]

Oh Teena!!! Lilly is growing so fast, I'm sure you wish it would slow down.

Looking forward to making our trip reservations............looks like it will be July this year again!!! That means, Hello SAB.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Dee - we were at Cape May breakfast in July and it was great as usual.
Cape May Buffet and Crystal Palace are our favorite buffet breakfasts in Disney.

My kids are 14, 13 and 11 now and I have no problem letting them navigate SAB - just checking in every so often. Usually the girls stick together and ds just keeps going down and the slide over and over again. DH and I do go in the water with them but they are good swimmers and lifeguards are great at SAB so even though I'm usually the overprotective one I'm not worried at SAB.

We do have an inground pool at home so maybe I'm just used to them being in the water. Plus they check in enough - when they want something to eat or drink and need the room key!!!!

Teena - Lilly is adorable and you are too much! That's the kind of the think my Mom would do with my older kids! Of course they still think the sun rises and sets on Mom Mom so I'm sure Lilly will too Have a great visit with that baby - I'm thinking of you!!!!

 

[JanetMom]

Now seeing BOTH TT and BTMRR are closed during our stay.

When is the TT closed? Just wondering if it will be open when we are there in March.

It is sad that your friends were scared off of rides, but nice that they are going back. They must of still enjoyed themselves.

 

[MMrules]

Can we be added to the list???Can we????

We are staying at BCV from August 8th til the 17th

It is my birthday on the 15th so I will finally be able to celebrate with Disney!! Now to figure out where I want to have my birthday dinner?????


Teena-Lily is growing so fast and what an absolute cutie pie!!!

 

[rusty4]

Just found out that Test Track is going to be closed this summer. I consider this truly bad news though it appears they are refurbing the ride to make it better in the future. Epcot doesn't have that many thrill rides and my family isn't that interested in Soarin', losing Test Track is a big blow to staying in an Epcot resort. We'll probably end up spending more time at HS when we go. Ah well.... can't have everything!

TT is our favorite by far. We are so happy that they are not shutting it down while we are there next month. We are going to miss BTMR, fantastmic, the Electrical parade (though we may catch it on our last night when it starts back up if we want to try and brave the crowds), there was something else but I can't remember it right now. If TT was included we would be so so upset. We love it most at night when it is cold out. Such a rush. I totally understand your disappointment!!

When I first plannned the trip I was dreaming of when the Mickey pushpin on my ticker would be over SSE. LOOOOOK how close it is!!!

I got some conflicting info when I made my room reservation (BC GV CL) and the only request I have is full balcony. If they all have full balcony, should in ask for Epcot facing please? What would be your #1 request?

I emailed about getting the Guide to the Magic shipped and the book is I think $19 and the shipping is $22!!!! The guy said he could ship it to the resort for $7. I was thinking of having welcome presents the kids when we arrive - that might be a nice idea, don't you think? Is it better tonhave this book before you go? I know the kids want to get a Duffy bear but I imagine they'd want to pick him out. I wonder if I could get a certificate for one from Mousegears? I guess I can start asking IPO these questions, hey???? LOL

Wow! I guess because you are in Canada? I think having it shipped to the resort is a great idea. It is an easy read and they can read it all in a night. Or read about each park they are going to right before going. Nathan loves his book.

 

[jenneth79]

When is the TT closed? Just wondering if it will be open when we are there in March.

It is sad that your friends were scared off of rides, but nice that they are going back. They must of still enjoyed themselves.

Looking like April according to this site but I can't tell if it's a major closure, or they are just re branding everything to Chevy.

And no, this doesn't really make a lot of sense to me. Why limit the amount of exposure to your company's brands, and close down a very popular ride.

I guess they might be making some ride changes as well, who knows.

Either way, looks like you're probably OK for your trip!

 

[kelleigh1]

Article says TT is going to be closed until the Fall. I really hope it's reopened for our trip. We went on it for the first time last trip and loved it. I don't even want to tell hubby that it might be closed.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Now seeing BOTH TT and BTMRR are closed during our stay.

We're in the same boat! 4/19-4/29 so we'll lose both BTMRR & TT!

Kids don't know about the trip yet, but I said something like, "Would it even be worth going to Disney if two of your favorite rides were closed the whole time?" and of course I got a huge "YES"! So hopefully they'll still feel that way when they find out we are going & TT/BTMRR will be closed!

I'm going to keep a watchful eye to see if either TT closes late or BTMRR opens early!

 

[333disneymom]

Hello,


I have two quick questions that I'm hoping someone can answer for me. First, are there many gluten free options at the BC Marketplace and Cape May Buffet?

Thanks so much!

Have you contacted Special Diets to ask for specifics about the buffet? We don't do gluten free, but do peanut free. We have always had lots of options and found the chefs to be very helpful. But, any time I wanted information in advance (prior to visit/booking ADR), I would contact special diets for specifics. Hope this helps.

Now seeing BOTH TT and BTMRR are closed during our stay.

Allears is saying BTMRR might reopen April 30th - maybe to soften the bow of two big attractions closed at once??

I hope they open BTMRR. We have a younger relative who recently discovered BTMRR and loved it. It would be nice if it were open the next time she is there.

Teena- those pictures of Lily are adorable!

 

[Marlton Mom]

but I can't tell if it's a major closure, or they are just re branding everything to Chevy.

From the Orlando Sentinel:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-...tors-deal-test-track-20120106,0,1159905.story

Quote: "As part of the new pact, Disney and GM will redesign Test Track, a marquee attraction at Epcot. The attraction will close in April and reopen with a theme focused on the GM brand Chevrolet in the fall. The attraction also will get a "Chevrolet Design Center at Epcot" in which guests will get to design their own custom concept vehicles."

So this is a major redesign, probably on the interior of the ride. I can see them buffing it up with the latest in dash board electronics like GPS and Biofuel. Personally speaking I think the Test track navigation system should map out a route to the grey goose slushie stand, but then that would be wrong, soooo wrong so perhaps mapping out Dunkin Donuts along the route would be more politically correct.

~MM

 

[natebenma]

My family and I will be arriving at the Beach Club on March 20th for the first time. We have previously stayed at the Poly, GF, POR, AND CBR but my DH longs to be able to walk to Epcot each evening. I have been following your pages to familiarize myself with the layout of the land and I have been able to get lots of information. My Ten year old DS is a Harry Potter fanatic and we plan to spend one day at Universal for him. I am absolutely clueless about IOA and I'm trying to get as much info as possible before venturing into the unknown. We will not have a car with us, so I am trying to decide our best transportation option. Any help will be appreciated. Already have my reservations for Ohana one night. so excited. It will be here before we know it. BTW, I magically got a pin number right before I called to book our vaca.

We did the reverse last summer. We stayed at and visited "The Dark Side/Theme park which must not be named" and then spent one day at Magic Kingdom. That sounds about right on the cab fare. We arranged for a town car service and the total roundtrip was $80 roundtrip, plus tip. I believe Mears also offers a trip, but the cost is per person and the times are limited I believe, so the towncar made the most sense for us. We also were able to arrive and leave when we wanted (we called about an hour before we were ready to head back)

Here is a link about Disney-Universal transportation options from the Universal forum.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2494908

I would like to invite you to check out the last page of my trip report "Welcome Foolish Muggles". This page includes my Top Ten "Things" or Tips for IoA/WWoHP/Universal Studios. You can also go to the table of contents and read about our visits to IoA. Click on the link in my signature.


.

You could rent a car from the Dolphin... Alamo and National are there. I usually rent from Alamo. You can pick it up in the AM and return it the next morning AM. Check it out it's worth a shot. Driving is very easy there... If I can do it anyone can do it! Good Luck!




Mike, Best of luck to you, your wife and the whole family running tomorrow!!

Good luck to you as well Amanda and anyone else who is running tomorrow!!

~Nannette

Thought of one more possible option, in addition to taxi cab, town car or renting a car for transport between Disney and "The Dark Side".

At one time, and maybe still, Dreams Unlimited had an offer that included tickets to US or IoA and transportation from Disney as a package. Google the Dreams Unlimited website to see if they still have this deal.

 

[natebenma]

Can we be added to the list???Can we????

We are staying at BCV from August 8th til the 17th

It is my birthday on the 15th so I will finally be able to celebrate with Disney!! Now to figure out where I want to have my birthday dinner?????


Teena-Lily is growing so fast and what an absolute cutie pie!!!

YAY!!!

I'll gladly add you to the guest list.

 

[jenneth79]

So this is a major redesign, probably on the interior of the ride. I can see them buffing it up with the latest in dash board electronics like GPS and Biofuel. Personally speaking I think the Test track navigation system should map out a route to the grey goose slushie stand, but then that would be wrong, soooo wrong so perhaps mapping out Dunkin Donuts along the route would be more politically correct.

~MM

Well, they say that you DO get to design your own trip....

 

[Coparm]

Considering upgrading from POR to YC for mine and DD8's Jan 29th week at Disney. On Allears it shows pictures of Illuminations from a YC room.

Which view or where in the resort would we need to stay to be able to see the fireworks from our balcony?