Just back from a great week at the BC LVCL from 9/26-10/4 (ignore my ticker that says I was a the Poly). I must say, my girlfriend and I had an amazing time, and it's hard to say who enjoyed themselves more-myself, who even though I live 20 minutes away from Disney felt like I was a million miles away, or my girlfriend, who hadn't been to Disney World in 16 years!
Check-in started with a small glitch, when the front desk couldn't find my reservation. It wasn't the BC's fault -Disney reservations never downloaded the information into their system, and I didn't think to bring my paperwork. Everyone worked so hard to resolve the issue, which only took about 1/2 hour to straighten out, and then the manager (a lovely woman named Melanie) surprised us by informing us that "for our trouble" (which it really wasn't a problem) they were upgrading us from a standard CL room, to a 1 bedroom suite! It ROCKED. I've never been in a hotel room with a walk-in closet before. Plus, we could walk down the stairs from our room, and were literally about 3 minutes to Epcot. It was a wonderful, magical way to start the trip, and something Disney didn't have to do. I'm spoiled now -not sure I can ever go back to a regular room after that, lol.
The resort, as always, is beautiful! Everyone who works there is super nice and kind. We were also able to meet and speak with Teena S., who is incredibly friendly and has a huge heart! She's perfect as a greeter, and someone who really cares that each guest has a great time while a guest of the resort. If you have the chance to meet her, stop by and say hello, I guarantee she'll have a smile on. We also got to meet Art, who was a gentleman as always. Many times we passed through the lobby and noticed him interacting with children or other guests. It appears he's achieved some sort of celebrity status!
Weather was hot for the first part of the week with temperatures cooling slightly around the middle of the week. Spent lots of time at SAB, which I don't think I could ever get tired of. GREAT pool, and if you don't take advantage of it, you'll be sorry. I also enjoyed the poolside food and beverage service. Though Hurricane Hanna's and Beaches and Cream serve the same burger, it was WAY better from the former. Beaches and Cream was a dissapointment from what I remembered the last time I stayed at BC, which admittedly was about 8 years ago.
Crowds were generally low, with the longest wait time we saw being at Soarin in Epcot. Did the NSSHP on October 1, and the park was empty even in the hours before the party started. Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain were both walk-ons with 5 minute waits.
Signature restaurants were for the most point, just average. We ate at Citricos, California Grill, Bistro de Paris, and Artist Pointe. Citrocos by FAR was the best, an amazing restaurant, with awesome food. Our server, Ray, was also terrific, and I'd recommend asking for him if you go. Great view of the fireworks through the windows, too (though they don't pipe in the music). California Grill had a great atmosphere, but the waiter was inattentive to the point of never coming back to refill my drink. Perhaps that is due to the fact that I had the TIW card, and he knew he was getting 18% automatically anyway, no matter what. Also, I realize this is the
free dining period, and Disney does cater to families -but the noise level in the restaurant is ridiculous. Parents, please, please watch your children when you take them to a place like this. I love kids, but I saw far too many being allowed to simply run around wild, screaming at the top of their lungs.
And, it was a let down to know that Disney doesn't enforce their dress code. Yes, they "respectfully request" no cutoffs, no hats, etc., but we routinely saw people let in who were dressed in exactly this manner. At Citrocos, the gentleman behind us was seated wearing a "do-rag", Cowboy hat, ripped cutoff denim shirt/jacket, and, as the finishing touch, wearing a bluetooth, because you know, he was clearly THAT important.
Biggest restaurant dissapointment of the trip -Artist Pointe. I haven't been to this restaurant in 5 years, and I won't be back. The food portions have gotten smaller, which is okay, but the taste has good from great to just adequate, and the prices have really increased!
All in all, a wonderful trip, and we will be back!
Anyway, if you have any questions, please ask, and I'll do my best to answer them.
Looking forward to the renovated rooms, that's for sure! We have stayed at YC in the past but it was a quick stop before moving to BC.
but at least I'm not Grumpy!
Wish I were there right now. We were there in May and I am having really bad withdrawl. Hopint to plan another trip soon!
Lived up to ALL expectations and then some---and we're big pool people. I took TONS of pics very early yesterday morning while pool was empty, using my Panarama mode and will get them stitched together when I get home so I can post some different angles/views.
Less than a month away for our tip to the beach club. I have seen so many great posts about Art and Teena. Can't wait to get there and meet everyone.
