The Yacht & Beach Club is a Deluxe Resort located in Disney’s Epcot Resort area. Although, often lumped together, these are actually two separate resorts – Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort. The resorts are situated next to each other and share amenities such as the pool and fitness club.
This resort is one of our TOP places to stay at Walt Disney World for several reasons, and it is perfect for guests who will be visiting Epcot and/or Hollywood Studios during their stay.
1. The Pool
As one of the largest pool areas at any Walt Disney World Resort, Stormalong Bay spans an entire three acres! This massive complex features an expansive sand-bottomed pool, a waterslide, an elevated tanning deck, three whirlpool spas and even a lazy river! It is a perfect spot families with small kids or adults who want sip on cocktails by a an oasis environment.
Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill affords great views of Stormalong Bay as well as tasty cocktails and quick-service food. If you are looking for something a little quieter and more peaceful, each resort offers its own leisure pool with whirlpool spas.
2. The Location
The Yacht & Beach Club is situated in the Epcot Resorts area and is ideally located. Disney’s Boardwalk is only steps away and the Epcot International Gateway is a short walking distance. The International Gateway entrance is situated between the France and United Kingdom pavilions and allows you to enter Epcot and enjoy the World Showcase without going through the main front entrance.
The addition of the Skyliner has been a major game changer for Disney Transportation. The Epcot International Gateway Skyliner station is within walking distance to the Yacht & Beach Club and provides quick and easy transportation to Hollywood Studios as well as several Disney resorts including The Riviera, Caribbean Beach, and Pop Century.
There are several options to get to Hollywood Studios from the Yacht & Beach Club without stepping foot on a bus. In addition to the Skyliner, you have the option of taking a boat through Crescent Lake or walking. The walk to Hollywood Studios is quite longer than the short trek to Epcot but enjoyable.
3. The Dining
When staying at the Yacht & Beach Club you will never run out of dining options. The Yacht Club is home to one of the Disney’s top-rated restaurants, Yachtsman Steakhouse. Additionally, you will find Ale & Compass Restaurant and Crew Cup Lounge.
At the Beach Club, you can feast on a seafood buffet at Cape May Cafe. This popular restaurant also serves as character dining breakfast. Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast features Disney characters dressed in fun beachwear. The Beach Club also houses one of the most popular quick service restaurants, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. The boardwalk-style ice cream shop actually serves a wide lunch and dinner menu including burgers, sandwiches, chili and tots. The claim to fame for Beaches & Cream is the Kitchen Sink, a huge ice cream sundae that feeds four people!
In addition to the dining options located in the resorts, additional options at the Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin Resort and Epcot are within walking distance.
4. Crescent Lake
Out the doorstep of the Yacht & Beach Club you will find the beautiful Crescent Lake. This large lake actually connects many Walt Disney World attractions including the Swan and Dolphin Hotels, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot. A stroll around the lake in the Boardwalk area is a wonderful way to spend an evening, but Crescent Lake also offers a lot of great activities!
From Bayside Marina you and your family can rent a variety of motorized boats with everything from a Sun Tracker Pontoon boat to a Sea Ray mini speedboat. Guided Fishing Excursions provide two or four-hour excursions with your own experienced guide. Children ages 4 to 12 can pretend they are buccaneers and board a vessel for a two-hour pirate adventure.
5. The Boardwalk
Disney’s Boardwalk is one of the most underrated areas at Walt Disney World, and it right at the doorstep of the Yacht & Beach Club! This quarter-mile promenade is a beautiful and laid-back area with dining, shops, and nightlife. It is free to visit and provides a great atmosphere for families or couples. The area comes to life at night with street performers on select nights, Atlantic Dance Hall, and Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar.
Several great restaurants are located right on the Boardwalk including Flying Fish, Big River Grille and Tratorria Al Forno, an Italian restaurant that transforms into character dining for breakfast featuring Ariel, Prince Eric, Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder. Quick-service options include a pizza window, hot dogs, and Boardwalk Bakery.
6. Recently Renovated Rooms at the Yacht Club
The guest rooms at the Yacht Club have always been spacious but the recent refurbishment has definitely taken them up a notch. Since the Yacht Club is a Deluxe Resort, you will find room amenities such as a coffee maker, sleeper sofa, upgraded amenities, and a balcony room. Spring for the Water View room and you can catch all of the activity taking place on the Boardwalk as well a peek of the Epcot fireworks.
