do all disney yacht club rooms have balconies

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Complete Guide to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (w/ review)

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is 1 of 8 Deluxe Resort hotels (not including Deluxe Villas) on Walt Disney World Property. It offers stunning views, popular dining, and a fan-favorite swimming pool that guests can’t get enough of. Yacht Club is also located right next to Disney’s Beach Club Resort , which is accessible just by walking.

Here’s everything you need to know about Yacht Club.

In this article

Pros and Cons

Pros:  Location is about a 5-10 minute walk to Epcot and the Boardwalk area, boat ride or walk to Hollywood Studios, close to Disney Skyliner Station , Stormalong Bay is the best on-site pool, Cast Members get higher praise than most other resorts, all rooms have balconies, dog-friendly

Cons:  Not as well suited for families with small children, shared buses with a few other resorts can mean long bus rides

Resort category:  Deluxe

Resort area:  Epcot

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

• View Yacht Club Resort Maps

Located in the Epcot Resort Area, Yacht Club isn’t just within walking distance of the Beach Club , but Epcot itself. There is a path that leads directly to the International Gateway. What’s better than that?

It’s definitely a pricier resort, but for good reason. Based on location, sharing several amenities with Beach Club, just a boat ride away from Hollywood Studios, access to the Skyliner at Epcot, and much more, Yacht Club has a lot to offer. 

Plus, the New England-style resort sits on the water and truly is a gorgeous resort right on property. Here’s everything you need to know.

Guest Rooms and Bathrooms

Yacht Club offers a variety of rooms that can sleep up to 6 people, depending on the type of room you book.

Each rooms offers your standard amenities, like a hairdryer, TV, free WiFi, a Keurig coffee maker, telephone, in-room safe, iron and ironing board, and a mini-refrigerator. Plus, there’s a range of views, including a view of the water, pool, garden, woods, rooftop, or parking area.

There’s even a selection of rooms that feature Club Level Service , which we go over in more detail below.

And, don’t worry, there are plenty of outlets and USB ports for charging all of your devices. Better yet, there’s plenty of storage for your belongings, including space under the bed, drawers, and closet space. 

The bathrooms have storage underneath the sink and vanity area, as well, which is also separate from the shower and toilet area. 

Let’s go through the types of rooms available to book.

Room Types without Club-Level Access

The are several types of rooms to book that include:

• Garden or Woods View
• Standard View
• 2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level Access
• Standard View – Club Level
• Garden View – Club Level
• Water View – Club Level

Here is a further breakdown of rooms and what they include view and bed-wise.

Keep in mind that the day beds are not pull-down beds. Day beds are made for an adult, like a twin bed.

• Standard View : Views of Rooftop or Parking Area; 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed or 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair and 1 Day Bed or 1 King Bed or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed

• Water View : Views of Crescent Lake or Quiet Pool; 2 Queen Beds or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed or 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair and 1 Day Bed or 1 King Bed or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed
• Garden or Woods View : Views of Garden; 2 Queen Beds or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed or 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair and 1 Day Bed or 1 King Bed

• King Bed : Room views vary; 1 King Bed

Rooms and Suites with Club-Level Access

These rooms and suites have the same amenities provided in the rooms above, in addition to Club-Level Service perks. They include:

• Evening turndown
• Secured key access to the club-level lounge (serves refreshments 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily)
• Complimentary fax assistance
• Club Level Concierge – Regatta Club
• Complimentary health club access
• Complimentary newspapers in Club Level lounge

Guests also have access to a DVD Player and Disney Signature Services for personal assistance with your trip.

Here are the rooms:

• Standard View Club-Level : Views of Rooftop or Parking Area; 2 Queen Beds or 1 King Bed

• Garden View Club-Level : Views of Garden; 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed
• Water View Club-Level : Views of one of the Stormalong Bay Lagoons; 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed or 2 Queen Beds or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed

• 2 Bedroom Suite – Club-Level Access : Views of Stormalong Bay or Crescent Lake; 2 King Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

Note: There are also both wheelchair and hearing accessible rooms available that include accessible bathrooms and visual alarms.

You can check out room layouts below.

Pet-Friendly Policy

Yacht Club is pet-friendly , but there are certain conditions that must be met. First, there’s a limit of 2 dogs per room. In order to bring your dog with you, you’ll need to call (407) 939-7539.

There’s also a day and overnight kennel care at  Best Friends Pet Care  located on property.

Yacht Club Resort Room Options

VIDEO: Disney’s Yacht Club Resort tour (rooms, pools, dining)

Checking In And Out

When it comes to checking in and out, you have a few options: at the front desk, online through the official Walt Disney World website, or via the My Disney Experience app.

The front desk is located in the lobby of the main building. Even though the front desk is there to assist guests, especially with checking in and checking out, all Disney World Resort guests are encouraged to check-in online  or by using MDE.

• Checking-In : After you check-in online or using the app, you’ll receive a room-ready notification via next. You can then use your MagicBand or MDE’s digital key feature to  unlock your room door .
• Checking-Out : Currently, guests will automatically be checked out of their rooms. But, if you have unresolved charges to your hotel folio, you’ll need to visit the front desk.

Note: Guests also have the option of to chat virtually with resort Cast Members via MDE for any assistance. 

The lobby is a nice size, with plenty of seating. Ale & Compass Restaurant and Ale & Compass Lounge are nearby, along with the Crew’s Cup Lounge . 

The pickup and dropoff location for  Mears Connect  (which is the replacement for Magical Express) and the bus stop are also right outside the main lobby. As for Bell Services and  luggage storage , you can find that counter inside in the lobby.

Note: Resort Airline Check-In and Magical Express are no longer available.

• Learn about how to get from the airport to Disney World

Package Delivery & Pick Up

You can have packages and groceries delivered to your Disney Resort hotel, along with shipping select items home.

• Learn more about how to get groceries at Disney World
• Learn more about shipping packages to and from Walt Disney World

Disney used to have a service where you were able to purchase items in the parks and then have them delivered to your resort’s gift shop. However, that service has been unavailable for several years now.

Although parking at Disney World resort hotels used to cost a nightly fee for resort guests, Disney has changed their policy so that parking is now  free  for all on-site resort guests. This change was implemented on January 10, 2023.

Valet parking is also available for $33 per night.

Complimentary standard self-parking is available for non-resort guests exploring dining, shopping, entertainment, and other experiences during the day.

We also have a complete  Walt Disney World parking  guide you can browse.

Important: Valet parking might not always be available.

Yacht Club Building

Yacht Club rooms are located in one main building. As soon as you enter the lobby, you’ll see a sitting area, the front desk, and Bell Services.

There is a set of stairs, which you will climb to find your room. There is also a set of elevators.

Amenities And Shops

From gift shops, to on-site laundry services, to spa and fitness, there are several amenities offered to guests at Yacht Club.

Important note: Some of the following amenities might not be available at all times.

• Beach Club Marketplace Gifts : An all-purpose shop with souvenirs, apparel, grab ‘n’ go food items, beverages, and more.
• Market at Ale & Compass : Find everyday essentials, souvenirs, beverages, and snacks.

• Laundry Services : There are 24-hour  self-service laundry facilities available near Admiral Pool.
• Dry Cleaning Services : Dry cleaning and valet laundry services are also an option.

• Movies Under the Stars : Watch complimentary Disney movies in the Solarium or on the lawn outdoors near the volleyball courts.
• Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness : Full-service exercise facility with fitness equipment and spa offerings.

• Childcare Services :  In-room babysitting  for children 6 months to 12 years old.

Pools And Recreation

Yacht Club has one main feature pool and two leisure pools. If you need a non-park day, we recommended spending the day at your hotel and enjoying a Disney Resort pool .

Important note: Some of the pools and recreation options might not be available at all times.

Feature Pool

• Stormalong Bay : A sand-bottomed pool with a lazy river that also has a life-size shipwreck replica. It has one of the highest hotel waterslides. There’s pool covers three acres. Guests can also enjoy the pool bar and grill, Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill.

Leisure Pools

• Yacht Club : The Admiral Pool is located in the garden area near the tennis court. Located in the garden are
• Beach Club : The Tidal Pool is in the garden area near the volleyball court. 
• Beach Club Villas : Yacht Club guests are allowed to use the Beach Club Villas’ leisure pool, the Dunes Cove Pool.

All of the leisure pools also have steaming whirlpool spas. Guests can also rent pool cabanas , which are exclusively for Yacht and Beach Club guests.

Some other recreational options include:

• Lafferty Place (arcade games)

• Motorized Boat Rentals

• Jogging Trails
• Campfire to roast marshmallows

There are also specialties for an additional price, including:

• Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf : Two 18-hole miniature golf courses inspired by Fantasia .
• Pirate Adventure Cruise : For those 4 to 12 years-old. The pirate adventure follows clues to discover hidden treasures.

Restaurant & Dining Options

Yacht Club has a variety of dining options. You can find Quick Service and Table Service options, along with lounges.

The Market at Ale & Compass offers Mobile Order, while Ale & Compass Restaurant offers Mobile Dine Check-In, meaning you’ll check-in using the My Disney Experience app rather than going to the host stand. When your table is ready, you’ll be notified to proceed to a specific location.

Ale & Compass Restaurant also has Table Service To Go, which allows guests to Mobile Order and take their meal back to their room.

Yacht Club is also located within walking distance to Beach Club, meaning guests have access to even more dining, including the Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, a popular place to snag some delicious ice cream.

You can read more about the dining options at Yacht Club below.

Quick Service

Although you don’t need reservations to dine at the Quick Service locations at Yacht Club, you may want to consider using Mobile Order where available.

The Market at Ale & Compass

This is a grab-and-go spot for those who want a quick breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can find a range of items that aren’t too out-of-the-box, like eggs, breakfast sandwiches, Mickey-shaped waffles, salads, and hot and cold sandwiches.

Location type:  Grab-and-go Type of food:  American Meals served:  Breakfast, lunch, & dinner

• Link to breakfast menu
• Link to lunch and dinner menu
• On the Disney Dining Plan?  Yes, 1 Quick Service credit(s)
• Pros:  Plenty of grab-and-go options and specialty coffee plus bakery cases and Coke Freestyle machines for drinks and refills, mobile ordering in My Disney Experience available
• Cons:   Limited selection and no outdoor seating

Table Service

Table Service locations typically require Advanced Dining Reservations. You can make those online or inside of the Disney Experience app.

Ale & Compass

Here you can enjoy New England comfort food and classic seafood dishes in a coastal-inspired restaurant.

Location type: Casual dining Type of food:  American Meals served:  Breakfast, lunch, & dinner

• Link to lunch menu
• Link to dinner menu
• On the Disney Dining Plan?  Yes, 1 Table Service credit(s)
• Pros:  Reasonably priced, food appeals to many people
• Cons:  Difficult to get to using Disney transportation unless you are staying in the Epcot resorts area

Crew’s Cup Lounge

In addition to beverages, you can also order dinner here between 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., including a wedge salad, a prime rib, lobster bisque, and more.

Location type:  Lounge Type of food:  American Meals served:  Dinner

• On the Disney Dining Plan?  No, 0 Table Service credit(s)
• Pros:  Specialty drinks available (in addition to standard drink options), good appetizer options, usually pretty quiet
• Cons:  Disney Dining Plan not accepted

Yachtsman Steakhouse

A New England-style steakhouse serving premium steaks, fresh seafood, and more.

Location type:  Fine/Signature dining Type of food:  American, Steakhouse Meals served:  Dinner

• On the Disney Dining Plan?  Yes, 2 Table Service credit(s)
• Pros:  Amazing service, fantastic food
• Cons:  Expensive

Everything Else

Looking to grab a snack or maybe just a cup of hot coffee or even a cocktail? Here’s where you can do that:

Ale & Compass Lounge

This lounge serves both cocktails and appetizers beginning at 4 p.m. daily. Food is only available until 10 p.m.

Location type:  Bar and lounge Type of food:  American Meals served:  Drinks and appetizers

• Link to lounge menu
• Pros:  Contemporary design with a cozy and intimate setting, good appetizers and drinks
• Cons: Small seating area, limited food options

VIDEO: 6 Dining Options at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort

How to get from Yacht Club to anywhere at Disney World

You can choose from several forms of complimentary Disney transportation at Yacht Club, including buses (takes you to all the parks and Disney Springs), the Disney Skyliner at the International Gateway (walk the Epcot path), and a boat to Hollywood Studios (you can also take a 20-minute walk here). 

The bus stop is right outside the main entrance. All of the different ways to get from Yacht Club to anywhere in Disney World is detailed below.

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Scheduled Refurbishments

None scheduled right now.

• Check all known refurbishments
• Yacht Club Resort Maps
• Pros and Cons of on-site Walt Disney World Resort hotels

Yacht Club Trip Reports

• Christine from Hawaii’s WDW Trip Report – PREP309
• Kat from Australia’s 3 week adventure – PREP300
• Amanda’s Long May Trip – PREP278

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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Guide

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort 1700 Epcot Resorts Blvd. Lake Buena Vista, 32830 Phone: (407) 934-7000 Fax: (407) 934-3450

Deluxe Resort Classification Located in the Epcot resort area Check In: 3:00 p.m. / Check Out: 11:00 a.m.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a Deluxe Disney resort, located within easy walking distance of Epcot’s International Gateway entrance and of the BoardWalk’s entertainment and dining venues. The Yacht Club Resort is elegant, with nautical theming reminiscent of the Nantucket in the 1880s. Most importantly, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is appealing to the Old Salts among us, as well as those landlubbers who just enjoy a stroll along the beachfront. The floors are hardwood, the decor is brass, and comfy chairs abound- add in a sand-bottom pool that really is a mini-water park, and you’ve got the makings of a great vacation

Check our Rehabs and Closures schedule for any refurbishments or work taking place at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort during your visit.

How to Make Room Requests

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Rooms

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort’s 621 rooms have standard, garden or woods, pool or water views. Standard rooms have either two queen beds and a daybed OR one queen bed and a twin sleeper OR  one king bed  OR  one king bed and one daybed

Twenty suites range in size from junior suite to Presidential suite. All rooms have either a balcony or a patio. Disabled accessible rooms available.

Each room has: Alarm Clock Ceiling Fan Coffeemaker & setup, tea setup DVD player (in suites) Hair dryer In-room wall safe Iron and ironing board Refrigerator Telephone with voice mail Flat Panel TV – ABC, Disney Channel, Check the  TV channel guide  for more Complimentary wireless Internet (WiFi)

Resort amenities include: Self-service laundry facilities near the ‘quiet’ pool Valet laundry service Salon/Barber Services Valet parking

Available upon request, subject to availability Bed Boards/Rails Crib: Pack ‘n Play Microwave

Business Center – At the end of the main hall in the Convention Center, providing fax, photocopy, mail, and computer services, including Internet access (additional fee applies) for Resort Guests.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is also participating in a pilot program to allow dogs to stay with their families in select Disney World Resort Hotels.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Dining

Ale & Compass Restaurant table service location serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Yachtsman Steakhouse Signature Dining location is open for dinner. Hurricane Hanna’s pool bar serves quick-service meals and snacks. Ale & Compass lounge serves drinks and snacks. Crew’s Cup lounge serves drinks and snacks. In-Room Dining is available 24 hours a day:

Beach Club dining options: Cape May Cafe is a Table Service buffet-style restaurant that hosts a character breakfast in the morning and a clam-bake-themed dinner in the evening. Beaches and Cream Soda Shop is a casual Table Service location at the Beach Club. Beaches and Cream Soda Shop To Go Menu Beach Club Marketplace sells Quick Service meals, snacks, and a limited selection of groceries. Martha’s Vineyard

BoardWalk dining opportunities are within easy walking distance: Big River Grille & Brewing Works brewpub Flying Fish (Signature Dining location) BoardWalk Deli BoardWalk Pizza Window AbracadaBar BoardWalk Ice Cream Belle Vue Lounge Pizza Window Boardwalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas The To-Go Cart Leaping Horse Libations Trattoria al Forno The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant by Gwendolyn Rogers– coming soon! Refillable mugs are available for purchase at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop , Beach Club Marketplace , and  Hurricane Hanna’s Grill .

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Recreation

Stormalong Bay – a three-acre water park comprised of three sand-bottom pools with zero-depth entry, and a water slide (also open to Beach Club and Beach Club Villa guests- resort ID/MagicBand required for use) A ‘quiet’ pool Seven whirlpool spas (hot tubs) Children’s playground Lafferty Place Arcade two lighted Tennis courts Bayside Marina: Boat rentals Water cruises Fishing Volleyball  (Beach Club) Jogging trail around Crescent Lake Tennis Volleyball Nightly Campfire Sing-a-long Disney Movies Under The Stars Disney’s Pirate Adventure (children ages 4 to 12) Ship Shape Health Club

For a fun and more relaxing way to spend a day during your visit to Walt Disney World, each resort hosts Poolside Activities each day from 1:30 – 7:00 p.m.. Pool hours and lifeguard availability vary by pool. Activities and programs are subject to change. Although the activities vary by day and by resort, examples of what you might find include trivia, arts and crafts, dance parties, games, bingo, and more.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Shopping

The Market at Ale & Compass stocks Disney character apparel and souvenirs as well as Yacht Club logo merchandise and general sundries. Beach Club Marketplace at the Beach Club is another shopping option, and the BoardWalk has numerous shopping venues.

Look at all your vacation photos by visiting the  Photopass  page. These professional pictures can make a great souvenir for home!

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Transportation

Complimentary Overnight Self-Parking

Transportation Times Between Yacht Club Resort and Disney Destinations

Disney’s bus service is available to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Magic Kingdom, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as well as Disney Springs and the Disney water parks. Water launch transportation is available to the Epcot International Gateway entrance, to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and to the BoardWalk. The Beach Club, Boardwalk, and Epcot’s International Gateway entrance are within walking distance.

The bus stop is located to the left of the main lobby, as you exit the front of the building. Also, the water launch stop is on the dock as you exit the main lobby toward Crescent Lake.

These times are approximate and provided to give you an idea of average travel times. Please plan on up to a 20-minute wait for Disney transportation in addition to walking time to resort or theme park transportation stops.

Magic Kingdom – 19 minutes by bus, 35 minutes by car (with transfers) Epcot International Gate – 8 minutes walking, 18 minutes by boat, 16 minutes by car (to front gate) Disney’s Hollywood Studios – 20 minutes walking, 18 minutes by boat Disney’s Animal Kingdom – 24 minutes by bus, 19 minutes by car Disney Springs – 20 minutes by bus, 11 minutes by car Blizzard Beach water park –22 minutes by bus, 14 minutes by car Typhoon Lagoon water park – 20 minutes by bus, 9 minutes by car

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Childcare

While not an on-site child care facility, however, Kid’s Nite Out, in-room child care, is available at all resorts for children 6 months to 12 years old. Reservations may begin as early as 6:30 a.m. and/or may begin as late as 11:00 p.m., Services are available 24/7.

The Walt Disney World Dolphin will still offer a Children’s Activity Center option and you do not have to be a guest at that resort to use the Children’s Activity Center. Camp Dolphin

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort VIP Top Tips

While room requests are not guaranteed , at the Yacht Club ask to be closest to the lobby to limit the amount of walking needed to the pool area and transportation to the Theme Parks.

The Yacht Club has a beautiful wedding gazebo in its gardens. From the balconies of some of the Garden View and Water View rooms, you can overlook this area and glimpse a Disney wedding.

At Disney’s Yacht Club Resort , all rooms have a full balcony or patio.

Enjoy the close proximity to Epcot’s World Showcase . While there is a boat launch available at Epcot, you can get there faster by walking.

You can access Disney’s Hollywood Studios by boat. You may also enjoy a brisk walk around the BoardWalk down to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In general, you may find the boat ride shorter than walking to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

These resorts offer one of the best pools on Walt Disney World property. While separate, the Yacht & Beach Club Resorts share the pool area. There is a “shipwreck” that offers the entry point to the main water slide. Some areas of the pool have a sandy bottom.

These resort hotels are located near the BoardWalk, offering a short walk to additional restaurants and nightlife that do not require park admission.

Sometimes Disney’s bus transportation may share buses with the other resort hotels in the Epcot area around the BoardWalk. If you find yourself stopping at multiple stops, you may want to get off at the first stop and just walk the rest of the way. This is sometimes quicker than stopping at each resort hotel if the bus loop is being shared with multiple resorts.

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The Disney Yacht Club Rooms

Disclosure: This Disney Yacht Club rooms page contains affiliate links. Read  full Disclosure Policy .

The Disney Yacht Club has a stately atmosphere, fitting with the ships for which it was named. As soon as you enter the lobby, a mix of rich woods and deep color tones has a warm and luxurious vibe. This feeling carries into the rooms, which match the overall character of the resort.

The rooms of the Disney Yacht Club have a simple color palette – dark brown woods, neutral sandy hues, and ocean blue accents. Many of the furnishings also sport gold handles or accentuations that give both a touch of brightness and elegance. In this instance, simple is best, as you have that feeling of a luxury liner rather than something more kitschy. Even the Disney touches are more subdued, adding to the overall adult air of the Yacht Club.

Like the Beach Club , the Disney Yacht Club has a variety of rooms to fit the needs of your party.

However, with the emphasis being more on adults, you may find the rooms fit better for a “grown-up group” rather than a family.

With that in mind, let’s find you the perfect “cabin” for your Disney vacation !

Table of Contents

Room layouts.

• Turret Suites
• Captain’s Deck Suite
• Admiral’s Suite

Standard Rooms at the Disney Yacht Club

Similar to other Disney resorts , the Disney Yacht Club separates its rooms into two categories – standard and club level.

Within each of these levels are different view options. Both indicate what you will see off your balcony or verandah and determine your location within the resort.

At the Yacht Club the three views are standard, garden or woods, and water.

Standard View

Standard views typically have the “undesirable” lookouts, like a rooftop, sidewalk, or parking lot.

However, if you don’t particularly care about the literal view outside your room, standard view can be awesome.

Standard view rooms, since they see the parking lot, are sometimes close to the parking lot. If you drove your own car, this is a blessing. These rooms also tend to be cheaper because of their view, which is great if you’re trying to save a few dollars!

As someone for whom the view does not matter, I would gladly take the price decrease versus a better view.

Garden & Woods View

Garden or woods view rooms look out over the gorgeous landscapes surrounding the Disney Yacht Club.

These looks vary from the cultivated gardens and flowers to the wooded area on the backside of the resort. If you like a tranquil view in the morning or evening, you might want to consider this option.

A woods view is also likely to be pretty quiet, as it does not look out onto the boardwalk or any of the main thoroughfares.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sisters Kitsch (@kneedeepinkitsch)

Water views give you the chance to gaze out over Crescent Lake or provide a good look at the quiet pool areas. Again, if you like to start your morning out on the balcony, a water view can be just the right thing for you.

Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea and watch the day start out on the boardwalk. It is peaceful and lovely, and you’re on the right side to appreciate the view without being blasted by the sun.

Even a view of the pool can be nice, although that runs the risk of being a bit louder. However, if you can see the pool, you are closer to the pool, which is a huge bonus.

Again, all the “view category” does is determine what you see and where you are in the resort.

When it comes to the actual components of the room, you need to consider the layout.

Layouts & Amenities

All the standard rooms have the same basic amenities:

• Internet – Free WiFi Service
• Coffee Maker
• Mini-refrigerator
• Telephone with voicemail
• In-Room Safe
• Iron & Ironing Board

While it may not seem like much, that coffee maker and mini-fridge make all the difference. Being able to wake up and make your own coffee in the morning is a lifesaver, especially if you need that caffeine fix to get yourself moving.

With the mini-fridge, you can bring snacks like yogurt and cheese sticks, or even store a small carton of milk for cereal in the morning. My family did this growing up, and it saved us time and money, particularly on park days.

All of the standard rooms at the Disney Yacht Club sleep five adults, which is nice if you’re traveling in a group or for work.

This does also mean that you could sleep a family in these rooms if you would prefer the Yacht Club to the Beach Club .

You can reserve a few different layout combinations:

• Two Queen Beds & One Day Bed
• One Queen Bed, One Twin-Size Sleeper Chair, & One Day Bed
• One King Bed
• One King Bed & One Day Bed

Depending on your party or the purpose of your trip, each layout has its own benefits.

Families would prefer the second option, while a group of three adults might prefer the first to avoid bed sharing.

Couples might like the third option, as it gives you more bed space and opens up the room at the same time.

The final option is nice if you’re traveling with just one child or you’re a couple traveling with another adult.

All of the views have a mix and match of these layouts, so when you’re booking just be sure to pay attention to the selection. If you have any questions or special requests, you can always call (407) 939-5277 and a Cast Member will help you out!

Disney Yacht Club Rooms with Club Level Amenities

Club Level puts you on a private Club-only floor, special amenities, and access to the Regatta Club lounge.

While the room layouts are generally the same, and the view options are also similar to the standard, it’s these bonus perks that you’re paying for the in Club Level price.

Typically, Club Level rooms will cost between $200-$250 more than the standard room of the same view, although prices are subject to change.

At the Club Level, you will have all the same amenities as a standard room with the addition of the following:

• Evening turndown
• Secured key access to the club-level lounge, the Regatta Club, serving refreshments 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
• Fax assistance
• Newspapers in Club Level lounge
• Health club access

You also check in separately up on the Club Level floor.

While turndown service and newspapers are nice, it’s the access to the Regatta Club that really makes this worth it.

As the food is always stocked, which means you can count on the Regatta Club as another place to get a quick meal.

Breakfast is by far the most popular time, so try to build in time to get your food and find a seat. That is particularly important if you’re going to the parks – don’t take for granted that this will be quick, because others will be thinking the same thing!

Get a look inside the Regatta Club with this video:

Room Layouts & Views

At the Club Level, all of the rooms are going to sleep four adults.

The views also make a difference in this instance, as the various views limit your options as far as the layout.

Standard view, which still looks out over the rooftops or parking lot, is the most limited in terms of options.

For these rooms, you can only get two queen beds or one king bed, with room for a cot or pack n’ play if you have kids.

This is largely because there are less standard view rooms at the Club Level, so it makes sense you would have fewer layout choices.

Garden View

Garden view rooms have that gorgeous landscape outlook that is perfect for nature lovers.

These rooms have three layout options – one king bed, two queen beds, or two queen beds and a day bed.

Particularly the last one would be good for families, as it gives you the ability to spread your kids out among the space. Even if you have three little (or not so little) ones, everyone will have a bed rather than a cot.

Water view rooms look out over Crescent Lake and the boardwalk, providing spectacular views in the morning as the sunrises and in the evening as the lights twinkle across the lake.

This is the most expensive view at the Club Level, partially because of this splendor.

In the water view rooms, your layout choices are one king bed, two queen beds with a day bed, just two queen beds, or one king bed and a day bed.

As you can see, there are plenty of configurations available to fit the need of any party! Even with the extra cost, it might be worth it to get just what you need for your party.

Disney Yacht Club Rooms – Living the Suite Life

One there is only one suite option at the Yacht Club, these two-room suites are gorgeous.

Considered part of the standard level of rooms, they aren’t on the Club Level floor and don’t have those benefits.

However, these suites have plenty of benefits all their own.

Turret Suite

Located in the turrets of the resort, plenty of natural light makes its way into the rooms to give the whole suite an open and airy feeling.

Because of their location, the suites do have a distinctive shape to them, adding to the charm and beauty of the place.

The color scheme of the suite matches the rest of the resort, with the simple nautical color palette and sophisticated air.

Natural wood floors complement the cream and blue furnishings, making you feel comfortable and spoiled all at once. Meanwhile the ship-themed décor is right on point, adding to the overall atmosphere. Again, because of the placement in the turret, the living room has a unique octagonal shape that adds a touch of fun without detracting from the glamour.

In the master bedroom, two guests enjoy the luxury of a king bed and their own ensuite bathroom. The second bedroom has two queen beds and its own bathroom, making this suite ideal for families with kids or two parties travelling together. Located in the hallway, a desk and third bathroom adds function and efficiency to the space.

Explore the suite with this walkthrough:

Captain’s Deck Suite

Opening on a beautiful entry hall with decorative wood flooring, you’ll feel like a guest of the captain in this incredible suite!

The color scheme stays true to the Yacht Club theme, with an increased emphasis on the navy blue tones.

Largest of all the rooms at the Disney Yacht Club, the Captain’s Deck Suite is great for a long, extended family vacation.

A massive living room includes a chess table and large couch, perfect for families settling in for an evening movie. The living room continues with navy as the primary tone, with cream and gold accents warming the space. Connected to the living room is a large dining room, containing a dining table that seats twelve guests!

Off the dining area is a service kitchen, missing only a stovetop and dishwasher. A full sink, refrigerator, microwave, and plenty of cabinet space more than make up for it! You are more than able to make some of your own simple meals with these kitchen amenities, which will save you time and money.

The master bedroom has a luxurious king bed and massive ensuite bathroom, giving you the opportunity to pamper yourself and relax on your vacation. A walk-in closet completes the master suite, so feel free to use the space to unpack. This is also a great place to put your suitcases so that they are out of the way. A guest bedroom with two queen beds is great for additional members of your group, including their own bathroom.

A private outdoor patio completes the space, providing a sheltered place to relax or enjoy a meal outside.

Check out this incredible suite with this video tour:

Admiral’s Suite

Walking into the Admiral’s Suite at the Disney Yacht Club, right away you feel the opulence. Gorgeous wood floors feature an incredible nautical star design, with dark woods and deep blue walls accenting the motif. Bright white walls with molding lighten the room while maintaining a sophisticated air.

Similar to the Captain’s Suite, the Admiral’s Suite has a large living area, complete with huge couch and a desk space. These suites are built for families or bigger groups, and the living room accommodates all your guests. A fireplace adds a nice touch in the living room, and you might want to use it in the cooler months. There’s also an additional living room space, with a cool octagonal shape similar to the Turret Suites.

In the dining room, a table has space for five, although you could add a high chair or squeeze in other chairs if needed. A small kitchenette with sink connects to the dining room, which helps to prepare simple meals or divide ordered-in food. Even getting a pizza and eating in the suite will save you money, and it gives you a chance to enjoy the suite! A half-bath completes the communal spaces.

Like the other suites, the Admiral Suite has a master bedroom with ensuite bath, while the second bedroom has two queen beds and its own bathroom. Having this much space is great when you’re travelling with multiple families and kids, it makes it so much easier to get going in the morning!

Check out the suite in this video:

Relax in luxury by staying in one of the rooms at the Disney Yacht Club!

Grace Hoyos, Staff Writer

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

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is an excellent choice if you want to stay in a luxury hotel which is close to all of the Walt Disney World parks and within easy walking distance of Epcot. The Yacht Club is located on the shores of Crescent Lake next to it’s sister resort Disney Beach Club . Both resorts have a very upscale feel and look. You are taken back to another era of the late 1800s East Coast seaside resorts.

Photo by expressmonorail

As you would expect from the name, The Yacht Club has a strong nautical theme which is played out in all areas of the hotel.

One of the best features of both resorts is that they share the very best swimming pool of any of the Walt Disney World hotels – Stormalong Bay.

Here is a guide to the Yacht Club Resort Hotel which will give you details on the rooms, restaurants and other facilities available at this fabulous Walt Disney World resort hotel.

What Are the Rooms Like At The Disney Yacht Club Resort?

Photo by vortech

The Yacht Club has a total of 621 rooms. The standard rooms are an average of 380 square feet. Most have 2 Queen beds and a day bed so they can sleep up to 5 guests. There are also some rooms with King sized beds but as there are only 56 of these rooms you do have to make sure you request them at the time of booking. As with all requests Disney will do their very best but make no guarantees.

All the rooms are nicely decorated in nautical colors of navy blue and white. All of the rooms have either a balcony or a patio. As with many of the Disney World deluxe hotels there is the convenient feature that the double sinks are located outside the bathroom.

Where are the Best Rooms at The Yacht Club Resort Hotel?

Guests in standard rooms have a choice of standard, garden or water view rooms. The standard rooms have a view of either the parking lot or a roof top.

The Garden View rooms are a step up from the standard view and offer nice views over the landscaped areas, the quiet pool and the wedding gazebo.

The most sought after rooms (which are charged at a premium) are the Water View rooms. Note that this does not necessarily mean that you have a view over Crescent Lake, as some of the Water view rooms overlook Stormalong Bay. These rooms overlooking the swimming pool are obviously less desirable than those overlooking Crescent Lake. Be aware that because of the design of the hotel even if you book a Water View you still may not get a full view of Crescent Lake.

Disney Yacht Club Hotel Concierge Rooms

The Yacht Club also has 71 Club Level Concierge rooms and 20 Suites. All of these are located on the 5th level top floor of the hotel.

The Concierge Rooms are almost exactly the same as the standard rooms with a few extra perks. As always with concierge it is a very personal choice as to whether you think these perks are worth it. If you want television speakers in the bathroom, robes and nightly turndown service then concierge rooms offer these.

Of course you also have access to the 5th floor Concierge Lounge with complimentary snacks and beverages. The Concierge staff are very knowledgeable and can help you with making reservations for dining and recreation, and of course answer any questions for you about how to make your Disney stay more magical.

The 20 Suites are also on the 5th floor Concierge Level of the hotel. If your budget will stretch that far then choose from a selection of luxury suites including The Turret Suite, The Commodore Suite or even the most luxurious Captain’s Deck Suite.

Disney Yacht Club Restaurants

If you stay in any of the Epcot hotel resorts you are within very easy reach of many of Disney World’s best restaurants. The Boardwalk and Epcot World Showcase are within walking distance.

The Yacht Club also has it’s own excellent dining options. The Yachtsman Steakhouse is open for dinner and has a great menu of traditional steakhouse food. This is a very popular restaurant and Advance Dining Reservations are recommended.

If you are looking for something a little more casual then opt for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Captain’s Grille . Here you will find the usual favorites for breakfast. The lunch and dinner menus have a good choice of American classic dishes with a particular emphasis on seafood.

There are also 2 lounges in the Yacht Club. The Ale and Compass Lounge, and The Crew’s Cup are great places to sit and relax. If you want some of the best ice creams in Disney World then try Beaches and Cream .

Recreation at Disney’s Yacht Club Hotel

Photo by lorenjavier

One of the major attractions of the hotel is Stormalong Bay swimming recreation area. This amazing resort pool is shared with The Beach Club Hotel and is widely seen as the very best swimming pool at any of the Walt Disney World resorts.

The pool is huge. Covering an area of 3 acres and with 750,000 gallons of water this is a wonderful water playground for all guests. One of the best features is the ‘lazy river’ feature where all you have to do is float around and relax. You will also find a water slide, water falls, shallow beach entry for paddling, deeper areas for swimming, and of course plenty of lounge chairs for just relaxing around the pool.

If you want something a little less noisy then there is a quiet pool with a hot tub available.

Other activities include The Ship Shape Health Club which is available to Yatch Club resort guests free of charge. An excellent place for jogging is around Crescent Lake. Boat and bicycle rentals are also available.

Another very nice feature here is that you can relax on the sandy beach in front of the Beach Club. There are loungers here and often there are very few people so you can feel as though you have your very own private beach whilst you relax and watch the world go by around Crescent Lake.

Disney Yacht Club Transportation

One of the best features of the Yacht Club is of course the location. You are within easy walking distance of Disney’s Epcot World Showcase entrance. You can also take boat transportation to both Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios. All of the Boardwalk shopping and dining venues are also just a short stroll away.

Access to the other Disney parks of Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are by bus transportation.

Disney’s Yacht Club is a great choice for anyone looking for a Disney resort with a great location, excellent rooms and facilities. And of course who can resist Stormalong Bay?

You may also like:

Disney Beach Club

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

Top 10 Disney World Hotel Resorts

Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

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Sunday 30th of March 2014

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Ultimate Guide to the Best Rooms at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Staying at a Disney World deluxe resort usually comes with beautiful theming, nice rooms, and perks like Extended Evening Hours . One might argue, though, that one of the most beautiful deluxe resorts in Disney World is Disney’s Yacht Club .

This deluxe resort is a popular choice for guests wanting easy access to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, which are both just a walk or boat ride away, or because of the epic pool, Stormalong Bay, which is almost like its own waterpark. It’s easy to decide why guests stay here, but, which rooms are the best ?

The Yacht Club is a five-story deluxe resort and is themed around the refinement of a New England yachting club. The resort has a soft gray exterior accented by striking red and white striped awnings and the interior is lined with warm woods, nautical instruments, and a giant globe as the lobby centerpiece. The resort faces Crescent Lake, is close neighbors with Beach Club Resort, and has the best resort pool on property. You’ve picked a beautiful resort to spend your Disney vacation, but let’s look at the best rooms!

The Yacht Club rooms are elegant and stately and might be a bit “executive” and bland when compared to some of its counterparts. Keeping with the nautical theme, you’ll find warm woods, navy blue and beige contrasted against crisp white. But one of the favorite elements in the room are the navy curtain which features fictional Disney constellations and a bit of whimsy to this otherwise rather corporate feeling room.

There are 635 guest rooms and 21 suites at the Yacht Club. The rooms are typically 381 square feet and feature two queen-size beds, a daybed, and a desk with chairs. There are some different categories to choose from: Standard View, Garden View, Water View, and Lagoon or Pool View .

For an extra cost, there are also 70 club level or concierge rooms on the fifth floor Regatta Club. Those these rooms are basically the same as standard rooms, they do offer access to additional amenities, including:

• An exclusive check-in area
• A concierge cast members to assist with personal vacation needs
• Nightly turndown service
• Access to a club lounge stocked with complimentary food and beverages

4th Floor Rooms

The top floor is typically reserved for the Club level rooms, but the next best thing without that concierge price tag is the fourth floor. These rooms provide better views (no matter what you’re direction you’re looking), but particularly if you have a Pool View where lower level rooms would just give you views of the back of pool lounge chairs.

Gazebo View

You won’t find “Gazebo View” listed in the options, but rooms ending –48, –50, –52, –54, and –63, as well as odd-numbered room –67 through –97 over look the gazebo which make for a serene view. And you even be in for a show if one of the Disney’s Fairytale Weddings occurs there during your stay (no invitation required!).

Corner Rooms

Rooms that fall on the corner of buildings sometimes come with a little extra elbow room or even an extra window. For that chance to snag not just one views, but two look at these options, rooms ending in: -001, -009, -114, -122, -027, -043,  -065, -155, -163, -164, -201, -209, -210.

If you’re looking to be closer to EPCOT, Stormalong Bay, and the Beach Club, ask for rooms ending in -190 through -241. If you’re looking for rooms closer to the Swan and Dolphin and Hollywood Studios, ask for rooms ending in -001 to -054.

So if you’re looking to book a stay at Disney’s Yacht Club and want the best room available, keep these in mind! You can also always check out our reader reviews of Yacht Club here .

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

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Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort? Let us know in the comments!

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Beach Club, Yacht Club and balconies

I’m planning a trip for our family of four at the end of August 2019. We have never stayed at Yacht Club or Beach Club. I’ve sold the kids on the pool and I like the convenience to Epcot and HS. So I go to look at my options, and see that all Yacht Club water views and garden views are booked for our dates. 11 months out.

I’m now looking at Beach Club, but I would really like a balcony. I like to be the first one up in the morning drinking my coffee and the last one to bed drinking my glass of wine all on the balcony as the World moves around me. It is my understanding that only a few Beach Club rooms have balconies. Is this right? Do they have an open window instead?

So looking at my options:

Option 1. Book a Beach Club water view. I’d love to be convinced by others that Beach Club is better anyway.

Option 2. Book a Yacht Club water view on the Club Level. Looks to be about $200 more a day. Honestly don’t think that will work. But maybe someone will tell me club level is worth every penny.

Option 3. Do option 1 or 2, but keep checking in to see if someone cancels and a water view room opens up at Yacht Club. 11 months out. There has to be some movement right?

Anyway, would love opinions and thoughts. Thanks! This will be our family’s 2nd trip to WDW. Our girl/boy twins were five years old then, and they’ll be nine on this trip. Already excited about it.

Have you ruled out a standard view?

When you visited before was it in August? We found that it was so hot in July we didn’t really want to have the slider open to enjoy our mini balcony at all after using it a fair amount on a trip in December. My conclusion became in the summer, it didn’t matter to us. YMMV obviously but even in the morning/night the humidity change is considerable that we didn’t use it…

Given that I’d just book BC and be happy. Great resort in a great location…

Good question. In my mind I had ruled out standard view, because I envisioned myself drinking my early morning coffee over a car-filled parking lot. I’d like some sort of a relaxing view. But maybe I’m being unfair. There are standard views still available at Yacht Club for our dates.

I cannot remember the room number but this was my standard view at the YC. I would use the TP room request. I have always been able to get a balcony at BC but it stressed me out worrying about if I will be able to get one.

i second this consideration. We had a balcony at Beach Club in June.

First, we had a “mini” balcony, not the big ones like on the second floor, and it was so close to other rooms and balconies that it lacked any real privacy.

Second, we were on the third floor, and there was no tree cover or shade. Based upon the direction of our room, our balcony was in direct sunlight from sunup to mid to late afternoon.

Third, it was about a million degrees with all the humidity.

THerefore, we spent 0 minutes on our balcony at the Beach Club.

Conversely, we had a split stay and a shaded large patio at the Poly which we used often. It was still pretty hot but the predominate shade made it tolerable. Still, we didn’t sit out there a ton.

Long story longer, an August stay may make having a balcony moot. Its your call however.

Thanks for the feedback! And the great photos of “standard” view rooms.

It was late August when we went last time, and it was very hot and humid. I still managed to use our balconies at Contemporary and AKL. But you’re right that is something to consider.

@PrincipalTinker As someone who has stayed at both Yacht Club and Beach Club. Are there reasons you prefer one over the other?

I do prefer YC but for personal reasons. First, I am very sensitive to CM comments and during my first stay, years ago, I was told there were “important guests so your room will not be ready until after 6:00”. Funny, I did return after that. I will admit I have “a thing” for balconies. I have not returned to BWI because I spent my first stay there in a room without a balcony. I will always pick YC based on balconies.

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Honest Review of Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Are you curious about Disney’s Beach Club Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL? This deluxe Disney hotel sits in a prime location right on Crescent Lake near the Disney Boardwalk.

Since it offers easy access to Epcot, multiple dining options, and amazing amenities, it’s easy to see why the Disney Beach Club is so popular for visitors at Walt Disney World. If you’re looking for a Disney hotel that’s close to the parks and that includes plenty of fun things to do when you don’t have park tickets, Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a really great option.

In this post, we’ll provide a full review of the Beach Club Resort at WDW, including information on the rooms, transportation, dining, and activities available. So, continue reading below for the ultimate guide to one of the best Disney deluxe resorts : Disney’s Beach 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.)

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Disney’s Beach Club Resort sits in a prime location within walking distance of Epcot. When you visit the Beach Club (as well as other Epcot resorts), you’ll find a beautiful body of water called Crescent Lake that sits right in the middle of the hotels. Guests can walk all the way around the lake, which gives them access to numerous resorts and entertainment options.

The northern side of the lake holds Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Beach Club Resort, and Beach Club Villas. The southern side of the lake is where you’ll find the Disney Boardwalk, the Boardwalk Inn, and the Boardwalk Villas. The western part of Crescent Lake holds the Swan and Dolphin resorts while the eastern side includes the short walkway to Epcot.

Restaurants

When staying at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, you have really easy access to the dining options at the nearby Disney Boardwalk, Swan Hotel, and Dolphin Hotel. Additionally, the Yacht Club and Beach Club are home to multiple restaurants that you can access without leaving resort property.

• 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
• 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

Overall, we really enjoy the dining options at the Beach Club. Hurricane Hanna’s and the Beach Club Marketplace are super convenient when you need a quick bite to eat.

Ale and Compass offers a great menu for a sit-down meal, and Beaches and Cream is one of our absolute favorite spots on Disney property!

Transportation

Many first time visitors to WDW wonder if the Disney Beach Club is on the monorail. While this resort does offer multiple modes of transportation, the Beach Club does not sit on the monorail.

Instead, guests at Disney’s Beach Club Resort will find easy access to the Skyliner, buses, water taxes, and walking paths. Below, we will discuss the easiest ways to get from the Beach Club to other Disney parks:

• 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 Beach Club toward Crescent Lake and turn left. Epcot sits just a five 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 under a 20 minute walk from the Beach 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 just over twenty 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.
• To Disney Springs – You can take a bus to Disney Springs, which typically takes 15-20 minutes.

It’s important to note that you may have to wait up to 20 minutes for a Disney bus to pick you up at the resort. This is one of the reasons why Disney’s Beach Club is one of our favorite hotels on property.

Guests can skip the Disney buses altogether when traveling to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. And the ride to Animal Kingdom is super short once the bus arrives. The transportation options and ride times as a whole really can’t be beat!

Beach Club Rooms

Disney’s Beach Club Resort offers several different room types that you can choose from. If you are looking for a regular hotel room, you can choose between a room with a king bed or one with 2 queens. Some of these also include a daybed, which means that you can sleep up to 5 guests. 

When booking a room at the Beach Club Resort, you have the option of a standard view, water view, deluxe room, or resort view room. Additionally, Disney’s Beach Club features club level rooms that allow you to access the exclusive club lounge. Here, you’ll find small bites and drinks during certain times of the day.

You can book a regular hotel room with club level access, or you can try to snag one of the Beach Club’s suites that includes club level perks. For additional information about the Beach Club rooms, we highly recommend checking out our Review of a Disney Beach Club Room . In that post, we provide photos from one of our stays at Disney’s Beach Club Resort along with information on how we watched the Epcot fireworks from our balcony.

Speaking of balconies, one of the main differences between Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and the Beach Club is the balcony space in the rooms. All of the rooms at the Yacht Club feature full sized balconies, while most of the Beach Club’s rooms offer standing-only Juliet style balconies. 

While you can request a full sized balcony at the Beach Club, it may not always be granted. For more information on the differences between the two sister resorts, you can check out our post on Disney’s Yacht Club vs Beach Club .

22 Things to Do at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

In addition to the superb location of Disney’s Beach Club Resort, we also love staying here due to the incredible activities and entertainment options that are available. You can find so many fun things to do besides the parks when staying at this Epcot hotel. Some of our top picks for best things to do at the Disney Beach Club Resort include:

• Float through 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.
• Enjoy a Character Meal – 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.
• Enjoy Ice Cream – Disney’s Beach 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.
• Watch the Epcot Fireworks – We recommend walking to the bridge that connects the Disney Boardwalk to the Beach Club Resort to enjoy the nightly Epcot fireworks show. You can even grab some ice cream to enjoy during the presentation.
• Go Fishing – Book a fishing excursion on Crescent Lake for a truly unique experience while staying at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
• Ride the Skyliner – Since the Disney Skyliner sits just outside of Epcot’s International Gateway entrance, you can easily access it from the Beach Club Resort. Just take the short (less than five minutes) walk toward Epcot and hop on the Skyliner for free!
• Ride the Water Taxi – 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.
• Play at 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 when it’s raining.
• Rent a Pontoon Boat – Spend time on Crescent Lake on your own private pontoon boat. Guests can rent boats from the marina near the Yacht Club.

• Slide on the 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.
• Roast Marshmallows – Visit the nightly campfire to roast marshmallows during your visit. You can even purchase S’mores Kits for a few dollars.
• Get in a Workout – Disney’s Beach 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.
• Hang at the Disney Boardwalk – The Disney Boardwalk is full of amazing activities and entertainment options and is just a short walk away from the Beach Club. You can read more about this fun spot in our post on the Best Things to Do at the Disney Boardwalk .
• 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.
• Explore the Jogging Paths – If you’re not into running or jogging on vacation, you can spend time strolling along the jogging paths at the Beach Club. You’ll find lots of great spots to take pictures and may even catch some surprises along the way.
• Play Beach 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.
• Watch a Movie – Each evening, Disney Beach Club guests can watch a movie under the stars. These family friendly movies are a great way to unwind after a long day.
• Attend a Pool Party – 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. While technically located at the sister hotel, the tennis courts are just a short walk away for Beach Club guests and are free to use.
• Take a Fireworks Cruise – Take in the sights and sounds of the Epcot fireworks show from your pontoon boat on Crescent Lake.
• Swim Laps – If you’re looking for a quieter poolside experience to swim laps or relax, check out the leisure pool at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. You’ll also have access to the quiet pools at Yacht Club and Beach Club Villas.

Disney Beach Club Resort Prices

Since Disney’s Beach Club Resort is classified as a deluxe hotel, it typically comes at a higher price than other value or moderate level resorts. While the Walt Disney World website states that the average cost of a room at Beach Club is over $800, we have never come across such high prices.

My family and I typically stay at the Beach Club for under $500 per night. Sometimes, this price is well under $500. If you are open to booking a room at Disney’s Beach Club Villas , you can often rent Disney Vacation Club points for a fraction of the regular room price. The Villas side of the resort offers access to the same amenities and dining options as the Beach Club Hotel. And the two buildings are just a short walk away from each other.

If you are curious about renting DVC points, we highly recommend checking out David’s Vacation Club Rentals. We have used this reputable website numerous times to stay at deluxe hotels at Disney World for the price of a moderate resort. You can check out the cost calculator on David’s website here, or you can read more about the company in our post on the best DVC rental sites .

Below, we wanted to include some of the most frequently asked questions about Disney’s Beach Club Resort. If you have a question to add to the list, feel free to comment below.

Yes, you can visit Disney’s Beach Club Resort without a reservation. However, you will not be permitted to park at the hotel unless you’re a registered guest or you have a reservation at one of the hotel’s restaurants. If you want to visit the Disney Beach Club without staying there, you’ll want to use the Disney transportation system (Skyliner, boat, bus) to reach the resort. It’s also important to note that visitors do not have permission to use the Stormalong Bay pool. Walt Disney World has a resort-wide rule that guests are only allowed to use the pool at the hotel in which they have a reservation. Stormalong Bay is particularly strict with this rule as guests must receive a special wristband in order to access the pool area.

Yes, Stormalong Bay includes a lazy river and tubes. You’ll also find life jackets available to use for free during your stay. The lazy river at the Disney Beach Club is quite deep in spots (8 ft), so it’s important to note that you can’t walk through it.

Disney’s Beach Club used to offer room service for guests. However, at the time this article was written, in-room dining had not returned to the Beach Club.

Yes, the Beach Club has a gym located near Stormalong Bay pool and the arcade.

Yes, Disney’s Beach Club Resort features a 24 hour laundry facility located near the Tidal Pool.

Yes, the rooms at Disney’s Beach Club feature mini refrigerators.

Is Disney Beach Club Worth the Money

Our overall review of the Disney Beach Club is that it’s one of the best deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World. While the price of the room may cost more than other nearby hotels, the amenities are absolutely amazing.

If you plan on spending time at the resort during your Disney vacation, Disney’s Beach Club is one of our top picks for hotels. The Stormalong Bay pool offers so many impressive features that are unmatched at any other Disney resort pool.

Plus, the close proximity to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, the Disney Boardwalk, and the Skyliner make the Disney Beach Club totally worth the money. If you’re concerned about the price, don’t forget to check out the cost calculator at David’s Vacation Club Rentals to find a nearby room for a fraction of the price.

You’ll still get all the access to the amazing amenities at the hotel. We hope you have a magical time visiting Disney’s Beach Club Resort! What are your favorite things to do at Disney’s Beach Club Resort? Comment below to share 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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The 17 best Disney World hotels for your 2024 stay

Things have certainly changed since Walt Disney World opened more than 50 years ago . There used to be just a handful of hotels and one theme park. Now, you have the magic — and the challenge — of choice. There are more than 25 hotels to choose from and multiple parks to visit when you embark on a Disney vacation.

Related: The best travel credit cards

Choosing the best Disney hotel is a fun challenge, but a challenge nonetheless. The resorts at Walt Disney World range from those with views of live zebras and giraffes to treehouse villas and even log cabins in the woods.

When you choose a Disney World hotel, you not only stay in the "Disney bubble" but also gain access to the parks 30 minutes early each morning. Additionally, you can purchase Lightning Lane passes for newer rides — like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Tron / Lightcycle Run — before non-resort guests, starting up to seven days before you check in. This means you'll have a better chance of snagging those coveted ride passes.

Related: 14 reasons to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort property

Still, not all Disney resorts are created equal. Fortunately, TPG is here to help sort through the best hotel options at Walt Disney World. We've tried dozens of Disney-area hotels and carefully considered the best (and less-than-stellar) features of nearly every on-property resort to bring you this list.

Whether you're looking to be treated like a fairy tale princess or a grown-up who happens to be staying near a theme park, Disney World has you covered.

Here are our top picks:

• Best Deluxe Disney World resorts: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge , Disney's Contemporary Resort , Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Best Moderate Disney World resorts: Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter , The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
• Best Value Disney World resorts: Disney's Art of Animation Resort and Disney's Pop Century Resort
• Best Disney World resort pools: Disney's Yacht Club Resort and Disney's Beach Club Resort , Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
• Best Disney World resorts for large families: Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa , Disney's All-Star Music Resort
• Best Disney World resorts for adults: Disney's BoardWalk Inn , Disney's Riviera Resort

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

Best Deluxe Disney World resorts

The cream of the crop among Disney World hotels in terms of amenities, quality and price are the Deluxe resorts. These resorts have multiple on-site full-service restaurants and extensive pool areas with waterslides. Some are within walking or monorail distance of the theme parks.

All of this comes at a cost, though. Deluxe Disney resorts can range from $400 to $800 per night for a standard room. Renting Disney Vacation Club points can help bring this cost down at times, but a Deluxe resort stay will be an investment compared to the other tiers of Disney hotels.

As mentioned, Deluxe resorts are the most expensive of Disney's hotels.

While some offer luxury amenities like spas and fine dining venues, others emphasize great themes and proximity to the parks. You also get access to select parks two hours later than everyone else when staying in a Deluxe resort on eligible nights.

A true safari involves incredibly long flights and the possibility of malaria pills. For a safari-style vacation closer to home, there's Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge .

Offering an unforgettable wildlife experience within U.S. borders, Animal Kingdom Lodge is its own ecosystem away from the hustle and bustle of most of the Disney World complex.

The soaring ceilings at Jambo House are adorned with traditional decor. If you want to see giraffes, zebras, ostriches and a host of other animals, all you have to do is merely walk past the lobby's expansive windows.

Dining at this Deluxe resort is another highlight of a stay here. Boma and Jiko are excellent choices if you want to experience an authentic African meal at the resort.

Look into the nighttime Starlight Safari , which comes with loaner night vision devices, for a unique experience.

The property is an example of an excellent time to rent DVC points, especially if your family wants more space while saving money. During low seasons, rooms start at just 7 points per night, with DVC points typically available to rent from David's Vacation Club for $20 to $25 per point.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge average around $485 per night.

Disney's Contemporary Resort is another original Disney World resort from the 1971 opening. It's about as close as you can get to The Magic Kingdom without pitching a tent inside the gates (and subsequently getting kicked out by security).

It may have been built over five decades ago, but its amenities have recently been updated and the rooms now sport an "incredible" new look. While the theme and renovations are a big step up, the main draw of this property is undoubtedly its monorail design and Magic Kingdom-adjacent location.

We prefer tower rooms over garden-wing options as they are more centrally located to the amenities and monorail, and many offer superb views of The Magic Kingdom's nightly fireworks.

When you've worked up an appetite, you'll find a few of our favorite Disney World restaurants on-site, including Chef Mickey's. At this popular eatery, you can dine with characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto. For something more upscale, there's California Grill. If you time it right, it has some of the best views of The Magic Kingdom fireworks around.

Related: The 5 best Disney World character meals you've never heard of — and how to book them

If you're ready for a splurge-level stay at the Contemporary, there is also a club level where bites and beverages from the aforementioned restaurants are included.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Contemporary Resort average around $575 per night.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is arguably the most traditional and iconic of Disney World's high-end hotels. You won't find many bright, in-your-face character themes here, but you will have access to some of Disney's most upscale amenities, including a spa and the fanciest (and priciest) restaurant at Disney.

It's one of Disney World's most expensive resorts thanks to its proximity to The Magic Kingdom, top-notch facilities, and over-the-top Christmas displays, including a gingerbread house in the lobby.

Fortunately, the Grand Floridian is undergoing a resort-wide renovation involving converting one of the hotel buildings into beautiful DVC studios. So, there's now one more reason to visit.

Dining is another highlight here. The acclaimed Victoria & Albert's experience is unparalleled, with a dress code and a no-little-kids policy to match. For an equally excellent but more affordable option, grab a cocktail or mocktail at the "Beauty and the Beast"-inspired Enchanted Rose bar on the second floor of the Grand Floridian's lobby.

Related: More rides and fewer crowds: What to expect at Disney After Hours

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa average around $750 per night.

A short drive or boat ride away from The Magic Kingdom, Disney's Wilderness Lodge is equal parts Great Wolf Lodge , Yellowstone National Park and Disney magic. There are great attractions and restaurants on-site, including a water feature that starts in the lobby and becomes a creek that feeds into one of two outdoor pools.

For a fun, reasonably priced family dining experience, try Whispering Canyon Cafe — and be aware that if you ask for ketchup, you may get a lot of ketchup. If rare Disney characters are more your jam, enjoy dinner with the Evil Queen at Story Book Dining at Artist Point .

Those who want more space and ambience than a standard hotel room should reserve one of the Copper Creek Cabins in the woods adjacent to the Wilderness Lodge or the truly spectacular two-bedroom Yosemite Suite . Both are pricey, but we promise you'll love staying in either option.

If you do opt for standard rooms (or even club-level rooms ), the good news is that Disney's Wilderness Lodge is generally one of the more affordable of the Deluxe Disney resorts. So, you can rest easy knowing you're paying a little less than average for Disney's high-end properties.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Wilderness Lodge average around $500 per night.

Best Moderate Disney World resorts

If you want a balance of price and amenities, the Moderate category of Disney resorts can be a sweet spot. At Moderate Disney resorts, there are some full-service restaurants, more on-site amenities, waterslides at the pools, and a great variety of themes and locations to choose from.

Expect rates at these hotels to range from $250 to $400 on most nights for a standard room.

One of the best Moderate resorts at Disney World is Port Orleans. We're especially partial to the French Quarter side, with its charming wrought-iron railings, bubbling fountains and an eatery serving tasty Mickey-shaped beignets.

This property is much more compact than other Moderate resorts like Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. This makes everything from parking and catching a Disney bus to grabbing dinner that much easier.

It isn't the newest or fanciest option in Disney's resort portfolio, but it is a calm and lovely balance of theming and easily accessible amenities. Although you'll need a bus or car to get from this resort to any of the Disney World theme parks, you can catch the free boat to Disney Springs for shopping and dining.

In addition to the property's relaxing vibe and manageable size, the greatest asset of Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter is the price.

Rooms here are often more affordable than what you'll find at other Moderate properties, most likely because it's not connected to the theme parks by anything other than ground transportation (and Minnie Vans ).

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter average around $300 per night.

One of Disney World's lesser-known Moderate resorts is also one of its most entertaining.

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort has plenty of campsites for tents and spots for recreational vehicles .

However, if you're not interested in either, The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort are an excellent choice. It gives you the best of many worlds regarding space, price and resort activities — especially if you're not planning to spend all your time at the theme parks. The cabins sleep up to six and offer a queen-size bed, a set of bunk beds and a relatively comfortable pullout sofa bed. And soon, Disney will replace the current cabins with 350 all-new cabins .

Trust us, there is one essential Fort Wilderness expense you'll want to budget for — golf carts .

It costs $65 to $84 per day to rent one. However, it makes it much easier to travel to the Meadow Trading Post for snacks, the docks for transportation to The Magic Kingdom, and other parts of the 700-acre property. Lock in your golf cart reservation as far in advance as possible since they're known to sell out.

Fort Wilderness has a nonstop list of activities you probably didn't know you could do at Disney World, including pony rides, archery, fishing, and rides in wagons and horse-drawn carriages.

When the day winds down, you can also check out the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue , a lively performance full of dancing, singing and comedic moments.

Rates for standard cabins at The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Lodge average around $460 per night.

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is the poster child of a Moderate Disney property. It's an older resort with two-story buildings spread across a large area.

Complimentary theme park transportation is limited to buses, and on-site dining venues are mostly quick-service options, given the resort's large convention clientele. Additionally, the rooms are on the smaller side, though they were recently renovated.

But one thing changed a couple of years ago that catapulted part of this property onto our favorites list: the new Gran Destino Tower .

This "hotel within a hotel" has a stunning lobby and an equally snazzy lobby bar. If you're looking for a completely different perspective, let an elevator whisk you up to the 16th floor, where the rooftop Dahlia Lounge awaits — along with an award-winning wine list. Gran Destino Tower is light on a Disney theme, but otherwise, its accommodations are on par with many Deluxe resorts.

Gran Destino is also the only Moderate option at Disney World that has a club lounge, should you prefer an exclusive space to visit and grab refreshments throughout your stay.

Rates for standard rooms at the Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort average around $400 per night.

Best Value Disney World resorts

Value Disney resorts are the most affordable Disney World hotels.

Nightly rates start around $125 and increase to about $300 on peak dates. None of these hotels are walkable from the theme parks, but some are close to the Skyliner. Others require bus transportation.

Value Disney hotels don't have full-service restaurants or fun extras like waterslides, but they do offer grab-and-go food outlets, lively pools and colorful themes.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort is the king of Value resorts at Disney World.

The resort features bright colors and memorable Disney cartoon characters. It's also accessible from both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios thanks to the Disney Skyliner gondola system .

Art of Animation really shines with its family suites, which provide a lot more room and have three beds in each suite (one traditional bed, one Murphy bed and a pullout sofa bed). The family suites have your choice of "The Lion King," "Cars" and "Finding Nemo" themes, while standard rooms feature decor inspired by "The Little Mermaid."

When it comes to pools, the Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation is actually the largest option available at any Disney World resort.

While the food here won't blow you away, Landscape of Flavors is a reliable cafeteria-style venue that can be a nice, easy option for families.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort average around $240 per night.

Disney's Pop Century Resort is across from Art of Animation. While it doesn't have our favorite theme (it's themed to bygone decades), it is usually the lowest-priced Disney resort that isn't one of the All-Star properties.

We generally prefer it to the All-Star resorts, as Pop Century is a stand-alone property that doesn't have to share a bus service. It's less likely to be packed with thousands of cheerleaders and children's sports groups. In addition to the included bus service to the parks, it also sits on the Skyliner route, so you can soar in a gondola to various parks and resorts.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Pop Century Resort average around $200 per night.

Best Disney World resort pools

Nothing beats an afternoon dip in your hotel's pool, so if you want to know which Disney resort hotels have the best pools, here are our top picks.

Disney's Beach Club Resort and its sister property, Disney's Yacht Club Resort , share access to Stormalong Bay, which offers top-notch poolside fun for the whole family.

Both resorts have the distinct feel of a beach in an otherwise landlocked resort thanks to sand-bottomed pools, a lazy river, a pirate ship and a wicked waterslide, among other amenities that will keep young swimmers entertained for hours.

Related: The best pools at Walt Disney World

The Yacht Club is marginally more convenient to the large pool complex, but the Beach Club is a little closer to Epcot. Choose accordingly. No matter which property you pick, don't miss the huge sundaes at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, steps from the pool.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Yacht and Beach Clubs average around $540 per night.

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is one of Disney's Moderate resorts and one of the largest. Because the resort is so spread out, there are multiple pools across the property — six in total. The main Fuentes del Morro Pool is themed to resemble a Spanish fortress, with two waterslides, a zero-entry area, a 12-person hot tub and a pirate-themed splash area for kids.

The resort has a colorful island style, and some guest rooms recently received a Little Mermaid makeover. Despite the resort's size, it does offer convenient transportation options, including bus service and a Disney Skyliner station that can take you to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Rates at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort average around $300 per night.

One of the original Disney World resort hotels inspired by Walt Disney himself, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort sits on the monorail only a few minutes from The Magic Kingdom. Yet, it transports you to a lush Pacific island the moment you enter. It's such a great property we almost warn against staying at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort because it will set the bar pretty high for future Disney resort stays.

At "the Poly," you'll find a couple of our favorite Disney restaurants. Notably, there's Ohana — a Polynesian-inspired dining venue within the resort's main building that serves delectable noodles and a mouthwatering bread pudding — among other options on the family-style, all-you-care-to-enjoy menu.

There are plenty of activities and amenities on the grounds, such as free outdoor movies at night and a 142-foot waterslide that drops riders into the main Lava Pool (there is a secondary quiet pool, as well). There's also a large splash area with several smaller waterslides for younger guests, a zero-entry section, a separate quiet pool and a nearby stand to grab Dole Whip. The icing on the on-site Dole Whip is being able to watch The Magic Kingdom fireworks from the pool in the evenings as the perfectly timed music pipes in.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort average around $640 per night.

Best Disney World resorts for large families

Large families and groups can really rack up a bill when visiting Disney World since most on-property rooms are designed for no more than four or five people. As a result, your choices tend to be limited if you have at least five or six people in your group. Fortunately, a few resorts offer plenty of space for larger families.

Related: The best Orlando hotels for large families

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is another DVC property, with room sizes ranging from studio suites to one-, two- and three-bedroom villas. Deluxe studio rooms have a kitchenette and a balcony or patio, and villas have separate bedrooms, a full kitchen, in-room laundry and a balcony or patio.

The resort also has multiple pools, bike rentals, tennis and basketball courts, and a Community Hall with movies, video games and daily activities like crafts and games.

In the woods behind Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are several Treehouse Villas that sleep up to nine people. Offering three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchen, these spacious accommodations can easily fit an extended family.

Rates for Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa average around $500 per night, while the Treehouse Villas average around $1,300 per night.

Best Disney World resorts for adults

We love Disney, but we're not afraid to admit that having a brief break from its intensity is sometimes nice. Luckily, a couple of options are ideal for those who want to stay near the magic without living with Mickey and his friends 24 hours a day.

Disney World's newest stand-alone hotel is easily one of the larger resort's best options for adults who want to balance a Disney trip with some less in-your-face Disney elements.

On the Disney Skyliner route, Disney's Riviera Resort offers easy access to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot without placing you right in the heart of all the theme park action.

The real highlight of this easygoing property, though, is its Mediterranean vibe. The blue-and-white decor, music and cuisine will transport you to the Mediterranean coast.

You'll find all the usual Disney amenities at this Deluxe resort, but it's just a touch more refined and grown-up without being stuffy.

We're serious Riviera fans thanks in part to its design, which includes everything from "Tangled"- and "Peter Pan"-inspired mosaics to marble bathrooms that may be the nicest in all of Disney.

Don't worry if you want to bring the kids, though. There's plenty for them to enjoy, including poolside gelato, a waterslide and our favorite toddler splash area at Disney World.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Riviera Resort average around $500 per night.

Disney's BoardWalk Inn is a DVC resort along Disney's BoardWalk in the Epcot resort area. That means you can easily walk to Epcot to eat and drink global cuisine around the World Showcase or to Disney's Hollywood Studios to fly the Millennium Falcon at Galaxy's Edge. The resort also offers water taxi and bus service around Disney World.

Related: Is a Disney annual pass worth it?

Guest rooms range from standard rooms to multi-bedroom villas, and the resort has three pools. You can splash and slide at the Luna Park Pool (or soak in the hot tub) or head for one of the quieter leisure pools.

This resort is all about location. In addition to being close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, Disney's BoardWalk Inn is close to the dining, shopping and nightlife that line Disney's BoardWalk area. When you are done visiting the parks, you can visit Abracadabar, a magic-themed cocktail lounge, or Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's BoardWalk Inn average around $600 per night.

Bottom line

Choosing the best resort hotel at Disney World gets easier once you identify your budget and priorities.

Do you want a great pool, more space, proximity to the parks or perhaps an immersive theme? No matter what is most important to you, you'll find a Disney property that will likely satisfy your needs.

Whether you're itching to splash around in the Stormalong Bay pool complex at Disney's Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts, stretch your budget at Disney's Pop Century Resort, retreat to a cabin at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort or get an iconic eyeful of the monorail coming through Disney's Contemporary Resort, there's a Disney resort that will have every member of your family excited to be on vacation at Walt Disney World.

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

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

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

Reasons to Avoid Disney Deluxe Resorts

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

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

They Are Expensive

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

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

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

You May Be Spending All Your Time at the Parks

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

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

You Can Enjoy the Deluxe Resort Dining Without Staying There

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

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

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

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

You Want More Kid-Friendly Theming

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

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

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

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

You Want to Use Points to Book a Hotel

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

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

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

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

The post 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Stay in a Disney Deluxe Resort appeared first on WDW Magazine .

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Yacht Club Shared Balcony?

• Thread starter emilyrachael
• Start date Jul 9, 2011

emilyrachael

Mouseketeer.

• Jul 9, 2011

Hi, I thought I had read somewhere that some Yacht Club rooms have a shared balcony. Is this true? If so, what room categories could potentially have a shared balcony? Also, what exactly does this mean? Does it mean there's one balcony that can be accessed from both rooms? (so the room you share the balcony with could potentially see into your room?) If anyone has any more details or pictures, it would be greatly appreciated. My husband and I are planning to book a stay at the Club Level of Yacht Club and would want to guarantee we have a private balcony. Thanks for all of your help! -Emily  

Beach Club Dee

I do know that there are a very few shared balconies at the Yacht Club. I am not sure how many or where they are located. You may want to post your question (as written) on the Beach and Yacht Club FAQ forum- lots of knowledgable posters on that thread. Click on the link in my signature.  

Thanks for the tip! I posted the question to the forum.  

TheRustyScupper

Everyone is responsible for everyone..

1) Shared balconies have a short railing between. 2) If one jumps the fence, one can get to other balcony.  

CaliforniaDreaming

#1 grand floridian fan/expert.

There are rooms that face the front entrance that have a very large, open, shared balcony. It probably stretches 5 rooms, and I think its like that on floors 3, 4, and 5.  

<a href="http://www.wdwinfo.com/dis-sponsor/" targ

• Jul 10, 2011

Thanks for the info. A private balcony is important enough to us that we don't want to risk being stuck on a shared one. Yes, we could request it, but it's not guaranteed.  

I believe the only "chance" you would have of getting one of these is if you booked standard view. Garden view or lagoon view would not have any of the shared balconies. Then there are also only a few of the standard views with the combination balconies. If you want a single balcony guaranteed then you would need to book garden or lagoon view. HTH.  

DIS Veteran

In case it helps you feel better about it: We have stayed at YC over a dozen times, and only once had shared balcony -- on Club Level, standard view (was a free upgrade, so we were thrilled). The shared balcony was huge and those who shared it were NEVER there. Didn't see them ever. But I totally understand you not wanting to share.  

YCFAN said: I believe the only "chance" you would have of getting one of these is if you booked standard view. Garden view or lagoon view would not have any of the shared balconies. Then there are also only a few of the standard views with the combination balconies. If you want a single balcony guaranteed then you would need to book garden or lagoon view. HTH. Click to expand...

emilyrachael said: Thanks for the info. A private balcony is important enough to us that we don't want to risk being stuck on a shared one. Yes, we could request it, but it's not guaranteed. Click to expand...

DIS Article Contributor

• Jul 13, 2011

The first time we stayed at YC, we got the dreaded shared balcony, which is really not a balcony but the roof of the entrance. We booked standard view at the time and requested to be moved. They granted this request with no problem. The second time we stayed, I also booked standard view but requested a garden or quiet pool view. We got a view of the wedding gazebo and it was awesome for the price. Now they have changed the categories and if you book a "garden view" you will not have to worry about the roof balcony.  

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