Interview with Sam Pensula

Please Note: This Interview was recorded prior to the opening of the Beach Club Villas

The DIS is pleased to present it's EXCLUSIVE look at the new Disney Vacation Club property at the Beach Club Villas. Join us as we interview the resorts General Manager, Sam Pensula and learn all about this awesome new resort.

WebmastePete : Hi everyone, this is Pete Werner, coming to you live from Disney's Yacht Club Resort, with our special guest, Sam Pensula, General Manager of the Yacht and Beach Club and the new Disney's Beach Club Villas

WebmasterPete: We'll now begin taking your questions

hostmarlah : How many units are there in total in the Beach Club Villas?

sam_pensula : 282 Keys, 74 lock off units, 78 dedicated 2 bedroom units, and 36 studios as well as 20 1 bedroom units

hostcarol : Do BCV guests check in at regular Beach club?
sam_pensula : Guests and members will use the Beach Club check in facilities which have plenty of capacity to handle both

wmmichelle : How did opening day go?

sam_pensula : Opening day went great with our first guest trying to check in at 6 am, and everything has gone great. The only thing is that everyone showed up first thing in the morning, which created quite a crowd :) But we're thrilled

ead79 : I have heard that the YC and BC are going to be renovated, beginning with the YC concierge. What is the schedule for this?

sam_pensula : We have already started the rehab of the Yacht Club concierge. Our rehab of the Yacht club will go from now through October. The rooms will be completely renovated including all new furniture, new tubs, tile, carpet, wall coverings, larger tv's (27 inch), The Beach Club renovation will start in October when Yacht Club finishes, through the end of Feb or Mid march, and undergo the same rehab

hostbeanie : Does BCV have their own pool?

sam_pensula : Yes, the Villas have their own quiet pool, and Beach Club Villas guest will have access to all pools at the Yacht and Beach Club , including Stormalong Bayslide.

nygrumpy : Where is the exact location of the little Mermaid?

sam_pensula : Right at the entrance to the Beach Club Villas Lobby welcoming you home :)!!

rtp-resident : Are there any plans to revamp (e.g. add more capacity) transportation to/from the Beach Club with the addition of more people from BC Villas?

sam_pensula : We maintain a 20 minute cycle time for transportation, so that appropriate additional transportation will be added to absorb any additional capacity.

mspleasant : I have heard rumors of a future walkway to Epcot more directly from the BCV. Is there any truth to this?

sam_pensula : There are no current plans of a new walkway, but you can go the backside of the Beach Club which goes directly to Epcot, or through the Beach Club lobby to reach that walk way

hostcarol : Can you view the Epcot Illuminations from any BCV rooms?

sam_pensula : Yes, there are limited views of the fireworks, but no unobstructed views

banzai : Will their be many rooms for people who are in wheelchairs and their families (for a family of four to stay in one room, for example)?

sam_pensula : Appx 10 per cent of our rooms at Beach Club Villas (29) are handicapped accessible, most with roll in showers.

mimi70 : When will Disney Dining plan to have the Yacht Club Galley open for dinner? I've been reading rumors on the boards of the Galley being converted to a 24-hr. quick food stop like what's available at the Contemporary Resort. What have you been told? Thanks! & I LOVE the Yacht Club!

sam_pensula : Well, first, right now the galley is only open for breakfast and lunch. Of course, if demand dictates, we will open it for dinner. Currently, I have no knowledge of any plans to convert the Galley into a quick service restaurant. And we LOVE having you here too!!

pumbaa_ : Is there a place to buy groceries and DVC merchandise?

sam_pensula : Yes, Atlantic Wear and Wardrobe Emporium at the Beach Club has been expanded to include groceries, cooler and frozen items similar to all other DVC resorts. It also carries DVC logo merchandise

sam_pensula : Also, DVD's are avialable for rent for the 1 and 2 bedroom villas guests

flowersc : How well are the BCV selling?

sam_pensula : Currently our sales pace is exceeding expectations. We're approximately 40% sold at this point and certainly pleased about that.

cathycanada : The managing of 3 resorts and the convention center is a huge responsibility, how large is your staff?

sam_pensula : We have approximately 1100 terrific cast members that I'm very proud of :)

pumbaa_ : are there VCR's in addition to the DVD's in the 1 and 2 bedrooms? Also, how much are the DVD rentals?

sam_pensula : THere are only DVD's in the one and two bedroom units,and the DVD rentals are free for DVC members, and a nominal charge for non DVC guests.

hostnativetxn : is there child care available on property?

sam_pensula : Our Sand Castle Club is available to all our guests for children ages 4 to 12, reservations should be made 24 hours in advance.

banzai : What day is the caravan of Disney characters at the Beach Club Villas?

sam_pensula : THe Character Caravan can be visited in the Beach Club lobby on Mondays, Wednesday and Friday mornings

wmmichelle : What are the various view types at the BCV?

sam_pensula : There are no bad views at all, some villas have courtyard views, while others overlook the quiet pool, some overlook the gardens, but the point values remain consistent among all the different view types.

vickivm : What amenities will be available at the quiet pool...towels, children's floaties, etc?

sam_pensula : THe quiet pool has a heated spa, the pool buildings have rest rooms, as well as towels. THere is no food and beverage service at the quiet pool.

pumbaa_ : Is room service available to the villas? And are the hours limited?

sam_pensula : Yes, room service is available to the Beach Club Villas 24 hours a day, with a limited menu from 11pm to 6am

pks44 : Are there plans to increase the capacity at Beaches and Cream or add new eating venues?

sam_pensula : THere are no current plans to expand Beaches and Cream, but I can tell you that we have talked about it because it is a very popular venue, but I worry about destroying the character of that restaurant. I'm sure we'll continue to discuss it in the future and who knows.... :)eu

nygrumpy : We are staying in a Studio on 7/14-7/19 > Can we meet you during that week?

sam_pensula : I always enjoy meeting our guests, and our new DVC members, and I'm always available to all my guests here at the Yacht and Beach Club!!!

WembamsterPete: Ladies and Gentlemen, that concludes our chat with Sam Pensula. I'm very sorry to all of you who asked questions that we could not get to, but I encourage you to go to the home page and check out our exclusive interview with Sam! Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to visit the Villas the next time you're in WDW, they are fantastic!!!

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