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

[natebenma]

Also want to ask how I send in positive feedback about cast members - have a list of name for BC resort but also various dining locations on the property.

Comments, Compliments or Complaints:

Who can I contact if I have concerns about something during my vacation, I have a great suggestion or better still, to compliment something wonderful about my trip or to recognize a CM who helped make my stay magical?

If you have an issue while still at the World:

You can go to City Hall or Guest Relations during your stay

If there is a problem with your room or another issue at the resort, your best bet is to go to the FRONT DESK of the resort to let them know what the problem is. Do NOT call on the telephone with resort concerns WHILE you are AT THE RESORT. These calls just go to a generic call center and your concern is placed at the back of a list. Tell the people who are on site and chances are, if it is possible, your concern will be dealt with more quickly. They will do their best to help find a solution to your needs, whatever they may be. In the off chance that you find that your problem is not being addressed in an effective manner, request to speak with a MANAGER, who often has the experience to assist the CM in helping to find a solution to your problem.

Keep in mind that the staff at the resort can't read minds so be sure to talk to someone and let them know what the problem is.

******************************************************************

After you have returned home from your stay:

email wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

or send a letter to:
Walt Disney World Guest Communications
Executive Offices
Post Office Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-0040

When you write or email, please include your name, address, phone number and email address.

If it is a comment specific to the Yacht & Beach Club, you can write to the General Manager of the resort (perhaps copy Guest Communications as well):Mim Flynn, General Manager
Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
1800 EPCOT Resort Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Another excellent way to be heard is through surveys. Surveys are sent to every guest by mail or by email after a stay.

The surveys are reviewed at the actual resort as well as WDW with a fine tooth comb!!! It's the perfect way to get your comments (good or bad) about the resort and/or cast members and/or experiences during your vacation.

If you were given incorrect information from the Central Reservations Booking Office, or if you miss resort-specific merchandise in the gift shops or if you want to recognize a CM who went out of their way to make your trip magical, this is a very effective way for the powers to be to see your message!

 

[jlundeen]

My online check-in day is a long ways off yet, but I have a question. I was told long ago to send a fax 3-5 days ahead of your arrival date for room requests...even if you do online check-in.

I've heard from other lists that they feel online check in is "useless" (others' words, not mine), and my last trip in December was that way for me, as none of my requests were honored. I know that any requests are just simply "requests", and there are no guarantees - and December was unexpectedly very busy for the first week - it's usually not that crowded yet...plus, we were at Coronado (never again!) and they didn't seem to do housekeeping until mid-afternoon, so the number of rooms available to us when we arrived was limited.

Previous to the December trip, at least some of my requests from my fax have been honored.

For those of you who go there often, is a fax better/worse/about the same as a phone request?

For this trip, we asked our Agent to put a request on our initial reservation, along with a note about our "40th anniversary", but would really like to clarify our room request when the time comes...so....fax or phone? Especially since the online check-in seems to have limited choices for BCV. Thx.

 

[natebenma]

My online check-in day is a long ways off yet, but I have a question. I was told long ago to send a fax 3-5 days ahead of your arrival date for room requests...even if you do online check-in.

I've heard from other lists that they feel online check in is "useless" (others' words, not mine), and my last trip in December was that way for me, as none of my requests were honored. I know that any requests are just simply "requests", and there are no guarantees - and December was unexpectedly very busy for the first week - it's usually not that crowded yet...plus, we were at Coronado (never again!) and they didn't seem to do housekeeping until mid-afternoon, so the number of rooms available to us when we arrived was limited.

Previous to the December trip, at least some of my requests from my fax have been honored.

For those of you who go there often, is a fax better/worse/about the same as a phone request?

For this trip, we asked our Agent to put a request on our initial reservation, along with a note about our "40th anniversary", but would really like to clarify our room request when the time comes...so....fax or phone? Especially since the online check-in seems to have limited choices for BCV. Thx.

Phone!

 

[Cluelyss]

Phone!

I've always had success calling about 3 days before check in to confirm any requests I added to my reservation, either at booking or online check in. I believe most resorts do not read/honor fax requests any more.

 

[msmama]

These are the requests for online checkin- I don't think what you are looking for is quite covered in these options so you are probably better off phoning it in.

Beach Club Villa 60 Day Check In:

Room Request Options-Choose 2 out of the four listed:

Near Elevator
Lower Floor
Woods View
Larger Balcony

I don't know why larger balcony is there. Actually, I think that option is gone now.

Can someone with an upcoming stay at BCV confirm the options for me? Thanks!

I did my online check in a couple of days ago and something to do with the Balcony was definitely an option (I think Large balcony, but don't quote me on that). Whatever the exact wording was I remember thinking it was the difference between a walk out balcony and a pope balcony (every since someone called it it that earlier in the thread, that's the only way I can think of them, lol)!!!

 

[hobbes4444]

BCV also has the small balconies that many rooms at BC "feature"? I thought there were only full balconies at BCV.

 

[LJD2143]

These are the requests for online checkin- I don't think what you are looking for is quite covered in these options so you are probably better off phoning it in.

Beach Club Villa 60 Day Check In:

Room Request Options-Choose 2 out of the four listed:

Near Elevator
Lower Floor
Woods View
Larger Balcony

I don't know why larger balcony is there. Actually, I think that option is gone now.

Can someone with an upcoming stay at BCV confirm the options for me? Thanks!

I honestly do NOT remember Pool View being an option when I did Online Check-In.
But I called to add that request to my reservation, and now it is there!

 

[natebenma]

View attachment 88545

I honestly do NOT remember Pool View being an option when I did Online Check-In.
But I called to add that request to my reservation, and now it is there!

Thanks for posting that!!!

I did my online check in a couple of days ago and something to do with the Balcony was definitely an option (I think Large balcony, but don't quote me on that). Whatever the exact wording was I remember thinking it was the difference between a walk out balcony and a pope balcony (every since someone called it it that earlier in the thread, that's the only way I can think of them, lol)!!!

BCV also has the small balconies that many rooms at BC "feature"? I thought there were only full balconies at BCV.

That's why I was confused at that option. I believe all of the rooms at BCV have a full balcony. There are some smaller balconies, I think, but they are part of rooms that have full balconies, too, like the 1 BR and 2 BR.

Again, I'm no expert at the DVC properties, so those of you who are, please correct me if I am wrong or if you can add something to my description.

:

 

[cgulls]

Does the Marketplace have its own phone number? If so, can somebody share it with me? I can't find it anywhere!

In a related question, does anybody know:

1) what brand sunscreen the Marketplace sells
2) if they sell basic pharmaceuticals such as benedryl and advil (and if so, do they have kids versions?)

Thanks!

 

[shoreward]

I need your expert help on my line up.
Question 1, we land at 5:30 PM and will be getting a rental car. Could I make a FP for Epcot for 8PM ? Or is that pushing it
If you don't already belong to that rental company's frequent renter program, sign up; it should speed up the time it takes to pick up your car, and you may be able to skip the airport counter, entirely, and just go directly to the rental cars. Allow about 1/2 hour driving time from MCO to the resort, not allowing for any heavy traffic conditions.

Question 2. On our AK day, I have a breakfast ADR at AK but then I made a ADR for Beaches and Cream for 1 PM. We have a rental car, how far is BC from AK?
Once you exit the parking lot of Animal Kingdom, allow about a 10-15 minute drive, not accounting for any heavy traffic conditions.

part 2 of question 2. On our DHS day we have lunch at Mamma Melrose at 11:30 with Fantasmic at 8:30, should I do Beaches and Cream that night for dinner? If so, what time should I do dinner to get to Fantasmic on time with the dinner package seating?

Plan on being at Fantasmic at least one hour before showtime, for good seats; your seats are first-come, first-served in this special seating area, even though you have the package booked. I would plan on 45 minutes time following dinner, for getting to DHS, whether you take the boat or walk.

 

[shoreward]

Does the Marketplace have its own phone number? If so, can somebody share it with me? I can't find it anywhere!

In a related question, does anybody know:

1) what brand sunscreen the Marketplace sells
2) if they sell basic pharmaceuticals such as benedryl and advil (and if so, do they have kids versions?)

Thanks!

Most Disney shops sell Coppertone, including the kids' version. Basic over the counter meds are available, such as Advil, but I'm not sure about allergy meds. Be prepared for sticker shock, though, if you purchase these items at Disney. It's good if you need to pick up something in an emergency, or if you forgot to pack something.

You could try reaching the Marketplace by calling 407-934-8000 and asking to be connected to the Marketplace, but I'm not sure if that will work.

Update: Looking at Dee's excellent photos, you can see that the Marketplace sells both Benadryl and Claritin for allergy relief.

 

[natebenma]

In the Marketplace/Gift shop post on Page 1, I have a link to picture thread that has photos of some of the medicine and other sundries available at the BC Marketplace.

http://www.disboards.com/threads/all-new-bc-marketplace-thread-2014-update.3007564/page-2


Hmmm.... I didn't see my July 2013 photos there. I'll have to add those to the thread when I have a chance. Here are a few:

 

[Wood Nymph]

We just arrived at the Beach Club. We got a refurbished room with a king bed.

 

[cgulls]

In the Marketplace/Gift shop post on Page 1, I have a link to picture thread that has photos of some of the medicine and other sundries available at the BC Marketplace.

http://www.disboards.com/threads/all-new-bc-marketplace-thread-2014-update.3007564/page-2


Hmmm.... I didn't see my July 2013 photos there. I'll have to add those to the thread when I have a chance. Here are a few:

View attachment 88547


View attachment 88548



View attachment 88549



View attachment 88550



View attachment 88554

Thanks! I was only finding what I thought were older updates. That's what I needed.

 

[pas130]

We just arrived at the Beach Club. We got a refurbished room with a king bed.

Enjoy!!!

 

[MickeyT]

BCV also has the small balconies that many rooms at BC "feature"? I thought there were only full balconies at BCV.

They are all 'full' balconies. Just some larger than others.

 

[mommyrosa2]

ADR date for our October trip is next week...can't wait!

Quick question: Anyone know how many rooms at the BC CL have king beds? Just wondering if it's worth even requesting.

 

[RealJimmyGalaxy]

Snip....


Does that help to get you started or do you have some other specific questions?

Just be careful- reading and writing trip reports can be addictive! I have made some very dear friends over the years just by "meeting" them and their families through sharing our trips and a mutual love of Disney.

:[/QUOTE]

That's is perfect I will start writing up this weekend. I also have 1,800 photos to sort through and save.
In the meantime I will share my feedback letter sent to Guest relations today - just reading it back gets me teary eyed from how incredible it was there.

xoxox Jimmy

 

[LisaCM614]

Does the Marketplace have its own phone number? If so, can somebody share it with me? I can't find it anywhere!

In a related question, does anybody know:

1) what brand sunscreen the Marketplace sells
2) if they sell basic pharmaceuticals such as benedryl and advil (and if so, do they have kids versions?)

Thanks!

I know you already got your answers but I wanted you to know that that cost of children's advil and dimetap was the same price as if I had bought it in a supermarket in CT - 6.99. I knew I needed Children's advil but we were out at home and I didn't have time to run to the store before our flight. I picked it up right after check in. Yes I was traveling with a kid who had a sinus infection!

 

[RealJimmyGalaxy]

Hello All - while I prepare my trip report. (Thanks for the tips on how to do this) Wanted to share the email I just sent to guest relations to tell them how much we loved Disney World. Teary eyed writing it! Hope you enjoy...


------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello team Disney!


We have made it home after an incredible 14 nights at the Beach Club Resort in Orlando and I felt it important to write back to thank the whole team and share some feedback with you.
This was a special trip for us as a family – my mother in law passed away last Fall and this was an opportunity to go with my partner, sister in law and nieces and nephew to connect as a family, remember her life and lift our spirits. We spent a lot of money to take this holiday but we achieved all of these things and more and only because of the incredible work you have all done in creating Disney World.


The Beach Club Resort


Everything about the hotel was incredible, from the moment we checked in to the Club Level were made to feel like royalty and nothing seemed liked too much trouble.
Every cast member, every day smiled, talked to us and helped us to get the most out of the stay. The newly renovated rooms overlooking the amazing storm along bay and lagoon were so comfortable and the mouse-keepers are some of the best housekeepers I have ever had on a holiday – the towel art from Stella was wonderful to see every day. Staying at Beach Club has set a new standard for my vacations and don’t think I’ll take another holiday like this for a while! The only bit of constructive feedback I would offer is the concierge desk staff didn’t all have the same level of knowledge and seemed to find the multiple systems hard to navigate – on quite a few times felt like I knew more than them!


Special mention to Lauren on Stone Harbor Club concierge desk – she is a credit to Disney and was by far the best concierge team member in terms of knowledge, ability to deal with every question we had and help us get what we needed. I will be emailing Lauren directly at the IPO Beach Club to thank her!

The Dining Plan food & Service


We took the Deluxe plan and so happy we made the choice – the food and our meal times were very memorable. This part of the trip came as unexpected as you would think going to Disney it is all about the parks but we had so much quality family time eating together, every day! 50’s prime time, Yachtsman, Le Cellier, California Grill, Garden Grill, Hollywood Brown Derby, Flying Fish, Biergarten, Royal; Table, and more all fantastic – my friends back home think I’m crazy saying the food at Disney is good but I’m a real advocate now! Everywhere we ate cast members helped us navigate the menus, got us great tables, helped the fussy children find something they would like.

Only complaint is I ate way too much good food so now I’m back on my gym sessions and healthy eating!


Special mentions to following cast members


· Brannon at 50’s prime time – our number 1 server all holiday. He created a super memorable visit, the kids loved his humour and character and made the food taste even better. (picture attached) Please tell him and his manager that we think he rocks and should keep doing what he does to make families holidays so fantastic

· Ellen at the Garden Grill – such an amazing server. Warm, accommodating – just like eating with my mum on a Sunday . Plus this what the best character dining experience for us

· Roy at the Yachtsman – what a crazy, lovely guy. Such a character and loved his job and the food

· Chris at Flying Fish – the most traditional / formal of our servers but talked to the menu with such passion and really took care of the adults and the kids

· Stephanie at Biergarten – so happy to be at Epcot, loving her experience and helped us to connect with the German dishes, drinks and entertainment

· Our server (from Norway Breakfast) – I have lost her name but very excited and proud of Norway and helped us enjoy the Princess Breakfast

· The whole team at Beaches and Cream who made ordering the Kitchen Sink such a fund experience ‘A Whole Can!”


Not a traditional dining occasion but also special mention to Bree who looked after us at our Cabanas at both Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon. She as with us every 10 mins asking to get us more food or drinks, telling us which slides to ride and how to get the best out of our day in the water parks. Without her time at the Water Parks wouldn't have been as good.


The Parks


We made time to visit Universal too and I must say that we’re not too bothered about going back there again! What they have in thrills and potter they lack in bucket loads of magic, world class service, fantastic food, cleanliness and atmosphere. I don’t think they can ever capture the feeling of that first ride on It’s A Small World, or the emotion of watching Wishes for the fifth time – the excitement of pin trading with the cast members. The joy of trying the Dole Whip and other amazing snacks or the madness of lining up for 50 mins to meet Jasmine and Aladdin in the heat. Everyone from the 7 year old to the 42 year old connected in a deep way to the whole ethos of the parks and what you have tried to create. It all started and ends with the Mouse!


Now I must get on to saving for our next visit in 2018 when I come back with my god-daughter – we can't wait to return!


Thanks again for everything – Jimmy and Curtis/Witt/O'Mara family