2011 Beach & Yacht Club FAQ

[natebenma]

I like the idea of Resort Hopping and Epcot hopping. The more time in Epcot the better and I secretly want to go check out POR!

I can't tell you how much this has transformed our trips to DTD!!! The buses FROM DTD to any resort just stink! No other way to put it. Until I came up with this plan, my DH did not even want to visit DTD again.

The ride on the resort boat from DTD to OKW is long, but it is so pretty and relaxing. So much better than a looooong ride on a bus full of people.

doccoc2002, and others- the bus ride to DTD is usually not bad.

IMHO, if you can't do the EPCOT HOP, I would spring for a taxi! I think some of the cabs can accomodate more than 4 people and it is so worth it to avoid that awful DTD return trip. It's bad.

Other than that, we have been very lucky with the bus service in July 2009 and July 2010. We have not shared buses to MK or AK with other resorts. I don't know if that is because of the time of day (7:30 am) or time of year (busy July), but we really don't mind the buses at all.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I can't tell you how much this has transformed our trips to DTD!!! The buses FROM DTD to any resort just stink! No other way to put it. Until I came up with this plan, my DH did not even want to visit DTD again.

The ride on the resort boat from DTD to OKW is long, but it is so pretty and relaxing. So much better than a looooong ride on a bus full of people.

doccoc2002, and others- the bus ride to DTD is usually not bad.

IMHO, if you can't do the EPCOT HOP, I would spring for a taxi! I think some of the cabs can accomodate more than 4 people and it is so worth it to avoid that awful DTD return trip. It's bad.

Other than that, we have been very lucky with the bus service in July 2009 and July 2010. We have not shared buses to MK or AK with other resorts. I don't know if that is because of the time of day (7:30 am) or time of year (busy July), but we really don't mind the buses at all.

I just posted this on the Transportation board, but maybe someone here can help: where are the cab stands at DTD?

I agree with the PPs who say getting to DTD never seems as bad as getting back. It took us 75 minutes to get back to BWI one night last November, AND we didn't wait more than 5 minutes for a bus at DTD Marketplace. We went to the West End (changed drivers), then to YC, BC, Swan and Dolphin before BWI (sorry, but I don't remember the exact order). Plus someone had parked illegally near the convention center and the bus didn't think it would be able to make the turn and not hit the car. All the while, there were some VERY unhappy ladies on the bus who were trying to get to Jelly Rolls and had taken the bus from their resort to DTD to make the transfer (per the guidebook advice) and were already more than 2 hours into their journey by the time they arrived at BWI...

 

[natebenma]

I was planning on having to "taxi" it but your idea sounds great, and I really do think the idea of walking through Epcot and enjoying the sights would be a nice touch! Thank you for sharing, I'm sure we'll use that at least once when we head down.



BTW Dee, I'm not sure I ever mentioned this, but THANK YOU for all that you do running this thread. I know it must be a lot of work, and wanted you to know it's appreciated!

Thanks Jen- that's very sweet of you to say!

When the thread was closed in August, I did a soft rehab- the info was pretty much all there, but all of the pictures on the thread had disappeared from the original poster's Photobucket account. So I added some pictures and updated the thread a bit. In February, I did a major rehab on the organization of the info. It was great because once I separted the front page info into sections I was able to add more pictures.

I have had so much help from other guests/posters on this thread and I am so proud that this continues to be a friendly, supportive and extremely informative place to visit.

I am also (embarassed) to say that it is a great distraction from all of the other things I should be doing How is it 11:00 already???

 

[sjs314]

I just posted this on the Transportation board, but maybe someone here can help: where are the cab stands at DTD?I agree with the PPs who say getting to DTD never seems as bad as getting back. It took us 75 minutes to get back to BWI one night last November, AND we didn't wait more than 5 minutes for a bus at DTD Marketplace. We went to the West End (changed drivers), then to YC, BC, Swan and Dolphin before BWI (sorry, but I don't remember the exact order). Plus someone had parked illegally near the convention center and the bus didn't think it would be able to make the turn and not hit the car. All the while, there were some VERY unhappy ladies on the bus who were trying to get to Jelly Rolls and had taken the bus from their resort to DTD to make the transfer (per the guidebook advice) and were already more than 2 hours into their journey by the time they arrived at BWI...

Good question, we plan on either going to DTD on our arrival night or maybe Saturday night and I am thinking a taxi is the way to come back to BC

Were already planning on a taxi to Bomas and 'Ohanas so whats one more taxi ride

 

[Marando4]

Thanks for the info. All the photos look great!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

We just added 2 days on to our vacation, so now after the Beach Club we are hopping over to the Yacht Club from May 26-28. Love that Annual Passholder discount.

This time we booked a garden view room, we always book standard and have the parking lot view, so I hope this is a nicer view.

Cant wait

 

[pixarmom]

I can't tell you how much this has transformed our trips to DTD!!! The buses FROM DTD to any resort just stink! No other way to put it. Until I came up with this plan, my DH did not even want to visit DTD again.

The ride on the resort boat from DTD to OKW is long, but it is so pretty and relaxing. So much better than a looooong ride on a bus full of people.

doccoc2002, and others- the bus ride to DTD is usually not bad.

IMHO, if you can't do the EPCOT HOP, I would spring for a taxi! I think some of the cabs can accomodate more than 4 people and it is so worth it to avoid that awful DTD return trip. It's bad.

Other than that, we have been very lucky with the bus service in July 2009 and July 2010. We have not shared buses to MK or AK with other resorts. I don't know if that is because of the time of day (7:30 am) or time of year (busy July), but we really don't mind the buses at all.

Our only stop from BC to MK and AK in the morning has been an occasional stop at Boardwalk in the spring (and only if the bus is really empty and can take more passengers.) The stop at Boardwalk only takes a minute, so it doesn't bother us. Like Dee, I don't recall stops at Boardwalk on the way to MK or AK in the summer. On the way back, we sometimes stop at Swan/Dolphin and almost always at YC. That's from BC stays over time in January, February, March, and July - so different times of year. But we try to do the "monorail to Epcot, walk through Epcot to BC" route on the way back as much as possible.

We love any route that takes us through Epcot, so I love Dee's idea for DTD! My husband won't go back to DTD because the last time we were there we took the bus AND it was in the middle of a cheer competition. If we can eliminate both of those factors, then we might give it another try!

 

[pixarmom]

Minnie, thanks so much for the report. And love your screen name!

 

[clanmcculloch]

BC Marketplace was terrible for those with allergies. The CM was quite rude and we left and did not return. This happened last visit as well... Hurricane Hannah's wan't much better though at the least the CM was very nice about it!

Chef at Beaches 'n Creme - great guy

I can't say enough about Chef Dee at Cat Corra's restaurant - truly amazing breakfasts (the Mickey gluten free / dairy free waffles ) and just a wonderfully helpful lady - they are lucky to have her

Thanks for sharing this! Food allergies is the reason it's taken us so long to stay at a Crescent Lake resort. I know there's next to no CS options for people with allergies.

I think I've read that Hurricane Hannah's carries the allergy chicken tenders. Did you get them there? I had spoken with a chef at YC when we were considering staying there Christmas 2009 and he said they don't have any CS options at the Marketplace for us and that HH has only one or two. This time I've planned for lots of TS meals and any CS will be in parks. I'm packing my own breakfast foods and getting some treats delivered from Babycakes (they told me they do deliver to resorts).

I was planning to avoid Beaches 'n Creme because I wasn't sure they could really handle allergies considering how much dairy and nuts there would be all over the place. Maybe we can pop in at an odd hour and see what they can do for us.

How do the allergy Mickey waffles at Kouzzina compare to the ones everywhere else?

Thanks again!!

 

[Carrie in AZ]

We are going the first part of June, doing a split stay at CR/BCV. There is still lots of avail, even at BCV. I've always heard BCV books up quickly and it is often difficult to book a villa there. Do you think the resort will be less crowded since there is so much avail at about 45 days out?? Just curious on your opinions and experience with this. Thanks!

 

[DawnMaree]

One little known fact before I stop posting for a while because I'm off for my mini vacation with the family at WDW (shopping, parks, Typhoon Lagoon and two days (one night) at the BC) ... you know the set of four elevators at the BC? Only three of them are elevators. The other one is fake. Go around to the other side of it and guess what's there? A telephone room. (I worked there over a year before I realized this.)

I probably missed saying "have a good time" but I'm saying it anyway! And that is really funny about the elevators, which made me think ... see next post.

Exact same thing at the YC!

And I am totally going to check that out in August! Wonder how many people stand there and wonder when the door is going to open...

Hi everyone-

Unfortunately, our specially designed Y&B DISer pin program has been suspended. Someone who picked up their pin forgot that they needed to say "a friend" left the pin- so we are unable to continue distributing the pins that way.

Apologies to anyone who has an upcoming stay and has requested a pin- they just can't be left at the resort.

If anyone can think of another way to distribute them, let me know- the pins did not cost anything to make, but there would be a postage charge to send them out, and I am not sure if there is anyone who is able to commit the time necessary, and is willing to disclose an address, to take on this project.

You can PM me if you have ideas, or e-mail me through my screen name (this will disclose your e-mail address to me, however).

That's too bad. While the pins are so nice, I am good without one. I still will feel special just being at the YC and lounging with a cocktail at SAB.

I still have a smile on my face when I think about that day! Mark figured out where we were going when they were explaining how to use the special gold room key in the elevator.

To add to the excitement, this was also when I met Teena- so the family was also confused when I started hugging and talking to the woman in the lobby. I had mentioned the DIS and Teena to them a few times, but they just didn't get it. You know the glazed over, "Uh-huh, yes dear, I'm listening to what you are saying" look?

Make sure you share with us the reactions you get from your family!

Don't you love those warm fuzzy moments you never forget?

 

[DawnMaree]

Thanks guys we truly did have a fabulous time

Construction at the BC continues. I wouldn't want a room anywhere near it and was surprised to see the occupied rooms. It's not the view - which would stink unless there happen to be cute construction guys but the noise The sheer noise from the machinery was nuts... We walked past it about 9am or so and they were at it already. If you like to sleep late and have a visit soon request close to the YC or try to ask to be away from it at check in.

Crowds - We didn't find the crowds any crazier than normal and our days were actually lower crowd peeps than summer. But a CM told us we actually were there at a good time - the crowds will get crazy next week. Easter crowds along with Florida schools on spring break =

Other info......

A CM at the BC Marketplace told us that the resort only merchandise is expected to be released in Sept - hoping for August The CM's comments were the expense of the resort only marketing - which was ridiculous IMO as other resorts - ie WL & Poly have new stuff each year But thanks to the voices or many it will be back soon - to the relief of the CMs

BC Marketplace was terrible for those with allergies. The CM was quite rude and we left and did not return. This happened last visit as well... Hurricane Hannah's wan't much better though at the least the CM was very nice about it!

Please do yourself a favor and DON'T do what I did..... we never take the bus to DTD do to the horrible bus service we've experienced in the past. This time we were already at the BW so we caught the bus. Ride there was fine but coming back HUGE mistake - 1 hour and 13 minutes later I finally arrived back at the resort I timed each section - 33 minutes waiting at the bus stop; then a stop at both water parks, a driver change, and finally stops at the Dolphin, Swan, BW, YC and finally the BC (for the poor family that waited even longer than me). Yes I brought this to attention at the concierge counter - the very little good it did me... No I'm sorry that happened - just we'll call transportation. Now after this we hit SAB and it went out of my head but still let this be a learning experience and avoid the DTD bus service

Okay crap over... onto the fabulous time!

CM at checkin - upgraded 1st night to a garden view so we wouldn't have to move - our room was facing the quiet pool w/daybed

CMs at the YC resort shop - too many purchases.... too few suitcases - no problem we ship

Chef at Beaches 'n Creme - great guy

Location, location, location - this is one resort well worth the $ just to walk into Epcot. The F&G Festival was just beautiful

SAB - simply the best pool on property anywhere. We spent time up on the sun deck and the view, quiet was just

Simple things - the flowers in the lobby are stunning, iced water near the lobby, just the little touches

I can't say enough about Chef Dee at Cat Corra's restaurant - truly amazing breakfasts (the Mickey gluten free / dairy free waffles ) and just a wonderfully helpful lady - they are lucky to have her

Overall it was just a fabulous time filled w/ memories I will treasure forever

Thanks so much for your review! Love hearing about everyone likes, dislikes, etc.

Typically, DISmoderators will close down a thread when it gets to be around 250 posts. At the rate we are going, we could hit that milestone today or tomorrow, but I have noticed there are other monster threads out there now, too.

Last time, as we approached 250, I made the new thread before we were officially closed (thread is still not locked) because I was heading to Mexico and I had some major remodeling of the thread I wanted to attend to.

I'll let the thread go and grow until we are told to migrate to a new thread and will keep you all posted if we have a new address.

Dee

I didn't realize they do that to resort FAQs tho.

I don't understand that if you are staying at a Deluxe resort, Why do you have to share buses. If you think about it POP does not...CBR, CSR do not. POR & POFQ do but they are sisters. I wouldn't mind if BC&YC shared but why do they have to share with BW, S&D???? It makes no sense at all. Even Poly, CR & GF have to share. You would think with the prices we are paying, there would be better bus service.

I am done griping I think I need more coffee!!!

This topic has been argued for many years now. When I used to frequent the transportation board, there was a bus driver CM over there that used to be very sweet and answer questions like that. I seem to remember he said it had to do with the amount of rooms occupied, anticipated park crowds, etc., and transportation comes up with a system of how many buses will be dispatched that day, upping it as needed. I guess they feel their system runs well and they don't have many empty buses, thus wasting gas/energy.

 

[sto6917]

Just bumping this up... Anyone have any experience with lock-offs?

We had a dedicated two bedroom at BCV and I couldn't even hear the others in our other bedroom. Great walls!

 

[sto6917]

We will be staying 7 nights and BC. Just found out we will "have to add" two nights to our vacation

I am tempted to hop over the Yacht Club for our extra two nights. Or should we just stay put at Beach?

My TA says she can't add on two nights to our ressie. (Does this sound right?)

TA said we will have to switch rooms at BC.

Anyway, just wanted to get your thoughts on hopping to yacht for our extra 2 nights.

Thanks!

 

[dgbg100106]

Has anyone ever rented a car from the national office at the Dolphin? Is there a thread I can read on this or more information somewhere? TIA for any help?

 

[pixarmom]

Has anyone ever rented a car from the national office at the Dolphin? Is there a thread I can read on this or more information somewhere? TIA for any help?

Hello! We haven't done this yet, but we have a reservation in August (one-day rental to get to Kennedy Space Center.) We currently have an Alamo reservation, but will continue to check prices with both Alamo and National. When I started my research, I did a search over on the transportation board and thought this thread was helpful: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2590428&highlight=dolphin

I'd also love to hear from anyone who has done this - it looks easy, especially for those of us staying in the Epcot resort area!

 

[Mickey & Minnie Mom]

We will be staying 7 nights and BC. Just found out we will "have to add" two nights to our vacation

I am tempted to hop over the Yacht Club for our extra two nights. Or should we just stay put at Beach?

My TA says she can't add on two nights to our ressie. (Does this sound right?)

TA said we will have to switch rooms at BC.

Anyway, just wanted to get your thoughts on hopping to yacht for our extra 2 nights.

Thanks!

If you want to check out both sides and don't mind the time you might be without a room as well as the packing/unpacking, try the YC.

As far as adding on 2 nights, the only reason I would think that couldn't be done is if it is related to a promotion that doesn't cover those days but does your others, or if it is expired but even then that doesn't make sense because they ususally don't care when you "upsize" your reservation.

The TA may be thinking it is within the 45 day window so she wouldn't want you to incur a change fee, but again if you are upsizing (paying more) they usually waive the fee.

Maybe she just needs to put a call into Disney travel and see what she can find out.

At the very least, if you decide to stick with BC and it has to be a separate reservation for some very good reason, just ask that the reservations be linked. This will show you have back-to-back reservations.

Mention this when you check in, that you would like to stay in the same room and they can check to see if that is how you have been assigned (has always happened when we had linked reservations but I know it isn't 100%). If not, see if they can make the change for you.

You may have to re-checkin that day to get new keys to the room.

Good luck getting it worked out .. and congrats on extending your stay!

 

[Niki in NJ]

We will be staying 7 nights and BC. Just found out we will "have to add" two nights to our vacation

I am tempted to hop over the Yacht Club for our extra two nights. Or should we just stay put at Beach?

My TA says she can't add on two nights to our ressie. (Does this sound right?)

TA said we will have to switch rooms at BC.

Anyway, just wanted to get your thoughts on hopping to yacht for our extra 2 nights.

Thanks!

If you are less than 45 days out and have already paid your balance, I think that is right that they would have to create a separate reservation for those extra 2 nights. When checking in, if they know your situation, they might be able to keep you in the same room instead of checking out and moving to a different room, as long as the room views are the same. I'm sure someone else here on the boards will have better knowledge of this.

As for switching over to YC .. it would be a really easy switch since you can just walk right over! If you think that there is a chance that you won't get to stay in the same room at BC (which I suppose there is that chance), this might be a fun way to get to see the other side of the resort. We love the YC!

 

[dgbg100106]

Hello! We haven't done this yet, but we have a reservation in August (one-day rental to get to Kennedy Space Center.) We currently have an Alamo reservation, but will continue to check prices with both Alamo and National. When I started my research, I did a search over on the transportation board and thought this thread was helpful: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2590428&highlight=dolphin

I'd also love to hear from anyone who has done this - it looks easy, especially for those of us staying in the Epcot resort area!

Thank-you so much.

 

[willsea777]

First time on forums.

It's been 5 years since we have been to WDW and we are finally scheduling our trip.

We will be staying at the BC on Dec 12-16, 2011.

We brought our 2 daughters last time (2006) and stayed at POP. The trip was great, but the beds KILLED my back, which made my trip somewhat uncomfortable at times. But since I have been reading this forum, i notice great things said about the beds at BC, so that's a plus...lol.

Attending this trip, will be me, my beautiful wife of 16 years, my 2 daughters (10 and 12). My mother (60) will be coming with us as well. She has lived with us since August of last year, when my dad passed away from Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer. They were married for 41 years. This has been a hard past 7 months for her. She has NEVER been to Disney before. I hope that she is able to have a wonderful time, along with our girls.

We are driving in from TX so we will certainly be ready to kick off our shoes and have a relaxing 5 days at the BEACH CLUB.

If any of you have any suggestions or helpful information that may be of use to us, please feel free and share. I consider myself quite ignorant when it comes to all the "inside" info. Thus the reason i am researching these forums.

Have a blessed day!