Beach Club worth the extra $$$$?

[malcontent]

My DW, 9yo DD and I are currently booked at WL for 8 nights in late July/August. My DW and I were at WDW 11 years ago, and we loved Epcot. We are thinking of changing to a resort that is closer. The Beach Club resort seems great, but will cost us an additional $800.00. I know this is all relative, but is it worth the extra money?

 

[G8r4evr]

While both resorts are beautiful, WL seems more impressive to me. $800 is a lot of money, so if it were me, I would stick with WL and the proximity to MK. I would venture a guess that your DD will prefer MK over Epcot and maybe save the BC for when a better rate becomes available. Just a thought =)

 

[alldiz]

IMO....WL is a much more relaxing vacation. So much hustle and bustle
at the epcot resorts.

Stormalong bay is very spread out....If you want to chill out by the lounge
chair where DD swims....WL is much better situated.

How about a split stay?
Kerri

 

[NMW]

This is just my opinion, but I love the Epcot resorts. The BC is VERY relaxing. Light, airy, colors and furniture. You can walk to Epcot in 5 minutes. The dining options are HUGE compared to WL. You have restaurants in the BC/YC, restaurants at the Boardwalk ( a 5 minute walk), plus all the restaurants in Epcot. You also have the Friendship boats to take you to MGM (or Epcot).

DH and I love Epcot too. We love just walking into Epcot at night, getting a great spot for Illuminations. I stay there with the kids while DH gets us some beers in England. Then when Illuminations is over and tons of people rush towards the buses and monorail, we just stroll throught the international gateway back to the Epcot resorts. Sometimes we even hop on the boat if it's right there-my kids love the boats.

I think the $800 difference is worth it for the location alone, but that's just me. Oh, there's also the pool at the BC. It's amazing. Zero entry, sandy bottom, really big slide, lazy river, great pool bar. The pool at WL, while pretty, doesn't even come close. You can also watch movies at night on the beach on a huge screen.

We have friends that will only ever stay at the BC that were once loyal to other resorts. They say after trying the BC, nothing else is good enough.

 

[Macysmom32]

I just returned from a wonderful trip to the WL 2 weeks ago (wipe tear from eye) and have stayed at the BC in the past. Let me start by saying that I never have a bad time at WDW. Having said that, location IS everything to me, and you really can't beat the EPCOT resort area (I have also stayed at the Dolphin). Yes, WL is relaxing and close to MK - so great to hop a boat for a breezy ride back to WL after a day at MK, but I personally felt it was kind of far from everything else - once again, not complaining - if your'e on vacation at WDW, it's all good!! Whereas the EPCOT area you can boat/walk to epcot AND the studios, and it just seems more centrally located in general (DTD, water parks, etc). PLUS I love the Boardwalk area at night, and you are withing a stones throw of some of the BEST restaurants around (Flying Fish cafe, Le Cellier, Yachtsman steakhouse.....) I think it is sooo worth it....just my opinion. Whatever you decide...have FUN!!!

 

[MUFFYCAT]

If you enjoy Epcot that much I'd go with the BC. The location alone is worth $800.00. As someone mentioned just to walk there and back instead of the buses or monorail is worth all the money.
You also are just boat ride away from MGM. Bewtween the YC & BC the Boardwalk has so many dining choices.

 

[LMO429]

For me that $800 extra dollars to stay at the Beach Club is worth it. You have access to the numerous restaurants at WS, the beach club, yacht club and boardwalk. SAB is the best pool on disney property. The walk to EPCOT can not be beat. You can even walk to DHS. Also after Wishes at the MK, the beach and yacht club have their own buses back to the resort. It was the least chaotic of all the bus stops at the MK.

WL IMO is too far from everything else and on top of all that I would do anything to avoid that boat from the WL to MK!!! its craaaawwllllsss...sooo slooooooow it made me want to jump ship and swim to the Magic Kingdom! never again!

 

[Samsma]

I'm arguing with my DH on this right now. He wants Yacht Club and I want WL. We just got back from WL and I've never had a better resort experience. Everything was wonderful and so friendly at WL. Got a free upgrade to inner courtyard to start and wonderful birthday card and balloons for my sister. I love WL!

 

[Cyril pb]

I would check out Renting Points though the Dis rent/trade board, Depending on the time of year, you can actually stay at the Boardwalk or Beach Club Sunday through Thursday for $ 100.00 a night. That price includes tax.

If you do decide to rent points from a DVC member. Do your homework, read the Stickys and ask a lot of questions. It’s a little work but its worth it.

Cyril

 

[jerseygal]

Some like myself seem to have a hard time choosing!! I'm booked at BC now, but contemplating YC...

Some threads here seem to indicate that rooms are a little nicer and more refurbished at YC than BC??? Cannot tolerate an older "smoking" room...severe asthma in family....any thoughts on this issue at either resort...
understand all resorts are now non-smoking, but perhaps there are some rooms around that are still that "smoky feel"..

Have made notes in reservation...Beaches and Cream and CapeMayBuffet are at BC, correct? Maybe the "ice cream" proximity, will make me stay at BC(LOL)..

Any insiders thoughts would be appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[eliza61]

I've been very lucky in that I haven't had any issues with old smoking rooms at either resorts, but no one in my family is particular sensitive to allergens either. so can't offer you any help there, sorry. At both resorts our rooms have been spotless, I think once the carpet in the hallway of the BC looked a little worn but thats been the worse.

The main difference IMO is the YC is more laid back. BC definetly seems more busy and noisey. Maybe because cape may cafe is right in the lobby and there are always folks going back & forth to SAB.
Our first stay at BC we were spending $40 each night at Beaches & cream just for dessert. We couldn't stay out of that place.

 

[Pakey]

The first time I stayed at YC, I loved it and thought I'd always pick this resort. Last trip, we stayed BC. Now I don't know. I loved both of them. The closeness to Beaches & Cream, the pool, Epcot, etc. doesn't weight in because they are both so close. The difference comes down to the theming, mood, etc. YC is more mature feeling. The lobby is quieter, dark woods, bar right off the main lobby, etc. BC has more energy. It's bright and lively, more families walking through.

Our balcony was better at YC but I think I liked the bit more hustle/bustle feel I got at BC.

And to the OP, I prefer the Epcot resorts over MK resorts only because DH and I go to Epcot at least for part of each day while we are there. So for us, the location is worth the price.

 

[mommyluvsnoah]

Jerseygal, we are in the same boat. I am going back and forth between the two. Like the look of BC better but seems like the YC has nicer rooms. More importantly than the rooms though YC has full balconies in all the rooms and BC only in half and I really want a balcony to sit and relax on after DS goes to bed. However, BC has better eating choices. Decisions.

 

[llb]

I stayed at Beach Club (on a code) and loved the pool, sand bottom. I also loved the 5 minute walk to the side gate of Epcot. Some people on the boards that did not receive codes called Disney to ask if there was a code associated with thier name or address and some people got it. It may be worth it to call ressies and see if a code exist, you may not need to pay $800 more

 

[malcontent]

As I had expected, the responses I received helped me reach the stage of informed indecision! Splitting the stay between two resorts sounds like an idea, but it may just be one more thing to have to deal with. Buying DVC points sounds like another great idea, but since this is my daughter's first visit and my first attempt at trying something like this, I really don't want to risk screwing it up.

In any event, right now I think we'll simply stay at the WL and leave the BC (and maybe the DVC Villas) as something to look forward to in our next visit. It certainly does not sound like anyone has ever been disappointed with the WL, and my daughter will like the fact that we will be near MK.

Of course, I may change my mind as we get closer, as the BC fans do make a pretty compelling case. THANKS!!!!

 

[twinklebug]

The answers are going to be relative upon who you ask. Kids (of all ages) love-love-love MK & you will not get a more stress free, MK experience than staying at WL. I know I'm a huge fan of the lodge & am considering buying DVC with VWL as my home.

Epcot however is my favorite of the parks. We stayed at BW and these resorts also have the boat ride to transport you to/from your "home" throughout the day. There's nothing quite like the feeling of looking out and seeing that lighthouse glowing.

IMHO - 11 years is a long time to be away from Disney and your experience and lives have changed. Although Epcot was your favorite back then, my gut instinct as a mom tells me you and your wife will enjoy watching your daughter explore and interact with the characters & rides at MK the most.

In your case I'd stick with WL & save the Epcot resort for when she's a little older - You can take the boat to MK, a short walk to the monorail/xfer at TTC and zip to Epcot for an interesting ride... hey... there's even baby ducks swimming in the pool (they love the river - you won't get this at BC!)