2013/2014 Beach and Yacht FAQ, Fun & Friends ~ Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec & Jan ~

[laura428]

So I thought I'd post this as an update for anyone who was thinking they may like help with putting a package together to surprise someone in the room... pasting from the old thread:

BC IPO contacted me and gave me the number of the Marketplace directly.
They spoke to the managers and asked them to assist me with the baskets.

It's really no problem - just as easy to tell them what I need as IPO.

It seems that the managers no longer want the IPO cms to physically take the cc # out of the IPO office.

When I emailed IPO, I was told they could only work with Disney Florist. As much as I love my kiddos, I just cannot justify spending $200-400 per kid with what they charge. I asked if I could put together my own surprise packages and have them there when we check in. They said yes to the package delivery, but delivered only after we arrive (in case we switch rooms). So, my solution has been to put together my own Beach Club fun packages - each in a Disney beach bag (on clearance from the Disney Store site), a fun new beach towel (on clearance from Target), Mickey water bottles (also on clearance from Disney Store) and a few waterproof disposable cameras. Going to pick up a few beach toys and slip in some gift cards, and we'll be all set - about $40 per kid before the gift card (still figuring that one out).

The presentation won't be quite as polished as if I paid to have Disney Florist do it, but I'm thinking I'll have one box addressed to DS9 and one addressed to DD7, with the bags nestled inside with all kinds of fun paper and decorations.

What do you think? Any other ideas I'm not thinking of?

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Banana Bunny arrived today!!!

Hurray so glad all ended well!!

So I thought I'd post this as an update for anyone who was thinking they may like help with putting a package together to surprise someone in the room... pasting from the old thread:



When I emailed IPO, I was told they could only work with Disney Florist. As much as I love my kiddos, I just cannot justify spending $200-400 per kid with what they charge. I asked if I could put together my own surprise packages and have them there when we check in. They said yes to the package delivery, but delivered only after we arrive (in case we switch rooms). So, my solution has been to put together my own Beach Club fun packages - each in a Disney beach bag (on clearance from the Disney Store site), a fun new beach towel (on clearance from Target), Mickey water bottles (also on clearance from Disney Store) and a few waterproof disposable cameras. Going to pick up a few beach toys and slip in some gift cards, and we'll be all set - about $40 per kid before the gift card (still figuring that one out).

The presentation won't be quite as polished as if I paid to have Disney Florist do it, but I'm thinking I'll have one box addressed to DS9 and one addressed to DD7, with the bags nestled inside with all kinds of fun paper and decorations.

What do you think? Any other ideas I'm not thinking of?

Think these sound brilliant-only other thing I'd suggest would be either autograph books and pens or pins for trading (or both if you're feeling flush and kids would enjoy them).
Your kids will be so chuffed to receive gifts they wont notice whether they're from Disney florist or not

 

[DT83097]

Soooo excited we are in magical express right now!!!! Can't wait !

Yeah!! Have a great trip!

 

[CareHeartsDisney]

So I thought I'd post this as an update for anyone who was thinking they may like help with putting a package together to surprise someone in the room... pasting from the old thread:



When I emailed IPO, I was told they could only work with Disney Florist. As much as I love my kiddos, I just cannot justify spending $200-400 per kid with what they charge. I asked if I could put together my own surprise packages and have them there when we check in. They said yes to the package delivery, but delivered only after we arrive (in case we switch rooms). So, my solution has been to put together my own Beach Club fun packages - each in a Disney beach bag (on clearance from the Disney Store site), a fun new beach towel (on clearance from Target), Mickey water bottles (also on clearance from Disney Store) and a few waterproof disposable cameras. Going to pick up a few beach toys and slip in some gift cards, and we'll be all set - about $40 per kid before the gift card (still figuring that one out).

The presentation won't be quite as polished as if I paid to have Disney Florist do it, but I'm thinking I'll have one box addressed to DS9 and one addressed to DD7, with the bags nestled inside with all kinds of fun paper and decorations.

What do you think? Any other ideas I'm not thinking of?

Think these sound brilliant-only other thing I'd suggest would be either autograph books and pens or pins for trading (or both if you're feeling flush and kids would enjoy them).
Your kids will be so chuffed to receive gifts they wont notice whether they're from Disney florist or not

Your idea sounds great! You might also want to consider a new Disney tshirt. You could either buy one from the Disney Store, Walmart or Target, or make an iron on one using one of the great ones that are posted/personalized from the DisBoards.

 

[beebeeryan]

Checked in to YC and we were upgraded I think...looks like Garden View to me.

Eating at ESPN now then we hit SAB!

 

[ocalla]

Checked in to YC and we were upgraded I think...looks like Garden View to me.

Eating at ESPN now then we hit SAB!

I love upgrades!!!! Our first stay there was very close to where you are .

 

[Wood Nymph]

So I thought I'd post this as an update for anyone who was thinking they may like help with putting a package together to surprise someone in the room... pasting from the old thread:



When I emailed IPO, I was told they could only work with Disney Florist. As much as I love my kiddos, I just cannot justify spending $200-400 per kid with what they charge. I asked if I could put together my own surprise packages and have them there when we check in. They said yes to the package delivery, but delivered only after we arrive (in case we switch rooms). So, my solution has been to put together my own Beach Club fun packages - each in a Disney beach bag (on clearance from the Disney Store site), a fun new beach towel (on clearance from Target), Mickey water bottles (also on clearance from Disney Store) and a few waterproof disposable cameras. Going to pick up a few beach toys and slip in some gift cards, and we'll be all set - about $40 per kid before the gift card (still figuring that one out).

The presentation won't be quite as polished as if I paid to have Disney Florist do it, but I'm thinking I'll have one box addressed to DS9 and one addressed to DD7, with the bags nestled inside with all kinds of fun paper and decorations.

What do you think? Any other ideas I'm not thinking of?

Sounds like fun. You could have DH distract them for a little while so you can slip into the room to set it up before they see it.

I bought cheap glow in the dark wands and bracelets at home to give to our grandkids when we were there in February. They were a big hit and they had fun playing with the bracelets. They were happy with the less expensive glow toys I had bought, and didn't ask for the more expensive glow toys for sale in the parks. But then, they were only age 3 and 5. i bought them at the Dollar store and the 5 and Under store. I didn't give them all the toys the first night, though. I waited a couple nights until things had calmed down a bit.

It is fun to shop for Disney stuff for kids. I bet it will be a lot more fun to shop than to have someone else do it.

 

[Wood Nymph]

BUT I looked at the resort reservations details and noticed that in Room Category Type is listed "Garden View" and we booked Standard View. Do you think that means they upgraded us to a Garden View?

It would be nice...we'll be on the plane this time tomorrow!!

Checked in to YC and we were upgraded I think...looks like Garden View to me.

You got it!
That is really cool.

 

[JKSWonder]

Checked in to YC and we were upgraded I think...looks like Garden View to me.

Definitely looks that way, since I don't see a roof top or a parking lot in sight! Very nice.

We'll be joining you in WDW at the BC in just three days!

 

[Feckless]

Lovely day! DH, kids and other family headed to TL and I spent three hours getting bags packed and DME organized, and DS's giant gun shipped... The business centre in the Convention Centre was excellent. FYI for foreign residents, you will need your Visa card in order to ship internationally.

After that, I walked all the way around WS. It was SO HOT today! I got a GG slushie, sangria in Italy, a pecan chocolate pretzel in Germany... Finally rode the ride in Mexico and ultimately headed back to the room. Kids got bad sunburns... Heading out to WL to WCC for supper. Separating from the other family for supper, meeting up for FPs tonight - Splash, BTMR, parade and Wishes. DTD tomorrow!

 

[PNO4TE]

Banana Bunny arrived today!!!

Tan and relaxed, I assume...

 

[franc]

I thought that I'd just come on here and thank everyone for answering my Beach Club questions in the lead up to our holiday.

We we've just returned from 3 weeks in Florida and the first week was spent at the Beach Club. As expected it is absolutely stunning and the location is perfect. We did have a slight hiccup on check in. I had put in two requests, one for a full balcony and another for a daybed. I didn't expect to get both granted in high season, but there's no harm in trying. Anyway, the receptionist found our allocated room and excitedly announced that we had a daybed, but then said 'Oh but only a king', so no good for four of us. She then spent what seemed like ages on the phone trying to find us another room. We finally ended up with a room with no day bed, but we did get a big balcony (twice the size of our neighbours balconies) and our 'garden view' included a sideways view of the Swan & Dolphin across the lake.

We didn't like SAB which is a shame, but we have teenagers and they probably would have preferred it when they were younger. We did really like the quiet pool though and made good use of it.

 

[JanetMom]

Lovely day! DH, kids and other family headed to TL and I spent three hours getting bags packed and DME organized, and DS's giant gun shipped... The business centre in the Convention Centre was excellent. FYI for foreign residents, you will need your Visa card in order to ship internationally.

After that, I walked all the way around WS. It was SO HOT today! I got a GG slushie, sangria in Italy, a pecan chocolate pretzel in Germany... Finally rode the ride in Mexico and ultimately headed back to the room. Kids got bad sunburns... Heading out to WL to WCC for supper. Separating from the other family for supper, meeting up for FPs tonight - Splash, BTMR, parade and Wishes. DTD tomorrow!

Sounds like a perfect day!

 

[MickeyT]

We check into BCV in two weeks and received a letter yesterday about the removal of fridges in the rooms. Yet, the letter didn't actually state that our room won't have one. ??? Can anyone clue me in as to whether or not we will have a mini-fridge in our studio? Thank you!

Just had some time before heading off to the classroom. Wanted to confirm that yes, the refrigerators were all swapped out at Y&B.

The change out is complete in the Y&BC resorts. It did not affect BCV's

 

[VbChristy]

Okay- for all you AP people- What's the break even point for tickets vs an annual pass. We would have 3 trips in the next year. 2 trips would be 4 days of park usage, the final trip is an unknown length of time. Thanks!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Okay- for all you AP people- What's the break even point for tickets vs an annual pass. We would have 3 trips in the next year. 2 trips would be 4 days of park usage, the final trip is an unknown length of time. Thanks!

I have been considering getting an AP because we are planning two trips, one in December and one at the end of April. We would normally buy a six day park hopper for one of these trips. But because we are planning two trips, I think we will save something like $228 for two annual passes over buying two six day park hoppers.

ETA:
Okay, here is the price breakdown for one adult ticket purchased on the WDW website:

annual pass with tax - $648.59 which would be an average of $216.20 per trip

one four day ticket(without park hopper) = $297.14, if you bought one for each of your three trips, it would be $891.42.

Even if you bought four day tickets for two of your trips and a one day ticket for your third trip, you would still save money by getting an annual pass.

If you normally buy park hoppers, then you would save money with an annual pass even if you only took two four day trips. since a four day park hopper costs $359.97 and two of them would be $719.94.

We always buy park hoppers. It is almost required for a stay at an Epcot resort.

 

[mom_of_2]

We are all checked into BC. We have a sv CL room with a view of illuminations...we just got finished eating from our balcony. We overlook the lobby...very nice view for standard in my opinion. So far we are loving it. All of the cast members have been so nice and helpful. I do have to say even though everyone says the lounge is small I have to say I was shocked at just how small. Otherwise the lounge has been great. We are close enough we could bring food back to the room. Off to HS tomorrow!

 

[laura428]

Think these sound brilliant-only other thing I'd suggest would be either autograph books and pens or pins for trading (or both if you're feeling flush and kids would enjoy them).
Your kids will be so chuffed to receive gifts they wont notice whether they're from Disney florist or not

Your idea sounds great! You might also want to consider a new Disney tshirt. You could either buy one from the Disney Store, Walmart or Target, or make an iron on one using one of the great ones that are posted/personalized from the DisBoards.

I bought cheap glow in the dark wands and bracelets at home to give to our grandkids when we were there in February. They were a big hit and they had fun playing with the bracelets. They were happy with the less expensive glow toys I had bought, and didn't ask for the more expensive glow toys for sale in the parks. But then, they were only age 3 and 5. i bought them at the Dollar store and the 5 and Under store. I didn't give them all the toys the first night, though. I waited a couple nights until things had calmed down a bit.

It is fun to shop for Disney stuff for kids. I bet it will be a lot more fun to shop than to have someone else do it.

Love all of these ideas! And yes, it actually is more fun to shop Disney than have someone else do it. For the kids, or me.

 

[Couchy]

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How are you doing?

Feeling pretty good. I have to be careful at the soccer field and not demonstrate myself the things I want the girls to do. All in all, I am lucky and am recovering quickly

 

[YCFAN]

The greatest advantage to AP is the Tables in Wonderland card, 20% off food and alcohol. It saves us enough to be worth the AP even if we only do one trip per year.