Resort Thread Disney's YACHT & BEACH CLUB Resorts

[HockeyMomR]

Gluten free goodies in Beach Club Marketplace:

In the refrigerator section where they have the cupcakes, they had the four pack of brownie bites with frosting. I believe they try to call these "cupcakes" in other parts of WDW. In the past I have also seen them at Boardwalk Bakery, the allergy food kiosk at Animal Kingdom theme park, and the refrigerated grab and go section of The Mara counter service restaurant of Animal Kingdom Lodge's Jambo House.

There also were several types of gluten free individuallly packaged cookies. I think I bought two different types of chocolate chip cookies. These were on the end of the counter where you would order food.

I don't know if they had other things as well. A friend had invited me to dinner in her timeshare and I didn't want to arrive empty-handed. I knew she was gluten free so I was looking for some dessert options.

I was not on the meal plan so I did not investigate the snack credit rules.

I did not take pictures.

The gluten free packaged brownies and cookies are excellent. If you stay club level, you can request them and the CM's will gladly bring them to you at any time. Was great to be able to dessert with my family!

 

[natebenma]

I haven't been following resort thread since we returned from our April trip so please forgive my question if it's been answered recently, is there a timeframe for YC renovations. Planning our next trip for May 2016 and wondering how we'll be affected. Thanks for any info.

We are doing our best to keep the first post on Page 1 of this thread updated with all of the information we know about the refurbishments at the resort. A start date for the Yacht Club renovations has not been announced yet and there is no timeframe we know about. Same with BCV.

 

[Disney before Sally]

Sandcastle Club Ceramics, 1:30 on Wednesday.

 

[maryandtyson]

Hi,

I am just in the beginning stages of considering our next visit to WDW. I have been to BWV once (17 years ago) and Dolphin once (10 years ago with infant). We have not been back to the Epcot resort area because the kids were tiny, and we placed a heavy emphasis on MK. Flash forward - DDs will be 8 and 11 next summer. Our trip will likely be short (4 nights), with a focus on Epcot, lots of resort time (or maybe TL if we don't have SAB), and maybe a side trip to Tampa for a day (to see Winter the dolphin). In 2013 we did an awesome mom-and-girls weekend to end the summer at WL (explored FW, WL and MK) and it was perfect. They asked to do it again, but this time they want Epcot.

I'd like your clarification on a few things:
1) Based on past experience, would you expect standard and garden view rooms to have a 30% off offer for summer (released sometime in the spring)? Since we always do WL or mods, I am not sure about what discounts YC/BC usually offers. A discount is what would put this in reach for us. If not 30%, what would be your best guess?
2) Would you consider a split stay between S/D and YC/BC? We have Starwood points to stay at S/D which makes spending the $$$ on BC (normally out of our budget) not really appealing. But I have this bright idea that 1 or 2 nights at BC would be worth it for SAB and EPCOT entrance if we are on points for the rest of our stay. I need pros and cons on this. I'm not sure how I feel about checkout and checkin disrupting our stay.
3) Can't decide whether BC should be first or last. First gets me help around baggage claim, b/c we would use ME (I'll likely be traveling without DH). Last saves the best for last, and we don't have to tear ourselves away from the magic.

I'm sure I have other questions, esp re: SAB, but I'll read back through some pages. Thanks for maintaining a great thread!

Beach Club has had discounts in the past. You may want to try to get a "magical deal" like some others have done. Just google magical, Disney, vacation and find the TA that may help you.

I would not do a split stay, personally.

 

[Ninja Mom]

View attachment 117990 Guess where I am?

WHAT TIME DOES STORMALONG BAY OPEN IN THE MORNINGS???
(I'm yelling so you can hear me over all the kid drama. I figure since you have already hit the bar the family is acting up for the inevitable "Momma-Cide" that happens on these family trips.

~NM

 

[Wood Nymph]

1) Based on past experience, would you expect standard and garden view rooms to have a 30% off offer for summer (released sometime in the spring)? Since we always do WL or mods, I am not sure about what discounts YC/BC usually offers. A discount is what would put this in reach for us. If not 30%, what would be your best guess?

Usually room discounts are the same for all the categories of room types at a resort. For example a club level room would have the same discount as a standard view room. What is more likely to happen is that certain room types could be excluded from a discount. I would think that the most likely discount for YC and BC would be in the range of 20 to 30%. Sometimes the YC has a better discount than the BC.

2) Would you consider a split stay between S/D and YC/BC? We have Starwood points to stay at S/D which makes spending the $$$ on BC (normally out of our budget) not really appealing. But I have this bright idea that 1 or 2 nights at BC would be worth it for SAB and EPCOT entrance if we are on points for the rest of our stay. I need pros and cons on this. I'm not sure how I feel about checkout and checkin disrupting our stay.

I wouldn't do a split stay just for the convenience of Epcot since the Swan and Dolphin are walking distance to the International Gateway, too.

3) Can't decide whether BC should be first or last. First gets me help around baggage claim, b/c we would use ME (I'll likely be traveling without DH). Last saves the best for last, and we don't have to tear ourselves away from the magic.

If you pick BC first then you would get the Magical Express and you would get Magic Bands. Those MagicBands would hold your park tickets for your entire stay, too, not just the BC part of it as long as you link your tickets to your MDE account. ETA: I am told that you can get fp's at 60 days out at the Swan/Dolphin.

Good news ...booked the Fantasy 7 night cruise on October 10th so I will not be at work on October 11th and 12th.

Your October cruise sounds really nice. I hope you will be able to meet my daughter and family when they check into the BC on Oct 19th. Now I just need to convince her to stop and say hi to you. I would love for you to meet them.

 

[hill6]

Checking in from Vegas! Its hot and Not humid. Spent day in classroom and made decent progress. Not the same in her new residence. Can't even find towels or clothes ..Lily slept in a dress.

Good news ...booked the Fantasy 7 night cruise on October 10th so I will not be at work on October 11th and 12th.

Have a great time in Vegas. The house will come together before you know it. Great news on the cruise

 

[izzylovesmickey]

Checking in from Vegas! Its hot and Not humid. Spent day in classroom and made decent progress. Not the same in her new residence. Can't even find towels or clothes ..Lily slept in a dress.

Good news ...booked the Fantasy 7 night cruise on October 10th so I will not be at work on October 11th and 12th.

Don't work too hard! My mom taught for 30 years so I know how much work goes into getting ready and for that matter the whole year!

Just booked our first cruise. Would love to get some insights sometime!

 

[TeenaS]

Don't work too hard! My mom taught for 30 years so I know how much work goes into getting ready and for that matter the whole year!

Just booked our first cruise. Would love to get some insights sometime!

Any time ...ask away!!!!!

 

[Disney before Sally]

Pool is still open right now

 

[BlueFairy]

...

I wouldn't do a split stay just for the convenience of Epcot since the Swan and Dolphin are walking distance to the International Gateway, too.

If you pick BC first then you would get the Magical Express and you would get Magic Bands. Those MagicBands would hold your park tickets for your entire stay, too, not just the BC part of it as long as you link your tickets to your MDE account. And you would be able to select your fastpasses for the BC dates at 60 days out instead of the 30 days you would get at the Swan or Dolphin.
...

Sorry, I should clarify. The split would be solely for the use of SAB. We'd spend those 2 days doing mostly resort-only activities and enjoy SAB rather than going to TL. Other reasons to split would be the FP window and DME.

Also, I don't think we have the extra points to pay for all 4 nights on SPG. Cash would be cheaper at S/D, so that doesn't really count.

Thanks so much for your help. Good to have some confirmation on the discounts. Wish we could see you over at WL again, but I'm scared of the construction and DDs are asking for Epcot.

 

[BlueFairy]

Beach Club has had discounts in the past. You may want to try to get a "magical deal" like some others have done. Just google magical, Disney, vacation and find the TA that may help you.

I would not do a split stay, personally.

Thanks for the tip. I've joined that mailing list now.

 

[Sue M]

I just watched the DIS Unplugged episode on the BC and the YC. These two resorts are on my wish list for next year, but I am concerned after watching. Are the food choices really that bad at the market place and Hurricane Hannas, Cape May, Beaches and Cream also the YC? I have stayed at two deluxe resorts and while I think that the food courts are better at the moderates the Poly and the WL were still good. Am I crazy to question staying at either the BC or YC on the bases of this Dis Unplugged episode?

We've never had a problem with finding food at BC/YC. Love Cape May, hurricane Hana's, Beaches, Captains Grille, Yachtsmen, plus all the dining options a short walk away at Boardwalk, & Epcot. And how much are you planning to eat at your resort? We usually pack instant oatmeal for breakfast, and sometimes go to Marketplace, lunch is usually at whatever park we're in, and dinner could be anywhere.

 

[natebenma]

Sandcastle Club Ceramics, 1:30 on Wednesday.
View attachment 118045

Thank you so much!!!

May I use this photo in the Amenities Post 4?

Hope your family enjoyed doing this and that you are having a great trip!

:

 

[jerseygal]

I totally agree!!!

In a week, we will be going for our 3rd stay at the Hard Rock Hotel. We tried the Portofino on our first trip but really love the location and the vibe of the Hard Rock.

"THINKING" of going to the "darkside" , HR in May for a few days before WDW. Also tried Portofino once and have been to RP twice. Can't beat Express Pass, the BEST!Think HR sounds fun; HAVE A BLAST and would love to hear about your experiences at HR!

 

[jerseygal]

We've never had a problem with finding food at BC/YC. Love Cape May, hurricane Hana's, Beaches, Captains Grille, Yachtsmen, plus all the dining options a short walk away at Boardwalk, & Epcot. And how much are you planning to eat at your resort? We usually pack instant oatmeal for breakfast, and sometimes go to Marketplace, lunch is usually at whatever park we're in, and dinner could be anywhere.

Boardwalk Bakery is also great for sandwiches, a quick breakfast as an additional choice!

 

[Katesdad]

Just wanting to join the group. We will be staying at BC in January. My DH was one of the winners of the Disney FlipSide contest. We will be at the BC January 19-27 with 1 night at the castle suite on 22. Thanks for all the great info here.

One night in the castle. Hope you have a great January trip.

 

[floridagirl61]

8 days til we are back at the Beach Club!!

 

[Madame]

One more sleep !

 

[ocalla]

3 more weeks to go........is it EVER going to get here????