disney yacht club quiet pool

The Four Pools at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club (Photos, Hours, and Details)

When it comes to the pools at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts, you’ve got options. Four pools are available between the resorts. However, most guests will prefer the resort’s feature pool, Stormalong Bay. It’s no secret that we consider it the best hotel pool at Walt Disney World .

However, those wanting to enjoy a peaceful spot at the pool or take a quick swim near their room will want to be aware of the resort’s other options. For instance, you might have a day when you want to enjoy the pool and get laundry done simultaneously. Or you might wake up early one morning and have a few minutes to enjoy the quiet pool before the main pool opens. If so, you’ll have options.

Below, we’ll discuss each of the quiet and feature pools at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club. We’ll review their location, pool hours, and other amenities you’ll want to know beforehand.

photo that shows all four of the pool area between Disney's Beach and Yacht Club

Major Refurbishment Note: From January 2025 through June 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for routine maintenance. During daytime hours, guests may see or hear construction work. During this time, guests are welcome to swim at the Tidal, Admiral, and Dunes Cove leisure pools. (This was originally scheduled to end in May 2025.)

Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Pools

As mentioned above, Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club has four swimming pools. They are as follows:

Stormalong Bay

Dunes cove pool.

Admiral’s Pool

We’ll preview each pool further below.

a quiet pool sitting in front of Disney's Beach Club with blue a sky and puffy white clouds

Pool Hours at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club

During our visit, pool hours at Stormalong Bay were between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. However, hours are subject to change. During the summer months until Labor Day, the hours are usually extended one hour until 11:00 p.m.

Pool hours posted at the feature pool at Disney's Beach and Yacht Club.

Quiet pool hours were posted during our last stay from 7:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m. These pool hours are pretty consistent throughout the year. However, you’ll want to know that the quiet pools at Beach and Yacht Club do not have lifeguards or other attendants.

Pool hours posted at the Beach Club quiet pool.

Are the Pools Heated?

Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club pools are heated to 82 degrees. So, in the event of cooler weather, they usually remain open. However, if the outside temperature drops to around 50 degrees or lower, the pools will close until warmer temperatures return.

Complimentary Towels and Life Jackets

Complimentary towels are provided at each pool at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club, so you can use the extra room in your suitcase for something else.

Life jackets are also provided at each resort pool. They come in a wide range of sizes.

complimentary lifejacket stand near the pool

Mobility Lifts

Pool lifts are available for guests with disabilities or limited mobility. Here is a photo of the lift at the Beach Club’s Tidal Pool.

a mobility lift at a pool at Disney's Beach Club

Changing Areas

Each of the resort’s pools has a nearby restroom. However, Stormalong Bay has an area with dedicated showers, a room to change, toiletries, and towels. If you find this area busy, you can use the shower inside the resort’s gym. The gym is adjacent to the pool, and I don’t think most people know this extra set of showers exists.

changing area at Stormalong Bay with showers and towels

Stormalong Bay is more of a water park than a pool. It’s so large it would be difficult to photograph in its entirety unless you had an aerial view.

The feature pool with a sand bottom at Disney's Beach and Yacht Club.

Most guests (including my family) stay at Disney’s Beach or Yacht Club because of Stormalong Bay. We spend most of our days relaxing at the pool, but we do visit the parks for entertainment in the evenings.

Stormalong Bay Pool area with waterfall features

Toward one end, a wading pool features a large sandbar in the center. Smaller children can spend hours digging in the sand and enjoying this pool area.

A children's pool area at Stormalong Bay

Another kiddie pool is available inside the shipwreck, across the walkway from Stormalong Bay. The ship also serves as the entrance to the pool’s water slide. The photo below shows where the tube slide begins at the top of the ship’s mast.

A waterslide that shoots out of a shipwreck at the pool at Beach and Yacht Club.

Stormalong Bay has three hot tubs scattered throughout the pool area.

One of three hot tub spas in the feature pool at Disney's Beach and Yacht Club.

Guests can take in scenic views of Disney’s Boardwalk across the lake from some places around the pool. Stormalong Bay has plenty of seating. But be warned, the good seats are often taken early. During our stay at the Yacht Club this summer, I waited in line for the pool to open each morning to get a table and chairs in the shade. Places in the shade are pretty limited.

Cabana rentals can be reserved up to 60 days in advance, but they sell out quickly. If you want to learn more, we have a review of renting a cabana at the Beach Club . We also have a complete guide for Stormalong Bay that includes photos and videos of every pool feature. If you plan to spend some time at this pool, it has some tips that will likely be useful.

A scenic view of Disney's Boardwalk from the Stormalong Bay Pool.

Tidal Pool at Disney’s Beach Club

Disney’s Beach Club has two additional quiet pools. The Tidal Pool sits on the front side of Disney’s Beach Club. It is the smallest of the three quiet pools between the resorts. While this pool sits near the walkway to Epcot, a laundry room sits on one end, blocking the view. Rooms on the other three sides surround the pool.

dining area with tables and umbrellas at the Beach Club's Tidal Pool

To access this pool, take the main hallway off the resort’s lobby. Follow the signs that say pool, and after a few turns, you’ll reach a doorway leading out to the pool. You can’t miss it.

scenic view of the Tidal Pool with pretty blue skies

This pool is often the least busy of the three quiet pools. However, if you visit when the weather is warm, don’t be surprised to find a reasonable number of guests at all the pools.

shows the location of the Tidal Pool in relation to the resort

A hot tub sits adjacent to the pool.

Hot Tub at the Tidal Pool at Disney's Beach Club

Here is the laundry room by the pool. We have a separate article with the locations for all the laundry rooms at Disney’s Beach Club .

Next, the Dunes Cove Pool is located near the back of the resort. This is the formal pool for the Beach Club Villas. The buildings in this wing are mint green compared to the blue of Disney’s Beach Club.

While the Dunes Cove Pool is exclusive to guests staying in the Beach Club Villas, resort guests can access it. However, this pool area will likely be out of the way and is often busy.

Newly resurfaced pool at Disney's Beach Club Villas

This pool was recently completely resurfaced. We stopped in on a chilly day to check out the updates. Everything looked fresh and new.

Dunes Cove Pool at Disney's Beach Club Resort

A hot tub sits behind the Dunes Cove Pool.

hot tub at the pool at Disney's Beach Club Villas

A foosball table and a life-size chess set are available.

Here are a few tables with chairs and loungers around the pool.

Admiral Pool at Disney’s Yacht Club

At Disney’s Yacht Club, guests have access to the Admiral Pool. If you take the hallway off the lobby and pass The Marketplace at Ale and Compass, it will dead end at doors that lead to the Admiral Pool. It’s a peaceful pool area surrounded by trees on one side.

This pool is a little off the beaten path. If your room doesn’t face it, you might not know it was there.

All the quiet pools have a maximum depth of 4’3″. However, Stormalong Bay has some areas that get as deep as 8′.

A hot tub is available on the far end of the pool.

hot tub at Disney's Yacht Club quiet pool

A large laundry room sits at the back of the Yacht Club’s Admiral Pool. We have a post with specifics for laundry at Disney’s Yacht Club if you want to learn more.

laundry area behind the pool at Disney's Yacht Club

Hurricane Hannas Waterside Bar and Grill

If you want to enjoy a meal or cocktail at the pool, you’ll have two options. You can order something and take it to the pool of your choice, or you can visit Stormalong Bay and order from the poolside bar and grill, Hurricane Hannas.

Hurricane Hannas the poolside bar and grill at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club

During busier times, servers wait on guests at the pool deck. However, this often takes a while because only a few servers wait on the entire pool area. On my last visit, a server left us a menu. It was over 30 minutes before he returned to our area. While it wasn’t his fault, if you want something quickly, you are probably better off ordering it at the location.

outdoor dining area for Hurricane Hannas

We like placing a mobile order at Ale and Compass and bringing it to the pool. The food is good quality and reasonably priced, and if you want something small, you can order something from the kids’ menu.

If you purchase a Rapid Fill mug during your stay, you should be aware that Hurricane Hannas has a beverage refill station. You can refill your mug at the pool.

Related: Rapid Fill Mugs at Disney’s Beach Club

Additionally, Beaches and Cream, an ice cream shop, sits immediately behind the pool area. They do not do mobile orders but have a walk-up window where guests can order various ice cream treats. If you want to dine here, you’ll need to get a reservation or join their walk-up list when available.

In addition to the pools, the Beach and Yacht Club have a variety of other recreational activities. The Beach Club has a sand volleyball court near the lobby entrance.

sand volleyball court at Disney's Beach Club

The Yacht Club has a tennis court next to the Admiral Pool. Both resorts share a fully equipped gym on the walkway behind Stormalong Bay.

Or you might prefer to lounge on the Beach while the children play in the sand.

Final Thoughts

We love all the pools at Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club. But it’s hard to deny that Stormalong Bay has a special place in our hearts. It’s going to be tough to beat!

On a side note, I would caution that some guests are overwhelmed by the large pool area. So, if you have children of an age where you’ll need to keep an eye on them at all times, you might not enjoy your pool time. When my niece was younger, we camped out at the sand bar pool. It’s more of a wading pool than anything. She was content to dig in the sand all day. So, I never had to worry about her wandering off into other pool areas.

That said, make sure to pack a good book (hopefully), find a spot in the full sun or shade, and relax the day away. Don’t forget the sunscreen! You might even enjoy a little pool-hopping between the resort’s quiet and feature pools throughout your trip. It’s your vacation, so enjoy what you like the most. These special times don’t come often enough for most of us.

For more information about Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort , you might enjoy:

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Review
Disney’s Beach Club Review
Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Restaurants Guide
Cape May Cafe Character Breakfast Review
Preview the New Rooms at Disney’s Beach Club

Is it possible to have a truly unique and memorable Disney World experience without breaking the bank? Yes, enroll in our free email course and get your first lesson today.

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In the Comments

Now that we’ve looked at all the pools at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club, what do you think? Are you more of a quiet pool person or a Stormalong Bay person? Leave us a comment below or on our social media channels to let us know!

Hi, I'm Amber the owner of Resorts Gal . We have stayed at every single Disney Resort Hotel. Our philosophy? We believe you can have an incredible time at the resorts without ever setting foot in a theme park. We visit the resorts and parks regularly and would love for you to follow along!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yacht Club Restaurants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rooms

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

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

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

Prices at Yacht Club

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

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

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

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

Things to Do at Disney’s Yacht Club

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

sand bottom pool with Disney's Yacht Club in background

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

See Epcot Fireworks

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

Take a Ride on the Skyliner

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

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

Eat Ice Cream

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

Dine with Characters

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

Float along the Lazy River

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

Play Games in the Arcade

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

Ride the Friendship Boats

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

Build Sandcastles

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

Make S’mores

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

Rent a Boat

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

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

Stroll along the Disney Boardwalk

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

Play Volleyball

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

Enjoy an Evening Movie

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

Play Mini Golf

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

Swim Some Laps

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

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

Join a Kid Friendly Party at the Pool

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

Play Tennis

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

Zoom Down Waterslides

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

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

Book a Fireworks Cruise

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

Transportation

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

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

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

Is Disney’s Yacht Club Worth It?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

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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?

50 Magical Tips for the Disney Yacht Club

Disclosure: This Disney’s Yacht Club tips page contains affiliate links. Read full Disclosure Policy .

While it may seem to be just an extension of its younger sister, the Beach Club , the Yacht Club is an independent resort with its own fun and amenities. With that in mind, there are plenty of tips that will help you better navigate the Disney Yacht Club!

Exterior of Disney's Yacht Club resort in Orlando Florida

During Your Trip
Heading Home
Photo Opportunities

Tips for Planning Your Voyage to the Disney Yacht Club

Yacht & beach clubs – sisters, not twins.

One of the best Disney Yacht Club tips is to know the difference between the two resorts. Even though the Yacht and Beach Clubs share some amenities, like the main pool area and the fitness center, they are two completely different resorts. The theming of the Yacht Club is more mature and adult-focused, while the Beach Club is designed for families. Be sure to check out plenty of photos and guides ahead of time to know which one is best for your party.

Seafaring Theme

If theming is important to you, know that the theme of the Yacht Club fits with its name. It is all about sailing and voyaging on the sea , with deeper color palettes and wood tones. This is a changeup from the brighter, lighter atmosphere of its beachy neighbors. That isn’t a bad thing, the Yacht Club is gorgeous! Many all-adult groups love the lavish feeling of the stately Yacht Club. However, if you’re looking for that beach-vacation vibe, you might want to book next door.

Planning a Wedding? Consider a Yacht!

A Disney wedding is one of the most magical experiences on earth! One of our tips for planning a Disney wedding – check out the Disney Yacht Club.

With the ballrooms connected to this resort via walkway, the Yacht Club is a great place to host a large event like a wedding . Even if you have your wedding elsewhere on the property, the Yacht Club ballrooms are ideal for the reception. At the end of the evening, you can head right back to your room in the Yacht Club, just a quick walk away.

Wedding Gazebo

Speaking of weddings, if you’re looking for an outdoor Disney location, you’ll love the Wedding Gazebo . Nestled into the main courtyard, this beautiful space is ideal for a small, intimate ceremony, although it can accommodate up to 120 guests. Even if you don’t want to have the ceremony here, it is a gorgeous spot for pictures.

One of the major wedding tips is to check out the venue ahead of time, so be sure take a peak at the Disney Yacht Club Wedding Gazebo.

Mix Work and Play

Hosting a corporate event or team building retreat? Not only should you consider Disney World , but you should also consider the Yacht Club as your “home base.” Similar to the wedding venue, Disney is set up to help make your work events go smoothly, all while enjoying that touch of magic.

The Disney Yacht Club has a sense of elegance and sophistication about it that will impress right off the bat, making it the perfect place to house corporate guests. Easy proximity and access to the convention center is another perk, as it reduces travel time. This sort of reduction makes for extra time in the day for fun!

Don’t Leave Pluto at Home

If you have dogs, you’re going to love this! The Yacht Club is one of the dog-friendly resorts on property, meaning that you can bring your furry friend with you on your Disney vacation . There are a fee extra fees associated with having this extra member in your group, and you do need to book in advance ((407) 939-7539). You can even have someone come hang out with your pup during the day while you’re at the parks!

Make an Itinerary

Determine what days you will be doing which activities before your trip. Especially with the park pass system , know which days will be park days (and which park you’ll be in) and which days you will do other things. This will help with packing as well, since you’ll know what outfits you need when.

If you know you’re going to get up early for the Magic Kingdom on Tuesday, maybe don’t plan a late night out on Monday. Also, try not to plan too many park days in a row. A day off in between will do you a world of good!

Choose Daily Outfits

Speaking of wardrobe, planning out your outfits for each day is a great idea. This makes packing easier, and also helps to coordinate the family for photo opportunities. I even like to divide particular outfits into bags, labeled for the day I’m going to wear them. I know it seems excessive, but believe me, it helps with organization. These tips are particularly good with kids, as it simplifies packing and getting ready during your stay at the Disney Yacht Club!

Don’t forget to look at the itinerary you made! If you’re having a special dinner or hitting a particular park, that will help remind you of special outfits and items you want to pack.

Special Celebrations

When you book, be sure to specify if you’re having a celebration during your stay! A birthday , anniversary, honeymoon – any celebration will be marked by special decorations in your room.

Since the celebration styles tend to be themed along with the resort, you’ll end up with your own fun sea décor to go along with whatever you are already celebrating! This is one of those tips that will add memorable magic to your Disney Yacht Club experience.

Pack a Pool Bag

Especially if I’m driving to the resort, I like to pack a separate bag with my pool items. That includes swimsuit, sunscreen, and extra clothes. This is so that, if the room isn’t ready when we arrive, I can head to the bathroom, change into my swim gear, and enjoy the pool while I wait. Especially with such an awesome pool as Stormalong Bay, you don’t waste any of the time you could be poolside!

Pack a Cover-up

Along the same lines, you should plan to bring some sort of swim cover up or “over clothes” to wear back from the pool. After using the resort towels, the expectation is that you will return them before exiting the pool area. Unless you bring your own towel, that means you won’t have one to wrap around yourself for the walk back to your room. That’s where having a cover up, or even just a dedicated pool t-shirt and shorts, can be nice. You won’t feel quite so exposed as you walk back through your resort.

The Disney Yacht Club is a decent size, so this is one of the tips you’ll be glad you remembered!

Know Your Route

For those driving to the resort, make sure you know exactly what route you need to take to get to Disney Yacht Club. While many of us depend on the GPS, occasionally the generated directions take you to the wrong places on Disney property. One of my go-to tips is to check the map ahead of time to be sure you’re headed to the right place, in this case the Disney Yacht Club. You also don’t want to pull into the Beach Club by mistake!

Get the App, Get the Map

The My Disney Experience app has become a crucial component to any Walt Disney World vacation, from purchasing tickets and making dining reservations to obtaining a coveted Rise of the Resistance boarding pass. This app is important at your resort as well, as you can use it for as a map to navigate the resort. Most of the resort amenities are on the backside of the resort, so you wouldn’t necessarily see them as soon as you walk in. Places like restaurants and shopping are also spread out, so it’s good to have that visual to help guide you.

Plan Rainy Day Fun

This resort is a fabulous place to explore, so you should make a few activities for your kiddos in case of rain. Bingo, scavenger hunts, and photo journals are all great options for a day stuck inside. You can find some online, make your own, or ask for a scavenger hunt from the Front Desk. The Disney Yacht Club Cast Members might also have some tips of how to make the most of rainy day!

Rainy days are also perfect opportunities to check out the Beach Club as well, since the resorts are right next to one another!

Setting Sail – Tips for Enjoying the Disney Yacht Club

Online check-in.

One of the first things you should do when you arrive is check in. You can actually use the My Disney Experience app to do this weeks ahead of time. However, I suggest waiting until your flight comes in or you’re driving onto Disney property. From there, you can check back periodically to see if you have been assigned your room. Until then, hang at the pool!

Prevent Soda Spending – Get a Refillable Mug

With the creation of the Disney Dining Plan , resort guests can purchase a refillable mug for all self-service beverages at their resort. Whether you have the plan or not, you can buy the mug for $19.99 (sometimes more for specialty mugs). A regular soda at Disney World is $3.99, and if you drink two sodas a day for a five-day vacation, that comes out to $40! With the mug, you can save lot of money on nonalcoholic drinks (soda, juice, coffee, etc.) by refilling instead of buying a new drink.

The free refills are only good for the length of your stay, but as the mugs change in design from time to time, they make great souvenirs. One of my tips is to fill the mug with coffee when you’re leaving the Disney Yacht Club on the way to the park, and then rise it out and use it for water later. The refills don’t work in the parks, but if you bring a soda bottle or another beverage you can use the mug then.

You can often get seasonal refill mugs as well at prime times like Halloween and Christmas or for special anniversaries. A cool insulted Star Wars mug is also available for a bit extra.

Where is the Mug?

Stop in the Market at the Ale & Compass to grab your refill mug…and get it filled while you’re there! If for some reason you can’t find it, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop, Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar & Grill, and the Beach Club Marketplace all have it.

Refill stations are outside Hurricane Hanna’s and at the Beach Club Marketplace, although we recommend the first if you’re at the pool. You can also stop in the Market to get your mug refilled.

Right now, guests are not permitted to fill their own mugs, but a Cast Member will be happy to get it filled for you!

Rent a Boat

Right outside the Yacht Club is the Bayside Marina, where you can rent boats of varying sizes by the half hour. On a day you’re not going to the parks, this is a great family activity! Cruise around Crescent Lake, taking in the sights from a different view, and get some amazing pictures. Your kiddos (12 and older) can even captain the Sea Raycers, my personal favorite growing up.

Walking to Epcot is by far the quickest way to get there, and it is faster than the bus. International Gateway, Epcot’s back entrance, is right next store to the Beach Club. Yes, there is a bus to Epcot, but in the time it would take to walk to the bus stop you would already be in the park!

It’s understandable that you might choose to take other transportation to Hollywood Studios, but you can also walk there. I would recommend it, at least at the beginning of the day, because it is the least busy route. On your way back, you can also take a boat or the Disney’s Skyliner for a leisurely ride.

Bus Stop is out Front

There’s only one Disney transportation bus stop at the Yacht Club, located right out in front of the lobby. Just go to the left of the main entrance, past the car loop, and you’ll find the stop. The only downside is if you’re staying a little ways from the lobby, you’ll need to make time to walk to the bus stop.

The Beach Club has its own stop, so make sure when you’re coming back that you get off at the right one! Both the Yacht & Beach Clubs share a bus to and from the parks, so it’s important that you pay attention to the stop.

Ride the Monorail

Another great transportation alternative is the Epcot monorail. This line runs from Epcot to the Ticket and Transportation Center, and from there you can hop a ride to the Magic Kingdom.

It is about a fifteen-minute monorail ride, but that’s roughly the same as a bus ride. It’s a nice change of pace, and definitely more convenient if you have a stroller or a wheelchair in your group. Besides, who doesn’t love a good monorail ride?

Use Your Own Car

Drove your own car? Use it! Since you have to pay to park at the resorts, you might as well taken advantage of having your own vehicle. As you’re already paying a daily parking fee, you do not have to pay the fee again at the parks!

With this in mind, I always suggest taking your own car. It is the fastest and most dependable way to get anywhere, especially at the end of a park day. You can always use the Disney transportation to take a quick jaunt back to your resort if you don’t want to lose your parking space…just remember where you left your car!

Take a Break

One of the biggest mistake people make on their Disney vacation is pushing too hard. Even adults need to take a breather, so don’t be afraid to take a break. Especially if you’re at Epcot or Hollywood Studios, you are so close that you won’t lost much time travelling. The proximity of the Yacht Club to these parks makes it easy to get back quickly, so you won’t lose time on travel.

In the summer, Florida is hot . Everyone in your group, from toddlers to grown-ups, will be glad for the chance to go for a swim or just be in the AC for a little while. This tip is particularly useful if you’re planning to go to the park in the evening, as you can recharge a bit before a late night.

Explore the Boardwalk

The boardwalk joins all the Epcot resorts in this area, as well as connecting to the walkway over to the Swan and Dolphin . Forming a loop, you can check out all the fun carnival activities over on the BoardWalk side, or just get in some good exercise! It’s an easy way to check out all the different resorts in your area, giving you something to do on your day off from the parks.

There’s also tons of delicious food at the BoardWalk , if you’re looking for something different to try. I know the Yacht & Beach Clubs have amazing food, but if you’re on a ten-day vacation you might want to check out some of the other options.

Use. The. Pool.

Stormalong Bay is, without a doubt, one of the top three pool complexes in Disney World. Much better and you’d have to be at a water park! Heated water, incredible shipwreck slide, sandy bottom, and a lazy river? Come on, it’s amazing! Not only that, but the pool area is huge , spreading between the Yacht and Beach Clubs like a beach paradise.

I recommend spending at least one day at this pool. It may seem like a long time, but trust me, you’ll be glad you did. Between the slide, the whirlpools, lazy river, and amazing dining options, you’ll be amazed at how quickly the time flies.

Keep Your MagicBand with You

Always make sure everyone in your group always wears their MagicBand. You should be doing this anyway, as wearing it is the best way not to lose it, but you definitely want to do it at the Yacht and Beach Clubs. When you go to Stormalong Bay, you’ll need to scan in, and at peak times a Cast Member may check to be sure you’re Yacht Club guests.

As Stormalong Bay is so popular, plenty of other resort guests (and some not resort guests!) try to sneak into this pool area. To prevent this, guests use their MagicBands to prove that they are staying at the Yacht Club. I

f a Cast Member asks to scan your band, please don’t be offended. These procedures are there to make sure the pool you’re paying to use isn’t taken over by outside guests.

Arrive Early, Arrive Together!

Again, this is a popular pool area. If you’re planning to hang out at Stormalong Bay, you and your whole group need to get there in the morning when the pool opens. You could also try to hit the pool at a time when people are leaving in the late afternoon. You can’t save seats at any Disney pool, and that almost goes double for a popular pool like Stormalong Bay. With that in mind, don’t plan to send one person down to hold on to a space for ten.

Also, if you’re using the space consistently, that’s fine, but make sure you’re there. Cast Members will remove resort towels that sit too long on vacant chairs, so just be aware of your space.

Sorry, No Pool Rafts!

This is a rule at all Disney pools with lifeguards, but even more strictly enforced at a popular destination like Stormalong Bay. With so many people in the pool at once, it is important that the lifeguard as an un-obstructed view of all swimmers. Life vests and puddle jumpers are allowed, but any sort of floatation device that isn’t attached the swimmer’s body isn’t permitted. If you’re concerned that your floaty wouldn’t be allowed, just use one of the life vests provided at the pool.

I point this out for two reasons:

One, as beach-like as this pool is, it’s still a pool. Again, the lifeguards have to be able to see everyone, and large floats prevent this.

Two, with the lazy river, guests might be tempted to think that this rule is suspended for that area. That is incorrect. You can borrow a Beach Club pool noodle or clear inner tube for floating along the current, but you need to leave your personal floats in your room.

Need Quiet? Try a Leisure Pool

Both the Yacht Club and Beach Club have their own leisure pools separate from Stormalong Bay. The Beach Club Villas also has a pool for their guests (although any Beach Club guest can use it). If you need a little quiet, or want a change of scenery from Stormalong Bay, the leisure pools can be a great option.

All guests of both resorts can use any of the leisure pools. I suggest finding the leisure pool closest to your room, and use that. Definitely go to Stormalong Bay at least once, but at other resorts I know I’ll forgo the main themed pool for the convenience of a closer leisure pool.

Don’t Worry about a Towel

Disney resorts provide pool towels to their guests, so don’t worry about bringing your own! You can of course, but sometimes it’s nice to have one less item to carry. Even if you do bring your own, grab a resort towel anyway. That way, yours is nice and dry when you want to bundle up for the journey back to your room.

You also can borrow life vests at the Disney pools, so you can save room in the suitcase and leave the puddle jumper at home. Again, if you’re more comfortable with your own, that’s fine. However, as someone who often flies, I appreciate the fact that I don’t need these bulky items!

Lunch at the Pool

Even if you bring your own pool snacks, there are plenty of food and beverage options if you want something more substantial. If you’re hanging out for the whole day, it can be nice to split a hot meal while you take a break from swimming.

The Beaches & Cream quick service window is a great option, as is Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill. At Hurricane Hanna’s, we recommend the seafood roll with homemade chips, while you can’t go wrong with a burger from Beaches & Cream. Of course, if you want to just have a sundae for lunch, we won’t judge you either!

Keep Off the Beach

There are plenty of signs and fences to remind you, but the beach itself is off limits. You’re in Florida and those gators are not the happy “zipa-dee-do-da” kind. The warning signs are there for a reason, so respect them for your own safety.

It is a bit disappointing, as in years past you could lounge on the beach, but again the rules are there for your protection. You used to be able to swim in the lake too, but that doesn’t mean it was a good idea!

No Towels on the Balcony

In order to preserve the sophisticated look of the Yacht Club, guests cannot hang their towels out on the balconies. This is true at all Disney resorts, but is more strictly enforced at the deluxe resorts in order to preserve the aesthetic. While you don’t have to pack a beach towel, as the resort provides them, if you do bring your own towel plan to hang it up in your room. For the resort towels, you should return them before leaving the pool anyway.

Indulge at the Yachtsman Steakhouse

Fitting with the classy vibe of the resort, the Yachtsman Steakhouse is perfect for a date night or special treat. Decadent New England cuisine brings you mouth-watering steaks and succulent seafood, all perfectly seasoned to bring out the best flavors. Those dining as a pair may enjoy the Chef’s Offerings for two – a prime porterhouse meal or chilled seafood tower. Both are on the expensive side, but are well worth it. The intimacy of sharing your meal is also perfect for a romantic evening!

Dress the Part

When you go to the Yachtsman, make sure you follow the dress code. A few restaurants around Disney World require a certain level of dress to maintain the atmosphere. These dress codes are not suggestions – you could be turned away from the restaurant if you are not dressed appropriately. Don’t risk it, make sure you’re prepared! Besides, if you’re going to a nice place, don’t you want the excuse to get dolled up?

Wonderful World of Wine

The second Wednesday of every month, the Yachtsman hosts a wine club, giving guests the chance to sample wines from California, Italy, France, Chile, Australia and more. Learn about where the wines are made, the climates of the vineyards, and the specialized winemaking processes of each location. Small plates are offered to pair with the wines, bringing out the flavor of both the wine and the food.

Guests must be 21 years or older and provide a valid ID. This is a popular experience, so be sure to call (407) 824-1391 to secure a spot!

Breakfast at the Ale & Compass

While it is open for dinner as well, you have to try the breakfast at the Ale & Compass Restaurant ! The other signature restaurant at the Yacht Club, these divine dishes are the perfect way to start your day. While the menu isn’t extensive, it doesn’t need to be. These offerings are rich, delicious, and cover a variety of tastes. Our favorites are the Dark Chocolate Waffle and Salted Caramel-Apple French Toast, both of which come with a side of breakfast meat. You’ll definitely want to take a walk around the boardwalk after this breakfast!

Make it Quick at the Market

The Market at the Ale & Compass is your quick-stop location at the Disney Yacht Club, perfect for a grab-and-go meal or other conveniences. This is a great option for an early morning park day or departure, as you can pick up a meal and be on your way. If you want to sit and eat, there’s a decent amount of seating right next to the Market.

The Market is also where you can find souvenirs and Yacht Club specific swag!

Use Mobile Order

Skip the line and order your counter service meals on your app! Whether you’re in the parks or just picking up pizza on the boardwalk, Mobile Order is an ideal way to get your food without having to wait. You also can find more customizations on the app, which helps you to get the food just the way you want it. If you’re going to the Market to grab a quick meal, particularly if you’re really grabbing and going, Mobile Order is a must.

Light Dinner at the Lounge

When you’re planning to spend an evening at the park, you may not want a heavy meal. It’s also possible to get literally weighed down by all the delicious Disney food. With that in mind, you might want to check out the Ale & Compass Lounge for dinner. Upscale pub food is the perfect quick meal, yet the portions are just right for something a bit lighter. Two different flatbread choices will leave you feeling satisfied without being stuffed, and there’s even a burger available if you’re worried about being hungry later.

Big Breakfasts and Parks Days Don’t Mix

I know it sounds like a great plan to do the character breakfast at Cape May Café before you head to Epcot, but trust me, it isn’t.

First of all, most of the breakfast reservations you’ll be able to get are a good hour or two after you would want to be in the park.

Even with the earliest reservation, you’re likely to get into the parks well after 10:00am, which is a late start.

Second, these wonderful, delicious, sumptuous breakfasts are going to slow you down. You’re much more likely to want to nap than hike around Epcot afterwards.

Finally, if you have somewhere to be after the meal, you’re going to be tempted to rush through it. That’s not fair to you (who’s paying for it!) or your family.

Slow down, enjoy yourself, and don’t plan a park day on a signature breakfast day.

Don’t Overeat

In general, there is a temptation to each waaaaay too much food when you’re in Disney. I get it, there’s amazing food everywhere! When the dining plans return, the need to eat to maximize your investment is even worse. However, you’re going to regret it if you overdo it. Find simple ways to reduce your meals, like choosing a lighter option or eating at a lounge instead of a table service. For the snacks, bring your own, or choose something like an apple or granola bar instead of that massive Mickey rice crispy treat. You’ll enjoy your time so much more if you don’t gorge yourself!

Go to Beaches & Cream!

Beaches & Cream is one of my favorite stops during a Disney trip, and after you go, you’ll understand why! Themed like a 1950s burger and soda shop, Beaches & Cream has plenty of fun nostalgia…with the delicious food to back it up.

Beaches & Cream has amazing sundaes, shakes, and specialty desserts, but the crowning glory is the Kitchen Sink. Served in an actual sink-shaped bowl, eight scoops of ice cream come covered in all the toppings you can imagine, as well as a full can of whipped cream! More recently, there have been variations on the Kitchen Sink, but the original version is certainly a remarkable sight.

Make a reservation for an inside table, or walk up to the window to get something to go. Sweet, savory, or a bit of both, you can’t go wrong with Beaches & Cream.

Sit on Your Balcony

As almost all the rooms have a balcony or patio, you should make good use of it! The views are beautiful, especially looking out over the boardwalk. Garden views are particularly peaceful, getting a little piece of nature in the midst of the resort. Sit out in the morning and enjoy a coffee, or watch the sun set over the lake as the evening begins to cool off.

If you’re traveling with kids and you’re all in one room, the balcony is especially nice. You can have some quiet time in the evening without waking your sleeping kiddos, while enjoying one of the features of your resort.

Homeward Bound – Hope to Sea You Soon!

Pack the night before.

It may be the last thing you feel like doing, particularly if you spent your last day at the park, but you’ll be glad you did in the morning. Packing ahead of time means less scramble, and you will be less likely to leave anything behind in the room.

Leave out your outfit for the next day and your essentials, but get everything else ready to go. If you have young kids, make sure you know the location of all their items. Your departure will be much smoother, and you will be less stressed, with this one big to-do item checked off your list.

Have Breakfast!

You might think there isn’t enough time for a meal, especially if you have a flight to catch. However, if you plan ahead, there will be enough time for you to eat before you head out, and we suggest that you do. Heading away from Walt Disney World on an empty stomach not only will make your departure harder, but will most likely make your whole party miserable (especially the kids). The Markey opens at 7:00am, but if that isn’t early enough for you, consider getting some snacks the night before to hold you over until you get to the airport.

If you’re driving yourself, at least get a grab-and-go item or snack to tide yourself over.

Check Out is at Eleven, but You Don’t Have to Leave!

Just because the checkout time is at 11:00am, that doesn’t make it your departure time. Even if you have a flight, the front desk will hold your suitcases until you’re ready to leave. If you drove yourself, just take your luggage out to your car. After all, you can leave at your own pace. From there, you can enjoy the amenities of the resort for the rest of the day!

This is nice if you don’t have far to travel or you’re transitioning between phases of your vacation. No need to rush away if you don’t have to do so!

Fabulous Photos – Pictures You Won’t Want to Miss!

Throughout this resort area, there are plenty of gorgeous photo opportunities for you and your family. Whether you want to just take in the scenery or plan your next Christmas card, take advantage of these gorgeous photo spots!

The Lighthouse

I love this spot at the Yacht Club. Looking out over the lake, the lighthouse is an iconic Yacht Club image, and is especially pretty at night. Take a picture of the whole scene, or have a family photo shoot at its base. This is another one of those photos you might want to get from the lake if you rent a boat!

Even if you’re not at the Yacht Club to get married, the gazebo makes a lovely place for some sweet pictures. It’s a public space, so unless there’s a wedding happening there, you’re free to use it!

Shipwreck beach at Disney's Yacht Club resort

While you can’t go out on the beach, there’s still some great spots to get nice pictures. Position yourself to get the shipwreck slide in the background, or the BoardWalk resort. At night when the BoardWalk is all lit up makes for a fantastic scenery shot!

On the Bridge

Over by Epcot, there is a bridge that connects the BoardWalk side to the Yacht & Beach side. You can get fabulous shots of all three resorts from here, not to mention some fun family poses.

Robert Brault once said “life is like sailing – you can use wind to go in any direction.” I hope that one day life’s wind will blow you in the direction of the 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.

EPCOT / News / Resorts / Walt Disney World

Your Guide To Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

by Melissa Roden · February 11, 2022

If you’ve been following along with us here at MickeyBlog , you’ll know that we’ve been exploring many of our favorite Walt Disney World Resorts. Next up is a bit of a hidden secret among my regular clients- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort! You can’t beat this property for close proximity to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios along with a whole host of awesome amenities!

This Deluxe EPCOT Resort property captures the formal grace of a grand New England-style Yacht Club with elegant decor and lots of nautical touches. You’ll enjoy relaxing in the plush lobby or popping next to the Yacht Club’s pastel-toned sister, Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

Located in the EPCOT Resort area, you are just a quick walk to the International Gateway entrance of EPCOT. Or if you prefer, you can take a friendship boat to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios which is also close by. The Yacht Club property sits next to Disney’s Beach Club Inn meaning you can enjoy all of the amenities that sister resort has to offer. You are also just across the lake from Disney’s Boardwalk with restaurants, nightlife, shops and more!

Yacht Club Transportaion

Getting around during your stay at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is easy. Who have a whole host of different options from reaching your destination on foot to hopping on a Friendship Boat. Check out our transportation list below:

EPCOT: Short Walk or Friendship Boat
Hollywood Studios: Boat
Magic Kingdom: Bus
Animal Kingdom: Bus
Disney Springs: Bus

2 Queen Beds and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed or 1 King Bed or 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair and 1 Day Bed
Views of Rooftop or Parking Area
Sleeps 5 Adults
1 King Bed or 1 Queen Bed and 1 Day Bed and 1 Twin Size Sleeper Chair or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed or 2 Queen Beds
Views of Garden
Sleeps up to 5 Adults
1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed or 1 King Bed or 1 Queen Bed and 1 Day Bed and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed or 2 Queen Beds
Views of Crescent Lake or Quiet Pool
Sleeps up to 5 Adults

Rooms and Suites With Club Level Service

Club Level Amenities Include:

Complimentary health club access
Secured key access to the club-level lounge, serving refreshments 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
Club Level Concierge – Regatta Club
Complimentary newspapers in Club Level lounge
1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds
Sleeps up to 4 Adults
2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed or 2 Queen Beds or 1 King Bed
Sleeps Up to 4 Adults
1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed or 2 Queen Beds or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed or 1 King Bed
Views of One of the Stormalong Bay Lagoons
2 King Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
Views of Stormalong Bay or Crescent Lake
Sleeps up to 6 Adults
1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds
Water Views
Sleeps up to 6 Adults
1 King Bed, 2 Queen Beds and 1 Sleeper Sofa
Sleeps up to 8 Adults

Food & Beverage

The following dining locations are located at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort

Yachtsman Steakhouse- A MickeyBlog favorite, the airy dining room of this Table Service eatery features knotty-pine beams and nautical touches. Menu highlights include grain-fed beef that is aged in house and prepared on an oak-fired grill, 12 oz Prime New York Strip Steak with peppercorn brand sauce, truffle macaroni and cheese and for dessert the Yachtman’s Chocolate Cake.
Ale & Compass Restaurant – Drop anchor for Eastern Seaboard eats that the whole crew will love at this Table Service eatery. This seaworthy spot is a comfortable place to relax and refuel before and after a day of adventure. For breakfast we recommend the dark chocolate waffle or salted caramel-apple French toast. Lunch options include Lobster and Corn Chowder, Ale and Compass Salad, and the Bacon and Vermont Cheddar Burger. Finally, for dinner, indulge in sumptuous seafood, like sustainable catch of the day or New England seafood pot pie.
Ale & Compass Lounge – Stop by this nautical nook for lively libations and savory snacks. Choose from a variety of beers, wines and high-end liquors—as well as cocktails like the Spicy Pomegranate Margarita and the Captain’s Mai Tai.
The Market at Ale & Compass- Pop by this quick service spot for a variety of provisions. Once inside, you’ll find breakfast favorites like Mickey waffles with bacon, tasty sandwiches and hot paninis at lunchtime and delightful coffee beverages to brighten your day—along with magical Disney merchandise.
Cape May Cafe – Start your day off right with an all-you-care-to-enjoy, breakfast buffet featuring Assorted House-Made Pastries, Omelets, Beef Hash, and of course, Mickey and Minnie Waffles. For dinner buffet offerings include Peel-n-Eat Shrimp, Cape May Clams, Oven Roasted Lemon Chicken and Slow-roasted Strip Loin. Available for an additional fee are Snow Crab Legs (per pound) and Whole Lobster.
Beaches & Cream – Slide into a beach ball-bedecked booth at this Table Service spot and peruse a menu of fountain favorites, sweet surprises and hot-off-the-grill items. Find yourself in “burger heaven” or try the equally sublime grilled cheese and tomato soup. Chili-cheese tots and onion rings are among the other comfort classics offered. But the main event here is, of course, dessert with showstoppers, like the Snickers Sundae and the No Way José—a delectable creation with ice cream, peanut butter and hot fudge. For the ultimate experience, get a load of the Kitchen Sink: 8 scoops of ice cream smothered in every topping we have.
Beach Club Marketplace – Quick Service- Start your day with a breakfast sandwich or Mickey waffles. Then fuel up on lunch and dinner with a selection of macaroni and cheese dishes, hot or cold sandwiches, or refreshing salads.
Martha’s Vineyard – Canoodle over a Cape Cod or any signature cocktail from the full bar menu at this mellow New England beach house-inspired lounge. Imported wines and draft beers, including Sam Adams Seasonal, enhance the mood. Appetizers are also available.
Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar – Enjoy the view of Stormalong Bay as you’re blown away by a sea of signature cocktails, draft beers and frozen drinks like the rum-infused Piña CoLAVA.
Crew’s Cup Lounge – Race into port for a refreshing beverage at this cozy outpost nestled next to the Yachtsman Steakhouse. Unwind with a pint, a glass of wine or a cool cocktail or from a selection of tasty menu items (hours vary).

Swimming Pools

Stormalong Bay- Disney’s Yacht Club and Disney’s Beach Club share the be all and end all of Disney pools called Stormalong Bay. This pool area feels more like a water park with a 750,000 gallon pool offering 3 acres of aquatic fun. You can immerse yourself in this expansive sand-bottomed pool or relax in the lazy circular river. There’s even a life-size shipwreck replica and one of the highest hotel waterslides in Walt Disney World. You can also unwind atop the elevated training deck or in one of the three whirlpool spas.

Shipwreck Pool – Created especially for tiny tots, this is the perfect place for wading and waterplay. It even features a miniature waterslide.

3 Leisure Pools – Looking for something more on the tranquil side? There are three additional leisure pools on property. The locations are as follows:

Tidal Pool at Disney’s Beach Club Resort Pool – located in the garden area at the far end of the resort facing Crescent Lake.
Admiral Pool at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Pool- found on its own tranquil garden area
Dunes Cove Pool at Disney’s Beach Club Villas Pool – Privately located in the villa area but Yacht Club guests are welcome to enjoy it!

Cabana Rentals – Guests can pre-book a cabana at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Cabanas come with the following amenities.

Dedicated Cast Member providing service to the cabanas
Cocktail service
Ceiling fan
Padded furniture, including chairs and couch
Television with cable access
Charging outlet/USB
Mini refrigerator stocked with complimentary sodas and water
Fruit basket (may not be available without advance reservation)
Plush towels
Cabinet safe

Cabana rentals are an additional fee and reservations can be made at 407.WDW.PLAY.

Additional Recreation

Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf – Guests staying at the Yacht Club are just a short walk away from this miniature golf course featuring two 18-hole course. You can putt your way through 5 whimsical scenes featuring characters from Fantasia including tutu-clad hippos, marching broomsticks and pirouetting ostriches.
Campfires – Gather ‘round as the sun goes down for a little old-fashioned family fun as you roast marshmallows next to a crackling fire.
Movies Under the Stars – Watch favorite Disney films at complimentary screenings in the Solarium or on a lawn outdoors near the volleyball courts. The line-up changes regularly so as the front desk for the schedule!
Motorized Boat Rentals – Chart a course for fun with a choice of powerboats available for rent at Walt Disney World Resort marinas.
Fishing – Enjoy a guided bass-fishing excursion—perfect for both amateur wranglers and seasoned fishermen!
Tennis Courts – Show off your skills on a lit tennis court, located near the Admiral Pool!
Volleyball – Enjoy a friendly volleyball match on a sandy court located near the Tidal Pool. Complimentary equipment is available.
Jogging Trails- Take your pick of several jogging paths, including a loop around Crescent Lake.
Lafferty Place Arcade – Score big with a variety of video games at this arcade near Stormalong Bay.
Ship-Shape Salon and Fitness – Get toned at this full-service facility featuring equipment, massages and more.

The Market at Ale & Compass – Navigate to this all-in-one emporium to stock up on everyday essentials, souvenirs, chilled beverages and snacks. You can also shop the theme parks with ease and have your goods delivered here, where they’ll be available for pickup later.
Beach Club Marketplace – Find Disney souvenirs, apparel, grab ‘n’ go food items, cold beverages and sundries at this convenient all-purpose shop.

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As one of Disney’s Deluxe Resort properties, pricing at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort for Spring 2022 starts at around $500 and go up to the $1000+ range for suites and club level However, this property is also regularly included in Disney discount offers so you may be able to get some additional savings!

You can download the entire Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Pocket Guide here – Yacht Club Pocket Guide

Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Walt Disney World news and updates! To book your Yacht Club stay simply fill out my form below.

With new policies and procedures in place during the year ahead, there’s never been a better time to work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner who can help you navigate through Disney World’s new way of doing things! I’ll be on hand to assist with everything from finding that perfect package and getting the best deals to organizing park passes, Disney Genie+ and dining reservations. Best of all- my services are ABSOLUTELY FREE!

Just fill out my form HERE to get your FREE, no-obligation quote. Alternatively, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook

Tags: dining Disney's Yacht Club Resort Epcot Pocket Guide recreation room rates Room Types Swimming Pools transportation

Melissa Roden

As an agent with MickeyTravels and a Blogger with MickeyBlog I enjoy sharing, tips, tricks and advice to help readers and clients get the most out of your time with Disney. When I'm not helping clients plan their perfect holidays or nab those hard-to-get discounts you can find me enjoying a Dole Whip at Disney World with my daughter! Reach out for a FREE, no obligation quote at 1.800.801.4025 or find me on Facebook !

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Guide to Disney World Pools: Rules, Info & FAQ

When it comes to choosing the right Walt Disney World hotel, pools are the difference-maker for many guests. In this guide, we’ll answer frequently asked questions, current policies & rules, and offer other info about swimming, water slides, hot tubs, pool bars, and more. ( Updated March 6, 2022 .)

While we personally prefer choosing a hotel on the basis of location, transportation, or theme, pools play an undeniably prominent role in many families’ vacation plans. The good news is that many Walt Disney World hotels with the “best” pools also are within walking, Skyliner, boat, or monorail distance of the parks.

There’s Stormalong Bay at Yacht & Beach Club–basically a mini water park complete with a sand-bottom and lazy river–which is a short walk from Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There’s Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation–it’s big, blue, and arguably overrated–which is within a Skyliner flight to both of those same parks. There’s the Lava Pool at Polynesian Village Resort–with great views, hidden coves, Kiki Tiki’s Splash Play Area, walking bridge, waterfalls, and 142-foot water slide–which is a monorail ride from Magic Kingdom…

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves and arguably off-topic with a value assessment of which pools at Walt Disney World are the best options. Instead, let’s focus on the general rules and info applicable to all (or at least most) pools at Walt Disney World…

Are pools busy?

It depends. Crowds at the pools follow common-sense patterns. The hotter the weather, the busier the pools. The more crowded the parks, the busier the pools…unless the weather is cold. (Even then, pools will be more crowded the week between Christmas and New Year’s than at the beginning of December or January.)

In our experience, the busiest pools are typically those at Yacht & Beach Club, Polynesian, Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Coronado Springs. Generally speaking, leisure pools are not busy–even at the aforementioned resorts. However, that can vary–the leisure pools are smaller, so even a few groups can make them feel crowded.

Is there a wait time to enter pools?

Typically, no.

What are pool hours?

Feature or main pool hours are 10 am until 10 pm or 11 pm daily, depending upon the season. (Expect warmer months to see longer hours.)

Leisure or quiet pools are once again open 24 hours per day. As always, operating hours are subject to change without notice (mostly due to weather).

Do all hotel pools have water slides?

Water slides are considered a Moderate Resort and above amenity, meaning Value Resorts do not have them. All hotels above that tier have at least one water slide. Additionally, no leisure pool has a water slide.

What’s the difference between a feature pool and leisure pool?

Feature pools are Disneyspeak for the main pool. These are usually centrally-located, large, and have more lavish Disney theme and decor. Additionally, the ones at Moderate and Deluxe Resorts have water slides. These are the pools your kids will want to use.

Leisure pools are Disneyspeak for quiet pools. These are smaller, typically have understated design, and are better for lounging. They’re less attractive to kids (although anyone is allowed) and more aimed at adults.

Can you pool hop to different resorts at Walt Disney World?

In some cases, but not in many others.

Pool hopping is allowed for Disney Vacation Club members with some pretty significant restrictions and blockout dates that are too numerous to list. ( See this official, and regularly ‘evolving’ page .)

For guests of normal hotels, the exception to this is anyone staying at a hotel with a ‘sister’ property. Meaning the various All Star Resorts, two Port Orleans Resorts, and any hotel with a DVC or Deluxe Villa.

Are pool hopping rules actually enforced?

It depends upon the resort.

The rules are strictly enforced at Stormalong Bay. Everywhere else, it’s more hit or miss. MagicBands are used to unlock the gates of feature pools, but this is sometimes turned off or gates are open. It works enough to be a sufficient deterrent to pool hopping, though.

Do you recommend pool hopping for eligible guests?

Even if you’re eligible to pool hop, we generally don’t recommend it for pools that aren’t within walking distance–it’s too much of a hassle. The big exception is Disney’s Riviera Resort guests, who should use the feature pool at Caribbean Beach. Bay Lake Tower guests should also consider a different pool, but unfortunately, none of the major players in the Magic Kingdom area are viable options.

Which Walt Disney World pools are best?

We rank them in our Top 10 Pools at Walt Disney World .

With that said, we’ll “save you a click” as the obvious #1 is Stormalong Bay. It’s still worth reading the full list, as there are some sleeper picks and hidden gems.

Which hotel has the worst pools?

Even though they have water slides, our picks for this are Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower. These would be good leisure pools thanks to their views and natural serenity…but they are seldom serene due to crowds.

Are the feature pools loud?

At many resorts, pool views are considered a preferred or premium view category. Why that is absolutely confounds us–I’d rather have a view of the dumpster than of the pool. At least the dumpster isn’t constantly making noise.

Which pool areas are best for adults?

It really depends upon what you’re after, but we really like the pools at Disney’s Riviera Resort and Grand Floridian.

Two sleeper picks are Coronado Springs and the Swan & Dolphin.

What about hot tubs?

As with water slides, hot tubs are a feature at Moderate Resorts and above.

While there are a variety of boilerplate health rules and recommendations, all guests–including children–are allowed to use hot tubs.

Which resorts have the best hot tubs?

Totally our opinion based on atmosphere and seclusion, but at the Moderate Resort tier we’ll pick Coronado Springs and Port Orleans French Quarter.

Deluxe Resorts have a wealth of options, with the Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht & Beach Club, and Grand Floridian being our favorites. Contemporary Resort–the worst pool area above–is actually a sleeper pick here thanks to its lakeside setting.

Are there pool bars or restaurants at the pools?

Every resort has a pool with a bar in its general vicinity.

The location and proximity varies from hotel to hotel, as does what’s served. Food-wise, it’s typically pretty basic fare–if you’re eating at the pool bar, it’s usually out of convenience not due to an exceptional menu.

Are towels provided at the pools?

Are the pools zero entry?

Not all of them, but an increasing number.

This is a relatively recent development, added to feature pools that are reimagined and to pools that are newly-built in the last decade or so.

What about water play areas?

Same deal as with zero entry.

This is a newer development, and you’ll find interactive water play areas or splash zones at a growing number of Walt Disney World resorts. It’s still not all of them, but it’s getting closer.

Do pools close due to weather?

In extreme cases, yes. While pools remain open no matter how torrential the downpour, if there is a lightning strike in the area, pools temporarily close until given the all-clear.

Pools are also open in the winter, and at temperatures where all but guests from the North while actively avoid them. However, pools will close on days when it gets really cold, much to the consternation of Canadians.

Do pools having diving boards?

What other common ‘amenities’ are Walt Disney World pools missing?

The big one is that Walt Disney World doesn’t have indoor pools, but that’s not really a pool amenity so much as a location.

Additionally, most Walt Disney World pools don’t have ‘athletic stuff’ like lap lanes (save for Coronado Springs) or water polo goals.

Do pools have showers?

There are both ‘simple’ showers for rinsing off and more traditional and private showers in the restrooms. The latter can come in real handy (see below).

Can pools be used before or after checkout?

If you arrive early in the day and your room isn’t ready, you can use the pool. Ditto after checking out, but before your flight. Those pool showers can also come in real handy in this situation if you want to clean off before or after your flight!

If the pool is too crowded can we swim in the lake or other random body of water at our resort?

Swimming is not allowed in the lakes, ponds, or other natural bodies of water at Walt Disney World.

One of our “favorite” Walt Disney World Urban Legends is that River Country Water Park closed because it used lake water, and a young boy died of a brain eating amoeba from the lake. (Sadly, the second part of the story is true but the first is not.)

The point still stands that random bodies of Florida water are less than ideal for swimming. They’re also home to alligators and who-knows-water kind of prehistoric monstrosities lurking in the abyss. When it comes to Florida’s critters, nothing surprises us anymore.

What about…?

At 2,000+ words, I feel like we’re already over-complicating what should be a relatively straightforward topic. We’re happy to expand on this with answers to your questions that have a ‘unique wrinkle’ but a lot of this is common sense.

Don’t take beer into the pool. Don’t eat a footlong submarine sandwich while swimming. Don’t pee in the pool. No skinny dipping. (Save those shenanigans for Margaritaville!)

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

YOUR THOUGHTS

Do you have any Walt Disney World pool-related questions that we did not answer in this FAQ? What’s your experience with the resort pools at Walt Disney World? Any feedback or thoughts about policies or crowds based upon your experience? Favorite or least favorite pools at WDW? Same question for hot tubs, water slides, splash zones, and poolside bars? Planning on using the pools during your next Walt Disney World vacation? Hearing from you is half the fun, so please share your pool rankings, other comments, and questions in the comments below!

Written by Tom Bricker

Can kids take toys into the pool at the Polynesian?

Are small handheld pool throw toys allowed at Art of animation?

Does anyone know if the Yacht and Beach Club have water wings or puddle jumpers (whatever they’re called) you can rent for toddlers? I’ve heard rumors but can’t confirm

They have life jackets for children available by the pool. You don’t need to rent them. They are free to use.

I know of a large family who lives in Florida and is able to use the pools at the resorts without staying there. They just use their magic bands to get in. They do this all the time and are never questioned. Why is that?

My favorite pool complex is the Swan and Dolphin. Download the Swan/Dolphin app and you can actually reserve a chase lounge as you walk back to your resort from Epcot or Hollywood. The theming, bar service, food service, and number of places to sit and swim are outstanding. My most overrated pick is the Polynesian’s pool complex. the pools are woefully small for a resort that big, there are not enough spaces to sit, and both pools are very shallow and rough with the surface feeling like coarse sandpaper.

Tom The pics are fabulous. Thank you

Any thoughts about the cabanas at the Dolphin? Looks like there are three that can be reserved? Location preference between the three? Thank you very much! Sarah

Not Tom, but we rented a cabana at the main grotto pool at the swan/Dolphin when we went in May. It was totally worth it. We had the south most cabana at the main grotto pool. We really liked the location as it was quieter since it was a little further from the slide/waterfall and closer to the hot tub. But if you need to keep an eye on kids, I would get one in the middle.

MIchellle: Only if it is the resort you are staying at as a guest. Otherwise, you cannot swim in any pool at WDW unless you are a registered guest of that resort. Even DVC members are not permitted to swim in a pool at a resort they are not a guest of since pool hopping hasn’t been reinstated yet for DVC members staying on their own points.

Can we swim at a resort pool with a dining reservation?

Please do a post rating the amount of shade available at each of the pools. Thanks! 🙂

Since CBR is so large, it doesn’t make sense to send Riviera guests all the way over there to that pool, especially when there is a long wait already. Let’s just let Riviera guests swim at their own pool. Or, can CBR guests swim at Riviera pool? Something to consider if it goes one way it should go the other…. an open pool is more fun than a closed pool. Especially when you likely don’t have the luxury if waiting all day for an opening. We had no trouble at BLT and Kidani in October, although I will say Kidani pool was more packed than I’d EVER seen it! A function of parks bring sold out and very little entertainment and short hours. It’ll even out eventually!

We’re staying may6-15 at Coronado. We’ve stayed at OKW, BWV and pop post covid without capacity issues ( sept and oct) I know those times are much less crowded than spring break even precovid. But from pictures I’ve seen it seems like Coronado has a LOT less loungers than those 3 resorts had in September and oct 2020. ( I’m almost as verbose as you Tom! Lol) so do you think this pool capacity issue at Coronado will improve after spring break is over ( and before summer behind)?

Please list the leisure pools.

Look them up on Disney’s website. There’s 2-3 per resort (estimate), depending on the size. They are usually pretty evenly spaced around the resort for easy access. We enjoyed a leisure pool at Poly, which had some rentable cabanas (no thanks lol) and was virtually empty outside of two young kids with water wings.

Just an “FYI” that you need to update your part about the Boardwalk pool since the clown is no longer there. (Under the section about the “worse” pools at Disney). Oh, and I am sad the clown is gone.

FYI, we stayed at Yacht Club Feb 15-22 when the storm-a-long bay huge pool slide closed for refurbishment. Cast member said it will be closed until summer.

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Your Guide to Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club Resorts

in Hotel , Walt Disney World

Welcome, Disney vacation planners! If you’re looking for a complete guide to a deluxe resort with Walt Disney World’s BEST pool, amazing proximity to EPCOT, and all the pixie dust you can expect from the top category in Disney resorts, you’ve come to the right place! BONUS, we’re discussing TWO adjacent resorts in this complete guide.

So, stay with us as we cover all the details you need to know as you plan your stay at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts.

Related: Disney’s BoardWalk Inn: A Complete Guide

In this Complete Guide we will cover:

An Overview of Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts

Disney’s beach and yacht club resorts pros and cons, accommodations at disney’s beach and yacht club resorts, dining at disney’s beach and yacht club resorts, amenities and activities at disney’s beach and yacht club resort.

Transportation at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts

Disney Extras

If a beach vacation is what you usually dream of, but you want to get some Disney magic for your next vacation, Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts will give you the best of both worlds!

During your stay at either of these Deluxe Disney Resort Hotels, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to a New England seaside wooden cottage, with sandy areas, a BoardWalk nearby, and fireworks views. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts are located in the EPCOT resort area. This means you can easily walk over to EPCOT and to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In no time flat, you can be enjoying a croissant at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in the France Pavilion at EPCOT’s World Showcase or rushing over to join a boarding group for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

Related: Here’s Everything You Need to Know Before You Experience Rise of the Resistance

Across the water, you can enjoy views of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. A short walk will have you enjoying Midway games, dinner at any one of the many dining options at the BoardWalk , or even just for a quick ice cream treat.

Both Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club resorts offer comfort and all the Disney Deluxe Resort touches you can expect to make your magical vacation extra special. Disney’s Beach Club is also part of the Disney Vacation Club family, offering villas that can fit larger families or groups!

It’s hard to choose a favorite. But follow along as we keep on swimming and learning more about why these resort hotels might be the perfect choice for your upcoming Disney World visit.

Walking distance to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s BoardWalk
Walt Disney World Resort’s BEST pool on property- Stormalong Bay
Great dining options
Deluxe Amenities
Recently renovated rooms
Childcare on location – Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew
Beautiful Grounds
Convention hotel
Can feel stuffier than other resorts on property
Can be difficult to locate rooms upon arrival

Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club are home to over 1400 Guest Rooms, more than 275 Villas, and over 20 Suites and you!

Rooms at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Standard Rooms at Disney’s Beach Club Resort sleep up to 5-adults. They offer a combination of either two Queen Beds and a Day Bed, one Queen Bed and one Day Bed, two Queen Beds or one King Bed and one Day Bed.

Guests can pick from Standard views which offer views of Disney’s Beach Club Resort Rooftop or Parking areas, Garden/Woods views which offer views of Disney’s Beach Club Resort, or Water views, which offer views of Stormalong Bay, Crescent Lake or the resort’s quiet Pool.

Need a little more room? Choose the Deluxe Room. These rooms sleep up to 6-adults and are larger than the standard rooms. They offer two Queen beds and a Queen sleeper sofa with views of Stormalong Bay, Crescent Lake, the quiet pool or the resort’s parking area.

Looking for an even more deluxe experience? The Club Level rooms will offer a variety of additional services to make your stay a very luxurious one!

Rooms & Suites with Club-Level Service offer the following Amenities:

Access to Concierge service at the Stone Harbor Club
Complimentary fax assistance
Complimentary health club access
Complimentary newspapers in Club Level lounge
Evening turndown
Personalized Front Desk and Guest Services
Secured key access to the club-level lounge, serving refreshments 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily

It’s important to note that the Club Level rooms only sleep up to 4-adults. These rooms are available in standard, water, and garden view options.

Also available, a one-Bedroom Club Level Access Suite that also sleeps up to 4-adults. This suite offers additional privacy with the separation for the bedroom and comes with one King Bed and one Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa.

Have additional guests? The Two Bedroom Club Level Access Suite will sleep up to 7-adults. Offering views of Disney’s Beach Club Resort Gardens, Woods or Crescent Lake, this two-bedroom suite has 2 Queen Beds, one King Bed and one Day Bed.

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Disney’s Beach Club Villas are part of Disney’s Vacation Club or DVC. Offering ample room and all the comforts to make you feel right at home, if you want a little more legroom and additional amenities, these larger accommodations might be the perfect fit for your family or group.

Offering Deluxe Studios, One-Bedroom Villas, and Two-Bedroom Villas.

The Deluxe Studios sleep up to four guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib. They offer a kitchenette, one queen-size bed, a double-size sleeper sofa, and a private porch or balcony, perfect for that quiet morning coffee!

The largest accommodations available at this resort are the two-Bedroom Villas which can sleep up to eight guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib. Like the one-bedroom villa, you’ll have a fully equipped kitchen for memory-making meals together, a master bedroom, a second bedroom, two full bathrooms, in-room washer and dryer, and a private porch or balcony.

Rooms at Disney’s Yacht Club

Disney’s Yacht Club rooms recently went through a lovely refurbishment updating all the furnishing and style giving this resort a nice updated look.

Similar to Disney’s Beach Club Resort’s rooms, Disney’s Yacht Club offers Standard, Garden/Woods, or Water views.

Each room sleeps up to 5-guests plus an additional child under 3 in a crib.

Each Standard Room has a combination of the following:

2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed
1 Queen Bed, a Twin-Size Sleeper Chair, and Day Bed
King Bed and a Day Bed

Room Amenities

Coffee Maker
In-room safe
Internet – Free WiFi Service
Iron & ironing board
Mini refrigerator
Telephone with voice mail

Disney’s Yacht Club also has Club level rooms available. These rooms also only sleep up to 4-adults and offer these additional services:

Some of the best, hidden gems when it comes to restaurants are found at these resorts. The best part of them being a hidden gem is that reservations are not difficult to come by. But most importantly, the food is real Disney magic!

With options from Quick Service to Signature Dining, these resorts will have something for whatever you are in the mood for! And you don’t have to go too far to enjoy a really wonderful dining experience.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort Dining

Table service.

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop

Lunch and dinner featuring snacks and a classic American soda fountain. Care to try and finish the Kitchen Sink? We dare you to try!

Disney Character Dining

Join your best girl Minnie at Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Cape May Café. An all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast buffet with beachy vibes and Disney Character fun.

Related: Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Cape May Café also offers a delicious and filling seafood dinner buffet!

Quick Service

Beach Club Marketplace

Offering Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Late-Night snacks! Enjoy a hot, made-to-order meal and stock up on snacks before heading out for a day of fun in the parks.

Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill

Lounging by the fabulous Stormalong Bay Pool area is hard, appetite-building work. But, no worries. You don’t have to lounge hungry! Enjoy lunchtime favorites like burgers, nachos, chicken nuggets for the kids and more!

You can’t be in the warm Florida sun without some refreshments, and tasty cocktails, right? Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill will quench your thirst for some frosty beverages and beautiful bay views at this not-so-blustery walk-up bar.

Disney’s Yacht Club Dining

Signature dining.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

This dinnertime restaurant specializes in oak-grilled steaks, poultry, seafood, vegetarian entrées and more. Fans rave that this is the absolute best steakhouse on property! So, make those reservations soon and don’t miss it!

Table-Service Dining

Ale & Compass Restaurant

This Breakfast buffet is one of the best bangs for your buck on property! So good! Also offering lunch and dinner comfort food and seafood classics.

Quick-Service Dining

The Market at Ale & Compass

Hot and cold offerings with grab and go convenience, perfect for those quick mornings you’re running out to play at the magic!

Room Service

Room service at Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night offerings available to order until 2 am.

Breakfast is served from 6 am-12 pm. The menu offers breakfast favorites like continental breakfast, omelets, and of course, Mickey waffles! Muffins, bagels, kids meals, and beverages make up a very complete menu. Adult beverages like Mimosas are also available.

Lunch is served from noon to-5pm. Offering appetizers, special seafood options like lobster and corn chowder to keep with the theme, and entrees like burgers, sandwiches, steaks and more.

Pizzas with choice of toppings are also available for lunch, dinner, and late-night orders.

A $3.00 delivery charge, 18% gratuity, and any applicable sales tax and will be added to all orders.

Stormalong Bay

Probably the number one reason guests choose one of these resorts is the incomparable Stormalong Bay aquatic playground. This three-acre water park is chock full of SPLASHtastic fun for the whole family!

Don’t miss the 230-foot-long waterslide, one of the highest hotel slides at Disney World.

Want a more relaxing experience? Stormalong bay has it! Float down the lazy river on an inner tube, unwind in one of 3 whirlpool spas or simply relax on the elevated tanning deck.

For your tiny Mouseketeers, there is a large sandy beach area with shallow water where they can build sandcastles to their heart’s content! Parents can also take their tiny tots over to Shipwreck Pool for more swimming fun. There’s even a miniature waterslide.

The resort also offers three additional leisure pools and adult whirlpool/hot tubs for more relaxing swim time.

Disney Movies Under the Stars

Watch your favorite Disney movies under the stars with your whole crew! Oh, the memories you’ll make! Check with the front desk for times and movie lists. This activity is weather permitting.

Want to stay in shape even after enjoying all those Mickey-shaped snacks? This resort offers a Health Club, Tennis courts, and a gorgeous jogging trail to burn off all those pixie-dusted calories!

Marina Watercraft Rental

Enjoy the water up-close and personal with one of the marina watercraft rentals. This will turn your resort day into another super fun day!

Surry Bike Rental

Explore the resort grounds on wheels when you ride around with your crew on a Surry Bike! They are so much fun!

Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club Transportation

Guests staying at the Walt Disney World Resort have access to complimentary transportation throughout the resort. During your stay, you will have access to several transportation options that are conveniently located to the resort hotel and will transport you to all the theme parks, Disney Springs and more!

Boats, Buses, and Disney’s Skyliner

Disney Buses and Disney’s Magical Express

You can hop on a Disney Bus to take you to your destination. From Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you never have to worry about how to get to the magic. Disney’s complimentary buses will take the guesswork out of resort transportation.

The bus stop is conveniently located by the front entrance of the resort hotel.

Check your My Disney Experience mobile app for bus schedules.

Disney’s Magical Express is the complimentary service that takes guests from the Orlando International Airport to their resort hotel on Disney property. Once you’ve made your resort reservation, visit this link to request the service.

Disney Water Transportation

Hop on a fun Disney boat to get to Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the BoardWalk Inn.

The Disney Skyliner

Disney’s newest mode of transportation is conveniently located right outside Epcot’s International Gateway. The Skyliner station is within walking distance from the resort and will have you taking flight in no time to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort , Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Related: Grand Floridian walkway to Magic Kingdom construction underway at Disney World

This transportation option is as convenient as it is fun! We recommend taking flight even if just to enjoy the ride and the views. Explore other resort and dining options on property via the Skyliner. It will add more magic and adventure to your visit!

Disney’s Minnie Van

Disney’s version of a ride-sharing service is adorable and convenient. Use the Lyft app to request a Minnie Van and see cost estimates for your desired ride.

Pro-tip! Minnie Van will get you closest to Magic Kingdom!

Guests at Disney Resorts, you can enjoy some extra pixie dust to make your stay even more magical!

Extra Magic Hours

Resort Hotel Guests exclusive playtime at the theme parks! Check the times on your My Disney Experience app so you can plan these times during your stay.

Early Access to FastPass+

Resort guests can make their FastPass+ reservations up to 60-days before they arrive.

PRO-TIP! Your FP+ booking window will open 60-days before you arrive plus the days you are staying (up to 10). So, lock in those popular attractions for your last days first to ensure you score those coveted FastPass+ for attractions like Slinky Dog Dash and Avatar Flight of Passage!

Complimentary MagicBands

Customize your MagicBand color before you arrive through your My Disney Experience. NEW options are now available to upgrade your complimentary MagicBand for a small fee . Availability is limited, so check back often.

Related: Resort Exclusive MagicBands Revealed for Grand Floridian and Riviera Guests

Childcare Program on location at the resort

Captain Hooks Pirate Crew

Enjoy some adult time while the kids have a blast being recruited by Captain Hook himself! Kids ages 4-12 can enjoy an evening of adventure, treasure hunting, and fun – dinner included- while the parents go enjoy a grown-up night out! The current price for this activity is $55 per child.

Disney’s Enchanting Extras

Celebrate a birthday with an in-room celebration, order a customizable cake, book a VIP tour to peek inside the magic, limited-time events, nature tours, and more! Visit the Enchanting Extras site to learn more about the magic you can add to your stay!

Related: 45 Secrets for Fabulous Family Vacations

We hope you found this information helpful as you plan your next visit to the Walt Disney World Resort!

If you need assistance planning that enchanted and unforgettable getaway, be sure to reach out to our friends at Academy Travel for a no-cost, no-obligation quote on your magical vacation.

See ya real soon!

Comments Off on Your Guide to Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club Resorts

Hotel with the best pool complex at Disney World: Review of Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

When you think of a Florida theme park hotel, I'd bet you probably don't think of deep, rich colors, hardwoods and a refined turn-of-the-century, New England-style nautical-themed resort.

And when you think of a hotel pool, you likely don't conjure up images of a 3-acre waterpark complete with a life-size shipwreck replica that is home to a long, twisting, turning waterslide.

But all this, and actually a lot more, is precisely what you'll find at what has to be one of the best hotels at Disney World , Disney's Yacht Club Resort. In fact, when we picked this resort for a short Florida getaway, we actually considered not spending any days in the Disney theme parks to go along with it. We amended that plan for one day at Epcot, but it wouldn't be unreasonable to do an entire vacation here without getting on a single ride. In this case, the resort could be the destination.

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Disney's Yacht Club (1990) opened in the same era of rapid Disney World development as Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort (1988), and both share a type of ocean theme. However, the two couldn't be more different from one another. With just over 600 rooms (compared to more than 1,500 at Caribbean Beach), this deluxe Disney resort offers guests a vacation within a vacation both in terms of comfort and amenities.

After a recent stay at the property, it was all I could do to not add another night when the time to check out unfortunately arrived. And while not everything is postcard-perfect at this Disney resort at the moment, I promised myself (and my kids) we'd be back. It's that special.

Let's start with some bad news: Disney's Yacht Club is often expensive.

This is one of Disney's deluxe resorts and there is no Disney Vacation Club wing of this hotel. This means you can't rent DVC points to potentially book a room for less the way you can at places such as Polynesian Village Resort. (Note that you can do this at the neighboring Beach Club Resort.)

If you can snag a room during a sale or with a solid discount, you can probably get the rate down to $350-$400 per night, but it's unlikely to go much lower. It's common for rooms here to go for $500 and up, especially once standard rooms are sold out and you need to pay even more for a water view, which is precisely what I had to do. The view itself is (in my mind) not actually worth an upcharge, but sometimes that's all that's available.

While I booked during a 30% off sale, my water-view room at the Yacht Club still came to just over $500 per night. There are some ways to use points for Disney World vacations , such as using miles from the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to offset the expense at a 1 cent = 1 mile valuation , but there's no way to get outsize value for your credit card points at Disney properties.

If you do decide to book a Disney resort like this one, it can make sense to go through a Disney Vacation Planner as that doesn't add to your cost and they do a great job staying on the lookout for sales and discounts and keeping track of all those ever-changing components of a trip to Disney World.

Related: How much does a trip to Disney World cost?

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

No doubt it sounds a touch insane to spend $500 for a theme park-adjacent hotel room, but the location is one reason why Disney's Yacht Club commands that rate (and often sells out).

This hotel is just a 5-10 minute walk from the World Showcase entrance of Epcot. It is also within walking distance of Disney's Hollywood Studios, or you can hop on a boat to take you there since that walk is a bit longer.

Being so close to Epcot also means that the Skyliner stop at Epcot is within very easy reach, opening up even more Disney locations such as the Riviera Resort , Caribbean Beach Resort and more.

Yacht Club is also an incredibly short stroll away from the BoardWalk, which is home to even more shops and restaurants.

I'm happy to save money and stay off Disney property on the first night of the trip, or for trips when we aren't going for an all-in Disney family vacation. But when we do go all-in on Disney World, I want to be in the "Disney bubble." Staying at Yacht Club puts you in the heart of the Disney bubble, well-cushioned in your own deluxe nautical-themed space, but just an arm's reach from lots of great Disney dining and entertainment options.

Related: Guide to visiting Walt Disney World

We arrived at Disney's Yacht Club in the early afternoon, after starting the vacation off with a character brunch at Topolino's Terrace at the top of the nearby Disney Riviera Resort . (Which I highly recommend you add to your to-do list if you love characters and can snag a reservation.)

Since we arrived a few hours before official check-in time, I didn't have high hopes our room would be ready, given the era of pandemic precautions, but that became the first pleasant surprise of the trip when Room 2077 was ready and waiting for us several hours early.

Check-in is also where we were informed that while room service has returned as an option for breakfast and dinner, regular housekeeping had not yet returned to Disney resorts . Towels and trash would be attended to every other day. For our two-night stay, that meant there would be no formal housekeeping services, though we could ask for more towels and such.

If you are able to manage stairs, you can easily access the second level of the resort — where we stayed — via the lobby without using the elevators.

In fact, heading up the lobby stairs reveals some fun touches, such as a ship's wheel, among other themed decor.

Our room was a bit of a walk down several hallways, so if that's an issue, ask for a room closer to the lobby if available.

Inside a room at Disney's Yacht Club, you aren't going to find bright colors, Disney characters or loud decor. If that's what you want, I recommend Disney's Art of Animation , which has plenty of color and characters.

Yacht Club was renovated in recent years to appeal not only to traditional Disney vacationers but also to conventiongoers who frequently stay at the resort during normal times. And in this case, everyone won with a redesign that maintained the overall theme but upgraded the offerings.

The rooms still carry out the resort's high-end nautical theme, but in a way that is elegant and more refined than the previous 1990s-era version.

Like with other Disney resort upgrades, the beds are now raised and the floors are now hard instead of carpet. As Disney renovated rooms across its properties, this has been the standard it is changing to.

There's a pullout sofa that can be used as a sleeper and a small writing desk.

Most notably, there were outlets everywhere. We travel with a lot of things that need charging and we didn't come close to using them all up. Some furnishings may be made to look like turn-of-the-century New England, but they are loaded with modern-day power.

The two queen beds were perfect for a good night's rest after a busy day at Disney.

In the room, you'll also find a minifridge and Keurig.

We were impressed with the amount of storage the room had in the form of shelves, racks, cubbies and drawers. We were able to stay far more organized than normal with a family's worth of stuff, thanks to the storage options.

There was a balcony with two chairs that overlooked a well-manicured green lawn and technically some water. Remember, this was a pricier water-view room after all.

I adored the drapes, both because they did a great job keeping light out in the morning but also because they were adorable and perfect for the room, featuring constellations.

Like at many other similar Disney resorts, the bathroom had a vanity with two sinks located in a cubby between the main room and the bathroom, so it could be used while someone was in the shower.

The bathroom area had a sliding door for both the room itself and the tub/shower combo. There were plenty of Disney H2O+ bath products in the shower and bathroom area.

We found the room incredibly nice, but do know that it doesn't take much to hear what's going on in the hallway or other rooms around you. If you like total silence, you'll be well-served to pack some earplugs and a white noise app to go along with your Mickey ears.

Related: Why you need more than just a ticket to get into Disney World this summer

The Yacht Club room is plenty comfortable, but that's probably not why you stay at Disney's Yacht Club — it's certainly not why we paid what we did to stay here.

Stormalong Bay pool complex

What makes this resort so special is the 3-acre pool complex shared with the neighboring Disney Beach Club Resort.

Dubbed Stormalong Bay, this pool complex has everything from a 230-foot waterslide to a lazy river, whirlpool, shallow splash area, toddler slide, hot tubs and more. It even has a sandy bottom in some of the areas, which feels so much nicer on your tired Disney feet than a hard surface.

This pool area is almost a mini-waterpark and certainly worthy of planning some time in your schedule just to enjoy it. Right now, it can get busy to the point where there is no way to get in during peak times.

However, we had a blast also going late at night after the parks closed, when there were very few people in the pool at all. While the hours can vary, it was open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. during our stay.

There are four cabanas at the pool you can book if you want extra space and service, but you need to reserve well in advance if you want those because they go quickly.

Getting into the pool requires verification you are a resort guest and you're then assigned the colored wristband of the day to wear. There's plenty of towels at the pool, as well as a small army of lifeguards keeping a close watch on the various areas of the pool.

Stormalong Bay is adjacent to Hurricane Hanna's Waterside Bar & Grill, so it's pretty easy to pop over there and order a snack or cocktail. The $12 seafood roll turned out to be a perfect snack for us.

My 11-year-old gave the $6 Lava Smoothie (made of raspberry, coconut and pineapple flavors) high marks and my $14 Frosé was excellent.

Whether your group is made up of adults, some teens, tweens or toddlers, this pool area is truly excellent, especially if you build in some time to enjoy it when most people are sleeping, eating or in the Disney parks.

Evening movies on the beach

Several nights per week at 8 p.m., a Disney movie is shown along the "beach" at the Yacht Club. This is free to enjoy and the week we were there the films showing were "Zootopia," "Sleeping Beauty," "A Bug's Life" and "Disneynature: Earth."

I'll never fully understand who needs a treadmill at Disney when it's normal to walk 10 miles a day in the park, but Yacht Club has those and more in its gym that overlooks Stormalong Bay.

Magical Express Bus

Until the end of 2021, if you want to take the included Magical Express Bus transportation to and from the Orlando airport, that's available to those who stay at this and any other full-fledged Disney resort hotel. If you decide to self-park at Yacht Club, it's going to cost you $25 per night. The upside is that the fee also gives you access to parking at the Disney theme parks at no additional charge.

The Magical Express Bus stop is right in front of the hotel entrance, and the bus stop to go to the various Disney theme parks is just to the side of the hotel entrance.

Still-closed amenities

If you remember when I mentioned there are still some small bumps at Yacht Club, here's where they begin.

Those looking for the ultimate, once-in-a-lifetime Yacht Club experience may want to hold off a tiny bit longer if you want to experience all the amenities. The Club Lounge remains closed, as does one of the main sit-down restaurants.

On top of that, the onsite Ship Shape Salon is still closed, along with the Lafferty Place Arcade.

Normally, you can rent boats or even sign your kids up for a pirate-themed adventure that leaves from the dock outside of the Yacht Club, but all of that is also still on pause.

We had plenty to do for a few days without any of those amenities, but just keep in mind that some things remain shuttered for now.

Related: Changes to expect at Disney World in 2021

Ale & Compass Restaurant

Just off the lobby of Yacht Club is a dark, subdued restaurant called Ale & Compass. While you do need reservations to eat breakfast or dinner here, it's one of the easier reservations to get at Disney World.

Described as "Yankee comfort food," this menu has options such as lobster-and-corn chowder; a fantastic salad called the Ale & Compass salad with additions such as pumpkin seeds and beets; steak; pasta; and a burger with bacon and Vermont cheddar served with thick fries.

Getting good photos in the dark restaurant was next to impossible, but we enjoyed our salad and burger.

And while we didn't eat breakfast here, I've heard good things about the dark chocolate waffles.

Our service here was quite friendly but incredibly slow. The wait for our reservation was pretty extensive, followed by another wait for a server to arrive at our table to start the meal-ordering process. This is likely at least in part due to the restaurant having a brisk business of to-go orders that you can make from the Disney app, along with the other sit-down restaurant at the hotel remaining closed.

Related: These are the best restaurants at Disney World

Ale & Compass Lounge

Another alternative to the restaurant is the adjacent Ale & Compass Lounge, which also has a sleek, updated, but pretty dark look once day turns to night.

In the back of the lounge is a bar, with the front portion offering a variety of seating options and a reduced menu that still includes the burger and chowder.

The Market at Ale & Compass

In the gift shop area of the hotel is the Market at Ale & Compass, where you can order grab-and-go options in the Disney app.

We tried the $12 breakfast bowl that had a little bit of everything on it and was actually almost enough food for myself and two kids for a quick pre-park breakfast.

The $7 ham and cheese breakfast sandwich on a pretzel roll also looked really solid.

In the afternoon and evening, you'll find a variety of sandwiches, a hot dog and a panini on the menu.

Beaches and Cream Soda Shop

If you're going to splurge cash on staying at the Yacht Club, I highly recommend also splurging some calories at Beaches and Cream. You're going to need to make a reservation here well in advance (dining reservations are accepted 60 days before your trip) or get very lucky.

We planned our trip pretty close-in and were never able to snag advance reservations, but got lucky with timing that they had an outdoor table available for us to order the most exciting item on the menu ... the Kitchen Sink.

This $35 sink of ice cream is made of eight scoops (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream and mint) along with every single topping in the house. Oh, and there's also an entire can of whipped cream on top.

It's epic, huge, ridiculous and a lot of fun.

The three of us barely put a dent in it but certainly had fun trying.

There are more regular-sized ice cream options on the menu, too, but if you're doing a once-in-a-lifetime trip, try this once-in-a-lifetime dessert.

Should you want more than just sugar for your meal, this is also where you'll find burgers, sandwiches, chili and other 1950s classic-style treats.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

This second sit-down restaurant has not yet reopened, but when it does, this is where you can go for those post-convention expensed sales dinners ... or a very nice meal out for two. The menu features a $135 seafood tower, prime porterhouse, lobster, filet mignon, elk, lobster and other similar entrees that start around $50.

Overall impressions

I'm a total and complete sucker for a well-themed, well-located Disney World resort. Resorts such as this one, along with Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and others, have me hook, line and wallet.

For me, the resort hotel isn't just a place to sleep at night, it's also a destination much like the theme parks themselves. I enjoy the scent in the lobby, the storyline of the property, the Disney touches throughout and the convenience of being fully immersed in Disney magic.

While my kids vetoed the idea, I'd have been totally happy having Disney's Yacht Club Resort serve as our actual final destination for the weekend with no park time at all. However, since it is such an easy walk to Epcot, adding that park on was actually a whole lot of fun, too.

If what you want is just a decent bed close to the parks, don't stay here. You're probably overpaying to stay at Yacht Club if you don't truly value the Stormalong Bay pool area. You can stay at the next-door Disney Swan and Dolphin for a fraction of the cash if you're just after location.

And right now, with some amenities still closed, I don't recommend staying here if you are going to be upset when things aren't 100% full service and perfect. The prices are as high as ever to match demand, so don't expect a reduced price to match the reduced amenities.

But if you can overlook a few things and what you want is a fun, slightly grown-up hotel theme, a great location, access to the best resort pool at Disney World and easy access to multiple restaurants, Disney's Yacht Club Resort is now officially one of my favorite Disney hotels — and one that I can't wait to return to in the coming years.

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7 Disney World Hotels That Are Very Demure, Very Mindful

By David Goodkind Leave a Comment

While it might not seem obvious, a Disney World vacation can be very demure, very mindful.

So peaceful

We often write about how hectic a Disney World vacation can be, but that doesn’t mean a trip can’t be practical and relaxing. Planning a Disney World trip can be chaotic and stressful, so we’re coming to the rescue with some tips on hotels that are quintessentially demure!

“Demure” , in this context, is more open to interpretation. Trending online this month, the term and its usage were made viral by beauty influencer Jools Lebron in a TikTok video about how her makeup for work was “very demure, very mindful. I’m very mindful while I’m at work. See how I look? Very presentable.”

The video spawned a cultural trend that celebrities have even jumped in on. Videos of folks talking about their demure daily routines are making waves online and people have been able to give their interpretations of the word. Having its roots in modesty, this version of “demure” relates to appearances in a sense, but is more so about self-awareness and confidence and how each individual defines those qualities.

Very demure, very mindful

“We’re all in this; we’re unified, nothing has to be so serious. Nothing has to be so aggressive. Everything could just be very cute. Where, you know, we don’t do too much. We only do a little bit. I’m not crazy with it. I’m very demure,” said Jools.

So playing around with the demure concept, our team thought it would be fun to come up with Disney World hotels that fit our understanding of “demure”. These seven stood out — let’s take a look!

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside

The Louisiana-inspired hospitality of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside absolutely meets our criteria for being very demure, very mindful.

Port Orleans Resort — Riverside

This Moderate Resort nestled along the Sassagoula River “evokes the romance of rural Louisiana” in a classy fashion for a more affordable price than Deluxe Resorts. It’s also a relaxing boat ride to Disney Springs . Very mindful.

Port Orleans Resorts

Charmingly rustic, cutesy, peaceful, and elegant, Port Orleans Resort — Riverside is very demure.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Inspired by the Pacific Northwest, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a classy Deluxe Resort that is known for its relaxing pools, refined aesthetics, and rustic elegance.

Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is majestic in its own right but offers guests peace and seclusion all while being close to Magic Kingdom . Very demure, very mindful.

The Lodge brings aspects of the Great Outdoors to the comfort of indoors, making it practical, charming, and a place where you wouldn’t mind curling up next to a fire…but you may want to avoid Whispering Canyon Cafe if you’re looking for a 100% demure stay.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney World’s flagship hotel is indeed grand, but Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is also very demure.

This Deluxe Resort is modeled after Victorian elegance and is packed with a modern sophistication that not only impresses but proves convenient, as well. Luxurious, yet tasteful, the Grand Floridian offers evening views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks without needing to be in the park. Also, by sitting along the Resort Monorail route, it provides yet another useful amenity.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Quiet, practical, and stylish, our list would not be complete without including the demure Grand Floridian!

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Disney World and sink into a classy retreat? Check out Disney’s demure Yacht Club Resort and Beach Club Resort !

Disney’s Yacht Club

Located near EPCOT , Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a Deluxe Resort that offers a ton of amenities, unique recreational activities, several dining options, and a pool that is like a hidden water park. This New England-style Resort isn’t very boisterous and is a fantastic classy hideaway.

The Yacht Club’s sister resort is Disney’s Beach Club Resort and it offers its own demure charm. Steps away from EPCOT, guests can take a quick stroll from the Beach Club to EPCOT’s International Gateway and thrive in the convenience of this resort. Very mindful, indeed.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts are very mindful Deluxe Resorts with more affordable pricing.

Swan and Dolphin Hotels

Offering complimentary water taxi service to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in addition to complimentary bus transportation to the entirety of Disney World, these resorts are extra mindful of accessibility. Stylish without venturing into the tacky realm, these hotels are cutesy and oh-so demure.

It’s a beautiful resort!

Gorgeous, sophisticated, and packed with refined restaurants and award-winning accommodations, the Swan and Dolphin hotels give you everything you could ever need without throwing too much Disney in your face.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa completely avoids going over the top , capturing the essence of demure.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

Inspired by the historic Saratoga Springs — a New York retreat from the late 1800s that was famous for its spas and horse racing — Saratoga Springs is a Deluxe Resort known for its DVC offerings and spacious accommodations. This charming Victorian-style Resort sits between rolling golf course greens and the shimmering Lake Buena Vista, allowing guests to just sit back and take it all in.

High Rock Springs Pool

Scenic with studios and multi-bedroom villas that offer ample space in addition to wonderful amenities, Saratoga Springs blends simplicity with luxury beautifully.

Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

The Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is the final entry on our Demure Disney World Hotels list. Lauded as romantic and relaxing, this tower is prime demure.

Coronado Springs

Coronado Springs is a Moderate Resort and therefore a bit friendlier on your wallet than some of the other hotels on our list. Styled with a unique blend of Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American cultures, this lakeside resort is billed as an oasis at Disney World.

Gran Destino

Great for couples of folks looking to escape a loud Disney World, the Gran Destino Tower provides luxury and relaxation without breaking the bank. How mindful.

To learn more about the Disney World hotels and their unique offerings, click the link below!

Which Disney World Resort Hotel is Best for YOU?

Did we get it right? Which Disney World hotels would you say are demure ? Let us know and continue to follow us here at DFB for all things Disney World!

The Disappointing Truth About Disney World’s Moderate Hotels

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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

What do you think is the most demure Disney World hotel? Let us know in the comments!

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13 of the Best Hotels in Orlando for Kids

I f you travel with kids, chances are, you’ll be planning a trip to Orlando, Florida at some point. Orlando offers so many things for the entire family, including Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, and Universal Studios.

Regardless of your budget, there are so many great options for kid-friendly hotels in Orlando, Florida. Here are some of our favorites among the best Orlando resorts. We’ve only included hotels that we’ve actually stayed in on this list, so there are many other hotels in Orlando that could absolutely be appropriate for your vacation.

Disclosure: Over the years, I’ve been hosted at some, but not all, of these best family hotels. This post contains affiliate links and a click-through/purchase from one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no cost to you. I used to be a member of the Disney Parks Moms Panel, but all opinions are my own.

The Best Hotels in Orlando for Kids

Hyatt orlando international airport.

I’d always wanted to stay in a hotel in an airport, and have enjoyed several stays at the Hyatt Orlando International Airport. This hotel, which is located right in the airport terminal, is perfect for a pre-or post-cruise stay. It’s so convenient and offers an outdoor pool and several restaurants.

You’ll also have access to the restaurants in the pre-security area of the airport. Despite the location in the airport, the rooms are actually very comfortable and quiet. I always enjoy my stay there.

In addition to regular stays, the Hyatt Orlando International Airport also offers day stays. If you arrive early at the airport, or have a delayed flight, you’ll be able to pay a day rate to get access to a room for a day. In addition to the room, you’ll also have access to all of the amenities of the hotel. It’s a great way to relax.

Benefits and Features of the Hyatt Orlando International Airport

Location inside the airport
Convenient for cruises departing from Port Canaveral
Day stay rooms available
Outdoor pool

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels Orlando Airport

If you’d like to stay by the airport but don’t want to stay IN the airport, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels Orlando Airport is a great option. This hotel offers the great DoubleTree benefits (like complimentary chocolate chip cookies!), in a convenient location at a great price.

It’s located about 10 minutes from Orlando International Airport and 20 minutes from the Orlando theme parks. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool and has a 24-hour complimentary airport shuttle.

I wouldn’t necessarily stay at the DoubleTree for a full vacation (although you definitely could). It is a great spot if you want to be near the airport, however.

Benefits and Features DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels Orlando Airport

Very close to the airport
Shuttle to the airport
Hilton Honors and DoubleTree benefits

Disney Swan and Dolphin Resorts

Located on Disney property, but not owned by Disney, these sister resorts have many of the same benefits that on-property Disney resorts off. These resorts can often have better prices than similar-rated Disney properties, although they do have more of a business-hotel feel.

You’ll have complimentary access to transportation to all of the Disney theme parks. From this resort, you can walk to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and the Boardwalk.

You could definitely spend an entire vacation at these hotels. There’s so much to do and there are some great amenities, including a gorgeous pool area.

Benefits and Features of the Swan and Dolphin Hotels

Complimentary Disney transportation
Located right on Disney property
Comfortable rooms
Outdoor pool complex

Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club

If you are looking for an on-property Disney resort that’s conveniently located, you may want to look at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club. These sister resorts are located near Epcot’s World Showcase entrance and are a quick walk or boat ride away from Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the Boardwalk.

There’s also a three-acre pool area called Stormalong Bay, which offers a water slide, lazy river, and sandy bottom pool. It’s definitely one of the best hotel pools in Orlando. These two resorts are considered deluxe Disney resorts and are among some of the most expensive resorts on property.

Other amenities include a fitness center, and arcade, tennis courts, and a salon. There are also several restaurants. Walt Disney World resort hotels also offer free parking at the hotels.

I find the Beach and Yacht Club to be one of the most convenient hotels, because of the walking access to two separate theme parks. But you may also want to plan a free day just to spend some time at the resort because the pool is so fantastic.

Benefits and Features of the Disney Beach and Yacht Club

Walkable to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT
Amazing outdoor pool area
Access to lots of restaurants
Beautiful Disney theming

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

This recently renovated resort is one of the best Disney properties for young families. It’s located on the monorail loop, so you can take a monorail to the Magic Kingdom right from the resort. The adjacent Ticket and Transportation Center offers a monorail to EPCOT and a bus service to the Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios .

The Polynesian has multiple swimming pools, several delicious restaurants, and so much more. It’s a big resort, so definitely call to make a request if you have a specific building in mind. Like some of the other Disney Resorts, you could easily spend a full day just at the resort enjoying the pool area.

Benefits and Features of the Disney Polynesian Village Resort

Located on the monorail on Disney World property
Easy access to some great Disney restaurants
Fun theme the whole family will love
Fantastic outdoor pool area

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

This Disney Value resort is one of the newest hotels on the property. The theme at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is so kid-friendly, with areas themed after the Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Cars, and the Lion King.

Although it’s a value resort, only one of the sections, the Little Mermaid, has standard hotel rooms. The rest of the resort has some really nice family suites, with a living area, a master bedroom, and a small kitchenette. They offer a lot more space for a family.

Benefits and Features of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Fun Finding Nemo-themed pool
Family suites throughout much of the resort
Realistic kid-friendly themes
Disney Skyliner access to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

In my opinion, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most kid-friendly hotels in Orlando. If you stay here, I’d definitely recommend getting a Savannah-view room, which is a bit more expensive. However, you’ll be able to see animals right from your hotel room’s balcony.

We first stayed there when my kids were little, and they absolutely loved all of the animals. It’s definitely one of my favorite hotels.

Guests staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge have to take bus transportation to the four theme parks, Disney Springs, and the two water parks. However, it’s worth it because it’s such a unique, beautiful resort.

Benefits and Features of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Unique animal viewing experience (get a savanna view room if you can)
Deluxe resort amenities
Great restaurants

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Another incredibly convenient hotel for a Walt Disney World vacation is Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This modern resort, located on the monorail loop, is adjacent to the Magic Kingdom, making it a great place to stay if you are planning on spending a lot of time at that park.

The Contemporary has several buildings, including the main tower, the garden wing, and Bay Lake Tower , a Disney Vacation Club property. There are loads of amenities on the property for guests, including pools, an arcade, and multiple restaurants.

Guests are able to take a short walk from the resort right to the Magic Kingdom. This is especially helpful at the end of the night when you’ll be able to go right to your hotel after a long day at the park.

Benefits and Features of Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Walkable to the Magic Kingdom
Fun theme with the monorail running right through the center of the main tower
Monorail access to EPCOT
Great nearby restaurants and dining options

JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes

This beautiful property is perfect for a luxury Orlando vacation. The JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, and the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes are sister resorts that share amenities, which include a Greg Norman Signature Golf Course, a Ritz-Carlton spa, a Lazy River, and many fabulous restaurants.

The property sits at the foot of the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, and guests can book a kayaking eco-tour through these tranquil and beautiful waters. My favorite amenity is the lazy river – it’s both peaceful and fun.

Because of the location on the headwaters of the Everglades, it really doesn’t feel like an Orlando hotel. Instead, it feels much more remote. Definitely plan to spend some time relaxing there.

Benefits and Features of the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes

Beautiful luxury hotel
Location right near the headwaters of the Florida Everglades
Fun pool complex
Fantastic service

Gaylord Palms

I’m a big fan of the Gaylord resort chain and have stayed at four of their current properties. The Gaylord Palms is a beautiful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the Orlando theme parks.

It’s got a small family water park, a space, several restaurants, and a game room, in a family-friendly, relaxing environment. Like the other Gaylord properties, everything is located in a gorgeous atrium, filled with plants.

Benefits and Features of the Gaylord Palms

Cypress Springs Water Park
Unique atrium hotel
Feels like a theme park
Lots of restaurant options

Orlando World Center Marriott

This resort is the largest Marriott-branded hotel in the world and one of the busiest hotels that I’ve ever stayed in. However, it doesn’t seem too overwhelming or crowded.

There’s a gorgeous pool area that you could spend a whole day at, with an outdoor swimming pool, water slides, and more. In addition, there are 11 different on-site restaurants including a grab-and-go market, an arcade, a spa, and much, much more. It feels like a small city and is a fun place to stay.

Benefits and Features of the Orlando World Center Marriott

Huge hotel with lots of amenities
Great water park
Fun activities
Marriott Bonvoy benefits

Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld

If your travel plans include Discovery Cove and/or SeaWorld, this resort is extremely convenient. SeaWorld is located right across the street, so you don’t need to drive or take a shuttle. The resort is very comfortable and offers nice-sized rooms (some with views of SeaWorld). There is also a pool area/water park for kids, an arcade, several restaurants, and a spa.

Benefits and Features of the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld

Across the street from SeaWorld
Beautiful lobby and atrium

Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

We stayed at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek resort over Thanksgiving and absolutely loved our stay. I opted to upgrade to a Walt Disney World fireworks view room, so we were able to see the fireworks right from our room. The resort is convenient for a Disney stay.

Although it isn’t a Disney property, it’s located within the gates of Walt Disney World. Amenities include a shuttle right to the Walt Disney World theme parks, as well as a beautiful pool area with a lazy river. The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is located adjacent to the Waldorf Astoria Orlando.

Benefits and Features of the Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort

Located within the Disney World gates
Pool complex with lazy river
Located adjacent to the Waldorf with access to the spa
Lots of great restaurants and bars

The post 13 of the Best Hotels in Orlando for Kids appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

If you travel with kids, chances are, you’ll be planning a trip to Orlando, Florida at some point. Orlando offers so many things for the entire family, including Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, and Universal Studios. Regardless of your budget, there are so many great options for kid-friendly hotels in Orlando, Florida. Here …

Disney's Yacht Club Resort

View Gallery 

While Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours, most Resort hotel amenities will remain available.

What Makes This Resort Hotel Unique

Disney Skyliner gondolas zip along a cable above Disney Resort hotel buildings

Disney Skyliner Transportation

This gondola system offers a bird's eye view as it whisks you and your family away to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Lakeside marina and watercraft rentals at Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Outdoor Water Recreation Area

Discover a life-size shipwreck, pools, lagoons and more at Stormalong Bay—a 3-acre water wonderland. Read More

Discover a life-size shipwreck, pools, lagoons and more at Stormalong Bay—a 3-acre water wonderland.

Climb the mast and zip down one of the highest hotel waterslides at Walt Disney World Resort. Catch currents on an inner tube in the lazy river, unwind in one of 3 whirlpool spas and relax on the elevated tanning deck. Children can wade into the main pool from a gentle slope and splash about in 2 kiddie pools—including one with a miniature waterslide.

Prefer a more tranquil experience? Explore 3 all-ages quiet pools—each with a whirlpool spa—located throughout Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.

Learn more about recreation at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

Savor mouthwatering steaks, seafood and more at this sophisticated, family-friendly restaurant.

Ship Shape Health Club

Enjoy a workout or indulge in a massage at this full-service fitness center.

Dog-Friendly Accommodations

Bring your pampered pooch to stay with you at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Read More

Bring your pampered pooch to stay with you at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

Here at Walt Disney World Resort, we know that dogs aren’t simply pets—they’re members of your family. And since family is at the heart of everything we do, for a limited time, your furry friends are welcome to join you at select Disney Resort hotels. Let the tail wagging commence!

Note: Limit 2 dogs per room. Restrictions and fees apply.

How to Book Bring your dog along on your upcoming visit by calling (407) 939-5277. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Services for Guests with Dogs During your stay, Best Friends Pet Care can provide assistance with day care and other pet services (fees apply). For details, please call (877) 4-WDW-PETS or (877) 493-9738, or visit bestfriendspetcare.com . Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Some restrictions on certain pets may apply. Before you arrive, be sure to download the official dog policy PDF .

A guest room with a sofa, coffee table, wall art, a dining area and an open kitchen with counter seating

Need More Room?

Consider booking a Disney Deluxe Villa with just-like-home amenities like a kitchen, washer, dryer and private bedrooms. Read More

Consider booking a Disney Deluxe Villa with just-like-home amenities like a kitchen, washer, dryer and private bedrooms.

When you stay at Disney’s Beach Club Villas , you’ll enjoy the same benefits offered at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort—along with spacious Disney Deluxe Villa accommodations. It’s an outstanding home base for your Walt Disney World vacation.

Discover the Villa Difference Disney’s Beach Club Villas and other Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts offer accommodations with just-like-home touches that go beyond the traditional hotel room.

Choose from 1-, 2- and 3-Bedroom Villas—as well as Cabins and Bungalows at select Resort hotels—with the following features:

A full kitchen , so you can prepare meals and snacks from the comfort of your villa
Spacious living and dining areas where your family can share even more quality time together after you return from the parks
Separate bedrooms that offer space, privacy and tranquility – so it’s easy to rest, relax and recharge your spirit after each exhilarating vacation day
A washer and dryer , so you can pack lightly and avoid airline baggage fees

A little more than you need? Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts also feature Deluxe Studios, which feature a kitchenette and sleeper sofa—a great option for smaller travel parties and shorter stays.

Reservations and Rates Check availability and nightly rates at Disney’s Beach Club Villas.

More Magic for Your Stay

A mom and a girl in front of a Hey Disney screen displaying Moana

A More Magical Stay Starts with "Hey Disney!”

The "Hey Disney!" voice assistant experience features tons of character fun plus a helpful host, who can order you extra towels and answer lots of your park questions.

A father, mother, son and daughter smiling while sitting on a bed in a hotel room

Disney Signature Services

Guests staying in Club-level rooms and suites are eligible for personalized vacation-planning support.

Enhance Your Stay with the My Disney Experience App

Simplify your arrival, access your room and discover a world of fun with this helpful app. Read More

Simplify your arrival, access your room and discover a world of fun with this helpful app.

Be sure you have the latest version of the My Disney Experience app to enjoy these handy features during your stay.

Check In and Check Out with Ease

Enjoy a simplified arrival at your Disney Resort hotel! Use the app to begin the check-in process , view your room number and even unlock your door .

At the end of your stay, there’s no need to stop by the Front Desk if you have a valid payment card on file or a zero-dollar balance on your account. Instead, check out of your room via the app by visiting My Reservations or your Hotel Account.

Plan, Play, Dine and Unwind

There are many more ways to enhance your stay! With the app, you can:

Make vacation plans during your stay—and review existing plans
Enter the theme parks (with a valid park reservation and valid admission) using Disney MagicMobile service
Order food and beverages with mobile order service
Check park schedules
Get directions
Explore transportation options
View your Disney PhotoPass photos

And that’s only the beginning!

Learn more about the My Disney Experience app .

Available for iPhone®, iPad® and smartphones for Android™. Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc .

Lightning Lane Passes

Plan ahead and save time in line for select attractions and experiences! Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels can purchase Lightning Lane passes—and choose experiences—up to 7 days in advance of their stay.

View Rooms and Prices

Hotel Address

(407) 934-7000

Check Availability

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IMAGES

Hotel with the best pool complex at Disney World: Review of Disney's
Yacht Club, Beach Club & Beach Club Villas Resorts
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort Pools & Wellness
Yacht Club Quiet Pool Area
Disney's Yacht Club Quiet Pool 2010
The Pools at Disney's Beach Club (and Yacht Club)

COMMENTS

Pools at Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Choose from 3 leisure pools at Disney's Beach and Yacht Club Resorts. pool is located in the garden area on the far end of the resort facing Crescent Lake. Disney's Yacht Club Resort pool can be found in its own tranquil garden area. A third pool is privately located in the ; although it is situated for the convenience of Beach Club Villas ...
The 4 Pools at Disney's Beach and Yacht Club (A Resorts Gal Guide)
These pool hours are pretty consistent throughout the year. However, you'll want to know that the quiet pools at Beach and Yacht Club do not have lifeguards or other attendants. Posted Pool Hours at the Quiet Pool . Are the Pools Heated? Disney's Beach and Yacht Club pools are heated to 82 degrees.
Pools at Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Catch a wave at Stormalong Bay—a 3-acre water wonderland—or go for a swim in one of 3 leisure pools. From January 2025 through June 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for routine maintenance. Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours.
Disney's Yacht Club Resort Review (Is it worth it?)
Quiet Pool at Disney's Yacht Club Resort. In addition to Stormalong Bay, the Yacht Club in Disney World features a "quiet" pool that is seldom busy. This is a great spot to relax or swim laps. Rooms . My family and I love the nautical decor and ambience of the Yacht Club guest rooms. Additionally, we appreciate that the rooms offer full ...
Best Quiet Pools in Walt Disney World Resorts
Here are a few of the most memorable quiet pools at Disney World Resorts. Dunes Cove Pool. You may have heard of a little feature pool called Stormalong Bay - it's the undisputed champion when it comes to pools in Walt Disney World, and that's where most Guests spend their Resort time if they're staying at Disney's Yacht Club or Beach ...
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort Pools & Wellness
To reserve a cabana, please call (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529. Private dining is also available at an additional cost. COST: $249+. Tidal Pool. Disney's Beach Club Resort pool—the 43,000-gallon Tidal pool—is located in a garden area on the far end of the resort facing Crescent Lake.
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
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.
[UPDATE] 50 Magical Tips for the Disney Yacht Club
The Yacht Club is one of the dog-friendly resorts on property, meaning that you can bring your furry friend with you on your Disney vacation. There are a fee extra fees associated with having this extra member in your group, and you do need to book in advance ( (407) 939-7539).
Your Guide To Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Swimming Pools. Stormalong Bay-Disney's Yacht Club and Disney's Beach Club share the be all and end all of Disney pools called Stormalong Bay.This pool area feels more like a water park with a 750,000 gallon pool offering 3 acres of aquatic fun. You can immerse yourself in this expansive sand-bottomed pool or relax in the lazy circular river.
Disney's Yacht Club Resort Pool: Pictures & Reviews
See photos and read reviews for the Disney's Yacht Club Resort pool in Orlando, FL. Everything you need to know about the Disney's Yacht Club Resort pool at Tripadvisor. ... I also liked 1106-1072 because those are the rooms facing the quiet pool in the back. That would be the pool view category. Again, it depends on the type of room booking ...
Guide to Disney World Pools: Rules, Info & FAQ
Feature or main pool hours are 10 am until 10 pm or 11 pm daily, depending upon the season. (Expect warmer months to see longer hours.) Leisure or quiet pools are once again open 24 hours per day. As always, operating hours are subject to change without notice (mostly due to weather).
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Stormalong Bay is shared with the Beach Club. Hot Tubs at all pools. Three Quiet Pools - Disney's Beach Club Resort pool—the 43,000-gallon Tidal pool—is located in a garden area on the far end of the resort facing Crescent Lake. Disney's Yacht Club Resort pool—the 54,000-gallon Admiral pool—can be found in its own quiet garden area.
Your Guide to Disney's Beach & Yacht Club Resorts
Similar to Disney's Beach Club Resort's rooms, Disney's Yacht Club offers Standard, Garden/Woods, or Water views. Each room sleeps up to 5-guests plus an additional child under 3 in a crib ...
Hotel with the best pool complex at Disney World: Review of Disney's
(Photo by Summer Hull/The Points Guy) Disney's Yacht Club (1990) opened in the same era of rapid Disney World development as Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort (1988), and both share a type of ocean theme. However, the two couldn't be more different from one another.
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
For assistance with your Walt Disney World vacation, including resort/package bookings and tickets, please call (407) 939-5277. For Walt Disney World dining, please book your reservation online. 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
Disney Yacht Club Resort
Enjoy the 3-acre water park with three lagoon-style pools, a 230-foot twisting, turning water slide built into an old-time shipwreck, a lazy river, multiple hot tubs at Stormalong Bay Yacht Club in Disney World
7 Disney World Hotels That Are Very Demure, Very Mindful
Quiet, practical, and stylish, our list would not be complete without including the demure Grand Floridian! ... Disney's Yacht Club. Located near EPCOT, Disney's Yacht Club Resort is a Deluxe Resort that offers a ton of amenities, unique recreational activities, several dining options, and a pool that is like a hidden water park. This New ...
13 of the Best Hotels in Orlando for Kids
The Contemporary has several buildings, including the main tower, the garden wing, and Bay Lake Tower, a Disney Vacation Club property.There are loads of amenities on the property for guests ...
Photos of Stavropol Krai
Stavropol Krai pictures: Check out Tripadvisor members' 40 candid photos and videos of landmarks, hotels, and attractions in Stavropol Krai.
Pools at Disney's Beach Club Resort
Disney's Beach Club Resort pool—the 43,000-gallon Tidal pool—is located in a garden area on the far end of the resort facing Crescent Lake. Disney's Yacht Club Resort pool—the 54,000-gallon Admiral pool—can be found in its own quiet garden area. A third pool—the 55,350-gallon Dunes Cove pool—is privately located at Disney's Beach ...
THE 10 BEST Stavropol Krai Tours & Excursions
Top Stavropol Krai Tours: See reviews and photos of tours in Stavropol Krai, Russia on Tripadvisor.
Yacht Club Guesthouse
Yes, free parking is available to guests. Learn more. Are there opportunities to exercise at Yacht Club Guesthouse? Yes, guests have access to a sauna during their stay. Learn more. Yacht Club Guesthouse in Solnechnodolsk, Russia: View Tripadvisor's unbiased reviews, 5 photos, and special offers for Yacht Club Guesthouse.
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
For assistance with your Walt Disney World vacation, including resort/package bookings and tickets, please call (407) 939-5277. For Walt Disney World dining, please book your reservation online. 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
YACHT CLUB GUESTHOUSE
Yes, it is 0.6 miles away from the centre of Solnechnodolsk. See all nearby attractions. Solnechnodolsk. Hotels. More. Yacht Club Guesthouse, Solnechnodolsk: See traveller reviews, 5 candid photos, and great deals for Yacht Club Guesthouse at Tripadvisor.

The Four Pools at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club (Photos, Hours, and Details)

Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Pools

Stormalong Bay

Pool Hours at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club

Complimentary Towels and Life Jackets

Tidal Pool at Disney’s Beach Club

Admiral Pool at Disney’s Yacht Club

Hurricane Hannas Waterside Bar and Grill

Final Thoughts

In the Comments

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

Yacht Club Restaurants

Rooms

Prices at Yacht Club

Things to Do at Disney’s Yacht Club

See Epcot Fireworks

Take a Ride on the Skyliner

Eat Ice Cream

Dine with Characters

Float along the Lazy River

Play Games in the Arcade

Ride the Friendship Boats

Build Sandcastles

Make S’mores

Rent a Boat

Stroll along the Disney Boardwalk

Play Volleyball

Enjoy an Evening Movie

Play Mini Golf

Swim Some Laps

Join a Kid Friendly Party at the Pool

Play Tennis

Zoom Down Waterslides

Book a Fireworks Cruise

Transportation

Is Disney’s Yacht Club Worth It?

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Table of Contents

Tips for Planning Your Voyage to the Disney Yacht Club

Seafaring Theme

Planning a Wedding? Consider a Yacht!

Wedding Gazebo

Mix Work and Play

Don’t Leave Pluto at Home

Make an Itinerary

Choose Daily Outfits

Special Celebrations

Pack a Pool Bag

Pack a Cover-up

Know Your Route

Get the App, Get the Map

Plan Rainy Day Fun

Setting Sail – Tips for Enjoying the Disney Yacht Club

Prevent Soda Spending – Get a Refillable Mug

Where is the Mug?

Rent a Boat

Bus Stop is out Front

Ride the Monorail

Use Your Own Car

Take a Break

Explore the Boardwalk

Use. The. Pool.

Keep Your MagicBand with You

Arrive Early, Arrive Together!

Sorry, No Pool Rafts!

Need Quiet? Try a Leisure Pool

Don’t Worry about a Towel

Lunch at the Pool

Keep Off the Beach

No Towels on the Balcony

Indulge at the Yachtsman Steakhouse

Dress the Part