2011 Yacht & Beach Club FAQ, Part II

[Katesdad]

Thought I would ask this again to see if anyone returning recently would know.

There is a safe at the front desk they can lock up your computer in. However, I've never really had any issue with mousekeeping and keeping my computer in an unliocked area (in case in closet on top shelf). Guess I'm just not as concerned about computer theft as I should be.

 

[Katesdad]

Good Morning everyone! We are staying at the Beach Club Aug 23 -Sept 3. I thought I read on here that they are doing some kind of construction. Does anyone know what it is? TIA

Take a look back as some of the recent reports from those returning (like MM's report). Yes, there is a group of individuals working on scaffolding and cherry pickers on the outside of the BC cleaning and upgrading the facilities. Yes, they work 9 - 5 (often stopping to break into song and dance or engage in pool noodle fights) and yes, there is some noise. Where they are today won't be where they are August 23. They do an area and move on to the next. Yes they will be in the area when you are there. My suggestion is to just not stress over it. If you walk into your room and see someone outside your balconey cleaning the siding and it's a concern, go back to the front desk and ask if you can have a room that isn't in the current construction area.

Akunamatada and Happy Planning!!!

 

[jakeybake]

Good Morning everyone! We are staying at the Beach Club Aug 23 -Sept 3. I thought I read on here that they are doing some kind of construction. Does anyone know what it is? TIA

Hey!

We arrive on August 23rd as well, though we depart on the 29th!

See you at check in!!

J

 

[disadventurer]

Try to figure out what is more important and limit your request to one or two items. Since you are YC you don't have to worry about full balcony. So, high floor (only four available) more important than non-smoking (which really isn't a problem, but then your neighbor may use the balconey as a smoking area even though they are not suppose to). Close to lobby or far from elevator? Put too many requests on your reservation and you are sure to confuse the dickens out of them.

Personnaly, I'd ask upper floor with gazebo view. Had that one year and really appreciated it.

Happy planning?

Hi Katesdad. Thanks for the info. Will be calling today to put that in. In addition, do you happen to know if we can purchase annual passes at the concierge/ticket desk right before check-in, or do I have to go to Guest Relations at the back entrance to EPCOT to do this. I have gotten conflicting reports from Disney Reservations when I made the reservation vs. what I have been reading. Can you confirm this? Will be taking an early flight (yeah!) and land at 9:30 am. Thanks again!

 

[gonzo76]

Take a look back as some of the recent reports from those returning (like MM's report). Yes, there is a group of individuals working on scaffolding and cherry pickers on the outside of the BC cleaning and upgrading the facilities. Yes, they work 9 - 5 (often stopping to break into song and dance or engage in pool noodle fights) and yes, there is some noise. Where they are today won't be where they are August 23. They do an area and move on to the next. Yes they will be in the area when you are there. My suggestion is to just not stress over it. If you walk into your room and see someone outside your balconey cleaning the siding and it's a concern, go back to the front desk and ask if you can have a room that isn't in the current construction area.

Akunamatada and Happy Planning!!!

I didn't know my post can across as worried. I don't have a problem with it at all. I was just wondering what they were doing. Thank you for updating me on what is going on.

 

[disadventurer]

Hi there, we will be there at the same time celebrating DD's graduation (off to NYU) along with the rest of the family. Hope to see you by the pool--look for the noodles!

Hi Tortoni!! Congrats to your DDon NYU, it's nice to be able to go into the city and go to school. Our DD is starting her second year at Aurora in IL (yes, a long way from home) but loves the Midwest,her teachers and her soccer coach It only costs under $10 (yes, you read this right) to take a round trip into Chicago on a double decker train. Really cool!

DS16 is off to take his driver's license test if the DMV doesn't close!

We'll be looking for you at the pool with noodles!! Hope you have a great time with your family!

 

[Katesdad]

do you happen to know if we can purchase annual passes at the concierge/ticket desk right before check-in, or do I have to go to Guest Relations at the back entrance to EPCOT to do this.

Never did APs so I can't answer the question. I bet Dee or Amanda will have an answer for you though.

Have a great MAGICAL trip!

 

[Katesdad]

I didn't know my post can across as worried. I don't have a problem with it at all. I was just wondering what they were doing. Thank you for updating me on what is going on.

No problems when you are at the most magical place on the earth - well, maybe some of the guests there need to be reminded of that every once in a while. This renovation of the BC/YC have some people really upset. There was a whole separate thread devoted to this subject where some people were getting really bent out of shape a while ago. I guess some people feel that when they are spending the money for a deluxe they shouldh't have to look at scaffolding. Wonder how they think WDW keeps the property looking like new, seven little men working in minor's hats at night? I hope you have a great trip. You are going at a really good time, when things are just a little slower than they are now and maybe not as hot and humid as at the end of July. Just have to watch out for those pop-up hurricanes.

Here's hoping you have a really great trip.

 

[pixarmom]

Hi Katesdad. Thanks for the info. Will be calling today to put that in. In addition, do you happen to know if we can purchase annual passes at the concierge/ticket desk right before check-in, or do I have to go to Guest Relations at the back entrance to EPCOT to do this. I have gotten conflicting reports from Disney Reservations when I made the reservation vs. what I have been reading. Can you confirm this? Will be taking an early flight (yeah!) and land at 9:30 am. Thanks again!

We had annual passes last year (loved them!) and needed to go to guest relations at Epcot's international gateway (the back entrance) for that transaction. We also purchased our tables in wonderland card there and used that extensively!

I absolutely love guest relations at the international gateway. We never have to wait in line and the CMs (especially Craig) are not only knowledgeable but very efficient. On a few occasions, our APs were demagnatized between trips and the international gateway CMs replaced our APs in minutes.

The last time we used international gateway guest services to assist with our APs was in February of this year. At the time, BC could not assist with APs, but I'm not sure if things have changed since then. Maybe someone with more recent experience can confirm.

P.S. I should add that the international gateway entrance was not able to process Premier Passports, which is the type that allows unlimited admission (along with great discounts) at both WDW and DL. I upgraded just my AP to a Premier Passport so our family could take advantage of discounts during our DL trip last summer, and I had to go to the guest relations at the front entrance of Epcot for the Premier Passport.

 

[gonzo76]

No problems when you are at the most magical place on the earth - well, maybe some of the guests there need to be reminded of that every once in a while. This renovation of the BC/YC have some people really upset. There was a whole separate thread devoted to this subject where some people were getting really bent out of shape a while ago. I guess some people feel that when they are spending the money for a deluxe they shouldh't have to look at scaffolding. Wonder how they think WDW keeps the property looking like new, seven little men working in minor's hats at night? I hope you have a great trip. You are going at a really good time, when things are just a little slower than they are now and maybe not as hot and humid as at the end of July. Just have to watch out for those pop-up hurricanes.

Here's hoping you have a really great trip.

I see now.I am at Disney for 10 days, I am not going to let that upset me. We were at BC 3 years ago, they were renovating the rooms. Never bothered us. We stayed at GF when they were renovating the lobby floor and outside. We aways seem to stay when they are doing something. Just happy to be going.

 

[MMrules]

Hi Katesdad. Thanks for the info. Will be calling today to put that in. In addition, do you happen to know if we can purchase annual passes at the concierge/ticket desk right before check-in, or do I have to go to Guest Relations at the back entrance to EPCOT to do this. I have gotten conflicting reports from Disney Reservations when I made the reservation vs. what I have been reading. Can you confirm this? Will be taking an early flight (yeah!) and land at 9:30 am. Thanks again!

We just purchased our AP at the concierge desk at BC.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hmm... Maybe not a glitch then. I was not aware that the Boardwalk Inn shared with Y/BC... I have learned something new today Anyway I've been meaning to post to you so this is a great time to do it!! DD and I will be staying DVC at BLT in November for 2 days! Have you stayed there?? DD26 really wanted to stay there so we are staying for 2 days before our YC Platinum trip and then going to our home resort AKL CL 1 bedroom for the last 2 days of our trip. While at BLT we have a one bedroom lake view. Any ideas what I should expect??? Should I request a certain tower?? I've been over on CR/BLT board but haven't really seen much about BLT. Can you share a little maybe?? I'm asking you based on your name

~Nannette

I haven't stayed at Bay Lake Tower, only the Contemporary. However what I do know is anyone staying there also has access to the Contemporary pool if they feel like going there. Plus check-in, stores, transportation options, bell service, valet service and etc is all located at the Contemporary. So basically anyone staying at Bay Lake Tower depends on the Contemporary for mostly everything else.

The only thing Bay Lake Tower has onsite is their own pool and the Top Of The World Lounge, which you can access if your a DVC member staying there on DVC points.

Now back on topic to the Yacht Club & Beach Club.

 

[MMrules]

Just got back from our first Villa trip! It was great!! I requested a third floor Epcot view and got just that. Got to see the top of Spaceship earth and the land from our balcony....I miss that view as I look at the trees in my yard . Even got to see the high fireworks from Epcot too

We had a one bedroom and it was very clean. Everything worked great, we had no maintenance issues. I ordered groceries from the Garden Grocer. They were delivered on time and everything we ordered was delivered.

My boys loved the pool and we had no swimming issues. In fact all the worrying I did was for nothing. My oldest son who is 6 even took the chance of swimming underwater without a life jacket and was a pro by the end of the week . Both boys were able to use the waterslides with a lifejacket and be caught at the bottom. We just checked with the lifeguard first and he told us his preferences for where to stand. It was great!

I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Teena. In fact many days there was no greeter, so I assumed she was with her new grandbaby. I didn't go on the boards while I was there so I was happy to see that her granddaughter arrived while we were there. Congrats to Teena and miss Lily

I signed my boys up for the Albatross cruise and they loved it!! They had so much fun. My 4 year old is not the most outgoing child and doesn't like to leave me, but he did and had a ball. We also signed them up for one night at the Sandcastle club so we could eat at Cape May's and 2 of the women from the cruise were working at the club, so my boys were comfortable with staying there also. They didn't want to leave and were mad when we picked them up

The parks were very crowded due to the vast amounts of tour groups. I have been several times in various months (Oct, Nov, Dec, Feb, March and April) and have never encountered such crazy crowds. I am not sure that I would ever go in July again as the crowds were so huge. I may try next Aug. instead (mid to late) and hope there aren't as many huge groups touring then.

Looking forward to being able to book my next trip to BCV (we are AKV owners so not sure how easy it will be to get BC again). I absolutely love the hotel, proximity to Epcot, the food, beauty and memories I have there.

 

[nannette]

I haven't stayed at Bay Lake Tower, only the Contemporary. However what I do know is anyone staying there also has access to the Contemporary pool if they feel like going there. Plus check-in, stores, transportation options, bell service, valet service and etc is all located at the Contemporary. So basically anyone staying at Bay Lake Tower depends on the Contemporary for mostly everything else.

The only thing Bay Lake Tower has onsite is their own pool and the Top Of The World Lounge, which you can access if your a DVC member staying there on DVC points.

Now back on topic to the Yacht Club & Beach Club.

Thanks.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks.

You're welcome.

 

[cindydare]

Paid ours off today, too. Yacht Club in 56 days! See you in Storm Along Bay!!!








Edit to add: we also got another welcome e mail from YC IPO yesterday. And they have already made all our ADrs & forwarded our itinerary to us, including 2 weeks ago.

We'll definitely see you in SAB! If you see a family with a DD8 and a DS3 (who has very blond hair and an ornery little grin), that'll be us! DS3 asks almost every day if we're going to Disney tomorrow! I just keep repeating "September honey, September".

Now that the trip's paid off, I can start working on my packing list!

Cindy

 

[Wonders10]

Hi everyone! I just booked BC garden view this morning for a quick weekend away in September. Now that it's booked, I can't wait! Love that walk to Epcot!

 

[Marlton Mom]

Please take a moment for this brief "Commercial" message.

Are you tired from all this Disney talk?

No.... um, OK I'm not either so let's try this:

Are you a Disney-a-holic?

A loyal, true blue, Disneyphile that would never EVER consider setting so much as a toe down anywhere else?

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to, um , maybe go to the "dark side"

Are you confused and thinking that I'm talking about the Yacht Club...
Good, GOOD because I'M NOT!!!

You know what I'm talking about.... that place... that OTHER place. The one that got Harry but did it all bass ackwards and now all you do is wait in long, L o o o o n g lines in the broiling sun for 3 minutes of entertainment.

Did ya ever wonder..... if ya went..... what it would be like.....

Tell the truth!!!



OK, that's better.

Well we sent a guinea pig of sorts.... well not really a guinea pig but more like a "Brave Explorer".... who would suffer the indignities of a NON DISNEY experience!

This Brave soul would go where no Disneyphile had ever gone before...


Ok well maybe I exaggerate a little

Anyway this brave soul would drag her family (none of which wanted to go anyway, but that's for Youth and Family Services to sort out...) to this UNSPEAKABLE PLACE!!

And now, due to her unrelenting kindness to the people on this (and other) boards, she shares with us, via a trip report, the indignities of a "Non Disney" Vacation

Will our intrepid heroine be able to navigate an amusement park with out the aid of a Grey Goose Slushie??

Will she deal without a Disney dining plan?... and will she be able to vacation in a place with out "It's A Small World After All" running incessantly through her head.

Tune in to find out the answers to all of these questions and more in
DEE'S "Welcome, Foolish Muggles! IoA/US/MK/SW July 2011" TRIP REPORT.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=41876000&posted=1#post41876000
If 3 people check out her trip report she qualifies for a free Ginsu knife from Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods!

What are you waiting for! Get on over to that link and leave a comment telling her you hope she gets the Ginsu!

Marlton Mom

 

[wlake]

Hello and thank you to everyone who has posted such great information here, and special thanks to Natebenma for sending me here! We're spending two lovely nights at YC (CL level!!!) in the middle of Aug. Here's where things get a bit silly -- we're not getting park tickets. We're visiting just to enjoy all of the non-park things to do. I really hope someone posts the Aug. activity calendar as soon as it's available (hint, hint -- thanks in advance!).

Here's where things get really silly -- when we leave YC, we're headed to a Ramada Inn for a couple more nights so we can explore Kennedy Space Center. How big of a let down is that motel going to be!?!

 

[disadventurer]

We had annual passes last year (loved them!) and needed to go to guest relations at Epcot's international gateway (the back entrance) for that transaction. We also purchased our tables in wonderland card there and used that extensively!

I absolutely love guest relations at the international gateway. We never have to wait in line and the CMs (especially Craig) are not only knowledgeable but very efficient. On a few occasions, our APs were demagnatized between trips and the international gateway CMs replaced our APs in minutes.

The last time we used international gateway guest services to assist with our APs was in February of this year. At the time, BC could not assist with APs, but I'm not sure if things have changed since then. Maybe someone with more recent experience can confirm.

P.S. I should add that the international gateway entrance was not able to process Premier Passports, which is the type that allows unlimited admission (along with great discounts) at both WDW and DL. I upgraded just my AP to a Premier Passport so our family could take advantage of discounts during our DL trip last summer, and I had to go to the guest relations at the front entrance of Epcot for the Premier Passport.

Thanks for the info. I'll be on the lookout for Craig.