disney's yacht and beach club resort reviews

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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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

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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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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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Disney's Yacht Club Resort

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Photos of Disney's Yacht Club Resort

About Disney's Yacht Club Resort

• Resort Room Enjoy the many amenities of the resort
• Freebies This stay includes Wi-Fi for free

The idea of a yacht club conjures images of refined luxury. In the middle of Lake Buena Vista, Florida, guests can find Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, bringing a bit of Disney magic to the elegance of the New England luxury nautical tradition.

From the first step in the lobby, guests can sense the nautical theme present throughout the resort. The 621 guest rooms found on the property continue this elegant décor. Guests can book rooms with standard, garden, or water views.

One of the prime reasons guests visit this hotel is to explore Disney World and the amenities make it easy. Transportation is available, both in the form of a shuttle or private Minnie van, to get guests to Disney properties in a quick and easy fashion. The Disney magic continues back on the resort, with character experiences available to delight younger guests. In addition, the many outdoor pools found on the resort all ooze the charm of the nearby theme park. Kids can also play mini golf on a 36-hole course, inspired by the movie Fantasia.

When hungry, guests have a bevy of options to choose from without leaving the resort. Starting with a hearty breakfast buffet, guests can get the day started off right. Poolside service is available during the day. The signature restaurant is the Yachtsman Steakhouse, a New England style restaurant with Florida charm.

With the refinement of the classic yacht club and trademark fun of the theme parks, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a five-star way to visit Florida.

Latest deals for Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Amenities at disney's yacht club resort.

• Private beach
• Fitness center
• Room service
• Bicycle rental
• Coffee machine
• Business center
• Cable or satellite TV

Services and conveniences

• ATM on-site
• Express check-out
• Currency exchange on-site
• Meeting/Banquet facilities
• 24hr front desk
• Refrigerator

Things to do

• Beauty salon
• Air-conditioned

Accessibility and suitability

• Pets allowed on request. Charges may apply.
• Increased accessibility
• Laundry facilities
• Laundry service
• Iron and ironing board

Family friendly

• Babysitting or child care

Parking and transportation

• Airport shuttle

Health and safety

• Daily housekeeping

Media and entertainment

• Storage available

Reviews of Disney's Yacht Club Resort

The questions and answers provided in this section are generated by an artificial intelligence model based on a summarization of user hotel reviews and hotel information. See more

They offer insights and recommendations from previous guests and hotel information to help future visitors enhance their stay at the hotel.

What are the dining options available at Disney's Yacht Club Resort?

Guests have a bevy of options to choose from without leaving the resort, including a hearty breakfast buffet, poolside service, and the signature restaurant, the Yachtsman Steakhouse, a New England style restaurant with Florida charm.

What are the unique amenities at Disney's Yacht Club Resort?

The resort offers a 36-hole mini golf course inspired by the movie Fantasia, character experiences for younger guests, and a great pool complex with a unique 8ft deep lazy river.

What are the best times to visit Disney's Yacht Club Resort?

The high season is in February, and the low season is in August, offering guests the opportunity to plan their visit based on their preferences for crowd levels and weather.

What are guests saying about the cleanliness at Disney's Yacht Club Resort?

Guests have praised the cleanliness of the hotel, with multiple reviewers mentioning the spacious rooms and the overall cleanliness of the property.

What are the transportation options available for guests at Disney's Yacht Club Resort?

Transportation is available in the form of a shuttle or private Minnie van to get guests to Disney properties in a quick and easy fashion, making it convenient for guests to explore the nearby theme parks.

Book a Room with a View

Several guests mentioned that the views from the rooms were spectacular. Opting for a room with a balcony facing the fountain comes highly recommended.

Club Level for Added Comfort

Guests suggested booking the Club Level for added comfort and convenience, as it offers access to a lounge with complimentary food and drinks throughout the day.

Consider Transportation Options

While the hotel offers convenient transportation to Disney properties, some guests experienced long waits for buses to certain parks. It may be worth considering alternative transportation methods during peak times.

Enjoy the Pool Complex

Many guests praised the hotel's pool complex, particularly the unique Stormalong Bay. However, some mentioned that the poolside service could be improved due to understaffing during busy periods.

Explore Nearby Attractions

Take advantage of the hotel's proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, as well as the boardwalk, which offers a variety of dining and entertainment options within walking distance.

Be Mindful of Housekeeping

Several guests reported inconsistent housekeeping services, with some rooms not receiving cleaning during their stay. It may be helpful to communicate any specific housekeeping needs directly with the staff.

Consider Club Level for Added Comfort

Plan for Potential Crowds

Some guests noted that the hotel and its amenities could become crowded, leading to longer wait times and less attentive service during peak periods. Planning activities during off-peak times may enhance the overall experience.

Check for Special Events

Keep an eye out for special events such as beachside campfires and movies, which can add an extra touch of magic to your stay. These events are often enjoyed by both adults and children.

Communicate Any Issues

If you encounter any issues during your stay, don't hesitate to communicate them to the staff. Many guests found the staff to be friendly and helpful, and addressing concerns promptly can lead to a more enjoyable experience.

What's nearby

• Epcot 0.6 mi
• Walt Disney World Resort 0.6 mi
• Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park 1.9 mi
• La Nouba 2.1 mi
• Disney's Animal Kingdom 2.2 mi
• Magic Kingdom Park 3.6 mi
• Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe 3.9 mi
• SeaWorld Orlando 6.4 mi
• Discovery Cove 6.5 mi
• Skeletons: Animals Unveiled 7.3 mi
• Wizarding World of Harry Potter 8.8 mi
• Universal's Islands of Adventure 8.8 mi

Essential information about Disney's Yacht Club Resort

When to book a room at Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Top tips for your stay at disney's yacht club resort.

• If you’re after a cheap room at Disney's Yacht Club Resort, then you should consider staying during the low season. The cheapest deals can generally be found in September and July.
• Prices can also vary depending on which day of the week you stay. For the best room deals at Disney's Yacht Club Resort, plan to stay on a Saturday or Thursday. The most expensive day is usually Sunday.
• The cheapest price a room at Disney's Yacht Club Resort was booked for on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $444, while the most expensive was $671.
• How long should you stay at Disney's Yacht Club Resort? KAYAK users usually book their rooms here for 2 days.

FAQs when booking at Disney's Yacht Club Resort

What amenities are ideal for families at disney's yacht club resort.

Disney's Yacht Club Resort offers a variety of amenities that are ideal for families with children. One of the most popular amenities for families at the Yacht Club Resort is the waterslide. It is located in the resort's main pool area and provides hours of fun for kids and adults. The waterslide is fast and exciting, and it is certain to be a hit with the whole family. The hotel has a game room that features a variety of video games, pinball machines, and other arcade games. It also has a playground that is another great amenity for families with young children. It is a fun and safe space for kids to run, climb, and play.

What services are offered at the spa at Disney's Yacht Club Resort?

The spa at Disney's Yacht Club Resort offers a wide range of services to help guests relax and rejuvenate. They have five treatment rooms where guests can indulge in luxurious spa treatments. Couples can enjoy a joint session at the couple's treatment rooms for a romantic and pampering experience. For those looking for deep relaxation, the spa at Disney's Yacht Club Resort offers deep-tissue massages.

What amenities make Disney's Yacht Club Resort ideal for people with reduced mobility?

Disney's Yacht Club Resort offers a range of amenities and services that make it ideal for people with reduced mobility. The resort offers accessible rooms designed with features such as grab bars in the toilet and roll-in showers or bathtubs for guests who use wheelchairs or have other mobility issues. The resort has wheelchair ramps and elevators throughout the property in order to make it easy for guests with mobility devices to navigate. There are also lowered peepholes in the doors to facilitate wheelchair users.

What special services does Disney's Yacht Club Resort offer for business travelers?

Disney's Yacht Club Resort offers a variety of special services for business travelers, including a business center. The business center is located on the lobby level of the resort and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The business center features modern equipment and services to help guests stay connected and productive during their stay. This includes computer workstations with high-speed Internet access, printers, scanners, and fax machines.

What's the best way to get to Disney's Yacht Club Resort from Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM)?

If you are traveling alone or with a small group, the most convenient option to Disney's Yacht Club Resort from Kissimmee Gateway Airport is to take a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. This should take around 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, you can rent a car from the airport and drive yourself. This will give you more flexibility during your stay, as you can easily explore other parts of the area. Car rental options are available at the airport, and the journey to Disney's Yacht Club Resort should take around 40-50 minutes.

Where is Disney's Yacht Club Resort located?

Disney's Yacht Club Resort is located at 1700 Epcot Resort Boulevard, 15.9 miles from the center of Orlando. Epcot is the closest landmark to Disney's Yacht Club Resort.

When is check-in time and check-out time at Disney's Yacht Club Resort?

Check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM at Disney's Yacht Club Resort.

Does Disney's Yacht Club Resort offer free Wi-Fi?

Yes, Disney's Yacht Club Resort offers free Wi-Fi.

How far is Disney's Yacht Club Resort from the airport?

Disney's Yacht Club Resort is 15.7 miles from Orlando.

Does Disney's Yacht Club Resort have a pool?

Yes, Disney's Yacht Club Resort has a pool onsite.

How does KAYAK find such great Disney's Yacht Club Resort hotel deals?

KAYAK scours the web for all room deals available at Disney's Yacht Club Resort in Orlando and lets you compare them to find the best rate for your stay. Many different travel sites will offer discounts or deals at different times for rooms at Disney's Yacht Club Resort and KAYAK will provide you with prices from a huge range of travel sites. That means that you can always find a great deal for Disney's Yacht Club Resort.

Nearby hotels and places to stay

Most recommended, good to know.

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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In the comments

What do you think of Disney’s Yacht Club Review? Have you had the chance to stay at this resort? Do you hope to stay here in the future, or do you have any reservations about the resort?

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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5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Stay in a Disney Deluxe Resort

by David Lee | Aug 27, 2024 | Walt Disney World , Walt Disney World Resorts

Choosing a hotel to stay in is one of the biggest decisions you have to make when planning a Disney World trip. And they sure don’t make it easy. There are countless options both on and off property across a wide budget range, from simple motels to luxury resorts. 

At the top of the Disney-operated hotels are Deluxe Resorts . These properties are the cream of the crop. They feature immaculate theming, beautiful rooms and views, award-winning dining, fantastic amenities, and convenient locations.

Reasons to Avoid Disney Deluxe Resorts

So staying at a Deluxe Resort is a no-brainer when you want to make sure you have a great Disney World vacation, right? Well, not so fast. Yes, these hotels are amazing. And there’s a good chance that you will have a great time staying at them. 

However, they may not be the right choice for you and your trip. And rather than potentially being disappointed due to your high expectations, read through these 5 reasons why you should NOT stay at a Deluxe Resort.

They Are Expensive

All the benefits listed above come at a cost. Want to be able to walk or take the Monorail to the Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary? Want access to Stormalong Bay, the amazing pool located at the Yacht & Beach Club? Want to see real animals on the savannah from your balcony at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

You bet there’s a high price tag for that. And since this is Disney World, it’s a very high price tag.  Depending on your room type and time of year, each night can cost from several hundred dollars to over a thousand. 

If you have the budget for that, great! But many of us probably don’t want to always shell out that much for a hotel. Personally, I’d rather allocate some of that money towards other things like food, souvenirs, or park tickets. Which brings me to my next point…

You May Be Spending All Your Time at the Parks

The four theme parks are typically the main attractions at Disney World. And these parks might be the primary focus of your next trip. If you are planning a park-heavy trip where you’ll be in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom every day (or almost every day), you may not want to stay at a Deluxe Resort. Why spend a ton of money to stay at a nice hotel if you aren’t going to be there much and be able to take advantage of its amenities?

In this case, a Value Resort may be exactly what you need. This worked out perfectly for one of my trips. All we needed was a place to sleep and a basic pool to cool off in after some long days in the parks, and All-Star Music was a perfect fit for that visit.

You Can Enjoy the Deluxe Resort Dining Without Staying There

One of the perks of staying at a Deluxe Resort is you have quick access to the excellent onsite dining options. Some of my favorite restaurants, like ‘Ohana and Topolino’s Terrace, are located at the resorts vs. the parks. 

Do you want to know the best part? Unlike pools, you don’t have to be a guest of a hotel to eat at any of its restaurants!  That means even if you are staying at a Value Resort or even an off-property hotel, you can still enjoy the plethora of delicious restaurants available at the Deluxe Resorts. On a recent visit where I stayed at the Dolphin for a conference, my co-worker and I were able to enjoy all of these Deluxe Resort restaurants during our week:

• Kona Cafe at the Polynesian
• Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club
• Ale & Compass at the Yacht Club
• Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera

Staying at a cheaper resort can be a great way to allocate your budget for some splurge dining. Just be sure to get your reservations in for the popular restaurants!

You Want More Kid-Friendly Theming

If you’re traveling with young ones, you may want theming that’s more in-your-face Disney. Despite its close proximity to the Magic Kingdom, the Victorian-style design and architecture of the Grand Floridian may not be the most appealing to kids.

However, the Value Resorts have arguably the best kid-friendly theming, with Art of Animation leading the pack. This resort has larger-than-life characters from popular Disney and Pixar films located around the property, complementing the in-room theming.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Photo by Danny Shuster

All-Star Movies is another great option that has theming and massive character sculptures from several favorite Disney films that’s even more budget-friendly than Art of Animation. All Value Resorts feature oversized characters and objects as part of their fun and inviting theming. My 3-year-old absolutely loved the giant yo-yo staircases we’d take to our room at Pop Century. So while Deluxe Resorts may have impressive theming and details, they’re typically not the things that kids would be interested in.

You Want to Use Points to Book a Hotel

I’m probably not the only person who wishes that Disney had some sort of hotel loyalty program like Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy.  But let’s be real. Disney will likely never implement a program like this. (And we’ll still keep going back, right?) However, other travelers who have a ton of points saved up may want to redeem them for a Disney trip. 

Now, here’s a little secret: you  can  get the best of both worlds by using Marriott points and getting some benefits of staying at a Deluxe Resort. Instead of staying at a Disney World-owned property, you can pick the Walt Disney World Dolphin, Swan, and Swan Reserve, which are located right by EPCOT. This puts you in walking distance of the other EPCOT Resort area hotels, the Disney BoardWalk, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Plus, while they aren’t Disney-owned, you can still qualify for the Deluxe-exclusive perk of Extended Evening Hours when staying there.

As for other point options, if you don’t mind being a little bit more removed, there are a plethora of hotels belonging to all sorts of chains around Disney World where you can cash in your points.

So while Deluxe Resorts provide some of the best hotel experiences Disney has to offer, you definitely don’t need to stay at one to have a great vacation. In fact, depending on your personal situation and preferences, it could be a huge mistake staying at one. As always, it’s important to weigh all the pros and cons before making your hotel decision for your next Disney trip!

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Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club Reviews

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• Flexibility 4.8 out of 5 rating 4.8

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• Average response time 5.0 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Professionalism 5.0 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Value 5.0 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Flexibility 5.0 out of 5 rating 5.0

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