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

[Ninja Mom]

What do you call it when you put a boat dock in a vise?

"Peer" pressure!

What did I win??

~NM

 

[tarak]

Late on this, Dee, but I just wanted to wish you and your family the best of luck in transitioning your dad. I'm sure it's a huge relief that he came to the decision on his own. I suspect we'll be there in a few years with my FIL. I can only hope he's able to recognize when he should stop (although some of us think that time is already past).

I just got back from my Florida vacation and out of an fun and exciting trip, I've got to say that the Beach Club was a highlight!!! We started out by spending several days at my parent's winter house in Hobe Sound on the Atlantic Coast--lots of beach days playing in the sand and surf! And then when it was time to pack up and leave, much to my to my boys' surprise instead of heading for the airport, we drove to Disney with my Mom. I've kept this Disney trip a secret for over a year now and their reaction was all I could have hoped for. We spent three days in an Art of Animation suite, which was beautifully themed (although the resort itself always seemed crowded) and when my mom headed back home we moved over to the Beach Club.

The transfer was super-easy--we just dropped off our luggage at AoA bell services and headed to the parks for the day and then took the appropriate bus back to the resort. I had booked a Deluxe room and I was pretty sure that I was supposed to check-in on the 5th floor, but there was no line at the front desk, so I just headed there. The young man who checked us in was very nice and quick but I was a little distracted, especially by my youngest who was on the verge of a mid-afternoon tired/hot/hungry meltdown. So I heard him say something about a very nice room on the 3rd floor, but since I knew I had booked a deluxe room, I just let that one fly by.

The directions to the room were a little convoluted due to the construction on the 3rd floor--we couldn't use the main elevator--but guess who was there to give us directions!!! Teena! She not only offered to guide us, she also charmed the heck out of my crabby young one by showing him the big model of the cruise ship in the lobby and telling him all about the waterslide that goes over the ocean and the lifeboats. He's totally ready to cruise next time! Thanks you again Teena! By this time, we'd lost my Hubs and eldest, but a lovely young woman tracked us all down and whisked us away to the 5th floor to ply us with cookies and juice (for the boys) and a cocktail for me!!!

We were all much happier by the time we left for the room, but the biggest surprise was yet to come! Remember that 'nice' room the front-desk clerk was mentioning? Well, it turned out to be a newly renovated TWO-BEDROOM SUITE!!!!! OMG! I'm still thrilled just thinking about it! It was soooo beautiful and such a nice surprise. Honestly, the Beach Club, especially a deluxe room, was a bit of a splurge for us--we usually stay at moderates. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us.

I took a few pictures--my happy family was making themselves right at home--but I'm not sure how to post them. I'll have to try to figure it out later when I don't have to get ready for work. (Work? Huh? Unfamiliar concept...) I'll also have to share the story of how Neil at the concierge desk saved my butt!!!

What a wonderful upgrade!

We're almost in the double digits for our August trip. My toddler is pretty much potty-trained, but we'll definitely be in that we-have-to-get-to-a-bathroom-NOW stage. She is going through a princess stage right now that is borderline absurd. It's like she's gotten all the princess genes that completely passed her older sisters by. Oh, and she wants to meet the Beast. I'll make a few attempts at getting an ADR at BOG for dinner, but I'm not going to stress about it. There are only so many princess meets I can take. So for now, I'm sticking with Lilo and Stitch at Ohana, and working in a few other meet and greets. Honestly, I'd stand in line for Gaston. She'd probably yell at him for being so mean to "Papa." Or ask him why he isn't dead.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Just popping in to say Congratulations to this thread for making it to the Dis Forums Top Ten list this week on the WDW Podcast....

4th Place for the Month of March!! WOO HOO...way to go, BC/YC lovers!! They actually had some nice things to say about the thread, so, Dee, take a moment to pat yourself on the back for maintaining this great thread!!

(Sorry if this has already been posted - I got way behind during the frenzy with the FD this week...Congratulation to everyone who scored a great deal!!)

Do you have a link to a top ten list or is this a thing that can only be heard when listening to the podcast?

 

[jlundeen]

Do you have a link to a top ten list or is this a thing that can only be heard when listening to the podcast?

Here's a link to the Show Notes...

http://www.disunplugged.com/2015/04/28/dis-unplugged-podcast-042815-disney-world-show/

This appears about half-way down the page: Top Ten DISboards.com Threads For March 2015:

 

[Wood Nymph]

Here's a link to the Show Notes...

http://www.disunplugged.com/2015/04/28/dis-unplugged-podcast-042815-disney-world-show/

This appears about half-way down the page: Top Ten DISboards.com Threads For March 2015:

Thanks. I never go to that section of the Dis.

 

[Ninja Mom]

I just listened to that Pod cast. It's about and hour of my life that I would like back. Your mileage may vary. At the 53 minute mark they start to get close to where they mention that our thread is the #4 top thread for March. They then go on to describe the concept of the Resorts FAQ threads.

So we made the top whatever but it's more like an advertisement for the entire Dis resorts FAQ threads.

That doesn't mean that we here on the BC/YC/BCV thread don't know what an awesome job that Dee does!



THANKS DEE!!!

~NM

 

[CJK]

Anyone have the May activity schedule yet? It may be a little early yet, I'm just helping out some friends.

 

[jlundeen]

I just listened to that Pod cast. It's about and hour of my life that I would like back. Your mileage may vary. At the 53 minute mark they start to get close to where they mention that our thread is the #4 top thread for March. They then go on to describe the concept of the Resorts FAQ threads.

So we made the top whatever but it's more like an advertisement for the entire Dis resorts FAQ threads.

That doesn't mean that we here on the BC/YC/BCV thread don't know what an awesome job that Dee does!


THANKS DEE!!!

~NM

Making the top 10 is a biggie, though. There are lots of forums, and lots of threads out here...only the cream rises to the top! I don't listen to the pod cast every week, and usually when I do, it's the recorded version, so I can speed through the stuff that I'm not interested in...or endless rants...LOL

 

[ocalla]

I have to tell you, I visit many of the resort threads when deciding on our trips. And NONE of them give the updated info that this one does not do they move as fast with fun and lively chatter!!!!
Thanks Dee and all the regulars for contributing to this thread!!!
Congrats to making the top 10

 

[floridagirl61]

I think this thread is in the top ten because of Dee's hard work and the great contributors that are on this thread especially Ninja Mom and her entertaining posts.

 

[Ninja Mom]

Making the top 10 is a biggie, though. There are lots of forums, and lots of threads out here...only the cream rises to the top! I don't listen to the pod cast every week, and usually when I do, it's the recorded version, so I can speed through the stuff that I'm not interested in...or endless rants...LOL

Yes this week's rant was a doozy... It was well deserved however and I'm seeing the same thing Pete is seeing about Disney losing it's way with customer service as a COMPANY. There are many dedicated CM's who have not lost the way and, despite many many obstacles put in front of them by MANAGEMENT, these CM's still manage to give their best every day.

I posted this in the Star Wars Thread but I think it bear repeating here:
"I thought I quoted that post on Tipping Cast Members but it's not showing up... Anyway I thought I would tell everybody what I do since so many of the CM's CAN'T be tipped.

On my smart phone I've downloaded an app called "Color Notes". On some phones it's called "Sticky notes" or whatever but you get the idea.

It's basically a "Post it Note" app for your phone where you can type in text. When ever I come across a fantastic CM I make a note of the name and location city on their name tag and then I type that in my phone's Post it Note app along with a description of what was going on when the CM was being awesome.

Then on my way out of the park I stop at Guest Services and ask for one of those cards to compliment a cast member. I write down their name and city and how much I appreciated what they were doing and hand it over. The CM's working the Guest services desk are eternally grateful that you have done this for a fellow CM.

So this little tip of mine is FREE, it's EASY and it will really help to make some one else's day.

Rarely, I have had to make a note of the name, city and location of a CM that is, shall we say "Misbehaving", and turn that into Guest services. Overwhelmingly I use my Post it note phone app powers for good but it's nice to know that if I should encounter an "Evil doer" I can take care of letting guest services know that they are due for some re-training ASAP!"

I think this thread is in the top ten because of Dee's hard work and the great contributors that are on this thread especially Ninja Mom and her entertaining posts.

Thank you for your kind words! I promise I will not chase you out of Stormalong Bay if you leave your chair unattended to go get another Sunken Treasure beverage.

~NM

 

[floridagirl61]

Yes this week's rant was a doozy... It was well deserved however and I'm seeing the same thing Pete is seeing about Disney losing it's way with customer service as a COMPANY. There are many dedicated CM's who have not lost the way and, despite many many obstacles put in front of them by MANAGEMENT, these CM's still manage to give their best every day.

I posted this in the Star Wars Thread but I think it bear repeating here:
"I thought I quoted that post on Tipping Cast Members but it's not showing up... Anyway I thought I would tell everybody what I do since so many of the CM's CAN'T be tipped.

On my smart phone I've downloaded an app called "Color Notes". On some phones it's called "Sticky notes" or whatever but you get the idea.

It's basically a "Post it Note" app for your phone where you can type in text. When ever I come across a fantastic CM I make a note of the name and location city on their name tag and then I type that in my phone's Post it Note app along with a description of what was going on when the CM was being awesome.

Then on my way out of the park I stop at Guest Services and ask for one of those cards to compliment a cast member. I write down their name and city and how much I appreciated what they were doing and hand it over. The CM's working the Guest services desk are eternally grateful that you have done this for a fellow CM.

So this little tip of mine is FREE, it's EASY and it will really help to make some one else's day.

Rarely, I have had to make a note of the name, city and location of a CM that is, shall we say "Misbehaving", and turn that into Guest services. Overwhelmingly I use my Post it note phone app powers for good but it's nice to know that if I should encounter an "Evil doer" I can take care of letting guest services know that they are due for some re-training ASAP!"



Thank you for your kind words! I promise I will not chase you out of Stormalong Bay if you leave your chair unattended to go get another Sunken Treasure beverage.

~NM

Thank you Ninja Mom, I will probably be making lots of trips between the bar and my unattended chair

lol

 

[Pinkgirl]

Soooo, I got my hands on the 2016/17 provisional school holidays. WT?..... We don't go back until 5 September!!!!!! I'M waiting on my TA to get me a new price, we may be arriving a few days later. Trying not to cry however as we could have flown from our local airport but are now tied into Virgin Atlantic. To much ££ to be lost doing a total change.

 

[TooBoyz4us]

As Dee noted, the Ale and Compass will work for breakfast with the cereal, muffins, juice and coffee they have there unless you need something more. Market Place in the BC lobby is a 5 - 8 minute walk across the back side of the resort. And you have Epcot to pop into if you really need something more or you can walk around the lake to the BW area. It really isn't as bad as some would suggest. As far as location, close to transportation means close to lobby and there are some really excellent GV rooms in that proximity. However, don't discount being a little farther away from the lobby becuase the "secret entrances" (fire escapes) will get you just a few steps away from the boat dock and the walk to the lobby can also be shortened by using these rather than walking the halls. When you are there and make use of them you will see what I mean. If you add "Courtyard view" or "Gazebo view" to your room request you won't regret it. I hope you have a great time.

Katesdad

WOW,thanks Katesdad!!!!!! Thats alot of great info that you gave me

So, I can request a Courtyard or Gazebo view with a Garden/Woods view booking? Who knew???
Do you think adding either of them would diminish our chances of a near the lobby room though?
And if not, which one of the two views would you suggest more?

 

[TooBoyz4us]

I wanted to thank everyone who left a thoughtful comment or voted on the "New Thread or No" Poll. The results were 23 in favor of a new thread and 16 to just keep going with the current one. But everyone said I should do whatever I think is best. Even though I just a have little bit of work left to clean up before I get the first page to the place I want it, an unexpected family situation has arisen that will require me to head into my hometown whenever I have free time for the next couple of weeks, so for the time being, I am going to have to "Let it Go!"

:

ETA:

OK, I am not a fan of "TMI" but I am even less of a fan of vague drama posts- we are at a lifestyle crossroads with my dear dad. He has decided he is no longer comfortable driving due to some dizzy spells, which is admirable but came out of the blue for me. My brother and I will have to get him situated with a homebound situation and perhaps start the process of looking for housing where he is not living alone.

Thanks for any positive thoughts you want to send our way!

natebenma,
I am new to this thread.....but I also wanted to take a moment and wish you well with your Dad and his life changes.
Taking care of parents in this new and challenging way can be stressful for everyone.
(((hugs)))

 

[natebenma]

Anyone have the May activity schedule yet? It may be a little early yet, I'm just helping out some friends.

Too early!

But I just realized that tomorrow is May 1. I may have it sometime in the next day or two and I will post it here when I receive it.

:

 

[Wood Nymph]

We

WOW,thanks Katesdad!!!!!! Thats alot of great info that you gave me

So, I can request a Courtyard or Gazebo view with a Garden/Woods view booking? Who knew???
Do you think adding either of them would diminish our chances of a near the lobby room though?
And if not, which one of the two views would you suggest more?

We had a YC GV room that was about as close to the lobby as you can get and it also had a view of the wedding gazebo.

 

[Alli76]

Sorry about this because I am sure it has been asked and answered but I can't find it. We are staying at the yacht club and have the dining plan. I want to get our refillable mugs on first day but didn't want to walk all the way over to BC. Is there somewhere to purchase the mugs. We probably don't need to fill until the morning

Thanks everyone!

 

[natebenma]

“What kind of coffee makers are in the Beach Club rooms?”



That was my first post here on the FAQ board, in the spring of 2009, in advance of my family’s first trip to the resort.

I had corresponded with Teena a few times on the board before our trip, and she was there to greet us as we entered into the lobby for the first time. Hugs were exchanged amidst confused looks from my family, and a beautiful friendship was born.

After my second trip to the Beach Club in 2010, a new thread was started by the moderators after it reached jumbo status. But nobody was actively maintaining the thread- I think it was just two or three posts long at the time, and a lot of the pictures were from accounts that had expired so there were just blanks.

“I have pictures, I could use the info that is there add some pictures of mine and I’m sure others will help, too!”

And so, over the past 4 years or so, I have been the caretaker of this spot. I have had so much help over the years- whenever I need information, or a picture or have another request, people have volunteered to help out. This FAQ has grown from just a couple of posts to a first page with 20 posts of detailed information and photos where you can find out all about resort.

I thoroughly enjoy sharing everyone’s excitement about upcoming trips and reading reviews and comments from guests who have returned.

I have made many very real friendships with people I have finally met, and people I have yet to meet. I am extremely proud of the atmosphere fostered here on the thread- we are friendly, we are funny, we are helpful! We celebrate each other’s triumphs and sympathize when someone needs a boost. Discussions are amazingly polite here, especially when you see some of the discussions elsewhere on the DIS, with just one exception. Do not attempt to hurt a member of our family here, because we have each other’s backs!

Visiting the “virtual” Beach and Yacht Club every day has helped me deal with many difficult situations and for that, I am forever grateful!

My 13,000th post is appropriately here, and is meant to be a tribute to all of the wonderful people who have come into my life through this board.




Thank you!

Dee

Natebenma (who really wishes she had chosen the screen name Beach Club Dee 12,999 posts ago!)

Just popping in to say Congratulations to this thread for making it to the Dis Forums Top Ten list this week on the WDW Podcast....

4th Place for the Month of March!! WOO HOO...way to go, BC/YC lovers!! They actually had some nice things to say about the thread, so, Dee, take a moment to pat yourself on the back for maintaining this great thread!!

(Sorry if this has already been posted - I got way behind during the frenzy with the FD this week...Congratulation to everyone who scored a great deal!!)

I totally wrote the above words before I logged in to the thread and read this. I LOL'ed at the coincidence!

:

 

[purplepanda19438]

Dee, Good luck getting your Dad settled!