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

[loganpaulsmom]

Teena, thank you so much for your information the other day. I should explain what happened in better detail. Friend texted me she had read in the DIS about SAB rehab. Since it was 10:00pm Saturday night I knew that reservations was closed so I called the main number. I spoke to someone who really didn't know what was going on. He read a very limited info piece and then said to me " I will call someone else to get more information for you. He called what he referred to as " the help desk" . I spoke to Josh, he was super nice and even after finding someone information out for me called someone else to confirm. Unfortunately, his information was wrong, as he was told the rehab was currently going on and wouldn't affect my April trip..
I obviously was elated and it wasn't until I came on here Mnday and posted a thread that I got the real scoop.
I really didn't want to switch resorts. I called reservations to just see what information they could give me and to also I guess complain a little. I wsnt. Expecting anything except to be heard. The cast member in reservations listened to me and I told her how disappointed I was because we chose BC specifically for SAB and this trip was made specifically To spend most of the time there. I asked if there were any rooms at the BWI, and of course there weren't. I made all my ressies around staying in that area. I asked about Wilderness Lodge and nothing but club level was left. She then suggested Poly, but that was over $ 400 more expensive. She asked me if I wanted to speak to guest services, so I said sure. The cm on the phone was really nice, very knowledgable and listened to my whining. Did did make a point of saying that " other sources, like the Dis, although she never said it directly" find out information before a lot of the Disney cast member.. So at the point I was calling, I knew more than most people working at Disney.she then said I'm going to see what I can do for you. She put me on hold for about 5 minutes and then she came back to tell me that she was able to transfer my reservations to thePoly and I would get a $74 credit back. Although I appreciated all she did for me.. I NEVER asked her to switch resorts. As soon as it was done, I knew that I couldn't get my original ressies back. I was even more disappointed. don't get me wrong we LOVE the Poly. But, we just stayed there last year and this year everything that we made plans for centered around the BC/BW area. Plus, this year we have friends that are staying in that area tht we made plans with.
I know it must sound like I am a chronic complainer, which is funny because I am exactly the opposite, it's just the fact that so much planning goes into this and to plan the " perfect trip" that centers around 1 area and to have it all changed in an instant is difficult to take.
Will we have a blast? Of course we will.. Will we make the most of the Poly, of course we will. Will I still be a bit disappointed in not being in that area.. Yes.. I look forward to one day staying at the BC.. I hope that everyone who is still going to be staying at the BC has an amazing time and for those that switched like me, I hope we all get a little bit of pixie dust!!

 

[jenneth79]

Food wise I personally think Citricos is much much better than California Grill. We've had lousy luck at CG and will never go back. Food was just okay and service was horrible the three different times (over a 15 year period) we tried it. Three times and you're out in my book. You can see the Electrical Water Pageant from Narcosses and it is a fun thing to experience. We've had good and fair food at Narcosses but always great service. Heck, we've even had a few great dinners and fantastic service at the Cafe in the Grand Floridian. It's one of Jeanne's favorite places to eat. We love the breakfast there: steak and eggs!

It really is so funny how people have completely different experiences with the Signature locations, especially California Grill. We have eaten there twice and each time has been spectacular, from the service to the food. I've heard of people who shared my experience, as well as people who have dined there, like yourself, and will never return.

Then again, we weren't as enamored of Le Cellier as others have been, though it sounds like their ingredients / menu may have changed recently.

I am really looking forward to Citricos on our next trip, however, I keep hearing what a hidden gem it is!

 

[TeenaS]

Teena, thank you so much for your information the other day. I should explain what happened in better detail. Friend texted me she had read in the DIS about SAB rehab. Since it was 10:00pm Saturday night I knew that reservations was closed so I called the main number. I spoke to someone who really didn't know what was going on. He read a very limited info piece and then said to me " I will call someone else to get more information for you. He called what he referred to as " the help desk" . I spoke to Josh, he was super nice and even after finding someone information out for me called someone else to confirm. Unfortunately, his information was wrong, as he was told the rehab was currently going on and wouldn't affect my April trip..
I obviously was elated and it wasn't until I came on here Mnday and posted a thread that I got the real scoop.
I really didn't want to switch resorts. I called reservations to just see what information they could give me and to also I guess complain a little. I wsnt. Expecting anything except to be heard. The cast member in reservations listened to me and I told her how disappointed I was because we chose BC specifically for SAB and this trip was made specifically To spend most of the time there. I asked if there were any rooms at the BWI, and of course there weren't. I made all my ressies around staying in that area. I asked about Wilderness Lodge and nothing but club level was left. She then suggested Poly, but that was over $ 400 more expensive. She asked me if I wanted to speak to guest services, so I said sure. The cm on the phone was really nice, very knowledgable and listened to my whining. Did did make a point of saying that " other sources, like the Dis, although she never said it directly" find out information before a lot of the Disney cast member.. So at the point I was calling, I knew more than most people working at Disney.she then said I'm going to see what I can do for you. She put me on hold for about 5 minutes and then she came back to tell me that she was able to transfer my reservations to thePoly and I would get a $74 credit back. Although I appreciated all she did for me.. I NEVER asked her to switch resorts. As soon as it was done, I knew that I couldn't get my original ressies back. I was even more disappointed. don't get me wrong we LOVE the Poly. But, we just stayed there last year and this year everything that we made plans for centered around the BC/BW area. Plus, this year we have friends that are staying in that area tht we made plans with.
I know it must sound like I am a chronic complainer, which is funny because I am exactly the opposite, it's just the fact that so much planning goes into this and to plan the " perfect trip" that centers around 1 area and to have it all changed in an instant is difficult to take.
Will we have a blast? Of course we will.. Will we make the most of the Poly, of course we will. Will I still be a bit disappointed in not being in that area.. Yes.. I look forward to one day staying at the BC.. I hope that everyone who is still going to be staying at the BC has an amazing time and for those that switched like me, I hope we all get a little bit of pixie dust!!

Disney does really try to help you and make you happy. As MM has said in the past, call and talk to a manager and if you don't get satisfaction, ask for someone above who you are talking to. If you have a legitimate problem, Disney will really try hard to make you happy! It's one of the things I like about working there. And I really appreciate everybody here who understands that the Y&B didn't just pick a date when people are spending the most money to come there and then decide thats a good time to take down SAB.

I honestly think staying there during this time isn't going to be nearly as bad as it might seem and I know from talking to kids that have done it before that they absolutely love taking the golf cart ride over and back to the "scary clown slide".

 

[andreajb]

Thank you Teena for all the info you've provided about the pool closure. I really appreciate it.

We have decided to stay put at the BC for our trip even though I had a brief moment where I considered switching. I think my six year old son is going to love everything no matter where we stay. We took him to chattanooga, tn last fall and he thought the courtyard marriott was the coolest place ever so I can only imagine what he's going to think about the beach club (even without the entire pool)

This is the first time we have ever been to Disney and I've been wanting to go since I was 5 so after 25 years of anticipation I'm not going to let the pool closure ruin it!

 

[loganpaulsmom]

Disney does really try to help you and make you happy. As MM has said in the past, call and talk to a manager and if you don't get satisfaction, ask for someone above who you are talking to. If you have a legitimate problem, Disney will really try hard to make you happy! It's one of the things I like about working there. And I really appreciate everybody here who understands that the Y&B didn't just pick a date when people are spending the most money to come there and then decide thats a good time to take down SAB.

I honestly think staying there during this time isn't going to be nearly as bad as it might seem and I know from talking to kids that have done it before that they absolutely love taking the golf cart ride over and back to the "scary clown slide".

Isn't it just ridiculous that I am feeling sorry for myself staying at the Poly? I am sad.. I can't wait for this trip.. I kind of wish I didn't jump the gun.. We stayed at the boardwalk last year and absolutely loved it!!

 

[jenneth79]

Isn't it just ridiculous that I am feeling sorry for myself staying at the Poly? I am sad.. I can't wait for this trip.. I kind of wish I didn't jump the gun.. We stayed at the boardwalk last year and absolutely loved it!!

You could always call back and try a mea culpa.

 

[loganpaulsmom]

You could always call back and try a mea culpa.

Can u give me advice on how to do that??

 

[Minnie]

Since you now have a reservation for CL, you should email IPO, let them know you are gluten-free, and ask what their suggestions are for choices.

Would you recommend that I contact them or do they normally contact you once the ressie has reached their system? I really don't want to be a bother but Disney is normally so wonderful with my food allergies that I thought they might be able to help

 

[TeenaS]

Thank you Teena for all the info you've provided about the pool closure. I really appreciate it.

We have decided to stay put at the BC for our trip even though I had a brief moment where I considered switching. I think my six year old son is going to love everything no matter where we stay. We took him to chattanooga, tn last fall and he thought the courtyard marriott was the coolest place ever so I can only imagine what he's going to think about the beach club (even without the entire pool)

This is the first time we have ever been to Disney and I've been wanting to go since I was 5 so after 25 years of anticipation I'm not going to let the pool closure ruin it!

Have a wonderful time and make sure you read all the wonderful information on the first page of this thread. It will help you with lots of "first time" questions. Don't push too much, enjoy the down times (while waiting for transportation - Bob and I loved having this down time when the three of us would talk about what we were going to do when we got to MK, etc.). And keep in mind that the time of the year that you are going is going to be real real busy. I've found if you be at the park 20-30 minutes before its opening time and then proceed directly to the places that later will be more crowded, that first hour you can get sooooo much done. For example, hit Fantasyland at MK as soon as it opens. You'll be able to get through almost all of those attractions in one hour where later in the day it would take you one hour to do one attraction. At Hollywood Studios, go toToy Store Mania right away!!! At Epcot, head to Soarin' and at Animal Kingdom we like the Safari first thing in the morning or late afternoon.

Have fun!!!

 

[LJD2143]

Do we plan California Grill so we can see the fireworks from there? But with all the (projected) nights for MNSHHP, there's really not that many nights to choose from, so we might only have 1 night when we'd get to see Wishes...so do we go for the view from the Contemporary or do we see them from Main Street?

Well, even though you won't see Wishes on a MNSSHP, I believe they do still have fireworks, which they may or may not pipe music into CG for. Either way, it's still an amazing view (not to mention great food) plus you can see the Electrical Water Pageant from there!

I know there is Hallo-wishes on MNSHHP nights...but what time do they do the fireworks? Is it around 9pm or is it at the end of the party, which I'm guessing is midnight. I'm not sure we could stay up that late. We're usually in bed by about 10pm, but hoping to push it a bit while on vacation. We are early risers, so staying up late is tough.

My kids still RAVE about the time we watched Wishes from the observation deck at California Grill! You can book a dinner reservation at any time, and then return later in the evening for the fireworks - you just need to show your receipt to go back up the elevator.

Even if there is a MNSSHP, Hallowishes is at 9:30pm and CG does play the music.

 

[TeenaS]

Would you recommend that I contact them or do they normally contact you once the ressie has reached their system? I really don't want to be a bother but Disney is normally so wonderful with my food allergies that I thought they might be able to help

Contact them, don't wait.

 

[jcondrad]

It really is so funny how people have completely different experiences with the Signature locations, especially California Grill. We have eaten there twice and each time has been spectacular, from the service to the food. I've heard of people who shared my experience, as well as people who have dined there, like yourself, and will never return.

Then again, we weren't as enamored of Le Cellier as others have been, though it sounds like their ingredients / menu may have changed recently.

I am really looking forward to Citricos on our next trip, however, I keep hearing what a hidden gem it is!

I am SO glad to hear we weren't the only ones not happy with Le Cellier!! We got a last minute dinner ressie there in June and I thought the food was awful and the service was mediocre. I actually got up half-way through eating my dinner and told my hubby I was going to take our daughter walking around Epcot while he finished. I couldn't even be bothered to try the dessert after what an awful appetizer and dinner I had just had. P.S. I had the cheese soup for app and Filet over risotto for a meal. Hubby agreed, and he's a steak person. I wish I hadn't taken the ressie and did Flying Fish for a second time instead!!

 

[firstmickey]

Wow, this thread moves fast!

For those of you there end of April, we just found out that my kids will be marching on Main Street on Sunday, April 29th, in a 10am parade. I get to see both of my kids march down Main Street. For my daughter, it will be the last time she marches with the band, she is a senior. For my son, it will be his first - he is in 8th grade. It's the only year they are in band together and I can't believe I was lucky enough for it to be the Disney year also! (they go every four years to Disney). I plan to cry my way through the parade! Feel free to join me if you are around.




I'm so sorry for those of you affected by the SAB closure.

 

[TeenaS]

Wow, this thread moves fast!

For those of you there end of April, we just found out that my kids will be marching on Main Street on Sunday, April 29th, in a 10am parade. I get to see both of my kids march down Main Street. For my daughter, it will be the last time she marches with the band, she is a senior. For my son, it will be his first - he is in 8th grade. It's the only year they are in band together and I can't believe I was lucky enough for it to be the Disney year also! (they go every four years to Disney). I plan to cry my way through the parade! Feel free to join me if you are around.




I'm so sorry for those of you affected by the SAB closure.

How special that will be. I'd be crying nonstop!

 

[kelleigh1]

My kids still RAVE about the time we watched Wishes from the observation deck at California Grill! You can book a dinner reservation at any time, and then return later in the evening for the fireworks - you just need to show your receipt to go back up the elevator.

Even if there is a MNSSHP, Hallowishes is at 9:30pm and CG does play the music.

Thanks! I did do some searching and found the Hallowishes time, so now I'm excited. We put Cali Grill on Sunday evening so we can catch the show from there and then we'll see it from MK when we go to MNSHHP later in the week. Because we're going Halloween week, if history holds true, there will be parties on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday so we were finding that we'd be really limited on when we could do a night visit at MK (other than the party) and I was afraid that with our dinner plans, we'd be limiting that too. We wanted to catch a Wishes from the CG, but also from the MK, and now it looks like we'll have no trouble with that.

 

[kelleigh1]

Wow, this thread moves fast!

For those of you there end of April, we just found out that my kids will be marching on Main Street on Sunday, April 29th, in a 10am parade. I get to see both of my kids march down Main Street. For my daughter, it will be the last time she marches with the band, she is a senior. For my son, it will be his first - he is in 8th grade. It's the only year they are in band together and I can't believe I was lucky enough for it to be the Disney year also! (they go every four years to Disney). I plan to cry my way through the parade! Feel free to join me if you are around.




I'm so sorry for those of you affected by the SAB closure.

That's Fantastic!!

 

[kelleigh1]

I am SO glad to hear we weren't the only ones not happy with Le Cellier!! We got a last minute dinner ressie there in June and I thought the food was awful and the service was mediocre. I actually got up half-way through eating my dinner and told my hubby I was going to take our daughter walking around Epcot while he finished. I couldn't even be bothered to try the dessert after what an awful appetizer and dinner I had just had. P.S. I had the cheese soup for app and Filet over risotto for a meal. Hubby agreed, and he's a steak person. I wish I hadn't taken the ressie and did Flying Fish for a second time instead!!

We had dinner at Le Cellier in 2007, before it was a 2TS. We thought it was ok, but honestly, it doesn't really stick out in my mind much. I don't even remember what I ordered, so for us it didn't live up to the hype. And when we found it went to a 2TS, we couldn't understand why. We kept saying, it was ok, but don't think it's worth 2TS. I don't see us having dinner there again and lunch is unlikely.

I can't even imagine leaving part way through a meal, so yours must have been awful.

 

[daphne0904]

Our TA has quoted us an extra $500 for 5 days/4 nights for club level. My DH is really pushing for it, but I'm not sure it's worth the money. We're not doing the meal plan, so our TA thought it might be a nice thing to do. Digging around the board, though, it sounds like the BC's CL isn't as nice as others? Should we just spring for it?

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Wow, this thread moves fast!

For those of you there end of April, we just found out that my kids will be marching on Main Street on Sunday, April 29th, in a 10am parade. I get to see both of my kids march down Main Street. For my daughter, it will be the last time she marches with the band, she is a senior. For my son, it will be his first - he is in 8th grade. It's the only year they are in band together and I can't believe I was lucky enough for it to be the Disney year also! (they go every four years to Disney). I plan to cry my way through the parade! Feel free to join me if you are around.




I'm so sorry for those of you affected by the SAB closure.

I'd be crying too! Bet you cant wait

I am SO glad to hear we weren't the only ones not happy with Le Cellier!! We got a last minute dinner ressie there in June and I thought the food was awful and the service was mediocre. I actually got up half-way through eating my dinner and told my hubby I was going to take our daughter walking around Epcot while he finished. I couldn't even be bothered to try the dessert after what an awful appetizer and dinner I had just had. P.S. I had the cheese soup for app and Filet over risotto for a meal. Hubby agreed, and he's a steak person. I wish I hadn't taken the ressie and did Flying Fish for a second time instead!!

We had dinner at Le Cellier in 2007, before it was a 2TS. We thought it was ok, but honestly, it doesn't really stick out in my mind much. I don't even remember what I ordered, so for us it didn't live up to the hype. And when we found it went to a 2TS, we couldn't understand why. We kept saying, it was ok, but don't think it's worth 2TS. I don't see us having dinner there again and lunch is unlikely.

I can't even imagine leaving part way through a meal, so yours must have been awful.

Sorry you guys had a bad experience at Le Cellier-it was 1 of our familys favourite meals last year, . We had excellent food and a brilliant server who went above and beyond to cater to the picky needs of my kids

Our TA has quoted us an extra $500 for 5 days/4 nights for club level. My DH is really pushing for it, but I'm not sure it's worth the money. We're not doing the meal plan, so our TA thought it might be a nice thing to do. Digging around the board, though, it sounds like the BC's CL isn't as nice as others? Should we just spring for it?

I've only ever stayed club at the beach club so cant compare it to others but we really loved it It was great for breakfast and so handy to use for a late afternoon snack or when we just needed a wee bit of extra breathing space to spread out from eachother

 

[jenneth79]

Can u give me advice on how to do that??

Just call and say "I thought I was making the right decision by taking this offer, but I didn't really want anything when I called, then I felt pressured, and I booked it. I love the fact that you wanted to do this for us, but I feel like I'm just not going to enjoy myself if I am not at YC/BC.

In short, tell them the truth. Never know where it might take ya.

I am SO glad to hear we weren't the only ones not happy with Le Cellier!! We got a last minute dinner ressie there in June and I thought the food was awful and the service was mediocre. I actually got up half-way through eating my dinner and told my hubby I was going to take our daughter walking around Epcot while he finished. I couldn't even be bothered to try the dessert after what an awful appetizer and dinner I had just had. P.S. I had the cheese soup for app and Filet over risotto for a meal. Hubby agreed, and he's a steak person. I wish I hadn't taken the ressie and did Flying Fish for a second time instead!!

I loved the cheddar soup, but would choose to make a meal out of it, and forgo the steaks. It just seems like a small place that they stuff as many people as they can in. Perhaps their popularity is their biggest issue.

Wow, this thread moves fast!

For those of you there end of April, we just found out that my kids will be marching on Main Street on Sunday, April 29th, in a 10am parade. I get to see both of my kids march down Main Street. For my daughter, it will be the last time she marches with the band, she is a senior. For my son, it will be his first - he is in 8th grade. It's the only year they are in band together and I can't believe I was lucky enough for it to be the Disney year also! (they go every four years to Disney). I plan to cry my way through the parade! Feel free to join me if you are around.

What amazing news! I would cry also... you're going to be so proud, I am sure!

Thanks! I did do some searching and found the Hallowishes time, so now I'm excited. We put Cali Grill on Sunday evening so we can catch the show from there and then we'll see it from MK when we go to MNSHHP later in the week. Because we're going Halloween week, if history holds true, there will be parties on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday so we were finding that we'd be really limited on when we could do a night visit at MK (other than the party) and I was afraid that with our dinner plans, we'd be limiting that too. We wanted to catch a Wishes from the CG, but also from the MK, and now it looks like we'll have no trouble with that.

Looks like MNSSHP will be on those days from the calendar:

TA Calendar October