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

[Mickey & Minnie Mom]

Hello, most helpful group on the DIS!!!!

We're really excited about booking a FW Illuminations cruise from YC this coming October - but I haven't been able to pull a ton of information up on it. Has anyone on here taken a cruise and loved/hated it? Any recommendations on what we could have on the boat to celebrate? (We're having an early dinner at Yachtsman beforehand, so I was just thinking champagne, if they do that.)

Do the boats get anywhere near the bridge on International Gateway? I'm so curious!

TIA

jen

We did our first Illuminations cruise from the YC/BC marina last July. We had dinner at Captain's Grille prior and with such a large group (10 of us) it took a little longer so our voyage was modified a bit.

We started with a cruise around the YC/BC, BW. S/D area then headed over to our spot to watch Illuminations. Our captain, Captain Ron, was great giving us lots of information about the area and was just the right amount of talking to us/letting us enjoy each other's company. He was a lot of fun and we're very lucky to have had him as our guide.

We lined up with the other boats just under the walkway from IG to France. The view was very good, we didn't have any issues with smoke blowing our direction and it was fun to be on a boat watching the crowds around the lagoon while sitting on the water.

After we did a quick trip down to DHS (since we'd missed doing this prior to the show), just in time to hear the end of Fantasmic! and catch Sorcerer Mickey at the top of the mountain. We returned back to YC/BC marina.

There were lots of soft drinks and snacks we enjoyed on the boat as well as after when we took them with us. And Captain Ron even provided us with a "fact sheet" he's compiled with fun facts and such about the Epcot fireworks show (did you know the original score for the show has 150,000 notes?).

It was it was special occasion to celebrate our DH's 40th birthdays -- although I think you can order "adult" beverages we did not but I would ask the activities line you book through.

Glad we did it at least once. We go often and like to try to do something new each time we do so this was last year's "thing." Have fun!

 

[beachmom14]

2 more questions for my favorite board -- Regarding the bday pins, does each park have a different one or are they all the same? and second, are the daily park schedules available at BC or only the parks? Thanks again so much for all your help.

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

In exactly one week me and my dd7 will be at the Beach Club!!! I am getting really excited, although I still haven't packed anything I have most of ther things in a pile though so that has got to count for something!!

I have all of our ADR's set...although I am not against switching a few things around and I probably will change them one more time

She knows we are going in May...but I did not tell her the date! So much to do between now and then.

 

[Raenstoirm]

37 hours and counting!!! We fly out at 7am on friday!!

2 more questions for my favorite board -- Regarding the bday pins, does each park have a different one or are they all the same? and second, are the daily park schedules available at BC or only the parks? Thanks again so much for all your help.

I have only seen one pin and at least the MK resorts have the maps and schedules in the lobby and you get them in your welcome packet as well.

 

[kelleigh1]

2 more questions for my favorite board -- Regarding the bday pins, does each park have a different one or are they all the same? and second, are the daily park schedules available at BC or only the parks? Thanks again so much for all your help.

Last time we were at WDW was for hubby's bday in 2007 and all the pins were the same.

 

[JanetMom]

I can't believe it. I booked this trip about 10 months ago. All the anticipation has been so fun, and this thread has been an incredible part of it. Thanks to all!!!!

Congratulations Feckless! Less than a week!!

Have a great trip.

 

[disneyxo]

How long were you there? We were there from last Sunday to Friday morning. Did we cross paths? Did you stay on Paradise Island or was this a cruise stop.

We had a fabulous time! Later this week (or early next week) I'll be working on a detailed report- LOTS more pictures.

We stayed on Paradise Island at the Atlantis. Had a beautiful view of the ocean. It just a short trip as we arrived on Friday and left on Monday. So thinking we didn't cross paths if you left Friday morning. Next time we plan on staying a little longer. I did pretty good at the casino, so putting the money in the vacation fund. Looking forward to seeing more pictures and your detailed report.

 

[disneyxo]

Hello, most helpful group on the DIS!!!!

We're really excited about booking a FW Illuminations cruise from YC this coming October - but I haven't been able to pull a ton of information up on it. Has anyone on here taken a cruise and loved/hated it? Any recommendations on what we could have on the boat to celebrate? (We're having an early dinner at Yachtsman beforehand, so I was just thinking champagne, if they do that.)

Do the boats get anywhere near the bridge on International Gateway? I'm so curious!

TIA

jen

(now back to work....)

I really can't add much more then what was already posted but just wanted to say we went on it two years ago and I really enjoyed it. We actually joined up with a group I found on the illumination share thread. The people we shared with were great fun and we all ended up going to Jellyrolls afterwards. Which was also a fun time.

 

[wannabee]

So sorry your trip is over. I'm already dreading the last day.

We're overly friendly folks also.......after all we're cajuns from Lafayette!!! Don't know a stranger, will talk to lamp posts if necessary, others probably think were "stalkers"!!!

I find myself telling passerbys in the parks "Good Morning, how are you today"

Just realized we're neighbors.... I'm from Lafayette as well.

 

[333disneymom]

In exactly one week me and my dd7 will be at the Beach Club!!! I am getting really excited, although I still haven't packed anything I have most of ther things in a pile though so that has got to count for something!!

I have all of our ADR's set...although I am not against switching a few things around and I probably will change them one more time

She knows we are going in May...but I did not tell her the date! So much to do between now and then.

If it makes you feel any better I leave in 3 days and haven't packed. I have lots of piles of items, but no packing and I have no idea what I am bringing for myself. I should be packing/trying on clothes now, but it's much more fun to check out this board.

37 hours and counting!!! We fly out at 7am on friday!!

Have fun!

 

[bookgirl]

Last time we were at WDW was for hubby's bday in 2007 and all the pins were the same.

We actually joined up with a group I found on the illumination share thread.

Where is this thread at please?

 

[blondietink]

I'm so sorry to hear of your issues. Our villa in Feb was in great shape and I've always had good luck calling mousekeeping for any problems. Did you push the housekeeping/maintenance button? Next time you could ask one of the housekeepers in the hall for more dishwasher soap but that doesn't help now.

We called mousekeeping via the housekeeping/maintenance button on the phone 2 times. We went to the front desk and they called mousekeeping about the issue and the front desk gave us one packet of dishwasher soap. However, nothing was ever delivered to our villa after these 3 times contacting them over 2 days. We tracked down a maid the next day to get some and she very reluctantly gave us some packets. We also reported the blown light under the microwave oven to maintenance and it was not fixed during our stay. Hope they fixed it for the next guest. Like I said before, we have never had issues with a villa we have had through DVC before, even at BCV's. So, I hope this was highly unusual, possibly becuase we were there right after Easter and busy season.

 

[Feckless]

In exactly one week me and my dd7 will be at the Beach Club!!! I am getting really excited, although I still haven't packed anything I have most of ther things in a pile though so that has got to count for something!!

I have all of our ADR's set...although I am not against switching a few things around and I probably will change them one more time

She knows we are going in May...but I did not tell her the date! So much to do between now and then.

Well, we'll see you by SAB!!! I'll be the one with the Sunken Treasure.

37 hours and counting!!! We fly out at 7am on friday!!

See you by SAB too!!!

Congratulations Feckless! Less than a week!!

Have a great trip.

So excited... Words can't describe. The kids are counting down... Three more school days. LOL

 

[natebenma]

In exactly one week me and my dd7 will be at the Beach Club!!! I am getting really excited, although I still haven't packed anything I have most of ther things in a pile though so that has got to count for something!!

I have all of our ADR's set...although I am not against switching a few things around and I probably will change them one more time

She knows we are going in May...but I did not tell her the date! So much to do between now and then.

Would you like to be added to the Be Our Guest list? What are the dates for your trip? May 2-???

Well, we'll see you by SAB!!! I'll be the one with the Sunken Treasure.

Feckless- so excited for you! While you are at SAB with your Sunken Treasure, I'll be home with my sunken booty.


To everyone traveling in the next week or so- hope you all have FANTASTIC trips!!!

 

[Avery&Todd]

OK - I need some expert advice from everyone who has taken the ME from MCO and then stayed at the BC...

We fly into MCO at 9:40am on a Friday morning - we'll be taking the ME to the BC - about how long will it take us to deplane, get through ME (we've never used it before!!) and the bussed over to the BC??

Im asking b/c when I originally booked our ADRs, we were driving, so I knew how long everything would take - and I made our lunch ressie at Sci-Fi at 12:15 - but now we're flying - is 2 1/2 hrs enough time to get off the plane, travel via ME, check into the hotel and boat it over to DHS and then skip down to the Sci-Fi for our 12:15 ADR????

Just some logistical information: we arrive on Friday, June 8th, which is the last weekend of Star Wars weekend - we KNOW it will be crowded, and I've been checking for a slightly later lunch ADR, but no luck...

What does everyone think???

 

[scottmel]

OK - I need some expert advice from everyone who has taken the ME from MCO and then stayed at the BC...

We fly into MCO at 9:40am on a Friday morning - we'll be taking the ME to the BC - about how long will it take us to deplane, get through ME (we've never used it before!!) and the bussed over to the BC??

Im asking b/c when I originally booked our ADRs, we were driving, so I knew how long everything would take - and I made our lunch ressie at Sci-Fi at 12:15 - but now we're flying - is 2 1/2 hrs enough time to get off the plane, travel via ME, check into the hotel and boat it over to DHS and then skip down to the Sci-Fi for our 12:15 ADR????

Just some logistical information: we arrive on Friday, June 8th, which is the last weekend of Star Wars weekend - we KNOW it will be crowded, and I've been checking for a slightly later lunch ADR, but no luck...

What does everyone think???

I have never taken ME, we always rent a car but I toyed with the idea this year and did look into it. Some posted being thrillled that 90 minutes later in their hotel, etc. things ran super smooth etc. I personally think you are cutting it sort of close. Who knows how long you have to wait for ME, check in, etc. I don't know.....I hope it works but boy that is tight...

 

[TaraPA]

I also think 12:15 is cutting it too close with a 9:40am arrival into MCO. There are just too many factors involved that can cause any type of delay - flight delay, long lines at ME and just the fact that the ME bus is shared with other resorts when heading to BC. On the last trip we went to CBR, then BWI, then BC. It was a full hour after checking in with ME until we were at BC. I'd say you won't be even on the ME bus until 10:30 after deplaning & taking the tram over to the terminal, then walking down to ME, checking in, waiting in line, etc. Once at BC, you have to walk to the boat to head to DHS, and if you've just missed one, you could wait 20 min. for another. And being SWW, there could be long lines at security & the tunstyles to get it.

I'd keep checking daily for a later ADR. Sometimes they just open up out of the blue!

 

[ocalla]

Just realized we're neighbors.... I'm from Lafayette as well.

Hiya!!!!! If you hear one of your friends talking about some Crazy person always going on about Disney.................that would be me.

Don't you just LOVE BC/YC??

 

[blondietink]

We have taken ME twice now; once to OKW and once to BW. Both times we got off the plane, walked to ME counter, got on the bus and were at our resort in less than one hour (DH set his watch both times the minute we got off the plane). One time was 55 minutes and one time was 50 minutes. We landed both times in the 9-10 am time period. Boat service over to HS was really quick when we were at BC last week. but, the boats only run every 20 minutes, so if you happen to miss one boat, it can be a long wait until the next one. Once you leave the dock at BC, you then go over to the Swolphin, then it takes about 8 mintues from there to get to HS.

Personally I think you should be able to make it. BUT, I would be much happier if you were able to get a later ADR just to be safe.

 

[LMO429]

Both villas were one bedrooms on the 4th floor. First was was 465, I think but not sure. View of "the road" and lots of road noise. We really didn't like hearing the bus drivers telling people over the loudspeaker on the bus that MK was open until 3 am at 11 pm along with trucks, cars, fumes, etc. I know some people enjoy this noise, but not us. The rugs were dirty, lightbulbs blown, eating table had huge dents and scratches in it. 2 balconies in this villa. REmote controls for the TV didn't work. We put in a new battery ourselves.

Second villa was 445 with a view of trees. Much quieter and had sun on the one balcony most of the day. Very few towels on arrival, not even enough for 2, found dishes left in the dishwasher on arrival, no Disney soaps ever, the light under the microwave oven never worked so we cooked in the dark. Frying pans in poor condition and looked like they had not been washed. No dishwasher soap. Called mousekeeping twice asking for some and also went to the front desk to get some (none materialized). Finally had to scope out a mousekeeper on the 3rd day to get some from another room. We were supposed to get trash and towel service on Thursday, but they came on Wednesday, after we had taken our own garbage to the trash room.

We have never encountered these issues with DVC before, even though we have stayed here at BCV's last year, and have also stayed at AKV's, BWV's, and OKW in the past. I don't know if it is related to this busy time of year or what.

We did have a fabulous time during our stay and the fact that SAB opened from the emergency repair almost a week earlier than what we had been told really helped! The location is ideal and everybody else we dealt with was great (bell services, valet, pool CM's, etc.).

Thank you for the detailed report. I realize there are constant turn over in the villas so maybe that is why they are in poor condition, but that is still not acceptable.. I am hoping for better luck when we visit.