2011 Beach & Yacht Club FAQ

[Best Aunt]

I'm a little worried about the condition of the villas.

Can you reassure me that we're making the right choice? Are the villas really as "tired" and "outdated" as I've read in a few places? Is there a HUGE difference in the quality of the rooms at BCV & BWV?

I stayed at BWV in March 2010 and BCV in March 2011.

Yes, my villa at BWV had been recently renovated. I know because there were paint splatters on the bathroom floor, paint splatters the bathroom sink... I don't know who did the painting, but I was not impressed.

I know one of the previous posters had problems with their villa at BCV. Turns out I was right down the hall, shortly after their trip. I did not think that my BCV villa was "tired" or "outdated." My dishwasher door was fine, my carpet was not wet, my light bulbs had not blown out, my internet cable thing was not damaged.

I did notice that the burners on the stove were not sitting flat. That happens at my house when we clean the stove and don't make sure we get the burners sitting just right when we put them back. I assumed it was the same problem. Since I wasn't planning to use the stove, I didn't investigate further.

The room definitely did not smell musty. Believe me, I would have noticed, because I have allergies.

It was an extremely long walk from the elevator to the room at BWV. It was an extremely short walk from the elevator to the room at BCV. I was really happy about that at BCV.

I found that the clown pool was a mob scene at BWV, and the quiet pools were tiny. I think the pool right at BCV is lovely, if you don't feel like going to SAB.

After 2 stays at BWV and 3 stays at BCV, I'll take BCV any time.

 

[heatherbabydoll1]

I stayed at BWV in March 2010 and BCV in March 2011.

Yes, my villa at BWV had been recently renovated. I know because there were paint splatters on the bathroom floor, paint splatters the bathroom sink... I don't know who did the painting, but I was not impressed.

I know one of the previous posters had problems with their villa at BCV. Turns out I was right down the hall, shortly after their trip. I did not think that my BCV villa was "tired" or "outdated." My dishwasher door was fine, my carpet was not wet, my light bulbs had not blown out, my internet cable thing was not damaged.

I did notice that the burners on the stove were not sitting flat. That happens at my house when we clean the stove and don't make sure we get the burners sitting just right when we put them back. I assumed it was the same problem. Since I wasn't planning to use the stove, I didn't investigate further.

The room definitely did not smell musty. Believe me, I would have noticed, because I have allergies.

It was an extremely long walk from the elevator to the room at BWV. It was an extremely short walk from the elevator to the room at BCV. I was really happy about that at BCV.

I found that the clown pool was a mob scene at BWV, and the quiet pools were tiny. I think the pool right at BCV is lovely, if you don't feel like going to SAB.

After 2 stays at BWV and 3 stays at BCV, I'll take BCV any time.

Thanks for coming me down a little. We have never stayed at BC or BCV so we are so excited about pulling off this surprise for my son. Putting alot of money into this trip and just hoping everything goes well.

We are such Disney nuts. I have started to change everyroom in my house to a Disney theme. I have bought dollar puzzles at Dollar Tree and made a Toy Story bathroom, a Disney princess room in my extra room that my nieghbor girl stays in sometimes. My main bathroom has an outhouse theme that I am adding Princess and the Frog pictures and puzzles. I am working on changing my room into Beauty and the Beast, My son loves Stitch,wolves, and stingrays so we painted the walls blue and are going with it. Now I am working on Disney World theme. I got a beautiful picture from D23 last year of Mickey that I put in an old frame and now looking for posters of all the theme parks, castle,ball,hat, tree, ect. Still haven't figured out kitchen. I know I am nuts!

Anyways one of the favorite parts to vacation is no cooking, no dishes, and mousekeeping for everyone in the family!

 

[LovintheLodge]

I don't want to scare ya, but my son is 20 and a sophomore at college. During his Freshman year, he lost his dorm room key twice. Each time the lock on the door had to be replaced with new keys issued at a cost of $70 each time. Then this year I got another call that it happened again (this year he is in an on-campus apartment with 3 other boys). Current tally of just this area of 'scatterbrain-ness' - $210!!

Last fall he called me and said 'I lost my ID'. His college ID is needed to get into his apartment building, dining hall among other things. We talked, tried to traced his steps...and wouldn't ya know...he found it in his hamper! Well guess what...I got the call today...I kid you not...said he had his ID last night and don't know what happened?!?!? We had the usual back and forth conversation (i.e. well a little yelling on my part)...a little later he called to say he found it in his roommate's bag (who knows how it got there?!!?).

So I want to warn you...it may continue. There are more stories, but I dare not take anymore of your time!

doccoc - sorry to hear the latest...hope all goes well.

To everyone who packs for their DH. I have the opposite situation. My DH would NEVER let me pack for him. He packs heavy, I pack lighter (but still plenty for vacation) and he doesn't trust that I will pack enough!

Kerry

 

[sjs314]

I don't want to scare ya, but my son is 20 and a sophomore at college. During his Freshman year, he lost his dorm room key twice. Each time the lock on the door had to be replaced with new keys issued at a cost of $70 each time. Then this year I got another call that it happened again (this year he is in an on-campus apartment with 3 other boys). Current tally of just this area of 'scatterbrain-ness' - $210!!

Last fall he called me and said 'I lost my ID'. His college ID is needed to get into his apartment building, dining hall among other things. We talked, tried to traced his steps...and wouldn't ya know...he found it in his hamper! Well guess what...I got the call today...I kid you not...said he had his ID last night and don't know what happened?!?!? We had the usual back and forth conversation (i.e. well a little yelling on my part)...a little later he called to say he found it in his roommate's bag (who knows how it got there?!!?).

So I want to warn you...it may continue. There are more stories, but I dare not take anymore of your time!

doccoc - sorry to hear the latest...hope all goes well.

To everyone who packs for their DH. I have the opposite situation. My DH would NEVER let me pack for him. He packs heavy, I pack lighter (but still plenty for vacation) and he doesn't trust that I will pack enough!

Kerry

Oh how I laughed reading the account of your 20yr old son. I can sympathise having been the mother of two DS's who both seemed to have inherited the forgetful, messy, and losing everything genes

You can take solace in the knowledge that one day your son will be someone else's problem, namely his girlfriend or wife. I can not tell you the times I have since had to laugh at my daughter in laws frustration with my sons.

 

[Marlton Mom]

Re: all the posts about messy children.

I USED to have this problem, with toys, teddies and clothes and shoes strewn about the house.

Wanna know how I ended it???

I got a Toy, Teddy, clothes and shoes, ESPECIALLY the SHOES eating dog!

In an instant all canine "consumables" disappeared from the "public areas" of the house and they now live behind their respective owners bed room doors which are barricaded to prevent "Jaws" from getting them.

Now the only problem is that we NOW have DOG TOYS strewn all over the public areas of the house.

Ya win some, ya lose some!!!


Dawson by Marlton Mom, on Flickr

 

[pixarmom]

I am so not allowed to pack for him despite multiple mess ups on his part. The worst is I will sit there and say did you pack ________ and his eyes will glaze over and he gets annoyed. Then we get there and Homeland Security has apparently run off with his bathing suit!

~MM

Same here. Seriously, why is it always the swimsuit? I think he has 10 swimsuits now.

 

[pixarmom]

doccoc, so sorry to hear about the latest. Hugs to you.

 

[pixarmom]

twinmum, thanks so much for your report!!!! Have you reported on your cruise over on the cruise boards? We are on the 3-night in August and would love to hear about your experiences. I'll check the cruise boards now, but if you haven't posted there, do you mind posting some Dream tips here or in a PM?

Janetmom, love the recommendation! We're not in Canada, but have considered a summer trip to the Toronto area at some point - looks great!

 

[doccoc2002]

Doccoc - so glad you got some good news! My sister in law went through this last fall and she has a 10 yr old and a 3 yr old. The surgery and recovery were difficult for her, but her friends found an amazing website called Lotsa Helping Hands. It was invaluable for her and her kids! If you'd like more info on it, I can PM you the info. Continued good luck!

I've heard of the Caring website but I'll google Lotsa. Thanks

Just want to let you all know I have heard from Teena. She is back home, very tired and very sore- too uncomfortable to post or catch up on the boards (she is going to have a few pages to get through when she gets to it)


The surgeon is extremely confident that they got out everything this time. Teena expects to start radiation on April 25.

I knowTeena appreciates all of your prayers and good wishes for these past couple of months!

Sending prayers and well wishes for Teena. I hope she is feeling well. I have a lot of catching up to do...now back to page 163...

 

[doccoc2002]

As a healthcare professional, I always stress to folks...advocate, advocate, advocate!!!! The insurance companies do not have healthcare professionals doing approvals. They are clerks who don't have the knowledge to understand the seriousness of the need. Be a pain in the neck, call with questions, don't be put off, ask to speak to a supervisor, speak up for your rights/needs. (sorry, I get very passionate about this!)

Good luck on Wednesday. You know you have many!!! women on this thread who are pulling for you. Take care of yourself.

That is so true...My mom works in Customer Service and she called after I did and spoke with them. I may be 33 but I am not too old to need my MOMMY!!!! She's the best! I am so lucky to have her and my DH...he called Friday and the lady gave him the run around and a different number to call...He is so stressed about this

 

[TeenaS]

I think it's only fair that since you have helped us so much with all things Beach Club, WE SHOULD HELP YOU!!!

Everyone should post their Beach Club "tips" that they think would be especially helpful to a Newby like Teena experiencing her first stay!

I'll start by warning Teena not to do advanced check in! Why risk being assigned a linen closet by LILO when you can pester the humans at the front desk for a FABULOUS Magic Kingdom View!

When you first arrive don't be surprised if the greeter is a little "off". There were unconfirmed reports last week that one of the greeters was more than a little confused and she thought she was working at Pop.

Here's another hot tip. Make sure Bob brings his PJ's, tighty whiteys and a bathing suit. Those unexpected trips to Walmart take up too much time from your vacation and there is nothing worse than a half dressed husband lounging around "au natural" when the entire family is in the room.

Book your ADR's immediately otherwise your big meal out will consist of one of those "lunchables" available from the Beach Club Market Place.

Please make sure that someone with a camera is waiting at the bottom of the slide at Storm Along Bay when you come down the first time. I'm sure many of us here would love to see the look on your face at THAT particular moment!

Ok People! the rest of the important tips are left to YOU!!!
What does Teena need to know before she checks in on the mother ship?

~Marlton Mom

You are too much!!!!! Thank goodness laughing no longer hurts!

 

[TeenaS]

I swear I can't keep up with all the pages...I need more hours in the day...
Update...Just found out that the past three weeks they were supposed to be doing the genetic testing, they were not because of insurance issues...I got that squared away this morning...they should of notified us sooner. They've had the sampl since 3/18, they just told the Dr's office on 3/31???? Really annoyed when I found out on 4/1 & couldn't call anyone til this morning...let's just say lllooong weekend.
Then I just got a call from DHMC(2nd opinion) that they had their radiologist review the MRI and he did not like what he saw in a LEFT auxillary(lump is in my RIGHT). So, I will have an ultrasound on Wed. after all my other appts.
Now off to read 100 pages it feels like Wish I could have coffee

Keep us posted. If you want to talk ... send me a PM!

 

[doccoc2002]

YAY!! I finally got caught up...WOW! A lot can happen in a few days

Hi guys ... I'm actually sitting up and on the computer. I can't thank you enough for all the prayers, pixie dust, thoughts, wishes, etc. you have all sent. It really helped me get through these past few months... what an ordeal.

Dr. McLaughlin called an hour ago and all pathology is back and I'm in the clear. Just need to get through the next few days of pain. I will get to meet with the radiation people next week and Dr. McLaughlin says I can start radiation on 4/25. So I guess starting that week I'll be working Saturdays and Sundays for six weeks instead of Sundays and Mondays since radiation will be every day Monday through Friday. Dr. McLaughlin said I don't need to come back to the Mayo for six months although she'll see me before that since they are coming to the Beach Club for their first Disney vacation.

I'm hurting more than the first surgery but she said she went all the way to the muscle this time so that's probably why. And this time I itch ... especially my back. They did a back block again too but I didn't itch like this last time. I'm driving poor Bob nuts with rubbing cream on my back. At least once I got home I had my back scratcher so I wasn't bugging him every five minutes to scratch my back. I'm using my pain meds and ice like crazy ... hopefully I'll start feeling better tomorrow. I am planning on working Sunday and Monday.

So hit me with those questions again and I'll try to keep the answers coming!

Thanks again for everything ... you all really helped me get through everything!!!

Teena I'm so glad you are doing better & already back at work. You are amazing. I hope to meet you in September when we come down.

For what it's worth, I had radiation 2 years ago. Here's how the doctor described it:

You know how you come home from the beach, feeling fine, but tired? You're going to the beach for 30 days in a row.

Expect to be VERY tired after a while. (I fell asleep at a celebration dinner in NYC-- one I looked forward to for month. Out cold, pretty much, at the table.)

But beyond that, I had very few issues. (I did have to go to work braless for a week. Have I mentioned that I was 50 years old, and that I teach in a coed high school???: Ah, yes, good times. )

If you get the chance, pick up some Aquaphor; I got it OTC with lotions and creams at CVS. Use it at the very first sign of any sort of burn.

You remain in our thoughts and prayers.

I have a question and maybe it is stupid...Why couldn't you wear a bra for a week...PM me if you don't want to answer on the boards. Thanks

Ok I think I figured out how to post again.
Upgraded YC Suite - 2 bed, 2 bath, 2 balcony. Room 4209.Club level privledges. I was told it was the size of 5 standard rooms..

WOW! Amazing what a Magical trip!

I need to go back through the thread and pick up any changes since Friday, so if you have posted dates since then, I will get to them later today. But first, a trip to school to drop off the middle schooler's homework.

Where is that Helicopter Parent smilie?

I swear I am going to get a DNA test for that boy to make sure he is mine! My husband and I are both extremely organized, but apparently this trait may have skipped a generation!

Rant over!

I feel that way and my oldest is only 7 I am always running around bringing in her lunch/snack or sneakers that she forgot to pack after I asked 10 times if she packed it...Gotta LOVE your kids!!!!

 

[TeenaS]

Regarding condition of rooms at BCV. They were renovated recently ... actually right after the BC and YC. However, that being said, you can get a room anywhere in WDW that has been recently renovated and depending on what happened with the guest that was in that room before you and whether or not the housekeeping staff did all that was necessary (meaning calling engineering for some of the issues and sometimes it even means taking the room off the rack for a day to fix everything), you can get a "not so perfect room". I had a friend check into a two bedroom villa at BLT a month after it opened. The villa was royalty messed up. Dents and rips in furniture, lights burned out, stains on carpet, stove messed up, refrigerator dented, etc. That villa was no more than a month old. Guests should not have been put in it after the guest that did that damage left. However, a housekeeper obviously did not report the villa condition and marked it as ready to be inhoused with a new guest.

It happens everywhere unfortunately. If it happened to me, I will physically walk to the front desk (I will not call) and I will ask to speak to a housekeeping manager. Then I will hand them a list of everything that is wrong with the villa and ask when I can expect it all to be fixed or would they rather move me to another villa that is in the condition I expect at a WDW deluxe resort? Personally I would give them a day to fix anything within reason. I will not stay in a room that doesn't have air conditioning that works. You better move me or fix it quickly!!! I will be polite but TOTALLY INSISTENT!!! Remember, WDW wants guests to be happy and to come back year after year. We don't want you in a messed up room any more than you want to be in one.

 

[TeenaS]

Regarding not wearing a bra for a week: After my first surgery, the surgeon said it might be more comfortable without a bra and it was. When I put one on, it was uncomfortable. However, after this second surgery, I've worn one non-stop because they went all the way to a muscle and she said having that support would help the pain (the pain was different the second time - it was worse). I still have one on even when I sleep and it does help. It was the same incision but the first time they didn't go near muscle apparently.

 

[HockeyMomR]

Add Bob, Jeanne, Brian and me to the April list. We'll be there one night - April 21st so look for us at SAB all day 4/21 and 4/22!!!!

Have a wonderful time!!

 

[HockeyMomR]

I need to go back through the thread and pick up any changes since Friday, so if you have posted dates since then, I will get to them later today. But first, a trip to school to drop off the middle schooler's homework.

Where is that Helicopter Parent smilie?

I swear I am going to get a DNA test for that boy to make sure he is mine! My husband and I are both extremely organized, but apparently this trait may have skipped a generation!

Rant over!

Dee - Is your son 12? If so I have his long, lost sister separated at birth!
I was just getting laundry out of 12 year old dd's room. What did I see - her sports bag with her clothes and sneakers for after school track. I only asked her 10 times this morning if she packed her track bag.

I've long suspected she was switched at birth. I am super organized and a neat freak. Sadly dd is neither.

This is just too funny - DS19 is super organized "A" type however, DS15 just in the past 2 months, since I started working full time, has forgotten his math book, his gym bag, lost his gym lock & overslept on a late start day and missed his carpool. I just love him, but.....

 

[jenneth79]

Regarding not wearing a bra for a week: After my first surgery, the surgeon said it might be more comfortable without a bra and it was. When I put one on, it was uncomfortable. However, after this second surgery, I've worn one non-stop because they went all the way to a muscle and she said having that support would help the pain (the pain was different the second time - it was worse). I still have one on even when I sleep and it does help. It was the same incision but the first time they didn't go near muscle apparently.

Very good point. Also, sometimes your skin can become irritated and doctors will advise you to wear loose fitting clothing, thus no bra.

I truly wish no one would ever have to worry about things such as this, but I commend all of you for your bravery, and support from the rest of this thread, what a GREAT bunch of people!!!!

 

[DisMomAmy]

I stayed at BWV in March 2010 and BCV in March 2011.

Yes, my villa at BWV had been recently renovated. I know because there were paint splatters on the bathroom floor, paint splatters the bathroom sink... I don't know who did the painting, but I was not impressed.

I know one of the previous posters had problems with their villa at BCV. Turns out I was right down the hall, shortly after their trip. I did not think that my BCV villa was "tired" or "outdated." My dishwasher door was fine, my carpet was not wet, my light bulbs had not blown out, my internet cable thing was not damaged.

I did notice that the burners on the stove were not sitting flat. That happens at my house when we clean the stove and don't make sure we get the burners sitting just right when we put them back. I assumed it was the same problem. Since I wasn't planning to use the stove, I didn't investigate further.

The room definitely did not smell musty. Believe me, I would have noticed, because I have allergies.

It was an extremely long walk from the elevator to the room at BWV. It was an extremely short walk from the elevator to the room at BCV. I was really happy about that at BCV.

I found that the clown pool was a mob scene at BWV, and the quiet pools were tiny. I think the pool right at BCV is lovely, if you don't feel like going to SAB.

After 2 stays at BWV and 3 stays at BCV, I'll take BCV any time.

Regarding condition of rooms at BCV. They were renovated recently ... actually right after the BC and YC. However, that being said, you can get a room anywhere in WDW that has been recently renovated and depending on what happened with the guest that was in that room before you and whether or not the housekeeping staff did all that was necessary (meaning calling engineering for some of the issues and sometimes it even means taking the room off the rack for a day to fix everything), you can get a "not so perfect room". I had a friend check into a two bedroom villa at BLT a month after it opened. The villa was royalty messed up. Dents and rips in furniture, lights burned out, stains on carpet, stove messed up, refrigerator dented, etc. That villa was no more than a month old. Guests should not have been put in it after the guest that did that damage left. However, a housekeeper obviously did not report the villa condition and marked it as ready to be inhoused with a new guest.

It happens everywhere unfortunately. If it happened to me, I will physically walk to the front desk (I will not call) and I will ask to speak to a housekeeping manager. Then I will hand them a list of everything that is wrong with the villa and ask when I can expect it all to be fixed or would they rather move me to another villa that is in the condition I expect at a WDW deluxe resort? Personally I would give them a day to fix anything within reason. I will not stay in a room that doesn't have air conditioning that works. You better move me or fix it quickly!!! I will be polite but TOTALLY INSISTENT!!! Remember, WDW wants guests to be happy and to come back year after year. We don't want you in a messed up room any more than you want to be in one.

Thanks so much for the reassurance! I know we'll love BCV - it's actually been my dream resort since my DH & I had dinner at the Yacht Club in 2007. We took a walk around the resort after dinner and I started dreaming of staying there one day. I guess reading about a few people's not so great experiences has put doubts in my head. Staying on-site, particularly deluxe, is a really special treat for us so I want us to love the resort.

And Teena thanks for the advice on how to handle a not-so-great room if we happen to come across one. Hope you continue to feel better!

 

[DrMomof3]

We had a great one bedroom at BCV last summer, including a lovely view of Spaceship Earth! Like Teena said, there are always a few duds but most of the rooms are fine!

Amanda