2013 Beach and Yacht FAQ, Fun & Friends: Don't Post Here- New Thread Started

[medicgirl177]

Ahhhh, the finally at the BC!!!! So I'm sneaking a post from bed while the kids sleep and DH enjoys a cup of coffee on the balcony, lol. I need a moment of peace when typing! Really quick, it's beautiful weather! We came in Friday, stayed at AoA overnight (clean, colorful, crowded), Boma for dinner YUM! Up early yesterday and taxi to BC ($15) carryons came with, luggage ended up transferring to YC instead (story for later) no big deal, escorted upstairs, everyone went to lounge while I checked in. Went to parks via boats (which I won't do again because on the walk back i remembered the secret entrance, which it takes longer to walk from the lounge to the boats than the lounge to the entrance!). Went to the parks to find out KTTW cards weren't activated (?!?!). (They fixed, second long story)..... Until later.....!!!!

 

[Couchy]

Happy Mothers Day to all our BC\YC moms


Special shout out to Dee our thread mom who is always making sure we have everything BC / YC we need

 

[natebenma]

Help!!!! The DH wants to be involved in the planning!! I had 8 nights book, and he wants to drop it by 1. Okay, so I'm trying to wheel and deal my way, so I said let's leave on the 13th at 6 PM and we will arrive at 11:24 at the airport. To which he counters with, so then we are staying at a non Disney hotel that night and checking in on the 14th. Argh!! The difference in price is $500, but must tack on a hotel room and probably a taxi ride to Disney, which means we can't get our KTTW cards until we check in right? How can I calculate taxi fare? I am trying to get the maximum amount of Disney time and trying to beef up my case, how should I plead?

Hi,


What's the best way to get from the BC to a monorail resort?

We have a lunch booked at the WL for 2pm one day and dinner at The Poly on a party night booked for 7pm.

I had just planned to get the BC bus to the MK and then the boat and monorail to the respective resorts.
I'm now thinking is it easier to walk/boat to DHS and then get the resort bus I need to the hotel?

Also does anyone know if the busses run from DHS to resorts at about 0800 for the same reasons, breakfast reservations or is that easier to go to MK first.

Thanks

@ MM4: There is a taxi fare estimator on Page 1 of this thread- the first post, in the Transportation section.

Here is one website link to help you determine the estimated cabfare from point to point during your trip: Taxi Fare Finder

@ Nicnic

Honestly, I think your best bet for a morning reservation is a cab. I'm not sure I trust the early morning transportation to get you where you want to go in time. I was burned once while staying at All Star Music- I was out at the stop before 6:30 for a 7:30 reservation and ended up very very late.

I have heard rumors of the "breakfast buses" for early morning reservations, but I have no actual evidence that they actually exist.

I think your plan to take an MK bus then monorail or resort boat to your day and evening reservations are fine.

How crowded do people think the transporation will be on a party night?

 

[ocalla]

Ahhhh, the finally at the BC!!!! So I'm sneaking a post from bed while the kids sleep and DH enjoys a cup of coffee on the balcony, lol. I need a moment of peace when typing! Really quick, it's beautiful weather! We came in Friday, stayed at AoA overnight (clean, colorful, crowded), Boma for dinner YUM! Up early yesterday and taxi to BC ($15) carryons came with, luggage ended up transferring to YC instead (story for later) no big deal, escorted upstairs, everyone went to lounge while I checked in. Went to parks via boats (which I won't do again because on the walk back i remembered the secret entrance, which it takes longer to walk from the lounge to the boats than the lounge to the entrance!). Went to the parks to find out KTTW cards weren't activated (?!?!). (They fixed, second long story)..... Until later.....!!!!

Have a great time!!!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Hi,


What's the best way to get from the BC to a monorail resort?

We have a lunch booked at the WL for 2pm one day and dinner at The Poly on a party night booked for 7pm.

I had just planned to get the BC bus to the MK and then the boat and monorail to the respective resorts.
I'm now thinking is it easier to walk/boat to DHS and then get the resort bus I need to the hotel?

We used the buses at HS to travel between the BC and the WL when we stayed there in February. It was a nice way to travel between the two resorts.

 

[ocalla]

Happy Mother's Day!!

Dee, I see you survived the night Can't believe you are up this early!

You chose the perfect picture to post.....as you can see DD named her cat after Marie!

 

[Best Aunt]

Help!!!! The DH wants to be involved in the planning!! I had 8 nights book, and he wants to drop it by 1. Okay, so I'm trying to wheel and deal my way, so I said let's leave on the 13th at 6 PM and we will arrive at 11:24 at the airport. To which he counters with, so then we are staying at a non Disney hotel that night and checking in on the 14th. Argh!! The difference in price is $500, but must tack on a hotel room and probably a taxi ride to Disney, which means we can't get our KTTW cards until we check in right? How can I calculate taxi fare? I am trying to get the maximum amount of Disney time and trying to beef up my case, how should I plead?

I'm confused about the part I bolded. Are you booking a package or Room Only?

If you book Room Only, you can get your park admission by (a) signing up for the Mousesavers newsletter, than (b) when the newsletter arrives, clicking on the Undercover Tourist link in it. That way you get a discount on park admission. Undercover Tourist mails the park admission to you. It's not on your KTTW room card, but you can use it before you get to your Disney hotel. I've never thought it was a big deal to have to carry one card for my room and a separate card for my park admission.

If you are booking a package because you want the dining plan: When you get to your Disney hotel and check in, you get your KTTW room card even if your room isn't ready yet. So I would think your park admission could be on it - but somebody else would have to chime in, because I haven't done it this way.

If you are booking a package but you don't want the dining plan: Why are you booking a package? Price it out - it's probably cheaper to book Room Only and get your park admission through UT.

 

[KerryCM]

Happy Mother's day everyone. Only 2 more sleeps and we will be at the YC!!! I am so looking forward to going. My 3 yr. old granddaughter, Lucy, can't figure out why we are going without her. This is our annual "alone"trip and we will be taking Lucy and the rest of her family in December.

Looking forward to trying the YC again after 2 years. I hope I get to meet some of the wonderful people on this thread while there.

 

[natebenma]

pages 7-10

Walking to Epcot - Love this!! The funny thing is....when we walked to Epcot, we always followed the herd up and over the hill / foot bridge and followed the sign that said "International Gateway". On our very last evening, as we were walking home, my DH says, "Hey, it looks like you can just follow the path along the water instead of going over the hill." I believe that will take you to the boat launch right at the International Gateway. So, we never got a chance to follow this path, but it looks like it would be more pleasant to walk along the water. Sort of felt like a doofus for not noticing it on day one! Here is a picture of the pathway:




[/U]

C T Disney: I take that path a lot! One time I saw a lady pushing a double stroller towards the hill and I told her it would be easier to take the lower path and it takes you to the same place. When we came out the other side at the same time as her family she said she wanted to kiss me!! It's very pleasant by the water, you're under shade for a brief time under the bridge as well as out of the rain briefly too.

You come out at the end of the hill basically. You still have to go up and down a bit since the path is below the main walkway, but it's much more of a gentle slope than the main walkway.

I did not know about this "secret path" at all! I will definitely have to add something to the FAQ/Other Useful Info post about this!!!

Yikes!! These threads go so fast!

Dee: My dates changed slightly for our YC stay in August. We are now going to be there from 8/20-8/24. If I can bribe my DD to extend our trip a little more it could change but I doubt it!

I should take the lead on some the folks here and plan a day simply enjoying the resort and SAB. February was too cold to do that and I don't think we'll have the same issue in August!

CT Disney: Thanks for sharing your trip summary and those wonderful photos.

Got it!

Hi guys! What breakfast do you guys think has better food and better character interaction Cape May or Hollywood & Vine?

I have only been to Cape May, but I love the characters in their cute beach attire! Food was great, too.

I've got a question about the 5th floor rooms. We are a family of 5, so the only category we could book was for Standard View on the CL. I don't really care much about the view, though I would like a full balcony to have a spot to drink coffee while I transform from "definitely NOT morning person monster" into my regular self.

What other room requests to folks generally ask for? I don't think I want to be near the elevator due to noise, but are any of the standard view rooms better than others? Thoughts?

I'm not sure where the rooms that match your needs (daybed, full balcony) are, but you could add "Not too close to elevators, please" Please note that rooms close to the elevator are also close to the lounge, too.

We had a BC SV room with a full balcony (no daybed) facing the BC parking lot and we had a view of some Illuminations fireworks and a nice view of the Nightastic MK fireworks show.

I have a question about dining. We will be arriving post Fantasy on Saturday, 6/22. I have dinner ressies at Kouzzina that evening. However, I kind of feel like I want to eat at Cape May for breakfast one morning since we'll be staying at the BC. My husband feels as though we get more for our money using DDP for dinners, but I don't want to feel like I'm missing something by not eating at Cape May. Dinner at Cape May is out for us because I'm allergic to shellfish.
What would you do?
TIA
Anne

I don't necessarily think you will be missing out on anything by skipping Cape May- unless you are interested in a really great character experience for breakfast.

Then again, I TOTALLY want to try Kouzzina!!!

You definitely make the most of the dining plan by using your credits for dinner. That is one reason we are skipping the plan this year. Of the 4 meals we have planned, 2 are dinners, one is lunch and one is breakfast.

We just upgraded from Lagoon/Pool view to GV CL! We'll be there Sept 8th - 14th. I'm so excited for this! I figure it'll save us a lot of money just off the beer and wine provided at night.

I do have a question though. I have some weird allergies like cream cheese, chocolate and nuts. How far in advance should I contact IPO to see if anything will be available to eat that will be safe? (especially desserts) I don't expect them to go out of their way, but if 1 dessert is safe, I'd be very happy.

Got it!

After your trip, if you can, please let me know about your experience dealing with allergies at the resort. I would love to post some tips for people who have similar issues.

Hi

I'd like to know what kind of options is possible when you do the check in on line before arrival in YC ?

Thanks

BUMP!

Can someone who has done the online checkin for YC let us know what your options were. I think someone has posted (in the previous thread), but apparently, I didn't take note of it.

Well we finally got a room yesterday around 4pm. I checked in at 9:30 moving from YC so it was a very long day at SAB. Never got the text that a room was ready so about 3:30 I went to concierge to upgrade tix and he asked if we were room 15xx. I said, no we still do not have a room. I also said if that is what is assigned can you please find something different, my only request was large balcony and a 1st floor will not work with my little kids. So he looked and all he could find was a 3rd floor WV (our category) but it didn't have a real balcony. Sigh. All day and can't get the one request. Then he calls someone and they suggest that we move a category down to a garden view room and get a refund but it has a balcony. I agreed and we got $750 back. so we head up to our room and the keys don't work. we sit our dirty, tired, exhausted selves in the hall while DH gets the keys changed. Finally get into room and WOW! It is a huge corner room, huge balcony... I will gladly take this room and $750 back over WV any day! S we got settled and hit Epcot around 6pm. Ate Mexican counter service which was ok, and did a few non headliner rides. Then left during Illuminations and watched a few mins of the movie on the beach. Got to bed "early" by Disney standards. Crowds were pretty large (IMHO) but that was expected with the pmemh. We were just too tired to stay past 9pm when they were shooing out the non-WDW resort guests. Will hit Epcot again later this week.

This am we slept in and did Cmc for breakfast. Then the arcade for a bit. Relaxing on the huge balcony now. Heading out to ak from 2-8 to it and RD tomorrow am for DHS. Wll keep you posted.

Sounds like some bumps in the road at the beginning. I'm glad to hear you are getting into the groove now.

Yay for the new thread,Dee!!! I've been following, but things are crazy and haven't been able to post much.

Crazy times for me, too, but I'll send you a message soon so we can catch up!

 

[pamkat1820]

Help!!!! The DH wants to be involved in the planning!! I had 8 nights book, and he wants to drop it by 1. Okay, so I'm trying to wheel and deal my way, so I said let's leave on the 13th at 6 PM and we will arrive at 11:24 at the airport. To which he counters with, so then we are staying at a non Disney hotel that night and checking in on the 14th. Argh!! The difference in price is $500, but must tack on a hotel room and probably a taxi ride to Disney, which means we can't get our KTTW cards until we check in right? How can I calculate taxi fare? I am trying to get the maximum amount of Disney time and trying to beef up my case, how should I plead?

I would be freaking too, lol! How about if you stayed at a value just for that night then switched to YC/BC the next day. Then you have the best of both worlds. You are still on property and saving a little extra $$

 

[1971DBday]

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO EVERYONE ON THE YC/BC THREAD!!!!!

Yesterday my DSis decided to join us on our trip along with her two kids my Dnephew11 and Dniece 9! Unfortunately she didn't listen to me and book it earlier and now I can't get a discount for her. However, she booked BC SV for 6/6 to 6/10.

This will be a surprise for my niece and nephew and I was really teasing them last night telling them I will send them pictures from WDW. They looked so sad... My sister is going to "take them out to dinner" after their last day of school and show up at the airport.

I am also leaving this as a surprise for my DS13 and DD7. They love hanging out/playing with their cousins so we are just letting them show up in WDW. DSis is going to tell her kids we are going to WDW at the end of the month and that we are not there the same time as them - so double surprise hopefully for them.

Only 25 days to go!!!! Today I am helping my Dsis link reservations and do online check-in!!!!

 

[Tarheel girl 1975]

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO EVERYONE ON THE YC/BC THREAD!!!!!

Yesterday my DSis decided to join us on our trip along with her two kids my Dnephew11 and Dniece 9! Unfortunately she didn't listen to me and book it earlier and now I can't get a discount for her. However, she booked BC SV for 6/6 to 6/10.

This will be a surprise for my niece and nephew and I was really teasing them last night telling them I will send them pictures from WDW. They looked so sad... My sister is going to "take them out to dinner" after their last day of school and show up at the airport.

I am also leaving this as a surprise for my DS13 and DD7. They love hanging out/playing with their cousins so we are just letting them show up in WDW. DSis is going to tell her kids we are going to WDW at the end of the month and that we are not there the same time as them - so double surprise hopefully for them.

Only 25 days to go!!!! Today I am helping my Dsis link reservations and do online check-in!!!!

That sounds like a great surprise. DH and I always talk about surprising the kids sometime, but I just don't think I could ever keep it a secret.

 

[suemom2kay]

Help!!!! The DH wants to be involved in the planning!! I had 8 nights book, and he wants to drop it by 1. Okay, so I'm trying to wheel and deal my way, so I said let's leave on the 13th at 6 PM and we will arrive at 11:24 at the airport. To which he counters with, so then we are staying at a non Disney hotel that night and checking in on the 14th. Argh!! The difference in price is $500, but must tack on a hotel room and probably a taxi ride to Disney, which means we can't get our KTTW cards until we check in right? How can I calculate taxi fare? I am trying to get the maximum amount of Disney time and trying to beef up my case, how should I plead?

There is no taxis savings that is going to make up for $500... I would use the convenience argument. Eveyone will be tired and will sleep better not having to worry about packing up and moving in the morning. Good luck!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY FRIENDS

Now, which picture to pick???

Finding Nemo? Nope!

Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty? Nah-uh.

Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin? Don't think so.

Bambi? Definitely Not!

Very good choice!

Happy Mother’s Day to everyone! Finally have a moment to get caught up on our trip. We arrived Thursday and waited until 2 for our room and alas no full balcony, which was our only request. We are on the fourth floor with a view dead on of the windmill of SAB and the lagoon beyond that. I love our room and honestly cannot see us moving back down to moderate until the baby is bigger as it is the perfect amount of space even with a stroller and pack n play. My husband has requested that I ask to be near transportation next time as we are all the way down at the end of the building. On the best plus side, we have the BEST maid. Not only is our room been spotless and perfect but….TOWEL ANIMALS. The first night we came in she had set up the pig/elephant reading the babies book and last night we have a great big birthday cake with one of the birthday buttons and older DD giraffe hanging out on it. DH and DD have been to SAB twice and our in love. Bus service has been pretty good, no complaints, although we have avoided the dreaded Downtown Disney bus. I have to thank all of you yet again for the suggestion of Garden Grill. We ate there Thursday night and had the best time and the best server, Jeffrey. The baby loved Mickey, screamed at Pluto and was indifferent to Chip and Dale, but momma inhaled two plates of the mashed potatoes so I was all good. Friday was a MK day and we truly got a lot accomplished and I felt the crowds were very easy to manage. BOG for dinner that night was amazing. I cried walking into the ballroom because it was that magical and the food was equally delicious. Saturday was AK and it was HOT and HUMID and we rode out a thunderstorm at Dinosaur, but DH and older DD were happy because they rode Everest 7 times. Dinner last night was Boma and it was another hit. I tried to be adventurous and really wanted to like the Carrot Ginger soup, but alas no go. Zebra Domes however were a huge hit for me and DH. AKL is amazing and I think we will take more time to explore it later in our trip. Today is DHS day for Mothers day and Captain’s Grill tonight for dinner. Overall I am thrilled with BC, its location, rooms, and staff. Have a great day everyone and be back soon!

Sounds like you're have a great time... We LOVE Garden Grill. It has replaced Chef Mickey's as our traditional first Table Service Meal at Disney. We'll be there Friday... Cannot wait!!!

Ahhhh, the finally at the BC!!!! So I'm sneaking a post from bed while the kids sleep and DH enjoys a cup of coffee on the balcony, lol. I need a moment of peace when typing! Really quick, it's beautiful weather! We came in Friday, stayed at AoA overnight (clean, colorful, crowded), Boma for dinner YUM! Up early yesterday and taxi to BC ($15) carryons came with, luggage ended up transferring to YC instead (story for later) no big deal, escorted upstairs, everyone went to lounge while I checked in. Went to parks via boats (which I won't do again because on the walk back i remembered the secret entrance, which it takes longer to walk from the lounge to the boats than the lounge to the entrance!). Went to the parks to find out KTTW cards weren't activated (?!?!). (They fixed, second long story)..... Until later.....!!!!

Love the secret entrance! Glad you're enjoying your trip despite the bumps. Looking forward to your stories!

Happy Mother's day everyone. Only 2 more sleeps and we will be at the YC!!! I am so looking forward to going. My 3 yr. old granddaughter, Lucy, can't figure out why we are going without her. This is our annual "alone"trip and we will be taking Lucy and the rest of her family in December.

Looking forward to trying the YC again after 2 years. I hope I get to meet some of the wonderful people on this thread while there.

We HAD to stay at WL last year (long story) so we also are looking forward to getting back to the beach!!! Enjoy your alone trip. We haven't done one of those yet!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's out there. It is bittersweet for me since losing my Mom, but it is also a day for some wonderful memories!

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

Sorry I posted this on the older thread and then I saw you had made a newer one. But was wondering about the Jib Slide. My daughter is 8 and she still wears a life vest. Hoping that this summer is the summer she learns how to swim, but I think I would still keep the vest on her at Disney bc there is just so much pool to cover at BC. She could probably just touch the bottom of the 4 ft pool. Will she be able ot go on the Jib Slide? She was doing the slides at CBR last year. Thanks!

 

[magicalmoments4]

Happy Mother's Day to all my BC/YC mommy friends!! May your families give you the gift to gab about all things Disney today

 

[maa]

How is Captain's Grille for breakfast? Is it crowded? How is the food? I'm intrigued by the dark chocolate waffles...

 

[2manypets]

Got it!

After your trip, if you can, please let me know about your experience dealing with allergies at the resort. I would love to post some tips for people who have similar issues.

I'd love to, looking forward to the stay and know they and I will handle it well.

 

[Wood Nymph]

C T Disney: I take that path a lot! One time I saw a lady pushing a double stroller towards the hill and I told her it would be easier to take the lower path and it takes you to the same place. When we came out the other side at the same time as her family she said she wanted to kiss me!! It's very pleasant by the water, you're under shade for a brief time under the bridge as well as out of the rain briefly too.

You come out at the end of the hill basically. You still have to go up and down a bit since the path is below the main walkway, but it's much more of a gentle slope than the main walkway.

I did not know about this "secret path" at all! I will definitely have to add something to the FAQ/Other Useful Info post about this!!!

I just wanted to give you a little warning about this secret pathway. It doesn't work if you are using the secret exit from the BC. The beginning of the "walkway to Epcot that goes under the bridge instead of over the hill" begins to the west of the secret exit from the BC. So you would have to walk towards the Yacht Club to pick up the "under bridge" walkway, which is the opposite direction you want to go. It is worth it if you are pushing a stroller, though. And for anyone not using the BC exit near room 1501, the under bridge walkway is great.

 

[Wood Nymph]

How is Captain's Grille for breakfast? Is it crowded? How is the food? I'm intrigued by the dark chocolate waffles...

It was pretty much empty when we had breakfast there. It took us years to finally discover this great breakfast spot.

 

[vicki_c]

I just wanted to give you a little warning about this secret pathway. It doesn't work if you are using the secret exit from the BC. The beginning of the "walkway to Epcot that goes under the bridge instead of over the hill" begins to the west of the secret exit from the BC. So you would have to walk towards the Yacht Club to pick up the "under bridge" walkway, which is the opposite direction you want to go. It is worth it if you are pushing a stroller, though. And for anyone not using the BC exit near room 1501, the under bridge walkway is great.

Good point! Works better if you happen to be coming from/going to BC lobby.