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All About the Extras
From white-gloved lobby greeters who hand out stickers and proclaim, "Welcome home!" to pool staff who supply blocks and building toys for toddlers to friendly Marketplace employees that make a habit of admiring families' newest additions, cast members at this resort really go out of their way to make kids and parents feel appreciated.
Overnight guests enjoy a number of special perks, like early entry and late stay theme park privileges (Extra Magic Hours), free on-site transportation, free parking and the opportunity to participate in a Disney Dining Plan with a Magic Your Way Package. Additional family-friendly privileges include online room check-in (up to 10 days in advance), resort airline check-in and airport transportation service via Disney's Magical Express.
On-site Transportation
You can reach Epcot (five to 10 minutes) and Disney's Hollywood Studios (20 minutes) via walkway, and complimentary daily boat service is provided to and from these parks. Free transportation to and from the Magic Kingdom Park and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney waterparks and Downtown Disney is provided by bus.
Wi-Fi
Service through Smart City is available in the Main Lobby, the Concierge Lounge and the Stormalong Bay Pool Complex. Cost is $9.95 daily or $4.99 hour. Visit the Front Desk for activation. A wireless card is required and may be purchased at the resort's Business Center.
Stormalong Pool Area Services
Ship Shape Health Club offers some of the latest in exercise equipment, as well as massages (by appointment). An attendant is on duty 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and access is available 24 hours with a venue activated resort Keycard. Next door, you can get a quick haircut or a pedicure at the tiny but welcoming Periwig Beauty & Barber Shop (open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
In-Room Babysitting
Kids Nite Out, an independent agency, provides in-room resort childcare. Rates are $16 per hour for the first child, with a four-hour minimum and a $10 caregiver transportation fee.
Lafferty Place Arcade
Offering around 60 games, the pool-area fun spot is open from 6 or 7 a.m. to midnight (hours vary).
Beach Club Marketplace
You can buy limited groceries as well as logo resort wear, souvenirs and baby and toddler supplies at this shop located next to the Sandcastle Club.
Private Photo Sessions
Preserve beachfront memories in a 20-minute private resort session with a Disney PhotoPass Photographer. A good deal for families short on time, the $99.95 offer includes an image CD and one of three print packages. You needn't be a resort guest to book. Call 407-934-4004 up to 30 days in advance.
The Art of Smart Timing
When traveling to Walt Disney World Resort, it's best to avoid peak travel periods. Generally, these times include holidays and the summer months -- in other words, any time schools are out of session. If you do opt to visit in summertime, pack sunscreen, hydrate frequently and, unless you want to squander your souvenir money on ponchos at the parks, don't forget your raingear.
Fortunately, for travelers on a budget, the least expensive times to visit Walt Disney World theme parks (Value Season) tend to coordinate with dates when crowds are the lightest. If your kids aren't in school yet, September is a great time to visit. Another prime time is after Thanksgiving through early December, when parks and resorts are decked out in holiday splendor. A visit to the life-sized edible carousel at Disney's Beach Club Resort is a decade long guest tradition.
For Mom and Dad
If you're celebrating a special occasion, like a birthday or an anniversary, consider a splurge-worthy Evening Fireworks Specialty Cruise on Crescent Lake ($346/one hour cruise for up to 10/includes tax; call 407-939-7529 for reservations). Alternatively, at no cost whatsoever, you can view Epcot's Illuminations show -- as well as the brightly lit BoardWalk Resort -- from a swing on the sandy beach or from a bench along the beachfront promenade.
Getting There
From Orlando International Airport (MCO): Free roundtrip airport transportation via motorcoach is available to guests (advance reservation required; limited hours) via Disney's Magical Express.
To reach the resort by car, take the South Exit Road from Orlando International Airport to SR 417 Toll Road (GreeneWay) West and follow signs to Walt Disney World/Disney's Beach Club Resort. Plan on about $3 in tolls.
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