Yacht Club refurbishment

[Kparks]

We just returned from 5 days Club level at the Yacht Club resort. We have stayed at Wilderness, AKL, and the Poly on previous trips. This was by far our least favorite of the deluxe resorts. I don't know if part of it was the enormous refurbishment project that was going on but the pool is a cut up mess. They have dividers set up between the pool areas that make it impossible to pass through the lazy river area, requiring you to get out and walk around the pool to get to the other area. The water slide is on the lagoon side across the boardwalk, so if you have small children, you cannot see them while they are going to the water slide. The staff on club level was good, but mousekeeping left alot to be desired. No shampoo or coffee replacements despite request for them. No towel animals-just not the level we had come to expect from Disney. We all decided if we planned another trip, it would be at the Polynesian.

 

[vicki_c]

I took photos of the pool at the end of last month (in fact, just 1 month ago) and it was a mess, I agree. I posted them on the Yacht/Beach FAQ.

 

[glocon]

What a bummer! The main reason we picked BC for our next trip was SAB- hope its all done by October.

 

[ppjluvsdvc]

I am sorry that the refurbishment ruined your stay. They schedule a major refurb of SAB every two years in January & February. It should be done within the next week or two. I would hope that you give it another try just not in Jan or Feb. We love the location and ammenities.

 

[madalex]

I am sorry that the refurbishment ruined your stay. They schedule a major refurb of SAB every two years in January & February. It should be done within the next week or two. I would hope that you give it another try just not in Jan or Feb. We love the location and ammenities.

I've stayed at the YC or BC more than a dozen times over the last 15 years, including several trips when SAB was being refurbished to some extent. It is true that SAB is regularly refurbished. However, having been in WDW earlier this week, I witnessed the current refurbishment (with the dividers that the OP mentioned) and it is much more extensive than any refurbishment that I have ever seen before. I can understand the OP's disappointment with the current state of affairs as far as that goes.

That being said, YC remains my favorite WDW resort and I am already looking forward to my next visit there in October.

 

[specchalakani]

I just returned a week ago as well. I had an amazing time and felt that the service was above any of the other 5 deluxes that we've stayed at. That being said, the first room that they gave us had a beautiful view of the pool, the boardwalk, and Illuminations and...... the cranes that were replacing the siding. It was the second floor so it was very invasive and the balcony was a real mess. I told the Bell Boy that this was totally unacceptable and he totally agreed. He even said that they don't usually sell those rooms when this kind of work was being done.
Thankfully, I was changed to a beautiful room overlooking the quiet pool.
I didn't even see the work being done on SAB. Is this done EVERY Feb?

 

[kinggoofy]

I agree with the OP. We are staying there in August, switched from POLY), we have stayed at the YC 2x's before and it has turned into a top 3 resort for us. We love everything about it. Location, location, location and the pool.

However, I do think that one area Disney fails in is that it should "warn" future guest what renovations may be on going at a resort when they book the reservation.

Example,

"Mr Chicago Blackhawks fan, we are glad you have chosen to make the YC your choice of resort, however, we want you to be aware that the pool, yachtsmens steakhouse and some exterior renovations will be taking place during your stay."

The renovation schedule for the resorts is set out well in advance. They know when stuff is happening. Disney just doesnt do renovations "willy-nilly".

NOW...the ball is in my court and I have no reason to be upset when I show up because I was aware of the renovations going on.

When you make a dining reservation...you hear the standard line..."Le Cellier is a nonsmoking resturant which requires park admission. We recommend you get there 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time" (blah blah blah)

Its not that hard Disney.

Just my nickels worth of free advice.

 

[vicki_c]

kinggoofy - I have gotten just such a notice in the past, a letter sent to my home. I can't remember which resort - might have been AKV about 2 years ago, when one of the pools was closed during our trip. But I did not get anything for our recent BC stay. I've also heard about others getting letters when SAB was closed, explaining that guests could use the BW pool. So at least at some time, they have done that. Maybe only when it's closed entirely?

Maybe when the pool is available at all, they don't do that (not that I entirely agree with that policy). But I guess it would be problematic if everyone wanted to start changing resorts.

We were at Beach Club for a few days in late January 2010 and I don't remember any major construction at the pool. The way it was last month (and now I guess) is really bad. It almost looks like they should have just closed it altogether when we were there.

 

[kinggoofy]

kinggoofy - I have gotten just such a notice in the past, a letter sent to my home. I can't remember which resort - might have been AKV about 2 years ago, when one of the pools was closed during our trip. But I did not get anything for our recent BC stay. I've also heard about others getting letters when SAB was closed, explaining that guests could use the BW pool. So at least at some time, they have done that. Maybe only when it's closed entirely?

I would probably lean more towards when something is closed entirely when they may send guests those notices.

 

[minniebeth]

I told the Bell Boy that this was totally unacceptable and he totally agreed. He even said that they don't usually sell those rooms when this kind of work was being done.

That's what they say, but not what they do....

I booked a trip at the Grand Floridian a couple years ago while it was undergoing a lot of work to the outside buildings, getting new beds, redoing all their interior lobby tile and carpet (beautiful by the way.) Yes, I booked in September which is an off-peak time, so I know there's always some kind of maintainance going on. But we saved forever to get there, so somewhat enjoyable would be nice. The only way I knew about all the work was through the Disboards. I even called with my concerns and was told any work would be unobtrusive. Our room was horrible...cranes right outside, construction everywhere and a horrible chemical smell...all VERY early in the am.
Of course I politely talked about it at the front desk and they were very gracious about accomodating us and moving us to a great room.
But no, they are not going to go out of their way ahead...
the old "Its better to ask forgiveness than permission"...they'll fix what you're not happy with, but not inform you ahead to risk losing a customer (~just my opinion and experience).

 

[kinggoofy]

DW reminded me this morning that when we stayed at the BW in 11/2007 they were doing extensive renovations to the buildings behind the resturants along the BW..like ESPN and others. When we checked in on the Sunday after Thanksgiving all was quiet but we did notice scaffolding from our balcony.

Our room was looking right at it. We were by the quiet pool. Something bad was about to happen but we didnt pay not a lick of attention to it.

Then all of a sudden...8am monday morning, banging banging banging banging banging and more.

We had the whole week of listening to this crap and we told the front desk 1 hour later once we woke up and got moving.

They did nothing because all the rooms were booked.

So, Disney knows when these renovations are going to take place. If they warn us and we dont do anything about it, then its on us.

 

[MsAmerica]

I can't believe that SAB is still divided up. We were there for New Year's and they put up those boards shortly after the holiday. I figured it would be better by now and am upset to hear its still a mess as we return in two weeks. I hope it is back to "normal" soon, it really is a terrible situation.


MsA

 

[turningleaf]

Does anyone have any photos of the ongoing work?

 

[vinotinto]

The water slide is on the lagoon side across the boardwalk, so if you have small children, you cannot see them while they are going to the water slide.

We enjoyed the YC/BC, but mostly due to the location near Epcot (our fave park, by far!) than due to SAB. Like you, I found the slide on the other side of the public boardwalk to be the antithesis of relaxation. One of us had to accompany our slide-loving-child to the slide at all times since there was no way to see/watch him from the pool area. I think everyone talks about how great SAB is, but for some reason the placement of the slide and how it is impossible to watch your child from the pool does not get mentioned very frequently.

I took photos of the pool at the end of last month (in fact, just 1 month ago) and it was a mess, I agree. I posted them on the Yacht/Beach FAQ.

vicki_c - In what page are the pics? I'm trying to find them but it's tough to go through the long thread.

 

[LuvLDM]

We stayed at the BC last month, I agree the (pool) renovation work going on was really annoying.


I still really love BC & will stay there again. I guess the refurb has to be done some time.....

 

[jaceraden]

.



vicki_c - In what page are the pics? I'm trying to find them but it's tough to go through the long thread.

Page 133.

You're welcome. It took some work to wade through and find.

 

[vicki_c]

Thanks you for finding the pix - I didn't see the question earlier. I'll have to go back and look myself - did I even post more than one?

 

[jaceraden]

Thanks you for finding the pix - I didn't see the question earlier. I'll have to go back and look myself - did I even post more than one?

I only saw one. The rest were of your sweet suite.

 

[Plum85]

Is the renovation work finished now? I'm going in September and I hope its finished by then! Does anyone know if there is any work scheduled for September?

 

[GroupB]

Is the renovation work finished now? I'm going in September and I hope its finished by then! Does anyone know if there is any work scheduled for September?

I'd also like to know. Any info would be much appreciated!