The 2009 Yacht & Beach Club FAQ Thread

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Am considering a split-stay between Poly & BC. Recently saw a photo on this board of a balcony view of just tall trees at the BC - reminded me of WL... Tried to post the pic here, but kept running into trouble. (Must be the computer - certainly couldn't be me!)

Part of the joy of staying on property is the resort.

This view is NOT what I'd want to see - especially at Deluxe prices.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to word a request to avoid this? Am familar w/ the Poly - not so much the BC - tho it does look spectacular in most photos!

Don't want to seem picky/needy - BUT...

Will be staying in 2 rooms:
#1. 2 grandparents w/ grandchildren ages 4 & 7
#2. My sister w/2 teenage boys, ages 17 & 18

Thought SAB would be great for all concerned.

Would love to hear from those of you who've stayed here. Would not have a problem with upgrading room, if the price was w/in reason.

Reasons for loving the Poly:
Can watch the EWP, MK fireworks, & the castle change colors thru our patio window all nite.
Monorail transportation to MK & EP
The Beach
Grandson LOVES the Volcano Pool/Slide
Convenience to TTC, etc
VIEW! (Tho we pay dearly for it in the Hawaii Bldg!)
We've stayed here before so we know how nice it is...

Reasons we're condidering BC:
Have never stayed at EP Resort & would like to
SAB
Seems so light & airy - would feel so much more like a beach vaca
Would like to try another resort without having to pay for another trip!
Don't know anything about YC, BC, or BWI; but think they would probably be a good fit for us, judging from the pics & comments we've read here...

Both Pros & Cons of each will be much appreciated.

Don't want to sound like we're able to do this alot or that the price is non-consequential! We are blue-collar workers who save our pennies to take our grandchildren to WDW - and want to maximize our bang for the buck.

Would you please reply with your thoughts as to why, or why not, you prefer 1 resort over the other? I'm also interested in your thoughts about a split stay, since we've never done one. Is it worth the trouble, or is it too much bother? We won't be returning for quite some time, I don't think...

Thank you.

Gretchen

 

[Dawn68PA]

I cannot comment on the resorts as I've never stayed at either but the split stay thing....we did that last trip and hated it. You'll have responses from those that love them too, but we found it time-consuming to switch resorts, have to check in and out twice, unpack and repack, etc. I'll never do it again if I can help it!

Our reason for choosing the BC for our next trip is that our party will consist of my DH & I plus our 19 year old DD and her boyfriend. We wanted to have our evenings easy and close to the BW & EP so we could split up or stay together - you know, just be flexible. Plus the BC is gorgeous (we toured it on our last trip) and we want a Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream! LOL

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Am considering a split-stay between Poly & BC. Recently saw a photo on this board of a balcony view of just tall trees at the BC - reminded me of WL... Tried to post the pic here, but kept running into trouble. (Must be the computer - certainly couldn't be me!)

Part of the joy of staying on property is the resort.

This view is NOT what I'd want to see - especially at Deluxe prices.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to word a request to avoid this? Am familar w/ the Poly - not so much the BC - tho it does look spectacular in most photos!

Don't want to seem picky/needy - BUT...

Will be staying in 2 rooms:
#1. 2 grandparents w/ grandchildren ages 4 & 7
#2. My sister w/2 teenage boys, ages 17 & 18

Thought SAB would be great for all concerned.

Would love to hear from those of you who've stayed here. Would not have a problem with upgrading room, if the price was w/in reason.

Reasons for loving the Poly:
Can watch the EWP, MK fireworks, & the castle change colors thru our patio window all nite.
Monorail transportation to MK & EP
The Beach
Grandson LOVES the Volcano Pool/Slide
Convenience to TTC, etc
VIEW! (Tho we pay dearly for it in the Hawaii Bldg!)
We've stayed here before so we know how nice it is...

Reasons we're condidering BC:
Have never stayed at EP Resort & would like to
SAB
Seems so light & airy - would feel so much more like a beach vaca
Would like to try another resort without having to pay for another trip!
Don't know anything about YC, BC, or BWI; but think they would probably be a good fit for us, judging from the pics & comments we've read here...

Both Pros & Cons of each will be much appreciated.

Don't want to sound like we're able to do this alot or that the price is non-consequential! We are blue-collar workers who save our pennies to take our grandchildren to WDW - and want to maximize our bang for the buck.

Would you please reply with your thoughts as to why, or why not, you prefer 1 resort over the other? I'm also interested in your thoughts about a split stay, since we've never done one. Is it worth the trouble, or is it too much bother? We won't be returning for quite some time, I don't think...

Thank you.

Gretchen

If you are worried about the view I would definitely considre upgrading to waterview. Standard rooms are a gamble - you can get a really nice courtyard view or you could end up with a few of a tree or the roof.

You will love BC!

 

[jjohnson]

We love doing a split and I have done it myself with BC/Polynesian. Should you decide to do this I would start out at BC. Some views are lovely at BC but do not compare to Hawaii.

 

[BCV23]

We've done that split, too, and loved it. The rooms are smaller at BC than the Polynesian so one more reason to do it in the the order jjohnson recommended.

These days we love a Polynesian/BCV split....among others.

but the yogurt parfaits are snacks on the DDP again, jjohnson. I know they weren't for a while last year but I asked last week.

 

[iluvhawaii]

We almost always do a split between a MK resort and an Epcot resort--usually GF and BC. We do them in that order. We have to start our trips at the MK so we start with GF. Visit MK and AK while we're there. Then we switch to BC. Visit Epcot and DHS while we're there. Though the rooms are smaller at BC, the kids are so looking forward to SAB that the room size doesn't matter. We look forward to walking to Epcot in the evenings to grab meals/snacks from the various countries (pastries from France in particular). Unfortunately we can't speak to the views, as we almost always get the cheapest view at what we feel are the nicest resorts.

We love split stays. In general, we like to stay a minimum of 3-4 days at each resort. That gives us enough time to relax and not feel like our moving day in the middle is taking up too much time. We usually rent a car so we move our own luggage, but we have also had the resort move them. It can be a bit of an inconvenience (room isn't ready, luggage doesn't get transferred until late afternoon), but nothing we can't work around.

For us, the MK/EP resort combo gives us the best of both worlds, and my girls (now 14 and 10--for our first split GF/BC trip, they were 10 and 6) now insist on doing the same split stay every visit.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

We've done that split, too, and loved it. The rooms are smaller at BC than the Polynesian so one more reason to do it in the the order jjohnson recommended.

These days we love a Polynesian/BCV split....among others.

but the yogurt parfaits are snacks on the DDP again, jjohnson. I know they weren't for a while last year but I asked last week.

Thanks for the info - DH just loves the yogurt parfaits!

Sorry you had such unseasonable weather - hope you had a great time in spite of it!

 

[wildflower]

I made our ADRs before we were booked at YC. (Switched over recently when we got the pin code.) Now I'm wondering if we should be eating at restaurants near our resort, since it is so well located. So, where do you eat when you stay at BC/YC?

Here are the restaurants that I know are nearby:

Yachtsman Steakhouse
Captain's Grille
Cape May Cafe (not a big fan of buffets, but if you really like it, convince me otherwise.)
Beaches & Cream
Flying Fish

Which are your favorites? Any that I missed?

TIA!

 

[doconeill]

I made our ADRs before we were booked at YC. (Switched over recently when we got the pin code.) Now I'm wondering if we should be eating at restaurants near our resort, since it is so well located. So, where do you eat when you stay at BC/YC?

Here are the restaurants that I know are nearby:

Yachtsman Steakhouse
Captain's Grille
Cape May Cafe (not a big fan of buffets, but if you really like it, convince me other wise.)
Beaches & Cream
Flying Fish

Which are your favorites? Any that I missed?

TIA!

Depends on what you mean by "nearby". You've got everything at the Boardwalk and the Swan and Dolphin in easy walking distance, and of course all of Epcot...

We've only eaten at Cape May, once for breakfast. It was a typical character buffet breakfast, but I think it was far less hectic that Chef Mickey's.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

We eat a lot of dinner in EPCOT and always do the Storybook Breakfast in Norway. We eat both breakfast and dinner at Cape May Buffet. We always do a lunch at Beaches and Cream and one at Capt.'s Grill. This year we are trying Flying Fish for the first time.

Have fun - YC is fabulous!

 

[rookie2]

Ok now that I've had a chance to breathe I have a few question for the YC CL pro's.
1. We have a Garden view room should I make a specific room request? The last time we had CL we were the family of the week and didn't want to complain about the loading area that we were above.
2. I would like a Time Guide for the week from each of the parks when I arrive, is this possible?
3. Should I do online check-in? Where should we go to check in? The last time they were waiting for us w/ baloons and brought us up to CL.
4. There is a gentlman who works/ed the CL desk, he is from Smallville Kansas. We think his name was Bill can anyone confirm his namde and if he still works there? He was wonderful! Of course this is the one set of paperwork that I can not find from our last stay.
5. Since we changed our reservation just two weeks prior to arriving, do you think they will send us new ME paperwork and luggage tags?
6. Is there a way to contact CL before our arrival in case we have any questions?

Thank You in adavance for any input you can give me.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

We almost always do a split between a MK resort and an Epcot resort--usually GF and BC. We do them in that order. We have to start our trips at the MK so we start with GF. Visit MK and AK while we're there. Then we switch to BC. Visit Epcot and DHS while we're there. Though the rooms are smaller at BC, the kids are so looking forward to SAB that the room size doesn't matter. We look forward to walking to Epcot in the evenings to grab meals/snacks from the various countries (pastries from France in particular). Unfortunately we can't speak to the views, as we almost always get the cheapest view at what we feel are the nicest resorts.

We love split stays. In general, we like to stay a minimum of 3-4 days at each resort. That gives us enough time to relax and not feel like our moving day in the middle is taking up too much time. We usually rent a car so we move our own luggage, but we have also had the resort move them. It can be a bit of an inconvenience (room isn't ready, luggage doesn't get transferred until late afternoon), but nothing we can't work around.

For us, the MK/EP resort combo gives us the best of both worlds, and my girls (now 14 and 10--for our first split GF/BC trip, they were 10 and 6) now insist on doing the same split stay every visit.

Thank you for all the information! I appreciate your taking the time to respond in such detail!
Gretchen

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

I cannot comment on the resorts as I've never stayed at either but the split stay thing....we did that last trip and hated it. You'll have responses from those that love them too, but we found it time-consuming to switch resorts, have to check in and out twice, unpack and repack, etc. I'll never do it again if I can help it!

Our reason for choosing the BC for our next trip is that our party will consist of my DH & I plus our 19 year old DD and her boyfriend. We wanted to have our evenings easy and close to the BW & EP so we could split up or stay together - you know, just be flexible. Plus the BC is gorgeous (we toured it on our last trip) and we want a Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream! LOL

Sounds like a plan to me (the Kitchen Sink!). Thank you for your insight.

If you are worried about the view I would definitely considre upgrading to waterview. Standard rooms are a gamble - you can get a really nice courtyard view or you could end up with a few of a tree or the roof.

You will love BC!

You make some good points! Thanks.

We love doing a split and I have done it myself with BC/Polynesian. Should you decide to do this I would start out at BC. Some views are lovely at BC but do not compare to Hawaii.

I think you're right. Thank you.

We've done that split, too, and loved it. The rooms are smaller at BC than the Polynesian so one more reason to do it in the the order jjohnson recommended.

These days we love a Polynesian/BCV split....among others.

but the yogurt parfaits are snacks on the DDP again, jjohnson. I know they weren't for a while last year but I asked last week.

Thanks for your advice. Now to get on with the planning!

 

[discanadian]

Just about to book some days at the Beach Club. Going to do a split stay. Very excited about it! This will be our first stay. I'm sure the question has been asked before but this thread is quite long to read from the beginning.

Where on site can we get the re-fillable mugs filled and does anyone know how late they stay open?

Looking foward to learning more about this resort!

 

[aussietravellers]

We have booked a standard room at BC and we are wanting a full balcony. I am considering changing to a water view.

Does anybody know if there are more full balconies available with a particular room type (std or waterview) at BC?

 

[DisneyMomx7]

If a full balcony is very important to you I would suggest switching to the YC. Almost all the rooms at YC (standard and waterview) have full balconies or patios. If you definitely want BC you might want to consider requesting the 1st floor to be sure of a full patio. HTH.

 

[brerroadrunner]

Two weeks till we are at BC CL. I too would like a balcony and am now thinking I should check about switching to YC. We have been YC CL once and thought we would try BC. We stayed once at the Dolphin and the view of Epcot Illuminations from the balcony was awesome. I am afraid I am going to be disappointed at BC. It's just DH and me this time.

 

[chimo2u]

Hello

I am very excited to be trying the BC resort for the very first time with my son (14 yo) this summer. We are usually AKL lovers, but wanted to try something new this trip, and BC has always been very appealing to me! I am having a dilema. I am trying to decide whether or not I should add club level to our reservation this trip. Both of my prior trips at AKL have been club level, and I admit I have become spoiled by the wonderful ammenities
I am a club girl at heart! I thought about doing Deluxe Dining in place of club level this trip, and that is where the current reservation is leaning (planned on adding it on if free dining was offered). The difference btwn Club and Deluxe dining is $400.00...Club level is the higher amt. My son is ok with either or. Does anyone have any recommendations? I could use some advice from those who have experienced either or both...and all opinions will be very much appreciated! Hopefully I can think this through on all angles and make the best choice!
Thank you,
Marie
ETA: If I do club level, it will only be with regular DDP

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Hello

I am very excited to be trying the BC resort for the very first time with my son (14 yo) this summer. We are usually AKL lovers, but wanted to try something new this trip, and BC has always been very appealing to me! I am having a dilema. I am trying to decide whether or not I should add club level to our reservation this trip. Both of my prior trips at AKL have been club level, and I admit I have become spoiled by the wonderful ammenities
I am a club girl at heart! I thought about doing Deluxe Dining in place of club level this trip, and that is where the current reservation is leaning (planned on adding it on if free dining was offered). The difference btwn Club and Deluxe dining is $400.00...Club level is the higher amt. My son is ok with either or. Does anyone have any recommendations? I could use some advice from those who have experienced either or both...and all opinions will be very much appreciated! Hopefully I can think this through on all angles and make the best choice!
Thank you,
Marie
ETA: If I do club level, it will only be with regular DDP

I've struggled with this question, too!
DxDDP really IS too much food with CL.
However, it still seems to work out financially for us because we do quite a few character meals and signature restaurants - as well as HDDR each trip...
Even tho we don't use all of our credits, we do spend less money by purchasing the DxDDP.
You can figure out what you'd probably pay at the restaurants you expect to try by going to www.allears.net and pricing a sample menu. Do that for each of your planned meals and see if it compares to what you'll spend on the dining plan. We've actually found that all our snacks are "free" with the dining plan. We don't use them all, but we do purchase those Mickey head chocolate covered rice Krispie treats on a stick - we buy as many as we have snack credit for on our last day. There have been plenty for the 2 grandchildren to share with their class when they return from vacation. So we consider it a winning proposition!
Happy planning!
Gretchen

 

[figment82]

Hello

I am very excited to be trying the BC resort for the very first time with my son (14 yo) this summer. We are usually AKL lovers, but wanted to try something new this trip, and BC has always been very appealing to me! I am having a dilema. I am trying to decide whether or not I should add club level to our reservation this trip. Both of my prior trips at AKL have been club level, and I admit I have become spoiled by the wonderful ammenities
I am a club girl at heart! I thought about doing Deluxe Dining in place of club level this trip, and that is where the current reservation is leaning (planned on adding it on if free dining was offered). The difference btwn Club and Deluxe dining is $400.00...Club level is the higher amt. My son is ok with either or. Does anyone have any recommendations? I could use some advice from those who have experienced either or both...and all opinions will be very much appreciated! Hopefully I can think this through on all angles and make the best choice!
Thank you,
Marie
ETA: If I do club level, it will only be with regular DDP

Hi!
I think it depends on what you want to do while you are there. DH and I love trying all the different restaurants and having long, relaxing meals while we are at Disney, so I see the point of the deluxe dining plan. However, when we're staying somewhere like the BC we also want to get to spend a lot of time at our hotel taking advantage of the things to do there, and if we're constantly at sit-down meals, we don't have time to do that as well. CL was perfect for us this trip, without the dining plan. We would eat breakfast in the lounge and relax at the hotel for the morning, eat CS for lunch somewhere, and either eat CS for dinner and have appetizers/dessert at CL while lounging at the hotel, or eat TS for dinner and just get some drinks at the lounge. Because we weren't tied to a lot of dining reservations, we got to really enjoy the hotel.

On the other hand, I don't think CL is worth $400 more than deluxe dining!!!!! The biggest advantage to CL for me was the money we saved by not having to go out to breakfast. The other advantages of CL, while nice, would not make it worth extra money for me personally. So if it were my decision and your math is right, I'd save the $400 and take the deluxe dining plan in a heartbeat!