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

[pixarmom]

We are staying 7 days @ the YC CL. We have done the dinning plan 2xs b4. We are thinking if we didn't do it this time. it would free up our days more. To be more relaxed. A friend told me she called the day of, around the time they wanted to eat, to see what was available were they were at the time. It worked out for them prefect she said.

I'm afraid to do that what if nothing available.

I agree that there is always something available!! We just returned from an 8-night trip earlier this month. I made ADRs 180 +10 days in advance - two per day.

We were originally scheduled to transfer to AKL for the last two nights of our trip and had all our AK area ADRs lined up. Well, we just couldn't leave the Epcot resort area - love it too much. So we stayed at BWI and had to change three days of ADRs at the last minute. Granted, this was during value season, but there were tons of ADRs still out there with a little flexibility. We usually stay away from CS entirely, but with these last minute changes, we did Les Halles (new bakery in France) not because we couldn't get an ADR anywhere, just because we wanted to try it. We were able to get ADRs at Kouzzina and Tokyo Dining, and then we had lunch at Big River Brewing (TS that doesn't take ADRs.) We had a ton of choices, even at the last minute!

 

[Danex]

July is busy season so it's best to have realistic expectations about how crowded Club Level is.... That being said most people dine and dash in an effort to get to the parks so you are just dealing with a continuous stream of people moving in and out primarily during the busy hours (8 am and then again at 5pm when appetizers are put out). I really think Club level will be worth it because it's like having your own gourmet kitchen complete with a top chef making delicious goodies available to you just when you really need them. Remember, if the lounge is too busy for you you can grab a tray and take your goodies to go.

Now here is the good news. There are some delicious hang out areas at the resort. The lobby can be noisy and busy so I'm not talking about that area unless it's early in the morning before Cape May opens for breakfast. What I'm talking about is the off the beaten path hideaway in the lobby of the Beach Club Villas! My husband discovered this area and he would grab a cup of something from the coffee machine in the lounge and then go hang out there on the comfy couches with a book.

To get to this area you just take the pathway that is right by the Beach Club Market Place, which is immediately off of the Beach Club lobby. It would take you less than 2 minutes to get there from the Club Level area.

~NM

Thanks Ninjamom

That first photo is so lovely i can just see myself curling up on that sofa with a cup of tea or a grey goose slushie !

The second photo is lovely too but for totally different reasons

Comparing prices on the UK WDW site I could either book a GV standard room with free DP or GV CL room without the DP for almost the same cost (this is with different offers, i have been checking prices all year). I have over a year to work on DH, but i really want to try CL and feel pampered on holiday, with as little stress as possible and i feel that CL would give me that.

 

[DannysMom]

Purely anecdotal story follows:

I had DVC points that would expire & booked 5 nights on points for my brother & his GF at SSR. They paid cash for 2 additional nights. The points booked nights had DxDP, so a lot of meals planned. They both fell ill with the GI bug that was running rampant through WDW this past fall. On the day they had to check out & check in (going from points stay to cash stay) they still had 7-8 dining credits each. My brother mentioned how sick they had been, mostly stuck in the room for at least a day & without asking, the front desk CM credited him one night of DxDP.

So, I am definitely NOT saying that would happen to everyone, BUT should you have the misfortune to fall ill at Disney, and be left with DDP credits that you will be unable to use, it does not hurt to check in with the front desk.

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

 

[DisneyLifeMel]

In my experience, the club level hours do not vary and are not at all related to EMH.

Thanks, still deciding if CL will be worth it for us. It sounds fabulous, but I am not completely sure it will fit our needs for this trip!

 

[medicgirl177]

Happy Valentines Day everyone!!

 

[natebenma]

It's such a relief to come back to this board and feel the happiness.

On our upcoming trip, we're doing a split stay so I've been following the board for the other resort, too. And man, those people are grumpy!! It's DisneyWorld, people!! Sheesh.

Well, Grumpy is one of the Disney Dwarves. I like to think that we are Happy. Or maybe Dopey. And sometimes Sloshie. Wait. That's not a dwarf!

Thanks for that, i must have just missed your reply earlier before I signed off. Looks like CL might work out well.

On the UK WDW site they have finished the free dining for 2013 offer and are now offering 35% discount for the Beach Club for this July 2013, so hopefully this will be offered this time next year for 2014 and it seems thats too good to pass up

I think for my family for next year having CL and not using the DP would be the way to go.

Oh, I'm hoping to see a 35% discount here for the summer!!!

What happens if one member or more becomes ill? You do not get reimbursed for missed meals and missing just one meal seriously IMO jeopardizes the value of the dining plan. In December, we had 4 members of our family ill throughout the week. We often just brought food back to the room for the healthy ones or sent only part of our crew to our ADRs. The last night, we had to order room service just to use up TS credits and we had CS credits left over. Had we not been on the meal plan, that would have been one less thing to worry about. I believe we are done with the dining plan, but each person has to do the research for their group as to whether it works for them.

Purely anecdotal story follows:

I had DVC points that would expire & booked 5 nights on points for my brother & his GF at SSR. They paid cash for 2 additional nights. The points booked nights had DxDP, so a lot of meals planned. They both fell ill with the GI bug that was running rampant through WDW this past fall. On the day they had to check out & check in (going from points stay to cash stay) they still had 7-8 dining credits each. My brother mentioned how sick they had been, mostly stuck in the room for at least a day & without asking, the front desk CM credited him one night of DxDP.

So, I am definitely NOT saying that would happen to everyone, BUT should you have the misfortune to fall ill at Disney, and be left with DDP credits that you will be unable to use, it does not hurt to check in with the front desk.

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

Add me to the list of victims to sickness and losing credits on the dining plan. In 2008, we had the Deluxe Dining Plan. Two days into the trip, my oldest son started feeling sick (possibly dehydration) and he didn't want to be around food at all. The reservations we had fell left and right: Fantasmic Dining, Cape May Clambake, Tony's at MK, Breakfast at H&V, Lunch at 50's Prime time for two of us, Breakfast at Kona for two of us and Breakfast at Boma for two of us. I did do the math afterward, and we barely broke even on the cost of the plan (factoring in the $50 reusable mugs), but it was way too much food, especially for someone who didn't want to be in restaurants.

 

[MelanieRI]

I'm 60 days out today! So, I tried to do the online check-in. It allows me to click on Check-In but then only my resservation details pop up and the only option is at the bottom of the box to close. First, I really was going on to pay off the rest of my balance. Can't find any area to do that. Looked at the FAQ, says pay off online or by phone. Click on the online like part, nothing happens. UGH! So frustrated and I do everything online. I've been doing all my Disney ressies online for years. I hate calling the number. So, not wanting to spend Valentine's Day on hold on the phone, I guess I'll wait until tomorrow. I hate this new site.

 

[jemh628]

I'm 60 days out today! So, I tried to do the online check-in. It allows me to click on Check-In but then only my resservation details pop up and the only option is at the bottom of the box to close. First, I really was going on to pay off the rest of my balance. Can't find any area to do that. Looked at the FAQ, says pay off online or by phone. Click on the online like part, nothing happens. UGH! So frustrated and I do everything online. I've been doing all my Disney ressies online for years. I hate calling the number. So, not wanting to spend Valentine's Day on hold on the phone, I guess I'll wait until tomorrow. I hate this new site.

I hate paying by phone as well but the automated system is very easy and I have been using that to make my payments. There is a way to pay online I saw on another thread but I have not tried it as it some how links back to the old website.

 

[Dis703]

Hello my fellow beachclubbers!

After going back and forth and back and forth we have decided to get APs this year and plan on a second trip early next spring! Which means we qualify for an AP discount and took advantage to upgrade to SV CL for our trip this May!

I am a little bothered that my first call to check rates the CM gave me a quote with a total and what the first night downpayment would be and when I called back to book the rate was almost $200 more for the duration of the trip. Not sure where someone made the mistake but the higher price did make more sense to me unfortunately.

I can't believe we are doing our first deluxe resort AND going club level at that. This is going to be an awesome trip! And I get to plan another trip for April 2014!! Although sadly there isn't much chance we will do deluxe again. Probably going to have to look into POR next time around but we'll see. Maybe we'll win the lottery by then.

I think we may look into the TiW card which means we may also add another ADR or two. I just have to figure out how much it will really save us and keep in mind my sister is traveling with us and is on a more limited budget.

The three month wait is feeling soooooooooo far away though.

Thanks for everyone who contributes to this thread. It's really awesome to be able to hear so many reviews and see so many pics to help in making decisions. Super helpful.

 

[bigAWL]

I'm 60 days out today! So, I tried to do the online check-in. It allows me to click on Check-In but then only my resservation details pop up and the only option is at the bottom of the box to close. First, I really was going on to pay off the rest of my balance. Can't find any area to do that. Looked at the FAQ, says pay off online or by phone. Click on the online like part, nothing happens. UGH! So frustrated and I do everything online. I've been doing all my Disney ressies online for years. I hate calling the number. So, not wanting to spend Valentine's Day on hold on the phone, I guess I'll wait until tomorrow. I hate this new site.

Even if it's paid off, I'm not sure you'd be able to check-in. My booking is a DVC points reservation, so nothing to pay off. It still wouldn't let me do online check-in until the website said I had 59 days until my vacation.

 

[letsgoreds]

Well..by the time of our next trip my first grader will be half way through second grade and my 2yo will be potty trained (fingers crossed)...but it is booked! Change my dates for BOG please, to BC-GV-CL 12.7.13-12.13.13. We were planning a split stay with WL and YC, but neither were apparently available with CM discount (CL), so time to start researching the GV rooms for daybeds/views/etc....inlaws are joining us with the same booking category.

This is our first time at an Epcot resort (usually AK and MK resorts). I'm excited!

 

[WDW4us2006]

I looked down today and saw that the WDW castle charm from my Alex and Ani bracelet was gone! I am so sad as my daughter and I bought these together on our August trip. I will be heading there again in March, but wanted to know if anyone there now or just returned has seen them? I am hoping they are still for sale in the parks and resorts. I imagine I could get one online, but somehow that doesn't quite seem the same. Bummer.

 

[DisneyLifeMel]

I looked down today and saw that the WDW castle charm from my Alex and Ani bracelet was gone! I am so sad as my daughter and I bought these together on our August trip. I will be heading there again in March, but wanted to know if anyone there now or just returned has seen them? I am hoping they are still for sale in the parks and resorts. I imagine I could get one online, but somehow that doesn't quite seem the same. Bummer.

So sorry to hear you lost your charm. I know there is a Disney Parks Merchandise phone number. I am quite sure someone on this board has it. You can call them. You are actually getting it from DisneyParks, so maybe it won't feel like you are just ordering it from the internet.... though I gotta say, DisneyStore.com is having its 25% off everything sale. Just sayin'.

 

[DisneyLifeMel]

Can anyone tell me a bit about the Fantasmic Dinner Package. The website was vague at best. Thinking about getting QS for lunch, as we already have ADRs for dinner at 50s Prime time that day.

Oh, and when you book the package, can you specify which performance you want, since there will be 2 showings?

Thanks!!!

 

[PittPantherfan]

Can anyone tell me a bit about the Fantasmic Dinner Package. The website was vague at best. Thinking about getting QS for lunch, as we already have ADRs for dinner at 50s Prime time that day.

Oh, and when you book the package, can you specify which performance you want, since there will be 2 showings?

Thanks!!!

We used it in 2011. We were assigned to one designated show and could not change. I am not sure if that is how it works now. We were there in May that year and the crowds for the show were not bad and we would have had seats with no problem without the Fantasmic pkg. Our seats were all the way to the right-which they seemed OK, I am sure there were better seats but they were fine. We ate a Mama Melrose's. It was nice that the dinner came with an appetizer and dessert and only took 1 TS credit at that time.

 

[medicgirl177]

Can anyone tell me a bit about the Fantasmic Dinner Package. The website was vague at best. Thinking about getting QS for lunch, as we already have ADRs for dinner at 50s Prime time that day.

Oh, and when you book the package, can you specify which performance you want, since there will be 2 showings?

Thanks!!!

We saw the show Sept 2011 using the dinner package. We ate at the Brown Derby early, then milled around the park before going to the later Fantasmic! Show. The dinner doesn't have to be just before the show, since they aren't physically connected. We chose the later show because I wanted to see it in the pitch dark to really get the full effects, everyone thought it was awesome. It's a great experience, but like lots of Disney extras, we won't do it every trip, mostly because of time. I highly recommend it though!

 

[letsgoreds]

Trying to figure out what to share for room request. i just noticed that on the Disney website, for CL-GV it only lists one bed-type, 2Q+daybed. So...I don't need to request a daybed? Also, does anyone know if they (CL-GV) all have full balconies (I read that on another post).

Thanks!

 

[logpey]

I can't wait for your trip to get here! Good luck with the marathon and be sure to let us know how you made out.

~NM

Thank you, neither can I...... Thanks again for the good luck, I need it, I'll definitely let you know! Take care.....

Just wanted to drop in and say hi!

We are leaving for WDW in TWO DAYS!!!

We're staying BC CL. Our kids know we're staying at the Beach Club (we have stayed there 3 times and LOVE it), but they don't know about the Club Leve upgrade. Can't wait to surprise them!!

They also don't know we booked an Illuminations Cruise on 2/20 - DSs 18th birthday! Never done that before - should be great.

Sandy

Sandy,
We should be there at the same time! We're leaving Saturday evening towards WDW, but don't actually check in till Monday the 18th. We are also staying at the BC CL & our 13 & 15 year old--also have no idea, its a total surprise.

I hope our surprise doesn't get ruined when we arrive at the guard gate. Illuminations cruise sounds wonderful, He will love it, great birthday memories! Have a great trip......

 

[MickeyT]

It's such a relief to come back to this board and feel the happiness.

On our upcoming trip, we're doing a split stay so I've been following the board for the other resort, too. And man, those people are grumpy!! It's DisneyWorld, people!! Sheesh.

Welcome back mommakacie....We've had a few that have attacked and tried to take this board to that grumpy place. Occasionally we miss a question or give an incorrect answer but I guarantee you we do try to answer or find an answer every question.

And agreement is not required. Beach Club is not everyones favorite resort. Nor should it be. How boring would that be!

 

[natebenma]

Trying to figure out what to share for room request. i just noticed that on the Disney website, for CL-GV it only lists one bed-type, 2Q+daybed. So...I don't need to request a daybed? Also, does anyone know if they (CL-GV) all have full balconies (I read that on another post).

Thanks!

Are you able to link to where you see this info?

According to my notes, all BC CL GV rooms have full balconies, but only 1, I believe, has a daybed. Sounds like you should request one, but you may possibly have to request a rollaway cot if extra space is necessary.

.