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

[jaceraden]

No, for those of you who are wondering, I didn't get an awesome comp from the manager of the YC or Disney... I just decided we needed to go back SOON, before I run out of things to plan!

We'll be staying at one of those *other* resorts, but it will still be a great trip. Now, I just need to keep this trip a secret from my DH (those of you who know me, know I stink at secrets...but this time I'll get it right!!!)

Oooooh. This sounds interesting. Just please, please don't say that you're staying at BWI.

GL keeping the secret. I would have told already if it were me so I know what you mean about being a lousy secret keeper!

 

[vinotinto]

OK, all this talk about pool closings is making me wonder about pool openings. When we stayed at the Poly, we went swimming one day at 9 am. The slide didn't open until 10 am, though. Is that the same deal at SAB? On our departure day, I was thinking of just hanging at the pool 9-11 am, before lunch and heading out, instead of visitng a park.

 

[vinotinto]

Less than a week to go and I have one more question! What is a good place to watch Illuminations from at Epcot, that is near the Int'l Gateway? And how far in advance do I need to claim my spot, if it's fairly busy (it will be busy - we'll be there Columbus Day weekend).

TIA

P.S. - We're not telling the kids we're going to WDW. We're sticking them in the car at 6 am and driving down to FL. Let's see how long it takes them to figure out where we are going.

 

[oeshpdog2]

I’m a newbie to this thread and wanted to say thanks for all the great information. I haven’t had a chance to read it all but what I have read has been so helpful. My DH and I just returned from a week’s stay at Pop with his entire family (eight other people) for my in-laws’ 50th anniversary. Although we had a good time, the trip was stressful for many different reasons. So we have already booked a return trip for the fourth week in January and I am so excited to finally be staying where I’ve dreamed of staying for years . . . Beach Club! One of the main reasons I’ve always wanted to stay there is Stormalong Bay so I’m thrilled but it’s finally hit me that we’re staying there . . . in January. I’ve researched the weather and read a lot of posts about swimming in January and I know it’s unpredictable. However, I would love to get any additional insight or your experiences swimming in the winter months.

Since we got free dining, we’ll also be trying seven new (to us!) table-service restaurants and would love to hear what you think of any of them:

Liberty Tree Tavern
Cape May Café
Via Napoli
Sanaa
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Chef Mickey’s (character breakfast)
Biergarten

All meals are dinner except Chef Mickey’s.

One more question . . . we are planning to have plenty of relaxation time on this trip and, for me that means a massage. I know massages are available at the fitness center at the Beach Club. Has anyone used those services or would we be better off visiting one of the spas? I think the Grand Floridian spa might be closed for refurbishment.

Thanks in advance for any comments. I’ll be glad to take any additional advice you think a beach club newbie should have!

 

[Marlton Mom]

Since we got free dining, we’ll also be trying seven new (to us!) table-service restaurants and would love to hear what you think of any of them:

Liberty Tree Tavern
Cape May Café
Via Napoli
Sanaa
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Chef Mickey’s (character breakfast)
Biergarten

WELCOME!!!

I'll go in order:
LTT: we haven't been there in awhile so I can't really comment.

CMC: We got in a lot later than expected and we were desperate for some place to eat after missing our ADR. Not only did staff at the front of the house help us out but the staff waiting on us was very kind and very helpful. Our waitress showed us how to crack a crab leg and she gave us pointers for selecting the best ones (think big chubby legs!)
The buffet was always kept well stocked and if you asked for assistance the staff was kind enough to help you! I'd give the food a B+ too.

VN: Have not been there, did not do that. Generally speaking Italian places and very low on our list to eat at.

Saana: DNT = did not try.

Akershus: We loved this place. We dragged DS 12 to the Princess dinner and, after several threats of his impending death, he was such a good sport about posing with the Princesses for Mom to take pictures of. The Food was very, very good, especially if you like seafood, which was super fresh and masterfully prepared. I had the pork and the Princess loving son (NOT!) had the chicken and everybody enjoyed theirs. The cold appetizer bar was also very good. Skip a meal and go hungry, you'll be happy you have the room.


Aurora and Evan June 2011 by Marlton Mom, on Flickr

This is my dear son Evan, who was kind enough to let his Mother drag him to the Princess Dinner at Akershus and be photographed with all the Princesses. As you can see here Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) has a firm grip on his elbow to prevent him from running away from her. When Evan was 4 years old he was on the receiving end of an unexpected peck on the cheek from Cinderella and he's been wary of Princesses ever since!


Evan and Princess Ariel june 2011 by Marlton Mom, on Flickr

This Princess is getting WAAAY too close!

Now back to the restaurants.

Chef Mickey's: we have not tried.

The Biergarten: This is our absolute family favorite at EPCOT. Aside from having a zero amount of Princesses, unless you count the dirndl wearing waitresses, this place has a fun atmosphere and a great selection of food. On a trip years ago we were "burger and fries to death" due to budget reasons. The salad bar here was a refreshing respite and there were many types of veggie salads to choose from. A lot of people don't realize that you can get pretzel rolls here, round in shape unlike the pretzel roll logs served at Le Cellier. Having had both I can tell you they are identical except for the shape and we shamelessly bring zip lock bags to cram some extra in for an after park snack. If you have kids dining with you they will love the short white wurst, which is really just a hot dog, mildly flavored, with out all that food coloring. They also have a fresh selection of carved meats so this is the place that everyone can find something delectable at. Every so often the Biergarten band puts on a show of polkas and other favorites so this makes this experience even more enjoyable.

4 years ago we spent two weeks in the Bavarian part of Germany and let me tell you German food in the real, Germany SUCKS! The quality of ingredients and the recipes used at EPCOT's Biergarten far exceeds anything you will find in the real Germany.

I hope that helps. You made some fine choices and you are in for a good time. Don't be bashful and post away!

~Marlton Mom

 

[msminnieears]

Hoping to stay here on our next visit!!!

 

[ChipnDaleRule]

Less than a week to go and I have one more question! What is a good place to watch Illuminations from at Epcot, that is near the Int'l Gateway? And how far in advance do I need to claim my spot, if it's fairly busy (it will be busy - we'll be there Columbus Day weekend).

TIA

P.S. - We're not telling the kids we're going to WDW. We're sticking them in the car at 6 am and driving down to FL. Let's see how long it takes them to figure out where we are going.

The best place to stand for Illuminations is on the bridge between the UK and France. It will be a five minute walk from BC.

On our last trip we didn't tell the children until that very morning too, it was the hardest secret I've ever kept, but well worth it. Good.luck.

 

[natebenma]

I just booked a 3 night surprise Valentine's weekend at Disney!!!

We'll be staying at one of those *other* resorts, but it will still be a great trip. Now, I just need to keep this trip a secret from my DH (those of you who know me, know I stink at secrets...but this time I'll get it right!!!)

Congratulations on your romantic Valentine's weekend trip!

But keeping it a secret? Judging from your anniversary gift episode, you keep a secret as well as Peter Pettigrew (nerdy HP reference), so I give it until November!



.

 

[nannette]

YAY!!! Finally.... We're going to Disney World NEXT month!!! I've been waiting well over a year to say that!!!!

Back to packing for the move...

~Nannette

 

[HelenParr]

OK, all this talk about pool closings is making me wonder about pool openings. When we stayed at the Poly, we went swimming one day at 9 am. The slide didn't open until 10 am, though. Is that the same deal at SAB? On our departure day, I was thinking of just hanging at the pool 9-11 am, before lunch and heading out, instead of visitng a park.

In my experience, in non-summer months, SAB often opens at 10am. It does vary. You can always hang out at one of the quiet pools!

 

[WendyWuWu]

YAY!!! Finally.... We're going to Disney World NEXT month!!! I've been waiting well over a year to say that!!!!

Back to packing for the move...

~Nannette

Nannette!!!....I just realized reading this that we'll be at Disney NEXT month too!!!! November has seemed so far away, but finally it's next month! That almost makes me sad though. I'm afraid it'll be here and gone before I know it. I mean, the anticipation of going and the planning is at least half the fun IMO.

 

[natebenma]

Almost forgot:

Walt Disney World!!!

 

[dgbg100106]

Today is my wedding anniversary also... So Happy Birthday to Walt Disney World!!!!

I just Love October 1st....

 

[poohlover]

Newbie to this section of the boards.

Just upgraded from PORS to YC for our Thanksgiving week vacation!! Any special things we should not miss at this hotel?

We've never stayed in the Epcot area so anything different here is appreciated information. Our first whole day will be at the hotel I believe...or our last not positive how it will work best yet...getting into orlando at 9:30 am so we should be a the hotel early...plus we don't leave until 6 pm our last day.

Any suggestions appreciated!

 

[Sue M]

Newbie to this section of the boards.

Just upgraded from PORS to YC for our Thanksgiving week vacation!! Any special things we should not miss at this hotel?

We've never stayed in the Epcot area so anything different here is appreciated information. Our first whole day will be at the hotel I believe...or our last not positive how it will work best yet...getting into orlando at 9:30 am so we should be a the hotel early...plus we don't leave until 6 pm our last day.

Any suggestions appreciated!

Congrats! Hope you're lucky and your room will be ready. If not, you can just leave your bags with Bell service, and head to the parks.
We loved being able to walk to Epcot, around the Boardwalk, and walk or boat to DHS.

We loved our dinners at Cape May and Captains Grille. We got The Kitchen Sink at Beaches & Cream

Our return flight was a 6pm one too. We decided to just hang out at the resort, asked for a late check out. We spent the morning at SAB, then went back to our room to shower. Checked out, took our luggage down for airline check in by 12:45. Then had lunch at Hurricane Hannas, shopped at Marketplace, and was at DME stop at 2:45 for 3pm pick up.

 

[Sue M]

Someone just posted on the resort board that Disney Visa Discounts are out now, and will be released to GP on Oct 5
25% value, 30% mod & 35% deluxe.

personally I was hopping for 40% deluxe, am currently booked at POR, don't know if 35% is enough to entice me over to deluxe, this is supposed to be a budget trip, sorta esp. with the Canadian dollar falling

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Today is my wedding anniversary also... So Happy Birthday to Walt Disney World!!!!

I just Love October 1st....

Congrats! And have a blast starting tomorrow and good luck today with that "last 24 hours always go by so slow" challenge.



For the records ; I just changed my reservation. Had one for a standard view CL room at BC since I really wanted to be in the area but even with my PIN it was kinda too expensive for this trip. Kept checking daily, but nothing avail. with my PIN. Luckily ran into a "last minute" promo with WDTC UK which offered basically 30% off any resort and roomtype available (which differs a lot from US availability and pricing). Crunches some numbers, looked at exchange rates and........ Found I could book my dec 1st-6th dates at a pool/water view room at both BC or YC for the same price as a standard view room with my US PIN would've been if it had been available. Now I can stay within budget and really start to enjoy being booked at the BC! OK, I gave up the CL but with the money saved I can easily pay for all of my food and drinks during my total of 17 nights at WDW, including anything I would've munched on from the lounge and have some $$ left for my planned shopping budget.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Someone just posted on the resort board that Disney Visa Discounts are out now, and will be released to GP on Oct 5
25% value, 30% mod & 35% deluxe.

personally I was hopping for 40% deluxe, am currently booked at POR, don't know if 35% is enough to entice me over to deluxe, this is supposed to be a budget trip, sorta esp. with the Canadian dollar falling

I doubt they'll release anything with 40%, when looking at all of the PINs being offered that all have a max. of 35% off. Usually the PINs are at least equal if not better than general offers. Or better said; at least for december which is what I've been keeping an eye out on.

Whatever happens; you'll be at WDW and POR also is a lovely resort to stay at. Fingers crossed you'll end up with whatever fits you best over all, in the end.

 

[jenneth79]

Today is my wedding anniversary also... So Happy Birthday to Walt Disney World!!!!

I just Love October 1st....

Happy Anniversary!

 

[dgbg100106]

Congrats! And have a blast starting tomorrow and good luck today with that "last 24 hours always go by so slow" challenge.



For the records ; I just changed my reservation. Had one for a standard view CL room at BC since I really wanted to be in the area but even with my PIN it was kinda too expensive for this trip. Kept checking daily, but nothing avail. with my PIN. Luckily ran into a "last minute" promo with WDTC UK which offered basically 30% off any resort and roomtype available (which differs a lot from US availability and pricing). Crunches some numbers, looked at exchange rates and........ Found I could book my dec 1st-6th dates at a pool/water view room at both BC or YC for the same price as a standard view room with my US PIN would've been if it had been available. Now I can stay within budget and really start to enjoy being booked at the BC! OK, I gave up the CL but with the money saved I can easily pay for all of my food and drinks during my total of 17 nights at WDW, including anything I would've munched on from the lounge and have some $$ left for my planned shopping budget.

Thanks, and the pins help but you still will have a wonderful trip even if you don't move...