natebenma
Beach Club Dee
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2008
to the Beach & Yacht Club FAQ forum!
BREAKING NEWS!!!
Early March: Work on the 4th floor of the Beach Club has been completed and all rooms are available for booking. Rooms on the 3rd floor have started renovations.
Mid-March: According to a post on the DVC subforum, the work on the Beach Club Villas is scheduled to begin in March 2015 and be completed in December 2015. I have not seen or heard any else, but appreciate it when readers bring info like this to my attention (thank, Mewissy!). In mid-March, guests with stays in late July, October and mid-November reported receiving letters about upcoming refurbishment work at BCV during their stays.
We do not have an official estimate of the timetable or completion date for the resort refurbishment at this time. Based on reports we have seen on other websites and on other threads on the DIS, our best guess for the completion of the work on the Beach Club rooms is late summer 2015. Again, this is not a date we have received officially from the resort.
Beach Club Renovation News:
About every five years the halls and rooms of EVERY resort at WDW get renovated. There are two types. Soft goods and hard goods. Last time the Beach and Yacht Clubs underwent renovation (2008/2009) it was a soft goods rehab.
Renovations on the outside (painting, siding, roofing and all maintenance) are done as needed.
The upcoming refurbishment will be a hard goods renovation. Rooms will be stripped down and everything from new sinks, new air conditioning units, new everything will be added except the maybe the TVs since they are fairly new.
The work will start with the renovation and expansion of the Club Level lounge. While the work is being done, club level offerings will be available in the Presidential Suite. After the lounge is completed, work will move onto the actual rooms on the 5th floor. Then, the work will continue on other rooms, floor by floor, until they have all been renovated.
We do not have a timetable about how long it will take to complete each section of the resort.
The work will be completed with the least amount of disruption possible to guests. Sections of rooms will be taken out of service while the renovations are taking place. All noise work is done between 9AM and 5PM (when people are at the pool or at the parks). Chances are guest won't really see the areas where work is happening.
The furniture in the Beach Club lobby just received new upholstery (Summer 2014?) and I think new carpets were added, so at this time, we do not believe a refurbishment of the lobby is part of this renovation.
Yacht Club Renovation News:
After the BC renovation is complete, work on the Yacht Club will begin. Our best guess is that work will start sometime in early fall (2015)
BCV Renovation News
We have been told that when the Beach Club renovation is about 75% complete, work will start on the Beach Club Villas.
According to a post on the DVC subforum, the work on the Beach Club Villas is scheduled to begin in March 2015 and be completed in December 2015. I have not seen or heard any else, but appreciate it when readers bring info like this to my attention (thank, Mewissy!)
In mid-March, guests with stays in late July, October and mid-November reported receiving letters about upcoming refurbishment work at BCV during their stays.
There is some discussion about the upcoming BCV rehab in the DVC forum. This thread has a rendering of the new BCV décor, along with additional discussion
BCV Refurb Renderings discussion thread
Stormalong Bay
We have not heard anything about a major pool rehab being part of this renovation.
Normal pool maintenance at Stormalong Bay happens in the winter, with 1/3 of the pool worked on at a time, with the remaining 2/3 remaining open. This is done almost every year, but I don't remember anyone discussing maintenance on the pool last winter.
Maintenance work on the Jib Slide/outlet pool was completed in January and work on the Lazy River was completed in early March.
Guests at the resort in early March are reporting that the slide and the lazy river areas are now both open.
See POST 2 on this page for more info about Stormalong Bay and the winter maintenance work.
What is the scope of the work at the resort?
There is a recent blog post circulating about the upcoming renovation at the Beach Club. It references a 20 month project. Based on previous renovations, I think that this 20 month estimate is more likely to be the timeframe for the entire renovation at BOTH BC and YC- perhaps 10 months to a year for each resort.
The article also references the renovation work at the Poly but the work at the Beach and Yacht Club is nowhere near the scope of the construction/destruction of the Poly villas or the lobby renovation that is happening there.
Here is a great post comparing the renovations planned at Y&BC to the work at the Poly:
I often read WDWMAGIC and think they generally have reliable information. That said, I think they are off base a bit here.
This renovation is NOTHING like what is going on at the Poly.
The Lobby is not being torn apart and reconfigured with a waterfall being removed.
The pool is not loosing a rock formation volcano and being reconfigured,
DVC bungalows are not being built on the shores of the lake.
3 buildings, or even 3 floors of rooms, are not being converted to DVC studios.
It is a TOTALLY DIFFERENT circumstance.
Disney refurbs resorts on an on going basis. Again, the current Poly work is an aberration. There is little disruption during the usual ongoing work.
I think you are fine.
We have not heard anything about a major pool rehab being part of this renovation, however some sections of the Stormalong Bay will be closed for normal winter maintenance in January and February- see the second post in this thread (SAB) for more details.
Previous News:
Detailed Pictures of Renovated Beach Club Rooms
The Beach Club level floor (5th floor) reopened to guest the first week in December! Very detailed pictures may be found starting on Page 129 (page 97? page 105 after the DIS was updated) of this thread or by clicking on the links below (thanks, thisismyusername, vettegirl, HockeyMomR and shoreward)
thisismyusername:
5th floor, New Hallway Decor
Refurbished Room
Curtains and Décor Closeups
HockeyMomR
Renovated Room
shoreward
Room 4545 Post 1
Room 4545 Post 2
More Room and Lounge Photos
The guests we have heard from so far have been impressed with the sophisticated look of the new rooms and attentive service from CL CMs.
I believe that work has started on the rooms on the 4th floor. I am not sure if they are just taking certain areas out of service during the work or closing the entire floor, but I think it is just sections they are working on now.
As of October 12, the Beach Club 5th floor, club level is closed for hallway and room refurbishment. The expected timeframe for the closure is until the end of November, but of course construction delays could impact that. A temporary, small lounge has been set up in one of the suites (2nd floor?) for use of guests staying in Deluxe Rooms or Suites throughout the resort.
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The renovated BC Concierge Lounge debuted September 30, however it is now closed again while the renovation/refurb work on guest rooms and hallways on the 5th floor is taking place. We are awaiting the first pictures from guests, but reports are that photos will not do it justice in capturing the improvements and the space now available. (Edit to add- pictures of newly renovated and enlarged BC Club Level lounge may now be found in the Concierge Post 12 on Page 1 of this FAQ thread)
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According to reports in mid-September, the work on the lounge will probably be completed in the next week or two, so by the beginning of October. We then expect refurbishment work on the 5th floor rooms to begin
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We have just learned that the renovation to the Beach Club lounge will be starting on Monday August 4. While the work is being done, the Presidential Suite will serve as the location of the lounge for anyone staying Club Level.
Here is a link to pictures of the temporary BC CL lounge in the Presidential Suite. Temporary BC CL lounge, Aug-Sept 2014
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We hope you like it here on the Beach & Yacht Club FAQ Forum! There are a lot of interesting questions and some great information shared by veterans and newcomers alike.
We are a very friendly, chatty bunch! You'll laugh! You may cry. You will definitely learn things about this wonderful resort.
But as you follow along, you will mostly wish you could be at the Yacht or Beach Club RIGHT NOW!!!
Please Read the FAQ Section, Post 13 and Other Useful Information, Post 14
We realize it can be hard to find info within the body of this thread, however we put a lot of effort into keeping the info on the first page updated. The FAQ post (Number 13 on this page) and Other Useful Info post (Number 14) are excellent places to start.
Don't forget that the search tool can be your friend. But if you have a question, please don't be afraid to ask. We will move mountains to try and get the information you are seeking. If we miss addressing your question, please bump it up again. Sometimes we don't know the answer. Sometimes we are not sure of the reply and we are waiting for someone else to chime in, so a gentle, friendly reminder is appreciated!
Table of Contents for Front Page 1 and 2:
Post 1: Introduction to the Beach & Yacht Club - Just keep reading!
includes differences between the two resorts, maps, transportation options, links to closed threads and picture/video threads, trip reports
Post 2: Stormalong Bay Pool Complex
Post 3: Flying Jib Slide/Guppy Bay kiddie pool and slide/Quiet Pools/Hot Tubs
Post 4: Resort Activities
Monthly Activities Schedule, Movie on the Beach, Campfire, Pool Activities
Post 5: Resort Ameneties
Arcade, Health Club and Spa, Beauty Salon, Marina, Laundry, Kids Programs
Post 6: Gift Shops and Solarium
BC Marketplace, YC Fittings & Fairings, Solarium
Post 7: Dining at the Beach & Yacht Club
Post 8: Beach Club Resort (Rooms)
Post 9: Yacht Club Resort (Rooms)
Post 10: Beach Club Villa Overview
Post 11: Beach Club Villa Resort, Rooms
Post 12: Club Level Info
Post 13: FAQ
BC vs. YC, Room View Categories, Full vs. Juliet Balconies, Daybeds, Online vs. In-person checkin, Secret Exits, SAB ?, Rapid Refill Mug, Water/Grocery Delivery
Post 14: Other Useful Information
Int Gateway, MK transport, refill mugs, food options, packages, fireworks, COFFEE, Will it fit?, rentals, bounceback, guest communications, How do I? and MORE!
Post 15: Be Our Guest list
Post 16: Photos, Video, Trip Reports & Links to Previously Closed Threads
Post 17: Community Page
Post 18: Historical Noodle Family Album
Post 19: Lily's Pad
If you see any information that needs to updated or changed, please PM or email me!
If you get an inbox full message - email is a good way to get in touch with me.
Thanks!!!
Dee (Natebenma)
beachclubdee@yahoo.com
Introduction to Disney's Beach Club and Yacht Club
A sandy white beach along Crescent Lake creates a feeling reminiscent of the lazy days of summer along the eastern seaboard. Relaxed yet luxurious, Disneys Beach Club Resort shares an array of amenities with its sister resort Disney's Yacht Club Resort just a few feet away a sandbottom pool, health club, full service marina and a beachfront promenade with direct access to Epcot as well as the unique shops and restaurants at Disneys BoardWalk entertainment district. Classic surroundings capture the essence of New England luxury at the upscale Yacht Club Resort. Its comfy chairs, hardwood floors and shafts of sunlight streaming into a welcoming lobby invite you to linger.
The Beach Club
Thanks pixeldust and siouxi31 or the lobby photos!
The Yacht Club
Thanks kldmom2000, heatherbelle and MickeyT for the Yacht Club photos!
The Beach Club and Yacht Club are similar resorts in terms of service and amenities, and have equal access to the shared pool complex, health club and video arcade. Both resorts have the same management team in place.
Some minor differences have been noted by guests:
Beach Club
Lighter, beachy decor in lobby and rooms
Lobby can be active and lively with families waiting for meals at Cape May
Closer to EPCOT and Marketplace Gift Shop
Approximately 50% of rooms in all room categories have full balconies. The remaining are standing balconies.
Yacht Club
Darker woods and nautical decor in lobby and rooms
Lobby is more serene
Convention attendees are more likely to be booked at YC
Closer to Hollywood Studios and Friendship Boats
Most rooms have a full balcony
Want more details about the differences between the two resorts? Check out this awesome blog post (November 2011) from The World of Deej:
The World of Deej: BC vs. YC
Pixarmom's comparison of BC and YC
Resort Map
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TRANSPORTATION
Motorcoach transportation is available to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
Water launch is available to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Boardwalk,and the Swan and Dolphin Resorts.
Each boat makes the full circuit.
EPCOT Int Gateway -> Boardwalk Inn -> Yacht & Beach Club (shared dock) -> Swan & Dolphin (shared dock) -> Disney Hollywood Studios
Disney Hollywood Studios-> Swan & Dolphin -> Yacht & Beach Club -> Boardwalk Inn -> EPCOT International Gateway
The Yacht & Beach Club boat dock was closed for refurbishment in March 2011 but is now open again.
Walking is also an option to DHS and Epcot!
The walk to Epcot takes about 5-10 minutes depending on your pace.
The walk to DHS will take you a little longer but it is a beautiful walk! The distance from the Beach Club to Hollywood Studios is a little over a mile.
Here's a suggested shortcut if you get to the Boardwalk from the Beach Club side: when you are at the Boardwalk Inn, just before the Wyland Galleries store, is a little opening that leads out to their Luna Park pool area, which you can use as a short cut for getting to the Hollywood Studios walkway and there will be a sign saying which way to go. This way you don't need to walk past the whole Boardwalk area.
Alternatively, you can access the path by walking all the way to the end of the Yacht Club and crossing the bridge there.
Here's a map created by Robo that explains the walking paths from DHS to Epcot, and places in between, illustrated in colorful detail:
Thanks, Robo, for permitting me to post this extremely helpful picture!
Here is one more map, showing the EPCOT Resort area and walking/running distances around Crescent Lake:
Taxi Cabs are readily available to guests and can be hailed by one of the valet CMs outside of the Yacht or Beach Club lobby front entrances, however...
If you are traveling directly from the Y&BC to MK, the Disney bus will take you directly to the front entrance of the park, but if you drive, or take a taxi cab, you must park/get out at the TTC and either use the express monorail or ferry boat to get to the park
Here is one website link to help you determine the estimated cabfare from point to point during your trip: Taxi Fare Finder
As with any Disney resort, travel to and from DTD can be torturous. We have not found the buses TO DTD to be all that bad but we HATE the buses that return from DTD to BC. The trip takes forever since the buses often stop at a water park, or change drivers, or make dropoffs at all of the EPCOT resorts, or all of the above. And the DTD return buses are always crowded. Always.
To avoid frustration, my family usually takes a boat to one of the DTD resorts, then a bus to EPCOT, where we enjoy a few attractions before returning to our BC room. It really breaks up the travel. Note: Park Hoppers required. I describe this method in great detail at the end of the FAQ post.
Alternatively, a taxi back to the BC would probably be around $20 including tip, and worth every penny!
IMHO, taking a taxi TO Typhoon Lagoon is also a good call, since the buses make DTD stops before going to the waterpark.
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Disney's Magical Express, phone: (866) 599-0951
Disney offers a complimentary bus service for resort guests to and from the Orlando airport (MCO). This should be scheduled in advance.
Arrival: Check in and buses to the resorts are located on the ground floor of Terminal B at MCO.
Departure: The ME will pick you up approximately three hours before scheduled departure of your flight; however, we believe that the ME picks up at BC at five minutes and 35 minutes after the hour - i.e. 1:05 and 1:35. You are instructed to be waiting outside at least ten minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time, as the motor coach can be early and will not wait. You can call ME to find out what time your family is scheduled.
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For really cool aerial views of the resort, check out this BING map application:
Aerial Map of Beach Club Resort
picture provided by littlewhiterabbit
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Stormalong Bay Pool and Flying Jib Slide
Stormlong Bay is a beachside water park that offers up 3 acres of aquatic fun for the whole family. Catch currents in an expansive sand-bottomed pool or a lazy circular river, explore the "Shipwreck" and slide down one of the highest hotel waterslides at Walt Disney World Resort, or simply lie on the elevated tanning deck and soak up the sun's golden rays. With 750,000 gallons of water comprising an impressive complex of pools that range from swirling to placid every member of your family can find a place to make a splash at Stormalong Bay. Guppy Bay Kiddie pool lets even the youngest of guests in on the fun.
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Thanks for the Jib Slide photo, Marlton Mom!
See more pictures and read more about this amazing pool complex in the next post!
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Want to see more???
Post 16: Photos, Video, Trip Reports & Links to Previously Closed Threads
Need to feed your fix for pix?
Link to Yacht Club, Beach Club and Beach Club Villa Photos~ Post All Your Photos!!!
Video: Inside Look at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, June 2013 Look for Teena at 1:14 in this video
Check out this YouTube video with a mini-tour of parts of the resort. Room depicted is in the Beach Club resort Video Tour
Got some time to kill? Here's a Bing Map of the resort and surrounding area- you can zoom in and out. Teena said she thought she saw her car in the parking lot!!!
Bing Map of YC/BC
THANK YOU to Joe Cool, a high school student who originally put together this FAQ thread and to Tete01830 for keeping it going.
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