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5 Things to Know About Stormalong Bay at Walt Disney World’s Yacht and Beach Club

Walt Disney World , Walt Disney World Resorts | 0 comments

This article by Tanner Gamble

SAND – This is more than a pool.It wouldn’t be the Yacht and Beach Club without sand. Bring some shovels and other items to make sandcastles on the island of sand in the middle of the pool. Water depth is very shallow in these areas so it’s great for kids (and the grown up kids too) to lie in the water and soak up some rays.

SURPRISES – There are some surprises at Stormalong Bay as well.How about a fun game of water volleyball or basketball? There is also a whirlpool where you can spin around for hours. How about a lazy river inner tube ride? Now that’s relaxing! Be advised that the lazy river is deep at 8 feet so be sure to use a complementary life vest. The biggest surprise of all – spoiler alert – the bottom of the pool is sand! That’s a bonus treat for tired feet at the end of a Disney day.

After you cool off in the pool, you are steps away from Epcot and the Boardwalk area, a hidden gem for sure! What’s your families’ record on the Stormalong Bay slide at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club? Start planning your trip now and contact me today!

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Pools at Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Stormalong bay.

Splash it up at this 750,000-gallon, beachside wonderland that offers 3 acres of aquatic fun.

Immerse yourself in an expansive sand-bottomed pool or a lazy circular river. Explore a life-size shipwreck replica. Slide down one of the highest hotel waterslides at Walt Disney World Resort. Then, feel your cares melt away as you soak up the sun's golden rays atop an elevated tanning deck, or simply escape to one of 3 whirlpool spas.

Children can wade into the main pool from the gently sloping, sandy beach and cool off in the Shipwreck Pool—complete with a miniature waterslide!

Boasting an impressive complex of pools that range from swirling to placid or open to secluded, every member of your family can find a place to cool off and have some fun at Stormalong Bay.

3 Leisure Pools

Looking for a more peaceful swimming experience? Choose from 3 leisure pools at Disney's Beach and Yacht Club Resorts.

Disney's Beach Club Resort pool is located in the garden area on the far end of the resort facing Crescent Lake. Disney's Yacht Club Resort pool can be found in its own tranquil garden area. A third pool is privately located in the Disney's Beach Club Villas ; although it is situated for the convenience of Beach Club Villas Guests, Guests of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort are welcome to enjoy it. All pools include steaming whirlpool spas.

Poolside Activities

Know before you go.

Hours and lifeguard availability vary by pool and are subject to change.

Complimentary towels are provided at all pools.

Accommodations

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

Updated: April 22, 2024

Yacht Club Highlights:

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

What is the Yacht Club like?

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

Why stay at the Yacht Club?

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

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

Transportation – How do I get there from here?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are the rooms like?

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

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

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

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

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

A room with a view, but which one?

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

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

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

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

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

Are there smoking and nonsmoking rooms?

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

What are the prices for a room?

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

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

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

Is there a fee to park at the Yacht Club?

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

Are there any discounts?

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

Please visit our Discount Summary Page for more information.

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

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

How does Check-in and Check-Out work?

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

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

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

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

Restaurants?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are Rapid Fill Mugs?

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

I want to swim!

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

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

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

What other recreation is available at the Yacht Club?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Need your clothes cleaned?

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

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

Babysitting, Childcare, Children’s Programs

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

Does the Yacht Club have a Convention Center?

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

How do I use valet parking?

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

Does the Yacht Club have a Security Gate?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort:

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

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

Places to Eat in Yacht Club

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

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

Transportation Options (2)

Activities & recreation (9).

Boat Rental
Running Trail
Poolside Movies
Tennis Courts

Room Options (8)

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

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Get to Know Stormalong Bay: The Yacht & Beach Club Pool Area

In my personal tally of how many times I’ve stayed at each Disney World resort, the clear winner, with more than 15 stays, is the Beach Club and Beach Club Villas . There are many hotels we love, but we continue to circle back to the Beach Club for two reasons: the proximity to Epcot and the rockin’ awesome pool situation. Stormalong Bay, the pool complex shared by the Yacht & Beach Club, is 3+ areas of fun, nearly a waterpark unto itself. If you’ve got water lovers in your party, Stormalong Bay may be reason enough to make the Yacht or Beach Club your Disney resort of choice. Here’s a tour.

As a first step, take a look at our general guide to the Disney World pools . This covers things like lifeguards (there are lots), floatation vests (they’re free), towels (take as many as you need), and water temperature (warm)!

Moving on to Stormalong Bay specifics, this is the map you’ll receive during check-in. You can see that Stormalong Bay (those amorphous blobs in the center) is neatly centered between the Yacht & Beach Clubs. All guests of those resorts are entitled to Stormalong Bay access, even those staying at the Beach Club Villas. It’s worth noting that Stormalong Bay access is strictly limited to use by Yacht & Beach guests, you will need to show a valid room key or have your MagicBand scanned for access. They’re quite strict about checking.

Now let’s zoom in a bit and take a look at an aerial view from Google Maps. I’ve added some labels so you can get oriented. All those red dots are lifeguard station umbrellas.

On the left of the aerial view, you’ll see a huge shallow sand area. The maximum depth here is about two feet, but most of the area is more shallow than that, making it the perfect place for younger kids to hang out. The bottom of the sand zone is, you guessed, sand. You’re not going to feel any hard cement under your feet. There are also sand “dunes” in places, mounds where you can sit and build sand castles. This is my perfect version of the beach for little ones, all the fun stuff, but none of the worries that they’ll get knocked over by a wave, complain about sticky seaweed, or cut their foot on a sharp shell. From ages two to ten, I would have to literally drag my daughters out of the sand area at the end of the day.

You’ll notice that many of the guests in the sand are using green buckets for their castle building. The buckets (new ones of course) are used as a serving container at the nearby Hurricane Hanna’s Grill . Rather than taking sandy buckets home, many choose to leave their buckets at Stormalong Bay, so there’s usually a supply available for anyone to use. If you want to add a bit more oomph to your structure, you can often find more elaborate sand toys available for sale in the gift shops at the Yacht & Beach Clubs.

Moving left across the map, you’ll see the “Lazy River.” This is a deep water zone (8+ feet) with an slow speed artificial current. If you wanted a heavy duty workout, you could try to swim against this current, but most guests grab a noodle or tube and drift along for a few laps. This is the very definition of relaxation.

Along the path of the lazy river, you’ll see an information booth. This used to be a merchandise sales location, but now it’s just a friendly cast member there to answer questions, tell you about the day’s activities, and lend out sports equipment.

Above the Lazy River is an open swim zone. There are waterfalls and two hot tubs (spas) in this area. Generally, this open swim zone is a bit more quiet than the shallow sand. This is where you’ll find many adults that want to cool off.

Just past the spas, you’ll find another set of restrooms, the Lafferty Place Arcade , the Ship Shape Health Club , and the Americana classic Beaches & Cream Soda Shop – home of the famous Kitchen Sink Sundae.

To burn off some calories, you may want to do some watersliding. There are two slides at Stormalong Bay. There are no particular age or height requirements for either slide, but riders do have to be able to go down on their own. No lap sitting is allow. Most guests on the junior slide will be about ages 2-9 and most guests on the large slide will be about 6-adult.

To access either slide, exit the main pool area and head toward the massive shipwreck – the area at the bottom of the Google map above. Along the way you’ll see a hair wrap stand and a pick-a-pearl kiosk. Both have limited hours but are generally open throughout the afternoon.

The junior slide is completely contained in the shipwreck zone…

But to get to the main slide exit point, you have to cross back to the main pool area.

In the same sub-pool as the slide exit, you’ll also find the whirlpool zone. This area has an artificial current turned up much stronger than the lazy river. You can do some quick spinning on your noodle here. It’s a particularly popular spot for middle grade boys.

I’ve given you a taste of Stormalong Bay, but even the photos don’t really do it justice. This is the perfect place to spend a non-park day, or days, during your vacation. And if you’ve got kids that love the water, it’s likely that they’ll remember Stormalong Bay as much, if not more, than any of the other attractions at Walt Disney World.

Have you stayed at the Yacht or Beach Club and enjoyed Stormalong Bay? What was your favorite part? Is staying at these resorts on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below.

Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

6 thoughts on “ Get to Know Stormalong Bay: The Yacht & Beach Club Pool Area ”

Good distribute Certainly. Thank you associated with discussing.

Thanks for the info, I haven’t been to this resort in years. With all resort guest given magic bands at this time, do they no longer give paper wristbands for the pool? I would think you would not want to swim with your magic band ha ha.

Oh, you can totally swim with your magic bands!

I LOVE BCV & it has been a dream of mine to stay there. Most times when we go to WDW, we rent DVC points. I made the mistake of not booking 11 months out & tried to book 7 months out. Unfortunately, there was no availability so we will be staying elsewhere. So, until next time… Thanks for the review – just makes me want to make sure that we book earlier next time 🙂

Stormalong Bay always tempts me to consider a Disney Resort booking more than any of the WDW locations. Normally we prefer to stay off property, mostly in villas, but, the whole boardwalk thing is pure Disney Magic at its very best. Setting aside the beauty and charm of the boardwalk’s entertainment, shops and restaurants, the mini water parks here are amazing. Sure, a stay here is pricier than many of the resorts, but guests in large groups can save on park tickets by spending a day or two ‘pool side’ at the Yacht & Beach Club. One of the hottest vacation planning questions on forums is about ‘how many parks can we visit in a week etc’. The answer of course is ‘not as many as you might think!’ The Disney Resort water parks are undoubtedly the perfect way to spend time away from the parks, recharge energy levels, save on tickets, without feeling as though you’ve wasted valuable vacation time.

Lovely article and much appreciated!! (We so much miss Brian Staron though) 🙁

One of my favorite parts of Stormalong Bay is the “sinking sands” feature- spots where the filtration system pulls the sandy bottom of the pool area (near the whirlpool) down through grates below. It’s a very unique quicksand feeling, which feels incredible on park-tired feet!

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Review (Is it worth it?)

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

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

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

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

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

Yacht Club Restaurants

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

blue walls and club chairs with sign reading Ale and Compass Lounge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rooms

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

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

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

Prices at Yacht Club

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

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

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

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

Things to Do at Disney’s Yacht Club

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

sand bottom pool with Disney's Yacht Club in background

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

See Epcot Fireworks

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

Take a Ride on the Skyliner

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

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

Eat Ice Cream

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

Dine with Characters

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

Float along the Lazy River

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

Play Games in the Arcade

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

Ride the Friendship Boats

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

Build Sandcastles

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

Make S’mores

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

Rent a Boat

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

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

Stroll along the Disney Boardwalk

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

Play Volleyball

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

Enjoy an Evening Movie

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

Play Mini Golf

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

Swim Some Laps

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

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

Join a Kid Friendly Party at the Pool

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

Play Tennis

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

Zoom Down Waterslides

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

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

Book a Fireworks Cruise

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

Transportation

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

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

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

Is Disney’s Yacht Club Worth It?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Disney’s 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, and info about pools, restaurant, transportation, on-site benefits & amenities. Plus, pros & cons of these accommodations. ( Updated September 15, 2024 .)

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.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort 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 vs. 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.

If you’re debating other options in the Crescent Lake area–or beyond–we’d recommend first reading our Rankings of ALL Walt Disney World Hotels from Worst to Best . Yacht Club actually is the lowest-ranking Crescent Lake on that list, but it still performs fairly well. Moreover, Yacht Club is a very taste-specific hotel, as explained here.

If Yacht Club does “click” for you, there’s a very good possibility it’ll be your personal favorite of the Crescent Lake area resorts. So don’t take that list as the gospel. Read the explanation and check out the photos here to understand whether this might be a good or great fit for your family!

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.)

The Skyliner makes for easy midday breaks when you’re doing Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and is extremely advantageous for Early Entry. Knocking out Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog Dash before the park even opens to day guests is huge. The benefits of the Skyliner cannot be overstated–we prefer it to the monorail.

With that said, the Skyliner is much more valuable for Art of Animation, Pop Century, and Riviera Resorts than any of the Crescent Lake ones. That’s because it’s seldom faster to take the Skyliner than it is to simply walk to DHS. Sure, the Skyliner is more fun and easier (and won’t tire out your feet), but walking is the most efficient–and predictable–option.

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. On the plus side, at least there’s one centralized stop.

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 regular rack rates at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort start at around $500 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 . Thankfully, you can find bargains here thanks to discounts–so long as conventions aren’t being hosted at Yacht Club.

As with all on-site hotels, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort offers the standard perks of a Disney-owned hotel, such free transportation around Walt Disney World , Early Entry , and the extended Advance Dining Reservation window. Yacht Club guests can also purchase the Disney Dining Plan , but whether that’s a real perk is debatable. On-site guests are also able to purchase discount MagicBands pre-arrival. Whether these last two things are actual perks is debatable.

One really-for-real on-site advantage is early access to Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, which replaced the Genie+ system in mid-2024. We’re not going to get into the nuts and bolts of it here–see our Guide to Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Walt Disney World for that–but the bottom line is that on-site guests have a significant head-start on making Lightning Lane ride reservations. It’s pretty much the only way to score the most popular picks, such as Slinky Dog Dash, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

None of that’s unique–guests of all Disney-owned hotels (and a few third party ones!) also offer this. So there’s really no reason to opt for a more expensive Deluxe Resort over a Value or Moderate for the sake of perks. To that point, the one big perk offered to Deluxe and DVC resorts is Extended Evening Hours , which typically occur on Mondays and Wednesdays at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. We love Extended Evening Hours–it’s arguably the best on-site perk of all, and Yacht Club guests are eligible for this!

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 (Disney’s term for travel agent). They get their commission from Disney, so there is no charge to you for them to book your trip and help you plan! They’ll book your trip, help you with dining reservations and itineraries, and apply the best discounts to your reservation. Using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is the win-win option if you’re overwhelmed by the complexities of Walt Disney World and don’t want to do all of the “homework” yourself.

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? If you’re interested in learning more about hotels, our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page is a good place to start. For where to eat, try out our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews page. If you want to save money on tickets or determine which type you should get, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at unconventional things you should take on your trip. Once you arrive at the parks, our Walt Disney World “Ride Guides” are great for determining what to do and when to do it. For overviews of all of these topics and so much more, the best place to start is our comprehensive Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide to make the most of your experience!

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.