Yacht Club 1st timer

[1stdisneycruise]

We are very excited to stay at a very nice place at Disney but we have some questions.

1) We are going to Hollywood Studios. I keep reading that you need to be early. Before gates open and the rope is cut. My question. Where does the boat drop us off at when we are trying to get to HS? Are we far from the gate. WE want to get FP's.

2) My husband read that since we are staying at the YC not only do they pick us up at the airport but we dont have to pick up our checked bags. That kind of scares me. How about if he is wrong and are bags are left Would liketo know from a someone that has been there.

3) At the YC they have a restaurant called Captains Grill. I booked two meals there. One dinner and one lunch. I have NOW read some very bad reviews??? has anyone had a great time there? I know not to order the steak. that seems to be the biggest problem. What is good there? I see they ahve a pick 3 and that sounds good??

4)We are goong to rent a car a few days after we are at the Yacht club is that going to be a problem or hard to find a place to park etc?

We are really thinking of getting the REFILL MUG, sending post cards home, doing some of the resort activities and watching the movies under the stars... Are these things GOOD?? AND WHAT OTHER GREAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE. We just found out in April we are going so I have to find answers fast.


I been reading post and books but thought first hand would be a ton of help.
Excited

 

[stauncie]

1. Hollywood Studios is within walking distance from the Yacht Club. (about a 10 minute leisurely walk)
You can also take a boat. The boatdock is the lighthouse behind the Yacht Club.
While at first glance, a boat ride sounds faster, actually, the boat will be making other quick stops to pick up more passengers before heading to the Studios, so in the morning, walking might actually be faster.
The boat dock isn't any further away from the front gate, than the busses are(just the opposite direction) and both the boat, and busses will actually get you closer to the front gate, than if you drove your own vehicle.
You do want to get there early, but once you get through the bag check area, and the actual entry, you can rent a locker, use the restroom, and browse in the giftshop until actual park opening; when they 'drop the rope' that signals the park is officially open for the day.
Getting a fast pass has never been a issue for us when we get to the park within 30 minutes of park opening.

2. That is called magical express. It is a perk, but you have to sign up for it in advance. Either make sure its noted on your disney reservation, or you can call Magical Express direct and notify them of your air travel flight info, Magical Express will send you all the info in the mail, along with those coveted yellow tags for your checked luggage. There are signs all over the airport directing you to the Magical Express area (its down by the rental car counters, but WAY at the end)
All you have to do is put those little yellow tags on your bags, check your luggage at your home airport, and as long as your flight lands in Orlando before 10 p.m., your bags will be separated as they are pulled off the plane, and sent directly to your hotel, where they will be delivered to your hotel room in about 3 hours (no tipping required) and you don't even have to be in the room for them to be delivered.
IF your flight arrives in Orlando after 10 p.m., you will need to go to luggage claim, and pick up your checked bags and take them with you to the Magical Express pickup area. Your bags will then travel with you to the resort under the bus (the diriver will take them off/on the bus and tipping is expected for this service)

We are a family of 5 who travel to Disney twice a year (on average) ever since Magical Express has started, and they have never lost one of our bags.

If you are really worried about them losing your luggage, just don't put the yellow tags on your luggage, go to baggage claim to get your luggage, (just like if your plane arrived after 10 p.m.) and your luggage travels with you.

You don't have to use the luggage transfer part to make use of Magical Express. Whether or not you use the tags on your luggage is really up to you.

3. We love, Love, LOVE the Captains Grill. We discovered it about about 3 years ago, and now, it is a must do at least once each trip. I ALWAYS get the ribeye steak. I think its one of the best items on the menu.

We also love the Yachtsman Steakhouse, but on the dining plan Yachtsmans is 2 credits, and Captains Grill is only 1.
As with ANY restaurant review, you will get both good and bad, based on personal tastes, and crowd levels/service.

My best advice, is if you want to try a restaurant, try it. Your results may not be the same as mine. or even the same from one meail to another at the same place. Don't let someone elses opinion keep you from trying something you really want to try.

4. rental car. Since you aren't driving into the Yacht Club when you first arrive, you should make sure to get the vehicle id paper at check in. That way you will avoid having to go back after you get your rental car to get it.
They can show you on a resort map where the parking is when they show you your room on the map. Its not difficult, but unless you have a handicap ID, the general parking is NOT close to the entry of either the Yacht or Beach club.

My kids enjoyed sending postcards home, but be sure to buy stamps at home and bring them with you. Postcards are EVERYWHERE at Disney, but stamps are harder to come by.

We always get a refill mug (unless we are staying conciege level) Its easiest to get filled at the bar out by the pool.

Just keep asking questions, and have a great vacation.

 

[karly05]

http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/MGM.htm

Above is a link to the Studios map posted on this site. You can see where the boat launch is in relation to the main gate. I have never tried to walk to DHS, always take the boat, but had no trouble getting to the gates before park opening.

Someone else can confirm or clarify this, but DHS no longer does "rope drop," the previous method where they let you through the turnstiles then held you behind a rope inside the park. You wait outside the turnstiles until the park opens, then once you're through the turnstiles, you go where you want. This is how it was when I was there in Feb this year. There are reports that they usually open the turnstiles sometime before official park open (like 10 or 15 or 20 minutes early), but again, someone else can give more specifics.

Your husband is absolutely right about transportation & bags - This is "Disney's Magical Express" and it's great! There are some sticky threads about it on the "Transportation" board here, but basically you book the (free) service ahead of time with Disney, they mail you a booklet with bus vouchers and instructions, and your yellow sticky tags for your checked bags. (ALWAYS pack a carry-on with your essentials for the first 24 hours, just in case.) When you get to Orlando Int'l, follow the directions in your booklet to the ME check in area, and the friendly CMs will direct you to the proper line to wait for the bus to YC (you'll probably be sharing a bus with BC, Boardwalk, maybe another - in Feb we made a stop at POR).

I haven't eaten lunch or dinner at Captain's Grille, but I did eat breakfast there 3 out of 4 days - really enjoyed their breakfast buffet, and it was never crowded. I agree with the previous poster, if you want to try it, go for it.

Someone else has probably been posting while I've been composing my novel here, so this may all be extra-redundant by now, but I hope this is helpful.

 

[Kim1964]

The parking lot can be very crowded at YC; however, the guards let you park along the curb at the front of the lot when there are no spaces. You also have the option of valet parking if you prefer that.

I agree that the only way to know if you like a restaurant is to try it. In 2005 we really enjoyed Captain's Grill, but subsequent visits were not as good. We gave it two more chances and it is now on our "never again" list. The first less than stellar experience was sandwiches that had apple slices, and the apple slices still had stickers on them. The second was skewered beef that was requested well done and came out uncooked.

It's very peaceful to sit out on the beach at night and look across at the Boardwalk, all lit up. You can also see some of the higher fireworks from IllumiNations.

YC is my favorite Disney resort. I hope you enjoy it!

 

[sndral]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2932091
This is a thread devoted to the YC/BC w/ maps and pictures page one is a great source of information.
The swimming pool area - storm along bay (SAB for short) is a must do. My son loved the marshmallow roasting on the beach each night as well.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1144360
This is a thread that covers DME and the luggage tags - I love using DME and not worrying about my bags - so convenient. DME is in terminal B, so follow the terminal B signs after you get off the train/tram that whooshes you into the main terminal after you deplane. As mentioned there are signs to get you there and MCO has info. desks as well, it's not that large as airports go, but it's not so small that you can't get a bit turned around after a long flight.

I was ok w/ lunch @ Captains Grill last Dec. - but if you are concerned why not just do 1 meal there and try something else, maybe Cape May buffet in the Beach Club, or if you have park hoppers, try one of the countries in Epcot for a meal, it's literally 5 min.s to walk from YC into Epcot and france or britain & their restuarants are really close to the gate you go in.

The boat to DHS drops you off just a very short walk to the front gate of DHS, no way to get lost as everyone will be heading in that direction.

 

[1stdisneycruise]

1. Hollywood Studios is within walking distance from the Yacht Club. (about a 10 minute leisurely walk)
You can also take a boat. The boatdock is the lighthouse behind the Yacht Club.
While at first glance, a boat ride sounds faster, actually, the boat will be making other quick stops to pick up more passengers before heading to the Studios, so in the morning, walking might actually be faster.
The boat dock isn't any further away from the front gate, than the busses are(just the opposite direction) and both the boat, and busses will actually get you closer to the front gate, than if you drove your own vehicle.
You do want to get there early, but once you get through the bag check area, and the actual entry, you can rent a locker, use the restroom, and browse in the giftshop until actual park opening; when they 'drop the rope' that signals the park is officially open for the day.
Getting a fast pass has never been a issue for us when we get to the park within 30 minutes of park opening.

2. That is called magical express. It is a perk, but you have to sign up for it in advance. Either make sure its noted on your disney reservation, or you can call Magical Express direct and notify them of your air travel flight info, Magical Express will send you all the info in the mail, along with those coveted yellow tags for your checked luggage. There are signs all over the airport directing you to the Magical Express area (its down by the rental car counters, but WAY at the end)
All you have to do is put those little yellow tags on your bags, check your luggage at your home airport, and as long as your flight lands in Orlando before 10 p.m., your bags will be separated as they are pulled off the plane, and sent directly to your hotel, where they will be delivered to your hotel room in about 3 hours (no tipping required) and you don't even have to be in the room for them to be delivered.
IF your flight arrives in Orlando after 10 p.m., you will need to go to luggage claim, and pick up your checked bags and take them with you to the Magical Express pickup area. Your bags will then travel with you to the resort under the bus (the diriver will take them off/on the bus and tipping is expected for this service)

We are a family of 5 who travel to Disney twice a year (on average) ever since Magical Express has started, and they have never lost one of our bags.

If you are really worried about them losing your luggage, just don't put the yellow tags on your luggage, go to baggage claim to get your luggage, (just like if your plane arrived after 10 p.m.) and your luggage travels with you.

You don't have to use the luggage transfer part to make use of Magical Express. Whether or not you use the tags on your luggage is really up to you.

3. We love, Love, LOVE the Captains Grill. We discovered it about about 3 years ago, and now, it is a must do at least once each trip. I ALWAYS get the ribeye steak. I think its one of the best items on the menu.

We also love the Yachtsman Steakhouse, but on the dining plan Yachtsmans is 2 credits, and Captains Grill is only 1.
As with ANY restaurant review, you will get both good and bad, based on personal tastes, and crowd levels/service.

My best advice, is if you want to try a restaurant, try it. Your results may not be the same as mine. or even the same from one meail to another at the same place. Don't let someone elses opinion keep you from trying something you really want to try.

4. rental car. Since you aren't driving into the Yacht Club when you first arrive, you should make sure to get the vehicle id paper at check in. That way you will avoid having to go back after you get your rental car to get it.
They can show you on a resort map where the parking is when they show you your room on the map. Its not difficult, but unless you have a handicap ID, the general parking is NOT close to the entry of either the Yacht or Beach club.

My kids enjoyed sending postcards home, but be sure to buy stamps at home and bring them with you. Postcards are EVERYWHERE at Disney, but stamps are harder to come by.

We always get a refill mug (unless we are staying conciege level) Its easiest to get filled at the bar out by the pool.

Just keep asking questions, and have a great vacation.

I can tell you go twice a year you are very knowledge. Thank you..
I wondered what the light house was. That makes since a boat dock

1)I think we will walk then. that sounds nice and peaceful. I am glad we can get there thirty minutes and stuff is open to look at and use the restrooms.

2) No I love the idea of the YELLOW TAGS. I was just worried if my husband read that wrong. We would be leaving our bags and it would be our fault. What a nice luxury. Plus it is very good to know it can take up to 3 hours to get our bags.

3) I am glad you love the CG. We love steak and I need the iron and protein. Have you ever got the PICK THREE? That sounds simple and good.. Just wondering which one.

4) THIS IS SUPER HELPFUL TAKING NOTE OF IT RIGHT NOW!!! vehicle id paper at check in.

5) i HEARD ABOUT STAMPS SO i WENT TO OUR POST OFFICE AND bought DISNEY STAMPS

6) NOTING where to get refill drinks.

Thank you so much for the great advice.

 

[1stdisneycruise]

http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/MGM.htm

Above is a link to the Studios map posted on this site. You can see where the boat launch is in relation to the main gate. I have never tried to walk to DHS, always take the boat, but had no trouble getting to the gates before park opening.

Someone else can confirm or clarify this, but DHS no longer does "rope drop," the previous method where they let you through the turnstiles then held you behind a rope inside the park. You wait outside the turnstiles until the park opens, then once you're through the turnstiles, you go where you want. This is how it was when I was there in Feb this year. There are reports that they usually open the turnstiles sometime before official park open (like 10 or 15 or 20 minutes early), but again, someone else can give more specifics.

Your husband is absolutely right about transportation & bags - This is "Disney's Magical Express" and it's great! There are some sticky threads about it on the "Transportation" board here, but basically you book the (free) service ahead of time with Disney, they mail you a booklet with bus vouchers and instructions, and your yellow sticky tags for your checked bags. (ALWAYS pack a carry-on with your essentials for the first 24 hours, just in case.) When you get to Orlando Int'l, follow the directions in your booklet to the ME check in area, and the friendly CMs will direct you to the proper line to wait for the bus to YC (you'll probably be sharing a bus with BC, Boardwalk, maybe another - in Feb we made a stop at POR).

I haven't eaten lunch or dinner at Captain's Grille, but I did eat breakfast there 3 out of 4 days - really enjoyed their breakfast buffet, and it was never crowded. I agree with the previous poster, if you want to try it, go for it.

Someone else has probably been posting while I've been composing my novel here, so this may all be extra-redundant by now, but I hope this is helpful.

Good to know about the rope drop. We gong to try to get there early. Good to know there is a few stops along the way.

I will have to look into the CG for breakfast buffet.

You did not write a novel. You were just being very helpful. Thank you for that.

 

[1stdisneycruise]

The parking lot can be very crowded at YC; however, the guards let you park along the curb at the front of the lot when there are no spaces. You also have the option of valet parking if you prefer that.

I agree that the only way to know if you like a restaurant is to try it. In 2005 we really enjoyed Captain's Grill, but subsequent visits were not as good. We gave it two more chances and it is now on our "never again" list. The first less than stellar experience was sandwiches that had apple slices, and the apple slices still had stickers on them. The second was skewered beef that was requested well done and came out uncooked.

It's very peaceful to sit out on the beach at night and look across at the Boardwalk, all lit up. You can also see some of the higher fireworks from IllumiNations.

YC is my favorite Disney resort. I hope you enjoy it!

I hope we dont have to park on the curb. Does valet parking cost a lot?

I have read alot about the steaks. I wonder if they got a new chef? That is gross about the apples and what they charge. I would be very angry.

I love peaceful. Thank you for telling me about that area. Taking note of it right now...

 

[1stdisneycruise]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2932091
This is a thread devoted to the YC/BC w/ maps and pictures page one is a great source of information.
The swimming pool area - storm along bay (SAB for short) is a must do. My son loved the marshmallow roasting on the beach each night as well.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1144360
This is a thread that covers DME and the luggage tags - I love using DME and not worrying about my bags - so convenient. DME is in terminal B, so follow the terminal B signs after you get off the train/tram that whooshes you into the main terminal after you deplane. As mentioned there are signs to get you there and MCO has info. desks as well, it's not that large as airports go, but it's not so small that you can't get a bit turned around after a long flight.

I was ok w/ lunch @ Captains Grill last Dec. - but if you are concerned why not just do 1 meal there and try something else, maybe Cape May buffet in the Beach Club, or if you have park hoppers, try one of the countries in Epcot for a meal, it's literally 5 min.s to walk from YC into Epcot and france or britain & their restuarants are really close to the gate you go in.

The boat to DHS drops you off just a very short walk to the front gate of DHS, no way to get lost as everyone will be heading in that direction.

I am still trying to figure out the YC thread. But I never saw the thread on luggage. Thank you so much.

It is good to know that BC has a buffet. We might do that also.

Thank you for letting me know the drop off is a short walk.

 

[dandydad12]

We are very excited to stay at a very nice place at Disney but we have some questions.

1) We are going to Hollywood Studios. I keep reading that you need to be early. Before gates open and the rope is cut. My question. Where does the boat drop us off at when we are trying to get to HS? Are we far from the gate. WE want to get FP's.

2) My husband read that since we are staying at the YC not only do they pick us up at the airport but we dont have to pick up our checked bags. That kind of scares me. How about if he is wrong and are bags are left Would liketo know from a someone that has been there.

3) At the YC they have a restaurant called Captains Grill. I booked two meals there. One dinner and one lunch. I have NOW read some very bad reviews??? has anyone had a great time there? I know not to order the steak. that seems to be the biggest problem. What is good there? I see they ahve a pick 3 and that sounds good??

4)We are goong to rent a car a few days after we are at the Yacht club is that going to be a problem or hard to find a place to park etc?

We are really thinking of getting the REFILL MUG, sending post cards home, doing some of the resort activities and watching the movies under the stars... Are these things GOOD?? AND WHAT OTHER GREAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE. We just found out in April we are going so I have to find answers fast.


I been reading post and books but thought first hand would be a ton of help.
Excited

There is a fourm dedicated to all the questions you may have about Yacht and Beach Club , 2012 Beach and Yacht FAQ, Part 2- May and June ~ NEW THREAD, NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS~ New one started today enjoy you vacation and the DME is great no worries at all .

 

[Belle72]

If you are new to the Yacht Club area you may not know that there are other resorts very close to Yacht Club that are convenient for meals. Look into any of the Boardwalk Resort's restaurants- we liked Flying Fish. We also like Beach Club's (just next door) buffet breakfast at Cape May- with characters. They do a clambake without characters too. The Dolphin and Swan hotels have really good dining options as well, and they are close by. Blue Zoo, Shula's, Kimonos.

Resort activities are fun- pool is awesome, surrey bike rentals, movie night. There are fun activities just across the lake at Boardwalk resort at night (jugglers, magicians, carnival games), plus a nightclub and piano bar.

 

[MickeyNicki]

We are going to Hollywood Studios. I keep reading that you need to be early. Before gates open and the rope is cut. My question. Where does the boat drop us off at when we are trying to get to HS? Are we far from the gate. WE want to get FP's. We stayed at the BWI this past Oct and wanted to get to EMH at HS, they opened at 8am. At 7am we were by the boat docks and there was a CM checking the trash cans and he told us the boats didnt start until 8am. There wasnt a bus to take us to HS either so we walked. It took us 20 minutes to walk from the BWI boat ramp to the entrance of HS.

At the YC they have a restaurant called Captains Grill. I booked two meals there. One dinner and one lunch. I have NOW read some very bad reviews??? has anyone had a great time there? I know not to order the steak. that seems to be the biggest problem. What is good there? I see they ahve a pick 3 and that sounds good?? While we have not done lunch we have been for dinner and it was excellent. I had the pork chop and DH had a chicken dish. The rolls, salads and food was fantastic and the service was great. Nice and quiet too.

 

[photobob]

Yacht Club is a fantastic resort! The Epcot Resort area is in my opinion the best place to be on property. You have a very short walk to the international gate at Epcot and leisurely boat ride to DHS. Highly recommend taking the boat, you will walk enough while at WDW! As far as rope drop goes, I am a big believer in getting to a park at opening regardless of the park. You can do so much very early before most of the crowds arrive, it is the one thing I tell everyone. These boards are full of very knowledgable people as you can already tell!

 

[1stdisneycruise]

There is a fourm dedicated to all the questions you may have about Yacht and Beach Club , 2012 Beach and Yacht FAQ, Part 2- May and June ~ NEW THREAD, NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS~ New one started today enjoy you vacation and the DME is great no worries at all .

I will have to try to find that site thank you

 

[1stdisneycruise]

If you are new to the Yacht Club area you may not know that there are other resorts very close to Yacht Club that are convenient for meals. Look into any of the Boardwalk Resort's restaurants- we liked Flying Fish. We also like Beach Club's (just next door) buffet breakfast at Cape May- with characters. They do a clambake without characters too. The Dolphin and Swan hotels have really good dining options as well, and they are close by. Blue Zoo, Shula's, Kimonos.

Resort activities are fun- pool is awesome, surrey bike rentals, movie night. There are fun activities just across the lake at Boardwalk resort at night (jugglers, magicians, carnival games), plus a nightclub and piano bar.

I heard about this but did not know where they were. TY "" There are fun activities just across the lake at Boardwalk resort at night (jugglers, magicians, carnival games), plus a nightclub and piano bar."

 

[1stdisneycruise]

We are going to Hollywood Studios. I keep reading that you need to be early. Before gates open and the rope is cut. My question. Where does the boat drop us off at when we are trying to get to HS? Are we far from the gate. WE want to get FP's. We stayed at the BWI this past Oct and wanted to get to EMH at HS, they opened at 8am. At 7am we were by the boat docks and there was a CM checking the trash cans and he told us the boats didnt start until 8am. There wasnt a bus to take us to HS either so we walked. It took us 20 minutes to walk from the BWI boat ramp to the entrance of HS.

At the YC they have a restaurant called Captains Grill. I booked two meals there. One dinner and one lunch. I have NOW read some very bad reviews??? has anyone had a great time there? I know not to order the steak. that seems to be the biggest problem. What is good there? I see they ahve a pick 3 and that sounds good?? While we have not done lunch we have been for dinner and it was excellent. I had the pork chop and DH had a chicken dish. The rolls, salads and food was fantastic and the service was great. Nice and quiet too.

I read that on a post also about the boats.
I am glad about the CG. I think we might also try the Boardwalk Resort's restaurants- we liked Flying Fish. that the last poster wrote about.

Thank you

 

[1stdisneycruise]

Yacht Club is a fantastic resort! The Epcot Resort area is in my opinion the best place to be on property. You have a very short walk to the international gate at Epcot and leisurely boat ride to DHS. Highly recommend taking the boat, you will walk enough while at WDW! As far as rope drop goes, I am a big believer in getting to a park at opening regardless of the park. You can do so much very early before most of the crowds arrive, it is the one thing I tell everyone. These boards are full of very knowledgable people as you can already tell!

That is why I wanted to ride the boats already a ton of walking but I dont want to miss the opening

 

[Kiwini]

At the YC they have a restaurant called Captains Grill. I booked two meals there. One dinner and one lunch. I have NOW read some very bad reviews???

Here's a very bad review from the crew at the DIS Unplugged podcast crew (Pete Werner, Walter Echols and Dustin West). Start listening at 12:45: http://ec.libsyn.com/p/2/2/c/22c065...1ce3dae902ea1d01cb8e36d8cf5fc271&c_id=4573959

I haven't eaten there, but this review has certainly dissuaded me from going this fall when we're staying at the YC.