The 2009 Yacht & Beach Club FAQ Thread

[PolyAddict]

or know somewhere i can find it?

Teena-thanks for the lounge info.

 

[TeenaS]

or know somewhere i can find it?

Teena-thanks for the lounge info.

Somebody posted some pictures of a deluxe room (there are only six of them at the BC) in the Y&B thread before this one got too long. If you go back to it (I think the link to it is on the first page of this thread - post #5) and go through it, you should find the pictures. Also, one of the regular posters here (DisneyMomx7) just stayed in one of the deluxe rooms - she was there almost two weeks. If you PM her, she may post some pictures of her room.

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

There are a number of ways magical upgrades happen. Online check-in or regular check-in doesn't matter. Most magical upgrades happen because a resort gets oversold in a certain category. For example, the room assignor we'll say on Monday is starting to assign rooms and sees that on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we are oversold in standard view rooms. The room assignor sees we are way undersold on waterview rooms. So, the room assignor will just pick some reservations, probably ones that are there for just those 3 days we are oversold in that category and upgrade them to waterview or maybe CL if that's where we have rooms that are undersold. If they don't have enough reservations for that 3 day time period, then they will grab some reservations that are there for 4 days or maybe 5. That's the most common magical upgrade. We might be oversold in a room category and the only open rooms are on the CL floor that only sleep 3. Obviously we will look for people to upgrade that only have 3 in their party. Checking in at a certain time of the day won't matter either. It's just whether your reservation happens to fit what we need to fix our category needs.

Of course there are also magical upgrades that happen when we are not full and have rooms to "play with". Those upgrades can happen simply because a CM wants to make magic but a CM can't upgrade if there aren't available rooms to upgrade and remember, the rooms have to be available not just on the day of arrival, but for the whole time the guest is there. We might have lots of waterview rooms available on Sunday and Monday but only two available on Tuesday. With just two open on Tuesday, it's unlikely a CM will upgrade a family checking into a standard view room to a waterview room if they are staying longer than Tuesday. It's more likely to happen if we have lots of rooms available in the category we want to upgrade to for the entire length of the guest's stay. Why a CM wants to make magic is totally up to the individual CM. I can tell you that the easiest way NOT to get a magical upgrade is to ask for one. In my case, when I worked front desk, if a guest asked for an upgrade at check-in, if the whole resort was only 10% occupied, I would go back into the back, stand there for about two minutes, come back and politely tell them that no, there were no complimentary upgrades available but that there were a few paying upgrades available if they were interested in that.

My favorite magical upgrade: One time a family of four (two teenagers and a Mom and Dad) came in the front door and the father just stood there and stared around the lobby. He made no attempt to walk to the front desk. He had a huge grin on his face. He was a very very large man, probably 6'4" and the one teenage boy was huge like his father too. He just stood there and looked and looked and had the largest grin on his face. He finally shook his head, looked at me (probably because I was staring at him) and said, "I've tried for ten years to get the family here and it's finally happened." I started talking to him. His family was walking all around the lobby checking stuff out. He said he always wanted to come to WDW and had about ten different trips planned and one of the kids broke a leg, his parents or his in-laws got sick, the son was a football player and one time his team got in the playoffs and things just kept happening that made them cancel every trip. Although the other family members seemed happy, the father was the one that really moved me. He said he grew up watching Disney on TV on Sunday nights - he absolutely loved Disney! You could tell this was huge for him. He said the youngest child was going to college next year and he felt this was their last chance. He asked me so much about the different attractions and was like a little kid. He was in absolutely no hurry to get checked in. He just wanted to be there and soak in the fact that he was there. I knew we were not full ... it was during an off period (not the summer or during a holiday). And I have the most wonderful bosses in the world at the BC so I finally told him if he wanted to get his vacation started, he needed to check in and I walked him over to the front desk. By this time I knew his name and where he was from. I told him to make sure he stopped by and saw me on his way to the room as I wanted to write down a few restaurants I thought the family would really love. I went into the back office and talked to one of the managers and asked if I could really make BIG time magic. They checked the numbers and asked what I had in mind and I asked if the Presidential Suite was available for the next 8 days or a regular two bedroom suite and the Presidential was. They let me have it so I went back out and when he came back on the way to their room, I handed him a paper that I had listed a few restaurants on and asked him what room he had. He told me and I said, "why don't you wait one more minute and I'll see if I can't get you a little better view." I ran in the back, switched the reservation, printed out the new keys and went out and told him I'd walk with them to the new room. When we got in the elevator and I put the key into the slot to get up to the fifth floor, he asked me why I had to do that. I told him, "I upgraded you to the club level." The family couldn't believe it. They asked me about the CL, they had no idea what it was about. I told them about the lounge, etc. The kids were excited by the food!! By that time we were there on the fifth floor and I showed them the lounge and then I walked them down the hall. When we got to the double doors and I put the key in and we walked into the foyer, the father had this strange look on his face - maybe he felt all the rooms on the fifth floor looked like this. I said "welcome to the presidential suite". The oldest son literally picked me up and twirled me around. Those that know me know I'm not small. This is not something that most people could do. The father actually started crying. After I showed them around the suite, the mother decided she was not leaving it ever and especially the bathroom. By that time some of the managers had walked up to meet the family and it was so much fun.

Those things happen but rarely. He happened to be at the right place at the right time and the room count was such that the managers allowed me to do big time magic. That rarely happens ... an upgrade like that. But magic can happen.

My advice on rooms though is to book what will make you happy. Never expect or think you will get an upgrade. You should never look for one and if you happen to be at the right place at the right time and one happens, great. But if you are really really hoping for one, don't! Book the room that you want and then you will have a great vacation and not be sad about having a view you don't like.

Thanks for the info. Teena. I would never ask for an upgrade but I didn't want to ruin any chances by checking in online or something either! I've always been perfectly happy with our garden view rooms at Poly. In fact if we go back that is what the kids want because we've always had "monorail" views and we have so many happy memories of sitting on our balcony eating breakfast watching the monorail go by. I think if one opens their eyes they can find magic no matter what room they are in.

Your story is so heartwarming! It is CM's like you that make Disney so magical and so much more than just a vacation. Even if I never get upgraded I love that these things happen to people like in your story.

Thank you for explaining from a CM's view how upgrades get handed out. It was very informational and totally makes sense now.

Have a great cruise! Hope to see you at the BC in October!

 

[PolyAddict]

Thanks Teena-i knew someone just stayed in a deluxe room

Can you tell me if there is REAL coffee in the lounge?

 

[TeenaS]

Thanks Teena-i knew someone just stayed in a deluxe room

Can you tell me if there is REAL coffee in the lounge?

Real Disney Coffee = Nescafe.
I'm not a coffee drinker but my husband is and unless you get coffee at one of the few locations on property that are not Disney (there's one in the lobby of the Contemporary, one near Ellen's Energy Adventure in Epcot, one before you enter Animal Kingdom, etc.), I've been told it's nescafe because of Disney's contract with Coke. Coke makes Nestea and Nescafe apparently. Great iced tea, lousy coffee.

Perhaps HockeyMom and anybody else just recently that stayed in a CL room can give you their opinion on the lounge coffee.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Hi all!

Just got back from our "marathon vacation" - two weeks in a deluxe CL BC room and 5 days in Hilton Head. Of course I'm going through tons of laundry but wanted to give you some BC highlights.

Whatever you do don't worry about which BC deluxe room you get. I had my heart set on 2557, 4557 or 3691. We ended up not being able to get any of those rooms. We were assigned 1557. I was nervous because of my fear of snakes. We almost gave up the deluxe room, we could have taken a regular CL room and they were going to credit us the difference in price. I'm so glad we didn't! We ended up loving 1557. It was a hop, skp and a jump to the quiet pool, the International Gateway at EPCOT and the laundry room.

We loved the extra room of the deluxe club room, especially with the extended trip. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for another great special like the 7/4 next summer. DH and I would really like to get the deluxe club room again.

Beaches and Cream was testing a counter service breakfast and we loved it. The platters were big. We could get two or three and split them between all five of us. They had pancakes, egg platters and a ham cheese omelet. All were freshly prepared.

CL was great. It was a little inconvenient being on the 1st floor but we knew that when we picked the deluxe room over the regular CL floor. The appetizers were really nice- bacon wrapped scallops, duck quesedillas, chicken skewers, potstickers, egg rolls, tomato and mozzarella, fresh veg and dip and my ds's favorite mickey shaped sugar cookies.

I'll report on more later, I'm still unpacking. We had a wonderful stay and can't wait to get back.

Teena was her usual happy and hepful self. I'm so glad that she's back on the boards!

 

[HockeyMomR]

Teena,

Thank you for the magical upgrade story!!!

I can just imagine how special you made the family feel.

 

[HockeyMomR]

Robyn -

Welcome back. Looking forward to hearing more details. Glad to hear you had such a great trip and loved the Dlx room!

Details, details when you get a chance.

 

[Kimberle]

Can you see any of the Fireworks for the BC property, or anywhere outside the park(s) that is a quick walk?

 

[Wonders10]

If I am booked in a standard CL room, will I definitely be on the same floor as the lounge?

A couple posts had me wondering. Wasn't sure how the room assigning/club level access worked at the BC.

Thanks!

 

[TeenaS]

If I am booked in a standard CL room, will I definitely be on the same floor as the lounge?

A couple posts had me wondering. Wasn't sure how the room assigning/club level access worked at the BC.

Thanks!

Yes, all regular CL rooms are on the fifth floor (same as lounge). Suites and deluxe rooms are on other floors.

 

[TeenaS]

Robyn: Glad to hear you are home safe and sound. I miss seeing you in the lobby!!!
Hugs to the family!

 

[jjohnson]

Teena I have tears in my eyes! What a wonderful story.

 

[jjohnson]

Hi Robyn,
I'm glad you had a great trip & can't wait for more details. I hope B&C counter service breakfast will become permanent.
Joyce

 

[quirty30]

Somebody posted some pictures of a deluxe room (there are only six of them at the BC) in the Y&B thread before this one got too long. If you go back to it (I think the link to it is on the first page of this thread - post #5) and go through it, you should find the pictures. Also, one of the regular posters here (DisneyMomx7) just stayed in one of the deluxe rooms - she was there almost two weeks. If you PM her, she may post some pictures of her room.

I stayed in 3691 a few weeks ago but I didn't take very detailed room pics. But last year someone posted some of the same room -this was before they were renovated:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=27491620&highlight=3691#post27491620

The TV is now a flat screen flush against the wall. In the corner where the chair and cabinet are, there is now the desk. The cabinet has been moved to the left of the door, and just to the left of that is an alcove for the day bed. It occurs to me I do have some pics (if you don't mind looking at my kids too.) Here they are:

That's the queen bed just to the left of the bathroom. Gives you an idea of the new decor.

The aforementioned desk in the corner.

The cabinet which holds the fridge - just off to the left, you can see the daybed.

The view from the full balcony; if you refer back to the older pics in the link above, the sliding glass door is on the left just before you get to the TV.

The view from the mini balcony overlooking SAB. Again, referring back to the pics from last year, when you are looking straight into the room, it's those curtains right in the middle.

Real Disney Coffee = Nescafe.
I'm not a coffee drinker but my husband is and unless you get coffee at one of the few locations on property that are not Disney (there's one in the lobby of the Contemporary, one near Ellen's Energy Adventure in Epcot, one before you enter Animal Kingdom, etc.), I've been told it's nescafe because of Disney's contract with Coke. Coke makes Nestea and Nescafe apparently. Great iced tea, lousy coffee.

Perhaps HockeyMom and anybody else just recently that stayed in a CL room can give you their opinion on the lounge coffee.

I can't help. I'm not a coffee snob - the capuccino in the Nescafe was a guilty pleasure for me. I'd have a hot cup with breakfast, and then make another one to go, along with a separate cup of ice - voila, iced capuccino!

Hi all!

Just got back from our "marathon vacation" - two weeks in a deluxe CL BC room and 5 days in Hilton Head. Of course I'm going through tons of laundry but wanted to give you some BC highlights.

Whatever you do don't worry about which BC deluxe room you get. I had my heart set on 2557, 4557 or 3691. We ended up not being able to get any of those rooms. We were assigned 1557. I was nervous because of my fear of snakes. We almost gave up the deluxe room, we could have taken a regular CL room and they were going to credit us the difference in price. I'm so glad we didn't! We ended up loving 1557. It was a hop, skp and a jump to the quiet pool, the International Gateway at EPCOT and the laundry room.

We loved the extra room of the deluxe club room, especially with the extended trip. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for another great special like the 7/4 next summer. DH and I would really like to get the deluxe club room again.

Beaches and Cream was testing a counter service breakfast and we loved it. The platters were big. We could get two or three and split them between all five of us. They had pancakes, egg platters and a ham cheese omelet. All were freshly prepared.

CL was great. It was a little inconvenient being on the 1st floor but we knew that when we picked the deluxe room over the regular CL floor. The appetizers were really nice- bacon wrapped scallops, duck quesedillas, chicken skewers, potstickers, egg rolls, tomato and mozzarella, fresh veg and dip and my ds's favorite mickey shaped sugar cookies.

I'll report on more later, I'm still unpacking. We had a wonderful stay and can't wait to get back.

Teena was her usual happy and hepful self. I'm so glad that she's back on the boards!

Welcome back Robyn!!!!! I wish I could have stayed in 3691 one more night and "held" it for you, but it sounds like 1557 worked out nicely for you. You also got some nice bonuses - Teena and the new breakfast at B & C!!!!! So happy to hear about your visit - I've been anxious to hear how things went for you. Thanks for taking a little time to post in between loads of laundry : )

 

[TeenaS]

Hey quirty30 --- looks like you'll be at BLT before too long (2 months). You'll get to deal with my hubby who is the lobby greeter at the Contemporary on Sundays and Mondays. You'll have to give him a hard time and tell him how the lobby greeter on Sundays and Mondays at the BC works alot harder than he does!!!

I told him he'll love having Members around - his job will be so much more fun once August 4th arrives! He loves pin trading so if anybody in the family are pin traders, you've got to look him up!

 

[mouskagirlie]

That was a wonderful story - how fun would that be to be able to surprise a guest/family like that?!?! That is one of my favorite things to do (give people happy surprises)! Teena, you truly have a remarkable job that you appear to truly enjoy!

 

[PolyAddict]

Thanks for the pics...

It looks like alot of room is taken up in the "foyer" area? I am on the fence about reg CL or deluxe room. While i am at it i am also on the fence about BC/YC vs GF.....

I really want the Epcot area for the close location to 2 parks but i really want to stay GF cl. Don't really want to do a split stay with only 7 nights...I don't think i would consider a split stay unless i was there at least 10 nights.

I usually just let whatever discount comes out to decide for me. Meaning wherever has availability with the special, but i do want to book SOMETHING when 2010 pkgs come out in August.

 

[Rileygirl]

Hey quirty30 --- looks like you'll be at BLT before too long (2 months). You'll get to deal with my hubby who is the lobby greeter at the Contemporary on Sundays and Mondays. You'll have to give him a hard time and tell him how the lobby greeter on Sundays and Mondays at the BC works alot harder than he does!!!

I told him he'll love having Members around - his job will be so much more fun once August 4th arrives! He loves pin trading so if anybody in the family are pin traders, you've got to look him up!

Hi Teena

I have been lurking on the resort boards, reading these threads, and I just have to say how lucky BCV people are to have you on these boards. I have learned so much about BCV from all the posters on this thread (and the previous one)but having a knowledgable and caring CM is priceless too.

(I have to say, your story about the magical upgrade just made me want to cry - that was so sweet. You have the best job in the world - I wanna do that too! :>)

I also learned alot about the online check in from you, thanks for your opinions!

I have never stayed at the Beachclub, but have always loved the resort (we take a tour of the boardwalk and BC/YC on our trips). We only go to Disney every 2 or 3 years, but last year, DH and I decided to buy DVC -- and I knew I had to own at BCV. We arrive Aug 13, and stay to the 24th, and if I see you in the lobby, I will have to say hi! We bought a contract with tons of banked points, so we will luckly be able to visit both in August, and a Christmas trip too! We will be staying at the BLT for a few days at Christmas,(then a few days at BCV) and if your DH is working there, I will be sure to give him the gears!!!

Anyways, thanks so much, I love this resort thread, and all the informative people on it. Cant wait for our trip -- its less then a month -- yippee!!!

 

[mouskagirlie]

Hi everyone - I have two Yacht Club related questions...

1. Does anyone know if the YC sells "Yacht Club" photo frames? I was thinking of 5x7 size that say/or depict Yacht Club.
2. Are the beds at the YC as comfortable as the ones at the BC? I've heard people saying the BC beds are absolutely wonderful...

Thanks a bunch!