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

[HBGdancermom]

I'm staying at YC at the end of next month for the first time . I'm worried I won't be able to get out of that pool long enough to enjoy the parks .

Yeah!!! Me too!!!

 

[TeenaS]

...from our Sep 18-25 Trip, and all went pretty well. Since I spent so much time on the Yacht and Beach Club thread, I thought it made sense to share a few perspectives.

I had the privilege of chatting with Teena during one of the days when she was on duty and she seemed genuinely pleased to meet a Disboards Y&B thread reader, and I shared many of these same observations with her. Very nice lady!

Location, Location, Location
First, my wife was so glad that I persuaded her that we should stay at the Beach club. Her favorite park of the park was World Showcase, and she liked the fact that we could get to and from Epcot in a VERY short stroll, and that Hollywood Studios was a short boat ride away. Bus rides to the other parks were reasonable in length, although my wife dreaded the trip to and from Magic Kingdom, which was the longest. The proximity of the Boardwalk was also nice for Breakfast and Late Night Pizza. I can tell you that after this trip, I can't imagine that if we return that we could ever stay off the property. Disney transportation was so easy and reliable.

Dining
We ate at Beaches and Cream twice, and the staff there was quite delightful, and the food very good "Malt Shop" food. Ice Cream and Shakes were quite tasty. Captain's Grille, I'm sorry to say, was just not good for us. Slow service, limited menu and poorly prepared food. It wasn't even as good as Red Lobster. Cap May Cafe Buffet was pretty good, and they were very nice about bringing our son some French Fries that weren't on the Buffet, but if it wasn't on our Dining Plan, we would never have thought it was worth the retail price. The "MarketPlace" food wasn't bad at all, but pretty limited. We preferred walking to the Boardwalk Bakery, where the selection was just slightly larger for Baked goods. I never did get the chance to enjoy Hurricane Hanna's and the mysterious Sunken Treasure.

Overall, Dining across all parks was really never more than adequate. We happen to live in the NW suburbs of Chicago in an area rich with good, mid to high priced restaurants of all ethnic flavors, and we never had a dining experience that really wowed us, and we suspect that the cleanliness of some of the restaurants could be better, as each of us came down with major stomach trouble during our trip.

Swimming
My son is Autistic, and Stormalong Bay was something he had to warm up to. We had no problems with crowds or finding chairs, but it was all rather disconnected. Lots of closely adjoining pools rather one really connected pool. My wife wasn't wild about wearing a swimsuit in such a public setting either - she's sensitive about some pounds she added. So, we didn't spend much time there, BUT, we did spend a few hours in the Quiet Pool and Hot Tub near the Epcot side. My little guy liked that quieter environment more. We were never alone in the pool, but it was just a much calmer setting and experience, and it was open later, which was nice for us as we tended to come back late.

Arcade
Lafferty Place is someplace I thought we'd spend a bit more time at, but since we didn't spend much time at SAB, we didn't spend much time in the Arcade. It's fairly well stocked with Games, but don't expect any breakthrough experiences or gameplay. Nice place to burn some time on rainy days, but not a destination (which many Parents are no doubt grateful for).

Room
Our room was fine, clean and in good condition. We had a Garden View (4585) that looked out into the Courtyard near the Volleyball court, which was just about perfect in terms of proximity between lobby/transportation and the exit to Epcot, especially after we found the 2nd elevator near the quiet pool on Day 2. Our refrigerator wasn't working well, and we called to have it replaced, which it was, in less than 15 minutes, which was great, but it was replaced with one that hadn't been cleaned, and in which we found a melted/refrozen ice cream bar in the the freezer the next day, which took away a bit from the service experience.

As Rooms go, it was comfortable. The sheets were smooth, not rough at all, and the mattresses firm but soft. Wifi connectivity was fast and consistent. Shower and Bath? A bit tight, but clean and the water pressure was hot and firm. We heard no noise at all from nearby rooms or from the hallway outside, which one of our walls shared.

Service
Day 1 was our 20th anniversary, and every time I had called up Disney Travel to book, ask questions, etc. they asked if we were celebrating any special occasions, and I always said, yes, it's our 20th Anniversary, and the agent would say something like "Well, we'll see if we can do something special for you!". However, when we checked in, it didn't come up as a question or a comment, even though I saw a staff member walk up holding what I later realized was an Anniversary Pin and talk with the front desk staffer. I figured there might be a small greeting or something in the room - nope. I figured there would be some small dessert at the reservation at Tutto Italia. Nope. I figured there would be something, based upon what Disney Travel had consistently said, but no. So, my wife was a little bummed because I had told her that we could expect ~something~, but there was nothing. I went down to the Front Desk that night and said "I'm not looking for special treatment, but if there's an expected treatment we should have gotten, I'd like to make sure we get it for my wife's enjoyment." The staffer, Roya, looked a little troubled and asked "Did you at least get your Anniversary Pins?" and I said, "No.", at which point she sprang into action, got us our Pins and said she would have something sent up. I expected to get Flowers, but the next day we got a lovely Happy Anniversary White Chocolate Mickey Statue with a card and 4 chocolate covered Tuxedo cherries.

When I spoke to Teena about this, she said that what the Travel Agency enters doesn't always make it to the Front Desk's system, so I guess the moral of the story is that if you are celebrating a special event, you need to tell the front desk about it when you check in.

There were a couple of other service bumps (an unexpected bug problem) but I guess the main thing is that whenever there was an issue, if I asked for it to be addressed, it was, quickly and courteously.

Atmosphere
The Beach Club overall had a "happy busy" kind of feeling. There were a lot of families with kids, but all were well behaved and very happy to be there. It was generally bright and those elevators were some of the fastest I've seen outside of large skyscrapers. The lobby could be a bit "boomy" when it was full of people, making it hard to hear those at the Front Desk, but most times it was just fine.

Overall
We probably plan to go back again to Disney World at least one more time, to repeat some of the experiences we enjoyed and get to some of those that we didn't find time for, and if we do, we will stay at the Beach Club. Why? For us, the central location simply can't be beat. My wife couldn't believe you could literally walk to the park and when she found that we could, she fell in love.

As for the hotel itself? It was a good, friendly experience, although my wife like the Grand Floridian's "grand" feel very much. It's a good hotel, and a nice hotel, but despite the enthusiasm of many on this board, I can't say that it was a really stunning, incredible 4 star experience. I have had to travel quite a bit for work and family, and have stayed in some hotels that cost less per night that are significantly better than the Beach Club, which is showing it's age, despite ongoing maintenance and care. I think that after the planned refurbish that others have been written of, it has the potential to be something really special, but for me, it was a very comfortable and pleasant hotel experience, that wasn't quite worth the price we paid.

But we'll be back! Thanks again to the loyalists on this thread - we learned very much from all of you, and that made our stay at the Beach Club much more predictable and enjoyable!

Thanks for your very honest and thorough report!!! I really really enjoyed chatting with you the other day and hope to repeat it again in the future.

 

[HBGdancermom]

Matt glad you had a great time. Thanks for your review!

 

[HBGdancermom]

Teena feeling any better?

 

[TeenaS]

Teena feeling any better?

Today was the first day my jaw, throat and ear didn't hurt. I think I'm getting there. Thanks so much for thinking of me.

 

[natebenma]

page 96-98

Good morning! Does anyone know if the Crew Cup lounge is currently serving dinner (sandwiches, snacks, etc.)? All Ears said it is seasonal. We are looking for a light bite Sunday night (arrival day!) and always enjoy relaxing there! Thanks!

to this thread!!!

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



As others have indicated, Crews Cup should be open. Not positive how late they serve food- 11?

Woohoo! Just found out I'll be at the YC for Marathon weekend! A mommy/DD only trip.

Arriving Wed 1/8, departing Sunday, 1/12.

So excited!!!

Nice!

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



Please let us know if you have any questions.

I'm staying at YC at the end of next month for the first time . I'm worried I won't be able to get out of that pool long enough to enjoy the parks .

I have you on the Be Our Guest list already, but can't remember if I have given you an official here.

I wouldn't worry. We are in the middle of changing everything around because of all the magic bands and my Disney experience stuff ... something probably got crossed on a desk. As long as you have confirmation numbers for everything, you should be all set.

Kind of off-topic, but I just talked about this in my trip report. When the check-in CMs at La Hacienda couldn't find my name on the reservation list (because I was late and lied about the time of my reservation), I offered to provide my confirmation number and they said "We don't have that in our system"- Another person posted about this as well for a different restaurant.

Why, exactly, do we get reservation numbers from Disney dining if the restaurants can't look them up?

PS- not implying that the previous poster should be concerned, because they shouldn't, but just curious.

 

[natebenma]

Thanks everyone for the awesome reviews!!!

HBGdancermom, per your request this is your notification that I have started my trip report. I will be updating as often as I can and should have it done before you leave for your trip on the 20th. Also for anyone else who may be interested.

It is called Our Best Disney Vacation Yet, featuring BCV and BC CL.

I'm glad you enjoyed my dining report. Thanks for the positive feedback.

Appreciate the heads up. I'm going over now to find it and subscribe, but it is going to take me a bit to catch up. Will you be posting your dining experiences in the report, or posting links as you get to them? I haven't had a chance to read your dining report yet.

Good Morning!

I had us booked for 11:45 the Wild Africa Safari Trek (which is why I wanted DH to go on the Safari Ride first)! I had done this tour in November 2011 and loved it! They give you lunch halfway through the tour, but we were a little hungry so we stopped at a quick service and had a breakfast sandwich before heading over to the meeting location for the Trek. The trek has changed a bit since I took it, which is why I love to take the tours over and over because each one is different each time! We checked in and were weighed and then harnessed and buckled in, given a water bottle to fill and a sunglass strap for our sunglasses and then given a locker to place everything else in while we were off on the tour. The tour starts off on stage and then moves backstage. There is a photographer with the group who takes photos of all the animals and your party which is really nice! You get to see a lot and do a lot on this tour including getting up close and personal with the hippos and the crocs and even cross over the crocs on the rope bridges... SO MUCH FUN!! Once the backstage portion of the tour is completed you load into a private safari truck for a more in depth look at the animals. We did not get to see the lions because they were hiding, which is why I wanted DH to go on the Safari Ride first!! Good idea on my part!! Just before the elephants the truck goes up a hill to an outdoor patio area on the Savannah where you are served lunch. The lunch is prepared special for this safari and consists of a mess kit filled with African delights!! Very yummy indeed! Once lunch is finished they take a few more pictures of your party and then head back out onto the Savannah to complete the safari. My DH really loved this tour and got a lot of information out of it!!

~N

Nannette- the safari tour sounds incredible!!! Thanks for sharing the details with us. Do you know the minimum age for this tour- is it 16?



~D

...from our Sep 18-25 Trip, and all went pretty well. Since I spent so much time on the Yacht and Beach Club thread, I thought it made sense to share a few perspectives.

*snip*

But we'll be back! Thanks again to the loyalists on this thread - we learned very much from all of you, and that made our stay at the Beach Club much more predictable and enjoyable!

Thank you so much for the thorough and honest review of your stay! Great details!

My family agrees with you about the location of the resort. It just can't be beat!

May I please link your review to the Trip Report Section on this thread (page 2)?

TIA!

 

[JulieODC]

Hi BC/YC experts! I'd love your advice on a few plans for our upcoming trip...

We have an 8:20am reservation at Crystal Palace -- I'm hoping to be there closer to 8am or a few minutes before. Should we take a bus or take a taxi? If we go by bus, what time should we plan to catch the bus?

Also, we have dinner planned at Sanaa one night...I'm thinking it's definitely best to just take a taxi, right?

Thank you!!

 

[bridgetmck]

Teena-
Glad that you are finally feeling better! I look forward to being able to say hello in 2 weeks!

 

[pamkat1820]

I sent an email to our travel agent we use on our last trip she gave me some great news about the same timing in 2014 for our trip. Crossing my fingers we can pull it off. My mom traveled with us in August she said there is no way she going back unless we stay at the YC lol.


I have to say we will make a few changes tho. I enjoyed CL but my husband didn't. He is a big breakfast person eggs are a must and hard boiled just didn't do it for him. I enjoyed grabbing something quick while everyone was getting ready then heading out early. We didn't have the dinning plan, I only booked 4 dinners. I figured we could just grab a QS here or there. Ya didn't work out so well.

I have to agree with posters about park hoppers, we didn't have them on our trip and I regretted it. I would have loved to walk in and out of Epcot whenever I wanted. The coffee cart right as you walk in was awesome! Much better than the coffee offered in the lounge

 

[natebenma]

Hi BC/YC experts! I'd love your advice on a few plans for our upcoming trip...

We have an 8:20am reservation at Crystal Palace -- I'm hoping to be there closer to 8am or a few minutes before. Should we take a bus or take a taxi? If we go by bus, what time should we plan to catch the bus?

Also, we have dinner planned at Sanaa one night...I'm thinking it's definitely best to just take a taxi, right?

Thank you!!

My advice is to take a taxi to the Contemporary and walk to the MK if that is possible for you. (Cost should be under $20 including tip). That way, you are in control of the timing.

The problem with the taxi to MK is that it will bring you to the TTC, so you will be at the mercy of the timing of the monorail or ferry boat to the main gate.

The problem with the bus is that there is just no guarantee when the bus will show up in the morning, so I would plan on being out there pretty early (7 am) to be comfortable that a bus would get me there for the pre-opening. But then if a bus shows up right then, you would be at MK by 7:15.

It is about a 10-15 minute ride to the CR and 10-15 minute walk to the MK from there, so if you left sometime between 7:30 to 7:45, you should be all set.

 

[LovintheLodge]

Today was the first day my jaw, throat and ear didn't hurt. I think I'm getting there. Thanks so much for thinking of me.

Hi Teena! That's good you are starting to feel better!! See you soon!

Kerry

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[nannette]

Thanks everyone for the awesome reviews!!!
Nannette- the safari tour sounds incredible!!! Thanks for sharing the details with us. Do you know the minimum age for this tour- is it 16?

I'm pretty sure it's 10 for this tour Dee.

~N

 

[HelenParr]

Hi BC/YC experts! I'd love your advice on a few plans for our upcoming trip... We have an 8:20am reservation at Crystal Palace -- I'm hoping to be there closer to 8am or a few minutes before. Should we take a bus or take a taxi? If we go by bus, what time should we plan to catch the bus? Also, we have dinner planned at Sanaa one night...I'm thinking it's definitely best to just take a taxi, right? Thank you!!

I would shoot for getting to bus stop at 7:30 or a little earlier. Cab cannot go to the front of MK, so you are adding a step by cab.

Sanaa: cab back from dinner makes sense. You could be tired, full, relaxed and bus transfer back could seem like a hassle. Going, to dinner, we usually stroll through Epcot or to DHS and grab an AKL bus just for the adventure of it. But cab makes sense too.

 

[DISNEY1975]

Ive been reading this thread and looking at pictures, but Im still left with a question.

At the Beach Club, are the vanity areas closed in with a door, or they exposed to the room with only the shower and toilet behind a closed door?

(Ive stayed in the exposed vanity rooms before and with be being an early riser, I woke up everyone brushing my teeth, washing face etc... I prefer the other kind to get my hour or so of quietness before the kids wake up! After I get myself together, I go for a walk while hubby and kids sleep a while longer)

 

[HelenParr]

Ive been reading this thread and looking at pictures, but Im still left with a question. At the Beach Club, are the vanity areas closed in with a door, or they exposed to the room with only the shower and toilet behind a closed door? (Ive stayed in the exposed vanity rooms before and with be being an early riser, I woke up everyone brushing my teeth, washing face etc... I prefer the other kind to get my hour or so of quietness before the kids wake up! After I get myself together, I go for a walk while hubby and kids sleep a while longer)

Exposed to the room, but there is a wall such that people in the beds cannot see you directly. But not a door. The shower and toiler are behind the door in a tiny bathroom.

 

[DISNEY1975]

Exposed to the room, but there is a wall such that people in the beds cannot see you directly. But not a door. The shower and toiler are behind the door in a tiny bathroom.

Thank you so much!

I don't care about my family seeing me wash my face, its the noise of the running water, brushing teeth, putting brush and makeup on the counter etc..

Silly thing can be a deal breaker for me. I love my quiet time in the early morning. The rest of my day is not particularly a "vacation" !!!

 

[laura428]

Thank you so much!

I don't care about my family seeing me wash my face, its the noise of the running water, brushing teeth, putting brush and makeup on the counter etc..

Silly thing can be a deal breaker for me. I love my quiet time in the early morning. The rest of my day is not particularly a "vacation" !!!

I don't think it's silly at all. We're the same way - I get up way earlier than the rest of the family and don't want to wake anyone else up. I remember how much easier it was to get ready in the morning at the Poly than POR with the real door closing the bathroom off. I actually didn't realize that the bathrooms at the BC weren't closed off. I'm sure it'll be fine, but I do love that quiet time at the beginning of the day, too.

 

[JobyJo]

I'm staying at the BC next April so my 180 day window opens next week. As a complete novice at this please could someone explain how the 180+ 10 days works? Do I book through the My Disney Experience site? If so at what point do you see the extra 10 days? Sorry if it's a really obvious question but I can't quite figure out how it works! Thank you!

 

[Nicnic]

I'm staying at the BC next April so my 180 day window opens next week. As a complete novice at this please could someone explain how the 180+ 10 days works? Do I book through the My Disney Experience site? If so at what point do you see the extra 10 days? Sorry if it's a really obvious question but I can't quite figure out how it works! Thank you!

Hi,

You can book through the main Disney website too. if it allows you to view your plans on MDE then there should be an option to book/add dining plans.

Once you have chosen your first date to start your reservations, the calendar will show the next 10 days highlighted, if your staying longer than 10 days, just log back in every day after to book days 11,12 and so on.