This is the *NEW* Yacht & Beach Club Question & Answer Forum. Yea...we're still here.

[Joe Cool]

Yikes. Looks like the Transportation section needs to be updated. OK I'm not really familiar with cheap transportation other than a rental car the size of a refrigerator (heh, no kidding)...but Mears looks good. We used Atlantis' limo service in January, and contrary to the anti-Scooby movement on the DIS (don't ask), it was incredibly awesome. Scoob (the head of the company) gave us a free upgrade to the top of the line limo when he heard my computer crashed when i tried to view his website. The 'official' limo service of this place is Tiffany towncar, which I hear is less informal and possibly cheaper than the service we used. Mears shuttles I haven't had any experience with.

In other news...I just saw that we were added to WDWTrekker's "FAQ Posts" "important" thread at the top of the board. I think I speak for y'all when I say, way to go! We kinda need the publicity, there are a lot of DIS'ers out there who would benefit from finding the FAQs on the Grand Floridian, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Swan & Dolphin, and of course this wonderful place.

I'm working on a plan to put together more <b>FAQ's for other hotels</b> like the Poly, Wilderness Lodge and Contemporary. If anyone wants to take the reins on any one of these three projects, gimme a yell. Warning...uh sometimes I can get really picky about details (like format, layout, which is why it takes me so long to do these) so now I'll just say if you want to do a resort FAQ, I reccommend you <b>save some work</b> and follow the same general format we've got here. It worked when I was setting up this one in May...I actually kind of copied Glo's format. Glo then moved on to the actual-questions-being-answered form, which is also a <b>really good idea</b>.

Some staples which no FAQ thread should be without:
- Pictures
- Floor Plans (of individual guest rooms or the whole thing)
- Personal Reviews
- Room Requesting Information & Tips
- Phone Numbers
- Updated Rate & Discount Information

So, there you go. I could take several days and go at it myself, but I've got exams this week (yes already! two of them...ay yi yi) and a gazillion other things to do. From what I read so far, these FAQ threads are great, i really like your work. Ciao,

JC

 

[smuniak]

We are heading over Disney's Beach Club at the end of this month [21st - 29th] and have a number of questions.

We have a standard room booked at $249 on the mouse card. Didn't realize that some of the savings were out there that could have saved us another $70 a night... Oh well... live and learn.

Taking my wife and three kids [11,9,6]. The six year old turns seven while we are there....

Last time in Orlando we stayed at the Gateway Inn - truly a non-magical expereince and this is where we make up for it.

* Wondering on the impact the new vacation club property being built next store - noise, parking, view... Anything you can share with us would be great. I am thinking of asking for a second floor overlooking the Garden Courtyard or the Cannae Court - would this be a good idea? Any other recomendations for a larger/better standard room for the five of us?

The plan is to fax that morning to request the room. We land at 3:05 and should be able to make it by 4:00 check-in. So if the fax fails, we may be able still beat some of the folks coming in with room requets [I hope, or am I dreaming?].

* How much do they charge for the noodles and tubes - and/or do they frown on you brining your own noodles. We have a bunch here at home that I can put in a bag very easily. Any other tips for the pools?

* I know that other Disney resort guests cannot use Stormalong Bay - on the other hand can we use the other resort pools? We plan on touring some of the other properties and may want to us it as a time to swim also.

* Any tips on eating cheap in the area would be appreciated. As most do, we are traveling on a budget. We splurged on the room for the kids and need to make it up someplace… I usualy pack a coller and use it for perishables, replace the ice each day is pretty easy. And I know we are close to the real world, lokoing for those real bargins right in the area.

* What can we expect for weather? I see 90's and rain very day this week and was wondering of the tendacny is to cool off and dryup by the end of the month?

Thanks to all, I apprecaite the preivios postings and any help you can provide.

Steve

 

[Joe Cool]

Howyadoin,

<b>Smuniak</b>, don't sweat it, $249 is a great rate, even though you didn't get the biggest discount they have. Besides, y'all can make the extra clams worth it...

Stick to the room request guidelines I have up on the first pages...however, there aren't any larger standard rooms with partial water views. All of the slightly larger standard view guest rooms are over on the contruction side (see the floor plans). So, with that in mind, just include "QUEEN beds" in your room request.

Sounds good with the request plan.

As I mighta mentioned on the first page, the construction guys take breaks throughout the day, and quit around dinnertime. Now they're into the <i>big</i> stuff, so I reckon there is going to be more mid-day noise. Nothing you can hear from the parks, though.

Um, there was another string of posts about this in this very forum a few months ago. The <b>official word</b> on kids' inflatable floaties in Stormalong bay pool is that water wings or "swimmies" are permitted, but guests are not allowed to bring any other inflatable floats for the pool. This means no inner tubes, rafts, noodles, etc. You can rent them for no charge, but the Walt Disney World-sanctioned inner tubes and rafts are the only ones that swimmers in Stormalong Bay may use.

I don't think you can use any of the other resort pools. DVC members (and guests?) can pool-hop at the DVC resorts, but not regular WDW resort guests.

Cooler? Try requesting a fridge. You can have it in your room for a charge (see the first page), but it's worth it. Cheap eats? Any of the resorts' quick-service food places are awesome, as well as some of the more casual restaurants if y'all wanna have a sit down dinner.

Gotta jet, thanks. Have an awesome trip!

JC

 

[figmentvi]

Hi Steve and welcome to the YC/BC Forum.

The impact of the construction at BC has been minimal from various accounts.

Since the time of your visit will be a bit slower, you should have no problems getting the room view you want. Definitely fax the day you travel, certainly wouldn't hurt. Mention your fax and requests at check-in. Big smiles and "pleases" go a long way when looking for good rooms. Your idea of the second floor Garden Courtyard view is fine. If you check out Joe's floor plans for the BC, you will also see the Quiet Forest Area on the far "right" side of BC. This is a very nice area too. Close to walkway to Epcot. You are a bit further from Stormalong Bay and Beaches and Cream, but it is very quiet and nice.

As to bringing tubes/noodles from home, I would take the tubes since they're deflatable. But, leave the noodles home, they're too cumbersome. They do rent tubes at SAB, but not sure if it's required that you rent them. Maybe another poster can help? To my knowledge, using other hotel's pools is not allowed. However, some of the other hotels are not as strict with checking resort ID's as they are at SAB. Use your best judgement.

As to food, well that's a toughy. Food costs at WDW are high and it is very difficult to budget. There are no food courts at BC/YC which makes picking up an inexpensive meal not an easy task. One suggestion is to visit Tubby's Buffeteria at the Dolphin. Another (one that I do quite often) is to order snack foods, drinks, breakfast items, etc. from netgrocers.com. They have specials on free shipping and although the prices are a little high, they are still cheaper than WDW prices. You can order a couple of days before you leave home and have the package delivered right to your hotel. If you have a rental car, making a grocery store run is also a possibility.

Hope some of this info helps. And have a wonderful time. Be sure to write a trip report when you return !!!

Linda

 

[elgerber]

I wanted to add my comments about the floaties in Stormalong Bay. I just returned Sunday, and there were lot's of kids with floaties of all types. We saw water wings, swimsuits with floatation devices, blow up boats for infants, kids with their own inflatable innertubes and rings and noodles. As a matter of fact they actually had a couple of noodles for sale at the poolside gift shop. I guess they have relaxed their policies. There were even some kids wtih some large super soaker squirt guns and I never saw anybody asked to remove their toys.

Erika

 

[RAV]

Just back from the 11 days at the Yacht Club. If anyone has any questions, fire away. If I know the answer, I would be happy to help.

 

[kpgclark]

RAV-

Just wondering- what did you do for breakfast on days you went to the parks on early entry days?

 

[jodyb]

This is a fantastic thread, and I've learned so much - I'm really excited about staying at BC Concierge in December!! Can't wait.

But I have a question: The description of Dormer Balcony is that is "pops up from under the eaves of the roof". Is is just me, or is this "Greek".... (ie.. I have NO idea what that means!!) Could you please describe these balconies in a differnet way? Sorry for being so dense... but "pops up?"???
Thanks..

 

[figmentvi]

Hi Jodyb:

Below is a picture of the BC balconies that Joe will be putting up on the board soon. In the top right hand corner of the picture is a Dormer Balcony. Sorry it's not a great picture, but it'll give you an idea. It's a full balcony tucked under the eaves.

Linda

 

[RAV]

KPGCLARK,

On the days that we went to the early openings, we usually grabbed a quick bite at Beaches and Cream or we went to the park, visited our favorite attractions, and then took a time out for a breakfast from one of the counter service restaurants in that particular park. (usually just an item from the bakery)

 

[Joe Cool]

Gaaah...

I have <i>no</i> idea how they enforce the rules with the pool floaties, but now I guess if you want to bring it, have fun until they tell you otherwise. I was just quoting what a CM told me.

Erika, if you don't mind I'd like to add your anecdote on the pool floaties to the incoming update of the Swimming section...

Sorry if I was unclear! I'll try and change the wording on the floor plans this weekend, thanks for the heads-up. Basically, dormer balconies have less room than second floor full balconies, but much more room than standing balconies. There might even be a couple of chairs out there.

On the quick-and-easy dining topic, here's something I just thought of; for breakfast, try the counter service Boardwalk Bakery. The have great croissants, bagels, breakfast sandwiches and pastries...I actually ran into two fellow DIS'ers when I was standing in line there in January. There are a few tables out on the Boardwalk (at least there were in January, not sure about now), and I think you can get whole loaves of bread to make sandwiches in your room.

Thanks, Linda for fielding questions, keep it up...I really appreciate someone who knows what they're talking about.

JC

 

[figmentvi]

No problema mi amigo

 

[smuniak]

Thanks to all for your replies...

After kicking myself for not getting the best rate available, I realized that I passed up another opportunity!

When I called to get a rate using an annual pass I was told that all of the standard view rooms at the Beach and Yacht Club were sold out for that rate, all that was available was the concierge level at the Yacht club.

Took me four days for it to hit me and call back... Ended up getting the concierge at Yacht Club for $270, $30 more a night than a standard view.

I am very excited, and am not telling the family that we are upgraded until we go to check in. My wife was pushing for this room from the start, and now she gets her wish.

So, that solves some of the eating cheap issue...

Couple more questions for the group.

* Now I need to purchase an Annual Pass prior to check in. What is the best way to do this? I do have the Disney Club card and from what I was told the price for one adult is $354 with the discount.

Also need to confirm that only one annual pass is required at check in for the rate. The CM on the phone reassured me, but looking for practical experience here.

Rest of the family will get 5-day park hoppers.

* What kind of food is available in the concierge level? We have stayed at the Ritz Carlton concierge level before and have not had to leave the floor to eat. Food was that abundant.

* Can they get me into the Character Lunch at Cinderella's Castle? I was late in making reservations and it was sold out.

* Any other tips or services that the concierge can provide that we may overlook?

Again, thanks to all. And I promise to write and post a trip report.

Steve Muniak

 

[jodyb]

Steve, I can answer a couple of your questions. First of all, you will really only need to purchase ONE annual pass to get the room discount. I've done it several times before. Often they don't even ask for a pass, but when they do, one is sufficient, in the name of a person who appears on the room reservation.
So it's no problem if your family gets regular hoppers and just you have the AP.

Just want to clarify for you that the Character meal at the castle is BREAKFAST. Characters do not appear at lunch or dinner, although often Fairy Godmother is in the downstairs lobby. (no need to eat there to see her). I don't have personal experience, but I've heard from people who have had good luck getting in last minute using help from the concierge staff at one of the hotels, so it's worth a try.

As for the food, I also don't know yet, but I've heard that the BC/YC concierge is very very nice and includes enough food for breakfast and supper, and just snacks during the day. I will be at BC concierge in December and really looking forward to it!

Hope this helped a little.
Jody

 

[RAV]

I don't mean to sound negative, but the Y/C concierge was fine for breakfast, snacks, and sweets in the evening, but unless you eat somewhere else during the day, I can't imagine the selection at night as a substitute for dinner.

 

[GailT]

I agree with you Rav, I don't think you could have dinner on the concierge level. It was great for breakfast, snacks and a night cap with some sweets for a treat. Overalll it was a great experience but definetly not a substitute for a meal other then breakfast.

 

[waltsdouble]

Just recieved our questionaire from YC Concierge Itinerary Planning Office along with our key card for the Concierge level. We're arriving on Nov 8, so that's a 60 day lead time for the staff to work on our requests. It will be interesting to see what they can and cannot do.

 

[smuniak]

Don't understand what the questionaire is...

Assuming this is a planing tool for our time there.

With the booking just this past week, wondering if they will get me this?

Anyone have any insight for me?

Steve

 

[GailT]

I know when I went in August they never sent it to me. But I was told this is a new way of doing it, they send you a pass key to get through to floor 5 instead of stopping at the valet and telling them you are going to concierge. Just to make things run more smoothly.

 

[Joe Cool]

Wuzup,

Steve, that deal rocks! I wish I had gotten our room in concierge for that kind of discount. Oh, and yea one annual pass is all you need to get the rate. You can get it over the phone, it's definitely $354 with the DC discount.

Um...why did they mail you the key cards in advance? This is something I'm not familiar with...when we stayed in the Main Building at the GF three years ago, they gave us our elevator pass keys at check-in. Do they do this with everyone...? And do you use separate keys for the elevator and the concierge lounge!? Hmm...

JC