OLD THREAD: 2012 Beach and Yacht FAQ, Part 2- May, June and July DON'T POST HERE!

[Katesdad]

Hi guys! First timer going to yacht club in September. I've booked a standard room with pool/lake view. Can anyone tell me if all of these rooms have a balcony? Thanks in advance!

Looks like your question might have gotten missed. First, the easy one. You are doing YC so a full balcony is almost a guarantee. Only a very few rooms don't have a full balcony at the YC so that is not a concern. The next thing though may be difficult to take. There are three categories for rooms, standard view (SV), garden view (GV) and waterview (WV). You indicated you booked SV. By making that statement, you have said that you are in a room that will have a view of a roof-top, a parking lot, or both. A GV room will get you a view of something green (trees, grass, or bushes) but you won't be looking down at a roof-top or a parking lot. A WV means you'll have a view of water. That could be SAB, that could be the lagoon, that could be the quiet pool, or a combinatino of two of the above, but it will have water in it. Now there are GV rooms that when you look out the balcony to the right or to the left you will see water, and there are SV rooms that when you look off to the distance you might see the lagoon or the quiet pool, but if you wanted a view of a pool or the lake, you really need to book the WV category. There are many stories about those with a SV that see the high fireworks shows at night or see Space Ship Earth in Epcot, but it's not something you can count on. Sorry to have been the downer on this. May I suggest you look at page one of this thread and check out the great inforamtion and pictures that are there on this. Also, may I suggest you reconsider puchasing an upgrade to GV and ask for "gazebo view"? You will get to see the lagoon and maybe even SAB then too.

Happy planning

 

[Plum85]

Looks like your question might have gotten missed. First, the easy one. You are doing YC so a full balcony is almost a guarantee. Only a very few rooms don't have a full balcony at the YC so that is not a concern. The next thing though may be difficult to take. There are three categories for rooms, standard view (SV), garden view (GV) and waterview (WV). You indicated you booked SV. By making that statement, you have said that you are in a room that will have a view of a roof-top, a parking lot, or both. A GV room will get you a view of something green (trees, grass, or bushes) but you won't be looking down at a roof-top or a parking lot. A WV means you'll have a view of water. That could be SAB, that could be the lagoon, that could be the quiet pool, or a combinatino of two of the above, but it will have water in it. Now there are GV rooms that when you look out the balcony to the right or to the left you will see water, and there are SV rooms that when you look off to the distance you might see the lagoon or the quiet pool, but if you wanted a view of a pool or the lake, you really need to book the WV category. There are many stories about those with a SV that see the high fireworks shows at night or see Space Ship Earth in Epcot, but it's not something you can count on. Sorry to have been the downer on this. May I suggest you look at page one of this thread and check out the great inforamtion and pictures that are there on this. Also, may I suggest you reconsider puchasing an upgrade to GV and ask for "gazebo view"? You will get to see the lagoon and maybe even SAB then too.

Happy planning

Thanks very much for replying. I think my room falls into the water view category. I booked it through a travel agent and it says "with pool/water view" so I'm hoping that is the same as the water view category you suggested. Thanks for the info on the balcony too, really pleased about that!

 

[DT83097]

Can someone estimate the travel time via bus from YC to MK please? We were last at YC in 2010 and can't remember. Thx!

 

[Katesdad]

Thanks very much for replying. I think my room falls into the water view category. I booked it through a travel agent and it says "with pool/water view" so I'm hoping that is the same as the water view category you suggested. Thanks for the info on the balcony too, really pleased about that!

Glad to hear it. Now, as an additional suggestion, don't do on-line check in. When discussing your room with the reservation desk at check-in, look at where it is at. If you want something different, don't be afraid to ask. if they are full, there's not much they can do, but if they aren't perhaps you can get what you want. And don't forget about the "secret" entrances at the YC that cut down a lot of walking distances.

Can someone estimate the travel time via bus from YC to MK please? We were last at YC in 2010 and can't remember. Thx!

Fifteen to twenty minutes once you are on the bus depending on how long it takes to load at the BC.

 

[natebenma]

Fifteen to twenty minutes once you are on the bus depending on how long it takes to load at the BC.

That sounds about right.

I once timed the trip from the BC to MK and it was 12 minutes, not counting the wait time for the bus.

 

[DT83097]

Thanks - both of you! Have a BBB and Pirates League appt for the kids and needed to know how much travel time to account for. 18 short days to go!!!

 

[MMrules]

7 days!! Only 7 more days until we arrive at our home away from home!!

All I have left to do is laundry, pack, get prescriptions refilled and we are ready to roll! School shopping is done, oil change and tire rotation completed for a safe drive. Oh, and I will also clean the house top to bottem just before we leave so it is perfect when we get back home. That way I only have laundry to face when we get back.

Wishing everyone safe travels that are on their way and magical times for those who are already there!

We will be there at the same time!!! I will be the frazzled looking mom of 2 very busy boys, who will be in dire need of gray goose slushies!!!!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Thank you all - this thread is so much more than a Disney discussion board, much more of a community/family.

Okay now for our trip!

Universal - RPR.

This did not work out well for us. We arrived at RPR at 10:00 and by noon oldes DD had a terrible stomach virus. She and I spent two out of our three US/IOA days in the hotel room.

RPR was a nice resort. Lobby and beautiful, workers were extremely nice and helpful, resort had a tropical feel, very relaxing. Pool was nice but definitely missed a slide. The room seemed a lot smaller than what we are used to. If we ever go again I think we would go back to HRH. The room, though small, was very nice with a lot of drawer space.

I can't give a good review of Universal because we spent so little time at the parks. DH took my other dd and ds to the parks. DS loved it because he is a roller coaster junkie. Younger dd couldn't wait to get to Disney. DH couldn't wait to get to Disney.

We did really like dinner at Margarittaville, Bubba Gump Shrimp and Finnegans.

Disney/BC - fantastic as usual! Had a great sv cl room. Right next to the room we've had the past two years. It didn't have a day bed but we had an air mattress that we used at RPR so no problem! Had a great side view of Crescent Lake and the Boardwalk.

Had a great big surprise at our Dis Meet. YCFAN was able to make it after all. I think Teena, YCFAN, Lauren and I are the only ones who have been to all 3 BC/YC Dis Meets. We had a lot of fun (especially with our flat friends) and it was a fabulous surprise!

Mousekeeping was really good (but no solar gel, shower caps, or toothbrushes anymore). Everything was clean - and if you look in the bottom of the nightstand there was a phone book!

CL offerings were really good but for some reason our timing didn't work out as well as past years so we didn't get a chance to enjoy them as much as I would have liked.

Our favorite dinners were Narcoosee's, Tutto Italia, Mama Melrose's and 50's ptc!
For the first time ever we were disappointed in Rose and Crown.

BC CL was wonderful in arranging for a cake to be delivered at Beaches and Cream for dd's birthday. Pete, Vilma and Neil were outstanding as usual.

We spent a good deal of time at SAB and love it as usual.

We were planning on just getting 10 day MWY with hoppers and water parks but ended up with annual passes and water park annual passes! Now at least we know we'll be back next year.

We got the TIW card again so I think we will skip the DDP next year. I just can't justify almost $300 a night when three of my kids would rather order off the kids menu. Most places were really good though about letting me order 2 adult meals for the 3 kids to split - so we were able to extend our DDP credits.

MickeyT - good news to report the light at the top of the lighthouse is working.

Scottmel - our room had the plush mattress but I heard that some of the rooms have plush and some have pillowtops so I don't know how much my report will help you.

Any questions?

 

[Sue M]

Thanks for your review Robyn! Sorry about the illness at UA My dd had the stomach flu once at AKL. 2nd day Then we both got sick during a Poly stay when Poly gift shop CM started coughing all over us and not covering
Sucks being sick on vacay!

We stayed at HRH before, and I thought next time I'd try Royal. I didn't like the acoustics of the HRH halls. So loud. Esp when people are returning late at night from City Walk. Halls echo really bad, sounds like you're in a tunnel. We got no sleep.

No more solar gel I love that stuff!! Esp when so many burn in the hot Florida sun, I wonder why they don't provide it any more?

 

[Couchy]

So happy for you!

Thanks!

We're back!

I only have a minute since I have tons of things to put away and of course the never ending pile of laundry. BC was fabulous as always.

Ninja Mom - no truer words were ever spoken. As fabulous as the trip was we came home to some devestating news. My niece who is only 9 years younger than me has cancer that has metasasized everywhere. I am devestated. I hate to write about anything so horrible on such a happy thread but I am definitely taking Ninja Mom's words to heart and living life instead of worrying constantly about tomorrow.

I'll give you all a full report on our trip later today.

So sorry you had to come home to such terrible news. I am thinking about you

5 more days for us! We did all the school supply shopping yesterday, got the kids some new sneakers and clothes, I've got everything laid out in the dining room so when we get back it's ready to go! The less post-vacation work the better! We fly back the 11th and school starts the 14th. I've got an oil change and house cleaning on my list for this week. Sounds like we think alike!

You'r e almost there


We are still trying to line up the dog sitter for the trip. Our normal sitter can not do it so we are trying to line up another one. It is the only thing that keeps me from booking the flight and our course the awesome BC room. I am still very hopeful

 

[Pinkgirl]

Thanks - both of you! Have a BBB and Pirates League appt for the kids and needed to know how much travel time to account for. 18 short days to go!!!

Ooooh we must arrive around the same time

 

[heidijanesmith]

Thank you all - this thread is so much more than a Disney discussion board, much more of a community/family.

Okay now for our trip!

Universal - RPR.

This did not work out well for us. We arrived at RPR at 10:00 and by noon oldes DD had a terrible stomach virus. She and I spent two out of our three US/IOA days in the hotel room.

RPR was a nice resort. Lobby and beautiful, workers were extremely nice and helpful, resort had a tropical feel, very relaxing. Pool was nice but definitely missed a slide. The room seemed a lot smaller than what we are used to. If we ever go again I think we would go back to HRH. The room, though small, was very nice with a lot of drawer space.

I can't give a good review of Universal because we spent so little time at the parks. DH took my other dd and ds to the parks. DS loved it because he is a roller coaster junkie. Younger dd couldn't wait to get to Disney. DH couldn't wait to get to Disney.

We did really like dinner at Margarittaville, Bubba Gump Shrimp and Finnegans.

Disney/BC - fantastic as usual! Had a great sv cl room. Right next to the room we've had the past two years. It didn't have a day bed but we had an air mattress that we used at RPR so no problem! Had a great side view of Crescent Lake and the Boardwalk.

Had a great big surprise at our Dis Meet. YCFAN was able to make it after all. I think Teena, YCFAN, Lauren and I are the only ones who have been to all 3 BC/YC Dis Meets. We had a lot of fun (especially with our flat friends) and it was a fabulous surprise!

Mousekeeping was really good (but no solar gel, shower caps, or toothbrushes anymore). Everything was clean - and if you look in the bottom of the nightstand there was a phone book!

CL offerings were really good but for some reason our timing didn't work out as well as past years so we didn't get a chance to enjoy them as much as I would have liked.

Our favorite dinners were Narcoosee's, Tutto Italia, Mama Melrose's and 50's ptc!
For the first time ever we were disappointed in Rose and Crown.

BC CL was wonderful in arranging for a cake to be delivered at Beaches and Cream for dd's birthday. Pete, Vilma and Neil were outstanding as usual.

We spent a good deal of time at SAB and love it as usual.

We were planning on just getting 10 day MWY with hoppers and water parks but ended up with annual passes and water park annual passes! Now at least we know we'll be back next year.

We got the TIW card again so I think we will skip the DDP next year. I just can't justify almost $300 a night when three of my kids would rather order off the kids menu. Most places were really good though about letting me order 2 adult meals for the 3 kids to split - so we were able to extend our DDP credits.

MickeyT - good news to report the light at the top of the lighthouse is working.

Scottmel - our room had the plush mattress but I heard that some of the rooms have plush and some have pillowtops so I don't know how much my report will help you.

Any questions?

Thanks for the review . My DD got sick at WDW last time we went, I feel your pain

How was the crowds at US and WDW? Huge amounts of tour groups? I am hoping that when we arrive at WDW Aug 7th, they were be almost gone. US, it's not so bad as we can use the Express Pass for almost everything and early entry into HP.

thanks!

 

[Scott MC]

Thank you all - this thread is so much more than a Disney discussion board, much more of a community/family.

Okay now for our trip!

Universal - RPR.

This did not work out well for us. We arrived at RPR at 10:00 and by noon oldes DD had a terrible stomach virus. She and I spent two out of our three US/IOA days in the hotel room.

RPR was a nice resort. Lobby and beautiful, workers were extremely nice and helpful, resort had a tropical feel, very relaxing. Pool was nice but definitely missed a slide. The room seemed a lot smaller than what we are used to. If we ever go again I think we would go back to HRH. The room, though small, was very nice with a lot of drawer space.

I can't give a good review of Universal because we spent so little time at the parks. DH took my other dd and ds to the parks. DS loved it because he is a roller coaster junkie. Younger dd couldn't wait to get to Disney. DH couldn't wait to get to Disney.

We did really like dinner at Margarittaville, Bubba Gump Shrimp and Finnegans.

Disney/BC - fantastic as usual! Had a great sv cl room. Right next to the room we've had the past two years. It didn't have a day bed but we had an air mattress that we used at RPR so no problem! Had a great side view of Crescent Lake and the Boardwalk.

Had a great big surprise at our Dis Meet. YCFAN was able to make it after all. I think Teena, YCFAN, Lauren and I are the only ones who have been to all 3 BC/YC Dis Meets. We had a lot of fun (especially with our flat friends) and it was a fabulous surprise!

Mousekeeping was really good (but no solar gel, shower caps, or toothbrushes anymore). Everything was clean - and if you look in the bottom of the nightstand there was a phone book!

CL offerings were really good but for some reason our timing didn't work out as well as past years so we didn't get a chance to enjoy them as much as I would have liked.

Our favorite dinners were Narcoosee's, Tutto Italia, Mama Melrose's and 50's ptc!
For the first time ever we were disappointed in Rose and Crown.

BC CL was wonderful in arranging for a cake to be delivered at Beaches and Cream for dd's birthday. Pete, Vilma and Neil were outstanding as usual.

We spent a good deal of time at SAB and love it as usual.

We were planning on just getting 10 day MWY with hoppers and water parks but ended up with annual passes and water park annual passes! Now at least we know we'll be back next year.

We got the TIW card again so I think we will skip the DDP next year. I just can't justify almost $300 a night when three of my kids would rather order off the kids menu. Most places were really good though about letting me order 2 adult meals for the 3 kids to split - so we were able to extend our DDP credits.

MickeyT - good news to report the light at the top of the lighthouse is working.

Scottmel - our room had the plush mattress but I heard that some of the rooms have plush and some have pillowtops so I don't know how much my report will help you.

Any questions?

Yes!

First of all, I'm of course very sorry to hear about your niece.

My question is about the toiletries. What kind were they? I've read that some other resorts are switching over to different scents, but I love the H20+ aquatics! Is BC still using my favorite?

Glad to hear TIW worked for you. We're abandoning the DDP and trying to wing it w/ TIW and CL snacks this trip.

Glad you had a wonderful BC vacation!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Still the H2O products but the soap is different. No more Mickey embalzed soap just H20 soap.

The tour groups were still there but we always go to Disney in July and thought the crowds seemed a little better this year. I wasn't happy with when I first heard about the FP changes but honestly I think it makes the FPs easier to get. They don't seem to be gone as quickly.

US/IOA - the crowds werent' really an issues with the FOTL access. We did get there at the extra hour early for Harry Potter and the kids rope the Rip Rocket Ride when it first opened. Other than that we did LOVE the FOTL access!

 

[Boski]

One week to the day for us too!!! DW and myself are both in a bit of relief as DSiL is not coming (which just makes things much much easier).

To go off what MMrules stated, anyone looking for me I'll be the guy being drowned in SAB by a 6 and 7yo. If anyone notices I'm down there for a long time do me a favor and call the lifeguard

 

[heidijanesmith]

Still the H2O products but the soap is different. No more Mickey embalzed soap just H20 soap.

The tour groups were still there but we always go to Disney in July and thought the crowds seemed a little better this year. I wasn't happy with when I first heard about the FP changes but honestly I think it makes the FPs easier to get. They don't seem to be gone as quickly.

US/IOA - the crowds werent' really an issues with the FOTL access. We did get there at the extra hour early for Harry Potter and the kids rope the Rip Rocket Ride when it first opened. Other than that we did LOVE the FOTL access!

I am happy to hear that FP were easier to get, when we went last (July 2010) they were all gone at the major attractions by early afternoon.

thanks for the info!

 

[NHKristy76]

Does anyone know if you can get the solar gel by asking in the CL lounge?

 

[nannette]

I have to tell you that as somebody who recently came face to face with my mortality there are only so many tics of the clock that we each have. All too often we decide to take a back seat and just cruise through life when we should really be in the drivers seat and putting the pedal to the metal.

My husband is one of those people that is always afraid to live for today and he always lives in fear of what might happen tomorrow. When those tomorrows were in serious danger of disappearing I decided that no longer would I defer to that kind of sensibility. I got annual passes to WDW and I fully intend to live life and make memories with my kids while I still can.

By beating cancer I got a second chance. I intend to make the best of it and I want to make as many memories as possible. I told my kids that Disney World has been around for 40 plus years. One day they will take their kids there. Hopefully I'll be there with them but if I'm not I know that they will have many stories to tell about how their Mom and Dad took them there when they were kids and tell them about all the memories they made.

DITTO on everything NM! I had skin cancer 3 years ago... had it removed and two days later had plastic surgery to repair what looked like a gun shot wound to the mouth/lip.. today I have an amazing scar that reminds me daily that life is short and you never know... live for today is what I say! I also preach the following... EVERYONE make sure you use SUNSCREEN!!

I too have that husband who never goes anywhere! He's been diagnosed with heart issues and is now on 4 different medications for that. He is learning slowly that life is short. On August 14th he will be going on a plane for the first time in 25 years (there is NOT enough alcohol for me on this day) to visit our daughter in Texas. I have yet to get him on a "real" vacation but that doesn't stop me!! I LOVE vacation!!

In closing I say if you feel the need to do something don't let anything stand in the way of doing that because you just never know what life will bring!

Robyn, I'm sorry to hear about your niece. Thinking and praying for your family

~Nannette

 

[Koh1977]

How long is the boat if you took it from Epcot to HS or vice versa? Can you do that?

 

[DisneyDad in PA]

How long is the boat if you took it from Epcot to HS or vice versa? Can you do that?

Yes u can take the boat from Epcot to HS and vice versa. The CM announced 25 minutes this past week on one of our trips for HS to Epcot. It stops at swan/dolphin then beach club then boardwalk and the Epcot.