disney yacht and beach club reviews

Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club (Which to Choose)

The Beach Club Resort and its sister, Disney’s Yacht Club, are two of my family’s favorite hotels at Disney World. You really can’t beat the ideal location, family friendly restaurants, and deluxe amenities at these Walt Disney World resort hotels. But, you may be wondering which of the two deluxe resorts you should book for your upcoming vacation.

While it’s true the Beach Club and Yacht Club share almost everything, the two resorts are also very different from each other. For example, one of the resorts offers a quieter vibe and rooms with full balconies while the other hotel features closer access to Epcot and restaurants. If you are looking for a comparison of Disney’s Beach Club vs Yacht Club resort, this post provides a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best hotel for your trip!

(This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy at the bottom of this page for more details.)

Beach Club vs Yacht Club Rooms

Depending on availability for your vacation dates, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Yacht Club Resort offer several options for hotel rooms. If you’re comparing the rooms at Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club, we would crown Yacht Club the winner here .

The rooms at Disney’s Yacht Club have updated hardwood flooring rather than carpet. Also, the balconies at the Yacht Club are full balconies as opposed to the Beach Club where you will find standing only Juliet Balconies.

Standard View Rooms

Standard View rooms at the Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts offer views of the rooftop or parking area. These rooms can sleep up to 5 adults since some of the standard view rooms have 2 queen beds and 1 daybed.

Garden View Rooms

Garden View rooms offer views of the garden, woods, or lawn area at Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club. These rooms can also sleep up to 5 adults as some provide 2 queen beds and 1 daybed.

Water View Rooms

Water View rooms at the Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts offer views of one of the pools or of Crescent Lake. These rooms also sleep up to 5 adults if you have a room with 2 queen beds and 1 daybed.

Deluxe Room

Deluxe Rooms at Disney’s Beach Club offer more square footage than the regular hotel rooms. They can sleep up to 6 adults since they offer 2 queen beds and a queen sleeper sofa.

Club Level Rooms

The Club Level rooms at Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts offer standard, garden, or water views similar to the regular hotel rooms. However, you also receive special perks if you book a room in the Club Level. These are some of the benefits you will receive:

• concierge services
• Club Lounge with snacks and beverages
• complimentary health club access
• turndown service

Disney’s Beach Club Resort offers several options for suites.

• The 1 Bedroom Suite can sleep up to 4 adults with a king sized bed in the bedroom and a queen sleeper sofa in the separate sitting area. The 1 bedroom suite offers either garden or water views.
• The 2 Bedroom Suite can sleep up to 7 adults. It offers two separate bedrooms: one with a king bed and one with 2 queen beds. The 2 Bedroom Suite also has a daybed. Your views from this suite will be either of the garden or the water.
• The Nantucket VP Suite sleeps up to 2 adults with a king sized bed. It offers views of the water.
• The Newport Presidential sleeps up to 7 adults with 2 double beds, 1 king bed, and 1 daybed. It provides views of the water and Epcot.

Disney’s Yacht Club also offers a suite for guests. This 2-bedroom suite includes club level access and features two king beds and a queen pullout.

Room Requests

The rooms at Beach Club Resort come with a mini refrigerator. You can request a microwave when you check in as well. Other items you may request include bed rails, highchair, crib, and connecting rooms.

As mentioned above, it is important to note that not all of the rooms at Beach Club have FULL balconies. Many of them only offer the small Juliet type balcony. If a full-sized balcony is important to you, I HIGHLY recommend requesting this during online check in.

Beach Club vs Yacht Club Location

The Beach Club Resort at Walt Disney World sits near Epcot Theme Park and Disney’s Boardwalk entertainment district. Since this resort is located on Crescent Lake, you get amazing water views and sandy beaches where your kids can play. Beach Club’s sister resort, Disney’s Yacht Club, is located right next door.

These two resorts are connected, so you can easily walk between the two and enjoy the amenities each hotel has to offer. One of the most popular amenities at these sister resorts is their elaborate pool: Stormalong Bay. Even though the check-in time typically is not until 3:00, guests of the resorts can use the pool before their room is officially ready.

One of our top reasons for choosing to stay at Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club is their prime location. Below, I will detail how to get from the hotels to each of the Walt Disney World theme parks. Since both of these resorts sit on the same property, there really isn’t much of a difference on their location .

When comparing the Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club, the Beach Club is slightly closer to Epcot while the Yacht Club is a bit closer to Hollywood Studios. The differences in distance are so small that I wouldn’t recommend basing your decision on that factor though . On a side note, if you are looking for tips on choosing the right Disney World hotel, join our Facebook group for personalized help on finding the best resort for your family!

If you are wondering how far Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club are from Epcot, you will be pleased to know it’s a short five-minute walk. You just stroll along the walkway near Crescent Lake and follow the signs for Epcot. You will arrive at the International Gateway entrance to Epcot, which is at the back of the park near the World Showcase.

to Hollywood Studios

If you are wanting to travel to Disney’s Hollywood Studios from the Beach Club Resort or the Yacht Club, you have several options to get there. You can walk along the scenic paths to the theme park, which takes about 20 minutes.

You can also take the water shuttle from the Beach Club to Hollywood Studios. Since the boat makes some stops along the way, this also takes about 20 minutes. You can also utilize the Skyliner from the International Gateway. This gondola ride will take you straight to Hollywood Studios.

to Magic Kingdom

If you want to access Magic Kingdom from the Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts, you will need to board the Disney bus outside the lobby of one of the hotels. Depending on when you are visiting WDW, this shuttle bus may combine pickups by stopping at both the Beach Club and Disney’s Yacht Club. Magic Kingdom is about a 20-minute drive from Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

to Animal Kingdom

If you are looking to travel to Animal Kingdom Theme Park, you would need to board the Disney bus in front of the hotel. Each bus promptly displays where they are headed, so it’s super easy to catch the correct one. This ride is usually around 20 minutes long.

to Disney’s Boardwalk

Disney’s Boardwalk is super easy to access from the Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts. The Boardwalk is located right across the lake from the hotels and is a short 5-minute walk. This area of Disney World is one of our favorites, and its close proximity to the hotels is a huge perk to staying in the Beach Club/Yacht Club area.

to Disney Springs

You would also need to drive or take the Disney shuttle bus to Disney Springs. This ride typically takes 20 minutes.

Activities Comparison

Disney’s Beach Club Resort and the Yacht Club offer many fun activities for families visiting with kids. Again, since these two hotels are sister resorts, guests staying at either hotel may experience activities at both hotels . In other words, the Beach Club and Yacht Club share the guest activities listed below.

The Beach Club and Yacht Club share an arcade that is located right by Stormalong Bay Pool. The arcade is full of fun video games and sports tables. This is a great rainy day activity!

Outdoor Movies

Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club resort show nightly movies outside on the lawn or sand. You can check out the entertainment schedule for the dates of your visit to determine which movies are playing. This activity schedule is usually released at the beginning of each month.

Kids love spending their evenings roasting marshmallows and making s’mores by the campfire. Sometimes Mickey’s friends even join in the fun!

Guests of Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Disney’s Beach Club Villas have access to three leisure pool areas (one at each resort). In addition, these three Disney resorts share a main pool, Stormalong Bay, which I will discuss in more detail below.

Stormalong Bay is a massive pool and water play area shared by Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club resorts. If you have set aside time to enjoy this elaborate swimming area, note that pool towels are complimentary and available in the pool gates.

Stormalong Bay

Stormalong Bay offers lots of different spaces for swimming and playing in the water. Near the site of the large shipwreck model, you will find a kiddie pool perfect for little ones. This pool is in a contained area and is separate from the larger pool area.

This kiddie pool tends to be a bit quieter than the main pool. Stormalong Bay also has a sand bottom pool that is great for babies and toddlers . The super shallow water allows them to safely splash and play in the sand. You will find deeper areas of water to swim as well. Disney’s Beach Club Resort offers complimentary safety vests that little ones can use while playing and swimming.

In addition to the many swimming areas at Stormalong Bay, guests can enjoy the lazy river. You will find complimentary inner tubes available near the lazy river to make floating even more fun!

Water Slides

You will find two water slides at Stormalong Bay Pool. The larger of the two slides is a whopping 230 feet long. It begins atop the huge shipwreck model (pictured above) at the edge of the lake. This large water slide does not have a height requirement; however, there is a limit of one person at a time on the slide. This means that parents are not permitted to slide with their toddler or small child.

If you have an adventurous toddler who enjoys thrill rides, you can usually wait in the water at the bottom of the slide. This way you are available to grab your little one after he/she lands in the water. Children are permitted to wear complimentary safety vests on the slide as well.

*Note that you have to leave the main pool gates and climb many steep stairs to get to the top of this slide. Therefore, you will not want your toddler entering the slide area alone.

The smaller of the two slides is near the entrance to the larger slide. When you arrive in the shipwreck area, you will see a small, kiddie pool with a miniature water slide perfect for toddlers. Smaller kids should have no problem climbing to the top of this slide and sliding down to the pool below. You can clearly see them the whole time.

The shallow sand bottom section is perfect for toddlers and little kids to splash and dig. The lazy river is super fun and relaxing. The main water slide is a big hit for kids and adults. The kiddie water slide and pool area are great for toddlers and those who want a calmer sliding experience.

Price Comparison

Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts are typically priced similarly. My family and I often find that one may be a bit cheaper than the other for a specific set of dates, but a different set of dates may produce different results. If you are interested in experiencing all the great amenities of Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club resorts for a fraction of the price, I recommend looking into renting Disney Vacation Club points for a stay at the Beach Club Villas.

These villas are located on the same property as the Beach Club/Yacht Club Resorts, and they have access to the same great restaurants and activities! You can check out the “cost calculator” at David’s Vacation Club Rentals to see how much you save on your vacation dates. I have personally used David’s rental services multiple times and have always had great experiences!

Things to Do Near the Resorts

Since Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts are located in such a great spot near the Boardwalk and other resorts, you will find lots of kid friendly things to do within walking distance of the hotel.

Epcot Fireworks

One of our favorite activities just outside Disney’s Beach Club/Yacht Club is to view the nightly fireworks show at Epcot. You can grab some ice cream from Beaches and Cream and choose a spot near the walkway to Epcot. This is a great way to enjoy the fireworks show without having to maneuver between the crowds of people inside the park. It’s also a nice activity to enjoy at Disney World without purchasing a park ticket!

The Skyliner is one of the newer additions to Walt Disney World. This gondola ride connects several of the resort hotels to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you are looking for a unique activity, take a ride on the Skyliner with your kids.

Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf is an 18-hole course themed off the movie Fantasia . Since this kid friendly activity is located near The Swan hotel, guests of Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club can easily walk to the mini golf course.

Restaurants

In addition to the easy access to the restaurants on Disney’s Boardwalk, guests at the Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts have lots of dining options right at the hotel.

Beaches and Cream Soda Shop

Beaches and Cream is my personal all time favorite restaurant at Disney World. This diner offers all kinds of delicious options, including a tomato bisque that is out of this world!

Open daily for lunch and dinner, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop is located right beside Stormalong Bay Pool. They are famous for the ice cream concoction knows as The Kitchen Sink. Note that you are able to order some ice cream and to-go items from the window without actually going inside the diner.

Beach Club Marketplace

If you are looking for a quick stop on your way to the theme parks, Beach Club Marketplace is a great option. This dining venue serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Its diverse menu offers something for everyone. Beach Club Marketplace is our go-to for a fast breakfast or a quick snack before heading out for the day.

Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is a lounge that serves all kinds of adult beverages. You can also order appetizers like clam chowder, chicken wings, and calamari from this venue.

Hurricane Hanna’s

Hurricane Hanna’s is located right outside by Stormalong Bay Pool. You can order your food and beverages from the counter and dine outside at the available tables.

Ale and Compass

Ale and Compass is a sit down restaurant located at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. This dining venue serves family favorites for breakfast and options like seafood, chicken, and steak for dinner.

The Market at Ale and Compass

The Market at Ale and Compass is the quick service dining venue located at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Similar to The Beach Club Marketplace, this restaurant is a great stop for a quick meal.

Cape May Cafe

Cape May Cafe is located near the lobby of Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This restaurant is buffet style and serves your favorite seafood options. Cape May Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, the restaurant takes on a different theme for breakfast when it becomes the site for Minnie’s Beach Bash.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

Yachtsman Steakhouse is a signature dining restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. You will find steak and seafood among other options on the menu. Since this is a signature dining experience, guests must adhere to a dress code .

Crew’s Cup Lounge

Crew’s Cup Lounge is located near Yactsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Here, you will find all kinds of adult beverages along with a few options for appetizers or snacks.

In Room Dining

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is one of the Walt Disney World hotels that offers room service. You will find an In Room Dining Menu in your hotel room with instructions on how to place an order.

The menu includes options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night dining. You can even pre-order your breakfast the night before, so your family can eat in the room as you get ready for the parks.

Character Dining

As mentioned above, Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort becomes a character dining experience each morning for breakfast. Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast is a super fun way to start your day! The breakfast is buffet style and has a wide range of items to choose. You will even find a stand serving made to order omelets!

Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy each walk around the dining areas to greet you at your table. The characters are decked out in their finest beach wear to continue the theme of the dining experience.

Beach Club and Yacht Club vs Other Disney Resorts

Since Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts are my family’s favorite hotels at Disney World, I will try to explain WHY we love them so much! Below, I will compare the Beach Club/Yacht Club to other resorts at Disney World, so you can get an idea of why we choose to stay at these resorts. If you would like to see more comparisons between other hotels, feel free to comment below with the resorts you are considering. I know how stressful and overwhelming planning a Disney World vacation can be!

vs Beach Club Villas

Like the Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Villas have access to all the restaurants, activities, and amenities at the Beach Club resort. My recommendation is to choose the cheapest option of the three resorts . As mentioned above, renting DVC points for Beach Club Villas is often the best way to save money.

vs Boardwalk Inn

If you stay at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, you get the perks of the awesome location near Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Boardwalk. You can also easily walk over to the Beach Club to enjoy the dining venues located there. The one big drawback to Boardwalk Inn is that you don’t get Stormalong Bay . Disney’s Boardwalk Inn has a really fun pool, but it just doesn’t compare to the elaborate swimming pool at the Beach Club.

vs Monorail Resorts

You may be wondering how the Beach Club compares to the monorail resorts: Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Polynesian . These three resorts offer really easy access to Magic Kingdom, which is a huge perk if you have little kids.

They all offer great theming and activities as well. However, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts get our pick because they’re usually priced significantly lower than the monorail resorts .

vs Caribbean Beach Resort

It is difficult to compare Disney’s Beach Club Resort with Caribbean Beach because they really aren’t similar at all. Even though the names may cause you to think differently, the two resorts do not have much in common. Caribbean Beach is a moderate hotel that is lovely, but it does not offer the amenities that the deluxe resorts do.

If you are not planning to spend a lot of time at your hotel, you can certainly look into Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. However, you will not have access to the prime location, restaurants, pool, and other activities that the Beach Club offers .

Final Review of Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club

Since these two resorts share EVERYTHING, it’s really a matter of personal taste when deciding between these two hotels. The Disney Beach Club has a more relaxed vibe, while Yacht Club seems more sophisticated . We find that Stormalong Bay Pool is reason enough to stay at these amazing hotels. Who can pass up the opportunity to experience the best pool at Disney World?!

In addition, the location, restaurants, and activities offered at these deluxe resort hotels help to make your vacation one you will never forget! If I were planning a trip to Disney World, I would choose whichever is cheaper between the two ! Don’t forget to join our Facebook group for personalized help on finding the best resort for your family! So, how do you think they compare? Which resort would you choose? Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club? Comment below to share!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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Plan Your Dream Trip To Disney!

The Ultimate Disney Yacht Club Review + Insider Tips

February 8, 2021 //  by  Kimberly Jones //   2 Comments

Disney’s Yacht Club opened back on November 5, 1990. Its sister location is the Beach Club located right next to it. The Yacht Club is a beautifully themed resort with nautical and beach themes. We are going to tell you everything you need to know about this wonderful resort in our Ultimate Disney Yacht Club Review + Insider Tips! 

There are so many great aspects to this resort such as its location, pools, transportation options, and amenities. If you are thinking about staying at the Yacht Club, read on to find out if this resort is a good fit for you!

Where Is The Yacht Club At Disney Located?

One of the best reasons to stay at Disney’s Yacht Club is the fantastic location! This resort is within walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios . There are also several different transportation options to all of the parks, Disney Springs , and the water parks .

The Yacht Club is directly next to the Beach Club, and they share the pool. Now you not only have access to all of the Yacht Club’s restaurants and amenities, but you also have access to the Beach Club’s! 

The Yacht and Beach Club are right across the water from Disney’s Boardwalk Resort . It is a short walk away to enjoy everything the Boardwalk has to offer! There are some fun restaurants, bars, and shops to explore there.

The Yacht Club is also very close to the Swan and Dolphin Hotels. There is a pathway to take you right over to these hotels for some extra fun as well! 

Not only are there other resorts within walking distance of the Yacht Club, but there are also resorts that are a quick Skyliner trip away! Taking the Skyliner from Epcot’s International Gateway, you can visit Disney’s Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century , and Art of Animation! 

Disney’s Yacht Club is in a very prime location with quick access to two of the parks and multiple resorts!

Checking in to The Yacht Club At Disney

Checking into the Yacht Club is extremely easy, and it doesn’t even require you to visit the front desk! The day of your reservation, you can check in to the resort from the My Disney Experience app . The app will let you know when your room is ready and what your room number will be! If you have magic bands or even your phone , you can head straight to your room and unlock the door. 

Of course, you can always go the old school route and check-in at the front desk. All the cast members at Disney’s Yacht Club are extremely friendly and accommodating! A great tip to keep in mind is you can always see if there are any upgrades available for your room. We were able to get a free upgrade from a standard view to a water view! 

The lobby is also absolutely amazing here. It has a very adventurous and nautical theme to it. You can find everything you need right in this area, such as the restaurant, lounge, bell services, and the front desk. 

Right outside the backside of the lobby, there is a boardwalk that will lead you to the boat transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Transportation Options From The Yacht Club

We love all of the transportation options the Yacht Club has to offer, and we’re sure you will too! As mentioned before, there are walking paths to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The Epcot walking path is very short and will get you to the International Gateway in about 5 – 10 minutes. The entrance at International Gateway is on the back side of Epcot by World Showcase . 

The walking path to Hollywood Studios is a little bit longer than the Epcot one. This one can take 20 minutes or more. However, there is boat transportation to Hollywood Studios if you don’t want to walk! You can find boat transportation right behind the lobby that will take you to Epcot or Hollywood Studios. 

If you don’t want to walk or take the boat to Hollywood Studios, you can always take the Skyliner! There is a Skyliner location right outside International Gateway that will take you first to Disney’s Riviera Resort, and then to the Skyliner central hub at Caribbean Beach Resort. From here you will get off the Skyliner and get in line for a different Skyliner track to take you to Hollywood Studios. 

So there are so many options to get to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, but what about the other parks? Disney has bus transportation from the Yacht Club to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Spring, and the water parks. 

If you plan on spending a lot of time at either Epcot or Hollywood Studios, the Yacht Club is one of the best resorts to stay at.

Disney Yacht Club Room Review

There are several different room options at the Yacht Club. There is Standard View, Water View, Garden or Woods View, and 2 Bedroom Suites. All of the view rooms also have club level options. 

I was able to stay in a Water View room. The room was absolutely delightful! It had a nautical theme to match the rest of the resort, and it was quite spacious. The room had two queen beds and a pull out couch, so it was able to sleep up to 5 guests. We only had 4 guests in our room, but I could imagine the pull out bed might make the room feel a little more cramped.

The room had large closets with space to hang clothes, and a big sink and bathroom area with two sinks. The shower had a sliding glass door, which I prefer over a curtain. 

I really liked that this room had wood flooring compared to carpet. It added to the nautical theme very well. The room also had a balcony that looked over the back entrance of the lobby and the water. Overall, the room was very nice, and I thoroughly enjoyed its set up! 

Yacht Club rooms average in price anywhere between $400 to over $3000 per night depending on what room you stay in and what time of the year you visit. 

Dining Options At The Yacht Club

There are some really great and delicious dining options at the Yacht Club. This resort has two restaurants, two lounges, a quick service restaurant, a restaurant located in between the Yacht and Beach Club, and a pool bar. 

The two restaurants at the Yacht Club are Ale & Compass and Yachtsman Steakhouse. Yachtsman Steakhouse is currently temporarily unavailable, but Ale & Compass is open for breakfast and dinner. This restaurant follows the nautical theme with a relaxing atmosphere and some delicious coastal eats. 

The Ale & Compass Lounge is located adjacent to the restaurant. Here, you can order off the lounge menu and even the restaurant menu. This lounge can fill up quickly at night though, so make sure to grab a seat early if you want to eat or drink here.

The other lounge, Crew’s Cup Lounge,  is right next to Yachtsman Steakhouse and is also temporarily unavailable. We hope that the lounge and restaurant will open soon! 

The quick service location shares a spot with the Yacht Club’s gift shop. When you enter the Market at Ale & Compass, on the right is the gift shop and on the left is the quick service restaurant. They serve coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and more. This is a great place to stop for a quick bite to eat to or from the parks! 

Beaches and Cream Soda Shop is the hidden gem of the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts! This restaurant is located in between the two resorts and serves some wonderful food! They are open for lunch and dinner and they serve sandwiches and burgers. My favorite is their Grilled Cheese sandwich, its delicious! 

However, save room for the best part of this restaurant. The ice cream! They have shakes, floats, and sundaes! You can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. If you’re feeling really brave though, try the Kitchen Sink sundae. This sundae is meant for 4 or more people, and includes every topping and a whole can of whipped cream! I have attempted it twice, and I still haven’t been able to finish it. Maybe you can! 

Hurricane Hanna’s Grill is the pool bar located right next to Stormalong Bay. They have a few food items and some refreshing drinks. 

If you’ve tried everything at the Yacht Club and want something different, head over to the Beach Club! Here you can find even more restaurants and tasty eats!

Yacht Club Swimming Pools

The Yacht and Beach Club have hands down the best swimming pools on Disney World property. It’s considered more of a small water park than swimming pools because it’s so large! 

Stormalong Bay is 3 acres of refreshing fun! It includes a large sand bottomed pool and a lazy river. There are waterfalls, a volleyball net in the pool, and a water slide. 

This water slide is no joke. You climb a large shipwrecked ship all the way to the top and then slide down this long and exciting slide! Stormalong Bay even has a “beach” area with sand to play with! After all that fun, go relax in one of 3 whirlpool spas.

Right by the entrance to the water slide is a small kid play area with a mini water slide. This is a great introduction to the big slide for nervous kids! 

Don’t need all the excitement of Stormalong Bay? There are also 3 leisure pools at the Yacht and Beach Club for guests to enjoy.

If you plan on staying at the Yacht Club, you must plan a resort day into your schedule! Make some time for this awesome mini water park and relax away from the parks! You won’t regret it. 

Amenities At The Yacht Club Resort

There are so many fun amenities and things to do at Disney’s Yacht Club. When it comes to activities, there are fishing excursions, a tennis court, a sand volleyball court, jogging trails, motorized boat rentals, an arcade, and a fitness center. Just ask the front desk if you’d like to book a fishing excursion or rent a boat to go out on the water! 

The Yacht Club even has a spa! Ship Shape Massage Salon is a full service spa that can do massages, facials, hairstyling, and nails. We all need a relaxing day every once and awhile! Why not enjoy the spa on your day off from the parks?

The resort also has campfire activities, movies under the stars, and a Pirate Adventure Cruise (which is unfortunately temporarily unavailable at the moment). The Yacht Club is within walking distance of the Fantasia Gardens & Fairways Miniature Golf. Go show off your mini golf skills at this adorably themed course!

This resort really has a lot of fun things for you and your family to enjoy! You will definitely want to take a day away from the parks to enjoy this amazing resort! 

Overall Thoughts On Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

We at Disney Trippers absolutely love Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. The whole place is incredibly peaceful and beautiful. It has the perfect mix of being family friendly and adult friendly with lots of things to do. So whether you’re traveling with a bunch of adults or your kids, everyone will enjoy it! 

Most everything is in super close distance to this resort. The only time you will have to take the bus is to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Spring, or the water parks. The other parks and some resorts are really easy to get to, making this a top notch location for a resort.

If you have a day off from the parks, make sure to enjoy all of the amenities the Yacht Club has to offer. You could spend a whole day just having fun at the resort! You definitely don’t want to miss out on this place!

Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort? If so, did you enjoy it as much as we do? What do you liked to do while staying there? We want to hear your opinions on this Disney resort! 

Reader Interactions

February 23, 2021 at 3:18 pm

We stayed at the Disney Yacht Club the last time we were at DW. We loved it. The staff was outstanding. It was an adult family vacation, and due to different work schedules, some family members had to fly in at different times. The staff accommodated each one and made them feel as if they already knew them. We loved the location as we could walk to different locations. We tried the Kitchen Sink sundae, but couldn’t finish it. We sure had fun trying. We actually took one day to enjoy the resort and were not disappointed. We spent time in the swimming pool, which was amazing with the sand bottom. Lunch was an delicious lobster roll and we finished off at the steakhouse. I would certainly recommend this resort to all who are considering a trip to Disney World.

February 23, 2021 at 9:27 pm

Thank you for sharing!!!! We LOVE this resort too!!!

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What it's like staying at Disney's Beach Club Resort — and why it's now my favorite place to stay

• Every hotel at Disney World has something special to offer, but it's hard to beat Disney's Beach Club, which is within walking distance of two theme parks and has what is essentially a miniature water park.
• Stormalong Bay is shared with neighboring Yacht Club but easily comes in as the nicest pool at Disney World with waterslides, a sand bottom and a lazy river.
• On top of all of that, it also has some of the most entertaining places to eat, including an on-site character meal experience and an ice cream shop with sundaes as big as the kitchen sink.

Walt Disney World Resort has more than 20 on-site hotels, and each one has its own brand of Disney magic. I've loved my stays at value resorts like Disney's Art of Animation Resort with its movie-themed rooms and massive "Finding Nemo"-themed pool. I've also equally loved staying at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort for its proximity to the Magic Kingdom and abundance of Dole Whip.

However, after my most recent Disney World vacation, you'd have a hard time convincing me to go back to any of those hotels rather than my new favorite Disney hotel: Disney's Beach Club Resort.

What is Disney's Beach Club Resort?

Disney's Beach Club Resort is one of Disney World's top-tier Deluxe resorts. Disney Deluxe resorts are often in prime locations, have larger rooms and offer more activities and amenities than other Disney resorts. This resort is designed to resemble a classic coastal New England-style resort, with Colonial architecture, a muted color scheme and a nautical flair.

When you stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort, you also have access to the restaurants and amenities at Disney's Yacht Club Resort , which is just next door. The resort is also within walking distance of both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, as well as the dining and nightlife along Disney's BoardWalk.

How to book Disney's Beach Club Resort

As with other Disney World hotels , it's sometimes best to book direct through Disney. You can do this through Disney's website, over the phone or by using an authorized Disney vacation planner . Disney vacation planners can help you get the best price by searching for available discounts at the time of booking and up until your trip.

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

In addition to booking through Disney or a vacation planner, you can also use miles from your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

As a Walt Disney World annual passholder, I took advantage of a special offer of 30% off the regular room rate for a resort view room at Disney's Beach Club Resort. I paid $391 per night (plus taxes and fees) instead of the regular rate of about $660 per night (plus taxes and fees).

This is near the high end for a standard room at Disney World, and the rate can climb even higher during holidays or busy times of the year. Disney's Beach Club Resort also offers club-level rooms with lounge access.

But notably, it is also bookable for studios, one- and two-bedroom suites via Disney Vacation Club . Even if you aren't a DVC member, you can rent DVC points at a rate that can be much lower than what you'd pay in cash by booking through Disney. Studios here start at 14 DVC points per night, which would be $294 to $322 using points rented from David's Vacation Club, depending on how far in advance you book.

Related: Rent DVC points via David's Vacation Club

Easy access to Disney's theme parks and more

Disney's Beach Club Resort is conveniently located between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. From the hotel lobby, you can walk to the Epcot International Gateway (near the back of the park) in about five minutes or head in the other direction and be at Hollywood Studios in 10 to 15 minutes.

With all the walking you do during a day at Disney, it's also worth noting Disney's Beach Club Resort offers complimentary boat transportation to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, too, plus bus transportation to the Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs and Disney's water parks. There's also a Disney Skyliner station near the Epcot International Gateway, which can get you to Disney's Hollywood Studios or to four of Disney's other resort hotels if you want to sample the dining and amenities across Walt Disney World.

Spacious, upscale rooms

I've stayed at every tier of Disney resorts, and you definitely get what you pay for when it comes to room size. Our room at Disney's Beach Club Resort was spacious enough for our family of five, with plenty of storage for our luggage and a sofa bed where we could relax during the day and one of our children could sleep at night.

Related: How Disney renovated more than 22,000 hotel rooms in 5 years

The Disney theming was limited to a few paintings on the wall that portrayed Disney characters enjoying the resort. Otherwise, the room had a "lived-in luxury" vibe with comfortable, understated furnishings. Outside, there was a wrought-iron patio set where we spent many mornings and evenings before or after a day of Disney fun.

The bathroom had a large double vanity with a door that separated the vanity area from the shower and tub combo and the toilet. In the entryway, there was a minifridge, a coffee and tea station and a closet with an iron and an ironing board. The flat-screen TV sat atop a large dresser with plenty of storage for our three-night stay.

A variety of dining options

Disney's Beach Club Resort has dining options that range from character meals to poolside dining to the best ice cream shop at Disney World (and probably beyond). Character dining takes place during the breakfast buffet at Cape May Cafe ($45 per adult and $29 per child, plus tax and gratuity). Cape May Cafe also serves a seafood-forward, New England-inspired dinner buffet without character appearances.

The Beach Club Marketplace is a quick-service dining location with staples like eggs, bacon and Mickey waffles for breakfast and soup, salad, sandwiches and pasta for lunch and dinner. The marketplace also sells snacks and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. It's adjacent to the hotel gift shop, where you can stock up on souvenirs or forgotten necessities like swimsuits, sunscreen and toiletries.

Related: The best restaurants at Disney World in 2023

Outside by the Stormalong Bay pool, you can grab a drink at Hurricane Hanna's Waterside Bar and Grill or have your food and libations delivered to your pool chair. I had the grilled chicken sandwich with provolone and an avocado spread ($12.29) and a frozen pina colada ($15.50). It was just what I needed to energize myself for an afternoon of swimming.

The highlight of our many meals at Disney's Beach Club Resort was Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. This is the most popular ice cream spot at Disney World because of its unique ice cream creations and old-fashioned soda shop vibes.

At Beaches & Cream, I had the No Way José peanut butter and hot fudge sundae ($11.50), but for the ultimate Beaches & Cream experience, you must get the Kitchen Sink sundae ($36). It has eight scoops of ice cream, tons of toppings and a whole can of whipped cream. What's really fun about it, though, is the show the server puts on when you order it. I don't want to ruin the surprise, so just take my word for it and give it a try.

Take your pick of fitness and recreational activities

Guests of Disney's Beach Club Resort can use the 24-hour fitness center next door at Disney's Yacht Club Resort. It's only about a five-minute walk from the Beach Club lobby and has a variety of fitness equipment, including strength machines, cardio machines, free weights, medicine balls and kettlebells.

Related: 8 Walt Disney World experiences that don't require a park ticket

Disney's Beach Club Resort has a lot of other fun fitness opportunities, too. There's a sand volleyball court, tennis courts (tennis and pickleball equipment is available at the front desk) and a nearly 1-mile-long running trail. Disney also recently added on-demand fitness videos for kids that you can watch on the TV in your room.

The best pool at Disney World

Aside from a room that sleeps five, the 3-acre Stormalong Bay pool complex was the reason we stayed at Disney's Beach Club Resort.

Stormalong Bay is shared between the Beach Club and Yacht Club resorts and features a sandy beach area for kids, a lazy river, a hot tub, an activity pool with a volleyball net, swirling whirlpools, a 230-foot-long shipwreck-themed waterslide and two smaller waterslides for kids.

Related: Splash into fun: The 14 best hotel pools in Orlando

The hotel provides complimentary life jackets for kids to use at the pool and free tubes for the lazy river. The activities team also hosts daily poolside games and, in the evening, poolside movies under the stars. We spent an entire day swimming and playing in the water and went back for more after dinner. It's almost like having a small water park just for hotel guests.

During our visit, getting somewhere to sit in the shade wasn't a problem, thanks to the number of trees in the area to supplement the umbrellas. That said, getting there early is always a good strategy if you want first dibs on a good spot.

Family fun outside Disney's theme parks

Another bonus of staying at Disney's Beach Club Resort — or any Deluxe resort — is the wide variety of activities you can enjoy during your time away from Disney's theme parks.

Pick up a monthly activities guide when you check in to see exactly what's on offer during your stay. Guests can make crafts, attend a painting class, make s'mores at the nightly campfire, rent a boat or fishing equipment (or both) and more.

From the resort, you can easily walk to Disney's BoardWalk, where you'll find restaurants, a dueling piano bar, bicycle rentals, carnival games and other downtime activities.

Accessibility

All Disney hotels strive to be accessible to guests with disabilities.

Disney's Beach Club Resort offers both wheelchair- and hearing-accessible rooms. Additionally, public areas of the hotel also have accessible paths between the lobby area and restaurants, shops, meeting rooms, pools, fitness centers and laundry facilities, and pools have wheelchair lifts.

Checking out

After staying at Disney's Beach Club Resort, it moved to the top of my "favorite Disney hotels" list. I loved that my family had enough space to spread out in our room and that there was so much to keep us busy around the resort.

I have no problem staying in one of Disney's more budget-friendly hotels when we are going to go hard in the parks or water parks. However, if I want to splurge for a hotel that has just as much fun (and good food) to offer as Disney's theme parks, you'll find me booking another stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort.

Related reading:

• Are the Disney Visa credit cards worth it?
• Can you really save hundreds of dollars at Disney World by renting DVC points? We tested it to find out
• How to use points to buy Disney tickets
• New swan on the block: A review of the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Disney's Yacht Club Resort

View Gallery 

While Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours, most Resort hotel amenities will remain available.

What Makes This Resort Hotel Unique

Disney Skyliner Transportation

This gondola system offers a bird's eye view as it whisks you and your family away to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Outdoor Water Recreation Area

Discover a life-size shipwreck, pools, lagoons and more at Stormalong Bay—a 3-acre water wonderland. Read More

Discover a life-size shipwreck, pools, lagoons and more at Stormalong Bay—a 3-acre water wonderland.

Climb the mast and zip down one of the highest hotel waterslides at Walt Disney World Resort. Catch currents on an inner tube in the lazy river, unwind in one of 3 whirlpool spas and relax on the elevated tanning deck. Children can wade into the main pool from a gentle slope and splash about in 2 kiddie pools—including one with a miniature waterslide.

Prefer a more tranquil experience? Explore 3 all-ages quiet pools—each with a whirlpool spa—located throughout Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.

Learn more about recreation at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

Savor mouthwatering steaks, seafood and more at this sophisticated, family-friendly restaurant.

Ship Shape Health Club

Enjoy a workout or indulge in a massage at this full-service fitness center.

Dog-Friendly Accommodations

Bring your pampered pooch to stay with you at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Read More

Bring your pampered pooch to stay with you at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

Here at Walt Disney World Resort, we know that dogs aren’t simply pets—they’re members of your family. And since family is at the heart of everything we do, for a limited time, your furry friends are welcome to join you at select Disney Resort hotels. Let the tail wagging commence!

Note: Limit 2 dogs per room. Restrictions and fees apply.

How to Book Bring your dog along on your upcoming visit by calling (407) 939-5277. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Services for Guests with Dogs During your stay, Best Friends Pet Care can provide assistance with day care and other pet services (fees apply). For details, please call (877) 4-WDW-PETS or (877) 493-9738, or visit bestfriendspetcare.com . Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Some restrictions on certain pets may apply. Before you arrive, be sure to download the official dog policy PDF .

Need More Room?

Consider booking a Disney Deluxe Villa with just-like-home amenities like a kitchen, washer, dryer and private bedrooms. Read More

Consider booking a Disney Deluxe Villa with just-like-home amenities like a kitchen, washer, dryer and private bedrooms.

When you stay at Disney’s Beach Club Villas , you’ll enjoy the same benefits offered at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort—along with spacious Disney Deluxe Villa accommodations. It’s an outstanding home base for your Walt Disney World vacation.

Discover the Villa Difference Disney’s Beach Club Villas and other Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts offer accommodations with just-like-home touches that go beyond the traditional hotel room.

Choose from 1-, 2- and 3-Bedroom Villas—as well as Cabins and Bungalows at select Resort hotels—with the following features:

• A full kitchen , so you can prepare meals and snacks from the comfort of your villa
• Spacious living and dining areas where your family can share even more quality time together after you return from the parks
• Separate bedrooms that offer space, privacy and tranquility – so it’s easy to rest, relax and recharge your spirit after each exhilarating vacation day
• A washer and dryer , so you can pack lightly and avoid airline baggage fees

A little more than you need? Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts also feature Deluxe Studios, which feature a kitchenette and sleeper sofa—a great option for smaller travel parties and shorter stays.

Reservations and Rates Check availability and nightly rates at Disney’s Beach Club Villas.

More Magic for Your Stay

A More Magical Stay Starts with "Hey Disney!”

The "Hey Disney!" voice assistant experience features tons of character fun plus a helpful host, who can order you extra towels and answer lots of your park questions.

Disney Signature Services

Guests staying in Club-level rooms and suites are eligible for personalized vacation-planning support.

Enhance Your Stay with the My Disney Experience App

Simplify your arrival, access your room and discover a world of fun with this helpful app. Read More

Simplify your arrival, access your room and discover a world of fun with this helpful app.

Be sure you have the latest version of the My Disney Experience app to enjoy these handy features during your stay.

Check In and Check Out with Ease

Enjoy a simplified arrival at your Disney Resort hotel! Use the app to begin the check-in process , view your room number and even unlock your door .

At the end of your stay, there’s no need to stop by the Front Desk if you have a valid payment card on file or a zero-dollar balance on your account. Instead, check out of your room via the app by visiting My Reservations or your Hotel Account.

Plan, Play, Dine and Unwind

There are many more ways to enhance your stay! With the app, you can:

• Make vacation plans during your stay—and review existing plans
• Enter the theme parks (with a valid park reservation and valid admission) using Disney MagicMobile service
• Order food and beverages with mobile order service
• Check park schedules
• Get directions
• Explore transportation options
• View your Disney PhotoPass photos

And that’s only the beginning!

Learn more about the My Disney Experience app .

Available for iPhone®, iPad® and smartphones for Android™. Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc .

Lightning Lane Passes

Plan ahead and save time in line for select attractions and experiences! Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels can purchase Lightning Lane passes—and choose experiences—up to 7 days in advance of their stay.

View Rooms and Prices

Hotel Address

(407) 934-7000

Check Availability

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Disney’s Beach Club Resort Review

Beach Club is a Deluxe Resort at Walt Disney World in walking distance of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, with Skyliner gondola and boat transportation to those parks. This hotel review features room photos, restaurant info, commentary on the amazing pool and much more.

Regularly lumped together with its sister resort, the adjacent Yacht Club Resort (sometimes even referred to as “Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort”), Beach Club is very different. Most obviously in that its exterior has a light blue color scheme as opposed to the gray of Yacht Club, but also in the more laid back theme.

Beach Club is modeled after seaside resort cottages found in New England in the early 20th century, rather than a refined yachting club. In addition to the regular resort with the light blue color scheme, there’s also the Beach Club Villas , which is a separate building that’s teal in color. That’s the Disney Vacation Club wing of the resort, and shares the common areas but has very different rooms.

We feel that Disney’s Beach Club Resort is among the most well-rounded hotels at Walt Disney World, with a great location, strong table service dining, great theming, and top-notch amenities. It’s the resort we’d choose for our Walt Disney World vacations if money were no object. While it’s not without criticism, Beach Club fires on all cylinders to rank as one of our top Walt Disney World resort-hotels.

On the exterior, the Beach Club looks great. It was designed by Robert Stern, who also designed the Newport Bay Club in Disneyland Paris, which is strikingly similar to Beach Club. Apparently, Disney was quite satisfied with Stern’s take on seaside cottages.

That, or Michael Eisner was obsessed with his childhood summers in New England and directed the company to build a number of hotels in the late 1980s in this general style. Regardless, the airy Victorian look of the trim against the blue siding of the resort along with the touches of theming give the hotel an element of whimsy.

Both inside and outside, this contrasts nicely with the more stately design of the Yacht Club. While the two hotels are more or less the same, we’ve noticed that the Yacht Club is a tad stuffier (not to the point that it’s actually “stuffy,” it’s just closer to that point than the laid back Beach Club).

Inside Disney’s Beach Club Resort, the seaside motif continues, with paintings of New England and fixtures that evoke the beach feeling. The color scheme is generally cool, consisting primarily of light or pastel greens and blues.

The rooms also continue this theme, but here’s where we think the hotel stumbles a bit. Disney’s Beach Club Resort is attempting to execute an early 20th century theme, so in theory the rooms should always have a timeless feel of that era, but they don’t.

This was true of the old rooms, and it’s still true of the new ones. The problem with the old was that it was as if they’re an early 1990s take on the early 20th century. They felt like something you’d see on the Golden Girls, and most definitely weren’t timeless.

On the other hand, the new rooms are generic and bland it looked. These look like rooms you could find at some random Hilton anywhere in the country for about $400 per night less.

Granted, there’s a certain premium to be paid for the location advantage of a Walt Disney World hotel room, but part of that premium is that the rooms are different than “ordinary” hotel rooms. Or at least, they should be.

With Beach Club, one of the best-themed resorts in all of Walt Disney World, I expected more.

The rooms are devoid of warmth, theme, and charm: the style is totally plain and nondescript, there aren’t any whimsical touches, and the new look isn’t an extension of the resort’s overarching theme.

In fairness, this is a criticism we have for many of the rooms at Walt Disney World. It’s very difficult to balance a themed environment with a modern feel and amenities in the rooms themselves.

However, Disney has done a much better job striking this balance with more recent new room stylings at Riviera Resort, Saratoga Springs, and Polynesian Village Resort.

Let’s turn to dining. There are several excellent restaurants on-site in every category except standard counter service with Beaches & Cream , Cape May Cafe , and Yachtsman Steakhouse (technically at the Yacht Club), putting it right up there with the best of the Deluxes in terms of quality restaurants.

That’s the good news. The bad news is that the counter service options at Beach Club (and all around Crescent Lake) leave a lot to be desired. We’ve managed to have success recently with Beach Club Marketplace , but it’s still a far cry from the options in World Showcase at Epcot or other food courts around Walt Disney World.

Our pro tip: in lieu of the counter service at Beach Club, head to Crew’s Cup Lounge, where you can get a delicious burger for about the price of a counter service meal. Much better food at a comparable price!

Another good option at Yacht Club is Ale & Compass Restaurant or its adjacent lounge. This is a fairly unpopular restaurant, meaning it’s relatively easy to score a last minute Advance Dining Reservation. While it’s design is a bit on the dull side, the food is very good!

Speaking of Crescent Lake, it should be noted that there are three other hotels within an incredibly short walk. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn doesn’t share amenities with the Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, but it’s so close that the restaurants there might as well count as Beach Club restaurants, too. Same goes for the Swan & Dolphin, and arguably even for the World Showcase restaurants.

If table service dining is going to be a highlight of a trip, staying at one of the Crescent Lake resorts is the best option. There are numerous dining options all within walking distance–including a couple of Signature Restaurants.

Walking from Beach Club to Disney’s Hollywood Studios takes around 15 minutes–maybe a tad longer if your room is closer to Epcot. However, you also have the option of taking the Disney Skyliner. That will take about the same amount of time, but the aerial gondolas are a much more pleasant way of getting there!

This distance to Epcot is another major benefit to staying at the Beach Club, as it’s only a 10 minute walk to the International Gateway from the grounds of the Beach Club.

Boat service is also available to both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and generally takes just about the same amount of time as walking. It can be a little faster if you’re lucky, or a lot slower if there are long lines for the boats.

If you don’t mind walking, that’s by far your best option. For us, the ability to walk to both of these parks is huge. Disney bus transportation is unpredictable and often inefficient, so being able to avoid buses for two parks is a huge benefit.

The flipside is that bus transportation to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom from Beach Club leaves something to be desired. There is always at least some sort of shared bus service operating, but exactly how many buses share the service depends upon the season.

We have had better bus service when staying at Pop Century for less than one-third the nightly rates of Beach Club. It’s disappointing that the Epcot-area Deluxe Resorts don’t offer better service in this regard than a Value Resort.

Of course, the main draw at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is Storm-Along Bay. I had salivated over this pool for some time before we finally stayed at the Beach Club, to the point that my expectations were probably impossibly high. It did not disappoint; in fact, it’s the #1 pool on my Top 10 Pools at Walt Disney World list.

For those unfamiliar with it, Storm-Along Bay is a sprawling pool complex 3 acres in size with sand at the bottom (for a while, I mistakenly thought “SAB,” the acronym used for Storm-Along Bay, stood for “Sand At Bottom”). Not only does it have sand at the bottom, but it also has a lazy river, an amazing water slide, great places for relaxing, and an excellent poolside bar.

Although it might seem like just a big pool with a dirty floor, in reality, it’s about the coolest thing ever. In fact, it’s so stellar that it cannot be adequately described without making up a new word. Storm-Along Bay is awesometubtacularnesszing!

Some people may tell you that some other pool at Walt Disney World is actually better, but unless that pool is called “Typhoon Lagoon” or “Blizzard Beach,” they are flat out wrong. Storm-Along Bay completely lives up to its hype, and is far and away the best hotel pool at Walt Disney World. It’s not even close.

One of our favorite splurges at Walt Disney World is doing a split stay (see our How to Do a Split Stay at Walt Disney World Hotels post) to take full advantage of Stormalong Bay and Club Level. Book a 1-night stay at Beach Club for the end of your trip and taking a late flight out on your last day.

Alternatively, you could do that night in the middle of a three-resort trip, with a couple of relaxed resort days to decompress amidst your vacation. We describe the highlights of this strategy in our Stone Harbor Club Level Review .

Disney’s Beach Club Resort has many other amenities, including a health club, business center, babysitting, tennis courts, and other recreational facilities, but none of these measure up to Storm-Along Bay.

Overall, Beach Club scores highly for us because its theming perfectly conveys the relaxed feel of a seaside resort community, and this theming compliments a Walt Disney World vacation nicely. Like all of the Epcot-area resorts, Beach Club scores highly for its table service dining and convenience to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This location makes it the perfect place to stay during Epcot’s many festivals.

The biggest downside to Beach Club is its high nightly cost. Anyone wanting richly themed environments at Walt Disney World might also be disappointed by the guest rooms. Then there’s counter service dining, which is so-so at best all around Crescent Lake. Finally, commuting to the two “Kingdom” parks is another downside; guests who will be spending a lot of time at Magic Kingdom and don’t care much about a resort’s pool might want to think twice about Beach Club. Those who enjoy poolside relaxation, nice dining, and Epcot will likely agree with us that Disney’s Beach Club Resort is one of the top hotels at Walt Disney World!

Not sure which Walt Disney World hotel is right for you? Let a professional help you for free. Click here to get a quote from a recommended, no-fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner . They get their commission from Disney, so there is no charge to you for them to book your trip and help you plan!

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

Your Thoughts

Have you stayed at Disney’s Beach Club Resort? What’s your take on it? Prefer it, Yacht Club, or BoardWalk Inn? Do you agree or disagree that Beach Club is one of the best Walt Disney World hotels? Do you think Storm-Along Bay lives up to the hype? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing feedback about your experiences is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

Are the different sections of the pool connected? Like can you go from one to the other while staying in the water or do have to get out of the water? Wondering due to some mobility issues. Thanks!

The Beach Club pool needs more umbrellas we had 4 small children and it was hot we had to leave because there was no shade. Many chairs saved because the whole time no one came to use them. There is some kind of sand with broken shells ground up in it you can’t walk around pool because it’s so sharp so wear your sandals to the ladders and all decks. We had asked for a room for five adults and one child they gave us room with a bed small pull out couch and a smaller pull out child size bed very tight squeezed in room we could get no help with changing it.

We LOVE the Beach Club and the Boardwalk for that matter because of being able to walk to both Studios and Epcot. In terms of theming we like Animal Kingdom the best but have a hard time getting ourselves to stay there due to transportation. AK feels more like an escape when we are not at the parks. We like to go to AK for dinner and hubby usually has to pull me away as I just want to stay and soak it up.

Stormalong bay might be the best pool at Disney but that isn’t saying much to us, unless you have young kids. Our favorite parke fo BC and B is that they have quiet pools. We go to the main pool for the slide but otherwise they are so crowded that they are not relaxing to us. I will say even when we had a 4 year old she LOVED the quiet pool at BC. It was hot when we were there and we would take late night swims after the parks, so quiet and relaxing.

I don’t know about the rooms (we have never stayed at the Yacht Club but our last stay we were walking through there and my Dad said Oh I guess the Yacht Club is the fancier place than the Beach Club. I said I don’t know about that.

After the room changes, I think the Beach Club rooms are more conventional, and thus “stuffier” than the rooms in the Yacht Club.

Nitpicking aside, I’m glad to see the full Yacht Club and Beach Club complex open!

Thebobly problem we found with the pool is because it was so popular, there wee a lot of kids and…we had to get out of the pool twice for poo incidents.

Is it true that Beach Club removed the jetted tubs during the last refurb? One of the reasons we chose AKL as our home resort was for the tubs in the 1 br villas. We’ve been sad to see that Disney seems to slowly removing those from DVC rooms (allthough I think at least some have replaced water jet tubs with air jet tubs, which are less powerful but WAY easier to clean and keep sanitary).

Tom, I totally agree!! Beach club definitely has the best pool on all of Disney property. I got married at wilderness lodge 23 years ago and that was alway our family’s favorite hotel… until we stayed at the beach club. The location and pool can’t be beat!

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The Family Vacation Guide

Disney’s Beach Club vs Yacht Club: Which Should You Choose?

posted by James Brockbank on September 3, 2022 // last updated on September 19, 2022

One of the best parts of planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida , is choosing where to stay.

Disney owns and operates more than 20 resorts and other accommodations on their central Florida property, in addition to the dozens of others nearby.

If Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort are among your options, you might be wondering which is better. After all, they’re located directly next door to each other, and the theming is similar. 

Despite having much in common, these two hotels have some key differences that make them distinct. Below, we’ll talk about the perks of staying in one of Disney’s hotels and what the Yacht and Beach Clubs have in common. Then, we’ll dive into what makes them distinct. That way, you can make the best choice for your family vacation.

Early Genie+ Access

Transportation, on-site guest relations, deluxe resorts, the skyliner, the boardwalk, room accommodations, entertainment and recreation, disney vacation club villas, recreation and entertainment, convention center, which should you choose: disney’s beach club or yacht club, perks of staying in a walt disney world hotel.

Experienced Disney vacationers will tell you that staying “on-property” has many advantages that can help you get the most out of your time in the most magical place on earth.

Each day, the four theme parks in Walt Disney World– Magic Kingdom , EPCOT , Hollywood Studios , and Animal Kingdom –open 30 minutes early for resort guests. That means you can get to the park in the morning and head to a couple of your favorite attractions without worrying about crowds.

At times in the past, Disney had offered “Extra Magic Hours” when parks opened even earlier or stayed open late in the evening for resort guests. While Disney isn’t offering them now, it certainly could return in the future.

Genie+ is the paid reservation system that allows guests to reserve times to visit top attractions. Time slots become available to park guests when the park opens for the day. 

However, guests with resort reservations linked to their accounts can make their first selections at 7 AM. That’s a distinct advantage over everyone else. What’s more, reservations for some of the most popular rides sometimes go quick.

Disney provides regular, reliable transportation from all of its hotels to its four theme parks, two water parks, and Disney Springs shopping and entertainment district. Buses run to each destination from every hotel about every 30 minutes.

In addition, there are boats and water taxis, the Skyliner gondola system, the monorail, and walking trails from several resorts. Below, we’ll talk about what’s available at the Yacht and Beach Clubs.

An often-overlooked advantage of staying at a Disney hotel is on-site guest relations. You can visit this desk to take care of a range of questions and issues before visiting the parks. You can purchase or verify tickets, make and confirm park and dining reservations, and schedule tours and special events.

Of course, guest relations is available at the entrance to all theme parks and water parks. However, there can be long lines, especially at the beginning of the day. What’s more, visiting the desk in the park takes away from your time enjoying attractions.  

What Do the Yacht and Beach Clubs Have in Common?

If you’ve done your research, you may already know that the Yacht and Beach Clubs are next to each other. They’re also often discussed together since they share so many amenities and features. 

Before we discuss what makes them unique so you can choose between them, it’s helpful to look at what they share. That way, you can get a total picture of what it would be like to spend your family vacation there.

Both the Beach Club and Yacht Club are Disney Deluxe Resorts . This is the top tier of hotels on Disney property, ahead of value resorts like Art of Animation and All-Star Sports and moderate resorts such as Coronado Springs and Port Orleans Riverside.

As you might expect, deluxe resorts have the best of everything. The rooms tend to be larger, the hotel lobbies and fixtures more opulent, and the theming is more detailed. There are better pools (with slides), more amenities (such as spas and shops), and more dining options.

Deluxe resorts have several unique features and perks. Sometimes, Disney parks stay open late for guests of deluxe resorts. They tend to have great locations with better access to the parks and transportation options. Of course, it all comes at a price. Deluxe resorts start at around $450 and increase sharply from there. 

The location is one of the best things about staying at the Yacht or Beach Club. They are two of the three resorts located directly near EPCOT. 

If you enjoy the thrilling attractions in Future World or a leisurely stroll through the World Showcase, you might like the Yacht and Beach Clubs even more than the Magic Kingdom monorail hotels–The Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village, and the Contemporary.

Let’s zoom in on the three things that make this location spectacular.

The Yacht and Beach Clubs are about a ten or 15-minute walk from EPCOT . One of four theme parks in Walt Disney World, EPCOT has so much to offer. It’s split into two major worlds, and they almost feel like two separate worlds.

Future World has some of the most thrilling attractions in any of the parks, including Soarin’ , Test Track , and the brand new Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster, Cosmic Rewind . 

Then, there’s the World Showcase, with pavilions from 11 countries around the world. Sample food, drink, merchandise, and culture without leaving central Florida.

The new Skyliner transportation system is just before you reach the World Gateway entrance to EPCOT. The Skyliner is a gondola system that connects several popular spots around the “world,” including Hollywood Studios, Riviera Resort, and several other hotels.

The Skyliner has revolutionized how people get around Walt Disney World. Many guests hated waiting for and riding buses to and from the parks, but the Skyliner has turned that experience into a ride in itself.

Guests at the Yacht and Beach Club can easily walk to the Skyliner. The Beach Club is a bit closer, but it only takes about ten minutes from the Yacht Club lobby.

The Boardwalk Hotel is on the same walking trail as the Yacht and Beach Club. In addition to the hotel is the Boardwalk entertainment area. While it’s much smaller than Disney Springs, you can find shops, restaurants, and entertainment. 

One of the Boardwalk’s favorites is Jelly Rolls, a dueling piano bar. The Atlantic Dance Hall opens nightly for drinks and dancing.

Most room accommodations at the Yacht and Beach Club are the same. Standard rooms include one king or two queen beds, and some have a pull-down bed under the television. 

Daily housekeeping is included, and guests can choose from water, pool, and garden views. In addition, both hotels have suites and a club or concierge level.

The best part of staying at the Yacht or Beach Club is arguably the main pool. The most popular on Disney property, Stormalong Bay encompasses three acres of space. There’s a lazy river, three whirlpool spas, and a life-size replica of a shipwreck with a 230-foot waterslide. It’s partially sand-bottom, and there’s a sandy beach to play on.

If you prefer a quieter poolside experience, there are three more leisure pools for use by guests at the Beach and Yacht Clubs: the Admiral Pool, Dunes Cove, and the Tidal Pool. All three have whirlpool spas and other amenities.

The Yacht and Beach Club share transportation, and the great news is how easy it is to get around Walt Disney World from both of these hotels.

The bus stop is located outside the main lobby of the Yacht Club. Buses run about every 30 minutes to the parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. The bus is the best way to get to Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the Magic Kingdom.

There is also a boat launch behind the lobby of the Yacht Club on Crescent Lake. The boats take guests to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and are a leisurely way to get to both parks.

As mentioned above, the Skyliner is about a ten-minute walk from the Yacht and Beach Clubs. The Skyliner takes guests to Hollywood Studios and is the fastest way to get there. 

We mentioned walking into EPCOT from these resorts, but you can also walk to Hollywood Studios. The path winds for about one mile around the water.

Finally, while the Yacht and Beach Clubs aren’t located on the monorail, you can access the monorail through EPCOT. You will need a theme park reservation at EPCOT or a park hopper ticket (useable after 2 PM) to access the monorail. However, it can take you to the Magic Kingdom.

The two resorts also share much of the same entertainment and recreation options. Moreover, guests at either hotel are almost always welcome to use amenities at the other one.

The resorts jointly host nightly campfires (weather permitting) and movies under the stars (indoors in inclement weather). There are tennis courts, volleyball courts, jogging trails, arcades, boat rentals, and fishing. There’s also a full fitness center and salon at Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness. 

What Makes Disney’s Beach Club Different?

Now that you know all the things that Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs share, we can look at meaningful ways that they differ. 

One of them is written right into their names. Even though the themes at the resorts are similar, they are distinct from each other. The Beach Club is reminiscent of classic Atlantic and New Jersey seaside resorts around the turn of the 20th century. 

It’s bright and cheerful, with light pastel colors throughout. You’ll notice elements of gingerbread-style and Victorian architecture, almost like an upscale beach cottage. The atmosphere is designed to be more relaxed and calming.

There are several other important ways that the two hotels differ. Here’s what’s unique to the Beach Club.

One thing that makes the Beach Club distinct is the presence of Disney Vacation Club villas. Disney Vacation Club is a vacation ownership company that sells timeshares in select Disney resorts worldwide. It also offers exceptional experiences, excursions, and reciprocity with RCI for members in good standing to use their annual allotment of points.

There are only 282 villas at the Beach Club, making it among the smallest in the collection. There are studios with kitchenettes and one, two, and three-bedroom villas with full kitchens.

You don’t need to be a DVC member to book the villas. In fact, many non-members love the villas for family reunions and space to spread out. They typically cost more than standard rooms per night.

You don’t have to be a guest at the Beach Club to dine in any of its restaurants. Anyone can make a reservation or drop in for table availability, but guests of this resort will be closer and find it easier to eat at these.

Cape May Cafe is a popular buffet spot for breakfast and dinner. Beaches and Cream Soda Shop has diner offerings for lunch and dinner and is known for its incredible ice cream. Martha’s Vineyard serves lunch but is best known for its bar service and wine selection. Finally, the Beach Club Marketplace offers counter-service and grab-and-go dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Some guests prefer the Beach Club’s location because it is closer to EPCOT and the Skyliner. It takes about five or ten more minutes to get there from the Yacht Club, depending on where your room is situated. However, most of the rooms at the Yacht Club are closer to Stormalong Bay than at the Beach Club.

Even though guests of either resort can use all the amenities, it’s worth mentioning the ones that are located at the Beach Club:

• Dunes Cove Pool
• Volleyball courts

What Makes the Yacht Club Different?

Several elements distinguish the Yacht Club from the Beach Club, and the first is the theme. While the Beach Club is designed to look and feel like a relaxed yet refined seaside resort, the Yacht Club is more stately.

The Yacht Club is reminiscent of a grand, exclusive New England yachting or boating resort, visited by titans of industry, politicians, and some of the oldest families in America. It is elegant, plush, and nautical. In contrast to the whimsical pastels at the Beach Club, you’ll see dark blues and wood tones against white finishes. 

Perhaps because of the prestige, the Yacht Club’s prices tend to be slightly higher than the Beach Club’s, though not substantially. The rooms at both resorts follow their themes but are around the same size.

While the Beach Club has Disney Vacation Club villas, the Yacht Club has a convention center, which frequently contributes to the more formal atmosphere at the Yacht Club. In fact, the resort itself was designed to host conventions, and its setup is conducive to that.

The convention center has more than 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. The hotel has almost 2,000 guest rooms, most of which are standard. Nearly 140 are located on the club level, perfect for executives. Couples also often hold weddings at the Yacht Club, and the nearby wedding gazebo is a convenient ceremony space. 

There are several dining options at the Yacht Club, and true to its theme, most of them are more formal than the ones you’ll find at the Beach Club. The main restaurant is the Yachtsman’s Steakhouse , a traditional New England steakhouse. It is one of the more formal restaurants in Walt Disney World and is only open for dinner. 

In addition, the less-formal Ale and Compass restaurant is a gastropub serving Yankee comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Marketplace at Ale and Compass offers counter-service and grab-and-go dining options.

Finally, two bars offer drinks and light snacks: the Ale and Compass Lounge and the Crew’s Cup Lounge. 

These are the recreation and amenities offered at the Yacht Club:

• Admiral Pool
• Tennis courts
• Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness

If you plan to spend the bulk of your Florida vacation in Walt Disney World, we strongly recommend staying at a Disney hotel for all the reasons discussed above. But which is better–the Beach Club or Yacht Club?

As you can see, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Yacht Club Resort have a lot in common and share many of the same amenities and perks. However, they have distinct themes that create different atmospheres. The Beach Club is more relaxed and refined, while the Yacht Club is more stately and elegant.

Regardless of where you and your family decide to stay, the most important thing is that you enjoy your time together at Walt Disney World. And don’t forget to check out Stormalong Bay–it’s the best part of either hotel!

More about our TFVG Author

James Brockbank

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Review (Why We Love This Nautical-Themed Hotel)

Often, I forget how much I enjoy a resort until we get to stay there again. However, Disney’s Yacht Club is not one of them. I’ll never forget the first time I stepped ashore at the Yacht Club’s dock in the misting rain on a cold December evening. It was nearly dark, and it was probably the worst time to visit a resort for the first time.

But I had heard many nice things about the Yacht and Beach Club. So, I was determined to visit during this vacation. “This is where we’re staying next time,” those words rang through me. That’s when it all started: my love for the resorts at Walt Disney World .

We felt warm and welcome upon entering the lobby and seeing the massive globe and holiday decor. Eventually, we figured out how to navigate our way to the Beach Club. Both resorts are charming in their unique ways. The Yacht Club is the more formal, masculine side of the resort, while the Beach Club is soft and casual.

Anyone with a love for sailing or all things nautical will find themselves at home at Disney’s Yacht Club. Between its prime location and a long list of amenities, the resort is hard to top. As we continue this review of Disney’s Yacht Club, we’ll share our latest stay at the resort. Additionally, I’ll include a few pros and cons to consider when planning a stay. Let me unravel the knot for you.

Over the years, I’ve overheard many describe the New England-style Yacht Club as stuffy. I find it anything but that. Since our initial visit, it’s become a place I call home. Disney’s Yacht Club indeed has a more formal feeling than its sister resort, Disney’s Beach Club. However, I find the resort to be stylish while remaining casual. Of course, the Beach Club offers a more beachy vibe with a softer color palette. Those considering both resorts will likely want to read that review as well.

Related: Disney’s Beach Club Review

Before we go any further, there is one other essential item you might like to consider. Disney’s Yacht Club is a dog-friendly resort. That means there are designated rooms or floors where you can bring a dog.

Disney’s Yacht Club underwent a complete refurbishment several years ago, updating nearly every portion of the resort. However, it’s been a while since the rooms were completed, so we expect to see a room renovation sooner rather than later. The resort’s exterior boasts a pretty grey siding with white trim. Its subtle colors make for a lovely backdrop against the luscious green grass and landscaping.

If you’ve been following our recent coverage of the resort, you know we planned a stay at Disney’s Yacht Club for a variety of reasons. But first and foremost, it was time for several updates on the site regarding the resort. We also planned to attend After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We have a separate review of that experience if you want to learn more: Hollywood Studios Disney After Hours Review .

For reference, Disney’s Yacht Club is part of the Epcot Resorts Area , so the resort is directly between Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Therefore, you can walk from the resort to both theme parks. This location will be hard to beat compared to other alternatives. Furthermore, staying here made it convenient for us to switch between our planned priorities.

Not only is walking to two parks a considerable benefit, but the hotel resides on beautiful Crescent Lake . So it’s one of the most pleasant places to take a leisurely stroll at Walt Disney World.

If you plan to spend a decent amount of time at Epcot or Hollywood Studios, I strongly suggest considering any resorts within walking distance of the parks . Other resorts in this area include:

• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
• Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort

Another reason I love this area is that it provides teens with a great place to roam without worrying too much. When my son turned 14 (the age at which you can enter a park without an adult), he loved that I gave him some freedom to walk over to the nearby parks. Additionally, Epcot has multiple festivals throughout the year. If you plan a vacation primarily to visit any of the festivals, Disney’s Yacht Club is an excellent hotel option.

Disney’s Yacht Club has a classic interior with elements like sailboats, knots, and leather mixed with pretty shades of blue and gold. Modern furnishings were added to the lobby during its latest refurbishment.

You might even catch a glimpse of a giant hidden Mickey in the central rug. It’s the largest one I’ve encountered.

A massive globe, the lobby’s centerpiece, sits prominently on display.

On this visit, we were in room 2126, which was only a short walk down the second-floor hallway. We enjoyed walking out of our room and down the stairs to the lobby so quickly.

If you want to enjoy a more private space, there’s a small sitting area at the top of the stairs.

You might also notice the carpet is on point. No pun intended. It features a compass pattern.

Disney’s Yacht Club is slightly different from the other deluxe resorts regarding accommodations. It’s the only upscale resort without a separate Disney Vacation Club. However, next door, Disney’s Beach Club is home to the Beach Club Villas, a Disney World Villa Resort . All of the villa resorts are Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Resorts.

Related: Disney’s Beach Club Villas Review

Most of Disney’s Yacht Club rooms sleep up to five guests. However, club-level rooms usually sleep four guests. If you’re curious about club level, we have an entire article covering the experience.

Related: Club Level at Disney’s Beach Club

Here are the following room view categories at Disney’s Yacht Club:

• Standard View (Roof or Parking Lot View)
• Garden or Woods View (View of Gardens)
• Water View (View of Crescent Lake or Stormalong Bay)

Additionally, the Yacht Club has several two-bedroom suites for those needing a larger space. Those suites sleep up to six guests.

We booked a standard guest room with a garden or woods view for this stay. Our room had two queen-size beds and a futon-style sleeper.

Some rooms have king-size beds with a daybed. However, those rooms are usually considered an upgrade. Rooms at Disney’s Yacht Club have solid surface flooring that resembles hardwood. Here is the fold-down sofa that converts to a fifth sleeper.

Our guest bath was split with a separate vanity area from the water closet. There were two sinks, and our bath had a tub with a shower combination.

While our view was private, there wasn’t anything outstanding about it.

We’ve stayed in a water-view room at Disney’s Yacht Club in the past. This is my all-time favorite room view at Walt Disney World, and I’ve stayed at many resorts.

I enjoyed this view so much that I woke up every morning and sat on the balcony. During the day, we would visit the parks for a bit before coming back for a break. My first thought upon entering the room was to head out to the balcony. We would get ready for dinner in the evenings and enjoy a drink on the balcony before leaving. Then, when we returned to the room after dark, we would enjoy the view of the fireworks from Epcot.

I could have sat there all day and indulged in the comings and goings below.

Overall, the guest rooms at Disney’s Yacht Club are relatively simple and modern. The beds are platform-style, which allows room to store luggage underneath. One of the items that I liked the most was the curtains, which feature Disney-inspired constellations.

In addition, our room had a built-in closet across from the bath area with a safe, coffee maker, and mini-refrigerator. We have a separate article that features a video tour of the room and photos of all the details.

Related: Room Tour of a Standard Guest Room at Disney’s Yacht Club

There are plenty of dining options at Disney’s Yacht Club and within the nearby area. However, all of the resorts in the area lack counter-service options.

The Market at Ale and Compass is the primary counter-service dining option at Disney’s Yacht Club. Unfortunately, most of the items are pre-made, which is not a good look for a high-end hotel.

Related: The Market at Ale and Compass

During our stay, I stopped for a few updated photos, but not much has changed since our last visit.

Plenty of chips, candies, and allergy-friendly alternative snacks were available.

Here is the refrigerated case with various bottled waters, beverages, soda, juice, and pre-packaged meals.

There’s a case with several novelty ice cream treats toward the back. To the left of the case, there’s a microwave for anyone to use.

Disney Rapid Fill Mugs are available for purchase at The Market. They are good for the entire length of your stay at any resort refillable beverage station.

Related: Rapid Fill Mugs at Yacht and Beach Club

Additionally, The Market at Ale and Compass has a decent coffee bar. Here are a few of the available items.

You can preview the full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu here on Disney’s site. Below is a photo of the dining area inside the counter service.

Ale and Compass Lounge is located off the resort lobby. It offers a small appetizer menu and a fairly unique selection of cocktails. We often enjoy stopping in for an order of Parker House rolls.

Related: Ale and Compass Lounge Review

Ale and Compass is one of our favorite restaurants at Disney’s Resorts. This location serves one of the best breakfasts at Disney, as well as lunch and dinner. Plus, they have a to-go menu on the mobile-order portion of the My Disney Experience app.

We had breakfast one morning during this stay, and I had the Salted Caramel Apple French Toast. It was divine. But as you already know, my favorite item here is the chocolate waffle.

Related: Ale and Compass Breakfast Review

We’ve had everything from the Vermont Cheddar Burger to the Fish with Fries for lunch and dinner.

Related: Ale and Compass Lunch and Dinner Review

Crew’s Cup Lounge is located down a hall off the Yacht Clubs’ lobby. This location serves as the lounge for Yachtsman Steakhouse. Don’t skip out on this location, thinking it’s just “another lounge” because it’s not. Crew’s Cup doesn’t require reservations and has a full menu with food and beverage options. On this visit, we stopped in to try the charcuterie board. It was delicious and more than enough for two people to share.

Related: Crew’s Cup Lounge at Disney’s Yacht Club

Yachtsman Steakhouse is the signature dining location at Disney’s Yacht Club. We’ve had the opportunity to dine here several times in the past. Yachtsman specializes in serving prime cuts of beef. On your way to the table, you will pass a butcher-style display of said meats.

However, the best part about dining at Yachtsman Steakhouse is the onion rolls. They are delicious, and the server will bring roasted garlic to the table for you to enjoy with them.

Related: Yachtsman Steakhouse Review

Lastly, we have Hurricane Hanna’s, a walk-up waterside bar and grill that serves Stormalong Bay, the pool area. This counter-service location offers burgers, chicken nuggets, sandwiches, and similar items.

Related: Hurricane Hanna’s Review

Additionally, you might enjoy a meal at one of these restaurants located on the Beach Club side of the resort:

• Beaches and Cream Soda Shop
• Beach Club Marketplace
• Cape May Cafe (Character Breakfast)
• Cape May Cafe Seafood Buffet
• Martha’s Vineyard

We have a complete guide that lists the options at both resorts.

Related: Restaurants at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club

In addition to its location, the Yacht Club has one of the best pools at Walt Disney World . Stormalong Bay is a huge feature pool that’s more of a water park than a pool. It has the following: a lazy river, a water slide, a sand bottom pool, multiple hot tubs, a kids’ pool, and much more!

Related: Everything You Need to Know for Stormalong Bay

We always plan an entire day at Stormalong Bay during our visits. For this trip, we checked into the hotel early to spend the day at the pool. Since our room was ready upon arrival, we were able to put our things away and then head directly out to the pool. However, a large bathroom behind the pool has a separate changing area for guests.

Additionally, there’s a shower with toiletries for guests. So, if you have a late flight, you could spend the day at the pool, shower, and change before heading to the airport.

There’s one other thing I wanted to mention about the pool. The Yacht Club’s water slide sits across the walkway from the pool area at the top of the shipwreck.

Sometimes, guests complain that children have to leave the pool area to enter the water slide. However, I’m sure most guests are unaware that there’s a kiddie pool inside the shipwreck. It’s a hidden surprise to those who dare to take on the Flying Jib water slide.

On a previous visit, we splurged on a cabana rental at Stormalong Bay. While the rental was pricy, it was an experience we won’t soon forget. We have a separate article that details our day.

Related: Poolside Cabana Rentals at Disney World

Outside the pool area, several beaches are available with chairs and swings. Below is a photo of the fire pit where marshmallows are roasted each evening. Additionally, Movies Under the Stars are usually held in this area on the beach when it’s warm.

There should be several activity schedules posted around the resort.

These schedules list the times for the campfire, poolside activities, crafts, and other various recreational items. Toward the bottom, it lists the nightly movie schedule. It was cooler in the evenings during our stay, so movies were being held at the Beach Club’s Solarium.

Guests looking for a more private relaxing spot at the Yacht Club will enjoy the resort’s quiet pool, the Admiral Pool.

Related: The Pools at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club

It has a whirlpool spa.

There is even a tennis court.

Additionally, the resort’s main laundry facilities are located near the quiet pool, so if you need to do a little laundry, this is an excellent location. I usually start our laundry, then grab a bite to eat and enjoy a peaceful lunch by the pool.

Related: Laundry Facilities at Disney’s Yacht Club

Disney’s Yacht Club is home to Bayside Marina. The marina offers motorized boat rentals that you can reserve in advance.

This is also the location to meet for Epcot’s fireworks cruises.

Disney’s Yacht Club has a fitness center called Ship Shape Health Club. It sits directly behind Stormalong Bay and is shared with the Beach Club. Ship Shape is a convenient facility that offers anything needed to get a good workout while on vacation. In addition, the gym has cooling towels and a place to refill a water bottle.

Related: Fitness Centers at Disney World

If you prefer to run outside, there’s no better place than the running trail around Crescent Lake. You’ll run into several trail maps around the resort during your stay.

Related: Best Jogging Trails at Disney World

Lastly, Disney’s Yacht Club shares an arcade with the Beach Club. Lafferty Arcade sits next door to the Ship Shape Health Club. Here is a look inside.

As we discussed earlier, the Yacht Club’s location is one of the resort’s most significant benefits. In addition to being able to walk to two parks, the resort offers boat and bus services. The Yacht Club has a dock right outside its back door at the lighthouse. Disney’s Friendships boats provide transportation to the surrounding resorts, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios.

Related: Disney’s Friendship Boat Service

If you prefer to walk, Epcot is less than 10 minutes away. For Hollywood Studios, the walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Walking on the way back to the resort is a great way to decompress after visiting the parks. Guests traveling to the following theme parks and destinations will want to take a bus from the Yacht Club.

• Magic Kingdom
• Animal Kingdom
• Disney Springs
• Blizzard Beach
• Typhoon Lagoon

Yacht Club’s bus stop is outside the resort’s main entrance.

Both resorts (Yacht and Beach) share bus service, so don’t be surprised if your bus stops at Beach Club before heading to your destination. Yacht Club is the first stop upon return. Guests can also walk to the International Gateway or Hollywood Studios to use the Skyliner gondola transportation. This is a great option for anyone visiting Caribbean Beach or Disney’s Riviera Resort for a meal. For more information, we have a guide with tips on the best way to get to and from the Yacht Club.

Related: Disney’s Yacht Club Transportation Guide

Resorts Gal’s Spin on Disney’s Yacht Club

Is a stay at Disney’s Yacht Club worth the price? My answer is that it’s entirely up to your budget. However, if you can reasonably afford to stay at the Yacht Club, I don’t think you’ll regret it.

We love to stay at Disney’s Yacht Club because we enjoy the classy style of the resort, the pool, and the location. It’s our vibe. That said, Disney has a ton of excellent deluxe resorts that might be more what your idea of a vacation is than mine. All of the great options can make the decision difficult.

For example, while I love the Yacht Club for its location, you might enjoy a resort like Disney’s Polynesian. It has a tropical Hawaiian feel that you might consider more relaxing. ( Disney’s Polynesian Resort Review )

Another favorite is the Animal Kingdom Lodge. While this is not my favorite resort, it ranks as our choice for the best resort at Walt Disney World due to its uniqueness. ( Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Review ) Additionally, we love to stay at Disney’s Contemporary Garden Wing . However, the Contemporary is not for everyone.

Final Thoughts

We hope this review of Disney’s Yacht Club provided an overview of whether or not the resort will work for your family. We love staying at both the Beach and Yacht Club. Even during this most recent stay, I thought about how I’ve never tired of staying here. These are also the resorts I almost always compare with other hotels.

As someone fortunate to travel often, I always eventually get a little homesick for this place I love dearly. Some of the days we’ve spent at Stormalong Bay are my best Disney memories. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do.

Wrapping up this Disney’s Yacht Club review, I wanted to add a few points to remember about the resort.

• Staying at Disney’s Yacht Club offers the opportunity to save a considerable amount of travel time between two parks. Additionally, the ease of being close to Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot only add to the convenience.
• Since Yacht Club is a Disney Resort, resort guests are eligible for early theme park entry .
• Resort guests of the Yacht Club will also have access to extended evening hours for deluxe resort guests .

For more nearby Disney World Resort Reviews , try these articles:

• Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Review
• Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Review
• Disney’s Riviera Resort Review
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Review
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Review

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Hi, I'm Amber the owner of Resorts Gal . We have stayed at every single Disney Resort Hotel. Our philosophy? We believe you can have an incredible time at the resorts without ever setting foot in a theme park. We visit the resorts and parks regularly and would love for you to follow along!

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Ultimate Review of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Posted on Published: 04/11/2023

A convenient, elegant Disney hotel that is also kid-friendly? While this may seem to be something almost impossible to find, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort absolutely fits the bill. The nautical theme makes for a classy feel, while the location and amenities make it perfect for families.

I first had the opportunity to check out the Disney Yacht Club (part of Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort complex) during the Disney Social Media Moms Conference (where I got a discount on my room).

I more recently returned for a three-night stay during a solo Disney trip to see the renovated rooms. The Disney Yacht Club is a fabulous option for families visiting Walt Disney World to consider.

Note: As an attendee of the Disney Social Media Moms conference, I received discounts and perks, although I did pay a fee to attend. I am a former member of the Disney Parks Moms Panel, and all opinions are my own. During my second stay, I paid for my entire stay in full on my own.

This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you. 

Save money on your Walt Disney World theme park tickets by booking through  Get Away Today . They offer vacation packages as well as individual ticket sales.

A Review of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Location of the resort.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is located in the EPCOT area of the resort , adjacent to the Beach Club Resort . While the Beach Club is more fun and casual, the Yacht Club is a more elegant resort.

It seems to be a little quieter than the Beach Club. However, I found that it is still entirely kid-friendly.

Transportation to the parks from the Yacht Club is fairly easy. There’s a direct bus to the Magic Kingdom (or sometimes a shared bus with the Beach Club), a shared bus to Animal Kingdom, and boats to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studio . 

The buses now have a sign above the station showing when the next bus is scheduled to arrive. This makes things so much easier because you’ll at least have an idea of how long you’ll need to wait. Bus times are also accessible via the My Disney Experience app.

It’s also very easy to walk to EPCOT’s World Showcase – we did that rather than taking the boat. It’s just a short walk. You can also walk to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, although that is a longer walk.

The new Skyliner is also accessible from the Yacht Club. Although there isn’t a station at the resort, there is one at the International Gateway at EPCOT and one at the front of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

If you enjoy dining at EPCOT, it’s a great location because you can enter the park through the back entrance (called the International Gateway) for dinner (just make sure you have the park hopper option on your ticket if you are planning to visit another park that day).

You’ll also easily be able to walk to the Disney Boardwalk area andthe Swan and Dolphin Resorts. That gives you a much larger selection of restaurants that are conveniently located.

Disney Yacht Club Rooms

During my first stay, I was there for four nights, in a garden-view standard room. While the view wasn’t too exciting (we overlooked a tennis court), we weren’t in the room long enough to even bother opening the shade.

During my second stay, I was in a room that faced another building. Again, I wasn’t in the room for very long, so the view wasn’t something that I was concerned about. Unless you plan to spend a lot of time in the room, I wouldn’t pay extra for a view.

Rooms at the Yacht Club have been recently renovated, and are comfortable and elegant. Gone are the rugs and the floors seem much easier to keep clean. Bring along socks if you want to have them on the bare floor.

Amenities in the room include a Keurig coffee maker (with decaf and regular coffee options), a refrigerator, a flat-screen television, a hairdryer, and an iron. Rooms include a bathroom with a separate double sink outside (great when traveling with teens because one person can get ready while another is showering).

A nice selection of bath amenities is available in the room. These newly designed rooms also have lots of outlets and USB ports, which are great for charging all of your devices.

There are various room configurations available. During my most recent stay, I had a room with one king bed, a chair, and a desk. For families, your best option is the 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed room option. There are also rooms with a Twin-Size Sleeper Chair and rooms with a King Bed and a Day Bed.

There are also various views offered, including a standard view room (which is usually of a roof or a parking lot), woods view, or water view (which would be a view of the quiet pool or Crescent Lake). Again, I wouldn’t pay for an upgraded view unless you think you’ll take advantage of it.

Club-level rooms are also available. These include access to the club level with complimentary food and drinks available all day long, as well as a separate concierge. 

Amenities the Resort

It’s important to know that Stormalong Bay is scheduled to be closed from January 2025 through June 2025 .

The Yacht Club features many fabulous amenities, some of which are shared with the adjacent Beach Club. Our favorite is Stormalong Bay, the 3-acre water complex featuring a small lazy river, a sandy-bottomed pool, a waterslide, and three whirlpools. It’s my favorite of the Walt Disney World Resort pools, and you have to be a guest at either the Beach or Yacht Club to be able to enjoy it.

If you are staying at the Yacht Club, I recommend saving at least an afternoon to spend time at Stormalong Bay, especially if you are visiting during the warmer weather. In addition to that complex, the Yacht and Beach Club resorts also offer three quieter pools, if you are looking for a more low-key experience.

For guests who would like to save some money on their vacation, you can even forgo a day at the parks to spend time at the resort. You could easily spend a day at Stormalong Bay.

I would also recommend doing this on a day when you visit one of the special events in the evening – like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. That way, you can relax a little bit before going to the party.

There are several other amenities at the Disney Yacht Club resort, including an arcade, salon, fitness club, and tennis courts. There are also motorized boat rentals available, as well as fishing and volleyball.

Movies under the stars and campfire activities are also offered. See the resort for a full schedule. All of these activities, like Stormalong Bay, are shared with the Beach Club.

Disney Yacht Club Restaurants

If you are looking to dine at the resort, there are several restaurants and bars at the two resorts. Some of them are on the Disney Dining plan. Like most Disney restaurants, you’ll want to make reservations as far in advance as possible (the lounges and quick-service locations, however, do not require or accept reservations).

The Yachtsman Steakhouse : this premium restaurant offers delicious steak and seafood entrees. It’s a signature restaurant, and perfect if you are looking for a special dinner. Keep in mind that as a signature restaurant, a dress code applies.

Cape May Cafe : Located in the Beach Club, the Cape May Cafe is home to a fun character breakfast in the morning and a coastal seafood buffet in the evening. I find that the character breakfast is a great, more low-key option, than the ones in the parks, so I’d recommend it if you are staying at one of the two resorts. It can usually be easier to get reservations there, but you’ll still want to make them in advance.

Martha’s Vineyard Lounge: This lounge is tucked between the two resorts and is a great place to grab a drink before or after dinner.

Ale and Compass Restaurant & Lounge : This newer restaurant and lounge is a great new option at the Yacht Club. It’s a little more casual than the Yachtsman but is still very elegant. The coastal, New England-inspired cuisine is delicious.

Beaches and Cream Soda Shop: This old-fashioned ice cream and soda shop offers regular food along with dessert.

Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill : Located at Stormalong Bay, Hurricane Hanna’s offers food and drinks. It’s perfect if you are spending the day at the pool.

Crew’s Cup Lounge: This lounge located in the Yacht Club offers appetizers, entrees, and a large selection of signature cocktails, beer, and wine.

The Beach Club Marketplace and The Market at Ale & Compass : These two quick-service locations (one at the Beach Club and one at the Yacht Club) are great places for a quick bite. This is also where you can purchase and fill your refillable mugs.

You’ll also be just a short walk away from the restaurants at the Boardwalk , EPCOT, and the Swan and Dolphin.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort 1700 EPCOT Resorts Boulevard Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Orlando, central florida, florida, united states.

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Things You Should Know About Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

1700 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, Florida 32830-8407, United States

Hotel & Amenities Photos

Standard room with water view.

Shipwreck Pool

Stormalong Bay

Restaurants and Bars

Airport Transportation

Beauty / hair salon, business center, children's pool, dry cleaning, fitness center, gameroom / arcade, meeting / conference rooms, room service, supervised kids activities, tennis court.

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.

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Theme parks, disney cruise line – what you need to know, cruise line ships, disney private islands, recent walt disney world, recent disneyland, disney world reviews, other park reviews, recent reviews, allears style, newsletter home, reviews of disney’s yacht club concierge level, {"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"breadcrumblist","itemlistelement":[{"@type":"listitem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/","name":"all reviews"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/reviews\/category\/walt-disney-world-resort-hotels\/","name":"walt disney world resort hotels reviews"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/reviews\/category\/concierge-level-resorts\/","name":"walt disney world resort hotels concierge level reviews"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":4,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/reviews\/disneys-yacht-club-concierge-level\/","name":"disney\\'s yacht club concierge level reviews"}}]} all reviews > walt disney world resort hotels reviews > walt disney world resort hotels concierge level reviews > disney's yacht club concierge level reviews, recommended by, reviewed by bosca review date: 01/29/2019, rating: (10) recommended.

My daughters and I just returned from a 4 night stay at the Yacht Club over the MLK weekend and start of Epcot Festival of the Arts. We knew it was going to be busy so really appreciated the fact that we could walk to Epcot from the Yacht Club and not have to wait for a bus or monorail. Also appreciated being upgraded to the Concierge level! I checked in online ahead of time and received a text the morning of arrival that our room was ready and we could bypass the front desk. This was great as our flight was delayed and we didn't arrive at the hotel until after 11:30 pm. Did not realize we were on Concierge level until we got on elevator and had to use our magic bands to get to the 5th floor. Surprise! The lounge was opened but not staffed and we were able to grab a soda and head to our room. Our Standard room was down the hall and to the left of the lounge and had 2 queen beds and a pull out sofa and a balcony overlooking the front entrance and the villa grounds. There was plenty of room to spread out and the beds were extremely comfortable. The next morning I headed down to the lounge for some coffee and what I thought would be a light breakfast. Nope. They had such an assortment of fresh fruit, hot & cold cereals, eggs, as well as all kinds of breads & muffins. These basics remained the same the whole stay but also added in waffles, crepes, and a bacon/egg quiche on the different mornings. We definitely took advantage of the breakfast more than any of the other options since we were at the parks most of the day. On one of the late afternoons we did stop back in and were able to try out the hors d'oeuvres consisting of crudites, various cheeses, sliced roast beef and turkey with dinner rolls, chicken fingers, mac and cheese, smoked salmon and a few others I don't recall. You easily could have made a dinner out of what was there. Another night we came back in time to enjoy the desserts which included 2 to 3 assorted mini cupcakes, mini tarts, rice crispy treats, ice cream, fresh fruit, and cookies. Good thing we were doing a lot of walking on this trip! Overall, the lounge was busy but not overcrowded. There was an area with 2 small tables and chairs for kids placed in front of the standard Disney cartoon TV channel. There were 2 other sitting areas as well as an outdoor balcony for adults to use. The staff was very attentive and cleared dishes and wiped down tables as soon as they were emptied. The cast members at the concierge desk were also great and able to help me modify a reservation we had at Be Our Guest, reset our magic band pins and print out our Boarding passes. It was a great trip and spoiled us for any futures stays. But, isn't that what Disney Magic is supposed to do?

Reviewed by YachtClubStitch Review Date: 10/02/2018

Really enjoyed my stay at the Regatta Club. When checking in, my husband and I only had to wait a few minutes for a Club Level Cast Member to take us to the 5th floor. They brought us upstairs and got us both a beverage while going through the process. We realized our Magic Bands had accidentally been set to not allow purchases and had to go visit them twice to fix it. (I'm an easy going person so we made light of it and they were super apologetic!). The food was excellent. I ate breakfast there every morning, and enjoyed the dessert layout at night. We did stop by around dinner time for some Hors Devours. My husband LOVED their chicken nuggets and I was a fan of their salads. They had 3 salad options every night. I stopped by for a mimosa on Sunday and found the staff extremely friendly and cleared our plates swiftly. There was always a cast member available if needed at the desk. We didn't use them for much, really just cancelling a dinner reservation and adding on an extra day to our tickets. They always made sure to put on a smile and greet us every time we walked by. This stay really lead me and my husband to decided to continue staying club level going forward. We had room 5151 which had a great view for the Illuminations Fireworks at night. Overall, this was a great place to stay and the Club Level was definitely worth it.

Reviewed by sand935 Review Date: 09/28/2018

We stayed here second week in September. Were upgraded this trip to club level. We have stayed at club level many times over the years. When checking in Gerogette helped us, she has one of those legacy blue cast member name tags so you know you are in special hands. She called someone to take us up to club level. Once we were up there we were offered something to drink while we sere checked in. Velma was one of the cast members working at the time and I saw that she also had a legacy name tag. She was very friendly and helpful. Hyacinth was the other cast member working and between the two check in went smoothly. We love the remodeled rooms. Our room overlooked the sand bottom pool so we could watch the kids play in the sand. the food was good. Like to start out the day with oatmeal and fruit and they had both. The appetizers were the best we have ever had here at club level. The deserts are alway excellent. Evening cast members were also very good. Miguel helped me solve several problems including on how to get the the special toy story annual pass member in the early morning when the boats and buses were not running. We love staying here,

Reviewed by DEtter Review Date: 04/24/2017

Rating: (2) not recommended.

We just returned from a 3 night stay, 4/16/17-4/19/17, and I have to say it was the worst Club Level/resort experience we have ever had. From arrival to departure it was an absolute waste of money. Upon arrival we were not personally greeted, which is expected when staying concierge, so we made our way to the lobby check-in where our first cast member encounter was bordering on downright rude. Our understanding was that our check-in was to take place with the club staff and when this was mentioned we received a flat, annoyed look and were told “no, I will do it then someone will come get you.” So, we proceeded to endure the agonizing process during which we advised that if our room was not ready we had bags that would need to be stored. Sure enough, once check-in was completed, we were told to wait and he would “get someone.” We again stated that we needed to store bags and were huffily pointed down the lobby and told “drop off your stuff then come back and I will get someone.” So, right off the bat we were questioning our resort decision but figured it could only get better….boy, were we wrong. We dropped our bags, returned to the check-in counter only to find it completely deserted. Granted it was quite early in the morning but to find absolutely no one there, knowing we could not proceed any further without an escort was mind boggling. Finally a nice young man came out and asked if we had been helped. We relayed our adventure so far and he kindly apologized and proceeded to escort us to the 5th floor where we were left in the hands of cast member Ryan. I can honestly say, in the 3 nights/4 days we were there, he was the only shining light we had. Seeing we were frustrated at our treatment so far, he went above and beyond to turn the situation around and was an absolute pleasure to deal with. We had noted on our reservation that we were celebrating our 15th anniversary so Ryan gave us our buttons and warm congratulations and that is where the celebration ended. For the remainder of the time we were there we did not receive recognition form another cast member! Absolutely nothing! Now we are seasoned Disney veterans and understand that any sort of extra for celebrations are completely random and not to be expected but a simple verbal acknowledgement from the cast members should be second nature to them. Very disappointing to say the least. Once we were situated we went to the Regatta lounge for breakfast. I have to say, this is the strangest and most unwelcoming lounge we have yet to encounter. The layout is odd as you have to cross through the food station to get plates, the soda fridge is crammed in by the coffee maker which is right by the door so you are inevitably having to cut through the middle of a line just to get in the room and the seating is akin to a small break room. There are no comfy chairs or couches, no room to relax and the staff seems less than thrilled to be there. The food selections are counter service at best with the breakfast and mid-day snack selections being exactly the same every day. The kicker to this place is that it closes 3 times a day, actually closes with no access to guests! So, if you come back from the parks for a break and want to grab a drink or a snack but don’t time it right you are out of luck because there is no entry and the cast members will not even answer the door! For the amount of money guests pay to use the Regatta club this is absolutely unacceptable! When we asked about this strange process we were simply told “yeah, we close between services.” We stayed in room 5192 and it was nothing to write home about. No nautical feel, beds were hard, pillows were marshmallow soft and there was no comfortable place to relax. Considering how uninviting the “lounge” was, it would have been nice to have at least had a comfortable room to relax in but not dice. Only upside was that the shower was good. Mousekeeping was adequate, at best, and never once did we get a towel character or any type of extra. Of the 2 concierge desks, more often than not, 1 was empty and the solitary cast member that was present, regardless of who it was, just seemed bothered. It was strange to not even receive a “hello” or “have fun” from them when leaving or returning. I mean, the desks are right off the elevators so it’s not like they don’t see you! One day we did return to an absolute war taking place between a guest and the staff over missing pants. Apparently he had a very important dinner at the Yachtsman Steak House that evening so he had sent his dress pants out to be pressed early that morning with a guarantee that they would be back in time. Well, it was after 4p and he did not have his pants nor did anyone know anything about it. Seems he had gotten the brushoff and shuffle one too many times and he lost it….understandably so. To cap off the stay, on the morning we checked out we were surprised to see 4 cast members in the concierge area. Alas, only one was actually working, but didn’t speak, while the other 3 were gathered in a huddle looking at the computer with one of the ladies filing her nails. They looked up but didn’t utter a sound. Fitting ending to a dismal stay. Overall, we were thoroughly disappointed in the Yacht Club. From cast members to rooms to concierge we feel like our money was not well spent. After years of staying at the Boardwalk and never having anything but exemplary service, whether in a standard room or Club Level, we now know for a truly magical and relaxing vacation, Yacht Club is off the list. Shame, as it is a beautiful resort.

Reviewed by krichburg Review Date: 12/08/2015

Rating: (6) recommended.

We stayed at CL from 11/22-11/25. We knew the lounge was being re-done before we got there. We did not know the whole floor was being refurbished! We requested a room from our CL rep near the elevator or lounge and while I realize they can not guarantee a room request, she said she would try. We were as far away from the elevator as possible! Quite a hike after a day in the parks and to grab a quick bite in the lounge in the am. I also emailed our rep to tell her someone in our group (my sister) had a birthday when we were there & could they do something. A pin? A card from Mickey in the room? Whenever we've had a birthday in our group when we've been in the world, the birthday has always been acknowledged. This has been done at Pop, CB, AoA. Here-nothing. We had to ask 2 people where to get the bus to MK. We also saw other families looking around as well. You had to walk over to the convention center. A small sign on the sidewalk as you walked up to the wait area told you where to go. Very confusing and quite a hike from the lobby! Mousekeeping: not on their game. On our 1st night I saw there was something sticky (soda?) on the night stand. We also brought a glass of wine back to our room from the lounge and obviously the empty glasses were in the room when we left the next morning. When we came back in the evening - they were still there. It was our running joke to see if they'd stay there until we left - they did along with the empty "welcoming" box of chocolates they brought us on our 1st day. Positives: Pool is fabulous. Walk to Epcot & boat to HS was SO convenient. The staff in the lounge was great & so accommodating. It got busy in the small space, but it was well organized. We had a lightbulb out over the bed and I called about it and asked if they should send someone right up. I said no the next day was fine & it got changed. Would we stay here again? Maybe if it was a GREAT deal. It just didn't feel as special as I had hoped it would. I recommended "yes" for this resort because of the access to Epcot & HS and the pool can't be beat.

Reviewed by mmagaillard Review Date: 07/25/2015

We stayed at the Yatch Club, club level June 21-27, 2015. We had an absolute blast! This was only the 2nd time we had stayed club level. The service was top notch; at check in we were escorted to the top floor to check in. We were met with champagne to welcome us home. Our room wasn't ready so we relaxed in the lounge for a while. In the week we were there we absolutely got our money's worth from the lounge. They stock can drinks and, depending on time of day, chips, cookies, fruit, chips, yogurt, and various desserts. You can also ask for beer (not kept out). The room was spacious and spotless! One of the employees even got us a hard to get dinner reservation the day before. Over all, we loved it and will stay club level again very soon!

Reviewed by tink1970 Review Date: 05/07/2015

Rating: (5) not recommended.

Stayed here prior to crusing for Spring Break 3/27-3/30/15/ The concierge desk was too busy to check us in upstairs so we were checked in downstairs-I was rushed and was unable to ask the several questions I needed to nor was given time to find my preferred payment. I recognize this was not concierges' fault but being given the option to wait for one of them would have been nice-also I spent the rest of the trip trying to "catch up" with them to ask questions and address what I could have at check in (waste of vacation time!!) and was never told about some of the perks of the club. Also, due to the paucity of food choices and large crowds, the lounge would run out of offerings. Disappointing given the cost. We've now stayed at more than half of the Concierge level resorts and YC/BC are consistently the worst.

Reviewed by LucyKate0811 Review Date: 02/14/2014

We stayed at the Yacht Club from 1/26 - 2/1. We had a standard room room. Due to noisy neighbors (think crying children middle of the night, early morning and during the day) the extremely helpful staff found us a new and quiet room, so that my husband and I could sleep. Food choices in the lounge were fantastic, my husband had the ranch dressing and chips each day and missed them greatly when we returned home! We ate breakfast in the lounge each morning, pastries and baked goods were always fresh! The convenience of being located between Hollywood Studio's and Epcot was wonderful! We really enjoyed our stay at the Yacht Club!

Reviewed by oldmxr Review Date: 12/28/2013

Rating: (9) recommended.

We stayed 12/13/14 to 12/16/14 for a long weekend. We went to DHS and ECPOT on the same day, perfect location. Staff was great!

Reviewed by Chrisgriz Review Date: 10/09/2013

This was our first experience with Club Level, and Yacht Club did not disappoint. We had brought our own breakfast, snacks and drinks, but I think we had about 1 or 2 of those items the entire week. We are not big breakfast eaters, but the bagels, pastries, cereals and fruits were plenty to get us started in the morning. We had the Dining Plus, but still managed to grab snacks and appetizers each day. It was that good. The beer and wine in the evening was a refreshing and the varieties of drinks were perfect. My children loved the covered pretzels and the homemade potato chips. I definitely would spend the extra money for this upgrade, since I feel it provided 1 full meal (breakfast) and some extra perks (beer and wine) that could add up quickly if purchased in the resort elsewhere. The service was great. The food was always being filled and the plates were constantly being cleared.

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Disney Scented Candles That Smell Like Parks and Resorts

This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

There’s nothing worse than a Disney vacation hangover. And while I haven’t found the cure (except booking that next trip!), there are a few tricks that can help you bring the Disney magic home with you, and one of my favorites is Disney scented candles !

When we got home from our stay at the Polynesian, I immediately wanted a candle that smelled like the lobby. This of course took me down the rabbit hole of other candle scents. I wanted to know what candles had the best scents and most accurate matches to the park. So today I’m bringing my Disney scented candles review to you.

While I wish I could have spent basically the budget of a large television on buying Disney candles, that wasn’t exactly practical. So instead I picked some of my favorite scents at some of the popular candle companies and compared them head to head, plus added a few extra fun scents.

My Favorite Places to Buy Disney Scented Candles

I’m going to go into more detail about all of these options here. But in case you’re looking for the tl:dr, here is a list of my favorite places where you can buy Disney candles.

• Magic Candle Company
• Main Street Melts
• Bowes Signature Candles
• 1901 Candles
• Homesick Candles

Why Disney Scents Are So Important

First, let’s talk about what makes Disney scents so important when it comes to your trip and memories.

Disney understands how important the sense of smell is and they use the science of how smell triggers memory to engrain the special memories of your trip even more deeply inside your brain. And to achieve this, they pipe scents into the parks and resorts ALL OVER THE PLACE.

Those bakery and popcorn smells on Main Street? Piped in. The lobby smell of your favorite resort? Piped in. The smell of Rome burning on Spaceship Earth or the dirt when you fly over elephants in Soarin’? It’s all manufactured by Disney to enhance your experience.

Which is why Disney scented candles are such a great way to re-live your experience once you are home!

Best Disney Scented Candles

Magic candle company review.

Overall rating for scents: 4.5/5

Overall rating for accuracy: 5/5

First up in our Disney scented candles review is Magic Candle Company , perhaps the most well-known and beloved candle company in the Disney community.

Magic Candle Company candles come in tins and have wooden wicks, which promote even burning and make a nice crackling sound. They offer candles in a variety of sizes and they also have room sprays, wax melts, fragrance oils, and air fresheners.

My first experience here was ordering their Polynesian candle and absolutely falling in love with it. From there, I ordered more Disney scented candles, and while I loved most of them, they aren’t all created equal!

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Polynesian (Magic Candle Company)

Rating: 5/5

I’ll just tell you right now: I think Magic Candle Company’s Polynesian scent is the most accurate Polynesian resort candle out there. And I’ve even gone through two iterations of it.

The first candle I ordered was a little heavier on the green tea scent than the actual Polynesian lobby is. But then I ordered a second one and it is even MORE accurate. They’ve dialed back the green tea a bit and upped something else (the citrus maybe?) and it smells exactly like the lobby.

I HIGHLY recommend this candle.

Banshee Flight (Magic Candle Company)

Rating: 1/5

I wish I could say things just as nice about Magic Candle Company’s Banshee Flight candle , but alas. At first this smells nice, taking you back to flying over the sweet smelling ocean of Pandora on Flight of Passage.

But it has an after scent that is not good, y’all. After I burned this candle for awhile I was very confused about why it smelled like someone had spilled nail polish remover all over my house until I realized where it was coming from (spoiler alert: this candle).

Maybe it’s just me and some weird olfactory receptors I have going on. But I do not love this candle and would not order this again.

Beach Resort (Magic Candle Company)

I haven’t actually stayed at the Beach Club (although it’s definitely high on my list), but this scent is also the same scent used for their Floridian, Contemporary, and Yacht candles; and I have to say it smells JUST like the Grand Floridian lobby.

Beach Resort is a lovely candle, fresh and soapy smelling (like standing next to the soap store in the Grand Floridian). And I burn it all the time when I want my house to feel just a bit cheerier.

Haunted (Magic Candle Company)

Haunted is my favorite candle to burn during the month of October!

I’m not sure I could have described to you what the Haunted Mansion smelled like, but as soon as I opened this candle I knew THIS WAS IT. It is musty with some vanilla and berry and it is just perfection. I love this candle.

Need more Disney at home? Check out these 30 books about Disney World and Disneyland !

Wilderness Resort (Magic Candle Company)

Rating: 4/5

Another great candle, although I’m not sure I can tell you what the Wilderness Lodge smells like. I’ve been there, but I don’t exactly remember it having a strong scent. I love the Wilderness Resort candle though. It’s woodsy and leathery, and it smells like a rich outdoorsy cologne. (And if I had to guess at what I remember from the last time I was there, I think is probably pretty close to what the lobby smells like.)

Main Street Melts Candle Company Review

Overall rating for scents: 4/5

Overall rating for accuracy: 4/5

Next up for our Disney scented candles review are candles from Main Street Melts . I got a sampler 4 pack of little tea lights, which I like because it enabled me to sample several candles.

Main Street Melts uses soy wax. They offer 9 oz. candles for $17.95, 12 oz. double wick candles for $22.95, and 18 oz. triple wick candles for $34.95. They also offer wax melts, fragrance oils, and other Disney scented products.

Overall, I really liked these candles. Some were more accurate than others, but they all smell great.

Polynesian Village (Main Street Melts)

Rating: 3/5

This candle smells more cozy than it does like the Polynesian resort. I really liked it, but not something that makes me feel like I’m standing in the Poly lobby when I close my eyes.

Floridian (Main Street Melts)

This is another great Grand Floridian candle! It smells so much like the fresh Grand Floridian lobby and I have zero complaints about it. Plus it’s a beautiful green color.

Pandora Banshee Flight (Main Street Melts)

I got this candle so I could compare it to the Magic Candle Company Banshee Flight, and I have to say…this one is SO much better. The same ocean-y smell but without the after-scent of nail polish remover.

So if you’re looking for a Pandora candle, I’d go with Main Street Melts!

Splash Mountain (Main Street Melts)

This was a bit of a wild card, and I don’t really have another Splash Mountain candle to compare it to. BUT I’ll give you my thoughts anyway.

I think it’s probably hard to make a good water candle in general because water is cool and candles can’t help but have the smoky heat smell. This candle did what it could to smell watery and bromine-y I think, but it wasn’t quite what I wanted.

I will say though, that as SOON as I blew it out I got a whiff of “Oh! There’s Splash Mountain!” So I think this is probably a good option if you want a Splash Mountain candle.

More Place to Buy Disney Scented Candles

Here are a few more options of where you can buy Disney scented candles!

• Bowes Signature Candles — This is actually the company Disney has officially partnered with and they have actually opened a store in Disney Springs! Some of their scents include Florida Orange Grove, Pirates Water, and Resort Signature.
• 1901 Candles — These have a very similar appearance to the Magic Candle Company candles, but in addition to Disney scents they have Harry Potter themed candles and some Marvel themed candles.
• Homesick — While not exact matches of Disney experiences, Homesick does have a great line of Disney-themed candles . They also have a Star Wars line, and like, I couldn’t have told you what the Death Star smelled like, but after smelling the Death Star Candle I was like…*of course* this is exactly what it smells like. All of their candles are so good!

Note: In a previous iteration of this article, we had listed Enchanted City Candles as a great option, but it appears they are no longer in operation.

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Opened in 2019, the Tower Beach Club is a 4300 sq ft indoor/outdoor event venue with 270 degree panoramic views of Mission Bay - the perfect wedding reception venue, private party, or corporate venue. Our panoramic doors allow the event venue to be either fully opened to the outside, or closed up to separate the indoor space from the exterior deck. 

If you're looking for a venue that embodies the Southern California beach vibe, it's hard to find a better spot than the Tower Beach Club. 

 With its open-air bar and massive beachfront patio, the event venue is a quintessential high-end beach club without the high-end price tag. Guests booking the event venue for private events, corporate events, or wedding receptions are welcome to bring their own booze, food, and catering in order to cut costs. Unlike many event venues and wedding reception venues, chairs and tables for 120, as well as 8 high top cocktail tables, are included free of charge with venue rental. 

Our private venue is just as adept at hosting a 30-50 person corporate event or off-site meeting as it is hosting a 200 person wedding reception or private party. With a city parks permit, the adjacent beachfront lawn with palm tree backdrop can be used for wedding ceremonies. 

  Named to The Knot's "Best of Weddings" 2023 

Named "Best Waterfront Wedding Venue" by Here Comes the Guide for 2023/2024.

Why Choose the Tower Beach Club?

Quintessential socal vibe, breathtaking waterfront views.

   4300 square foot Indoor/Outdoor

Waterfront Event Space Venue    

  With views of La Jolla to the North, the setting sun over Mission Beach to the West, and the boating and water activity of Sail Bay to the East, the view is unrivaled.  

(Optional) BYOB Everything

Private events can do their own food and bar (requires a licensed and insured mobile bartending service), or pick their own caterer. No BYOB for individual guests of ticketed concerts or events.  

Ready to Check Date Availability for Your Event?

Click the button below to fill out our event inquiry form so we can check if your date is available, get pricing, and take the first steps to reserve your date.

Host Epic Events

Special occasions, holiday parties.

Host an unforgettable SoCal waterfront wedding reception at our high-end event venue with wrap round deck and panoramic views

Unlike any other event venues in San Diego. A SoCal vibe in a high-end, waterfront beach club perfect as a wedding reception venue, but without the high-end price tag

Company Events & Meetings

Intimate concerts with renowned artists, grad parties, celebrations of life, retirement parties, showers, engagements, we've hosted them all

Film Location & Photo Shoots

With a stylishly designed event venue and a 2500 square foot deck on Mission Bay, it's the perfect corporate event venue, private event venue, or wedding reception venue.

Company Picnics

You can't fine a better spot to reset with your team, inject a little SoCal into your company culture, or strategize for the year ahead. 

Ideal film and photo shoot location. Here The Ellen Show does a segment with the NFL's Drew Brees teaching Average Andy to eFoil

Waterfront event venues and wedding reception venue in San Diego

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1010 Santa Clara Place, San Diego, California 92109, United States

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Mission Bay Sportcenter

Review Highlights

“ I was looking online for boat rentals and I came across MBSC and I couldn't believe the prices. ” in 25 reviews

“ We originally planned to just rent SUP , but when we saw the price for the Jet Skis we couldn't resist with such a good rate. ” in 22 reviews

“ The paddle boarding is epic, the extensive inventory of rental equipment available is remarkable. ” in 23 reviews

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Location & Hours

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1010 Santa Clara Pl

San Diego, CA 92109

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About the business.

Boat rentals, lessons, groups and company parties. Aquatic Youth Camps for children ages 4-16. …

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Overall rating

423 reviews

My family had rented here around 6 or 7 years ago and rented a sailboat. This place was very good so we decided to come back. When we came back we rented a sailboat and a Jet ski. The quality of the watercrafts were exceptional and you can tell they went to good cleaning processes. The experience was very enjoyable and the staff was amazing. They let my kids jump on the trampoline while we were waiting for a jet ski and were very funny about it.

Poor customer service The jetskis can only go 5mph in the area where they are located overcharged my credit card. pay attention to fees.

Customer service today was horrible, a larger African American lady was just in a bad mood the whole time, i decided to go elsewhere it was so bad. I have been coming here for years and was interesting in signing up for a membership and they looked like they were doing anything they could to turn customers away. I get its summer and it's busy but this was beyond poor. Edit: the guy at the dock helping people onto the boats was great, friendly etc. just wanted to mention that.

After what happened I wish I could leave zero stars!! This company completely messed things up with me and embarrassed me in front of family and friends. My father just passed away. One of his favorite things in the world was boating. He, my brother and I would go out on boating and fishing trips together. So to commemorate and celebrate his life, I organized a day with close family and family friends. The first event of the day was to meet up at Mission Bay Sports Center for a cruise on the bay in a pontoon that I have RESERVED AND PAID FOR about 3 weeks in advance. The day before the event I received emails from MBSC confirming the booking, asking to do an early check in and a way to do the waiver forms online. The day of the event, everyone shows up, and we all head on our way to MBSC. Our reservation was for 11:00 am. We all arrive about 10:30am. Plenty of time to get there and get situated. When we walk up, everything is completely closed and no one is around. I called MBSC several times to no avail. About that same time I even get a text message to my cell thanking me for my booking! I ran into a guy who works in the area but not directly for MBSC who said he thinks they might have closed up shop due to rain earlier on. But at this time it was only overcast and did not rain at all for the rest of the day. I called again, left messages and still got no response. At this point, my party is wondering what's going on and I'm pretty upset. I end up calling a different boat rental company, Action Sports, and they are available. Fortunately, they take care of me and my group. I called MBSC again, got their machine, again. This time asking for my money back. Still haven't heard from them. Eventually, I did get an email from MBSC, 2 MINUTES BEFORE I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ON THEIR BOAT giving me some pitiful excuse as to why they didn't make it. Complete BULL! Terrible customer service and lack of respect for their customers. I will never be using their service again for any boat rentals and I highly recommend that you don't either.

Here is your 2 minute advanced warning. Jeez

Sent me this text 30 minutes prior to the event.

That's twice we've had a horrible experience. The first, they forgot to put gasoline in our boat rental leaving us stranded at the mouth of the ocean for over an hour (crashing into the rocks) Just now, they completely messed up our reservation booking us on a small catamaran sailboat and not on the pontoon boat we placed the rental order for. When we arrived, we found the place was being run by a group of young kids who had no clue what they were doing or not making any remedy to make it right on the compensation difference after we drove over an hour to be there. I would strongly advise anyone considering renting to steer clear. This place is a complete joke and a waste of time and money. We will never be returning.

I do not recommend this business. My party and I arrived 30 mins before our scheduled appointment for a pontoon. However with the long line and the slow staff introduction, our scheduled rental started 30 mins late at 5:30. With them closing at 7 pm that means our rental was cut short 30 mins and yet we paid for a 2 hour rental. We spoke with the front desk and got on a call with the manager a week later and they did not accommodate our situation at all. And just said they can not refund or provide any incentives. On top of our poor experience, we were given a pontoon with no canopy and cover. Meaning our whole experience was in the burning sun in July. We requested a canopy and they also said this was first come first serve and yet we did not see any canopy boats! Overall I recommend going with another company in the San Diego area.

Damaged and poor condition boats

Beautiful mission bay but no canopy and was in the sun most of the time

I waited for 15 minutes while holding the hyatt complimentary kayak card and the guy told me he is helping reservations and I have to wait 45 minutes. He could have told me at the beginning not to waste my time. If this is the type of service you get then I am not spending $ here. Hope he is the owner that's why he is so rude and doesn't care.

The staff is nice but overworked and overwhelmed. We rented a sailboat and had a good time. The boat worked ok. There equipment is getting pretty thrashed and worn. I would suggest they take better care of their equipment or just junk it. I really hope they can get more help and take better care of their rentals. 50/50 if I will use this place again.

We rented a boat 8 days ago that broke down. We were promised a refund by very friendly staff, but I am still waiting for my $330. Having to chase people for money they promised to refund is bad business in my opinion. I have called twice to inquire and was ensured the refund had been processed. Love how the money comes out immediately, and then is still not returned 8 days later.

I was skeptical about booking this because of all the bad reviews but I couldn't have had a better experience super fun & the customer service was great! Definitely will be booking again!

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