2014 Beach & Yacht Club FAQ, Friends & Fun *DO NOT POST HERE- FIND NEW THREAD*

[msdroz]

The months of buying Disney gift cards has paid down the bill to $636! I just wanted to celebrate a bit.



Who will be with us at our home away from home on July 16-24? If so, interested in joining my mum and I on an Illuminations cruise?

What a great feeling! Just curious, how do you pay your balance with Dis Gift Cards? Thanks!

 

[msdroz]

It truly made me love the BC even more, and I can't imagine staying anywhere else!!

Great trip report, and loved your photos. Your trip sounded like the perfect balance between fun and relaxation!

 

[rev02a]

What a great feeling! Just curious, how do you pay your balance with Dis Gift Cards? Thanks!

I use my Target Red card to buy Disney GCs (with 5% off). Then I hunker down with a good movie and My Disney Experience (the slowest website on this green Earth ) and plug them in one at a time in $50 increments.

It's a slow process, but the savings are nice.

You can also call a CM and do this over the phone. It's about the same speed.

 

[Pinkgirl]

I use my Target Red card to buy Disney GCs (with 5% off). Then I hunker down with a good movie and My Disney Experience (the slowest website on this green Earth ) and plug them in one at a time in $50 increments.

It's a slow process, but the savings are nice.

You can also call a CM and do this over the phone. It's about the same speed.

Your last sentence

 

[SUSIEQ]

Yay - thanks so much! I think I'm abandoning the dole whip with rum in favor of the pink slushie - lighter and more interesting! Only 9 more days!! Keep enjoying your trip!!!

WDW, thanks so much for your report - sounds wonderful!

Or, do like I did this past week, have both, many times over! I really enjoyed the Dole Whip with the coconut rum, and the pink slushie is also very good!

 

[Bellabully]

Hey fellow Rhode Islander! We'll also be there during that time but on the YC side. I am so looking forward to the warmth and spring flowers! We're getting close to our visit!

Hi Melanie!
So looking forward to the warmth as well, we were hit harder then usual this winter. YC looks like a beautiful resort, enjoy! Yay, almost time!! Can't wait for Sunken Treasure by SAB Shelly

 

[msdroz]

I use my Target Red card to buy Disney GCs (with 5% off). Then I hunker down with a good movie and My Disney Experience (the slowest website on this green Earth ) and plug them in one at a time in $50 increments.

Thank you! We booked through a travel agent so I'll have to ask if they can do that for me hmm they might not have the patience lol

 

[scottmel]

I use my Target Red card to buy Disney GCs (with 5% off). Then I hunker down with a good movie and My Disney Experience (the slowest website on this green Earth ) and plug them in one at a time in $50 increments.

It's a slow process, but the savings are nice.

You can also call a CM and do this over the phone. It's about the same speed.

Where do you put the gift cards in at on my Disney experience? I can't see where my balance is...

 

[msdroz]

Hi there... I know that the differences between the two hotels have been discussed but it seems to me that several more people on this board prefer the Beach Club. I've only stayed at the Yacht Club once and we booked there again. My question is... what about your preference (be it the YC or the BC) is so important that you choose one over the other? I'm under the impression that people stay loyal to one or the other!

My answer is we book YC because of the balcony

 

[Ninja Mom]

Now I have an assignment for Ninja Mom - tell me what type of tourist my DH is.

He is "The one you have to DRAG out of the park". This is the person who didn't originally want to go to WDW and let you know repeatedly before the trip began, this is why it's such a shock that you find yourself on a bench waiting for him to ride Pirates six more times. "Mr. or Mrs. Not ready to leave yet" will pull you toward every ride he or she passes on the way out of the parks (Even that Stitch abomination). This person is frequently chased out to the parks by the cleaning staff, who are pushing the late night lingerers down Main Street at closing with those God forsaken, 200 decibel, vacuum cleaners they are pretending to vacuum the park with, when really, we all know they are just trying to chase you out of the hub with them.

(Side note: These machines are how the park staff pries Ninja Mom off of the "Partners statue" at closing and makes her leave for the night. Nannette can attest to this fact...)

Just wanted to add that while we were there I intended to book the BB for our August trip. I had already booked a rack rate Garden View for August 22-27, assuming I would apply the discount when it came out. When I called from the room, the BB wasn't available for my dates for ANY room at the BC and same thing for the Summer discount. The CM I spoke with was wonderful, and tried his best to do anything, even changing my dates a little bit. Nothing. I did purchase an AP while I was there, so I am praying a good AP rate comes out and has some availability for the end of August.

Never fear NINJA MOM is HERE!

They usually do come out with a bone for the AP Pass holders sometime prior to a specific time period. The key here is to be on the lookout and book as soon as you hear that the rate is out because they only set aside so many rooms at that rate for that given period of time.

I'd monitor the Thread in Forum called Disney Discount Codes and Rates.
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=93

The people that post there are faster than greased lightning with the announcement of the latest discount.

The key with any discount is to book what ever you can get, as soon as you can get it and then look for better deals to come out (maybe they do... maybe they don't...) and then upgrade with the better discount AS SOON AS IT COMES OUT. I have no problem calling and having the CM check to see if the new discount is better for my budget. If I should happen to call and get a CM that is not the best informed about checking prices I sign off with them and call again to get someone else... someone who hopefully who is better equipped to run the numbers.

~NM

 

[mickeymotto]

Hi there... I know that the differences between the two hotels have been discussed but it seems to me that several more people on this board prefer the Beach Club. I've only stayed at the Yacht Club once and we booked there again. My question is... what about your preference (be it the YC or the BC) is so important that you choose one over the other? I'm under the impression that people stay loyal to one or the other!

My answer is we book YC because of the balcony

I'm interested in hearing the responses on this as well. We have also stayed at the Yacht Club and loved it, but are planning a stay at the Beach Club for our next trip.

 

[Ninja Mom]

Hi there... I know that the differences between the two hotels have been discussed but it seems to me that several more people on this board prefer the Beach Club. I've only stayed at the Yacht Club once and we booked there again. My question is... what about your preference (be it the YC or the BC) is so important that you choose one over the other? I'm under the impression that people stay loyal to one or the other!

My answer is we book YC because of the balcony

Ninja Mom is way too "feral" for the Yacht Club. Every time I try to sneak over there the Admiral working the front door makes me walk the plank back to the Beach Club. Who knew "No shoes, No Shirt, No service!" would be taken so literally, especially in the Laundry room.

~NM
Edited to add: We have much better parties in the laundry room at the Beach Club than anything they throw over at the Yacht Club. Muffy and Spencer may know how to mix a mean 'Sea breeze' but they've got nothing on our Beach Club 'Sunken Treasure' and the arts and crafts we make with the dryer lint at the BC are sold in the fine galleries on the Boardwalk for tens of dollars.

 

[mickeymotto]

The "Eiffel Sour Slush" during Food & Wine is also fantastic!!

Yum!

I only have one complaint. The glasses are NOT big enough!

 

[scottmel]

Hi there... I know that the differences between the two hotels have been discussed but it seems to me that several more people on this board prefer the Beach Club. I've only stayed at the Yacht Club once and we booked there again. My question is... what about your preference (be it the YC or the BC) is so important that you choose one over the other? I'm under the impression that people stay loyal to one or the other!

My answer is we book YC because of the balcony

We usually stay club level and YC is preferable to me b/c of balconies, size of club lounge, décor, etc. I think the rooms take more of a beating at BC...

Honestly they really are the same hotel I think they are perceived differently. We stayed 5x at YC and 1x BC and prefer the YC for reasons listed above.

 

[lvloopingbag]

I agree with scottmel....

 

[YCFAN]

I agree with scottmel....

Me too!

 

[helenb]

Hi there... I know that the differences between the two hotels have been discussed but it seems to me that several more people on this board prefer the Beach Club. I've only stayed at the Yacht Club once and we booked there again. My question is... what about your preference (be it the YC or the BC) is so important that you choose one over the other? I'm under the impression that people stay loyal to one or the other!

My answer is we book YC because of the balcony

We just fell in love with the location at the Beach Club, being one of the rooms right next the 'secret exit' to Epcot and literally 1 minute away from the International Gateway, plus being able to see the Illuminations fireworks from our patio every night. That combination is worth a lot to us... but clearly not that much, because we decided to switch to Yacht Club to save $1,200 on our upcoming June trip. Also, IIRC, it's easier to get a daybed at BC.

 

[Wood Nymph]

The "Eiffel Sour Slush" during Food & Wine is also fantastic!!

That's looks good. I'll be sure to get that when we return in October.

He is "The one you have to DRAG out of the park". This is the person who didn't originally want to go to WDW and let you know repeatedly before the trip began, this is why it's such a shock that you find yourself on a bench waiting for him to ride Pirates six more times. "Mr. or Mrs. Not ready to leave yet" will pull you toward every ride he or she passes on the way out of the parks (Even that Stitch abomination). This person is frequently chased out to the parks by the cleaning staff, who are pushing the late night lingerers down Main Street at closing with those God forsaken, 200 decibel, vacuum cleaners they are pretending to vacuum the park with, when really, we all know they are just trying to chase you out of the hub with them.
~NM

Pirates is his favorite ride at MK and he has to ride it multiple times each trip, too.

I am horrible at live reports, so I figured I would just give you all a summary of our AWESOME quick stay at the BC this week!

We were in Orlando for 8 days for our daughter's college lacrosse tournament at ESPN. We stayed 5 nights offsite with the team, and then my DH and I snuck away for two nights at the BC. We couldn't wait to get to the BC, so we checked out of the condo at 6:30 AM and headed over to the Beach Club - it was still dark outside ! The place seeemd deserted.....Mary checked us in, and she was so nice and funny too. We had booked a Garden View room and received a magical upgrade to a king lagoon view BUT.....we had a friend who would be joining us for only one night last minute, so when I went to add her to our reservation, we lost our upgrade....but oh well...we lucked out anyway, as you will see. Mary said there were lots of rooms ready (surprising) but none had a full balcony. We decided we would wait for one to be available since we had to leave for a game anyway. We stored our luggage with Bell Services, walked around the Boardwalk, had breakfast at the Bakery, and left.

We were at ESPN until about 2:00, and the text that our room was ready came as we were pulling in to the BC. I love that they text you the room number so you can go right there, since we already had our magic bands activated at check in. We were in room 4585,

It was a great room, right on the corner, and even though you had to turn slightly to the left to see the water view, it was perfect. Very large balcony, no daybed. We loved it! It was spotless when we arrived.

Thanks for the trip report. What a lovely trip you had. Our room is in the same section of the BC as you were in, except on a different floor and across the hall. It was nice and close to the lobby.

_________________________________

More information about the tea at the BC Marketplace - I asked the CM if she minded if I took a picture of all the tea bags in the box, since there was no way I was going to remember them all. Here is a picture and the list of tea:
Earl Grey and Earl Grey Decaf
English Breakfast and English Breakfast decaf
Chamomile
Green tea
Ceylon Orange Pekoe
Black Tea
Darjeeling tea - not in picture

And here is a picture of the box of tea at the YC's Ale and Compass. The BC tea comes in a box, too, that is behind the counter. I just laid out all the tea for the picture.

__________________________________

Today was another really great day. We walked up to the MK bus stop just as the bus was pulling up. We met my sister and friend at Be Our Guest for Lunch and had a good meal. I had gotten the gluten free lemon raspberry creme puff to share with my sister, who has Celiac's disease and can't eat wheat at all, and we both loved it. Next time I'll get one of my own.

We saw Enchanted Tales with Belle for the first time and it was really cute. Even my DH was smiling throughout the show, since the kids were so cute. We had a three year old "Beast" who giggled instead of growled. The whole thing was adorable, a real "feel good show".

Tonight we had dinner at La Hacienda de San Angel in Epcot, a first time restaurant for us. I had heard a lot of good things about the food, and it was really good. My DH and I had the meat trio and my sister and friend had the seafood trio, and we all shared it. Along with the queso fundido appetizer, we had a very delicious meal. We had a great time.

We saw Illuminations and called it a night. It was a lovely day.

We are hoping to see Teena tomorrow.

 

[HBGdancermom]

Just wanted to add that while we were there I intended to book the BB for our August trip. I had already booked a rack rate Garden View for August 22-27, assuming I would apply the discount when it came out. When I called from the room, the BB wasn't available for my dates for ANY room at the BC and same thing for the Summer discount. The CM I spoke with was wonderful, and tried his best to do anything, even changing my dates a little bit. Nothing. I did purchase an AP while I was there, so I am praying a good AP rate comes out and has some availability for the end of August.

That's for the trip report!!!! )

 

[natebenma]

page 148-150

The "Eiffel Sour Slush" during Food & Wine is also fantastic!!

THAT is a beautiful picture.

And also illustrates the next comment...

Awesome! Can't wait to try one myself and only 127 days to go. Now I understand why putting it in a mug is such a terrific idea. It would be challenging to walk around with that martini glass. BTW, is the glass it comes in plastic and do you return it, throw it away or keep it when finished?

Just love this thread

This may be the best tip found on this thread!

Take the glamour shot of the drink, then pour it into a refill mug, plop in a straw, and enjoy! Repeat!

Or, do like I did this past week, have both, many times over! I really enjoyed the Dole Whip with the coconut rum, and the pink slushie is also very good!

Nice!!!

I think I have welcomed you to the thread already, but just in case...

I am horrible at live reports, so I figured I would just give you all a summary of our AWESOME quick stay at the BC this week!

*SNIP*

This stay truly made me love the BC even more, and I can't imagine staying anywhere else!!

Great report!!! I am so glad to hear you had a fabulous stay!

Would you mind adding your view pictures/room description to the BC View Thread, or is ok if I do it?

Gorgeous photo!!!

I use my Target Red card to buy Disney GCs (with 5% off). Then I hunker down with a good movie and My Disney Experience (the slowest website on this green Earth ) and plug them in one at a time in $50 increments.

It's a slow process, but the savings are nice.

You can also call a CM and do this over the phone. It's about the same speed.

Thanks for the explanation.

FYI- you can also purchase Disney Gift Cards at Sam's Club for a discount. Last year I double-dipped...

My son's school has a gift card fundraiser so I purchase cards for Sam's Club and the school gets 2.5% of the sales total. I use these cards to purchase Disney Gift Cards there, at a 6% discount.

Win-Win!

Like you said, it can take some time to call or type in the gift card numbers, but so worth it!

Hi there... I know that the differences between the two hotels have been discussed but it seems to me that several more people on this board prefer the Beach Club. I've only stayed at the Yacht Club once and we booked there again. My question is... what about your preference (be it the YC or the BC) is so important that you choose one over the other? I'm under the impression that people stay loyal to one or the other!

My answer is we book YC because of the balcony

I'm interested in hearing the responses on this as well. We have also stayed at the Yacht Club and loved it, but are planning a stay at the Beach Club for our next trip.

When is your trip? I don't believe I have you on the Be Our Guest list.




I bleed Beach Club Blue- I have stayed at the Beach Club 3 times and have no stays at the Yacht Club. I am a beachy person and prefer the lighter colors and décor at the BC. Plus one of my favorite people in the world works there!

But given all that, I still would not hesitate or be disappointed with a stay at the Yacht Club.

The full balconies there are a big bonus, but I am happy to say I have been very lucky with my Beach Club stays- I have had a full balcony each time.

I agree with scottmel....

to the thread!

More information about the tea at the BC Marketplace - I asked the CM if she minded if I took a picture of all the tea bags in the box, since there was no way I was going to remember them all. Here is a picture and the list of tea:
Earl Grey and Earl Grey Decaf
English Breakfast and English Breakfast decaf
Chamomile
Green tea
Ceylon Orange Pekoe
Black Tea
Darjeeling tea - not in picture

And here is a picture of the box of tea at the YC's Ale and Compass. The BC tea comes in a box, too, that is behind the counter. I just laid out all the tea for the picture.

__________________________________

Tonight we had dinner at La Hacienda de San Angel in Epcot, a first time restaurant for us. I had heard a lot of good things about the food, and it was really good. My DH and I had the meat trio and my sister and friend had the seafood trio, and we all shared it. Along with the queso fundido appetizer, we had a very delicious meal. We had a great time.

We are hoping to see Teena tomorrow.

Again, thanks for the really great info and fantastic report!

I'll add the tea info to the Marketplace thread.

I am so glad you had a nice meal at La Hacienda! Now I get really nervous when people plan to eat there because I made such a big deal about how good the food was!