2013/2014 Beach and Yacht FAQ, Fun & Friends ~ Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec & Jan ~

[Sue M]

Nearing the end of our trip so sad!! Today was our last AK day, sob. The Lion was out ( finally) on his rock. Saw Lily the 3 yr old gorilla on the Trail.
Had great dinner at Flying Fish, the over to Epcot to do pick a pearl!
Tomorrow is GF tea. And a special Illuminations Dessert Party.

 

[sarmat1]

Hello! Could someone answer a few pool questions? My kiddos will be 7 and 5 and 2 when we go in march. Will the older two be able to use the pirate ship slide? They are good swimmers. 7 yr is 44in 5 yr 42 in.

Absolutely. In fact, they could technically use the slide even if they couldn't swim at all. Swim vests are allowed and readily available around the pool. My DD8 and DS5 loved the slide when we were there last week. DS5 is currently taking swim lessons, but doesn't know how to swim yet, so he was using a vest.

A couple of other points to be aware of. To enter, you have to actually go out of the pool area entirely. Once on the slide, you go under not 1, but 2 waterfalls that will defintely dump water on your head. The slide ultimately feeds into 4 feet of water and you come down with such force that you will go under water (unless wearing a vest). The exiting part of the slide is in a roped off area of the pool and a lifeguard will be sitting there. That guard will likely keep others out of the roped off area, so parents are not allowed to "catch" their children coming off. Depending on how adventerous your kids are, you might want to go with them the first time.

Another item of note since you have a 2 yo. The kiddie area of SAB with the little beach area to play on is on the complete other side of where the slide ends. You'll need to determine your comfort level with your two older kids going on the slide (then exiting the pool area to go on again and again) if you're with the younger child in the kiddie area. That's the one thing I didn't like about SAB. It's so big, it can become difficult to supervise all of your different age kids simultaneously with the many different sections. Maybe this is an issue for you, maybe not, but I thought it deserved mentioning.

 

[natebenma]

Page 31-34

Dee - well our original plan to do the whole stay at Universal/Discovery Cove/Sea World didn't last long! When we thought about being that close to Disney and not going we just couldn't do it!

New Plan - 7 nights in Disney (not sure which resort yet), 5 nights HRH, 1 night in in Savannah to do the ghost tour, and 4 nights in Hilton Head!

Who knows where we'll end up but I'll keep you posted for the BOG list!

Sounds like a fantastic trip! Have fun with the planning. Let us know where you end up at Disney

263 days! Pretty sad isn't it? I'm ready to be in Disney! My original plans were to be there next Thursday, then the husband had a wild idea to get a pool this summer. We've had crazy weather this summer, monsoons every other week, my son broke his arm and had a cast until just last week, so the pool didn't get installed and I got promised an upgrade to BC. I'll take it

So sorry to hear you have had a rough summer!

I got a phone call from my 4 yr. old grandson this morning. He let me know we only had 96 more days until our trip to sing happy birthday to Nana!!! Jackson then let me know that I was the best Nana in the world because I take him to see Mickey on my birthday!! Made my heart melt. So...... only 96 days until we are all at the Beach Club to celebrate my 61st birthday!!! Cannot wait to have my entire family with me this trip.

Adorable!!!

I've been quietly lurking for the past month or so and I just wanted to say thank you and what a lovely friendly bunch you all are! I've finally convinced my DH that we really need to go to Disney so I've booked the BC for 10 days next April. I must admit that for a 1st timer it's pretty overwhelming (not strictly true if you count the visit over 20 years ago with my parents). We are a family of 5 (me, DH, DD9, DS6 and DS3 with a 10 hour flight to look forward to...... But it will be so worth it I can't wait. I apologise in advance for all the seemingly silly questions that I'm bound to ask over the next few months ....... So excited!

to this thread and the DIS!

I'll add you to the Be Our Guest list on Page 1.



No worries about silly or frequent questions. That's what we are here for! There can be a lot of planning involved and we have all been there or are there now.

Just one suggestion- if you haven't already, make sure you check out Post 13 (FAQ) and Post 14 (Other Useful Information) on this thread, Page 1. There's a lot of introductory info about the Beach Club and Yacht Club in those posts.

Tonight is our last night we went to HS this morning. You guys will probably laugh but I'm excited I did a ride today...... Star Wars lol!!! Thank god my kids are still small I have no clue what I'm going to do when my daughter is older. We asked her if she wanted to do a EE but she chicken out after dinosaur ewwww ( mom was secretly happy).

We had dinner at whispering canyons- loved loved loved it!!!! So much fun ! We have never been to the wilderness lodge. It's a lot like AKL. But I like the idea of the boat. Nice resort but nothing compares to YC!

Good for you!!!

Thanks, again, for your updates.

Hello! Could someone answer a few pool questions? My kiddos will be 7 and 5 and 2 when we go in march. Will the older two be able to use the pirate ship slide? They are good swimmers. 7 yr is 44in 5 yr 42 in. Also any other cool things I should know about for my kids? Thank you!

Would you like me to add you to the Be Our Guest list for March? Which resort, YC/BC/BCV?



As you will see in previous posts, the 7 and 5 year old will absolutely be able to use the slide.

Nearing the end of our trip so sad!! Today was our last AK day, sob. The Lion was out ( finally) on his rock. Saw Lily the 3 yr old gorilla on the Trail.
Had great dinner at Flying Fish, the over to Epcot to do pick a pearl!
Tomorrow is GF tea. And a special Illuminations Dessert Party.

Already???

But sounds like you still have some awesome plans in the mix.

Absolutely. In fact, they could technically use the slide even if they couldn't swim at all. Swim vests are allowed and readily available around the pool. My DD8 and DS5 loved the slide when we were there last week. DS5 is currently taking swim lessons, but doesn't know how to swim yet, so he was using a vest.

A couple of other points to be aware of. To enter, you have to actually go out of the pool area entirely. Once on the slide, you go under not 1, but 2 waterfalls that will defintely dump water on your head. The slide ultimately feeds into 4 feet of water and you come down with such force that you will go under water (unless wearing a vest). The exiting part of the slide is in a roped off area of the pool and a lifeguard will be sitting there. That guard will likely keep others out of the roped off area, so parents are not allowed to "catch" their children coming off. Depending on how adventerous your kids are, you might want to go with them the first time.

Another item of note since you have a 2 yo. The kiddie area of SAB with the little beach area to play on is on the complete other side of where the slide ends. You'll need to determine your comfort level with your two older kids going on the slide (then exiting the pool area to go on again and again) if you're with the younger child in the kiddie area. That's the one thing I didn't like about SAB. It's so big, it can become difficult to supervise all of your different age kids simultaneously with the many different sections. Maybe this is an issue for you, maybe not, but I thought it deserved mentioning.

Thank you so much for the really detailed and helpful description about the slide entry/exit procedure. May I use this on Page 1, in the Jib Slide post?

 

[HBGdancermom]

I'm not getting near her until she feels better. You have no idea what it's like to be chased around a room in slow motion by a maniac wielding a fly swatter!

Love, Buzzy the peaceful, not in pieces Fly!

Please let her know how much I miss her hilarious commentary!!

 

[Scott MC]

Agreed! I spend more time "lurking" around here than anywhere else! I hopped on that thread to hopefully get some advice and read some fun reports. It's silly what some argue over
You did a great job trying to calm the waters though!!
Thanks everyone for having fun here!

Scott I follow the CL thread and I think you do a great job. . It can get snippy very quickly over there. Lol

I agree the BC/YC thread is the best!!!!

You do a great job over there, and you provide a wealth of info here, too.

ScottMC this is undoubtedly the best thread on the DIS for friendliness and civility! I follow the other thread as well and want you to know that I not only wholeheartedly agree with you but also really appreciate all you do over there.

Well said!
Scott MC, Adding my thanks, too!

Wow! Thanks y'all! I really wasn't fishing for a group hug. I was truly just praising Dee's work here, but thanks, it means a lot!

I know BC and YC are being refurbished next year and that they are starting with CL. We might do GF next year and then come back to BC in 2015 after the refurbishment. We also had a lot of issues with mousekeeping this year at BC so maybe we need a break. Fabulous resort but we've been staying there since 2006 so maybe it's time for a little change to keep it interesting.
Thought about the Polynesian but it's supposedly undergoing major construction next year. BWI is definitely not for us, and even though DS begs for the Contemporary that is definitely not my cup of tea!

Who knows where we'll end up but I'll keep you posted for the BOG list!

Egad! By a millimeter, BWI is our favorite resort! Now, saying that, we've had 2 stays there with CL access, a sublime BW view, and each stay was a week long. BWI CL really spoils you! The staff at BC is just as great, but the lounge is double, if not triple the size at BWI. It's roomy, comfortable, and there's always a place to sit. Have you ever been over there, and inside the actual inn? I really, really love it there. If you score a BW view, it's also really a treat to be able to gaze across at BC/YC...very peaceful!
I feel like the Epcot Resort loop really is home, because though they're all different, the resorts all exude this carefree, seaside, or beachside theme and I just love it!

On my way to the airport. Will be back at the BC lobby on Sunday. Looking forward to seeing everybody.

The trip was wonderful. The classroom is in great shape. Unfortunately Jeanne lost her voice last night so I wish I was going to be here for one more day to help out. The thought of not seeing Lily and Jeanne for seven weeks is making me cry but I'm sure the 7 weeks will fly by.

See you all soon!!!

Thanks for all you do to help Jeanne! I just finished my classroom yesterday, but will probably sneak in Tuesday morning (first day) at around 6:30 to do some final work. I usually "pixie dust" the room right before the kids get there.

You know me too well!

We didn't start coming to BC/YC until 2006. Our very first Disney trip many, many years ago (l987!) was to the Polynesian. When we started bringing the younger ones we stayed at the GF from 2003-2006 and we always stayed at the Poly or GF when DH ran the marathon.

As much as we love BC/YC kids are kind of homesick for the MK resorts so we thought we would mix it up. Of course we'll see which rooms get the discounts next summer! Since I started working for the school I qualify for the teachers's discount at Swan/Dolphin so who knows???

The main thing is we are coming back to DISNEY!!!!!!

I actually find that Priceline rates, though non-refundable, are even more deeply discounted than the teacher rate! DP and I agree that from here on out, the Epcot loop is home. When the moneys allow, BC/YC/BWI is where we'll stay, and when money is a little tighter, S/D will be home. I know that there are many on these boards who look down on S/D, but I really don't see the big deal. They feel bright and beachy, fitting with the YC/BC/BWI theme, the linens, mattresses, pillows, toiletries, and room size are a step up from any Disney Deluxe, I still get the Disney vibe, and if I'm really missing it, I can go down to the huge gift shop in the lobby, or make the 3 minute walk to one of the other loop resorts! Of course, I prefer a Disney resort, but I'd never have a problem staying at S/D. Next summer, we're booked for a week at BC-CL , but DP and I always do "Bonus Nights" somewhere where we just relax, have nice dinners, pool it up, etc. For next summer, we're between The Dolphin and AKL at the moment...I have a feeling we'll end up at the Dolphin!

 

[natebenma]

I am in touch with NM and she wants you to know that she is on vacation at a remote location near the Islets of Langerhans known as Cholecystecomy. She is not too happy as the waters are MUCH rougher than Storm Along Bay and their is no liquor at the bar, just a bunch of Vikings in dens. She can't wait to get back to her regularly scheduled program of driving the gang crazy. As for now she is a useless curmudgeon until her trip is over and the lawyers let her back onto the Internet. Nannette and I should be visiting with her in a week or two provided we have openings in our schedules and NM stops biting the head off of anyone that gets too close to her nashing teeth and foaming mouth. I hope she runs into more of those vikings if you know what I mean ; )

Signed, Buzzy the all knowing Fly

Hilarious!!!

Bug Hugs to you, and NM!!!

 

[nannette]

Woohooo! My fastpass+ window has opened for my F&W trip! It appears that the window for fast pass + opens at the 60 day period. Prior to that date the window to confirm the mailing address/customize the band opens and tells you how long you will have to customize the band. My trip is 10/31-11/4 and I have until 9/18 to customize. I can customize for rides right now only... there is no option for me to choose shows or parades at this time..I'll be watching for that option to pop up! I currently have a MagicBand for my upcoming September trip which I thought I would be able to use for October, but apparently they will be sending another one for Oct/Nov I really hope that eventually that will change and the band you have for one trip can be customized for another trip without having to send new bands.

I think I like the whole concept of fast pass +, but it really causes you to plan and micro manage trips even more than trips are already micro managed, but it is nice to know I can take my time and know I can do all the things I want to do and not rush to get to them!

~N

 

[TPTraveler]

I've been quietly lurking for the past month or so and I just wanted to say thank you and what a lovely friendly bunch you all are! I've finally convinced my DH that we really need to go to Disney so I've booked the BC for 10 days next April. I must admit that for a 1st timer it's pretty overwhelming (not strictly true if you count the visit over 20 years ago with my parents). We are a family of 5 (me, DH, DD9, DS6 and DS3 with a 10 hour flight to look forward to...... But it will be so worth it I can't wait. I apologise in advance for all the seemingly silly questions that I'm bound to ask over the next few months ....... So excited!

Welcome aboard! I am fairly new to the forum myself and I find the folks here to be enormously knowledgeable and very friendly and willing to answer questions. Even folks who have been many, many times still have questions as things are always changing at the House of the Mouse (Mickey).

 

[TPTraveler]

I'm not getting near her until she feels better. You have no idea what it's like to be chased around a room in slow motion by a maniac wielding a fly swatter!

Love, Buzzy the peaceful, not in pieces Fly!

 

[YCFAN]

Hello! Could someone answer a few pool questions? My kiddos will be 7 and 5 and 2 when we go in march. Will the older two be able to use the pirate ship slide? They are good swimmers. 7 yr is 44in 5 yr 42 in. Also any other cool things I should know about for my kids? Thank you!

I just wanted to add that if you don't feel comfortable with your kids going down the big slide there is a much smaller slide on the back of the pirate ship that empties into a little kiddie pool. It's not much more than a basic short slide but small children really enjoy it and I have seen some parents use it with their children. It also has the great pirate theme of the ship.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I just wanted to add that if you don't feel comfortable with your kids going down the big slide there is a much smaller slide on the back of the pirate ship that empties into a little kiddie pool. It's not much more than a basic short slide but small children really enjoy it and I have seen some parents use it with their children. It also has the great pirate theme of the ship.

My DGS was 4 when we did the grand gathering and he LOVED that little slide and pirate pool!


ScottMC - no offense about BWI. One dd was terrified by a clown when she was little and DH and I can't get past the "IT" clown look so that's why BWI isn't our cup of tea!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Wish me luck - tomorrow is dd's Sweet 16 Party!

We have an in ground pool (and obviously lots of trips to BC) so she went with a - Beach themed party!!!!

 

[YCFAN]

Wish me luck - tomorrow is dd's Sweet 16 Party!

We have an in ground pool (and obviously lots of trips to BC) so she went with a - Beach themed party!!!!

Good luck and Happy Sweet Sixteen Taylor!!

 

[sarmat1]

Thank you so much for the really detailed and helpful description about the slide entry/exit procedure. May I use this on Page 1, in the Jib Slide post?

Sure Dee. This thread helped me so much, I'm glad I can actually contribute something to it.

 

[Ninja Mom]

SNARL!!!! @&*%$, *@#$%, NASHING OF TEETH, NASHING OF TEETH!!!!1!!!11!!!

I've freed myself of the restraints and taken over the nurses station! Before they come with the tranquilizer gun I thought I would chime in while I still have computer access....

Nearing the end of our trip so sad!! Today was our last AK day, sob. The Lion was out ( finally) on his rock. SNIP!

Don't you think if they got that lion something a little more comfortable to sit on he would be 'out' more? The problem is that "rock' just ain't cutting it for those skinny, tender lion buns. Somebody needs to take a safari ride truck out on trash day and recycle an unwanted curbside sofa! In a contest between heated rock and family room sofa, family room sofa WINS!

So what if it's not "Authentic"? Cover it with some Kente cloth and boom! you've got something stylish, comfortable and a heck of a lot more attractive than that Poacher scene they cooked up awhile back!

Thinking this whole thing through (It's what NM does best!) one would consider that the other animals would catch on and try to "steal" the sofa from the lion. Well.... THAT would just make hunting all that much easier! In Ninja Mom's house if you take her spot on the sofa you get your head bit off. THINK of how much money they'd save on lion kibble or what ever it is they feed that lazy feline 'decoration'! It's a win win all the way around!

Woohooo! My fastpass+ window has opened for my F&W trip! It appears that the window for fast pass + opens at the 60 day period. Prior to that date the window to confirm the mailing YADA, YADA,YADA... SNIP!!

~N

I have to say that I really appreciate Nannette's posts on her journey to acquiring Magic Bands and Fast Pass plus. I for one am holding out until the bitter end and I'll be the last to adopt this new technology, primarily so that they can work some of the many bugs out. Still, I'm following along with Nannette's post and she is laying it out step by step so that even the densest amongst us (NM!!!) will be able to figure it out.

OOPS! Gotta run! The orderlies are here with a big net and a jacket with enough buckles to make it look like they raided Micheal Jackson's closet from the 80's.

Thanks for all the lovin and missin!

~NM

 

[Scott MC]

My DGS was 4 when we did the grand gathering and he LOVED that little slide and pirate pool!


ScottMC - no offense about BWI. One dd was terrified by a clown when she was little and DH and I can't get past the "IT" clown look so that's why BWI isn't our cup of tea!

HeeHee..I never took offense, and this is coming from someone who had a crippling fear of clowns as a kid. You have no idea how many birthday parties I missed...never mind how during "Circus Week" in kindergarten, my dad had to carry me in, put me in my seat (wailing of course), and the teacher had to hold me down until he was out of the building! At this point in life, I don't like clowns, but the BWI pool is so fun! It's definitely my favorite after BC/YC. It is too bad that I really think a lot of people pass on BWI because of that clown. I think that the inside of the inn-side, is the closest WDW has to the GF in terms of elegance. Oh well. Hope DD has a wonderful day tomorrow!

Woohooo! My fastpass+ window has opened for my F&W trip! It appears that the window for fast pass + opens at the 60 day period. Prior to that date the window to confirm the mailing address/customize the band opens and tells you how long you will have to customize the band. My trip is 10/31-11/4 and I have until 9/18 to customize. I can customize for rides right now only... there is no option for me to choose shows or parades at this time..I'll be watching for that option to pop up! I currently have a MagicBand for my upcoming September trip which I thought I would be able to use for October, but apparently they will be sending another one for Oct/Nov I really hope that eventually that will change and the band you have for one trip can be customized for another trip without having to send new bands.

I think I like the whole concept of fast pass +, but it really causes you to plan and micro manage trips even more than trips are already micro managed, but it is nice to know I can take my time and know I can do all the things I want to do and not rush to get to them!

~N

Pardon my ignorance...I've flipped through all the FP+ and MB stuff, but now I'm thinking about our Dec trip (12/4-8, YC). Do I just wait for Disney to contact me about MBs? Or do I have to be proactive?

 

[beebeeryan]

With regards to the slide and younger kids...if you stand around where the slide comes out you can walk with them to the pathway where they cross over and watch them go up then walk back to the pool. You'll make it back well before they get down, there is always at least a few people in line and it's a long way down. Also if you go before your child, you could wait towards the rope for them, the lifeguard may or may not usher you away quickly.

 

[KerryCM]

Wish me luck - tomorrow is dd's Sweet 16 Party!

We have an in ground pool (and obviously lots of trips to BC) so she went with a - Beach themed party!!!!

happy 16th to your daughter! Hope her day is full of joy and blessings!

 

[PolyAddict]

Any place for real coffee in this area?

 

[Tinkerbell's mama]

I have a question that I'm hoping y'all can help with. At CL can you get whole milk? I know they have skim, but my son can't have that it has to be whole milk. TIA