Just back from the Yacht Club

[DawnCt]

We just returned from our five day stay at the Yacht Club, via Shades of Green. The front desk has a block of rooms that they can work from and were were assigned an end room on the second floor. I prefer the second floor because it is easy to take the stairs and avoid the elevator. I prefer an end room because instead of just a balcony, there are two rather large windows that would normally be on the solid wall. The new decor is lovely, deeper, richer colors than the previous color scheme. We checked in after five on the day before Thanksgiving, and the lobby and front desk did not appear to be very busy at that time. In spite of that, we waited quite a while for our luggage. While our room was attractive, the bathroom had not been cleaned. I called the front desk and the problem was investigated. We were offered another room but I had already waited for 25 minutes for our luggage, which still had not arrived. I also liked the room and agreed that the room could be recleaned when we left. As compensation, we opted for a complimentary breakfast at the Yacht Club Galley. I am glad that it was a "free" breakfast because I wouldn't have been happy if I had to pay for it, but that is another post. Newspaper delivery was sporadic with 2 newspapers delivered to the door, two out of the five mornings that we were there. Coffee is another issue for me. I really feel that a hotel that prides itself on amenities and service has no business charging for coffee in the morning. $1.79 for a cup of coffee that USED to be complimentary is absurd. Coffee was complimentary for years then it was removed from the lobby and replaced with coffee makers that generated a room charge for the coffee. Those were removed so they can now charge for coffee. Not good. Maybe it was the time of year but I missed the gentleman that greets guests as you enter the lobby. The only consistant figure I saw in the lobby was a uniformed security officer. I am not sure his presence is necessary nor adds to the the atmosphere. Any questions, I will be happy to answer.

 

[Gillian]

Thanks for the report!

Did the security guard say have a magical day??

Is the paper they deliver USA Today? If so, it isn't published on weekends, so that would explain 2 days of no delivery. Some hotels substitute a local paper, but I don't know about Disney.

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by Gillian
Thanks for the report!

Did the security guard say have a magical day??

Is the paper they deliver USA Today? If so, it isn't published on weekends, so that would explain 2 days of no delivery. Some hotels substitute a local paper, but I don't know about Disney.

Disney used to deliver the local paper the Orlando Sentienal(sp?) seven days a week. They changed to USA Today and it is now my understanding that they do not deliver a local substute on the weekends. I believe there are other national papers in the gift shops. New York Times, maybe?

 

[DawnCt]

Originally posted by Gillian
Thanks for the report!

Did the security guard say have a magical day??

Is the paper they deliver USA Today? If so, it isn't published on weekends, so that would explain 2 days of no delivery. Some hotels substitute a local paper, but I don't know about Disney.

No, the security guard just stood by the Christmas tree. not a peep! The newspaper was USA Today which would explain two of the days. I would have enjoyed the Sentinal however but not enough to go and get one. I usually read the paper while everyone else is getting up.

 

[Angel1]

Did you enjoy the resort in other ways? Do you regret staying there?

We are supposed to switch to the YC after 4 days at the Poly. I'm hoping I made the correct decision!

 

[Puffy2]

We stayed at the Yacht Club ( concierge) for a couple of days recently. Although it was certainly "nice", it just didn't have the same feel that the Polynesian concierge did or the Contemporary Tower Club - the Polynesian room was not even as nice as the Yacht Club (hoping the rennovations help that) but I still preferred it over YC - YC to me was ....too stuffy - maybe too stuffy for a Disney trip. I think I prefer the "magical, fantasy themeing" when at Disney. Don't get me wrong, the resort was fine , very nice in ways - but it's not the be all end all I expected it to be. Just one opinion.

 

[DawnCt]

Originally posted by Angel1
Did you enjoy the resort in other ways? Do you regret staying there?

We are supposed to switch to the YC after 4 days at the Poly. I'm hoping I made the correct decision!

No, I don't regret staying at the Yacht Club at all. It frankly has the best pool on property although I didn't use the pool this time. (too cool for me) I think that the issues I raised are not exclusively the problem of the Yacht Club, after all a room not being thorougly cleaned can happen anywhere. It isn't that it happens, its how they deal with the aftermath. I think that the lack of complimentary coffee in the lobby in the morning is just "another Disney cost saving measure" that guests sooner or later are going to resent. When factoring in the cost of a Disney vacation, complimentary coffee is a small thing for Disney to offer that goes a long way towards good will. My older son, who actually paid for his own vacation this year at Port Orleans was stunned by the food prices at the food court, the lack of quality and the slow service by housekeeping at Port Orleans. He called for two extra pillows and towels at 10 p.m. and after about 3 more phone calls they were delivered at 1 a.m. The delay is luggage to the room more than likely isn't due to the fact that CM's are standing around doing nothing. More than likely they are understaffed and can't be every where at once. Again, more cost cutting by Disney that reflects in the service. A couple of cast members talked to my other sons and feel that "Michael Eisner will be fired". Whether he will be or won't be isn't the issue. The issue is, staff and guests are going to continue to find some of the pixie dust is off of the rose. We had a good time but the value isn't what is used to be. There are other vacations that offer a big bang for the buck so our trips to Disney will be fewer while we pursue other destinations.

 

[pooh6890]

My two daughter and I stayed at the YC concierge from Nov. 9 to Nov. 13 and had a wonderful time. The room was absolutely gorgeous and totally new and renovated. We were in Room 5137 and I could see the Eiffel Tower from my bed! Our view was the best we have ever had and we watched Illuminations from our balcony every night. The room had a queen size bed with 2 lights with dimmers over it. A daybed in the corner of one side and a huge new chair/bed twin size in the other corner. So my daughers had their own bed and I had my own space.....yippee!!!!!!!!!!In the middle of the room was a huge drape we could close off if we needed privacy between the middle of the room. New bedspreads and pillows. New tile and sinks in the bathroom area. We had a fridge under the sink for our use at no charge. There were 3 robes, extra blankets and an iron and ironing board.

The concierge men staff were great. The women were a little too busy sometimes but always granted our requests. We are not one for planning to the minute but in the mornings we would call them for PS at Epcot restaurants. They were able to get us Mexico, Chefs De France, China and Rose and Crown for that night at 7:30 each time. The concierge buffet was very tasty and always had plentiful food and drinks. I loved the fact we were 3 doors down from the lounge and my daughters could run down there for snacks and drinks any time they wanted. That alone is worth it. They also would get them water or anything they needed even after they closed around 11:00. They were really good to them.

Best part - we were watching Illuminations one night and were commenting how pretty and fun it was to be staying the YC. The family next to us was talking to us between the slats of the balcony and we had many conversations with them. Didn't know their names just would talk and laugh together. Come to find out, it was Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna there for Soap Fest. What a nice surprise and they were so lovely.

We really enjoyed our YC experience and will definately be back there soon.

 

[pooh6890]

Forgot to tell you.....we had towel animals every single day and turndown service each night. Our maid was very efficient and talked with her each morning. Cleanest room so far and we are cleaning fanatics......love the YC.

 

[Mom of 5]

Angel 1,

DH and I stayed at the YC for the first time a few weeks ago. Of the WDW resorts we have stayed at (WL, AKL, and Poly), YC is our favorite ! We loved them all, but the YC was just perfect. We didn't find it "stuffy" at all. The newly renovated rooms are so nice, and really clean. It was just like staying at a new resort (we got to stay at WL and AKL during the first year each was open). We payed for a std. view room with an AP discount, and were given a room with a view of a lovely garden with a gazebo and the lagoon with the Boardwalk across the way. I could have just stayed around the resort and not even gone to the parks - I just love the YC!

Not only was the resort beautiful, but the location was so convenient. We walked to Epcot and the Boardwalk, and took a quick boat ride over to MGM. We only had a long wait once for the boat.

Oh...be sure and try Cape May's dinner buffet and Beaches and Cream while you're there. They're two of our favorite restaurants.

 

[jlb]

pooh6890--We were at conceirge the same time and had a great experience also. The staff met our needs and request, and I found the lounge was more than accomodating to children. Never had a problem switching our PS and it was great for my daughter to be able to grab a quick snack. I was beginning to feel like the only one without complaints about the YC.

 

[monte]

My husband and I LOVED our stay at the Yacht Club! I'm a housekeeping manager and I found the room to be clean, with the exception of the base of the toilet (no big deal). We enjoyed the resort so much we're planning on going back 10/04....call me crazy but I've recently purchased the Mickey Mouse desk lamp!

 

[pooh6890]

Jlb......how could anyone not love the YC? My daughters just loved the PB&J's and the way they cut them into little sizes. Just being able to run down there and get food anytime they wanted was worth the $$ we spent to stay there. It has become my new fav hotel even over the GF (which I thought couldn't get any better than that). We plan on going back next year too.

 

[ducklite]

I've stayed concierge at the YC, BWI, GF, AKL, and Poly.

The GF concierge was a HORRIBLE experience, but taht's another thread. The YC was OK, but a far cry from the BWI, Poly and AKL, which were all excellent.

The room was nice (we stayed about a month after they completed the renovations) but the lounge felt stuffy to us, and there were some other issues (power went off while I was in the shower, HUGE cockroach on my suitcase, no robes in room and had to call several times to get them delivered, etc.)

Needless to say, I don't think I'll stay there again when there are so many better choices.

Anne

 

[pooh6890]

I find it so interesting that so many people have such different experiences at the same hotel. I too have stayed at all the Deluxes (only concierge at YC and Cont. though). The YC was the best stay we have had so far. Our view overlooking the BW and Epcot with Illuminations is something we will never forget. My daughter still talks about it and misses it so much since we got back to reality. I didn't find the lounge stuffy at all but usually we were the only ones in there. If we didn't see something that had been out before, we would ask and they would bring it. Our room was so new and clean and the maid service and concierge staff were top notch. I can't say enough about this hotel.

 

[cindala]

Just had to put my two cents in here! The YC is our all time favorite Disney resort, and each of the 7 times we have stayed there have been absolutely wonderful visits!

If you look hard enough, you can find fault with every resort, every restaurant, and every attraction. When I'm on vacation, I go with the flow, and try not to let the little things bother me.

I certainly would recommend the YC to anyone without hesitation. It's a superb resort, with great amenities, location, decor, and CM's.