I am finally getting to take my 5 year old niece and extended family with me! My heart was set on Bay Lake because of the ease of walking to the MK. However, the two bedroom standard view that I have enough points for is already booked. Now I'm looking into the Beach Club. I've dined at the Yacht Club, and I'm not really certain where that ends and where the Beach Club begins. The pool that is outside of Beaches & Cream is available to those staying at the BC, right?
When I check online, it's showing the Beach Club Marketplace as being a snack credit, but it has meal items. Can we use quick service credits there?
Tell me all of your best hints/tips to make the BC a magical stay for
- a 5 year old who will need either naps or someone taking her to the resort early for bedtime
- a grandpa who has been to WDW and doesn't love it (he's a thrill seeker and Disney rides are too tame)
- a BiL who has never really done family vacations, but he's coming along because he wants to experience his daughter's first trip
I will take a crack at some of your questions:
The two resorts are connected on the exterior by a walkway and you are free to use the amenities at either. Stormalong Bay is the large pool that connects both resorts and yes, it is available to both. Both resorts also have "quiet" or "leisure" pools. BC has a separate DVC portion (since you indicated you wanted Bay Lake) which are bookable through Disney or renting points from an owner. This resort offers studios, one bedroom and the ability to create two bedroom villas.
Marketplace is the quick service location and yes, it accepts quick service and snack credits. There is also a quick service location (Ale & Compass Market) at the YC. Cape May (buffet) is a full service restaurant in BC. Yachtsman Steakhouse is a full service restaurant at the YC. Captain's Grille is also going to be located within YC once completed (currently under renovation) and is also a full service. Crew's Cup (Yacht Club side) is a lounge which offers snacks, drinks and limited meals. Beaches & Cream (Beach Club location) is an old fashioned ice cream parlor offering sandwiches and ice cream--also full service. Finally, Hurricane Hanna's is a quick service location along with poolside bar.
In addition to all of the dining options at BC/YC, you have the entire Boardwalk which offers dining options as well as being at the back gate (International Gateway) to EPCOT.
BC/YC and the Boardwalk area has something for everyone and I'm sure the 5 y/o will enjoy the sandy area of Stormalong Bay and meeting the many characters within each park or some of the dining locations.
While Disney isn't the thrill ride capital, it does offer a good many rides that are fun for those who enjoy thrils, i.e., Rock 'N Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror (DHS), Test Track (EPCOT), Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mt., Splash Mt (MK), Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest (AK) so Grandpa could hang out for those in each park and then move on to the resort if he is not into the beauty that is Disney.
BIL will enjoy watching the joy on his daughter's face and may find he would like to be the one taking her back for downtime at the resort.
Hope that helps. Start on page one of this thread and do your research--there is loads of information contained here.