Beach Club Review

[Eeyore2003]

We rented points from a DVC owner for a Beach Club Villa, but my review definitely encompasses the Beach Club as a whole. This is the only resort so far that we have stayed at that I would probably not stay at again. While the nightly view of the Illumination fireworks was wonderful, the pool, boatdock, bus, restaurants and parking were far away. For someone with knee problems, it made for lots of extra walking. I would definitely not hesitate to stay at the Yacht Club. The boatdock was straight out their door, as was the pool and bus stop. The restaurants were right off their lobby.

We have stayed at the CR Tower, AKL, BWV, BWI, SS, OKW and BCV. I liked all for various reasons except the BCV. My favorites are the Boardwalk Inn and Villas and OKW. CR also ranks high up there, but I just can't reason with the price right now.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Thanks for your review! I kinda considered "Beach Club/Yacht Club" to be interchangeable and never thought of them as different (I have never stayed at either place, obviously!)

When I first started reading your review, I thought, "Hmmm...this person has not stayed many places, I have had VERY long walks at AKL and also BWV!" But I see you have stayed at both of those places . I do want to rent points eventually at Y&BC, and your post leaned me a bit towards YC. Thanks for sharing.

Also, I did not like OKW very much because our building was so far, we had to use our car to get to the main area. You must have been close to the restaurant/main pool, etc. when you stayed there. That is the only way I would want to stay at OKW again...if I were close to those things.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

As a person with knee problems, I understand where you are coming from. We are staying at BCV in Jan. and are planning on using the villas pool more than Storm a Long Bay as it is closer. Also, I am sure walking to Epcot will be quicker than going down to the boat dock. We also plan on walking to the Boardwalk rather then the boat.

The way BCV was added on, it was tucked behind the BC and is far from the boat dock, etc.

A friendly suggestion .. maybe for your next trip, study the maps of the resorts. Also, I always request close to the elevator and that saves some steps.

 

[Ellielovesdisney]

We stayed at beach club last year and had mixed reviews. We did not have a lot of walking, but I thought the resort didn't have the warmth I had come to expect from the AKL, and our room needed some fresh paint. On the other hand Stormalong bay and the walk to EPCOT were great!! On the whole I would spend the $$$ somewhere else next time (did I mention we are going to the WL in 17 days?)
Holly

 

[Eeyore2003]

Also, I did not like OKW very much because our building was so far, we had to use our car to get to the main area. You must have been close to the restaurant/main pool, etc. when you stayed there. That is the only way I would want to stay at OKW again...if I were close to those things.

Yes, we requested building 62 and got it. It is right across the street from the main building, pool and bus stop, plus it has an elevator. I agree, it's this location that made it so nice. You can't IMAGINE the walk I had at AKL!!! I had requested Zebra Trail, savannah view and was just a few doors from the end of the hall!!! I would DEFINITELY request closer the next time I would stay there. All in all, there really is no "perfect" resort I've stayed at yet. For some reason or another, they have their little problems.

For convenience in everything, without considering price and also a beautiful view, you really can't beat the CR. Although, the Yacht Club looks as if it would be close, "the Marketplace" snack shop is still at the Beach Club, although there is a little food place by the pool close to the Yacht Club for refilling your mugs.

CoolDisneyCat-we also ended up using the DVC pool most of the time. That WAS very convenient, luckily my niece was perfectly happy with that. I would have requested a room closer to the main area, but I wanted an EPCOT view. Both are not possible with how the building is situated. I was close to the elevator for the DVC pool which was nice. I also agree, it does seem like the villas were added as an "afterthought". The big plus is that the DVC pool is hardly ever busy and the hot tub wonderful. Epcot itself is definitely closer to walk to than the boat dock, while no problem for DH, it was quite a painful trek for me. I much prefer the conveniently located dock at the BW. Oh well, live and learn!!! Seeing the nightly fireworks from Illuminations each night was fantastic though, and I really enjoyed that!!!

 

[Ladyhawke10]

All in all, there really is no "perfect" resort I've stayed at yet. For some reason or another, they have their little problems.
!!!

I honestly find the Grand Floridian the "perfect" resort. It seems like everything is set up optimally. I don't know, just never noticed any significant flaws, except maybe for lacking a jacuzzi near the waterfall pool...but there's not far to walk from anywhere and everything seems ultra convenient.

We are staying at the BC Villas for the first time this next trip. We've stayed in the Beach Club resort itself, before, however. Also have stayed in the Yacht Club. As far as the BC/YC, I didn't notice any one being more convenient over the other in terms of design...except that the BC is a little closer to Epcot, so that was a modest plus. I remember how the Villas are tucked behind the BC, so I guess in about a month I'll see how it is for us!