Hi Trisha,
Disney's Beach Club Villas is a great resort! I love the walking distance to Epcot - you can be inside World Showcase in 10 minutes. Also be sure to visit the wonderful pool area Stormalong Bay, complete with a sandy area for the little ones and a really fun waterslide.
Only a Disney Vacation Club Member can use the Disney Vacation Club Member Website or call Disney Vacation Club Member Services. Since you are not a member, you would need to have your friend use these services if warranted. I spoke with a cast member at Disney Vacation Club Member Services who suggested the following. You can have your friend call Disney Vacation Club Member Services to purchase theme park tickets for you. They will be given a pending order number for the theme park tickets which they can give to you. Alternately, you could purchase theme park tickets yourself on the
Disney Ticket Website.
Next, you should be able to set up your vacation planning at
My Disney Experience. On My Disney Experience, you can link both your resort reservation number and your theme park tickets. MagicBands are a part of the MyMagic+ program, which is still in testing. Once your reservation and theme park tickets are linked in My Disney Experience, you may receive notification that you have been selected to take part in the testing. Also check back on your My Disney Experience account often, sometimes an offer to be a part of the testing will appear there.
I hope that this is helpful for you, Trisha. Have a great time planning your vacation, and please do not hesitate to ask if you have any further questions!