Beach Club or Yacht Club

[Cindy's Mom]

Well, we've got our dates picked for June 2008, now all we have to do is decided where to stay.

DH and I had dinner in July at the Yachtsman steakhouse and fell in love with SAB and the whole pool area other there.

BUT we know nothing about the resorts. I've been over to the BC/YC FAQ, but its a bit old.

So, can someone tell me exactly what the difference in in these 2 properties? Is one better than the other? We are not a commando family, we do 2 parks in 6 days, so the pool is VERY important to us.

One think we did like and will probably miss is the lobby at the WL. Do the BC or YC have anything comporable (sp)?

I know that picking a resort is a personal decision, but if you can supply me with some facts, it will make our decision that much easier.

 

[bzzymom]

It has been several years since I stayed at BC. I shared a room with my parents. I absolutely loved it there, I just can't afford to stay there again. The difference I noticed is that BC is more relaxed feeling. YC has conventions there and has a more formal feeling.

We went into the parks for a few hours in the mornings, but spent every afternoon at SAB, then we walked over to Epcot and ate in WS almost every night. It was a fantastic trip!

 

[AKLRULZ]

It's really all about decor and balconies. Many BC rooms don't have full balconies (standing room only) while all YC rooms do. The rooms are pretty much identical with different theming. They're sister resorts, share all amenities including the pool and the Beach Club Marketplace.

My preference is YC as I love the rich, dark woods in the lobby and the full balconies are important to us. You'll win either way!

 

[grimley1968]

Well, no lobby in all of WDW comes close to WL's lobby, IMO. The only other one that's as tall would be CR's lobby, but I think WL's is much more relaxing and interesting.

But BC/YC are great resorts in their own right, though. The pool is best in all of WDW. They're both next to the Intl. Gateway entrance to EPCOT, and an easy boat ride or walk to MGM.

As far as differences between BC and YC themselves, there's not much, except possibly for the balcony sizes. However, we stayed on the 2nd floor of BC and had a full balcony. But not all BC rooms have this feature.

They are very similar in their size and layout, with BC of course being the closest to EPCOT. The differences are in decor, really, as another poster mentioned.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

It's really all about decor and balconies. Many BC rooms don't have full balconies (standing room only) while all YC rooms do. The rooms are pretty much identical with different theming. They're sister resorts, share all amenities including the pool and the Beach Club Marketplace.

My preference is YC as I love the rich, dark woods in the lobby and the full balconies are important to us. You'll win either way!

Wow, I didn't know this part. Balconies are very important to me.....well they used to be, when I could smoke on them

But still - I do like to have a balcony, even though there have been trips, I never stepped outside to it because its just too gosh darn hot in the summer in Florida

Just this last trip, after WDW, we down to Miami Beach for a few days, and when we got into our room, there was no balcony We trotted back down to the front desk and I told her that I had to have a balcony.....we waited an hour for that room (turns out the balcony room was smaller and in a worse location than the non-balcony room), then the whole 4 days, I never stepped my toe out there, DH was like you made us move our great huge room for "your balcony" and you never even went out there. I told him, "what are you nuts? It hot out there.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

We always pick YC over BC for a couple of reasons. One, full balconies are very important to me. We always book a waterview room at YC because DH runs early in the morning and I like to sit on the patio or balcony and watch him run while I enjoy a cup of coffee and the kids are still sleeping. Two, YC lobby seems a lot less "hectic" to me. BC is always crowded because of the Cape May Buffet. Some people think YC is more stuffy, I don't, I just think it's more relaxed.

Its a great resort and you can't beat Beaches and Cream, SAB and being able to walk to EPCOT! Enjoy!

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Thanks everyone - I am leaning toward the YC, such great info from you all. It was just the insight I was looking for

I was looking at the Yacht Club Galley restaurant - I somehow have a feeling that this may be a place we can go to and have b-fast when we feel like, not when our ADR tells us to. Am I correct with that assumption?

That's one thing I TRULY hated about WL and WC - they have such a "hot spot" b-fast, that they resort guests don't stand a chance of getting b-fast there without a ADR.

I don't mind getting up for an ADR for say CM's or Cape May, but for regular everyday b-fast - I'd rather go for CS than TS if I need an ADR.

 

[kandabirney]

We just returned from a stay at the Yacht Club in August. Here are my thoughts:
The YC is less crowded, especially the common areas. When I walked through the BC I was shocked at the difference.
The YC gets picked up first for the busses. There were a few times that there was very little if any room on the bus when we stopped at the other resorts (BC and sometimes Boardwalk). We usually were dropped off first unless the Swan and Dolphin were on board.
The YC is less colorful. A little less "Disney". That could be considered good or bad .
Our balcony was fantastic. We sat there for breakfast almost every morning. I also love a good balcony.
I hope you enjoy your trip. The location and pool can't be beat in the summer!

 

[Cindy's Mom]

We just returned from a stay at the Yacht Club in August. Here are my thoughts:
The YC is less crowded, especially the common areas. When I walked through the BC I was shocked at the difference.
The YC gets picked up first for the busses. There were a few times that there was very little if any room on the bus when we stopped at the other resorts (BC and sometimes Boardwalk). We usually were dropped off first unless the Swan and Dolphin were on board.
The YC is less colorful. A little less "Disney". That could be considered good or bad .
Our balcony was fantastic. We sat there for breakfast almost every morning. I also love a good balcony.
I hope you enjoy your trip. The location and pool can't be beat in the summer!

Thanks -this helps alot. Looks like the Yacht Club is winning.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

We stayed at the YC last month as well. I had the same debate with myself that you did. I noticed in one of my books (unofficial guide, maybe?) there were rooms in BC to definately avoid. We book standard view and I was worried about the BC rooms that overlook a roof. Also, DH is a balcony fan. With that in mind, we booked a standard view at YC. We requested a view of the wedding gazebo. It worked out great! We were right over the wedding gazebo and could even see the boardwalk if we leaned out a little.
I did think the BC lobby was more relaxed--but we only really walked through the lobbies.
Both resorts get the pool, which we really enjoyed. BC is closer to Epcot but it's not that much of a difference.
I think you'll enjoy either one, but for a guaranteed balcony I'd choose YC. We will probably stay there again in March, if I ever get the deposti $ from DH!
Robin M.

 

[dixipixi]

Just to answer your question about the YC Galley....

We were there in June and never had a problem getting into the Galley for bfast. We were there 11 nights and probably ate bfast at least 5 mornings there (without ADRs). I think we had to wait once for about 15-20 mins, but were seated immediately every other morning.

The Galley is one of my favorite places to eat bfast. They have a great buffet and you can also order from the menu. We were usually there pretty early (around 7-7:30) and when we were leaving several times we noticed people waiting, so it may be a good idea to go early or late without ADRs. It seemed like they were busier around 8:30 or so.

Have a great time, the YC is our favorite!!!

 

[TxRabbit]

We just stayed at BC 8/19 to 8/25...

Here's some observations...the BC lobby IS definitely more busy than the YC lobby...and there's more to it than the Cape May buffet...there are desks in the BC lobby for the vacation club...because of the villas...so there is a little tv area...very small...set aside for the kiddos...very near the buffet waiting area though...so those waiting for the buffet...or other kids waiting for their parents...etc are around the tv area...

YC did seem to have MANY business related guests...the lobby is much more suited and geared to a business clientelle...and many were there when we were...we could here the business conversations at the pool and in the Galley...whereas the BC lobby is flat out geared more toward families on vacation...currently Lilo and Stitch can be found in the BC lobby from 12:30 to 3:30 every day playing and leading games for the kiddos...NOT a meet and greet...no sigs...no posed pics...just fun and games...

I'd have to see a pic...but the YC lobby struck me as having a lower ceiling...dark wood...blue and white tones...glass enclosed ship models...some seating...the BC lobby has a higher ceiling...white wood work...light colors...seating throughout...

The Galley is definitely a restaurant you could eat breakfast in without an ADR...lunch too...I tend to write in detail...can you tell? LOL!...we ate at the Galley twice...breakfast and lunch...I completed my dining review...and I am working on my TR, with TONS of pics of BC, SAB, etc...links are in my sig...if you are interested...much of the info I am writing would be useful...even if you stay at YC...hope you have a great trip...wherever you stay...

 

[eliza61]

DH and I had dinner in July at the Yachtsman steakhouse and fell in love with SAB and the whole pool area other there.

BUT we know nothing about the resorts. I've been over to the BC/YC FAQ, but its a bit old.

So, can someone tell me exactly what the difference in in these 2 properties? Is one better than the other? We are not a commando family, we do 2 parks in 6 days, so the pool is VERY important to us.

One think we did like and will probably miss is the lobby at the WL. Do the BC or YC have anything comporable (sp)?

I know that picking a resort is a personal decision, but if you can supply me with some facts, it will make our decision that much easier.

Your right- the lobby in the WL is stunning, so I don't think you get the same "wow" factor walking into the YC/BC. We've done both and purchased our DVC at the BC because we love the area so much. All the other posters sumed up the differences pretty good. We prefer the BC when we go with the kids. I always felt like I had to "shush" the kids in the YC's lobby and remind them about running whereas the BC feels a little more like a summer beach house to us. I've always requested a full balcony at the BC and I've always gotten it. No worries there. And last but not least, my kids always enjoy "Art" at the BC.

You've got the type of decisions I would love to have. Either way, you'll have a great time.

 

[rbolbach]

FYI- Today there is a program on the travel channel that will be exclusively on the BC/YC. It is on at noon (Ohio time). This might help you.

 

[disneyholic family]

we prefer the decor of the YC over the BC, and the YC always seems quieter to me...
we MUCH prefer the YC - but the differences are a matter of personal taste...
in the essentials, they're identical (proximity to epcot, same pool, same size rooms, etc.)...of course there is the balcony difference as well....but that's not why we prefer the YC...

 

[Disney Fool]

Book your room at the YC for the balcony -and walk over to BC for the lobby ambiance for your kids. There is nothing preventing you from taking advantage of both lobbies! I just came back from the BC-(love the YC better, but no room) and they are making towel animals in the lobby and giving them to the kids. I traversed both lobbies several times. I went to both disney stores, used both resort restaurants. You are not limited to stay on one side or the other. I found the BC to be noisy and the YC to be more calm-but definitely not "stuffy". So if you want to be assured of a balcony, pick the YC and utilize the entire resort.

 

[rcraw45425]

YC is our pick, even my kids found the BC too noisy and wild (kid wise). We thoroughly enjoyed our YC stays and picked it for our upcoming January one as well.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Just got back from YC.....Loved it!
More quiet and less busy, that was a plus!! YC side closer to the kiddie area...we had a great balcony..totally seemed liked it added to our space..esp with kids.
We ate at the Galley....however DD14 mths had enough at this point..lol..they wrapped our food and we took it to our room..which ended up better...as we saw fireworks from Illuminations.
Also...you are closer to the boat dock...we just loved the YC! Not stuffy at all! You will love it!
The only differances we saw was that more families seem to flock over to BC...so it would make sense to stay at YC
Cm's are great...both resorts share amenities so you cant go wrong!

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Oh my goodness, OP here.

Now I'm more confused than ever. Yesterday, I thought I had my choice made (YC), now reading ALL the HELPFUL information, I'm in the same boat (but what a great boat to be in )

I have to decide soon.....I don't know what to do I need to add a trip counter to my signature, its just too depressing not to have one

 

[Mercy]

I was deciding between the two resorts also and BWI. I think we're going with YC because of the balcony. I like the idea of a guaranteed balcony. This is a short anniversary trip for DH and myself, so I think the YC will fit the bill!!