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

[WsPrincess]

I think I remember that someone on here booked the Illuminations Cruise. We are looking at it for a surprise for our next summer trip. Any thoughts on it? Or on the Wishes one? Or what is better?

 

[mmtwinmama]

I've seen too much with kids unattended in the CL lounge too.

Even though mine are always prepped with "do not touch any food with your hands, do not fill your plate like you've never eaten before, etc" I will allow the girls (13 and 14) to go into the lounge alone. Ds (11) has to go with us - even though I'm positive he knows how to behave. I've been turned off too many times by kids clearing a whole plate of something or even butting in front of you to get what they want.

Yikes! Guess I better not throw to much trust their way then. Maybe just to grab a drink. Otherwise I will stay with them. Who know what they will do when I am not there.

 

[donnaf516]

We could do 26, 27 or the 1st

I tried to rearrange some ADRs to free up one of these nights but just can't do it. Hope you have a great time, our cruise may have to wait for the next trip.

 

[mmmears]

I've seen too much with kids unattended in the CL lounge too.

Even though mine are always prepped with "do not touch any food with your hands, do not fill your plate like you've never eaten before, etc" I will allow the girls (13 and 14) to go into the lounge alone. Ds (11) has to go with us - even though I'm positive he knows how to behave. I've been turned off too many times by kids clearing a whole plate of something or even butting in front of you to get what they want.

I've seen the same thing, and worse! I do think kids are supposed to be supervised in the lounge...

 

[Mickey & Minnie Mom]

I think I remember that someone on here booked the Illuminations Cruise. We are looking at it for a surprise for our next summer trip. Any thoughts on it? Or on the Wishes one? Or what is better?

We did Illuminations cruise from YC/BC marina last summer. We had Captain Ron and he was a great captain! Gave lots of good information and involved just the right amount with our group.

There were lots of soda/water/bags of snacks to go around. What we didn't eat on the boat, we took back to the room with us.

We actually arrived a little late as our dinner was running long at Captain's Grille before. So after we got all the instructions and the kids into their lifejackets, we did a quick run over by the BW and then it was time to head over and park at the Intl Gateway.

It was an awesome view, loved being so close and from a different perspective. Other boats were tied up nearby but not a distraction.

After, Captain Ron took us down by Hollywood Studios to catch the very end of Fantasmic! with Mickey at the top with a few fireworks. Then back to the marina to depart.

We did a Wishes cruise several years ago -- 2005 maybe -- and I preferred the Illuminations.

 

[nannette]

I think I remember that someone on here booked the Illuminations Cruise. We are looking at it for a surprise for our next summer trip. Any thoughts on it? Or on the Wishes one? Or what is better?

DD and I did the Wishes Cruise last November... We loved it! There were 4 plus the captain on the boat. We loaded up and he drove us all around 7 Seas Lagoon and pointed out lots of cool points of interest. We then got a spot right in front of the Magic Kingdom where the music was piped in and watched the fireworks from a whole new view!! This is something I would think about doing again! Actually my DD is going to be married in April 13 in Cancun. Then they are flying from Cancun after a week to Disney they'll be staying at our DVC AKL CL. I'm booking lots of things for them to do while there and the Wishes Cruise might be a good idea!!

I would say depending on the ages of any children would be the decider for me... wishes I feel is more for younger kids while Illuminations more for older kids. DD was older but we both had just seen Illuminations and MK is my favorite park!!

Good luck with which ever you decide to do! Disney has such great things to do besides the parks!!

~Nannette

 

[Missoutandabout]

To everyone going soon: I'm jealous! Please tell us all how lovely it is to rub it in. (Could someone stow me in their suitcase? I'll gladly pay the extra bag fee.)

Coming by to get my daily dose of cupcake talk... oh, and BC too. I will happily proclaim myself Official BC Marketplace German Chocolate Cupcake Tester -- icing and all -- in case no one wants to take up the esteemed position before my September Trip. I have been dreaming of the exotic Starring Rolls Red Velvet Monster though.

Excuse the madness: Can I ramble on about our trip? Sorry ... it helps with the insanity to share:

My trip is growing out of control. Yesterday, we got to talking about what our plans were each day of the trip. See, we originally planned on 2 days parks (Epcot & DHS) and 1 night of MNSSHP. Then our kidlet started mentioning all the things she wanted to do -- which happened all to be in MK. I know, right? Then I had a lightbulb moment and suggested, what if we add an extra day and dedicate it to MK. Then I realized it would be on Tuesday... which is also a MNSSHP night. Then I thought, "Hey! We could do 2 nights of MNSSHP!" ... and my husband? He just sighed. He could hear the creaking of the hamster wheel in my head. I then suggested we could stay at the Contemporary for just that one night, for our MK time and we would have the luxury of walking to and fro MK. (This is one of the main reasons, along with SAB, that we absolutely adore BC: the ability to walk to 2 parks. It's such a massive perk.) I'm not terribly keen on the Contemporary, but to be able to walk to MK I could live with it for one night. (I stayed at the Contemporary a long time ago on business -- just not my cup o' tea.) Long story made slightly less long: I just booked an additional night at the beginning of our trip at the Contemporary.

Now, we've got to decide what we want to do with park tickets. It's a conundrum, I tell ya! Any suggestions, proclamations of insanity, etc. are whole-heartedly welcome! Our options are:

• 3 Days Park + 1 Night at MNSSHP (Most expensive option)
• 2 Days Park + 2 Nights at MNSSHP (Cheapest option)
• 4 Days Park + 1 Night at MNSSHP (for only $25 more than the cheapest option)

I'm leaning toward the 4 Days Park + 1 Night at MNSSHP, even though it would mean doing MK from roughly 2pm until 7pm on the day we arrive in FL (but would be staying at the Contemporary). I mean, I'd LOVE to do 2 MNSSHP's but getting an extra day at the parks for what works out to only $25 more and getting to do MK during the day of our arrival just makes sense. Although, I'm a bit weird. Maybe someone sees it differently... I'm all ears, if so!


Ninja Mom: Well wishes your way for the surgery and a speedy recovery. Should we ever be across-the-hall neighbours in the elevators at BC, I'll wave when the doors open. Apologies in advance for my husband, his snoring will be echoing in every surrounding elevator shaft.

 

[Feckless]

Well, I did it!!! Just upgraded! DH and I talked about it and the more we talked the more we realized we would love it! Especially that we want this to be a more relaxed trip with more hotel time. Thank you for all of your help! And I am enjoying your trip report too!
Carla

You WILL thank me later! You will! I promise!

 

[Feckless]

Missoutandabout, I think one night at MNSSHP would be OK (not that I've ever been! So take this for what it's worth), so I am COMPLETELY voting for your four day/one MNSSHP ticket option. One thing I learned with the last trip was to not worry about how long I was in the parks to try to get my money's worth out of each ticket, to just use them as ways to improve my vacation, KWIM? We left one day of tickets or more on the table when we left, but it didn't matter...

 

[lynn46356]

Missoutandabout, I vote 4 Days Park + 1 MNSSHP. I'm a rope drop person not a stay at the park until the doors close. With two MNSSHP I'd be dragging my butt around. That definitely wouldn't be good for me. I also tend to want as many days at the parks as I can get or at least the option for that. Of course, the more time you have to plan I think the more time you can drive yourself crazy!!!!! That is my problem at least. We have a tripped plan in a few weeks and I've been thinking extremely too much! Good Luck with the decision.

Did someone say German Chocolate Cupcake! I thought my favorite was the Red Velvet Cupcake at Starring Rolls. I will be in heaven if the German Chocolate Cupcake is still there in a few weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Count me in as a tester.

Happy Day Everyone!

 

[nannette]

Our options are:

• 3 Days Park + 1 Night at MNSSHP (Most expensive option)
• 2 Days Park + 2 Nights at MNSSHP (Cheapest option)
• 4 Days Park + 1 Night at MNSSHP (for only $25 more than the cheapest option)

I'm leaning toward the 4 Days Park + 1 Night at MNSSHP, even though it would mean doing MK from roughly 2pm until 7pm on the day we arrive in FL (but would be staying at the Contemporary). I mean, I'd LOVE to do 2 MNSSHP's but getting an extra day at the parks for what works out to only $25 more and getting to do MK during the day of our arrival just makes sense. Although, I'm a bit weird. Maybe someone sees it differently... I'm all ears, if so!

I would do the 2 days parks 2 days MNSSHP... Reason being you would only be using the pass on arrival day from 2:30ish to 7... The gates for the party open at 4 so if that is the arrival day why not just go from 4 until whenever you get tired and figure out the lay of the land and what you want to do on the second day... JMO.

Good luck with your decision.

~Nannette

 

[KJay]

....Then I had a lightbulb moment....and my husband? He just sighed....

This is so funny, and all-too-familiar!

I can do online check-in tomorrow!! I can't believe it! A question: My sister is arriving a few hours before me. When I do online check-in, will I have to print out something to show? If so, will she need a copy of it, since she'll be arriving before me? Also, since she's getting there first, should she just tell them hold on the my KTTW card, so I can pick it up when I arrive, or will they automatically give it to whoever checks in first? I've never arrived at WDW separately from the rest of my party before, so I don't know what to expect... Thanks!

 

[Missoutandabout]

Oh, how I love this thread... everyone's so darned helpful. Especially in light of my brain being scrambled from over-thinking this whole ticket shemozzle.

Thanks Feckless, Lynn46356 and Nannette.

I would do the 2 days parks 2 days MNSSHP... Reason being you would only be using the pass on arrival day from 2:30ish to 7... The gates for the party open at 4 so if that is the arrival day why not just go from 4 until whenever you get tired and figure out the lay of the land and what you want to do on the second day... JMO.

Good luck with your decision.

~Nannette

You bring up an excellent point. We'd probably be able to check into the hotel, have lunch and take a nap before heading to the party if we went with 2 party nights (+ 2 Days Parks) instead of the 4 Days Parks + 1 Party Night.

Here's what our itineraries would look like, with each ticket option:

2 Days Parks + 2 Days MNSSHP:

• Day -1: Earliest N/S flight from Chicago, Check-in at CR at Noon-ish. Lunch, Nap then MNSSHP at 4PM.
• Day 1: Check into the lovely BC, DTD, Swimming in the afternoon, Boardwalk in the P.M.
• Day 2: Walk to HS, 50's Prime Time. Starring Rolls - Cupcake Extravaganza! Hmm.
• Day 3: Breakfast at Swalphin's Fresh Market; Swimming in A.M; Prerequisite nap, P.M. at MNSSHP
• Day 4: Walk to Epcot. Drink and eat plenty of bad things.
• Day 5: Swim, DTD, Cry as we leave BC!

4 Days Parks + 1 Day MNSSHP

• Day -1: Earliest N/S flight from Chicago, Check-in at CR at Noon-ish. Head to MK, Lunch, Rides and Back to CR at 7PM.
• Day 1: Check into the lovely BC, Epcot, Swimming in the afternoon, Boardwalk in the P.M.
• Day 2: Walk to HS, 50's Prime Time. Starring Rolls - Cupcake Extravaganza! Hmm.
• Day 3: Breakfast at Swalphin's Fresh Market; Swimming in A.M; Prerequisite nap, P.M. at MNSSHP
• Day 4: Walk to Epcot. Drink and eat plenty of bad things.
• Day 5: Swim, DTD, Cry as we leave BC!

My husband's protest about doing 2 nights of the party would be that we'd be tired of it come the second one. I'm not so sure. I suggested that we could only dress up for the second one and just focus on the rides and taking it easy during the first party and do the more Halloweenie stuff during the second party. Even though I'm seriously confuddling myself, thanks for listening to my ramblings.

 

[nannette]

Missoutandabout,

I would still do the 2 party night.... your plan is basically the same with the exception of day one which would be a party night after a nap and lunch... or rushing to the park for a few hours. Party night one could be used to do all things "kidlet" wants to do and party night two could be the whole dress up trick or treat thing.

Good luck!!

~Nannette

 

[wishinon3stars]

Here's what our itineraries would look like, with each ticket option:

2 Days Parks + 2 Days MNSSHP:

• Day -1: Earliest N/S flight from Chicago, Check-in at CR at Noon-ish. Lunch, Nap then MNSSHP at 4PM.
• Day 1: Check into the lovely BC, DTD, Swimming in the afternoon, Boardwalk in the P.M.
• Day 2: Walk to HS, 50's Prime Time. Starring Rolls - Cupcake Extravaganza! Hmm.
• Day 3: Breakfast at Swalphin's Fresh Market; Swimming in A.M; Prerequisite nap, P.M. at MNSSHP
• Day 4: Walk to Epcot. Drink and eat plenty of bad things.
• Day 5: Swim, DTD, Cry as we leave BC!

4 Days Parks + 1 Day MNSSHP

• Day -1: Earliest N/S flight from Chicago, Check-in at CR at Noon-ish. Head to MK, Lunch, Rides and Back to CR at 7PM.
• Day 1: Check into the lovely BC, Epcot, Swimming in the afternoon, Boardwalk in the P.M.
• Day 2: Walk to HS, 50's Prime Time. Starring Rolls - Cupcake Extravaganza! Hmm.
• Day 3: Breakfast at Swalphin's Fresh Market; Swimming in A.M; Prerequisite nap, P.M. at MNSSHP
• Day 4: Walk to Epcot. Drink and eat plenty of bad things.
• Day 5: Swim, DTD, Cry as we leave BC!

My husband's protest about doing 2 nights of the party would be that we'd be tired of it come the second one. I'm not so sure. I suggested that we could only dress up for the second one and just focus on the rides and taking it easy during the first party and do the more Halloweenie stuff during the second party. Even though I'm seriously confuddling myself, thanks for listening to my ramblings.

If I read your itineraries correctly:

It looks like with the 2 parks/ 2 MNSSHP you would have 2 nights at MK and one day at Epcot and one at HS; The day after your first MNSSHP is a slower day and after the second is Epcot so both of those seem to be easier more relaxing days so that helps with the late nights.

If you go the 4 park/ 1 MNSSHP route, you would have 1 shorter day at MK and one night (MNSSHP) at MK; two days at Epcot and one at HS;

Ahhhh decisions, decisions. I loved MNSSHP when we went but Epcot is our favorite park but my kids are all adults now so our decision may be different from yours. Plus an extra day to go to the bakery in Germany would be a big draw for me

good luck with your decision and looking forward to hearing what you do!

 

[WDW4us2006]

I think I remember that someone on here booked the Illuminations Cruise. We are looking at it for a surprise for our next summer trip. Any thoughts on it? Or on the Wishes one? Or what is better?

Me too! I literally just got off the phone with WDW Recreation to inquire about pricing and availabilty. We are considering it for our August trip, can't believe we haven't done one before. We are looking to book on August 22 or 23. Anyone interested in joining us? We are 4 people, me, DH, DS 22, DD 19....

(just checked the cruise thread, no takers!)

 

[wannabee]

Well I called BC CL IPO (although I didn't speak to someone directly from BC) and explained my questions (wanting to store frozen hamburger in their freezer) and the answer was that they didn't have any place I could store a bag hamburger. The only freezer space was in the BC kitchen and they couldn't take anything from a guest. Bummer! I really wasn't expecting it would be possible but it never hurts to ask. Oh well, less to pack I suppose. Now back to planning.

Here's another questions - Hoop-Dee-Doo or Cirque Du Soleil? We are a family of three, myself, DH and DS14. Have not been to either and thought it would be fun to do something different for a change. I can't decide. Can anyone help with this???????

Have a magical day!!!!!!!!!!!

Definitely Cirque.... ds loved in at 11. We did Hoop de doo the same trip- it was cute but we did not enjoy the food.

 

[gokimiko]

I've been lurking for years, but finally decided to post.

First, thanks so much for all you guys do to make this an addictive and truly informative page.

Second, thanks to Teena for really caring and helping us with all her wisdom.

Third, we are visiting BC 6/17-6/22: DH, DW, DS3, twin DDs7 please add us to the be our guest page.

Fourth, anyone who overlaps with us want to share the Illuminations Cruise? Best nights for us would be 6-17, 6-18, or 6-19.

Thanks Again!

 

[Andona]

Hi all!,

Hoping you great people can advise a newbie

We will be staying at the YC for our very first stay onsite in September. I'm really excited about it

We are booked in a garden view room ( Not CL) and will be driving. I'm also not planning to do online checkin, in case I want to request a room change.

I was just wondering what happens when you pull up to the entrance? I read somewhere that you have to stop at the entry gate?

We don't want to use valet parking, I'm assuming it will be OK to pull up at the door and unload bags, then DS and I can wait for DH to park the car? Is that right?

Also another quick question about rooms, I haven't done a request yet but I'm hoping to minimise our walk to the BC marketplace. Would our best choice be to request a room near the lobby?

TIA!

Andona

 

[Katesdad]

We will be staying at the YC for our very first stay onsite in September. We are booked in a garden view room and will be driving. I'm also not planning to do online checkin, in case I want to request a room change.

I was just wondering what happens when you pull up to the entrance? I read somewhere that you have to stop at the entry gate? We don't want to use valet parking, I'm assuming it will be OK to pull up at the door and unload bags, then DS and I can wait for DH to park the car? Also another quick question about rooms, I haven't done a request yet but I'm hoping to minimise our walk to the BC marketplace. Would our best choice be to request a room near the lobby? Andona

When you arrive, the person at the gate will verify you are a guest. You can drive up to the lobby doors and unload the car. You can wait (or even check in) while your husband parks the car. Not a problem. As far as room request, I would ask for something close to the lobby so as to minimize the walk. There are some rooms that can add an additional four to five minutes to the walk over to the Marketplace. If you get a gazebo view room on one side of the resort it can be a very quick walk to the lobby. A gazebo view room on the wrong side and you could be walking for a while. Don't do on-line check in so you can talk with someone when you check in and get moved closer to the lobby if needed. The door at the side near the boat dock (our secret entrance) would also be a way to reduce the walk over to the BC if you happen to be at that end of the resort. Don't forget this when you are looking at the room options when checking in.