disney yacht club pool pictures

Hotel with the best pool complex at Disney World: Review of Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

When you think of a Florida theme park hotel, I'd bet you probably don't think of deep, rich colors, hardwoods and a refined turn-of-the-century, New England-style nautical-themed resort.

And when you think of a hotel pool, you likely don't conjure up images of a 3-acre waterpark complete with a life-size shipwreck replica that is home to a long, twisting, turning waterslide.

But all this, and actually a lot more, is precisely what you'll find at what has to be one of the best hotels at Disney World , Disney's Yacht Club Resort. In fact, when we picked this resort for a short Florida getaway, we actually considered not spending any days in the Disney theme parks to go along with it. We amended that plan for one day at Epcot, but it wouldn't be unreasonable to do an entire vacation here without getting on a single ride. In this case, the resort could be the destination.

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Disney's Yacht Club (1990) opened in the same era of rapid Disney World development as Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort (1988), and both share a type of ocean theme. However, the two couldn't be more different from one another. With just over 600 rooms (compared to more than 1,500 at Caribbean Beach), this deluxe Disney resort offers guests a vacation within a vacation both in terms of comfort and amenities.

After a recent stay at the property, it was all I could do to not add another night when the time to check out unfortunately arrived. And while not everything is postcard-perfect at this Disney resort at the moment, I promised myself (and my kids) we'd be back. It's that special.

Let's start with some bad news: Disney's Yacht Club is often expensive.

This is one of Disney's deluxe resorts and there is no Disney Vacation Club wing of this hotel. This means you can't rent DVC points to potentially book a room for less the way you can at places such as Polynesian Village Resort. (Note that you can do this at the neighboring Beach Club Resort.)

If you can snag a room during a sale or with a solid discount, you can probably get the rate down to $350-$400 per night, but it's unlikely to go much lower. It's common for rooms here to go for $500 and up, especially once standard rooms are sold out and you need to pay even more for a water view, which is precisely what I had to do. The view itself is (in my mind) not actually worth an upcharge, but sometimes that's all that's available.

While I booked during a 30% off sale, my water-view room at the Yacht Club still came to just over $500 per night. There are some ways to use points for Disney World vacations , such as using miles from the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to offset the expense at a 1 cent = 1 mile valuation , but there's no way to get outsize value for your credit card points at Disney properties.

If you do decide to book a Disney resort like this one, it can make sense to go through a Disney Vacation Planner as that doesn't add to your cost and they do a great job staying on the lookout for sales and discounts and keeping track of all those ever-changing components of a trip to Disney World.

Related: How much does a trip to Disney World cost?

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

No doubt it sounds a touch insane to spend $500 for a theme park-adjacent hotel room, but the location is one reason why Disney's Yacht Club commands that rate (and often sells out).

This hotel is just a 5-10 minute walk from the World Showcase entrance of Epcot. It is also within walking distance of Disney's Hollywood Studios, or you can hop on a boat to take you there since that walk is a bit longer.

Being so close to Epcot also means that the Skyliner stop at Epcot is within very easy reach, opening up even more Disney locations such as the Riviera Resort , Caribbean Beach Resort and more.

Yacht Club is also an incredibly short stroll away from the BoardWalk, which is home to even more shops and restaurants.

I'm happy to save money and stay off Disney property on the first night of the trip, or for trips when we aren't going for an all-in Disney family vacation. But when we do go all-in on Disney World, I want to be in the "Disney bubble." Staying at Yacht Club puts you in the heart of the Disney bubble, well-cushioned in your own deluxe nautical-themed space, but just an arm's reach from lots of great Disney dining and entertainment options.

Related: Guide to visiting Walt Disney World

We arrived at Disney's Yacht Club in the early afternoon, after starting the vacation off with a character brunch at Topolino's Terrace at the top of the nearby Disney Riviera Resort . (Which I highly recommend you add to your to-do list if you love characters and can snag a reservation.)

Since we arrived a few hours before official check-in time, I didn't have high hopes our room would be ready, given the era of pandemic precautions, but that became the first pleasant surprise of the trip when Room 2077 was ready and waiting for us several hours early.

Check-in is also where we were informed that while room service has returned as an option for breakfast and dinner, regular housekeeping had not yet returned to Disney resorts . Towels and trash would be attended to every other day. For our two-night stay, that meant there would be no formal housekeeping services, though we could ask for more towels and such.

If you are able to manage stairs, you can easily access the second level of the resort — where we stayed — via the lobby without using the elevators.

In fact, heading up the lobby stairs reveals some fun touches, such as a ship's wheel, among other themed decor.

Our room was a bit of a walk down several hallways, so if that's an issue, ask for a room closer to the lobby if available.

Inside a room at Disney's Yacht Club, you aren't going to find bright colors, Disney characters or loud decor. If that's what you want, I recommend Disney's Art of Animation , which has plenty of color and characters.

Yacht Club was renovated in recent years to appeal not only to traditional Disney vacationers but also to conventiongoers who frequently stay at the resort during normal times. And in this case, everyone won with a redesign that maintained the overall theme but upgraded the offerings.

The rooms still carry out the resort's high-end nautical theme, but in a way that is elegant and more refined than the previous 1990s-era version.

Like with other Disney resort upgrades, the beds are now raised and the floors are now hard instead of carpet. As Disney renovated rooms across its properties, this has been the standard it is changing to.

There's a pullout sofa that can be used as a sleeper and a small writing desk.

Most notably, there were outlets everywhere. We travel with a lot of things that need charging and we didn't come close to using them all up. Some furnishings may be made to look like turn-of-the-century New England, but they are loaded with modern-day power.

The two queen beds were perfect for a good night's rest after a busy day at Disney.

In the room, you'll also find a minifridge and Keurig.

We were impressed with the amount of storage the room had in the form of shelves, racks, cubbies and drawers. We were able to stay far more organized than normal with a family's worth of stuff, thanks to the storage options.

There was a balcony with two chairs that overlooked a well-manicured green lawn and technically some water. Remember, this was a pricier water-view room after all.

I adored the drapes, both because they did a great job keeping light out in the morning but also because they were adorable and perfect for the room, featuring constellations.

Like at many other similar Disney resorts, the bathroom had a vanity with two sinks located in a cubby between the main room and the bathroom, so it could be used while someone was in the shower.

The bathroom area had a sliding door for both the room itself and the tub/shower combo. There were plenty of Disney H2O+ bath products in the shower and bathroom area.

We found the room incredibly nice, but do know that it doesn't take much to hear what's going on in the hallway or other rooms around you. If you like total silence, you'll be well-served to pack some earplugs and a white noise app to go along with your Mickey ears.

Related: Why you need more than just a ticket to get into Disney World this summer

The Yacht Club room is plenty comfortable, but that's probably not why you stay at Disney's Yacht Club — it's certainly not why we paid what we did to stay here.

Stormalong Bay pool complex

What makes this resort so special is the 3-acre pool complex shared with the neighboring Disney Beach Club Resort.

Dubbed Stormalong Bay, this pool complex has everything from a 230-foot waterslide to a lazy river, whirlpool, shallow splash area, toddler slide, hot tubs and more. It even has a sandy bottom in some of the areas, which feels so much nicer on your tired Disney feet than a hard surface.

This pool area is almost a mini-waterpark and certainly worthy of planning some time in your schedule just to enjoy it. Right now, it can get busy to the point where there is no way to get in during peak times.

However, we had a blast also going late at night after the parks closed, when there were very few people in the pool at all. While the hours can vary, it was open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. during our stay.

There are four cabanas at the pool you can book if you want extra space and service, but you need to reserve well in advance if you want those because they go quickly.

Getting into the pool requires verification you are a resort guest and you're then assigned the colored wristband of the day to wear. There's plenty of towels at the pool, as well as a small army of lifeguards keeping a close watch on the various areas of the pool.

Stormalong Bay is adjacent to Hurricane Hanna's Waterside Bar & Grill, so it's pretty easy to pop over there and order a snack or cocktail. The $12 seafood roll turned out to be a perfect snack for us.

My 11-year-old gave the $6 Lava Smoothie (made of raspberry, coconut and pineapple flavors) high marks and my $14 Frosé was excellent.

Whether your group is made up of adults, some teens, tweens or toddlers, this pool area is truly excellent, especially if you build in some time to enjoy it when most people are sleeping, eating or in the Disney parks.

Evening movies on the beach

Several nights per week at 8 p.m., a Disney movie is shown along the "beach" at the Yacht Club. This is free to enjoy and the week we were there the films showing were "Zootopia," "Sleeping Beauty," "A Bug's Life" and "Disneynature: Earth."

I'll never fully understand who needs a treadmill at Disney when it's normal to walk 10 miles a day in the park, but Yacht Club has those and more in its gym that overlooks Stormalong Bay.

Magical Express Bus

Until the end of 2021, if you want to take the included Magical Express Bus transportation to and from the Orlando airport, that's available to those who stay at this and any other full-fledged Disney resort hotel. If you decide to self-park at Yacht Club, it's going to cost you $25 per night. The upside is that the fee also gives you access to parking at the Disney theme parks at no additional charge.

The Magical Express Bus stop is right in front of the hotel entrance, and the bus stop to go to the various Disney theme parks is just to the side of the hotel entrance.

Still-closed amenities

If you remember when I mentioned there are still some small bumps at Yacht Club, here's where they begin.

Those looking for the ultimate, once-in-a-lifetime Yacht Club experience may want to hold off a tiny bit longer if you want to experience all the amenities. The Club Lounge remains closed, as does one of the main sit-down restaurants.

On top of that, the onsite Ship Shape Salon is still closed, along with the Lafferty Place Arcade.

Normally, you can rent boats or even sign your kids up for a pirate-themed adventure that leaves from the dock outside of the Yacht Club, but all of that is also still on pause.

We had plenty to do for a few days without any of those amenities, but just keep in mind that some things remain shuttered for now.

Related: Changes to expect at Disney World in 2021

Ale & Compass Restaurant

Just off the lobby of Yacht Club is a dark, subdued restaurant called Ale & Compass. While you do need reservations to eat breakfast or dinner here, it's one of the easier reservations to get at Disney World.

Described as "Yankee comfort food," this menu has options such as lobster-and-corn chowder; a fantastic salad called the Ale & Compass salad with additions such as pumpkin seeds and beets; steak; pasta; and a burger with bacon and Vermont cheddar served with thick fries.

Getting good photos in the dark restaurant was next to impossible, but we enjoyed our salad and burger.

And while we didn't eat breakfast here, I've heard good things about the dark chocolate waffles.

Our service here was quite friendly but incredibly slow. The wait for our reservation was pretty extensive, followed by another wait for a server to arrive at our table to start the meal-ordering process. This is likely at least in part due to the restaurant having a brisk business of to-go orders that you can make from the Disney app, along with the other sit-down restaurant at the hotel remaining closed.

Related: These are the best restaurants at Disney World

Ale & Compass Lounge

Another alternative to the restaurant is the adjacent Ale & Compass Lounge, which also has a sleek, updated, but pretty dark look once day turns to night.

In the back of the lounge is a bar, with the front portion offering a variety of seating options and a reduced menu that still includes the burger and chowder.

The Market at Ale & Compass

In the gift shop area of the hotel is the Market at Ale & Compass, where you can order grab-and-go options in the Disney app.

We tried the $12 breakfast bowl that had a little bit of everything on it and was actually almost enough food for myself and two kids for a quick pre-park breakfast.

The $7 ham and cheese breakfast sandwich on a pretzel roll also looked really solid.

In the afternoon and evening, you'll find a variety of sandwiches, a hot dog and a panini on the menu.

Beaches and Cream Soda Shop

If you're going to splurge cash on staying at the Yacht Club, I highly recommend also splurging some calories at Beaches and Cream. You're going to need to make a reservation here well in advance (dining reservations are accepted 60 days before your trip) or get very lucky.

We planned our trip pretty close-in and were never able to snag advance reservations, but got lucky with timing that they had an outdoor table available for us to order the most exciting item on the menu ... the Kitchen Sink.

This $35 sink of ice cream is made of eight scoops (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream and mint) along with every single topping in the house. Oh, and there's also an entire can of whipped cream on top.

It's epic, huge, ridiculous and a lot of fun.

The three of us barely put a dent in it but certainly had fun trying.

There are more regular-sized ice cream options on the menu, too, but if you're doing a once-in-a-lifetime trip, try this once-in-a-lifetime dessert.

Should you want more than just sugar for your meal, this is also where you'll find burgers, sandwiches, chili and other 1950s classic-style treats.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

This second sit-down restaurant has not yet reopened, but when it does, this is where you can go for those post-convention expensed sales dinners ... or a very nice meal out for two. The menu features a $135 seafood tower, prime porterhouse, lobster, filet mignon, elk, lobster and other similar entrees that start around $50.

Overall impressions

I'm a total and complete sucker for a well-themed, well-located Disney World resort. Resorts such as this one, along with Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and others, have me hook, line and wallet.

For me, the resort hotel isn't just a place to sleep at night, it's also a destination much like the theme parks themselves. I enjoy the scent in the lobby, the storyline of the property, the Disney touches throughout and the convenience of being fully immersed in Disney magic.

While my kids vetoed the idea, I'd have been totally happy having Disney's Yacht Club Resort serve as our actual final destination for the weekend with no park time at all. However, since it is such an easy walk to Epcot, adding that park on was actually a whole lot of fun, too.

If what you want is just a decent bed close to the parks, don't stay here. You're probably overpaying to stay at Yacht Club if you don't truly value the Stormalong Bay pool area. You can stay at the next-door Disney Swan and Dolphin for a fraction of the cash if you're just after location.

And right now, with some amenities still closed, I don't recommend staying here if you are going to be upset when things aren't 100% full service and perfect. The prices are as high as ever to match demand, so don't expect a reduced price to match the reduced amenities.

But if you can overlook a few things and what you want is a fun, slightly grown-up hotel theme, a great location, access to the best resort pool at Disney World and easy access to multiple restaurants, Disney's Yacht Club Resort is now officially one of my favorite Disney hotels — and one that I can't wait to return to in the coming years.

Disney's Yacht Club Resort

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" Cannot use the bus service…horrible. "

" Don't book this hotel. "

" Get a hotel refillable cup Take plenty of pain killers as they cost a fortune in the shop "

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" Ask for a kettle for your room Get a room with a view Try and get a room close to reception "

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DISNEY'S YACHT CLUB RESORT - Updated 2024 Prices & Reviews (Orlando, FL)

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Review

Yacht Club Resort is a luxury hotel at Walt Disney World within walking and boat distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios. This Deluxe Resort review features reimagined room photos, pool info, restaurant details, transportation benefits, other amenities, and pros & cons of these accommodations. ( Updated August 21, 2020 .)

During Walt Disney World’s phased reopening, Yacht Club Resort will be the first Crescent Lake area hotel to reopen. In fact, it’s nearby counterparts–Beach Club and BoardWalk Inn–don’t even have reopening dates set and may not reopen until sometime in 2021. (However, the Disney Vacation Club wings of each are already operating.)

After being one of the host resorts for the NBA’s bubble site, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort will reopen on August 24, 2020. When it does, some restaurants (including two favorites, Yachtsman Steakhouse and Crew’s Cup Lounge) will not reopen right away. Fortunately, most of the hotel will be operational, including Ale & Compass Restaurant and the Stormalong Bay pool complex. For a look at what’ll be different, see our Photos & Review of Walt Disney World Hotel Health Safety Modifications .

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is themed to a New England yachting club. It’s an elegant and refined hotel contrasting with its more airy and lighthearted sister resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort. The relationship between Yacht and Beach Club Resorts is an interesting one. They share facilities and are located next to one another, and are basically one giant resort complex.

However, despite their numerous similarities and shared features, Yacht & Beach Club are technically separate hotels. On the outside, the main noticeable differences for most guests will simply be color choices: Beach Club is light blue and Yacht Club is grey. It’s also abundantly clear when stepping into each lobby.

Yacht Club feels stately. With deep, masculine woods, dark colors, leather furniture, and an antique-looking globe, it reminds you of someplace that you’d imagine senators and titans of industry might have puffed on cigars and made power plays in the early 1900s.

By contrast, Beach Club is geared towards party-people who shout “I’M ON A BOAT!” from the bow of a ship . Okay, maybe not to those extremes, but the idea is that Yacht Club feels a bit more stuffy and refined in terms of theming, whereas Beach Club feels more relaxed and lighthearted.

Most people informally lump them together as one resort: Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club and overlook the thematic differences. We think this is a mistake. As we discuss in our Yacht Club v. Beach Club comparison, the differences in atmosphere are fairly pronounced, and this is likely driven in part by Yacht Club being one of Walt Disney World’s main convention hotels.

Let’s check out what the guest rooms offer…

These new rooms have been really divisive with Walt Disney World fans. Unpopular opinion, but we are big fans of the new look. Many fans have complained that they look drab and boring, but these are pretty consistent with the common areas of Yacht Club and there are a ton of subtle details and thematic touches.

We can understand why some people don’t like the new rooms given the colors now versus the patriotic color explosion of the old rooms (the old style was more cheery and lighthearted, but also off kilter with the resort’s otherwise stately appearance). The new Yacht Club rooms use of navy blue and beige contrasted against white, is really sharp in the context.

Beyond that, there’s an extensive use of dark woods, which really give the room an air of sophistication. It reminded me of the interior of a Brooks Brothers, oddly enough.

There’s also a variety of textures, the extent of which might be tough to ascertain from the photos. Our New Yacht Club Rooms Photo Tour shares more thoughts and images of the new rooms (including a different room style with a couch).

Much like BoardWalk Inn, Yacht Club is also great for the dashes of Disney presented in a restrained manner. The only Disney characters in the entire room appear in star constellations hidden on the curtain.

There are numerous other thematic flourishes reinforcing the nautical style, but many people want something overtly Disney in their hotel room. If that’s what you’re looking for, Yacht Club is not the resort for you.

The restrooms are divided, with double sinks outside of the shower and toilet area. Pretty standard–no complaints or praise here.

In terms of amenities, there is a nice benefit in their proximity of the Crescent Lake resorts to one another: better and more amenities as a result of sharing.

Between the Yacht Club and Beach Club, there are some seriously excellent dining options, including Beaches & Cream , Cape May Cafe , and Yachtsman Steakhouse , putting them, collectively, right up there with the best of the Deluxes in terms of quality restaurants.

We’ve also slowly become big fans of Ale & Compass Restaurant, which is a newer addition to Yacht Club. This is home to the Best Value Breakfast at Walt Disney World , and we highly recommend it.

Add to that the nearby Swan & Dolphin Resorts and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn , none of which technically share amenities but are so close that they might as well, and you have more high-quality restaurants within walking distance when staying at any of these resorts than at any other Walt Disney World hotel.

If dining is going to be a highlight of a trip, staying at one of the Crescent Lake resorts is the best option as there are numerous excellent dining options all within walking distance. This is especially true during Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival, when you can graze and drink in World Showcase and then stumble back to your hotel!

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort has a ton of amenities, but it’s biggest selling point is Stormalong Bay. This is the crème de la crème of Walt Disney World pools. For those unfamiliar with Stormalong Bay, it is a sprawling 3 acre pool complex with sand at the bottom. That’s right, it’s a hotel pool with sand at the bottom!

Not only that, but it also has a lazy river, an excellent ‘shipwrecked’ water slide, tons of places for lounging, and an excellent poolside bar. While many Walt Disney World resort hotels now no longer allow “pool hopping,” this was the first that introduced the concept, and the pool that most vigorously enforces the no-hopping rule. The excellence of this pool really cannot be understated. It’s basically a mini water park. (For everything you need to know about Stormalong Bay and its policies, see our Guide to Pools at Walt Disney World: Rules, Info & FAQ .)

The close proximity to both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (we consider both walking distance, but most guests opt to take a boat to Disney’s Hollywood Studios instead of the 15 minute walking path–even if the path is usually faster) is another huge benefit. Boat service is also available to both parks, and it’s a certifiable fact that boat transportation at Walt Disney World is awesome.

Additionally, there’s now a Skyliner station at Epcot’s International Gateway, which means guests staying at Yacht Club can walk there and take the gondolas to Hollywood Studios, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, Art of Animation, and Riviera Resorts. That can be useful in opening up other dining options. (Plus, the Skyliner is just plain fun.)

On the other hand, bus transportation is decidedly un-fun. Getting to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom via bus can be a hassle. There’s always some sort of shared bus service operating, but exactly how many buses share the service depends upon the season.

When you consider the prices guests are paying to stay at a Walt Disney World resort hotel with “Deluxe” accommodations, it’s ridiculous that the buses make stops at multiple resorts. It’s frustrating that Pop Century, a budget hotel, has dedicated and efficient bus service but it can take an hour to get to Magic Kingdom via buses from the pricey Epcot-area resorts. (Although makes us happy when we pay the comparative bargain price to stay at Pop Century!)

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort offers other amenities, including a health club, volleyball court, arcade, marina, business center, babysitting, tennis courts, and other recreational facilities, but none of these measure up to Stormalong Bay. This pool complex is the ultimate trump card that makes Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts stand out from the other Deluxes.

All of this comes at a cost, as rates at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort start at around $400 per night and go up from there depending upon the season and room category. This puts it among Walt Disney World’s most expensive hotels, but still not as expensive as the Magic Kingdom area hotels. While we love the Yacht Club, we would not stay here without a 30% off room-only Walt Disney World resort discount or the Free Disney Dining Plan promotion .

Overall, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a solid option for a Deluxe Resort stay at Walt Disney World. The pool is great, the restaurants are solid, and location is great for visiting Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Yacht Club is especially appealing if you’re a New Englander from Nantucket who wears an ascot aboard your vessels.

Joking aside, Yacht Club’s theme is a bit more taste-specific and adult. Those considering Yacht Club are probably also considering Beach Club. For us, the overall ambiance and laid back vibe of Beach Club screams “vacation” in a way that Yacht Club just doesn’t, and this ambiance appeals to us. Still, both resorts are great options–two of our favorites at Walt Disney World–and whether you should choose Beach Club or Yacht Club if considering the two should really only be a question of whether you prefer the elegant nautical look or the relaxed beach look.

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!

Check out our Walt Disney World Hotel Reviews page , which offers quick-hit capsule reviews of the strengths and weaknesses of every Walt Disney World hotel, plus links to our reviews and photo pages for every hotel we have reviewed. Looking for comprehensive Walt Disney World vacation tips? Make sure to read our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide .

Your Thoughts

Do you agree with us that Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is one of the best Walt Disney World hotels? Do you think Stormalong 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

They lost our car key. This place is a disaster if incompetence. They don’t care about anyone.

Completely disagree on Yacht Club being at all stuffy! We usually stay at Beach Club but booked Yacht Club with our three kids, 18, 16, 9, in April and FELL IN LOVE!! The staff was excellent, rooms simple & clean, lobby beautiful and airy, convenient shop-not a snobby, stuffy vibe to be felt. Last time we stayed at BC the room (Club level) was dated, felt small and had peeling paint on the wall! We alway stay in walking distance to Epcot because of the food and later hours. Yacht Club is our new favorite. The entire experience was like a dream. Also, we did the masks in 90 degree weather and were surprisingly unbothered. Every staff member we interacted with was wonderful. And we are Northern MI folk. I can assure you, none of us own yachts or ascots

^ wes’ comment about starving to death is 100% accurate. the resort has over complicated everything “because of covid.” you can’t just walk in anywhere, the staff is rude and condescending. we are staying in a villa paying out the ass and they won’t even change our sheets? hello? how do the other hotels manage? don’t get me started on the self righteous mask police here. if you are outside alone not surrounded by anyone for WAY over 6 ft you MUST wear a mask, in the 90% humidity and 90 degree weather. but as soon as you step foot in the pool no masks required. covid knows when and when not to be contagious. also you can sit INSIDE surrounded by people without a mask. but not outside guys. such a joke. the staff here all give you different answers as well. would never stay here, would rather stay at a motel 6. we are speechless at how rudely everyone has treated us.

forgot to mention last night we called the front desk for water. we waited an hour and called to follow up on the water and were told they only have two bottles and we would have to come get them ourselves. for a 20k villa we expected much more, this is below what i would expect from a hole in the wall hotel.

on a positive note the best thing about this resort is the ferry transportation to and from the parks, the location and the actual room is great. that’s literally all i can come up with it. really bad customer service.

I have lost 10 pounds since we’ve been here. You will starve to death. I am considering flying home two days early. About 65% of the staff have been great, but the others act like they are miserable. This is the furthest thing from hospitality you could imagine. I have been to jail before and it wasn’t this bad. If you want to lose weight quick and want to feel like a second-class citizen, stay here.

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Disney's Yacht Club Resort Pool Pictures & Reviews (Orlando, FL)

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All You Need to Know About the Pool at Disney's Yacht Club Resort

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My family of 4 spent $650 a night at Disney's Yacht Club Resort, and it was totally worth the price tag

• My family of 4 stayed at Disney's Yacht Club Resort for $650 a night, and it's my favorite hotel.
• The pool area was perfect for my boys, and we spent some time there every day of our trip.
• You can't beat the prime location near the BoardWalk, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios . 

As a travel agent at Marvelous Mouse Travels , my first decision when planning my clients' trips (and my own) is picking the perfect place to stay.

I visited Disney World with my family of four for the 50th-anniversary celebration, and we chose the Yacht Club Resort for its prime location, expansive pool, and beautiful theming. 

Even though it cost $650 a night, here's why it was totally worth it:

The resort makes you feel like you've been transported to the New England seaside

After flying in from Chicago and riding the Magical Express to the resort, check-in went smoothly.

The lobby is beautiful, with nautical decor and daily fresh flowers.

The whole place smells like the seaside, and the exterior is impeccably kept.

The attractive landscaping gives it the look of a sweeping New England escape. 

Our room was bright and inviting, and it even had a balcony 

Our standard room was clean and bright, with a pool view, hardwood floors, and nautical accents.

It had two queen beds, plenty of storage for all our clothes, a safe, and a TV. Plus it was equipped with a mini-fridge and a single-cup Keurig coffee maker. 

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There was also a bathroom (stocked with toiletries) with a double sink and separate areas for the shower and toilet.

The best part of the room was the balcony overlooking the pool, where I sat every morning to have my coffee.

The pool is a major selling point of the resort

The Yacht Club's pool, Stormalong Bay, is by far the best on Disney resort property .

We spent some part of each day at the pool. My kids loved the sand play area, pirate-ship slide, and volleyball court.

We also ate at the pool's quick-service restaurant, Hurricane Hannah's, at least once a day. The bacon cheeseburger and chili-cheese fries aren't to be missed.

One day of our trip, we rented a cabana at the pool and enjoyed being pampered with individualized service — including drinks and treats.

Nothing is better than being sandwiched between Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and the BoardWalk

The Yacht Club's location is its best amenity.

It's adjoined to the Beach Club Resort, which offers an ice-cream shop, arcade, and additional restaurants.

It's also less than a 10-minute walk to Epcot , which allowed us to go back and forth throughout the day and pop over in the evenings for the park's Harmonious dinner event and International Food and Wine Festival.

The hotel is a short walk from Disney's BoardWalk, where we enjoyed dinner, carnival games, and ice cream.

One day, we also walked over to play a morning round of mini golf at nearby Fantasia Gardens.

Basically anywhere we wanted to go, our transportation options were plentiful.

There were walking paths to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, boats to Hollywood Studios and resorts, Skyliner gondolas to Hollywood Studios and resorts, and buses to the other parks (Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom) and Disney Springs. 

We had a great experience and never had to wait more than five minutes for a bus. The My Disney Experience app was particularly handy for tracking when the next ones were set to arrive. 

Like any good resort, the Yacht Club also has incredible dining options

The Yachtsman's Steakhouse is the resort's fancier table-service restaurant, and there's also the Ale and Compass, which serves breakfast and dinner. 

We ate a delicious breakfast at Ale and Compass one morning before heading to the parks — the blueberry pancakes were especially good. There's also a lounge next door that's great for evening drinks. 

The Yacht Club Market, connected to the gift shop, is another quick-service option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast sandwiches and bowls were quick and great for early mornings. 

We also topped off our refillable mugs at the Market every day. 

Overall, the location, amenities, and theming of the Yacht Club make it my favorite Disney resort. 

Watch: Disney World is getting so expensive that it's pricing out the middle class

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50 Magical Tips for the Disney Yacht Club

Disclosure: This Disney’s Yacht Club tips page contains affiliate links. Read  full Disclosure Policy .

While it may seem to be just an extension of its younger sister, the Beach Club , the Yacht Club is an independent resort with its own fun and amenities. With that in mind, there are plenty of tips that will help you better navigate the Disney Yacht Club!

Table of Contents

• During Your Trip
• Heading Home
• Photo Opportunities

Tips for Planning Your Voyage to the Disney Yacht Club

Yacht & beach clubs – sisters, not twins.

One of the best Disney Yacht Club tips is to know the difference between the two resorts. Even though the Yacht and Beach Clubs share some amenities, like the main pool area and the fitness center, they are two completely different resorts. The theming of the Yacht Club is more mature and adult-focused, while the Beach Club is designed for families. Be sure to check out plenty of photos and guides ahead of time to know which one is best for your party.

Seafaring Theme

If theming is important to you, know that the theme of the Yacht Club fits with its name. It is all about sailing and voyaging on the sea , with deeper color palettes and wood tones. This is a changeup from the brighter, lighter atmosphere of its beachy neighbors. That isn’t a bad thing, the Yacht Club is gorgeous! Many all-adult groups love the lavish feeling of the stately Yacht Club. However, if you’re looking for that beach-vacation vibe, you might want to book next door.

Planning a Wedding? Consider a Yacht!

A Disney wedding is one of the most magical experiences on earth! One of our tips for planning a Disney wedding – check out the Disney Yacht Club.

With the ballrooms connected to this resort via walkway, the Yacht Club is a great place to host a large event like a wedding . Even if you have your wedding elsewhere on the property, the Yacht Club ballrooms are ideal for the reception. At the end of the evening, you can head right back to your room in the Yacht Club, just a quick walk away.

Wedding Gazebo

Speaking of weddings, if you’re looking for an outdoor Disney location, you’ll love the Wedding Gazebo . Nestled into the main courtyard, this beautiful space is ideal for a small, intimate ceremony, although it can accommodate up to 120 guests. Even if you don’t want to have the ceremony here, it is a gorgeous spot for pictures.

One of the major wedding tips is to check out the venue ahead of time, so be sure take a peak at the Disney Yacht Club Wedding Gazebo.

Mix Work and Play

Hosting a corporate event or team building retreat? Not only should you consider Disney World , but you should also consider the Yacht Club as your “home base.” Similar to the wedding venue, Disney is set up to help make your work events go smoothly, all while enjoying that touch of magic.

The Disney Yacht Club has a sense of elegance and sophistication about it that will impress right off the bat, making it the perfect place to house corporate guests. Easy proximity and access to the convention center is another perk, as it reduces travel time. This sort of reduction makes for extra time in the day for fun!

Don’t Leave Pluto at Home

If you have dogs, you’re going to love this! The Yacht Club is one of the dog-friendly resorts on property, meaning that you can bring your furry friend with you on your Disney vacation . There are a fee extra fees associated with having this extra member in your group, and you do need to book in advance ((407) 939-7539). You can even have someone come hang out with your pup during the day while you’re at the parks!

Make an Itinerary

Determine what days you will be doing which activities before your trip. Especially with the park pass system , know which days will be park days (and which park you’ll be in) and which days you will do other things. This will help with packing as well, since you’ll know what outfits you need when.

If you know you’re going to get up early for the Magic Kingdom on Tuesday, maybe don’t plan a late night out on Monday. Also, try not to plan too many park days in a row. A day off in between will do you a world of good!

Choose Daily Outfits

Speaking of wardrobe, planning out your outfits for each day is a great idea. This makes packing easier, and also helps to coordinate the family for photo opportunities. I even like to divide particular outfits into bags, labeled for the day I’m going to wear them. I know it seems excessive, but believe me, it helps with organization. These tips are particularly good with kids, as it simplifies packing and getting ready during your stay at the Disney Yacht Club!

Don’t forget to look at the itinerary you made! If you’re having a special dinner or hitting a particular park, that will help remind you of special outfits and items you want to pack.

Special Celebrations

When you book, be sure to specify if you’re having a celebration during your stay! A birthday , anniversary, honeymoon – any celebration will be marked by special decorations in your room.

Since the celebration styles tend to be themed along with the resort, you’ll end up with your own fun sea décor to go along with whatever you are already celebrating! This is one of those tips that will add memorable magic to your Disney Yacht Club experience.

Pack a Pool Bag

Especially if I’m driving to the resort, I like to pack a separate bag with my pool items. That includes swimsuit, sunscreen, and extra clothes. This is so that, if the room isn’t ready when we arrive, I can head to the bathroom, change into my swim gear, and enjoy the pool while I wait. Especially with such an awesome pool as Stormalong Bay, you don’t waste any of the time you could be poolside!

Pack a Cover-up

Along the same lines, you should plan to bring some sort of swim cover up or “over clothes” to wear back from the pool. After using the resort towels, the expectation is that you will return them before exiting the pool area. Unless you bring your own towel, that means you won’t have one to wrap around yourself for the walk back to your room. That’s where having a cover up, or even just a dedicated pool t-shirt and shorts, can be nice. You won’t feel quite so exposed as you walk back through your resort.

The Disney Yacht Club is a decent size, so this is one of the tips you’ll be glad you remembered!

Know Your Route

For those driving to the resort, make sure you know exactly what route you need to take to get to Disney Yacht Club. While many of us depend on the GPS, occasionally the generated directions take you to the wrong places on Disney property. One of my go-to tips is to check the map ahead of time to be sure you’re headed to the right place, in this case the Disney Yacht Club. You also don’t want to pull into the Beach Club by mistake!

Get the App, Get the Map

The My Disney Experience app has become a crucial component to any Walt Disney World vacation, from purchasing tickets and making dining reservations to obtaining a coveted Rise of the Resistance boarding pass. This app is important at your resort as well, as you can use it for as a map to navigate the resort. Most of the resort amenities are on the backside of the resort, so you wouldn’t necessarily see them as soon as you walk in. Places like restaurants and shopping are also spread out, so it’s good to have that visual to help guide you.

Plan Rainy Day Fun

This resort is a fabulous place to explore, so you should make a few activities for your kiddos in case of rain. Bingo, scavenger hunts, and photo journals are all great options for a day stuck inside. You can find some online, make your own, or ask for a scavenger hunt from the Front Desk. The Disney Yacht Club Cast Members might also have some tips of how to make the most of rainy day!

Rainy days are also perfect opportunities to check out the Beach Club as well, since the resorts are right next to one another!

Setting Sail – Tips for Enjoying the Disney Yacht Club

Online check-in.

One of the first things you should do when you arrive is check in. You can actually use the My Disney Experience app to do this weeks ahead of time. However, I suggest waiting until your flight comes in or you’re driving onto Disney property. From there, you can check back periodically to see if you have been assigned your room. Until then, hang at the pool!

Prevent Soda Spending – Get a Refillable Mug

With the creation of the Disney Dining Plan , resort guests can purchase a refillable mug for all self-service beverages at their resort. Whether you have the plan or not, you can buy the mug for $19.99 (sometimes more for specialty mugs). A regular soda at Disney World is $3.99, and if you drink two sodas a day for a five-day vacation, that comes out to $40! With the mug, you can save lot of money on nonalcoholic drinks (soda, juice, coffee, etc.) by refilling instead of buying a new drink.

The free refills are only good for the length of your stay, but as the mugs change in design from time to time, they make great souvenirs. One of my tips is to fill the mug with coffee when you’re leaving the Disney Yacht Club on the way to the park, and then rise it out and use it for water later. The refills don’t work in the parks, but if you bring a soda bottle or another beverage you can use the mug then.

You can often get seasonal refill mugs as well at prime times like Halloween and Christmas or for special anniversaries. A cool insulted Star Wars mug is also available for a bit extra.

Where is the Mug?

Stop in the Market at the Ale & Compass to grab your refill mug…and get it filled while you’re there! If for some reason you can’t find it, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop, Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar & Grill, and the Beach Club Marketplace all have it.

Refill stations are outside Hurricane Hanna’s and at the Beach Club Marketplace, although we recommend the first if you’re at the pool. You can also stop in the Market to get your mug refilled.

Right now, guests are not permitted to fill their own mugs, but a Cast Member will be happy to get it filled for you!

Rent a Boat

Right outside the Yacht Club is the Bayside Marina, where you can rent boats of varying sizes by the half hour. On a day you’re not going to the parks, this is a great family activity! Cruise around Crescent Lake, taking in the sights from a different view, and get some amazing pictures. Your kiddos (12 and older) can even captain the Sea Raycers, my personal favorite growing up.

Walking to Epcot is by far the quickest way to get there, and it is faster than the bus. International Gateway, Epcot’s back entrance, is right next store to the Beach Club. Yes, there is a bus to Epcot, but in the time it would take to walk to the bus stop you would already be in the park!

It’s understandable that you might choose to take other transportation to Hollywood Studios, but you can also walk there. I would recommend it, at least at the beginning of the day, because it is the least busy route. On your way back, you can also take a boat or the Disney’s Skyliner for a leisurely ride.

Bus Stop is out Front

There’s only one Disney transportation bus stop at the Yacht Club, located right out in front of the lobby. Just go to the left of the main entrance, past the car loop, and you’ll find the stop. The only downside is if you’re staying a little ways from the lobby, you’ll need to make time to walk to the bus stop.

The Beach Club has its own stop, so make sure when you’re coming back that you get off at the right one! Both the Yacht & Beach Clubs share a bus to and from the parks, so it’s important that you pay attention to the stop.

Ride the Monorail

Another great transportation alternative is the Epcot monorail. This line runs from Epcot to the Ticket and Transportation Center, and from there you can hop a ride to the Magic Kingdom.

It is about a fifteen-minute monorail ride, but that’s roughly the same as a bus ride. It’s a nice change of pace, and definitely more convenient if you have a stroller or a wheelchair in your group. Besides, who doesn’t love a good monorail ride?

Use Your Own Car

Drove your own car? Use it! Since you have to pay to park at the resorts, you might as well taken advantage of having your own vehicle. As you’re already paying a daily parking fee, you do not have to pay the fee again at the parks!

With this in mind, I always suggest taking your own car. It is the fastest and most dependable way to get anywhere, especially at the end of a park day. You can always use the Disney transportation to take a quick jaunt back to your resort if you don’t want to lose your parking space…just remember where you left your car!

Take a Break

One of the biggest mistake people make on their Disney vacation is pushing too hard. Even adults need to take a breather, so don’t be afraid to take a break. Especially if you’re at Epcot or Hollywood Studios, you are so close that you won’t lost much time travelling. The proximity of the Yacht Club to these parks makes it easy to get back quickly, so you won’t lose time on travel.

In the summer, Florida is hot . Everyone in your group, from toddlers to grown-ups, will be glad for the chance to go for a swim or just be in the AC for a little while. This tip is particularly useful if you’re planning to go to the park in the evening, as you can recharge a bit before a late night.

Explore the Boardwalk

The boardwalk joins all the Epcot resorts in this area, as well as connecting to the walkway over to the Swan and Dolphin . Forming a loop, you can check out all the fun carnival activities over on the BoardWalk side, or just get in some good exercise! It’s an easy way to check out all the different resorts in your area, giving you something to do on your day off from the parks.

There’s also tons of delicious food at the BoardWalk , if you’re looking for something different to try. I know the Yacht & Beach Clubs have amazing food, but if you’re on a ten-day vacation you might want to check out some of the other options.

Use. The. Pool.

Stormalong Bay is, without a doubt, one of the top three pool complexes in Disney World. Much better and you’d have to be at a water park! Heated water, incredible shipwreck slide, sandy bottom, and a lazy river? Come on, it’s amazing! Not only that, but the pool area is huge , spreading between the Yacht and Beach Clubs like a beach paradise.

I recommend spending at least one day at this pool. It may seem like a long time, but trust me, you’ll be glad you did. Between the slide, the whirlpools, lazy river, and amazing dining options, you’ll be amazed at how quickly the time flies.

Keep Your MagicBand with You

Always make sure everyone in your group always wears their MagicBand. You should be doing this anyway, as wearing it is the best way not to lose it, but you definitely want to do it at the Yacht and Beach Clubs. When you go to Stormalong Bay, you’ll need to scan in, and at peak times a Cast Member may check to be sure you’re Yacht Club guests.

As Stormalong Bay is so popular, plenty of other resort guests (and some not resort guests!) try to sneak into this pool area. To prevent this, guests use their MagicBands to prove that they are staying at the Yacht Club. I

f a Cast Member asks to scan your band, please don’t be offended. These procedures are there to make sure the pool you’re paying to use isn’t taken over by outside guests.

Arrive Early, Arrive Together!

Again, this is a popular pool area. If you’re planning to hang out at Stormalong Bay, you and your whole group need to get there in the morning when the pool opens. You could also try to hit the pool at a time when people are leaving in the late afternoon. You can’t save seats at any Disney pool, and that almost goes double for a popular pool like Stormalong Bay. With that in mind, don’t plan to send one person down to hold on to a space for ten.

Also, if you’re using the space consistently, that’s fine, but make sure you’re there. Cast Members will remove resort towels that sit too long on vacant chairs, so just be aware of your space.

Sorry, No Pool Rafts!

This is a rule at all Disney pools with lifeguards, but even more strictly enforced at a popular destination like Stormalong Bay. With so many people in the pool at once, it is important that the lifeguard as an un-obstructed view of all swimmers. Life vests and puddle jumpers are allowed, but any sort of floatation device that isn’t attached the swimmer’s body isn’t permitted. If you’re concerned that your floaty wouldn’t be allowed, just use one of the life vests provided at the pool.

I point this out for two reasons:

One, as beach-like as this pool is, it’s still a pool. Again, the lifeguards have to be able to see everyone, and large floats prevent this.

Two, with the lazy river, guests might be tempted to think that this rule is suspended for that area. That is incorrect. You can borrow a Beach Club pool noodle or clear inner tube for floating along the current, but you need to leave your personal floats in your room.

Need Quiet? Try a Leisure Pool

Both the Yacht Club and Beach Club have their own leisure pools separate from Stormalong Bay. The Beach Club Villas also has a pool for their guests (although any Beach Club guest can use it). If you need a little quiet, or want a change of scenery from Stormalong Bay, the leisure pools can be a great option.

All guests of both resorts can use any of the leisure pools. I suggest finding the leisure pool closest to your room, and use that. Definitely go to Stormalong Bay at least once, but at other resorts I know I’ll forgo the main themed pool for the convenience of a closer leisure pool.

Don’t Worry about a Towel

Disney resorts provide pool towels to their guests, so don’t worry about bringing your own! You can of course, but sometimes it’s nice to have one less item to carry. Even if you do bring your own, grab a resort towel anyway. That way, yours is nice and dry when you want to bundle up for the journey back to your room.

You also can borrow life vests at the Disney pools, so you can save room in the suitcase and leave the puddle jumper at home. Again, if you’re more comfortable with your own, that’s fine. However, as someone who often flies, I appreciate the fact that I don’t need these bulky items!

Lunch at the Pool

Even if you bring your own pool snacks, there are plenty of food and beverage options if you want something more substantial. If you’re hanging out for the whole day, it can be nice to split a hot meal while you take a break from swimming.

The Beaches & Cream quick service window is a great option, as is Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill. At Hurricane Hanna’s, we recommend the seafood roll with homemade chips, while you can’t go wrong with a burger from Beaches & Cream. Of course, if you want to just have a sundae for lunch, we won’t judge you either!

Keep Off the Beach

There are plenty of signs and fences to remind you, but the beach itself is off limits. You’re in Florida and those gators are not the happy “zipa-dee-do-da” kind. The warning signs are there for a reason, so respect them for your own safety.

It is a bit disappointing, as in years past you could lounge on the beach, but again the rules are there for your protection. You used to be able to swim in the lake too, but that doesn’t mean it was a good idea!

No Towels on the Balcony

In order to preserve the sophisticated look of the Yacht Club, guests cannot hang their towels out on the balconies. This is true at all Disney resorts, but is more strictly enforced at the deluxe resorts in order to preserve the aesthetic. While you don’t have to pack a beach towel, as the resort provides them, if you do bring your own towel plan to hang it up in your room. For the resort towels, you should return them before leaving the pool anyway.

Indulge at the Yachtsman Steakhouse

Fitting with the classy vibe of the resort, the Yachtsman Steakhouse is perfect for a date night or special treat. Decadent New England cuisine brings you mouth-watering steaks and succulent seafood, all perfectly seasoned to bring out the best flavors. Those dining as a pair may enjoy the Chef’s Offerings for two – a prime porterhouse meal or chilled seafood tower. Both are on the expensive side, but are well worth it. The intimacy of sharing your meal is also perfect for a romantic evening!

Dress the Part

When you go to the Yachtsman, make sure you follow the dress code. A few restaurants around Disney World require a certain level of dress to maintain the atmosphere. These dress codes are not suggestions – you could be turned away from the restaurant if you are not dressed appropriately. Don’t risk it, make sure you’re prepared! Besides, if you’re going to a nice place, don’t you want the excuse to get dolled up?

Wonderful World of Wine

The second Wednesday of every month, the Yachtsman hosts a wine club, giving guests the chance to sample wines from California, Italy, France, Chile, Australia and more. Learn about where the wines are made, the climates of the vineyards, and the specialized winemaking processes of each location. Small plates are offered to pair with the wines, bringing out the flavor of both the wine and the food.

Guests must be 21 years or older and provide a valid ID. This is a popular experience, so be sure to call (407) 824-1391 to secure a spot!

Breakfast at the Ale & Compass

While it is open for dinner as well, you have to try the breakfast at the Ale & Compass Restaurant ! The other signature restaurant at the Yacht Club, these divine dishes are the perfect way to start your day. While the menu isn’t extensive, it doesn’t need to be. These offerings are rich, delicious, and cover a variety of tastes. Our favorites are the Dark Chocolate Waffle and Salted Caramel-Apple French Toast, both of which come with a side of breakfast meat. You’ll definitely want to take a walk around the boardwalk after this breakfast!

Make it Quick at the Market

The Market at the Ale & Compass is your quick-stop location at the Disney Yacht Club, perfect for a grab-and-go meal or other conveniences. This is a great option for an early morning park day or departure, as you can pick up a meal and be on your way. If you want to sit and eat, there’s a decent amount of seating right next to the Market.

The Market is also where you can find souvenirs and Yacht Club specific swag!

Use Mobile Order

Skip the line and order your counter service meals on your app! Whether you’re in the parks or just picking up pizza on the boardwalk, Mobile Order is an ideal way to get your food without having to wait. You also can find more customizations on the app, which helps you to get the food just the way you want it. If you’re going to the Market to grab a quick meal, particularly if you’re really grabbing and going, Mobile Order is a must.

Light Dinner at the Lounge

When you’re planning to spend an evening at the park, you may not want a heavy meal. It’s also possible to get literally weighed down by all the delicious Disney food. With that in mind, you might want to check out the Ale & Compass Lounge for dinner. Upscale pub food is the perfect quick meal, yet the portions are just right for something a bit lighter. Two different flatbread choices will leave you feeling satisfied without being stuffed, and there’s even a burger available if you’re worried about being hungry later.

Big Breakfasts and Parks Days Don’t Mix

I know it sounds like a great plan to do the character breakfast at Cape May Café before you head to Epcot, but trust me, it isn’t.

First of all, most of the breakfast reservations you’ll be able to get are a good hour or two after you would want to be in the park.

Even with the earliest reservation, you’re likely to get into the parks well after 10:00am, which is a late start.

Second, these wonderful, delicious, sumptuous breakfasts are going to slow you down. You’re much more likely to want to nap than hike around Epcot afterwards.

Finally, if you have somewhere to be after the meal, you’re going to be tempted to rush through it. That’s not fair to you (who’s paying for it!) or your family.

Slow down, enjoy yourself, and don’t plan a park day on a signature breakfast day.

Don’t Overeat

In general, there is a temptation to each waaaaay too much food when you’re in Disney. I get it, there’s amazing food everywhere! When the dining plans return, the need to eat to maximize your investment is even worse. However, you’re going to regret it if you overdo it. Find simple ways to reduce your meals, like choosing a lighter option or eating at a lounge instead of a table service. For the snacks, bring your own, or choose something like an apple or granola bar instead of that massive Mickey rice crispy treat. You’ll enjoy your time so much more if you don’t gorge yourself!

Go to Beaches & Cream!

Beaches & Cream is one of my favorite stops during a Disney trip, and after you go, you’ll understand why! Themed like a 1950s burger and soda shop, Beaches & Cream has plenty of fun nostalgia…with the delicious food to back it up.

Beaches & Cream has amazing sundaes, shakes, and specialty desserts, but the crowning glory is the Kitchen Sink. Served in an actual sink-shaped bowl, eight scoops of ice cream come covered in all the toppings you can imagine, as well as a full can of whipped cream! More recently, there have been variations on the Kitchen Sink, but the original version is certainly a remarkable sight.

Make a reservation for an inside table, or walk up to the window to get something to go. Sweet, savory, or a bit of both, you can’t go wrong with Beaches & Cream.

Sit on Your Balcony

As almost all the rooms have a balcony or patio, you should make good use of it! The views are beautiful, especially looking out over the boardwalk. Garden views are particularly peaceful, getting a little piece of nature in the midst of the resort. Sit out in the morning and enjoy a coffee, or watch the sun set over the lake as the evening begins to cool off.

If you’re traveling with kids and you’re all in one room, the balcony is especially nice. You can have some quiet time in the evening without waking your sleeping kiddos, while enjoying one of the features of your resort.

Homeward Bound – Hope to Sea You Soon!

Pack the night before.

It may be the last thing you feel like doing, particularly if you spent your last day at the park, but you’ll be glad you did in the morning. Packing ahead of time means less scramble, and you will be less likely to leave anything behind in the room.

Leave out your outfit for the next day and your essentials, but get everything else ready to go. If you have young kids, make sure you know the location of all their items. Your departure will be much smoother, and you will be less stressed, with this one big to-do item checked off your list.

Have Breakfast!

You might think there isn’t enough time for a meal, especially if you have a flight to catch. However, if you plan ahead, there will be enough time for you to eat before you head out, and we suggest that you do. Heading away from Walt Disney World on an empty stomach not only will make your departure harder, but will most likely make your whole party miserable (especially the kids). The Markey opens at 7:00am, but if that isn’t early enough for you, consider getting some snacks the night before to hold you over until you get to the airport.

If you’re driving yourself, at least get a grab-and-go item or snack to tide yourself over.

Check Out is at Eleven, but You Don’t Have to Leave!

Just because the checkout time is at 11:00am, that doesn’t make it your departure time. Even if you have a flight, the front desk will hold your suitcases until you’re ready to leave. If you drove yourself, just take your luggage out to your car. After all, you can leave at your own pace. From there, you can enjoy the amenities of the resort for the rest of the day!

This is nice if you don’t have far to travel or you’re transitioning between phases of your vacation. No need to rush away if you don’t have to do so!

Fabulous Photos – Pictures You Won’t Want to Miss!

Throughout this resort area, there are plenty of gorgeous photo opportunities for you and your family. Whether you want to just take in the scenery or plan your next Christmas card, take advantage of these gorgeous photo spots!

The Lighthouse

I love this spot at the Yacht Club. Looking out over the lake, the lighthouse is an iconic Yacht Club image, and is especially pretty at night. Take a picture of the whole scene, or have a family photo shoot at its base. This is another one of those photos you might want to get from the lake if you rent a boat!

Even if you’re not at the Yacht Club to get married, the gazebo makes a lovely place for some sweet pictures. It’s a public space, so unless there’s a wedding happening there, you’re free to use it!

While you can’t go out on the beach, there’s still some great spots to get nice pictures. Position yourself to get the shipwreck slide in the background, or the BoardWalk resort. At night when the BoardWalk is all lit up makes for a fantastic scenery shot!

On the Bridge

Over by Epcot, there is a bridge that connects the BoardWalk side to the Yacht & Beach side. You can get fabulous shots of all three resorts from here, not to mention some fun family poses.

Robert Brault once said “life is like sailing – you can use wind to go in any direction.” I hope that one day life’s wind will blow you in the direction of the Yacht Club!

Grace Hoyos, Staff Writer

Grace is a life-long lover of all things Disney, particularly the parks at Walt Disney World. She is also an avid Disney Cruise Line enthusiast who regularly dreams of the white sands of Castaway Cay. Grace loves the fact that her Disney trips give her time to spend with her family, enjoy incredible food, and try new experiences.

Everything You Need to Know about Disney’s Stormalong Bay

Stormalong Bay is the tremendous feature pool area at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts. A day spent here might be the best part of your Walt Disney World vacation.

We planned our first stay at Disney’s Beach Club many years ago and fell in love with the entire Epcot Resorts Area during that stay. But what surprised us most was how much we enjoyed the massive pool. We found ourselves wanting to spend more and more time at Stormalong Bay than anywhere else.

On our last vacation day, we completely blew off our park plans and spent the entire day (and evening) at Stormalong Bay. I picked up a paperback novel in the hotel’s gift shop and found a place in the shade to read while my son played with other children at the pool.

Even though the day was made up of small things like reading a book, it’s still one of my favorite memories. We both know that sometimes the little things become the best memories.

For some, that might be helping your child build a sandcastle at the sand bottom pool. That is until they meet a few pool friends. Soon after, you can return to reading that book. Meanwhile, the children will conspire to meet back at the pool the next day, oblivious to your vacation plans.

Whatever it is, Stormalong Bay has a way of making you want to linger a little longer than expected. Below, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Stormalong Bay. Additionally, we’ve included a video with clips of various pool areas toward the bottom of this article.

Refurbishment Announcement for Stormalong Bay : From January 2025 through June 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for routine maintenance. Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours. (This was originally scheduled to end in May of 2025.)

Stormalong Bay Pool

Stormalong Bay is more of a mini water park than a pool. The pool area is over three acres and holds 750,000 gallons of water.

Those areas include a lazy river, multiple whirlpool spas or hot tubs, sand bottom pool areas, waterfalls, a waterslide, a kiddie pool, a sand bar, and a shipwreck, among other things.

It’s important to be aware that Stormalong Bay has deep areas. The various pools range from zero-entry to 8′ (feet) deep. That 8′ deep area is limited to a portion of the lazy river. However, some other pool areas transition from shallow to 4′ and 5′ (feet) deep.

The photo below shows a shallow pool for children at the far end of the pool. A sand bar sits in the center of the pool, where children spend hours building sandcastles. However, looking toward the photo’s center, you’ll notice a hot tub. Then, on the opposite side, steps lead into the lazy river, where it’s immediately 6′ deep and soon after 8′ deep.

Complimentary lifejackets are provided for anyone who needs them. Additionally, lifeguards are stationed across the entire pool deck.

Stormalong Bay Pool Hours

Stormalong Bay is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. during the busier times of the year. Guests of either Disney’s Yacht or Beach Club can access the pool during regular operating hours.

Wristbands are provided at the gate, allowing guests to come and go from the pool. If you want prime seating (AKA by the pool, in the shade, or a table and chairs), you’ll want to rope-drop the pool when it opens.

On our last stay (in mid-August), guests lined up as early as 9:30 a.m. at both pool gates to secure seats. While plenty of chairs are provided at the pool, it’s often one of those scenarios where people throw their items or a towel down and then mysteriously disappear.

Pool hours might be reduced depending on several factors. For instance, when we stayed at the Yacht Club in January, the pool was only open until 10:00 p.m. due to fewer crowds. (We had no trouble finding seats during this time of year.)

Another instance is if you visit on a colder day. The pool might not open until the temperature increases to a certain degree, or if it’s exceptionally cold, it might remain temporarily closed.

However, the pools at Walt Disney World, including Stormalong Bay, are heated to 82 degrees year-round. So when it’s cooler outside, the pool will often feel pleasant, especially in the evenings.

The Sand Bottom Pool at Stormalong Bay

Most of the pool area at Stormalong Bay has a sand bottom. It’s soothing, unlike the typical abrasive concrete bottom pools that leave knees scraped.

Stairs in the center of Stormalong Bay lead up to a private alcove.

Here, you’ll find two separate hot tubs nestled among the rocks.

It was so hot in August that the pool water felt like a hot tub. So, no one was using the whirlpools. However, during our stay last winter, they were constantly packed.

Waterfalls cascade down the rocks on both sides of the hot tub area.

Here are a few more photos of this area from various angles.

One side of this area adjoins the lazy river. A rope acts as a divider between the pool area and the lazy river.

Here is a view looking back from the lazy river.

The pool stretches linearly on the opposite side (toward the right). A volleyball net made from pool noodles provides an excellent place to get up a game.

This area is where the afternoon activities for children take place. Those with children (who want to participate in the pool activities) will want to grab a spot on this end of the pool early.

Unfortunately, the pool deck in this area is narrow, so it can be difficult to find a seat. You can tell in the photo below that most of the chairs under umbrellas are already in use. This photo was taken within 15-20 minutes of the pool opening!

From around 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., recreation cast members provide entertainment every afternoon. They play pool games like Disney trivia and guess that tune. You might be surprised at how much everyone enjoys it.

As the day shifts to dusk, cast members invite everyone to join in on campfire activities like roasting complimentary marshmallows and Movies Under the Stars. Both resorts have a recreation calendar detailing the nightly movie and other specifics.

Past this portion of the pool, the area continues to Bubblin’ Bay and a lagoon with whirling waters.

You’ll find the slide’s exit at the end of this area.

Lazy River at Stormalong Bay

At the opposite end, we find the lazy river, the deepest pool area. It has several entrances. But you’ll want to remember that some of those entrances lead into 5′ to 8′ deep areas.

It’s not a large lazy river. You can see its entire circular shape in the photo below.

Hurricane Hanna’s , the poolside bar and quick service, sits directly behind the lazy river.

A few clear inner tubes are available for guests to use. Naturally, the river does have a bit of a current that keeps you moving. However, on our last stay, less than ten were available. A good deal of guests were complaining about the lack of tubes.

In case you’re wondering, most of these photos were taken from a large deck on the Crescent Lake side of the pool.

Additional seating is available at the top. However, like everywhere else, it can fill up quickly.

A few coveted spots in the shade are available if you get there early enough. A pool table was also present.

Stormalong Bay Water Slide (The Flying Jib)

From the upper deck, you can see the Stormalong Bay slide. It’s one of the best waterslides at the Disney Resorts. Called The Flying Jib, the slide is in a shipwreck across a walkway from the pool.

The shipwreck sits on the shores of Crescent Lake. Therefore, guests have to cross the walkway to get to the slide. You can see where the tunnel portion of the slide extends across the walkway from the ship back to the pool area.

Once you cross the path, you’ll climb into the ship and up the spiral staircase to access the slide.

It’s a speedy slide that almost always has a long line!

As far as the shipwreck goes, this is the same area where the nightly Movies Under the Stars are held. Cast members inflate a projection screen in front of the chairs sitting on the beach.

And here is a photo of where guests roast marshmallows each evening.

Kiddie Pool at Stormalong Bay (Shipwreck Pool)

Most guests have no clue that an additional kiddie pool sits inside the shipwreck. If you never took the time to check out the area, you’d have no idea it existed.

It has a separate kiddie water slide!

No sand is involved at this pool. It’s a fun area.

Sand Bar Kiddie Pool

The other kiddie pool is back on the Yacht Club side of Stormalong Bay. This large wading pool has a sand bottom and a massive mound of sand in its center.

Additionally, Stormalong Bay’s third hot tub resides in this area.

A word of warning–young children will probably always remember this trip to the Beach Club after spending time in this area. They will always ask to return to that place with the sand pool.

They will not want to leave when it’s time to prepare for your dinner reservation. And if you take them to the pool early on during your vacation, they will continuously ask when you’re going to the pool–even when you’re in the parks. Can you blame them?

Toward the back of the sand bar pool, the area forms another lagoon that’s approximately 3.5′ deep.

It’s a pretty area that looks out to Crescent Lake and Disney’s Boardwalk.

Cabanas at Stormalong Bay

Four cabanas are available to rent at Stormalong Bay. These cabanas are available at 60 days out and sell out quickly. They come with the following amenities:

• A dedicated cast member providing service to the cabanas.
• Cocktail Service
• Ceiling Fan
• Padded furniture, including chairs and a couch
• Television with cable access
• Charging Outlets/USB Ports
• A mini refrigerator stocked with complimentary sodas and water.
• Fruit Basket/Dessert Tray
• A Cabinet Safe

Find details for cabana reservations and pricing on Disney’s site . Since we stay at these resorts often, we’ve rented a cabana at Stormalong Bay. You might enjoy reading about our experience in this article: Renting a Cabana at Disney World

Towels, Lockers, and Changing Areas at Stormalong Bay

Before we wrap things up, I wanted to share a few other details that might help you plan time at the pool. For instance, towels are provided at Stormalong Bay. So you shouldn’t need to pack them. Guests can get as many as they need throughout the day.

Additionally, a locker area is available for guests who might need to store a few items while in the pool.

Restrooms are available immediately behind the pool area.

When you enter this covered area to the restrooms, you’ll notice a sign that says showers on the far right-hand side. This area leads to showers and changing areas for men and women. Inside, you’ll find a couple of showers, towels, a bench, and a place to hang items.

Toiletries like body wash, shampoo, and conditioner are available in the shower stall. This area provides a wonderful place to change or freshen up if you have a late flight on your check-out day. Or you might use this area to change into your swimsuit if your room isn’t ready on arrival.

Stormalong Bay Video

Here is a video of Stormalong Bay.

Disney’s Stormalong Bay Photos

Here are a few more photos of the pool.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this review of Stormalong Bay provided you with everything you needed to know about the area to plan your vacation. We recommend spending at least one full resort day here during your vacation. Or maybe you can carve out time to spend here every day! We do!

If you want to learn more about the resorts, we have an entire resort guide for Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort . You might also enjoy our guide to the best pools at Disney World . Spoiler: This one’s pretty hard to beat!

Or you might enjoy one of the following hotel reviews. They are all located within the Epcot Resorts Area:

• Disney’s Beach Club Review
• Disney’s Yacht Club Review
• Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Review
• Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Review
• Swan Reserve Review

Feel free to comment below and share your thoughts on Stormalong Bay. Do you have any questions? What are you looking forward to experiencing here?

Disney’s Stormalong Bay Pool Area

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 live near the parks and visit weekly and would love for you to follow along.

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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Review: Standard View Room

Disney’s Yacht Club is a beautiful deluxe resort at Disney World within walking distance of Epcot and several other resorts . Take a tour of our Yacht Club room and find out why this is one of our favorite Disney World resorts.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is considered an Epcot area resort and located next to Disney’s Beach Club Resort with many shared amenities. Yacht Club is a short walk to Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas and Epcot’s International Gateway.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Overview

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort has an upscale nautical ambiance. The lobby has a huge globe over a round, compass inspired rug. The lobby has several seating areas where you can relax while enjoying the sophisticated decor.

Railings along the second floor of Yacht Club Resort alternate traditional railings and wooden panels with an embossed ship’s wheel. There are also rope swags along the railing. The carpets throughout the resort have ships and compasses to continue the nautical feel as you walk to your room.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Pools

One of the best things about Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is Stormalong Bay which is so much more than a normal hotel pool. Stormalong Bay is a 3-acre (12000-sq-m) shared water park area for both Disney’s Yacht Club and Disney’s Beach Club resorts.

We generally don’t reserve a lot of pool time on our vacations, but Stormalong Bay is our favorite Disney World pool. This means we always pack a swimsuit when staying at Yacht Club to enjoy a dip in the sand covered pool or float on the lazy river.

Stormalong Bay has one of the highest hotel slides at Disney World which is an impressive 230 feet (70 m) long. Although the slide is extremely fun, guests must access the slide by leaving the pool area and crossing a walkway connecting several hotels to Epcot.

Families with small children may not be comfortable letting kids head to the slide alone because of this often crowded and unmonitored walkway.

After crossing the walkway, climb to the top of a huge shipwreck replica before plunging down to the pool below. There is also a smaller water slide for younger, or less adventurous guests, of Disney’s Yacht Club.

Stormalong Bay’s lazy river winds around one section of the water park with free tubes available near the entrance. Looking for something a little simpler? Yacht Club also has a small leisure pool near the tennis courts.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Dining

There are several dining and lounge options located in Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club complex. I’ll cover a few of our favorites below. Check here for a complete listing of dining options.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

I was worried that this fine dining restaurant at Yacht Club might be a bit stuffy, since it is one of only a handful of Disney World restaurants with a dress code. However, we saw lots of families and many groups without kids enjoying the warm ambiance of Yachtsman Steakhouse for dinner.

While waiting to be seated we got to watch a butcher hand-trim steaks and some of the chefs working in a partially open kitchen area. This was a great way to get excited about our meal.

I thought the quality of our meal was good, and we liked the atmosphere of Yachtsman Steakhouse. I would definitely go there again if I had time for a nice sit-down dinner.

Cape May Cafe

Located just off the main lobby of Beach Club Resort, Cape May Cafe is open for breakfast and dinner daily. Breakfast is a fun character buffet featuring Minnie and some friends . Dinner is also a buffet, which heavily features seafood dishes.

Beaches and Cream

This fun diner is near Stormalong Bay in between Yacht Club and Beach Club. Beaches and Cream serves burgers and sandwiches for lunch and dinner, but for us their ice cream is the main event.

Beaches and Cream is a popular restaurant with limited tables, booths, and counter seats even after a big expansion and remodel. Make advanced dining reservations 60 days before your trip for the best availability, but keep checking for last-minute reservations if you don’t at first succeed.

No reservation, but you only want some ice cream treats? No problem! Order take-out shakes, ice cream, and floats at the walk-up window.

My favorite Beaches and Cream treat is an ice cream sandwich of vanilla ice cream wedged between two huge chocolate chip cookies . I get one of these delicious ice cream sandwiches any time I am near Beaches and Cream.

Review Of Disney Yacht Club Resort Standard View Room

Entering the Yacht Club Resort Standard View Room I immediately noticed several things. The room feels open and spacious with great nautical details throughout.

Laminate floors and thoughtful spacing allows the room to sleep up to five guests without feeling cramped. We’ve stayed in two different room configurations: two queen beds plus a day bed that transforms from a couch to a twin-size bed and a more traditional two queen room.

Please note that a Yacht Club Resort Standard View room can have any of the following configurations: 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed or 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair and 1 Day Bed or 1 King Bed or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed.

Just inside the entrance to the room is a small coffee station with Keurig coffee maker nestled on top of a trunk. This trunk conceals a small beverage cooler.

The Yacht Club Resort beverage coolers hold less than the traditional mini fridges found at other Disney World resorts. A half gallon of milk only fits sideways on the shelf and bottled waters are also a tight fit.

For a short stay the smaller fridge isn’t a problem, but may be annoying when staying for a longer vacation with lots of groceries.

A huge wooden closet along the entryway contains an in-room safe, several shelves, a full length mirror, and areas for hanging long and short items. Find an iron and foldable ironing board on one of the closet shelves.

Yacht Club Standard Room Bedroom Area

From the entryway you can see the entire bedroom area. The bedroom decor is a mix of dark wood with cream, navy, and brass accents. If you need more storage space than the closet provides, there is a large dresser in the room just below the wall mounted television. This dresser also has several electrical outlets which is extra helpful now that we are using Magic Band+.

In the two queen plus day bed configuration the couch/day bed is a great way to have seating during the day plus additional sleeping space at night. The two queen room option only has the desk chair and a upholstered chair with matching ottoman.

The beds have a bedside table between them. On the other side of the bed where normally there is nothing the standard room at Yacht Club had a little shelf with an outlet. This is a perfect spot for someone to charge a phone overnight and still use it as an alarm.

The room also has a desk and chair. The desk is actually two different pieces: the normal desk and a rolling table underneath. This gives extra table space in case you want to eat in the room, write, or draw.

The Yacht Club Resort Standard Room has a sliding glass door leading out to a small patio or balcony. There are cute blackout curtains on the window and door leading to the balcony. Look closely at the curtains to find fake constellations of some favorite Disney characters.

Yacht Club standard view rooms can have a view of anything , but are generally parking lots or roofs. Sometimes we’ve been surprised with a nicer view, but that shouldn’t be the expectation when booking the standard view rooms.

Yacht Club balconies have privacy walls on both sides of the balcony plus two chairs and a small side table. This makes it a nice place to relax especially if you have a little one taking a nap or a teen sleeping in.

Yacht Club Standard Room Bathroom Area

The Yacht Club bathroom is just inside the entryway opposite the closet. The bathroom has the split configuration where the sinks are in one room and the shower/toilet in a small separate area.

At first I was concerned that the door to the bathroom is a sliding barn door.  Sometimes this style door doesn’t close fully, but this one was great. In fact, the sliding door to the bathroom even has a soft-close feature so it can’t be accidentally slammed.

There are double sinks with storage in the vanity and a slender shelf above the sinks. The shower and toilet area is a bit tight, but manageable. A pocket door closes it off from the rest of the bathroom allowing multiple people to get ready at the same time.

The room had the following great features:

• Laminate Floors
• Soft close sliding bathroom doors
• Wonderful closet area with tons of storage
• Split bathroom with a double sink
• A plug and small area for phone on side of bed
• Keurig coffee maker
• Blackout curtains

In Room WiFi

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort has complimentary wi-fi. The free wi-fi works pretty well overall, but does not always support streaming video from services like Netflix.

Yacht Club Parking

Self-parking is complimentary for resort guests while valet parking costs $33 per night at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas

Transportation To Parks

Yacht Club To Epcot And Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is located within walking distance of both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The walk to Epcot takes you past Beach Club Resort and into the International Gateway entrance between France and United Kingdom in World Showcase.

The walk to Hollywood Studios from Yacht Club is considerably longer, but is possible. If you prefer to save your steps, take a boat from the dock located behind Yacht Club which brings you, and guests from other resort stops, to Hollywood Studios.

Yacht Club To Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom

Hop a bus to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom from Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Find the bus stop on the left side of the main entrance when exiting the lobby area.

This article can help you learn more about the vast transportation system at Disney World.

Overall Impression Of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a beautiful deluxe resort with great restaurant options and the best pool at Disney World. We love the sophisticated take on nautical design in the resort and the easy walk to Disney’s Beach Club , Disney’s Boardwalk , and Epcot.

I am overall very happy with our rooms here, but do think the rooms could be better maintained. On a recent stay our shower caulk was damaged and water leaked out onto the floor.

Despite this we still love the laminate floors, beautiful closet, split bathroom, and comfortable beds which make for a pleasant stay at Yacht Club.

Find out more about planning a Disney World vacation here.

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Accommodations

Theme parks, disney cruise line – what you need to know, cruise line ships, recent walt disney world, recent disneyland, all reviews, recent reviews, allears style, newsletter home, room photos of disney’s yacht club resort, {"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"breadcrumblist","itemlistelement":[{"@type":"listitem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/accommodation\/search\/walt-disney-world\/all\/all\/all\/all\/all\/","name":"walt disney world"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/accommodation\/search\/epcot\/all\/all\/all\/all\/all\/","name":"epcot"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/walt-disney-world\/wdw-accommodation\/yacht-club-deluxe-resort\/","name":"disney\\'s yacht club resort"}}]} walt disney world > epcot > disney's yacht club resort, recommended by, yacht club king room.

Yacht Club Room

Yacht Club Renovated Guest Rooms Thanks to Sandy Graham who Stayed in this Room

Yacht Club Standard Room

Storage, Desk, Entertainment Center

Storage, Refrigerator, Entertainment Center

Desk Lamp Detail

Storage Chest

Chair and Nightstand

Chair and Reading Lamp

Reading Lamp Detail

Dual Sinks Vanity

Looking Towards Door

Storage Pegs

Balcony View

Balcony Night Time View

Outside Balcony looking left

Outside Balcony looking right

Bedroom I - Beds

Bedroom I - Dressers, TV, Sofa

Common Area - Sofa, Lamps, Painting

Master Bedroom - King Bed

Master Bedroom - Armoire, chair, dressing mirror

Master Bedroom - Desk

Master Bedroom - Whirlpool Tub

Master Bedroom - Vanity and Dual Sinks

View from Balcony

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Disney Yacht Club vs Beach Club – what’s the difference?

W hen traveling to Walt Disney World, one of the first things you need to decide is where you’ll stay. But there are so many options, how do you choose?! We have so many posts about Disney resorts and choosing the right one . So, we decided to dive a little deeper into some of the resorts that guests sometimes have a hard time choosing between to help you find the right resort for you. Today we are comparing Disney’s Yacht Club vs Disney’s Beach. What’s the difference and which is right for you?

Disney Yacht and Beach Club

Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club are often considered one in the same. Which is easy to see why. But they’re actually different resorts, with different room types and different vibes. Yes, they share many things. Their famous pool complex, Stormalong Bay, is a big reason why many guests choose to stay here. Transportation is exactly the same as are many of their other amenities like the arcade, resort gym and Movies Under the Stars. Situated right next to each other, their lobby doors are no more than 5 minutes away from each other. Making it easy to enjoy all that both resorts have to offer when staying at either location. 

So let’s take a quick look at each one and compare these two deluxe resorts at Disney World . 

Disney’s Yacht Club

Disney’s Yacht Club is the series of gray buildings with the little red awnings on Disney’s Boardwalk. Known for a more upscale theme than its sister resort, the Beach Club, the Yacht Club is sometimes considered a bit stuffy. We don’t find that to be the case at all, but it definitely has a more high-end vibe than Beach Club. It’s themed to a New England Yacht Club, which makes sense that it would feel a bit more elite. 

Yacht Club is home to Ale and Compass Restaurant and Yachtsman Steakhouse. And also has Ale and Compass Lounge and the Marketplace at Ale and Compass. Though guests staying at either resort can easily take advantage of the quick service and lounges at both resorts since they are so close together.  

Disney’s Beach Club  

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is the closest resort to Epcot Park. Located about a 5-minute walk from the International Gateway and the Skyliner, you just can’t get any closer. Known for its dreamy blue buildings and laid-back vibe, this resort tends to be a guest favorite. Disney’s Beach Club technically has beaches, and Yacht Club technically does not.  But we don’t really consider that, as the beaches aren’t really resort specific, as anyone can use them, and they are still quite close to Yacht Club. Beach Club is also a DVC property, which means it has a lot of room types to offer. Standard rooms, along with studios and villas give guests a lot more options here. 

Beach Club houses its main dining, Cape May right off the lobby. This is both a good thing and a not-so-great thing in our opinion. For guests visiting, it’s easy to find. Which is great! But generally, when the main restaurant is in a resort lobby at Disneyworld, we notice that the lobby tends to be more chaotic for guests staying there. And while anyone is welcome to visit any resort at Disney, resorts with popular restaurants on the main floor will almost always be more crowded than those without, or with their restaurants in a different location. 

What’s the difference? Disney Yacht Club Vs Beach Club

First and foremost, the biggest difference between these two is the theming. They are generally about the same distance to Epcot. Though Beach Club is definitely closer, the amount is minimal. And since it is larger than Yacht Club, the location of your room can make a big difference in terms of how long it may actually take you to get to the Park Entrance. 

Aside from this, the vibe and atmosphere is another determining factor. Beach Club is going to be more kid focused, with its character restaurant Cape May right in the lobby. And a more fun and whimsical theme. Yacht Club, though still good for families, is a more grown up feel and has no character meals that would draw families from outside of the resort. 

One of the big differences we noticed between these two resorts is the room layouts. For their standard rooms, Yacht Club is set up with the beds in one area, and the ability to close off the area with the vanity, bathroom and shower. This is not the case with Beach Club. Their rooms don’t close off the vanity section, which is a bit odd and can make getting ready in the mornings a bit more difficult. 

The things that are exactly the same between the two resorts are the bigger considerations, like the price, pool, food courts, location and transportation. 

Yacht Club vs Beach Club: Which is best?

For us, Yacht Club feels like a more elevated experience and feels more “worth it” as a result. It’s quieter, in better upkeep and has better room layouts for its standard guest rooms.  We like the food court here better than at Beach Club, as it offers more hot foods. Though the quick service restaurants at either resort are not super impressive, Yacht Club’s choices are better. 

We love a laid-back vibe, but due to Beach Club’s closer location and having one of the best character breakfasts on Disney property , the lobby here can often get a little crowded and feel somewhat chaotic. The same goes for Christmastime when the Beach Club puts up their stunning Gingerbread Carousel for the holiday season at Disney . And unfortunately, the resort is in some serious need of TLC. The room layout at Beach Club was also not our favorite. And we think it has one of the worst quick service options at Disney. Which isn’t a big deal because you have easy access to food anywhere on Disney’s Boardwalk . But it also can be really inconvenient when you’re just trying to find food quickly. 

As you can see, it all comes down to personal opinion. For many people, Beach Club takes the cake. For us, we think Yacht Club has a slight edge and will likely tend to choose it over Beach Club in the future.  Do you have a favorite?