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

[WDW4us2006]

So....to continue with my trip report, let me share my experience with the transportation to/from BC. I am extremely happy to tell you (and many of you will be extremely happy to hear) that we did not have one bad experience with any of it. Not one. We never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus for the MK or AK in either direction. Even after Wishes, buses were coming like crazy.


I have to report, however, that there was construction on Epcot Resorts Blvd. between the BC and the BWI. You could not make a complete loop, they were working on the bridge between the two resorts. Therefore, and I believe this is why, we did not share bus service with the Boardwalk at all. At least not for AK and MK. We did share with Swan/Dolphin coming home from AK one time.

We rented a car, and the only time we drove it was to DTD one evening, so I can't complain about that service. Although, I have taken that bus in the past, and that trip is lloooonnnngggg. On a side note, knowing that the DTD/BC service is notoriously bad, I had to chuckle the other night as TWO DTD buses pulled up at the BC stop at the same time!

We took the boat to HS once, and we were on the first one right at 8:00, so I can't really complain about anything there. As we were leaving HS, a boat was at the dock, and as we started to run, we could see the captain waving at us to slow down, he would wait!

And of course, nothing beats the International Gateway to Epcot!
Here is a photo (not a very good one, sorry) of the IG at sunrise one morning while I was out for my walk:


One night while we were in Epcot, we decided to take the monorail to the MK. As we moved up the ramp, a train was arriving....guess we were pretty lucky this trip!

I just want to make a point, and I know that all of you understand this, that two people who are vacationing in the exact same place and time in WDW can have VERY different experiences. Nothing is "always" good or "always" bad. I did not encounter bad housekeeping, rude CM's, bees at SAB, horrible bus service, or a screwed up reservation. I know very well that these things happen, and I'm not saying my vacation was "perfect". It wasn't (but close). I just want people to know, especially those that are traveling there soon, or who are new to this thread, that things can be truly magical, too!!

 

[barbliny]

A few updates:

Although the health club is now in the Solarium, there is hardly any equipment. My husband overheard a guest flipping out to a CM that there was hardly any equipment for him to use.

My husband and daughter really enjoyed the BC/YC gym last week - they said it had great equipment. I think they would have been disappointed to find the makeshift gym in the solarium, but certainly not to the point of flipping out!! But, my husband does always make sure that a gym is available when booking a hotel and will pay more for it if necessary. The CMs would be safe from him, however I might not have heard the end of it.

We had a very enjoyable meal at YS tonight, and our server told us that the reason they are closing is to redo the floors.

I wonder if this will also have an impact on Crew's Cup?? The two are attached and 'share' the flooring.

Someone posted on this thread about the balcony lights. At 8:08 tonight I was sitting outside, and noticed all of the balcony lights turn on automatically, although there were quite a few with burnt out bulbs. Hopefully that answers some questions about that!

Oh my gosh I cannot tell you how many times I looked for a light-switch for the balcony - getting so frustrated that the lights across the crossyard were off!! Burnt out bulbs should have occured to me

So much under rehab at the same time at BC - CL lounge, gym, HH, YS, carpets throughout the hotel ... I hope they don't have a guest led mutiny on their hands this week

 

[NHKristy76]

We're staying YC in a few weeks, and reading this makes me nervous for my trip--like maybe they are starting the BC refurbs now, and then will move on to YC, and will be doing them when we are there...

Have you checked out the "Presidential Suite" version of the club lounge yet? Does it seem ok?

We will get our first peek at the Presidential Lounge tomorrow morning. I'd offer to take pics except that I still don't know how to post pics from my iPhone!

 

[TwistGrl101]

Sorry, I don't know how to quote on the iPod...but to answer Dee's question, DH said all tables and chairs were removed from the Solarium, and it will be the makeshift gym for now.

 

[georgiasmom]

Still having a great time but we have had some glitches that I don't expect at Disney.

We switched rooms today. When we got back from MK we checked in to get our new room number. It's a great room near the secret door. They told us that the old keys would work. We walked to the room but they didn't work. Since it was so far we called the front desk and they said they would send someone up with new keys. In the mean time the bellman came and let us in. Then guy came with the keys a few minutes later. Before we left for dinner we tried the keys and they didn't work. After dinner we went to the front desk and they were having trouble with the key machine so someone just walked us up to let us in. They say they will leave the cards under our door tonight.

We got to our room and the day bed was a different style from last night. It wasn't made up and there were no sheets in the room. It took 3 calls to housekeeping for someone to come and deliver sheets! DD is finally in bed.

Tomorrow is a new day and I love Disney and the BC so I am sure everything will be better.

Highlights of today:

Breakfast at Cape May Cafe
Great afternoon/evening at MK
DD got a haircut and pixie dust from Main Street Barber shop
Fast passes to Mickey and Princess character meets (FYI you can get these at the same times) Saw Rapunzel there
Laugh floor
Buzz lightyear broke down right as we got to the front of the fast pass line. We left and on the way out they gave us anytime any ride fast passes
Did the sorcerers card game in Fantasy Land
Met Merida
Carousel of progress
Tea cups
Rode Buzz later after it was fixed with our original past passes

GREAT dinner at Flying Fish - I mean seriously DELICIOUS! Food was slow but it was bc the chef had to come and talk to me re allergies and the kitchen was slammed. They were very nice the whole time and offered to comp drinks. We hadn't even complained but we did wait a long time. Totally worth it!!!!

Going to bed now. Hope we have key under our door in the morning

 

[havoc315]

We will get our first peek at the Presidential Lounge tomorrow morning. I'd offer to take pics except that I still don't know how to post pics from my iPhone!

It takes a couple of steps --
Get the photobucket app for the iphone (and signup for a free photobucket account).
Use the app to upload the pics from your phone, to photobucket.

From the app, cut and paste the image link, needed to post in the msg board.

We are checking into club level on Wednesday...
and I'm getting scared... so I really really want to hear about the Presidential Suite as Club lounge....

My DW is going to be upset that the gym is closed. Have they added much equipment to the solarium?

 

[Ninja Mom]

Hi all! This thread really gets me so excited for our trip in November 2013. It really does make the days until our trip go by quicker. I did read recently the posts (not sure if it was specifically on this thread, but was a BC thread) about the bus situation. I am a little nervous about it but I will not worry about it to the point of changing resorts. But could someone please let me know the specific order of the bus pick up and drop off from MK and AK? I'm more concerned with MK as we probably will only be at AK one day. Thanks!

Oh Goofy, I think you are starting to over think this bus thing. From what I've been told about the other resorts that we've stayed at, The buses are on a different schedule when the parks first open with the priority to get people to the parks with out having to stop and do the multi-resort pick up.

The last time we stayed on property, ASMU, there was a bus coordinator at that stop, first thing in the morning, that was communicating with bus dispatch and letting them know how many buses to send. Now later, after the morning rush was over, there were buses that would just show up as part of their respective routes.

So the bottom line is that it depends on what time of the day it is to figure out how the buses are running and if they will stop at other hotels or just load up and go.

I promise you that when you finally get to WDW you are going to be so busy enjoying everything that the buses will fade from your concerns. The only real bus issue is one that all resorts share and that is the beastly service to Downtown Disney (DTD). From what I've read, the Beach Club is among the last resort stops before the bus goes to a water park (Either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon lagoon) and then DTD.

On the way back the bus stops at a bunch of resorts and possibly another water park with Beach Club being the last stop. This is why we recommend people take a cab back to the Beach and Yacht Clubs (BC/YC) from Downtown Disney.

I've done a little research about taking a cab back from Downtown Disney and from what I've read here it will cost about $14 -16 dollars plus any tip that you would give when going back to the BC/YC. They have vans that will take larger parties so when DH and I and the 3 kids catch a cab we just tell the cab stand guy we need a van. The cab stand is NOT located near where you catch the buses. It is located behind Ghiardelli's. There is a large pathway between Ghiardelli's and the World of Disney store. Go THERE and then towards the parking lot to get to the cab stand.

The important thing to remember is that ALL resorts have horrible bus service either to or from Downtown Disney. I think that's probably about the biggest bus problem that you can count on. Anything else might be happenstance.

I'm thinking that the closer your trip gets the more nervous you might begin to feel. This is normal! We all go a little loopy before we go to WDW, worrying about this or that. I'll bet a million bucks you are going to have a GREAT time so try to relax and get ready for an awesome vacation. I wish you the best of luck and the best of weather!

We will get our first peek at the Presidential Lounge tomorrow morning. I'd offer to take pics except that I still don't know how to post pics from my iPhone!

I'll bet President Obama is an early riser so I don't think you'll be catching him in his jammies in the Presidential Lounge. Just to be safe, make sure you take that camera. I'm sure Michelle Obama will be in the solarium working out her fabulous arms so that's probably the best place to find her.

I know we are talking all Presidential Lounge and everything, but don't go and get all snooty on the rest of us that haven't been. Be sure and fill us in on all the details, like whether or not the Swedish fish have been naturalized and the home made potato chips are now coming from heirloom potatoes. It should be very interesting to see how the new location shakes out. Kristy, thanks for keeping us informed and have a great trip. From what I've read, the Hurricane watches and warnings have been lifted for central Florida so it looks like you just have to worry about some rain.

~NM

 

[sandramaac]

Just back from YC/club level--few things that stuck out:

Lobby needs a refreshing--the area carpets are really dirty and need replacement. The elevators doors and elevators, again need referb--the ouside brass doors are scratched and beat looking--just need a re-do. Overall wood work all over the hotel area is all really nicked up, and lobby bathrooms need a re-do. Finally club level--well for the cost this time was just ok at best. VERY limited selections. EVERY morming oatmeal and hard boled eggs. Maybe a poached egg, or a scramble of some sort. I was really disappointed, nothing like the last time we were there, and no where as nice as poly's club level.

 

[spacy9]

I honestly did look for the answer to this question but I can't seem to find it, so please forgive me if I missed it:

When we stayed CL at the Poly we went to the Hawaii building for check in and got to skip the line which was a nice perk. The last time we stayed at the BC CL we went to the normal check in line. Since you need a key to get to the CL floor I'm guessing there isn't a way, but I'll ask anyway. Is there a way to check in directly at the CL or do I just check in like I did before in the normal line?

Thanks!

 

[barbliny]

Laugh floor

Georgiasmom -- you sound like your family is having a wonderful time ...

If I might intrude a little ...



One of the best teacher's in our school district passed away 2 days ago from breast cancer.

It was a short, but valiantly fought battle - she succumbed at only the age of 47.

Both of my daughters loved, loved, loved this teacher. My 20 yr-old, she made her realize that loving math and being a smart teen-aged girl was cool, and a good hand to be dealt in life. My 17 year old, my mush, I can remember clear as day when I picked her up from school 2 yrs ago and she got into the front seat of my car and she cried because Mrs. Graham, the best teacher she had ever had, was leaving because she had just been diagnosed with breast cancer and she needed to go fight it. She did come back last year to teach a supremely lucky group of 16 year olds.

I have seen many tweets. messages, etc. from the 'grown-up teenagers' and the teenagers who miss Mrs. Graham. She was dearly loved, and I don't know that her family will ever fully know the impact she had on so many ...

The laugh factory in Tomorrowland in the MK always asks for the audience waiting in the wings to text/tweet jokes that may be spoken ...

In honor of Mrs. Graham ... please think of or contribute this from my oldest daughter (these are her exact words, mind you she doesn't know I'm doing this, and god bless all of the teachers who take our children into their lives everyday) ...

"What did 0, say to 8?" "Nice belt!!" "to one of my most memorable teachers, rest easy Mrs. Graham"

In honor of our teachers everywhere, it is a wonderful joke to contribute to Laughs Inc.

 

[barbliny]

I honestly did look for the answer to this question but I can't seem to find it, so please forgive me if I missed it:

When we stayed CL at the Poly we went to the Hawaii building for check in and got to skip the line which was a nice perk. The last time we stayed at the BC CL we went to the normal check in line. Since you need a key to get to the CL floor I'm guessing there isn't a way, but I'll ask anyway. Is there a way to check in directly at the CL or do I just check in like I did before in the normal line?

Thanks!

We checked into CL at the BC last week. The person who greeted me at the front entrance and directed my husband to park the car in the self-parking lot, directed me to the regular check-in line. I mentioned that I was staying club level and he brought me up to the 5th floor (and that made it harder for my husband when he came back in!!)

My advice would be, if the people at the BC or YC direct you to the regular check-in line direct you to the main desk, just mention that you are staying club level and you will be brought right up to the CL check-in.

 

[natebenma]

I honestly did look for the answer to this question but I can't seem to find it, so please forgive me if I missed it:

When we stayed CL at the Poly we went to the Hawaii building for check in and got to skip the line which was a nice perk. The last time we stayed at the BC CL we went to the normal check in line. Since you need a key to get to the CL floor I'm guessing there isn't a way, but I'll ask anyway. Is there a way to check in directly at the CL or do I just check in like I did before in the normal line?

Thanks!

Someone should greet you by name as you arrive at the BC (or YC). In most cases they know you are staying CL and will escort you there to check-in but if not, as barbliny suggests, just mention it to someone when you arrive.

You make a good point- I don't think I have this info in the CL section on page 1, so I will add it. Thanks!

 

[WDW4us2006]

I just read Ninja Moms post about there being a bus coordinator of some sort, and I meant to mention this. For four mornings in a row, there was a person at the bus stop since 7:00 with an ipad, documenting the times of the buses, and how many people there were at the stops. They were also talking with people about their transportation experiences. So...I found this to be a good sign that they are listening to the complaints.

And yes, if you are staying Club Level, you should check in on the fifth floor. If you don't see anyone, ask Teena, or another greeter to direct you to the front desk so someone can take you up there! It's so nice to sit and relax while checking in!

And maybe I am in the minority, but I am BUMMED I'm missing the lounge in the Presidential Suite! I would have LOVED to have seen this. The BC CL Lounge is nothing great, but to have the chance to check our the Pres. would be awesome. The views are great from there, and I can't imagine it's any smaller than the regular lounge. Someone please post pictures!!

 

[georgiasmom]

Georgiasmom -- you sound like your family is having a wonderful time ...


In honor of Mrs. Graham ... please think of or contribute this from my oldest daughter (these are her exact words, mind you she doesn't know I'm doing this, and god bless all of the teachers who take our children into their lives everyday) ...

"What did 0, say to 8?" "Nice belt!!" "to one of my most memorable teachers, rest easy Mrs. Graham"

In honor of our teachers everywhere, it is a wonderful joke to contribute to Laughs Inc.

If we do laugh floor again I will be happy to do this!!

 

[Lalabubbles]

<IMG>http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/o498/megtwittles/786d2b3fd6b6cbd9f1d76a909fa866bf.jpg</IMG>

Seeing if I am able to post pictures! This was the start of our countdown calendar, we are now only 23 days away !!!!!!!!

 

[Lalabubbles]

Boo it didn't work. Can anyone tell me what I did wrong?

 

[KJay]

There is plenty of equipment in the solarium- in fact, that's all that's there! It's been completely stripped of any tables, chairs, couches, etc. It's just a big fitness room now.

I have a lovely room overlooking the quiet pool, with a view of the lake and lighthouse. I'm about as far away from the lobby as possible, but very close to the secret staircase.

Dd was mostly surprised, but had a suspicion after overhearing me say something abjout BC to dh. She went in SAB yesterday (despite the rain and wind!), and loved it. Oh, noooooo problem getting chairs here right now, lol!

It 's rainy & windy, but not the hurricane conditions we feared. Off the Epcot today!

 

[Lalabubbles]

One more try
We are only 23 days away !!!!

 

[KJay]

Testing the photobucket app- thanks havoc!

 

[NHKristy76]

And maybe I am in the minority, but I am BUMMED I'm missing the lounge in the Presidential Suite! I would have LOVED to have seen this. The BC CL Lounge is nothing great, but to have the chance to check our the Pres. would be awesome. The views are great from there, and I can't imagine it's any smaller than the regular lounge. Someone please post pictures!!

I will take some pics of the Prez Sweet but will probably not get to post them until Wednesday...