Disney's YACHT & BEACH CLUB RESORTS Information & Questions

[jerseygal]

Hi all from the BCV!

We had a great arrival day yesterday. Got to the Trenton airport in 15 minutes, and then boarded the plane and took off a little more than an hour later (6am). Arrived at 8:30am, onto DME, and were in the lobby by 10am. DME stopped at Pop then BW then BC. Luckily no one had their luggage so each stop was really short!

We chose not to do online check-in so we could make sure my parents' villa was near ours. No wait to check in and had the sweetest CM who was earning her ears. Our room wasn't ready yet so we checked our carry-ons and headed to HS where we were greeted with heavy rain. The rain let up but must have scared some of the crowds away bc we did TSMM (fp), Indiana Jones, VLM, ToT, RnR, ToT again (FP), the Frozen singalong, and eat all by 4pm. We then came back to the villas where we saw our awesome 2-br which is bigger than the last one we had. It is in one of the angles which resulted in the 2nd bedroom being bigger. We unpacked, relaxed, and then went to CM Cafe for dinner. Our server was so nice and attentive even though it is a buffet.

Today, EPCOT. Between the low crowds and our 10 days here, we're in no rush. I'm currently on our huge balcony writing this

I will post pics and tell you the room number when we get back. I am a little too weirded out to do it now while we're here.

ENJOY your stay with your parents;GREAT NEWS about your good experience so far at BCV! Looking forward to seeing your room once you are back home; totally understand your concern about privacy!

 

[shoreward]

I just have a minute to post that I recently heard, while at BC, that BCV work is to begin January 2016. Sorry, if this was previously posted.

Also, as of a little over a week ago, pool hours were 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.; it was amazing to see the number of people exiting the area at 11:00 o'clock at night...adults and kids.

 

[Ninja Mom]

Thanks Ninja Mom for the info on the Osborne Lights. This is our first holiday trip and it was definitely on my agenda to go at least once while we are there since I LOVE Christmas decorations.

Now that I know this event is "one and done" for us, and that it remains open for one hour after DHS closes, I am moving items around so we can get over there a couple of times that week.

Thank you so much for the information!!

No problem!

Just be aware that it doesn't always stay open one hour past park closing. For example if it is raining some of the lights will be tripping their GFI circuits and the electricity will be cut off. When that starts to happen the staff will end the show promptly at closing because it is a pain to go around and fix all the circuits and they don't want to risk more tripped circuits in the rain. The other thing is that if Hollywood Studios has evening Extra Magic Hours they tend not to keep the lights on for an additional hour past park closing. Of course there are the special events that may be booked at DHS which may be held starting at park closing like the ones I listed in my original post. They could be booked in the Osborne lights section. No one is ever sure when more of these will be added so it pays to keep track of the operating schedule on the Disney sites and on the more reliable social media sites.

The bottom line is that IF you plan on attending the Osborn lights show know that that later it gets, the less crowded it will become (from packed in like sardines like at Wishes to "Look over there! I briefly saw an open square of concrete on the ground!!") Crowds also depend on the weather (rain= packed in together with people wearing ponchos) but this year I'm thinking that it will be packed no matter what since it's the last hurrah.

~NM

 

[helenb]

The Bad ...
1) Buses to MK - If you are heading to MK, try to beat the rush between 8-9 am. One morning, we had early reservations at Crystal Palace so we got to the bus stop @ 7:30 am, waited less than 10 minutes, and were the only ones on the bus. So nice! Another morning, my youngest and I got to the bus stop @ 8:30 am and had to wait for the second bus b/c the first one was so crowded. Even after we boarded, I saw the line was still extremely long. You'd think Disney would have this stuff figured out by now ... send more buses to resorts in the hour before park opening, especially for MK. People were getting upset and kids were cranky. We got to MK @ 9:20 am that morning, so total was @ 50 minutes from arriving at BC bus stop to being dropped off at MK. Not ideal, but at least we made it.

The bus picks up at the YC first. If you want to board during these crowded times, walk over to YC and you're more likely to get on.

 

[Pinkgirl]

Such a pretty number

 

[jerseygal]

I just have a minute to post that I recently heard, while at BC, that BCV work is to begin January 2016. Sorry, if this was previously posted.

Also, as of a little over a week ago, pool hours were 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.; it was amazing to see the number of people exiting the area at 11:00 o'clock at night...adults and kids.

Thanks for posting about BCV. Everyone is hoping "SOONER RATHER THAN LATER"! Hope that you enjoyed your trip!

 

[deezeealum]

Can anyone give me a recent review of BCV studios. I know the refurb is delayed but how tired really are the rooms? I was on tripadvisor and most of the reviews are not good. we stayed at BCCL this past January and had a newly refurbed room. It was lovely. That being said we were there Jan 2014 and the room hadn't been redone yet and it was fine. So I know my fine might not be your fine, but does anyone have any recent pics. TIA

 

[Mewissy]

I will be doing a 2-BR in December. Did you put in any special request like "close to pool" or "upper floor"? This is the first time I'm doing DVC so I'm not really sure what kind of request is needed if any.
Katesdad

No, our only request was close to my parents.

 

[Mewissy]

Can anyone give me a recent review of BCV studios. I know the refurb is delayed but how tired really are the rooms? I was on tripadvisor and most of the reviews are not good. we stayed at BCCL this past January and had a newly refurbed room. It was lovely. That being said we were there Jan 2014 and the room hadn't been redone yet and it was fine. So I know my fine might not be your fine, but does anyone have any recent pics. TIA

My parents are in one now and it is fine. The hallway rugs are beat up and the furniture looks a bit worn. But, the room looks and feels clean.

 

[tarak]

Sure do!
It was right off the elevator... Room 4623.

Sorry I've been MIA. We managed to sell (or agree to sell) our house, and our buyers have become nightmare buyers, demanding inspection after inspection, visit after visit, and sadly, as we absolutely need to sell the place, we are at their mercy. We're already taking an $8000 bath on selling the house, and I expect that number to go up by at least $1700 over the next 48-72 hours. It's been unbelievably stressful, and making what should be a happy occasion (moving to our new home) more of a chore than anything. I think it's the curse of HGTV. We got the sappy letter with the offer (telling us how special our home was), followed by ridiculous low-balling non-negotiable offers, and then all the inspections...and plumbers (and our place has passed 99.9% of their tests BTW) but they still won't sign on the bottom line....and we're almost out of funds/consessions/repairs we can offer. It's such a headache. Needless to say, I think an August 2016 trip to WDW is way off the table. And it's a shame as it's going to be our 10th anniversary. Sigh... oh well.

Hope you all are enjoying your trips, and Teena, you know we're thinking of you.

Jeez, Scott. I hope you haven't had to make any more concessions. And I hope you get to spend your tenth doing something lovely! I'm pretty sure a magical deal is out for us, too. Found termites in the beam above the garage and our newly adopted kitty has some random autoimmune issue with the end result that he's basically allergic to his own teeth. So poor guy will likely become a gummer in the next few months. We could have had a nice long vacation on the magical deal with those two expenses...

Speaking of Villains!

To be planning a trip to Disney World is great. And to be just back from Disney World is fine and dandy. But to actually be in Disney World is downright cruel ...

I do love that shirt, though! Do you suppose there are others featuring the wicked women of The World? I would really like to have one with Ursula, Cruella and The Queen of Hearts for my daughter, granddaughter and I.

And thank you for thinking of all of us who are sweetness-and-light-challenged! I hope you and your children are having a wonderful time. Do you have a Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party planned?

gg

We saw this shirt at the gift shop outside Pirates. It has pretty much all the villains, as best I can tell. I thought it was so cool. But it's A) white and I have four kids, and B) that back wouldn't work very well with a bra. Maybe I'll reach an age where that won't bother me, but that day is not today. Also, they didn't have my size. http://www.disneystore.com/disney-villains-long-sleeve-top-for-women/mp/1375429/1000228/

 

[Best Aunt]

Can anyone give me a recent review of BCV studios. I know the refurb is delayed but how tired really are the rooms? TIA

I was in a BCV studio at the end of July. my only complaint was a problem with the fridge defrosting itself and getting water on the carpet. i didn't notice the studio looking "tired."

I think some people walk into Disney hotels with the attitude that they are looking for things to criticize. As soon as they find something, they complain gleefully about it online. I walk into the Beach Club (and BCV rooms in particular) with the attitude that I am so darn (not the word I want to use) happy to be there. If I could aparate there right this minute, I would.

 

[natebenma]

I think some people walk into Disney hotels with the attitude that they are looking for things to criticize. As soon as they find something, they complain gleefully about it online. I walk into the Beach Club (and BCV rooms in particular) with the attitude that I am so darn (not the word I want to use) happy to be there. If I could aparate there right this minute, I would.

Ummm... wrong park and resorts!

But you know that!

 

[Sunshine11]

I just have a minute to post that I recently heard, while at BC, that BCV work is to begin January 2016. Sorry, if this was previously posted.

Also, as of a little over a week ago, pool hours were 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.; it was amazing to see the number of people exiting the area at 11:00 o'clock at night...adults and kids.

Great news for the BCV. I know it would be on the first page if we had any official information and appreciate all Dee (and everyone else) does for this thread but wondering if anyone has heard anything about the start of the YC room refurbs. We thought our rooms at the YC were ready for a refurb last month and will jump over to the BC if necessary for our stay late August 2016 but am hoping for the YC rooms to be started/close to done by the end of next summer, but I realize they would have to begin soon for that to be a possibility. We love the YC for the guarantee of full balcony but am ready for a refurbed room. Wondering if anyone received letters yet regarding upcoming construction at the YC.

ALSO, I wanted Teena to know I am still thinking of her. I can't imagine what you are going through. I always loved to hear about your adventures with your husband and girls on trips not only at WDW but your cruises and beach vacations too. You continue to be in my prayers. It's hard to read this thread so often without thinking of you and the sadness you are feeling.

 

[2bPooh]

Teena
I just saw the post about your husband. My sincerest condolences on the loss of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Blessings to you, your daughter and princess Liliy

Sammy

 

[Sue M]

We returned from BC (our first stay) this past weekend, and thought I'd share my thoughts on the resort. Overall, a very nice stay and would not hesitate to stay there again!

The Good ...
1) Location - So nice to be able to walk to World Showcase in Epcot in under 10 minutes. Yes, under 10 minutes, and I was pushing a stroller with a 4-year-old sitting in it most times. Also, a really nice (and not at all hilly) walk back one evening from DHS. When we left the park, the line to catch the return boat was ridiculously long. By the time we returned to BC (about 20 minutes later, and this was walking at a very leisurely pace), the boat had not passed us returning from DHS so we totally beat it back. Felt bad for the people who would have to wait there for the second boat, if not the third.
2) The Pool - My kids loved it and spent two afternoons swimming while I got to relax in the room. Win-win for all!
3) The Weather - This has nothing to do with the BC but we enjoyed sunny (but super humid) days. Only drizzled slightly on our walk back from DHS that one evening; other than that, our ponchos went unused!
4) The Service - Not exactly five-star but everyone was very friendly and accommodating, so can't complain. I actually found the CL folks to be less friendly than others in the gift shop and main check-in / concierge desks but they were still helpful. Just not as outgoing as we experienced from others around the resort.
5) Overall environment - Very relaxing to return to the lobby / hotel after a long day at the parks. That blast of AC upon entering from 90-degree heat and 90 percent humidity was a godsend, and my 13-year-old loved the smell in the lobby. Even when the lobby was crowded, was never really noisy and was just very nice to return to each day.
6) Mousekeeping - We always got plenty of towels and soaps / shampoos, and even on days when we returned to our room by early-mid afternoon, the room had already been serviced.

The Bad ...
1) Buses to MK - If you are heading to MK, try to beat the rush between 8-9 am. One morning, we had early reservations at Crystal Palace so we got to the bus stop @ 7:30 am, waited less than 10 minutes, and were the only ones on the bus. So nice! Another morning, my youngest and I got to the bus stop @ 8:30 am and had to wait for the second bus b/c the first one was so crowded. Even after we boarded, I saw the line was still extremely long. You'd think Disney would have this stuff figured out by now ... send more buses to resorts in the hour before park opening, especially for MK. People were getting upset and kids were cranky. We got to MK @ 9:20 am that morning, so total was @ 50 minutes from arriving at BC bus stop to being dropped off at MK. Not ideal, but at least we made it.

The Ugly ...
1) The breakfast platter in The Marketplace - No. Just no. I think this is the same at every resort so really not an accurate reflection of BC, but mass-produced scrambled eggs just ain't my style. And when you have to serve hashbrowns with a scooper ... I repeat - No. Just no.

I have to admit, the potato casserole is my fav! I much prefer it to hash browns

 

[Sue M]

Jeez, Scott. I hope you haven't had to make any more concessions. And I hope you get to spend your tenth doing something lovely! I'm pretty sure a magical deal is out for us, too. Found termites in the beam above the garage and our newly adopted kitty has some random autoimmune issue with the end result that he's basically allergic to his own teeth. So poor guy will likely become a gummer in the next few months. We could have had a nice long vacation on the magical deal with those two expenses...



We saw this shirt at the gift shop outside Pirates. It has pretty much all the villains, as best I can tell. I thought it was so cool. But it's A) white and I have four kids, and B) that back wouldn't work very well with a bra. Maybe I'll reach an age where that won't bother me, but that day is not today. Also, they didn't have my size. http://www.disneystore.com/disney-villains-long-sleeve-top-for-women/mp/1375429/1000228/

Poor kitty. I had a year like that last year, so many unexpected expenses :-(

 

[Lalabubbles]

30 days till we check in at the Beach Club!!!! I have gone through our Disney box and made a list of items that need to be purchased, re-arranged our FP+, & canceled ADRs then rebooked them, now what do I do?!?!? We are super excited

 

[natebenma]

Great news for the BCV. I know it would be on the first page if we had any official information and appreciate all Dee (and everyone else) does for this thread but wondering if anyone has heard anything about the start of the YC room refurbs. We thought our rooms at the YC were ready for a refurb last month and will jump over to the BC if necessary for our stay late August 2016 but am hoping for the YC rooms to be started/close to done by the end of next summer, but I realize they would have to begin soon for that to be a possibility. We love the YC for the guarantee of full balcony but am ready for a refurbed room. Wondering if anyone received letters yet regarding upcoming construction at the YC.

No news yet, and I haven't heard of anyone with upcoming YC stays (particularly at club level) receiving letters.

The work at the Beach Club started with the Club Level in October. The complete renovation of all rooms at the resort was finished a few weeks ago, end of August.

The Yacht Club has fewer rooms, I believe, but not a significant number less.

So as you suspect, it is doubtful that the YC work will be complete by the end of next August, but beyond that, it is impossible to speculate when the work will be finished when we don't even have a start date.

 

[Hi Pluto]

We saw this shirt at the gift shop outside Pirates. It has pretty much all the villains, as best I can tell. I thought it was so cool. But it's A) white and I have four kids, and B) that back wouldn't work very well with a bra. Maybe I'll reach an age where that won't bother me, but that day is not today. Also, they didn't have my size. http://www.disneystore.com/disney-villains-long-sleeve-top-for-women/mp/1375429/1000228/

Love the logo, but I agree that the actual white shirt is a little blah. I'm not a fan of white shirts either, maybe that comes from being an art teacher...

~Cari~

 

[natebenma]

Quality Control Help, Please!

So for the past couple of days, the pictures from our Orange Banded Monkeys trip report have been popping in and out of the report. I finally changed from direct upload to photobucket for the two most recent updates. Could a couple of you go over and post on the report to let me know if you can see the pictures now from Antics Before Abu and Guess the Room Number?


Antics of the Orange Banded Monkeys


Thanks!!!