Posts Tagged ‘Disney’s Beach Club Resort’

For 2011 Walt Disney World has announced a variety of changes to package inclusions and cancellation policies, room rates, and seasons; all of which we’ll be sharing over the next weeks.  One of the most interesting modifications is the addition of new room categories at a number of the resorts.  While this will allow guests to reserve guaranteed room locations and views, it means that preferences which previously could be requested will now come at a fixed additional cost.

Of note is the fact that particular views are perceived as having so much importance that in some instances, a standard room with a premium view costs more than a concierge-level room with a less-desirable view.

Here are some of the categories for Standard and Concierge rooms; keep in mind that Deluxe Resorts also offer a variety of Suites and Deluxe Rooms with prices that are determined by category rather than view:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: A new Arusha Savannah View is an addition to the previous Savannah View.  This pertains to non-concierge rooms only and includes an option for Arusha View with standard bed configuration and Arusha View Bunk Bed rooms.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort: Concierge rooms are now available in Standard, Garden, or Lagoon Views.  The Standard View is parking lot or rooftop, while the new Lagoon View guarantees a fifth-floor room with a Crescent Lake vista.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn: Regular rooms can have a Standard View of gardens, leisure pool or parking lot, or a Water View which looks out over the Boardwalk and Crescent Lake.  In concierge, all standard rooms will overlook a courtyard, leisure pool, or the Boardwalk.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort: The Standard and Garden Views in the Garden Wing, and the Bay Lake and Magic Kingdom Views for both Standard Tower and Atrium Club Concierge rooms have been retained for 2011.  The 14^th floor Tower Club is still priced according to room or suite type rather than view.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa: Regular rooms continue to be offered in Garden, Lagoon, and Theme Park Views, while the Standard Royal Palm Concierge rooms in the main building come with or without a guaranteed Theme Park View.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort: Garden, Lagoon, and Theme Park Views are offered in both Standard and Concierge rooms.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: No changes for 2011; Standard, Woods, and Courtyard views are still available for regular rooms, with hit-or-miss on the concierge floor.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: Same options as Disney’s Beach Club although overall, the Yacht Club views tend to be superior.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: Room types include Standard View and a Water View that can be either pool or lake, King-bed, Preferred location, and Pirate-themed rooms with either Standard or Water Views.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: This resort also features Standard and Water Views, King-bed and Preferred location rooms, as well as a range of suites.

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort: Standard and Water Views and a King-bed room are joined by the new River View category for 2011.

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort: In addition to King-bed and Preferred location, Standard View, and Water View which may be of the river or pool, room choices now include a guaranteed River View for an additional charge.  Trundle-bed rooms will always be assigned to parties of five since other room categories only accommodate a maximum of four guests.

Value Resorts: Both Standard and Preferred location categories remain for 2011 as well as the Family Suites at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort.

Your Whimsical World Travel Concierge is familiar with all the different room categories and views at each resort and will help you choose the perfect “room with a view” for your vacation.

VITAL STATISTICS

Name: Pluto

AKA: Rover, Pluto the Pup

Favorite Sayings:  “Bark!  Bark!”  “Grrrr”  “Sniff, sniff, sniff”

Memorable Quote: “Kiss me”

Awards: #1 in The Greatest Animated Pets of All Time

Qualifications: cheerful, loyal, fun

Facebook Friends:  Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Fifi, Dinah

CHARACTER COORDINATES

Remember, the appearance of a specific character is never guaranteed. Some of the locations below have regularly-scheduled appearances while others are occasional. Always check the Times Guides for the most up-to-date information, and be prepared for possible substitutions at character meals.

Meet and Greet

• EPCOT, Future World, Character Spot
• EPCOT, American Adventure
• Magic Kingdom, Town Square
• Magic Kingdom, Toontown Hall of Fame (subject to change)
• Magic Kingdom, Liberty Square
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Camp Minnie-Mickey
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dinoland entrance
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Oasis, main entrance
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Sorcerer’s Hat
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Mickey Avenue

Character Dining

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tusker House, Donald’s Safari Breakfast
• EPCOT, Garden Grill
• Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s
• Polynesian Resort, ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast
• Beach Club Resort, Cape May, Goofy’s Beach Club Breakfast
• Fort Wilderness, Mickey’s Backyard Barbeque Dinner Show

Shows

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic!

Parades

• Magic Kingdom, Celebrate a Dream Come True
• Magic Kingdom, Spectromagic
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade

Miscellaneous

• Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A., small bronze statue in the hub

They cruise the World Showcase Lagoon and ply the waterways of Crescent Lake, offering a welcome sight to park-weary guests emerging from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  They are Disney’s Friendships; eight boats that ferry their passengers between docks around the World Showcase Lagoon, and make the rounds of Disney’s Boardwalk, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs, the International Gateway at EPCOT, the Swan and Dolphin hotels, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Numbered from I to VIII, each Friendship sports its own distinctive trim colors.  Their design was inspired by European canal and river boats and while the seats may not be planned for comfort, the air-conditioning definitely is!  Generally both stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, adverse wind and water conditions may prevent roll-on boarding.  There will be a sign posted at the landing announcing any changes.

Two boats run routes in the World Showcase Lagoon, one between the landings at the Canada pavilion and the Morocco pavilion, the other making the trip from Mexico to Germany and back.  While not always a time-saver, taking the boat is a pleasant way to enjoy the surroundings and avoid part of the 1.3-mile trek around the lagoon.

It’s a relatively short walk from Disney’s Beach Club Resort to EPCOT; a slightly longer journey from Disney’s Yacht Club or Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas.   A longer walking path leads from the Boardwalk area to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.   Most guests, though, feel they get plenty of exercise during a visit to Walt Disney World and opt to hop a Friendship.  Boats travel between these parks,  stopping at the resorts that surround the lake and canal.

Service typically begins around 8:30 a.m. and runs until approximately one hour after park closings.  If you’re lucky, you may find yourself onboard with the birdman.  His pockets are always filled with treats and the birds seem to know he’s coming; flocking to the dock and approaching him when his boat arrives!

VITAL STATISTICS

Name: Goofy

AKA: Goofus D. Dawg; Dippy Dawg

Favorite Sayings: “Gawrsh!” “A-hyuck!”  “Well, whaddya know …”

Prized Possession: green hat

Qualifications: optimistic,  good-natured, kind

Facebook Friends:  Max, Mickey, Donald, Minnie, Pluto, Clarabelle

CHARACTER COORDINATES

Remember, the appearance of a specific character is never guaranteed. Some of the locations below have regularly-scheduled appearances while others are occasional. Always check the Times Guides for the most up-to-date information, and be prepared for possible substitutions at character meals.

Meet and Greet

• EPCOT, World Showcase, American Adventure
• EPCOT, International Gateway
• EPCOT, Future World, Character Spot
• Magic Kingdom, Town Square
• Magic Kingdom, Toontown Hall of Fame (subject to change)
• Magic Kingdom, Toontown Barnstormer (subject to change)
• Magic Kingdom, Frontierland
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Camp Minnie-Mickey
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dinoland U.S.A., Chester and Hester’s Dinorama
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Sorcerer’s Hat

Character Dining

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tusker House, Donald’s Safari Breakfast
• Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s
• Beach Club Resort, Cape May, Goofy’s Beach Club Breakfast
• Fort Wilderness, Mickey’s Backyard Barbeque Dinner Show

Attractions

• Magic Kingdom, Toontown, Goofy’s Barnstormer (subject to change)

Shows

• Magic Kingdom, Castle Forecourt Stage, Dream-Along with Mickey
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic!

Parades

• Magic Kingdom, Celebrate a Dream Come True
• Magic Kingdom, Spectromagic
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade

Miscellaneous

• Magic Kingdom, Town Square, photo op with statue sitting on a bench

Break out the board shorts and head to the Beach!  The colorful Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is the place to be for a fun-filled breakfast or seafood dinner.

Between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., enjoy Goofy’s Beach Club Breakfast Buffet with Goofy, Minnie, and Donald.  Dressed for the shore in vibrant swimwear, the stylish trio is on hand for autographs and photos while diners pile their plates high with those great Mickey waffles.

Because this restaurant has fewer seats than many other character-dining venues, guests can generally expect exceptional character interaction during the meal. Although it’s convenient for those staying at Boardwalk-area resorts, visitors from other resorts should opt for a late-morning reservation or plan on taking a taxi to Disney’s Beach Club.

Near the attractive seating area a sign announces Clambake Tonight!, and from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Cape May Café serves up seafood, buffet style, with an extensive menu that includes clam chowder, mussels, crab legs, fish, shrimp, and of course, clams.  There are plenty of choices for meat-lovers, kids, and vegetarians, and everyone will love the dessert bar.

Review: The relaxed, less-hectic atmosphere of the breakfast buffet at Cape May Café is in stark contrast to the usual noisy and frenetic experience that tends to define character dining, making this one of our favorites.  There’s the usual selection of fruit, pastries, breakfast meats, eggs, cereals, and a variety of side dishes.  It’s not unusual to have several opportunities to visit with the characters during your meal.

The clambake enjoys mixed reviews, some guests finding it outstanding, others complaining about the quality of the seafood.  As New Englanders, we are probably more demanding than most, but we think it’s important to remember that this is a buffet, with all the limitations inherent in this type of presentation.  It’s not to be expected that the food will arrive at the table in same state as if it were cooked to order.  All in all, the Cape May Café is a great choice for a light-hearted breakfast or a satisfying evening meal.

Cape May Café

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Breakfast  7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Dinner 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

#5 A Concierge Stay

Comparable to “club” in other deluxe hotels, and referred to as “concierge” for many years, this represents the elite level of accommodations at Disney resorts.  Having recently installed “concierge” desks in the lobbies of all the resorts to assist hotel guests, Disney is struggling with the nomenclature to set this service apart.  They have given names to all the concierge lounges and are attempting to make the transition from “concierge” to “club,” as in  Old Faithful Club at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.  Nonetheless, most guests still think of these rooms as concierge.  In each deluxe resort, most suites and a certain number of single rooms are designated concierge.  They may be located on certain floors, keyed sections of floors, or in specific buildings, and suites may be found throughout the properties, but they all share access to the concierge perks.

Those booking club-level rooms can anticipate certain extras:  food and beverage offerings several times each day in a private lounge area; separate check-in procedures; a dedicated concierge staff to assist with information, reservations, and myriad special requests.  Concierge guests may also take advantage of the pre-trip planning services available from the Itinerary Planning Office. An itinerary questionnaire is generally mailed a month or so before arrival.  They can be contacted by e-mail, phone or fax as soon as you have a confirmed reservation.

Although Disney is renowned for customer service, you can expect that to be taken to another level when you arrive as a concierge guest.  It is pampering, indulgent, and delightful.  All the lounges are extremely child-friendly and feature small furnishings, a separate television, and special food items especially for kids.  A family vacation at Walt Disney World is very demanding, and having the resources of concierge can be priceless.

Expect the benefits to be emotional rather than fiscal.  After a tiring arrival day, when most guests still face a wait in line to check in, concierge guests are greeted and whisked away to comfortable chairs and cool drinks, or sometimes escorted directly to their rooms, for a relaxed and hassle-free registration.  The push of a button from a room telephone will connect to a member of the concierge staff who will try his best to obtain tickets to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party, book a last-minute dining reservation, or give advice about park-closing hours or ordering a floral arrangement for a room.  Grabbing breakfast in the morning rather than spending the time in a restaurant offers the opportunity for the early start that’s so important in the parks.

Interestingly, each resort brings its own unique style to the concierge floor, and there are differences in service, food and beverages, extra amenities, and attitude.  Two resorts, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, have two different club levels and uninformed guests are sometimes disappointed upon arrival.  Your Whimsical World Travel Concierge is familiar with each and every program and can offer guidance in choosing the best one for your party.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Villas probably boasts more wonderful seating areas than any other property at Walt Disney World.  In addition to several welcoming seats in the lobby, including sofas and footstools by the windows, quirky Porter’s chairs, and colorful painted benches, guests can retreat to the beautiful Solarium, the sunny Breezeway, and the Drawing Room.

Just off the small lobby at Disney’s Beach Club Villas, the Drawing Room sits behind French doors, giving it a private and cozy feel.  The painted furniture and seafoam walls lend a beach-cottage ambience.  There are several conversation groupings and a cluster of comfy seats in front of a television.  It’s a nice spot for a small get-together but is often deserted and peaceful – the perfect place for a quiet break from a busy Disney day!

Photo by Candis Davis

With the lure and excitement of the theme parks, it’s easy to forget that the Walt Disney World resort hotels are, in and of themselves, vacation destinations.  Guests can step outside their room to view an African savannah at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or lose themselves in the tropics at Disney’s Polynesian Resort; escape to the piney woods at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or frolic on the sandy beaches of Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs.  The color and fun of Mardi Gras, the tranquil beauty of the American Southwest, the Caribbean, even Andy’s Room:  with such wide range of styles, settings and décor, there’s something to suit every taste.  Although each has its own ambience, they all include the hallmark of the Disney experience – outstanding service.

Disney resorts fall into four “categories” – Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa.  While each property is unique, those sharing the same category will have many similar characteristics.

The Value resorts typically reflect the lowest prices of the four categories.  We say “typically” because sometimes a special offer can result in a normally higher-priced category costing less.  Your travel concierge will always be on the lookout for the best value during your vacation dates.

The standard room at a Value resort has the smallest square-footage with two double beds and exterior corridors.  The resorts themselves are very large and spread out with attractive, albeit basic, landscaping and a nice pool but one without a slide or extensive theming.  All four have amazing oversized structures around the property which highlight elements of the resort’s specific theme.  So, you’ll find giant memorabilia from the different decades at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, or enormous characters from the movies at Disney’s All Star Movies Resort.

Since there are no table-service restaurants at the Value resorts, the food courts are particularly expansive with many more options than those found elsewhere.  Bus service is available to all destinations within the Walt Disney World complex.

Moderate resorts, a bit more expensive, feature slightly larger rooms although they do retain the exterior corridors.  There are both “theme” and “quiet” pools, and the lovely grounds are an outstanding feature.  Perhaps because, unlike the Deluxe Resorts, they are not built on the limited land closer to the parks, the Moderate resorts boast extravagant landscaping, arguably more beautiful than any other resort category.  With the exception of Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, the Moderate resorts are enormous and very spread out over the spectacular landscapes.  Plantings, design elements, and architecture are all chosen to enhance the sense that guests have truly escaped to the bayou, the desert, the Caribbean, or New Orleans.

Some Moderate resorts feature a table-service restaurant, and two have boat service to Downtown Disney, but otherwise, bus transportation is provided.

At the Deluxe Resorts, expect extensive theming and extraordinary public spaces with imaginative touches at every turn.  There are generally numerous activities and amenities coupled with at least one exceptional dining venue.

The standard rooms are the largest, although they do vary in size from one property to another, generally have two queen-sized beds and often include a daybed, as well.   Interior hallways give these resorts more of a “hotel” atmosphere and large lobbies and seating areas are invitations to linger.  All except Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge have multiple transportation options which may include bus, boat, monorail, and pedestrian walkways to other locations.  Bell services and room service are more comprehensive.  The grounds are meticulously groomed and the theme pools are especially elaborate.  Most also feature a lovely “quiet” pool.

Deluxe resorts also offer suites and concierge or club-level accommodations making them the most luxurious of the Disney properties.

Deluxe Villa resort accommodations are rooms allocated to retail sales from the Disney Vacation Club properties.   Room configurations include studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, and three-bedroom Grand Villas.  The studio is somewhat comparable to a standard deluxe-property room with the addition of a small kitchenette.  The other units include a full kitchen, washer and dryer, two- or three-room master bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and walk-in showers, and plentiful storage.  The Grand Villas add a dining room for family dinners and are wonderfully spacious.

Several of the Deluxe Villa properties are connected to existing hotels: Disney’s Boardwalk, Disney’s Beach Club, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.  Guests staying in these villas have full access to all the amenities of their sister hotel including the themed pools.  Disney’s Old Key West and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa are dedicated villa properties without any standard hotel space connected.

Of course, each Walt Disney World Resort hotel has features that are uniquely theirs!  Your travel concierge will be happy to provide in-depth information about each resort to assist you in making the perfect choice.

She’s a beautiful sight skimming across the water of Crescent Lake, her spray sparkling in the Florida sun.  The wonderful Breathless II, a reproduction of a Chris-Craft mahogany runabout, circa 1930, is docked at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club marina waiting to make memories for some fortunate guests.

While there are a number of specialty boating experiences available at the Walt Disney World Resort, the Breathless II offers a uniquely exhilarating ride.  Up to seven passengers have an opportunity to fly through the water at speeds of more than sixty miles per hour.

An onboard CD player adds musical ambiance as guests cruise the lake and the canal to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and travel close to the World Showcase Lagoon, enjoying close-up views from a new perspective.  Fun details include an easel at the water’s edge with a painting of the International Gateway.

Named for the Dick Tracy character Breathless Mahoney, the Breathless II is available for half-hour and hour-long daytime outings as well as Illuminations cruises at night.  Embarkation can be arranged from Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, or Disney’s Boardwalk.

Due to its small size, food options for the cruise are limited, but guests looking for a romantic add-on can order champagne and strawberries. Newlyweds searching for an unusual photo opportunity might consider flying a “Just Married” flag during their wedding-day cruise!