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

[jaceraden]

I am getting so excited about this trip and trying to get planned, prepared, etc. Meanwhile my Mom and Aunt/Uncle have booked a tropical vacation and want me to come.... 2 weeks before Disney!!!!! How do I decide whether or not to go???

I think this is a good question for the peeps on here who have kids and who've travelled a lot. Would your kids tolerate two trips in a row with little "normal" time in between? Or is it just too much?

For reference, my littles are almost 3 and 4.

 

[natebenma]

Hi all-

The October movie list has been published by Build a Better Mousetrip:

Sundays - The Adventures of Ichabod & Mr. Toad
Mondays - Dumbo
Tuesdays - The Princess & The Frog
Wednesdays - Spooky Buddies
Thursdays - Mars Needs Moms
Fridays - The Lion King
Saturdays - Hocus Pocus


Can someone who is staying club level at either BC or YC this month get an activities schedule from IPO (I think they will email it to you). If you could forward it to me, I will put the schedule up onto the first page of the link.

You can email me at beachclubdee at yahoo dot com

Thanks!

Dee

 

[natebenma]

I am getting so excited about this trip and trying to get planned, prepared, etc. Meanwhile my Mom and Aunt/Uncle have booked a tropical vacation and want me to come.... 2 weeks before Disney!!!!! How do I decide whether or not to go???

I think this is a good question for the peeps on here who have kids and who've travelled a lot. Would your kids tolerate two trips in a row with little "normal" time in between? Or is it just too much?

For reference, my littles are almost 3 and 4.

A good problem to have!!!

My boys first trip (to Disney) was when they were 3 and 6, then we didn't travel with them until they were 6 and 9, so I don't have ae lot of experience vacationing with little ones, but I do have questions for you:

Do you need passports? Do you all have them? (I'm guessing yes, since you will need them for Disney, right)

Have your kids flown? How do they do?

Where is the tropical trip? Is it a place where you can plop down on the beach, with lots of activities for kids (better still, a kids club) and a playground? Or would it be a go-go-go vacation. Today is Monday so we are going to climb a Mayan ruin?

Meals- buffet style or fancy schmancy a la carte?

Would this be a relaxing vacation for you, with lots of help from your mom and aunt/uncle or would you be stressed out?

Personally, I think that kids can adapt to the situation, but if you are not going to be able to enjoy it, then it is not worth it.

 

[natebenma]

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).

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.

I agree. This is where I always watch- sooooo convenient to get back to the resort. Views are decent. Probably not the best you can get around WS, but worth it for the ease in exiting. I usually get there pretty close to 9- I am usually not in the first row against the fence, but I could see ok.

Here is the link to my 2010 trip report that has a few pictures from this vantage point: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39262708&postcount=371

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.

We have been to Chef Mickey's for breakfast a couple of time. Fun character meal. Gummy bears and brownies for breakfast!

Here's the review of the Cape May from my TR- LOVE it. So convenient when you are staying at the resort!

Cape May Café http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39233880&postcount=370


Haven't eaten at any of the other places, but I have only read raves about Saana!

Just upgraded from PORS to YC for our Thanksgiving week vacation!!

Congrats!

Would you like be added to the page 1 Guest list? What are your checkin/checkout dates?

Yay we're on the list!!! Thank you Now I have to keep my dd from seeing it, she thinks we're leaving on the 17th when actually we are going on her real bday the 16th. I can't wait to get her from school and say "We are going to Disney now!!!"

Do you want us to put up fake dates??? I would hate to be the one to spoil the surprise!

 

[jaceraden]

A good problem to have!!!

My boys first trip (to Disney) was when they were 3 and 6, then we didn't travel with them until they were 6 and 9, so I don't have ae lot of experience vacationing with little ones, but I do have questions for you:

Do you need passports? Do you all have them? (I'm guessing yes, since you will need them for Disney, right)

Have your kids flown? How do they do?

Where is the tropical trip? Is it a place where you can plop down on the beach, with lots of activities for kids (better still, a kids club) and a playground? Or would it be a go-go-go vacation. Today is Monday so we are going to climb a Mayan ruin?

Meals- buffet style or fancy schmancy a la carte?

Would this be a relaxing vacation for you, with lots of help from your mom and aunt/uncle or would you be stressed out?

Personally, I think that kids can adapt to the situation, but if you are not going to be able to enjoy it, then it is not worth it.

It's basically a beach bum week. Buffet meals and/or prep in kitchenette, sit on beach and play/swim. No kids club, no activities, etc. that I'm aware of. My Aunt/Uncle are super helpful with the kiddoes. We've done the plane thing a few times and it went OK but then again my son had a **** to comfort him. We're past that now so who knows.

Thanks for the input. Keep it coming! I've got to make this decision soon - Nov. 1st is coming quick!

 

[jaceraden]

GASP! My first profanity filter! Who knew that was profane????

To recap: My son was breastfed on the last two trips we went on so that might be why the rides went so well....

 

[Bstanley]

A question for those that have stayed at the Y&B Club.

I have some Door Decorations that I am wondering how to attach to the room door.

Are the doors metal? (I'm thinking magnets)

Is Disney OK with the 3M 'Command' hooks on the doors?

Rivets?

 

[Feckless]

OMG I think my ticker starts with a SIX today!!!! How the heck did that happen???? I am also celebrating my 40th anniversary of my first WDW trip - I remember being there, I remember the HM but not a whole lot else. I do remember walking on the rides.... The park was empty the day we were there!

Now I am obsessed with ADRs! This is my current list:

'Ohana - want to be able to watch Wishes from the beach afterwards.
Via Napoli
Tutto Italia - DHs father is Italian and he wants to try these restaurants.
Brown Derby Fantasmic package - we missed Fantasmic last trip!
Saana - the kid's would love eating with the view of the animals, but I can't say that they would love the food!
Cape May character breakfast
Le Cellier lunch, just 'cause
Chefs de France - want the kids to show off their French! They are both in French Immersion
Biergarten
Crystal Palace - I'm thinking character breakfast and get in the park early? DD still loves Winnie the Pooh

We are staying CL right now but I might downgrade, especially if we get free dining.

Comments, suggestions? We are going on a short 5 day trip to Ottawa (DH and kid's are accompanying me on a conference) and we leave on the 2nd. I have to have all my ADRs sussed out before the morning of the 1st because it's gonna be madness!!!

I need to get the Touring Plans worked out to give me an idea of best dates, etc. but I am waiting for the 2012 Unofficial Guide to come out on Kobo so I can get the discount for the online site. I don't want to be lugging it around! I bought the Colour Companion to give me my paper book fix.

 

[NMBCFangirl]

I'm a longtime lurker, but I had to join up today because I just confirmed my reservation for our first stay at The Yacht Club.

The hubby and I decided during our second trip to WDW last year that we'd like to make it a semi-annual occurrence. Being big on walking, we thought a jaunt from Epcot to Hollywood Studios looked fun, and as we passed Beach and Yacht Clubs along the way the husband turned to me and asked, "Hey, lady. Why aren't we staying THERE?!? How cool is that place?"

Thanks to reading the wonderful threads here, we decided to go for it. Next October, we're going Deluxe, and staying right next to our favorite park, Epcot. Arrival October 13th, and staying until October 20th 2012.

 

[natebenma]

to the DIS and to the Yacht & Beach club forum.

Since you provided me with your dates, I'll add ya to our Guest List!

 

[pixarmom]

I am getting so excited about this trip and trying to get planned, prepared, etc. Meanwhile my Mom and Aunt/Uncle have booked a tropical vacation and want me to come.... 2 weeks before Disney!!!!! How do I decide whether or not to go???

I think this is a good question for the peeps on here who have kids and who've travelled a lot. Would your kids tolerate two trips in a row with little "normal" time in between? Or is it just too much?

For reference, my littles are almost 3 and 4.

I'd say we travel relatively frequently for a family of 5 with three kids, so I'll throw in my advice! It really depends on the kids and you! I think Dee listed great questions to consider, and I'll add some thoughts based on our experience.

Our older boys could travel anywhere for any period of time when they were 3 and 4 years old. They love to travel and were up for anything at that age. At 11 and 12, they're still outstanding - they just have stronger opinions to express. So for them, I wouldn't even give it a second thought. If your kids are like that, you're set to do both!

Our youngest is four years old, and he requires a little more preparation for trips than our older boys ever did. He is very into structure/routine and does best when we stick to routine at home. Back-to-back trips are no problem, as long as he knows what to expect. For each trip, I make a "trip book," which is just a story I write (with lots of pictures) explaining in his terms what we'll do and where we'll go. I print, 3-hole punch, and stick in a plastic cover. And it's a new bedtime/quiet time story for weeks! He will have a total of seven roundtrip flights in 2011 (two were back-to-back) and those trip books are key! So if one or both of your kids need preparation before trips, that's an idea that might help a bit.

As Dee mentioned, it depends on how your kids do with certain types of activities. Sounds like your tropical vacation would be very kid-friendly for little ones as long as they enjoy the beach or there are enough other activities around to keep them entertained.

I think it also depends on your view of vacations. I love to travel - it's a ton of fun and it takes lots of energy. But that's OK - I love this time with our kids and I'll relax later! So if you're up for it, then go!!!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[MickeyMinnie1971]

Does anyone know if there is still construction going on at BC? We check in on the 15th.

 

[JanetMom]

I'm a longtime lurker, but I had to join up today because I just confirmed my reservation for our first stay at The Yacht Club.

The hubby and I decided during our second trip to WDW last year that we'd like to make it a semi-annual occurrence. Being big on walking, we thought a jaunt from Epcot to Hollywood Studios looked fun, and as we passed Beach and Yacht Clubs along the way the husband turned to me and asked, "Hey, lady. Why aren't we staying THERE?!? How cool is that place?"

Thanks to reading the wonderful threads here, we decided to go for it. Next October, we're going Deluxe, and staying right next to our favorite park, Epcot. Arrival October 13th, and staying until October 20th 2012.

Congratulations! Your story sounds like ours.

On our last trip we went to eat at the Boardwalk one day and as we walked past the BC/YC we said "this is where we should stay on our next trip".

We will not be arriving at YC until next March, but we made our reservations last March. So I know the excitement you are feeling with a reservation booked, and the pain of having to wait an entire year!

The good news is that time does pass and that this board is a great place to spend your time!

Happy reading.

 

[dgbg100106]

I just meet Teena.

 

[natebenma]

I just meet Teena.

Woo-hoo! Thanks for letting us know! Ain't she sweet?

 

[NMBCFangirl]

to the DIS and to the Yacht & Beach club forum.

Since you provided me with your dates, I'll add ya to our Guest List!

Yay! That makes next October feel not so scarily far away.

Congratulations! Your story sounds like ours.

On our last trip we went to eat at the Boardwalk one day and as we walked past the BC/YC we said "this is where we should stay on our next trip".

We will not be arriving at YC until next March, but we made our reservations last March. So I know the excitement you are feeling with a reservation booked, and the pain of having to wait an entire year!

The good news is that time does pass and that this board is a great place to spend your time!

Happy reading.

Thank you! That's another great thing about this place...knowing you're not alone in counting "days till Disney" that far in advance.

 

[suemom2kay]

I just meet Teena.

Love me some Teena!!!

Tell her Sue (mtbmom) said "hi! Also, please tell her that I shipped my phone book back to the Beach Club Villas after weeks of guilt!

 

[LaurieN]

I'm a longtime lurker, but I had to join up today because I just confirmed my reservation for our first stay at The Yacht Club.

The hubby and I decided during our second trip to WDW last year that we'd like to make it a semi-annual occurrence. Being big on walking, we thought a jaunt from Epcot to Hollywood Studios looked fun, and as we passed Beach and Yacht Clubs along the way the husband turned to me and asked, "Hey, lady. Why aren't we staying THERE?!? How cool is that place?"

Thanks to reading the wonderful threads here, we decided to go for it. Next October, we're going Deluxe, and staying right next to our favorite park, Epcot. Arrival October 13th, and staying until October 20th 2012.

I laughed when I read your post because I had a similar conversation with my DH. We had gone to Beach Club for a photo session and when we arrived he looked at me and said "WHY are we not staying here?". He actually wanted to see if we could switch resorts right then and there! It didn't make much sense to me since we were leaving in 2 days. He then told our next trip would be at the Beach Club or he wasn't going....who am I to disagree
Laurie

October 2012 isn't too far away, it's already October 2011. I've been planning my trip for almost 2 years and it's hard to believe I'm going next month!!!!!

 

[pmdeve]

We are coming back! Dec 11 to 14 to celebrate our anniversary! I am reading this thread again from post 1. I am soooo excited. Add us to the list!

 

[rusty4]

I just meet Teena.

Yeah! I am so looking forward to meeting Teena on out trip.