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

[BringingUpDisney]

My DH is driving me nuts ! Save me! My husband cannot wrap his head around not having the Deluxe DP! I explained since I have an AP I can get the Tables in Wonderland Card & we'd get 20%. Where Deluxe Dining Plan says you can save up to 15%. This seems like no brainier to me, but he feels like if I'm trying to save money by having Tables In Wonderland I'm going to some how limit what he spends on food (we don't even do this at home, not sure why he thinks this would be different). I explained he still can get whatever he wants & that alcohol now would have a discount too!

I told him that on DDP last year I felt like I didn't always want an appetizer or a dessert & I always felt like to get my bang for my buck I'd order the most expensive thing which ended up being a lot of steak & im not a big steak eater. Whereas normally I would have ordered a different item & saved steak for Yachtman or Le Cellier. Also we had a gazillion snack credits left that we ended up using our last day in gift shop. There were some snacks I wanted but you couldn't use a credit on so I just didn't get it because I felt I should get something that would use a credit.

DH says that the last trip was his favorite because there was no thinking involved & everything was already paid for. I explained we'd still use our Room key & it would just charge our debit card anyways (which is where money for DDP would come out of anyways,duh). I also suggested the target gift cards if he liked the ease of knowing that its paid for, he deemed that too complicated!!! Grrrrrr!

How do I make him get it? Like I said I have no worries on what he orders or how much he spends. He can still get appetizers & dessert, & I'll get them if i want one then. Why pay more if we don't have to? My DH loves Disney, so it's not that at all!

Thanks for listening to my vent session... Where do I pay my insurance copay Dr Disboards?

Anjeejoe,

Buy a gift card for the same amount as DDP. When you arrive put it in your safe. Charge TIW and everything you eat and drink to your room. Then use the gift card to settle your account. All super simple and every time I have done this I paid for all meals (ordering every thing we wanted), all adult beverages & tips for less than what was on the gift card!

Then because you so brilliantly saved money and had more flexibility to eat how however you choose, you should get to go shopping with what's left! ;-).

 

[TeenaS]

Anjeejoe,

Buy a gift card for the same amount as DDP. When you arrive put it in your safe. Charge TIW and everything you eat and drink to your room. Then use the gift card to settle your account. All super simple and every time I have done this I paid for all meals (ordering every thing we wanted), all adult beverages & tips for less than what was on the gift card!

Then because you so brilliantly saved money and had more flexibility to eat how however you choose, you should get to go shopping with what's left! ;-).

Best advice I've ever read!!! I highly recommend doing this and tell guests this all the time. Main thing is you are not forced to eat desserts!! You can order what you want. You'll end up saving money and remember, the price of the dining plan doesn't cover tips so to really see how much you save, you should add what you normally spend on tips to the gift card.

 

[Sue M]

Best advice I've ever read!!! I highly recommend doing this and tell guests this all the time. Main thing is you are not forced to eat desserts!! You can order what you want. You'll end up saving money and remember, the price of the dining plan doesn't cover tips so to really see how much you save, you should add what you normally spend on tips to the gift card.

This is what we do, but we pay at the restaurants with our GC instead of charging to room, easier to keep track of spending as you get a total every time we use the GC. Then we have another one for suvies.

 

[Sue M]

Hi Everyone! We leave to Florida tomorrow!! We are staying with friends at their beach house near Pensacola for a few days and then checking into the BC next Tuesday!! Now this is a really embarrassing question but this is our first trip and we are from seattle so I just have to ask (just please don't laugh me off the DIS boards please )

Again, we are from seattle so my question is should I pack a sweatshirt or lightweight coat at all for us? I know it's hot in Florida but what about the evenings? Or during a rainstorm? Will it get chilly at all? Or are tank tops and shorts par for the course?

Well, I'm a couple hrs north of you! I do pack light weight summer zip up hoodie or light sweater. I get cold in air conditioning. Although lately it doesn't seem as cold as it used to. I think to save $ Disney doesn't keep the stores or restaurants as cold as they used to.
But still, it's a good idea to pack a light weight cover.

 

[Angeejoe]

Ah!! I'm in such a similar situation! We are not annual passholders (but probably should be!), every time we go, we've done DxDP, because "it's all paid for, nothing to worry about"
Well every time we go, I gain 5 pounds and I know we're not always getting our monies worth. We're staying CL this October (a surprise for DH) but I haven't added food at all yet. I'm going to put the #'s on paper and show DH what I'm thinking. If he wants DxDP this time, he can pay for it.
Good luck convincing!!

I think he will do what I want in the end! We've been making ADRs since my last post & I have been reading him menu items & he's saying things like "don't bother reading the appetizers because I'm not ordering something unless you like it too & if you don't get Dessert I won't either, it will be weird if I have one if you dont".

Our problem is I don't like shellfish (actually any fish,but he's allergic to regular fish), which he loves for an appetizer. So when we were on DxDP we each got our own appetizer, so he ordered all the stuff I normally won't eat & loved this (i told him to still do this; as I may find an appetizer that i just like because I love mushrooms- Brown Derby had one that i know only I'd like for our adr there). At home if we get an appetizer out we split something we both like.

I also hate chocolate (go ahead & throw the tomatoes ) & so many restaurants desserts center around chocolate, or have chocolate crust or drizzle with it thàt I end up with only 1 maybe 2 things to choose from. I'd rather go into one on the bakery's, dessert shops or try some at F&W booth after dinner.

My DH is such a drama queen tonight! I think he had a bad day at work.

Thank you! We have the ponchos packed but wasn't sure about something lightweight. Do people carry those types of things into the parks with them? I'd just hate to take up prime luggage space with something like a windbreaker...?

Or just buy something light weight while you're there for your suvenier! They have great stores at Disney, I always come home with cute new clothes!

Anjeejoe,

Buy a gift card for the same amount as DDP. When you arrive put it in your safe. Charge TIW and everything you eat and drink to your room. Then use the gift card to settle your account. All super simple and every time I have done this I paid for all meals (ordering every thing we wanted), all adult beverages & tips for less than what was on the gift card!

Then because you so brilliantly saved money and had more flexibility to eat how however you choose, you should get to go shopping with what's left! ;-).

I suggested this when I told him about target gift cards, and feels its a waste of time to go to front desk & pay on balance before it hit limit & went on debit card. He wouldn't even be the one to do it anyways, I would! he only liked the idea if you could pay up front with gift cards for charges to room, but I told him from what i read it's not possible. Like I said I think he had a bad day & is cranky tonight!

Best advice I've ever read!!! I highly recommend doing this and tell guests this all the time. Main thing is you are not forced to eat desserts!! You can order what you want. You'll end up saving money and remember, the price of the dining plan doesn't cover tips so to really see how much you save, you should add what you normally spend on tips to the gift card.

I never really knew about TIW until I joined the Dis, I appreciate all of your great advice!

 

[Sue M]

. In my dreams I'm sitting there too!! 59 days and counting!!

 

[Sue M]

Did my GF online check in today next up YC check in

 

[wifey]

Just done online check in from the UK, is it normal for this to refuse a mobile number with the international calling number in front? Should we be worried that it had our address all mixed up too? We have corrected the address and provided an email contact since it refused my phone number. AlsoI was able to book ME this morning online too filling in all the details required informing them that we are international travellers and relevant flight numbers so OLCI team are able to access this info too in theory, or will they?

Anyway we are looking forward to our vacation and hoping for a little pixie dust if the lovely pixie dust fairy is feeling generous. Our flights will mean travelling all day and by the time we arrive it will be the equivalent of about 3-4 am UK time so we will be shattered. DS is really looking forward to this vacation too he has a residential trip next month and a day trip a few days later then 2 more weeks of school to get through until the summer holidays and back to school the day after we land back home. We always dread the return flight it's such a mood kill. I have an exam to sit next week, I will need to focus on that and pray for a great result so fingers crossed.

We have a little guest with us who took us by surprise last month, a stray female cat she was in an awful state when she "adopted" us so we have been trying to do what's right for her as no one came forward to claim her despite trying all the usual methods so she is still with us. Our cat is tolerating her so far and I booked them both into the cattery we use when our Bill goes to his "holiday home" when we take a vacation. They really look alike too which causes confusion at night with both of them being black, luckily Bill is bigger than this new girl and she has a burgundy old collar on. Once she has had her second vaccinations and possibly been spayed (2 weeks time) then we can sort out a new safer collar for her. She is friendly but has the appetite of a gannet! We never see food left in any bowls now. She soon caught on to the sound of bowls being filled and treats for good behaviour, loves to be brushed and stroked but not bathed (just don't ask) and loves to play, not keen on being handled or the cat box poor mite! Luckily she will use the litter box inside so far and she is sleeping a lot too. Our vet thinks she is under two but we can't find a spaying scar on her anywhere so far.

We still need to buy holiday items (DS is having a growth spurt) and I need find somewhere to store them until we need to pack the cases, so that mainly will get done in the next month. Loving the "Sunken Treasure" themed drink idea and HH is looking good now we will have to try their food offerings. All our ADRs are done as well as the Pirates and Pals Cruise booked one night. IPO got them all done just as we wanted so big thanks to the whole team.

Enjoying this thread immensely and you do a top notch job of keeping it fresh, informative and friendly. Happy planning to you all.

 

[HubbDave]

What the heck is a gannet?


NinjaMom would know...

 

[MickeyT]

 

[wifey]

What the heck is a gannet?

NinjaMom would know...

It's a seabird infamous for consuming vast quantities of fish a day!! Another was of describing a glutton.
This little cat certainly consumed huge quantities of fish flavoured wet cat food .any brand she isn't picky, but she is partial to Friskies dry car food , go figure!

 

[PrincessInOz]

My countdown is under 3 months now. Starting to allow myself to get a little more excited now.

 

[HubbDave]

It's a seabird infamous for consuming vast quantities of fish a day!! Another was of describing a glutton.
This little cat certainly consumed huge quantities of fish flavoured wet cat food .any brand she isn't picky, but she is partial to Friskies dry car food , go figure!

Thanks

One negative aspect of our trip is that our cats get all mad and stressed when we go away. We have someone watch them but they still get their tails in a bunch

 

[natebenma]

Catching up- pages 151 to 155:

Looking for reservation suggestions for BC lunch...We will be staying on resort this trip, no parks. Thoughts and ideas for lunch? Thanks in advance....going to work...ugh! 19 days til Disney!!

As others have suggested, Beaches & Cream would be a nice, close experience for lunch, but since they don't take reservations, there could be a long wait.

If that is the case, I would bet dollars to donuts that you could bail and get into Captain's Grille at the Yacht Club without any wait at all.

Actually, here is a part of MEK and eandesmom trip report where they did just that, restaurant was empty and burgers were delicious:

Captain's Grille, lunch


Here's a link to the menu, which includes the lunch selections.

The Captain's Grille (formerly the Yacht Club Galley) serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Please note: Disney Visa holders can save 10% on the purchase of breakfast or lunch by using their card at the Captain's Grille

Captain's Grille Menu

I need an intervention! I have booked AOA, cancelled, then booked BC, then cancelled, then booked ASMU, then cancelled and I am now back at BC.

I just NEED to experience SAB as well as being in walking distance to Epcot, HS and the Boardwalk.

I *really* hope it lives up to its hype.

2 months from today and we are there!!!

So sorry to hear about the anguish you are experiencing about your resort choice! I know you are tyring to do the very best for your family, but I guarantee that where ever you end up, you can have a wonderful time making lifelong memories.

That being said, traveling in late summer, having SAB, and the other resort pools, and the location of BC with the ease of getting around to other places in the World, is "wicked awesome"

Quick question...I made our flight reservations today and had to take a late morning flight getting us into Orlando at 2pm. I'm trying to make our dinner plans for that night and am wondering about how long it takes for magical express to get us to the YC. TIA

Well if your flight ends up being on time, I wouldn't expect to be at YC anytime before 3:30. You never know if YC will be the first stop by DME or the last. Then depending on how many people are in line before you the check-in could take some time.

Tip: I wouldn't make any ADR that requires a CC hold, you never know how delayed your flight may be and if you can't make the ADR on time, they can charge your card I think $10/person. Instead you might want to make an ADR at either YC, BC, BWI, Swan/Dolphin or EPCOT non-signature rest.

Agree- plan for at least an hour and a half (and possibly more) to get to the resort. It has been exactly an hour and a half both times we have used ME to BC, and we have had a couple of stops first, but it really depends on how long you have to wait for the bus to fill.

This time next week I'll be sitting by the pool sipping my drink. Does anyone know what time SAB closes?

BUMP

Anyone there in the past week or so have any info on closing time at SAB?

Not to hijack but I have a question. We are planning on going back to WDW in October 2014. I would love to stay at BC mostly to experience SAB. I know Florida weather can be iffy but is there a good chance we will be able to use the pool?

I think the pool will be divine in October!!!

 

[ella6599]

I keep seeing people posting about discounted Gift Cards at Target....our nearest Target is 45 minutes away, so I don't get there as much as I should...Do they always have these? Do they have them with the gift cards for restaurants, and such? Do they have to activate them at the cash register? (bad experience at a Walmart where a gift card did NOT get activated, so it makes me a little nervous...)

 

[natebenma]

I keep seeing people posting about discounted Gift Cards at Target....our nearest Target is 45 minutes away, so I don't get there as much as I should...Do they always have these? Do they have them with the gift cards for restaurants, and such? Do they have to activate them at the cash register? (bad experience at a Walmart where a gift card did NOT get activated, so it makes me a little nervous...)

I haven't done this, so hopefully others who are doing this will give their experiences, but I believe you need to have a Target Debit card that allows you to take advantage of the 5% savings. My apologies if I am incorrect about this.

There is a thread on the Disney Discount subforum about the Target discounts.

Some of the big warehouse clubs have discounted cards, too (Sam's Club, Costco/BJs)

 

[rea59]

Wow that's a spectacular view! I hope we get that lucky. I'm counting the hours until I'm sitting on my balcony with my morning coffee.

 

[natebenma]

I have some questions...

1) Here is a post from a current thread: Beach Club Pool ?

We just got back and the tubes were just floating in the lazy river for anyone to use. The gift shop at the pool was not longer there, it looked like it was being used at an office type area for the pool staff

I know it was previously reported that the tubes were available without a rental fee, so that didn't shock me, but the other quote about the gift shop no longer being there was the first time I have heard this. I know Poolside Gifts was being used as a bar during the HH renovations, but I thought it had gone back to a gift shop after HH reopened.

Anyone have any further details or pictures?


2) During my previous stays at CL, we have been very lucky that our rooms were ready on arrival so we stashed our carryons before heading to a park. But for those of you who have checked in, but your room wasn't ready yet- is there a place on that level for your carryons (or luggage) or did you bring it back down to Bell Services until your room was ready?

.

 

[catho72]

I keep seeing people posting about discounted Gift Cards at Target....our nearest Target is 45 minutes away, so I don't get there as much as I should...Do they always have these? Do they have them with the gift cards for restaurants, and such? Do they have to activate them at the cash register? (bad experience at a Walmart where a gift card did NOT get activated, so it makes me a little nervous...)

Our Target always carries them. They come in a $50 denomination and can be found in the Electronics area with all of the other gift cards. Our Target stocks them in the checkout aisle too as if to remind me to buy some! They are only discounted if you purchase them using a Target Visa or debit card. I have not had any problems with them being activated when I call WDW to apply them to my balance.


Did you hear a loud scream last night? If so, that was me in the Kohl's dressing room trying on bathing suits. EEK! Good news.....the almost 14-year-old and I now have bathing suits. I am not thrilled with the image of my body in a bathing suit, so iI'll just have to keep downing Sunken Treasures to get over my inhibitions! Bad news....holy cannoli were those suits expensive! 3 for DD13, 3 for DD10 and two for me....$315! I'm sure they will offer another 20% off coupon soon so I can get a price adjustment.

Happy Thursday YC/BC peeps!

23 days! :excited

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Dee - We've had a few times when our room wasn't ready yet. I'm trying to remember but I THINK CL CMs had bell services take them.

Catho72 - I feel like we have mirror lives. Getting ready for DD's 8th Grade Graduation party on Saturday and just took the two girls (15 and 14) bathing suit shopping yesterday. You're lucky you went to Kohls - we were at Abercrombie. I've got SO much to do that I didn't even blink an eye at the prices - just pulled out the much used credit card!

Still have DS playing in 12 year old All Star baseball team, still have shopping to do, have to take dog to the groomers, the girls have mani/pedi appointments and I have the whole "spa day" gift card to redeem. Add to that the fact that I'm so neurotic that I have to super clean the house before I go (older kids always joke that the house will be perfect if we ever get robbed) - and have to stock the frig and freezer for the older kids who are taking turns staying at the house to take care of the dog. Oh and I guess I'll finally start packing after the party!!!!!

I am soooo going to need a sunken treasure when we get there - 9 days to go!!!!