Any Beach Club/BC Villas questions?

[PKWallaby]

Just returned from a one night BC, 5 night BC Villas stay. I won't claim to be an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but since we were just there, if anyone has questions, I would love to help out.

We had a super time, gotta love 80 degree temps in early February!!!

Now back to shoveling my driveway

 

[BCV23]

Were you in a studio, 1 or 2 BR at BCV? Did you enjoy it? How about BC? What were your views? Did you checkin for BCV in the BC or BCV lobby?

And I can't tell you how sick I am of shoveling this winter! A week or so ago, we had already had 23 measurable snows and we've had several more since. FL sounds very sweet now. Good luck with your shoveling!

 

[PKWallaby]

BCV23: Sorry for the slow response...out of town with hockey last weekend!

At BC we were in room #407. It faced the water although I booked stnd view. It was right above B&C so we actually looked at the backside of the roof/peak above B&C but we could see Boardwalk and the Dance Hall...since I was planning on looking at a parking lot, that view was just fine to me!

We were only in the BC portion for one night...bell services held our luggage after we cked out the next AM and once our BCV room was ready later that afternoon, they followed us up to the new room with our bags and groceries. We cked into both rooms in the BC lobby.

At BCV we were in a one bedroom, #329...we had a fairly good view of Illuminations and could see the top of The American Adventure and the Eiffel tower. We loved the quick walk to the Internatl gateway at Epcot, although there was scafolding erected above most of the path right before the exit, so it was a little wierd walking at night.

My kids grew tired of the walk from BCV to SAB after 2 days, so they decided the quiet pool was just right for them...I think they were just happy to have water to play in rather than walk on top of!

My only real complaint had to be the busses...since BC was the last stop, very often we had to deal with a full or nearly full bus during our trips to MK and DTD. It also made the trip back seem that much longer being the last ones dropped off. Not that big of a deal, but if I had to find one thing I was not pleased with, that was it.

Otherwise we had a super time and will keep BCV on our list of resorts to stay at. Oh, the other odd thing to me was the way the bathroom was set-up in the one bedroom: by placing the toilet in it's own room, there seemed to be so many doors to go thru to get from the master bath/sink to use the bathroom...maybe it was just me, but since my son was not feeling well one morning and I was going between getting myself ready and checking on him, I felt like I was in a revolving door Again, it was just something we noticed as being different between BCV and BWV one-bedrooms.

We also tried Cape May Cafe for breakfast on Sunday...so glad to have ressies after hearing the hostess tell both groups ahead of us there was one hour wait. After reading about Cape May on DIS, I assumed this was a less used character meal, so the wait time did surprise me...we would like to try it for dinner some time as well.(of course I will make a ressie!! )

So sad to be back in the cold and snow...but good memories of this trip will keep us going until spring(that and plans to return to WDW in 2009!!! )

 

[shmedly123]

We're heading down to the BC in a couple of weeks...I can't wait as living in NH i know exactly what you mean about the snow. We've had a weird winter, although we only got slammed once it seems like we have been getting that 3-4 inch snow/sleet storm once a week for the past two months.

How far is the walk to the Boardwalk from the BC. I know they say it is walking distance but is it a 5 minute walk or a 15 minute walk?

 

[PKWallaby]

Depending on how fast you walk, it could be as quick as 5 minutes, or take 15 if you stop to look at all the beautiful scenery(how is that for an answer!! ) It will also depend on where you room is, and what part of Boardwalk you are headed: if you are on the end of BC closest to Epcot(near BCV) and want to go to ESPN club(which is the first building on the end if you enter from the Epcot side), you can probably reach it in under 5 minutes. Since you can walk to Boardwalk from either side of BC, the times will depend on where you start.

You also have the option of taking the boat across the lake if you catch it at the right time...there is a boat to Epcot that crosses directly to Boardwalk to pick up those guests before continuing to Epcot. You can just exit when you arrive at Boardwalk.

If only I knew how to post a link I know there is a really good map with the distances highlighted around the entire lake. Maybe someone can help out? I need a little of this

 

[pammyjsb]

Another question from a person who is tired of the snow. Also tired of the
-15 to -20 temps in the morning. Two months until our Disney land/sea vacation and I can't wait.

Maybe this is a silly question but I'm going to ask anyway. Did you guys walk to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios? They make it sound like an easy walk but just wondering how realistic that will be with three kids 4, 8 and 11. We are planning on renting a stroller once we are in the park so that makes me more nervous about the hike TO/FROM the parks.

Pam

 

[PKWallaby]

http://mosa.unity.ncsu.edu/photos/misc/epcotdvc.html


Maybe this will work?????

 

[PKWallaby]

pammyjsb:

walking to/from Epcot will be easy, seriously a 5 minute stroll to the Internatl Gateway. We never took the boat since it stops at Boardwalk and I think it takes longer to ride than walk.

walking to Hollywood with your kids might be a stretch...maybe at the end of the day if they still have energy left, but I would suggest taking the boat at the start of your day. The boat leaves the dock directly in front of Yacht Club, then makes one stop at Swan/Dolphin before going on to HS. The walking path is right alongside the boat canal so maybe you can take a look while riding to judge it for yourself. We did walk it a couple of times last year while staying at BWV(my then 6 yr old wanted to try it)...we took it slow and she did fine, but I can see where it might get to be too much if you are in a hurry and /or it is really warm out(not a lot of shade). It is a beautiful walk(or ride for that matter) but I would recommend taking the boat with kids.

Have fun planning...and even more fun when you get there!!!

 

[pammyjsb]

Wow, excellent map. Love it. That helps a great deal. Also great tips on trying the walk with kids. Think the boat will be a better option.

One more question that I can probably research to find out, but if you don't mind helping, I'll ask you. We want to see the Fantasmic show one night. What is the latest the boats run from HS back to BC?

Thanks again for all your help.

Pam

 

[Golfing Goofy]

Hi! Glad to hear that you got away from the snow....

We are going to be going to WDW for the first time ever (yipee)
& will stay at the BWI. The transportation stuff has me in knots.

I am just wondering if you ever took the Monorail from MK to Epcot at the end of the day (instead of the busses)? When you get off the Monorail, can you walk through to the BC/BW? Or is it area closed? Is that too far? Do you have to take the busses only?

Thanks for your help.

 

[PKWallaby]

Pam: we did ride the boat back after Fantasmic one night...I am not sure of the exact time when the boats stop running, but it has to be pretty late. You should not have any problem catching a ride.

Goofy: while we did ride the monorail from MK to Epcot at various times during the day, I do not recall trying it after MK closing. As long as Epcot has not yet closed, and you have hoppers, you should be able to enter Epcot and walk back to BWI. However, even with the Epcot resorts sharing buses, I think it will take longer to return via monorail(remember you have to switch at TTC to get on the Epcot monorail) than to ride the bus back. It is still a long hike from the front of Epcot all the walk back to the Internatl gateway.

Don't worry about the buses...you will need to add extra time in your plans, ie dinner ressies, etc, but the convenience of staying within walking distance to 2 parks outweighs any extra travel time to the other 2(in my little ol' opinion ) You will have a BLAST!!!

 

[PKWallaby]

Golfing Goofy: I just remembered one other thing: when returning on a shared bus, you can always get off at the Swan stop and walk over the bridge to return to BWI. The bus driver actually suggested it to riders during our last stay...he mentioned since it would be another 10-12 minutes until the Boardwalk stop, if they wanted to get back quicker, they should get off then and he gave directions to follow the path back over to Boardwalk.

just another option to reduce your transportation stress

 

[Golfing Goofy]

Thanks PKWallaby! That map is awesome and really helped me.

I am just amazed at how HUGE WDW is!!! Not until I started planning this trip and talking to people on the DIS did I even have a clue. Good thing that I came here, or else I would never have thought of doing those ADRs for meals or making a plan. YIKES! It could have been a disaster vacation.


Saved by the DIS!

 

[jenberth]

Hi! We will be staying at the BCV in a studio for our first Disney trip in April. Is there anywhere at the Beach Club to get a quick breakfast, maybe using DDP snack credits?

Thanks,
Jen

 

[Deb & Bill]

Hi! We will be staying at the BCV in a studio for our first Disney trip in April. Is there anywhere at the Beach Club to get a quick breakfast, maybe using DDP snack credits?

Thanks,
Jen

Try the Marketplace where the store is. As you leave the BCV to go to the BC, you'll walk right by it.

 

[TinkerSouthernBelle]

Hi,

Joining in the fun discussion here of the BCV. We stayed 7 nights in a 1 bedroom villa, room 546. We were there the first week of February....amazingly warm(even HOT) weather!
We booked a standard room but got upgraded to an AMAZING view of Spaceship Earth and could watch Illuminations from our balcony!

Some helpful tips: Villa is pretty well stocked with most things we needed...papertowels, dish liquid, plates, silverware, mugs, coffee & maker, sugars. They even supplied a single load package of Tide each day for laundry! I actually did about 4-5 loads of laundry....we packed lighter and just washed & rewore outfits.

One thing we were glad we had were disposable cups to take to the pool. DH made "adult" beverages and we carried them to the pool. We were happy to find a plastic pitcher in the cabinets! This would also be great to make koolade for the kids. But you will need to bring the plastic cups.

I think the best tip I have for the BC/BCV is enjoy the resort! I think our BEST times were spent away from the parks and hanging around the pool, sipping Pina CoLAVA's, and taking in the beautiful, relaxing environment. Our kids LOVE the pool (ages 2, 6, & 7) We did the smores/campfire on the beach, watched a movie on the beach at night and strolled the boardwalk. This is what I miss the most now that we are home.

I'm working on my trip report right now if you want to read more about our trip.

Have a great time at the BC.....I'm jealous!!

 

[shmedly123]

http://mosa.unity.ncsu.edu/photos/misc/epcotdvc.html


Maybe this will work?????

great map! so the beach club is actually closer to the Boardwalk than walking from the main gate to the back of epcot...that's not too bad, but I am glad I asked so I will definitely bring a stroller from home and not just rely on the ones at the park

 

[teentoddlermom]

That is a great map!

 

[Ercole]

Hello gang. First post, but I've been a lurker on the boards for years.

Are discounts available (like AAA) for the BCV? Or full price only on these bad boys. We're family of 5, of all the places we stayed, BC rules. But there's nothing left in me after staying in a room with a 7 and 11yo twins. It's supposed to be a vacation for my wife and me too, you know. Need some space. Any other ideas for a family of 5? Looking at last week of Aug. 08.

Golfing Goofy. Epcot closes too early to catch the monorail from MK at night and I believe you have to take the bus to DTD and change for the BC bus. I take monorail to Poly, catch a cab downstairs. $20 (including tip) to BC. Super fast, nice driver, and it will be the best $20 you ever spent in Disney.

 

[Golfing Goofy]

TinkerSouthernBelle: Can't wait to read your TR!

Ercole: Thanks for the tip! I know that my DH will look at a packed bus and say, "this is a vacation?"
So, I need to have some alternate plans in my back pocket.

Gotta convince them to want to come back again, and again, and again....