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

[PittPantherfan]

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

Just catching up didn't read ahead to see if anyone replied but her is my input...

My sons, 10 and 5, both went when DD and I went to BBB. They absolutely loved it and said it was the one of the best parts of the trip. I was worried about is being a little too "young" for the DS10, but he really enjoyed it. I think the CMs gave him a little more "responsibility" with the adventure. They loved going into EPCOT before it was open and being on the boat. The "treasure" was plentiful- alot of coins, beads, etc. (this did look like they shopped at Oriental Trading for this stuff as we saw many of the items in their catalog after we got back), nonetheless, the boys liked it the loot. They all received bandanas, too.

They did have a snack but it would not be considered a meal - I think it was a juice box, fruit snacks and maybe a PBJ, if my memory serves me correct (did it May 2011).

I would recommend it for boys or girls. It was unique Disney adventure outside of the normal park attractions. They all wear life jackets. It is convenient to get to from the BC.

 

[smillerguy]

Called the BC this morning about SAB closure and there was no information about what section of the pool will be closed. Surprised that they are closing the week of Easter! I know it has to be done but we are paying peak holiday prices with no discount. Beach Club is our family favorite but we may need to try and change our resort to be able to have a pool. Nothing beats the SAB pool though. Maybe do a split stay. Any BC people have a suggestion if do a split stay on where we should head for great pool atmosphere in the afternoon?

Any info on Easter? We were planning on just staying at the resort that day.

 

[PittPantherfan]

It would be upsetting to me as well about the slide closure when looking forward to spending time at SAB.

One thing my DS10 experienced was getting bruises on his back (over the boney areas) after going down it (he is of average build). I don't know what he was doing to get those but he had them and he complained that it bothered him after going down. After that he really wasn't interested in the slide anymore and found enough to do at the other areas of the pool.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Smillerguy-thanks for posting the results of your call. I was thinking of calling today too but it sounds like there's no additional info to be had. Hope more details emerge real soon.

 

[PittPantherfan]

This the schedule I have picked out for our Trip the end of April the beginging of July. We are staying at the BC!! YEAH!! Any suggestions?
Thurs Epcot or freeday?? We will see when we get there!! No DIning
Fri, MK Dining Cinderella's table Lunch
Sat AK Dining Cape May breakfast
Sun EP Dining Biergarten dinner
Mon Free Day
Tue HS Dining 50 Prime time dinner
Wed MK Dining Crystal palace Breakfast
Thursday Dining Kona Breakfast.

I have been following the board and haven't posted much because you all answer my questions before they are asked!! I would love to keep hearing updates about the pool though!! Just an Fyi we are first timers and My kids are dd9, dd8, dd6, and ds4
Jaymi

Last trip we did Garden Grill for our first night dinner. Seeing the characters right away was great for the kids- gets the anticipation under control. This is a nice character dinner that I think gets forgotten about. The food was good and wholesome - much of it is grown in Living with the Land. When we did the Living with the Land ride, we saw some of the veggies that we had for dinner. The food was much appreciated on that first night after eating junky stuff on the way to Disney.

It is a short walk to the Garden Grill from the BC. Then we hopped the monorail to MK because we like to hit that the first night there because the kids think the MK is epitome and the Disney vacation can't start until we walk down Main Street and see the castle.

We also appreciated that convenience of the dining package for Fantasmic - we ate at Mama Melrose's and enjoyed it. It was nice to have guaranteed seats without having to wait in a long line. (I don't know if they still have the package as I have not been in the Disney-mode for awhile)

 

[smillerguy]

It would be upsetting to me as well about the slide closure when looking forward to spending time at SAB.

One thing my DS10 experienced was getting bruises on his back (over the boney areas) after going down it (he is of average build). I don't know what he was doing to get those but he had them and he complained that it bothered him after going down. After that he really wasn't interested in the slide anymore and found enough to do at the other areas of the pool.

I'm not as concerned about the slide closure as the pool closure. We can live without the slide even though my kids love it. But if the main pool where the do volleyball and the games is closed that will put a damper on our afternoon pool time. DH and I enjoy 1-2 adult cocktails while the kids are happily entertained by the great pool staff at the BC. Still hoping for some more info soon. Still considering a split stay but I just like to unpack and stay put.

 

[Katesdad]

I'm not as concerned about the slide closure as the pool closure. Still hoping for some more info soon. QUOTE]

Stay tuned. Our resident expert is checking in with the appropriate people in the know there at the resort and will be reporting the inside poop as soon as possible. Just give it a few more hours.

 

[shellbelle76]

Shellbelle, we've checked in at BC as early as 8am and in a few weeks, we plan to check in at YC (transfer from POFQ!) at 7am. I've read that 7am is when the system turns over to the next day, but maybe someone else can confirm.

pixarmom - you are always so helpful! Thank you!! And I love that you're also doing a PO to YC trip Given how experienced you are with all of this, I'm feeling even better about our decision to make this a split stay... I mean, if you're doing it, it MUST be a good idea!!

You can absolutely use SAB after you check in, even if your room is not ready. You can leave any luggage you have with Bell Services, or there are free lockers at SAB (get the key from Poolside Gifts) and in the health club.

Dee - thank you for keeping track of so many details and creating such a fabulous resource for those of us who are BC/YC newbies!

Made our reservations today!!! Would you kindly add me to the Be Our Guest list? We'll be at POR 5/17 to 5/19 and then YC 5/19 to 5/21. It'll be a short little trip, but a FABULOUS one. I just know it. 60 days!!!

 

[smillerguy]

I'm not as concerned about the slide closure as the pool closure. Still hoping for some more info soon. QUOTE]

Stay tuned. Our resident expert is checking in with the appropriate people in the know there at the resort and will be reporting the inside poop as soon as possible. Just give it a few more hours.

Thanks!!! Yeah!!!!!

 

[natebenma]

We are starting to plan for June of next year so I am back on the board again - I wish we were going this May! I am glad to see the board still moving along and the regulars are still present and accounted for. It was such a help to me the first time we stayed at the Beach Club. My husband had the nerve to ask where we were going to stay next year - really? Men! (with the exception of those on this board!)

back! It will be good to see you as plan for your trip.

Yup, the gang's still here. I think we are under contract to stay.

pixarmom - you are always so helpful! Thank you!! And I love that you're also doing a PO to YC trip Given how experienced you are with all of this, I'm feeling even better about our decision to make this a split stay... I mean, if you're doing it, it MUST be a good idea!!

Dee - thank you for keeping track of so many details and creating such a fabulous resource for those of us who are BC/YC newbies!

Made our reservations today!!! Would you kindly add me to the Be Our Guest list? We'll be at POR 5/17 to 5/19 and then YC 5/19 to 5/21. It'll be a short little trip, but a FABULOUS one. I just know it. 60 days!!!

You are welcome!

I'll add you to the list.

 

[WDW4us2006]

We just got back from a fantastic stay! Everything was just as good, or better than, I remembered from our last trip in 2010. We were upgraded to Club Level, which was a spectacular surprise, and our room, #5627, was directly over the back entrance, so we could see the gardens, some of the pool and the lagoon. It was literally right next to the concierge desk, lounge and elevator, and we could be in the lobby in seconds. Talk about convenient. The staff at the front desk, guest services, and Club Level were all super nice and very, very helpful. Despite the fact that the resort was booked, it never seemed overly crowded. The parks, however, were a different story!

I have read many posts about people anticipating the worst regarding the continued rehab of Stormalong Bay. First, I didn't realize exactly what was going on, as we had planned to stay at the Caribbean Beach, but switched our reservation last minute. On Wednesday, we decided to spend the afternoon at the pool, just relaxing. Anticipating that it would be a mob scene, I was pleasantly surprised to find several chairs open. We sat close to the gazebo, over the bridge in the sandy area. After about an hour, we decided to get a drink at Hurricane Hannah's. It was not until this time that I realized construction was going on. The bridge that brings you to the other side of the pool area where HH is, is closed, so we had to walk around the pathway near the resorts, and cut through the kiddie area. I did not see any large part of the pool cut off from use, and the construction areas, which are boarded up and painted white, really blended into the background. Had I known about the rehad, and been anticipating not being able to use part of the pool and being inconvenienced, I'm sure I would have scouted it out. But because I didn't really know about it, I didn't really notice it, and it interfered with my enjoyment about zero. The pool slide was open, but not many kids were on it. Honestly, it was more of an inconvenience for us when the pool closed for a while after a duck pooped in it!

Also, on our last night there, we booked a bounce-back offer for August!! We saved 35% on a water view room for a few nights beginning August 20, right before our kids go back to college. We have done free dining twice, but decided it's worth it from a crowd standpoint to pay a tiny bit more for just the room discount. It will have to be another quick trip, but my husband and I decided that we have to find a way to get back there every year!

A couple of questions:
How do I go about giving specific cast members a compliment?

And I know there is a way to get that lobby smell somewhere online, what is it????

Thanks for all of your help, just love this thread.
Linda

 

[Katesdad]

I know there is a way to get that lobby smell somewhere online, what is it????Linda

Linda, from Dee's posting on page one:

What is that awesome smell at the Beach Club? Where can I purchase the bath products used at the Yacht Club?
I've never slept better in my life- can I buy the mattress?

Yes!!!

Want to feel like you are living at the Yacht or Beach Club all year long??? You can purchase the body products provided for use during your stay, you can buy the same type of mattress that encourages restful vacation sleep and you can even purchase the scent system used in the lobbies so that your house can smell like your "Home away from home":

The scent generator may be purchased at www.scentairhome.com
The scent used is green clover and aloe

Check out the Disney Resort Collection for bedding and bath products (h2oProducts, Aquatics line)
www.disneyresortcollection.com

According to cindydare you may want to check out Beyond Down Pillows by Carpenter.
One of the few places that carries them is Belk Dept. Stores in the Southeast.

Here are the direct links to the haircare and bath products
Hair Products
Bath and Body Products

 

[Suzanne10]

Last trip we did Garden Grill for our first night dinner. Seeing the characters right away was great for the kids- gets the anticipation under control. This is a nice character dinner that I think gets forgotten about. The food was good and wholesome - much of it is grown in Living with the Land. When we did the Living with the Land ride, we saw some of the veggies that we had for dinner. The food was much appreciated on that first night after eating junky stuff on the way to Disney.

It is a short walk to the Garden Grill from the BC. Then we hopped the monorail to MK because we like to hit that the first night there because the kids think the MK is epitome and the Disney vacation can't start until we walk down Main Street and see the castle.

We also appreciated that convenience of the dining package for Fantasmic - we ate at Mama Melrose's and enjoyed it. It was nice to have guaranteed seats without having to wait in a long line. (I don't know if they still have the package as I have not been in the Disney-mode for awhile)

We initially thought about doing the Garden Grill instead Biergarten, Do you think that would be better??
Thanks for your input!!

 

[Tinkerbell's mama]

I haven't been on in quite some time. I am going to try and keep up with this thread. We are planning on another trip in Sept 2013. DH is off defending our country...this is how we go to Disney so it has it ups and downs. I hope all is well with everyone and can't wait until we can book and really start planning our next trip. We know we are staying at BC CL and for ten days other than that we will have to wait to see when Uncle Sam will let us go. I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter!!

Jen

 

[Kimi313]

I haven't been on in quite some time. I am going to try and keep up with this thread. We are planning on another trip in Sept 2013. DH is off defending our country...this is how we go to Disney so it has it ups and downs. I hope all is well with everyone and can't wait until we can book and really start planning our next trip. We know we are staying at BC CL and for ten days other than that we will have to wait to see when Uncle Sam will let us go. I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter!!

Jen

Tinkerbell's mama, please thank your husband for all his hard work, also thank you and your family too for your sacrifices. We have never stayed at the BC before and we are very excited, I started looking into everything a year ago so go ahead and semi-plan your trip! God Bless.

 

[natebenma]

Also, on our last night there, we booked a bounce-back offer for August!! We saved 35% on a water view room for a few nights beginning August 20, right before our kids go back to college. We have done free dining twice, but decided it's worth it from a crowd standpoint to pay a tiny bit more for just the room discount. It will have to be another quick trip, but my husband and I decided that we have to find a way to get back there every year!

A couple of questions:
How do I go about giving specific cast members a compliment?

And I know there is a way to get that lobby smell somewhere online, what is it????

Thanks for all of your help, just love this thread.
Linda

Thanks for your very detailed report about the pool situation. Hopefully we will be learning more about the plans for the slide later today.

When I wanted to compliment some CMs, I wrote a letter (or sent an email, can't remember which) to Guest Communications. I think I have the address in the FAQ section on page 1 (post 12, maybe). I also copied Mim Flynn, the BC/YC GM on the letter since one of the CMs works at the BC

Mim Flynn, General Manager
Disney's Yacht and Beach Club
1700 Epcot Resort Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830


If you would like to be added to the Be Our Guest list, let us know your dates in August.

I haven't been on in quite some time. I am going to try and keep up with this thread. We are planning on another trip in Sept 2013. DH is off defending our country...this is how we go to Disney so it has it ups and downs. I hope all is well with everyone and can't wait until we can book and really start planning our next trip. We know we are staying at BC CL and for ten days other than that we will have to wait to see when Uncle Sam will let us go. I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter!!

Jen

Tinkerbell's mama, please thank your husband for all his hard work, also thank you and your family too for your sacrifices. We have never stayed at the BC before and we are very excited, I started looking into everything a year ago so go ahead and semi-plan your trip! God Bless.

Jen- just wanted to add my thanks, too, for your husband's service and for your family's sacrifices. Thanks!

Hope we can help you out with your trip planning when you know your dates.

 

[Tinkerbell's mama]

Tinkerbell's mama, please thank your husband for all his hard work, also thank you and your family too for your sacrifices. We have never stayed at the BC before and we are very excited, I started looking into everything a year ago so go ahead and semi-plan your trip! God Bless.

Thank you Kimi313 We have stayed at the BC twice before and it is our home. We all love it there. I have already priced out different versions of the stay with certain discounts and without. We already know what resteraunts we want and that we want to stay Club Level. We got pixie dust on our last visit and do not know how we ever did it without Club Level. It may be our last trip for awhile, we have been told this is the last deployment. So good that he gets to stay home with us safe and sound but sad because it will take longer to visit our favorite place in the world. As soon as we get an idea of when they will let him take leave we will be booking. Already started saving for all the fun stuff

 

[Tinkerbell's mama]

Jen- just wanted to add my thanks, too, for your husband's service and for your family's sacrifices. Thanks!

Hope we can help you out with your trip planning when you know your dates.[/QUOTE]

Thank you!!! I will let you know our dates. We want to see the MNSSHP this time so that will be a big part of picking out the dates. DH knows I am waiting for the first chance to book. We have talked about it off and on since he has been gone and are hoping for a hotel discount or free dining. Either one of those will be very helpful

 

[TeenaS]

Add us to the list of people looking forward to meeting you! We will be there in April and meeting you is on our "to do" list!

That's sweet!! Bob and I will be on the Disney Magic from 4/13 to 4/20 so I won't be working Sunday 4/15. I'll be back to work on 4/22.

 

[TeenaS]

Does anyone know if there is a bounceback offer in the rooms right now? I would like to hopefully use it for our trip in late october

Yep there is one there today.