2012/2013 Beach and Yacht FAQ- Closing Soon- New Thread Started- Don't Post Here

[bigAWL]

I'm not sure if this is true in all cases.

When we were staying at the CR in 2010, we wanted to go over to the BC resort in the morning, so we walked to MK to get a bus to the BC. At first we thought that since the park had just opened they wouldn't be running buses back to the resort, and there was no one in the lines for the resort buses. After standing in the BC bus line for only a couple of minutes, I saw a transit supervisor so I went over to ask him if the buses were running to the resorts and he said that as soon as he saw us he had called for a bus to come, and that we just needed to wait a few more minutes.

I think they may not have regular buses running from teh parks to the resorts in the morning, but they do call one over if they see people waiting in the lines.

I think it's definitely better to try to talk to a CM at the bus stop, than to just wait there and assume there's a bus coming.

 

[Angeejoe]

Love The Uofficial Guide. They give some really good advice. And learned how to tour the parks with them!! Don't know why they didn't like Sci Fi. Your right about the lack of good food at DHS. So that's a good lunch option for us, along with 50's. their fried chicken is really good! Starring Rolls has good sandwiches, and cupcakes to die for
Boy, you put down the salad and entree!!! . We went for lunch, and that salad is a meal in itself. We wanted to save room for the grapefruit cake too. I liked it, but nothing I'd go out of my way for. I think we may book a lunch there again for this next trip.

The Guidebook pretty much sad the Sci Fi was cool inside, but food just so so.

We did 50s prime time 2 trips ago, it didn't wow me, but it wasn't bad either.

I ate some of salad & most of the filet. Next time DH & I will need to split the salad.

I've always want to try Garden Grille & noe BOG. Have you been to either, what do you think of them if you have?

 

[natebenma]

Dee good luck to you and your family. Having power is a good thing. I have friends in Hull, MA, Commack, NY (30") and Hamden, CT (40"). They are posting their stories and photos on Facebook.

Thanks! We consider ourselves very lucky. We didn't really have any issue to complain about. Except school is closed tomorrow. Not thrilled with that.

So incredible to hear about the places that got 3+ feet!

Just saw pictures on Facebook and the news of kids sledding down a street in Charlestown that hasn't been plowed yet.

Powers back on

So glad to hear that!

 

[pixarmom]

Just wanted to add to the EagleScout's reply above:

I think the main reason to do the advanced online checkin is so that you don't have to wait in a potentially long check-in line*. At CL, the line is going to be the same (usually none) whether you did online or not.

* Although with the new MDE stuff, that may change and there may be further advantages.

Your room should already be assigned based on your requests and I don't necessarily think the online checkin will have an impact on whether or not the room requests are granted. I think... The online checkin mainly ensures that your keys and packet are ready when you arrive. You don't have to wait for the info to be entered into the computer.

I haven't done the online checkin. What are the options provided for room requests? It's still a set checklist, right? Or can you add a request in words?

I'm honestly not sure if checking in 10 days in advance, with a request of a full balcony gives you a better shot at the balcony than if you just arrive and checkin at the desk in person.

Anyone have opinions about that?

I have really changed my view of online check-in recently. For our recent stay, I phoned in our requests for Poly and BWI. Because we stayed CL at BWI, I also reiterated our request in an e-mail to IPO. But a few things changed my view of online check-in:

1) The new ability to confirm specific requests during the on-line check in process. The system allowed me to check "Boardwalk view" at BWI and choose both a specific longhouse and 3rd floor at Poly. Wow - when I saw that, I decided it was worth doing. So while it's a set checklist, it's a checklist of requests that are actually right on point and very useful! So if you can check "large balcony" for BC now, I'll do online check-in from now on at BC, too.

2) I decided that after noting my requests in 2-3 places for each resort, I was going to be done. I was going to take what they assigned, unless we arrived at the room and found something wrong with it. In that case, I'd go back to the regular front desk line and sort it out. But no need - it was all good.

And with online check-in available 60 days in advance, something about it was just more compelling than in the past.

It worked VERY well on this trip. Both Poly and BWI granted our EXACT requests. Even though we stayed CL at BWI, and there was no issue of long lines for check-in, I wanted to get that "boardwalk view" request in everywhere I could.

PixarMom

Regarding the soy milk, something called Pearl was in stock at BC Marketplace last October. I think it's soy milk. You can see it near the milk in the photo of the case in my BC Marketplace photo thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3007564


Thanks for the info on the Pearl Soy Milk. Looks like single serve, which is fine, since it is only one DS & myself who drink it. I usually keep it handy for coffee anyway. I know many coffee spots in WDW have it in stock, but I try not to depend on it. And no one in my family wants to deal with Mama until she has had her coffee. lol

And thanks too for all of your wonderful photos. I, too, have found our spot at SAB. I think I am even more excited now than I was before... if that is even possible.

Yay! Hope you have a wonderful trip!!

Is the best way back from AK resort, poly and WL either taxi or bus to epcot then walk back to yacht club. We have ADR's there and I'm trying to get the plan together.

I am a huge fan of taxis from the Epcot resort area to the MK or AK resorts and back for dinner. Just cab direct from resort to resort and no need to go through a park. No worries about the timing and more time to relax at YC! It's worth the extra cost to us. We'll take Disney transportation for ADRs in parks or if our ADR is in the same resort area.

 

[PittPantherfan]

The Guidebook pretty much sad the Sci Fi was cool inside, but food just so so.

We did 50s prime time 2 trips ago, it didn't wow me, but it wasn't bad either.

I ate some of salad & most of the filet. Next time DH & I will need to split the salad.

I've always want to try Garden Grille & noe BOG. Have you been to either, what do you think of them if you have?

We have eaten at Garden Grille and loved it. It is a less hectic character interaction and we saw the characters a lot during dinner. Food was good and plentiful. It seemed really fresh. My kids loved it. We did it the first night and then hopped the monorail to MK. For us, our vacation doesn't seem to really start until we get to MK.

 

[logpey]

Thanks everyone so much for ALL your info on early check-in pro's & con's!!!!

Are y'all watching the Grammy's?????

 

[pixarmom]

I've always want to try Garden Grille & noe BOG. Have you been to either, what do you think of them if you have?

Garden Grill is our arrival night tradition and our boys' favorite character meal in all of WDW. We've also been to CRT, Akershus, Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, Tusker House, Hollywood and Vine, Cape May and Ohana. The only ones we've not been to are Garden Grove at the Swan and 1900 Park Fare. No question Garden Grill is the best. (No offense to Cape May, but we like character dinners better than breakfasts - just a personal preference!) Our most recent GG meal was on January 26, and we had a great time as usual. It's the most relaxed character meal on property. I love that they serve everything family style, so you don't need to juggle plates or be concerned that you'll miss characters and have to ask them to return. The food is usually pretty good for a character meal. Funny thing is that the best part of the meal is always different - sometimes the salad is great, sometimes the steak is great, sometimes the fish is great, etc. But the rolls and mashed potatoes are always very good. If you go, I highly recommend requesting a booth on the lower level. (For breakfast, Ohana, Cape May and Tusker are our favorites.)

Be Our Guest was a ton of fun and quite good for a non-Epcot park meal. We were there for dinner on January 28. The theming is incredible and it's nice to have a glass of wine with dinner in MK! We sat in the West Wing (with three boys, we were probably the only family in the restaurant who really wanted the West Wing and not the ballroom!) The service was outstanding and the pace of the meal was very nice. My husband reports the steak was fine, and our oldest son loved the shrimp/scallop entree. Our two younger boys ordered kids' meals and had no complaints! I ordered the pork chop and enjoyed it (although it was huge and I didn't come close to finishing it!) Not the same quality as Bluezoo, Le Cellier, etc. but really good for a meal in MK. And again, I can't say enough about the theming and service.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

The Guidebook pretty much sad the Sci Fi was cool inside, but food just so so.

We did 50s prime time 2 trips ago, it didn't wow me, but it wasn't bad either.

I ate some of salad & most of the filet. Next time DH & I will need to split the salad.

I've always want to try Garden Grille & noe BOG. Have you been to either, what do you think of them if you have?

We LOVE Sci-Fi and Garden Grille is also our favorite character meal. The food at Garden Grill is very good. Better than any character buffet.

We also like the food at Sci-Fi particularly the shrimp pasta dish and DS loves the bacon burger and the shakes!!!

 

[pamkat1820]

Ok after shoveling from 11:30-5:45 today to get 2 cars out of the parking spots in front of our home. I am seriously rethinking our vacation. Can I leave right now!

 

[mistysue]

Does very YC CL room have a full balcony?
I am trying to figure out what I want my room requests to be, wondering if that one is even an issue.

 

[Angeejoe]

We have eaten at Garden Grille and loved it. It is a less hectic character interaction and we saw the characters a lot during dinner. Food was good and plentiful. It seemed really fresh. My kids loved it. We did it the first night and then hopped the monorail to MK. For us, our vacation doesn't seem to really start until we get to MK.

Thanks for sharing, I'm glad to hear you liked the Garden Grille. What was your fav thing in the family style meal? Did you get to see a lot of the Land? I think this is on my imaginary list for the next trip along with BOG.

 

[DrMomof3]

I've always want to try Garden Grille & noe BOG. Have you been to either, what do you think of them if you have?

Garden Grille is our last night at Disney tradition. My kids love it there! It's much quieter than a typical character meal. They love that the restaurant spins around. And I think the food is tasty and a bit healthier than the typical Disney food.

Amanda

 

[Angeejoe]

Garden Grill is our arrival night tradition and our boys' favorite character meal in all of WDW. We've also been to CRT, Akershus, Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, Tusker House, Hollywood and Vine, Cape May and Ohana. The only ones we've not been to are Garden Grove at the Swan and 1900 Park Fare. No question Garden Grill is the best. (No offense to Cape May, but we like character dinners better than breakfasts - just a personal preference!) Our most recent GG meal was on January 26, and we had a great time as usual. It's the most relaxed character meal on property. I love that they serve everything family style, so you don't need to juggle plates or be concerned that you'll miss characters and have to ask them to return. The food is usually pretty good for a character meal. Funny thing is that the best part of the meal is always different - sometimes the salad is great, sometimes the steak is great, sometimes the fish is great, etc. But the rolls and mashed potatoes are always very good. If you go, I highly recommend requesting a booth on the lower level. (For breakfast, Ohana, Cape May and Tusker are our favorites.)

Be Our Guest was a ton of fun and quite good for a non-Epcot park meal. We were there for dinner on January 28. The theming is incredible and it's nice to have a glass of wine with dinner in MK! We sat in the West Wing (with three boys, we were probably the only family in the restaurant who really wanted the West Wing and not the ballroom!) The service was outstanding and the pace of the meal was very nice. My husband reports the steak was fine, and our oldest son loved the shrimp/scallop entree. Our two younger boys ordered kids' meals and had no complaints! I ordered the pork chop and enjoyed it (although it was huge and I didn't come close to finishing it!) Not the same quality as Bluezoo, Le Cellier, etc. but really good for a meal in MK. And again, I can't say enough about the theming and service.

Thanks for the great GG &BOG reviews! Did you get to see a lot of The Land?

For character meals we've done Akershus & Crystal Palace for breakfast, & Hollywood & Vine for lunch (really didn't like, long story short- sent DH to put our name in at 50s Prime Time so I could get fast passes & he went to Hollywood & Vine in error, we don't have kids & I had no idea who the Disney jr characters were, lol! )

We LOVE Sci-Fi and Garden Grille is also our favorite character meal. The food at Garden Grill is very good. Better than any character buffet.

We also like the food at Sci-Fi particularly the shrimp pasta dish and DS loves the bacon burger and the shakes!!!

I'm learning that Dis-ers have a lot of better info than the guides, so I may just take up your advice on Sci Fi & try it . So far the only TS we've really liked at HS was Brown Derby.

 

[Angeejoe]

Garden Grille is our last night at Disney tradition. My kids love it there! It's much quieter than a typical character meal. They love that the restaurant spins around. And I think the food is tasty and a bit healthier than the typical Disney food.

Amanda

I love reading about the disney traditions! How long does the meal actually last?

 

[TeenaS]

Obviously tastes are very different. I've eaten twice at Sci-Fi and would never go back - really thought the food was horrible. But I love 50's Prime Time ... especially the fried chicken. We're not a fan of the Garden Grill either. We do love the Brown Derby!! For us, the only two places to eat at the Studios is 50's and Brown Derby.

It's best just to try the different places yourself and make your own list of likes and dislikes. That's how we've gotten our "favorites list".

Thank goodness everybody doesn't like the same restaurants/food ... it sure would be hard, well probably virtually impossible, to get into those places if we all had the same taste!

 

[AliceIn]

Thank goodness everybody doesn't like the same restaurants/food ... it sure would be hard, well probably virtually impossible, to get into those places if we all had the same taste!

So true!

 

[Angeejoe]

Your Favorite Things to Do While at BC/YC?

I love sitting on the balcony reading, people watching & looking out on Crescent Lake. I also really love swimming in SAB, especially the lazy river! We love dinners at Yachtmans & Cape May, & ice cream at Beaches & Cream. Epcots out favorite park & we love how close it is. I'm really missing the BC/YC, the last 2 years we went feb/march, & I'm "home sick!".

 

[Sue M]

We haven't been to Garden Grille! Since my daughters are both adults, we've only done 1 character meal, 1900 in GF. We had dinner, and the step sisters are hilarious. We really enjoyed it.

We were just at Be Our Guest last week (have we been back a week already?)
For lunch. We really enjoyed it, except for the 30 min wait!! I had the Niçoise Salad, and daughter had the grilled Ham & Cheese which was also good. The service was fast once we were seated. At lunch it's CS, you order at the kiosk, then sit and your meal is delivered to your table. We sat in the room with the snow falling in the windows. The Rose room was also very cool.

My fav thing to do at Bc/YC is also floating around the lazy river on my pool noodle, and the hot tub. B&C and walking around the boardwalk.
But beware of thar staircase to nowhere in the lazy river 10' section
One night I was going into lazy river, and started down the stairs, and all of a sudden, that last step is a doozy I wasn't expecting that dunk lol!

 

[KerryCM]

We have a water view at the BC club level booked in May. Are there full balconies at that level? It is our first time at the BC, have stayed YC before and BWI. My husband enjoys the balcony. Really looking forward to trying this resort.

 

[rea59]

Can anyone tell me if it's easy to get from the Contemporary to the Yacht Club. After a day in MK we would like to go to the Wave restaurant in the Contemporary. Does anyone know what type of transportation we'll have to take to get back to the Yacht Club?