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This is something that only applies on property at WDW. All of the deluxe resorts on property (save OKW and SSR, which are DVC only) have doors that open onto interior corridors, while the values and mods have doors that open onto outdoor walkways like a motel. It's actually considered one of...

Just my opinion, but don't waste a FP on it if you prefer the rides. When we want to see Illuminations, we typically book an ADR at either Rose & Crown, Hacienda, or another of the restaurants that have a good view of the lagoon for a late dinner (7:30pm or so), and then enjoy the show in the...

We took our youngest at 14 months, and she's been every year since. My personal threshold would be once they are walking and able to interact with the characters, etc. I don't think I would want to take a small infant, but plenty of people do it. Taking a kid under 2 brings a whole different set...

I have to say the SB locations are a huge bonus for this WDW fan. "Outside businesses" don't bother me, as that has been a mainstay of the parks since they opened, but I do understand the reticence some have regarding large chains in the parks. I too was a bit worried when I first heard about...

Was just there 2 weeks ago and I think in this particular area the sand is just a bit deeper than in other areas. It's still only maybe 6"-8" deep at most. Hung out in that spot for a while with my 5yo watching the organized games, etc. but I don't remember feeling a quicksand sensation. I will...

That time in Sept should be very nice in terms of crowds, but fair warning - it will be hot/humid. If you aren't planning to rent a car, then you'll need to use a taxi, Mears shuttle, etc to get to Universal the first day. Otherwise, the Disney bus system will get you to the WDW parks and DTD. I...

We stayed in a theme park view club level room several years ago and it was great (mainly for the views). Not sure how it will work now with the Magic Bands, but back then you had to use your KTTW card in the elevator to access the club level floor. The food and drinks were a nice bonus, and...

Would love an update about the impact of the work - we are booked for end of May and have been a little worried about it. They told us the pool would be complete by then, which was our main concern. I'm not worried about a little noise during the day. Hopefully it's not a big deal!

Mardi gras week during Feb is typically fairly crowded - at least that has the been the case the past few years. Spring break can be even worse, and can be really bad depending on proximity to Easter. If your kids are young enough that taking them out of school won't hurt them academically - I'd...

At this point I don't think any room only discounts have been announced for the fall, but that is typically how we book our trips (thru Disney - either online on by calling directly). The rates you are seeing now via the Disney site are standard rack rates. The discounts are typically released...

From what I understand, most of the strength was obtained from the prestressing, and the post-tensioning was more to allow additional alignment, etc. See the link below from the company that designed them - it shows some conceptual images of the connections and beam forms, etc. This is...

One other thing to consider with BC, is that the resort is under renovation at the moment, and likely will be thru the summer(?) The site states that portions of SAB will be closed "thru the spring", and there may be noises in the buildings between 9am and 4pm during the week. We spoke to a CM...

Post-tensioned beams are not "unreinforced until they are tensioned." The tensioning causes "pre-loading" of compressive forces in the beam section's tension zones, thus increasing the overall bending strength of the beam over a long span. But the tensioning cables are not a form of...

I will echo what others have said and say either BC or AKL (with a nod to CR as well) - we have a 5yo daughter and will be staying at BC again in May. We have done the Contemporary, WL, AKL and BCV in the last few years, and there is a reason we are going back to BC. Epcot is our favorite park...

You can see pretty readily how many times the beams have been repaired over the years, though it's relatively small areas. On a structure that size, there will always be maintenance issues related to imperfections in the original construction, and normal wear and tear. All it takes is a single...

Shotcrete is an entirely different thing from cast-in-place or tilt-up, although my guess for the floating mountains would be something similar to the tree. Such a large, top-heavy structure would almost have to have a steel-framed core. This would be my guess as well. If it's anywhere near the...

It's fairly common on steel framed structures to wait until later in the process to pour the first floor slab on grade. Typically the steel framing supports all the floors and roof, and the perimeter (and interior) walls are non-load-bearing curtain walls that just in-fill between floors, so the...

One other thing to consider (we are planning to stay at BC again this May, but are considering YC now due to the renovations) is that there is no QS restaurant at YC. If you like to pick up a quick coffee or snack in the mornings, you'll have to go over to the BC Marketplace, or (my preference)...

We personally prefer BC, for the reasons listed above. YC is more formal (though it is also less crowded and quieter), and there are more business types at YC at times due to the conference center. Also, BC is *technically* closer to the IG entrance to Epcot, which is our favorite park. You may...

Glad to see this happening, although it may force us to rethink the upcoming stay there. The villas rooms in particular are in desperate need of an update. I don't expect the rooms to ever be worth the rack rates - no matter how extensive the upgrade, nor would I ever pay regular rack rates for...