There is a new thread:* Don't post here* 2014 BC&YC FAQ *MAY-SEPT 2014

[jcondrad]

AKL is my home resort... special place for that resort... The pool is nice though it is no storm along bay... there are many other things I love about AKL resort! I have upcoming CL trips to CR, YC and AKL. I've never done CR before, but have done both YC and AKL I hope whatever is going on is worked out before I arrive at YC CL in November!! The beauty of Disney World is the selection of resorts.. something for everyone!! For me it doesn't really matter where I stay as long as I'm at Disney World, although I do prefer CL and love the Epcot area for sure!! ~N

You've got me considering the switch! We've done BC CL and love the Epcot area, but refurb of BC when we're there and this YC nonsense has me worried. We've done GF RPC too, food offerings were great but the atmosphere was too stiff. WL won't have a main pool at that time, Poly is a mess...so that leaves BWI, AkL, CR or YC. Oh the choices!

 

[AThrillingChase]

AKL is my home resort... special place for that resort... The pool is nice though it is no storm along bay... there are many other things I love about AKL resort! I have upcoming CL trips to CR, YC and AKL. I've never done CR before, but have done both YC and AKL I hope whatever is going on is worked out before I arrive at YC CL in November!! The beauty of Disney World is the selection of resorts.. something for everyone!! For me it doesn't really matter where I stay as long as I'm at Disney World, although I do prefer CL and love the Epcot area for sure!!

~N

I didn't want to quote everyone, but yes AKL CL really did over-impress! I shouldn't have ruined the secret! I like to do YC/BC during food and wine or flower and garden, and then AKL if I go during the other months. The AKL pool and grounds are nicer in person than in pics for sure, but it really just isn't SAB! Can't beat that.

 

[Couchy]

I, Ninja Mom, am developing a reputation for my timely and 'helpful' tips. As such I feel it imperative to pass along my sage advice to help the resort's summer vacationers prepare for a stay at our epic resort. To that end I will remind everyone that they NEED to practice important aspects of this trip.

Yes people, I am talking about Storm Along Bay practice! Now I know many of you are way past your prime and so floating around in an inner tube is somewhat of a dim and distant memory from your childhood all those years ago. Perhaps like Ninja Mom your back yard pool was when someone opened up a fire hydrant and flooded the street. Although not a pool tube friendly environment, it did provide some preparation for when you would get splashed by a passing tsunami, generated from a truck instead of a human screaming "Cannonball"!

Now we all know that they have tubes in Storm Along Bay free for floating in the lazy river. However Ninja Mom has been around the block and she has seen some mighty unfortunate attempts at trying to sit on and then eventually get off of those pool tubes. So, for the love of God, please practice entering and exiting a pool tube in the privacy of your street when your fire hydrant is turned on. If you're one of those fancy people and you have a cement pond like they had on the Beverly Hillbillies then you can practice in that. Just remember there is nothing more embarrassing than trying to tour the parks with a big old clear pool tube wedged on your kiester!

Next up is practicing for the dilemma of what side of the lounge chair to place your refillable mug. Savvy swimmers know that the shady side is best for keeping that mug out of the sun and thus keeping your beverage lukewarm instead of broiling hot. Nothing makes perfect like practice, so get out there now and spend hours on that lounge chair with a comfortable book and a formerly frosty beverage.

Next we must discuss tan lines and what to do about them. You don't want to appear like a vacation newbie who is wearing her best swim suit that is not lining up with that old rag she throws on when the fire hydrant is turned loose. Make sure to evenly baste your kiester and top shelf so you avoid having a bright screaming red sunburn where the sun don't shine.

Finally you need to practice the art of looking like you are reading that trashy Harlequin romance novel when you are really passed out from exhaustion and that one Sunken Treasure you chugged down too quickly. Good sun glasses are essential to this ruse so be sure to secure a pair for your trip to Storm Along Bay. Do Not make the rookie mistake of wearing these at home while you are practicing otherwise you will develop the facial tan lines of an albino raccoon! These sunglasses are best saved for desperate measures or to prevent sun blindness, which ever comes first.

~NM

words to live by NM



QUESTION:

I just got an email for our upcoming stay from the BC/YC itinerary planners plan restating our plans ans asking if they could help us u more. Is this normal? We are staying in a garden view room and I have never received an email like this

 

[Wood Nymph]

QUESTION:

I just got an email for our upcoming stay from the BC/YC itinerary planners plan restating our plans ans asking if they could help us u more. Is this normal? We are staying in a garden view room and I have never received an email like this

Could this be a free upgrade to club level?

 

[Couchy]

That is what I Am wondering because I will cancel garden grocer . Just wondering g who has received this email

 

[wdwlver]

just need to share with some people who will be excited too ... Just sent in our rental request for Villas at the BC for May 2015 !!! Now just crossing our fingers to hear back on availability !!!!

Good luck!!! You will love it....my favorite corner of the "world"

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Could this be a free upgrade to club level?

What was the email address?? I am thinking you have a CL room but they wouldn't upgrade you until a few days before you arrive when they assign rooms

 

[JanetMom]

I, Ninja Mom, am developing a reputation for my timely and 'helpful' tips.

Now we all know that they have tubes in Storm Along Bay free for floating in the lazy river. However Ninja Mom has been around the block and she has seen some mighty unfortunate attempts at trying to sit on and then eventually get off of those pool tubes. So, for the love of God, please practice entering and exiting a pool tube in the privacy of your street when your fire hydrant is turned on. If you're one of those fancy people and you have a cement pond like they had on the Beverly Hillbillies then you can practice in that. Just remember there is nothing more embarrassing than trying to tour the parks with a big old clear pool tube wedged on your kiester!

~NM

While I normally try not to encourage NMs ramblings (she gets enough encouragement from inside her own head) this one resembled me and my experience a little more than I'd like to admit.

When we were at SAB I was gracefully floating around the lazy river on a tube and when I was near done there was a father that wanted my tube for him and his kids. I got all princessey and told him I'd meet him at the ladder to get out of the pool, thinking I'd continue my grace by successfully stepping off my tube right onto the ladder and getting out of the pool as the wind gently blew through my completely dry hair.

Instead I wound up with a toe-tapping dad disgustedly waiting for me to hurry up and get to the ladder, and when I did reach it, I gently reached out my toe just a tad too far and the whole tube upended and I plunged 4 feet under and surfaced looking like a sputtering drowned rat.

The father just looked disgusted, but I thought it was hilarious.

I encourage all to follow NMs advice and practice all of her points at home, prior to heading out to SAB.

 

[GoGoBeans]

You've got me considering the switch! We've done BC CL and love the Epcot area, but refurb of BC when we're there and this YC nonsense has me worried. We've done GF RPC too, food offerings were great but the atmosphere was too stiff. WL won't have a main pool at that time, Poly is a mess...so that leaves BWI, AkL, CR or YC. Oh the choices!

Which YC nonsense? The ridiculous beer/wine cart? Did I read right that they closed up shop and didn't give a guest a beer after 8pm. I thought if it wasn't out, you could ask. Or is it the battle axe in the health club? We're planning to hit the pool before our late departure. Both that nonsense makes me grumpy.

CR is my favorite CL. The view is spectacular and I like the food offerings the best. The ease to MK can't be beat. We like AKL CL too. It has such a homey feel with yummy treats. My only thing with AKL is once you're there, you're there. We tend to hang out more and chat with other families at AKL where the others are more pop in pop out.

 

[tracysis]

One evening we are going to drop the kids off at the Sandcastle Club so we can get a drink - is there a large beer selection at the Crew's Cup lounge?

I read about the truffle fries and I really want to try those. We like variety in our beer (although we are not huge IPA fans) and were thinking about Big River Grille but it seems like the lounge may be better choice.

Thanks ....Only 48 more days...who-hoo!

The Crew's cup is great, they have several beers on tap and an extensive list of bottled and canned beer, and the food is excellent.

 

[MickeyT]

Shhhh don't tell anyone about AKL CL...

~N

We check in July 25th! Totally different world than BC CL. That's the great thing about WDW. So many different experiences at same location

yay! Can't wait to meet you guys! I am in!

can't wait to meet you guys!!!! I am in!!

Look gang. We've got a newbie! 41 post and going to Meets already.

And thank you to two of our regular posters.

Thank you Wood Nymph for all the great, spot on, advice you give posters on this thread. I know you've helped countless numbers of families have better vacations.

And Ninja Mom for, well, being Ninja Mom.......Tube post is one of the best ever!

 

[Couchy]

What was the email address?? I am thinking you have a CL room but they wouldn't upgrade you until a few days before you arrive when they assign rooms

I arrive on Friday.
Email came yesterday from Yacht.beach.Boardwalk.itinerary.planning@disneyworld

 

[Scott MC]

I LOVED the solarium on our last trip. So, peaceful and beautiful in there. I barely noticed the marketplace last trip because we stayed CL. So, we always had breakfast in the lounge and most other meals were in the parks. This trip we have free dining so I've been wondering what it will be like. I'm thinking about bringing some breakfast items to keep in our room.

I will say, if one MUST go into the BC Marketplace and order food, the only acceptable place to eat it is in the Solarium. I love that not too many people know about it. Shhhhh!

I am completely with you on this. A few pages back Erica posted her review which lists desserts and cordials 8-10. I would expect them to be offered then. We planned our dinner times around the appetizer/beer one, so we could stop before heading to our ADR. I would be so upset if they aren't available as advertised. You pay a lot of money for those amenities and they should be there as expected. I don't use IPO for any of my things, so my paying club level is purely for the convenience of snacks, drinks, etc for our trip. At this rate we'd be better off swapping to non club and putting in a very large order from garden grocer! I'm not a booze hound by any means, if I have a beer at the pool and a beer at dinner that's my max, but I don't like feeling like I'm being babysat with my drinks.

Exactly. I truly think I might email Mim Flynn before we get there. Dee, Teena, is there anyone else I could/should email about this?

I'm definitely coming to the DISMeet on the 18th! It's the whole reason I booked the trip!!!

I'll take full credit for this.
*kidding

Don't worry folks, everything is under control. Here is local news footage of how the true believers dealt with this difference of opinion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLvGnro4Cgw

The Fiend Must be Found!! LOLOLOL!!

But seriously, differing opinions are welcomed here. Not everybody has the same experiences or expectations so it's good when people point out what they find problematic in a resort. That information can help another guest when they come to stay, so thanks to everyone for sharing their concerns.

~NM

Ha ha...I'll see your video and raise you a new one. Beware...this is what happened the last time I was forced to go into the overcrowded BC Marketplace...(This is also likely to happen to in the YC CL Lounge if the bevvys aren't available when I want them....)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxgoMABHytA

Love the pool at both resorts!

~N

Actually...the only WDW pool I didn't like was the one at CR. It was just so "out there" with no shade, and in August, it felt like bathwater. Not refreshing at all. Now the pool at BLT was great!

The food at the Crew's Cup is about 100 times better than at Big River Grille.

Do you know how many times I've eaten at BRG? And it's never that good! Why do we keep going back? They're open late and always have a table. Now that I've unlocked the secret of Crew's Cup....no more BRG!

I arrive on Friday.
Email came yesterday from Yacht.beach.Boardwalk.itinerary.planning@disneyworld

Have you checked MDE? Check under "My Reservations." Maybe you've already been upgraded!

 

[jcondrad]

I arrive on Friday. Email came yesterday from Yacht.beach.Boardwalk.itinerary.planning@disneyworld

That's the email that I've gotten CL correspondence from. Sounds like you got an upgrade!! :ixie dust::

 

[Wood Nymph]

I will say, if one MUST go into the BC Marketplace and order food, the only acceptable place to eat it is in the Solarium. I love that not too many people know about.

We ate every single Marketplace breakfast there.

Do you know how many times I've eaten at BRG? And it's never that good! Why do we keep going back? They're open late and always have a table. Now that I've unlocked the secret of Crew's Cup....no more BRG!

We used to always have dinner at BRG once on every trip. I think part of the attraction was eating at an outside table, enjoying the view. But the last time we ate there was pretty bad. So maybe just a beer and appetizers from now on, maybe.

 

[jcondrad]

Which YC nonsense? The ridiculous beer/wine cart? Did I read right that they closed up shop and didn't give a guest a beer after 8pm. I thought if it wasn't out, you could ask. Or is it the battle axe in the health club? We're planning to hit the pool before our late departure. Both that nonsense makes me grumpy. CR is my favorite CL. The view is spectacular and I like the food offerings the best. The ease to MK can't be beat. We like AKL CL too. It has such a homey feel with yummy treats. My only thing with AKL is once you're there, you're there. We tend to hang out more and chat with other families at AKL where the others are more pop in pop out.

Haha, both! But it seems they are piloting changes at YC and don't quite have it figured out yet. I'm leaning towards saving our return to the YC for when the details are ironed out. We have two little ones and spend a LOT of time at the resort so AKL wouldn't be all that bad for us...only way to know is to try I guess!

 

[TeenaS]

OK guys ... here's my personal comments on the alcohol cart and offerings at the YC CL. At every CL at every WDW resort, they constantly change procedures, menus, etc. At the YC, they are trying the alcohol cart to see how it works. Lots of guests like it ... more personal service than "help yourself".

Nothing has changed as far as you getting a beer or glass of wine at 10 AM if you want one. Just ask for it. They were never suppose to give you a bottle of wine ... it was always just a glass at a time. Same with beer. If you want a chocolate chip cookie at 11 AM and they aren't out yet, just ask.

If you encounter a CM that is rude or will not meet your reasonable request, ask immediately to speak to a manager. Just like if you run into a CM anywhere at WDW that doesn't meet a reasonable request, especially one you are entitled to and paid for (like the alcohol should definitely be out ... whether on a cart or on the counter or refrigerator at the designated times), just nicely ask and 99 times out of 100, you will get an apology and it will be brought to you immediately.

If the cart or alcohol itself wasn't out at 8:20 PM one night, then that was a mistake and it should never have happened. But everyone makes mistakes sometimes and something might have happened in the lounge/kitchen and time got away from the CMs. However, somebody should have said something and if it wasn't rectified immediately, then a manager should have been requested.

The offerings/menu is constantly changing at all club levels across property. If certain items are hardly being touched, they change it. Eight years ago the offerings between 5-7 were substantial enough that you could make it dinner. It was never intended to be dinner ... only appetizers. Things changed. Heck, they were going through more ribs in the lounges than at Cape May back eight years ago. That was never the intention of lounge appetizers. People were eating dinner in the lounge on the appetizers.

I personally can't stand the offerings at the Boardwalk and much prefer the offerings at the Y&B club levels. Some people prefer Boardwalk's and love Animal Kingdom offerings. I personally like the Poly's offerings and wasn't that crazy for the offerings at Animal Kingdom club level when we last stayed there. We have different chefs and club level managers that will constantly change and therefore the offerings will change. By all means, go stay at the club level that suits you the most. But be prepared, what was offered in the Polynesian club level four years ago is entirely different than what is being offered today ... that's probably true everywhere. Just like the menu at Cape May (dinners) has changed drastically in the last year. Cape May was always one of my favorites but I really am not happy about it now and lots of guests are complaining about the changes. But when the head chef changes again, the menu hopefully will change for the better again. In the meantime, I love the food at the Captain's Grill and four years ago I thought it was ok but just ok. The dinner I had there last night was as good as the dinner I had at Artist Point a while ago. And the service was unbelievable too ... like a signature restaurant!!!

Please, please, please take time to fill out the survey you get after your stay at the Y&B. Please say you don't like the alcohol cart is you don't like it. Personally I like someone pouring my drinks ... makes me feel special and less like it being at home. Management reads each and every survey ... and it will make a difference in the future if enough people don't like something. Remember when they took away the resort specific merchandise and people wrote letters and made comments about hating not being able to buy resort specific merchandise ... it was on all the surveys. Guess what came back? Resort specific merchandise. Disney is a company that listens so let people know how you feel. You can always write letters about your experience to Guest Communications too. Your comments will get to the appropriate people. And at the Y&B, they do want to know how the guests feel.

I know people lately have been complaining here on this thread about the drink cart and some don't like it but I have to be totally honest, I get lots of very positive comments about it too. They like being served.

I just filled out a survey from Disney about our latest Disney cruise and trust me, if Disney didn't want to hear the comments, all these surveys from them would not be sent out. So please let your feelings be known whether through the survey and/or emails or letters to Guest Communications.

Again, I personally, as a CM at the Y&B, apologize for the lateness one night of the drink cart ... and I hope it will not happen again. If it does, please, please, say something!!!!!

 

[TeenaS]

And as far as the no inside shower facilities, I understand there are none at the Grand, Poly, Contemporary ... at least that's what I've been told. I personally have no problem with jumping out of the pool, rinsing off the pool water on me with the outdoor shower, grabbing a bunch of clean towels and heading into the handicapped bathroom stall (which is large) and changing my clothes. I can wait until I'm home for a proper shampoo. But like I said before, if it's a deal breaker for you, please, please write a letter to Guest Communications. It will be seen by people not at the Y&B and then it will be sent on to the Y&B.

 

[YCFAN]

Thank you, Teena!

And to all our Canadian friends here on the boards.........O' Canada!!

 

[jcondrad]

I was hoping Teena would jump in! Thanks for your input!! The YC/BC are such great resorts, our best CL experience was at BC and I would hate to have a bad experience during the changes and have it tarnish our opinion of the resorts! The differences in my personal exchanges with the CL staff through email between last trip and this trip are huge...and I'm hoping it's just during this trial period of changes