The 2009 Yacht & Beach Club FAQ Thread

[TeenaS]

Yes, I had all my ducks in a row until a few minutes ago!

We were doing a standard (maybe waterview) room with deluxe dining. Now the new summer rate discount just came out on the WDW website. 35% off- room only extended until August 4.

Right now we are paying $340 for a standard room. We can switch to the deluxe club room (DH's all time favorite room) and give up the dining plan. The rate for the deluxe club room is only $304.

Decisions, decisions. We haven't gone without a dining plan in years, but I'm seriously considering it now. Plus I love the pictures of the new BC lounge. I had myself all set, and thought I would book BC CL for our October trip. Now I don't know what to do.

Teena - any suggestions?

Of course if the AP rates come out that hopefully are as good I would definitely go with the BC deluxe room and add on the regular DDP.

Personally I think the deluxe dining plan is way too much food. The only way I'd consider the deluxe is if I used one table service for a super large breakfast (buffet or Cat Cora's, etc.) and then do a double table service for dinner. There is no way I could eat a full breakfast, large sit down lunch with dessert, etc. and then the same thing for dinner. If I skipped lunch (which after the pancake this morning, I did skip lunch and it's 4 PM and I'm not even hungry for dinner) and eat only at two pointers for dinner, then it would be okay. And I love Yachtsman, Brown Derby, etc. but would the kids love to eat at a place like that every night??

With the deluxe dining plan there is no way I'd spend money for club level. You'd never use it for breakfast, maybe use a soda and snack once in a while but I doubt you'd use it for the appetizers or desserts so why bother.

If I could afford it, I'd do the regular dining plan with a club level room for sure and use the breakfast in the lounge every morning, a nice counter service lunch and a nice sit down dinner every night (later than normal) because I'd have my wine and beer and appetizers in the lounge after swimming in the afternoon and before going out to dinner.

 

[TeenaS]

We just returned from a trip to BCV. We had a wonderful trip! We are now stuck at home with all of this snow. One good thing - my DD only missed 1 day of school last week during our trip.

Teena - I really enjoyed meeting and talking with you (1/30 and 1/31). I was the one that talked with you on Sat. morning when we were checking into our 2 bedroom villa. I also saw you on Sat. afternoon with my 2 sleeping DS after the day at HS. Thank you so much for your hospitality!! We have stayed at many resorts (WL, Poly, OKW, and Cont), but my husband, children, and I agree we have finally found our home at the Beach Club! I will download the picture that I took of you and my DD soon.
Thank you again for everything!

Even though we had a wonderful trip to Disney, things went downhill on our trip home. My mother fell at a rest area about 30-40 minutes north of Disney, and she broke her hip. She had surgery the next day, and today she is supposed to be released from the hospital and check - in to a rehabilitation center. She will be there for a couple of weeks. To top it off - my father was driving to do laundry for them and had a car wreck last night!! Thankfully he is fine, but their new car had to be towed. So, my parents are having an extended trip to central Florida! All my mother keeps saying is - She is so glad that her fall happened at the end of our wonderful trip to Disney!

I enjoyed meeting you as well. I'm so very sorry about your folks. Please give them a big hug from me and tell them I'm thinking about them. I look forward to seeing you and the family back again!!!!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Yippee - Skippee! We decided to change to the BC Deluxe CL room since the discount rates were extended. Guess what - when I called I had a 40% pin code! I always say I NEVER get a pin code and here was one just sitting there!

So we booked a room only to get the discount. I gave up the Deluxe Dining Plan to get the deluxe room! We'll have the TIW card so that will help. Half the time my girls order from the kids menu anyway!

I'm so EXCITED!!!!! We loved the deluxe room and the BC CL lounge looks so nice since it was renovated. I think it was calling to me after I saw the pictures on all ears.

Now I'm going to hope that we get the same room we had last year. Which is really funny since we were disappointed when we originally got the ground floor deluxe room (fear of snakes). It was so convenient though - right next to the quiet pool and a hop, skip and a jump to EPCOT.

Now I can dream about our room and forget about the snow!

 

[TeenaS]

Yippee - Skippee! We decided to change to the BC Deluxe CL room since the discount rates were extended. Guess what - when I called I had a 40% pin code! I always say I NEVER get a pin code and here was one just sitting there!

So we booked a room only to get the discount. I gave up the Deluxe Dining Plan to get the deluxe room! We'll have the TIW card so that will help. Half the time my girls order from the kids menu anyway!

I'm so EXCITED!!!!! We loved the deluxe room and the BC CL lounge looks so nice since it was renovated. I think it was calling to me after I saw the pictures on all ears.

Now I'm going to hope that we get the same room we had last year. Which is really funny since we were disappointed when we originally got the ground floor deluxe room (fear of snakes). It was so convenient though - right next to the quiet pool and a hop, skip and a jump to EPCOT.

Now I can dream about our room and forget about the snow!

Make sure you request that room that you want. You know I'll keep an eye on it but adding it to your reservation will help too.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Yes I did request it - and I know it's just a request but I'm so excited!

Two weeks is a long time in a hotel room and it made it so much easier with that big room!

Teena - the new lounge looks really nice - have you been up there?

When we were going to do the deluxe we just figured on having a big breakfast, small lunch, and late dinner. Now we'll probably eat most breakfasts in the lounge (a few special ones out), cs lunches, and I'll keep our dinner reservations. We're trying a few new ones like Flying Fish. It'll probably even out because I was paying for both dds as adults and now they can just order off the kids menu if they want!

Can't wait to get back.

 

[scottmel]

Please don't shoot me....this thread is SOOO long - any idea of where pics are of the renovated YC CL lounge or rooms?I just booked on the 35% off YC CL and would love to see pics..THANKS!!

 

[jenjersnap]

Yippee - Skippee! We decided to change to the BC Deluxe CL room since the discount rates were extended. Guess what - when I called I had a 40% pin code! I always say I NEVER get a pin code and here was one just sitting there!

So we booked a room only to get the discount. I gave up the Deluxe Dining Plan to get the deluxe room! We'll have the TIW card so that will help. Half the time my girls order from the kids menu anyway!

I'm so EXCITED!!!!! We loved the deluxe room and the BC CL lounge looks so nice since it was renovated. I think it was calling to me after I saw the pictures on all ears.

Now I'm going to hope that we get the same room we had last year. Which is really funny since we were disappointed when we originally got the ground floor deluxe room (fear of snakes). It was so convenient though - right next to the quiet pool and a hop, skip and a jump to EPCOT.

Now I can dream about our room and forget about the snow!

Yay! How exciting! It's fun to dream.

We're doing Deluxe DDP during the first part of our split stay - how I LOVE the Deluxe DDP - but I figured when we are staying at the deluxe BC room, between the lounge, B&C (not a good value on the DDP and, besides, we have a Kitchen Sink tradition to uphold) and the boys *need* for T-Rex and other non-DDP restaurants, we'll be covered!

 

[TeenaS]

Yes I did request it - and I know it's just a request but I'm so excited!

Two weeks is a long time in a hotel room and it made it so much easier with that big room!

Teena - the new lounge looks really nice - have you been up there?

When we were going to do the deluxe we just figured on having a big breakfast, small lunch, and late dinner. Now we'll probably eat most breakfasts in the lounge (a few special ones out), cs lunches, and I'll keep our dinner reservations. We're trying a few new ones like Flying Fish. It'll probably even out because I was paying for both dds as adults and now they can just order off the kids menu if they want!

Can't wait to get back.

The new lounge is beautiful. I love it!!!!

 

[natebenma]

Yippee - Skippee! We decided to change to the BC Deluxe CL room since the discount rates were extended. Guess what - when I called I had a 40% pin code! I always say I NEVER get a pin code and here was one just sitting there!

So we booked a room only to get the discount. I gave up the Deluxe Dining Plan to get the deluxe room! We'll have the TIW card so that will help. Half the time my girls order from the kids menu anyway!

I'm so EXCITED!!!!! We loved the deluxe room and the BC CL lounge looks so nice since it was renovated. I think it was calling to me after I saw the pictures on all ears.

Now I'm going to hope that we get the same room we had last year. Which is really funny since we were disappointed when we originally got the ground floor deluxe room (fear of snakes). It was so convenient though - right next to the quiet pool and a hop, skip and a jump to EPCOT.

Now I can dream about our room and forget about the snow!

Congrats on booking exactly what you wanted! I agree with Teena- in 2008 we had the Deluxe Dining plan. My family LOVES to eat and we thought it would be no problem, but all that food was WAY too much. In 2009, we had the regular meal plan- along with the breakfast offerings at the Concierge Lounge, it was perfect! We have the regular meal plan again for 2010 and I am really excited about the meals we have booked.

All these snow storms keep fizzling before they hit Boston. Kids were let out of school 3 hours early today, and we have about an inch of snow on the ground from this storm!

I look forward to seeing your posts as we head into July!

 

[Family24]

Hi everyone - Our family just returned from Poly our 2nd stay there. We do love the Poly but I want to try the Beach Club next time and our kids do too. They are 12 and 8 and while at Epcot went to visit the Beach Club, they loved the pool. We stayed in CL at Poly Lagoon view and loved it but am wondering how the CL is at Beach Club. We did not do the dining plan this time it is just to much food for us and we are a family that does like to eat. What views would we have if we stayed CL or are there better views staying in a regular room. Any pictures of different view? Any input would be great. Hope to get back in two years probably in January as we do not like crowds. This year we were there and it was great weather missed the cold that some people had. Thanks for all your help.

 

[DrMomof3]

Yippee - Skippee! We decided to change to the BC Deluxe CL room since the discount rates were extended. Guess what - when I called I had a 40% pin code! I always say I NEVER get a pin code and here was one just sitting there!

So we booked a room only to get the discount. I gave up the Deluxe Dining Plan to get the deluxe room! We'll have the TIW card so that will help. Half the time my girls order from the kids menu anyway!

I'm so EXCITED!!!!! We loved the deluxe room and the BC CL lounge looks so nice since it was renovated. I think it was calling to me after I saw the pictures on all ears.

Now I'm going to hope that we get the same room we had last year. Which is really funny since we were disappointed when we originally got the ground floor deluxe room (fear of snakes). It was so convenient though - right next to the quiet pool and a hop, skip and a jump to EPCOT.

Now I can dream about our room and forget about the snow!

Good for you!!! That sounds lovely.

Amanda

 

[happymomof1]

Thank you so much for posting that the discounts have been extended through August!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have a trip booked and I just called to see if I could apply that to our room....and guess what....??????? The very nice CM on the phone told me it would save us $500!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for posting about the sale having been extended!!!!! I cannot wait to get back to the BC! Just the thought of it makes me sigh...ahhhhhhhhh!

 

[happymomof1]

Good for you!!! That sounds lovely.

Amanda

Hello fellow mom, i have a room-only booked too,....but I asked the CM if she could "add on" the dining plan and tickets and guess what.....she could! Call back and ask to add it! You can even add it when you "click" on the room omly link to book a room at the discounted rate online, if you were booking it online. Try it-it can't hurt! (when I called, I used the "package reservation number" and she did have access to the new "room only codes")

 

[66Tink]

well with school cancelled here for yet another day, I will be reading over this thread trying to get these images of snow out of my mind. I have a quick question though...while reading one of the other threads on this board I saw mention of resort airline checkin (RAC) and was wondering if Beach Club/Villas did this for their guests? We are flying Southwest and would love to avoid the long lines going home at Orlando and just give our bags to RAC at the resort. If anyone can confirm this, it would be much appreciated. Have a great day all

 

[TeenaS]

well with school cancelled here for yet another day, I will be reading over this thread trying to get these images of snow out of my mind. I have a quick question though...while reading one of the other threads on this board I saw mention of resort airline checkin (RAC) and was wondering if Beach Club/Villas did this for their guests? We are flying Southwest and would love to avoid the long lines going home at Orlando and just give our bags to RAC at the resort. If anyone can confirm this, it would be much appreciated. Have a great day all

All Disney resorts have the RAC. However, not all airlines participate and Southwest is one that does not. That means you will have to take your bags with you on the Magical Express and check them in at the Orlando airport.

Southwest does participate coming to Disney which means you check your bags at your home airport with Southwest and you will see them next time in your room at the Beach Club.

 

[doconeill]

Southwest WAS testing out RAC, but only at the POP, last summer. I don't know if it is still going on or not...

 

[TeenaS]

Southwest WAS testing out RAC, but only at the POP, last summer. I don't know if it is still going on or not...

We're all hoping Southwest starts participating. IMO they would have to double the amount of airline personnel that the resorts presently have working since Southwest is such a huge airline ... seems like half of our guests travel on Southwest (probably because the luggage is still free).

 

[K&C]

We have deceided to stay at the Beach Club for our trip in October, but have few queries.

Is there a high percentage of interconnecting rooms? We would be booking 2 rooms one for myself and DH and the other for the kids who will be 7 and 10.
I think I was told when we stayed at the GF because of the kids there was a higher chance of getting interconnecting.

DD has an "issue" with elevators and has a bit of a panic when getting in one I am going to request ground floor rooms with a patio, but if we get allocated a higher floor is there stairs that are easy to access. We just used the outside staircase at the GF but when we stayed at the Disneyland Hotel in Paris the staircase could only be used in an emergency.

We are just booking standard view rooms so please tell me if the ground level rooms are a bad idea. I would hate to have rooms next to the bins for 10 days.

Thanks

 

[BCV23]

Southwest WAS testing out RAC, but only at the POP, last summer. I don't know if it is still going on or not...

Southwest is still participating in a test at Pop and has expanded to All Stars.
Here's a great thread with everything you ever wanted to know about RAC and participating airlines explained in the first post:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=944813

Teena, I wish SW would expand to all the resorts, too. We love RAC so much that it affects our choice of airline. SW would get our business more often if it expanded to other resorts.

DisneyMomx7, congratulations on snagging a deluxe room!

 

[HelenParr]

K&C, we almost always use the stairs at YC or BC. Only oddity is that the BC stairs often come out in weird places (like on a lawn instead of a walkway). But you can use them to get to the ground floor. It can be fun to explore (and wonder what the architect was thinking when placing the stairwells).

The "worst" BC standard views are of the entrance, but even those aren't so bad. I can't think of a view where you'd be looking at backstage trash areas. (Maybe we've been super lucky to never have that view.) There's a ton of standard view rooms facing Epcot, which mostly amounts to a woods view. You can also go back to the desk and ask for another room if you do not like the view -- and if they have open rooms, they will switch you. (As Teena always says, they want you to be happy!)

Unfortunately, adjoining rooms is not a given. We've always been granted that request, but I know some others have not. Have you considered a 1-Bdr at the BC Villas?