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

[333disneymom]

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

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

Garden Grill is a meal we book every trip. Of the character meals, and we have been to most, it seems to have the best interaction with characters. I like that you can get pictures of your children and characters without other guests in the background. The food is pretty good. I could probably make a meal of just the salad. It's always fresh and tasty. It depends on your own family's habits how long it takes, but the food comes out rather quick. I'd say we average a little over an hour.

 

[DannysMom]

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?

If MK is still open when you are ready to return, your best bet is to walk back to MK & get the Yacht Club bus from there. Otherwise a cab is very easy,just ask bell services at CR to call one for you.

ETA: you could also use DTD as a transfer spot, but that tends to be pretty slow.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards App, please excuse any typos or autocorrects!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

This thread moves so fast I can't keep up! Great info though!

How long should I plan for it to take to get to YC once we land at MCO? We are taking DME and landing around 4:45. Was just planning to get counter service and wander the resort/pool that evening. Is that my best plan? Then I was considering going over to Epcot for a bit, but was thinking it might be a waste of a days' tickets.

One more question-
I can't get BC GV or LV for all our stay so I booked 3 nights GV YC then 6 nights BC GV. Now there is availability to do YC GV on arrival night only and switch to BC LV the remainder of the stay (8 nights) for about $500 than my current package. I really don't care about the view so much but I do care about ease of changing rooms. Would there be a benefit to changing resorts/rooms the morning after our arrival night vs on the 4th night? I will spend the extra money if it will save me some hassle.

 

[rea59]

If MK is still open when you are ready to return, your best bet is to walk back to MK & get the Yacht Club bus from there. Otherwise a cab is very easy,just ask bell services at CR to call one for you.

ETA: you could also use DTD as a transfer spot, but that tends to be pretty slow.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards App, please excuse any typos or autocorrects!

Thanks DannysMom! I didn't realize I could walk from Contemporary to MK.

 

[Angeejoe]

This thread moves so fast I can't keep up! Great info though!

How long should I plan for it to take to get to YC once we land at MCO? We are taking DME and landing around 4:45. Was just planning to get counter service and wander the resort/pool that evening. Is that my best plan? Then I was considering going over to Epcot for a bit, but was thinking it might be a waste of a days' tickets.

One more question-
I can't get BC GV or LV for all our stay so I booked 3 nights GV YC then 6 nights BC GV. Now there is availability to do YC GV on arrival night only and switch to BC LV the remainder of the stay (8 nights) for about $500 than my current package. I really don't care about the view so much but I do care about ease of changing rooms. Would there be a benefit to changing resorts/rooms the morning after our arrival night vs on the 4th night? I will spend the extra money if it will save me some hassle.

I'd say the only benefit of transferring on 2nd day is that you probably haven't unpacked everything so it would be quicker & faster to move rooms. On our 2011 BC trip we drove & arrived a day sooner & at almost midnight, front desk gave us a great rate so we stayed there in a great room, but did not have full balcony. So in am front desk gave us option of keeping room or going with our original reserved room with full balcony, so we switched. The other room was ready so bell services just moved us. In 2012 YC trip we planned ahead & i booked 1 st night at POP since we never know when we will arrive when driving & I hate to pay deluxe rate if arriving at midnight, and then got up early in am & took our own bags to YC. For the POP night I made us just an overnight bag & left the YC luggage in our car.

 

[JanetMom]

Thanks DannysMom! I didn't realize I could walk from Contemporary to MK.

It is an easy, 5 minute walk from the Contemporary to the MK. Very simple to head over to the MK buses.

 

[JanetMom]

This thread moves so fast I can't keep up! Great info though!

How long should I plan for it to take to get to YC once we land at MCO? We are taking DME and landing around 4:45. Was just planning to get counter service and wander the resort/pool that evening. Is that my best plan? Then I was considering going over to Epcot for a bit, but was thinking it might be a waste of a days' tickets.

One more question-
I can't get BC GV or LV for all our stay so I booked 3 nights GV YC then 6 nights BC GV. Now there is availability to do YC GV on arrival night only and switch to BC LV the remainder of the stay (8 nights) for about $500 than my current package. I really don't care about the view so much but I do care about ease of changing rooms. Would there be a benefit to changing resorts/rooms the morning after our arrival night vs on the 4th night? I will spend the extra money if it will save me some hassle.

We tend to take our time once we land at MCO, so on our last trip it took us 2 hours from plane landing, until we were in our room. That two hours included getting off the plane, waiting for ME, and getting checked into our room.

I like the idea of counter service and wandering the first night, because it takes the pressure off, since you don't have to get there in time for a dinner reservation. There is so much to see at the resort that wandering is very satisfying.

I'd also recommend checking out Epcot on the first night. Your trip is long enough that the extra day's ticket will only cost a few dollars, and when you are super excited to be at WDW, it is fun to pop into Epcot. It is such a close walk from the YC that it would be hard to resist running over for just a bit on the first day.

 

[wifey]

I am back and wanted to say thank you for all the updates and excellent advice you have shared here. You girls and guys are the best!!
I rang the IPO recently to ask them to organise our ADRS for our trip and to book the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Cruise one night during our stay. The CM was working from the Grand Floridian but he took our requests (no problems)and told me to expect an email after our 180 day mark. Now that is fantastic and very helpful I'm a very happy woman (despite being full of cold) .
We are really looking forward to our stay and I sincerely hope that the wasps issue at HH is sorted out soon!! DH has had really bad reactions to wasp stings in the past ( needed lots of antihistamines and meds to reduce the swelling) and it would be a shame to let wasps ruin HH and that area of SAB.

 

[natebenma]

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?

If MK is still open when you are ready to return, your best bet is to walk back to MK & get the Yacht Club bus from there. Otherwise a cab is very easy,just ask bell services at CR to call one for you.

ETA: you could also use DTD as a transfer spot, but that tends to be pretty slow.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards App, please excuse any typos or autocorrects!

Great suggestion about the MK to CR walkway. Here is some info from the Contemporary Resort FAQ (2011-2013 version):

There is also a walkway to the Magic Kingdom which is faster then taking the Monorail and to find it just outside and by the bus stop there will be a sign that says walkway to the Magic Kingdom, so you can't miss it. Here are links to some pictures of the walkway from Allearsnet.

http://allears.net/acc/cont50.jpg
http://allears.net/acc/cont51.jpg
http://allears.net/acc/cont52.jpg
http://allears.net/acc/cont53.jpg

Also courtesy of Robo here is an overhead map of the walkway to and from the Magic Kingdom.

 

[natebenma]

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.

I was just recently informed by some posters to this thread that room 5163, YC CL GV does NOT have a full balcony. That is the only one I know about.

Almost all of the other rooms at YC, CL and not, have full balconies.

If any of you know of other rooms at YC that do not, please let me know.

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.

Most, but not all, BC CL WV rooms have full balconies. Just a few do not, however I think it is is a good idea to add this request to your reservation.

 

[natebenma]

Hi, Dee. I used Online Check-In for our upcoming BC Stay from 3/24 to 3/28, because I was concerned that we might get thrown into one of the Magic Band/Fast Pass + tests unexpectedly.

Some info on how it worked:

- The advanced online check-in is now available 60 days before your check-in date (though for me, the option wasn't available until the 59th day before.)

- You complete online check-in via the new My Disney Experience section of the Disney World web site. You also may be able to do this via the new My Disney Experience mobile app, but the app still has a lot of bugs/kinks, so we didn't want to risk it. (The web site also has bugs/kinks, but the check-in functionality worked relatively smoothly.)

- There isn't an open field for typing room requests. The only options are 3 pre-defined "check mark" boxes, and you can select 2 of three choices:

- Large balcony
- Lower floor
- Near transportation

Based on the smart thinking of everyone on this thread, we followed up with a call to WDW to add more specificity to make sure our request (close to lobby, 2nd floor) was clear.

- The system also asks for a credit card for purchases you may make while at WDW as well as a PIN number that you set and will need to enter when makin g purchases using your KTTW card or Magic Band (depending on the timing of the rollout of Magic Bands, which, regrettably, no one knows at this point.) I don't recall whether adding a credit card was optional or not -- I did this too many weeks ago to remember.

Hope this is helpful.

Thanks for the helpful, detailed info. Would you mind if I added this to part of the FAQ about online checkin.

I still don't know enough about MDE to know whether to recommend the online checkin or not, but it certainly seems more attractive.

Doesn't have daybed as a request, though.

 

[TeenaS]

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!".

I love walking around the resort outside when its dark. It's so magical. And sitting in the rocking chairs on the back porch at night. Wonderful!

 

[EagleScout]

Does anyone have recent reports on wifi at bc? Rooms and common areas? I assume if nothing else, the conference area near yc is strong (but could be mistaken). Hopefully also lobby and gym - ideally also rooms too with good service.

 

[MickeyT]

Does anyone have recent reports on wifi at bc? Rooms and common areas? I assume if nothing else, the conference area near yc is strong (but could be mistaken). Hopefully also lobby and gym - ideally also rooms too with good service.

We were there in January at BCV's. Mine worked great all over. I have an Ipod touch so I used it in the rooms, lobbies, parks and never had a problem. Now I have heard on here that some rooms do have problems but I didn't experience it.

 

[rea59]

Great suggestion about the MK to CR walkway. Here is some info from the Contemporary Resort FAQ (2011-2013 version):

There is also a walkway to the Magic Kingdom which is faster then taking the Monorail and to find it just outside and by the bus stop there will be a sign that says walkway to the Magic Kingdom, so you can't miss it. Here are links to some pictures of the walkway from Allearsnet.

http://allears.net/acc/cont50.jpg
http://allears.net/acc/cont51.jpg
http://allears.net/acc/cont52.jpg
http://allears.net/acc/cont53.jpg

Also courtesy of Robo here is an overhead map of the walkway to and from the Magic Kingdom.

Thanks natebenma!

 

[DisneyLifeMel]

Hi, Dee. I used Online Check-In for our upcoming BC Stay from 3/24 to 3/28, because I was concerned that we might get thrown into one of the Magic Band/Fast Pass + tests unexpectedly.

Some info on how it worked:

- The advanced online check-in is now available 60 days before your check-in date (though for me, the option wasn't available until the 59th day before.)

- You complete online check-in via the new My Disney Experience section of the Disney World web site. You also may be able to do this via the new My Disney Experience mobile app, but the app still has a lot of bugs/kinks, so we didn't want to risk it. (The web site also has bugs/kinks, but the check-in functionality worked relatively smoothly.)

- There isn't an open field for typing room requests. The only options are 3 pre-defined "check mark" boxes, and you can select 2 of three choices:

- Large balcony
- Lower floor
- Near transportation

Based on the smart thinking of everyone on this thread, we followed up with a call to WDW to add more specificity to make sure our request (close to lobby, 2nd floor) was clear.

- The system also asks for a credit card for purchases you may make while at WDW as well as a PIN number that you set and will need to enter when makin g purchases using your KTTW card or Magic Band (depending on the timing of the rollout of Magic Bands, which, regrettably, no one knows at this point.) I don't recall whether adding a credit card was optional or not -- I did this too many weeks ago to remember.

Hope this is helpful.

I did my online check-in last night, and I believe it was required to add the credit card info. Though I was sort of in a hurry, and had planned to do it anyway. I wish selecting a room with a daybed was part of the "check boxes", as we are a family of 5, and those rollaways take up too much space. Will add that request later today. I did request a full balcony, but that was all.


If anyone gets a wristband in the coming weeks... let us know!

 

[GGGhosts]

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.

Can you remember about how much is cost for a one way trip from Epcot area resort to MK resort?

 

[natebenma]

Can you add me to your list? I'll be at Beach Club from 4/18-4/23 for a girls weekend with my sister and friend. Can't wait!

Will do! Sounds like an awesome trip!

I've just made some Rice Whiskey Treats which are setting in the fridge as we speak!

So... How were they???

Dee,

That looks beautiful and cold! How long before they start plowing the side streets? Any word yet?

Roads here aren't too bad, just very narrow. No school in my town today so that additional cleanup can occur in town and around the schools.

And it's snowing again!!!

As of last night, a few streets in South Boston, Beacon Hill and Charlestown still had not been plowed.

Can you remember about how much is cost for a one way trip from Epcot area resort to MK resort?

to the thread.

I haven't done the taxi trip from EP to MK in a few years (it was $12-$15, with tip), but hope someone who has been more recently can give a more current estimate.

ETA: I have linked to a "Taxi Fare Finder" on the first page of the thread (First post, under Transportation)

.

 

[333disneymom]

Does anyone have recent reports on wifi at bc? Rooms and common areas? I assume if nothing else, the conference area near yc is strong (but could be mistaken). Hopefully also lobby and gym - ideally also rooms too with good service.

We had problems connecting and staying connected this past December at BCV the first few days. Apparently, there was a problem, and once people complained (not us), they fixed it. From then on, our connection worked very well for the rest of the trip.

 

[natebenma]

Please check the Be Our Guest list to make sure your information is listed correctly. It is entirely possible that a post or two got buried during the Blizzard of 2013, so if I missed you, I apologize!!!


Post 15: Be Our Guest list

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