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

[mommyrosa2]

There is no reason to pack any earlier than Friday night. You still have plenty of time.

So true and so me . BUT considering I have such a crazy week this week (and I knew that), I really need to be packed by tomorrow, the latest!

 

[mommyrosa2]

I despise packing.

 

[shoreward]

I despise packing.

I agree about despising packing for a trip. But, there is nothing worse than packing for the trip home.

 

[Daisygirl28]

But, there is nothing worse than packing for the trip home.

That makes me sad too. That's why I always start planning the next trip on the way home

 

[Gillespiedisney]

25 days until I'm at the beach club!!! Is this real life?!?!

 

[hill6]

Big FAN of Tables!!!! You are the only person I know that has done DxDP and actually made out on it. Most people leave with credits not used or tell me almost every single dessert was a "one bite" only and that they definitely would have either shared one or not gotten one at every meal. Plus with DxDP, you have the appetizer too. You'll have to see now with Tables if every single meal you order appetizer, entrée and dessert for everybody. That's where I think you'll see the difference. It's not just how much you spend, it's what you order that you normally would not order.

I haven't looked at the 2015 price for DxDP ... I just know the regular dining plan doesn't work for me and my family anymore at the price it is!!!

Teena we definitely ordered stuff we normally wouldn't order.

our bill at Narcoossees for two was $200 before tip. I had figured it out and maximized it.

I can't justify the regular dining plan. I think Tables will be perfect fit for us.

 

[Katesdad]

I also wonder if people who have made out on the DDP or DxDP would actually eat that way when NOT on the DDP.

I absolutely agee that when I use the DDP I do things that I normally would not do (such as eat at the Yachtsman, Flying Fish, etc.) along with devouring a Mickey bar every day. But hey, I'm no vacation, I'm going to enjoy myself and I'll not worry about the calories or what it would cost if I was OOP. That's what the DDP does for me. No, I was not happy when they took away the appetisers and the tip out of the payment structure. I know a lot of food was going to waste and the servers weren't being given the proper incentive to provide good service. I'll track it this year and see where I end up. If I'm close, I'm happy (and remember, close is a relative term, it just depends on which relative you are talking with at the time). Teena has seen what damage I can do at a dinner on a cruise ship. Just imagine if I had to pay for that separate from the trip!

Katesdad

 

[HockeyMomR]

Leaving bright and early Saturday and I have yet to pack . Not sure what it is with me but as much as I love to travel, I really hate packing...is that bad???

Lucky you! Have a great time. And you are just fine in the packing. I like to get out suitcases about a week ahead but don't finish packing until the night before.

Rebecca

 

[jenjersnap]

25 days until I'm at the beach club!!! Is this real life?!?!

25 days for me too (well, until we arrive at WDW, hitting BCV a couple days after that). Exciting!

 

[tarak]

Teena we definitely ordered stuff we normally wouldn't order.

our bill at Narcoossees for two was $200 before tip. I had figured it out and maximized it.

I can't justify the regular dining plan. I think Tables will be perfect fit for us.

The first year we used the dining plan was back when the cost included a tip and an appetizer and two snacks (that I recall). It was too much food, but we made out in price, no question. And I took back a toddler's weight in mickey rice crispy treats. We used it the next trip and upgraded to the deluxe plan because we were going to several character meals (including CRT) and we had dinner at Artist Pointe. Even with a few table credits left, we made out because it was before the price on the dining plan got out of control. The last time we used any plan, it was the QS plan and it was perfect. Then my oldest daughter turned 10 and the price for that was over $40. Our next trip, two of our kids will be Disney adults and our youngest will be 3. There is no way even that plan will make sense for us financially.

The year we used the TIW card, we made back the price in one meal because we were eating at Jiko with several friends. Estimating where we'll eat our next trip, it will take more than one meal, but it will still be a good deal for us. And since I plan to take two trips in a year (to justify the AP I'll buy), it will definitely work out for us.

I do think they keep raising the prices of food in the parks to make the dining plan look like a deal.

 

[Jessica71]

Here with DH, DS (16) & DS (11)...having a blast...is this thunder & lightning? Who cares...Disney would be a blast covered in mud.

We arrived at the Yacht Club at 11:30 - Room Ready! Wow, did we walk a mile to our room? Who cares....thanks to reading this amazing thread I know about the 'secret' doors. Our 'secret' door brings us out to a very short walk to the dock, or a short walk to the Boardwalk.

Our room is very clean. I'll post (try to) pictures of our room & its views.

By 12:40 we were riding Soarin'... onto four more rides, then an early ADR at Teppan Edo (very good experience). Our boat ride back to YC was cut short at the BW, lightning. Quick run to our secret door, and we're dry!

Rested up, then back to Epcot to attend an all you can eat dessert buffet and VIP viewing of Illuminations hosted by the folks from Disney Food Blog (great hosts)...first boat back to YC and in our room by 9:45. DH & DS's now plan to 'close' SAB....full day.

MK tomorrow!

~Jessica

 

[KatrinfromGermany]

Hi,

I am about to book our stay from the 25th of September 2015 to the 2nd of October 2015 - and I really can't decide if I should pick Yacht Club or Beach Club.

The problem is that I want to use the UK offer which is only valid until 10/21/2014. Thus, I have to decide now and I can not change resorts (otherwise I would loose some money).

Because I know that a lot of questions have been asked about the ongoing renovations, I hardly dare to ask the same, but I is very important to me.

I really want to prevent looking only at constructions walls as it is the case at Poly at the moment. Our stay at Yacht or Beach Club will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience because we are from Germany. So I really don't want to stay at a constructions site.

Therefore, I just have to know your expecations as Disney-experts!

1) Will the renovations in Beach club be finished by the end of September 2015?
2) After the refurbishment of the rooms, the lobby is supposed to be renovated - can it happen that the lobby of the Beach Club will be closed in September 2015?
3) Is there any thinking about closing Stormalong bay for renovations in September 2015?
4) I have read that the renovations in Yacht Club will start after the finishing of Beach Club. Is it possible that revovations in Yacht Club start around September 2015?
5) Most imporant: Am I worrying too much? Perhaps the renovations aren't such a big nuisance?


Thanks for your help!
Katrin

 

[Katesdad]

...first boat back to YC and in our room by 9:45. DH & DS's now plan to 'close' SAB....full day. MK tomorrow!

You said it, sounds like a really full day. Hope you are having fun and can relax a little (or a lot).

...Because I know that a lot of questions have been asked about the ongoing renovations, I hardly dare to ask the same, but I is very important to me....5) Most imporant: Am I worrying too much? Perhaps the renovations aren't such a big nuisance?

Maybe it is just me. I tend to not let things like making places better for my future benefit and others bother me, but then I also understand that there are those that really do sleep in until 9:30 in the morning and plan on spending their entire day at the resort and don't want to put up with a drill or hammer sound as background noise. Tough questions, hope you find a resolution within the next week.

 

[natebenma]

Hi,

I am about to book our stay from the 25th of September 2015 to the 2nd of October 2015 - and I really can't decide if I should pick Yacht Club or Beach Club.

The problem is that I want to use the UK offer which is only valid until 10/21/2014. Thus, I have to decide now and I can not change resorts (otherwise I would loose some money).

Because I know that a lot of questions have been asked about the ongoing renovations, I hardly dare to ask the same, but I is very important to me.

I really want to prevent looking only at constructions walls as it is the case at Poly at the moment. Our stay at Yacht or Beach Club will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience because we are from Germany. So I really don't want to stay at a constructions site.

Therefore, I just have to know your expecations as Disney-experts!

1) Will the renovations in Beach club be finished by the end of September 2015?
2) After the refurbishment of the rooms, the lobby is supposed to be renovated - can it happen that the lobby of the Beach Club will be closed in September 2015?
3) Is there any thinking about closing Stormalong bay for renovations in September 2015?
4) I have read that the renovations in Yacht Club will start after the finishing of Beach Club. Is it possible that revovations in Yacht Club start around September 2015?
5) Most imporant: Am I worrying too much? Perhaps the renovations aren't such a big nuisance?


Thanks for your help!
Katrin

I need to catch up on several pages of this thread, but I understand your concern and need for answers as you are making the important decision of where to stay for your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

1) We honestly don't know if the BC renovations will be complete by September of 2015. Based on the prior refurb of the resort rooms, work could still be happening at the BC at that time. I think it took more than a year last time (2008)

2) I don't remember if the lobby was actually closed at any time during previous renovations- maybe others who were around at that time may remember.

3) Renovations/rehabs of Stormalong Bay are completely separate from any resort renovations. Usual maintenance of SAB happens in the winter- a third of the pool is worked on at a time and the other 2/3 remain open, then they move on to the next section. If work is done at other times of the year, it is usually because there is an emergency repair needed. I have not heard anything about any planned rehab work on SAB in the coming months.

4) It's possible work on the YC will be started by Sept 2015 if the work goes along quicker than we expect.

5) Unfortunately, we can't give you definitive answers at this point. My personal advice. If you are booking a club level room, your best bet is probably BC since the rooms and floor will definitely be done by that time. If not, then perhaps YC (with the full balconies for every room) is the place to book. If the renovations start with the club level, 5th floor, then even if you have booked at the YC, chances are the rehab work on the regular rooms will not be in progress next fall.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

.

 

[KatrinfromGermany]

Thanks a lot for your understanding and help!

Normally, I wouldn't be worried too much about renovations etc., but reports about the situation at Poly really sound alarming.

Furthermore, because we are from Germany (and flights to the U.S. are quite expensive) we don't have the possibility to go to WDW very often - quite frankly it probably will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Background: For me, it is not my first trip to WDW, but it will be for my boyfriend. In 1997, when I was 17 years old, my parents took me to WDW and we stayed at the Beach Club. This trip to WDW is the most memorable journey of my childhood - it meant so much to me!! (in Germany, being a huge Disney-fan is not common. Especially for teens it is quite uncool).

Now, as a grown-up, I want to repeat this trip, this time with my wonderful partner and boyfriend.
And, of course, staying at a construction site is not very nice in my opinion, especially, when you travelled for soo many miles to come over to the U.S. Therefore, I try to organize and gather as many information as possible.

Perhaps we are "on the safer side" when choosing Yacht Club for September 2015. Originally, I would have preferred Beach Club, in memory of the great trip with my parents in 1997. But I really want to enjoy the resort where we stay in its full splendor, without contruction walls or the like.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Here with DH, DS (16) & DS (11)...having a blast...is this thunder & lightning? Who cares...Disney would be a blast covered in mud. ....
MK tomorrow!

~Jessica

Thanks for posting an update. I love those secret doors.

Hi,

I am about to book our stay from the 25th of September 2015 to the 2nd of October 2015 - and I really can't decide if I should pick Yacht Club or Beach Club.

The problem is that I want to use the UK offer which is only valid until 10/21/2014. Thus, I have to decide now and I can not change resorts (otherwise I would loose some money).

Because I know that a lot of questions have been asked about the ongoing renovations, I hardly dare to ask the same, but I is very important to me.

I really want to prevent looking only at constructions walls as it is the case at Poly at the moment. Our stay at Yacht or Beach Club will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience because we are from Germany. So I really don't want to stay at a constructions site.

Therefore, I just have to know your expecations as Disney-experts!

1) Will the renovations in Beach club be finished by the end of September 2015?
2) After the refurbishment of the rooms, the lobby is supposed to be renovated - can it happen that the lobby of the Beach Club will be closed in September 2015?
3) Is there any thinking about closing Stormalong bay for renovations in September 2015?
4) I have read that the renovations in Yacht Club will start after the finishing of Beach Club. Is it possible that revovations in Yacht Club start around September 2015?
5) Most imporant: Am I worrying too much? Perhaps the renovations aren't such a big nuisance?


Thanks for your help!
Katrin

Hi Katrin,

We stopped at the Poly for lunch last month and it truly is a construction site. There are construction walls and heavy equipment and the place is a real mess. The Beach Club room rehab isn't anything like what they are doing at the Polynesian. At the Beach Club they are rehabbing the guests rooms, putting new carpet, wall paper and paint in the halls, and replacing furniture. The furniture in the Beach lobby lobby has already been updated and some of it is very blue! They close off a floor or a section of a floor at a time and most people won't even know that work is being done unless their room is above, below or near the work. There won't be any heavy equipment or construction walls like there are at the Poly, since the two types of rehabs are different.

As far as whether or not the work will be done by September, we really don't know that. But, if they have started to work on the fifth floor and it is expected to be done by the end of November, and if they plan to continue working on the rest of the floors until they are all finished, then I would guess that they would finish a lot of rooms by September.

Storm Along Bay is usually rehabbed in January. That is when most of the pool work at the resorts is done. There are exceptions, of course, like at the Polynesian and the Wilderness Lodge, where their main pools are closed for extensive construction right now. But that is a different situation. Storm Along Bay has recently had the pool bar, Hurricane Hannah's, completely remodeled. The pool is already fenced in, unlike the pools at the Poly and WL, There is no way of knowing what will happen next September, but there are three quiet pools between the YC/BC/BCV's and if the main pool were to be closed, they usually let guests use the main pool at the Boardwalk.

The YC is very nice and we had a good stay there last month. But we really missed the convenience of having the Beach Club Marketplace nearby. Either resort is a good choice. And I wouldn't worry so much about the room rehab that is being done. Most guests aren't even aware that it is being done.

 

[natebenma]

page 59-61

I can't comment with direct personal experience... but I believe you should have no issue with access to the bakery from the International Gateway.

I always remember the WS being 'open' from Innovations to the International Gateway at park opening. We've often arrived via bus to Epcot, walked to the IG, and then to the BC for a breakfast ADR at Cape May. While nothing was open in Canada or or the UK... we had no issues walking through.

Considering that France is the 'next country' over... I can't imagine there would be an issue. The bakery has been serving breakfast since late January of last year.

If it's open to 'all guests' I have no doubt that includes those from the IG. Chances are you still can't gain access to the WS from Mexico or Morroco until opening or without a Norway breakfast reservation.

Just wanted to say to the thread and thanks for your input!

Hello everyone! We came back from our wonderful vacation on the 13th of September. My Mom was so surprised for her Birthday trip Here is a photo of the Boardwalk and Yacht Club from the Beach Club. We loved our stay at the Villas and can't wait to go back. I will be posting more pics later, probably on the photos page.



Also here is a video of some of our vacation....I hope it works because this is the first time that I have uploaded a video to youtube. Sorry if it doesn't.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgAMZt_oGnw&feature=player_embedded

I hope that everyone that is planning their trip or on them are enjoying every moment

Thank you so much for the recap of your trip, beautiful picture and the fun video. So glad you had a great time.

I looked on the WDW site and didn't see them mentioned, but on the page here describing the rooms it says they do have them. Currently booked at Swan, but really want to stay at BC at Christmas, but need a room with a fridge. This site is such a great resource and so much fun to read! TIA!

back! Please let us know if you change.

Yes, rooms at the Beach Club and Yacht Club have the mini-fridges.

I am staying at BC CL in October next year but in a deluxe room. Will these be renovated after the 5th floor or just when they come to that particular floor. Wondering whether it would be worth getting onto the 5th floor to get a renovated room.

I'll add you to the Be Our Guest list.

Yay! Just booked a trip for next summer at the Beach Club! DH and I are going August 21-26 for our 25th wedding anniversary! I just could not pass up the magical deal....we decided after our trip this summer that it would be our last for at least a couple of years, the kids will be out of college and we have too much to do around the house, etc. and our money needs to go elsewhere. LOL, we should have known better. The price I was quoted was just plain crazy. I have no problem not staying Club Level..for the same dates as last summer, we are paying $1400 LESS, and I booked that room with an awesome PIN code. And, since I was going to renew my AP in March for our Spring Break trip to CBR and a potential work conference there next September, I'll just get DH an AP as well, so the tickets aren't really too much of a factor either. No brainer, right?

So funny how we can all rationalize anything that has to do with taking a WDW vacation!

back!!!

Disney math! That's what they should teach in school.

Good morning friends!!

I haven't been on much since we returned from our trip. I was deep into my yearly "Missing the Beach Club Blues" and had to wallow for a bit before returning to all of my BC friends!!

Thankfully we booked a Bounceback for the exact same week next year. Counting the days until we can start making our ADR's! Sad but true!

I hope all of you are well and I look forward to joining all of you again!

Jay

Was actually thinking about you the day you posted and wondering how you were doing after your summer trip. Gonna send you an email to catch up.

 

[natebenma]

page 61-64, continued

Just weighing in with my opinion of the dining plan- we were big fans of the regular dining plan (we did the deluxe plan once and that was a big mistake- too much food and a son who got sick early on and didn't want to go to restaurants). Before our July 2013 trip, I suggested to my family that we skip the dining plan and pay out of pocket. That met with some resistance, but I convinced my family that they could still order whatever they wanted, and I did a comparison of what they would potentially order and it was cheaper for us to pay OOP. Especially since there were a few times when we split meals or desserts.

Worst moment on dining plan- initially denying my thirsty son a bottle of water because it was a "poor use of a snack credit". I did give in and let him get it.

Just wondering is the entire Beach Club resort going to be renovated? And if so by next late Aug 2015???? Thx.

I don't have you on the Be Our Guest list- do you have a trip booked or are you in the planning stages?

Don't know if the rehab to the Beach Club rooms will be complete by then.

Ahhh, TeenaS, you might have convinced me to upgrade to a club level room for late January. Knowing they might be done by that time and have a brand-new room, I was able to convince DH that club level would be better than DDP.

Problem is, no more garden views for our dates with the SPD deal. Water view is over our budget. I'm going to keep checking!

If you've stayed club level, what did you love about it?!

My favorite thing about club level is the breakfast. I love being able to have a decent, convenient breakfast before starting a busy Disney day.

We are currently on the road, headed home.

But we had an awesome 4 night stay at YC!!! Room 2123 was prefect! If you're standing on the balcony, the wedding gazebo is just off to the left and the lighthouse is right out in front. We booked a garden view and requested a king. Got the king, but we're we upgraded to water view?

Thanks so much for letting us know you had a great time!

Excuse my ignorance - but what's a club room??

to the thread!

There are times when we make appetizers our meals too, much more flexibility without the DP

- now back when they first rolled out the DP and aps and tips were included, no brainer.... I honestly hate being old enough "to remember when" the "good old days"!!!

Also not sure if I have welcomed you yet

With all this talk of Renovations going on at the resort I just thought that I would put it out there and volunteer for the job of "Bed Tester" at the Beach Club.

~NM

Get in line ~Missy! I have already volunteered to check out every room to record the view, bedding configuration and condition. I'll throw in the bed-tester part for free!

Thanks for all the info regarding DDP...we've booked the one snack, quick service and sit down plan for next June and I'm thinking since we are staying club level that we don't really need the plan after all. Can't wait to scope out the new CL lounge! Anyways...I hear all this talk about gift cards...other than buying a bunch at Target and using my Red Card to save 5% what other gift card discounts are there?

Other question: We have CL standard view...is that a 5th floor room? What are the chances we can get an upgrade?

Thanks everyone for the awesome info...this thread rocks!!

Sam's Club also offers discounted WDW gift cards. I used to be able to purchase $100 in cards for $94. And I would use gift cards for Sam's Club that I purchased to help out my son's middle school, so double bonus.

Yes, a standard view club level room is on the 5th floor.

Unfortunately, if there are 5 in your traveling party, it is unlikely that you would be upgraded from a standard view room at club level to GV room because I think there is only one room there currently with a daybed. Not sure if daybeds are going to be an addition to some rooms with the renovations. Water view would be a possibility, but again, club level rooms with daybeds in that category are also limited.

Leaving bright and early Saturday and I have yet to pack . Not sure what it is with me but as much as I love to travel, I really hate packing...is that bad???

Not bad at all. I hate the finality of packing.

Just remember- you only need a couple of shirts and shorts, some undies and a swimsuit. And if you read my July 2013 trip report chapter about my late night swim at SAB, you don't even need a swim suit.

Heads out of the gutter people! I (mistakenly) jumped in fully clothed.



Fireworks and Friends at the pool

That makes me sad too. That's why I always start planning the next trip on the way home

Not sure if I have previously welcomed you to the thread, so

Here with DH, DS (16) & DS (11)...having a blast...is this thunder & lightning? Who cares...Disney would be a blast covered in mud.

We arrived at the Yacht Club at 11:30 - Room Ready! Wow, did we walk a mile to our room? Who cares....thanks to reading this amazing thread I know about the 'secret' doors. Our 'secret' door brings us out to a very short walk to the dock, or a short walk to the Boardwalk.

Our room is very clean. I'll post (try to) pictures of our room & its views.

By 12:40 we were riding Soarin'... onto four more rides, then an early ADR at Teppan Edo (very good experience). Our boat ride back to YC was cut short at the BW, lightning. Quick run to our secret door, and we're dry!

Rested up, then back to Epcot to attend an all you can eat dessert buffet and VIP viewing of Illuminations hosted by the folks from Disney Food Blog (great hosts)...first boat back to YC and in our room by 9:45. DH & DS's now plan to 'close' SAB....full day.

MK tomorrow!

~Jessica

Love your live report and upbeat attitude!

We stopped at the Poly for lunch last month and it truly is a construction site. There are construction walls and heavy equipment and the place is a real mess. The Beach Club room rehab isn't anything like what they are doing at the Polynesian. At the Beach Club they are rehabbing the guests rooms, putting new carpet, wall paper and paint in the halls, and replacing furniture. The furniture in the Beach lobby has already been updated and some of it is very blue! They close off a floor or a section of a floor at a time and most people won't even know that work is being done unless their room is above, below or near the work. There won't be any heavy equipment or construction walls like there are at the Poly, since the two types of rehabs are different.

The YC is very nice and we had a good stay there last month. But we really missed the convenience of having the Beach Club Marketplace nearby. Either resort is a good choice. And I wouldn't worry so much about the room rehab that is being done. Most guests aren't even aware that it is being done.

Thanks for posting this. I keep meaning to say that I don't believe the situation at the BC will be like what I hear about the Poly. As far as I know they are just doing the interior of the resort. Outside work was done at the BC/YC in 2012, I think. Plus, it is not like the planned refurb includes construction of actual buildings, like is happening with the Poly villas.

 

[TeenaS]

Hi,

I am about to book our stay from the 25th of September 2015 to the 2nd of October 2015 - and I really can't decide if I should pick Yacht Club or Beach Club.

The problem is that I want to use the UK offer which is only valid until 10/21/2014. Thus, I have to decide now and I can not change resorts (otherwise I would loose some money).

Because I know that a lot of questions have been asked about the ongoing renovations, I hardly dare to ask the same, but I is very important to me.

I really want to prevent looking only at constructions walls as it is the case at Poly at the moment. Our stay at Yacht or Beach Club will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience because we are from Germany. So I really don't want to stay at a constructions site.

Therefore, I just have to know your expecations as Disney-experts!

1) Will the renovations in Beach club be finished by the end of September 2015?
2) After the refurbishment of the rooms, the lobby is supposed to be renovated - can it happen that the lobby of the Beach Club will be closed in September 2015?
3) Is there any thinking about closing Stormalong bay for renovations in September 2015?
4) I have read that the renovations in Yacht Club will start after the finishing of Beach Club. Is it possible that revovations in Yacht Club start around September 2015?
5) Most imporant: Am I worrying too much? Perhaps the renovations aren't such a big nuisance?


Thanks for your help!
Katrin

(1) We do not know. I personally think they will be almost done ... the top three floors will definitely be done I would think and maybe the whole place. No way of knowing since they just started.

(2) Lobby is done as far as I heard ... all that was done was the furniture was redone with different fabrics.

(3) All SAB "scheduled" rehab is done in the months of January, February and early March. Sometimes emergency repairs are needed to be done and there is no way of knowing when that could or would happen. There is no way of knowing if your car will break down and need a part ... you do all scheduled maintenance on your car but things happen that are not expected. So I can for sure tell you in the more than ten years I've been there, they have never scheduled normal maintenance or rehab of SAB in any months other than winter. And when rehab is going on at SAB, they divide it into three parts so part of SAB is always open during normal rehab.

(4) Possible.

(5) Yes, you are worrying too much IMO. This is not a whole lobby rehab with the Poly. Each and every room is having expensive rehab but they only take part of the floors out at a time. I've stayed at many Disney resorts during routine rehab ... it happens every so many years at every Disney resort ... and it has never ever made my stay any less magical. Because of the way they do it, unless the whole lobby where you must walk is being torn apart, you wouldn't even know it was happening. All "noise" work is done during the day when 99% of the guests are either at the pool or at the parks.

Just my personal opinion.