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

[brajfamily]

We made the switch to Poly. We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE BC but just couldn't see being there with so much of the pool closed. Knowing that we will go back to the BC in the future and loving Poly makes it a bit easier. Now we have to start planning our Poly stay.

Thanks to everyone, especially Teena, for all the info and suggestions. Good luck to everyone still needing to make a decision. Either way, we will be in WDW so how could it not be great!?!?!

 

[Sue M]

I'm Back!!! Had so much fun!! Although I did not stay at the YC/BC DD and I had dinner and breakfast at Captain's Grille. We love the breakfast there and had never had dinner, but we decided to give it a shot after seeing and reading MM's report... though we saw no stars it was still a very good dinner and would highly recommend this restaurant! As for breakfast it's always good! Robyn there was no key lime pie on the menu ;o( After our breakfast we walked over to visit with Teena always a pleasure to talk to you Teena!! For those of you worried about the pool... there is a very very small section closed.. most of it is open as well as hot tubs!

ok now to go back and read all I've missed!!

~Nannette

Welcome Home Glad you had a good trip. We had dinner at Captains Grille last Aug, and really liked it too.
Even though there was an extremely rude table who monopolized our waitress, and let their children throw crayons at everyone.

But our waitress made sure another CM came over to check on us freq. She handled the situation very well.

 

[natebenma]

I'm Back!!! Had so much fun!! Although I did not stay at the YC/BC DD and I had dinner and breakfast at Captain's Grille. We love the breakfast there and had never had dinner, but we decided to give it a shot after seeing and reading MM's report... though we saw no stars it was still a very good dinner and would highly recommend this restaurant! As for breakfast it's always good! Robyn there was no key lime pie on the menu ;o( After our breakfast we walked over to visit with Teena always a pleasure to talk to you Teena!! For those of you worried about the pool... there is a very very small section closed.. most of it is open as well as hot tubs!

ok now to go back and read all I've missed!!

~Nannette

Welcome back!!! How did you do getting around with your foot? Hope it was ok.

We have only had one dinner at Captain's Grille, but we liked it a lot. A hidden gem!

 

[Wee Annie]

Phew, Teena! Do you get any time to yourself? Between working and posting all sorts of helpful things here, I hope you get to relax here and there!

Thanks to all for posting with info, advice, etc -- especially Teena. And Marlton Mom and Teena, thanks for the heads up about the hot tubs at the quiet pools. I hadn't realized that.

Well, it's a difficult decision, that's sure. We don't foresee returning to WDW in the near future, and this is our first trip to BC, booked primarily because of SAB. Had I known of this extensive of a pool closure when I booked, I would definitely have booked elsewhere. But I sat my two oldest daughters down this afternoon, we went through the pros and cons of staying at the BC, and I asked them point blank if they thought we should switch resorts. Although, as my oldest said so articulately, the pool closure is a "huge bummer," they both decided that we should stay put. I told them they have a couple more days to mull it over and let me know if they've changed their minds.

The second reason I had chosen the BC was location, and they both seemed to think that was a good reason to stick with it. Anyways, as they concluded, they can swim in pools at home this summer. I guess their point is, as Marlton Mom so eloquently stated, that a Disney trip is about so much more than swimming (although we DO love to swim!!!).

So it looks like we're sticking it out, and trying to make lemonade out of some lemons we've been given. Hopefully it won't prove to be too difficult to make it sweet enough

Btw, two of my three daughters (the two younger ones) like to suck on lemons. (Strange children, I know....) So perhaps there's no reason to do anything with them lemons but enjoy them directly.

(Here's where my lemon analogy goes wildly awry, so I'm signing off...).

 

[PirateFrank]

Because during the normal rehab in January, February and early March, a problem was found that was not anticipated and the contractors who do that work to fix that not-anticipated-problem, by the time they could get all the parts, etc., April 9th was the soonest the work could be done. A similar problem occurred on the actual slide a few years ago (something was found during normal rehab) and it had to come down for about a week in June. The work that needs to be done starting April 9th could not wait for next year's winter rehab.

Teena, please forgive me, but I have to ask this question.

Why...Why...Why are they starting this on April 9th?? Is the pool currently down now?

Those of us that are paying peak rates or peak dvc points for a stay at the Beach club during the week of april 9th (afaik, peak rates drop off after the 15th) are really getting hit the hardest here. Not to take away from those that are staying at YC/BC after the 15th, but the fact of the matter is that those that are staying between the 9th and the 15th are truly paying a premium for a hotel with reduced amenities....and unless the pool is currently down now, the time to start this rehab appears elective (at least for a week).

I really question the logic of the decision process, to schedule a rehab during this week. Even if the cost to guest/dvc member wasn't the big worry...the other major worry is pool capacity during easter week. With more than 1/3 of the pool going down, isn't this going to be a concern?

To put it mildly, our family is absolutely devastated. We booked BCV for this week, in large part, if not entirely, due to SAB and the Flying Jib slide. My son practically lives on these slides when we're down in WDW. Also, we're in the worst of all positions, because our stay is booked on DVC points....I just did a check for alternatives and there's practically nothing available for the time of our stay, except OKW and SSR. Even so, this is within 30 days, so we'd be getting hit with the point lockup if there's a negative difference in points (which there would be with OKW and SSR). The fact that this rehab was announced with such short notice really hurts us DVC members.



p.s. To everyone, if I come off sounding frazzled, I apologize. I've got some emotional family members here...and we're all feeling a bit trapped...

 

[shellbelle76]

So it looks like we're sticking it out, and trying to make lemonade out of some lemons we've been given. Hopefully it won't prove to be too difficult to make it sweet enough

Btw, two of my three daughters (the two younger ones) like to suck on lemons. (Strange children, I know....) So perhaps there's no reason to do anything with them lemons but enjoy them directly.

(Here's where my lemon analogy goes wildly awry, so I'm signing off...).

You have such a terrific attitude about all of this. And I love that you are allowing your children to participate in the decision-making. As a mama to children who are slightly younger, I'm taking notes!

Pixie dust & hugs to you!!

 

[shellbelle76]

p.s. To everyone, if I come off sounding frazzled, I apologize. I've got some emotional family members here...and we're all feeling a bit trapped...

I can't do anything to help, but I just want to offer big hugs to you. It's tough enough when we feel disappointed or trapped, and it's a whole other ballgame when it's someone we love.

Hoping a big heap of pixie dust somehow finds its way to you, and that your vacation turns out to be far better than you hoped or dreamed.

 

[MickeyT]

I'm Back!!! Had so much fun.....
~Nannette

Welcome back nannette. You know we need details.

We made the switch to Poly. We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE BC but just couldn't see being there with so much of the pool closed. Knowing that we will go back to the BC in the future and loving Poly makes it a bit easier. Now we have to start planning our Poly stay.

Thanks to everyone, especially Teena, for all the info and suggestions. Good luck to everyone still needing to make a decision. Either way, we will be in WDW so how could it not be great!?!?!

So glad you can relax with your decision. We stayed at the Poly a few years ago and one of my favorite Disney memories is Wishes from the beach and just turning and walking back to the room. Same reason I love Illuminations and BC!

Teena, please forgive me, but I have to ask this question.

Why...Why...Why are they starting this on April 9th?? Is the pool currently down now?

Those of us that are paying peak rates or peak dvc points for a stay at the Beach club during the week of april 9th (afaik, peak rates drop off after the 15th) are really getting hit the hardest here. Not to take away from those that are staying at YC/BC after the 15th, but the fact of the matter is that those that are staying between the 9th and the 15th are truly paying a premium for a hotel with reduced amenities....and unless the pool is currently down now, the time to start this rehab appears elective (at least for a week).

I really question the logic of the decision process, to schedule a rehab during this week. Even if the cost to guest/dvc member wasn't the big worry...the other major worry is pool capacity during easter week. With more than 1/3 of the pool going down, isn't this going to be a concern?

To put it mildly, our family is absolutely devastated. We booked BCV for this week, in large part, if not entirely, due to SAB and the Flying Jib slide. My son practically lives on these slides when we're down in WDW. Also, we're in the worst of all positions, because our stay is booked on DVC points....I just did a check for alternatives and there's practically nothing available for the time of our stay, except OKW and SSR. Even so, this is within 30 days, so we'd be getting hit with the point lockup if there's a negative difference in points (which there would be with OKW and SSR). The fact that this rehab was announced with such short notice really hurts us DVC members.



p.s. To everyone, if I come off sounding frazzled, I apologize. I've got some emotional family members here...and we're all feeling a bit trapped...

Wow Frank. That is the perfect storm. I'm DVC and I know handling those points can be a challenge. Wonder if DVC could help you. Some kind of hardship clause or exemption?

And sound as frazzled as you want. We understand here. We are the uber planners and want everything to go smoothe. Sometimes things come up during our trips and we have to handle it. But for things to come up before it really gives us too much time to mull over it. It's tough. Hang in there and here's hoping that your vacation turns into the best ever.

 

[maminnie]

PirateFrank:

I certainly understand how you feel. We are quite disappointed too. This trip in April rather then the Winter months was primarily to just enjoy the usual April beautiful weather, SAB, and the fun atmosphere of the resort. We love the activities around SAB and never seem to be able to relax and enjoy them because it is sometimes too cool when we generally come or we are too busy running around the parks. Finally a trip just to kick back and relax by SAB.....NOT! The part that is closed is a large/major portion of the pool and where the pool activities take place. The BW and leisure pools will likely be very crowded.

We were considering moving but there were no rooms at resorts with the park transportation that BC offers. We like being able to get to two parks without boarding a bus so we too are going to stay put and make the best of it.

So don't feel bad about feeling upset....there are many people out there that don't even know about this as it sounds like this "letter" we are suppose to get hasn't even arrived. I haven't gotten mine yet so there will be so many more people upset as SAB is a major draw of this resort and a big reason many people select it.

 

[Nermel9]

I'm sorry to everyone who will be affected by parts of SAB being closed on their trips! It's too bad, it is a really weird time of year to do refurbs. I admit, when I read the dates, I freaked out a bit, because my DH and I will be staying at the BC in early May, and when we were there 2 years ago, parts of SAB were being refurbed (like the slide!!!) and it was kind of annoying. Hopefully it won't take too long to finish!

I just called Disney yesterday to pay off my package and while I was on the phone, I talked to a CM to put in my full balcony request! The CM sounded a little strange though, and I asked him to e-mail me a copy, just to be sure the request is on my reservation! I know it's not guaranteed, but I reeeeaaally love the full balconies! (I also had him add that it is our anniversary too, just in case the CM's at the BC happen to see it and maybe want to give us a full balcony a little bit more! )

Have a great day!

 

[bigsis1970]

If the section of SAB that is down for this work is done on time, it will be open on 4/29. Yes, both of you will need to show a key to get in. One key won't do it.

Teena - thanks so much I figured it was the case of needing 2 keys but thought i'd ask just the same..

did you like dancing last night??

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I'm Back!!! Had so much fun!! Although I did not stay at the YC/BC DD and I had dinner and breakfast at Captain's Grille. We love the breakfast there and had never had dinner, but we decided to give it a shot after seeing and reading MM's report... though we saw no stars it was still a very good dinner and would highly recommend this restaurant! As for breakfast it's always good! Robyn there was no key lime pie on the menu ;o( After our breakfast we walked over to visit with Teena always a pleasure to talk to you Teena!! For those of you worried about the pool... there is a very very small section closed.. most of it is open as well as hot tubs!

ok now to go back and read all I've missed!!

~Nannette

Thanks so much for checking!
You wonder why they take something so popular off the menu. Of course I just discovered the bakewell tart at Rose and Crown last summer and fell in love with it. What do you think - yes it's now off the menu!

I wonder if room service at BC has key lime - anyone up for a mission?

 

[Wee Annie]

You have such a terrific attitude about all of this. And I love that you are allowing your children to participate in the decision-making. As a mama to children who are slightly younger, I'm taking notes!

Pixie dust & hugs to you!!

Thank you! But honestly, the huge closure of a lot of SAB affects my two older daughters most directly, so I wanted their input. And as we parents all know, if our kids are happy on vacation, we're happy, quite simply If they felt strongly about moving, I would have done so.

But we all concluded what many of you have said: that there is more to the BC than SAB. Yes, it was our primary reason for staying there, but not our only reason. And now that plans have been set (parks, meals, etc), we felt it best to continue with our original plan. I am SO glad we found out about this beforehand, though -- both my DH and myself were saying that we would have been most unhappy if we had arrived there to find this all out (last minute closure of a large portion of SAB and two hot tubs). Now we can modify expectations. Thank you, thank you, thank you Teena!

 

[LMO429]

Because during the normal rehab in January, February and early March, a problem was found that was not anticipated and the contractors who do that work to fix that not-anticipated-problem, by the time they could get all the parts, etc., April 9th was the soonest the work could be done. A similar problem occurred on the actual slide a few years ago (something was found during normal rehab) and it had to come down for about a week in June. The work that needs to be done starting April 9th could not wait for next year's winter rehab.

Ah! Makes Sense!

 

[kelleigh1]

Teena, please forgive me, but I have to ask this question.

Why...Why...Why are they starting this on April 9th?? Is the pool currently down now?

I think this might answer your question somewhat.

Originally Posted by TeenaS
Because during the normal rehab in January, February and early March, a problem was found that was not anticipated and the contractors who do that work to fix that not-anticipated-problem, by the time they could get all the parts, etc., April 9th was the soonest the work could be done. A similar problem occurred on the actual slide a few years ago (something was found during normal rehab) and it had to come down for about a week in June. The work that needs to be done starting April 9th could not wait for next year's winter rehab.

Based on everything that Teena has been saying, it sounds like they didn't intend to close down at this time of year and I'm sure they didn't make the decision lightly. It sounds like this is something that NEEDS to be done and they need to get it done as soon as possible. And there is a good chance that they needed to order parts for the repair and perhaps the April 9th closure coincides with when they are scheduled to have all the parts.

 

[PirateFrank]

I think this might answer your question somewhat.

Originally Posted by TeenaS
Because during the normal rehab in January, February and early March, a problem was found that was not anticipated and the contractors who do that work to fix that not-anticipated-problem, by the time they could get all the parts, etc., April 9th was the soonest the work could be done. A similar problem occurred on the actual slide a few years ago (something was found during normal rehab) and it had to come down for about a week in June. The work that needs to be done starting April 9th could not wait for next year's winter rehab.

Based on everything that Teena has been saying, it sounds like they didn't intend to close down at this time of year and I'm sure they didn't make the decision lightly. It sounds like this is something that NEEDS to be done and they need to get it done as soon as possible. And there is a good chance that they needed to order parts for the repair and perhaps the April 9th closure coincides with when they are scheduled to have all the parts.

That was the actual comment by Teena that I responded to, so no, sad to say, it does not answer my question.


What Teena said is that the repair couldn't wait until next year.

My question is could it have waited until the week of April 16th? Is the pool currently operational?

People are paying a premium for the week immediately before and after easter. The rates all go down on the 16th. The frustration is that those of us that are staying there that second week of spring break are now paying top dollar for a resort that just lost a little more than 1/3 of it's pool capacity, including the slide....and will be expected to ride a shuttle to another pool if we want a slide. While I understand there's plenty to BC beyond the slide and pool, the slide and the pool were the primary driver for us in deciding to stay at BC. We would have made other arrangements had we known about this with enough lead time. 20 days isn't enough lead time.

I understand your point regarding scheduling and parts and I strongly suspect that when I call, that's exactly what's going to be said to me. I mean, why would they admit "sure, we could have done it on the 16th, but we really wanted to stick it to you guys that are paying through the nose!"

Seriously, it's a hard pill to swallow, given the price of things that week. It's not just the rates at the resorts. We're paying a premium for our rental car. Our airfare is the highest we've ever paid to come to florida (and fuel price increases not even factored in, as we bought our plane tickets long before gas prices started spiking again.)

 

[smillerguy]

Pirate Frank

I feel your pain... Hge crowds, MK opening everyday at 7am so we have to be on the bus by 5:45am!!! to get there for rope drop HIGH prices.. i can deal with all that but now with the SAB pool being closed it really puts a wrench in our plans to escape the crowds at relax by the great pool while our kids are entertained and we sip on a mai tai. We live in SC so we are driving.. DH are deciding right now if we should just change to the first or second week in June. Not sure if I an still get a discount and ADR's will be limited BUT it will be much less expensive AND... SAB will be up and running again. Have to decide this morning as DH needs to buy plane tickets for work the last weekend of our planned vacation.

 

[distherapy]

Just wanted to sympathize with the SAB sufferers...

We are going in May, and when we told our kids about the trip, they ran around excitedly. One yelled, "Big Thunder Mountain!" The other, "Test Track!" I had to say, "Ummm.... nope". I hate that their 2 favorite rides will be down. For DS, Test Track is the only "big" ride he rides. We talked about it a while and decided they'll have to find new favorites. I don't mean to sound like we have it all figured out - it still is terrible that their two favorite things will be unavailable, and the impact on other rides (especially in Epcot) will be big.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Thank you! But honestly, the huge closure of a lot of SAB affects my two older daughters most directly, so I wanted their input. And as we parents all know, if our kids are happy on vacation, we're happy, quite simply If they felt strongly about moving, I would have done so.

But we all concluded what many of you have said: that there is more to the BC than SAB. Yes, it was our primary reason for staying there, but not our only reason. And now that plans have been set (parks, meals, etc), we felt it best to continue with our original plan. I am SO glad we found out about this beforehand, though -- both my DH and myself were saying that we would have been most unhappy if we had arrived there to find this all out (last minute closure of a large portion of SAB and two hot tubs). Now we can modify expectations. Thank you, thank you, thank you Teena!

I'm glad you guys came to a decision! I know for me just trying to decide either way was the hardest part! Now we can focus on the fun part of anticipating the trip . I think it's great that you all came to a decision as a family so everyone's onboard. Oh, and my DD used to love to suck on lemons too . Wishing you a wonderful trip!!!

 

[Wee Annie]

Just wanted to sympathize with the SAB sufferers...

We are going in May, and when we told our kids about the trip, they ran around excitedly. One yelled, "Big Thunder Mountain!" The other, "Test Track!" I had to say, "Ummm.... nope". I hate that their 2 favorite rides will be down. For DS, Test Track is the only "big" ride he rides. We talked about it a while and decided they'll have to find new favorites. I don't mean to sound like we have it all figured out - it still is terrible that their two favorite things will be unavailable, and the impact on other rides (especially in Epcot) will be big.

Yup, those rides are scheduled to be down for our April stay too (along with this large SAB closure too). It was a bummer, but once we got over the disappointment of those particular rides (particular favorites of ours too) being gone, we realized that there was so much more there to do. I too am most concerned about the impact that the Test Track closure will have on the rest of Epcot. But they still haven't announced those refurb dates officially, have they? One can hope.... especially since with this unexpected pool closure we are looking at spending more time in Epcot. Fingers crossed....