2012 Beach and Yacht FAQ ~ March, April and May ~Do Not Post Here-Old Thread

[natebenma]

HELP!!!

Ok... my TA just sent me an email and let me know that I have a PIN that will do one of 2 things:

lower my bill $400 and move me from a stadard to pool view

OR

lower my bill $100 and move me to standard view CLUB LEVEL!


I don't know what to do and need some advice.

I've never had either! pros and cons please TIA

That would be a no contest for me. Standard View Club Level!!!!

Ditto!

Congrats on the PIN- that's awesome!!!

The breakfast in the CL is the big draw for me. I love the convenience of heading to lounge early and fueling up for a morning at the parks. If you are on a dining plan, then having breakfast provided is a bridge to a meal that isn't typically covered.

It is really nice to stop for a cold drink on the way to our room. Even though my DH and I don't drink a lot, it is great to be able to grab a beer, or glass of wine, or an Amaretto on ice to enjoy in the room or on the balcony if you have one.

The evening appetizers are nice when we are around, usually only once or twice a trip.

Plus you will be on the 5th floor, I always enjoy being on the top floor of a resort.

 

[natebenma]

Can anyone tell me about the Albatross Treasure Cruise? We will be there in August and were hoping to have our sons do it

My kids haven't tried the Albatross Cruise, but this is what I have in my files. DrMomof3 (Amanda) describes the cruise in her TR and DisneyMomx7 (Robyn) who posts here frequently may have more to add. I also see threads periodically on the Resort Boards with reviews, so you should try searching

"Albatross Cruise" to see additional and more recent info.

Beach Club Albatross- Pirates Cruise- Review http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39868546&postcount=1

Mmrules: Last summer I sent my sons ages 4 and 6 on this cruise and it was one of the highlights of the trip!!! The woman "pirates" were awesome! They played the parts well and made boarding the boat very easy for my boys (the 4 year old doesn't socialize easily). They heard the legend of the treasure, docked at Canada in Epcot (while it was empty) and found treasure there. THen they chased the bad pirate on their boats. THey also got some "loot" when the cruise was over. It was great and I am going to sign them up again next summer when we go!!! He would love it!!!

Disneymomx7: My kids and my grandkids have done the Albatross Cruise and LOVED it. My kids like it even better that the Pirate Cruise from the GF and my dgs said it was his favorite part of his Disney trip!!!!

Drmomof3: My children did it in August, 2010. Jessica was 4 and Nathaniel was 6. There were plenty of "solo" children on the cruise and they both made friends. It was definitely a highlight of the trip for them and it gave me some quality time with my neglected 3rd child (he wasn't old enough).

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38106511&postcount=193
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38106807&postcount=196

.

 

[Katesdad]

Hey everyone! I am staying at the BC for the first time this August with my mom and my cousin. During that time my cousin and I will be checking in for the College Program! Any advice on what not to miss while staying at the BC would be great.

So my family and I are leaving for BC in less than 2 months!! We have never gone in May before so any pointers about Disney in May?

We will be 1st timers at the BC this august. What are the must do or can't miss things we should know for our stay there?

Can anyone tell me about the Albatross Treasure Cruise? We will be there in August and were hoping to have our sons do it

Whether in May or in August, my one suggestion for something that you must not miss while at Disney is to remember to relax. Yes, there are commandos amoung us but even they understand that there has to be down time to just "smell the roses". Take in at least one "good" dinner, spend some time at the pool or at DTD shopping. You are on vacation and you shouldn't need a vacation to recover from being at the World.

Mvavra1, didn't want your question on the Albatross cruise to get lost. All I have heard is good things about it but I know there are some here on this thread that have had their kids on it who can tell you more about it. Also, as a first timer, don't make the mistake of trying to "do it all". You can't. Just accept the fact that you can't (unless you are staying two weeks) and focus on what is important to you and your family.

TinkerbellinNY6, congratulations on your acceptance into the Disney program. I hope you get the experience that I have read from others on this Board. It sounds like a life-time of memories you and your cousin will be making.

It's really nice to know that we can vent a little disappointment on this thread of the DIS...there have been some nasty other threads recently. I feel like I've just blown off a little steam with some friends who have helped me work through it! I know we're very lucky to be staying at the YC to start, let alone our whole trip.

Blow off the steam, that's what this thread is all about. We have all been there and comeletely understand. Just remember "Akunamatada". It will work out in the end if our expectations going in are not unrealistic. It's WDW, one of the happiest places on earth. No reason not to be happy when you are there.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Do a lot of you eat most meals at Epcot? I am finding that most of the restaurants that I want to try are there. Our plans are to eat lunches in whatever park we are in, but since we want to come back to the resort in the afternoon for nap/swim time, it is tempting to plan more dinners there. It seems so easy just to walk over there, and then go to the other parks. Just curious...

One of the main attractions for my family is the ability to walk into Epcot for our evening meals We let the youngest stroll in for dinner at this pace which means he's more than ready to sit down for dinner when we arrive and we bring his stroller so he can rest up afterwards while we take our time after dinner enjoying the sights and sounds of the park

HELP!!!

Ok... my TA just sent me an email and let me know that I have a PIN that will do one of 2 things:

lower my bill $400 and move me from a stadard to pool view

OR

lower my bill $100 and move me to standard view CLUB LEVEL!


I don't know what to do and need some advice.

I've never had either! pros and cons please TIA

Another vote for the club room here I loved everything there is to love about staying club level-breakfast in am, IPO if needed, extra room to stretch out during rainshowers if we were stuck at hotel for a little bit! It was great and I'd love to stay there again when we return to BC in the future

 

[DisMomAmy]

Oh, I'm sad too! We're there March 16/17 and then again March 22/23 (with a cruise on the Disney Dream in between!). DH is not going to be happy about this at all. One of the reasons we chose to go on the cruise and do WDW again this year was that the boys wanted to get back to SAB. He was originally pushing for the Swan/Dolphin because of the savings but I convinced him otherwise, with a heavy emphasis on "remember how much the boys loved the pool?" I'll have to be quick to point out all the features they loved besides the slide!

Teena, thank you for sharing the additional info, it does make me feel better and will help me with DH and the boys. And yes, the chance to try yet another WDW pool will be good if they do feel they want more. One question though...accessibility is an issue for us because one of our sons uses a wheelchair. Do you have any idea if the golf carts can take a w/c, or how we can get him over there?

Thanks! And I also want to say it's really nice to know that we can vent a little disappointment on this thread of the DIS...there have been some nasty other threads recently. I feel like I've just blown off a little steam with some friends who have helped me work through it! I know we're very lucky to be staying at the YC to start, let alone our whole trip.

And Teena, those are very long days...

Looks like we'll just miss each other! We check in on the 19th & leave on the 22nd. We'll be at Epcot all day on the 22nd (unless the pool slide opens back up that day).

My DH felt the same way, but I think I was able to bring him around! I'm crossing my fingers (but not holding my breath) that they will finish up the repairs early & we'll get to enjoy the slide a few times before our trip is over. My thought is that 2/3 of SAB is still better than the other pools that we could have switched to. Plus there are so many other great things about the BC!

I'm not sure about the accessibility issue with the golf carts but it's an easy walk over to the BW or the boat is an option... As long as you don't plan to be going back & forth all day. Hopefully they'll have a golf cart option (or alternative) for you.

 

[natebenma]

Whether in May or in August, my one suggestion for something that you must not miss while at Disney is to remember to relax. Yes, there are commandos amoung us but even they understand that there has to be down time to just "smell the roses". Take in at least one "good" dinner, spend some time at the pool or at DTD shopping. You are on vacation and you shouldn't need a vacation to recover from being at the World.

Katesdad, you are absolutely correct! Finding time to relax is very important.

I always schedule some relaxation time between 5:47 and 6:12 am and then again from 4:41 to 5 PM every day on our Disney vacations!

 

[TaraPA]

Looks like we'll just miss each other! We check in on the 19th & leave on the 22nd. We'll be at Epcot all day on the 22nd (unless the pool slide opens back up that day).

Yay it seems there are a few of us there at the same time - does anyone still use the lime green Mickley heads? I'm wondering how we will identify each other? I used to put a small LGMH on my bag but I'm not sure if I even have any anymore.

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

Katesdad, you are absolutely correct! Finding time to relax is very important.

I always schedule some relaxation time between 5:47 and 6:12 am and then again from 4:41 to 5 PM every day on our Disney vacations!

 

[natebenma]

Yay it seems there are a few of us there at the same time - does anyone still use the lime green Mickley heads? I'm wondering how we will identify each other? I used to put a small LGMH on my bag but I'm not sure if I even have any anymore.

I know about the LGMH, but I think in my last 4 trips to Disney/MK, I have seen a grand total of 2.

We do have Beach Club/Yacht Club Pins (See the Community Page)- Nannette will send one out to families upon request- but she won't be able to honor any requests for a week or so.

That would be a way to identify not only fellow DISsers, but actually some of the posters on this specific board.

 

[disneyred]

I will ask to reassure myself... in this BC thread... I stayed at the BC last August 2011 for 5 days... there was no free WIFI anywhere and i did not get to ask as I was so busy ... but now I have heard there is ?? can someone confirm this .. I want to pass the info onto my neighbor who wants to go but rely on WIFI to keep his emails upto date... (I gave him a raving review about the BC so he wants to stay there instead of offsite now!).. his main offsite stay reason was for the free WIFI ... so if BC offers it now .. even better.

 

[TeenaS]

I will ask to reassure myself... in this BC thread... I stayed at the BC last August 2011 for 5 days... there was no free WIFI anywhere and i did not get to ask as I was so busy ... but now I have heard there is ?? can someone confirm this .. I want to pass the info onto my neighbor who wants to go but rely on WIFI to keep his emails upto date... (I gave him a raving review about the BC so he wants to stay there instead of offsite now!).. his main offsite stay reason was for the free WIFI ... so if BC offers it now .. even better.

Yep, there is free WIFI in the rooms and lobbys now. You are suppose to be able to access it by the pools too but I can't tell you for sure since I've never walked out there and seen anybody on their computer.

 

[ocalla]

HELP!!!

Ok... my TA just sent me an email and let me know that I have a PIN that will do one of 2 things:

lower my bill $400 and move me from a stadard to pool view

OR

lower my bill $100 and move me to standard view CLUB LEVEL!


I don't know what to do and need some advice.

I've never had either! pros and cons please TIA

That's Easy.............Club Level!!!!!

 

[cindydare]

HELP!!!

Ok... my TA just sent me an email and let me know that I have a PIN that will do one of 2 things:

lower my bill $400 and move me from a stadard to pool view

OR

lower my bill $100 and move me to standard view CLUB LEVEL!


I don't know what to do and need some advice.

I've never had either! pros and cons please TIA

Club Level for sure!!! It's great to be able to walk down the hall and grab breakfast in the morning, then the kids (and the big kids) love coming back from the parks in the afternoon and stopping by to get cookies! DH loves stopping by for an adult beverage, and we all love the appetizers and desserts in the evening. The CL cast members are all so wonderful and helpful.

Some of the standard view CL rooms will also give you a view of MK fireworks at night.....I can't remember our room # from last year, but we were right next to the lounge, and we had a view of the higher Illuminations fireworks from our Juliet balcony looking towards the Villas and a view of MK fireworks looking out our back window (corner room).

 

[Wee Annie]

Sigh. Count me in as one of the people who are very sad about the slide and partial SAB closure. We're going from 4/15 - 4/22, so it will be closed our entire stay I hope I don't offend all you BC/YC diehards by saying this, but we've never stayed at the BC, and SAB was one of the major reasons I chose it for my family. We are a HUGE pool family -- my children actually almost prefer pool time to time in the parks (seriously). We stayed at the Poly for several days last trip, and honestly (a potentially sacreligious statement) we were slightly disappointed in the volcano pool. Oh, the theming and view were wonderful, but it was way too small and crowded for us. We ended up using the quiet pool toward the end of our stay.

I was so upset when I checked in and read this. Then took several deep breaths (and several more), and decided that I've just gotta "move on." The kids were very disappointed, though. And, um, freaked out by the picture of the clown slide I showed that at the BWI (lol).

Question: how much of a pain in the rear, honestly, do you think it will be to swim at the BWI? Clearly we will have to alott more time to get there and back. But if the opportunity is being offered, I think we'll definitely have to check out the slide.

And if I'm trying to think of things from the "glass half full" perspective, I have to say that I just found out that the family of one of my daughter's close friends will be staying at the BWI for two days during our trip. I guess now they can swim together

And my oldest has asked whether BC has a quiet pool too. They just love to swim regardless, so I guess we just sigh, shrug our shoulders, and move on. I hope that the portions of SAB that will still be open will be good for my 5 year old.

 

[WDW4us2006]

Hey Everyone! We are at the BC right now! Just a very quick trip but loving every minute. We had some major pixie dust and are staying in a spectacular Club Level room with a view of the gardens, back entrance and partial lagoon. Does anyone have any questions??

Linda

 

[TeenaS]

Sigh. Count me in as one of the people who are very sad about the slide and partial SAB closure. We're going from 4/15 - 4/22, so it will be closed our entire stay I hope I don't offend all you BC/YC diehards by saying this, but we've never stayed at the BC, and SAB was one of the major reasons I chose it for my family. We are a HUGE pool family -- my children actually almost prefer pool time to time in the parks (seriously). We stayed at the Poly for several days last trip, and honestly (a potentially sacreligious statement) we were slightly disappointed in the volcano pool. Oh, the theming and view were wonderful, but it was way too small and crowded for us. We ended up using the quiet pool toward the end of our stay.

I was so upset when I checked in and read this. Then took several deep breaths (and several more), and decided that I've just gotta "move on." The kids were very disappointed, though. And, um, freaked out by the picture of the clown slide I showed that at the BWI (lol).

Question: how much of a pain in the rear, honestly, do you think it will be to swim at the BWI? Clearly we will have to alott more time to get there and back. But if the opportunity is being offered, I think we'll definitely have to check out the slide.

And if I'm trying to think of things from the "glass half full" perspective, I have to say that I just found out that the family of one of my daughter's close friends will be staying at the BWI for two days during our trip. I guess now they can swim together

And my oldest has asked whether BC has a quiet pool too. They just love to swim regardless, so I guess we just sigh, shrug our shoulders, and move on. I hope that the portions of SAB that will still be open will be good for my 5 year old.

Even with one third of SAB down, the rest of SAB is much much larger than the whole pool at BW. And the section by the YC is designed for the young children ... with a beach, lots of sand, etc. - that's the opposite end of where the slide is. The Y&B has three quiet pools, one by the YC, one by the BC and one by the BCV. You can use all three of those also. Check out the first page ... it shows the pool in detail and you will see where the slide is.

 

[Wee Annie]

Even with one third of SAB down, the rest of SAB is much much larger than the whole pool at BW. And the section by the YC is designed for the young children ... with a beach, lots of sand, etc. - that's the opposite end of where the slide is. The Y&B has three quiet pools, one by the YC, one by the BC and one by the BCV. You can use all three of those also. Check out the first page ... it shows the pool in detail and you will see where the slide is.

Teena, thanks so much -- this is very reassuring. I guess this is one of those situations where you freak out when you first hear about it, then take some time to think it through, and realize that it's something you can just work around. It's especially reassuring to hear that the portion geared toward the younger children is away from the area under construction. And since we requested a "quieter" location for our garden-view room (my daughter has a bunch of medical issues and needs her sleep), it's not like we were probably going to be right next to the pool anyways. Thanks, Teena -- made me happier just reading your reply I hope we meet you when we are there!

 

[TeenaS]

Just look at the map of SAB on the first page ... see the slide exit. I'll try to get an exact location when I talk to recreation next but I would assume if it's like in the past, only that small section around the slide exit should be closed. That leaves a whole lot of pool!!! And see the area all the way at the other side - the kiddie pool area. That will be fine.

 

[natebenma]

Sigh. Count me in as one of the people who are very sad about the slide and partial SAB closure. We're going from 4/15 - 4/22, so it will be closed our entire stay I hope I don't offend all you BC/YC diehards by saying this, but we've never stayed at the BC, and SAB was one of the major reasons I chose it for my family. We are a HUGE pool family -- my children actually almost prefer pool time to time in the parks (seriously). We stayed at the Poly for several days last trip, and honestly (a potentially sacreligious statement) we were slightly disappointed in the volcano pool. Oh, the theming and view were wonderful, but it was way too small and crowded for us. We ended up using the quiet pool toward the end of our stay.

I was so upset when I checked in and read this. Then took several deep breaths (and several more), and decided that I've just gotta "move on." The kids were very disappointed, though. And, um, freaked out by the picture of the clown slide I showed that at the BWI (lol).

Question: how much of a pain in the rear, honestly, do you think it will be to swim at the BWI? Clearly we will have to alott more time to get there and back. But if the opportunity is being offered, I think we'll definitely have to check out the slide.

And if I'm trying to think of things from the "glass half full" perspective, I have to say that I just found out that the family of one of my daughter's close friends will be staying at the BWI for two days during our trip. I guess now they can swim together

And my oldest has asked whether BC has a quiet pool too. They just love to swim regardless, so I guess we just sigh, shrug our shoulders, and move on. I hope that the portions of SAB that will still be open will be good for my 5 year old.

Even with one third of SAB down, the rest of SAB is much much larger than the whole pool at BW. And the section by the YC is designed for the young children ... with a beach, lots of sand, etc. - that's the opposite end of where the slide is. The Y&B has three quiet pools, one by the YC, one by the BC and one by the BCV. You can use all three of those also. Check out the first page ... it shows the pool in detail and you will see where the slide is.

I totally get everyone's disappointment at this news. Work has to be done on the pool and the slide to keep everything beautiful and safe, but it really stinks when it is happening during YOUR trip!

Just want to say it is ok to vent here.

As Teena points out, there are 3 quiet pools at the resort, 2 sections of SAB still open (that will include the kiddie sand area and the lazy river, right?) and then the possibility of using the pool at BWI.

I have to say that the first time we stayed at BC, my older son and I used the slide once, and my DH and younger son didn't even try it. We did use it a few more times on our second trip, but we enjoyed other areas of the pool most of the time.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Yay it seems there are a few of us there at the same time - does anyone still use the lime green Mickley heads? I'm wondering how we will identify each other? I used to put a small LGMH on my bag but I'm not sure if I even have any anymore.

I usually have a Mickey head on my park bag but I've only bumped into a couple people. I'm sure I'll have one again this year.

I know about the LGMH, but I think in my last 4 trips to Disney/MK, I have seen a grand total of 2.

We do have Beach Club/Yacht Club Pins (See the Community Page)- Nannette will send one out to families upon request- but she won't be able to honor any requests for a week or so.

That would be a way to identify not only fellow DISsers, but actually some of the posters on this specific board.

Great idea Dee! I totally forgot about that! I was intending to request one but haven't thought about it in a while. I'll have to send Nannette a PM.

Sigh. Count me in as one of the people who are very sad about the slide and partial SAB closure. We're going from 4/15 - 4/22, so it will be closed our entire stay I hope I don't offend all you BC/YC diehards by saying this, but we've never stayed at the BC, and SAB was one of the major reasons I chose it for my family. We are a HUGE pool family -- my children actually almost prefer pool time to time in the parks (seriously). We stayed at the Poly for several days last trip, and honestly (a potentially sacreligious statement) we were slightly disappointed in the volcano pool. Oh, the theming and view were wonderful, but it was way too small and crowded for us. We ended up using the quiet pool toward the end of our stay.

I was so upset when I checked in and read this. Then took several deep breaths (and several more), and decided that I've just gotta "move on." The kids were very disappointed, though. And, um, freaked out by the picture of the clown slide I showed that at the BWI (lol).

Question: how much of a pain in the rear, honestly, do you think it will be to swim at the BWI? Clearly we will have to alott more time to get there and back. But if the opportunity is being offered, I think we'll definitely have to check out the slide.

And if I'm trying to think of things from the "glass half full" perspective, I have to say that I just found out that the family of one of my daughter's close friends will be staying at the BWI for two days during our trip. I guess now they can swim together

And my oldest has asked whether BC has a quiet pool too. They just love to swim regardless, so I guess we just sigh, shrug our shoulders, and move on. I hope that the portions of SAB that will still be open will be good for my 5 year old.

I too was totally freaked out about this situation at first! But I'm a "glass half full" person so I've come down off the ledge.

My kids LOVE the Luna Park pool. DS11 likes to play game show host and a trip to Orlando was one of the prizes he made up. He said, in his announcer voice, "An 8 night luxury vacation at the Boardwalk Hotel". I chuckled and asked him if he liked that hotel & he said it was the best hotel he has ever stayed at! And I'm sure the pool is the main reason! The clown didn't freak us out (and I thought DS8 might have a problem with it). I have a feeling my kids are going to be thrilled to go back over there. I'm not going to tell them about it yet (actually they don't even know about the trip yet) just in case SAB is fully open & we can't go over to BW. The slide goes round & round - the kids loved it!