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

[TeenaS]

Bumping this question up.

Anyone know the answer? TIA.

If you are staying at the BC, there are some handicapped spots across from the bus stop. If you are staying at the BCV, there are some handicapped spots in their parking lot (next to valet's lot) as well.

 

[TeenaS]

Let's give a big Andy's Room to all of the new (and returning) folks who have just booked stays at BC/YC/BCV:

Can't wait to meet you all!!

 

[2 princess 3 princes]

I'm wondering about club level & online check in. From what I've read, we may or may not be greeted at the main entrance & taken up to the fifth floor when we arrive. I'm thinking we might not be since we are flying into Tampa & renting a car. If we aren't greeted, do we just go to the front desk or ask someone?

What are your thoughts about doing online check-in if staying club level?

Just returned from a CL stay. We were greeted upon arrival at 8:30 pm. The CM got our folder from the "regular" desk and then took us up to the 5th floor. She introduced us to the CMs on the CL and they showed us around. It was our first time on CL and I really enjoyed it. My hubby had a hard time enjoying the "adult beverages". He couldn't get over the fact that they were comp ! The breakfast really helped out and we had afternoon snacks one day. We were only there for 4 nights, and I had made our ADRs so I can't really speak to that part of the service. For sure if possible I would go that route again! I did the online check in. There was absolutely nothing else required when we got there, not that signing in is a big deal, but it was nice to be able to go straight in!

 

[alala]

Thanks, everyone for your repsonses and for the welcome. We are booked for the Yacht Club June 9-15.

Marlton Mom, I LOVE your SWW pics. Thank you so much for the link. I'm getting so excited about that part of trip. My 8 yo DS is a big Star Wars fan (his room is filled with Star Wars toys, posters, bedding, etc). I haven't told him about this trip yet, but I don't think I can keep the secret much longer!

 

[MickeyT]

We'll be staying at Disney World for the first time in July!!! We're booked at the Beach Club ... hope we will LOVE it. Set of grandparents, 14 yr. old and her Dad. I tried for the Yacht Club but they only had club level, which I didn't want to spring for. For those with experience there, where's the best place in the resort to ask for a room if I want a full balcony, water view, and able to see the Epcot fireworks at night?

Also, HOW DO I POST A NEW THREAD? I can't find anything telling me where to start a new one? Thanks!!!

I would think there are a few rooms that would give you a full balcony, water view and EPCOT all in same room. 1. You would have to pay for a water view room 2. Request full balcony and EPCOT side of resort. Then follow checkin advice others gave.

To start a new thread you have to post a certain number of times. Not sure of the number but maybe someone else could answer.

Soo psyched. I made my first official DVC reservation at our home resort, BCV! I reserved a 2 BR, planning a big family celebration with my brother and sister and their families along with my parents. Even though there's only one grandkid in the picture (for now!), we couldn't be more psyched.

My wife and I honeymooned at the BC last fall, which is the reaon why we bought into BCV. Now I guess I'm suffering from the same affliction that all DVC members have....I want more points!

We stayed at BC one time and the DW was hooked. When we bought in to DVC it was BCV or nothing for her.

 

[ocalla]

OOOh Keep the surprise!!! We surprised DD for our July 2010 trip. She thought we were heading to spend the weekend in New Orleans for her birthday. After a good nights sleep, we were up early and heading to the airport. I told her that dad took the wrong turn and was stopping in to get directions. (believe me, if you knew DH you would have believed the story ). We parked, all got out and I started taking out the luggage. when we finally told her it WAS PRICELESS!!! i will never forget the look on her face, or the tears down her cheeks. That was the best surprise we ever pulled on her.

 

[MickeyT]

Here are a few photos from both the Beach and Yacht Club lobbies. The Beach Club shot (from my phone so forgive the quality) was taken at 4:50 in the afternoon in early August. This is about the max amount/peak crowd you will see in the BC lobby. It gives you a good feel for the comment "The lobby can get crowded". It is right before Cape May opens for the evening and families are scattered everwhere.

Most of the time you can walk through and find a seat somewhere.

This is the Yacht Club. A number of people but a lot more passing through. This was also August but around noon.

I would say the traffic through the BC would be similar around noon.

 

[eah7]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the info in this thread! We are staying at the Yacht Club in June, and I'm so excited because it's our first stay at an Epcot area resort. It will also be our first Stars Wars Weekend trip.

I'm a little worried about the Yacht Club being described as more formal / stuffy than the Beach Club. We actually probably ARE a little like the quieter and more sensible relatives that a PP described (or maybe our crazy relatives are just REALLY crazy so we seen sensible by comparison), but we're not exactly the kind of people who would ever belong to a real yacht club. You would still consider it kid-friendly, right? It will be my husband and I with our 2 kids (ages 8 and 6), and I want to make sure that everyone has a good time.

We have stayed at both BC & YC. I didn't find the YC at all stuffy! The lobby doesn't seem as busy because Cape May Cafe tends to have lots of folks waiting for their reservation time. But let me tell you, there were plenty of kids, families, grandparents and adults without children at the YC. It just feels a bit more gracious and laid-back. I really enjoyed our stay there and felt like it was home!

I love the lobby where you can sit and play backgammon or checkers!

 

[elsiemoo]

WOW!!! What a fantastic board with all you great people!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE WELCOME! What a treasure this place is for trip-planning to a new place! I sent the link to this thread to my 14 yr. old GD last night so she can see the pools, rooms, etc. She will be ecstatic! I know I will have more questions but you guys have already been WAY HELPFUL!

I am in my 60's and will need to stay around the resort because I have some health problems that require me to stay out of too much heat, and I can't walk long distances. Grandpa, adult son and GD will be in the park from early morn to lunchtime, come back to the resort for the afternoon, then go back about five when a lot of people leave for dinner, and it will be "cooler" (well, relatively, at least, for end of July! ) They will stay as late as possible. Their main focus is riding rides, seeing things ... when it's not as hot, and a little less crowded. (As opposed to special dinners, etc., which we can do anytime.) We did this at Universal last year, and it worked out great. We had really nice lunches together, and would grab a bite when they came back at night.

I thought the Beach/Yacht Club resort would be special for me since I'll be there most of the time, and they would love it when they're there.

If you have any further ideas, comments for me, I would love to hear them. So I should specify LAKE view (would that include Stormalong Bay?), full balcony, and EPCOT side?

You guys are the best! Thank you ...

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I'm wondering about club level & online check in. From what I've read, we may or may not be greeted at the main entrance & taken up to the fifth floor when we arrive. I'm thinking we might not be since we are flying into Tampa & renting a car. If we aren't greeted, do we just go to the front desk or ask someone?

What are your thoughts about doing online check-in if staying club level?

We drove from the airport for the first time last year, and I had let IPO know approximately when we would be arriving. The guard at the tower had a parking pass for us and then he must have buzzed the CL desk, because we were greeted at the curb and taken up to the 5th floor to check in.

I have never done on-line check in when staying CL.

Thanks, everyone for your repsonses and for the welcome. We are booked for the Yacht Club June 9-15.

Marlton Mom, I LOVE your SWW pics. Thank you so much for the link. I'm getting so excited about that part of trip. My 8 yo DS is a big Star Wars fan (his room is filled with Star Wars toys, posters, bedding, etc). I haven't told him about this trip yet, but I don't think I can keep the secret much longer!

Our trips will overlap by a few days This is our 4th year going at this time, and SWW is the major highlight of the trip!!! I did keep it a secret from DS for our first June trip, only letting on 2 days before we left at his birthday party. If you can keep the secret, it is SO worth it!!!

To answer your earlier post, YC just feels more formal because of the lobby decor being darker. You also are more apt to run into convention folks in their business casual vs families in shorts waiting for a table at Cape May. It is our family's favorite resort, including DS8.

 

[Hawg Pharm]

Glad you said this! When I made our ADR wish list, I found that I had a lot at Epcot and I was a little nervous about this. I didn't change anything, but I've still been a little nervous about it. I think one of my concerns is that because we have a good number of 2TS also, and we'll use most of those for dinner, that we'll have to be at Epcot for lunch most days. But, since we park hop, maybe we can start the days in Epcot and then hop somewhere else after lunch. That sounds pretty reasonable.

One thing we learned last year was that we spent waaaay too much time traveling from BC to various resorts for ADRs. We ate at most of the 2TS locations and a bunch of others but the time involved, at least by bus, was considerable. That was time that could have been spent better, whether at the parks or Stormalong Bay. This year, we are only taking one "trip" from BC, and that is to Sanaa. All of our ADRs are within walking distance to BC (unless it is for lunch in our selected park that day) and the only 2TS we are doing is two trips to the Brown Derby, which doesn't require dress casual attire. We're going comfy and close this year and I have a feeling we'll like it much better that way.

 

[natebenma]

I did some minor surgery on Page 1. Nothing earth-shattering.

I added about sticks and marshmallows available at the campfire. You can purchase chocolate and graham crackers in the Marketplace, right???

I updated the SAB hours post. Yay!!!

I made updates to the Be Our Guest list. Once again, please take a moment to make sure I have your info listed correctly, and if not, post any corrections I need to make.

Still looking for a February activities schedule. If anyone just back has one that they can scan, please PM or email me, that would be great. For the past couple of months, MickeyT has been taking a couple of photos of the schedule and getting that to me.

The email address I use for DIS purposes is beachclubdee@yahoo.com

Thanks!!!

 

[kelleigh1]

WOW!!! What a fantastic board with all you great people!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE WELCOME! What a treasure this place is for trip-planning to a new place! I sent the link to this thread to my 14 yr. old GD last night so she can see the pools, rooms, etc. She will be ecstatic! I know I will have more questions but you guys have already been WAY HELPFUL!

I am in my 60's and will need to stay around the resort because I have some health problems that require me to stay out of too much heat, and I can't walk long distances. Grandpa, adult son and GD will be in the park from early morn to lunchtime, come back to the resort for the afternoon, then go back about five when a lot of people leave for dinner, and it will be "cooler" (well, relatively, at least, for end of July! ) They will stay as late as possible. Their main focus is riding rides, seeing things ... when it's not as hot, and a little less crowded. (As opposed to special dinners, etc., which we can do anytime.) We did this at Universal last year, and it worked out great. We had really nice lunches together, and would grab a bite when they came back at night.

I thought the Beach/Yacht Club resort would be special for me since I'll be there most of the time, and they would love it when they're there.

If you have any further ideas, comments for me, I would love to hear them. So I should specify LAKE view (would that include Stormalong Bay?), full balcony, and EPCOT side?

You guys are the best! Thank you ...

Now I haven't stayed at YC yet, and have only been to a couple of the other resorts, but it sounds like this is the perfect fit for you based on all the research I've done about the resort. You can stay close, but still feel like you are part of the vacation and not confined to your room.

I don't know too much about it, but have you looked into an ECV for the trip? Those are motorized carts that some people use to get around the parks. If you're interested in joining the rest of the family, this might be a good option for you to get out a bit more. I understand about the heat too, so you'd probably want to avoid the parks during the daytime hours, but in the evening, it might be of interest. Oh, and Animal Kingdom is the most shaded of the parks and you'll always find a place to get out of the sun. Just throwing some ideas out there just in case there is stuff you didn't know. I'm not sure if this is your first WDW trip.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

WOW!!! What a fantastic board with all you great people!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE WELCOME! What a treasure this place is for trip-planning to a new place! I sent the link to this thread to my 14 yr. old GD last night so she can see the pools, rooms, etc. She will be ecstatic! I know I will have more questions but you guys have already been WAY HELPFUL!

I am in my 60's and will need to stay around the resort because I have some health problems that require me to stay out of too much heat, and I can't walk long distances. Grandpa, adult son and GD will be in the park from early morn to lunchtime, come back to the resort for the afternoon, then go back about five when a lot of people leave for dinner, and it will be "cooler" (well, relatively, at least, for end of July! ) They will stay as late as possible. Their main focus is riding rides, seeing things ... when it's not as hot, and a little less crowded. (As opposed to special dinners, etc., which we can do anytime.) We did this at Universal last year, and it worked out great. We had really nice lunches together, and would grab a bite when they came back at night.

I thought the Beach/Yacht Club resort would be special for me since I'll be there most of the time, and they would love it when they're there.

If you have any further ideas, comments for me, I would love to hear them. So I should specify LAKE view (would that include Stormalong Bay?), full balcony, and EPCOT side?

You guys are the best! Thank you ...

I just wanted to let you know that it really doesn't start to feel cooler until after 7pm or so in the summer. The sun is still pretty high up at 5pm. I always feel like I am going to melt in EPCOT until 7pm or so.

If you want a lake view, you will need to be booked in a water room category.

Which resort are you booked at? BC is closer to EPCOT but the boat dock is right in front of the YC. YC rooms all have full balconies, whereas not all BC rooms do. You can request them, but no guarantees that you will get one, especially in the busy summer months.

Also, since they are trying to avoid heat and crowds, they might want to go the parks with the early AM EMH if they can guarantee they will be there before 8am to get in.

Welcome to the boards!!

 

[MinnieTink]

Hi all! This is such a great thread! I still have 190+ days to go but I think about this trip all the time!

My question (for today!) is... We have standard booked. I am trying to think about what's most important for our room request. Although a full balcony would be nice, I think a quick walk to the pool from our room would be more important to us. Should I request 'close to lobby'? Or 'close to elevator'? Thanks for any help!

 

[kelleigh1]

One thing we learned last year was that we spent waaaay too much time traveling from BC to various resorts for ADRs. We ate at most of the 2TS locations and a bunch of others but the time involved, at least by bus, was considerable. That was time that could have been spent better, whether at the parks or Stormalong Bay. This year, we are only taking one "trip" from BC, and that is to Sanaa. All of our ADRs are within walking distance to BC (unless it is for lunch in our selected park that day) and the only 2TS we are doing is two trips to the Brown Derby, which doesn't require dress casual attire. We're going comfy and close this year and I have a feeling we'll like it much better that way.

We always rent a car so we never have to wait for the buses. I think if we had to rely on other transportation, we would definitely reconsider. One TS is Flying Fish, so that's an easy walk from the YC. We also have CRT for breakfast, so that will be a MK morning. The others are all at resorts, so we will have to take some time to drive to those and I'm taking that into consideration as we plan our days. In fact, today I'm home alone while hubby works and I'm going to sit down with a notebook and the historic park hours to try to figure out a plan of attack.

 

[elsiemoo]

Cinderumbrella, what is the "the early AM EMH?" This IS my first trip to DW, and I appreciate all comments so much! They will leave the room as early as possible every day ... Does anything open by 7 AM or is it always 8? I'm sure you're right about the heat factor ... maybe the worst heat is about 1 or 2 PM to 7 PM, huh? I'm sure they'll go back by 6 ... won't be able to wait!

Question on pool? Does Disney pump cold water in to keep the pools pleasant, even in that heat, or are they like warm soup in the afternoon? Hoping for the former ...

I tried first for the Yacht Club because of the port close by, but they only had Club rooms. I will keep trying periodically, but it's not a huge deal.

I think the Park Hopper is definitely worth the money, right? I think they'd prefer the option to hop around whenever.


Thanks, everyone!

 

[pixarmom]

Welcome new posters! One of our very favorite things about BC is the proximity to all those great dining options in the Epcot resort area and in World Showcase. For all planning ADRs in the area, it's just wonderful to stroll back to BC/YC after dinner!

The BC/YC difference: We have always stayed at BC, but I'm traveling alone with our youngest in April and we're trying YC for the very first time - yay! At first, he didn't like that, but Robyn and Sue helped to turn him around. I think it's because he loves BC, and I also think he was confused about YC because part of our extended family now travels for Christmas and they host an annual family Christmas celebration in mid-December at their yacht club. So he said, "I thought we were going to Disney World, not the yacht club - that's before Christmas." We've spent a lot of time around the YC lobby during various BC stays and while I do prefer the BC lobby, the YC lobby is entirely comfortable for kids. I'll be sure to report back in April!

I'm pretty sure you will still be greeted at the door by name even if you drive to the resort. The lobby CMs will know you are there. Don't ask how they know. It's magic. But if you are not greeted, just ask a lobby greeter or one of the CMs at the desk.

I can't really think of an advantage of doing the on-line checkin for club level. Anyone have a differing opinion?

DisMomAmy, I agree with Dee - we rarely do on-line check-in, but would definitely skip it with a CL reservation. We've stayed at BC four times over the past two years - two CL and two non-CL. Here's a summary of our most recent experiences:

Arriving by rental car, non-CL: We were greeted by name and directed to the check-in desk. I think that's because when you drive in, they ask for your name at the guard stand. So they know to expect you when you walk in.

Arriving by Magical Express, non-CL: We did on-line check-in for this short visit and just bee-lined to the on-line check-in desk.

Arriving by Magical Express, CL: Teena was there that day, so we received the most wonderful greeting! But even before we entered the lobby, Bret from CL was outside the Magical Express bus greeting us by name, bringing us inside to say hello to Teena (and my mom, who was waiting for us with Teena.)

Arriving by DCL bus, CL: This was a little different, and I think it's because there is no way to track us (either by giving your name at the BC guard stand when driving, or Magical Express registration.) There was no greeter in the lobby at that time, so we just found a CM and asked about CL check-in and they called someone down to get us. No problem!

 

[kelleigh1]

Cinderumbrella, what is the "the early AM EMH?" This IS my first trip to DW, and I appreciate all comments so much! They will leave the room as early as possible every day ... Does anything open by 7 AM or is it always 8? I'm sure you're right about the heat factor ... maybe the worst heat is about 1 or 2 PM to 7 PM, huh? I'm sure they'll go back by 6 ... won't be able to wait!

Question on pool? Does Disney pump cold water in to keep the pools pleasant, even in that heat, or are they like warm soup in the afternoon? Hoping for the former ...

I tried first for the Yacht Club because of the port close by, but they only had Club rooms. I will keep trying periodically, but it's not a huge deal.

I think the Park Hopper is definitely worth the money, right? I think they'd prefer the option to hop around whenever.


Thanks, everyone!

EMH = Extra Magic Hours

Every park has a different day when they have EMH and it can either be morning (when resort guests can get into the park 1 hour before regular opening) or evening (when resort guests can stay at the parks up to 3 hours after the park closes).

By resort guests, that means those who are staying at one of the Disney Resorts (which you are). So anyone who is visiting Disney just for the day does not get to use the parks during EMH.

For instance, today, Feb. 11, Disney Hollywood Studios opened an hour earlier for resort guests. But none of the parks have an evening EMH today.

And here is where I am finding that info: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/earlyentry.htm

 

[pixarmom]

Cinderumbrella, what is the "the early AM EMH?" This IS my first trip to DW, and I appreciate all comments so much! They will leave the room as early as possible every day ... Does anything open by 7 AM or is it always 8? I'm sure you're right about the heat factor ... maybe the worst heat is about 1 or 2 PM to 7 PM, huh? I'm sure they'll go back by 6 ... won't be able to wait!

Question on pool? Does Disney pump cold water in to keep the pools pleasant, even in that heat, or are they like warm soup in the afternoon? Hoping for the former ...

I tried first for the Yacht Club because of the port close by, but they only had Club rooms. I will keep trying periodically, but it's not a huge deal.

I think the Park Hopper is definitely worth the money, right? I think they'd prefer the option to hop around whenever.


Thanks, everyone!

Elsiemoo, I know some would like the water in SAB to be a little cooler in the summer months, but I think it's absolutely perfect. (But I get cold easily, so it's really nice to swim and not be chilled!)

Especially when staying at YC/BC, I think the park hopper is definitely worth it. We're up early and get to AK, MK or DHS at rope drop (when they first open), then we stop back at BC/YC in the afternoon and usually have dinner in Epcot or around the Epcot resort area. In the summer, we return to BC/YC earlier in the afternoon so we have time for swimming. In the winter, we'll stay in the parks until the late afternoon.

And AM EMH is morning extra magic hours, when resort guests are admitted to select parks an hour before regular park opening. Usually extra magic hours are at 8am and we try to get going to the bus stop or walking by around 7am.

Hope that helps!