What changes have you noticed at the Beach Club?

[Off-The-Deep-End]

Don't blame the resorts and don't blame DVC. This is a function of the dining plan. My understanding was that too many people were trying to game the system and/or arguing about the system in terms of trying to use takeouts from table service restaurants as counter service meals, as well as in an effort to avoid the appropriate tips. In addition, with the restaurants busier, takeouts became less appropriate from a kitchen management standpoint. At least that is the story I have heard, whether accurate or not.

I thought that until 12/31/2007 that the DDP included gratuities?

 

[keys2kingdom]

I agree with Liferbabe! I attended the annual meeting at BCV a couple of years ago, and the GM of the BC stated that the "no to go" change would be happening because the demand for take out food at B&C had become so great that the grill capacity could not keep up. He said they had looked into expanding the grills in the restaurant, but that the cost was ridiculously high due to venting. He said that the building was simply not capable of supporting the appropriate venting without major, extensive renovations (If I remember correctly, he had suggested taking out the arcade and enlarging B&C).

He said that table turnover at B&C had become MUCH slower because the grills were full of to go orders. This increased the wait times at B&C, and thus increased the number of to go orders, as guests did not want to wait an hour to eat in the restaurant when they could order food and eat at SAB. He felt that patrons at B&C were suffering because of the delay in food arrival times. I'm sure the waiters at B&C are much happier with the change as well....more table turnover equals more money in their pockets.

However, the GM promised that Hurricane Hanna's would have the SAME quality food as B&C...and, I do not see that at all. Nevertheless, I do think BC has a lot of good food choices when compared to some of the other deluxes. Yes, some are better....but, many are not. Overall, I am happy.

That explanation totally makes sense. Count on our resident BC expert for the real low-down. Thanks Beca.

In response to the original question, I've seen a lot of positive changes at the BC recently that I've been very pleased with. The addition of all the pool and beachside activities most notably, the new check-in desk in the Villas, the new carpeting in the BCV hallways, new washers and dryers in the laundry room, new sofa beds and mattresses in the villas and the increased presence of members of management around the resort are a few I can think of right off hand.

Quite frankly I don't really have any complaints at the moment. Shocking I know, give me a little while and I'll think of at least one.

 

[bavaria]

However, the GM promised that Hurricane Hanna's would have the SAME quality food as B&C...and, I do not see that at all. Nevertheless, I do think BC has a lot of good food choices when compared to some of the other deluxes. Yes, some are better....but, many are not. Overall, I am happy.

Beca, I agree - there is no hot veggie option at Hurricane Hanna's, so for me it is only an option if the CMs get me a veggie patty from Beaches and Cream. And I KNOW that one day soon I will get a CM who refuses, leaving me with no menu items there.

 

[DVC Grandpa]

The banquet room next to Martha’s Vineyard would be a good place to expand Beaches and Cream into a facility like Polynesians Captain Cook’s or the Grand Floridians Gasparilla Grill. Both of those eateries’ offers take out plus an area to sit in and eat. I understand that facilities already exist to prepare food in the existing banquet area.

 

[DVC Grandpa]

Can anyone tell me if The Mara at AKL or Polynesians Captain Cook’s and the Grand Floridians Gasparilla Grill (with its offering of 24 hour service) is having the problem with CS vs. TS as mentioned in some of the above post? If not, why are they having those problems at the Beach and Yacht Club Resorts? As a DVC member staying at the BCV, I feel I have been cheated by not allowing me to “grab and go” at there eateries. If they have no way to control the proper use of DDP, why take it out on those just trying to get a take out. If B & C can’t handle the volume because of take outs than allow take outs at Yacht Club Galley or get back to serving burgers and the like at Crew’s Club Lounge. Expand the menu at Hurricane Hanna’s would be another choice (if it would stay open on those cold nights when the pool is closed) until they can offer a first class facility like Polynesians Captain Cook’s, Grand Floridians Gasparilla Grill or The Mara at AKL. Until then just revert back to the old take out rules at the Beach and Yacht Club Resorts.

 

[global_mom]

Can anyone tell me if The Mara at AKL or Polynesians Captain Cook’s and the Grand Floridians Gasparilla Grill (with its offering of 24 hour service) is having the problem with CS vs. TS as mentioned in some of the above post? If not, why are they having those problems at the Beach and Yacht Club Resorts? As a DVC member staying at the BCV, I feel I have been cheated by not allowing me to “grab and go” at there eateries. If they have no way to control the proper use of DDP, why take it out on those just trying to get a take out. If B & C can’t handle the volume because of take outs than allow take outs at Yacht Club Galley or get back to serving burgers and the like at Crew’s Club Lounge. Expand the menu at Hurricane Hanna’s would be another choice (if it would stay open on those cold nights when the pool is closed) until they can offer a first class facility like Polynesians Captain Cook’s, Grand Floridians Gasparilla Grill or The Mara at AKL. Until then just revert back to the old take out rules at the Beach and Yacht Club Resorts.

A couple of posts mention that the abuse of the DDP has forced the BC to stop doing take out. A couple of posts say that it is the lack of space to accomodate the large number of take out orders. Certainly there have been the rule breakers that messed things up but it is more logical that they did away with take out b/c the B&C "to go" area could not accomodate the waiting people and the orders. Why they cant provide a better selection at the other food locations (Hurricane's for example) is a mystery.

I understood one poster's explanation that diners were trying to get take out food from TS restaurants using their CS credits. Its amazing what people try to get away with but that should not be an issue at CS places such as Cooks, Gasparilla and Mara b/c they are strictly CS locations. We have had great take out experiences at all 3 of those places. I dont understand why BC cant have a place like those but I know nothing of the logistical/space issues that they face.

2 separate issues are really at hand....1. why BC doesn't have a good take out/food court area...2. the fact that you can no longer get take out from TS restaurants b/c some people were abusing the DDP credit system.

We dont plan to stay at BC in the future largely due to the food situation.

 

[Sammie]

If carryout is available at CSR and Polynesian, Grand Floridian and Contemporary then the DDP can in no way be held to blame for the lack of these options at the Yacht and Beach. That would be a decision made by that resort, and not a property wide decision made by Food and Beverage.

It is one thing to dislike the DDP for personal reasons, but it unreasonable to blame everything on it, whether it has any relationship or not.

The Yacht and Beach has always been severaly lacking in the quick service options and I don't think the Marketplace at the Beach Club solved the problem, only a bandaid fix.

 

[global_mom]

If carryout is available at CSR and Polynesian, Grand Floridian and Contemporary then the DDP can in no way be held to blame for the lack of these options at the Yacht and Beach. That would be a decision made by that resort, and not a property wide decision made by Food and Beverage.

It is one thing to dislike the DDP for personal reasons, but it unreasonable to blame everything on it, whether it has any relationship or not.

 

[Safari Queen]

We enjoy grabbing food from the little stand across from the candy store next to BWI. It's not fancy, but you can get a chili dog, chicken sandwich or whatever. It's quick and affordable. We also love the food at the BC Marketplace and frequently bring a sandwich back to the room for a light supper or lunch.

 

[DVC Grandpa]

Yacht Club Galley to be renamed Captain’s Grill. Any chance the new name will also come a change in the take out policy?