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

[Mamise 62]

Spending our arrival night at the All Star resort before moving to the Beach Club the next morning. My question: if we buy mugs at AS, are we okay to then use them for the next week at the BC? Thanks.

 

[TaraPA]

Judging by the smile on Teena's face, it certainly looks like they had a wonderful vacation! So glad for her.

Ditto! Now I want to go to a dude ranch!

 

[natebenma]

My family thinks the Disney gods are trying to make sure we can handle the Florida August weather. We went for a bike ride around Boston today to visit the Tall Ships. They are visiting to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the War of 1812. OMG it was HOT and HUMID! We are home now and we are all a pile of mush.

How are we going to be able to handle the late August Disney weather? We are planning on lots of pool time. Any other advice?

A

Here's one- if your group splits up, when you pick a meeting place, make it some place indoors with air conditioning. (e.g gift shop at the next attraction you are planning to do)

A previous poster mentioned going early and that is EXCELLENT advice. If you can go to the early EMH park of the day, you can get so much done in those first couple of hours, when it is cooler and before everyone else shows up.

 

[natebenma]

Spending our arrival night at the All Star resort before moving to the Beach Club the next morning. My question: if we buy mugs at AS, are we okay to then use them for the next week at the BC? Thanks.

I'm not sure if anyone will step up and answer this for you. Issues concerning refill mug usage, from resort to resort and especially from trip to trip, are major hot button issues here on the DIS.

I'll send you a PM (from Beach Club Dee) in the morning.

 

[natebenma]

Well it looks like maybe I belong in here now!
We were booked for August at AoA but got a rate from Magical Vacations for the Yacht Club that was just too good to pass up!! In fact we're paying less

We've stayed at several resorts but only at BWV as far as the Epcot resorts. We LOVED the area and the convenience of being so close to two parks.

The only rooms available for this deal were Standard View so we know it will be parking lot or rooftop view. Does anyone know a good area to request or even know where the Standard View rooms are located around the resort?

My 8 year old loves a good pool slide and we are really excited to finally spend some time at Stormalong Bay.

Looking forward to getting to know you in this thread. It's really informative and I've been reading through it all day

Would you like to be added to the Page 1 Be Our Guest list? What are your dates in August?



It looks like you already know that you will love the wonderful location of the Yacht Club and the awesome pool and slide!

I think a lot of the YC Standard view rooms will be along the front side of the resort, overlooking the parking lot area. As far as areas that are best- if you would like to be close to the pool/lobby you could request that, or ask to be close to an elevator.

 

[MickeyT]

Judging by the smile on Teena's face, it certainly looks like they had a wonderful vacation! So glad for her.

Know what.....I bet they had a good time too. Would not suprise me to see some of those 'cowboys' around the BC lobby .

 

[TMEF23]

Hey everyone! I check this board daily and I love how helpful everyone is. My family (DH, myself, and twin sons- 20months at trip time) will be staying at the Yacht Club starting August 17. I've only made one ADR, as I'm not quite sure how the boys are going to nap, adapt their schedule etc. However, I am now having doubts about only having 1 ADR. Do you think I should be trying to make more? Is it really difficult to get into the restaurants at the hotel without reservations?

Next question- They currently drink 3 sippy cups of milk a day. Do they sell individual whole milk containers at the parks? I think the rooms have a minifridge, would I be able to put a freezer pack in there to put in a cooler with me to take into the parks? (I actually feel stupid asking this, but I haven't really looked at a minifridge since college)

And another one- Yacht Club Breakfast: I think I read someplace that you can get some breakfasty food at the Yacht Club Lounge? What type of food? The boys eat A LOT of fresh fruit, will I be able to get this places??

I'm starting to get a little nervous and unprepared. I've been to Disney 20+ times, but this is our very first family vacation and really the first time my DH and I will have spent an entire week in Disney. We will also have our car with us since we are driving from PA, but once I'm at the resort, I'm sure I won't want to drive anywhere!

Thanks,
Tracy

 

[MickeyT]

We just came back late last night and loved BC - CL. They were so helpful with getting a spare room for my then fiance to use to get ready for our wedding. We had great towel animals every night too. Now that I'm home I keep wondering who is going to prepare some appetizers for me tonight.

Can't help but ask.....Did you by any chance have dinner at the Yachtsman the night before your wedding (with a couple from South Carolina sitting in?)

 

[DT83097]

Checking in after being away from the boards for a little while....so much catching up to do!! Love all the great live reports - thanks everyone for sharing. Life has been crazy lately so this was a much needed reprieve. I made our final payment today and we leave in 47 days!!!! We are very much looking forward to getting back to our Happy Place

 

[chaoscent]

Ditto! Now I want to go to a dude ranch!

Ms. Tara - Princesses don't do Dude Ranches?
Hey there, how is life for you. I am looking forward to my first stay at the Beach Club Villas. It seems like there are a lot of people here from PA, NJ & DE.
Penny

 

[natebenma]

Hey everyone! I check this board daily and I love how helpful everyone is. My family (DH, myself, and twin sons- 20months at trip time) will be staying at the Yacht Club starting August 17. I've only made one ADR, as I'm not quite sure how the boys are going to nap, adapt their schedule etc. However, I am now having doubts about only having 1 ADR. Do you think I should be trying to make more? Is it really difficult to get into the restaurants at the hotel without reservations?

Next question- They currently drink 3 sippy cups of milk a day. Do they sell individual whole milk containers at the parks? I think the rooms have a minifridge, would I be able to put a freezer pack in there to put in a cooler with me to take into the parks? (I actually feel stupid asking this, but I haven't really looked at a minifridge since college)

And another one- Yacht Club Breakfast: I think I read someplace that you can get some breakfasty food at the Yacht Club Lounge? What type of food? The boys eat A LOT of fresh fruit, will I be able to get this places??

I'm starting to get a little nervous and unprepared. I've been to Disney 20+ times, but this is our very first family vacation and really the first time my DH and I will have spent an entire week in Disney. We will also have our car with us since we are driving from PA, but once I'm at the resort, I'm sure I won't want to drive anywhere!

Thanks,
Tracy

A few questions for you- are you on the dining plan or do you plan on paying for meals out of pocket?

If you are on the dining plan, I would definitely recommend making a few more dinner reservations, but if you will be content eating at a combination of Table Service and Counter Service restaurants, then you may be ok. Personally, I love a lot of the counter service locations in EPCOT (Sunshine Seasons, French Bakery, Tangierine Cafe in Morocco, Sushi Takeout in Japan) so I feel like there are a lot of backups.

As far as needing reservations at YC/BC restaurants. Pretty much necessary at the Cape May both at breakfast and dinner. Not sure about the Yachtsman, which is signature, so you may not be considering that anyway. I suspect that the Captain's Grille, at the YC, is fairly easy to get a table (and it is quite good). Beaches and Cream does not take reservations.

There are also a number of restaurants at the Boardwalk and in EPCOT, so if you are not particularly fussy, there may be options there.

Question to others- will the regular resort Concierge staff help you make reservations during your trip?

The mini fridge does not have a freezer, but it will keep milk cold and will probably keep your freezer pack cold, but not frozen.

Not entirely sure, but I'm guessing cartons of milk are available at most counter service restaurants througout the parks. Anyone know?

MickeyT send me a bunch of photos of the breakfast place at the YC and I'll try to post those in the next day or so. I think there is fruit there or you can go to the Marketplace for cut up fruit or whole bananas, apples and oranges.

 

[2dogmom]

Can't help but ask.....Did you by any chance have dinner at the Yachtsman the night before your wedding (with a couple from South Carolina sitting in?)

OMGoodness, yes I did. How cool that we didn't even know we were both on here and there at the same time! I hope you had an enjoyable rest of your trip.

 

[2dogmom]

Hey everyone! I check this board daily and I love how helpful everyone is. My family (DH, myself, and twin sons- 20months at trip time) will be staying at the Yacht Club starting August 17. I've only made one ADR, as I'm not quite sure how the boys are going to nap, adapt their schedule etc. However, I am now having doubts about only having 1 ADR. Do you think I should be trying to make more? Is it really difficult to get into the restaurants at the hotel without reservations?

We were able to walk up to SciFi and Rainforest Cafe(AK) with 5 people without an ADR. I was also able to change times for a couple of ADRs without a problem. If the are specific places you want to eat, then I would make some. Also, if free dining is going on, I would make them as well as they will be more crowded.

 

[TMEF23]

A few questions for you- are you on the dining plan or do you plan on paying for meals out of pocket?

We are not on the dining plan. I was hoping to be able to just go off of their schedule If they seem hot and hungry, it could be a perfect time to go sit down at whatever restaurant is closest to us!

Thanks for answering so many of the questions. I was just checking out some the menus and noticed for kids pick most of the meals come with 1% milk, but since my boys are under 2 they are still only drinking whole (they were 8 weeks early, still tiny) so they absolutely need whole milk.

Can't wait to see the pictures!

 

[TMEF23]

We were able to walk up to SciFi and Rainforest Cafe(AK) with 5 people without an ADR. I was also able to change times for a couple of ADRs without a problem. If the are specific places you want to eat, then I would make some. Also, if free dining is going on, I would make them as well as they will be more crowded.

I am so glad you mentioned Rainforest Cafe. I bet that would be a great place for my boys. There is a lot for them to look at and see, plus they love making animal sounds at the moment. Do they take reservations or call ahead seating?

How does SciFi work for kids that need highchairs? I know you sit in cars, so do they have booster seats with belts? I was concerned that SciFi would be too dark, but that crazy large screen might attract their attention. I haven't been there to eat in over 10 years!

 

[2dogmom]

I am so glad you mentioned Rainforest Cafe. I bet that would be a great place for my boys. There is a lot for them to look at and see, plus they love making animal sounds at the moment. Do they take reservations or call ahead seating?

How does SciFi work for kids that need highchairs? I know you sit in cars, so do they have booster seats with belts? I was concerned that SciFi would be too dark, but that crazy large screen might attract their attention. I haven't been there to eat in over 10 years!

Yes, you should be able to make an ADR for Rainforest Cafe. There is on at AK and downtown.

At SciFi, they have booth cars and ones that have a table so they could early pull up a high chair at one of those. I think I have a pic of the table ones. Let me know if you want me to post it.

 

[MickeyT]

Hey everyone! I check this board daily and I love how helpful everyone is. My family (DH, myself, and twin sons- 20months at trip time) will be staying at the Yacht Club starting August 17. I've only made one ADR, as I'm not quite sure how the boys are going to nap, adapt their schedule etc. However, I am now having doubts about only having 1 ADR. Do you think I should be trying to make more? Is it really difficult to get into the restaurants at the hotel without reservations?

Next question- They currently drink 3 sippy cups of milk a day. Do they sell individual whole milk containers at the parks? I think the rooms have a minifridge, would I be able to put a freezer pack in there to put in a cooler with me to take into the parks? (I actually feel stupid asking this, but I haven't really looked at a minifridge since college)

And another one- Yacht Club Breakfast: I think I read someplace that you can get some breakfasty food at the Yacht Club Lounge? What type of food? The boys eat A LOT of fresh fruit, will I be able to get this places??

I'm starting to get a little nervous and unprepared.....

Thanks,
Tracy

Great questions Tracy.
Reservations depend on when/where. The more popular places like Cape May Cafe at the BC is hard to get in w/o ADR. But the Captains Grill at YC is a hidden gem to most of us here. We walked up for breakfast on our last day at 8am and had no problem. It is getting easier to get walkups there and is not that difficult . And Beaches and Cream doesn't take reservations but can be crowded at peak times. But one of the grandest things about Y&BC resort is that you are within walking distance of 50+ restaurants at the surrounding hotels and EPCOT. 10-15 minutes max to the most distant ones!


Milk! Not positive but pretty sure about all dining locations will have milk. It is a staple of the healthy dining options Disney has prided itself on. The fridge in the rooms do not have freezer compartments. But plenty of ice available at the resort (and that melted ice water may come in handy for use with a wash rag in Aug)

The Ale and Compass Lounge does sell a very limited menu. The fruit consist of a small basket on the counter with apples, oranges and banana's. A better option may be to stop by the Marketplace at the BC the night before and stock up. It has a small selection of muffins and pastries.
This is the whole pastry case.

"I'm starting to get a little nervous and unprepared." So natural. All us uberplanners have felt it at one time or another. You'll be fine!

 

[TMEF23]

Thanks everyone! I'm starting to feel a little better about not making reservations. I really think it will be a much easier trip if we can just wing it and go by the boys. The last time I went (5 years ago!) we did the Dining Plan and had every day set around our dining schedule. This is such a different trip, and I don't want to be watching the clock making sure we get to our reservation on time. We do a ton of day trips, but do stick to a very rigid nap/sleep schedule. Eating appropriately/sleeping are the two main things I worry about! I feel some practice pack n play sleeping coming on. They haven't slept anywhere besides their cribs for about a year now. EEEK!

MickeyT- Sign me up for some of that yummy looking pastry! Great suggestion about stopping to get fresh fruit the night before. This way I can just have breakfast ready for them when they get up!

Which rainforest is better- AK or Downtown Disney? I'm not even sure if we will make it to Downtown Disney. Is it entertaining enough for toddlers?

 

[2dogmom]

Which rainforest is better- AK or Downtown Disney? I'm not even sure if we will make it to Downtown Disney. Is it entertaining enough for toddlers?

I think they are both the same. They come to "life" every 30 min. The lights dim and the animals move and make a lot of noise. But sure if it would be scary at all. Our youngest is 9. She really liked the kids activity booklet

From experience, even if I had a strict schedule at home, wdw threw everything out of whack. One of my daughter's would only nap in her stroller, the other only in the room. We just had to adapt the the over stimulation and make the best of it.

 

[MickeyT]

OMGoodness, yes I did. How cool that we didn't even know we were both on here and there at the same time! I hope you had an enjoyable rest of your trip.

We did. Not a relaxing trip at all. We went more commando than I ever thought we would, but had a blast. Would you believe I did not even set foot in SAB.

We really thought about y'all with the rain. DW did the "OH NO" when it started raining. Looking forward to reading the rest of your wedding report to see how it all came out!