Resort Thread Disney's YACHT & BEACH CLUB Resorts

[Tess]

I believe that parties of 5 will get sleeping spaces for 5. That usually means 2 Queens and a Day Bed. However, if this is not available when you check in they will give you a Roll Away bed to the room.
All YC/BC pools are now posted as closed overnight. They are not yet fenced, but it is clear that they are closed.



For regular Rope Day via the International Gateway you will enter after security and be allowed to turn right to the French Bakery which opens at 9 AM now for breakfast, or turn left and walk through an empty UK and Canada. Other than the bakery in France and Akershus in Norway, all of WS is closed until !!, but you can enter at Rope Drop, at 9 or even 8 on occasion.

They block those entering at IG from turning to the right and crossing the bridge over to WS, unless someone is going to the French Bakery, which opens at 9:00 o'clock. However, everyone can turn left at rope drop, after entering at the IG, as that is how to get to Future World, from the IG entrance. Canada is on the way to Future World, so you will be able to get there before official rope drop for WS.

Since we own DVC at BCV we enter Epcot through the IG frequently and for years. In my experience there are CM's "manning" the points that you can not go beyond. Both in France and in Norway. They will allow anyone to access the bakery in France from 9 AM on, walking from Future World, over the bridge to France and the bakery. They will stop you from continuing on in WS towards Morocco, as that is still closed. Same at Norway, I believe.
I have never seen CM's "hurrying" folks along through the UK and Canada. I don't know, but I suspect, you could linger there if you chose to.
Before the bakery in France opened at 9 AM, there were CM's with a rope on the bridge to France. You could not take a left from the International Gateway into WS towards France, but you can walk directly through the closed UK and Canada to Future World at 9 AM

Agreed, no one will hurry you along on that side of WS. You could plant yourself on a bench and wait for Canada to open. Be aware, however, that those kiosks sometimes open prior to 11:00 a.m. on busier days. I have seen them open at 10:45 a.m. and sometimes a bit earlier--except the Margarita stand in Mexico--that one can't seem to get open early.

 

[Katesdad]

Are there lots of CMs hanging around making sure people keep moving to the destination? I was at France before 11 in January, but it was the morning of the marathon, so it was pretty busy and hectic in EPCOT and not a true test of what happens in WS between 9 and 11 on a normal day.

I had similar experiences as Hopefully back in December. And we did "linger" in Canada as I wanted pictures in Canada and of the Christmas tree that was located in WS. I never had a CM come up and move us along. However, I wonder with F&W if that would be different since the set up in WS is modified for this event. Perhaps someone with that experience can chime in here since the question really is related to that event.
Katesdad

ETA: looks like Tess was posting the same time I was. Sorry about that.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Quick update - we were supposed to fly home today but our flight got cancelled. Now we are staying until Friday. We have been moved to a lovely garden view room near the volleyball court. We have a little bit of lagoon view so this is a great room to request.

 

[kimmy85]

Thank you @shoreward, @Hopefully, and @Tess for the detailed explanations on IG rope drop and to Dee for expanding on the "what ifs". I am bound and determined to visit my "heritage" F&W kiosk this time around!

 

[ahutton]

I believe you can be in the Canada area along the walkway, but I'm pretty sure you can't go into the pavilion itself until 11. I don't recall the shops or carts being open, but may have missed it because the few times we have been in the park before 11 (my crew likes to take it easy in the morning) we've been focused on getting to Soarin.

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

Question re use of SAB. Thinking about booking a return trip for the family this fall. We have 3 kids who are 18+ so I don't want to put all 5 of us in the same room but 2 rooms at Yacht Club would be too pricey. Thinking about putting the kids at Coronado Springs or maybe even a value resort. If I do that would they be able to use SAB with us as our guests?

 

[natebenma]

Quick update - we were supposed to fly home today but our flight got cancelled. Now we are staying until Friday. We have been moved to a lovely garden view room near the volleyball court. We have a little bit of lagoon view so this is a great room to request.

Enjoy your extended vacation!!!

 

[natebenma]

I believe you can be in the Canada area along the walkway, but I'm pretty sure you can't go into the pavilion itself until 11. I don't recall the shops or carts being open, but may have missed it because the few times we have been in the park before 11 (my crew likes to take it easy in the morning) we've been focused on getting to Soarin.

Not sure if this is the first time you have posted...

to the thread and thanks for your input!

:

Question re use of SAB. Thinking about booking a return trip for the family this fall. We have 3 kids who are 18+ so I don't want to put all 5 of us in the same room but 2 rooms at Yacht Club would be too pricey. Thinking about putting the kids at Coronado Springs or maybe even a value resort. If I do that would they be able to use SAB with us as our guests?

Unfortunately not. You can't bring guests at Stormalong Bay. Only guests registered to a Yacht or Beach Club room will have access to the pool. This is monitored with CMs checking magic bands electronically at the entrances. You would be able to be together at one of the 3 quiet pools.

 

[shoreward]

Thank you @shoreward, @Hopefully, and @Tess for the detailed explanations on IG rope drop and to Dee for expanding on the "what ifs". I am bound and determined to visit my "heritage" F&W kiosk this time around!

The food at the Canada kiosk during F&W is sooo good....enjoy!

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

Not sure if this is the first time you have posted...

to the thread and thanks for your input!

:




You can't have guests at Stormalong Bay. Only guests registered to a Yacht or Beach Club room will have access to the pool. You would be able to be together at one of the 3 quiet pools.

Peachy, thanks. Figured that would be the case but didn't hurt to ask.

 

[outahere]

Question re use of SAB. Thinking about booking a return trip for the family this fall. We have 3 kids who are 18+ so I don't want to put all 5 of us in the same room but 2 rooms at Yacht Club would be too pricey. Thinking about putting the kids at Coronado Springs or maybe even a value resort. If I do that would they be able to use SAB with us as our guests?

Most likely no. They scan everyone's Magic Band as you enter the pool area (to ensure you are staying at either YC or BC) then usually give you plastic wristband.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I just booked BC for a few days in Nov for F&W! I feel a little weird about it as there is a chance I will have to cancel it but I waited on booking last year and BC filled up on me. Not looking to be added to the BOG list until I know for sure but I am super excited at the prospect of this trip and just had to share! I'm going to have to bookmark this thread and learn all about BC and Stormalong Bay!

 

[SwanVT2]

At BCV now for first time..love it! We have a canal and partial pool view and can see the HS fireworks at night. Cast members have been pleasant. Only complaint is that we were notified that the water would be off 11-1 today but it is still off. Ordered from Garden Grocer. Super convenient. Fabulous character breakfast at Cape may and the pool is incredible. No sign of renovations anywhere. We got both of our requests upper level, canal view.

 

[pas130]

I just booked a really quick weekend for April. I just HAVE to check out Flower and Garden!! So DH and I will be at YC SV CL 4/1-4/3

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

How do BCV compare to Yacht Club? Was pricing various options and for whatever reason BCV was cheaper than either Yacht Club or Beach Club by about $100 a night.

 

[thebs19]

Most likely no. They scan everyone's Magic Band as you enter the pool area (to ensure you are staying at either YC or BC) then usually give you plastic wristband.

I have sort of a similar question so figured I'd lump it in here. My wife has a girlfriend who moved local to WDW a few years back and she usually meets us for a day or 2 during our vacation. The last 2 years we stayed at the Swan so there was no real issue with her coming to the pool with us (there was no checking, etc). Is there a way to buy her "day pass" access to SAB for the day or days she may come visit? She's an AP holder and would have her own magic band, etc. I'd add her to the reservation but we're staying 4 nights and she at max would be there Saturday and Sunday, so rather not pay the $25/night additional adult charge for the duration of our stay.

 

[thebs19]

I'll add you to the Be Our Guest list.



Have you looked at the menu for Hurricane Hanna's? The kids can get to go meals in a sand pail, and there are some sandwiches and other things available if you want to see if they would appeal to your MIL.

We have done "takeout" and take back to the Beach Club from Sunshine Seasons, The French bakery (sandwiches), Tangierine Café in Morocco and the Japanese quick-serve. The two issues we have had are that they don't have carry-bags (Like the handled ones or plastic ones) and the bakery in France would not let us get crème brulee to go because they said it would melt in the August heat (the mousse I guess is sturdier)

Thanks for the welcome! We'll be at BC 4/23-4/27 as part of a split stay with AoA. Looking forward to it - our first time back at the BC since 2011 (we stayed back to back years in 2010/2011, but since my wife moved into public schools, we are now beholden to school breaks for our vaca, and typically prices during Easter Break have been too prohibitive. We found a "magical deal" this year through some hint-hints on this board this year, though!!).

We've eaten at Hanna's on past trips and will be making a few lunch stops there I'm sure (including on the day in question!). Our plans call for an afternoon "off" so we're planning on plopping down at SAB all day.

My wife and I are eating at Le Cellier at 8:50 though so we're looking for an easier, later "dinner" option to set kids/MIL with before we head out. We've had some recommendations for room service/room pizza (Pizza's going to be negged, I'm afraid, being NYers and not necessarily fond of Orlando Pizza..sorry for being snobs!!!) which we'll look at.

Another option I'm thinking is just going to eat on trhe Boardwalk around 5:30/6ish and wife and I can munch/have a beer while kids eat. I noticed ESPN Club and Big River don't take reservations through Disney, though - do I have to contact them directly (and where would I find such info if it exists)? Or do they just not take reservations at all (and for those with extensive "eat on the Boardwalk casually" experience, do they fill up for dinner on a given night?).

Thanks again!

 

[gwynne]

Thanks for the welcome! We'll be at BC 4/23-4/27 as part of a split stay with AoA. Looking forward to it - our first time back at the BC since 2011 (we stayed back to back years in 2010/2011, but since my wife moved into public schools, we are now beholden to school breaks for our vaca, and typically prices during Easter Break have been too prohibitive. We found a "magical deal" this year through some hint-hints on this board this year, though!!).

We've eaten at Hanna's on past trips and will be making a few lunch stops there I'm sure (including on the day in question!). Our plans call for an afternoon "off" so we're planning on plopping down at SAB all day.

My wife and I are eating at Le Cellier at 8:50 though so we're looking for an easier, later "dinner" option to set kids/MIL with before we head out. We've had some recommendations for room service/room pizza (Pizza's going to be negged, I'm afraid, being NYers and not necessarily fond of Orlando Pizza..sorry for being snobs!!!) which we'll look at.

Another option I'm thinking is just going to eat on trhe Boardwalk around 5:30/6ish and wife and I can munch/have a beer while kids eat. I noticed ESPN Club and Big River don't take reservations through Disney, though - do I have to contact them directly (and where would I find such info if it exists)? Or do they just not take reservations at all (and for those with extensive "eat on the Boardwalk casually" experience, do they fill up for dinner on a given night?).

Thanks again!

I thought of a couple of more possiblilities.
The Captain's Grill at the Yacht Club takes reservations, I've found it's sometimes easier to get into than many other WDW restaurants.
Your MIL and kids could eat, and you and your wife could have a drink and maybe share an app.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/yacht-club-resort/captains-grille/

The Fountain at the Dolphin Hotel. No reservations, it's a cute fun place.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/dolphin-hotel/fountain/

 

[thebs19]

I thought of a couple of more possiblilities.
The Captain's Grill at the Yacht Club takes reservations, I've found it's sometimes easier to get into than many other WDW restaurants.
Your MIL and kids could eat, and you and your wife could have a drink and maybe share an app.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/yacht-club-resort/captains-grille/

The Fountain at the Dolphin Hotel. No reservations, it's a cute fun place.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/dolphin-hotel/fountain/

I hadn't considered the Capt's Grill as I thought it was about "above" the "dry off from the pool and go grab a bite so there's no arguing from the kids about getting ready for a dinner I'm not even eating at." I was looking for something super casual - if Capt's Grill fits that though and I'm conflating it too much with the general vibe of the YC and its neighbor, the Yachtmans' Steakhouse, I'll be happy to look into it.

The Fountain is a great suggestion! I thought I had actually made a reservation there last year before ultimately cancelling but maybe I'm mis-remembering re: reservations.

 

[dansdad]

I have sort of a similar question so figured I'd lump it in here. My wife has a girlfriend who moved local to WDW a few years back and she usually meets us for a day or 2 during our vacation. The last 2 years we stayed at the Swan so there was no real issue with her coming to the pool with us (there was no checking, etc). Is there a way to buy her "day pass" access to SAB for the day or days she may come visit? She's an AP holder and would have her own magic band, etc. I'd add her to the reservation but we're staying 4 nights and she at max would be there Saturday and Sunday, so rather not pay the $25/night additional adult charge for the duration of our stay.

There are no day passes for Storm Along Bay so she wouldn't be able to join you there.