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What
are the Beach Club Villas (BCV)?
The Beach Club Villas
are the 4th Disney Vacation Club resort
to be built at Walt Disney World. The 205 unit resort was announced
in May 2000 and opened to guests on July 1, 2002. They are located
next to the Beach Club on six acres of land.
The five-story Beach Club
Villas have been designed by architect Robert Stern reflecting
the whimsical architecture of oceanfront homes built in the early
20th century in Cape May, N.J.
The resort consists of studio,
one and two bedroom villas. All units feature either a garden
or pool view. The resort have pastel colors and wooden porches.
The Villas share many of the
facilities of the already established Beach Club resort including
the valet, bell services front desk and guest services.
Ariel (a statue) greets guests
as you walk across the Courtyard.
The Drawing Room is a
wonderful sitting room right off the lobby featuring photographs.
The Breezeway is located
between the Disney Vacation Club Kiosk and the Dunes Cove Pool. It
features a vaulted ceiling and library shelves. It's a wonderful place
to sit and relax and showcases photographs, prints, oil paintings
and seaside artifacts.
The Solarium is off the
Beach Club Lobby and offers a comfortable waiting area before check-in
or your Disney cruise.
- What's the difference between
the Beach Club Villas and the Beach Club?
Disney's Beach Club
Villas are a timeshare resort that belongs to the Disney Vacation
Club and are considered a "Home Away From Home" resort.
Disney's Beach Club (BC) is a Disney hotel in the "Deluxe
Resort" category.
Can I rent rooms in the Beach
Club Villas or do I have to be a member of Disney's Vacation Club (DVC)?
As with all the Disney Vacation
Club resorts on property, anyone can rent rooms or suites at the
Beach Club Villas, subject to availability. You do NOT have
to be a member of the DVC.
Where are the Beach Club Villas
located?
The Beach Club Villas
are located in the Epcot resort area adjacent to the Beach
and Yacht Club.
What are the different room
options?
There are Villas
that include Studios, 1 and 2 Bedroom Villas.
The Studio Villas come
with one queen-size bed and a double sleeper sofa. Four adults plus
one child under age three in a crib can be accommodated. There is
a wet bar with under-counter refrigerator, microwave oven and coffeemaker,
ceiling fan, color cable television, and private balcony (or porch
if you are on the first floor).
The One-Bedroom Villas
have a master suite, living room, fully equipped kitchen, and private
porch or balcony. Accommodates four adults plus one child under age
three in a crib. The Master suite has a king-size bed and private
bath with a whirlpool tub. There is a Fully equipped kitchen, ceiling
fans in living room and bedroom, stack-style washer and dryer, color
cable television with DVD player in living room and color television
in each bedroom, queen-size sleeper sofa in living room and a private
balcony or porch. One sink is located next to the whirlpool tub. The
2nd sink is located in the room with the shower. The toilet is also
in this room, but has a door which can be closed. The Master closet
has a small safe for valuables.
The Two-Bedroom Villas
provide an additional bedroom with a private bath, one queen-size
bed, and a double sleeper sofa. The 2 Bedroom villas accommodate eight
adults plus one child under age three in a crib. The Master suite
has a king-size bed and private bath with a whirlpool tub. There is
a Fully equipped kitchen, ceiling fans in living room and each bedroom,
stack-style washer and dryer, color cable television with DVD player
in living room and color television in each bedroom, queen-size sleeper
sofa in living room and a private balcony or porch. Some of the Two-Bedroom
Villas are dedicated (entities unto themselves) and some are "lockouts"
meaning a one-bedroom and a studio are combined for a two-bedroom.
Where do I check in?
- You check in at the Front Desk in
the lobby of the Beach Club.
What are the room prices?
Below is a table of room rates. Annual
Pass holders can sometimes get discounts on rooms, depending
on season and availability. January and September are good months
to try for discounts. Tax is not included in the prices.
2008
RATES
(Resort Tax Not Included)
| Room
Type |
|
Value
1/1-2/13
7/20-10/1
11/30-12/18
|
|
Regular
3/30-7/19
10/2-11/29 |
|
Peak
2/14-3/29 |
|
Holiday
12/19 - 12/31 |
| |
|
Studio
|
|
$325 |
|
$370 |
|
$440 |
|
$490 |
| |
|
1BR Villa
|
|
$435
|
|
$495 |
|
$575 |
|
$645 |
| |
|
2BR Villa
|
|
$610
|
|
$795 |
|
$1005 |
|
$1140 |
| |
What
time is Check-In/Check-out?
Check-In for the Villas
is 4:00 pm and Check-out is 11:00 am. You will be allowed to check
in earlier if your room is ready when you arrive, but based on my
experience with other Disney Vacation Club resorts, don't count on
it! If your room is not ready, you can leave your bags with Bell Services
and go off exploring. You also are given a phone number to call and
check if your room is ready (before going all the way back to the
resort to find out it's not).
How do
I Get to Epcot?
One of the best reasons for
staying at the Beach Club Villas is that you are just a short
walk from Epcot! You can exit the lobby (lake side ) and head
left. You're about 5-10 minutes along the river stream to the International
Gateway. As you approach the turnstiles, you'll see the tram area
which was used after the hotel opened to transport guests to the BC/YC
and the S/D until the Boardwalk construction began.
When you enter the gates, you are in the World Showcase, France
is over to your right and the United Kingdom is in front
to the left.
There is also a boat that provides
service for the Boardwalk and the BC/YC and Swan and Dolphin ...however
this loop could take up to 20 minutes and often the walk is much quicker.
Epcot boats are on the left side of the dock when facing the water
(you don't need to remember that - there are signs.)
If Epcot's World Showcase
doesn't open as early as Future World does and I can only enter Epcot
through World Showcase, how do I get to Future World?
The turnstiles at the International
Gateway are open for Epcot resort guests. Once inside the
park gates, turn left to walk to Future World. The closed area
of World Showcase is roped off and there is a Cast Member there to
guide you if you have questions. This is also a great time to photograph
the United Kingdom and Canada pavilions since there is very little
traffic.
You may also travel to Epcot
via water craft. On the lake side of the YC/BC/V is the transportation
boat dock. Here you can board the boat that will take you to the Disney's Hollywood Studios as well as Epcot. Note that this boat makes
additional stops for guests at the Boardwalk resort and Swan
and Dolphin.
How do I get Everywhere
Else?
Magic Kingdom - Exiting
the front lobby (parking lot side), turn left to go to the Bus
Depot . You can take a bus directly to the Magic Kingdom from
here. Bus also stops at the Yacht Club and Boardwalk Resorts.
Animal Kingdom - There
is bus service from BCV to AK. The AK bus *does* stop at the Swan
and Dolphin, in addition to YC, BC/V, and BW. Don't be surprised if
you bus to/from the Animal Kingdom also makes a stop at the Blizzard
Beach water park.
Pleasure Island/Downtown
Disney and for the Water Parks - Go to the Bus Depot
for transportation. Busses will say Downtown Disney and
also stop at Pleasure Island. The same bus that goes to Downtown Disney
may very well take you to Typhoon Lagoon. Some trips were non stop
and some went via PI/DD. There is a separate bus for Blizzard Beach.
Buses also travel to the Yacht Club and Boardwalk.
Disney's Hollywood Studios -
On the Waterside of the YC/BC/V is the transportation boat
dock. Here you can board the boat that will take you to Disney's Hollywood Studios as well as Epcot. Note that this boat makes
additional stops for guests at the Boardwalk resort and Swan
and Dolphin. You can also walk to Disney's Hollywood Studios via the
walkway behind the Boardwalk Villas.
Note that the hotel bus service
route include stops at the Boardwalk and Yacht Club and then
Beach Club. Some Bus runs include stops at the Swan and Dolphin
others do not. The water routes include one stop for the Yacht
and Beach Club Marina, the Boardwalk, and the Swan and
Dolphin.
If you are already in Epcot,
you can go to the monorail by exiting through Future World and
take the monorail to TTC. From there you can go to the Magic
Kingdom or any of the hotels. If you are coming from the Magic
Kingdom, you can take the monorail to Epcot, walk through
Future World into World Showcase (on the right or Canada
side) and proceed to the BC/YC.
Can I watch IllumiNations
or Fireworks from the BCV?
A few
of the BCV rooms on the fifth floor face Epcot's World Showcase.
These rooms do have an obstructive view of IllumiNations (only
the high fireworks).
You can sit on the Beach and
see the high Fireworks from IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.
With the addition of the bridge to the Boardwalk, there is
another good viewing area for the IllumiNations Reflections of
Earth Fireworks. You can also see the fireworks from Disney's Hollywood
Studios. Walk over the to Boardwalk and stand near the
BWalk Fries vendor cart and you can see the fireworks from MK too!
Another option is to rent a
Pontoon Boat for
an Illuminations Cruise
. This does cost $$$.
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What
are the restaurants like?
The BC
resort area has quite a variety of restaurants to fit
your dining needs:
Beaches
and Cream is a '50s-type shop serving burgers, hot dogs,
soups, grilled cheese, and of course ice cream. It is small and
noisy but fun. There is also "To Go" line and most menu
items can be carried out. There are a few small tables and chairs
outside Beaches and Cream you can also sit at. Don't be surprised
to encounter waits for a seat inside. You will be given a pager.
Do check, though, because seating is sometimes available at the
counter.
The Cape
May Cafe hosts a daily character breakfast buffet (7:30
- 11:00) featuring Beachy Goofy and his friends. In the evening,
the Cafe hosts a Sea Lovers buffet known as the Clam
Bake! No characters are at dinner.
Beach
Club Marketplace - Opened April 2005 and offers quick service
foods, some made to order, and homemade gelato!
There are
also 2 lounges, the Rip Tide and Martha's Vineyard.
Martha's is open evenings only. In the morning, you can slip
over to the Rip Tide for complimentary coffee. (Note that sometimes
the Rip Tide Lounge is used for overflow seating for the neighboring
Cape May Cafe.)
Hurricane
Hanna's - is a poolside full service bar which also serves food
(burgers, hot-dogs, etc.,). Hurricane Hanna's offers the
only refillable mug program at the BC/YC complex. You purchase a
mug and have it filled with a beverage (frozen alcoholic or nonalcoholic);
refills are the same price as everyone else pays but you get 4 ounces
more liquid.
Room Service
is available for Beach Club Villa guests.
Less than
a 2 minute walk away is the Yachtsman
Steakhouse at the Yacht Club. The Captain's Grille
(was known as the Yacht Club Galley) is open for breakfast,
lunch, and dinner. The Yacht Club also has the Ale and
Compass Lounge where you can get alcoholic beverages during
the day. Within walking distance are the Dolphin/Swan, Boardwalk
and all the Epcot restaurants.
Are
refillable mugs available at the Beach Club Villas?
Yes!
Beaches and Cream sells a Length of Stay refillable
mug. You can get it refilled with coffee or soda at the following
locations: Beaches and Cream, Beach Club Marketplace, Hurricane
Hanna's, Martha's Vineyard, Rip Tide, and the Ale and Compass.
What
is the pool like?
-
The
Beach Club Villas have their own quiet pool called Dunes
Cove, complete with a heated spa and a pool building with lockers
and restrooms. The quiet
pool has it's own supply of towels but no lifeguard. You
also have access to Stormalong Bay, a three-acre mini water
park featuring a "ship-wreck" water slide, hot tubs, and
whirlpools.
Is Stormalong
Bay as great as everyone says?
It sure is! Where else can
you bask in the warm sun in such beautiful surroundings and still
have SAND in the bottom of the pool.
There are actually several
sections to the pool; the BC and YC sections are separate
and different so be sure to try both. There is a deep circular area
with jets that push you like a river current around the pool. There
is also the larger area where the the water slide empties out. The
water slide is not to be missed but sometimes the line gets long.
In addition, the *sinking sand* area delights both kids and adults.
There are several 'hot tubs' located in secluded locations around
Stormalong Bay . A separate wading pool area (yes with sand)
is located near the ShipWreck water slide entrance for small children
and includes a kids water slide. StormAlong Bay is over 3 acres large.
During 1997, a white fence
was built to surround the StormAlong Bay complex. This was
done due to the large amount of non-resort guests that were using
the pool. Access to the Pool area is now extremely limited; one entrance
is just outside Martha's Vineyard; one entrance at the Yacht
Club ; and one entrance near Hurricane Hanna's. To visit
Hurricane Hanna's you must carry your resort ID with you in
order to return to the pool area. Each person in the party does not
need their ID to enter (if you all enter together) but keep in mind
you need the ID if you exit and reenter the Pool area! You do get
stamped upon entering.
There is a beach shack which
rents tubes and noodles, suntan lotion, film and you can get your
towels here (towels are free, the other items are not).
For those on your first or
last day at the Beach Club Villas, there is a restroom next to Beaches
and Creams where you can change into bathing suits. You just have
to make sure that you have already been given your your Resort ID
at the front desk.
While the quiet pool is open
24 hours/day, StormAlong Bay has seasonal hours.
What
types of recreational options do I have?
Be sure to request the Recreational Activities flyer. There
may be activities like Water Volleyball, Campfire Sing-along, or Movie
Under the Stars.
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Bayside
Marina: boat rentals for enjoyment of the waterways; bicycles
and recreation equipment for rent; tennis court, volleyball, and croquet.
Please note: Bayside Marina is located on Crescent Lake in front of
Disney's Yacht Club Resort, just a short walk from Disney's Beach
Club Villas.
Ship Shape Health Club: a state-of-the-art fitness facility
with equipment for complete circuit and free-weight training.
Beach Club resort guests (age 14 and older) can use the fitness center
at no additional charge for the duration of their stay. A
parent or legal guardian must accompany children under 17. In addition,
Disney Vacation Club members will be allowed to use the fitness center
at any Disney Vacation Club resort, as long as they are staying at
a Walt Disney World resort. Guests of other Disney resorts may do
so for $12 per day, based on availability. The purchase of a spa treatment
includes use of the adjacent fitness center for the day of treatment.
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Jogging
- Jogging route maps are available from Guest Services or
the Ship Shape Health Club.
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Volleyball
- a sand court is located on the Beach Club water side
of the complex. Equipment use is complimentary for BC/V & YC
guests and may be obtained at the StormAlong Bay Towel Window.
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Lafferty
Place Arcade - is located next to the Beaches and Cream Soda
Shop.
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Tennis
Courts - 2 lit, hard surface courts are available complimentary
to BC/YC guests. The courts are on the Beach Club side
and are open from 7am to 10pm daily. Complimentary equipment rental
for BC/V & YC guests are available at the StormAlong
Bay Towel Window.
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What type
of child care options are available?
-
The Beach
Club's Sandcastle Club provides evening supervised childcare and
in-room baby-sitting for all ages - additional fee required. See the
Child Care FAQ for more information.
What
is the gift shop like?
The Beach Club Marketplace
is off the main Beach Club lobby next to the elevators. Here you
will find Logo merchandise for the Disney Vacation Club, Beach Club
and WDW as well as swimwear and resort wear (not cheap!), books, sundries,
suncare, candy, some snacks and same day film processing. The Yacht
Club also has the Fittings and Fairings Clothes and Notions
store located off its main lobby. If you still can't find what
you are looking for check the Swan and Dolphin and Boardwalk
stores.
Is there
someplace to get a hair cut?
Yes, Periwig's is located
next to Ship Shape Health Club between the Yacht and Beach
Clubs . It is open Monday through Saturday from 9-6 and Sundays
from 10-6.
What other
things might I want to know?
While you can relax on the
beach of Crescent Lake, you are not allowed to swim in it.
On the water side of the BCV
on the public walkway, you will find a portable espresso and frozen
drink bar as well as tattoos and hair braiding booths.
Several days a week at around
6 AM (for all those early risers who can't get out of the habit on
vacation) I enjoyed watching scuba divers comb the sand in the bottom
of stormalong bay for lost items. Not a real exciting pastime, but
an interesting thing to do while waiting for the rest of the family
to wake up. (Gretchen)
Ask about
the Scavenger Hunt (Disney Trivia) at Guest Services.
The Bayside
Marina near the Yacht Club also offers a special Albatross
Treasure Cruise for children ages 4-10. Click HERE
for more details.
If you can fit it into your
schedule, do take the monorail Epcot - TTC loop so that you
can see the sites...(especially at night, the lights are really pretty.)
The Atlantic Wear and Wardrobe
Emporium and the Yacht Club's Store offer storytellers
on Tuesdays. The Beach Club time is 7-8pm and the Yacht Club is 8-9
pm.
How do
I get to the Beach Club Villas?
Take I-4 to Exit 67. Follow
signs to Epcot Resorts/Disney's Hollywood Studios. Turn right at the 5th traffic
signal (Epcot Resorts Blvd) and Disney's Beach Club will be about
1 mile on the right. Due to construction at the WDW resort, directions
may change. Be sure to follow road signs.
The Beach Club Villas
are located at 1800 Epcot Resorts Blvd. Lake Buena Vista, FLA 32830.
Main number is 407-934-8000 and the Fax - 407-934-3850.
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