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

[lulu0506]

okay... thanks for clearing that up!!

 

[pixarmom]

A few months ago we were told the standard operating hours of SAB were 10 am to 10 pm until further notice. I would like to know if this will change seasonally, that is, if hours will be expanded on either end when the weather gets warmer.

Can people who are staying as the summer approaches report back about what they are experiencing for open and closing hours of SAB.

TIA!

I wonder what will happen with summer hours, too. Last August, the hours were 10am-10pm, but the July before, they were 10am-11pm! And I remember well because our older boys were often the last out of the pool at 11pm - fueled by late-night malts at Beaches & Cream! And then they were ready to go at rope drop every morning. Maybe a 10pm closing time isn't so bad . . .

In response to your earlier question about science fair . . . have you heard of elephant toothpaste? It was more of a demonstration year than an original experiment year for the 12-year-olds. Still fun, and still messy as usual. Our 11-year-old's teacher made participation optional - and I know you can guess what he opted for!

 

[Music City Mama]

First off my wife and I are so happy I found this thread. We are staying at YC this October and can't wait. Thank you to everyone for all of the information. It is very useful!

Second, we are fortunate to have a friend who is able to get us a room discount. With that said we won't know till almost August about the ability to add a dining plan. Has anyone not used a dining plan but stayed within a budget? We are worried that without we'll be spending a ton on food. Now its just the 4 of us, kids are 9 and 8.

Thanks!

My advice . . . Whatever the dining plan would cost you, put that amount on a Disney gift card (I actually do several with $200/each on them in case I lose it). Since the dining plan isn't that much of a cost savings and more of a convenience thing, you will still have enough money to eat AND here's the best part . . . You can eat how you want to eat -- i.e., split meals, order an appetizer for a meal, not get dessert, etc.

I think 10 PM is probably the latest it's ever open.

Would it be open EARLIER in June (like at 9:00)?

 

[TeenaS]

My advice . . . Whatever the dining plan would cost you, put that amount on a Disney gift card (I actually do several with $200/each on them in case I lose it). Since the dining plan isn't that much of a cost savings and more of a convenience thing, you will still have enough money to eat AND here's the best part . . . You can eat how you want to eat -- i.e., split meals, order an appetizer for a meal, not get dessert, etc.



Would it be open EARLIER in June (like at 9:00)?

Honestly, it's decided on a number of factors. Time of the year, weather and crowds. I have no idea how they decide the times or when they make that decision. Sorry I don't have definitive information for you on this. But keep in mind, the quiet pools are open any time you want.

 

[Marlton Mom]

There is a blue, nylon Beach Club jacket that I fell in love with. I tried it on, it fit perfectly, but as I had already bought several things, I didn't get it. Right before we left, my husband said, are you SURE you don't want that jacket?? Trying to be the responsible one, I said that no, I really shouldn't spend the money.

Well, guess what? I want it. I really, really want it. The question I have for you is, how can I get it? I'm sure I could figure this out by myself, but if anyone is in the know (Teena, are you out there?) and can give me a reply, please let me know.

Thanks a bunch,
Linda

I have the opposite problem. I have a husband that is a buzz kill when I'm in the middle of a shopping feeding frenzy!

I hope you called about that jacket. I've been doing a lot of walking lately and that jacket is perfect! It's roomy in all the right places, it's light weight and well ventilated for a "Keep refrigerated" middle aged woman like myself and it has pockets to die for. I don't know how water 'proof' it is but it's kept the mist off of me a couple of times and kept me dry during a light spritz. I'm really picky when it comes to jackets, think Goldilocks, and this one has earned a place at the front of the closet!

To those of you waiting to get to the BC before you "purch the merch" I find myself wondering how long these items are going to be available. It would also be nice if Disney included on it's Park's merchandise web site a page for all the different resort wear. I'll bet that would boost the company's profit margin, especially in light of that clinker of a movie called "John Carter" (TEENA DID YOU SEE IT? GIVE US A MINI REVIEW!!! ) My son has one share of Disney Stock and I can't bear to break the news to him he's down 40 cents because of that movie!

~Marlton Mom

 

[TeenaS]

I have the opposite problem. I have a husband that is a buzz kill when I'm in the middle of a shopping feeding frenzy!

I hope you called about that jacket. I've been doing a lot of walking lately and that jacket is perfect! It's roomy in all the right places, it's light weight and well ventilated for a "Keep refrigerated" middle aged woman like myself and it has pockets to die for. I don't know how water 'proof' it is but it's kept the mist off of me a couple of times and kept me dry during a light spritz. I'm really picky when it comes to jackets, think Goldilocks, and this one has earned a place at the front of the closet!

To those of you waiting to get to the BC before you "purch the merch" I find myself wondering how long these items are going to be available. It would also be nice if Disney included on it's Park's merchandise web site a page for all the different resort wear. I'll bet that would boost the company's profit margin, especially in light of that clinker of a movie called "John Carter" (TEENA DID YOU SEE IT? GIVE US A MINI REVIEW!!! ) My son has one share of Disney Stock and I can't bear to break the news to him he's down 40 cents because of that movie!

~Marlton Mom

Haven't seen it but a few co-workers did and they loved it. Personally Bob and I find that if the critics hate it, we love it, and vice versa.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I can't wait to get ahold of that BC merchandise!

We might be adding a day on to our BC trip - Dee I'll let you know for sure on Monday!

To all the great mothers on this thread that are thrilled and excited for the science and creativity fairs - I have to say, you're better than me! I dread them.

Ours are mandatory after 6th grade so now all three of the kids HAVE to participate in all three categories. Of course always comes at the worse possible time - tax season (DH is a CPA). I'm so sick of these crazy projects - build a building of the futue complete with blue prints to scale - build an insect out of completely recylced material, historical scene, design and illustrate a children's book, the list goes on and on. One for each I could take but three for each kids is making me nuts (and all my money is going to Michael's and AC Moore!).

These are definitely the days I dream of lying by SAB with a sunken treasure!

 

[jcondrad]

SAB is different. Every single guest (ages 3 and up) must show a room key that says they are staying at the BC, BCV or YC to get into SAB.

However, friends are allowed at any of the three quiet pools at the Y&B.

When we were there in June, we actually were asked to show the key for our 2 year old daughter to enter SAB with us! It was only the one day and they mentioned something about they had been having trouble recently with people entering the pool without being guests.

 

[Sue M]

My advice . . . Whatever the dining plan would cost you, put that amount on a Disney gift card (I actually do several with $200/each on them in case I lose it). Since the dining plan isn't that much of a cost savings and more of a convenience thing, you will still have enough money to eat AND here's the best part . . . You can eat how you want to eat -- i.e., split meals, order an appetizer for a meal, not get dessert, etc.



Would it be open EARLIER in June (like at 9:00)?

We did the same thing, my daughter (26) & I stayed at WL in January. First time without the DDP. Was a bit worried, but felt with the price increases, the DDP just isn't the bargain it once was.

So we put the amount it would have cost us in Disney Gift Cards, and used that for our dining. It worked very well, and even though we still did 1 CS & 1 TS every day, we still had money left on the card.

I loved it. Gave me much more flexibility. I'm not a pop drinker, and so order water anyway. I don't want a dessert with every lunch, esp those yucky cakes in a cup So I can have a lunch at Back Lot, and go to Starring Rolls for their yummy cupcakes! Or have a dinner at Kona, and go downstairs to have a Dole Whip for desert if I want! Or my daughter and I can share one dessert at dinner.
We've also split some lunches. At Sci Fi the sandwiches are huge, so you can easily split.

Not doing DDP this Aug either. Putting aside the cash on Gift cards is just like having it prepaid, and easy to not have to worry about carrying around cash for food.

 

[pixarmom]

I can't wait to get ahold of that BC merchandise!

We might be adding a day on to our BC trip - Dee I'll let you know for sure on Monday!

To all the great mothers on this thread that are thrilled and excited for the science and creativity fairs - I have to say, you're better than me! I dread them.

Ours are mandatory after 6th grade so now all three of the kids HAVE to participate in all three categories. Of course always comes at the worse possible time - tax season (DH is a CPA). I'm so sick of these crazy projects - build a building of the futue complete with blue prints to scale - build an insect out of completely recylced material, historical scene, design and illustrate a children's book, the list goes on and on. One for each I could take but three for each kids is making me nuts (and all my money is going to Michael's and AC Moore!).

These are definitely the days I dream of lying by SAB with a sunken treasure!

I love adding days! Hope it works out!

We have a big Michael's shopping trip on the calendar for tomorrow, so funny you should mention that. Now that science fair is over, we're moving on to a Greek project for social studies. Based on the amount we spent on the Egyptian project at Michael's, I'll make good use of the 20% off total purchased coupon that arrived via e-mail this morning! Anyone in need - check the weekly ad.

But that's a tough line-up of projects! Next month, I'll be sure to consume a Sunken Treasure in your honor!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Pixarmom - thanks! I'll be thinking of you lounging aroud the pool with the "official drink of the YC/BC Dissers"!

Seriously, I can't to hear how you and your ds like YC. I'm sure you will love it - even if you are a BC girl at heart.

If you get a chance - (another strange request) - can you see if the have key lime pie on the room service menu? Since the Captians Grill took it off the menu I have to get my key lie fix somewhere! Just for good measure the Rose and Crown just took my all time favorite dessert (bakewell tart) off the menu. If all the good desserts ar leaving why do I keep dieting like crazy for Disney?

 

[pixarmom]

Pixarmom - thanks! I'll be thinking of you lounging aroud the pool with the "official drink of the YC/BC Dissers"!

Seriously, I can't to hear how you and your ds like YC. I'm sure you will love it - even if you are a BC girl at heart.

If you get a chance - (another strange request) - can you see if the have key lime pie on the room service menu? Since the Captians Grill took it off the menu I have to get my key lie fix somewhere! Just for good measure the Rose and Crown just took my all time favorite dessert (bakewell tart) off the menu. If all the good desserts ar leaving why do I keep dieting like crazy for Disney?

Yes, definitely! It's already on my list of missions:

Of course, Robyn! Here's the BC room service menu with the dessert page from last August (not so clear - just "chef's creations.") But I'll be at YC next month, so I'll check the menu and call down to room service.

Our youngest is so excited about YC! Just yesterday, he said, "Robyn knows everything about the Yacht Club, right? Did she send me any more messages?"

 

[Best Aunt]

Look on any receipt from merchandise that you purchased at WDW and there will be a phone number on it. Call them and tell them what you want. They will mail it to you.

I bought stuff at the Beach Club Marketplace last week. The receipt says:

Beach Club Marketplace
Store Number 4031
Merchandise Guest Services:
1-877-560-6477
MerchandiseGuestServices@Disney.Go.com
www.DisneyParks.com/store

 

[Best Aunt]

Morning all!

As a newbie DVC owner at BCV, I am fast discovering how popular this place can be!

I currently have reservations on a 2BR villa from August 19-26. Good news is I can think about moving our vacation up since plans fell through with my side of the family so we're taking my in-laws instead. Bad news is trying to get a 2BR at BCV anytime in July or even early August is like winning the lottery. I already have waitlist requests on in July, but someone please tell me that we still have a chance at going earlier! I've been checking online daily, and while there are other resorts open, I keep backing away. It's BCV or bust (well, at least until August 19)!

You might already know this, but since you said you're a newbie, I'm going to post anyway:

If you want a 2BR at BCV, there are 3 categories:
- 2 BR dedicated with 2 queen beds in the second bedroom
- 2 BR dedicated with 1 queen and 1 sofabed in the second bedroom
- 2 BR lockoff, which is a studio connected to a 1 bedroom

I think they are described slightly differently on the member website.

When you waitlist, you can waitlist for 2 of the 3 categories.

When I did it, I waitlisted for the first two. My theory was: to get the third one, two different rooms might have to become available (the studio and the 1 BR), so it might be harder to get.

Of course, another theory might be: there are very few of the 1st one, so it might be harder to get.

 

[natebenma]

In response to your earlier question about science fair . . . have you heard of elephant toothpaste? It was more of a demonstration year than an original experiment year for the 12-year-olds. Still fun, and still messy as usual. Our 11-year-old's teacher made participation optional - and I know you can guess what he opted for!

I have not heard of elephant toothpaste.

Yes, I know your 11 year old's choice. The elementary Science Fair is optional and my kids have never done a project. Ben almost did one year.

We might be adding a day on to our BC trip - Dee I'll let you know for sure on Monday!

To all the great mothers on this thread that are thrilled and excited for the science and creativity fairs - I have to say, you're better than me! I dread them.

These are definitely the days I dream of lying by SAB with a sunken treasure!

OK let me know if you add a day

Who said I am excited about the science fair???

I love adding days! Hope it works out!

We have a big Michael's shopping trip on the calendar for tomorrow, so funny you should mention that. Now that science fair is over, we're moving on to a Greek project for social studies. Based on the amount we spent on the Egyptian project at Michael's, I'll make good use of the 20% off total purchased coupon that arrived via e-mail this morning! Anyone in need - check the weekly ad.

But that's a tough line-up of projects! Next month, I'll be sure to consume a Sunken Treasure in your honor!

Just spent a gorgeous New England day tracking down supplies at Joann's and Walmart and a local discount store for the daVinci parachute my son needs to make this weekend.

Please have a Sunken Treasure for me, too!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I think we need a "sunken treasure club" for all the mothers involved in the projexts for the kids' "fairs". BTW I think we should be buying stock in AC Moore and Michael's this time of year - could probably pay our way for another trip! Dee you are sooooo lucky that you fair is optional - at this point I think I'd pay the teachers money to make our creativity optional!!!

Pixarmom - I should have known that either you or Dee would have a picture of the room service menu!!!!

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

But, my 5 day hopper only cost me $1.. So I feel really really really great about staying at the BC ..

5 Day hopper for $1, that is nice! How did you get that?

 

[roydavid7771]

You might already know this, but since you said you're a newbie, I'm going to post anyway:

If you want a 2BR at BCV, there are 3 categories:
- 2 BR dedicated with 2 queen beds in the second bedroom
- 2 BR dedicated with 1 queen and 1 sofabed in the second bedroom
- 2 BR lockoff, which is a studio connected to a 1 bedroom

I think they are described slightly differently on the member website.

When you waitlist, you can waitlist for 2 of the 3 categories.

When I did it, I waitlisted for the first two. My theory was: to get the third one, two different rooms might have to become available (the studio and the 1 BR), so it might be harder to get.

Of course, another theory might be: there are very few of the 1st one, so it might be harder to get.

Thanks for the info! At this point, I'll take any form of a 2 BR, it really doesn't make too much of a difference to me. Since I can only waitlist two of the three, I just keep calling daily hoping to catch a break!

 

[roydavid7771]

I have DVC friends (home is Animal Kingdom) that have been trying to get BCV for three years with no luck. So I'd say your chances are slim. But you are doing it right, check every day!

Thanks Teena! I'll keep my fingers crossed!

 

[Sue M]

I have the opposite problem. I have a husband that is a buzz kill when I'm in the middle of a shopping feeding frenzy!

I hope you called about that jacket. I've been doing a lot of walking lately and that jacket is perfect! It's roomy in all the right places, it's light weight and well ventilated for a "Keep refrigerated" middle aged woman like myself and it has pockets to die for. I don't know how water 'proof' it is but it's kept the mist off of me a couple of times and kept me dry during a light spritz. I'm really picky when it comes to jackets, think Goldilocks, and this one has earned a place at the front of the closet!

To those of you waiting to get to the BC before you "purch the merch" I find myself wondering how long these items are going to be available. It would also be nice if Disney included on it's Park's merchandise web site a page for all the different resort wear. I'll bet that would boost the company's profit margin, especially in light of that clinker of a movie called "John Carter" (TEENA DID YOU SEE IT? GIVE US A MINI REVIEW!!! ) My son has one share of Disney Stock and I can't bear to break the news to him he's down 40 cents because of that movie!

~Marlton Mom

My husband is a buzz kill too I love the pic of that jacket I'm going to have to check it out in August!