Beaches and Cream - questions

[Canuckbiggs]

We are headed down the week of November 9th. 2 families 4+5 for a total of 9. (4 adults and 5 kids ages 8,8,6,5,5)

We are scheduled to spend the day at Blizzard Beach, then head into Epcot in the evening for a few rides and to watch Illuminations.

I tried making reservations at Beaches and Cream for a party of 9, both online and on the app. No dice.

But it would allow me to make a reservation for 4 at 5:20 pm.

I then tried to make an additional reservation for 5 - no dice.

I then tried to make an additional reservation for 4 (just to see availability) and it was available - but the system said it conflicted with my other dining reservation (even though I have all 9 people linked to MDE account - frustrating!)

I then called reservations and they also could not make a reservation for 5. But could make one for 4. Which they did. I asked the CM if I would have a problem walking in with 9 people when I have reservations for 8 - her response was that "all calls are recorded but she would go ahead and book the second reservation for me." LOL.

So my question is - do you think I will have an issue? If the table sizes are limited and we are sat at 2 different tables that is no problem at all.

But - should I be looking to change my reservations to a 4, 3 and 2 to accomodate all 9, or just leave it as is?

Also, we are staying offsite. I assume we can park at Disney Beach Club when we arrive for our reservation?

Any problem with staying parked there after we are done eating and walk over into Epcot?

Thanks

 

[jco_direwolf]

1. should I be looking to change my reservations to a 4, 3 and 2 to accomodate all 9, or just leave it as is?

2. we are staying offsite. I assume we can park at Disney Beach Club when we arrive for our reservation?

3. Any problem with staying parked there after we are done eating and walk over into Epcot?

1. No All that matters in my experance is having the ADR. I've had ADRs with 3 people and had 8 show, I've had ADRs for 8 with 3 show. The ADR is important, 9 is a large enough party that I would make sure I'm early and be prepared to wait a while.

2. no problem just let them know

3. parking at Beach club is only for people staying there, and visiting the resort they do not allow parking for visiting the park.

 

[Canuckbiggs]

1. No All that matters in my experance is having the ADR. I've had ADRs with 3 people and had 8 show, I've had ADRs for 8 with 3 show. The ADR is important, 9 is a large enough party that I would make sure I'm early and be prepared to wait a while.

2. no problem just let them know

3. parking at Beach club is only for people staying there, and visiting the resort they do not allow parking for visiting the park.

I understand that is technically the proper answer.

But if I park at the hotel for my 5:20 dining reservation. Finish dining at 6:30 at the earliest. Are you saying I have go out to my car, drive around to the Epcot parking lot, repark and then make my way back into the park? Rather than just remain parked at hotel and walk into Epcot at the International Gateway?

 

[jco_direwolf]

I understand that is technically the proper answer. But if I park at the hotel for my 5:20 dining reservation. Finish dining at 6:30 at the earliest. Are you saying I have go out to my car, drive around to the Epcot parking lot, repark and then make my way back into the park? Rather than just remain parked at hotel and walk into Epcot at the International Gateway?

Your call

I only know about the CR but they do tow. Watch one evening a line of trucks removing cars from the CR parking. I don't know about beach club.

 

[jiminykrikkit]

We're a party of 5 and had to make 2 ADRs - for 3 and for 2. I had to take one for 12:50 and one for 1:20. My thought was that we'd show up for 12:50 and tell them we're willing to wait longer to get a table together. We're staying at Beach Club, so I also thought I'd go in there earlier in the trip and explain the situation.

Is all that really necessary? Based on what PP said, is it common practice that we'll be seated together on the first 12:50 ADR? And if so, will we get the no-show charge for the second 1:20 ADR?

Sorry if this is thread hijacking. I think it's pretty much related to the OP's question though.

 

[Canuckbiggs]

Your call

I only know about the CR but they do tow. Watch one evening a line of trucks removing cars from the CR parking. I don't know about beach club.

Ok - so will I be given something at the parking gate to place in my vehicle for my ADR, with a expiry time or something?

On our first trip (4 years ago) we had an ADR for dinner at the California Grill at the CR. Just mentioned the ADR at the gate and drove in and parked. I wasn't given anything.

 

[Cynthia1215]

I believe B&C only has 4 top tables. I also don't think they allow moving the tables. So for a Party of 9, you may be better to reserve 3, 3, and 3. Otherwise, you may end up with 4, 4, 1.

 

[joe1946]

If you pay to valet park at the Beach Club, then it's fine to leave your car there for the entire evening.

 

[Canuckbiggs]

We're a party of 5 and had to make 2 ADRs - for 3 and for 2. I had to take one for 12:50 and one for 1:20. My thought was that we'd show up for 12:50 and tell them we're willing to wait longer to get a table together. We're staying at Beach Club, so I also thought I'd go in there earlier in the trip and explain the situation.

Is all that really necessary? Based on what PP said, is it common practice that we'll be seated together on the first 12:50 ADR? And if so, will we get the no-show charge for the second 1:20 ADR?

Sorry if this is thread hijacking. I think it's pretty much related to the OP's question though.

It is all good!

I believe the Disney site says that B&C only has table to accomodate groups of 5.

So hopefully you will be okay for seating.

I expect we will be seated at 2 tables - which is fine with me.

 

[jco_direwolf]

Is all that really necessary? Based on what PP said, is it common practice that we'll be seated together on the first 12:50 ADR? And if so, will we get the no-show charge for the second 1:20 ADR?
.

I wouldn't even worry about the second ADR. When you check-in let them know you are checking in for both ADRs and the should "clear" them both for you.

ADRs at Disney are not traditional Dining Reservations. Where you show up and a table is waiting for you. They are more like "Call Ahead Dining" that Chilli's does (or FP+). People with ADRs get seated before people without ADRs.

 

[Canuckbiggs]

I believe B&C only has 4 top tables. I also don't think they allow moving the tables. So for a Party of 9, you may be better to reserve 3, 3, and 3. Otherwise, you may end up with 4, 4, 1.

Thanks Cynthia. What is a "top table"?

From the pics it looks like they have 4 person cafe style tables as well as booths. I think we would be easily able to put 2 adults and 3 kids in one of the booths, while they attack a "kitchen sink". Or toss a spare chair at a cafe table (assuming there is a spare chair).

Worst case Dad (me) can sit outside like a leper and wait. It is for the kids anyway.

 

[jco_direwolf]

Thanks Cynthia. What is a "top table"?
.

It's restaurant speak. Instead of talking about the number of seats at a table, they talk about how many people can be comfortably seated at a table. I think it's because chairs are easy to move, tables are hard.

So you read things like "Kona only has 2 big 10 top tables." or in this case B&C only has 5 top tables.

 

[jiminykrikkit]

Thank you!

 

[JVL1018]

I believe B&C only has 4 top tables. I also don't think they allow moving the tables. So for a Party of 9, you may be better to reserve 3, 3, and 3. Otherwise, you may end up with 4, 4, 1.

The tables are small, but the booths fit 6 people comfortably, so you could do 5 people in a booth and 4 at a table.

 

[Canuckbiggs]

If you pay to valet park at the Beach Club, then it's fine to leave your car there for the entire evening.

Great info. Thanks.

About the same cost as parking in the Epcot lot and saves a LOT of hassle.

 

[ses1230]

I understand that is technically the proper answer. But if I park at the hotel for my 5:20 dining reservation. Finish dining at 6:30 at the earliest. Are you saying I have go out to my car, drive around to the Epcot parking lot, repark and then make my way back into the park? Rather than just remain parked at hotel and walk into Epcot at the International Gateway?

Valet park at Beach Club. Then there won't be any issues.

 

[akad123]

I was allowed to book a table for 5 in December so maybe keep trying to get a reservation for 5!

 

[Hopefully]

I understand that is technically the proper answer.

But if I park at the hotel for my 5:20 dining reservation. Finish dining at 6:30 at the earliest. Are you saying I have go out to my car, drive around to the Epcot parking lot, repark and then make my way back into the park? Rather than just remain parked at hotel and walk into Epcot at the International Gateway?

Yes!!!! And what's more, you know that is the correct answer.
When I am paying over $600/night for a 2 bedroom Villa I expect to be able to park my car. If parking for Epcot was allowed because it was easier for some, I wouldn't have a space.
How would you feel then, in that situation?

 

[Canuckbiggs]

Yes!!!! And what's more, you know that is the correct answer.
When I am paying over $600/night for a 2 bedroom Villa I expect to be able to park my car. If parking for Epcot was allowed because it was easier for some, I wouldn't have a space.
How would you feel then, in that situation?

I'll pay the $20 valet fee at Beach Club, rather than $17 to park in the Epcot lot. Go to my ADR, and then walk over to Epcot for the evening.

Should work perfectly and be completely within the rules.

Do people really pay $600 a night for a 2 bedroom villa?

We are paying less than $400 a night for a 5500 square foot 5 bedroom house (split between 2 families), with private pool and hot tub at Reunion resort. Makes $20 for parking look cheap.