Disney's YACHT & BEACH CLUB RESORTS Information & Questions

[pixiegoose]

Day 4 at YC CL WV. We got our room changed seamlessly. Food has been great. Pot roast last night was a hit. Salmon first night, chicken second night were a hit. Much to choose from. Parks are insane. Never seen crowds like this in all my years. We have made our mines up that the next trip would be resort only at YC CL.

Yes, we just got home from a week at Yacht last night and the parks were all insane! This is the usual week that we go (usually every 3 years but our last trip was 2018) and we’d never seen crowds like that! We ended up giving in and getting g+ most days and doing ILL twice for 7 Dwarves because we never made it to early entry at MK and we weren’t willing to wait over an hour for it standby. Between the crowds, ride breakdowns, and just overall lack of maintenance/cleanliness (as compared to “the before”) combined with the sky rocketing prices, we sadly aren’t eager to start planning our next trip (usually I’m ready to book our next trip on the flight home!).

 

[pixiegoose]

I have been at the YC CL since Tuesday the 6th and it has been everyday

We just got back from 6 nights at Yacht standard and had it every day except for the one day we had the sign on the door while we were changing after pool time/before heading to the parks and that was of course the time housekeeping was doing our block of rooms.

 

[jemtx]

Good to hear that YC is back to everyday for all rooms.

 

[pixiegoose]

So here are my honest thoughts of Disney and YC CL resort halfway through our 11 day-10 night stay. Note: We have stayed CL at YC three times and BC three times at the past. First the positives: CM at YC have been amazing. Always there to help, ask and answer any question and get anything you need. Food also has been pretty good. Pot roast-mashed potatoes just as good as anything on property. Chicken, pulled pork, chicken fingers, different salads-Caesar, Greek and quinoa great. Breakfast also good ham, different egg dishes, pancakes, crepes wonderful. Snacks at lunch are just okay different chips cookies and vegetables with dip. Meals are on a three day rotation. Very happy. Also able to eat your meals on the CL balcony in food room so that also a nice touch. Stormalong Bay is the greatest, enough said about that. We all know that.
Negatives: parks are extremely overcrowded. I have never encountered that ever in the parks and this is all parks. Waiting for rides is a nightmare. Guests are very impatient, a lot of banging into others, tempers are a little high. Children are out of control, parents are doing their best, most of them anyway. Even with Genie the most we are doing is about 4-5 rides before calling it a day. We are older so rough spinning rides are out of the question. Also we are not waiting in lines over 30 min.
Also the parks and rides are looking tired and let’s hope that management will improve that.
Shopping: The stores are selling a lot of merchandise that comes from China and looks cheap. Clothes especially T shirts are thin, cheap looking and expensive. I am comparing this to my T shirts from 3-5 years ago which I still can wear, have some weight to them, and are not from China. Also the variety is less than other years especially in the resort stores. I have been to the YC, BC, BWI, Poly and GF stores.
Skyliner has been a nice addition. I have seen two weddings and one party so far at the BC and YC. So there is no recession going on. (Ha!)
So I will comment on the second half next weekend.
As I stated a few days ago, future Disney trip will be stay vacations at YC CL. That has been a highlight. I looked at the poly and GF two nights ago just to compare and I could be crazy but I would not change what we have at the YC for anything. Walking to two parks plus skyliner and boardwalk. It’s a beautiful area.

We just got back last night from a week at Disney and I agree with all of your negatives. At this point, with all those negatives combined with the skyrocketing prices, we’re not jumping to book our next trip like we normally would. I’m really hoping with Iger back, parks and their maintenance will become a priority again instead of being cast aside for the movies/streaming side of things. I’m not expecting miracles like lower prices or free dining again but ride maintenance and increased custodial services (in addition to an increase in quality and variety of merchandise) would go a long way.

 

[PCFriar80]

Yes, we just got home from a week at Yacht last night and the parks were all insane! This is the usual week that we go (usually every 3 years but our last trip was 2018) and we’d never seen crowds like that! We ended up giving in and getting g+ most days and doing ILL twice for 7 Dwarves because we never made it to early entry at MK and we weren’t willing to wait over an hour for it standby. Between the crowds, ride breakdowns, and just overall lack of maintenance/cleanliness (as compared to “the before”) combined with the sky rocketing prices, we sadly aren’t eager to start planning our next trip (usually I’m ready to book our next trip on the flight home!).

I think I figured out the problem! Seems like everyone on this thread was there last week! We just got back [12/1 -12/8] and echo all of the comments about the crowds in the parks. It was crazy! I had my four nieces with us so did my best in navigating and getting the heavy hitters out of the way early. We did well on 12/2 at MK, although Space was down when we first got there but were able to get it on our way out later in the morning. I think the crowds were lighter that morning due to it being a party night. It seemed to get worse as our stay went on for AK and HS. We got shut out of Rise on 12/4 since it was down at rope drop. Fortunately we worked our way back to TOT and RnRC which the nieces enjoyed. We did have luck with Guardians VQ and were able to do that twice during our stay. Late afternoons and evenings at Epcot were the highlight of our trip. We were able to get seats for the 5:15 show after standby, for Isabella Rossellini and Daymond John on 3 consecutive nights! Still enjoy the performance after all of these years! We also enjoyed the various food booths, some Command Performance w/ beverage, and the overall holiday atmosphere of Epcot.

On a resort note, it was our first time in 2BR villa at BCV! My wife and I have only been in studios for our past visits so this was a real treat. We were in 552 and had a view of the high fireworks from our balcony on the nights we weren't at Epcot.

 

[pixiegoose]

I think I figured out the problem! Seems like everyone on this thread was there last week! We just got back [12/1 -12/8] and echo all the comments about the crowds in the park. It was crazy! I had my four nieces with us so did my best in navigating and getting the heavy hitters out of the way early. We did well on 12/2 at MK, although Space was down when we first got there but were able to get it on our way out later in the morning. I think the crowds were lighter that morning due to it being a party night. It seemed to get worse as our stay went on for AK and HS. We got shut out of Rise on 12/4 since it was down at rope drop. Fortunately we worked our way back to TOT and RnRC which the nieces enjoyed. We did have luck with Guardians VQ and were able to do that twice during our stay. Late afternoons and evenings at Epcot were the highlight of our trip. We were able to get seats for the 5:15 show after standby, for Isabella Rossellini and Daymond John on 3 consecutive nights! Still enjoy the performance after all of these years! We also enjoyed the various food booths, some Command Performance w/ beverage, and the overall holiday atmosphere of Epcot.

On a resort note, it was our first time in 2BR villa at BCV! My wife and I have only been in studios for our past visits so this was a real treat. We were in 552 and a view of the high fireworks from our balcony on the nights we weren't at Epcot.

We were there 12/3-10 and couldn’t believe how many rides were constantly down- checking on ride closures became my 12 year old’s favorite pasttime! We did manage to get most of the big rides done that we wanted (rope dropped Remy’s, Rise, Smugglers Run, Flights of Passage, Navi River, got vq numerous times for Guardians, ILL twice for 7 Dwarves, and used g+ for others) with the exception of M&M’s Railway, Safari (it didn’t open until about noon on our AK day and the wait immediately skyrocketed to about 90+ minutes and we were like “nope!”), and ToT- my 12 year old and I waited about 80 minutes only for it to breakdown right as we were assigned our elevator. We waited about 40 minutes in the elevator area before they officially closed it and got anytime LL that we used to ride RnR again and then, of course, ToT reopened but I wasn’t waiting in that line again. At least I did get a selfie with Goofy out of that ridiculous line!

We also had an obstructed view of Epcot fireworks and Stormalong Bay from our standard view at Yacht (room 3235 for those wondering) and enjoyed our balcony immensely!

 

[PCFriar80]

We were there 12/3-10 and couldn’t believe how many rides were constantly down- checking on ride closures became my 12 year old’s favorite pasttime! We did manage to get most of the big rides done that we wanted (rope dropped Remy’s, Rise, Smugglers Run, Flights of Passage, Navi River, got vq numerous times for Guardians, ILL twice for 7 Dwarves, and used g+ for others) with the exception of M&M’s Railway, Safari (it didn’t open until about noon on our AK day and the wait immediately skyrocketed to about 90+ minutes and we were like “nope!”), and ToT- my 12 year old and I waited about 80 minutes only for it to breakdown right as we were assigned our elevator. We waited about 40 minutes in the elevator area before they officially closed it and got anytime LL that we used to ride RnR again and then, of course, ToT reopened but I wasn’t waiting in that line again. At least I did get a selfie with Goofy out of that ridiculous line!

We also had an obstructed view of Epcot fireworks and Stormalong Bay from our standard view at Yacht (room 3235 for those wondering) and enjoyed our balcony immensely!

I only got a picture of Pluto...... Space Mountain.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I think I figured out the problem! Seems like everyone on this thread was there last week! We just got back [12/1 -12/8] and echo all of the comments about the crowds in the parks. It was crazy!

Add us to the list. We were there Nov 29 - Dec 3rd. - the last two nights at YC.

We got shut out of Rise on 12/4 since it was down at rope drop.

Rise was down at rope drop for us on 12/2 but we hung around and they opened the standby line around 8:12am.

We were able to get into Candlelight Processional via the standby line on Dec 1st.

Epcot in the evening on Dec 2nd was completely slammed with so many people we turned around and went back out the International Gateway for a nice ride on the Skyliner.

We had planned to see Enchantment from inside MK but when I saw what kinds of crowds there were I decided that the view from the patio in front of Gasparilla's would be good enough, and it was.

We also decided not to try to see Fantasmic when we heard that people were lining up two hours ahead of time. We'll be back at the YC in April, so maybe it will be less crazy by then.

 

[PCFriar80]

Add us to the list. We were there Nov 29 - Dec 3rd. - the last two nights at YC.

Rise was down at rope drop for us on 12/2 but we hung around and they opened the standby line around 8:12am.

We were able to get into Candlelight Processional via the standby line on Dec 1st.

Epcot in the evening on Dec 2nd was completely slammed with so many people we turned around and went back out the International Gateway for a nice ride on the Skyliner.

We had planned to see Enchantment from inside MK but when I saw what kinds of crowds there were I decided that the view from the patio in front of Gasparilla's would be good enough, and it was.

We also decided not to try to see Fantasmic when we heard that people were lining up two hours ahead of time. We'll be back at the YC in April, so maybe it will be less crazy by then.

We'll be back in April too. Heading over to the BW Inn this time, 4/22 - 4/28.

 

[Wood Nymph]

We'll be back in April too. Heading over to the BW Inn this time, 4/22 - 4/28.

We'll miss you again since we are there Apr 16-20. We are hoping to see EasternShoreGal again, though.

 

[Cory's Gal]

We are staying at the YC for the first time January 7-14! We have a water view booked and I know I need to call to make any room requests. Even though there are 4 of us, my two teenagers prefer their own beds (an over 6 ft son and a daughter) so 2 queens and requesting a day bed is important to us. I would love to look out to Crescent Lake and not Stormalong Bay. I also know nothing is guaranteed but what is the best way and when to make these requests. I appreciate any feedback Love this thread so much!! Also, has anyone used Shipt for Target for delivery? Thank you!!!!!

 

[Wood Nymph]

We are staying at the YC for the first time January 7-14! We have a water view booked and I know I need to call to make any room requests. Even though there are 4 of us, my two teenagers prefer their own beds (an over 6 ft son and a daughter) so 2 queens and requesting a day bed is important to us. I would love to look out to Crescent Lake and not Stormalong Bay. I also know nothing is guaranteed but what is the best way and when to make these requests. I appreciate any feedback Love this thread so much!! Also, has anyone used Shipt for Target for delivery? Thank you!!!!!

The best way to make a room request is to call Disney reservations at least a week ahead of your check in date.

 

[Ricguz]

Leaving YC CL tomorrow morning after 11 day 10 night trip. The second half of the trip was not much different than the first half except MK on a party night was a lot less crowded during the day and therefore we did all the major rides 6 of them within three hours with genie plus. That was a good day. Can’t say the same for HS with genie with major wait times 120-180 plus broken down rides.
YC CL was fantastic, Stormalong Bay wonderful made the trip worth it. Food was great with pot roast mashed potatoes being a hit.

 

[cjlong88]

We are staying at the YC for the first time January 7-14! We have a water view booked and I know I need to call to make any room requests. Even though there are 4 of us, my two teenagers prefer their own beds (an over 6 ft son and a daughter) so 2 queens and requesting a day bed is important to us. I would love to look out to Crescent Lake and not Stormalong Bay. I also know nothing is guaranteed but what is the best way and when to make these requests. I appreciate any feedback Love this thread so much!! Also, has anyone used Shipt for Target for delivery? Thank you!!!!!

If the sleeper sofa is more important than the view, personally I would make the request for the sleeper sofa only and hope that I get one in a good location. While nothing is guaranteed, keeping requests simple will ensure a higher chance of that request can be met. When the request gets more complicated (i.e. we want a 5th sleeper AND it needs to be on this side of the resort) your chances will be lower. That doesn't mean it won't happen, but if you put both requests in, I would be very clear as to which request should take first priority in case they can only grant one of them.

If I'm not mistaken, I believe that the majority of the 1st and 2nd floor water view room types have great Crescent Lake views. Looking at the TP room finder, it seems like when you get to the 3rd floor or higher that's when those 2 queen rooms start to stretch into the Stormalong Bay area. Someone please correct me if this information isn't correct!

 

[Cory's Gal]

The best way to make a room request is to call Disney reservations at least a week ahead of your check in date.

Thank you! I will set a reminder on my phone so I don't forget

 

[Cory's Gal]

If the sleeper sofa is more important than the view, personally I would make the request for the sleeper sofa only and hope that I get one in a good location. While nothing is guaranteed, keeping requests simple will ensure a higher chance of that request can be met. When the request gets more complicated (i.e. we want a 5th sleeper AND it needs to be on this side of the resort) your chances will be lower. That doesn't mean it won't happen, but if you put both requests in, I would be very clear as to which request should take first priority in case they can only grant one of them.

If I'm not mistaken, I believe that the majority of the 1st and 2nd floor water view room types have great Crescent Lake views. Looking at the TP room finder, it seems like when you get to the 3rd floor or higher that's when those 2 queen rooms start to stretch into the Stormalong Bay area. Someone please correct me if this information isn't correct!

Great advice, thank you so much! We are so looking forward to our trip!!

 

[CarolynFH]

Thank you! I will set a reminder on my phone so I don't forget

We usually submit our requests as soon as we know what they are, both so that we don’t forget and also based on the “first come, first served” idea. Reportedly, rooms are assigned 5-7 days before arrival, so you want to have your request on your file before that.

 

[MommaKetch]

Planning our first stay at BC, and this thread has been so helpful! I’ve rented DVC points for 7 nights in a Studio. It will just be myself, DD (8), and DS (11). In addition to the queen and pull out couch, do all studios come with the small pull down bed, or is this something I need to request? Thinking we might not even use the couch as a bed if so?

Any tips from those who familiar with the BCV studios? Also Spring Break and survival tips for this very busy time?

Plan so far is to split up time at the parks with lots of pool time and exploring. Will order a delivery of snacks and water. I did get us park hoppers, and we’ll be spending 2 nights at CR beforehand to be close to MK on our first Friday park day.

Also, can we please be added to the Be Our Guest list? Staying 4/1 - 4/8 for some spring break madness!

 

[Rick195275]

Planning our first stay at BC, and this thread has been so helpful! I’ve rented DVC points for 7 nights in a Studio. It will just be myself, DD (8), and DS (11). In addition to the queen and pull out couch, do all studios come with the small pull down bed, or is this something I need to request? Thinking we might not even use the couch as a bed if so?

Any tips from those who familiar with the BCV studios? Also Spring Break and survival tips for this very busy time?

Plan so far is to split up time at the parks with lots of pool time and exploring. Will order a delivery of snacks and water. I did get us park hoppers, and we’ll be spending 2 nights at CR beforehand to be close to MK on our first Friday park day.

Also, can we please be added to the Be Our Guest list? Staying 4/1 - 4/8 for some spring break madness!

Your kids are at a perfect age for the resort you will love it! We will just miss you guys, doing a split stay too and don’t get to bcv until the 9th. All studios have the extra pulldown bed Your plan sounds great for spring break! If you are early morning people get to the parks early, take a break at the amazing resort and then back to the parks later as they are usually less busy earlier and later. My daughter isn’t as early riser so we usually get a later start haha. If your kids enjoy crafts and activities definitely check out the activities schedule and drop in on those, always a request of my now 12 year old.

 

[Best Aunt]

Planning our first stay at BC, and this thread has been so helpful! I’ve rented DVC points for 7 nights in a Studio. It will just be myself, DD (8), and DS (11). In addition to the queen and pull out couch, do all studios come with the small pull down bed, or is this something I need to request? Thinking we might not even use the couch as a bed if so?

As PP said, all studios have the pull-down bed. It is smaller than twin size, so only one person will fit on it. I'm not sure if you're planning to share the queen size bed with one of the kids; if not, then somebody will be sleeping on the sofabed.

There won't be much floor space if you have the sofa bed out and the pull-down bed out. That's more of a problem for people who think they can fit a big stroller in there along with their luggage and everything else; your kids are older.

There is very little storage space in a studio. I was so surprised by that, I actually made notes about it:
a) There is no dresser. The pull-down bed is under the TV where the dresser would be.
b) There are 4 drawers on the sides of the tv (2 on either side). They are a strange shape. 19 ½ x 8 and 9 ¼ inches high.
c) There is 1 night table. It has 2 drawers.
d) The coffee table has 2 curved drawers.
e) The queen size bed is on a platform. You cannot store anything under it.

You might already know this, but a reminder that Disney will move your stuff from resort # 1 to resort # 2, but they will not move perishable items. I'm not sure what snacks you are ordering for delivery to CR before your BCV stay.

I have never done a split stay, but I think you need to make sure you actually check out of CR before you switch to BCV. I also would stop at the front desk of BC before going to the BCV room. Magic Bands can be finicky at BC and BCV. You don't want to get all the way to your room and discover that your Magic Band thinks you are still at CR and won't open the door. BCV has a desk in its tiny lobby, but there is not always a cast member working there so I would just stop at the BC front desk rather than having to go back and forth.

This sounds pretty negative -- I should note that I love BCV.