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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

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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 (Is it worth it?)

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is one of the most beautiful and convenient hotels in all of Walt Disney World. With its classy design, enormous pool, and prime location, it’s easy to see why the Yacht Club at Disney World is such a highly sought after place to stay.

My family and I have visited numerous hotels on Disney property, but the Yacht Club always keeps us coming back for more. We love the close proximity to Disney’s Boardwalk, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios.

The multiple transportation options are a huge plus, especially for those who don’t like to solely rely on Disney buses. And of course we have to mention the Yacht Club’s pool, Stormalong Bay. This elaborate resort swimming area is arguably the best pool at the Walt Disney World Resort!

If you’re still not quite sold on the Yacht Club at Disney World or if you would like more information, continue reading below. In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about this deluxe Disney resort , including the activities, restaurants, and rooms available at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

(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.)

Yacht Club Restaurants

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is full of all different types of restaurants. Since this hotel shares dining options with its sister resorts, you’ll find even more places to eat within a short walk of your room.

These are the Yacht Club restaurants you will find just a short stroll away:

• Ale and Compass – sit-down restaurant in the Yacht Club that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner (also available to-go)
• The Market at Ale and Compass – quick service restaurant at Yacht Club with to-go items and menu options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Yachtsman Steakhouse – fine dining restaurant at the Yacht Club that is open for dinner
• Crew’s Cup Lounge – bar at the Yacht Club that features a small dinner menu and full bar
• Cape May Cafe – offers a character meal breakfast buffet and sit-down dinner with no characters
• Beach Club Marketplace – features to-go items and menu options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Beaches and Cream – available for lunch and dinner with reservations highly recommended
• Martha’s Vineyard – offers appetizers and full bar
• Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill – pool restaurant with full bar and lunch/dinner options

Furthermore, the Yacht Club is located just a short walk away from Disney’s Boardwalk , where you’ll find additional restaurants and bars.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is home to the most popular pool on Disney property. It’s such a hit that you’ll find cast members handing out wristbands at the entrance so that only hotel guests can enter.

The main pool, Stormalong Bay, features a large sand bottom swimming area that’s super shallow and great for toddlers and little kids. There’s also a lazy river that’s a fan favorite in my household.

Guests can also enjoy other large swimming areas at Stormalong Bay, including an activities section where you’ll find games like pool volleyball. Stormalong Bay offers a large waterslide as well as a smaller slide that empties into a shallow pool.

In addition to Stormalong Bay, the Yacht Club in Disney World features a “quiet” pool that is seldom busy. This is a great spot to relax or swim laps.

Rooms 

My family and I love the nautical decor and ambience of the Yacht Club guest rooms. Additionally, we appreciate that the rooms offer full balconies. In our post on Disney’s Beach Club vs Yacht Club , you’ll read about why these balconies are a major pro for Yacht Club compared to its sister resort.

Disney’s Yacht Club features standard rooms and club level rooms. If you book a room with Club Level benefits, you get access to the Regatta Club. Here, you’ll find food and beverages offered at certain times throughout the day.

Guest rooms at the Yacht Club come with views of the lake, pool, garden, or hotel rooftop/parking lot. These rooms typically feature 1 king bed or 2 queens. Some of them also offer a daybed. This means that if you book a room with 2 queens plus a daybed, you can sleep a family of five!

Prices at Yacht Club

Since Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is classified as a deluxe hotel at Disney World, you’ll notice that the prices are higher than at some of the other hotels. This is because the Yacht Club offers deluxe room space, extra amenities, and a prime location.

We will explain all the significance of all of these perks in more detail below, but it’s important to note that Disney’s Yacht Club truly offers a deluxe experience. The updated guest rooms feature plenty of space, including private balconies. Plus, the hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of other Disney hotels, restaurants, theme parks, and more. 

If you would really like to experience the location, amenities, and entertainment at the Yacht Club without the hefty price tag, we suggest booking a room at the sister hotel through David’s Vacation Club Rentals. You will be blown away by the cost savings on David’s DVC rental site! We usually save hundreds of dollars per night by using this method to book a room at a deluxe resort.

Just use the cost calculator to see exactly how much a room costs at Yacht Club’s sister resort, Disney’s Beach Club Villas. These villas are located just a short walk away from the Yacht Club hotel, and they both share restaurants, pools, and activities. While you can reserve one of the villas on the official Disney website, we prefer to book through David’s DVC rental website . We have used this reputable company for years to rent timeshare points at Disney villas.

Things to Do at Disney’s Yacht Club 

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort sits on the same property as two sister resorts: Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Villas. These three hotels share restaurants, activities, amenities, and entertainment options with each other.

One of my family’s favorite things about the Yacht Club is that you don’t need to leave the property to have fun. So, if you’re looking for activities at Disney outside of the theme parks, the Yacht Club offers lots of great options. These are our favorite things to do at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort when enjoying a relaxing day at Disney:

See Epcot Fireworks

We recommend walking to the bridge that connects the Disney Boardwalk to the Yacht and Beach Club Resort to enjoy the nightly Epcot fireworks show. You can even grab some ice cream to enjoy during the presentation.

Take a Ride on the Skyliner

Since the Disney Skyliner sits just outside of Epcot’s International Gateway entrance, you can easily access it from the Yacht Club Resort. Just take the short (less than ten minutes) walk toward Epcot and hop on the Skyliner for free!

Book a fishing excursion on Crescent Lake for a truly unique experience while staying at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

Eat Ice Cream

Disney’s Yacht Club is home to one of our favorite WDW restaurants, Beaches and Cream . While reservations can be difficult to snag at this popular dining spot, you can access the walk-up window to order shakes and ice cream to-go.

Dine with Characters

Check out Cape May Cafe during breakfast/brunch when it becomes Minnie’s Beach Bash. Guests can meet Goofy, Minnie, and Donald while they dine at the breakfast buffet.

Float along the Lazy River

The Beach Club’s main pool, Stormalong Bay, offers many fun features. One of our favorite things to do at the pool is to grab (free) tubes to float along the lazy river.

Play Games in the Arcade

Lafferty Place Arcade offers lots of fun games for kids and adults to enjoy. This is a particularly great place to spend time at Disney World when it’s raining.

Ride the Friendship Boats

The Disney water taxi picks up visitors near the Yacht Club. You can ride this free boat to the Disney Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin Resorts, Epcot entrance, and Hollywood Studios entrance.

Build Sandcastles

Did you know that Stormalong Bay features a shallow, sand bottom pool and beach area? Kids love digging in the sand and splashing around in this section of the pool.

Make S’mores

Visit the nightly campfire to roast marshmallows during your visit. You can even purchase S’mores Kits for a few dollars.

Rent a Boat

Spend time on Crescent Lake on your own private pontoon boat. Guests can rent boats from the marina near the Yacht Club.

Disney’s Yacht Club offers a large fitness center for guests to use during their stay. Ship Shape Health Club is even open 24 hours a day, so you can squeeze in a workout at any time.

Stroll along the Disney Boardwalk

The Disney Boardwalk is full of amazing activities and entertainment options and is just a short walk away from the Yacht Club. 

Play Volleyball

As you walk along the boardwalk in front of the Beach Club, you’ll notice a sand volleyball court. This is a great spot to pick up a game with friends or family. You can also often join a game of volleyball at Stormalong Bay Pool.

Enjoy an Evening Movie

Each evening, Disney Yacht Club guests can watch a movie under the stars. These family friendly movies are a great way to unwind after a long day.

Play Mini Golf

Stroll over to Fantasia Gardens and Miniature Golf Course where you’ll find two 18-hole courses. This fun spot is located near the Dolphin and Swan Resorts.

Swim Some Laps

If you’re looking for a quieter poolside experience to swim laps or relax, check out the leisure pool at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. You’ll also have access to the quiet pools at Beach Club and Beach Club Villas.

If you’re not into running or jogging on vacation, you can spend time strolling along the jogging paths at the Yacht Club. You’ll find lots of great spots to take pictures and may even catch some surprises along the way.

Join a Kid Friendly Party at the Pool

Each afternoon, Stormalong Bay hosts fun poolside activities like hula hoop competitions and limbo. 

Play Tennis

Guests can find tennis courts near the Yacht Club’s quiet pool. 

Zoom Down Waterslides

Stormalong Bay features two separate water slides for guests to enjoy. The main waterslide stretches from the pirate ship and across the Beach Club boardwalk to the main pool.

You’ll also find a smaller slide that’s perfect for toddlers and small kids at the entrance to the main water slide.

Book a Fireworks Cruise

Take in the sights and sounds of the Epcot fireworks show from your pontoon boat on Crescent Lake.

Transportation

As mentioned above, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort sits in a prime location in the center of all the magic at WDW. If you’re planning to visit one of the theme parks, you’ll be happy to know that several of them are just a super short walk or ride away.

These are our preferred ways to get from Disney’s Yacht Club to other places in Walt Disney World:

• To Magic Kingdom – You can access the Disney buses in front of the hotel. The ride to Magic Kingdom should take 15-20 minutes. 
• To Epcot – Exit the back of Yacht Club (toward Crescent Lake) and turn left. Epcot sits just under a ten minute walk away!
• To Hollywood Studios – You have several options for getting to Hollywood Studios. We find the quickest option *usually* is walking. Hollywood Studios sits just a 15 minute walk away from the Yacht Club. You can also ride a Friendship Boat to Hollywood Studios. However, by the time you wait on the boat to make stops, this method can take longer than walking. You could also walk toward Epcot to catch the Disney Skyliner. With this method, you should be able to reach Hollywood Studios in around 25 minutes.
• To Animal Kingdom – You can hop on one of the Disney buses to get to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. This is roughly a ten-minute ride.
• To Disney’s Boardwalk – You can make the five-minute walk around Crescent Lake to easily reach the Disney Boardwalk. Guests can also take the Friendship Boat from the Yacht Club lighthouse and ride across the lake to the Boardwalk.
• To Disney Springs – You can take a bus to Disney Springs, which typically takes 15-20 minutes.

Is Disney’s Yacht Club Worth It?

Since Disney’s Yacht Club may be my personal favorite resort in all of WDW , I would definitely say it’s worth the cost! I love the classy guest rooms and bathrooms with their nautical decor.

The lobby seems to be quieter and calmer than that at other resorts, and the cast members are super friendly and helpful. My family and I enjoy the food at all the restaurants on site, and we appreciate the ability to easily walk from the Yacht Club to the Beach Club’s dining options.

The close proximity to Epcot makes the Yacht Club an ideal place to stay since there’s no rush to get to the park in the morning or back “home” at the end of a long day. Plus, you enter and exit through the International Gateway entrance to Epcot (near World Showcase), so the lines to enter are basically nonexistent.

Additionally, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is just a short walk, boat ride, or Skyliner ride away. And if you feel like venturing out, you can take the scenic stroll around Crescent Lake to the Disney Boardwalk.

Overall, we highly recommend the beautiful Yacht Club Resort! For additional information on Disney resorts, join the conversation on our Facebook page: Mom’s Guide to Disney Resorts ! Do you have a review of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort? Comment below to share your thoughts with us!

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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Disney’s Beach Club Resort Review

Disney’s Beach Club Resort opened in 1990 as one of the original four Disney World Epcot area resorts.  The design of the Beach Club was inspired by then Disney CEO Michael Eisner’s childhood visits to various Northeast beach towns.  Here in our Disney’s Beach Club Resort review, we’ll cover our thoughts on the theming of the resort, room types, pricing, amenities, dining, and more.  As usual, this review will feature plenty of photos of the resort.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a deluxe level Disney World resort that sits on Crescent Lake.  It has a sister resort known as Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.  Many people actually consider them one resort, but they are technically two.  Beach Club is the fun-loving and chill sister in the resort relationship, while Yacht Club is the more formal resort of the two.  Being right next to each other comes with benefits, like the dining options of Yacht Club give Beach Club more options than your typical Disney World resort.  They also share more amenities, but we’ll cover that later in our Beach Club Resort review.

If you aren’t sure which is which, Disney’s Beach Club Resort’s exterior is painted a lovely light blue color, while the Yacht Club is more of a grey color.

With all that preamble out of the way, let’s get on with our Disney’s Beach Club Resort review.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort Overview

When you pull up to the front of Disney’s Beach Club Resort, the beach style encapsulated us.  Now, maybe that is because we have spent plenty of vacations in a beach house with friends, but we think it is more than that.  The Robert AM Stern design has a lovely relaxed feel from the moment you pull up.  It welcomes you in and says, it’s time to relax, in a way that most other Disney Resorts don’t.  Not that the feel of those other resorts is bad, Beach Club just makes it feel like more of a vacation.

As you enter the lobby, you’re greeted by an elegant but still relaxed décor set.  Again, it screams to me that “I’m on vacation,” but not in a Billy Crystal in City Slickers way.   The lobby even smells like the ocean: fresh, clean and summery.  I’m not sure if they are piping that in or it’s part of their cleaning regimen, but whatever they are doing works!

The fixtures continue the beach feeling, with seashells, starfish and the like tucked into the lobby décor.  There are even some well-placed and designed paintings throughout the resort.  I found the lobby especially great when walking around the resort taking these pictures.  Unfortunately, you have to be out and about at 5:00 in the morning to get the quiet peace you see here.  That may not be for everyone.

The feel of Disney’s Beach Club Resort continues as you proceed outside.  From the sandy bottom pool (more on that in a bit) to the actual beach you can stroll along, the vibe is consistent and excellent.  While I don’t advocate that you get up and take a 5:00 AM walk, taking a 6:00 or so stroll down the beach is absolutely something you should do.  The peace and quiet, juxtaposed with the sunrise was exquisite.

If you can’t tell by now, our Beach Club Resort review is going to be a pretty positive piece.  I loved this resort, while I’d say Carla really liked it.  But if she’s honest, she still likes Disney’s Old Key West better.

Continuing the whimsy of the lobby are the elevators.  No, not because they are some weird funhouse where they bounce up and down like Tower of Terror. Instead, they have the fun and unique touch of one of the Fab Five announcing your floor over the elevator speakers when you arrive.  Again, another one of those touches that Anna and Elsa loved.

From a pure theming and design perspective, Disney’s Beach Club Resort hits some real high notes with us.  That’s not to say it’s all sunshine and roses, though.  There are some issues with the resort that we’ll hit on as we continue our resort review.

The Beach Club Features Standard Room Assortments for Disney World Resorts

The rooms at Disney’s Beach Club Resort are fairly similar, with the main differences revolving around the room view and or the number of people that the room will sleep.  We’ll discuss them in more depth in a minute, but pricing for these rooms ranges like this:

• Standard View – ($440 – $752 per night)
• Garden or Woods View – ($476 – $784 per night)
• Water View – ($562 – $837 per night)
• Deluxe Room – ($607 – $904 per night)

All of the prices shown above are rack rate prices.  Disney frequently offers discounts that can get you in for less than this.  Do note that pricing changes from time to time, so check Disney’s Beach Club Resort website for the most up to date pricing.

As for the room themselves, the Beach Club Resort was renovated back around 2015.  The rooms underwent a significant overhaul as part of that refurbishment.  As you can see in these pictures, the rooms feature clean lines and a simpler décor.  Some may criticize the rooms for being too modern or sleek, so much that they don’t really remind you of the beach.  And that is could definitely be true based upon your own experience.

However, I will say, many of the beach houses we visit these days are being overhauled to attract visitors and are starting to look more like this and less like the beach houses of yesteryear.  The only difference is probably the presence of carpet.  Hardly any beach houses we see these days feature carpet.  Given Disney’s focus on efficiencies for Mousekeeping, you’d think they would have taken advantage of the refurbishment and put in hardwood floors.

Nonetheless, I think you can find what you want to see in these rooms.  Are they pure to the Beach Club Resort theme of a beach town from the 1800s?  No.  Do they need to be?  Not in our opinion.  You can disagree with us, and that’s just fine.  I think it is fair to say that the rooms could do something more to differentiate themselves from the off-site hotels you can find around Disney World, but the room is just one component of the resort.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort Likely Features the Greatest Pool in All of Disney World

That isn’t hyperbole, in our opinion.  Stormalong Bay was probably the high point of our Disney’s Beach Club Resort review.  But I’m getting ahead of myself.  Within the confines of the Beach Club, you’ll find three pools.  Technically, there is a fourth pool over at the Yacht Club that you can use if you like, but for the purposes of this review, we’ll stick with the three pool on Beach Club proper.

From a kid’s point of view, Anna and Elsa loved this pool.  They wanted to go to it almost every day we stayed at the resort.  The 230-foot-long slide was a big hit with both of them, but the lazy river was more for Elsa (aka older kids).  I will say the lazy river is relatively deep.  I’d guess it’s 7-foot-deep, and if your kids don’t swim well or don’t have a float, you may want to stay close to them.

The shallow part of the pool for kids is especially fun, compared to other resorts.  It features a sand bar where kids can get their sand pail and build a sandcastle, or they can take off into the sandy beach water and splash around.  All the while, parents can sit on the side with their drink of choice and watch them splash and have fun.

If you’ve read many of our resort reviews, I think you know we are not prone to overhyping things.  I can’t tell you how freaking unbelievable this resort pool was.

We stayed at the Yacht Club back in 2014, but I wasn’t able to go to Stormalong Bay with Carla and the girls back then.  Carla reminded me that I was playing golf with her dad.  Now that I’ve had a chance to enjoy the pool, I am disappointed that I missed out back then!  It’s that good for both adults and kids.

Carla reminded me that when we stayed here back then, Anna and Elsa love the kiddie slides that are in the small kids’ pools that is inside the pirate shipwreck.  The girls were 2 and 4 back then, and those little slides were perfect for them.

The Tidal pool at the Beach Club is a smaller pool when compared to some of the other “quiet pools” that we have seen at other resorts.  It also doesn’t have much of a discernable theme for a resort pool.  What it lacks in size, I feel it makes up for in location.  You’ll find the Tidal pool in a quaint little area on the backside of the Beach Club resort.  What is great about this is that you have a view of Crescent Lake.

Dunes Cove Pool

We haven’t talked about it but, situated with the main Beach Club Resort, are the Beach Club Villas at the Beach Club.  The Dunes Cove pool is located back in with the Villas.  What many resort guests don’t realize is that this pool is available to all guests at the Beach Club, not just those staying in the villas.  It’s a decent size pool and gets far less traffic if you’re looking for a more peaceful area. 

Disney’s Beach Club Resort Transportation Has Some Plusses and One Clear Minus

When it comes to getting to the various Disney World parks, you’ll find several transportation options at the Beach Club.  However, if we only focus on motorized transportation, we’re missing out on one of the significant advantages of the resort.  That would be its location!  Because of where Disney’s Beach Club Resort sits on Crescent Lake, some of the best transportation you have are your legs.  You can easily walk to Epcot in about 5 minutes, while Hollywood Studios is only about a 15-minute walk.

As for motorized transportation, you have access to bus service, boat, and the new Disney Skyliner.  We’ll talk about each of these in the following paragraphs.

The bus service from the resort is standard Disney World transportation.  You’ll find the bus stop out towards the parking lot.  You can see it noted on our resort map towards the top of this post.  If you exit the Beach Club via the front doors, stay to the left side of the entrance road and walk towards the parking lot to find the bus stop.

If there is one definite negative on transportation at the resort, it would be the lack of dedicated bus service.  The bus routes are shared with neighboring resorts (Yacht Club and BoardWalk Inn).  Shared bus routes aren’t anything new at Disney World, but for the prices you pay to stay here you’d expect a better setup here.  There are value resorts like Art of Animation and Pop Century that have dedicated bus service.

We have seen others report that in slower times of the year, that the bus route is also shared with the Swan and Dolphin resorts.  We have never experienced that ourselves.  If this is the case, you may want to consider other transportation options, because it may take you an hour to get to a park.

You should note that there is no bus transportation to the front of Epcot from the resort.  You have to either walk or take a boat to the back entrance of Epcot and then walk to the front of the park.

The boat service at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is very accessible and can get you to either Epcot or Hollywood Studios.  For us, this is our preferred way to get to Hollywood Studios.  It’s much quicker than taking a bus to the park, especially if there are 3+ resorts sharing the route.

You’ll find the boat dock back behind the Yacht Club Resort.  Just exit the back of the resort and go down to the beachfront.  You’ll see the grey lighthouse at the end of the pier on your right.  You’ll also see plenty of boats running back and forth.  Just head that way.

Make sure you pay attention to which boat you take.  One side of the pier will take you to Epcot, while the other heads to Hollywood Studios.  There are plenty of signs telling you where to line up, just make sure you pay attention.  You don’t want to head the wrong way.

Disney’s Skyliner

While not as convenient, if you are heading to Hollywood Studios or a few select resorts, you can hop a ride on the Skyliner.  You do have to walk over to Epcot to catch the gondola ride.  We don’t recommend using the Skyliner to get to Hollywood Studios.  Between the walk to Epcot and all the connections you have to make, it’s easier to either walk or take a boat.

If you are heading to Disney’s Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, or Pop Century, then the Skyliner is an excellent option.  Don’t try to use this for changing resorts if you are doing a split stay, as there won’t be room for your luggage.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort Dining Features More Options Than Most Resorts, with Largely Great Quality

There are a plethora of options available for dining at the Beach Club.  You’ll find the usual assortment of table service and quick service options, but the resort essentially features two times the options because you can take a couple of minute walk over to the Yacht Club to eat at the restaurants that are located there.  Since it is so close, we consider them to be equally available for resort guests.  We say the table service locations here really shine, but counter service is nothing to write home about.  Some might argue it should be avoided and we wouldn’t disagree.

The Beach Club features Cape May Café as the table service option.  Cape May actually has two styles of meals.  For breakfast, you can join in for Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast , which is a character meal.  You’ll get to meet Goofy, Daisy, Donald, and Minnie during this character breakfast.  For dinner Cape May features a seafood buffet.  Characters do not meet at dinner.  They don’t serve lunch here.

First off is the Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf course .  If you or your kids like miniature golf, you can get a round in while at Disney World.  The course is within walking distance of the Beach Club Resort.  It will take 10-15 minutes to get there.

One of the more unique things that your kids can do for fun is Mermaid Swim School.  Anna and Elsa did this at the Beach Club Resort and had a blast doing it.  We have a full post, with a video, reviewing their Mermaid Swim School experience .

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is One of the Best Deluxe Disney World Resorts

The odd thing about this review is that it is a bit of a reversal from our stay at Old Key West.  I like this resort more than Carla.  Not that she dislikes it, but Old Key West is a resort that just spoke to her.

From the well-appointed rooms to that laid-back beach resort vibe, Disney’s Beach Club Resort resonated with me.  What sets it apart are the amenities, especially the pool.  The entirety of Stormalong Bay is fantastic.

At the various price points, I don’t think there is any real reason to pay for anything more than a standard room.  Unless you have extra cash to burn, then feel free to pay up.  But the room views aren’t what make this resort great.  A standard room will get you access to what matters.

The location of the resort is also an important differentiator.  Sitting on Crescent Lake assures you of a short walk to Epcot and makes Hollywood Studios an easily accessible walk or boat ride.  It’s hard to beat the convenience the resort brings.  Yes, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are a bit of a pain to get to because of the bus sharing situation, but there is no perfect resort.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort also features several excellent dining options, even if the counter service is weak.  With its location on Crescent Lake, five resorts are in walking distance of each other.  This gives you a wealth of options for dining.  The Crescent Lake area is the only place on property with this many resorts in this close of a proximity.

If you’re looking for a great resort, then this will do the trick.

Wrapping Up Our Disney’s Beach Club Resort Review

With that, we’ll put the finishing touches on our Disney’s Beach Club Resort review.  It’s a fabulous resort that we think will appeal to lots of families.  If you like pools, food or plan on spending lots of time at Epcot and Hollywood Studios, you could probably stop your search right here.

We hope you found our Beach Club Resort review helpful.  If you did, we’d greatly appreciate it if you would share it on social media.  It helps get the word out on our blog and tells us we’re doing something right.  Just use the social media sharing buttons on this page.

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The 2010 Yacht and Beach Club FAQ Thread

• Thread starter tete01830
• Start date Jun 16, 2008

Look at the lazy people in the lazy river...

• Jun 16, 2008

Disney's Beach Club Villas Disney Deluxe Villas Resorts ​ Services and Amenities Room Service Concierge desk Health club Babysitting and child services Pak-n-Play Crib available Convenient self-parking Valet parking available for a nominal fee Rooms and facilities for Guests with disabilities Laundry facilities/services Meeting and banquet facilities Business Center Barber and beauty shop Resort Benefits As a Disney Vacation Club Member, you enjoy the comforts of home as well as the same benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World® Resort hotel: Extra Magic Hours — Each day, one of the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks opens an hour early or stays open up to three hours after regular Park hours. This benefit allows you to enjoy a more relaxed pace knowing that you'll have extra time to visit the Theme Parks. Disney's Magical Express Service — This exclusive complimentary shuttle and luggage delivery service takes you from Orlando International Airport directly to your Resort. At the end of your stay, you'll enjoy the same convenience from your Resort to Orlando International Airport. Convenient Transportation — Buses arrive right at your Resort to get you to and from Walt Disney World® Theme Parks, Water Parks and more. A Retreat Close to the Magic — When you stay at a Disney Vacation Club Resort, you're not only surrounded by magic 24 hours a day, you're also close enough to hop back to your Resort for a snack, nap or dip in the pool. Incredible Disney Service — Disney Cast Members are on hand to make your vacations as easy and worry-free as possible, providing you with the signature Disney service you expect. Villas Offered as: Studio One Bedroom Two Bedroom Disney Beach Club Villa Studio 365 Sq Feet Sleeps 4 • Kitchenette with microwave oven, under-counter refrigerator, wet bar and coffee maker • Queen-size bed • Double-size sleeper sofa • TV • Private porch or balcony Disney Beach Club Villa One Bedroom 726 Sq Ft Sleeps 4 • Master suite with king-size bed and whirlpool tub • Queen-size sleeper sofa in living room • TV & DVD player • Fully equipped kitchen • Washer/dryer • Private porch or balcony Disney Beach Club Villa Two Bedroom 1083 Sq Ft Sleeps 8 • Master suite with king-size bed and whirlpool tub • Separate bedroom with private bathroom and either one queen-size bed and double-size sleeper sofa or two queen-size beds • Queen-size sleeper sofa in living room • TV & DVD player • Fully equipped kitchen • Washer/dryer • Private porch or balcony Villa Floor Layouts Special Thanks to bytheblood for the information about Beach Club Villas __________________  

erikawolf2004

Dis veteran.

• Apr 12, 2010

SqrlMnkey said: It's been a while since I've been to the B&Y Club, and I'm trying to remember if there is any quick breakfast options (i.e. picking up bagels and coffee or maybe waffles to bring back to the room)? I don't remember if Beaches & Cream had take out or these types of options. Any ideas? Also, is there any restaurant where "Ariel's" used to be? Thanks in advance! Click to expand...

What time can you get into the World Showcase? Doesn't FW usually open at 9am and the WS at 11am, do they let you into WS about 9 so that you can walk over to FW? Thanks, Erika  

Beach Club Dee

• Apr 13, 2010

erikawolf2004 said: Seems like I read somewhere that they added QS breakfast to B&C. Click to expand...

erikawolf2004 said: What time can you get into the World Showcase? Doesn't FW usually open at 9am and the WS at 11am, do they let you into WS about 9 so that you can walk over to FW? Thanks, Erika Click to expand...

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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, yacht club deluxe resort, {"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"breadcrumblist","itemlistelement":[{"@type":"listitem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/accommodation\/search\/walt-disney-world\/all\/all\/all\/all\/all\/","name":"walt disney world"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/accommodation\/search\/epcot\/all\/all\/all\/all\/all\/","name":"epcot"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/walt-disney-world\/wdw-accommodation\/yacht-club-deluxe-resort\/","name":"disney\\'s yacht club resort"}}]} walt disney world > epcot > disney's yacht club resort, recommended by.

Updated: April 22, 2024

Yacht Club Highlights:

• Great location! The Yacht Club is walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios (which is also easily accessible by boat or Skyliner.)
• Stormalong Bay! This gorgeous water complex includes a sand bottom pool, pirate slide, and lazy river.
• A diner’s paradise! In addition to two theme parks, the Yacht Club is also walking distance to the Beach Club, Boardwalk Inn, and Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. Being so close to four additional deluxe resorts provides extensive dining and entertainment options.

What is the Yacht Club like?

The Yacht Club (YC) is a five-story, 630 room resort, slightly larger than its sister resort, the Beach Club (BC), located along the shore of Crescent Lake, opposite the Boardwalk Resort . Themed after seaside New England hotels of the late 1800s, the Yacht Club has a stately, nautical look and feel; hardwood floors and brass accents enhance this feeling. Guests staying at both the Yacht Club and Beach Club have the exclusive use of Stormalong Bay, a 750,000 gallon pool/mini-water park complete with water slide, sandy bottom, whirlpools, and water currents.

Why stay at the Yacht Club?

Three very important reasons: Location, Location, Location. The Yacht Club is one of the most conveniently located resorts on Disney’s property. The Yacht Club is within walking distance of Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Boardwalk, the Swan, and the Dolphin hotels. If you don’t feel like walking you can choose a short boat ride to any of these places instead.

If you like fine dining, you will be in the center of it all. Not only do the Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk all have terrific choices, you are also just minutes away from the international flavor of Epcot’s World Showcase. If you like to swim, one of the best hotel pools, Stormalong Bay, is right under your nose. There are several other recreational activities available at the Yacht Club (described below).

Transportation – How do I get there from here?

• EPCOT – EPCOT can be easily reached by foot via a short 10-minute walk along the water way leading to Epcot’s International Gateway. If walking isn’t for you, there is a boat to ferry guests from all the Epcot resorts (Swan, Dolphin, Boardwalk, Yacht Club, and Beach Club) to the International Gateway, but the walk is faster and a bit more scenic. To board the boat, simply exit the lobby on the rear side of the hotel and walk straight down to the dock – just look for the lighthouse. Be sure you’re in the Epcot line (left side facing the water), not Disney’s Hollywood Studios line (right side facing the water) line.Epcot resort guests CAN use the International Gateway entrance to Epcot even though World Showcase may not yet be open for the day. Cast members will help usher you toward Future World in Epcot. The International Gateway also offers full-service ticketing and purchasing of annual passes. The guest services window usually opens 30 minutes prior to park opening.

• You can take a leisurely 15 to 20 minute one-mile stroll along the path that follows the waterway connecting the Epcot resort area with the Hollywood Studios.
• Take the Friendship boat f rom the right side of the boat dock. You can meet the boat at the dock just as you would the boat for Epcot, by exiting the rear of the hotel and walking straight down to the lighthouse. Again, make sure you catch the right boat. The CMs will surely let you know which boat you’re getting on. The boat usually stops by the Swan and Dolphin and Boardwalk via the Studios. The trip takes about 20 minutes.
• Take the Disney Skyliner. Walk to International Gateway and climb aboard the most Magical Flight on Earth! You will need to transfer to the Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Caribbean Beach Station.

• Magic Kingdom – The Magic Kingdom can be reached by taking a bus from the front of the hotel. Another longer, but more scenic, journey is to take the monorail from Epcot’s front entrance, transfer at the TTC, and then continue to the MK. Traveling this way does take some time and some walking, but you get to see a little bit more, and it lends to resort hopping if the mood strikes. Keep in mind this route will likely taste at least an hour.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Disney’s Animal Kingdom can be reached by taking a bus from the front of the hotel.

• Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and Disney Springs – Buses take you directly from the hotel to these locations after picking up passengers from the Beach Club and Boardwalk Inn. Travel times vary to each of these locations, but many of these attractions are relatively close to the Yacht Club, so you never have to wait too long.

Note that when using the buses, they will usually stop at the Beach Club; however sometimes it will also stop at the Boardwalk, the Swan and the Dolphin resorts. The tends to happen during the middle of the day or during low crowd times.

• Disney’s Boardwalk – The Boardwalk faces the Yacht and Beach Clubs on the opposite side of Crescent Lake. There are two foot bridges, one in the direction of the Swan/Dolphin hotels, and one in the direction of Epcot, allowing you to walk to this entertainment complex and hotel.
• For all other locations, including Fort Wilderness , and resort hotels, buses to Disney Springs will allow you to connect with other transportation to your final destination. You can also take the monorail from the Future World side of Epcot to reach the TTC. Travel times vary widely here. You can time it just right and have a short, efficient trip, or have a trip lasting over  an hour. Hope for the best! Hint: When in a hurry, it usually takes only 5 minutes to get a taxi. Go to the valet station at the front of the Yacht Club and they will call a taxi for you. Trips to destinations on property range in cost from $16 to $24. For example, the typical taxi fare from the Yacht Club to the Grand Floridian costs about $20 (not including tip). It’s usually significantly cheaper to take a Rideshare such as an Uber or Lyft from the front of the Yacht Club to anywhere on property.

What are the rooms like?

Most rooms feature two queen-size beds, a table and chairs, color TV w/remote, a ceiling fan, double sinks in the dressing area, and refrigerator. Some rooms have a daybed that will accommodate the maximum 5 guests allowed per room at the Yacht Club. There are also pet friendly rooms. Of the 539 regular guest rooms at the Yacht Club, 483 rooms have queen-sized beds, 56 rooms have king-sized beds, and there are 10 disabled access rooms. Most rooms have a balcony that have a table and two chairs. Standard Rooms are for all guests, including Concierge Club. Deluxe rooms are larger and are only available on the Concierge level.

The rooms at the Yacht Club have been thoughtfully stocked with many extras. Rooms have a small safe, located in the closet, in which you can store your valuables such as jewelry, airline tickets, passports, travelers’ checks, etc. For bigger items, storage facilities may be available at the front desk.

Another nice feature is having the bathtub/toilet separated from the rest of the room. The double sinks are located outside the true “bathroom.” In the vanity area, you will find a hair dryer, as well as a make-up mirror mounted on the wall.

The Yacht Club does have a Club Level and club-level/service rooms. All Club Level rooms are located on the hotel’s 5th floor, which requires your Magic Band to gain entry from the elevator. There are 71 concierge suites and 20 “true” suites in a variety of sizes. See the Concierge page for more information about the concierge level.

Walt Disney World Resort has complimentary Wi-Fi service available in all of its hotels and parks. See our Internet Access page for details.

A room with a view, but which one?

There are three views available: The Standard view, the Garden or Woods view, and the Lagoon or pool view.

Standard view rooms overlook the garden, rooftop or parking areas around the hotel. Garden or Woods view rooms typically overlook the slightly nicer areas around the quiet pool, or even the wedding gazebo. Lagoon or pool view rooms have a direct view of Crescent Lake and the Boardwalk. Some of the Lagoon or Pool view rooms are located just above Stormalong Bay and may be a bit noisy during the day. Note also that not all Lagoon or Pool view rooms offer a direct view of the lake and the Boardwalk. Many are at right angles to the lake, making it often difficult or impossible to see the Boardwalk. If you should book a Lagoon or Pool view room, don’t be disappointed if you don’t have a direct view of the lake.

Can I Bring My Pet to Stay at the Yacht Club?

Walt Disney World has four hotels pet-friendly, one of which is Disney’s Yacht Club. Read our page on Pet-Friendly Hotel Rooms for more details.

Pets may also be boarded at the Best Friends Pet Care kennel across from Port Orleans Riverside.

Are there smoking and nonsmoking rooms?

All Disney resorts and guest rooms are smoke free . There are designated outdoor smoking areas. Check the resort map or with a Cast Member for locations.

What are the prices for a room?

The Yacht Club is considered a “Deluxe” resort hotel, and its prices are among the more expensive offered at Disney. These are regular rate prices and do not include the Florida Sales Tax nor the county resort tax. Most rooms have a maximum five-person occupancy per room. Prices are per room, and there is an additional adult charge of $25 per adult per night for more than two adults in a room.

Walt Disney World Resort rates vary by season (there are nine seasons now), and also by day of the week. The holiday season is the most expensive time of the year. It runs from mid-December to early January as well as during Easter Week.

The rates for a: — Standard View Room range from $443 – $762 — Garden or Woods View Room range from $484 – $787                                     — Lagoon or Pool View Room range from $561 – $851 — Club Level Standard View Room range from $661 – $1,052 — Club Level Garden View Room range from $676 – $1,075 — Club Level Pool or Lagoon View room range from $771 – $1,197 — Suites range from $1,863 – $3,071

Is there a fee to park at the Yacht Club?

There is a fee for overnight self-parking at Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Click HERE for current pricing and other parking-related information.

Are there any discounts?

There are many ways to save a few dollars on your accommodations at WDW. Disney offers several resort “seasons” throughout the year including a Value Season. Annual Passholders can save by visiting during annual Passholder specials. Florida residents get a break for living in the same state as the Mouse. Don’t forget holidays are the most expensive time to visit, along with most of the summer. Generally, planning your trip during the off-season can save you money right off the bat.

Please visit our Discount Summary Page for more information.

I hear that there are no more room key cards at Disney resort hotels. How do I get into my room?

Walt Disney World has converted their room keys and admission tickets from plastic cards to MagicBands, flexible plastic wristbands, resembling a watch or bracelet, that use Radio Frequency (RF) technology. Your MagicBand is linked to your My Disney Experience (MDE) account and acts as your Disney resort room key. Simply touch the Mickey symbol on your MagicBand to the RFID reader near your room door to gain entry. Read about using MagicBands for park admission, FastPass+ and more.

How does Check-in and Check-Out work?

Online Check-in  is available through the My Disney Experience App. Look for the special Online Check-in line at the resort’s front desk.

Check-in is at 3pm. Upon arrival head to the front desk to check-in. Rooms are not guaranteed to be available until 3pm, but you can request Early Check-in when you do Online Check-in.

Check-out time is 11am .  Express Check-out  is available to all guests paying with a credit card, arrange for this service at check-in. A detailed hotel bill is delivered to your door by 7am. If the bill is correct you simply leave. Your Magic Band serves as a  Disney  souvenir. Late Check-out of noon can be requested without additional cost (very limited availability). If you need Late Check-out, request it at Check-In and as soon as possible the morning of check out (the number of eligible rooms are limited).

Resort Airline Check-In Service  at your Disney resort is only available if you are flying domestically (includes Puerto Rico) on specific airlines It is a complimentary (free) service and allows you to check your luggage.

Restaurants?

If you’re looking for good food while staying at the Yacht Club there is plenty to choose fom! The Yacht Club has two very good full service restaurants of its own, and a brief walk along Stormalong Bay will take you to the restaurants of the Beach Club. Additionally, room service is available 24 hours a day.

Ale & Compass — Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual nautical atmosphere. Order a la carte morning meals from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., or there is an all-you care-to-enjoy breakfast buffet from 7:30a.m. to 11:25a.m. Lunch is served from 11:30am to 2pm, and dinner is available from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tables are almost always available during the day, but an Advance Reservation is recommended if possible.

Attached to the Ale & Compass Restaurant is the Ale & Compass Lounge. This is a full service cocktail lounge with specialty drinks and light bites.

Yachtsman Steakhouse – – This is the Yacht Club’s premier restaurant, serving tasty cuts of superbly aged beef, as well as poultry and seafood selections. An Advance Reservation is highly recommended for dinner. They are sometimes able to accommodate early (5:30-7:00) and late (9:00-9:45) walk up arrivals. A party of two is more likely to be seated more quickly than a party of six or more. Although this rule normally applies even to the busiest of seasons, there are no guarantees. Note that for this and other Signature Dining experiences, there is a dress code. Men should wear khakis, slacks, jeans or dress shorts and collared shirts. Women may wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses, jeans or dress shorts. No tank tops, swimsuits, cover ups, hats (for men), cut-offs, torn clothing or t-shirts with offensive language/graphics are allowed.

The Crew’s Cup , located near the Yachtsman Steakhouse, serves a multitude of beers, along with your favorite drinks and wines. Appetizers and finger foods are also available here, making the Crew’s Cup a nice place for lunch or a light evening meal.

For a Quick Service Meal, head to the Market at Ale & Compass . They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offer a variety of made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and soups. The Market also has a selection of to-go options such as baked goods and pre-packaged sandwiches for a meal on the run!

Don’t forget right next door in the Beach Club is the Cape May Buffet , where you’ll find Goofy and friends for a breakfast buffet or a clambake dinner served family-style (buffet).Reservations are highly recommended.

Martha’s Vineyard is a lounge located at the Beach Club, that also serves appetizers, and is open in the evenings.

Also, shared between the YC and BC are two other dining locales, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop and Hurricane Hanna’s Grill.

• Beaches & Cream is open for lunch and dinner, and serves wonderful shakes and malts along with burgers and ice cream selections. Reservations are highly recommended!
• Hurricane Hanna’s  is located poolside at Stormalong Bay and specializes in great, quick eats such as hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, and more.

What are Rapid Fill Mugs?

The Rapid Fill beverage program allows Disney Resort guests to buy (or receive as part of the Disney Dining Plan) a resort mug that can be refilled for a certain period of time as designated at time of purchase. These mugs are enhanced by an RFID bar code that enables the mug to deactivate when the designated time is complete.

I want to swim!

The Yacht Club has one of the best, if not the best swimming pools (at a hotel) in all of Walt Disney World. Stormalong Bay is a three-acre water playground shared between the Yacht Club and the Beach Club. It’s a great place to have fun or just relax. Stormalong Bay has many different sections that encompass its 750,000 gallons of water. There are shallow wading areas for the younger ones, complete with sand bottoms. There are also larger and deeper areas, some with sand, some without.

A “shipwreck” on the shore of Crescent Lake provides the entrance to an exciting water slide for the adventurous folks. There is a circular area in Stormalong Bay with water jets that create a current. All you have to do is float. the water will move you along! All around Stormalong Bay are lounge chairs where you can relax and catch some rays. Among other things, you’ll find a waterfall and a couple of hot tubs hidden amongst the scenery. Note, however, that life jackets cannot be worn when using the water slide. The water slide includes an enclosed tube and a child with a life jacket can get stuck. If your child requires the use of a life jacket, you can request to use the pool and slide at the Boardwalk Inn.

There is a quiet pool at the Yacht Club, found on the far end of the hotel away from the noise and excitement. The pool is located on the front/side of the hotel farthest from the Beach Club and closest to the Swan/Dolphin. There is also a hot tub in the same area as the quiet pool. These facilities are open 24 hours, as long as you are quiet! You can also use the quiet pool/hot tub on the Beach Club side of things. This pool is located on the back side of the Beach Club, closest to Epcot. You may see this area if you walk the path to Epcot. There is a third pool (and hot tub) located at the Beach Club Villas; guests of the Yacht Club are welcome to use it as well.

What other recreation is available at the Yacht Club?

Be sure to request the Recreational Activities flyer . There may be activities like Water Volleyball, Campfire Sing-along, or Movie Under the Stars.

If swimming isn’t for you, there are plenty of other activities available at the Yacht Club. Tennis is available on a lit court located by the Admiral Pool. Areas for volleyball and croquet are available on the Beach Club end of the twin hotel complex. Equipment is available free of charge from the Ship Shape Health Club.

Ship Shape Health Club is located between the Beach and Yacht Club resorts next to Lafferty Place Arcade is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Membership is free to Yacht Club resort guests for the length of their stay. Disney Vacation Club members may use the facilities free if they are staying at a Disney resort. Guests from other Disney resorts can use the facilities for $12/day, based on availability. Equipment includes Hammer Strength, Life Fitness, Cybex and aerobic machines, as well as a spa, steam room, sauna and massage therapy. Massages and facials are available by appointment only. Call (407) WDW-SPAS or (407) 939-7727 to book.

Jogging – Jogging route maps are available from Lobby Concierge (Guest Services) or from the Ship Shape Health Club.

Volleyball -A sand court is located on the Beach Club side of the complex. Equipment use is complimentary for BC/YC guests and is available from the Ship Shape Health Club.

Tennis – A lit court is located by the Admiral Pool, with complimentary tennis balls and racquets available from the Ship Shape Health Club.

Lafferty Place Arcade is located next to the Beaches and Cream Soda Shop.

Playground – Open 24 hours, it is located near Stormalong Bay.

Bayside Marina is located in a small building to the right of the pier (facing the lake) and services guests from both the Yacht Club and Beach Club daily from 11am to 5pm. For a list of cruises available, see our Specialty Resort/Park Cruise page . To reserve cruises or fishing excursions call 1-407-WDW-PLAY.

Fantasia Gardens – is located across from the Swan/Dolphin hotels. Here you can enjoy mini-golf at its best… Disney style.

I need to shop! OR — I forgot to pack something real important!

The Yacht Club’s all-purpose store is The Market at Ale and Compass.   This store offers a small but comprehensive collection of clothing, character merchandise, and sundries.

Need your clothes cleaned?

If you need to wash your clothes during your stay at the Yacht Club, laundry facilities are located adjacent to the quiet pool area located on the far front side of the hotel, closer to the Swan/Dolphin hotels. Likewise there are laundry facilities at the quiet pool of the Beach Club.

If you need something dry cleaned or pressed, you’ll find a card detailing services and costs in your room upon check-in. An iron and ironing board are located in most guest rooms. If your room does not have these items, they can be obtained free of charge by contacting housekeeping.

Babysitting, Childcare, Children’s Programs

There is no child care activity center at this resort. For child care alternatives, visit our Child Care FAQ.

Does the Yacht Club have a Convention Center?

Yes, the Yacht and Beach Clubs share a convention center that has 73,000 square feet of meeting and function space, that can accommodate both large and small events.

How do I use valet parking?

Simply drive your vehicle to the front of the resort and a Cast Member will park it for you. Valet parking is $33 per car for the day, even if you are staying at the Yacht Club. Don’t forget to tip the valet (both the one who takes your car and the one who brings it back to you – $1-2 is recommended) When you need to retrieve your vehicle, simply give the valet your slip of paper you were given when the car was parked, and your car will be delivered to the front of the hotel. When you are ready to get your car, call the valet stand from your room and ask for your car to be brought around. If you pay for valet at one Disney resort hotel, you can use valet at the other hotels – just tell them you are paying at the Yacht Club. The Disney resorts contract out valet services, so you are dealing with a 3rd party, not Disney employed cast members.

Does the Yacht Club have a Security Gate?

Yes, the Yacht Club complex has a guarded security gate. Upon initial arrival, simply explain to the guard you are checking in. Once you have checked in, your Magic Band will also serve to open the security gates (pull on the right side to activate the guest gate). Be sure to have your Magic Band ready when reentering through the security gate. During busy times ONLY Yacht Club resort guests may be allowed to enter the parking area.

Tips and Tricks: What else you should know about the Yacht Club:

Need a new ‘do, or just a haircut? Ship Shape Spa and Salon is located between the YC and BC, next to the health club, is the place to go. It is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m., daily. Services offered include: hair and nail services, massages and facials. Appointments are strongly recommended, call (407) WDW-SPAS or (407) 939-7727 to book.

Are you a couple on a romantic getaway? Ask for a room overlooking the wedding gazebo (a garden view room). If you’re lucky, from your balcony you’ll be able to hear and see a magical Disney wedding take place. Quite a romantic/reminiscent experience.

Plunk a few quarters in the slots at Lafferty Place Arcade where you’ll find a selection of exciting video games.

Parking – – there is a lot where you park your car. It’s a long walk from your room to the car, unless you want to pay for valet parking.

For more information on the Yacht Club, and to go on a tour, check out this AllEars TV Video !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-XdM5tzSqE

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort:

1700 Epcot Resorts Boulevard Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8407 (407) 934-7000

For directions on getting to the Yacht Club from the Orlando airports, visit our Driving Directions page.

Places to Eat in Yacht Club

Read prices, menu items, and more about ale and compass restaurant, read prices, menu items, and more about the market at ale and compass, read prices, menu items, and more about ale and compass lounge, read prices, menu items, and more about yachtsman steakhouse, read prices, menu items, and more about crew's cup lounge.

• Phone: 407 934-7000
• Address: 1700 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

Transportation Options (2)

Activities & recreation (9).

• Boat Rental
• Running Trail
• Poolside Movies
• Tennis Courts

Room Options (8)

• Standard View
• Garden or Woods View
• Lagoon or Pool View
• Standard View - Club Level
• Garden View - Club Level
• Lagoon or Pool View - Club Level
• Deluxe Room - Club Level Access
• 2 Bedroom Suite-Club Level Access

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Disney's Beach Club Resort

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What Makes This Resort Hotel Unique

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 Beach Club Resort.

Ship Shape Health Club

Indulge in a massage and exercise on state-of-the-art equipment at this 24-hour fitness center.

Beaches and Cream

Bring your sweet tooth to this newly renovated, boardwalk-style ice cream parlor where every day is sundae.

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.

Room Types Sure to Suit Your Style

Choose from a wide array of accommodations, from rooms and suites—some offering Concierge service—to home-like options in the villa section of the Resort. Read More

Choose from a wide array of accommodations, from rooms and suites—some offering Concierge service—to home-like options in the villa section of the Resort. All room types share the same Resort amenities, including pools, dining and recreation.

Room types offered at this Resort:

• Rooms and Suites (sleep up to 6 adults)
• Rooms and Suites with Club-Level Service (sleep up to 7 adults)
• Deluxe Studios (sleep up to 5 adults)
• 1- and 2-Bedroom Villas (sleep up to 8 adults)

Villas feature:

• A fully-equipped 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 always have fresh, clean clothes

Deluxe Studios feature:

• A kitchenette , so you can prepare meals and snacks from the comfort of your studio
• A sleeper sofa , in addition to one queen bed and one pull-down bed

Visit the Room Rates page to see what's available for your stay!

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) 934-8000

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Disney Confirms 5 Month Shut Down in 2025, Hidden Notice Alerts Guests

in Walt Disney World

One of Disney’s most popular resorts is about to undergo quite a large closure, and many guests do not know about it yet.

At Walt Disney World Resort, there are over 25 resorts for guests to choose from when they are coming to the most magical place on earth, and all of them fall into different tiered categories for different price points.

For example, if you are not looking to spend an exorbitant amount of money on your hotel, the value resorts would be perfect for you. These are resorts like Disney’s Pop Century Resort or the All-Star Resorts. These hotels are simple in terms of room layout, but with recent refurbishments, they have the perfect sleek look with that magical touch of Disney.

Moderate resorts like Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort kick things up a notch with more in-depth theming in the rooms, as well as around the resorts.

Then, the deluxe-level resorts are the highest-cost hotels at Disney, like the Grand Floridian or Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. These rooms and the overall grounds of the hotel are meant to transport you into different spaces with detailed theming. These are also the hotels that guests stay in when they purchase from DVC (Disney Vacation Club).

Since the deluxe-level hotels cost the most, it is undoubtedly upsetting when you find out that there will be a ton of construction at your hotel during your stay, which can possibly ruin bits of the magic for you.

Recently, we learned that at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool, the most coveted pools on Disney property, will undergo a lengthy refurbishment in 2025. 

As Disney noted:

“From January 2025 through June 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for routine maintenance. Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours. During this time, Guests are welcome to swim at the Tidal, Admiral and Dunes Cove leisure pools.”

As a Disney World local, I would have to say that while Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort does have a great location as it is in walking distance to EPCOT, the pool with its lazy river, sand bottom, and impeccable theming would be the main reason that I would want to book a room at the resort, so this multi-month closure that extends into the summer has likely caused some guests to rethink where they want to stay on their 2025 vacation.

Now, we have confirmed that the construction will not stop there.

During nearly the same period, the Yacht Club side of the hotel will also undergo a room renovation. This means that there will be added construction, noise, and fewer rooms available. Disney’s website states, “From January through May 2025, some Guest rooms at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort will be under refurbishment. While Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours, most Resort hotel amenities will remain available.”

Knowing that Yacht Club will be filled with construction and the pool will not be available for the first half of 2025 makes the deluxe location a lot less appealing. The hotel’s price point is still around $600 per night, which is comparable to what the resort is currently charging, which bounces between $600 and $700 per night without any closures or construction.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort will also be shutting down many of their rooms on the Bay Lake side of the resort in 2025 for a refurbishment as well. 

We do not yet know what the rooms will look like at the Yacht Club once they are refurbished, but Disney’s BoardWalk Inn did just get its own room refurbishment, just steps from the Yacht Club. The refurbishment has actually gotten quite a bit of flack from fans who think that the new modern, clean look is comparable to a Hilton or Marriott room, which lacks the theming that Disney is known for.

Disney has been outsourcing a lot of these refurbishment projects to the same teams who work out of the new resorts in Las Vegas instead of using Imagineering, which has been shown via the new modern aesthetic that the hotels are bringing in.

Walt Disney World Revamps and New Experiences Coming in 2024 and Beyond

Get ready for a whirlwind of exciting changes at Walt Disney World Resort! The next several months of 2024 and the whispers of future developments promise thrilling updates for theme park enthusiasts.

First up, EPCOT fans can gear up for the grand opening of CommuniCore Hall & Plaza this June, with a new Encanto (2021) show debuting on the new stage, as well.

This brand-new area is sure to become a hub of activity and exploration next to the World Celebration Gardens.

Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the beloved Animation Courtyard theater is currently undergoing a refurbishment. This exciting renovation paves the way for the debut of a refreshed show, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” which is set to premiere this fall.

Magic Kingdom also holds the potential for some exciting news. With hints of a major expansion project near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, fans are eagerly awaiting official announcements to see what magic this area has in store.

Disney recently unveiled a $60 billion investment plan for the coming years, setting hearts racing with anticipation for future developments that Disney CEO Bob Iger has promised will come with expansions and higher capacity in the theme parks. With Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opening its doors in 2024, speculation is high for a potential late-2025 reveal coming in August.

Animal Kingdom is also poised for a change. The beloved “It’s Tough to be a Bug!” show is expected to close its curtains later in 2024. However, fear not, animal enthusiasts! A brand new Zootopia -themed show is slated to take its place, likely by 2025, promising a fresh and exciting experience.

EPCOT’s Test Track is also undergoing a significant overhaul. This iconic attraction will be revamped for a whole new generation of thrill seekers, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all. One of the most significant changes on the horizon is the potential transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. This area is expected to be reimagined into a brand new Tropical Americas land, featuring beloved characters and stories from Indiana Jones, Coco (2017), and Encanto.

Now that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), Disney’s governing district, have settled their lawsuits, there is more room for the state and theme park to work together to get permits and changes approved for the Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney World’s governing board meeting returned to normalcy on Wednesday, offering a stark contrast to the eventful gatherings of the past year.

Gone were the typical hallmarks of a heated municipal meeting – fiery speeches from the chairperson, calls for resignations of board members appointed by Governor DeSantis, and the back-and-forth exchanges that often dominate such forums.

Instead, this session focused on the practicalities of park operations. Board members unanimously approved contracts for essential infrastructure projects, proving the two are on the way to mending the once feud-filled relationship.

Would you want to stay at a Disney resort that is under construction? 

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