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

[teacher1717]

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

AWESOME!!! Thanks for the review. I am calling today and will ask about this location first!

 

[PittPantherfan]

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.

They were definitely running well after midnight last week when DHS had EMH

 

[Epcot Mom]

We were there earlier this month and they suspended the boats and started buses when the weather was threatening lightning. We took it as a safety issue.

 

[WDWgirl413]

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

We just started going to water parks after staying at BC for a few years. We figured SAB is like a water park in itself, why bother going to TL & BB. Last year we decided to venture out & try both. Turns out, we love both water parks. DS11 loves wave pool, lazy river & shark reef at TL, but we also really love theme, slides & theme of BB. You won't be sorry if you try either. Regarding OP, I however, tend to leave everything important in my beach bag & not opt for lockers at SAB & water parks. We've never had a problem or anything taken but I definitely realize its better to be safe then sorry.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[pixarmom]

On the waterpark issue, that dry pack in Dee's photo is GREAT!!! I highly recommend it, and a waterproof camera. We put everything in a locker and just walk around with that little dry pack. For waterslides, we just find a corner to stash our flip flops and come back to retrieve them when we move on to the next area.

As for other bags, I usually wear dresses with no pockets and I need a little extra room to carry my refill mug in a ziplock after finishing my coffee (and in case needed in World Showcase to hold a purchased beverage), so I carry this Minnie daypack from Harvey's Seat Belt Bags: http://www.seatbeltbags.com/dimida.html. I highly recommend that too!

And finally, our three boys now carry their own stuff. That includes Vinylmation for trading, wallets, cell phones, and a sweatshirt in case it gets cold. For the last couple trips, I've created arrival surprises for our room that include string bags. This vendor from Etsy makes great bags, and they are reasonably priced ($12 each), so we've been getting new ones for each trip: http://www.etsy.com/listing/97079275/mickey-or-minnie-cinch-backpack-you-pick?ref=shop_home_active. Wish she still had the photo of the Halloween ones - really cute!

Also wanted to add a cheer for Sue's check in!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

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.

Just wanted to wish Bob luck for tomorrow. I will light a wee candle in the morning that all goes well

 

[HubbDave]

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

Thanks!

 

[Angeejoe]

I wonder if they will mail me one in Canada .

Fingers crossed that they do!

Im feeling more & more like an actual AP holder!

Yeah! It is a exciting feeling

Truly exciting feeling for sure!


Teena- sending you & Bob prayers & hugs for tomorrow!

 

[laura428]

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

Ooooh, I LOVE this idea. But I'm not sure I'll get the same buy-in from my kiddos.

I bought a Baggalini cross-body bag a few trips back and love it. I'm one of those that just feels better having everything at her fingertips at all times. (Ok, not everything... but close.) The Baggalini I bought is deceptively accommodating for it's size, just 9"x9". But it holds SO much - I honestly have to be picky about what I bring more because I don't WANT to bring a ton. It's just tempting with all of the little compartments. And it's water-resistant (darned near waterproof, based on the soakings it's gotten on prior trips).

So what do stuff in there? Cash, ID and KTTW cards in the little wallet that comes with it (and attached inside the bag so it can't be dropped or easily stolen), iPhone, park maps, and whatever else is appropriate at the time. I've packed 4 rain jackets in there - really, there's room! - foldable hats, extra sunscreen, Tylenol, bandaids, etc. Plus girl stuff - tinted lip balm, hair bands for DD7 and me, sometimes compact foundation (like BE or something) if we're going to having a nicer TS meal later in the day.

I did learn to pack MUCH lighter than I used to during our trip to Costa Rica a few months ago. The fam and I packed for 10 days using only 4 backpacks - no carry-ons! It was actually awesome - so freeing!! We'll do the same for the Disney trip in October, although we'll plan on taking one checked bag, too, to accommodate a few nicer outfits I don't want to get wrinkled, and the few things we may buy while we're there.

But when I'm in the park, I can deal with a little extra time during the bag check if it means I've got what I need the rest of the day.

 

[Sue M]

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

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

Thanks! I know our prev. Stay they ran until EMH ended. So I hope it was just weather related and not cutbacks ( like the resort monorail)!

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

My daughter is my pack mule, while I just carry a small cross body that fits my camera, cell phone and a Chapstick .

They were definitely running well after midnight last week when DHS had EMH

We were there earlier this month and they suspended the boats and started buses when the weather was threatening lightning. We took it as a safety issue.

Good to know!!

 

[DisneyLover0610]

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.

My father and husband did the fishing excursion last October from Beach Club. I forget what time the first one begins (maybe 7am), but that is the one I would recommend (especially for July)! They had a blast. Their guide was a lot of fun and took them to great spots where they both caught fish. DH suggested we do it again sometime together because he thinks I'd even enjoy it (I don't care for the typical "male" hobbies)!! Make sure to tip the guide, obviously based on performance! It's expensive but definitely worth the memory.

 

[lalijack]

I bought a Baggalini cross-body bag a few trips back and love it. I'm one of those that just feels better having everything at her fingertips at all times.

But when I'm in the park, I can deal with a little extra time during the bag check if it means I've got what I need the rest of the day.

I have a Baggallini messenger bag that I use a lot in the parks. It isn't giant, but it holds a camera, small change purse, poncho, water bottle, sunscreen and maybe tchotchkes like lip balm, etc. The strap has a hidden zip compartment where I like to keep my KTTW card, license, and some cash. The material is lightweight but water resistant. It comes in about 15 colors, but mine is periwinkle blue.

Like you, I am willing to trade a few minutes in line for the peace of mind that comes with having my necessities with me for the day. I do wish I could be one of those hands-free people though.

 

[kandb]

Can someone tell me if the rooms are newer at the BC or the YC. I have read that the BC rooms are getting "worn". What's the difference in staying at the BC or YC? Thanks for any help.

 

[kandb]

Also, we are a family of 5 staying at the BC in a standard room from 9/2 thru 9/9. Can anyone recommend a building? We would love to be near the food area (marketplace) and pool area. We have heard alot of good things about the pool and are excited about our upcoming stay.

 

[swimfly]

Can someone tell me if the rooms are newer at the BC or the YC. I have read that the BC rooms are getting "worn". What's the difference in staying at the BC or YC? Thanks for any help.

We stayed YC in May and felt the room was nicer/cleaner. Our BC room definitely had a better view and was more convenient. I like the decor in BC more especially the lifeguard Mickey lamp. However, it appeared to have more use. I was also a little put off by the worn bumpy fraying carpets in the hallways. Not really a big deal for most but our DD is 17 mths and had a tough time navigating those uneven carpets. WTS we'll be back to YC in January for a week during the marathon. We had an absolutely marvelous trip and will continue returning to both BC & YC.

 

[TeenaS]

Can someone tell me if the rooms are newer at the BC or the YC. I have read that the BC rooms are getting "worn". What's the difference in staying at the BC or YC? Thanks for any help.

The BC was renovated five years ago. Therefore, the new renovation will start in the Fall of this year. The YC was done right after the BC so the rooms at the YC are about 9-12 months "newer".

 

[TeenaS]

Also, we are a family of 5 staying at the BC in a standard room from 9/2 thru 9/9. Can anyone recommend a building? We would love to be near the food area (marketplace) and pool area. We have heard alot of good things about the pool and are excited about our upcoming stay.

There is only one building. Since you want to be near the lobby, just add "near lobby" or "near main elevators" to your reservation. The Marketplace (limited food items ... there is no food court at the Y&B) is right off the lobby. The elevators are off the lobby. SAB entrances are either out the back door of the lobby and make a right at the lake or from the lobby you go down the hallway that wraps around Cape May and exit the building at Ariel's (my preferred entrance to SAB).

 

[rea59]

Just a few hours to go!!!!

 

[HubbDave]

40 days for us...enjoy your stay! Say hi to Buzzy

 

[dd53]

Checked in today after 5 nights at POR and hubby is already a convert. We love the beach club. Ate at beaches and cream while we waited for our rooms to be ready. We didn't make any requests except connecting rooms and got them. We also got daybeds which is great as we would need rollaways without them. We are on the first floor right next to the secret entrance by Epcot which is perfect for our family!!! Close to laundry and the marketplace and Epcot. Walked around the boardwalk after dinner tonight and decided to see if any illuminations cruises were available this week and we were able to book one for tomorrow!!!