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

[BringingUpDisney]

I am firmly in the no car camp. With 3 teen boys we are pretty much on different touring schedules as it is... so off site and/or only one transportation option (renting a car) will not work for us. That being said I do find that in certain circumstances there is a need to deviate from only relying on Disney transportation.

For example, the trip either to or from Downtown Disney is a disaster using Disney supplied transportation! This is generally true no matter what Disney resort you are staying at, so it's not endemic to the Yacht or Beach Club. Also, getting to a dining location situated in a different resort can also be a pain in the tuchas (i.e. a**) when having to depend on the Disney transportation system.

For these instances we have learned to utilize a CAB!

With tip, most cab rides from point A to point B on Disney property run twenty dollars or less, with the majority in the 12-15 dollar range. Depending on our plans we might have to use a cab 3 to 5 times per trip so we are talking about $100 for cabs. The convenience of this arrangement really outweighs the temptation to rent a car or leave 90 minutes before a reservation for a meal at a resort because we have to depend on Disney transportation.

Now keep in mind that there are 5 of us but we have never had a problem finding a mini van type of cab that can accommodate this number. They do have cabs of this size floating around Disney. I can't speak for what you would do if you needed car seats since my boys have not been using them for years. (Thank God for THAT! )

Here is another helpful tip concerning cabs at WDW. The preferred Cab company that is allowed to operate on WDW property is a Mears company that goes by the name of Yellow cab. I keep the number in my cell phone so I know I am calling the right company (1-407-422-2222). Most of the time you can easily find a cab departing from the lobby of any Disney hotel and there are a couple of Cab stands at Downtown Disney. When I take a cab to Walmart for my breakfast and room snacks shopping trip I call the cab company by phone to come and and pick me up when I am done shopping. On my last trip it took only 15 minutes from the time I called until the cab arrived. Sweet!

There are other cab companies that run around the Orlando/WDW area but some are disreputable and people have problems with them. The Yellow Cab company cabs are welcomed on Disney property so I don't have to worry if I've gotten in a 'gypsy' cab and face the possibility of getting ripped off.

I've pretty much found the buses to and from Disney resorts to the parks not to be a problem. The thing that I find ironic is that even if you take a car to the parks, chances are you will find yourself on some sort of a tram or boat or monorail to get to the parking lot where you will then have to hoof it to your car. Using the combination of buses to the parks and cabs to other resorts or to go one of the ways to Downtown Disney has proven to be the most convenient for my family and our touring needs. As they say, your mileage may vary!

Good luck with your planning.

~NM

As always, NM is right on point, we use this strategy as well and it works perfectly! However, I will say more strongly, stay out of non-official cabs. We somehow got in one on Disney property and the guy was terrible. He wouldn't put the windows up and the air on and the wind was blowing right in DDs face, she couldn't breathe well and started crying and the guy ignored our requests and just went faster. He was rude, clearly showed his disdain for women, and called me a b**** when I refused to tip him on demand. Luckily, the rest of our rides were through Mears and perfectly pleasant and efficient, we use the cabs for DTD, resides at other resorts and AK/AKL.

 

[BringingUpDisney]

So we will not be able to make our annual July trip ... but it is for an awesome reason

So yesterday I was asked if I wanted to go on my school's trip to Spain/France in July It is a small group of 30 excellent students. We are going to go to Paris, Madrid, and Barcelona. The price was an unbelievable deal. They also said my DH could come for a slightly higher price. It is my DH's dream to go to Paris and I have always wanted Spain. We actually priced a trip like this out before and it was thousands more

I am sad about missing out on WDW but we are still going for F&W . We cancelled our Christmas trip but I am hoping to sneak in a Feb or April break trip so we get more out of that AP... We will see if finances permit
I am going to tutor on the side when my coaching season is done to get me there

Had to share with my BC/YC friends. I am so excited to go to Europe.

Awesome news! You will love Spain and France - Barcelona is one of my favorite cities.
WDW will always be here waiting for you to return.

 

[pixarmom]

Welcome, LegoBen!!! Great to see you after you joined us in flat form for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party last year! Our boys (the ones who make what they call the "awesome face" in our Christmas card photos) had a ton of fun with Flat Ben, especially after they discovered that you were relatively water resistant and could go down the slide at BC and CR. Looking forward to your report! I'll tell our boys to visit - our teenagers both have Dis accounts but haven't used them much yet.

I have several favorites but Y&BC is home. Thanks for the review.

Same here!

When our kids were little we always stayed at the Grand. On our first trip our ds (who was 3 at the time) thought the monorail WAS a ride! SAB is fantastic but Grand has a new cute little kids "Mad Hatter/Alice in Wonderland" area that I bet Lily will love too. Best of both worlds - one year BC, one year GF!

Robyn's posts always make me want to try GF - it's the only deluxe we haven't stayed at yet! Can't get the rest of the family on board with that yet, but I think when GF switches out the bedspreads, it might happen!

I love Paris!! I hope you have a great vacation. You can always return to WDW the next year but a European vacation is definitely something you should do.

Great to hear and we agree! We travel relatively frequently, so WDW is in the mix along with new adventures. To date, our new adventures with the kids have been within the United States, Mexico and Canada. But now that our youngest son is six years old (and the two older boys are teens) we're ready to venture further. Just booked a VRBO in Paris for next summer and really excited! (Still looking for accommodations for 5 in Rome . . . )

 

[scottmel]

As always, NM is right on point, we use this strategy as well and it works perfectly! However, I will say more strongly, stay out of non-official cabs. We somehow got in one on Disney property and the guy was terrible. He wouldn't put the windows up and the air on and the wind was blowing right in DDs face, she couldn't breathe well and started crying and the guy ignored our requests and just went faster. He was rude, clearly showed his disdain for women, and called me a b**** when I refused to tip him on demand. Luckily, the rest of our rides were through Mears and perfectly pleasant and efficient, we use the cabs for DTD, resides at other resorts and AK/AKL.

I am in the other camp...couldn't be WITHOUT a car. the rates are so crazy cheap. Now normally we do a split stay with an MK resort then check in at YC and a few days later ditch the car. I have gotten rates for around 60 for 5 days with drop off at Dolphin. So I take ME to airport when trip is over. But honestly for 60 gives me the ability to get to hotel from airport, to the parks, dinners, etc. and I just don't have the car for the last 2 days of the trip when I am usually done with driving etc. and just doing walk ins to Epcot or DHS etc. For whatever the reason the rate is so cheap to drop off BEFORE a weekend at Dolphin. So on a 10 day trip I use the car a little under 7 days for 60 or so. Rate is unreal.

 

[BringingUpDisney]

I am in the other camp...couldn't be WITHOUT a car. the rates are so crazy cheap. Now normally we do a split stay with an MK resort then check in at YC and a few days later ditch the car. I have gotten rates for around 60 for 5 days with drop off at Dolphin. So I take ME to airport when trip is over. But honestly for 60 gives me the ability to get to hotel from airport, to the parks, dinners, etc. and I just don't have the car for the last 2 days of the trip when I am usually done with driving etc. and just doing walk ins to Epcot or DHS etc. For whatever the reason the rate is so cheap to drop off BEFORE a weekend at Dolphin. So on a 10 day trip I use the car a little under 7 days for 60 or so. Rate is unreal.

For me, it's more about a horrid commute that I do every day. A big part of vacation for me is not having to drive or deal with a carseat!

 

[Wood Nymph]

We used to rent a car from the airport, stop at the grocery store for a few snacks, then park it at the resort and never move it until we headed back to the airport. The first time we used the Magical Express was when we came down with six people, too many for a regular car. That was it for rental cars and we haven't rented one since then. We're glad that we get a vacation from driving.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[POOHDRMR]

We got back last Sat and the Disney depression and then a bad cold for me and ds(3) kept me off here till now.It was our first stay at BC and we have stayed at Poly the past few trips and it has been our favorite so far but I must say that although I prefer the tropical feel of Poly I really did enjoy BC also.I loved the walk to Epcot and we spent more time over there and being able to walk to all the restaurants we enjoy on the boardwalk(like flying fish)was great also.My kids loved the pool-my dd(12) would have stayed there all day everyday if we let her.The room was nice but we were on the 4th floor by the pool and we only had a Juliet which was not great.I would only want a full balcony next time-I had requested one but also requested a daybed which we got so I didn't want to switch rooms to one without daybed.The pool noise during the day was also a bit loud when we were trying to give our ds a nap but it ended early enough at night for us that it didn't matter too much.The boat to HS was pretty convienant too.Poly will remain my favorite but I would probably pick BC first for next trip especially if I can get another great discount on the room.

 

[francileb]

Thanks to everyone for the opinions on whether we should rent a car. I'm not sure what we'll do yet, but I definitely have better information now Our kids are old enough (12 and 9) to not have strollers or carseats, but they aren't quite old enough to be splitting off and exploring on their own. We don't have terrible commutes and DH actually enjoys driving, so that isn't a critical factor either.

To NinjaMom--thanks for mentioning the cabs. I never even thought about using cabs as an option. We've done city vacations where we have done public transportation (San Francisco, Chicago) and others where we have rented a car, but I've never in my 42 years taken a cab I'm putting the Mears phone number in my phone right now!

Thanks again for all the friendly advice. This thread is the best

 

[pixarmom]

Thanks to everyone for the opinions on whether we should rent a car. I'm not sure what we'll do yet, but I definitely have better information now Our kids are old enough (12 and 9) to not have strollers or carseats, but they aren't quite old enough to be splitting off and exploring on their own. We don't have terrible commutes and DH actually enjoys driving, so that isn't a critical factor either.

To NinjaMom--thanks for mentioning the cabs. I never even thought about using cabs as an option. We've done city vacations where we have done public transportation (San Francisco, Chicago) and others where we have rented a car, but I've never in my 42 years taken a cab I'm putting the Mears phone number in my phone right now!

Thanks again for all the friendly advice. This thread is the best

Just a few more thoughts regarding the car rental. I'm a fan of Disney transportation, even when it's less than perfect. At BC/YC, we walk to two of four parks, so no need for a car to get to DHS or Epcot. For MK, we'd rather bus direct to the front gates than park in the TTC lot and wait for the monorail/boat. So that leaves AKL, which isn't a far bus ride away. As for ADRs at other resorts, I'm with Ninja Mom - the cab ride is worth it. We always take a cab to our California Grill ADR - really easy.

Our kids are 6, 13 and 14 and they all self-buckle, so even though we don't deal with car seats anymore, our kids are far more enthusiastic about Disney transport than walking out to the parking lot, getting into a rental car and driving to the parks. No concerns about directions, car rental costs, car rental counter waits, etc. Every time we travel somewhere else (which is often) either my husband or I will comment, "Where's Magical Express?" because the whole car rental thing is either a mild, moderate or significant pain.

 

[TeenaS]

Just a few more thoughts regarding the car rental. I'm a fan of Disney transportation, even when it's less than perfect. At BC/YC, we walk to two of four parks, so no need for a car to get to DHS or Epcot. For MK, we'd rather bus direct to the front gates than park in the TTC lot and wait for the monorail/boat. So that leaves AKL, which isn't a far bus ride away. As for ADRs at other resorts, I'm with Ninja Mom - the cab ride is worth it. We always take a cab to our California Grill ADR - really easy.

Our kids are 6, 13 and 14 and they all self-buckle, so even though we don't deal with car seats anymore, our kids are far more enthusiastic about Disney transport than walking out to the parking lot, getting into a rental car and driving to the parks. No concerns about directions, car rental costs, car rental counter waits, etc. Every time we travel somewhere else (which is often) either my husband or I will comment, "Where's Magical Express?" because the whole car rental thing is either a mild, moderate or significant pain.

Absolutely true!!!! When we go to Magic Kingdom, we come and park in the cast parking lot at the BC and take the bus. Much better than driving and parking at TTC and then waiting for the tram and then the monorail or ferry!! We do the same thing for Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The waiting for the parking lot tram and parking at the far end of the row (always happens to us) ... taking Disney transportation is so much easier. The only park we drive to is Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney usually too but parking at Downtown Disney is a no-no while the parking lot construction is going on.

 

[jenjersnap]

This may be kind of off-topic, but is there much advantage to having a rental car at BC rather than using the busses? We're doing a split stay (WL 10/25-30, BC 10/30-11/4) and were planning on using Disney transportation. However, I couldn't leave well enough alone, and kept checking on rentals. When I initially booked our trip, the rental prices were close to $500, making it an easy choice for us to use Disney transport. Prices have gone down considerably, and we can get a rental for all 11 days for less than $200 (all taxes and fees included.) I don't know which way to go now.

I was thinking that if we got the car, we would use the car primarily for visiting resorts, DTD, and just in general in case we find the buses not to our liking.

So what do you all think?

Francileb, just curious...which rental company is giving you that rate? Our dates are just a few days ahead of you and I can't get anything near what you are paying.

We are not Disney transportation fans. We like the freedom of a car.

 

[jenjersnap]

We added a day to our trip but had to book a higher view category for the one night. We are hoping to not change rooms. What do you think the chances are that they will let us downgrade that night in order to let us stay put? Should I put that request on our reservation? DH is reluctant because he doesn't want to eliminate all possibility that we could be upgraded for the entire stay. I think we should expect to get what we paid for in both categories and have to move in between. Which is totally fine, but I want to do what I can to stay in one room. Is linking the reservations enough? Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[TeenaS]

We added a day to our trip but had to book a higher view category for the one night. We are hoping to not change rooms. What do you think the chances are that they will let us downgrade that night in order to let us stay put? Should I put that request on our reservation? DH is reluctant because he doesn't want to eliminate all possibility that we could be upgraded for the entire stay. I think we should expect to get what we paid for in both categories and have to move in between. Which is totally fine, but I want to do what I can to stay in one room. Is linking the reservations enough? Thanks for any thoughts!

Don't think you can link a reservation if they are different categories. Just talk to the front desk when you check-in to see if they can downgrade you for the last night and give you a refund so you can stay in one room.

 

[jenjersnap]

Don't think you can link a reservation if they are different categories. Just talk to the front desk when you check-in to see if they can downgrade you for the last night and give you a refund so you can stay in one room.

Hm, the phone CM my husband talked to said they were linked but I know that info could be iffy. It is actually our first night which is likely more problematic, no? Thanks, Teena! Getting excited for next month!

 

[HubbDave]

Absolutely true!!!! When we go to Magic Kingdom, we come and park in the cast parking lot at the BC and take the bus. Much better than driving and parking at TTC and then waiting for the tram and then the monorail or ferry!! We do the same thing for Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The waiting for the parking lot tram and parking at the far end of the row (always happens to us) ... taking Disney transportation is so much easier. The only park we drive to is Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney usually too but parking at Downtown Disney is a no-no while the parking lot construction is going on.

We only drove to DAK for parks last trip

The car was great for going to other resorts for dining though (and Sea World)

 

[nannette]

Today I received a phone call from Disney... once again my Dolphins in Depth Tour is CANCELLED!!! I think I got the hint Disney.... YOU DO NOT want me to have an experience with the Dolphins!! I had this tour booked in 2011 and it was cancelled then too... Thought I was finally going to get to do it UNTIL the call came today... Just not meant to be and I'm really disappointed!!

So Sunrise Safari it is!

Ok that's my rant for the day!

~N

 

[focusondisney]

Here is another helpful tip concerning cabs at WDW. The preferred Cab company that is allowed to operate on WDW property is a Mears company that goes by the name of Yellow cab. I keep the number in my cell phone so I know I am calling the right company (1-407-422-2222). Most of the time you can easily find a cab departing from the lobby of any Disney hotel and there are a couple of Cab stands at Downtown Disney. When I take a cab to Walmart for my breakfast and room snacks shopping trip I call the cab company by phone to come and and pick me up when I am done shopping. On my last trip it took only 15 minutes from the time I called until the cab arrived. Sweet!

There are other cab companies that run around the Orlando/WDW area but some are disreputable and people have problems with them. The Yellow Cab company cabs are welcomed on Disney property so I don't have to worry if I've gotten in a 'gypsy' cab and face the possibility of getting ripped off.

~NM

Wanted to relate our cab experience from this past May. It was the first time in about 20 trips that we tried to get a cab from Downtown Disney. We were seeing a movie & had a lunch booked at le Cellier shortly after, so we decided to use a cab. Before going into the theater, we checked out the nearby cab stand. I didn't know about these "rogue" cabs.

When we came out, there was only 1 cab at the stand. It was not the Yellow cabs that we had noticed there before, but more like a white town car. After we got in & the driver started off, he asked for the address of the Beach Club. He had NO idea where he was going!!! I luckily had the address but he tried to fool with his GPS while driving. Luckily he pulled over, but not in an area where we could just get out. DH finally just told him where to turn. He couldn't even follow the Disney signs, which are quite large, as we all know!

While DH was giving him directions, I noticed there wasn't even a meter!!! When we got to the BC, he just said "how about $20?" We were in a hurry to get to our ADR, plus it was our last day & we didn't want anymore aggravation. So we just paid him the $20. But lesson learned. Yellow Cabs only from now on!

Thanks for the phone no. NM.

 

[PNO4TE]

Couchy - What an amazing opportunity for your European vacation next year!

 

[Couchy]

Couchy - What an amazing opportunity for your European vacation next year!

I am super excited...

 

[ocalla]

Couchy: what a great July 2014 it's gonna be!!


Nannette: I can't wait to read about your Sunrise Safari

About the Car : No car for us. We use busses or boats and cabs. I tend to have a couple if adult beverages while on vacation and would not want to worry about " who's gonna drive back"!!!

Teena: every time I see the Mad Hatter play area at GF I wish my girls were you g enough to enjoy it !!! The Princess will love it!!