2012 Beach and Yacht FAQ, Part 3- Don't Post Here!!! New Thread, November 2012

[skepace]

We always take the bus from the BC to MK (we are at the bus stop at 7:30 to reach the 8 AM EMH opening show), but we use the monorail to get back to the BC in the afternoon. It is a really pleasant ride (Yes, Nate, the monorail is TOO a ride) and then we hit a couple of attractions on the way back to the resort, or check on FPs to use if we are returning to EPCOT that evening.

Thanks!!! Sounds like a great plan.

 

[goodferry]

We just avoid DTD all together. I know I'm in the minority but there is nothing down there that really interests me and the idea of spending time shopping when I'm paying for a vacation just doesn't interest me either.

Honestly we do too, although we do like to go there to eat sometimes, which is the only reason we ever go. We aren't big shoppers either. If we were big DTD people I think we would always stay at Saratoga Springs because the buses are just that dreadful from every resort.

 

[PaulaSB12]

Does anyone know the approximate cost of a taxi from Downtown Disney back to Beach Club? (Sorry if it's already here somewhere- I searched around the faqs, but didn't see anything...)
Thanks!

Before tip abou $15 that's what I paid and$5 tip was that the right amount to tip?

 

[skepace]

Honestly we do too, although we do like to go there to eat sometimes, which is the only reason we ever go. We aren't big shoppers either. If we were big DTD people I think we would always stay at Saratoga Springs because the buses are just that dreadful from every resort.

We stayed at Saratoga Springs last time, not our choice, and it was nice to walk over for DTD. But now that our kids are older, we chose to be closer to the parks. Plus, we didn't do much shopping our first time there anyway.

I hope things are easier with the buses come beginning of October.

 

[Masonmj84]

Honestly we do too, although we do like to go there to eat sometimes, which is the only reason we ever go. We aren't big shoppers either. If we were big DTD people I think we would always stay at Saratoga Springs because the buses are just that dreadful from every resort.

Has anyone ever tried the strategy of taking the boat from DTD to POFQ, then taking a bus from there to the entrance of Epcot, then walking back to BC.

Probably wouldn't be much shorter time-wise but, I'm thinking it would be more pleasant and interesting.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

We always take the bus from the BC to MK (we are at the bus stop at 7:30 to reach the 8 AM EMH opening show), but we use the monorail to get back to the BC in the afternoon. It is a really pleasant ride (Yes, Nate, the monorail is TOO a ride) and then we hit a couple of attractions on the way back to the resort, or check on FPs to use if we are returning to EPCOT that evening.

.

This sounds exactly what we did when we stayed at BC too!!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[natebenma]

Has anyone ever tried the strategy of taking the boat from DTD to POFQ, then taking a bus from there to the entrance of Epcot, then walking back to BC.

Probably wouldn't be much shorter time-wise but, I'm thinking it would be more pleasant and interesting.

See a few posts above this one!

That is my exact strategy for avoiding those awful DTD return buses.


Here are the two posts from my TR where we did this.

July 2010

July 2009

(We actually took the boat to OKW the first time and SSR the second)- others have followed this recommendation and it generally gets good reviews!

 

[kelleigh1]

Has anyone ever tried the strategy of taking the boat from DTD to POFQ, then taking a bus from there to the entrance of Epcot, then walking back to BC.

Probably wouldn't be much shorter time-wise but, I'm thinking it would be more pleasant and interesting.

The boat ride from DTD to POFQ is just so nice that even with the longer time, I think it would be worth it. That was one of my favorite things about POFQ...although I loved the resort anyway.

 

[mariamouse]

We always take the bus from the BC to MK (we are at the bus stop at 7:30 to reach the 8 AM EMH opening show), but we use the monorail to get back to the BC in the afternoon. It is a really pleasant ride (Yes, Nate, the monorail is TOO a ride) and then we hit a couple of attractions on the way back to the resort, or check on FPs to use if we are returning to EPCOT that evening.

We always do this too! Strolling through the World Showcase at night is so beautiful en route to the International Gateway.

And everyone needs to look at my ticker! Mickey is about to finally step foot at the BCV!

 

[BCV23]

You can make requests for BCV, but they are not guaranteed. You can't request an Epcot view. From what I understand, you can request a pool view, woods view or (I think) courtyard view.

This is a guess but I think the problem with requesting Epcot view is that too many people were expecting a view of Spaceship Earth. Only one side of one wing has that view.

However, it is possible to request Epcot side. I do it all the time including just yesterday when I changed our March dates a bit. Although it is just a request, until a couple years ago we were lucky enough to get it almost every time we requested it. When our DD is with us, we need a 2 BR accessible villa which means pool view so we really enjoy the other side when we just need a one BR.

Count us as another family who never takes a bus to DTD. We always drive the rental car there.

mariamouse, have fun at BCV!

 

[Danauk]

Hi everyone, I have read a lot of this thread and have read some great info, thanks.

DH and I are thinking of trying the Yacht Club on our next stay. I was going to book a garden view as I didn't want to pay the extra for a water view room and just get a view of a quiet pool instead of Stormalong Bay/Lake view. But then I have been reading that garden views could also be a view of roof tops and road ways. Is there anything I can request when booking a garden view in the hopes of not getting a view of roof tops? Or should I just pay the extra and pay for a water view room? I do like to use the balcony when at WDW to have breakfast on or a drink of wine in the evening so appreciate a nice view. One of the reasons I have decided on the YC over the BC is getting a full balcony.

I know any requests are just that, requests, but any tips or suggestions would be great. Thanks.

 

[georgiasmom]

I have room on an Illuminations Cruise on September 1st. It's my family and another from the DISBOARDS. She has the reservation. It leave at 8:00. We have room for 3 people and the cost will be $115 total.

Let me know if you want to join us

Amy

 

[mariamouse]

This is a guess but I think the problem with requesting Epcot view is that too many people were expecting a view of Spaceship Earth. Only one side of one wing has that view.

However, it is possible to request Epcot side. I do it all the time including just yesterday when I changed our March dates a bit. Although it is just a request, until a couple years ago we were lucky enough to get it almost every time we requested it. When our DD is with us, we need a 2 BR accessible villa which means pool view so we really enjoy the other side when we just need a one BR.

Count us as another family who never takes a bus to DTD. We always drive the rental car there.

mariamouse, have fun at BCV!

Thank you so much, BCV23! You are always so incredibly helpful. It sounds like you also prefer the Epcot side, so maybe this is the way to go-- although it really sounds like we cannot go too wrong wherever we end up! Thanks again for the information.

Hi everyone, I have read a lot of this thread and have read some great info, thanks.

DH and I are thinking of trying the Yacht Club on our next stay. I was going to book a garden view as I didn't want to pay the extra for a water view room and just get a view of a quiet pool instead of Stormalong Bay/Lake view. But then I have been reading that garden views could also be a view of roof tops and road ways. Is there anything I can request when booking a garden view in the hopes of not getting a view of roof tops? Or should I just pay the extra and pay for a water view room? I do like to use the balcony when at WDW to have breakfast on or a drink of wine in the evening so appreciate a nice view. One of the reasons I have decided on the YC over the BC is getting a full balcony.

I know any requests are just that, requests, but any tips or suggestions would be great. Thanks.

Although we have never stayed at the YC (only the BC), I have read a lot of rave reviews about the YC garden view rooms facing the wedding gazebo. If you request this and receive it, I definitely think you would be happy (and would not be facing any roofs)! I do think there are enough decent garden view rooms at the YC that you should be fine-- if worse comes to worse, you could request to switch out of a room with a bad view-- but might consider upgrading to water view if you truly do intend to use the balcony a lot. Hopefully others can chime in with their thoughts.

 

[PaulaSB12]

Has anyone ever tried the strategy of taking the boat from DTD to POFQ, then taking a bus from there to the entrance of Epcot, then walking back to BC.

Probably wouldn't be much shorter time-wise but, I'm thinking it would be more pleasant and interesting.

I would rather take the bus back to Hollywood studios and take the boat back to the Beach Club.

 

[TwistGrl101]

Quick hurricane question: if the hurricane does indeed hit Disney, will BC have activities going on for the kids in the Solarium? I have read that during hurricanes, other posters have been confined to their rooms for 24 hours. Is this true for deluxe hotels, or do they alllow guests to roam the lobby, etc? We fly in tomorrow, so I'm just trying to be on the safe side if Isaac does come through!

 

[Koh1977]

I would rather take the bus back to Hollywood studios and take the boat back to the Beach Club.

Do you mean the bus from DTD to HS? I didn't think they ran from the parks to DTD. Am I wrong?

 

[VAfamily1998]

Quick hurricane question: if the hurricane does indeed hit Disney, will BC have activities going on for the kids in the Solarium? I have read that during hurricanes, other posters have been confined to their rooms for 24 hours. Is this true for deluxe hotels, or do they alllow guests to roam the lobby, etc? We fly in tomorrow, so I'm just trying to be on the safe side if Isaac does come through!

Confined to their rooms? How do people eat?

 

[mariamouse]

Do you mean the bus from DTD to HS? I didn't think they ran from the parks to DTD. Am I wrong?

I think she was referring to the fact that instead of taking the bus to Epcot from POFQ and then having to walk all the way through Epcot to get back to the BC/YC, she would prefer to take the bus to DHS and then boat to the BC/YC from there (thereby eliminating walking).

Rt 1: DTD--> boat to POFQ--> bus to EPCOT--> walk through EPCOT to resort
Rt 2: DTD--> boat to POFQ--> bus to DHS--> boat/walk from DHS to resort

I do not know whether or not the buses travel between the parks and DHS since we never go there. But I would assume that they do?

 

[gonemousin']

With all of the bus issues, has anyone taken the monorail from Epcot to MK? Just wondering how that is.

We've been doing this all week in the afternoons. Doesn't work in the morning if you're trying to hit MK rope drop unless Epcot has an early opening. We find it to be a very pleasant way to get to MK.

Just thought I'd update everyone to let them know that I saw Pinkgirl as she, DH and DD were walking under the Jib slide on the sidewalk - looked like they were heading toward the beach area for wedding pictures. She looked beautiful in her wedding gown (I'm assuming it was her...it was about 1pm) and my girls (who were headed to the slide) were so excited to see a pretty bride. Pinkgirl - congratulations and many happy years of wedded bliss to you and your DH.

Enjoying our stay at the BC this week.

 

[PaulaSB12]

Do you mean the bus from DTD to HS? I didn't think they ran from the parks to DTD. Am I wrong?

Sorry I did this at work, no I meant the bus to POFQ then the bus to hollywood studios then the boat.