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

[TeenaS]

Hey...did I see someone Dissing the YC? Ok, maybe not dissing, but definitely touting the BC as superior. There will be none of that.


Is it wrong that I'm sorta hoping that we might be lucky with a CL upgrade? I blame it on all of you talking about all that yummy food. It's just not fair. I think I'm going to gain 50lbs on this trip. I'd better work harder on losing at least that much in the 7 months...oh wait, doesn't that thing down there say 6 months and xx days now? I think it does!

Didn't you know that you can eat, eat and eat some more at Disney and not gain? Because of all the walking, you won't gain a pound and Tinkerbell watches out for us all too. No worries!!! All kidding aside, when we visited for a week every year, we ate 3 big meals a day and never gained a pound. I truly believe it's true what they say about on an average day at WDW, you walk 10+ miles.

 

[smellyia]

Lurker for about a year (when I decided I would take my daughter at age 2.5 to WDW - this trip isn't about me at all *inserts sarcasm*), FIRST POST EVER.

We are staying at BC from 5/28-6/2/2012 before going to Amelia Island for 5 days to recover from WDW . I booked BC over Dolphin (a decision that took me a month to make) because this thread won me over. However, I did book it with the 30% off special and after taxes, etc am paying around $300/nt for standard room - I really wanted to be on the woods side close to Epcot away from pools and that's what I THINK is the area. I'm still wondering if this is sort of an "eh" deal or if I got a good price at BC with that discount. Am I a dolt for not booking CL? We are driving and will have food and drinks (including our booze in the room, but I'm not too into hanging in lounges. We are more get up and go or at the pool people. Am I missing out on a great benefit in my ignorance of CL? I could have booked Dolphin for about 230/nt with my nurses discount including taxes, resort fee and parking - bleh. Any advice on this (cough*justification*cough) would be lovely.

Our overall plan is pretty loose. We are driving down on Memorial Day the 28th (12hr trip). Take it easy on Mon, maybe swim and dinner. Eat breakfast in room or quick counter svc pick up like from the BC Marketplace (I think they have BF sandwiches and COFFEE). Each day we will arrive at park opening which is no problem for us to arise early, spend about half day, do something easy for lunch (counter svc or food we'll have in room) then return to hotel for naps/laundry one day aka mommy time at QUIET pool. After naps maybe swim if weather permits, dinner and explore Epcot. I have a day for each park, but we are thinking to MAYBE go see HP at IOA one morning, however the thought of even getting there is tiring to me. We're really not trying to see everything and given none of us are big on the heavy duty attractions, but see the fun kiddo stuff and enjoy being a family there....is this plan too much? Too little?

Also, I have booked one ADR *cowers in shame* for a character breakfast at Cape May the day of our departure since we don't have to be in Amelia Island till the afternoon. Suggestions for dinner reservations from anyone? DD does pretty well in the evenings after her glorious 2 hour afternoon naps, but I would like to stay "local" (walking or SHORT commute) to BC and it seems like food is galore in this area....I'd just like to avoid any lemons.

This thread has been tremendously helpful in helping me plan this trip and I really enjoyed reading many of your trip reports/links. Thanks so much for all your sharing! You've given me hours of entertainment and great ideas.

 

[pixarmom]

OK, at the risk of being ridiculed like the last time I posted this (BTW- still waiting for my mommy intervention and the box of Grey Goose Slushies and bacon to arrive at my door)

Given the number of times I receive requests for pencil sharpening or a new pencil sharpener (I have a stash of extras in a secret location in the kitchen), I'd say this is a huge benefit of CL!

Also, as Grey Goose slushies and bacon are two of my favorite foods (throw in a pecan bar from Karamell Kuche and I'm set for the day!) So I really appreciate Dee's post.

I haven't heard if that gazebo area you are describing will be open. It is really close to Hurricane Hanna's and provides tables that can be used to enjoy a meal purchased there, so I'm guessing it will be open. According to the birdseye view map, it looks like the this area is in between the areas of the pool that will be closed and the lazy river which will remain open, so that would also lead me to believe you will be able to access the upper deck seating.

How about Poolside Gifts? Assuming that will remain open as well.

If we don't hear an answer before the closure, could someone arriving after April 9 let us know about the gazebo and Poolside Gifts.

Good questions. I may have posted before that our 5-year-old asked immediately if he could watch the workers and was thrilled that the answer was "yes." So he will be more than happy to get out of the pool and wander around with me. I promise photos on April 15!

being waited on is certainly appealing to this mama! since adding "mama" to my resume, the "waiting on" has been fairly one-sided in the direction of DH, DS, DD benefiting. obvious exception being Mother's Day.

shellbelle, just wanted to add that I think 2 nights POR and 2 at YC is a great plan. We're getting into the habit of splitting our stays for various reasons, and I think it's very easy if you have everything organized in advance. We just returned from a trip with our three boys from San Francisco to Newport Beach, California and we moved around constantly. So moving around within WDW seems like a piece of cake! I'm arriving with our youngest right after Easter and we're staying at POFQ for three nights before moving over to YC because those peak Easter rates with no discounts are tough to stomach - so as soon as the discount kicks in, we move!

As for CL, one of my favorite things about it is the healthy breakfasts and evening appetizers for the kids. It really does cut down on the cost of meals because even though we usually have two ADRs per day, we don't order as much. None of us eat really big meals, but grab healthy snacks at various times during the day, so CL fits us perfectly! Also, I love not having to set up and clean up snacks or quick breakfast in the room. As for cost, I think we've set our tolerance for CL at $100 extra per night or less for our family of five. So I'd have to give it some serious thought if it goes up to $125/night. That would add up over several nights, but for two nights, may be worth it.

For this trip, I made a decision to stick with GV at YC and not book CL, because it's just our youngest and me. I know we'd use the lounge for breakfast, snacks in the afternoon, snacks before we get on the plane, a glass of wine for me before dinner, a small dessert to take out on the balcony after kiddie bedtime . . . but it's just the two of us. So I must stay strong and stop talking about CL!

MM, that cheerleader thread is too funny!

 

[pixarmom]

Lurker for about a year (when I decided I would take my daughter at age 2.5 to WDW - this trip isn't about me at all *inserts sarcasm*), FIRST POST EVER.

We are staying at BC from 5/28-6/2/2012 before going to Amelia Island for 5 days to recover from WDW . I booked BC over Dolphin (a decision that took me a month to make) because this thread won me over. However, I did book it with the 30% off special and after taxes, etc am paying around $300/nt for standard room - I really wanted to be on the woods side close to Epcot away from pools and that's what I THINK is the area. I'm still wondering if this is sort of an "eh" deal or if I got a good price at BC with that discount. Am I a dolt for not booking CL? We are driving and will have food and drinks (including our booze in the room, but I'm not too into hanging in lounges. We are more get up and go or at the pool people. Am I missing out on a great benefit in my ignorance of CL? I could have booked Dolphin for about 230/nt with my nurses discount including taxes, resort fee and parking - bleh. Any advice on this (cough*justification*cough) would be lovely.

Our overall plan is pretty loose. We are driving down on Memorial Day the 28th (12hr trip). Take it easy on Mon, maybe swim and dinner. Eat breakfast in room or quick counter svc pick up like from the BC Marketplace (I think they have BF sandwiches and COFFEE). Each day we will arrive at park opening which is no problem for us to arise early, spend about half day, do something easy for lunch (counter svc or food we'll have in room) then return to hotel for naps/laundry one day aka mommy time at QUIET pool. After naps maybe swim if weather permits, dinner and explore Epcot. I have a day for each park, but we are thinking to MAYBE go see HP at IOA one morning, however the thought of even getting there is tiring to me. We're really not trying to see everything and given none of us are big on the heavy duty attractions, but see the fun kiddo stuff and enjoy being a family there....is this plan too much? Too little?

Also, I have booked one ADR *cowers in shame* for a character breakfast at Cape May the day of our departure since we don't have to be in Amelia Island till the afternoon. Suggestions for dinner reservations from anyone? DD does pretty well in the evenings after her glorious 2 hour afternoon naps, but I would like to stay "local" (walking or SHORT commute) to BC and it seems like food is galore in this area....I'd just like to avoid any lemons.

This thread has been tremendously helpful in helping me plan this trip and I really enjoyed reading many of your trip reports/links. Thanks so much for all your sharing! You've given me hours of entertainment and great ideas.

Welcome!!! So glad you've officially joined us with your first post, and that you have a BC visit coming up so soon! Not only have we stayed at Dolphin, but we stayed there last year over Memorial Day weekend. So while I think it can be a good choice under some circumstances, I really think you'll be VERY happy with your decision to stay at BC. The whole environment at BC is just so different and great for little ones and families.

As for ADRs, our boys are ages 12, 11 and 5, but we've been taking them to WDW frequently since they were each tiny. Some of their favorites in Epcot and the Epcot resort area are Garden Grill (great character meal for little ones and so close!), Yachtsman, Le Cellier, Chef's de France and Via Napoli.

Happy Planning!

 

[bookgirl]

Oops.... I forgot about that post....

I shall go now and see what the "fuss" is all about.

~MM

What? Clowngate wasn't enough, you're somewhere starting Cheergate now?

My nephews are thinking about moving up to AAU, do you think I"d get banned from the thread if I suggested we bring the 12 year old BB boys to BC instead of the Values.......They're only obnoxious most of the time, and I know for a fact that most of the parents on the new team hate budget hotels. I mean if they got to play in Florida, surely I can con a BC stay out of it.

 

[TaraPA]

CL discussion

Ok I'll jump in here & put my 2 cents in. I'm in the minority here, but we wouldn't book CL again. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about it - the staff was wonderful, the lounge was great, the food offering were delicious. Our family just would have preferred the space of a villa over CL. When I booked, I could have gotten a 1BR villa for the same price as Deluxe CL. We had never done CL so this was a great way to try it, and to be in the deluxe CL room which is larger (MUCH larger) than a standard CL room. I'm so glad we tried it - and we did go to the lounge at least 2x a day, but we really value space & having a washer & dryer in the room over the Cl lounge.

We didn't use any of the other CL ammenities (other than getting a DVD to watch) so I can see how it would hold great value for others that want those services. I'm way to anal to allow anyone but myself to make/change my ADRs!!

If a deal came up (like 40% AP discount or something) on Deluxe CL I would consider it again, but if I had to choose deluxe CL over a 1BR villa for the same price, we'd opt for the villla. We only travel with carry-ons so I have to do wash while there, and since the temps were hot this week, I had to do wash twice. The laundry room right by our room only had 1 working washer the whole time, so it took half a day to do the wash, since everyone was waiting for a washer. Having the washer/dryer in the villa would have been soooo much more convenient. Yes I could have walked to another laundry facility but I had choose the room I did for the lose proximity to that laundry room, and didn't want to be dragging dirty wash all over the resort!

DH had already been in Orlando for 2 weeks in a hotel, so the space of a 1BR villa would have made him relax a little more I think. It had been a stressful 2 weeks down there prior to the boys & I arriving, and he was just ready to go home, not go to another hotel! Thank goodness the balcony of that room was HUGE - it was like a whole other room, so he spent a lot of time out there with his laptop.

So again, NO COMPLAINTS about CL, it just might not be the best fit for our family.

I will say that I asked every family member which hotel is their favorite - previously they'd say Dolphin or AKL....they all said BC hands down. I have to agree. I was a S/D and Kidani/AKL girl myself, and am now totally spoiled by BC. I LOVE Epcot and to be rightthere was invaluable. For example, yesterday, we had to check out at 11. We went to Epcot where DS9 started to feel sick. Thank goodness we were right there to walk back to BC where he could rest in the CL lounge (all the CL staff was great at making him comfortable while he felt sick). Once he perked up we moved down to the quiet pool - we only had 45 min. til ME & Epcot is that close that DS14 went over to get fish & chips for me for lunch from UK! It only took him 10 min. to go from the quiet pool, into UK for lunch, and back. LOVE IT!!!

Now the sad reality is that I have to remove my ticker, update my trip list...and now I have NO TICKER!!!! The ladies are planning October 17-21 but nothing set in stone yet. We'll wait til AP discounts come out for then, which unfortunatly isn't til August. Sigh.....

 

[natebenma]

What? Clowngate wasn't enough, you're somewhere starting Cheergate now?

*snorts*

My nephews are thinking about moving up to AAU, do you think I"d get banned from the thread if I suggested we bring the 12 year old BB boys to BC instead of the Values.......They're only obnoxious most of the time, and I know for a fact that most of the parents on the new team hate budget hotels. I mean if they got to play in Florida, surely I can con a BC stay out of it.

If she's bringing her nephews and their teamates, I wanna bring my teenaged son and his 99 classmates to BC in June!

 

[natebenma]

Lurker for about a year (when I decided I would take my daughter at age 2.5 to WDW - this trip isn't about me at all *inserts sarcasm*), FIRST POST EVER.

We are staying at BC from 5/28-6/2/2012 before going to Amelia Island for 5 days to recover from WDW . I booked BC over Dolphin (a decision that took me a month to make) because this thread won me over. However, I did book it with the 30% off special and after taxes, etc am paying around $300/nt for standard room - I really wanted to be on the woods side close to Epcot away from pools and that's what I THINK is the area. I'm still wondering if this is sort of an "eh" deal or if I got a good price at BC with that discount. Am I a dolt for not booking CL? We are driving and will have food and drinks (including our booze in the room, but I'm not too into hanging in lounges. We are more get up and go or at the pool people. Am I missing out on a great benefit in my ignorance of CL? I could have booked Dolphin for about 230/nt with my nurses discount including taxes, resort fee and parking - bleh. Any advice on this (cough*justification*cough) would be lovely.

Our overall plan is pretty loose. We are driving down on Memorial Day the 28th (12hr trip). Take it easy on Mon, maybe swim and dinner. Eat breakfast in room or quick counter svc pick up like from the BC Marketplace (I think they have BF sandwiches and COFFEE). Each day we will arrive at park opening which is no problem for us to arise early, spend about half day, do something easy for lunch (counter svc or food we'll have in room) then return to hotel for naps/laundry one day aka mommy time at QUIET pool. After naps maybe swim if weather permits, dinner and explore Epcot. I have a day for each park, but we are thinking to MAYBE go see HP at IOA one morning, however the thought of even getting there is tiring to me. We're really not trying to see everything and given none of us are big on the heavy duty attractions, but see the fun kiddo stuff and enjoy being a family there....is this plan too much? Too little?

Also, I have booked one ADR *cowers in shame* for a character breakfast at Cape May the day of our departure since we don't have to be in Amelia Island till the afternoon. Suggestions for dinner reservations from anyone? DD does pretty well in the evenings after her glorious 2 hour afternoon naps, but I would like to stay "local" (walking or SHORT commute) to BC and it seems like food is galore in this area....I'd just like to avoid any lemons.

This thread has been tremendously helpful in helping me plan this trip and I really enjoyed reading many of your trip reports/links. Thanks so much for all your sharing! You've given me hours of entertainment and great ideas.

and thanks for delurking!!! I'll add you to the Page 1 Be Our Guest list.

BC will be perfect for your stay, especially with your plan to have easy counter service lunches. We love all of the offerings at EPCOT: Sunshine Seasons, Tangierine Cafe in Morocco, French bakery, Mexico, heck even the chicken nuggets in the good ole USA. Burgers or sandwiches from Hurricane Hanna's. When we are done with park time in the morning, we often find ourselves at one of these places to eat or even take back to our room to enjoy.

If you are in EPCOT, it is a no-brainer. If you are at HS, hop on the boat and stay on all the way to EPCOT and find some lunch. If you are at MK, hop on the monorail and stop by Sunshine Seasons on your way back to the room.

Since you are planning on a lot of pool time, no better place than BC/YC for the assortment of pools (quiet or activity-filled, lazy river, sand bottomed zero entry for the little one) and the kiddie slide too.

 

[kelleigh1]

Now the sad reality is that I have to remove my ticker, update my trip list...and now I have NO TICKER!!!! The ladies are planning October 17-21 but nothing set in stone yet. We'll wait til AP discounts come out for then, which unfortunatly isn't til August. Sigh.....

You push that back 10 days and we'd be there at the same time for F&W!

And I'm not feeling sorry for you and your lack of a ticker. Our Oct trip will be a month shy of 5 years since we were at WDW last and you've already been, what is it, twice this year alone? Nope, not feeling sorry for your.

 

[kelleigh1]

Is nobody mentioning Captain's Grill because we're trying to keep it a Hidden Gem?

 

[KJay]

Just two months out from my very special sisters-getaway at Beach Club!

This short trip is a dream come true for me, as well as for my sister. We've always wanted to do it, but family obligations and family trips always prevented it from happening. This year, my sister and her family went through an extremely difficult & traumatic experience (everything is okay now, thankfully). We decided to make this trip happen, after being reminded of how important it is to seize the day, and not put things off for a day that may not come. And, as a "thank you" for me helping her and her family during the crisis, my sis is treating me to my stay! Woo hoo!

I wanted to do something special for her, so as a surprise, I booked us on the Around the World Segway tour. I know we will both LOVE it! I really want to present this surprise to her when we go to Illuminations on our first night. Here’s my dilemma: We are traveling separately, and my sis is arriving at BC several hours before me. When I booked the tour, the agent said it will be listed on the folio we receive at check-in, the one with our KTTW cards. How can I avoid the surprise being spoiled by her seeing the tour listed, or having the check-in CM review it with her? I was hoping that only I would get the info, since I’m the main reservation holder, but I’ve since read that read that any adult listed on the res can check in and get the packet. Do any of you BC fans have any ideas for me? Thanks so much!

 

[natebenma]

Is nobody mentioning Xxxxxxx'x Xxxxx because we're trying to keep it a Hidden Gem?

Yes.

 

[jenneth79]

Yes.

 

[Marlton Mom]

OK, at the risk of being ridiculed like the last time I posted this (BTW- still waiting for my mommy intervention and the box of Grey Goose Slushies and bacon to arrive at my door)

My, such open PANDERING! Don't tempt me 'cause you Know I Will!.

SNIP!.....
and yes, extremely sharpened pencils are very important to me.

Would anyone choose YC for just three nights over 2 at YC and 2 at POR? I can't get four during the window we can be there, but I can get three.

Hmmm... this is a toughie. I would think having 3 days at YC gives you more opportunity to use Storm Along Bay. You would still have to bus it to MK so that would be a wash. The Bus FROM YC to MK is just fine so no disadvantage there. I'd say stay at POR the 1 night just to get a feel for it then switch to YC and PARTY ALL THE TIME!!!

Lurker for about a year (when I decided I would take my daughter at age 2.5 to WDW - this trip isn't about me at all *inserts sarcasm*), FIRST POST EVER.

WELCOME!!
We L O V E when Lurkers come out of the closet...

Maybe one day our resort friend(s) for life will feel free to join us.

Given the number of times I receive requests for pencil sharpening or a new pencil sharpener (I have a stash of extras in a secret location in the kitchen), I'd say this is a huge benefit of CL!

We all know the pencils are next to the chocolate and the Tastykakes you keep in the cupboard for diet emergencies, as in "I'm on a diet and it's an EMERGENCY!!!"

MM, that cheerleader thread is too funny!

Yes, I seem to fly completely over the radar in some minds. Others I crash right into....

Well It's time to check the mail and see if my Brazilian Cheerleading dance moves video arrived. I've got to start preparing for my food court performances. I think I'm going to wait until I get better before I start working on my 'Moving Bus aisle' choreography....

~MM

 

[bookgirl]

*snorts*




If she's bringing her nephews and their teamates, I wanna bring my teenaged son and his 99 classmates to BC in June!

What, I thought you were using the noodles to make a bedcheck dummy ala Escape from Alcatraz, and sleeping in the Secret Closet and leaving the hoarde, errr, classmates at the Values?

 

[ocalla]

Anyone ever use BC room service?

If so, how was it?

Thanks!!

P.S. Check out that ticker....................it's getting CLOSER

 

[ddluvsdisney]

When my boss asked me what was the best thing about Disney, I said walking down the hall in the morning to get a bowl of oatmeal.

 

[kelleigh1]

Yes.

LOL.

Am I about to be banned from this thread because I keep mentioning? In my defense, I only mention it here and not on that food board.

 

[jenneth79]

Anyone ever use BC room service?

If so, how was it?

Thanks!!

P.S. Check out that ticker....................it's getting CLOSER

I've used YC, which I believe is shared w/ BC anyway....

We had breakfast delivered one morning and the food was above average for room service food. Hot, well presented, and while expensive (what room service isn't??) it seemed "worth" it to us.

The fact that the plates weren't picked up outside for the greater part of the day.....well, we can't all be perfect.

 

[TaraPA]

Some pics of Teena pin trading with my kids on Sunday: