The Yacht and Beach Club resorts at Walt Disney World are modeled after the seaside towns of New England. The sister resorts are connected and share many of the same amenities. The Yacht Club resort is slightly larger with a total of 630 rooms with a nautical theme that runs throughout the resort. The Beach Club has a seaside resort vibe with 583 rooms and a conference center attached.
Why stay at one of these deluxe resorts? LOCATION!!! The two resorts are situated in the Epcot area giving you access to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Their location on Crescent Lake allows for easy access to the Boardwalk with all its restaurants and entertainment as well as the Swan and Dolphin resorts.
Easily within walking distance of the two parks you can also take a Friendship Boat from the dock on Crescent Lake. The boats will stop at Epcot, Boardwalk Resort, Beach/Yacht Club Resort, Swan/Dolphin Resort and Hollywood Studios. If you walk to Epcot, you will use the back entrance through the International Gateway. There is also easy access to the Disney Skyliner just outside the entrance of Epcot. (This was a great secret entrance until the Skyliner was installed).
Ok, you have decided to stay at one of these resorts, what can you do there? Lots of things! Choose from volleyball, tennis, jogging, a playground, Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf (located in front of the Swan/Dolphin resorts) or movies under the stars. The absolute BEST recreational activity is Storm Along Bay. The 750,000-gallon pool complex has a wading area with a sandy bottom, a ship wreck themed water slide, a lazy river, three whirlpool spas and two kiddie pools. The three-acre complex has plenty of loungers available as well as rental cabanas and a snack stand, Hurricane Hannah’s. So many people would "pool hop" from other resorts that Disney had to make Storm Along Bay only available to guests of the Yacht/Beach Club resorts.
Hungry? There are plenty of options available. Between the two resorts there are four sit-down restaurants, two quick-service options, a poolside bar and grill, three lounges and the very popular Beaches and Cream Soda Shop. This 50’s style sit down restaurant has great theming and is well known for its Kitchen Sink ice cream dessert. Keep in mind that you also have easy access to all the restaurants in Epcot from the International Gateway (park admission required, park reservations will be needed if you are not park hopping) as well as the Boardwalk.
It’s been a great day in the park but your feet are saying enough so what are your room choices? There are several! Between the two resorts there are Standard View, Garden or Woods View, and Water View rooms that sleep up to 5 adults and Deluxe rooms that sleep up to 6 adults. These resorts also offer Club Level rooms that sleep up to four adults and have access to a club level lounge that serves refreshments throughout the day, Concierge services and complimentary health club access.
Disney transportation from these resorts include: Friendship boats to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, buses to Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach and Skyliner access to Hollywood Studios (you will need to transfer lines at the Caribbean Beach resort). The cast members at the front entrance of each resort will also hail a Mears Taxi for you at your cost.
If you drive a car keep in mind that Disney does charge for overnight guest parking for a fee of $25.00 per night at deluxe resorts. Valet services are also available for $33.00 per night for guests with disabilities.
I have stayed at both resorts a few times and absolutely love the location for such easy access to Epcot! Storm Along Bay is one of the best pool facilities on property and their cabanas are very spacious, nicely equipped and the cabana staff are great. If you’re a fan of runDisney, these resorts are the closest to the start/finish in Epcot and the Princess Half Marathon 10K also runs around Crescent Lake so you can cheer on your favorite runner!
I would be happy to help book a relaxing vacation to one of these resorts. Contact me for further information.