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

[WDW4us2006]

Just wanted to share my good news...after thinking it over, we have decided to ditch Deluxe dining for our August trip and use the extra money (we have already paid it off) to add an extra night! We are a family of 4 - me, DH, DS 22, and DD 19, and we love to eat out and experience the restaurants at WDW while taking breaks from the heat, but after looking at my itinerary, I felt like we would be rushing to our ADR's all over the place. I was afraid that if we didn't feel like going to a particular restaurant, or if we weren't hungry, we would be wasting a lot of money. This trip is supposed to be about relaxing and enjoying WDW. I remember on our trips from past years at the same time, that sometimes we were just too hot to eat much. Plus, we are staying CL and we are very familiar with what they have and that breakfast suits us just fine (as does the Bud Light for my son). And after thinking about it, I would MUCH rather spend the money making my trip longer than filling my belly! So, Dee, can you move our arrival date to August 19??

A few things worth mentioning....we booked this trip with a bounce back offer. When I called last night to modify it, they had to send me to Guest Services because my bounce back code expired on June 15...I found that strange. Are they still offering the Bounce back in the rooms? Can anyone there confirm the BB offer, if there is one, and if there is an expiration date?? Just found that curious. I immediately asked the CM if this meant a new BB was being offered (I'm hoping there is one for 2013 when we are there!), and he said he had no idea.......

OK, so after reading through all of these posts, I just went and looked at my reservation and you are RIGHT, mine says "Lagoon or Pool view". My original reservation does NOT say that, it says "Lagoon View" only. However, I'm not quite sure if any of those CL rooms have views of just the pool anyway, right? Don't most of them that look over SAB also look out at the Lagoon? I know ours did on our last trip.

Also, can IPO look up my reservation and add a request to it?

To everyone there now, HAVE FUN!!!!!!
MickeyT - we stayed in the room next to you in 2003, an AMAZING view of the lagoon!! Loved that room......

How are the crowds?? My good friend is there this week, just wondering how things are there.

 

[TeenaS]

Just wanted to share my good news...after thinking it over, we have decided to ditch Deluxe dining for our August trip and use the extra money (we have already paid it off) to add an extra night! We are a family of 4 - me, DH, DS 22, and DD 19, and we love to eat out and experience the restaurants at WDW while taking breaks from the heat, but after looking at my itinerary, I felt like we would be rushing to our ADR's all over the place. I was afraid that if we didn't feel like going to a particular restaurant, or if we weren't hungry, we would be wasting a lot of money. This trip is supposed to be about relaxing and enjoying WDW. I remember on our trips from past years at the same time, that sometimes we were just too hot to eat much. Plus, we are staying CL and we are very familiar with what they have and that breakfast suits us just fine (as does the Bud Light for my son). And after thinking about it, I would MUCH rather spend the money making my trip longer than filling my belly! So, Dee, can you move our arrival date to August 19??

A few things worth mentioning....we booked this trip with a bounce back offer. When I called last night to modify it, they had to send me to Guest Services because my bounce back code expired on June 15...I found that strange. Are they still offering the Bounce back in the rooms? Can anyone there confirm the BB offer, if there is one, and if there is an expiration date?? Just found that curious. I immediately asked the CM if this meant a new BB was being offered (I'm hoping there is one for 2013 when we are there!), and he said he had no idea.......

OK, so after reading through all of these posts, I just went and looked at my reservation and you are RIGHT, mine says "Lagoon or Pool view". My original reservation does NOT say that, it says "Lagoon View" only. However, I'm not quite sure if any of those CL rooms have views of just the pool anyway, right? Don't most of them that look over SAB also look out at the Lagoon? I know ours did on our last trip.

Also, can IPO look up my reservation and add a request to it?

To everyone there now, HAVE FUN!!!!!!
MickeyT - we stayed in the room next to you in 2003, an AMAZING view of the lagoon!! Loved that room......

How are the crowds?? My good friend is there this week, just wondering how things are there.

At the BC, all waterview CL rooms have a view of the lagoon. Most have a view of both the lagoon and SAB.

 

[MickeyT]

Can anyone there confirm the BB offer, if there is one, and if there is an expiration date?? .....

How are the crowds?? My good friend is there this week, just wondering how things are there.

BB offer still here. Same clock that is on page 1. No new notes.

Crowds are so so. Not as crowded as when we came in July/August timeframe but still @ 60 minute wait times on the headliner rides.

Quite a rainshower today. We're headed back to MK to see if it ran some of the crowds off..
Ta Ta for now!

 

[Laffites Landing]

Hi all. We are all currently in our room, hiding from the rain. My son and I have become very familiar with the whole property but we haven't been able to totally experience SAB fully yet. Everyone is tired today and I got ill thanks to the Sum of All Thrills ride(who knew!)

My son is completely enthralled with Epcot and seems to really love all the games that are attached to the rides (the training center after Mission:Space and the Project Tomorrow.)

We had a great day yesterday which started with Cinderella's Royal Table and eventually ended with the California Grill. Our meal at the California Grill was probably was the best we ever ate in our lives.

To answer Kelleigh's question, I found CRT very nice, especially for little girls like my daughter. We ate breakfast. The food was ok. I had the cream cheese French Toast and thought it was beyond sweet. The atmosphere was great,though. I loved the way the Princesses treated my whole family (even my grumpy 11 year old boy!) and I love getting into the Magic Kingdom prior to normal opening and being at the rope way down in Fantasyland when the park was about to open up!

Very cool! Went to Via Napoli today and spent some time down at the arcade. Very nice. The rains came while my family was in Epcot without me. They ended up taking the Friendship boat back to the resort.

We're getting ready for a late night Hoop De Do.

 

[Ninja Mom]

Feckless thanks for sharing your thoughts on your club level experiences and expectations. Honesty is always appreciated and sharing your thoughts and experiences will undoubtedly help others to have positive experiences in the future.

The only thing I can think of is that sometimes we have certain expectations in our head that we don't communicate and the people who we think should meet those expectations just aren't aware of them.

Some of the comparisons to other cast members and the job that they do going above and beyond expectations are valid. Perhaps those cast members have a better handle on how they can exceed a guests expectations. Sometimes other cast members do better when they are made aware of your expectations. It can be as simple as different CM's operating with different styles.

All of that being said I would advise others to talk to the CM's working club level so that they are aware of ways that they can meet your expectations. By talking, the CM's also have the opportunity to relate what they can and cannot do and hopefully they will have a clear knowledge of your expectations. It's a win win for everyone.

Just my 2 cents....
~NM

 

[WsPrincess]

Thank you so much for looking into this, Mike!

Sort of surprising that a deluxe resort like the BC wouldn't accommodate Greek yogurt fans, though. At that price point, it seems like more healthy options should be available! Oh well.

I saw someone delivering a whole tray of Greek Yogurt (Chobati though I know that is not the spelling) to a room on CL this weekend.

Just wanted to share my good news...after thinking it over, we have decided to ditch Deluxe dining for our August trip and use the extra money (we have already paid it off) to add an extra night! We are a family of 4 - me, DH, DS 22, and DD 19, and we love to eat out and experience the restaurants at WDW while taking breaks from the heat, but after looking at my itinerary, I felt like we would be rushing to our ADR's all over the place. I was afraid that if we didn't feel like going to a particular restaurant, or if we weren't hungry, we would be wasting a lot of money. This trip is supposed to be about relaxing and enjoying WDW. I remember on our trips from past years at the same time, that sometimes we were just too hot to eat much. Plus, we are staying CL and we are very familiar with what they have and that breakfast suits us just fine (as does the Bud Light for my son). And after thinking about it, I would MUCH rather spend the money making my trip longer than filling my belly! So, Dee, can you move our arrival date to August 19??

A few things worth mentioning....we booked this trip with a bounce back offer. When I called last night to modify it, they had to send me to Guest Services because my bounce back code expired on June 15...I found that strange. Are they still offering the Bounce back in the rooms? Can anyone there confirm the BB offer, if there is one, and if there is an expiration date?? Just found that curious. I immediately asked the CM if this meant a new BB was being offered (I'm hoping there is one for 2013 when we are there!), and he said he had no idea.......

OK, so after reading through all of these posts, I just went and looked at my reservation and you are RIGHT, mine says "Lagoon or Pool view". My original reservation does NOT say that, it says "Lagoon View" only. However, I'm not quite sure if any of those CL rooms have views of just the pool anyway, right? Don't most of them that look over SAB also look out at the Lagoon? I know ours did on our last trip.

Also, can IPO look up my reservation and add a request to it?

To everyone there now, HAVE FUN!!!!!!
MickeyT - we stayed in the room next to you in 2003, an AMAZING view of the lagoon!! Loved that room......

How are the crowds?? My good friend is there this week, just wondering how things are there.

As Mike said, BB offer was the same. Not a 2013 one. IPO can add requests!

 

[kelleigh1]

Hi all. We are all currently in our room, hiding from the rain. My son and I have become very familiar with the whole property but we haven't been able to totally experience SAB fully yet. Everyone is tired today and I got ill thanks to the Sum of All Thrills ride(who knew!)

My son is completely enthralled with Epcot and seems to really love all the games that are attached to the rides (the training center after Mission:Space and the Project Tomorrow.)

We had a great day yesterday which started with Cinderella's Royal Table and eventually ended with the California Grill. Our meal at the California Grill was probably was the best we ever ate in our lives.

To answer Kelleigh's question, I found CRT very nice, especially for little girls like my daughter. We ate breakfast. The food was ok. I had the cream cheese French Toast and thought it was beyond sweet. The atmosphere was great,though. I loved the way the Princesses treated my whole family (even my grumpy 11 year old boy!) and I love getting into the Magic Kingdom prior to normal opening and being at the rope way down in Fantasyland when the park was about to open up!

Very cool! Went to Via Napoli today and spent some time down at the arcade. Very nice. The rains came while my family was in Epcot without me. They ended up taking the Friendship boat back to the resort.

We're getting ready for a late night Hoop De Do.

Thank you! We are going for breakfast too with an 8:05. We are going for the experience and not expecting 5-star quality food. I love french toast, but I'll keep you "beyond sweet" in mind. I actually prefer more traditional french toast and not stuffed because I always think it's going to be too sweet.

Also glad to hear your rave about Cali Grill. That is another that we have an ADR for.

 

[Best Aunt]

Sort of surprising that a deluxe resort like the BC wouldn't accommodate Greek yogurt fans, though. At that price point, it seems like more healthy options should be available!

One year I was looking for frozen vegetables in the grocery section. Absolutely none. I think this year I saw one kind of frozen vegetables in there.

Last year they had baby carrots in the refrigerator section. There weren't any this year.

Sometimes I want to balance the cupcakes with something healthy - not that easy.

(If you think that would convince me to give up the cupcakes - nope.)

 

[em36]

I have only stayed CL on two occasions at a Disney Resort. The first time was at the GF RPC in May of 2010. The second time was a few weeks ago at the YC. I honestly found the CM's to be friendlier at the YC than at the GF. I have no complaints about the GF. It was a wonderful vacation and our every need and want was taken care of.

The YC CM's greeted us everytime we entered or exited the elevator. They would ask us where we were off to and wish us a fun day. When we came back each time, they would ask my daughters about their day. One CM asked my oldest where we were going to dinner that night. She told him that we were going to the Whispering Canyon Cafe. He gave her a short list of requests, comments, and questions that she should ask at the restaurant to have the best experience.

I noted on our reservation that we were celebrating two birthdays and on our first night, my daughters found candy bars that were attached to happy birthday balloons. They were excited and we were thankful.

Our only complaint was with housekeeping. They came everyday and gave us turn down service each evening. This was wonderful. Unfortunately, they did not refill our shampoos and my husband had to track them down and ask for refills on a few occasions. This was not a big deal, but at the GF we were given refills every day. With three girls who have long hair, we used lots of shampoo.

I really enjoyed the YC and hope to stay there again. I hope that those who had experiences that were less than stellar give it another chance.

 

[chefmb]

Hi! I've been reading through some of these posts this week in anticipation of booking our first stay at BC. I've dreamed of staying at the BC since 1996 when I first saw it! My DH and I will be going Nov. 29-Dec. 4. We stayed at POFQ last year and fell in love with the season (being used to summer trips every three or four years with our 2 sons). I got permission from my principal (I teach middle school) to take time off again this year so we can go back. I'm very excited and since it is summer break, I have time to be on the DIS boards again!! I'll be visiting this thread frequently to help me prepare for our trip! Thanks for all the information---this is a very friendly sounding group!

 

[janinev7]

Does the resort have a place to scan/fax documents. My husband seems to think he will be able to get some work done while we are there....TIA

 

[bzzelady]

Does the resort have a place to scan/fax documents. My husband seems to think he will be able to get some work done while we are there....TIA

There is a business center at the Yacht Club and the Boardwalk at the convention center facilities. See the link below to access information.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/Resorts/Businesscenters.htm

 

[bzzelady]

Hi! I've been reading through some of these posts this week in anticipation of booking our first stay at BC. I've dreamed of staying at the BC since 1996 when I first saw it! My DH and I will be going Nov. 29-Dec. 4. We stayed at POFQ last year and fell in love with the season (being used to summer trips every three or four years with our 2 sons). I got permission from my principal (I teach middle school) to take time off again this year so we can go back. I'm very excited and since it is summer break, I have time to be on the DIS boards again!! I'll be visiting this thread frequently to help me prepare for our trip! Thanks for all the information---this is a very friendly sounding group!

Make time to stop in the lobby to see the gingerbread and chocolate carousel

 

[Princess_K]

Hi, everyone! I've never commented on this thread, though I'm pretty sure I've read every page (and of the last version!). We are staying at the BC on our wedding trip in a few months with all of our family. We have garden view rooms booked, and I was curious about making specific room requests. All of our vendors will be coming to our room on the wedding day, so I was going to request to be near an elevator. Is there anything else I should consider requesting (maybe for a better view or something!)? Thanks for your advice!

 

[kelleigh1]

Hi! I've been reading through some of these posts this week in anticipation of booking our first stay at BC. I've dreamed of staying at the BC since 1996 when I first saw it! My DH and I will be going Nov. 29-Dec. 4. We stayed at POFQ last year and fell in love with the season (being used to summer trips every three or four years with our 2 sons). I got permission from my principal (I teach middle school) to take time off again this year so we can go back. I'm very excited and since it is summer break, I have time to be on the DIS boards again!! I'll be visiting this thread frequently to help me prepare for our trip! Thanks for all the information---this is a very friendly sounding group!

Isn't that a great time to go? We went Nov 25-Dec 2 and we would go same time this year except hubby is a retail mgr and can't take vacant during holiday shopping time so we decided on Oct. How do u like POFQ? It was the first resort we stayed at together and we love it. Can't wait to check out my dream resort...YC...though, but pofq is fave mod.

 

[Feckless]

Why didn't you just take the bag with you -I can't imagine a t-shirt bag being heavy. In the end though they did send someone to DTD for you (not a small task) so it all worked out, which in my mind shows that the CL staff did do something "over and above" for you.

As for the illness, should they have checked to see how DS was doing, yes of course that would have been a nice gesture, but remember the CM's are not baby sitters, and they have their own jobs to do.

The t-shirt was from the make your own shirt place, and wasn't ready until the next day. I absolutely appreciated them having it delivered early since we were leaving, and know that it went above and beyond. My only quibble (and it was only that - a quibble) was that they initially said no to DH when he asked.

I certainly did not expect anyone to babysit my sick child - my DH was there with him all day. All I meant is that it would have been nice if someone had checked in on him (more DH than DS) since they knew what was going on.

Both of these things are just what I said, QUIBBLES. I loved every second of our holiday. The staff was nothing but lovely to us. I surely want to go back, and if I could transport myself I sure would!! I can't imagine staying at any other resort for any length of time. So obviously I did not have a negative experience!

Feckless thanks for sharing your thoughts on your club level experiences and expectations. Honesty is always appreciated and sharing your thoughts and experiences will undoubtedly help others to have positive experiences in the future.

The only thing I can think of is that sometimes we have certain expectations in our head that we don't communicate and the people who we think should meet those expectations just aren't aware of them.

Some of the comparisons to other cast members and the job that they do going above and beyond expectations are valid. Perhaps those cast members have a better handle on how they can exceed a guests expectations. Sometimes other cast members do better when they are made aware of your expectations. It can be as simple as different CM's operating with different styles.

All of that being said I would advise others to talk to the CM's working club level so that they are aware of ways that they can meet your expectations. By talking, the CM's also have the opportunity to relate what they can and cannot do and hopefully they will have a clear knowledge of your expectations. It's a win win for everyone.

Just my 2 cents....
~NM

Absolutely, I agree. How are people supposed to what you want if you don't tell them? I think I'm just feeling cranky today. I actually haven't even had more than a passing thought about this until I read someone else's post today!

 

[Minnie]

Why didn't you just take the bag with you -I can't imagine a t-shirt bag being heavy. In the end though they did send someone to DTD for you (not a small task) so it all worked out, which in my mind shows that the CL staff did do something "over and above" for you.

As for the illness, should they have checked to see how DS was doing, yes of course that would have been a nice gesture, but remember the CM's are not baby sitters, and they have their own jobs to do.

Thus is a bit harsh IMO. By sharing experiences I think it helps to know that it wasn't just you and hopefully helps others manage their expectations... Often we only see how over the top wonderful the CL staff is and really that is probably the exception considering in the YC CL alone there are 63 rooms....

BTW - a HUGE shout out to the concierge manager at the YC - somehow he/she managed to find a way to allow us to stay in the same room all week including the 2 nights we were missing thank you so very much!!!!!!!

We love the YC/BC area and if I could have booked a bounce back for there for our Oct trip I most certainly would have - instead we'll enjoy the WL

Our trip was wonderful and although a few hiccups occurred it was nothing to put a damper on it Seems the same with with others - and what different CMs can do and will do are very different....

 

[Sue M]

Hmmm. I would say that something grassy would be nice. I'd definitely prefer that to dense woods. The lobby vs. Epcot distance doesn't bother us. I figure, we could use the exercise. Truly, as scenic as it gets in GV would be great. Is it weird to say I'd love to actually be facing some other section of the resort? I just think its so pretty. We just repainted the bathroom, and when asked what color I wanted it, I said "Beach Club Blue!" I actually brought a photo of the resort with me to Home Depot!

We had the Volleyball area view Teena mentioned, and loved it. We were in the section facing Epcot direction, and if we looked to the right off our balcony we could see
the Boardwalk and some of the lake. At night we could see the higher Illuminations fireworks which we didn't realize till our last night when we were in our room at that time packing!

 

[Feckless]

Posted another update to my trip report. I promise I didn't complain there. Much.

 

[MickeyT]

…..Now where was I? Oh yeah. Had quite an end to the day yesterday. We went back to EPCOT and had an early dinner at Via Napoli. We enjoyed and had plenty of leftovers. Brought the leftovers and stored in fridge for later. Another BC advantage. Everyone seemed to want to head back to HS so off we went. Did a semi boat/walk race. DW and I took the boat and DD and DGS decided to walk. Pulled up in front of HS at exact same time. We went and did the The Art of Animation. We don’t do the actual show but go through the store (in the back of Animation Courtyard) and do the drawing class. We drew Tigger and had great souvenirs to boot. By this time Fantasmic was in full swing so we hit the rides again. Walked on RnRR and ToT. Back to the BC in time for a milkshake at B&C.

Well since last night ran kind of late decided to sleep in and get a little slower start today. We still were out of the resort by 9:30 and at MK by 10. Grabbed FP’s for BTMR and walked on SM. Splash took us about 25 minutes and when we finished our FP’s were ready for the railroad. We thoroughly enjoy Big Thunder. We did hit HM and was still ready for our ADR’s at the Plaza at 12. Plaza is one of our favorite sandwich shops on Disney property. And it being right there off Main Street USA makes it even more special. We did a quick walk through of the new section of Fantasyland. This was when the rains started so we rode the train back to the station and came on back Home. After a little rest we made a snap decision to hit DTD. Drove over and did a little browsing and shopping. The rest of the family hit SAB when we returned. More or less just checking it out and getting comfortable.

Tomorrow has us at EPCOT for RD. A little Soarin, Livin with the Land, JTi etc. Probably back for some serious pool time weather permitting. DW and I have ADR’s at Yachtsman tomorrow night. A first for us and kinda excited/high hopes. We’ll see.
Ta Ta for now!