2011 Yacht & Beach Club FAQ, Part III- DO NOT POST HERE- Summer/Fall

[Adlergray]

For those regular yc/bc goers what dose a cab to the conteperary cost?

 

[MickeyT]

Not sure if I’m entertaining enough to do a full trip report and I have already posted a lot of the highlights while we were there. I really hate to rate restaurants because I have been places that were good/wonderful one time and then bleh the next time. But anyway here is a quick rundown of our trip from Aug 3 – Aug 7 BC SV CL and Aug 7 – Aug 9 YC GV.

We (wife, grandson and me) flew in from Charlotte and landed 9:30am so plenty of time for Magical Express. Waited a few minutes in line but they put us on the bus and it pulled right out. We stopped at Riverside first but still at BC by 10:30. Room not ready so Beaches and Cream and EPCOT here we come. Back to our awaiting room by 4pm. We got an unexpected upgrade from our SV room and thoroughly enjoyed the CL lounge. (View on page 23.) We made no room request and did not do online check in. I will say this. My best rooms/views have come when I did not do a request. I do believe that when you do area request it locks the room assignors into getting your request. Now asking for full balcony is a different matter. (More on this later.) Dinner at La Hacienda de San Angel was good. Menu was kinda hard for us to understand but waiter did and excellent job explaining the dishes.

After breakfast in the lounge (everyday) we were off to the parks. Our first full day we did early EMH at MK. Hit all our favorites and was strolling by 11:30am. (Space-twice, Splash-twice, Buzz-twice, BTTMR, HM. We had 12 o’clock ADR’s at Whispering Canyon and walked in at 12:01. Did their famous all you can eat skillet and it was wayyyyy too much food for lunch. I hurt myself. Back to BC by 2pm for some rest. Temps were above 90 so time to slow down. Instead of a park we did Fantasia Gardens Golf for our evening treat. (Less than $20 for 3 with AP discount!)

Next day we hit HS at RD and did all our rides. Plug here for one of our favorites. The Writers Stop located next to Sci Fi Drive In. We love to go in here and get (split) our favorite WDW snack, the carrot cake cookie. We sit, look at books and enjoy. Back to the room and slept. 5:30 dinner at Flying Fish. We enjoyed but really didn’t get too excited about our meal. Just didn’t feel quite as ‘signature’ as Cali Grill, Jiko and Citricos to us. Good but not Wow. We did the evening EMH at MK. The highlights of the night was seeing Wishes from Splash Mnt. And HM late at night was fun. The disappointment, Space Mnt was “down due to technical difficulties”. We left around 1:30am. Evening EMH’s are not for me. Took me a day or two to recover.

We slept in. Swam some and then over to AK for the afternoon parade. Seeing droves of people leaving a park at 3pm is always encouraging as you are heading in. Did Bugs Life and watched the Jammin Jungle parade. I love that parade for some reason. Ate at Yak & Yeti. Good food and good service. We will be back. Walked on EE three times. DW is a thrill ride junkie and she loves it. Walked on Safari’s around 6pm. Saw a lot of animals. Think maybe they feed them late in the day and it brings them out. Back to SAB and more swim/play.

Check out day at BC. I walked over to YC around 9:00 to check (see my mode of operation). Desk CM asked if I had any room preferences. We had GV booked so I blurted out ‘Gazebo’. He points to his map and says “You might be able to see the gazebo around the corner” and ask if it would be OK. I get the keys and head up. (View on page 34.) Once again>early check in, no prior room request<. Almost ran back to BC to tell DW. We get everything moved over. Very easy except DW having to pack. Transfer was seamless. Back to B&C for lunch. GS hit the pool and DW and I propped our feet up and enjoyed the room. 6pm ADR’s at Teppan Edo. Enjoyed with good service. When we left the rains came. As we were walking around WS lightening hit in the lagoon. We literally ran into Norway. We get our ponchos on after and stroll away. Mostly rain by then. Head over to Mouse Gear for some browsing and a nice gentleman gives us FP’s for Soarin. We enjoy even if we are wet!

Our last full day is back to HS. We walked over to BC and did the Marketplace/Solarium breakfast. Did feel like quite a hike. Especially after walking past Captains Grill and Cape May. Sure smelled good in there. Still at HS for opening. Same story. Rides and FP’s. We did do Animation Academy. We walked back through Animation Gallery and walked right in. For lunch we did a walkup at Brown Derby. I think of Brown Derby kind of like Flying Fish. Nice places but not on the top end of Signature (expensive) Dining. Back to room by midday for our rest. Our last night meal, Via Napoli. Our second time here and we enjoyed. Pizza is really good. Back around WS and you guessed it. More rain. Harder this time but no lightning. We buy our souvenirs and head back. Took GS down to SAB for his last swim. Almost empty so we jump in. Guess I should have worn my bathing suit. Wife gives me a pretty stern look when I get back in wet shorts.

We did Goofy’s Beach Club Breakfast for our final day. Enjoyed but not sure if worth the extra $$$$ for us. We have done about all character breakfast and really rate this one on the lower end of the scale. Saw a beautiful wedding as we were leaving. Photos inside and actual wedding outside. Think I may have had a secret desire for seafood more than breakfast. And Captains Grill has felt like a deal (with better food) for us. Spent a little over an hour in YC lobby before ME picked us up so I got to explore some. Once again, beautiful resort.

Last points.

• If full balcony is a main priority in a stay then by all means consider the Yacht Club.
• Why counter service dining was left out of Yacht Club I’ll never understand.
• Zero tour groups in parks.
• Club level worth more during HOT days.
• Someone (pixarmom?) asked about availablity of pirate merchandise. Most was common Capt Jack Sparrow stuff. Think of POC gift shop. But I did see a group of Christmas ornaments at MK that looked great. I have pic's if you want to PM me.

Thanks for allowing me to share!

 

[JanetMom]

Thanks for allowing me to share!

Thanks for sharing! Great reading to make me all that much more excited for next March!

 

[lynn46356]

Great review of the BC/YC MickeyT! We're planning on a June 2012 trip to either. After having stayed at both, do you have a favorite? I think I'm leaning towards BC having stayed there 11 years ago and enjoying it then. Thanks for all the great information. Welcome Home!

 

[tortoni]

Thanks MickeyT, great review.

 

[tnkrbell]

all this talk about balconies has me worried ... does anyone know if the villas all have balconies? we have a one bedroom. thanks!

another option is to ask for a first floor room and then you will definetly have a patio and chairs. We had a great room once that was next to the quite pool and it was great to just walk out to the pool at night.

 

[tnkrbell]

Love me some Harry Potter, but I also enjoyed the Percy Jackson series!

My dd says it is the BEST series!!! (percy Jackson)

 

[MickeyT]

Great review of the BC/YC MickeyT! We're planning on a June 2012 trip to either. After having stayed at both, do you have a favorite? I think I'm leaning towards BC having stayed there 11 years ago and enjoying it then. Thanks for all the great information. Welcome Home!

BC will always be home and first choice. Club Level would also BC.

That being said the time of year and availability would factor in. I never pay rack rate and if the deal (% off) view/level room is availble at YC then I'm on it. Also if I wanted a guarenteed full balcony then it's YC.

Love both resorts.

Hope this helps.

 

[pixarmom]

disadventurer and Mike, thanks so much for the reports!!! Great details in both. Mike, thanks so much for checking the pirate items - I'll send a PM - would love those photos! Just nine days away from BWI/cruise/BC, so we still have a day or two to add items to our pirate-themed surprise!

 

[tnkrbell]

I hear ya!!!!
I think I would love a 1 or 2 bedroom villa but looking at that kitchen everyday...No.Thank.You.

I guess I'm in the minority...I'd go for CL over BCV!!!

Im with you!! I would pick CL over a villa for sure!!!!!

 

[tnkrbell]

Not sure if I’m entertaining enough to do a full trip report and I have already posted a lot of the highlights while we were there. I really hate to rate restaurants because I have been places that were good/wonderful one time and then bleh the next time. But anyway here is a quick rundown of our trip from Aug 3 – Aug 7 BC SV CL and Aug 7 – Aug 9 YC GV.

We (wife, grandson and me) flew in from Charlotte and landed 9:30am so plenty of time for Magical Express. Waited a few minutes in line but they put us on the bus and it pulled right out. We stopped at Riverside first but still at BC by 10:30. Room not ready so Beaches and Cream and EPCOT here we come. Back to our awaiting room by 4pm. We got an unexpected upgrade from our SV room and thoroughly enjoyed the CL lounge. (View on page 23.) We made no room request and did not do online check in. I will say this. My best rooms/views have come when I did not do a request. I do believe that when you do area request it locks the room assignors into getting your request. Now asking for full balcony is a different matter. (More on this later.) Dinner at La Hacienda de San Angel was good. Menu was kinda hard for us to understand but waiter did and excellent job explaining the dishes.

After breakfast in the lounge (everyday) we were off to the parks. Our first full day we did early EMH at MK. Hit all our favorites and was strolling by 11:30am. (Space-twice, Splash-twice, Buzz-twice, BTTMR, HM. We had 12 o’clock ADR’s at Whispering Canyon and walked in at 12:01. Did their famous all you can eat skillet and it was wayyyyy too much food for lunch. I hurt myself. Back to BC by 2pm for some rest. Temps were above 90 so time to slow down. Instead of a park we did Fantasia Gardens Golf for our evening treat. (Less than $20 for 3 with AP discount!)

Next day we hit HS at RD and did all our rides. Plug here for one of our favorites. The Writers Stop located next to Sci Fi Drive In. We love to go in here and get (split) our favorite WDW snack, the carrot cake cookie. We sit, look at books and enjoy. Back to the room and slept. 5:30 dinner at Flying Fish. We enjoyed but really didn’t get too excited about our meal. Just didn’t feel quite as ‘signature’ as Cali Grill, Jiko and Citricos to us. Good but not Wow. We did the evening EMH at MK. The highlights of the night was seeing Wishes from Splash Mnt. And HM late at night was fun. The disappointment, Space Mnt was “down due to technical difficulties”. We left around 1:30am. Evening EMH’s are not for me. Took me a day or two to recover.

We slept in. Swam some and then over to AK for the afternoon parade. Seeing droves of people leaving a park at 3pm is always encouraging as you are heading in. Did Bugs Life and watched the Jammin Jungle parade. I love that parade for some reason. Ate at Yak & Yeti. Good food and good service. We will be back. Walked on EE three times. DW is a thrill ride junkie and she loves it. Walked on Safari’s around 6pm. Saw a lot of animals. Think maybe they feed them late in the day and it brings them out. Back to SAB and more swim/play.

Check out day at BC. I walked over to YC around 9:00 to check (see my mode of operation). Desk CM asked if I had any room preferences. We had GV booked so I blurted out ‘Gazebo’. He points to his map and says “You might be able to see the gazebo around the corner” and ask if it would be OK. I get the keys and head up. (View on page 34.) Once again>early check in, no prior room request<. Almost ran back to BC to tell DW. We get everything moved over. Very easy except DW having to pack. Transfer was seamless. Back to B&C for lunch. GS hit the pool and DW and I propped our feet up and enjoyed the room. 6pm ADR’s at Teppan Edo. Enjoyed with good service. When we left the rains came. As we were walking around WS lightening hit in the lagoon. We literally ran into Norway. We get our ponchos on after and stroll away. Mostly rain by then. Head over to Mouse Gear for some browsing and a nice gentleman gives us FP’s for Soarin. We enjoy even if we are wet!

Our last full day is back to HS. We walked over to BC and did the Marketplace/Solarium breakfast. Did feel like quite a hike. Especially after walking past Captains Grill and Cape May. Sure smelled good in there. Still at HS for opening. Same story. Rides and FP’s. We did do Animation Academy. We walked back through Animation Gallery and walked right in. For lunch we did a walkup at Brown Derby. I think of Brown Derby kind of like Flying Fish. Nice places but not on the top end of Signature (expensive) Dining. Back to room by midday for our rest. Our last night meal, Via Napoli. Our second time here and we enjoyed. Pizza is really good. Back around WS and you guessed it. More rain. Harder this time but no lightning. We buy our souvenirs and head back. Took GS down to SAB for his last swim. Almost empty so we jump in. Guess I should have worn my bathing suit. Wife gives me a pretty stern look when I get back in wet shorts.

We did Goofy’s Beach Club Breakfast for our final day. Enjoyed but not sure if worth the extra $$$$ for us. We have done about all character breakfast and really rate this one on the lower end of the scale. Saw a beautiful wedding as we were leaving. Photos inside and actual wedding outside. Think I may have had a secret desire for seafood more than breakfast. And Captains Grill has felt like a deal (with better food) for us. Spent a little over an hour in YC lobby before ME picked us up so I got to explore some. Once again, beautiful resort.

Last points.

• If full balcony is a main priority in a stay then by all means consider the Yacht Club.
• Why counter service dining was left out of Yacht Club I’ll never understand.
• Zero tour groups in parks.
• Club level worth more during HOT days.
• Someone (pixarmom?) asked about availablity of pirate merchandise. Most was common Capt Jack Sparrow stuff. Think of POC gift shop. But I did see a group of Christmas ornaments at MK that looked great. I have pic's if you want to PM me.

Thanks for allowing me to share!

I think you did a GREAT trip report!!!
I am glad you and your family had such a great trip!! I am now even more excited for my upcoming trip!!! Thanks for the report!!

 

[dgbg100106]

Thanks MickeyT, great review.

Ditto....

 

[vinotinto]

MickeyT, that was a lovely review!

Do you have a sense whether BC/YC were sold out this week?

 

[MickeyT]

MickeyT, that was a lovely review!

Do you have a sense whether BC/YC were sold out this week?

Felt like BC may have been and YC not quite. That was by AP discounts still being offered before we left.

 

[mickeymouseclubhouse]

Mickey, thanks for the great review!

We're just a month out from our trip now, so excited!

How was the construction when you were there? TIA!

 

[doccoc2002]

I am right there with you - that's why we never bought into DVC.

The last thing I want to see on vacation is a kitchen - although I have to admit I would LOVE having a washer and dryer in the room!

A. Washer & dryer would be great! I could handle that...then I wouldn't have to do it when I get home! I hate walking to the washer dryers & paying.waiting.


MickeyT thanks for the great TR. I can't wait til our stay at YC CL. I had requested close to the lounge but I'm wondering if I should take it off. I was thinking being close would be great for my recovery but I have just started to jog so I don't think it would matter being that close. Thanks again.

 

[jakeybake]

Single digits today! Family and I going on shopping spree for the trip. Works out great because cloudy and rainy in Massachusetts!

J

 

[natebenma]

Single digits today! Family and I going on shopping spree for the trip. Works out great because cloudy and rainy in Massachusetts!

J

And tax free!!!

 

[jakeybake]

And tax free!!!

Shoot, I forgot about that!! Awesome, thanks for the reminder!

J

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Less than 3 weeks until our first trip to WDW!!! I need to finalize my shopping list this week. I'm doing our pretrip shopping on Friday while the kids are in school. Our trip is a surprise so I'm in super stealth packing mode now that they are back in school!