Questions from a Disney novice

[TaraA-225]

Hi, All -

I'm planning a solo trip to Disney for the first week of April. I haven't been to Disney since 2005, and I have a few questions for more experienced Disney goers:

1. If you had to choose between Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk Inn, which do you prefer? [Note: I'm playing around with my travel dates, so the cost of each end up being close to the same just for different days.] I'm leaning toward Yacht Club.

2. Am I correct in reading that only Yacht Club and Beach Club can access Stormalong Bay?

3. From the map, it looks like you could walk over to Epcot from these resorts. Is that accurate, or does it just look closer on the map?

4. I want to go to Universal one day for the Harry Potter theme park. If you have done this while staying on a Disney resort, how did you travel to Universal? (Taxi, Uber, rental car, etc.) Was it fairly easy?

5. I'm planning to fly Frontier to Orlando. To use the Magic Express will I first have to get my baggage? I feel like in 2005 I didn't, but that was 11 years ago and I think I flew Southwest.

6. Finally, and sorry for so many questions, I plan to go to a park the day I arrive--Epcot. I get in at 11:30-ish. I know my room won't be available. Do you know if they'll hold and deliver your luggage to your room if you want to go to a park?

Thank you for you help!

Tara

 

[Tony the Tigger]

The only things I can answer with certainty is yes, you can easily walk to Epcot from those hotels - and there is a chance your hotel will be ready that early, especially since it will not be high season.

 

[mouse_luv]

Hi, All -

I'm planning a solo trip to Disney for the first week of April. I haven't been to Disney since 2005, and I have a few questions for more experienced Disney goers:

1. If you had to choose between Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk Inn, which do you prefer? [Note: I'm playing around with my travel dates, so the cost of each end up being close to the same just for different days.] I'm leaning toward Yacht Club.

2. Am I correct in reading that only Yacht Club and Beach Club can access Stormalong Bay?

3. From the map, it looks like you could walk over to Epcot from these resorts. Is that accurate, or does it just look closer on the map?

4. I want to go to Universal one day for the Harry Potter theme park. If you have done this while staying on a Disney resort, how did you travel to Universal? (Taxi, Uber, rental car, etc.) Was it fairly easy?

5. I'm planning to fly Frontier to Orlando. To use the Magic Express will I first have to get my baggage? I feel like in 2005 I didn't, but that was 11 years ago and I think I flew Southwest.

6. Finally, and sorry for so many questions, I plan to go to a park the day I arrive--Epcot. I get in at 11:30-ish. I know my room won't be available. Do you know if they'll hold and deliver your luggage to your room if you want to go to a park?

Thank you for you help!

Tara

1. Yacht Club would be my first choice of those if I was paying OOP, but Boardwalk and Beach Club would follow in that order.

2. Stormalong Bay is only for those staying at the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts.

3. Yes. It's about a ten min walk to EPCOT, and a 10-15 Min walk to DHS from there.

4. No idea.

5. No, it is sent to the resort.

6. Yes they will, and there is a chance depending on when you are going that your room will be ready at 1130. This is rare but it has happened to me.

Have fun!!

 

[Kate Alan]

1. If you had to choose between Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk Inn, which do you prefer? [Note: I'm playing around with my travel dates, so the cost of each end up being close to the same just for different days.] I'm leaning toward Yacht Club.

I've stayed in both the Yacht and Beach Club and for a solo trip I'd probably choose Yacht Club as well. It tends to be quieter in comparison to the Beach Club. Haven't stayed in the Boardwalk yet. All are great choices though.

2. Am I correct in reading that only Yacht Club and Beach Club can access Stormalong Bay?

Yes.

3. From the map, it looks like you could walk over to Epcot from these resorts. Is that accurate, or does it just look closer on the map?

Yes, you can walk to Epcot from any of the Boardwalk resorts. If you enter the park that way, you will enter Epcot through the International Gateway entrance, which puts you between the United Kingdom and France pavilions in the World Showcase.

4. I want to go to Universal one day for the Harry Potter theme park. If you have done this while staying on a Disney resort, how did you travel to Universal? (Taxi, Uber, rental car, etc.) Was it fairly easy?

I've done rental cars to Universal, and will be using Uber for my upcoming trip at the end of the month. It's not a bad drive - basically a straight shot up I-4. If you are planning on staying on Disney property for the entirety of your trip and won't need a car for any other reason, go with Uber or a taxi. It's reasonably priced and no hassle.

5. I'm planning to fly Frontier to Orlando. To use the Magic Express will I first have to get my baggage? I feel like in 2005 I didn't, but that was 11 years ago and I think I flew Southwest.

Never flown Frontier, but as long as it's a participating airline, they'll bring your baggage right to the resort. If you're concerned at all, contact Magical Express direct to get confirmation. You can find more information on Magical Express here.

6. Finally, and sorry for so many questions, I plan to go to a park the day I arrive--Epcot. I get in at 11:30-ish. I know my room won't be available. Do you know if they'll hold and deliver your luggage to your room if you want to go to a park?

Absolutely. Go through check-in, and if you're lucky, a room will be available (I've had that happen in the past). If it isn't, and your bags are with Magical Express, they'll put them in your room once it's available and notify you when the room is ready. If you pick up your own baggage instead of using Magical Express, you can leave the luggage with the bell desk yourself (this is also handy if you plan to go to the parks on your check-out day) and retrieve it when you return to the resort.

 

[TaraA-225]

1. If you had to choose between Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk Inn, which do you prefer? [Note: I'm playing around with my travel dates, so the cost of each end up being close to the same just for different days.] I'm leaning toward Yacht Club.

I've stayed in both the Yacht and Beach Club and for a solo trip I'd probably choose Yacht Club as well. It tends to be quieter in comparison to the Beach Club. Haven't stayed in the Boardwalk yet. All are great choices though.

2. Am I correct in reading that only Yacht Club and Beach Club can access Stormalong Bay?

Yes.

3. From the map, it looks like you could walk over to Epcot from these resorts. Is that accurate, or does it just look closer on the map?

Yes, you can walk to Epcot from any of the Boardwalk resorts. If you enter the park that way, you will enter Epcot through the International Gateway entrance, which puts you between the United Kingdom and France pavilions in the World Showcase.

4. I want to go to Universal one day for the Harry Potter theme park. If you have done this while staying on a Disney resort, how did you travel to Universal? (Taxi, Uber, rental car, etc.) Was it fairly easy?

I've done rental cars to Universal, and will be using Uber for my upcoming trip at the end of the month. It's not a bad drive - basically a straight shot up I-4. If you are planning on staying on Disney property for the entirety of your trip and won't need a car for any other reason, go with Uber or a taxi. It's reasonably priced and no hassle.

5. I'm planning to fly Frontier to Orlando. To use the Magic Express will I first have to get my baggage? I feel like in 2005 I didn't, but that was 11 years ago and I think I flew Southwest.

Never flown Frontier, but as long as it's a participating airline, they'll bring your baggage right to the resort. If you're concerned at all, contact Magical Express direct to get confirmation. You can find more information on Magical Express here.

6. Finally, and sorry for so many questions, I plan to go to a park the day I arrive--Epcot. I get in at 11:30-ish. I know my room won't be available. Do you know if they'll hold and deliver your luggage to your room if you want to go to a park?

Absolutely. Go through check-in, and if you're lucky, a room will be available (I've had that happen in the past). If it isn't, and your bags are with Magical Express, they'll put them in your room once it's available and notify you when the room is ready. If you pick up your own baggage instead of using Magical Express, you can leave the luggage with the bell desk yourself (this is also handy if you plan to go to the parks on your check-out day) and retrieve it when you return to the resort.

Thank you very much! This was very helpful!

 

[TaraA-225]

1. Yacht Club would be my first choice of those if I was paying OOP, but Boardwalk and Beach Club would follow in that order.

2. Stormalong Bay is only for those staying at the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts.

3. Yes. It's about a ten min walk to EPCOT, and a 10-15 Min walk to DHS from there.

4. No idea.

5. No, it is sent to the resort.

6. Yes they will, and there is a chance depending on when you are going that your room will be ready at 1130. This is rare but it has happened to me.

Have fun!!

Thank you very much!

 

[TaraA-225]

The only things I can answer with certainty is yes, you can easily walk to Epcot from those hotels - and there is a chance your hotel will be ready that early, especially since it will not be high season.

Thank you! Good to know re: the hotel.

 

[ryguy]

Yacht club tends to be the cheapest per night whenever I am looking for hotels. So I say Yacht Club

As far as getting a room early. The best luck I have had is not requesting a particular floor or building. If you stay flexible they will put you in the first room available (I think). I have checked in three different times in the last 6 months, the first two times I got right in at 10 am, however when I went a few days before xmas my room wasn't ready till 2pm. So I think it has to do with how busy the resort is.

Good luck and have fun

 

[Bairstow]

The Yacht Club is amazing, but if you're staying there you probably should budget a lot of time to enjoy Stormalong Bay.
It's really more of a water park than a pool, and spending at least half a day to enjoy it, the surrounding area, the beach, and the boardwalk is reasonable.

 

[Bill Bogner]

Regarding #4 - Universal has an option where you can purchase a park ticket and also get transportation to and from any Disney resort. I believe it costs an extra $20. Check Universal's website under Tickets/theme parks - there is a link on that page. For a one day visit, this is not a bad option.

 

[Bill Bogner]

Regarding #4 - Universal has an option where you can purchase a park ticket and also get transportation to and from any Disney resort. I believe it costs an extra $20. Check Universal's website under Tickets/theme parks - there is a link on that page. For a one day visit, this is not a bad option.

Apologies on my reply - the transportation option is only for a two day admission.

 

[YankeeMouse]

Apologies on my reply - the transportation option is only for a two day admission.

#5. Your luggage will be sent unless you have only carry on. Then they put the carry on bags into the compartment below the bus.

 

[Epcotfan21]

Since all of your questions have been answered, I'll just chime in and offer my suggestion as to which resort between the three to stay at.

It really comes down to your preference as to what you want to get out of this trip, but Yacht is definitely the "quieter" of the three resorts, so could be more relaxing in that sense. Boardwalk offers more food/drink/entertainment, if that's appealing to you. Beach Club lobby tends to be loud and busy during the day/evening because of the popularity of Cape May Cafe and Beach Club Marketplace.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of the three, as you'll have a great time regardless, but I'd say choose between Boardwalk or Yacht.

 

[Pghdrumr]

Uber was very easy and there are always cars available around the resort. If you have not used UBER, take advantage of a promo code that gives you your first ride free, or $20 toward the ride!

 

[Monty]

A small correction: Any airline arriving at MCO works with the luggage transfer for DME. "Participating Airlines" only matters for the Resort Check-In option when you're leaving WDW.

If your checked luggage has the yellow DME tags, your luggage will "magically" appear in your resort room between two and five hours after you land. Take essential medications and maybe a change of clothes for the parks in your carry-on just to be safe. You do not have to be in your room when the luggage arrives, they'll just leave it inside.

 

[HoustonMinnie]

Our choice is always the Beach Club - a few steps closer to Epcot and the noise has never bothered us. All of the rooms have been recently updated.

Uber to Universal is very easy and convenient. The driver will drop you off quite close to the entrance. The only small issue we had was in coming back to the Beach Club, security made us show our magic band to prove we were guests there so you might want to take it or a key card when you go.

 

[PinnySmart]

Hi, All -

I'm planning a solo trip to Disney for the first week of April. I haven't been to Disney since 2005, and I have a few questions for more experienced Disney goers:

1. If you had to choose between Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk Inn, which do you prefer? [Note: I'm playing around with my travel dates, so the cost of each end up being close to the same just for different days.] I'm leaning toward Yacht Club.

2. Am I correct in reading that only Yacht Club and Beach Club can access Stormalong Bay?

3. From the map, it looks like you could walk over to Epcot from these resorts. Is that accurate, or does it just look closer on the map?

4. I want to go to Universal one day for the Harry Potter theme park. If you have done this while staying on a Disney resort, how did you travel to Universal? (Taxi, Uber, rental car, etc.) Was it fairly easy?

5. I'm planning to fly Frontier to Orlando. To use the Magic Express will I first have to get my baggage? I feel like in 2005 I didn't, but that was 11 years ago and I think I flew Southwest.

6. Finally, and sorry for so many questions, I plan to go to a park the day I arrive--Epcot. I get in at 11:30-ish. I know my room won't be available. Do you know if they'll hold and deliver your luggage to your room if you want to go to a park?

Thank you for you help!

Tara

A few things about Universal Orlando you may or may not realize. There really is no Harry Potter theme park. You will need Park to Park tickets to see all of the Harry Potter attractions because Hogsmeade is in Islands of Adventure park and Diagon Alley is in Universal Studios park. Like I said you probably already new this just didn't want you to be disappointed. Both parks are definitely worth a visit IMHO.

 

[Jess G]

I stayed in port orleans french quarter in september, I used online check in and said I would be there @11am ... They texted me @10:15am saying my room was ready for me, not sure if this was luck or not, but everything was so easy. No matter what if you use magical express your bags will be taken to your room for you.

 

[DisneyDaver]

4. I want to go to Universal one day for the Harry Potter theme park. If you have done this while staying on a Disney resort, how did you travel to Universal? (Taxi, Uber, rental car, etc.) Was it fairly easy?

I've taken a taxi in the past and was quite easy. Cost was about $50 one way. If possible in terms of timing and budget, I highly recommend spending your last 2 nights staying on the Universal property at one of their hotels which provides early park admission to one of the Harry Potter areas. Even better if you can stay at their Portofino, Hard Rock or Royal Pacific resorts which come with that early admission plus free express passes for many of the rides (other than Harry Potter).

 

[Roakor]

[QUOTE="Tony the Tigger, post: 7039655, member: 106861"... there is a chance your hotel will be ready that early, especially since it will not be high season.[/QUOTE]


The last time I went the 1st week of April MK had capacity crowds. It was the local area schools spring break. the hotels were fairly empty and so were the extra magic hours but it was defiantly crowded at the parks during normal hours.