Resort Thread Disney's YACHT & BEACH CLUB Resorts

[VAtink]

I'm here now and nope it's not back. I am annoyed by the same thing. Have been kicked too many times by unsupervised kids each time I used it. Also noticed the hot tubs being closed for extended periods of time during the day.

When we were there two weeks ago the hot tub that had been the adults only one was closed every single time we went over. We were really hoping one day it would open and be back to adult only! The other one next to it was always super crowded and usually with unsupervised kids, which some days they were fine and super nice and even asked everyone there if they would mind if they turned the bubbles back on, but other days we had the cannon balling type that made us wish the adult only hot tub would open back up!

 

[Jillpie]

I'm about to head to Stormalong Bay in about a half an hour so I can ask if you'd like me to. I predict I'll get a similar answer though. I do agree that I would like it back too. Would also like the water to be a bit hotter. Some of the hot tubs are oddly cool?

Yes! I would love you to, thank you for asking. I would try and find one of the cast members that aren't life guards, someone who looks like they're in charge. I just couldn't find anyone that could give me a straight answer, it was so annoying.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Yes! I would love you to, thank you for asking. I would try and find one of the cast members that aren't life guards, someone who looks like they're in charge. I just couldn't find anyone that could give me a straight answer, it was so annoying.

I had asked one of the CM's at Storm Along Bay about the adult hot tubs back in September. They told me that kids 12 and older are allowed in the adult hot tubs. I don't know if that changed since then. But either way, I think that Disney is going to let the parents decide what their children can do.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Hello...not sure if this is the best place to inquire about this as it relates to staying at the BC specifically during the Marathon, but I've looked at some marathon threads and found mostly info about the running part. I'm hoping someone here may have stayed before to watch one of the marathon events and has some insight.

I'm staying at BC 1/10-15/26 to watch my sister and her daughter run the marathon. The spectator group also includes my other sister, her adult daughter, and a 4YO grandchild, who are all getting late the evening before. They want to watch from MK, but from what I'm seeing, that might mean we need to take one of the buses from 2-4am to the Epcot parking lot to take the monorail to MK, otherwise the "regular" buses won't get there early enough. Anyone have any experience/tips regarding this? (They also do not want to get park tickets, so that is adding some constraints including that we'll only have limited time in MK w/o a ticket)

Any thoughts/advice appreciated - thanks!

 

[Smugpugmug]

Yes! I would love you to, thank you for asking. I would try and find one of the cast members that aren't life guards, someone who looks like they're in charge. I just couldn't find anyone that could give me a straight answer, it was so annoying.

The CMs I spoke to didn't even know one of the hot tubs used to be adults only at one point sooooo RIP to the adult's only hot tub I guess.

Oh and for anyone coming soon, the two hot tubs by the Beaches and Cream bathroom have been on and off closed for hours due to the heater being broken and both tubs share a heater.

 

[Fe Kitty]

Hello...not sure if this is the best place to inquire about this as it relates to staying at the BC specifically during the Marathon, but I've looked at some marathon threads and found mostly info about the running part. I'm hoping someone here may have stayed before to watch one of the marathon events and has some insight.

I'm staying at BC 1/10-15/26 to watch my sister and her daughter run the marathon. The spectator group also includes my other sister, her adult daughter, and a 4YO grandchild, who are all getting late the evening before. They want to watch from MK, but from what I'm seeing, that might mean we need to take one of the buses from 2-4am to the Epcot parking lot to take the monorail to MK, otherwise the "regular" buses won't get there early enough. Anyone have any experience/tips regarding this? (They also do not want to get park tickets, so that is adding some constraints including that we'll only have limited time in MK w/o a ticket)

Any thoughts/advice appreciated - thanks!

There will be a bus for runDisney events at the bus stop loading area. They have a person and sign sitting where it arrives. Also inside each resort has info and a QR code to the event guide.

And Yes, you will all need to take one of the buses to start area (Epcot), buses run there till 4:30am. After getting off the bus, you'll need to take the monorail to TTC and transfer over to towards the MK. Monorail to MK starts at 4am.

There are plenty of people to follow and runDisney event staff guiding people along.

 

[CarolynFH]

Hello...not sure if this is the best place to inquire about this as it relates to staying at the BC specifically during the Marathon, but I've looked at some marathon threads and found mostly info about the running part. I'm hoping someone here may have stayed before to watch one of the marathon events and has some insight.

I'm staying at BC 1/10-15/26 to watch my sister and her daughter run the marathon. The spectator group also includes my other sister, her adult daughter, and a 4YO grandchild, who are all getting late the evening before. They want to watch from MK, but from what I'm seeing, that might mean we need to take one of the buses from 2-4am to the Epcot parking lot to take the monorail to MK, otherwise the "regular" buses won't get there early enough. Anyone have any experience/tips regarding this? (They also do not want to get park tickets, so that is adding some constraints including that we'll only have limited time in MK w/o a ticket)

Any thoughts/advice appreciated - thanks!

If you’re staying at BC, it will be far, far easier for all of you (especially with a 4 year old) to walk over to BW and watch there. Your sister can give you a link that allows you to track their progress along the route, so you can have a good idea when to go there. I know it’s not as “special” as seeing them run through MK, but BW is very near the end of the race, when they’ll really appreciate the encouragement! Your sister can give you the map route too.

ETA: we watched DD run last year. We were staying at BW with her, her husband and their 20 month old, and we tried all kinds of ways to figure out how to see her in MK, but logistics were too complicated especially with a young child. Maybe you can make it to MK and get back in time to bring the rest over to BW.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I'm staying at BC 1/10-15/26 to watch my sister and her daughter run the marathon.

we watched DD run last year. We were staying at BW with her, her husband and their 20 month old, and we tried all kinds of ways to figure out how to see her in MK, but logistics were too complicated especially with a young child. Maybe you can make it to MK and get back in time to bring the rest over to BW.

The marathon begins very early in the morning. We've heard the fireworks go off at the start of the marathon when staying at the Beach Club. I think the race hits MK before the park opens. The traffic is an absolute nightmare because of limited access for buses and cars. I would avoid going to MK for that reason.

The easiest thing is to watch them finish the race. That is the exciting part. That is when the runner achieves their goal. My sister and I ran lots of races together, including the Disney half marathon. We were happy to see my daughter waiting for us at the finish line.

Runners are very focused on their running during the race. They might not find you in a huge crowd, and if they do, it may only be for a few seconds. The biggest support you give will be before and after the race. Just having you take the time and expense to be there is huge. You'll see the race finishers proudly wearing their medals after the race. Some of them wear their medals for days. That is when the family support is important.

There should be lots of spectator information as you get closer to the race. The course map would give you a clue about times, too. There are all kinds of rules about going into Epcot before the park opens. They won't let you walk through the International Gateway to get to the start line, for instance.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Hello...not sure if this is the best place to inquire about this as it relates to staying at the BC specifically during the Marathon, but I've looked at some marathon threads and found mostly info about the running part. I'm hoping someone here may have stayed before to watch one of the marathon events and has some insight.

I'm staying at BC 1/10-15/26 to watch my sister and her daughter run the marathon. The spectator group also includes my other sister, her adult daughter, and a 4YO grandchild, who are all getting late the evening before. They want to watch from MK, but from what I'm seeing, that might mean we need to take one of the buses from 2-4am to the Epcot parking lot to take the monorail to MK, otherwise the "regular" buses won't get there early enough. Anyone have any experience/tips regarding this? (They also do not want to get park tickets, so that is adding some constraints including that we'll only have limited time in MK w/o a ticket)

Any thoughts/advice appreciated - thanks!

Can speak as a runner but not a spectator. You may have your (very good) reasons to want to see them in the MK/on Main Street and you’ve gotten the advice on what to do… runD bus to Epcot that AM (for the Marathon those buses run 2am-4am), Epcot monorail to TTC/switch to Resort Line to MK (starts a 4am), MK spectator viewing is 5am-7:30am and is ~Mile 9. I’m sure you’ve seen all the various start time/transportation time/spectator info here, but just in case: https://www.rundisneyexpo.run/walt-disney-world-marathon?

A lot can depend on their start time and speed, but at Mile 9 the course is still often congested and typically there are A LOT of spectators. With the amount of spectators, runners, noise, music, and chaos it can be hard to see people (and for them to see you). But of course it is Main Street, it’s awesome, it’s a unique way to be in MK, etc.

As a runner, for some that can be a rather emotional moment in the morning - the culmination of months of training, days of early wake up calls, you run through those gates, step foot on Main Street, make the turn by the Confectionary and see the castle in the distance - it’s all the feels, for me at least.

So yes, it can be done, but I do tend to agree with others I wouldn’t rule out trying to see them by BWI/BC/or Epcot towards the end of the race. It would probably be easier, on the margins, but would obviously be much different timing and may impact other plans. You could also plan to see them both places!

Maybe obvious statement, but pay attention to the weather - eg, last year it was COLD on the Marathon morning and those spectating very early really needed to bundle up. Typically even when it’s cold once the sun comes up and the day starts temps are more tolerable as the morning goes on.

Sorry for the unsolicited advice there. Good luck to your sister and her daughter, and enjoy spectatating! Such a special event/day for everyone involved.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

On the topic of the adult hot tub. IMHO, that seems like a topic worth taking a minute to send via the feedback request link you usually get via email on arrival day. Those are read and often acted upon and/or responded to by manager types. Consistent feedback on the same topic to people who actually have some say so in operations is at least worth a shot. Talking to recreation CMs is only going to go so far.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Thank you for all of the responses! Very helpful! I just quoted everyone because it is all helpful info, but let me preface by saying that I have been advocating to watch either from Boardwalk or the Finish line all along! I think it's simpler, especially tracking two runners who estimate themselves to be about an hour and a half apart in pace, and also because the spectator crew won't even get to the hotel until 9pm Saturday night, so the morning could be rough. Anyway, I am currently outnumbered in favor of MK, so I'm just trying to get accurate info and hope now that Christmas is over, people can think thing through and have a realistic picture. So...

There will be a bus for runDisney events at the bus stop loading area. They have a person and sign sitting where it arrives. Also inside each resort has info and a QR code to the event guide.

And Yes, you will all need to take one of the buses to start area (Epcot), buses run there till 4:30am. After getting off the bus, you'll need to take the monorail to TTC and transfer over to towards the MK. Monorail to MK starts at 4am.

There are plenty of people to follow and runDisney event staff guiding people along.

This is all helpful info if we attempt MK - especially the QR code at the resort and such. I hadn't really thought about the fact that there will be lots of staff to direct us but of course there will be! I don't think my niece has considered the two transfers to get to MK!

If you’re staying at BC, it will be far, far easier for all of you (especially with a 4 year old) to walk over to BW and watch there. Your sister can give you a link that allows you to track their progress along the route, so you can have a good idea when to go there. I know it’s not as “special” as seeing them run through MK, but BW is very near the end of the race, when they’ll really appreciate the encouragement! Your sister can give you the map route too.

ETA: we watched DD run last year. We were staying at BW with her, her husband and their 20 month old, and we tried all kinds of ways to figure out how to see her in MK, but logistics were too complicated especially with a young child. Maybe you can make it to MK and get back in time to bring the rest over to BW.

I agree! that way, the 4YO can rest as long as possible. Yes, my sister mentioned the link to track them - that will be helpful. I am just worried we'll bite off more than we can chew and get stuck someplace and miss one of them. My only concern about Boardwalk is that is says it's only accessible to people staying at the Boardwalk, but I would think we could see them? (I know I've seen other RunDisney events just in passing by staying at the BC?).

The marathon begins very early in the morning. We've heard the fireworks go off at the start of the marathon when staying at the Beach Club. I think the race hits MK before the park opens. The traffic is an absolute nightmare because of limited access for buses and cars. I would avoid going to MK for that reason.

The easiest thing is to watch them finish the race. That is the exciting part. That is when the runner achieves their goal. My sister and I ran lots of races together, including the Disney half marathon. We were happy to see my daughter waiting for us at the finish line.

Runners are very focused on their running during the race. They might not find you in a huge crowd, and if they do, it may only be for a few seconds. The biggest support you give will be before and after the race. Just having you take the time and expense to be there is huge. You'll see the race finishers proudly wearing their medals after the race. Some of them wear their medals for days. That is when the family support is important.

There should be lots of spectator information as you get closer to the race. The course map would give you a clue about times, too. There are all kinds of rules about going into Epcot before the park opens. They won't let you walk through the International Gateway to get to the start line, for instance.

Agree about the traffic and road closures and such! We are really excited to watch them - I am sure they will be wearing their medals proudly the rest of the trip! It's definitely more complicated that they don't want to get park tickets, but I can't seem to sway them on that! It's a good point that the crowd may be larger at MK and they may not even see us - I agree the Finish would be fun!

Can speak as a runner but not a spectator. You may have your (very good) reasons to want to see them in the MK/on Main Street and you’ve gotten the advice on what to do… runD bus to Epcot that AM (for the Marathon those buses run 2am-4am), Epcot monorail to TTC/switch to Resort Line to MK (starts a 4am), MK spectator viewing is 5am-7:30am and is ~Mile 9. I’m sure you’ve seen all the various start time/transportation time/spectator info here, but just in case: https://www.rundisneyexpo.run/walt-disney-world-marathon?

A lot can depend on their start time and speed, but at Mile 9 the course is still often congested and typically there are A LOT of spectators. With the amount of spectators, runners, noise, music, and chaos it can be hard to see people (and for them to see you). But of course it is Main Street, it’s awesome, it’s a unique way to be in MK, etc.

As a runner, for some that can be a rather emotional moment in the morning - the culmination of months of training, days of early wake up calls, you run through those gates, step foot on Main Street, make the turn by the Confectionary and see the castle in the distance - it’s all the feels, for me at least.

So yes, it can be done, but I do tend to agree with others I wouldn’t rule out trying to see them by BWI/BC/or Epcot towards the end of the race. It would probably be easier, on the margins, but would obviously be much different timing and may impact other plans. You could also plan to see them both places!

Maybe obvious statement, but pay attention to the weather - eg, last year it was COLD on the Marathon morning and those spectating very early really needed to bundle up. Typically even when it’s cold once the sun comes up and the day starts temps are more tolerable as the morning goes on.

Sorry for the unsolicited advice there. Good luck to your sister and her daughter, and enjoy spectatating! Such a special event/day for everyone involved.

Watching from MK definitely is not my ideal plan, but this is helpful in helping me plan and provide more reasons to consider other plans! It's definitely not unsolicited advice! I'm sure it is very emotional to see the castle - very exciting! I think the runners would like us to go to MK? but I can see that it would be the most crowded and chaotic place to try and see them! Thanks for the weather tip - that could impact things with the 4YO too! Thanks for the RunDisney info - I had seen that and I sent it to my niece yesterday so she can get a better idea of the logistical challenges!
Thanks everyone!

 

[CarolynFH]

My only concern about Boardwalk is that is says it's only accessible to people staying at the Boardwalk,

From BC it’s an easy walk over to the BW, or in fact you don’t even have to walk to the BW Resort itself. The route passes along Crescent Lake past BWV and all the restaurants etc. that line the lake there and then enters Epcot somewhere near the Skyliner station, I’m not exactly sure where. Your group could watch at any point along that route. The BW parking lot isn’t accessible to people not staying there, but there wont be any issues with spectating along the BW walkway itself.

One more thing about watching in MK - we didn’t make it there, but DD had photos taken in front of the castle, and I was surprised at how dark it still was! Something else to consider with the 4 year old - not only will it be crowded, it will still be nighttime as well.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Watching from MK definitely is not my ideal plan, but this is helpful in helping me plan and provide more reasons to consider other plans! It's definitely not unsolicited advice! I'm sure it is very emotional to see the castle - very exciting! I think the runners would like us to go to MK? but I can see that it would be the most crowded and chaotic place to try and see them! Thanks for the weather tip - that could impact things with the 4YO too! Thanks for the RunDisney info - I had seen that and I sent it to my niece yesterday so she can get a better idea of the logistical challenges!
Thanks everyone!

It sounds like you have a challenge ahead of you. You said that they don't want to buy park tickets. Which Park are you referring to, MK or Epcot?

If they plan to watch from MK, then they will have to drag the four-year-old out of bed really early. Normal park buses won't get them there in time to catch the runners. They would have to take the spectator bus.

The Beach Club is the perfect location to watch them at BW or at the finish line.

 

[Neener16]

Thank you for all of the responses! Very helpful! I just quoted everyone because it is all helpful info, but let me preface by saying that I have been advocating to watch either from Boardwalk or the Finish line all along! I think it's simpler, especially tracking two runners who estimate themselves to be about an hour and a half apart in pace, and also because the spectator crew won't even get to the hotel until 9pm Saturday night, so the morning could be rough. Anyway, I am currently outnumbered in favor of MK, so I'm just trying to get accurate info and hope now that Christmas is over, people can think thing through and have a realistic picture. So...


This is all helpful info if we attempt MK - especially the QR code at the resort and such. I hadn't really thought about the fact that there will be lots of staff to direct us but of course there will be! I don't think my niece has considered the two transfers to get to MK!


I agree! that way, the 4YO can rest as long as possible. Yes, my sister mentioned the link to track them - that will be helpful. I am just worried we'll bite off more than we can chew and get stuck someplace and miss one of them. My only concern about Boardwalk is that is says it's only accessible to people staying at the Boardwalk, but I would think we could see them? (I know I've seen other RunDisney events just in passing by staying at the BC?).


Agree about the traffic and road closures and such! We are really excited to watch them - I am sure they will be wearing their medals proudly the rest of the trip! It's definitely more complicated that they don't want to get park tickets, but I can't seem to sway them on that! It's a good point that the crowd may be larger at MK and they may not even see us - I agree the Finish would be fun!


Watching from MK definitely is not my ideal plan, but this is helpful in helping me plan and provide more reasons to consider other plans! It's definitely not unsolicited advice! I'm sure it is very emotional to see the castle - very exciting! I think the runners would like us to go to MK? but I can see that it would be the most crowded and chaotic place to try and see them! Thanks for the weather tip - that could impact things with the 4YO too! Thanks for the RunDisney info - I had seen that and I sent it to my niece yesterday so she can get a better idea of the logistical challenges!
Thanks everyone!

I think whoever thinks it’s a good idea to get a 4 year old up at the crack of dawn should be the one to be in charge of said 4 year old for the rest of the day. . It will likely negatively impact the entire day when there are much better alternatives. Sorry you seem to be stuck in the middle here.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

From BC it’s an easy walk over to the BW, or in fact you don’t even have to walk to the BW Resort itself. The route passes along Crescent Lake past BWV and all the restaurants etc. that line the lake there and then enters Epcot somewhere near the Skyliner station, I’m not exactly sure where. Your group could watch at any point along that route. The BW parking lot isn’t accessible to people not staying there, but there wont be any issues with spectating along the BW walkway itself.

One more thing about watching in MK - we didn’t make it there, but DD had photos taken in front of the castle, and I was surprised at how dark it still was! Something else to consider with the 4 year old - not only will it be crowded, it will still be nighttime as well.

Ok, now it makes sense about the BW guests - I never have a car when I'm there so I wasn't thinking! Good point about it still being dark out! I think it would be perfect to watch along the BW area, especially if the 4YO gets tired, we can take turns hanging out with her in the room.

It sounds like you have a challenge ahead of you. You said that they don't want to buy park tickets. Which Park are you referring to, MK or Epcot?

If they plan to watch from MK, then they will have to drag the four-year-old out of bed really early. Normal park buses won't get them there in time to catch the runners. They would have to take the spectator bus.

The Beach Club is the perfect location to watch them at BW or at the finish line.

They do not want to purchase any park ticket at all for Sunday, so it does complicate things a bit. And I agree the BC is the perfect - and least complicated - spot to watch! I sent the 4YO's mom some specific information yesterday including the RunDisney chart, so I'm hoping she'll have a chance now to think things through a bit. The runners have been more focused on the race - understandable so - but I just saw that my niece (runner) updated the spreadsheet she sent us with a little more specific spectator info including the multiple transfers that MK would involve, so hopefully that will help people decide on a good plan.

I think whoever thinks it’s a good idea to get a 4 year old up at the crack of dawn should be the one to be in charge of said 4 year old for the rest of the day. . It will likely negatively impact the entire day when there are much better alternatives. Sorry you seem to be stuck in the middle here.

Well, they're all in a 2 bedroom BCV and I have my own room on the hotel side, so that will probably come in handy! I can definitely see some potential issues, especially tracking two runners, and I have said as much, but I don't feel like I can make the decision. I just trying to provide the most info I can and want to make sure that we have a plan before that day. I'm just excited to watch them and it was an opportunity to do a multi-generational trip. Unfortunately, my kids can't go - they're already back at college by then, but my husband is coming later in the week so he'll have some time at the BC and then we'll go to the WL for a couple of days - so really no matter what happens, it's win/win for me!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Just curious-does anyone know why they made the change in the marathon course to passing by BWV instead of Y&BC? The year that DH ran the marathon (and the whole Dopey) we stayed at the BCV and the Marathon course involved going over the bridge by Swan and Dolphin, then passing Yacht and Beach Club. The 10K also passed that way, so it was a really great place to stay. I think that was in 2015 or 2016.

 

[Dave006]

we stayed at the BCV and the Marathon course involved going over the bridge by Swan and Dolphin, then passing Yacht and Beach Club.

It is likely that they changed it to make use of the wider path on the BW side of Crescent lake. The side at the YC narrows down while on the dock section, and really does not widen until near the bridge to the BW.

Dave

 

[Wood Nymph]

They do not want to purchase any park ticket at all for Sunday, so it does complicate things a bit. And I agree the BC is the perfect - and least complicated - spot to watch! I sent the 4YO's mom some specific information yesterday including the RunDisney chart, so I'm hoping she'll have a chance now to think things through a bit. The runners have been more focused on the race - understandable so - but I just saw that my niece (runner) updated the spreadsheet she sent us with a little more specific spectator info including the multiple transfers that MK would involve, so hopefully that will help people decide on a good plan.

It sounds like a great day to sleep in and then hang around Storm Along Bay until the runners get close to the Boardwalk.

 

[Wood Nymph]

From BC it’s an easy walk over to the BW, or in fact you don’t even have to walk to the BW Resort itself. The route passes along Crescent Lake past BWV and all the restaurants etc. that line the lake there and then enters Epcot somewhere near the Skyliner station, I’m not exactly sure where. Your group could watch at any point along that route. The BW parking lot isn’t accessible to people not staying there, but there wont be any issues with spectating along the BW walkway itself.

There is an entrance to the back of Epcot just to the left of the Skyliner station. They use that road to bring buses and other vehicles into that area when there are special events. It used to be the location for a shuttle around the resort area.

The racers don't run through any of the official park entrances. They enter through other service areas, like this one. That makes it even harder to watch them. You have to know exactly where they will enter and exit a park.

 

[elvispursley]

As a runner, when I did runDisney races, I really needed the support at the end of the race. When I ran through MK, I was too preoccupied to pay attention to anything but the excitement of running down Main St. Definitely watch and cheer for your runners from BW.