The 2009 Yacht & Beach Club FAQ Thread

[BCV23]

Good morning, Teena. I started posting my guess before your answer appeared. Not trying to step on the toes..or posts...of our resident expert.

 

[TeenaS]

Good morning, Teena. I started posting my guess before your answer appeared. Not trying to step on the toes..or posts...of our resident expert.

Are you kidding me? You guests know so much more than I do about some things!! So thank you for answering as much as you do!!!! The people that have actually stayed in these rooms know more about what you can see at night from them than I do. I only get to escort some of you to your rooms and/or drop something off to a room so to actually know what you see at night when you are on the balcony is something I'm no expert on.

Another beautiful day here in Florida. Until this winter, I never realized how spoiled I was becoming. Yesterday and today are wonderful. Not too hot ... just beautiful! Perfect for the parks!

 

[thebs19]

When people say "letters", do they mean email or hard copy mail? I'm staying May 6-10th and have not received anything about this...not that I need the letter to give me info (thats what everyone here is for!), but just want to make sure I'm in the system (we originally booked CBR and later changed to BC...every confirmation I have says they have me set for BC but just wondering why i wouldn't get this communication).

Teena- since you are the authority here, do you know if this affects the kiddie area at all? From pictures, it looks like its right by the slide entrance so would the workers and such be over there and have to close the toddler pool? That was likely the only "slide" we'd be using anyway (with the exception of me and the wife maybe sneaking off once each to try out the SAB slide)...but our little guy isn't much of an adventurer anyway so that won't affect us!

 

[HockeyMomR]

Another beautiful day here in Florida. Until this winter, I never realized how spoiled I was becoming. Yesterday and today are wonderful. Not too hot ... just beautiful! Perfect for the parks!

Ahhh lucky you, love this time of year at Disney!! Enjoy. Can I say I am truly jealous right now!! Looks like we will be coming in July not June, so I know it will be hot, hot, hot!

Maryland is actually so hot the past couple of days...almost 90 degrees!

 

[TeenaS]

When people say "letters", do they mean email or hard copy mail? I'm staying May 6-10th and have not received anything about this...not that I need the letter to give me info (thats what everyone here is for!), but just want to make sure I'm in the system (we originally booked CBR and later changed to BC...every confirmation I have says they have me set for BC but just wondering why i wouldn't get this communication).

Teena- since you are the authority here, do you know if this affects the kiddie area at all? From pictures, it looks like its right by the slide entrance so would the workers and such be over there and have to close the toddler pool? That was likely the only "slide" we'd be using anyway (with the exception of me and the wife maybe sneaking off once each to try out the SAB slide)...but our little guy isn't much of an adventurer anyway so that won't affect us!

I believe people are getting hard copy mail. However, if you used a travel agent or booked anyway other than through Disney itself, you may not receive one.

I was told the main slide. The main slide is on the opposite side of SAB than the kiddie area. I am under the impression that only the slide itself will be worked on. When I'm there this weekend, I will talk to the recreation manager and see if I can get more detailed information.

 

[johnsonet]

I got the letter too. At least they are warning people and offering up options (BWI slide, shuttle to BWI). Plus it's just the slide that will be closed. Not the pool... What more can they do? I do feel for those who will be upset but hopefully everyone will have magical vacations. Plus little ones will still have the kiddie slide.

 

[thebs19]

I believe people are getting hard copy mail. However, if you used a travel agent or booked anyway other than through Disney itself, you may not receive one.

I was told the main slide. The main slide is on the opposite side of SAB than the kiddie area. I am under the impression that only the slide itself will be worked on. When I'm there this weekend, I will talk to the recreation manager and see if I can get more detailed information.

Thanks for the response. I did book through Disney...I'll keep an eye out.

And I meant the wading pool with the little slide. Can't say I can pull from personal memory here, but I've definitely seen pictures of a smaller pool separate from SAB with a mini-slide that appears to be right where you enter the big slide. I'll need to find the picture of it because I don't think I'm doing a good job explaining it.

Here it is: http://allears.net/acc/bc10.jpg

Isn't that the slide entrance in the background there? The spiral staircase?

 

[TeenaS]

Thanks for the response. I did book through Disney...I'll keep an eye out.

And I meant the wading pool with the little slide. Can't say I can pull from personal memory here, but I've definitely seen pictures of a smaller pool separate from SAB with a mini-slide that appears to be right where you enter the big slide. I'll need to find the picture of it because I don't think I'm doing a good job explaining it.

Here it is: http://allears.net/acc/bc10.jpg

Isn't that the slide entrance in the background there? The spiral staircase?

All my BC and YC guests, please help here. All I know is that the large slide is at the opposite end of the kiddie area where it is zero entry and where all the sand is. There is 3 acres in between those two areas. But remember, I just walk it, I don't use it, so I think you are going to get more detailed responses from our frequent guests like johnsonnet and hockeymom and BCV23.

 

[clschrein]

Hello. This is my first post as I’ve been reading this forum for awhile as we plan our trip. This is our second trip to WDW, stayed at Wilderness Lodge April ‘08 (which we really enjoyed) and will be at BC from 5/26-6/3 (combo family vacation and 10th anniversary trip). Hopefully we won’t be overwhelmed with the crowds since they were very manageable on our previous trip. We are excited to get there but we’ve never actually been to BC and have a few questions.

I’d like some advice on room request. We can live with anything, but would like a full balcony (to relax after the kids are down), but don’t know about the secondary request. We have a std view room, so I realize our options will be limited and of course we aren’t guaranteed anything. Assuming we got lucky and all requests were honored, what exactly does the courtyard view provide (would these be rooms such as 2577 per the info shown on disneyzone)? Are the rooms that “face” Epcot (ie. 2520 if I’m correct) considered woods view? Is saying “courtyard or woods view” as a secondary request acceptable?

Also, our flight home leaves at 2:27pm. What time would magical express pick us up for the airport? Would we have time to try to get a last minute Soarin or Test Track in before we leave?

Thanks in advance for the expert advice.
Cary

 

[HockeyMomR]

All my BC and YC guests, please help here. All I know is that the large slide is at the opposite end of the kiddie area where it is zero entry and where all the sand is. There is 3 acres in between those two areas. But remember, I just walk it, I don't use it, so I think you are going to get more detailed responses from our frequent guests like johnsonnet and hockeymom and BCV23.

Hi Teena - the kiddie area thebs19 is referring to is at the bottom of the big slide entrance - by the entrance to the spiral stairs. There is a small kiddie pool and slide in the bow of the ship. It seems as though the large slide close would not affect this area...

Hope this helps

 

[MHTeacher]

I believe people are getting hard copy mail. .

Correct------I got a letter by mail yesterday. Irony of ironies, it was my 45 days out!

My kids were really looking forward to using the slide. We stayed at YC over New Years Eve, and it was too cold for us southerners to use the pool, so it was being highly anticipated for our May trip.

We arrive May 22, so I'm just crossing my fingers that it will be finished before our trip is over on the 29th.

 

[pixarmom]

Not sure whether or not I'm working on that Saturday but I'll be there for sure on Sunday and Monday. Recently they decided the BC lobby greeter should be in the lobby 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM so that's when you will find me there except during my breaks. If I'm not in the lobby, my breaks are short so I'll be back before too long. Congrats on the 25 years. Bob and I last year celebrated our 30th.

Teena, we had a wonderful trip to BC last month, and we were wondering why we never met you - we were out to the parks early every day and were rarely in the lobby during those hours. We did meet Vic, who was also great and very friendly! Maybe next trip!

 

[TeenaS]

Teena, we had a wonderful trip to BC last month, and we were wondering why we never met you - we were out to the parks early every day and were rarely in the lobby during those hours. We did meet Vic, who was also great and very friendly! Maybe next trip!

So glad you had a wonderful trip!! I normally work only Sundays and Mondays and sometimes on Saturdays. I might have been away ... we were on a cruise in March from the 20th to the 27th. My hours are now 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. In early March, they had me working 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Vic is super. He has been helping out as lobby greeter while they are looking for the full time lobby greeter. Our full time greeter retired in October and they haven't found another one yet. Vice normally is our luggage room guy or dispatcher for bell services. He also fills in for me when I'm on vacation.

 

[TeenaS]

Hello. This is my first post as I’ve been reading this forum for awhile as we plan our trip. This is our second trip to WDW, stayed at Wilderness Lodge April ‘08 (which we really enjoyed) and will be at BC from 5/26-6/3 (combo family vacation and 10th anniversary trip). Hopefully we won’t be overwhelmed with the crowds since they were very manageable on our previous trip. We are excited to get there but we’ve never actually been to BC and have a few questions.

I’d like some advice on room request. We can live with anything, but would like a full balcony (to relax after the kids are down), but don’t know about the secondary request. We have a std view room, so I realize our options will be limited and of course we aren’t guaranteed anything. Assuming we got lucky and all requests were honored, what exactly does the courtyard view provide (would these be rooms such as 2577 per the info shown on disneyzone)? Are the rooms that “face” Epcot (ie. 2520 if I’m correct) considered woods view? Is saying “courtyard or woods view” as a secondary request acceptable?

Also, our flight home leaves at 2:27pm. What time would magical express pick us up for the airport? Would we have time to try to get a last minute Soarin or Test Track in before we leave?

Thanks in advance for the expert advice.
Cary

As far as your requests go, if having a full balcony is the biggy for you, I'd just go with that. Most people request a full balcony and if you have a secondary request, sometimes they will go with just that. Honestly, if I were you, I'd make one request but make it sort of a plural "full balcony second floor please." Most of the second floor standard view rooms have full balconies so that gives you a better chance of getting a full balcony and most are decent views. Remember, when you first go into your room, if it is not a view or balcony you like, don't touch anything, don't use the bathroom, just walk back to the front desk and ask them if you could have another room. There might not be one available on your check-in day that you like. If that's the case, you can ask for a room change the next day if one that you like is available then. We try really really hard to make your vacation a happy one. If a view is really really important, you should upgrade to a water view and then you only need to request a full balcony.

If you flight home is around 2:30 PM, you will either be on the 11:40 AM or the 11:10 AM Magical Express. If you are at the back entrance of Epcot when it opens, you should have no trouble getting in and riding a ride before you leave. However, I would already check-out and have your bags processed and any carryon bags you have, you can leave with Bell Services to hold for you until you return.

 

[pixarmom]

I’d like some advice on room request. We can live with anything, but would like a full balcony (to relax after the kids are down), but don’t know about the secondary request. We have a std view room, so I realize our options will be limited and of course we aren’t guaranteed anything. Assuming we got lucky and all requests were honored, what exactly does the courtyard view provide (would these be rooms such as 2577 per the info shown on disneyzone)? Are the rooms that “face” Epcot (ie. 2520 if I’m correct) considered woods view? Is saying “courtyard or woods view” as a secondary request acceptable?

I'm sure this doesn't happen all the time, but I just wanted to let you know our experience. We had a standard view room with a daybed (we are a family of 5) and a balcony. After reading more of this thread, I'm not sure if it counts as a full balcony, but it had two chairs and a little table and we used it a ton - kids used it in the morning for breakfast before we left for the parks, and we sat out there after they went to bed at night.

We had not requested any particular kind of balcony or anything else. But I did tell the CM during our 8am check-in that we didn't need our room until the end of the day, so whenever it was ready was absolutely fine. I was hoping flexibility would help in the event we didn't like something about our room. But the room was ready right away and it was great!

In any event, our standard view room faced EPCOT and we could see a bit of the Eiffel Tower and the Illuminations fireworks at night. During the day, it was just the trees, but we didn't spend much time in the room during the day. The view of the fireworks was amazing!

 

[66Tink]

Correct------I got a letter by mail yesterday. Irony of ironies, it was my 45 days out!

My kids were really looking forward to using the slide. We stayed at YC over New Years Eve, and it was too cold for us southerners to use the pool, so it was being highly anticipated for our May trip.

We arrive May 22, so I'm just crossing my fingers that it will be finished before our trip is over on the 29th.

Ditto...keeping my fingers crossed too as this will be our first trip to BCV and we will be there the exact same dates as you

 

[johnsonet]

When people say "letters", do they mean email or hard copy mail? I'm staying May 6-10th and have not received anything about this...not that I need the letter to give me info (thats what everyone here is for!), but just want to make sure I'm in the system (we originally booked CBR and later changed to BC...every confirmation I have says they have me set for BC but just wondering why i wouldn't get this communication).

Teena- since you are the authority here, do you know if this affects the kiddie area at all? From pictures, it looks like its right by the slide entrance so would the workers and such be over there and have to close the toddler pool? That was likely the only "slide" we'd be using anyway (with the exception of me and the wife maybe sneaking off once each to try out the SAB slide)...but our little guy isn't much of an adventurer anyway so that won't affect us!

I received a letter in the mail yesterday. It almost looks like Disney junk mail. "For your future enjoyment" w/ characters in navy and white script. The letterhead also says "For your future enjoyment" and is surrounded by colorful pixie dust

"April 2010

Dear Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts and Disney's Beach Club Villas Guest,

We are delighted you have selected the Walt Disney World Resort as your vacation destination!

In order for Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts and Disney's Beach Club Villas to continue to flourish as a magical destination, it is necessary for us to make enhancements from time to time.

If you have stayed with us before, you are most likely familiar with our Stormalong Bay pool complex. While this swimming and recreation area has provided our Guests with endless enjoyment for many years, it is time to refresh the pool's water slide. Beginning May 2, the pool slide will be closed to Guests so we may begin this effort. We expect the slide to reopen in late May. The rest of the Stormalong Bay pool complex, including the Kiddie slide and pool, will remain open for your enjoyment. In addition, you may also enjoy our three leisure pools: Admiral Pool at Disney's Yacht Club, Tidal Pool at Disney's Beach Club, and Dunes Cove Pool at Disney's Beach Club Villas.

Should you wish to have a slide as part of your pool experience, we are making the Luna Park pool and slide at the neighboring Disney's Boardwalk Inn & Villas available for your enjoyment. Shuttle transportation will be made available during this timeframe for our Guests wishing to take advantage of the nearby pool experience.

Thank you and we look forward to your upcoming stay. If you have any questions regarding your reservation, please ccontact your original booking agentlisted on your confirmation.

Sincerely,

The Cast of Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts and Disney's Beach Club Villas"

My kids were really looking forward to using the slide. We stayed at YC over New Years Eve, and it was too cold for us southerners to use the pool, so it was being highly anticipated for our May trip.

We arrive May 22, so I'm just crossing my fingers that it will be finished before our trip is over on the 29th.

Good luck

 

[janloz]

I made the change today to a water view room with lake view request (i know, just a request). I figured this might be the only time i get to stay at the BC and I would really like to look out and see the lake and beautiful views. SOOOO excited.

 

[MHTeacher]

Ditto...keeping my fingers crossed too as this will be our first trip to BCV and we will be there the exact same dates as you

YAY for both of us! I have two daughters, 14 and 16, and a 7 year old little boy. Maybe we'll see you around.

I'm sure hoping we'll get to enjoy the slide, at least for part of our stay!

 

[HelenParr]

Slide closing is a bummer, but safety first of course. I have not yet rec'd a letter. Probably will be in my mailbox when I get home from work.

Mock me if you must, but...I wonder what the shuttle to Bdwk will be if you want to go use their slide while SAB slide is down? Maybe a large golf cart type shuttle that runs on the boarldwalk and path? (As opposed to on the road in front). I actually enjoy the challenge of being sure that I've tested out every form of WDW transportation. And I've never been to the pool at the Boardwalk. A new adventure!

(Stipulating that my level of interest in the shuttle may be the final proof that my WDW addiction has gone too far.)