Beaches & Cream--a few questions for the pros

[Enna]

We're driving (yes, driving....DH wants to stop at South of the Border...2 days in a van with kids....driving) to Orlando.

Is it POSSIBLE to stop at B&C before we check into our resort? I'm thinking we'd be in that area around 2pm and could have that as our incentive to make it there in the best possible frame of mind. My concern is that I've heard that Beach Club parking is for Beach Club guests ONLY. Will the security guards let a van containing a road-weary dad, a PMSing mom, 2 whiney kids and a bunch of luggage on the lot to park long enough for a treat?


AND, presuming that we are permitted in, what do you recommend that we order?

Can we have the kitchen sink made with just our favorites? I have memories of my own childhood, and a gigantic mish-mash iceream creation somewhere in Magic Kingdom. I remember that none of us wanted the frozen strawberry stuff or the pineapple. Anyway, I thought the Kitchen Sink would be more yummy if it had more of what we liked and less of what we don't.

 

[kcashner]

Ok, it is possible to stop at Beaches and Cream before you check in. Parking at each WDW resort is technically listed as being for resort guests only. That is to prevent people from parking free at the resorts and taking transportation to the parks.

We have never had any trouble parking free at Beach Club or at the Contemporary either before check in or while using a friend's car (without parking voucher.) You will just tell the guard that you are going to Beaches and Cream. He will verify a photo ID. Just in case, have your resort confirmation handy--you'll need it at check in anyhow. After you have checked in, they usually don't ask for photo ID, only for your KTTW card.

Yes, you can order the Kitchen Sink any way you'd like it--you can specify the ice cream flavors and which toppings you'd like.

As to what to order--there are web sites that list the menus. Basically B&C us burgers, chicken sandwiches, etc. with fries or fruit and ice cream desserts. The kitchen sink is huge. If your appetites aren't so large, there are many smaller sundae treats.

Obviously, if you are on a dining plan, the plan won't start until you have checked in. DDE will apply at Beaches & Cream, and that will work before check in.

 

[msteddom]

I have never had a problem parking at the Yacht or Beach Club when I have not been staying there, but on the other hand I have always had the resort guest parking permit with me. I have often driven to other resorts to dine, and it has never been a problem parking in their lots. Just tell the guard the truth, that you are there for lunch at Beacher and Cream, and I doubt you will have a problem. Good luck with the drive!

Melissa

 

[Enna]

Thanks!

I was hoping with my resort confirmation showing an afternoon check-in on that very day and the supporting evidence like luggage that the guard would take pity on us.

 

[goofyforlife]

We've only had a problem once when the resort was really full, and had a couple conventions to boot. Even with our resort pass she wasn't going to let us park but then i showed her our DVC card and told her "well then we're entitled to valet parking at least". She did let us do that.

She must've had a bad day. We almost ordered a sundae to be taken out to her in the guard shack.

 

[YCFAN]

....DH wants to stop at South of the Border

Why oh why? I live about 17 miles north of South of the Border and I am still amazed that people actually stop there.

 

[Enna]

If you have other suggestions other than South of the Border for a lunchtime or early dinner stop, please PM me!

Honestly, I think hubby remembers those "Pedro sez" billboards from his youth, and his parents refused to stop...and he doesn't want to do that to his own kids.

 

[dixiedizfan]

I second skipping South of the Border. It's just a trashy souvenir shop that has some pretty sleezy parts to it. I mean, it's supposed to be a place for the family to visit, but has gobs of porn for sale. Yuck!

 

[gopack]

I just drove by South Of the Border on my way to and from from the Masters and it looked deserted. I don't think you want to eat there.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I used to make it a point to stop at SotB. Judy loved things tacky, and I described it to her as setting the World Standard for tacky. The first time we stopped there she decided she had "tacky overload".

 

[Pat]

We were there last week. We were not even staying on site. We pulled up to the booth and told the guard we wanted to eat at Beaches and Cream. She asked the driver for a photo I.D. and then let us in. She noticed a handicap card and told us that they had free valet parking with the handicap card. We had burgers and the roast beef sandwich. We split malts and they brought them out in two glasses. We also had onion rings and they were huge and were good.

 

[tinker*dust]

My family loves Beaches and Cream! But, may I suggest skipping the Kitchen Sink and getting a No Way Jose.

 

[Enna]

I have my heart set on the No Way Jose, but the Kitchen Sink will have more appeal to hubby and the kids.

Maybe I'll get both.