2013 Beach and Yacht Club FAQ: Don't Post Here! New Thread Now Open

[zup2002]

It has been a crazy couple of weeks and have not been able to get on to post a proper thank you to all of you who answered my questions from a few weeks back. Shortly after I posted, I was overwhelmed by sick kids, a flooded basement and life in general. I haven't even been able to think about disney. I would like to say it is calming down but the next couple of weeks seem just as Crazy. I would do quotes but my posts are so far back, I'm not sure I could find them anymore.


Dee- On the BOG list...we will be there June 3-9 YC GV. I will be doing online check in a week or two and will let you know the check in options are for YC. We booked through a TA and I want to make sure our requests are correct with him first. We requested a day bed and a microwave, but I don't think I want the microwave anymore. I'm not sure what location I want to be in. I guess I see what options come up and put my fate in Disney's hands on that one.

Thanks for the picture of the beer options at Marketplace. Looks like a lot of domestics. I do think I will place an order with the Garden Grocer and order some drinks through them with the rest of our breakfast/refridgerated stuff.

NM - We started conditioning our girls for all the walking last week. It was finally nice enough to walk home from school. It is about a mile walk. The first day was pretty grumpy and we kept telling the girls they would thank us for it. My oldest responded "you always say that and we haven't thanked you yet!!!" (they don't know we are going yet...I think we will tell them on Mothers Day) The second time they were much better. We are supposed to have a nice stretch this week so I'm sure we will get some more miles in.

36 days...sigh

 

[YCFAN]

I believe someone asked about the valet after midnight a few pages back.

We came in right at midnight a few years back. We valet parked the car and bell services took the bags. We were staying CL and if course the CL desk was closed by then so they checked us in downstairs in the lobby. Most of us were just going to the room but I had a 22 year old that was meeting up with friends at MK since it was staying open until 3 am. They had a manager come out and issue our tickets so he could go on to the park.

The service, no matter what time of day, is what keeps me coming back repeatedly to YC/BC.

 

[JanetMom]

I was thinking of getting Kayla Surfing Lessons at Typhoon Lagoon, but was concerned with waiting until our vacation starts. So I got them pre-trip. My husband thinks I'm too reckless with our only child. I think they only live once...

Here's a photo:

Surfing Lessons! by Disneyslave, on Flickr

Love this!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I believe someone asked about the valet after midnight a few pages back.

We came in right at midnight a few years back. We valet parked the car and bell services took the bags. We were staying CL and if course the CL desk was closed by then so they checked us in downstairs in the lobby. Most of us were just going to the room but I had a 22 year old that was meeting up with friends at MK since it was staying open until 3 am. They had a manager come out and issue our tickets so he could go on to the park.

The service, no matter what time of day, is what keeps me coming back repeatedly to YC/BC.

Yes - only a 22 year old would have the stamina to meet up with friends at midnight!

When my kids used to come home from college during their breaks I swore that they were going out when I was going to bed!

You are so right about BC/YC service - wonderful!

 

[Ninja Mom]

It has been a crazy couple of weeks and have not been able to get on to post a proper thank you to all of you who answered my questions from a few weeks back. Shortly after I posted, I was overwhelmed by sick kids, a flooded basement and life in general. I haven't even been able to think about disney. I would like to say it is calming down but the next couple of weeks seem just as Crazy. I would do quotes but my posts are so far back, I'm not sure I could find them anymore.


Dee- On the BOG list...we will be there June 3-9 YC GV. I will be doing online check in a week or two and will let you know the check in options are for YC. We booked through a TA and I want to make sure our requests are correct with him first. We requested a day bed and a microwave, but I don't think I want the microwave anymore. I'm not sure what location I want to be in. I guess I see what options come up and put my fate in Disney's hands on that one.

Thanks for the picture of the beer options at Marketplace. Looks like a lot of domestics. I do think I will place an order with the Garden Grocer and order some drinks through them with the rest of our breakfast/refridgerated stuff.

NM - We started conditioning our girls for all the walking last week. It was finally nice enough to walk home from school. It is about a mile walk. The first day was pretty grumpy and we kept telling the girls they would thank us for it. My oldest responded "you always say that and we haven't thanked you yet!!!" (they don't know we are going yet...I think we will tell them on Mothers Day) The second time they were much better. We are supposed to have a nice stretch this week so I'm sure we will get some more miles in.

36 days...sigh

Hi Zuppy!

When I walk I use an ipod but that might not be good for a family walk. Here's a suggestion. How about if you challenge the girls with trivia questions as you walk. Maybe there is a topic that they are interested in that you can test them with. You can try the internet for free questions to print out before your walk. Then maybe you spring a Disney trivia book on them saying that you saw that in the bookstore and that that might be more fun for your walks. If you go about it this way it might not be so obvious to them that there is a Disney link.

Anyway it's just an idea. Have a great time on those walks. This is a great time to get out and the girls will always remember having fun getting in shape for their Disney trip once the mouse is out of the bag!

~NM

 

[Angeejoe]

Thanks so much for the info, Angeejoe. We had planned to do MK on the 24th BEFORE they announced the 24 hour day. I thought about changing all of our plans around to avoid the crowds, but I think we will just try and get there around 6:30a and stay until noon and call it a day. In California the crowds in the evenings were horrible. I stayed home but I had friends that were literally stuck on the local freeways for hours. Even the DL CM's were stuck and couldn't get into work. I know they had to close the park for a period of time. Not my scene, at all! I think the quiet morning hours sound great. Glad to hear buses were running early.

You're welcome! . Have a great trip & I hope you get a slow am too!

 

[LeahA]

90 DAYS! 90 DAYS! 90 DAYS!

 

[Mommy to Kayla]

We are coming to WDW for our first ever trip June 24-July 5 and we are doing a split stay, half at the BC and half at the poly. We have a pool or lagoon view room at the BC and I was just wondering if we will in fact see a pool or the lagoon? Are we guaranteed that? Or could we possibly have a different view? Ay thoughts? Thank you!!

 

[DisneyDad in PA]

On third load of wash. The cruise was wonderful ... weather perfect.

Off to the BC lobby tomorrow. Hope to see some of you there.

Glad you had a wonderful trip!!

 

[disneycruisegal]

I just found this awesome thread! I'm usually over on the cruise thread but thought I'd check out some WDW threads and hear you are. We've stayed four or five times at the Beach Club and absolutely love it. We will being staying there, hopefully 10-12 to 10-17 for the Food and Wine Fest.

What a nice chatty group you all are. I'm looking forward to reading all of your interesting post.

We usually just book a Standard room and see what happens.

I have a question, I was reading the FAQ post and it mentioned something about Magic Bands and Fast Pass Plus? We haven't been to WDW in a few years, we've been cruising. What are these things?

 

[1971DBday]

We are coming to WDW for our first ever trip June 24-July 5 and we are doing a split stay, half at the BC and half at the poly. We have a pool or lagoon view room at the BC and I was just wondering if we will in fact see a pool or the lagoon? Are we guaranteed that? Or could we possibly have a different view? Ay thoughts? Thank you!!

Yes. You are guaranteed your view. I have heard here and there that individuals have showed up and they were all out of their category and either upgraded (for free) or downgraded (you should get your money back). However, neither have ever happened to us.

However, in all of our trips to the Poly we always had a basic Garden View (now a standard view), which included the views of the pool. Not sure I would be thrilled staring at a pool only, after paying to have a lagoon/pool view. I know it's part of the chance, but not sure why a pool view is an upgrade at one resort and not the other.

Anyway, as long as I have something then a computer screen in front of my face I think I will be happy with the view. Good luck!

 

[nannette]

I'm home!! As promised a pic of the Magic Bands (YAY I figured out how to post this myself!!) that were displayed where I had to go to get the new tap and go annual pass. They said Magic Bands would be rolling out for annual pass holders before the end of the year... you will be able to pick the color you want and it will have your name on it. Exciting stuff can't wait!!

 

[suemom2kay]

I love the fact that even while surfing she is addicted to fashion and she simply must surf fully clothed in that compelling Surf/Shop ensemble!

~NM

This one is always a fashionista.

PS. She is dangerously near the rocks... bad Mom, BAD Mom!!!!

You and my husband... always the glass half full. She's gonna hit the rocks, she's gonna hit the rocks. I prefer the power of positive thinking... She'll sail over the rocks like magic!

Love this!

It was a great distraction from her cast. Outdoor mall with impractical shops, but a great place to walk and get some fresh air.

 

[chirurgeon]

Just back from my trip. Over all it was a great trip and the Yacht Club was also great. My room was almost as far from the lobby as you could get. Since I had an ECV, it wasn't too bad. I loved the day bed in my room. Great for an afternoon relaxing reading session. I will say, the bed was firmer than I like. Ad the room was cold any time I had the ac going. Didn't matter where I set it. I do like a cool room when I sleep, so I didn't mind it at that point. I even had the second blanket on the bed.

I did eat breakfast at the Captains Grill four times. Citrus/lavender scented challah French toast, too dry, a little over cooked. Dark chocolate waffles with espresso marscapone, yummy but very rich. Eggs Benedict, not on the menu but they were happy to make it for me, perfect, and they used prosciutto instead of Canadian bacon. And the one I liked the best, lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote and lemon curd, so GOOD, light and yummy, didn't need syrup.

Had dinner at Yachtsman. Caesar salad was good, too much with two quarter pieces of a head of romaine. I got the ribeye, very tender. I was able to get bernaise sauce instead of the red wine. And the little brioche that comes with it was amazing. If you could only get their onion rolls and that brioche as a snack at the resort, I would be a happy camper.

 

[Graniteland]

We are staying in a BC GV CL room in 12 days (yay!) I'd love to hear a little bit! Daybed? View? Proximity to everything? We are also trying the MK TT Dessert Party to see Wishes. I was wondering if it will be hard to get a spot to see the "show"? I'm glad you had a great time!

Catching up on laundry and yard work today so I still haven't had time to compose a thorough review of our trip yet. So I'll just ramble some thoughts.

1. No daybed in our room (#5635)
2. View - I would really classify it as a partial water view. The room overlooks the BC's main entrance courtyard on lake side. I could see parts of the Boardwalk on the left side of our balcony and part of pool directly ahead. I'll try to upload my video of the balcony view to YouTube tonight.
3. Full balcony
4. two rooms down from a large suite...Nantucket?
5. Safe fit two iPads, Jambox mini speaker and 2 iphones.
6. Very quiet, but I used a rainfall sound app via my iphone in Jambox for background noise when I slept.
7. Bus transportation was convenient. Longest wait was about 15 minutes at Animal Kingdom waiting to return to BC. Rode buses to AK and MK. Also took monorail to MK from EPCOT (20 minute wait). The switch over at the transportation center was super crowded and we ended up taking the large ferry from the transportation center to MK. Also took a bus from MK to Wilderness Lodge and then took the small boat from WL to MK (this was lovely and peaceful). Took to boat from BC to DHS, very crowded but nothing unbearable.
8. Best Quick Service Meals: Flame Tree BBQ at Animal Kingdom (ate here twice) and Be Our Guest at MK. Also ate at Hurricane Hannas twice in drippy swimsuits. It was fine. Nothing special. The birds are pretty brave and will steal your kids french fries if you're not looking.
9. Best Table Service Meals: Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Took a taxi both ways from BC (Fare was $16 with tip each way). Food was FANTASTIC and even my kids agree that it was the best meal we had.
10. Won't Eat Here Again Meal: Le Cellier at Epcot for lunch. Good food but not worth 2 dining credits. I'd eat at Boma twice instead.
11. The Dessert Party at the Terrace was a great way to end our trip. The desserts were yummy and plentiful. It's a buffet. Not really crowded despite a lot of tables and we easily got to stand at the railing to watch Wishes. Your table is preassigned with a name card on it. The hostess leads you to your table but you can wander all over the Terrace. I think there are two seatings (9:00ish and 9:30ish) which keeps the buffet lines small. Tinkerbell literally flew over our heads from where we stood on the balcony. Getting out of MK afterwards wasn't as bad as I anticipated. Waited 8 minutes for bus. The bus from MK only stops at YC and BC. There is a separate bus for the Boardwalk resorts which keeps it less crowded.
12. The pool at BC lives up to the hype. We swam there most afternoons. It's lively and fun. My 10 yr old son went down the waterslide 173 times while my 13 yr old daughter preferred the lazy river and whirl pool.
13. Had the Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream. My kids went nuts. The 4 of us finished it without feeling like we needed to throw up.
14. Club Level was great for breakfast each morning. Danishes, bagels, fruit, cereals (hot and cold), hard boiled eggs, and yogurt. Sodas and Beer from the cooler were nice to have when we returned from the parks. Got bottled water each morning before going to the parts. Only had appetizers 2 nights out of 6 due to being at the parks. Most crowded during appetizer times.
15. We visited and walked around the Polynesian (ate at O'Hana), The Animal Kingdom Lodge, and The Wilderness Lodge. My family agreed that the BC's location and pool made it the best resort for us. Although, I would like to stay at the WL on a future trip. It was so peaceful and felt like an oasis among the crowds of Disney. A lot quieter than BC's pool energy too.
16. Bring a powerstrip to charge your electronics. Not a lot of outlets.
17. Tipped Mousekeeping $2 a day x 6 days (after reading the thread about how much you tip, I now think maybe I was too cheap) but our room was made up before 10:00AM each day and we had a new towel animal each day.
Would definitely return to the BC.

Any questions, just ask.

 

[AliceIn]

Catching up on laundry and yard work today so I still haven't had time to compose a thorough review of our trip yet. So I'll just ramble some thoughts.


Any questions, just ask.

Thanks for the great review! Did you eat breakfast in the concierge lounge every morning? How was that? Did everybody find something they liked to it? Was it crowded in the mornings? Lastly, and my favorite question: How is the coffee?

 

[mjpisani21]

Catching up on laundry and yard work today so I still haven't had time to compose a thorough review of our trip yet. So I'll just ramble some thoughts.

1. No daybed in our room (#5635)
2. View - I would really classify it as a partial water view. The room overlooks the BC's main entrance courtyard on lake side. I could see parts of the Boardwalk on the left side of our balcony and part of pool directly ahead. I'll try to upload my video of the balcony view to YouTube tonight.
3. Full balcony
4. two rooms down from a large suite...Nantucket?
5. Safe fit two iPads, Jambox mini speaker and 2 iphones.
6. Very quiet, but I used a rainfall sound app via my iphone in Jambox for background noise when I slept.
7. Bus transportation was convenient. Longest wait was about 15 minutes at Animal Kingdom waiting to return to BC. Rode buses to AK and MK. Also took monorail to MK from EPCOT (20 minute wait). The switch over at the transportation center was super crowded and we ended up taking the large ferry from the transportation center to MK. Also took a bus from MK to Wilderness Lodge and then took the small boat from WL to MK (this was lovely and peaceful). Took to boat from BC to DHS, very crowded but nothing unbearable.
8. Best Quick Service Meals: Flame Tree BBQ at Animal Kingdom (ate here twice) and Be Our Guest at MK. Also ate at Hurricane Hannas twice in drippy swimsuits. It was fine. Nothing special. The birds are pretty brave and will steal your kids french fries if you're not looking.
9. Best Table Service Meals: Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Took a taxi both ways from BC (Fare was $16 with tip each way). Food was FANTASTIC and even my kids agree that it was the best meal we had.
10. Won't Eat Here Again Meal: Le Cellier at Epcot for lunch. Good food but not worth 2 dining credits. I'd eat at Boma twice instead.
11. The Dessert Party at the Terrace was a great way to end our trip. The desserts were yummy and plentiful. It's a buffet. Not really crowded despite a lot of tables and we easily got to stand at the railing to watch Wishes. Your table is preassigned with a name card on it. The hostess leads you to your table but you can wander all over the Terrace. I think there are two seatings (9:00ish and 9:30ish) which keeps the buffet lines small. Tinkerbell literally flew over our heads from where we stood on the balcony. Getting out of MK afterwards wasn't as bad as I anticipated. Waited 8 minutes for bus. The bus from MK only stops at YC and BC. There is a separate bus for the Boardwalk resorts which keeps it less crowded.
12. The pool at BC lives up to the hype. We swam there most afternoons. It's lively and fun. My 10 yr old son went down the waterslide 173 times while my 13 yr old daughter preferred the lazy river and whirl pool.
13. Had the Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream. My kids went nuts. The 4 of us finished it without feeling like we needed to throw up.
14. Club Level was great for breakfast each morning. Danishes, bagels, fruit, cereals (hot and cold), hard boiled eggs, and yogurt. Sodas and Beer from the cooler were nice to have when we returned from the parks. Got bottled water each morning before going to the parts. Only had appetizers 2 nights out of 6 due to being at the parks. Most crowded during appetizer times.
15. We visited and walked around the Polynesian (ate at O'Hana), The Animal Kingdom Lodge, and The Wilderness Lodge. My family agreed that the BC's location and pool made it the best resort for us. Although, I would like to stay at the WL on a future trip. It was so peaceful and felt like an oasis among the crowds of Disney. A lot quieter than BC's pool energy too.
16. Bring a powerstrip to charge your electronics. Not a lot of outlets.
17. Tipped Mousekeeping $2 a day x 6 days (after reading the thread about how much you tip, I now think maybe I was too cheap) but our room was made up before 10:00AM each day and we had a new towel animal each day.
Would definitely return to the BC.

Any questions, just ask.

Sounds like a great trip!! I can't wait until we are there!! What time did cl start serving breakfast? Thanks!

 

[vicki_c]

Thanks for the great review! Did you eat breakfast in the concierge lounge every morning? How was that? Did everybody find something they liked to it? Was it crowded in the mornings? Lastly, and my favorite question: How is the coffee?

The coffee machine was the Nescafé espresso machine thing like they have in the Poly lounge. Nothing to write home about. They have good oatmeal at the BC lounge.

 

[Graniteland]

Thanks for the great review! Did you eat breakfast in the concierge lounge every morning? How was that? Did everybody find something they liked to it? Was it crowded in the mornings? Lastly, and my favorite question: How is the coffee?

The Club lounge opens for breakfast at 7:00AM but they have coffee outside starting at 6:30AM. I'm a Dunkin' Donuts junkie so the BC coffee was disappointing. I normally opted for the cafe latte via the machine. We ate breakfast here every morning and everyone in my crew found something they liked. It's not very crowded at 7:00AM. One morning we "slept in" and ate around 8:15. It was crowded then with no tables. Grabbed a plate and ate in our room that morning.

 

[mariamouse]

The lobbies of the YC and BC do not connect. There are restaurants, restrooms, etc, in between the two resorts. You have to go outside to get from one lobby to another, although there is a covered walkway for that and exit doors that let you do much of the walk indoors.

Thanks for the reply. Am I correct then that it would be pointless to request a room at the YC close to the BC? The best room for proximity to the BC would be one that is close to the YC lobby, correct? Despite their lobbies not actually being connected, a YC guest must still go through the YC lobby to access the BC lobby.