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

[natebenma]

I remember reading a tip from someone on hear about carrying fold up bags in your pocket to avoid the bag lines going in to the park, but still having something to put your stuff in once you're inside...

Love the idea, especially since I've decided (gasp!) to ditch the camera/bag for most of our park time (Normally I take 1400-1600 photos in a week at WDW...but every trip we take, I'm just a little bit older...funny how that happens...and my shoulders and neck protest just a little bit more about the weight of the camera and the lenses...). But...we always carry a water bottle (sometimes just a plastic disposable, sometimes a Sigg) and a Walmart poncho, neither of which fit in a pocket. And I don't always have pockets...I assume carrying a wallet in hand is out? Although, we wear ID and KTTW in a lanyard, which should be fine...and my phone case comes with a waist clip I never use, but could in a pinch...I'm assuming that would be ok with security?

Thanks- we don't travel light so this is a difficult move for us

The string bag thing is my tip. I'll try to find a picture and one of my past write-ups.

Here's the basic idea:

Folded string bag in your pockets (or pocketses if you are a Hobbit fan)

Wallet in your pocket (or that of a travelling companion) should be fine. I don't see why carrying a wallet in your hand as you pass through wouldn't be allowed. Actually, we use a water wallet around our necks instead of a regular wallet with just our KTTW card and maybe a little cash. Nothing more needed.


Camera around neck or on wrist strap.

Carry water bottle(s).

Pass through non-bag check line, enter park, unfold bag and toss in anything you no longer want to carry.

 

[natebenma]

A Former Pack Mule lightens up

And now, a public service announcement about bag check.

Im the type of person who likes to be prepared for whatever may come up. If you are on the playground and need a bandaid- see Dee. Scizzors? Yup. Mints, tissues, pens in 3 colors. Got em. This personality trait makes packing for a trip to the park challenging- Here are some of the things that should be included in a properly prepared park pack:

Water bottles, cameras, extra cameras, extra batteries, ponchos, small umbrellas, pins to trade, quarters and pennies to squish, sunscreen, extra t-shirts, extra snacks&

Packing a bag like this can make you feel like you are a Sherpa leading an expedition to Everest (well, some days you are). Plus, it is a pain to have to stop at bag check while security paws through your precious possessions.

Shortly before we left on our trip, I read a post that changed my life!

Someone suggested using one of those drawstring backpacks for the parks, entering the park with it empty and folded, carrying your water (Camelbacks) and cameras. And thats it! I was a little skeptical at first, but at some point in the trip, I decided to try it. WOW!!!

We breezed right through bag check, and once we cleared the turnstiles, we could open the drawstring bag and put in the water and the camera case. Mark carried park passes/fast passes in his wallet, or in a zippered pouch he would wear around his neck.

I left Disney this year a changed woman. In fact, at one point, Mark asked Who are you and what have you done with my wife? But we all loved being able to walk into the parks all together without one of us (me) enduring the Spanish Inquisition. I never missed anything that didnt get packed.




Check out this link from a DISer who made this backsack for me:

Backsacks


.

 

[MickeyT]

I just read a post on Passporter from someone who recently stayed at BC, and said they stopped the Boats to DHS at 7:00 PM is this true . How do we get back from DHS if we don't want to walk? I can't believe Disneys cutbacks. They can't wait till park closing to stop the boats ugh.

Not true Sue...They run until an hour after park close (unless there has been some drastic change)

 

[ocalla]

After reading all the posts it makes me wish BB and TL were connected!!! The main reason DD wants TL is Shark Reef. But maybe she would be OK missing that and instead going for the thrill rides at BB. I kinda wish I would have gotten the Waterpark added to my APs!!!!

Does BB have an area to relax in?

Looking forward to seeing the waterproof case you guys have mentioned

 

[333disneymom]

Another TL/BB question....

For those of you who have to carry medicine to the park, do you keep it in a locker or take it with you? We have inhalers and EpiPens we carry everywhere. We have never done the water parks, so just tying to figure out our best bet for traveling with medicine. It does make things a little tricky and a little harder to travel light. We usually always keep medicine with us as we travel.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[HBGdancermom]

The string bag thing is my tip. I'll try to find a picture and one of my past write-ups.

Here's the basic idea:

Folded string bag in your pockets (or pocketses if you are a Hobbit fan)

Wallet in your pocket (or that of a travelling companion) should be fine. I don't see why carrying a wallet in your hand as you pass through wouldn't be allowed. Actually, we use a water wallet around our necks instead of a regular wallet with just our KTTW card and maybe a little cash. Nothing more needed.

Camera around neck or on wrist strap.

Carry water bottle(s).

Pass through non-bag check line, enter park, unfold bag and toss in anything you no longer want to carry.

Where do you find a water wallet?
Also, what type of purse/bag does everyone carry in the parks?

 

[toodycat]

Here is a picture of the BVC's that overlook the villa's pool. As you can see from the picture, all of the villas will have a balcony for the living room. All of the studios have a balcony. The room without a balcony is the master bedroom, although many of the master bedroom's have balconies. I'm not exactly sure what they consider a full balcony, but as you can see from the picture, there are some dormer balconies (closed) on the top floor. Since you have a one bedroom villa, you will get either one or two balconies. Maybe a request for a full balcony is a request for a balcony for the master bedroom. I really am not sure about that.

Thanks for this information and the great photo. We are getting so excited for our trip!

 

[HBGdancermom]

A Former Pack Mule lightens up

And now, a public service announcement about bag check.

Im the type of person who likes to be prepared for whatever may come up. If you are on the playground and need a bandaid- see Dee. Scizzors? Yup. Mints, tissues, pens in 3 colors. Got em. This personality trait makes packing for a trip to the park challenging- Here are some of the things that should be included in a properly prepared park pack:

Water bottles, cameras, extra cameras, extra batteries, ponchos, small umbrellas, pins to trade, quarters and pennies to squish, sunscreen, extra t-shirts, extra snacks&

Packing a bag like this can make you feel like you are a Sherpa leading an expedition to Everest (well, some days you are). Plus, it is a pain to have to stop at bag check while security paws through your precious possessions.

Shortly before we left on our trip, I read a post that changed my life!

Someone suggested using one of those drawstring backpacks for the parks, entering the park with it empty and folded, carrying your water (Camelbacks) and cameras. And thats it! I was a little skeptical at first, but at some point in the trip, I decided to try it. WOW!!!

We breezed right through bag check, and once we cleared the turnstiles, we could open the drawstring bag and put in the water and the camera case. Mark carried park passes/fast passes in his wallet, or in a zippered pouch he would wear around his neck.

I left Disney this year a changed woman. In fact, at one point, Mark asked Who are you and what have you done with my wife? But we all loved being able to walk into the parks all together without one of us (me) enduring the Spanish Inquisition. I never missed anything that didnt get packed.

http://s657.photobucket.com/user/natebenma/media/Mexico 2013/P1130381.jpg.html

Check out this link from a DISer who made this backsack for me:

Backsacks

.

Aww.... Should have read further. Lol

 

[Lalabubbles]

Teena- Sending prayers your way!

 

[natebenma]

After reading all the posts it makes me wish BB and TL were connected!!! The main reason DD wants TL is Shark Reef. But maybe she would be OK missing that and instead going for the thrill rides at BB. I kinda wish I would have gotten the Waterpark added to my APs!!!!

Does BB have an area to relax in?

Looking forward to seeing the waterproof case you guys have mentioned

Check Amazon or Google "water wallets"

We have had these two for years, probably over a decade.

We prefer the smaller one because, well, it is smaller, but still holds all we need. You can supposedly put a small phone or camera in these, but I wouldn't risk it.

Where do you find a water wallet?
Also, what type of purse/bag does everyone carry in the parks?

 

[catho72]

Hello, my name is Cathy and I am a Pack Mule. On past trips, I would use a backpack to carry all of our stuff.....sunscreen, camera, the kid's pin lanyards, band aids, Hidden Mickey book, fruit snacks, etc.

Whoever thought of bringing a bag folded in a pocket deserves a Nobel Peace Prize! Brilliant! I am definitely going to do this in three weeks.

Argh....wait a minute. I bought one of those portable phone chargers for us to use in the park. I like to post times on the Lines app and the GPS really runs down my battery. I think it's too heavy for one of those drawstring bags.

 

[kandb]

Hi everyone, I think we will be staying at BC this Sept. but I have been reading that the rooms at the BC are a little "worn". Are the rooms at the YC in better shape? (newer?)

 

[teacher1717]

Checking into the Beach Club on July 16 (getting sooooooo close) and we're thinking of doing a fishing excursion one day. I read online that you can do it from the beach club. Just looking for some reviews. Has anyone ever done it? My nephew LOVES to fish and this is his 8th grade graduation trip. We're looking to make it a little extra special.

 

[ella6599]

Hello, my name is Cathy and I am a Pack Mule. On past trips, I would use a backpack to carry all of our stuff.....sunscreen, camera, the kid's pin lanyards, band aids, Hidden Mickey book, fruit snacks, etc.

Whoever thought of bringing a bag folded in a pocket deserves a Nobel Peace Prize! Brilliant! I am definitely going to do this in three weeks.

Argh....wait a minute. I bought one of those portable phone chargers for us to use in the park. I like to post times on the Lines app and the GPS really runs down my battery. I think it's too heavy for one of those drawstring bags.

How much does it weight? DD11 has a "string" drawstring bag that holds her tap, ballet and jazz shoes, and usually a book (sometimes hardback) for her to read between classes. And both girls have nylon drawstring bags (which we will probably take to the part) that are filled to capacity every day for their summer programs. I think DD9 stuffed 3 hardback books in there one day...

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I just read a post on Passporter from someone who recently stayed at BC, and said they stopped the Boats to DHS at 7:00 PM is this true . How do we get back from DHS if we don't want to walk? I can't believe Disneys cutbacks. They can't wait till park closing to stop the boats ugh.

If they stopped running before park close it must have been weather related, in which case they would run buses instead.

 

[emmysmommy]

Dee I had to comment and say thanks for sharing your great back sack suggestion. I realize that I'm a yet to be reformed pack mule! I carry far too many things that I never use and need to lighten the load. My camera and a wristlet are really the only things that I need but then I add a light sweater for attractions that are too cold, and then I may as well throw in chap stick and sunglass case and then I just keep going.

 

[outahere]

Does the $25 fee also apply at the villas?

No - they don't charge the extra adult fee in any of the DVC properties (BCV, OKW, etc.).

 

[Ninja Mom]

A Former Pack Mule lightens up

And now, a public service announcement about bag check.

I'm the type of person who likes to be prepared for whatever may come up. If you are on the playground and need a bandaid- see Dee. Scizzors? Yup. Mints, tissues, pens in 3 colors. Got em. This personality trait makes packing for a trip to the park challenging- Here are some of the things that should be included in a properly prepared park pack: SNIP!

Check out this link from a DISer who made this backsack for me:

Backsacks


.

OR.... you could do what NM does and make everybody wear cargo shorts! My boys especially enjoy being "Mommy's lil pack mules".

One lucky boy is designated "Handbag boy" and he gets to carry all of Mom's make up, hair care and lady items. This is the boy that you can't let get too far away because the first chance he gets he's going to sneak over to a trash can and DUMP all of YOUR Mom stuff! I have been known to assign the biggest trouble maker "Handbag Boy" duty and threats of being assigned this duty result in INSTANT Behavioral modification by surly offenders.

The most favored status is "Snack Boy"! This lucky child gets to carry all of the in park snacks in his cargo pockets but he is not allowed to sit down, even on rides, lest he smashes the crisps! From a distance you can easily determine who has been designated "snack boy" because he has a big smile on his face, crumbs on his shirt and his cheeks are stuffed from devouring everyone else's food.

Next you have "Water Boy". This boy is responsible for carrying everyone's beverage needs. You can tell this boy by the over sized carabiners attached to the belt loops on his cargo shorts and you can hear him coming a mile away as the refillable mugs clatter and clank around as he moves through out the parks. This boy frequently gets his own seats on the rides as no one else can fit in the car with him from the shear size of his enormous plastic load.

Finally you have "Technology Boy". This is the most coveted assignment as all of the electronics are stored with this lucky winner. Obviously he is not allowed to get wet and we have been known to leave him behind in a dry place when it rains, usually a counter service location where he can be found next to an unattended outlet. He tells us he is recharging things but he is really just playing angry birds simultaneously on 5 different phones. Frequently we forget that we have left him as we make our way through the parks but we feel no remorse as we don't have our phones to call him and tell him it has stopped raining and it's safe to come out.

So the next time you pack mules feel the urge to venture into the parks, DO what Ninja Mom does and just take advantage of the rest of your family. MAKE them carry YOUR stuff! You don't need no stinkin back packs or string bags when you have children who live in cargo shorts!

~NM

 

[Ninja Mom]

Checking into the Beach Club on July 16 (getting sooooooo close) and we're thinking of doing a fishing excursion one day. I read online that you can do it from the beach club. Just looking for some reviews. Has anyone ever done it? My nephew LOVES to fish and this is his 8th grade graduation trip. We're looking to make it a little extra special.

Oooh! I know, I KNOW!! Pick me!!

Here is what I recommend! Take the bus to the MK. Hoof it over to the Contemporary and go to the marina which is directly behind the Contemporary. You will want to fish at this Bay Lake location because in my opinion it offers the best scenery and the largest number of fishing hot spots. Yeah sure, you can go fishing at the other resorts, but IMHO Bay lake is the real deal as it is the biggest lake and you get that open water feeling.

The fishing is FANTASTIC and the money that you will spend to book the trip is WELL worth it. The max is 5 people on the fishing boat so if you have more people you will have to book another boat. If you are an annual pass holder they are running a 30% discount and I also think that if you book a package stay at WDW there is a coupon for a fishing excursion discount.

The guide will supply all the equipment, the bait and non alcoholic beverages (No alcohol allowed) for the 2 hour trip. If you don't want to do it the guide will bait the hooks, remove the fish (It's catch and release) and be very helpful.

The spots they take you to are loaded with fish and in two hours we caught close to 15 fish! You are catching large mouth bass and there are some large carp that you may hook as well. My Dad, who is a huge fisherman (he fishes in Canada and off the Florida coast) said it was the best trip he's ever been on and he can't wait to go back. He put his line in the water and literally, with in 60 seconds he had a fish on the line! My kindergarten age nephew also went on this trip and was able to catch fish with my dad's and the guide's help.

Book this trip in advance! You will have to call the main reservation number where they will connect you with the recreation department to book a fishing excursion. Also keep in mind that you can fish in bay lake from the Poly and the Grand Floridian, but it's easier to just take the MK bus from the BC/YC and just walk over to the Contemporary. You can also take a cab from resort to resort with an under $20 with tip cost one way if you don't want to hoof it the 8 minute walk to the Contemporary hotel from the MK park bus stops.

If you have more than 5 people that want to go, what I would recommend is that you let 5 people go one day, with your nephew in that 5 and then have the second group go again at a later date with your nephew in the second trip as well so he gets to go twice. All this is if you have the time to do it that way and don't mind spending time away from the parks.

I will tell you that when we went fishing it was the highlight of our trip and we all wanted to do it again right away!

On our last trip we rented a boat to motor around Bay lake and then we rented water mice so the boys could drive these little boats. You have to be 18 to drive the bigger boats. I'm not sure what the age was to drive the water mice... maybe 12 and up? You cannot rent a boat and fish from it on your own but I think there are places in Fort Wilderness where you can fish on your own. Perhaps someone else knows about that....

Taking the time away from the parks to hit the marinas is a great way to spend time refreshing from time spent doing the usual Disney parks stuff. We went in the morning before it got really hot. The marina's opened at 10 am and I'm not sure what time they close. Now that we have done this we are hooked and it's the one thing that everybody agrees that it's a MUST DO!

Go for it!! You will not be disappointed!

~NM

 

[YCFAN]

Thanks for all the good wishes and prayers everybody. They are doing the artery on his neck this Monday. Its over 90% blocked. The other side will be done in about three weeks. Its around 60% blocked. Thank goodness his eye doctor suspected during his routine six month exam (he has cataracts) and sent him for an ultrasound and then fixed him up with a heart specialist ASAP. He's at a 95% chance of a stroke. They put him on high doses of aspirin until the surgery. That woman (eye doctor) saved his life.

Wow, exact same thing happened to my brother. 90% and 60%. He's fine now and ever so lucky it was discovered before something happened.

Prayers for both of you.