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

[natebenma]

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

Good answer on the early EMH, Kelleigh.

What are your dates, elsiemoo? Unless it is one of the super duper busy weeks (like Christmas week/spring break week(s) or maybe 4th of July), all of the parks typically open at 9 am, with ONE park per day opening at 8 am.
(see above schedule)

My family LOVES the early EMH park!!! The first couple of hours are COOLER and not crowded. The masses start to arrive by 10 or 10:30 but by then we have already done all of the popular attractions.

My two trips to the BC were in July. The first year I went (2009), I found the pools to be a little warm for my liking. The next year I thought the pools felt much better. I don't know if they pump cool water in or if there was some other reason for the difference. Maybe more afternoon or evening cooling rain showers. IDK.

DEFINITELY HOPPERS!!! With EPCOT so close, you may end up there every day. We also found hoppers helpful with transportation (we return from DTD and sometimes MK through EPCOT) and when we are coming back from dinner at Boma at AKL, we take the bus to HS first, then take the boat back. You don't need hoppers for this, but a quickie visit to HS has been an enjoyable evening outing for us.

 

[elsiemoo]

pixarmom, Kelleigh1, cinderumbrella, MarltonMom, everyone ... you guys are super helpful! If the water feels "normal, refreshing" but not warm, not cold, that will be perfect! My 14 yr. old GD will LOVE that Stormalong Bay. If you have a "Lake" view at BC, are you looking at Stormalong Bay also? I would *like* to be able to see Epcot Fireworks at night, but the view is most important. I'd like to be able to walk to Stormalong Bay easily, and I'd like to have full balcony, but how much would we use it in the heat? What is your experience, guys?

Come to think of it, I had heard of EMH, but forgotten about it!

Big hug to you all ...

 

[elsiemoo]

natebenma, great info! thanks!

We are there for July 21 - July 26 (check out day.) The summertime is the only time we can go, though it is so darned hot! I will definitely get the Park Hopper for the guys, and plan to take advantage of the EMH's each day.

What's the best place to pick up quick breakfast food in the morning at BC? I'm sure we'll do a lot of our eating at the BC/YC restaurants, maybe the guys at EPCOT some. Any special recommendations?

Thank you all!

 

[pixarmom]

What's the best place to pick up quick breakfast food in the morning at BC? I'm sure we'll do a lot of our eating at the BC/YC restaurants, maybe the guys at EPCOT some. Any special recommendations?

Thank you all!

If you are prepared for a very biased response, the answer is: The Beach Club Marketplace! Here's a link with photos: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=41330436#post41330436

I took many of them, so if you need for me to zoom in on any of the photos for additional information, just let me know.

 

[Music City Mama]

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!

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.

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.

I haven't told the kids we're going to WDW this year (although, I'm sure they suspect). Next weekend is my older DS's 9th b-day and I will tell them then (and about BC -- woo hoo!). We're going to see the Phantom Menace in 3D so I thought I'd tell him about SWW, too (we'll be there the last weekend). I kind of thought I'd keep that part a secret until we were driving down, but I think the kids will be more excited anticipating it, so I'm going to tell. The day after his b-day when he thinks the surprises are over, I'm going to spill the beans re: US/IOA and WWoHP. He's going to flip! The only thing they won't know until we're there is that we're moving offsite so we can have early entry and express pass. Anyhow, so excited for our first stay at BC, our first SWW and our trip to WWoHP. Can't wait to tell them next weekend!

 

[kelleigh1]

natebenma, great info! thanks!

We are there for July 21 - July 26 (check out day.) The summertime is the only time we can go, though it is so darned hot! I will definitely get the Park Hopper for the guys, and plan to take advantage of the EMH's each day.

What's the best place to pick up quick breakfast food in the morning at BC? I'm sure we'll do a lot of our eating at the BC/YC restaurants, maybe the guys at EPCOT some. Any special recommendations?

Thank you all!

You're checking out on my birthday!!! I've always said that because my bday is smack dab in the middle of summer, I will never get to go to WDW to celebrate. I do not do well in the heat either and I have very fair skin, so spending all day at the parks in the sun would turn me as red as this --> It would not be good. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that it's a mild summer.

And we always go with Park Hoppers. We find it is so worth it because if we feel like it's getting too crowded, we like knowing we can just hop to another park. And I think we're really going to love it staying at YC and being able to walk to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

natebenma, great info! thanks!

We are there for July 21 - July 26 (check out day.) The summertime is the only time we can go, though it is so darned hot! I will definitely get the Park Hopper for the guys, and plan to take advantage of the EMH's each day.

What's the best place to pick up quick breakfast food in the morning at BC? I'm sure we'll do a lot of our eating at the BC/YC restaurants, maybe the guys at EPCOT some. Any special recommendations?

Thank you all!

We'll be there July 18-27 - maybe we'll meet up. I'm going to set up a Mini BC/YC Dis Meet again!

We like BC Marketplace and the Boardwalk Bakery for quick morning breakfast foods. We've also ordered from garden grocer and had cereal, yogurt, fruit and such in the rooms for an easy morning.

 

[lionsmom]

I didn't see that your question was answered, but if it was, I apologize. If not, NO there is no charge. At least there wasn't a charge last year when we were there.

Thank you so much for the response. I am planning on doing breakfasts in the room most mornings to save time, and a microwave will give us a few more options. I thought I might stop at a grocery store and pick up a few microwavable breakfast sandwiches.

 

[kelleigh1]

I've got another question...

If Epcot has Evening EMH, is World Showcase open? Can you get out of Epcot via International Gateway or would we have to out the main entrance and drive/bus back to YC?

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

I've got another question...

If Epcot has Evening EMH, is World Showcase open? Can you get out of Epcot via International Gateway or would we have to out the main entrance and drive/bus back to YC?

You can get out the International Gateway.

 

[kelleigh1]

You can get out the International Gateway.

Great, thank you!

 

[Marlton Mom]

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. Snip!
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 ...

Hey ElsieMoo, have you considered renting a scooter to help you get around the parks?

Scooters are really helping people to get around the parks and enjoy their visit, especially when they are limited by health concerns or other factors. Just because you may not use one at home doesn't mean that you can't or shouldn't use one at a park if you've got mobility issues or other health concerns. Disney is spread out and a challenge for even healthy people to cover. Using a scooter to help you get places may conserve your energy and allow you to do MORE with your loved ones!

Try to think about it from the perspective of "will using a scooter enable me to do more, more comfortably and enjoy my Disney vacation? You can rent scooters from businesses that will deliver them to Disney Resorts. From there you can decide how much you want to use them. It's really nobody's bees wax to sit there and determine whether your issues "qualify" for the use of a scooter or if it is "officially medically necessary". It's up to you to decide if using a scooter help you get around better.

I'd hate to see you give up experiences with your family because you felt like you couldn't keep up and using a scooter may help increase the time you spend running around with them. The best part is that when your family is still going and you need a break, you can hop on Disney transportation and the bus drivers or Boat captains will assist you with the loading and unloading of your scooter (You drive it on, they strap you in).

There is a DisABILITIES Board here on the Dis that you can check out for more information. Here is the link: http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20

So like I said before it's nobody's bees wax what is going on with you and why you have your health issues. I think it's a great idea to think outside the box and find a way to solve some issues that may be limiting you when you come to Walt Disney World. We all really want you and your family to have the best trip... SO GO GET 'EM TIGER!



~Marlton Mom

 

[kelleigh1]

Been working on figure out some day to day plans and just realized that Garden Grill at The Land is Dinner Only. I was planning on them for lunch one day. I can't squeeze them in for a dinner because we have so many 2TS, plus Cape May and Ohana which we really don't want to give up. So we're looking for a new lunch spot.

So in looking through my Passporter, I see that Captain's Grill at Yacht Club serves lunch. Anyone have any experience with lunch at Cap's Grill?

 

[Marlton Mom]

So in looking through my Passporter, I see that Captain's Grill at Yacht Club serves lunch. Anyone have any experience with lunch at Cap's Grill?

OooH I do I DO!!! Pick Me PICK MEEEEEEEeeeeEE!

I LOVE the Captain's Grille! We did a breakfast and a lunch there and the food was AwEsOmE!!!

Go to that ears site, you know, the one with all of them and check out the menus.

I'm just going to say LOBSTER OMELET for breakfast and New England Style Lobster Sliders for lunch...

'nuff said!

~Marlton Mom

 

[kelleigh1]

OooH I do I DO!!! Pick Me PICK MEEEEEEEeeeeEE!

I LOVE the Captain's Grille! We did a breakfast and a lunch there and the food was AwEsOmE!!!

Go to that ears site, you know, the one with all of them and check out the menus.

I'm just going to say LOBSTER OMELET for breakfast and New England Style Lobster Sliders for lunch...

'nuff said!

~Marlton Mom

You said the magic word - LOBSTER! I saw that word and everything else just disappeared. I think it will go on the list! Thank you.

 

[jenij]

Good answer on the early EMH, Kelleigh.


DEFINITELY HOPPERS!!! With EPCOT so close, you may end up there every day. We also found hoppers helpful with transportation (we return from DTD and sometimes MK through EPCOT) and when we are coming back from dinner at Boma at AKL, we take the bus to HS first, then take the boat back. You don't need hoppers for this, but a quickie visit to HS has been an enjoyable evening outing for us.

How do you return from DTD through EPCOT? I thought DTD didn't service the parks. What is your secret???

 

[elsiemoo]

Marlton Mom, you are such a sweetheart to write such a thoughtful post to me about the scooters. The really HUGE problem for me is the heat and humidity in Florida that time of year. Even if I were riding, the heat would still be really bad for me. I have considered getting a one-day pass for Epcot, and going over there for awhile in the early a.m. and later p.m., and might possibly rent a scooter for that, but then I ask myself, would I enjoy it enough to warrant paying for the scooter and a ticket just for those few hours?

I don't mind being in a beautiful resort, going out to the pool possibly early and late for awhile, reading, etc. In the afternoon, my family will come back, and we will eat lunch, play games, etc. Thank you so much for your concern.

Oh, BTW, if I have a Lake View, will I be looking at Stormalong Bay??? The mention of lobster at the Captain's Grille totally has my attention, by the way!!! I'll be there!!! What's the faves at Beaches & Cream? My guys will LOVE that! Oh, and do I need a FULL BALCONY? Anyone ... have you used yours a lot if you had one?

 

[TeenaS]

Been working on figure out some day to day plans and just realized that Garden Grill at The Land is Dinner Only. I was planning on them for lunch one day. I can't squeeze them in for a dinner because we have so many 2TS, plus Cape May and Ohana which we really don't want to give up. So we're looking for a new lunch spot.

So in looking through my Passporter, I see that Captain's Grill at Yacht Club serves lunch. Anyone have any experience with lunch at Cap's Grill?

Love the lobster roll!!

 

[kelleigh1]

Oh, BTW, if I have a Lake View, will I be looking at Stormalong Bay???

I think the answer to this is maybe. I'm posting a link to the map and from the looks of it, there are some areas that face the lake, but because of the way the resort is built, there are other parts of the building that would block the view of SAB. But, I thought you said something about wanting a room close to the lobby, so if you get that with a waterview, chances are you'd view both.


Y&B Bing Map

 

[natebenma]

How do you return from DTD through EPCOT? I thought DTD didn't service the parks. What is your secret???

I have this posted on the first page (in the first post even). It is not the quickest way to return to the Beach Club, but we like this much better than taking the return bus, which makes way too many stops and is filled with way too many people who have had way too much to drink:

Dee's tip for avoiding the worst leg of travel in the World!
Please note that the opinions expressed are those of Natebenma alone (but have been been expressed by everyone else I have ever talked to)

The return trip from Downtown Disney to the Yacht & Beach Club, or to any resort for that matter is notoriously torturous. It's bad! We have not found the buses TO DTD to be all that bad but we HATE the buses that return from DTD to BC, it takes forever since the buses often stop at a water park, or change drivers, or make dropoffs at all of the EPCOT resorts, or all of the above. And the DTD return buses are always crowded. Always.

This is what we do, and it has made our trips to DTD SO much more enjoyable. You need park hopper tickets for this, which IMHO is a great idea anyway when you are staying at BC/YC. It also requires that you return prior to the closing time for EP- either 9 PM or midnight on EMH nights.

When we are on our way back to the Beach Club, we take one of the DTD resort boats (to POR, OKW or Saratoga Springs). We find the bus stop at the resort and hop on a bus to EPCOT, then we walk through the park, enjoying attractions along the way.

Both days we did this we planned our DTD on a morning we had been at EP, and as a double bonus, we pulled a FP to Soarin' before leaving the park in the morning, and then used it on our way back to the room.

ETA: with new FP enforcement rules, this perk may be kaput

Here are the two posts from my TR where we did this.

July 2010

July 2009

A similar method works for us when we are traveling from another resort back to the BC- we take the monorail or bus to EP first.

Alternatively, a taxi back to the BC would probably be around $20. I would consider that, too!