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

[Katesdad]

Stormalong Bay Access I am sitting in the shade by the YC entrance to Stormalong bay. I just witnessed three women and their brood of kids try to access the pool, saying they valet parked so they could use pool...... No. Just no. Cast member was polite, professional, and firm in turning them away even when head of group asked to speak to a manager.

YEAH!!!!!! Way to go CM!!!!

 

[Suzanne74]

I looked on here and the club level threads but I can't seem to find this info out. If I am wrong, please point me in the right direction.

Do the standard club level rooms have balconies? All, some or none? I realize the deluxe CL rooms have some and it needs to be a request (not guaranteed) but not sure about the standard ones. Also, are they all on the 5th floor? I have never been to Beach Club, have no idea where the CL rooms are besides 5th floor (but read somewhere some are on 4th?) but also in relation to the front desk, CL lounge etc...

YES that's my post and picture from last July's stay! Thanks so much for finding it, Shoreward. And thank you natebenma for the email info. I remember using that email address in the past to compliment certain CM's at the BC CL, and I did receive a reply back thanking me for providing feedback.

As far as the noisy room(s), it helps tremendously to know it wasn't just me and there seems to be an issue in all the ".699" rooms where the elevator must run up and down. Yes, ours was a lagoon view room. And while the room view was great with a very large balcony, I'd give those up for a room without the horrendous noise.....which is why I booked a standard view CL room for our upcoming trip (besides the fact that I thought there was a better chance of getting a daybed!).

I went investigating and if you look at the link it will show you the floor plan and there is indeed a large spot where the service elevator is on all levels next to the 699 rooms. They are considered water view rooms. What I don't know is if the 675 rooms also hear this noise or are they positioned to not hear it? There seems to be more of a gap there.

http://touringplans.com/hotel_maps/...ibility]=any&no_draw=false&rooms=true&floor=5

 

[Suzanne74]

Stormalong Bay Access

I am sitting in the shade by the YC entrance to Stormalong bay.
I just witnessed three women and their brood of kids try to access the pool, saying they valet parked so they could use pool...... No. Just no.
Cast member was polite, professional, and firm in turning them away even when head of group asked to speak to a manager.

I haven't been around for 2years. Do they still have key cards or do you have an additional bracelet. Or do they scan your bracelet?

 

[LisaCM614]

I looked on here and the club level threads but I can't seem to find this info out. If I am wrong, please point me in the right direction.

Do the standard club level rooms have balconies? All, some or none? I realize the deluxe CL rooms have some and it needs to be a request (not guaranteed) but not sure about the standard ones. Also, are they all on the 5th floor? I have never been to Beach Club, have no idea where the CL rooms are besides 5th floor (but read somewhere some are on 4th?) but also in relation to the front desk, CL lounge etc...

Some BCL SV CL rooms have balconies. All of the Standard CL rooms are on the 5th floor. When we were there last you had to use your room key to even get the elevator to go to 5. Not sure if that is still in place.

 

[tarak]

I haven't been around for 2years. Do they still have key cards or do you have an additional bracelet. Or do they scan your bracelet?

Last summer, they scanned our magic bands. I believe the main pool at the Poly, once complete, will be gated. I wonder if they'll require magic bands to enter. I would hope so, but my experience at Kidani has been that, while the gate is there, it's never been locked. Something tells me seeing wishes from the pool at the Poly will make it quite popular.

 

[jlundeen]

One year, we were in a motorhome in the Fort Wilderness Campground, and our "neighbors" told us that they would never go to the parks when they stayed there, they would just get on the bus, and go "resort hopping" and use the great pools.

This was several years ago now, but even then, we just didn't feel that it was right that someone not staying at a resort could use the pools for free, when guests at the resort were paying for that as part of the room charge.

Glad to hear that CMs are working to keep the amenities that BC guests are paying for are reserved for those guests.

 

[Suzanne74]

Last summer, they scanned our magic bands. I believe the main pool at the Poly, once complete, will be gated. I wonder if they'll require magic bands to enter. I would hope so, but my experience at Kidani has been that, while the gate is there, it's never been locked. Something tells me seeing wishes from the pool at the Poly will make it quite popular.

So SAB is gated and they scan your band before entering?

 

[Wood Nymph]

I haven't been around for 2years. Do they still have key cards or do you have an additional bracelet. Or do they scan your bracelet?

So SAB is gated and they scan your band before entering?

They scan your MagicBands and they give you a paper wristband to wear.

FWIW - they have used the wristband method of keeping non-resort guests out of SAB for a very long time. I bet it has been in place for ten to fifteen years, although they looked at your key card back then..

Last summer, they scanned our magic bands. I believe the main pool at the Poly, once complete, will be gated. I wonder if they'll require magic bands to enter. I would hope so, but my experience at Kidani has been that, while the gate is there, it's never been locked. Something tells me seeing wishes from the pool at the Poly will make it quite popular.

They built a fence at the WL, too, but they don't check to make sure you are resort guests. Hopefully, the gate will scare away some of the resort hoppers. I can't wait to see what they do with the Poly's Volcano pool, since that resort gets lots of trespassers.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

FYI- I have started the trip report from my recent visit to the Dark Side and have a couple of chapters posted. The report is not for everyone (Teena, you may be excused from participating ), but if you have an upcoming trip to Universal/Islands of Adventure you may want to join in.

Click on "Escaping Snowy New England for Freezing Florida" in my signature.

:

lol poor Teena but this made me laugh out loud!!

So SAB is gated and they scan your band before entering?

It's not gated but every entrance point is staffed and eligibility to use pool is checked

 

[Wood Nymph]

I have never stayed here at the Beach Club any recommendations of what to ask for as far as Room location or anything else. There is total of 6 of us 2 adults, 2 16 yr. olds, 11 yr. old and a 8 yr. old

We like the lower floors of the villas building because there are a lot of exit doors that will get you to your room quicker than taking the elevator. And a low floor means less stairs to climb. I also like a room that faces Epcot and is located close to the BC resort. Some people like to face the villas pool. You want to avoid the area that is farthest from the BC, near the parking lot, because it is close to a service area and a road that the buses use.

 

[natebenma]

I have never stayed here at the Beach Club any recommendations of what to ask for as far as Room location or anything else. There is total of 6 of us 2 adults, 2 16 yr. olds, 11 yr. old and a 8 yr. old

You will be in a 2BR at BCV, correct?

I have never stayed in the villas, so I can't really offer you specific advice. All of the villa rooms have full balconies, so you don't need to request that.

From what I have read, the views at the villas are not terrible, but nothing to write home about, so I don't know that you should make a request based on view.

Some of the things you may want to consider are whether you prefer to be on the first floor or an upper floor. Close to an elevator. Close to transportation.

Perhaps others more familiar with this part of the resort can offer additional insight.

We received this letter from Disney regarding our upcoming (April 15th) stay at the BC (GV room):


We are delighted you have chosen to stay with us at Disney's Beach Club Resort, your charming home-away-from-home nestled on the cusp of Crescent Lake, and we are excited to host you as our Guest!

In an effort to continually enhance the Guest experience and spread magic here at the Walt Disney World Resort, we often refresh our offerings and atmosphere. In preparation of your upcoming stay, we wanted to make you aware that Resort refurbishment will be taking place during your visit. This refurbishment should have minimal impact on you and your vacation; however, we wanted to make you aware since you may overhear our magic-making. Construction is scheduled to occur daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All of our unique Resort amenities, including our shopping, dining and recreation experiences, will remain open to you during your stay. While you may experience our work in progress, please know that we are making every effort to ensure your comfort and enjoyment of all that we have to offer. Guests have been cherishing the delightful, seaside magic of our Resort for nearly 25 years, and we are excited to share that magic with you!

If you need assistance with your reservation, please contact your original booking agent listed on your confirmation letter. If you booked through the Walt Disney World Resort or have additional questions, please call 877-676-6873 and one of our Cast Members will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Miriam A. Flynn
General Manager of Disney's Beach Club Resort

Thanks for sharing this!!!

:

Stormalong Bay Access

I am sitting in the shade by the YC entrance to Stormalong bay.
I just witnessed three women and their brood of kids try to access the pool, saying they valet parked so they could use pool...... No. Just no.
Cast member was polite, professional, and firm in turning them away even when head of group asked to speak to a manager.

WOW!!! First time I have heard that one.

I looked on here and the club level threads but I can't seem to find this info out. If I am wrong, please point me in the right direction.

Do the standard club level rooms have balconies? All, some or none? I realize the deluxe CL rooms have some and it needs to be a request (not guaranteed) but not sure about the standard ones. Also, are they all on the 5th floor? I have never been to Beach Club, have no idea where the CL rooms are besides 5th floor (but read somewhere some are on 4th?) but also in relation to the front desk, CL lounge etc...


I went investigating and if you look at the link it will show you the floor plan and there is indeed a large spot where the service elevator is on all levels next to the 699 rooms. They are considered water view rooms. What I don't know is if the 675 rooms also hear this noise or are they positioned to not hear it? There seems to be more of a gap there.

http://touringplans.com/hotel_maps/160/building?hotel=226&building=160&filters[lobby_distance]=any&filters[ug]=&filters[rate_date]=2015-03-09&filters[view]=276&filters[sound]=any&filters[floors]=any&filters[rack_rate]=any&filters[transportation_distance]=any&filters[accessibility]=any&no_draw=false&rooms=true&floor=5

Some BCL SV CL rooms have balconies. All of the Standard CL rooms are on the 5th floor. When we were there last you had to use your room key to even get the elevator to go to 5. Not sure if that is still in place.

The majority of BC CL SV rooms have full balconies. According to my calculations throughout the years, about 3/4 of the rooms do. Yes all of the regular (non-suite) CL rooms are on the 5th floor.

I am really terrible at describing things, but the main elevators that are in between the lobby and the Beach Club Marketplace will take you up to the 5th floor (after tapping your magic band) and the elevator takes you just outside the club lounge. I think the rooms go off in a couple of hallways from there, but not towards EPCOT. I don't think there are any (or many) rooms in the "east wing" portion of the resort.

So SAB is gated and they scan your band before entering?

Each entrance to SAB has a CM who scans your Magic Band to make sure you are a guest of the resort.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

I am staying CL at BC Sept 8-17th. I have pool/ lagoon view. How can I make sure I don't get a 699 room? Should I request a room#. I would love a balcony.
I have been saving for this trip for 3 years. I will be so upset if I get that 699 room . I am worried

 

[shoreward]

I am staying CL at BC Sept 8-17th. I have pool/ lagoon view. How can I make sure I don't get a 699 room? Should I request a room#. I would love a balcony.
I have been saving for this trip for 3 years. I will be so upset if I get that 699 room . I am worried

There are only five rooms next to that service elevator in the entire resort, so it's very unlikely you will be assigned that room. About one week prior to arrival, put in your request for a full balcony, along with any other one or two requests you are hoping for (near elevators, near lounge, etc.).

If, for some unlucky reason, you end up being assigned room #5699, just ask the CM at the front desk for another room.

 

[tarak]

I am staying CL at BC Sept 8-17th. I have pool/ lagoon view. How can I make sure I don't get a 699 room? Should I request a room#. I would love a balcony.
I have been saving for this trip for 3 years. I will be so upset if I get that 699 room . I am worried

I would request close to lobby and perhaps even specify away from the service elevator (I would imagine they know exactly which room that would mean). When they write the room number down when you're checking in, I'd just stop the CM right there if the number ends with 699 and say "I understand that's next to the service elevator. Could you assign us to a different room? We're willing to wait if a different one is not yet available."

When we checked into the YC last summer, I knew the room I absolutely didn't want was 5238 (the dumpster view). When the CM wrote down 5232, I was pretty sure I'd be going right back to the desk to ask for a new room assignment. I was willing to give it the benefit of the doubt. But based on what's been posted here, I suspect anything with 699 will be a problem.

I wonder if it would make any sense to start a "rooms to avoid" thread with descriptions of the view booked, room number, general location of the resort, and the reasons that room is problematic. If possible, give a suggestion as to how to avoid that particular room in the future. We have the "worst view" thread, but those rooms clearly have nice views. It's the service elevator that's the issue. OTOH, that might be just too negative a thread to start.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Thank you, Do you now where on the touring plans map is the lounge?

 

[natebenma]

I am staying CL at BC Sept 8-17th. I have pool/ lagoon view. How can I make sure I don't get a 699 room? Should I request a room#. I would love a balcony.
I have been saving for this trip for 3 years. I will be so upset if I get that 699 room . I am worried

I don't know if this is a valid request, but since you are staying CL, and if this is your major concern, you may want to make your request "Not room 5699. Full balcony if possible" and email IPO and also let them know your concern about getting this room.

 

[Amanda999]

Would love to hear opinions on how disruptive the room renovations could be. E.g., How close might they put guests to a room being worked on?

Is it a bit of a gamble? (Seems I'm already gambling with getting a full balcony - important to us - and the x699 rooms. (I know, its only 5 rooms, but I always have the worst luck at things!)

We'll be there 3rd week in April, so not a sell out week.

Opinions from people who've stayed at a deluxe with room reno going on?? I have POR pref'd booked also for $700 less (6 nights). We've stayed there and its fine, but I really wanted to get back to a deluxe, I know the kids would love SAB, and I would love to be able to walk to Flower & Garden events. We'll have been at ASMo for 2 nights prior, so wouldn't change rooms once we get one. We'd be arriving on a Monday.

Help me decide! TIA!

 

[dwdeb]

They scan your MagicBands and they give you a paper wristband to wear.

FWIW - they have used the wristband method of keeping non-resort guests out of SAB for a very long time. I bet it has been in place for ten to fifteen years, although they looked at your key card back then..

They built a fence at the WL, too, but they don't check to make sure you are resort guests. Hopefully, the gate will scare away some of the resort hoppers. I can't wait to see what they do with the Poly's Volcano pool, since that resort gets lots of trespassers.

I just couldn't believe this group of people thinking they could valet park and use a resort pool!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Would love to hear opinions on how disruptive the room renovations could be. E.g., How close might they put guests to a room being worked on?

Is it a bit of a gamble? (Seems I'm already gambling with getting a full balcony - important to us - and the x699 rooms. (I know, its only 5 rooms, but I always have the worst luck at things!)

We'll be there 3rd week in April, so not a sell out week.

Opinions from people who've stayed at a deluxe with room reno going on?? I have POR pref'd booked also for $700 less (6 nights). We've stayed there and its fine, but I really wanted to get back to a deluxe, I know the kids would love SAB, and I would love to be able to walk to Flower & Garden events. We'll have been at ASMo for 2 nights prior, so wouldn't change rooms once we get one. We'd be arriving on a Monday.

Help me decide! TIA!

It isn't five rooms, it is only one. The other 4 rooms would be on non-club level floors.

I think that your chances of getting room 5699 are pretty slim, since you have booked a standard club level room and they are all on the 5th floor and only one room on the whole floor is next to the service elevator, espeically if you contact IPO and specially request not to get it.

As far as the renovations go, you will be on the fifth floor, which is completed, and I've heard that they are finished with the fourth floor renovations, too. Which means that they would be working on the third floor and lower. The work is being done during the daytime when most people are in the parks, so you should be fine. We will be there beginning April 15th and aren't really too worried about it. We've stayed at the Beach Club before when they were doing room rehabs and you usually don't even notice that it is going on. They take sections of the resort out of inventory when they do the work.

 

[michyi]

Would love to hear opinions on how disruptive the room renovations could be. E.g., How close might they put guests to a room being worked on?

Is it a bit of a gamble? (Seems I'm already gambling with getting a full balcony - important to us - and the x699 rooms. (I know, its only 5 rooms, but I always have the worst luck at things!)

We'll be there 3rd week in April, so not a sell out week.

Opinions from people who've stayed at a deluxe with room reno going on?? I have POR pref'd booked also for $700 less (6 nights). We've stayed there and its fine, but I really wanted to get back to a deluxe, I know the kids would love SAB, and I would love to be able to walk to Flower & Garden events. We'll have been at ASMo for 2 nights prior, so wouldn't change rooms once we get one. We'd be arriving on a Monday.

Help me decide! TIA!

We stayed at BC in December and we were on the 4th floor while they were renovating it. I didn't hear a sound. We were not in our room a lot, but I wasn't bothered one bit. We saw a few men and women walking around with hard hats, but no biggie. They were very nice, smiled and said hi. Loved SAB and the location of BC. I've never stayed at POR, so I can't compare. $700 is a lot of money.... Good luck deciding.