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

[Marlton Mom]

Anyway, the reason I wanted to do Hoop-De-Do the first night is because I didn't want to use any of my Ten day park tickets that day and I still wanted the family to experience a truly unique Disney experience. Between the boat ride to get there and the show itself, I figured this was the way to go.

I also thought that by scheduling it for the final show it would give us plenty of time with travel considerations. We are on the west coast so a 9:30 dinner should feel like 6:30 to us the first night. Having said that, I have to admit that you and others have given me lots to think about!

Another thing to think about is scheduling a no parks day in the middle of the trip so you can sleep in and do the boardwalk area, Down Town Disney and maybe Hoop dee do. I know that I personally hit the wall by day 3, but I'm one of those maniacs that does rope drop and lingers after the parks close for taking photographs. Having to do the family thing by day and the photography thing by late nights wears a person out!

Ah to have the famous (infamous?) Marlton Mom comment on my plans!

Like I say, I haven't been to Disneyworld since Monika Lewinsky was topical so forgive me but I am under the impression that if I took a cab to Ft. Wilderness, it would drop me off in the front of the resort while the Hoop-De-Do is performed in the rear of the resort, near the dock. Wouldn't I then have to jump on a second bus to get over there? Based on the maps I've seen of that resort, wouldn't it just make more sense to take a boat from the Magic Kingdom? Maybe I'm wrong.

I've already considered taking roughly five or six cab rides over the course of our vacation so I'm not against taking cabs, just questioning as to whether it's the best way to get to HDD.

Thanks again!

Allen

Boy you really made me laugh because the first thing I thought of was "Gee, if I post that Borat in the lime green mankini picture again I really will be infamous"..... But I like MickeyT too much to post that pix again and traumatize him (and everybody else!) so I won't do it. For those of you that need your Mankini fix you can find the picture here, but don't say I didn't warn you!!! http://www.flickr.com/photos/marlton-mom/5603366293/in/photostream

Speaking of that Mankini shouldn't resort specific wear be hitting the shelves some time soon?? It's getting Chilly out and Borat needs a sweatshirt if he's going to hang around Storm Along Bay in his outfit.

I have not attended HDD so I wouldn't know where it is at FW but Teena has talked so lovingly of it that I decided that it will be a priority on the dining list the next time we hit WDW. Since it is close to the docks the boat would be the way to go. looks like you are doing a great job of planning your trip!! I'm really glad you're hip to the cabs. We took cabs a couple of times during the last trip and regretted nary a one.

~ Signed, The INFAMOUS MM LOLOLOLOLOL

 

[babyrich]

Leaving for the airport in about 30 minutes!!!!!

 

[MickeyT]

8AM-Cinderella's Royal Table (if we can swing the ADR)
9AM-2PM- We plan to use fastpasses and hard core touring to hit Mickey's Philharmagic / Winnie the Pooh/ Small World/ Dumbo/ Haunted Mansion/ Hall of Presidents/ Big Thunder/ Splash/ Pirates/ Flying Carpets of Aladdin/ Country Bears (not necessarily in that order) we will skip Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan, Tiki Room and come back later and do Tomorrow Land. I know it's a lot of rides, but I'm pretty good with fastpasses and we'll hopefully have the pre park opening visit to CRT so we will get breakfast out of the way.

2PM-5PM-Back to the resort for shower/swim/rest
5PM-7PM- Back to MK for Space Mountain (FP), People Mover, Monsters Laugh Floor, Stich, Carousel of Progress (maybe Buzz)


Here are my questions: How late should we get an ADR at the California Grill on that day (it's a Tuesday) to ensure we will be in our seat when Wishes is going? Is my "leave the park at 2pm and return at 5pm" going to give us enough time to do what we need to do? That is, will the Disney transportation work with this plan given that we are staying at an Epcot resort? We will have park hoppers, should we plan on taking a bus or do the whole monorail and walk thru Epcot thing? What should be our plan for leaving the Contemporary to head back to the Yacht Club after Wishes? (Monorail to MK and then bus back to the resort... though that seems like it might take forever)

Thanks to everyone!

Allen

Hey Allen,
Here is another personal opinion.
Have done Wishes from Cali Grill. Really liked it. We had the table right against the glass windows facing MK. As the waitress brought our check Wishes started. Even she commented it was perfect timing. But all seats in Cali are not facing MK. Some are back from the window and around a corner but they have an observation deck that you can go out on and watch. Another thing about Wishes from the Cali is that it is off center. The fireworks are behind Space Mnt, not the castle. Still spectacular view but we prefer from the park. Oh and there is Tinkerbell flying. Here's a couple videos with both views. Maybe you can see what I am trying to say.

From Cali
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdilScQRoYQ&feature=related

From the Magic Kingdom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdilScQRoYQ&feature=related

Anyway to answer your question. I would not take the monorail from CR after Wishes. 1) It will be crowded/full. 2) It runs counter clockwise so it will stop at TTC, Poly and Grand before getting back to MK for bus. 3) Can't do EPCOT monorail because EPCOT will be closed when Wishes finishes on your trip dates. If Using Disney buses just walk back to the bus stop from CR. Will be about a 10 minute walk. But be warned. Bus stop will be crowded. Always is after Wishes. Which brings me to best option....taxi. 20 minutes and you are back at BC door. I would make the reservation an hour before the show and show up an hour and fifteen minutes early. And tell the wait staff that you would like to stay and see Wishes.

On the three hour break. You can add 1/2 hour to 45 minutes to each end of the break for travel which will take you down to about an hour and a half to two hours of actual down time. I found that when I plan on leaving at 1pm it is always 1:30 or 2 before we leave. That is the biggest time management problem we have at WDW.

Totally agree with MM about the down day. Your can still walk over to EPCOT or HS for a stroll. Enjoy StormAlong Bay. Go enjoy the Boardwalk at night. That is when we would do the HDD.

Again would suggest subscribing to touringplans website or buying Unofficial Guide to WDW. Great touring plans mapped out in there with a lot of research behind them.

"..... But I like MickeyT too much to post that pix again and traumatize him (and everybody else!) so I won't do it.

And again, I thank you!

 

[natebenma]

Lily and her parents were first place winners in the Best Group Costume Category.

Teena's grandaughter is an adorable puppy!

 

[WendyWuWu]

Leaving for the airport in about 30 minutes!!!!!

Yayy!!! You're probably there by now. Hope you have a great time!
We'll be there in about a month. Got our DME packet Friday. Getting excited too! Our first stay at Yacht Club!

 

[TeenaS]

I have not attended HDD so I wouldn't know where it is at FW but Teena has talked so lovingly of it that I decided that it will be a priority on the dining list the next time we hit WDW. Since it is close to the docks the boat would be the way to go. looks like you are doing a great job of planning your trip!! I'm really glad you're hip to the cabs. We took cabs a couple of times during the last trip and regretted nary a one.

~ Signed, The INFAMOUS MM LOLOLOLOLOL

Hey, maybe Bob and I will join you!!!

 

[ocalla]

Teena, That is the cutest halloween pic ever!!!!

Love the theme!!!

 

[TeenaS]

Teena, That is the cutest halloween pic ever!!!!

Love the theme!!!

Thanks!!!! Aren't the holidays so much better once a young one joins the mix???

 

[GC&S]

To Laffites Landing - We took a cab last week to HDDR from BC and it was around $18. The cab will drop you off right inside the gate and then you have to take a bus to Pionneer Hall. Added about 10-15 more minutes. Our ADR was at 5 but we saw lots of people being seated between 5:15 and 5:30. They start immediately serving when you sit down. We would have taken the bus to MK and then the boat but we were running late from Epcot.

To get you in the mood:

 

[Marlton Mom]

Hey, maybe Bob and I will join you!!!

THAT'S a deal!



~MM

 

[rusty4]

ALMOST.... Seriously I am in need of the Disney get away!!! 15 days before I leave for Disney... Will I be ready?!?!... I am more than ready!!!! Lol the suitcase is already down (of course that's because I'm moving)!!!

checking these boards at least once a day to keep myself sane

I remember when you posted about your drive with your daughter and the move. Have a great trip. Sounds like it is much needed!!

Just back from 8 days at the Beach resort. We stayed at the YC last year and honestly, not much difference (except the colors). We were on the second floor with a garden view. We were close to an exit door that went out to the volleyball sand court so we walked across the grass most of the time. No walkway to use.

This is the view from our room. DH said if the tree hadn't been in the way it would have been a water view and they would have charged us more . My DD loved watching the squirrels play in the tree.

Our overall stay was good. Minor complaints - our room had dirty towels in the bathroom, the trash cans had not been emptied when we arrived; the shower and sink drains were terrible. The little buttons on the fawcets fell off (the hot/cold buttons) which wasn't major but for a deluxe price I'd like to see them intact. Mousekeeping was good; they kept leaving tons of shampoo but nothing else. And they kept moving the coffee pot. There were tons of convention people and it just amazed me how they would just walk in front of the busses.

We had a wonderful dinner at cape may and they got us in an hour before our ADR. Everyone was very nice (got to meet the infamous Teena our arrival day). Loved Storm along bay and it was never very crowded.

As always it went way to fast and hopefully we can start planning another trip (considering a disney cruise next year).

Glad that your trip went well. Sorry about the dirty towels and slow drains. I hate slow drains too. I loved the pics of storm along bay. It looked so peaceful since it was not crowded.

Thanks for the advice Mickey! I have to admit that seeing this and others' comments about my plans the first night has made me consider changing this particular part of my plan. Right now, I'm still thinking that I will continue with this plan but we'll see what the future brings. I still have time to modify it and I'm partly running it by this board to see what the Disney WORLD vets have to say. I really feel comfortable with those here on the BC/YC board because I've read every post of this thread and feel like I know you all.

Anyway, the reason I wanted to do Hoop-De-Do the first night is because I didn't want to use any of my Ten day park tickets that day and I still wanted the family to experience a truly unique Disney experience. Between the boat ride to get there and the show itself, I figured this was the way to go.

I also thought that by scheduling it for the final show it would give us plenty of time with travel considerations. We are on the west coast so a 9:30 dinner should feel like 6:30 to us the first night. Having said that, I have to admit that you and others have given me lots to think about!

Have you run your plan by your kids or is this a surprise trip? I asked Nathan who will turn 8 while there about our first 2 days since I was rethinking about our plan after seeing responses to yours. Nathan really wants to go to DTD and the Lego store on his actual Bday. He likes the idea of our first day either going to AK (we only need a few hours there) or just hanging around the Epcot resorts with no plans in set in stone. Then the next day we will go to DTD (his bday) and maybe DQ. Then dinner at Garden Grill that evening at 4:30. Gives us plenty of time to be back in room for Superbowl. Had to change our reservations around some. Changed the Cape May reservations to a night where we can get the Calamari which we love.

Anyway when talking to him most of the things he is looking forward to the most are things very low key. The arcade, Lego store and the build your own roller coaster thing in Epcot. I think that they have one in DQ as well. Oh and I forgot about the swimming. Going in Feb. so that will be hit or miss.
We are going to try and make this the first non go, go trip. Or at least try.

Years ago we did do HDDR on arrival night. We were staying at POR at the time. Don't remember the details of getting there I just know it did include the boat and we have never taken a taxi. It was a nice start to our trip. We arrived early afternoon sometime. It was a fun time but we have not rescheduled a trip there since. We are not eligible for the DDP so that factors into our dinner reservations. Have to try and keep the costs down.

BTW, I love reading about your trip plans. Helps me with mine as well!

 

[ocalla]

Teena: yes I remember well how much more fun the holidays seemed after our girls were with us!!! and now my oldest is knocking on 20's door

I think one of our favorite things at WDW, is seeing the expressions on other families young kids at Fantasyland. It's priceless.


GC&S: Thanks for posting the HDD pics. Brings back fond memories. Did it once when our oldest was 4, she had a blast since her Daddy was asked to play the Indian. HE had a blast since the person that asked him was a Very Beautiful Brunette CM!!!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Teena - How adorable! Of course it HAD to be Disney themed!!!

If you think Halloween is great with the baby - just wait until Christmas!

 

[rusty4]

Lily and her parents were first place winners in the Best Group Costume Category.

Teena's grandaughter is an adorable puppy!

Wow! What a sweetie she is.

 

[nannette]

Hope your trip is here soon!

Not soon enough.. but very soon!! Have a great trip!

That is a lot of change! I was going to post today and ask how you are doing since we haven't heard from you in a bit (understandable). I'm sorry about the ferret.

Your amazing trip is coming SOON!!!

Thanks Dee. I CANNOT wait for the amazing trip... it's like the light at the end of the loooonnnggg tunnel!!

I was wondering how you were making out! Sorry to hear about the ferret but think of all the dust bunnies you'll be making friends with.

~Marlton Mom

Lol I can always count on you for laughs!! The memories that are flooding back are unreal.... and so much stuff to go through, throwing out a lot of junk and I will be clutter free!!! HELLO DISNEY!!

Lily and her parents were first place winners in the Best Group Costume Category.

Lily is adorable love all the pics we are honored to see!!

I remember when you posted about your drive with your daughter and the move. Have a great trip. Sounds like it is much needed!!

That drive was so much fun!!! But the Disney trip will be amazing and it is the light at the end of the tunnel!!


~Nannette

 

[Mississippianna]

I just wanted to share. I got an my "About your resort" Disney Destinations e-mail over the weekend. They are sending out an old resort map:
http://images.disneydestinations.com/ps/maps/Y&B-JITDocs.pdf

Thanks to this board, I know not to expect a playground, and that Yacht Club Galley is now Captain's Grille. Looks like, based on the code at bottom left, this map is from 2001. What other errors do y'all see?

On the Activities Guide, it mentions special activities for 10/31 and says to check the "Halloween Activities Guide." I wish that had been attached, too. I'd like to know what will be going on. I'm excited to see that they'll be showing "The Nightmare Before Christmas." I also wish they'd sent me the November Activities Guide, too.

 

[MickeyMinnie1971]

We just returned from a wonderful stay at BC CL. It was wonderful from the moment we pulled up. When we got out of the car there was someone there to get our bags and take us to our room. We arrived around noon, so we were pleasantly surprised that our room was ready.

The food offerings were very similar to our last stay in Dec., and if something was running low it was quickly replenished. The CL CM's were all very helpful and friendly. The lounge did get crowded at peak times. They could definitely use more space for tables.

Mousekeeping was wonderful as well. When we checked in we were asked what time we preferred our room to be cleaned. We chose mid morning and it was always clean when we came back for a break from the parks. We had turndown service each evening.

It's a wonderful resort and it is so convenient to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. We used the boat to go to and from Hollywood Studios. We never waited more than a few minutes for a boat. We didn't use the bus transportation, so I can't speak to that. Now on to planning the next trip!

 

[Feckless]

Hey Feckless!....Went and checked both Easy and TP. Are you still scheduled for May 1- May 11? Couldn't find May operating hours on Easywdw. But went to my crowd calendar on TP and it had 9pm for each day of your visit. I confirmed this with the official Disney calendar.

Now a neat tool that is one of my main planning resources. This is Disney's official hours calendar that is usually published first. They will change this calendar before they actually make the changes on their website.
Now to open this you have to have Adobe Reader installed on your computer.
When you open it will default to the month in the address bar. If you look right before the .pdf in the address there is a three alphabet code for the month. (jan, feb, mar etc....) Just change the letters to the month you want and it will bring up Disney's most current calendar. Here it is with the May address. Try it and see if you can get it to work.

http://media.disneywebcontent.com/S.../pdf/ParkHours/WDW_Operating_Calendar_may.pdf

Good luck and happy planning!

Thanks for that, Mike! I really appreciate it. Touring Plans have now updated with the Fantasmic showing every night at 9. I can't find my working sheets of paper with my basic plans, etc., which sucks!! Oh well, I think I will start again as it seems that the information has changed anyway!

 

[MickeyT]

[

Our overall stay was good. Minor complaints - our room had dirty towels in the bathroom, the trash cans had not been emptied when we arrived; the shower and sink drains were terrible. The little buttons on the fawcets fell off (the hot/cold buttons) which wasn't major but for a deluxe price I'd like to see them intact......

Hey GC&S...You may have already done so but I encourage you to tell Disney of any problems. I really think they want to know when there is something not magical with your trip. Here is a copy and paste of customer relations from the first page.

Who can I contact if I have concerns about something during my vacation, I have a great suggestion or better still, to compliment something wonderful about my trip or to recognize a CM who helped make my stay magical?

Comments, Compliments or Complaints:

You can go to City Hall or Guest Relations during your stay

or email
wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

or send a letter to:
Walt Disney World Guest Communications
Executive Offices
Post Office Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-0040

When you write or email, please include your name, address, phone number and email address.

 

[MickeyT]

Ok feel better now that I've vented!

checking these boards at least once a day to keep myself sane

Hey nannette. Hope this week is going better. Life can seem upside down sometimes. Checking the boards and venting are two of the main reasons we are here.