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The Family Vacation Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Do the Yacht and Beach Clubs Have in Common?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Makes Disney’s Beach Club Different?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Dunes Cove Pool
• Volleyball courts

What Makes the Yacht Club Different?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More about our TFVG Author

James Brockbank

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

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

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Where Should I Stay? Disney Yacht Club Vs Beach Club Comparisons Guide

So you’re planning your 2024 Walt Disney World vacation and stuck between the Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club. Both the Disney Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort are deluxe hotels found on the Walt Disney World Boardwalk. These two resorts share the shame building space and are commonly confused as the same Disney Resort, especially with their similar themes. That’s why we have taken the time to break out everything you need to know about both Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club.

We hope you find this post helpful, and if you are planning a trip to Disney World be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next vacation. This includes helping you find the best time to buy Disney World tickets  as well as book amazing  Walt Disney World vacation packages!

So if you’re ready to decide if you would prefer to stay at the Disney Yacht Club or Beach Club read on!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Walt Disney World be sure to check out our Disney Crowd Calendar! 

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Disney’s Yacht Club Vs Beach Club

When deciding between the Disney Yacht Club and Beach Club for your vacation, it’s essential to understand their unique features and the subtle differences that might influence your choice. Both resorts offer luxurious accommodations with a nautical theme, sharing many amenities, including the acclaimed Stormalong Bay pool. However, their distinct styles, room options, and proximity to Disney parks set them apart.

Thematic Differences

• Disney Yacht Club: Features a more formal, sophisticated theme inspired by the seaside cottages of the Northeast, with a color palette of modern greys and whites. It’s designed to offer an elegant experience reminiscent of a yacht club.
• Disney Beach Club: Boasts a relaxed, cheerful vibe with a design influenced by New England-style family resorts of the 1920s. Bright colors and a playful atmosphere make it feel more casual and family-friendly.

Location and Proximity to EPCOT

• Beach Club Advantage: Closer to EPCOT, making it a shorter walk (about five to ten minutes) from the majority of its rooms to the park entrance.
• Yacht Club Proximity: Slightly further from EPCOT than the Beach Club but offers closer access to shared amenities like Stormalong Bay. It’s also marginally nearer to Disney’s BoardWalk area, enhancing its appeal for guests prioritizing this entertainment district.

Room Types and Accommodations

• Both resorts offer rooms that are similar in size and start at a standard rate of approximately $522 per night . The main distinction comes in the form of Beach Club Villas, which are designed to accommodate larger groups and families, offering amenities like in-unit washers/dryers and fully equipped kitchens.

Dining Options

• Each resort houses unique dining experiences, with about five restaurants each, ranging from casual bites at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at the Beach Club to fine dining at Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Yacht Club.

Shared Access: Guests of both resorts enjoy easy access to additional dining options on the Disney World BoardWalk , alongside quick walks to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Why should I choose the Beach Club or Yacht Club?

• For a Vibrant, Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Choose the Beach Club for its lively colors, casual ambiance, and villas suited for larger groups.
• For Sophistication and Elegance: Opt for the Yacht Club if you prefer a more refined environment that echoes the luxury of a yacht club experience.

In conclusion, while both the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts offer exceptional service, amenities, and convenience for visiting Disney World, your choice might ultimately come down to personal preference regarding the theme, atmosphere, and specific accommodation needs. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of the Yacht Club or the playful charm of the Beach Club, both promise a memorable stay.

Related Post: Complete Guide to the Walt Disney World Boardwalk 

Difference in Rooms at Yacht and Beach Club Resort 2024

If comparing the room size is part of your deciding factor for the Beach Club vs Yacht Club, we will have to call this a tie.  The rooms at the Yacht and Beach Club are pretty much identical when it comes down to size.

We will say the one advantage that the Beach Club has that the Yacht doesn’t is the addition of the Walt Disney World villas . If you are looking to enjoy a room that’s accommodating for larger groups you’ll want to take a look at having your very own villa. Having a villa can provide many benefits, if it fits in your budget. For instance, most villas have in-unit washer/dryers along with a fully equipped kitchen and living room. Villas are not for everyone, so if you don’t require one and don’t otherwise care for the color and pop of Beach Club, perhaps the Yacht Club will be a better choice. 

What is the difference between Disney Beach Club and Beach Club Villas?

As a general rule of thumb the Beach Club Villa rooms are located in a completely separate building when compared to the regular Beach Club or Yacht Club. This is actually the set up for a majority of the villas located at Walt Disney World as they are all part of the Disney Vacation Club.

Related Page: Guide to the Virtual Queue at Disney World

Location When Comparing Beach Club Vs Yacht Club 

One of the aspects that everyone should look at before picking out a hotel at Walt Disney World is the location. Location is key. Thankfully, when deciding between the Beach Club vs Yacht Club the location should not be  a factor. Both resorts are relatively close to Epcot, however, there are some advantages to each resort over the other.

For instance, the Beach Club Resort is a few minutes closer to Epcot. With this in mind, you are also that much closer to the Disney Skyliner Station which can then take you over to Hollywood Studios.

While the Yacht Club Resort is not that much farther away, if you have young ones or even elderly people with you who may need to do less walking, the Beach Club Resort may be the best option. Depending on where you stay at the Yacht Club Resort, you might be closer towards Disney’s Boardwalk than the Beach Club may be. This may not be true for all rooms, but certain rooms are indeed closer. If having quick access to the Boardwalk is a requirement for you, then maybe the Yacht Club is the best option. 

Related post:  The Complete Guide to the Disney Skyliner Route

Dining at Beach and Yacht Club Resort 2024

Is having access to the best Disney World restaurants your deciding factor between the Disney beach club vs Yacht club? You’ll be happy to find that both resorts provide an array of dining options. As we discussed though given that the resorts are essentially connected, you’ll have a ton of options close by.

When you look at the resorts separately each resort would have about five restaurants each. One thing that might be useful in deciding where you want to stay is where the restaurants are actually located. If there is a particular restaurant your family wants to eat at, maybe consider the resort that is closer towards that particular restaurant. Below is the complete list of restaurants at each resort. 

What are the Disney Beach Club restaurants?

• Cape May Cafe
• Martha’s Vineyard
• Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
• Hurricane Hanna’s

What are the Disney Yacht Club Restaurants ?

• Yachtsman Steakhouse
• Crew’s Cup Lounge
• Ale & Compass
• Market at Ale & Compass

Related post:  Complete Guide to the Disney World Boardwalk in 2022

Disney’s Yacht Club vs Beach Club – In Conclusion

In conclusion, there are not a lot of differences between each resort. The pool for instance, is shared between both resorts. While very subtle, they do have certain advantages/disadvantages over one or the other. When deciding on whether or not to stay at the Beach Club vs Yacht Club , hopefully these factors can benefit you in deciding which resort to stay at!

We think that either Disney’s Yacht Club or Beach Club would be a wonderful choice for families looking for incredible dining and entertainment, or even couples looking for a romantic night out on the BoardWalk. We love how close both the Beach Club and the Yacht Club to EPCOT, and only a boat ride away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios .

Related post: Disney Memory Maker Guide : Disney World Pictures and Disney PhotoPass

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Michael Belmont

Michael Belmont is the owner at Theparkprodigy.com, an authorized Disney and Universal travel agent. He specializes in Disney and Universal theme park tickets and vacation packages, as well as daily park plans to help optimize vacation time. Michael and The Park Prodigy have been featured on ABC’s Florida affiliate, WTFV, as well as over 10 Disney focused blogs. As owner, Michael manages The Park Prodigy blog and social media, a Disney themed podcast, and a Disney and Universal focused YouTube channel. Prior to starting The Park Prodigy, Michael was a long time Disney and Universal enthusiast, frequent visitor of the parks, and even served as a Walt Disney World Cast Member in Orlando, Florida!

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Disney’s Boardwalk Inn vs Yacht Club – The Best Resort?

So you’ve narrowed your Disney World Resort list down between two options: the Boardwalk Inn and the Yacht Club.  But which one is the best option for you and your family?

Well, in this article, I’m going to let you know what each resort has to offer its guests, and outline some notable pros and cons of each hotel, as well.  Hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll walk away with a good idea of which resort won the battle of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn vs Yacht Club!

Boardwalk Inn vs Yacht Club

Let’s begin this by discussing resort type.

Resort Type

Both the Boardwalk Inn and Yacht Club are considered to be “ Deluxe Resorts ” by Disney’s standards. In short, this means they are considered to be in the best resort category when looking at resorts on Disney property. 

As a deluxe guest, you will have access to early park hours, as well as extended park hours. This is one reason why some people will only stay at a deluxe resort. Besides that, the deluxe class of resorts are beautiful and offer great amenities and theming.

If you’ve narrowed your choices down to either Boardwalk or Yacht Club, chances are that you’ve decided you want to be close to Epcot. 

Situated on Crescent Lake, both of these resorts are within walking distance to Epcot. You’ll also have easy access to the Skyliner that will get you to Hollywood Studios. 

This is a great mode of travel, and you will have quick access to both parks. You can even take a longer stroll by walking directly to Hollywood Studios (though I do not recommend this).

However, for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, you will have to rely on the bus to get you there from these resorts.

The location overall is fantastic for both options, with no real clear winner here.

Yacht Club Dining Options

As both of these resorts are walking distance to one another, I’m only going to focus on dining options that are contained within each resort. Bear in mind, though, that if you want to skip over to one of the other resorts restaurants, you can very easily do that.

We will start with the Yacht Club. Since the Yacht Club is connected to the Beach Club , I will also include some of those options here.

For casual dining with an American seafood bias, Ale & Compass is a great choice for breakfast or dinner. The prices are on the lower side of most upscale dining options, so this is a good restaurant that offers a lot of value for money.

Next door at then Beach Club, we have the beloved Beaches & Cream. This is a staple for many families that visit Disney World . This is your classic American diner food option, like cheeseburgers and French fries. They also offer many milkshake and sundae options, hence the “Cream” part of the name. 

Crews Cup Lounge is a great place to cool off with a cocktail after a long day in the parks. This laid back bar lounge also serves up quick bites to eat with their tasty drinks.

The Yachtsman Steakhouse is one of the best Steakhouses on Walt Disney property. Le Cellier barely beats it out by my vote, but this steakhouse is fantastic signature dining. And it’s located right at the heart of the Yacht Club Resort. This is a must try if you are staying at the resort.

Boardwalk Inn Dining Options

Moving on over to Boardwalk Inn, we’re going to start with one of my favorite Italian restaurants — Trattoria al Forno. Here you can enjoy a character breakfast for the kids , and at dinner you will have a host of Italian options to choose from that are sure to please.

For a great quick service lunch option, look at the Pizza Window. The name implies exactly what you are going to get—hot pizza delivered to you at a window. Don’t let that fool you though, this pizza joint serves up a great slice of pie when you are pressed for time.

For a nice cocktail to wind down after a long day, look at making a trip over to AbracadaBar. This quick service bar harkens back to the magicians and illusionists from ages before. They have some really great drinks, and you can also grab a quick bite to eat if you are in a pinch. 

For your signature dining at the Boardwalk, Big River Grille & Brewing Works offer a great entree paired with a huge beer selection. And yes, it’s actually a brewery! So you can get beer that you will not see anywhere else, and also eat a great steak in the process!

A quick tip for one of my favorite sugary treats: you can visit the Funnel Cake Cart and grab a hot, ready to eat Funnel cake. Make sure and add this to your list if you are staying at the Boardwalk!

I’m going to come right out and say it—Yacht Club (and Beach Club) have the best pool, in my humble opinion, on Disney Property. 

Stormalong Bay is a 3 acre beachside pool area that sits in the middle of Yacht & Beach Club. 

With 3 leisure pools and a sandy bottom beach pool, you will be hard pressed to find an area at Stormalong Bay where you can’t enjoy a relaxing moment to yourself. 

Surrounding the pools is also a lazy river that will let you float around the whole 3 acre area while you sip your favorite cocktail that you can pick up at the beachside cabana.

To cap it all off, there is a 230’ waterslide that races you down from Crescent Lake to Stormalong Bay. 

Though this contest is easily won by Yacht Club, we have to mention the pool over at the Boardwalk Inn.

The Luna Park Pool is a carnival themed water escape, with a 200 foot waterslide. Here, there are all sorts of statues that harken back to the 1920 amusement parks. 

They also have a nearby lounge for refreshments. 

I can’t mention the pool here and not bring up the crazy clown that looks like something directly out of a horror film. Thankfully Disney took notice, and removed the clown , so you don’t have to worry about him haunting your dreams, should you choose the Boardwalk Inn.

It’s hard to narrow down the price difference here, as the price points are ever changing throughout the year. 

What I can say, however, is although they both go up and down depending on the season, the prices are usually relatively neck and neck. 

So I don’t think it’s terribly important to put a lot of attention on this. If you are looking at these two resorts, the money you will save will be negligible, so the better option is to pick the best one for you and your family based on the other elements. 

Yacht Club has relatively newly designed and revamped rooms. Though some people complain that it reminds them of a cramped cabin on a boat (which is part of the theme, hence “Yacht Club”) they are still spacious enough that you won’t feel too tightly packed in. 

I think that feeling is generated mostly due to the low ceilings, but the room really shines everywhere else. Sporting a sleek and modern look, I suppose one could argue the rooms look too dark or modern . I find them personally to be in line with my tastes, and I enjoy the more updated designs.

Over at the Boardwalk Inn, they have some of the oldest rooms situated around Crescent Lake. With a serious lack of outlets, these rooms are not as functional as the ones you’ll find at Yacht Club.

The design is a bit old and outdated, though some people find them beautifully executed. You’ll have to be the judge here and check out the pictures for yourself. 

Final Thoughts

This is an easy choice for me. If you haven’t figured it out by now, if I had to choose between these two deluxe resorts, I’d be putting my money toward the Yacht Club .

With the bonus addition of being a double resort connected to Beach Club, you also get access to the best pool on Disney Property along with some of the best signature dining options around. 

And while I prefer Yacht Club in this Boardwalk Inn vs Yacht Club battle royale, this does’t mean that the Boardwalk Inn is the wrong choice for you and your family. 

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You Might Also Like These Articles:

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort vs Coronado Springs
• Disney’s Polynesian vs Yacht Club
• Disney’s Riviera Resort vs Grand Floridian
• Disney’s Riviera Resort vs Beach Club
• Disney’s Art of Animation vs Polynesian

Michael has been visiting Disney World since he was a kid. He's also been to Disneyland and sailed on the Disney Dream. Michael is the owner and editor of Countdown to Magic.

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Yacht Club v. Beach Club

Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts are two Crescent Lake hotels at Walt Disney World, both within walking distance of Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and across the water from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. In this post, we’re going to continue our ongoing Walt Disney World hotel comparison series with an entry featuring these two so you can decide which is a better option for your vacation.

Yacht and Beach Club are sister resorts that are physically connected to one another, but this does not mean they should be viewed as a pair. Debunking this “myth” of sorts is basically our main motivation for writing this comparison. In fairness, their interchangeably does apply in some regards, such as transportation, location, dining, and amenities; in terms of theme, they are stark contrasts.

We think this is very important. When you stay in a Walt Disney World resort hotel, you’re paying a significant premium over a real world venue, and that’s largely for two things: location and theming. Given that, we think choosing a theme and resort atmosphere that appeals to you is incredibly important…

Setting aside the general ‘nautical-ness’ of each resort, the theme and ambiance of Yacht Club and Beach Club and significant departures from one another. If anything, Beach Club is more comparable to BoardWalk Inn from an atmospheric perspective, whereas Yacht Club is (arguably) more like a nautical Grand Floridian.

Suffice to say, the resort theme (and by extension, the room theme) should be a significant deciding factor in this showdown. As such, the first two variables in this Walt Disney World hotel comparisons. Unlike our other entries into this series, we do not use all six elements of two different resorts to determine which is “the best.” In fact, this comparison seeks less to crown a definitive champion and more to compare and contrast…

Theme/Atmosphere: Beach Club – While technically sister resorts, I think the theme and tone of each resort is dramatically different. Beach Club has a theme resulting from former Disney CEO Michael Eisner’s obsession with his childhood vacations in the seaside communities of the Northeast. Its theme is meant to evoke the seaside resort cottages scattered around New England in the early 20th Century.

Beach Club is very laid back; both in the substance of the theme, and the styles used. There are a lot of light colors and pastels, and this makes for a relaxing environment. The only thing slightly at-odds with this is that the lobby is sometimes noisy and chaotic, moreso than the Yacht Club lobby. All things considered, though, I’d say Beach Club shares more with BoardWalk Inn in terms of theme and atmosphere than it does with Yacht Club.

By contrast, Yacht Club feels like an actual high-society yachting club set in turn of the century New England. If I were to describe it in a single word, I’d call it “stately.” The color scheme is much more muted and darker, and there’s also an abundance of deep woods, nautically-themed antiques, and rich furniture throughout the resort. The environment could pass for a place where the Kennedys and other elites might have met for liquid lunches and made power plays.

This environment can be off-putting for some families. While I think it stops well short of being stuffy or unfriendly to families, it’s definitely more sophisticated and less laid back. You’re also more likely to see business people and conventioneers around Yacht Club, since it’s adjacent to the (huge) Convention Center.

Our take is that both of these resorts offer exceptional attention to detail and do an incredible job of conveying their respective themes, and setting a tone for the resort via those themes. Which is “better” will largely be a matter of personal preference–whether you prefer refined or laid back. Our personal take is that Beach Club is a hair better from an objective perspective, and the exterior common areas (shared between the resorts) are also more in keeping with the vibe at Beach Club. Your mileage may vary.

Rooms: Yacht Club – Both resorts recently completed room refurbishments, replacing some fairly dated rooms for more modern ones. In our estimation, the end result at Yacht Club is dramatically superior. Not only is the room more well-appointed, but it does a much better job of offering a thematic extension of the resort’s common areas. As a result, the new rooms are much darker than the old ones.

Beach Club’s new rooms are nice, but bland. They remind us of mid-grade chain hotel rooms you could find pretty much anywhere, except with a light beach motif. They are not necessarily bad, but feel uninspired to us. (The Beach Club Villa rooms are better, but still not great.) Not quite what we expect given the price points of Beach Club.

With that said, both sets of rooms are very much an extension of the style of their resorts. If you find the lobby of Yacht Club ‘stuffy and drab’ you’ll feel the same way about the guest rooms. If you enjoy the ‘light and airy’ nature of Beach Club, you’ll find that extended into the guest rooms.

One caveat I figure I should mention up front, because I know it’s going to come up in the comments is that Yacht Club has a small number of dog-friendly rooms. Thus far, very few guests have brought their pets to Yacht Club, but this seems like a very big deal to some guests.

Transportation/Location: Push – This is a really poor basis for choosing between the two, but Beach Club is slightly closer to Epcot. On the other hand, that means Yacht Club is slightly closer to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. (Most people will probably take a boat there, though.) We’re talking a 1-5 minute difference, at most.

In terms of boat transportation, the two are equal as they share a boat dock. They’re also equal(ly bad) for bus transportation, with shared buses.

Amenities: Push – For this, we’re talking dining and pools, since those are usually separate categories. Since all pools and restaurants are shared between these two sister properties, there is no meaningful distinction between any of these.

With that said, it’s always worth noting that Stormalong Bay is awesome, and is a good basis for choosing either (or both!) of these resorts.

Cost: Push – Standard room rates are identical, with higher tiers seeing some differences.

Historical discounts show better offers for Yacht Club in the recent past, but that was also during the resort’s refurbishment, so we view that unlikely to continue going forward (especially with Yacht Club seeks to cater to more business travelers).

Verdict: It Depends – This is a first for us. Even in other hotel comparisons that were really close calls, we went ahead and crowned a winner. In some cases, that required really splitting hairs, or even a bit of subjectivity.

The problem here is two-fold. First, these resorts share so many amenities that it’s downright impossible to crown one victorious without splicing them down the middle and only counting those locations physically within each resort. That’s a nonsensical approach given the shared grounds, and the fact that some rooms in Yacht Club may be farther from that resort’s amenities than some Beach Club rooms (and vice-a-versa).

Second, this verdict ultimately comes down to your personal take on the atmosphere. While I would give Beach Club a slight hair in this regard objectively, the subjective side matters far, far more. A lot of families are going to dislike Yacht Club and love Beach Club, and perhaps some older couples will prefer the refined elegance of Yacht Club. (This is not to say the inverse won’t be true, too–as mentioned, it’s a lot of personal preference.)

Really, the single element of the two resorts where we think there’s a decisive advantage is in terms of room quality, where Yacht Club prevails. However, even there, we’ve encountered a lot of people who prefer the new rooms at Beach Club because of their vibe and atmosphere. So once again, even that will largely be decided by subjectivity.

Just in case you’re really indecisive, here’s our normal poll so you can see how other Walt Disney World fans feel about these two resorts:

Considering theme, atmosphere, rooms (and probably nothing else since the rest is shared), which of these two Walt Disney World hotels do you prefer: – Disney Tourist Blog (@DisTouristBlog) December 11, 2017

We’re predicting a decisive victory for Beach Club. It seems to be Disney fans’ cup of tea much more so than Yacht Club, and the new dog-friendly policy of Yacht Club will certainly cost it a few votes, too.

Ultimately, for us, Beach Club is the winner. We really enjoy both–but prefer the Yacht Club rooms–but the vibe at Beach Club is more to our tastes when on vacation. Read our full Disney’s Yacht Club Review and Disney’s Beach Club Review to see more photos of each, which can help determine which will appeal more to you.

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

Your Thoughts

Which resort do you prefer, Yacht Club or Beach Club? Any other considerations we didn’t take into account? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Any questions we can help you answer about these hotels? 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

What about the pervasive seafood smell in The Beach Club lobby? I’ve read that the smell can be very strong, and I am not a seafood (or seafood smell) lover.

Yacht club is a very nice place awesome rooms . Would recommend it

We had reservations at the Yacht Club. We arrived very early and was not allowed check in until almost 2 p.m. :-(. When we entered the room it was a train wreck! The door to the nightstand fell off, the room faced a bunch of dead trees and brush and it had wall safe with a key (ancient). We went to the front desk and asked for a better room. The manager was extremely nice and found us a water view room at the BC. It was great! The pool and restaurants are difficult to get around in/to. We always stay at the Grand and love it!

They accommodate early check ins when possible but the stated check in time is 3pm. Getting to check in an hour early is hardly something to be upset about.

Do you have any opinion or comparisons on the concierge lounges at these two resorts? I’m hoping to spend two nights at either in the near future. I’m finding it harder to find info or comparisons to the comfort, ambience, and offerings in the club lounges of these two resorts in particular.

First off, they are both excellent, so we really splitting hairs. That said, a few things to consider. Both were renovated in the last few years, but YC is newer having been completed within the last year. As mentioned in the general review, YC tends to attract a somewhat older crowd, so slighty fewer kids there. YC is also influenced a lot by conventions. If there is one at YC, the concierge level sees more activity – especially in the evening. The staff at both Clubs is excellent however YC’s is very experienced having been there a long time. Both clubs, and for that matter all of Disney’s concierge levels, have worked hard to improve the food offerings in the last year or so. I personally think the BC chef is excellent and very creative. In the end for us at least, it comes down to availability and what we have planned for that particular trip. For what it’s worth, we will be at BC Club level next week 🙂

First off, they are both excellent, so we really splitting hairs. That said, a few things to consider. Both were renovated in the last few years, but YC is newer having been completed within the last year. As mentioned in the general review, YC tends to attract a somewhat older crowd, so slightly fewer kids there. YC is also influenced a lot by conventions. If there is one at YC, the concierge level sees more activity – especially in the evening. The staff at both Clubs is excellent however YC’s is very experienced having been there a long time. Both clubs, and for that matter all of Disney’s concierge levels, have worked hard to improve the food offerings in the last year or so. I personally think the BC chef is excellent and very creative. In the end for us at least, it comes down to availability and what we have planned for that particular trip. For what it’s worth, we will be at BC Club level next week 🙂

First, I think that one point you mentioned in passing that I feel influences these resorts quite a bit is YC and the convention center and BC and DVC. My feeling ( I have stayed at both and will be at BC next week) is that this affects both the clientele and the atmosphere to a significant degree at each resort. I agree with your conclusion that with many essentially shared areas, it is a matter of taste. Second, while in this case I think you would have another tie, I feel that evaluating the Club levels at the Deluxe resorts is an significant delineator. They are an important, and with the continued blurring of lines between hotel categories, perhaps one of the few distinguishing characteristics of the deluxes. I know your argument about expenses, but your reviews would be a lot more complete if you included the Club levels. I know it’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it.

I will probably never stay at YC because of DVC, so I’ll give BC my vote, lol.

As a couple with no kids, we always choose Yacht because it feels so much quieter and relaxed, with a serene atmosphere similar to that of the Grand without the (often excruciatingly) high price point. This offers a great reprieve from the parks while still being themed exquisitely, and there’s something to be said for a Disney resort that is geared toward adults while still maintaining a perfectly Disney vibe. The Beach is great, but I’ve never found it to be all that “beachy” – I suppose maybe it’s because when in Florida, I don’t want to feel like I’m on a New England beach; I much prefer a tropical vibe a la Old Key West. I also don’t find that the Beach’s theming “transports” the guest to another time or place quite resorts such as the Boardwalk, AKL, WL, OKW or even the Yacht, and this is key for us when choosing a Disney resort. One more point – the bus system at the Yacht for us has always been consistently better than the Beach at all times of year because the Yacht is picked up first. I can’t count how many times we have had a full bus by the time we get to the Beach and there is no room left for Beach guests. Both resorts have their place but I’d take the Yacht any day!

Good point about the busses! I’ve had that happen on other busses and am glad to know YC gets 1st pick up, which can make for a better experience. I am going next month on our first solo trip without the little ones and we’re staying at the YC for the same reasons you describe. Fingers crossed and thanks for the review. It helped ease any small concerns I had!

We just stayed almost 2 weeks at BC. One note about the bus transportation. They pick-up at the YC first. Then BC. With that said. There were many times that the Bus would show up at BC basically already full from the YC. This made it difficult to make it to reservations/fast passes on time, even when you showed up at the bus stop on time or ahead of time. If fact we didn’t want to “lose” our Be Our Guest reservation one night and had to use the Minnie Van service. (Which I might add was excellent!) We actually joked that we should catch the bus at YC.

I am older now, and opt for the serenity of the Yacht Club. (Although, even when younger, I was drawn to the Yacht Club’s subdued atmosphere more than The Beach Club). My son and daughter-in-law, however, who have six year old triplets and an eight year old, stay in a two bedroom Villa at The Beach Club, mostly because they need the room. I guess sometimes it’s more a case of need than want. Plus, they feel the location is perfect because they can hit three theme parks without taking buses.

Tom – You wrote “Yacht Club has a small number of dog-friendly rooms”. I thought I had read somewhere, perhaps on your site, when the new policy came out recently, that dog-friendly resorts could potentially have any resort room used as a dog-friendly room. However, you seem to be indicating that only specific rooms, or perhaps specific parts of a resort, have been set aside. Do you know which is actually true? This can be an issue for those who can stay in a resort that is dog-friendly but cannot necessarily stay in a room that a dog has lived in.

Separately, while we have been to the Beach and Yacht Clubs numerous times due to the wonderful Cape May buffet, we have never actually stayed there nor seen the guest rooms. We decided a long time ago that if we were to stay there, we would only stay at the Beach Club, due to a strong preference for the light pastel colours over the dark colours at the Yacht Club in the public areas.

I can’t believe you did not point out the highly localized potentially dangerous weather on Stormalong Bay outside these resorts. This is, of course, where Hurricane Hanna hit many years ago and caused that big shipwreck on the Beach Club’s beach that Disney still has not cleared away (unlike the non-imagineered Hurricane Irma which you actually encountered earlier this year). Always a handy excuse if you are late to an ADR at the two resorts.

I’m pretty sure that only a few hotels have dedicated dog friendly rooms now. So it’s not an “any room could potentially have had a dog” situation.

Yes, it is an any room could have a dog situation. Our friends stayed at POR and arequested a dog free room/bldg. They were told that would happen. When they got to POr they were put in bldg 24, which is the designated dog bldg. They were moved to the 30’s. Then they spotted a dog dong it’s business right outside their non dog bldg room. When they went to guest services and asked why? they were told “well, those guests booked online and wanted that bldg, so…… It states that any room or bldg could have dogs in them in the test resorts. And apparently the designated dog rooms/bldgs is not really true when it comes down to it.

We have booked Yacht Club for our June 2018 visit (crazy time of year, but only time we could coordinate with my cousin’s family when all our kids are out of school, etc), and I’m really looking forward to it. Based on the photos of the rooms, we like the look of Yacht Club better, and we can easily hang in the lobby & public areas of either resort if we feel like it. So we chose the nicer rooms. Decision made, as we view all else as being equal. Can’t wait to get a chance to play at Stormalong Bay! Given the weather in June, we figured a hotel with a good pool was vital! Thanks for all your great posts on this blog! Cheers.

The opening of the (really, really good) C&A Lounge must surely give a further nod to YC’s lobby. It has an incredible sense of atmosphere, and puts the “Club” in club, if you will.

Now, a more interesting comparison (although totally useless) would be to throw NPB into the mix. It really feels like a “boutique” version of YC.

I’ve stayed at BC and BCV only. I have visited YC’s lobby many times plus I have had drinks at Crew Cup Lounge. I love both resorts theming and atmosphere, my pick is BC/BCV because I prefer the dining (Cape May is one of my favorite buffets whereas Yachtsmen Steakhouse is too pricey) , closer proximity to Epcot and Boardwalk, and I love the Solarium, Drawing Room, and Breezeway areas of BCV.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yacht Club Restaurants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rooms 

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

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

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

Prices at Yacht Club

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

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

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

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

Things to Do at Disney’s Yacht Club 

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

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

See Epcot Fireworks

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

Take a Ride on the Skyliner

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

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

Eat Ice Cream

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

Dine with Characters

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

Float along the Lazy River

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

Play Games in the Arcade

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

Ride the Friendship Boats

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

Build Sandcastles

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

Make S’mores

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

Rent a Boat

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

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

Stroll along the Disney Boardwalk

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

Play Volleyball

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

Enjoy an Evening Movie

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

Play Mini Golf

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

Swim Some Laps

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

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

Join a Kid Friendly Party at the Pool

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

Play Tennis

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

Zoom Down Waterslides

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

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

Book a Fireworks Cruise

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

Transportation

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

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

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

Is Disney’s Yacht Club Worth It?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Disney’s Beach Club, Yacht Club & Boardwalk Inn Resorts – How to Choose a Disney World Resort

Post last updated May 26, 2022

Disney’s Beach Club , Yacht Club , and Boardwalk Inn are affectionately known as the “EPCOT” resorts. These three Deluxe tier resorts sit just outside the International Gateway entrance to EPCOT, and provide guests with almost immediate access to EPCOT, and are in very close proximity to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

RELATED READING: Disney’s Deluxe Resorts – Are They Really Worth It?

They are impeccable, have amazing views, and are centrally located on Walt Disney World property. I am excited to share these three unique resorts with you!

Disney’s Beach Club vs. Yacht Club Resorts – Rooms & Pool

First, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Yacht Club are “sister resorts”. They both have an East Coast, seaside theme to them. Beach Club has more light blue, airy, beachy vibes to it. Yacht Club is a bit “darker”…navy, grays, darker wood tones with a more nautical theme. While they have slightly different nuances to them, you cannot go wrong with either one.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is all about the beach and having fun in the sun. Of the three, Beach Club is the closest to the International Gateway entrance to EPCOT. The beauty of the Beach Club is found in the sandy white beach area along the water. It’s gorgeous! You can sit all day on one of the swinging benches or chairs, and soak in the atmosphere.

RELATED READING: Disney World Resorts for Large Groups – 5 to 12 Guests

Disney’s Beach Club Resort rooms sleep up to five guests in most of them. They house two queens and a daybed. They have a split bathroom set up, so the toilet and shower are separate from the sink area. And as the new trend in Disney resorts, the beds are raised to allow for under bed storage, they offer hardwood floors, and lots of hidden storage.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort has more of a nautical, lighthouse feel to it. While guests at both resorts can easily access all the dining options, Ale and Compass is the stand out at Yacht Club. It is very much a hidden gem at Walt Disney World. And of course, you will also find Beaches and Cream. Guests from every resort on property will travel here for the famous Kitchen Sink!

The rooms at Yacht Club are similar to those at Beach Club. They house five guests at the most, with two queens and a day bed. They also offer the raised beds, great storage options, and plenty of space for your family.

Both resorts sit right next to each other, and share restaurants as well as the best pool on Disney property – Stormalong Bay.

Stormalong Bay is not just a pool – it is an entire experience . Stormalong Bay is a 3 acre home to a lazy river, sand bottom wading pools areas, a very large swim area, and a giant ship wrecked pirate ship waterslide.

RELATED READING: Top 6 Disney World Resorts for Tweens and Teens

Dining Options at Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts

The dining between Beach and Yacht Club has something for everyone! Guests can find a lounge / bar atmosphere at Ale and Compass , Crew’s Cup Lounge , and Martha’s Vineyard .

For sit down options, Yachtsman Steakhouse in Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a great spot for tasty steaks and stellar service. Guests can find a fabulous seafood menu at Disney’s Beach Club Resort’s Cape May Café . Cape May also serves breakfast, and in the past was home to character dining.

As mentioned above, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop is a sit down location as well. They also offer a smaller ice cream menu at their walk up window. This can be worth using, as the location is small and it is difficult to get an ADR (Advanced Dining Reservation). If you only want a special ice cream treat, definitely use the walk up window!

Guests who want something quicker can find it at the Beach Club Marketplace, the Market at Ale and Compass, or the pool bar – Hurricane Hanna’s Grill .

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort – Rooms & Pool

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort is located across Crescent Lake from the Yacht and Beach Club. Boardwalk Inn is a turn of the century, whimsical resort located on the Boardwalk. Disney’s Boardwalk is so fun at night. Street performers, carnival style games, surrey bikes…..it’s just a fun atmosphere.

The recent refurbishment of the main pool boasts the style of the vintage Mickey and Minnie cartoons we love. Think Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway…..on a pool! It’s so much fun!

Guests of the BoardWalk are literally a hop, skip, or Friendship boat ride away from Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. It is located in such a way that you can easily walk to or take a boat to either park!

The rooms at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn will house five guests. They do need a refurbishment, as they have not been remodeled to the current new style of the Disney resorts. However, that will come in due time, and they are still a great option!

Dining Options at BoardWalk Inn Resort

While the BoardWalk Inn is not known for its quick service dining options, guests still have options. The BoardWalk Bakery , a funnel cake cart, and a walk up pizza window are all your quick service options. There is a small grab and go selection in the gift shop as well as a nice menu at the pool bar, Leaping Horse Libations .

However, the Boardwalk Inn is home to some great table service locations. Trattoria al Forno serves a fabulous breakfast menu. Then in the evening, it serves an authentic Italian menu. You will also find the Flying Fish , a signature dining location at Walt Disney World. Both Big River Grille and Brewing Works and ESPN Club offer guests a kid-friendly menu in a relaxed atmosphere.

All three of the EPCOT resorts offer Club Level for guests who would like to book that room category, and take advantage of those amenities during their stay. They also offer business centers, work out facilities, merchandise shops, concierge, jogging trails, movies under the stars, and various poolside activities.

When you choose to make one of these three resorts your “home” for your Walt Disney World vacation, you honestly cannot go wrong. Of the three, Beach Club is my recommendation . I simply like the airy, light theming of that resort over the rest. However, if you are looking for a great location, fun pools, easy access to two of four theme parks, and a magical experience, any of these will fit that description!

About Carrie - A Princess and Her Pirates

Carrie is a born and bred Ohio girl, who loves anything Disney. She has set sail on Disney Cruise Line several times, and has been to the Disney Park so many times, she has lost count! She loves to share joy and pixie dust on her blog, A Princess and Her Pirates . Minnie Mouse is her favorite, and no Disney trip is complete without a visit to 'Ohana!

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Beach Club vs. BoardWalk Inn Disney World Resort Guide 2023

By Wendy Leave a Comment

We talk quite a bit about Resort Hopping here on DFB… but today, we’re talking about “Resort Shopping!” Choosing which Disney World Resort hotel to stay at during your Walt Disney World vacation is one of the most fun parts of planning! That said…

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

…it can simultaneously be one of the most overwhelming factors when you’re dealing with such a wide array of options. To that end, we’re hoping to help you out by doing a little of the comparison work for you. Today, we’re talking about TWO Deluxe Resorts: Disney’s Beach Club Resort versus Disney’s BoardWalk Inn !

We’re tackling this topic by breaking things down into a few chosen categories: Common Ground, Theme, Pools, Food, and Transportation . Let’s go!

Common Ground

So,  what do Beach Club Resort and BoardWalk Inn share in common ? For starters, they both fall into the highest category of Disney Resort hotels. Categories are Value, Moderate, and Deluxe, and  both of these are Deluxe Resorts , so room sizes and guest perks are fairly comparable. (For instance, both are eligible for  Extended Evening Hours held at select theme parks on select nights, as this perk is exclusive to Deluxe Resort guests.)

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

AND, as it just so happens, they are also both Deluxe Villa Resorts ! The  Disney Vacation Club Villas that each offers may be booked by Disney Vacation Club members or cash-paying guests.

Both BoardWalk Inn and Beach Club Resort share an incredibly cool perk: they are both within walking distance of EPCOT ! And therefore… they’re also both within walking distance of each other ;).

International Gateway in EPCOT’s World Showcase

So, no matter which you choose, you’ve got easy access to all of the restaurants at both hotels ! And we’ll dive a little deeper into the transportations options that these Resorts share underneath that topic below.

Prices for both of these Resorts are, as you might anticipate, in a similar range:

For the  Beach Club , for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $534 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $4,763 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates.)

For the BoardWalk Inn , for the cheapest  room at the  cheapest  time to visit, you can expect to pay around  $597 per night  (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to  $4,455 per night  (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the  most expensive  rooms at the  most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates.)

One more thing these Resorts share in common, as you’ve likely already surmised by their names 😉 , is that both BoardWalk Inn and the Beach Club play upon similar coastal beach themes . But the way they do that is where the differences begin…

Theme/Rooms

Seaside New England serves as the inspiration for Disney’s Beach Club Resort !

Disney’s Beach Club

The Beach Club is the sister to  Disney’s Yacht Club . However, the Beach Club distinguishes itself with its more  laid-back and breezy beach vibe .

That  light and airy feel  extends, of course, to the guest rooms throughout the hotel.

Disney’s Beach Club Room — A refurbished Club Level Room in June 2023

Disney’s Beach Club features  standard guest rooms  with either 1 King Bed or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed OR 2 Queen Beds or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed, as well as  Club Level Rooms  (up to a Presidential Suite which sleeps up to 7 adults). For standard rooms, guests may choose a  Standard View, a Resort View, a Water View, or a Deluxe Room .

Beach Club Villas

Beach Club Villas  have villa-type accommodations with studio (sleep up to five), 1-bedroom (sleep up to four), and 2-bedroom (sleep up to eight) layouts. (Be aware, though, that Villas are currently being refreshed with  a planned completion estimated for late 2023 .)

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas transports visitors back to the turn-of-the-century with a whimsical East Coast-style boardwalk atmosphere.

Much like a classic boardwalk experience, entertainment and eateries ABOUND at this Deluxe Resort !

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

The BoardWalk does a terrific job balancing the fun of the theme with the luxury of a deluxe resort.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn features standard guest rooms  with either 1 King Bed or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed OR 2 Queen Beds or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed, as well as  Club Level Rooms (up to a 2 Bedroom Suite which sleeps up to 9 adults). For standard rooms, guests may choose a Standard View, a Resort View, or a Water View.

BoardWalk Villas offers studio (sleep up to five), 1-bedroom (sleep up to four), and 2-bedroom (sleep up to nine), and 3-bedroom (sleep up to 12) layouts.

More than perhaps any other category, this one comes down purely to preference. If you’re looking for more Disney whimsy, the BoardWalk Inn fits that vibe best. If you’re looking for a bright and clear yet classic feel, the Beach Club may deliver more of what you’re looking for.

Beach Club Resort

Oh, boy… pools are a GREAT topic when it comes to the  Beach Club , thanks to  Stormalong Bay ! This 3-acre water recreation area is available  exclusively to both Yacht and Beach Club guests.

Stormalong Bay

Seriously, Stormalong Bay is a destination all its own. This  pool complex is practically its own mini-water park , with sand at the bottom, a lazy river, 3 whirlpool spas, and a tanning deck!

Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Beach Club

Kiddos (and adults) can take on the 230-footlong  ‘shipwrecked’ themed water slide , while Shipwreck pool with its own mini waterslide is available just for the little ones.

Stormalong Bay Water Slide

Oh, and guests who prefer a little more quiet can take advantage of any of the  3 additional leisure pools.

BoardWalk Inn

The primary pool at the BoardWalk Inn is the Luna Park Pool. This huge pool holds nearly 185,000 gallons of water!

Luna Park Pool

The Luna Park pool boasts a 200-foot long slide known as the  Keister Coaster ! 

The Keister Coaster!

A whirlpool spa and kiddie pool complete the offerings of this water play area. And two leisure pools are available offering calm and relaxing respites.

As much as I love the Keister Coaster, a solid WIN goes to the Beach Club for Stormalong Bay in this category . In fact, not only does Stormalong Bay win this competition against BoardWalk Inn… it pretty much beats out EVERY SINGLE Disney World Resort for the BEST hotel pool of all !

Beach Club Dining

Guests at The Beach Club have an array of dining options to enjoy, from  Disney Character Dining  to  Quick Service restaurants  to a  relaxing lounge , and beyond!

Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Cape May Cafe

Cape May Cafe  features an  all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast buffet  with  Disney pals!   Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast  is one of the best places to see some of the most beloved Disney characters outside of the parks.

Cape May Cafe plate from the Dinner Buffet

Though Disney characters are not present during  Dinner , the evening buffet meal serves up something unique, too, as all-you-can-eat  surf-and-turf  gets the spotlight with plenty for landlubbers and seafood fans to enjoy!

Ah,  Beaches and Cream … THIS is the place to go for  classic diner eats  and  GIGANTIC ice cream sundaes  in Walt Disney World!

The Famous KITCHEN SINK at Beaches and Cream!

Tucked between the  Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts , this authentic soda counter restaurant is decked out in pastels and is complete with a jukebox. And it’s possibly best known for being  home to the famous  Kitchen Sink : an eight-scoop ice cream sundae (made for sharing with the whole group) served up with EVERY TOPPING in the house!

Beach Club Marketplace  is the quick service location AND gift shop at the Beach Club.

Beach Club Marketplace

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Beach Club Marketplace has a limited menu of hot meals along with some stellar grab-and-go and pastry options.

Martha’s Vineyard  is a relaxing spot to get a bite and a drink in the evening hours.

Martha’s Vineyard

Specialty cocktails, craft drafts, wines, and a full bar menu are available. The cuisine (a small selection of appetizers) is inspired by a Northeastern clambake, with comforting seafood favorites like clam chowder served alongside a few pub classics like chicken wings.

Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill  is the Pool Bar for Stormalong Bay!

CHEERS from Hurricane Hanna’s!

Thankfully a few substantial entrees (like burgers and chicken nuggets) are on the menu along with the drinks, because you won’t want to leave this amazing pool area!

And remember,  all of the restaurants at the Yacht Club Resort are easily accessible to Beach Club guests ! These include:

• Yachtsman Steakhouse  (Signature Dining)
• Ale & Compass Restaurant  (Casual Table Service)
• The Market at Ale & Compass  (Quick Service)
• Ale & Compass Lounge
• Crew’s Cup Lounge

What could beat all the options you see above? Well, let’s take a look at the whopping array of restaurants along Disney’s BoardWalk (along with those tucked inside the Resort)!

Flying Fish  is a  signature restaurant  that serves gourmet seafood .  Many tout both the sea and land dishes here. (The Char-Crusted New York Strip is a favorite among landlubbers.)

Flying Fish

The location — complete with a lovely glass school of fish “swimming” above the main dining room — has an emphasized focus on seasonal, sustainable fare.

Trattoria al Forno features  regional Italian specialties with classic preparations .

Charcuterie Board at Trattoria al Forno

Many ingredients are crafted in-house, including hand-crafted mozzarella and handmade cavatelli. Trattoria al Forno also features seasonal risotto and serves only Italian wines. A lovely a la carte breakfast is also served ; however, we are hoping that the Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast (a character meal featuring Disney couples such as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider and Ariel with Prince Eric) makes its return soon.

Head to a real brewing factory at  Big River Grille & Brewing Works ! Here you can sample many different kinds of beers, along with great  burgers, steaks, nachos, and more .

The Brewery Nachos with Chicken at Big River Grille

The  floor-to-ceiling glass walls  in the Big River Grille & Brewing Works restaurant provide a glimpse into the beer-making process. Watch while an  on-site brew master  crafts the establishment’s beers. Or sit outside and enjoy the BoardWalk atmosphere and water views.

The BoardWalk Deli  serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner , and guests enjoy items like house-baked bagels, an “overstuffed warm pastrami Reuben” or a hand-piped cannoli.

Italian Sub Sandwich at BoardWalk Deli

In Disney’s words, the menu takes us on  “ a road trip of classic sweet and savory flavors from New York to the Jersey Shore,”  and  you can check it out here . 

According to the story of AbracadaBar , you can still feel the magic in the air at this  former secret haunt of boardwalk magicians and entertainers … a group that  mysteriously vanished over 70 years ago.

Magic Mirror at AbracadaBar

Guests can experience their lingering magic in the sights, sounds, and even tastes (through the signature “Curious Cocktails”) in this enchanted lounge!

The  Belle Vue Lounge is what many call a “rare find.” Modeled after  a 1930s sitting room , it has lovely hidden touches like board games and working radios playing shows from eras past.

Belle Vue Lounge

Tucked right off the main lobby, this lounge is a great place to  relax and enjoy a drink after a long day at the parks, or even to take a quick snooze in a comfy chair to recharge in late afternoon. (Not that I’ve done that or anything…)

Craving a cool treat? Then stop by   BoardWalk Ice Cream ! This ice cream to-go store scoops up sundaes and cones made with Edy’s brand ice cream.

BoardWalk Ice Cream

The treats here are inspired by the beloved Beaches & Cream Soda Shop that we mentioned earlier, but they are served in portable portions.

BoardWalk Joe’s is a stand that is known for ONE thing: “Marvelous Margaritas!” For a relatively small kiosk, there is a surprising  variety of flavorful margaritas  available — and sometimes you’ll happen upon a seasonal concoction!

Boardwalk Joe’s

A  selection of snacks  such as pretzels and roasted nuts is also available. Non-alcoholic smoothies (including one made with Dole Whip!) are also on offer.

Stop by the  Pizza Window for a piping hot pizza pie!

BoardWalk Pizza Window

They serve up whole pizza pies and pizza by the slice (and Sangria to go with it, for of-age guests, along with fountain drinks). Grab one of the cafe tables outside or bring your pizza feast back to your room and relax.

Welcome to  Leaping Horse Libations ! Out by the Luna Park Pool, you’ll find this poolside bar with all the basics you need for an afternoon in the sun — cold drinks, snacks, and even a few lunch items to get you through your Florida sun-and-pool afternoon!

Leaping Horse Libations

Look for fun carnival-themed drinks like the Tilt-A-Whirl, and The Roller Coaster Meltdown served along with the standard Disney pool bar menu.

You can find   Carousel Coffee inside the BoardWalk Inn. This spot is located right off the Resort’s lobby, making it a perfectly convenient spot for your pick-me-up cup!

Carousel Coffee

Coffee, tea, and pastries (including options by Joffrey’s Coffee) are on offer.

Do you love music from the 70′s, 80′s, and 90′s? Do you love dueling piano improv? Then  Jellyrolls Dueling Piano Bar is the place for you! The raucous bar brings you non-stop dueling pianos  and a drink special each night (the “Jellyroll of the Day”).

So be thinking of your favorite Billy Joel, Mariah Carey or Elton John song to request! There is a cover charge of $18.00 to enter. Jellyrolls is typically open  nightly from 7PM to 1:45AM.  Doors open at 7PM, and entertainment starts at 8PM — it helps to be early to grab a seat!

Atlantic Dance Hall  is another bar on the BoardWalk. Looking for a place to get your groove on? Boogie down to music from the 80s through today at Atlantic Dance Hall!

Atlantic Dance Hall

You can request your favorite music videos, and dance along as they play on the large screens above. Shake your groove thang, and get your dance on with a group of friends! Please note that Atlantic Dance Hall is limited to guests 21 and older and typically open Thursday through Sunday nights from 8PM to 1AM.

More to Come along the BoardWalk…

We’re not done yet! The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is coming to Disney World’s BoardWalk this year! This new Table Service restaurant will serve items for brunch, lunch,  and  dinner  featuring both  sweet and savory menus .   Afternoon tea service  will be offered as well!

Cake Bake Shop in Indianapolis

Disney notes that the new eatery will present a  “whimsical atmosphere that complements the magic of the idyllic charm of Disney’s BoardWalk that guests know and love.”  And guess what? Guest will also be able to pop in for a  quick treat  by grabbing something  to-go from the bakery case !

And there’s STILL one more new spot on the way to the BoardWalk later this year … Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs !

©Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs

Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs  currently serves  Hand-dipped Corn Dogs  and  other unique Corn Dog creations over in Disneyland at the Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs kiosk in Downtown Disney. And let me tell you… these are NOT you average Corn Dogs. A few that we’ve tried at the Downtown Disney location are the Mexican Street Corn Dog , a  Christmas Corn Dog , and even a  Golden Dragon Corn Dog!

We’re giving this round to the BoardWalk Inn. With so many eateries, it’s a true dining destination where even the simplest of snack are far above par. But here’s the great thing: no matter whether you choose BoardWalk Inn or Beach Club, you have incredibly easy access to ALL of the dining options for both Resorts… PLUS those at the Yacht Club, too! Considering these options are all steps away from EPCOT and its own fantastic food, it’s an embarrassment of riches in the EPCOT Resort area when it comes to dining.

Transportation

SPOILER ALERT! 😉 Being just steps away from each other, the Beach Club and BoardWalk Inn share the same free Disney World Resort transportation options. And fortunately, the transportation perks at these EPCOT area Resorts are pretty great!

A  very rare perk is that, from both the Beach Club and BoardWalk Inn, guests have a very short walk to get to EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance  (between the park’s United Kingdom and France pavilions).

International Gateway Sign

Folks can also walk to the connected Yacht Club Resort and to the  Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels.

The International Gateway also hosts EPCOT’S  Disney Skyliner  Station. From EPCOT, the Skyliner has a stop at  Disney’s Riviera Resort  and continues  directly to  Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort  (which serves as the Skyliner Hub).

EPCOT Disney Skyliner Station

From Caribbean Beach, it’s a simple  transfer to  Disney’s Hollywood Studios   (or to  Disney’s Pop Century  and  Art of Animation Resorts ).

Guests at both Resorts can also  walk along Crescent Lake to Disney’s Hollywood Studios ; however, due to the longer distance to Hollywood Studios, other forms of transportation to Hollywood Studios are provided. For instance, you can take a  Friendship Boat  down Crescent Lake to   Disney’s Hollywood Studios !

Friendship Boat docked at the BoardWalk

The Friendship Boat also makes stops at EPCOT and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels.

And, of course, there is complimentary access to  Disney Bus Transportation  to and from Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom ,  the water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), and  Disney Springs .

No surprise here that this category is a DRAW!

The Winner!

“Aaaand the winner is”. .. whichever Resort YOU think it is for your group’s needs and desires. We do want to give a special nod to the spectacular Stormalong Bay at the Beach Club; and if soaking up rays and splashing around your Resort’s pool is a major vacation goal for you… well, that could certainly be the clincher. On the other hand, if you are more drawn to immersive Disney theming, the BoardWalk Inn, with its charm and sense of fun, might be the better fit for you. The lovely thing about the EPCOT Resorts in particular is that you can easily soak up the atmosphere of all of them simply by taking a stroll around the area! When you include the Yacht Club in the mix, it’s practically a three-fer!

Still, have a Resort decision to make? If you’d like to check out some more Resort comparisons, feel free to click on any of the links below:

• Contemporary vs. Yacht Club Resort Guide
• Grand Floridian vs. Wilderness Lodge Resort Guide
• Polynesian Village vs. Contemporary Resort Guide
• Saratoga Springs vs. Coronado Springs Resort Guide 
• Wilderness Lodge vs. Riviera Resort Guide
• Old Key West vs. Saratoga Springs Resort Guide
• Art of Animation vs. Pop Century Resort Guide
• Coronado Springs vs. Port Orleans Resort Guide 
• Caribbean Beach vs. Coronado Springs Resort Guide

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Theme parks, disney cruise line – what you need to know, cruise line ships, disney private islands, recent walt disney world, recent disneyland, disney world reviews, other park reviews, recent reviews, allears style, newsletter home, which resort has the best club level in disney world.

Are you considering staying in a Club Level room during your Disney World vacation? Or perhaps you’d just like to learn a little more about this concierge option available at select Disney World Resort hotels ?

Well, there may be more factors to consider than you realize to choose the Club Level that’s right for you. (And if you’re curious to learn whether Club Level itself is a good choice for your group to begin with, we dive into that topic here .) Today we’re chatting about which Resort has the BEST Club Level in Disney World. Are you ready?

We are, too! But first things first: let’s give a brief overview of Club Levels at Disney World hotels. Club Level (also called Concierge Club Level) is a room category that offers special perks and accommodations . For instance, Club Level guests have access to an exclusive lounge that offers light meals like continental breakfast, snacks throughout the day, and even evening desserts and cocktail hours. (Cheers!)

Additionally, Club Level guests receive special planning help prior to their visit through Disney Signature Services, as well as a separate dedicated Concierge Desk onsite to help during their stay. Concierge Cast Members are typically available from 7AM to 10PM each day (as well as the time leading up to your vacation). Cast Members can assist with park tickets, advance dining reservations, and many more recommendations that can help throughout your vacation.

So, those are the basics! Now let’s explore WHICH Resort Club Level option is the BEST… or simply the best for YOU! Let’s start by going down the list of options, and then we’ll cover a few factors to consider in your decision.

Disney World Resort Hotels with Club Levels

Atrium club level in disney’s contemporary resort (deluxe resort).

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is mere steps away from Magic Kingdom , and is one of three hotels on the Monorail Loop. The vibe is bright and modern, while guests will also enjoy classic Disney touches including a mural by legendary Disney artist Mary Blair, and recently refurbished guest rooms themed to The Incredibles .

The Contemporary offers Club Level Rooms on the 12th and 14th Floor of the Resort’s Tower, with the 14th floor housing Suites. The 12th floor Atrium Club Concierge and the 14th floor Tower Club Concierge offer the same guest services and food items.

Readers have provided reviews of the Contemporary Club Level which you can read here , but we’re shining a spotlight on a few quotes below:

“Because we were staying Club Level, we were able to walk down and watch the fireworks on the balcony at night and man were the views spectacular! Eating breakfast on the club level balcony while watching the ferry and monorail come and go, as well as admire Cinderella Castle can’t be beat. T he food provided was delicious and my family and I especially enjoyed the desserts provided during the fireworks.”

“The staff could not have been more wonderful and attentive… The snacks were not as nice as at some of the other club levels where we have stayed, but they were adequate.”

Kilimanjaro Club Level in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Deluxe Resort)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is nearest to Disney’s Animal Kingdom park . The most unique thing about this remarkable Resort is that there are over 200 animals that LIVE on the Savannas of the Lodge!

The Kilimanjaro Club Level is on the 6th floor of the Resort’s Jambo House, and while it is spacious and lovely, the Lounge itself does not offer a view of the Savanna (where the animals can be seen).

If you have dined at Boma or Jiko — The Cooking Place , you may be thrilled to know that the Lounge offers many bites like those you’d enjoy at those restaurants! A selection of South African wines is also available to try.

You can find reviews from AllEars readers for the Kilimanjaro Club Level Lounge here , and we’ve provided a few quotes below:

“It takes a bit of a walk to get to the top floor for refreshments and free food, even if you are close to the elevators on the lower levels.”

“The food offerings, except breakfast, shouldn’t be viewed as meal replacements but for a very light eater you can eat enough to not want a lunch or heavy dinner. The offerings in the evening tie into the theme of the resort and are a great way to try something you might not otherwise eat.”

“There were hot options at breakfast and cocktail hour. The staff were very helpful with providing food for our daughter with a food allergy. Everyone was very helpful in the lounge. I do wish the club level rooms were closer to the club area.”

King Kamehameha Club Level in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (Deluxe Resort)

The “Spirit of ALOHA” awaits at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort ! This South Island-inspired Resort is on the Magic Kingdom Monorail Loop and sits on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon.

The Club level rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are located in the Hawaii and Tonga buildings, and the private lounge is on the second floor of the Hawaii building.

A HUGE bonus to the lounge is that it offers fantastic views of Cinderella Castle and the Magic Kingdom fireworks (and the music for the fireworks is played on speakers inside the lounge during the show).

Here’s some of what AllEars readers had to share in their reviews of the Polynesian’s Club Level :

“Lots of different kinds of food at each meal time and the alcoholic beverages were plentiful! I recommend the punch!! We had breakfast each day and enjoyed at least one other treat time or drink time each day. We were able to take back to our room or eat in the very nice lounge.”

“Since they built the bungalows on the beach, the views from Hawaii bldg rooms have been severely impacted, such that now only the third floor rooms have a true theme park view…. during the Magic Kingdom fireworks, the CM’s make it extra magical for all in the lounge by turning down the lights in the room and piping in the music, so we can watch AND hear the show…and it’s wonderful.”

“The concierge was always helpful, whether I needed something picked up from a park or printing out my boarding passes. Food in the club was plentiful and always tasty.”

Old Faithful Club Level in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (Deluxe Resort)

The beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the legacy of great National Parks is celebrated at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge ! Though Wilderness Lodge is not a stop along the Monorail Loop, this Resort offers easy (and fun!) access to the Magic Kingdom by boat.

The Concierge rooms (all located on the seventh floor, along with the Club Level Lounge) offer a privacy balcony and the view will be either woods or courtyard.

Here are a few quotes from AllEars reader reviews :

“ The cast members at the club level are all top notch. Super helpful with answering any questions. Breakfast every day was great. Each day was a little different but there were always staples. The croissants were particularly great!”

“The lounge was welcoming with a stunning view of the lobby. The staff were extremely helpful and every time you passed a CM in the hallway, they smiled and said hello. We felt completely at home and very welcome indeed… The food was lovely, always plenty available with a fridge full of chilled drinks available too… The WL CL really know how to treat their guests, and it shows.”

Royal Palm Club Level in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort (Deluxe Resort)

Disney’s Grand Floridian is Disney World’s flagship Resort! Presenting a turn-of-the-century Victorian theme, the Grand Floridian is on the Monorail Loop… and the very next stop is the Magic Kingdom .

All of the Club Level room (and about half of the suites) are located on the third, fourth, and fifth floors of the main building. The Lounge is located on the fourth floor. Unless you are staying in one of the Club Level rooms, you cannot get to the third, fourth, or fifth floors of the main building. Access is by private elevator only. (The Sugar Loaf building also offers full club-level service.)

AllEars readers had the following to share in our collection of reviews for Club Level at the Grand Floridian :

“We loved the club level perk of the food and beverages. The staff was not as friendly as I was expecting, and the eating area was always crowded.”

“After many stays at The Boardwalk in Concierge level and the Wilderness Lodge Concierge level I expected a lot more from Grand Floridian.”

“The private lounge was beautiful and the food and drinks plentiful.”

Stone Harbor Club Level in Disney’s Beach Club Resort (Deluxe Resort)

Disney’s Beach Club is styled after the New England seaside at the turn of the century and the seashore theme is evident throughout this bright and airy Resort, which also boasts a pool complex that’s like its own mini water park! The Beach Club connects directly to its sister Resort, the Yacht Club. It’s also within walking distance to EPCOT !

Club Level room options are diverse, ranging from standard, garden, and water view rooms to the Newport Presidential Suite (and also including 1- and 2-bedroom suites.)

Allears readers have shared the following within this collection of Club Level reviews of Beach Club :

“It was awesome from beginning to end. The staff were outstanding and got to know us so much so when we came in from the parks, be it mid afternoon or evening, they brought us our favorite alcoholic beverages and kept bringing more. The evening offerings were enough to fill us up so we didn’t need to buy dinner.”

“the best part was the staff. Awesome helpful people. The food was always warm and restocked, staff members were constantly inquiring about how the food was and if you needed anything. They were also happy to chat and provide tips, or little known facts, or suggestions.”

Regatta Club Level in Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Where the Beach Club celebrates life along the shore, its sister Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club , is a tribute to life ON the sea with its more nautical theming. As it connects directly to the Beach Club, the Yacht Club likewise boasts a walking path directly to EPCOT as well as easy access to the Disney Skyliner .

All Club Level rooms are located on the Yacht Club’s 5th floor.

Readers have several great things to say about the Regatta Club Level in our collection of reviews :

“We definitely took advantage of the breakfast more than any of the other options since we were at the parks most of the day. On one of the late afternoons we did stop back in and were able to try out the hors d’oeuvres consisting of crudites, various cheeses, sliced roast beef and turkey with dinner rolls, chicken fingers, mac and cheese, smoked salmon and a few others I don’t recall. You easily could have made a dinner out of what was there. Another night we came back in time to enjoy the desserts which included 2 to 3 assorted mini cupcakes, mini tarts, rice crispy treats, ice cream, fresh fruit, and cookies. Good thing we were doing a lot of walking on this trip! Overall, the lounge was busy but not overcrowded.”

“This stay really lead me and my husband to decided to continue staying club level going forward… Club Level was definitely worth it.”

Innkeeper’s Club Level in Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

We have one more option for you within walking distance to EPCOT : Disney’s BoardWalk Inn . The turn-of-the-century Coney Island-inspired BoardWalk offers Club Level guests access to the Innkeeper’s Club.

Club Level guests may choose from standard rooms or water or garden views, or opt for a 2-Bedroom Suite.

Take a peek at the following quotes from AllEars reader reviews of the Innkeeper’s Cub Level at the BoardWalk .

“As for the Innkeeper’s Lounge, the Continental Breakfast had a number of good offerings. The afternoon snacks were good. The dinner time appetizers and other offerings were a big disappointment… The seating in the Lounge was usually insufficient, which is another disappointment when spending so much money for club level.”

“It’s by no means cheap but replaces mini expensive restaurant meals. Fantastic [cast members]. Overall a terrific experience!”

Chronos Club Level in Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs Resort (Moderate Resort)

Do you see how “One of these things is not like the other?” (Sing along if you remember that one 😉 ). Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is the single Moderate Resort on the list of Resorts with a Club Level option.

Club Level options for Coronado Springs Resort arrived with the addition of Gran Destino Tower in 2019. In fact, Club Level access is exclusive to rooms in the Tower, which include Standard View rooms, Deluxe-, 1-Bedroom- and Presidential Suites.

You can take a photo tour of the stunning Gran Destino Tower here ; and it’s good to know that the nearest park to Coronado Springs is Animal Kingdom (and, therefore, a bit of a bus trek to the other parks).

Factors to Consider

Theme and style.

When it comes to choosing a Club Level, choosing your preferred theme or style is much like that of choosing your Resort! So, this one all boils down to preference.

Do you love the idea of the casual feel of the Beach Club? Does the idea of seeing animals on the daily at Animal Kingdom Lodge pique your interest?

Then simply follow where your instincts lead! If you are looking more into logistics, we have more factors to consider…

Proximity to Parks

If you know you’ll be spending a lot of your time in EPCOT, the Beach Club, Yacht Club, or BoardWalk Inn would be your best bets.

If you’re planning to tackle ALL. THE. RIDES. in Magic Kingdom, a Resort on the Monorail Loop might be best for you. We’ve mentioned closest park proximity in all of the individual Resort sections above to help you consider your options.

Ratings from Readers

You may feel a little more confident in your decision by checking out what others have to say about their experience.

With the exception of the newest Club Level option (at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort), you can click on any of the review links above to check out full reviews from fellow AllEars readers to find out their thoughts and experiences regarding the individual Resort Club Levels.

Be sure to consider if a specific view from your room is of importance to you.

Because Club Level Rooms are relegated to certain areas of the Resorts, you may want to factor that into your decision.

Ah, yes… ’tis a splurge to enjoy Club Level access. As we mentioned in a previous post , the price of staying Club Level ranges from an additional $100 a night to $275 a night depending on the resort. A good rule of thumb is that the more expensive the hotel and room category, the greater the added cost.

Specific pricing can be found on the Disney World website, in exactly the same way you would search for any room in a Disney World Resort hotel. (In fact, when perusing “Room Rates” on the Disney World website, Club Level rooms are clearly marked in the search, so you can conduct an easy cost comparison between both regular rooms and other Club Level options at various Resort hotels.

We hope this chat has helped in your Disney World vacation planning! And if you’ve ever experienced Club Level at Disney World, we’d love to hear about it with a comment!

Animal Kingdom Lodge Concierge Offerings

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One Reply to “Which Resort Has The Best Club Level In Disney World?”

The picture of the Animal Kingdom Lodge Concierge lounge is labelled incorrectly. That picture is of a lounge just off the lobby that anyone can access.

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Yacht Club vs Beach Club vs Boardwalk Inn

• Thread starter MsOnceUponATime
• Start date Dec 28, 2018

MsOnceUponATime

Dis veteran.

• Dec 28, 2018

Are there any major differences between the three? Three adults will be staying - who will be hitting Epcot, MK and HS on a 5 night/6 day visit. Would one of the above hotels be better than the other for this type of trip? The prices are comparable.  

Yacht Club has the most recently renovated rooms, but that's the biggest difference I see between them - aside from the pool, with Stormalong Bay only available to guests of BC/YC. I have a trip planned next year and we went with YC simply for the renovated rooms.  

Retired and living 2 miles from The Castle.

Biggest difference is probably Stormalong Bay at the Beach & Yacht Clubs. Boardwalk, of course, has the whole boardwalk atmosphere witch is mostly a night-time thing. Of course if you are staying at Beach or Yacht, that's a short walk away.  

Mouseketeer

I've never stayed at YC, but between Boardwalk and Beach Club we enjoyed our trip at Beach Club more. Unfortunately for us, it was during Thanksgiving one year and it wasn't warm enough to enjoy Stormalong Bay, we'll have to try again! The pool at Boardwalk was nice, but Stormalong Bay was way nicer.  

loves to dive

I usually just go with whichever one is cheapest at the time I'm booking. I prefer YC but will stay at any of them. BC is my least favorite since it's more family friendly and we are two adults and I don't like the fact that all the rooms don't have full balconies. We never use the main pool at any of them, we use the quiet pools instead. YC has more of an adult feel, BW has no indoor food options, they are all out on the boardwalk but that has never been a problem with us. Technically, BC is closer to Epcot but it really isn't that big of a difference.  

Princess Mulan

MsOnceUponATime said: Are there any major differences between the three? Three adults will be staying - who will be hitting Epcot, MK and HS on a 5 night/6 day visit. Would one of the above hotels be better than the other for this type of trip? The prices are comparable. Click to expand...

Buckeye Jones

Earning my ears.

We are a family of 5, and have stayed at BWI and YC, though only 4 of us went on our YC trip. I prefer BW. The room was bigger, and just had a more upscale feel. The closet space is much better at BW too. My kids love the pool at YC, and for the summer months we will stay there again. I think they spent more time at the pool than in the parks on that trip. For an adult trip I’d go with BW, for sure. We are staying there in March, and I can’t wait to go “home.”  

• Dec 29, 2018

You can't go wrong with any of them. But we prefer BC all the way. It was renovated just before YC, so the difference there is minimal. We enjoy SAB, and the ease of walking to Epcot.  

******* said: Yacht & Beach Club all the way! You can beat the "water park" they got there (Stormalong bay) { "lightbox_close": "Close", "lightbox_next": "Next", "lightbox_previous": "Previous", "lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.", "lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow", "lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow", "lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen", "lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails", "lightbox_download": "Download", "lightbox_share": "Share", "lightbox_zoom": "Zoom", "lightbox_new_window": "New window", "lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar" } Click to expand...

All thrteee are good choices for an Epcot centric visit, however BC is my favorite. The issue is the balcony though, I don't care if we have one or not, but if you really want a balcony, choose YC or BWI.  

SweetSerenity

Thank you evenin' star.

• Dec 30, 2018

As others have mentioned, they are all so similar that I think it comes down to what is important to you. The main pool area for Yacht Club and Beach Club is so beautiful, but it was always crowded whenever we were there. Boardwalk has lovely terraces overlooking the gardens for lounging and conversing, and the quaint Bellevue Lounge was very nice. The main drawback to BWI for us was the inconvenience of refilling mugs if you're going to be using one. We never used ours because the closest option was the Boardwalk Bakery, which was a ways away from our room. If you will be using Disney transportation, though, the boats to Epcot and Hollywood Studios is shared between the Boardwalk, YC/BC, and the Swan and Dolphin. The boat to Epcot went straight over after picking up at The Boardwalk, which was nice. Of course, you can also walk. We did that several times, and it was not a bad stroll. I don't think you can go wrong choosing any of them, though.  

Thank you all! We will be going in October so it's likely that we will not be using the pools (besides we have a fantastic pool at home). I'm wondering - is there a view preference at Boardwalk? Is Garden view worth the price increase over Standard view? I popped over to Costco travel and can get an almost $500 discount (vs the Disney website itself) booking through Costco if we stay at Boardwalk! That discount is almost a no-brainer for me if the three hotels are that comparable. I am aware that this is comparing to rack rate on the Disney website, but I don't want to wait too terribly long to lock in a hotel.  

MsOnceUponATime said: Thank you all! We will be going in October so it's likely that we will not be using the pools (besides we have a fantastic pool at home). I'm wondering - is there a view preference at Boardwalk? Is Garden view worth the price increase over Standard view? I popped over to Costco travel and can get an almost $500 discount (vs the Disney website itself) booking through Costco if we stay at Boardwalk! That discount is almost a no-brainer for me if the three hotels are that comparable. I am aware that this is comparing to rack rate on the Disney website, but I don't want to wait too terribly long to lock in a hotel. Click to expand...

We are 2 adults who almost always stay at BWI. WE stopped staying at BC because of the noise and chaos. Stormalong bay means nothing to us. Again I am not a fan of chaos. The primary reason we end up at BWI is that it ends up being a few hundred $$$ less than YC. BWI is closer to Epcot and DHS. Even standard view rooms were not too bad at BWI. We’ve had the roof view at the yacht club. I never do standard at YC. So for 3 adults I’d put them in this order BWI YC BC  

Mynamewastaken

We've done all 3 and love BWI. We always pay for Garden View. I've never had a bad experience there.  

Our preference is BWI, but it is slight. All three resorts are very similar, IMO. The big difference is the pool (Storm Along Bay vs the dreaded clown pool! LOL) We just use the quiet pool at the BWI.  

We have stayed at all three. We rate them YC, BC, BWI, with YC being our favorite and BWI our least favorite.  

Babsy said: Our preference is BWI, but it is slight. All three resorts are very similar, IMO. The big difference is the pool (Storm Along Bay vs the dreaded clown pool! LOL) We just use the quiet pool at the BWI. Click to expand...

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