2014/2015 Beach and Yacht Club FAQ, Friends & Fun, Sept 2014-Mayl 2015

[wdisneyaholic]

So I know that most rooms at YC have balconies and its hit or miss at the BC. What about the CL rooms at BC? Do they all have full balconies? Have all the CL rooms at BC been renovated?

 

[mommyrosa2]

Do you know what time of day they will open the flights? I need to book for September and I will be in Disney that day at the expo for the princess half marathon.

It's varied but last year I do remember they had their new fares up by 7:00a EST

 

[Wood Nymph]

So I know that most rooms at YC have balconies and its hit or miss at the BC. What about the CL rooms at BC? Do they all have full balconies? Have all the CL rooms at BC been renovated?

As far as we know, all of the club level rooms on the 5th floor have been renovated. Not all of the club level rooms have a full balcony.

 

[bama belle]

Thanks NM...I'll be one of the folks up nice and early to book our August and October trip

What time do these flights usually become available to book? Want to make sure I'm up in time

 

[mommyrosa2]

What time do these flights usually become available to book? Want to make sure I'm up in time

Like I mentioned earlier, last year, they were up by 7a EST but I do remember a couple of years back it being closer to 10a EST so it can vary. You can bet though that come next week, I'll be up by 5:30a, watching my computer and refreshing until I see the fares pop up.

 

[Princess Michele]

Does anyone know if the Beach Club DVC studios will sleep five after the refurb? Also, is there any chance the refurb on the studios will be completed by November 2015? (This was probably mentioned somewhere in the lovely forum but I just can't find it.) Thanks so much for all the wonderful information! The Beach Club is mine and my husband's favorite resort.

It was reported at the annual DVC meeting that the Beach Club Villa Studios would be getting the pull down bed to sleep five during the refurb. Dee listed in the first post that someone reported the refurb should be finished by December 2015.

 

[natebenma]

OK - I've changed our plans again...

I've added a 7-night Eastern Caribbean on the Disney Fantasy in late September to celebrate DW's and my 20th anniversary. Consequently, I scaled back our WDW trip from 10-nights to 6-nights. I also swapped our resort stay order. Now we're booked at the Yacht Club August 16-19 and the Polynesian August 19-22. We'll do Epcot and HS while at the YC and AK and MK while at the Poly. Making our ADRs next week!

Martin

Got it!

Booked BB last month. Checked online this morning.

I think I might just switch to Orbitz - it looks like I would save about $53 per night. So much for the great BB offer.

That stinks that you didn't get a better BB deal than you could get on line. Probably makes sense to switch your reservation. If I understand correctly, the main downsides are that you don't own the reservation and you have to pay it all upfront.

Speaking of Orbitz, I heard on the noon news that Expedia will be merging with Orbitz (and already has acquired Travelocity)

Thank you!

I am travelling with disgirl83 and her DH and DD, and dznyacct and her DH. 18-25 September at BC Villas! Can't wait! First time staying there for me!

I'll add your dates and your friends to your listing.

:

I'm staying at BC next month (first stay there) and I've checked out the renovations information on page 1 here so I know it'll still be going on. I just wanted to know if anyone had any experience of it here? I've seen some bad reviews on TripAdviser and just want to get an idea of what it'll be like. FTR, I'm planning to be in the parks for most of the day but was worried if they start early in the morning because I usually suffer from jet lag for the first few days when I get to Orlando so want to be prepared.

Cheers

1F

I haven't seen recent reports here from people who have been staying at BC during the renovations. I think when they were working on the club level rooms, someone reported work starting as early as 9am, although the resort has reported the work hours as 10-5 (I think) in the letter to guests.

Shoreward- any comments about how/if you were impacted by the renovation work going on, other than being restricted from using certain areas of the 4th floor?

Anyone else with stays at BC in Jan or Feb care to share any comments?

Hello everyone,

I have just booked a stay for our 30th anniversary at the Beach Club from 8/30 - 9/2. So excited to be coming back to the Beach Club!!!

Dee, Please add me to the BOG list. Thanks!

back!!!

What a nice way to celebrate your anniversary! I'll add you to the list.

Does anyone know if the Beach Club DVC studios will sleep five after the refurb? Also, is there any chance the refurb on the studios will be completed by November 2015? (This was probably mentioned somewhere in the lovely forum but I just can't find it.) Thanks so much for all the wonderful information! The Beach Club is mine and my husband's favorite resort.

to this thread!

I'll add you to the Be Our Guest list we keep on page 1.



See below for your questions.

It was reported at the annual DVC meeting that the Beach Club Villa Studios would be getting the pull down bed to sleep five during the refurb. Dee listed in the first post that someone reported the refurb should be finished by December 2015.

Michele- thanks for this info. I don't really keep up with the DVC news about BCV, so it is really helpful when you and others share what they see!

If I want to avoid a dumpster view for our 6/6-7 stay at the YC CL, what would be a good room request? If I say close to elevators, would that be advisable?

So, do you have a standard view room booked? Yes, I think close to elevators or close to lobby would be a couple of requests that would minimize the risk of a dumpster view.

Please add us to the BOG for Sept 23-29 for the YC. We have stayed at the BC twice and want to try out the beautiful YC this time!!

back!!!

I'll add you to the Be Our Guest list.

So I know that most rooms at YC have balconies and its hit or miss at the BC. What about the CL rooms at BC? Do they all have full balconies? Have all the CL rooms at BC been renovated?

As far as we know, all of the club level rooms on the 5th floor have been renovated. Not all of the club level rooms have a full balcony.

As the above post explains, all 5th floor CL rooms have been renovated at the Beach Club. I don't think the deluxe rooms or suites that are not on the 5th floor will be done until those floors are worked on.

About 75% of BC CL rooms have full balconies.

 

[kimmy85]

If anyone is familiar with how/when JetBlue releases their schedules, or if there is another thread regarding that topic, please clue me in!

Replying to my own post is weird!

Anyhoo, I found what I was looking for on another thread where a FLYER like me can TALK about when airlines release their schedules....

 

[Ninja Mom]

Replying to my own post is weird!

Anyhoo, I found what I was looking for on another thread where a FLYER like me can TALK about when airlines release their schedules....

Thanks for the help answering your own question. (that was weird to type!)
I know that when I want to take a magical vacation when I travel that information will be of assistance. I was just checking information about an upcoming Dec. trip and I and I will definitely check that site for helpful information.

~NM

 

[AliceIn]

So, do you have a standard view room booked? Yes, I think close to elevators or close to lobby would be a couple of requests that would minimize the risk of a dumpster view.

I do have the Standard CL room booked, and I remember the infamous worst view pictures! I will do close to elevators or lobby. Thank you!!!!!

 

[sky13]

Hi everyone - currently thinking about a 2 night stay at BC or YC in mid-April. I know that some rooms at BC have already been refurbished - was wondering what are the likely chances that I could get a refurbished room for my stay if I book BC? Is is possible to request this?

 

[hill6]

Dee I can't believe you are in the bullseye again. Hope you can escape to the Dark Side without any issues.

 

[Miked0292]

So with the question if the CL is worth the extra money in my humble opinion yes but only if you can get the price down, we just came back about a week ago and we had a %60 room rate (CM Magic) and it was close to $350 a night CL Water View , Out Group alone drank close to $350 worth of booze , (Disney pricing here) not to include all the food we ate plus breakfast, everytime we left for a park I grabbed 2 beers sure its only 12PM but we already prepaid for them in that mind might as well drink them.

Now while we were there we did have a water view on the yacht club 5221 i believe and we had stromalong bay as a view and right above the yachtsman steakhouse I wanna say ( we smelt steak every night ) . But in the several days there we were able to watch them teardown a walking bridge and start to rebuild it was quite a process to watch.

 

[shoreward]

That stinks that you didn't get a better BB deal than you could get on line. Probably makes sense to switch your reservation. If I understand correctly, the main downsides are that you don't own the reservation and you have to pay it all upfront.

Speaking of Orbitz, I heard on the noon news that Expedia will be merging with Orbitz (and already has acquired Travelocity)

I did go ahead and book the same room with Orbitz. I have used them before, with no problems, whatsoever. It's a shame that a reseller offers better room rates than Disney, itself.

I haven't seen recent reports here from people who have been staying at BC during the renovations. I think when they were working on the club level rooms, someone reported work starting as early as 9am, although the resort has reported the work hours as 10-5 (I think) in the letter to guests.

Shoreward- any comments about how/if you were impacted by the renovation work going on, other than being restricted from using certain areas of the 4th floor?

As my last stay, which was on the partially completed fourth floor, was over a weekend, I may not be a good source of information as to disturbances due to construction. I, personally, was not bothered.

Dee, every time I see a weather report, I think of you. If positive thoughts and well wishes count, you know that there are many being sent your way, as well as to everyone else affected by this crazy weather year. My theory is that everything averages out, which means that you will have extremely mild winters with light snowfalls for the next ten years!

 

[natebenma]

Hi everyone - currently thinking about a 2 night stay at BC or YC in mid-April. I know that some rooms at BC have already been refurbished - was wondering what are the likely chances that I could get a refurbished room for my stay if I book BC? Is is possible to request this?

to this thread!

It is certainly possible to request a refurbished room. I'm not sure how many have been renovated at this point, or what the progress will be by mid-April, so I'm not sure what the chances are. As far as I know, they are still working on the 4th floor at this point. Some rooms on that floor are open for booking, others are taken out of inventory while the work is being done.

Dee I can't believe you are in the bullseye again. Hope you can escape to the Dark Side without any issues.

Keeping my frozen fingers crossed!!! Expecting blizzard conditions Saturday night into Sunday, another foot to 18 inches, but right now all looks clear for Monday morning.

I did go ahead and book the same room with Orbitz. I have used them before, with no problems, whatsoever. It's a shame that a reseller offers better room rates than Disney, itself.

As my last stay, which was on the partially completed fourth floor, was over a weekend, I may not be a good source of information as to disturbances due to construction. I, personally, was not bothered.

Dee, every time I see a weather report, I think of you. If positive thoughts and well wishes count, you know that there are many being sent your way, as well as to everyone else affected by this crazy weather year. My theory is that everything averages out, which means that you will have extremely mild winters with light snowfalls for the next ten years!

Do I have you on the list for the bounceback (now Orbitz) trip?

Thanks for the good thoughts!!!

Big problem is finding a place to put all the snow we have, and getting around. Tuesday Mark didn't go into work because trains into Boston were not running. They are up and running again, but random trains keep getting cancelled or there are delays. On Wednesday morning, his train didn't have lights or heat. But at least it was moving. This morning he left the house at 4:45, just heard from him that the train was pulling into Boston around 7:15. Now he is walking across town to Cambridge. Driving into the city is worse. Hour(s) long gridlock across town. It has been a LOOOONNNNGGGG week (following a few long weeks). One more commute for him to deal with. One more storm.

And then we are OUTTA HERE!

 

[natebenma]

Have you guys seen this yet?

If you have special requests that you want to discuss when you arrive at the resort, like a full balcony at BC or daybed at either resort, then I don't think that you want to take advantage of this offer.

*******************************************************

WDW resort guests can now by-pass front desk check-in if they choose

Walt Disney World is beginning a new program that will allow their resort guests to bypass the front desk check-in process if they choose. To take part in this option, guests must have their MagicBands sent to their home ahead of their vacation. They must complete online check-in, including paying in full for their reservation or authorizing a credit card and setting up a PIN. Lastly, they must provide an email address or phone number at which they can be reached. After these things are completed, they will be contacted with their room number and can go straight to their room upon arrival, after being met by a cast member outside the resort.

The program is rolling out to the various resorts in stages:

• February 10: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Art of Animation Resort, Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, Pop Century Resort, Port Orleans Resort
• February 25: Boardwalk Inn, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
• March 10: All-Star Resorts, Caribbean Beach Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Old Key West Resort and Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

*************************************************************

 

[Ninja Mom]

Have you guys seen this yet?

If you have special requests that you want to discuss when you arrive at the resort, like a full balcony at BC or daybed at either resort, then I don't think that you want to take advantage of this offer.

*******************************************************

WDW resort guests can now by-pass front desk check-in if they choose

Walt Disney World is beginning a new program that will allow their resort guests to bypass the front desk check-in process if they choose. To take part in this option, guests must have their MagicBands sent to their home ahead of their vacation. They must complete online check-in, including paying in full for their reservation or authorizing a credit card and setting up a PIN. Lastly, they must provide an email address or phone number at which they can be reached. After these things are completed, they will be contacted with their room number and can go straight to their room upon arrival, after being met by a cast member outside the resort.

The program is rolling out to the various resorts in stages:

• 
  
  
  • February 10: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Art of Animation Resort, Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, Pop Century Resort, Port Orleans Resort
  • February 25: Boardwalk Inn, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
  • March 10: All-Star Resorts, Caribbean Beach Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Old Key West Resort and Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

*************************************************************

Yep, I've seen it. I think it's going to be a disaster because so many people NEVER RECEIVE the text stating that their room is ready. So what you are going to have is a ton of people P. O'ed that they've been waiting all day and can't get into their room.

You have to love the way Disney implements a system KNOWING that it has huge issues and it still chooses to implement the flawed system without addressing the problem.

I'd feel a lot better if Disney was upfront about the problem and included in the instructions the following caveat:

"Our customer service standards are slipping precariously because A) We as a company don't care anymore and B) Customer service has no profit margin and our entire focus has now shifted on how much money we can squeeze out of the guest. Keeping THAT in mind, there is a 50% chance that you will never receive any kind of notification that your room is ready. Normally, we'd instruct you that this problem will occur and ask you to call XXX-XXXX after 4 pm to find out your room number... but that would be acknowledging that we have a problem that we are unwilling to fix, so we will just let you hang on this one as you wait endlessly for information that we are unable to deliver reliably. Thank you for choosing Disney resorts! After all the money you have spent on this disastrous, stress filled, overscheduled, overpriced vacation we don't expect to see you ever again. Our new company motto is "Fool them once shame on them, fool them twice shame on them AGAIN!"

~NM

 

[DIS-OH]

We arrive late Thursday evening for Princess Half Marathon and are staying at POFQ, which started the "we'll text your room number if you're lucky" process this week.

NM...I will let you know which 50% we are in. (Betting on the "no text" group)

 

[hill6]

Dee that is crazy how Mark has had to get to work. You guys definitely need to get away. Hopefully no issues on Monday. I guess it would break your heart to be stuck down there if another storm occurs.

 

[Darkwing_Duck_CJ]

Hey everyone! First time poster here. Have been reading up for awhile and finally joined in. My fiance and I are Disneymooning in April with a split stay BC and AKL. We are staying in the Nantucket Suite and I was curious if anyone is certain if this will be before or after the suites will be renovated. I know the club level and lounge has been updated bur did that include the suites? Thanks everyone!