2014/2015 Beach and Yacht Club FAQ, Friends & Fun, Sept 2014-Mayl 2015

[gometros]

Honestly, I can't tell if this is serious or not. Please tell me you're being sarcastic.

Don't worry, Flyz Ondewalz is always posting just to be funny. Also known as Buzzy, this poster is just about good fun that should only be taken as a fictitious and humourous post intended to get us to use one of the following emoticons... or or

Buzzy doesn't have a serious nor mean bone (or eye) on his body.

Thank goodness. After reading all the entitlement threads on a certain social media site I could have easily fallen for that.

Btw, we enjoyed BCV so much last month, I changed my March reservation from our home resort across the lake. We'll be back from the 4th to the 9th.

 

[susall]

I stand corrected! I was not aware that the hotels in England never close for maintenance lest they be sued by the guests. You are correct when you say that it is different here in the States. I'm sure there is a reasonable period of realization that the facility might need maintenance and a reasonable period of time that would serve for advance notification. The fact that Disney allows guests to make reservations so far in advance of the fact that a facility might need to be closed for renovations is a consideration that we all must take into account when going out on a limb and making that reservation. The posters on this board do a fantastic job providing readers with as much information as possible to help everyone plan their trips. Please keep in mind that these efforts are made without Disney's consent and are only meant to help you in a way that other guests can. If you want the absolute correct information about the exact time and scope of any closings on the part of Disney you need to direct your comments and concerns to them. The silence you hear back from Disney will be deafening. I really do wish that you have a Magical trip. As with any trip there will be unexpected changes that will happen as a natural course of the trip. I wish you the best of luck with that. Buzzy

We booked with UK Disney, but we live in Germany. And sorry for the confusion. Maybe I should put it right. I am really very grateful for the information I get here. A big thanks to all the people who put so much work in getting and posting the information.
as to your comments: honestly, I am not sure if they are serious. It's probably best to close the discussion here

 

[nannette]

If it rains during my vacation does Disney offer any refunds since I can't use the pool. I am booking the Beach Club in January exclusively for the pool. Even though there are other things to do my trip will be a total bummer if I'm not at the pool as much as possible.

After all, it's the staff that closes the pool. Could they possibly keep it open later that night to make up for the closing? What about if it is too cool to go swimming? Shouldn't the pool be open for longer hours when it's warmer to make up for the lack of swim time when it's 50 degrees out? I only have so many hours during my trip that I can spend at the pool. Shouldn't Disney adjust their pool hours schedule?

If Disney knows it's going to be cold outside during the winter months in Florida shouldn't they warn us ahead of time? Perhaps a little asterisk notification that if you book during the winter months that the water might be a little chilly. I'm all for truth in advertising so Disney may need to be more up front about the fact that it can be cool in the winter in Florida, at least until they become omnipotent and figure out how to control the weather. They are working on that, Right???

Signed, Buzzy the fly, your Beach Club Resort guy

Lol!! Classic!! Thanks for the laugh!! I needed it today!

Is it the 16th yet?!?!?!

~N

 

[kittb]

ok so we're on the final countdown :-D What do I need to know, breakfast likely to be very early on the first day so I'm right thinking the lounge at the Yacht Club is open? The we have fast passes for Epcot in the morning, then I reckon a kip and maybe a swim before hopefully heading out again. Excited!

Anything we should look out for at the resort? I loved exploring all the nooks at WL, are there similar at BC?
Thanks for all the advice
Kittb

 

[Wood Nymph]

Anything we should look out for at the resort? I loved exploring all the nooks at WL, are there similar at BC?
Thanks for all the advice
Kittb

The BC doesn't have any nooks like the WL does. There aren't any cozy fireplaces at the BC. But there is a very nice room at the Beach Club villas called the library. And there is a barbeque and picnic tables outside near the villas pool. But you really can't compare the two resorts. They are very different and we love them both.

The BC has the Solarium, which is a great place to relax. The nice thing about the Beach Club is the location. The Epcot resort area is a great place to explore and when we stay at an Epcot resort we spend plenty of time outdoors.

 

[98cpTyphoonGuard]

I follow this forum regularly and love to read everyone's insight. I have stayed at both the YC and BC one time each. In less than an hour I will be leaving work to begin my vacation. In less than 12 hours, I will be arriving via ME at the YC resort to begin a 4 day vacation with my family. I just want to thank you all for your knowledge and tips that you are kind enough to share.

 

[PTSMickey]

In 30 days and 6 minutes (719 hours, if you are counting!) we will be arriving in Orlando for the "Annual Christmas Visit". This year we rented points and will be staying at BCV. My DH suffered from agoraphobia for years and would not travel. In 1998 when he finally got the help he needed and could actually get on an airplane and go somewhere, we stayed at Beach Club. Have stayed at the BCV once since then with a stint as DVC members at BWV, although we no longer are members. We stayed once at YC. We found it "stuffy" as well. But the lightness (is that a word?) and atmosphere at BCV rivals that of our beloved BWV. I would say we have been at WDW some 50+ times since 1998!! Its proximity to Epcot and DHS, its atmosphere, the chocolate carousel in the lobby, Beaches and Cream, sandy bottom pool, what is there not to love. But miss Art at the door. What a wonderful gentle-man he is. We always looked forward to seeing him and made it a point to stop in and say hello after the pilgrimage to Beaches and Cream. There is a video of BC somewhere out there that I saw yesterday and the nostalgia for the place made me tear up. Can't wait!!

 

[Mewissy]

Hi All! Although I wasn't a frequent poster, I was always reading this board before our last visit (Sept 2013). Well, we've just booked now for next September in the villas.

Not necessarily a BC question, but related. We are going to be there for 10 nights and would like to do a water park one of those days. Any recommendations on which to go to? We have visited both years ago (when I was in high school - late 90s) and like both. Is one more convenient than the other from BC? Any other reason to select BB over TL or vice versa?

 

[Wood Nymph]

Not necessarily a BC question, but related. We are going to be there for 10 nights and would like to do a water park one of those days. Any recommendations on which to go to? We have visited both years ago (when I was in high school - late 90s) and like both. Is one more convenient than the other from BC? Any other reason to select BB over TL or vice versa?

As far as I know, the bus to Blizzard Beach shares with Animal Kingdom, and Blizzard Beach is the first stop. The bus to Typhoon Lagoon is the Downtown Disney. That is one reason to go to BB instead of TL.

But other than that, I have no opinion.

 

[Mewissy]

As far as I know, the bus to Blizzard Beach shares with Animal Kingdom, and Blizzard Beach is the first stop. The bus to Typhoon Lagoon is the Downtown Disney. That is one reason to go to BB instead of TL.

But other than that, I have no opinion.

I had a feeling that there would be an advantage with one because of transportation! Thanks

 

[tarak]

As far as I know, the bus to Blizzard Beach shares with Animal Kingdom, and Blizzard Beach is the first stop. The bus to Typhoon Lagoon is the Downtown Disney. That is one reason to go to BB instead of TL.

But other than that, I have no opinion.

Bus service to DTD is just so awful. I don't know if we'll bother with DTD our next trip, but if we do, I think I might take a bus from Epcot to POR and then take the boat to DTD. It likely won't save us any time at all, but the boat ride is really nice.

The Winter/Summerland mini golf is next to Blizzard Beach, too, so if you have any interest in that, you're right there.

I am determined to hit the mini-golf one of these trips.

 

[natebenma]

Hi All! Although I wasn't a frequent poster, I was always reading this board before our last visit (Sept 2013). Well, we've just booked now for next September in the villas.

Not necessarily a BC question, but related. We are going to be there for 10 nights and would like to do a water park one of those days. Any recommendations on which to go to? We have visited both years ago (when I was in high school - late 90s) and like both. Is one more convenient than the other from BC? Any other reason to select BB over TL or vice versa?

back!

I'll get you on the Be Our Guest list next time I update.

Both water parks are great. I prefer the theming at Typhoon Lagoon (I am a tropical, beachy kind of gal), the wave pool at TL is much more intense than the bobbing pool at Blizzard Beach (some prefer the milder wave pool though). The water coasters at TL are awesome and I like shark reef, but I think I read that may be going away- anyone else hear that?

The views from the chair lift and high slides at Blizzard Beach are pretty cool. The family ride at Blizzard Beach blows the one at TL out of the water (get it???)

The lazy rivers are about the same to me.

We typically will visit BB after a half day at Animal Kingdom since most buses leaving AK stop there first, then we head to Boma for dinner and return to the Beach Club via Hollywood Studios.

 

[1nfrequent]

I popped in this thread at the beginning of the year after I booked my first ever stay at the Yacht Club and got a friendly welcome from the posters here so hopefully no one will mind if I drop back.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at YC and was seriously considering booking it for my trip to WDW next year but I do like to try out different Disney resorts so was a bit reluctant to stay at YC again for that reason alone. Fortunately I found a fantastic deal on-line for Beach Club and I thought "what better way of comparing the two resorts to see what everyone goes on about?" so I went ahead and booked it. Will be off in March next year and am really looking forward to it.

Hope everyone else with forthcoming trips have a good time of it. No doubt I'll be back to ask for advice etc as my dates draw closer but I thought I'd say hullo now.

1F

 

[Alli76]

Soo excited just less than 180 days left and today I got a pin for my stay! Called and there was availability for the yacht club! Now onto dining reservations ... I always book on 180 days just a little slow this year!

 

[mystery222184]

Just wanted to paste my review I posted in another thread of my stay at the YC in case it helps anyone.

We got back home a few days ago from our split stay of YC CL & GF RPC (which was amazing and I'll be reviewing later). I'll try to not compare too directly to the GF because we had a great time at the YC and were sad to leave after only a few nights.

I already mentioned it but I think the Strawberry Champagne drink at arrival is a great touch and wish all CL's would start adopting a similar approach. It reminds me of some of the resorts we have visited in the Caribbean that do the same and it just helps set that vacation mood!

I enjoyed the room decor. The Blues and whites were refreshing and despite these rooms being close to a refurb, we didn't have any issues with the cleanliness. We booked a GV room and had a great view of Stormalong Bay and the Boardwalk. Being able to view illuminations from our balcony was a very nice benefit!

The lounge was a good experience overall - as they all seem to be I enjoyed he food offerings, which were relatively standard as far as Disney CLs go. I thought the hard-boiled eggs were great during breakfast as lean protein can be hard to find @ the other lounges. It may be the child in me but I also enjoyed the peanut butter & jelly shooters and caramel cups with apples served nightly. The lounge really needs to be bigger as they were several families who went back to their rooms to eat (only ran out the bacon wrapped scallops one night but replaced with bacon wrapped sausage - incredibly unhealthy but delicious!). As has been mentioned, the staff was hit or miss with cleaning up dishes in the hallway. One night we didn't see anything, then the following morning they were all over. This should be an easy fix - hopefully they pay more attention to it.

I will add that the CM's serving alcohol became a bit annoying at times, especially compared to the GF where they use much bigger glasses and you serve yourself. Now my fiancé and I aren't huge drinkers, but enjoy a glass or two of wine when on vacation over dinner. I guess there is a rule about 2 glasses per person in a seating now because when my fiancé tried to get a 2nd glass for herself and one for me, they wouldn't serve her (I thought that was frustrating given I was sitting in the lounge, they knew us, and the glasses were small). The CM's @ the GF were the exact opposite as I asked for a glass of champagne and was brought a big wine glass filled high (too high!) lol.

Despite that, we had a great stay @ the YC and I'm sure we will be back in due time. The short walk away from Epcot (especially during F&W) was priceless. We found Stormalong Bay to be the best pool on property and had no issue with crowds. I highly recommend the Crew's Cup Lounge for their truffle fries...highly! We especially liked waking up early to jog the Boardwalk and grab a treat at the Bakery. Even the music played in front of the YC/BC was so relaxing! Well that's it for now, hopefully this helps someone

 

[eeyoreland]

Bus service to DTD is just so awful. I don't know if we'll bother with DTD our next trip, but if we do, I think I might take a bus from Epcot to POR and then take the boat to DTD. It likely won't save us any time at all, but the boat ride is really nice.

The Winter/Summerland mini golf is next to Blizzard Beach, too, so if you have any interest in that, you're right there.

I am determined to hit the mini-golf one of these trips.

Because our traveling companions can't afford BC, we aren't staying there in January, but instead we're staying at POR. It's not like I'm dreading POR by any means, but I will say ... I am very much looking forward to taking the boat to DTD. I don't care where you stay, bus transportation to DTD is awful as you said. We stayed at POFQ two years ago and LOVED taking the boat.

 

[Mewissy]

We typically will visit BB after a half day at Animal Kingdom since most buses leaving AK stop there first, then we head to Boma for dinner and return to the Beach Club via Hollywood Studios.

That's an idea! Do you just pack your swim suits and get changed there?

 

[Couchy]

Just wanted to paste my review I posted in another thread of my stay at the YC in case it helps anyone.

We got back home a few days ago from our split stay of YC CL & GF RPC (which was amazing and I'll be reviewing later). I'll try to not compare too directly to the GF because we had a great time at the YC and were sad to leave after only a few nights.

I already mentioned it but I think the Strawberry Champagne drink at arrival is a great touch and wish all CL's would start adopting a similar approach. It reminds me of some of the resorts we have visited in the Caribbean that do the same and it just helps set that vacation mood!

I enjoyed the room decor. The Blues and whites were refreshing and despite these rooms being close to a refurb, we didn't have any issues with the cleanliness. We booked a GV room and had a great view of Stormalong Bay and the Boardwalk. Being able to view illuminations from our balcony was a very nice benefit!

The lounge was a good experience overall - as they all seem to be I enjoyed he food offerings, which were relatively standard as far as Disney CLs go. I thought the hard-boiled eggs were great during breakfast as lean protein can be hard to find @ the other lounges. It may be the child in me but I also enjoyed the peanut butter & jelly shooters and caramel cups with apples served nightly. The lounge really needs to be bigger as they were several families who went back to their rooms to eat (only ran out the bacon wrapped scallops one night but replaced with bacon wrapped sausage - incredibly unhealthy but delicious!). As has been mentioned, the staff was hit or miss with cleaning up dishes in the hallway. One night we didn't see anything, then the following morning they were all over. This should be an easy fix - hopefully they pay more attention to it.

I will add that the CM's serving alcohol became a bit annoying at times, especially compared to the GF where they use much bigger glasses and you serve yourself. Now my fiancé and I aren't huge drinkers, but enjoy a glass or two of wine when on vacation over dinner. I guess there is a rule about 2 glasses per person in a seating now because when my fiancé tried to get a 2nd glass for herself and one for me, they wouldn't serve her (I thought that was frustrating given I was sitting in the lounge, they knew us, and the glasses were small). The CM's @ the GF were the exact opposite as I asked for a glass of champagne and was brought a big wine glass filled high (too high!) lol.

Despite that, we had a great stay @ the YC and I'm sure we will be back in due time. The short walk away from Epcot (especially during F&W) was priceless. We found Stormalong Bay to be the best pool on property and had no issue with crowds. I highly recommend the Crew's Cup Lounge for their truffle fries...highly! We especially liked waking up early to jog the Boardwalk and grab a treat at the Bakery. Even the music played in front of the YC/BC was so relaxing! Well that's it for now, hopefully this helps someone

Great review... thanks

Lol!! Classic!! Thanks for the laugh!! I needed it today!

Is it the 16th yet?!?!?!

~N

Almost, hang in there

 

[natebenma]

That's an idea! Do you just pack your swim suits and get changed there?

Yes- we get a locker at AK and stash our swim suits there until we are ready to leave. We sometimes change at the bathrooms at AK, sometimes at BB.

Only issue we have had doing the half day at AK was afternoon thunderstorms during one visit that shut down the park for a couple of hours.



Then, since we go and eat at Boma, we leave our stuff with Bell Services at AKL while we are dining.

If you need a locker at HS on the same day, you can either use the luggage lockers outside the park for $1 or show your receipt from renting the locker at AK earlier in the day.

 

[cocoabean1]

So excited, 1 more week!!! I think its time to finally get the suitcases out.