To start things off I thought we'd go back to where we started-- a little DVC love.
During our most recent stay at Disney World we got to enjoy the Beach Club Villas for the very first time. We'd been wanting to stay there ever since we got upgraded to Yacht Club during a trip in 2008 (love the pool). Through some luck we were able to land a reservation the week after Labor Day.
During the stay we had a one-bedroom villa located on the 5th floor of the DVC area. The first thing we noticed though after we checked-in is we had no idea where the Villas were located. The Cast Member did not point us in any direction and there were no signs... Ah well, not a huge deal.
Once we got into our room we were very pleased. The layout was nice and you could tell the room was well maintained. We love the split bath tub/shower areas and the size of the bathroom area was great. Being AKV-ers though we were a little disappointed in the overall size of the living room area-- no way they can add a sleeper chair here.
Once settled in we checked the resort out some. While we did not use it, the quiet pool area by the DVC building was very nice. The lobby is beautiful and the quick service/marketplace are great. We also liked the proximity to the Yacht Club and the many dining options available.
During the stay we checked out Beaches & Cream. People rave about this place and overall the food was great, though it did not live up to the hype. Desert was good, but we did not experience the famous "Kitchen Sink" as we were pretty full.
On the transportation front... Convenience to Epcot was great with the back entrance to World Showcase. The boat to Hollywood Studios was also convenient, if you caught it at the right time. Buses do not get high marks for me-- you often share with some combination of Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin, which could make the trip to the parks take FOREVER.
Several times we worked in visits to Stormalong Bay-- which has to be the best pool at Disney World. Sand bottom with a zero entry area great for little kids. There is also a lazy river and water volleyball area great for older kids. The pool alone almost makes a stay at Beach Club worth it.
Overall Rating
Rooms are a little on the smaller side-- I think next time we will go for a two bedroom. There are also little deficiencies popping up from age, but staff was quick to address the problems. The bus system does not get a very high grade either.
But the convenience to Epcot is amazing, the pool is amazing, lots of dining and the resort is beautiful.
Overall I give this resort an 8.5 out of 10.
We have not stayed at the Villas but have stayed at the Beach Club twice and Yacht Club once. We love the property! We got upgraded to a Junior Suite on the Concierge Level once and it was lovely. I highly recommend upgrading to Concierge if you can. Continental Breakfast, snacks, appetizers, dessert, cordials are an amazing bonus in addition to itinerary planning and access to special tours. Storm Along Bay pool is off the hook. No pool hopping here! Being 6'6" it's nice to have a pool deep enough where I don't have to be on my knees. It's true the bus loop can take some time depending on where you are going, but it beats dealing with the TTC. Did you get any photos of inside the room?
ReplyDeleteStaying at the Yacht club on my last visit, the proximity to the Beach Club and the boardwalk was really good. I also enjoyed the facilities of the gym between the two hotels. The pool was also open 24 hours, so we managed to have a late night dip in the hot tub as well. I remember walking past the Beach Club and they were showing the Lion King outside with deck chairs....awesome. Tweeted and shared.
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