hotel disney yacht beach club resort

Disney Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

Robin Hutson

June 16, 2023

Why are the Disney Yacht and Beach Club two of the most beloved resorts for Disney regulars? We’ll help you decide if they are the right choice for your Disney vacation.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort are inspired by historic seaside hotels; their nautical theme and beach imagery is everywhere. Joined together and within walking distance to Epcot, they share many amenities, including Disney’s most beloved resort pool, Stormalong Bay.

The Yacht Club and Beach Club both opened in November of 1990. Robert A. M. Stern was the architect for both, as well as, the planner for Celebration, Disney’s nearby planned community. Learn why these are two of the most popular Disney World hotels .

The Yacht Club Ambiance

The Yacht Club is elegant but offers a very generous application of nautical flags, sailboats, globes, ropes, and navy blue. It looks just like the Nantucket Yacht Club did in the 1980s, and whenever I am in their lobby or in their public spaces, I am stuck on the commercial jingle, “Red Lobster, for the seafood lover in you.”

The Beach Club Atmosphere

The Beach Club is lighter and airier in feel, and has, I admit, a fantastic lobby fragrance. Waverly seashell draperies that were everywhere in the 1980s, beach umbrellas, large blue and white chinoiserie planters, and clever sandcastles with hidden Mickeys are the motif.

 Let me plan your Disney World vacation . I’ll help you choose where to stay, the best theme parks and rides schedule, and steer you to the right restaurants for your family. I’ll share what VIP experiences are worth every penny and show you what to skip. 

They are both elegant resorts that offer a deluxe feel for Disney World. The Yacht Club was intended to serve convention center guests and business travelers while the Beach Club is the more casual option intended for families, but this is Disney, and families are welcome everywhere.

Disney Yacht and Beach Club Park Transfers and Location

The Disney Beach and Yacht Club are in the Epcot Resort area of Walt Disney World. They are on a lake facing the Disney Boardwalk and are also neighbors of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels.

All of these resorts are on the same boat service that provides transportation by water shuttle to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Bus transportation is available to all other parks and Disney Springs.

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A nice feature, to me, is that Epcot’s “back” entrance is a short walk from the Beach and Yacht Clubs and places guests between France and the United Kingdom pavilions within the wonderful World Showcase. This creates easy access to many of the great restaurants in Epcot while staying at either resort.

Like with all Disney resorts, the Magical Express is a free perk providing airport transportation to the hotel. Free parking is available, as well.

Disney Beach Club Rooms

Guest rooms at the Beach Club have been refurbished in the last few years, though they aren’t super exciting. Mother of Peal trim on bed headboards, and sea blue and brown colors dominate the palette as hidden Mickeys adorn decorative pillows.

Most standard rooms are 380 square feet in size and offer two queen beds plus a comfortable twin daybed to sleep a family of four or five easily.

Many rooms offer balconies that vary in size and may look out over the pool and water areas, courtyards, or parking lots and roofs. Each room comes with a mini (but still sizable) refrigerator, coffee maker, and safe.

Disney Beach Club Pool: Stormalong Bay

The Yacht and Beach Club are considered to have the best pool on Disney property. The pool area is expansive, but our enjoyment of it has been based on the crowd level. When it wasn’t that crowded on a cooler, cloudy day, we had a ball. But on a hot, sunny day, it’s packed.

There are four main areas of the pool complex.

The Stormalong Bay offers a sand bottom pool area that works very well for young children, as the water is shallow in most areas.

There is a lazy river with an artificial current for a bit of floating using tubes and noodles. Compared to other lazy rivers, this one is deep, so children should use flotation devices.

There is a traditional pool at the mouth of the water slide, but the fourth area was our favorite, the pirate ship water slide.

A small pool is at the bottom which worked great for our family so that my preschooler played in this pool while my daughter and one of us kept going down the water slide. The slide begins with a dark tunnel that goes over the sidewalk below.

And there’s a large sand beach to enjoy, of course, and hot tubs, too.

Hotel Amenities

The large conference center near the Yacht Club means that there is a larger business presence at that resort than the Beach Club Resort (though the Contemporary , Grand Floridian , and Coronado also do a huge meeting business.)

Ensuring business travelers have what they need, there is a spa, salon, and fitness center on site, as well as, an expanded clothing store should you need to purchase non-Disney clothing.

I was attending a conference and found the weather warmer than I expected and found a nice selection at the Yacht Club’s boutique that aren’t carried at the other resorts. The Grand Floridian has its own clothing boutique for men and women, however, to purchase before enjoying the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot.

The Beach Club offers a Disney World kids club called the Sandcastle Club that accepts children 3 to 12 years of age, though all children must be potty trained. An evening of supervised activities costs $55 per child which includes dinner and a snack. In Disney speak, they are called Children’s Activity Centers.

Concierge Level at the Disney Yacht and Beach clubs

Both the Yacht Club and Beach Club, as deluxe Disney Resorts, offer concierge level rooms.

The Concierge Level lounges offer various snacks and hors d’oeuvres throughout the day, but not enough to replace any meal (other than a light breakfast).

The club-level guests have access to a concierge who will reach out before arrival to offer advice on dining options or to assist with restaurant reservations and other activities.

DVC Villas at the Beach Club

The Beach Club, but not the Yacht Club, offers Disney Vacation Club villas. These villas are timeshares that are still available for the public to reserve, either through Disney’s website or through a service that allows the public to rent DVC points from owners who book the villa for you.

We have used David’s in the past with great satisfaction and savings. There are two drawbacks to this savings: reservations are non-refundable and “mouse-keeping” is not available. But reservations made through this service still include Magic Bands, Magical Express transportation, etc.

The studio villas will offer a microwave in addition to a mini-fridge (all hotel rooms offer a large mini-fridge and coffee maker), and units with bedrooms offer a full kitchen.

Disney Dining at the Yacht and Beach Club

Beaches & cream.

Beaches & Cream is the most sought after reservation at the Beach and Yacht Clubs. It’s a nostalgic ice cream shop offering casual American diner fare to enjoy before the main event, their desserts.

Sundaes reign here, and they come in all sizes. The child-sized sundae with Oreo Mickey ears is the entry-level dessert. On the other end of the spectrum is the Kitchen Sink, the giant sundae intended to serve a large group. In addition to ice cream, brownies, and whip cream, the staff (each is known as a Cast Member) offer a little fanfare for each table who orders it.

The Cape May Café

Offering breakfast and dinner, this buffet style restaurant at the Beach Club is one of the easier character meals to book. Donald, Goofy, and Minnie make appearances at breakfast in beach attire.

The food is not memorable, but I would still choose this option over a meal at Chef Mickey’s.

At dinner, Cape May offers a seafood buffet, but we haven’t tried it when the Flying Fish Café (at the Disney Boardwalk) and Blue Zoo (inside the Dolphin hotel) are easy to walk to and offer more of a foodie experience which we prefer.

The Solarium at the Beach Club

Martin, a lovely English gentleman, shared with great excitement the story of launching the Beach Club afternoon tea with me. He was all laughs and jokes until I asked, “Can I take your picture?” Then he was all British business.

If you book the tea, I hope you are lucky enough for Martin to be your server. He is sure to enhance your tea experience.

The Yachtsman Steakhouse is the most formal restaurant at the Beach and Yacht Club, but children are still welcome. The Ale & Compass Restaurant located in the Yacht Club offers comfort food and classic seafood dishes with a lighthouse-inspired decor. Beach Club Marketplace is quick and casual, offering fare such as salads, mac & cheese, and sandwiches, among other options.

Advantages to staying at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort

I like the Yacht Club and Beach Club and think they are a great choice because of their on-site ambiance, access by foot to so many restaurants and Epcot, the easy boat ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the expansive pool area.

The cons of the Yacht & Beach Club include the extra time by bus to reach Magic Kingdom (and each of the deluxe resorts are somewhat far from Animal Kingdom except the Lodge, so that doesn’t count). If Magic Kingdom is the focus of your trip, I’d probably choose the Magic Kingdom resorts like the  Grand Floridian or Contemporary .

Additionally, many Disney pools feel very crowded, and this one is especially so in warmer weather. We have loved Stormalong Bay most when it was cloudy or midweek.

For families who plan on visiting every park and have kids old enough to enjoy the pools, it is sure to please. For adults visiting Disney for the Food & Wine or Flower and Garden Festivals, the convenience can’t be beat.

SAVE MONEY: RENT DVC POINTS

There’s a way to save as much as 50% off of a stay if you book at the Beach Club villas. The villas at the Beach Club are part of the Disney Vacation Club, Disney’s version of timeshare units, but it’s still available for the public to reserve. The Yacht Club has no such villas.

Those in the know reserve DVC units by renting points from DVC owners directly or through a service. We have used  David’s Vacation Club Rentals  to save more than 50% off of the rates we would have paid by reserving direct with Disney.

Our experience with  David’s Vacation Club  Rentals was seamless, and at this lower price point, I enthusiastically recommend the villas while staying at the Disney World Resort. Given that the Disney Vacation Club rooms at the resorts are almost always newer and nicer than the hotel rooms, this is the best way to stay deluxe at Disney World while saving money.

David’s works as an intermediary between you and the DVC owner who is selling you points. The owner doesn’t get paid in full until your check-in date, so David’s Vacation Club Rentals works like an escrow account to protect you.  Once booked, you can still add Magical Express reservations or Disney dining plans, and they can walk you through that process.

You can see how much you will save by using David’s  point calculator  on your stay dates and then comparing that cost with booking the villa units directly.

You must pay a refundable deposit for them to query owners for your stay, and they look at the first, second, and third choices which you list. When they have been unable to book me something, they refunded my deposit instantly.

If that happens, you can call to speak to an agent directly who can tell you what is available near your original query, if you want to keep trying. I have always received my deposit refund immediately, and the agents have typically found alternate options for my dates if my first choices weren’t available.

The only drawback to using David’s service is that you will not receive daily housekeeping without a fee, and you must commit to your travel dates.

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Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club (Which to Choose)

The Beach Club Resort and its sister, Disney’s Yacht Club, are two of my family’s favorite hotels at Disney World. You really can’t beat the ideal location, family friendly restaurants, and deluxe amenities at these Walt Disney World resort hotels. But, you may be wondering which of the two deluxe resorts you should book for your upcoming vacation.

While it’s true the Beach Club and Yacht Club share almost everything, the two resorts are also very different from each other. For example, one of the resorts offers a quieter vibe and rooms with full balconies while the other hotel features closer access to Epcot and restaurants. If you are looking for a comparison of Disney’s Beach Club vs Yacht Club resort, this post provides a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best hotel for your trip!

(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.)

Beach Club vs Yacht Club Rooms

Depending on availability for your vacation dates, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Yacht Club Resort offer several options for hotel rooms. If you’re comparing the rooms at Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club, we would crown Yacht Club the winner here .

The rooms at Disney’s Yacht Club have updated hardwood flooring rather than carpet. Also, the balconies at the Yacht Club are full balconies as opposed to the Beach Club where you will find standing only Juliet Balconies.

Standard View Rooms

Standard View rooms at the Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts offer views of the rooftop or parking area. These rooms can sleep up to 5 adults since some of the standard view rooms have 2 queen beds and 1 daybed.

Garden View Rooms

Garden View rooms offer views of the garden, woods, or lawn area at Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club. These rooms can also sleep up to 5 adults as some provide 2 queen beds and 1 daybed.

Water View Rooms

Water View rooms at the Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts offer views of one of the pools or of Crescent Lake. These rooms also sleep up to 5 adults if you have a room with 2 queen beds and 1 daybed.

Deluxe Room

Deluxe Rooms at Disney’s Beach Club offer more square footage than the regular hotel rooms. They can sleep up to 6 adults since they offer 2 queen beds and a queen sleeper sofa.

Club Level Rooms

The Club Level rooms at Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts offer standard, garden, or water views similar to the regular hotel rooms. However, you also receive special perks if you book a room in the Club Level. These are some of the benefits you will receive:

• concierge services
• Club Lounge with snacks and beverages
• complimentary health club access
• turndown service

Disney’s Beach Club Resort offers several options for suites.

• The 1 Bedroom Suite can sleep up to 4 adults with a king sized bed in the bedroom and a queen sleeper sofa in the separate sitting area. The 1 bedroom suite offers either garden or water views.
• The 2 Bedroom Suite can sleep up to 7 adults. It offers two separate bedrooms: one with a king bed and one with 2 queen beds. The 2 Bedroom Suite also has a daybed. Your views from this suite will be either of the garden or the water.
• The Nantucket VP Suite sleeps up to 2 adults with a king sized bed. It offers views of the water.
• The Newport Presidential sleeps up to 7 adults with 2 double beds, 1 king bed, and 1 daybed. It provides views of the water and Epcot.

Disney’s Yacht Club also offers a suite for guests. This 2-bedroom suite includes club level access and features two king beds and a queen pullout.

Room Requests

The rooms at Beach Club Resort come with a mini refrigerator. You can request a microwave when you check in as well. Other items you may request include bed rails, highchair, crib, and connecting rooms.

As mentioned above, it is important to note that not all of the rooms at Beach Club have FULL balconies. Many of them only offer the small Juliet type balcony. If a full-sized balcony is important to you, I HIGHLY recommend requesting this during online check in.

Beach Club vs Yacht Club Location

The Beach Club Resort at Walt Disney World sits near Epcot Theme Park and Disney’s Boardwalk entertainment district. Since this resort is located on Crescent Lake, you get amazing water views and sandy beaches where your kids can play. Beach Club’s sister resort, Disney’s Yacht Club, is located right next door.

These two resorts are connected, so you can easily walk between the two and enjoy the amenities each hotel has to offer. One of the most popular amenities at these sister resorts is their elaborate pool: Stormalong Bay. Even though the check-in time typically is not until 3:00, guests of the resorts can use the pool before their room is officially ready.

One of our top reasons for choosing to stay at Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club is their prime location. Below, I will detail how to get from the hotels to each of the Walt Disney World theme parks. Since both of these resorts sit on the same property, there really isn’t much of a difference on their location .

When comparing the Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club, the Beach Club is slightly closer to Epcot while the Yacht Club is a bit closer to Hollywood Studios. The differences in distance are so small that I wouldn’t recommend basing your decision on that factor though . On a side note, if you are looking for tips on choosing the right Disney World hotel, join our Facebook group for personalized help on finding the best resort for your family!

If you are wondering how far Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club are from Epcot, you will be pleased to know it’s a short five-minute walk. You just stroll along the walkway near Crescent Lake and follow the signs for Epcot. You will arrive at the International Gateway entrance to Epcot, which is at the back of the park near the World Showcase.

to Hollywood Studios

If you are wanting to travel to Disney’s Hollywood Studios from the Beach Club Resort or the Yacht Club, you have several options to get there. You can walk along the scenic paths to the theme park, which takes about 20 minutes.

You can also take the water shuttle from the Beach Club to Hollywood Studios. Since the boat makes some stops along the way, this also takes about 20 minutes. You can also utilize the Skyliner from the International Gateway. This gondola ride will take you straight to Hollywood Studios.

to Magic Kingdom

If you want to access Magic Kingdom from the Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts, you will need to board the Disney bus outside the lobby of one of the hotels. Depending on when you are visiting WDW, this shuttle bus may combine pickups by stopping at both the Beach Club and Disney’s Yacht Club. Magic Kingdom is about a 20-minute drive from Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

to Animal Kingdom

If you are looking to travel to Animal Kingdom Theme Park, you would need to board the Disney bus in front of the hotel. Each bus promptly displays where they are headed, so it’s super easy to catch the correct one. This ride is usually around 20 minutes long.

to Disney’s Boardwalk

Disney’s Boardwalk is super easy to access from the Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts. The Boardwalk is located right across the lake from the hotels and is a short 5-minute walk. This area of Disney World is one of our favorites, and its close proximity to the hotels is a huge perk to staying in the Beach Club/Yacht Club area.

to Disney Springs

You would also need to drive or take the Disney shuttle bus to Disney Springs. This ride typically takes 20 minutes.

Activities Comparison

Disney’s Beach Club Resort and the Yacht Club offer many fun activities for families visiting with kids. Again, since these two hotels are sister resorts, guests staying at either hotel may experience activities at both hotels . In other words, the Beach Club and Yacht Club share the guest activities listed below.

The Beach Club and Yacht Club share an arcade that is located right by Stormalong Bay Pool. The arcade is full of fun video games and sports tables. This is a great rainy day activity!

Outdoor Movies

Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club resort show nightly movies outside on the lawn or sand. You can check out the entertainment schedule for the dates of your visit to determine which movies are playing. This activity schedule is usually released at the beginning of each month.

Kids love spending their evenings roasting marshmallows and making s’mores by the campfire. Sometimes Mickey’s friends even join in the fun!

Guests of Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Disney’s Beach Club Villas have access to three leisure pool areas (one at each resort). In addition, these three Disney resorts share a main pool, Stormalong Bay, which I will discuss in more detail below.

Stormalong Bay is a massive pool and water play area shared by Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club resorts. If you have set aside time to enjoy this elaborate swimming area, note that pool towels are complimentary and available in the pool gates.

Stormalong Bay

Stormalong Bay offers lots of different spaces for swimming and playing in the water. Near the site of the large shipwreck model, you will find a kiddie pool perfect for little ones. This pool is in a contained area and is separate from the larger pool area.

This kiddie pool tends to be a bit quieter than the main pool. Stormalong Bay also has a sand bottom pool that is great for babies and toddlers . The super shallow water allows them to safely splash and play in the sand. You will find deeper areas of water to swim as well. Disney’s Beach Club Resort offers complimentary safety vests that little ones can use while playing and swimming.

In addition to the many swimming areas at Stormalong Bay, guests can enjoy the lazy river. You will find complimentary inner tubes available near the lazy river to make floating even more fun!

Water Slides

You will find two water slides at Stormalong Bay Pool. The larger of the two slides is a whopping 230 feet long. It begins atop the huge shipwreck model (pictured above) at the edge of the lake. This large water slide does not have a height requirement; however, there is a limit of one person at a time on the slide. This means that parents are not permitted to slide with their toddler or small child.

If you have an adventurous toddler who enjoys thrill rides, you can usually wait in the water at the bottom of the slide. This way you are available to grab your little one after he/she lands in the water. Children are permitted to wear complimentary safety vests on the slide as well.

*Note that you have to leave the main pool gates and climb many steep stairs to get to the top of this slide. Therefore, you will not want your toddler entering the slide area alone.

The smaller of the two slides is near the entrance to the larger slide. When you arrive in the shipwreck area, you will see a small, kiddie pool with a miniature water slide perfect for toddlers. Smaller kids should have no problem climbing to the top of this slide and sliding down to the pool below. You can clearly see them the whole time.

The shallow sand bottom section is perfect for toddlers and little kids to splash and dig. The lazy river is super fun and relaxing. The main water slide is a big hit for kids and adults. The kiddie water slide and pool area are great for toddlers and those who want a calmer sliding experience.

Price Comparison

Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts are typically priced similarly. My family and I often find that one may be a bit cheaper than the other for a specific set of dates, but a different set of dates may produce different results. If you are interested in experiencing all the great amenities of Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club resorts for a fraction of the price, I recommend looking into renting Disney Vacation Club points for a stay at the Beach Club Villas.

These villas are located on the same property as the Beach Club/Yacht Club Resorts, and they have access to the same great restaurants and activities! You can check out the “cost calculator” at David’s Vacation Club Rentals to see how much you save on your vacation dates. I have personally used David’s rental services multiple times and have always had great experiences!

Things to Do Near the Resorts

Since Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts are located in such a great spot near the Boardwalk and other resorts, you will find lots of kid friendly things to do within walking distance of the hotel.

Epcot Fireworks

One of our favorite activities just outside Disney’s Beach Club/Yacht Club is to view the nightly fireworks show at Epcot. You can grab some ice cream from Beaches and Cream and choose a spot near the walkway to Epcot. This is a great way to enjoy the fireworks show without having to maneuver between the crowds of people inside the park. It’s also a nice activity to enjoy at Disney World without purchasing a park ticket!

The Skyliner is one of the newer additions to Walt Disney World. This gondola ride connects several of the resort hotels to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you are looking for a unique activity, take a ride on the Skyliner with your kids.

Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf is an 18-hole course themed off the movie Fantasia . Since this kid friendly activity is located near The Swan hotel, guests of Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club can easily walk to the mini golf course.

Restaurants

In addition to the easy access to the restaurants on Disney’s Boardwalk, guests at the Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts have lots of dining options right at the hotel.

Beaches and Cream Soda Shop

Beaches and Cream is my personal all time favorite restaurant at Disney World. This diner offers all kinds of delicious options, including a tomato bisque that is out of this world!

Open daily for lunch and dinner, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop is located right beside Stormalong Bay Pool. They are famous for the ice cream concoction knows as The Kitchen Sink. Note that you are able to order some ice cream and to-go items from the window without actually going inside the diner.

Beach Club Marketplace

If you are looking for a quick stop on your way to the theme parks, Beach Club Marketplace is a great option. This dining venue serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Its diverse menu offers something for everyone. Beach Club Marketplace is our go-to for a fast breakfast or a quick snack before heading out for the day.

Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is a lounge that serves all kinds of adult beverages. You can also order appetizers like clam chowder, chicken wings, and calamari from this venue.

Hurricane Hanna’s

Hurricane Hanna’s is located right outside by Stormalong Bay Pool. You can order your food and beverages from the counter and dine outside at the available tables.

Ale and Compass

Ale and Compass is a sit down restaurant located at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. This dining venue serves family favorites for breakfast and options like seafood, chicken, and steak for dinner.

The Market at Ale and Compass

The Market at Ale and Compass is the quick service dining venue located at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Similar to The Beach Club Marketplace, this restaurant is a great stop for a quick meal.

Cape May Cafe

Cape May Cafe is located near the lobby of Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This restaurant is buffet style and serves your favorite seafood options. Cape May Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, the restaurant takes on a different theme for breakfast when it becomes the site for Minnie’s Beach Bash.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

Yachtsman Steakhouse is a signature dining restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. You will find steak and seafood among other options on the menu. Since this is a signature dining experience, guests must adhere to a dress code .

Crew’s Cup Lounge

Crew’s Cup Lounge is located near Yactsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Here, you will find all kinds of adult beverages along with a few options for appetizers or snacks.

In Room Dining

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is one of the Walt Disney World hotels that offers room service. You will find an In Room Dining Menu in your hotel room with instructions on how to place an order.

The menu includes options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night dining. You can even pre-order your breakfast the night before, so your family can eat in the room as you get ready for the parks.

Character Dining

As mentioned above, Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort becomes a character dining experience each morning for breakfast. Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast is a super fun way to start your day! The breakfast is buffet style and has a wide range of items to choose. You will even find a stand serving made to order omelets!

Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy each walk around the dining areas to greet you at your table. The characters are decked out in their finest beach wear to continue the theme of the dining experience.

Beach Club and Yacht Club vs Other Disney Resorts

Since Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts are my family’s favorite hotels at Disney World, I will try to explain WHY we love them so much! Below, I will compare the Beach Club/Yacht Club to other resorts at Disney World, so you can get an idea of why we choose to stay at these resorts. If you would like to see more comparisons between other hotels, feel free to comment below with the resorts you are considering. I know how stressful and overwhelming planning a Disney World vacation can be!

vs Beach Club Villas

Like the Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Villas have access to all the restaurants, activities, and amenities at the Beach Club resort. My recommendation is to choose the cheapest option of the three resorts . As mentioned above, renting DVC points for Beach Club Villas is often the best way to save money.

vs Boardwalk Inn

If you stay at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, you get the perks of the awesome location near Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Boardwalk. You can also easily walk over to the Beach Club to enjoy the dining venues located there. The one big drawback to Boardwalk Inn is that you don’t get Stormalong Bay . Disney’s Boardwalk Inn has a really fun pool, but it just doesn’t compare to the elaborate swimming pool at the Beach Club.

vs Monorail Resorts

You may be wondering how the Beach Club compares to the monorail resorts: Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Polynesian . These three resorts offer really easy access to Magic Kingdom, which is a huge perk if you have little kids.

They all offer great theming and activities as well. However, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts get our pick because they’re usually priced significantly lower than the monorail resorts .

vs Caribbean Beach Resort

It is difficult to compare Disney’s Beach Club Resort with Caribbean Beach because they really aren’t similar at all. Even though the names may cause you to think differently, the two resorts do not have much in common. Caribbean Beach is a moderate hotel that is lovely, but it does not offer the amenities that the deluxe resorts do.

If you are not planning to spend a lot of time at your hotel, you can certainly look into Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. However, you will not have access to the prime location, restaurants, pool, and other activities that the Beach Club offers .

Final Review of Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club

Since these two resorts share EVERYTHING, it’s really a matter of personal taste when deciding between these two hotels. The Disney Beach Club has a more relaxed vibe, while Yacht Club seems more sophisticated . We find that Stormalong Bay Pool is reason enough to stay at these amazing hotels. Who can pass up the opportunity to experience the best pool at Disney World?!

In addition, the location, restaurants, and activities offered at these deluxe resort hotels help to make your vacation one you will never forget! If I were planning a trip to Disney World, I would choose whichever is cheaper between the two ! Don’t forget to join our Facebook group for personalized help on finding the best resort for your family! So, how do you think they compare? Which resort would you choose? Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club? Comment below to share!

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?

You may also like:

Disney Beach Club

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

Top 10 Disney World Hotel Resorts

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

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Sunday 30th of March 2014

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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Home » Experience » Walt Disney World® Resort » Accommodations » Epcot Resort Area » Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Four- and five-story oyster gray shingle-style buildings with balconies shaded by red and white striped awnings front Crescent Lake and a sliver of groomed beach that stretches over to the adjoining Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This near-perfect location is within walking distance of Epcot ®’s International Gateway entrance as well as Disney’s BoardWalk and just a short boat ride away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios ®. Or just outside of Epcot ®’s International Gateway is Disney Skyliner that can drop you at Disney’s Hollywood Studios ® with one connection at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

The polished, sleek lobby of ship-shiny dark oak hardwoods, potted palms, roped nautical railings, leather sofas, and overstuffed, striped easy chairs creates an environment reminiscent of an eastern seaboard hotel of the 1880s. Detailed ship models and oceans of gleaming brass complete the picture. The resort shares Stormalong Bay, Disney’s fantasyland of a pool complex, and all recreational areas and facilities with its sister property, Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Tour Disney’s Yacht Club Resort on the Glass Slipper Concierge YouTube channel.

621 rooms. 1700 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista 32830; phone (407) 934-7000, fax (407) 934-3450. Check-in 3 p.m.; Check-out 11 a.m.

Welcome to Disney's Yacht Club Resort!

Yacht Club's special greeting

The Resort's Lobby

The Lobby with it's comfortable seating areas

Yacht Club back entrance

Stormalong Bay Disney's very best pool

Stormalong Bay after dark

A private pool cabana rental is worth the splurge

Ale & Compass, a great respite after the end of a long day at the parks.

View from the beach

Yacht Club beach

Standard Room King

Standard Guest Room daybed sofa

Standard Guest Room bureau

Standard Guest Room nifty ironing board

Standard Guest Room bath

Club Level Guest Room water view balcony

Club Level Guest Room Water View view

Captain's Deck Suite entry At 2,374 square feet this is the Yacht Club's largest suite.

Captain's Deck Suite's dining room

Captain Deck Suite living room

Captain's Deck Suite master bedroom

Captain Deck Suite's master bath

Captain Deck Suite's master bath vanity

Captain's Deck Suite guest bedroom

Captain's Deck Suite roomy and secluded patio

Admiral Suite Living Area

Admiral Suite Turret Living Area

Admiral Suite Dining Room

Admiral Suite Master Bedroom

Admiral Suite Master Bath

Admiral Suite Master Bath Note the accessible shower.

Admiral Suite guest bedroom

Admiral Suite half bath off entry hall

Regatta Club concierge desk

Regatta Club Lounge

Regatta Concierge Club

Regatta Concierge Club breakfast

Regatta Concierge Club evening offerings

Regatta Club oh-so-popular ice cream freezer

Regatta Club liqueurs

Regatta Concierge Club TV nook

Regatta Concierge Club balcony

Turret Two-Bedroom Suite Living Area #1

Turret Two-Bedroom Suite Living Area #2

Turret Two-Bedroom Suite Master Bedroom

Turret Two-Bedroom Master Bath

Turret Two-Bedroom Suite guest bedroom

Turret Two-Bedroom Suite guest bath and living room desk

Turret Suite building

Moonlight over Crescent Lake

Guest Rooms

Due for renovations beginning in 2025, these rooms are relatively spacious at 400 square feet with either two queen-size beds or one king, with room under each to store luggage. Rich wood borders the cloth-covered blue and white headboards that accent beds made up in white sheeting. Most rooms come with a chenille cream-colored flip-over sleeper sofa sporting brass nailhead accents. Other furnishings include a wood and granite desk, porthole-style mirror, and a nautical-style bureau with a large wall-mounted flat-screen TV above. And for the first time in a standard room at a Deluxe Disney resort are wood floors throughout instead of carpeting. The navy drapery leading to the patio or balcony is in a Disney-inspired constellation theme, and by the bath is a spacious, internally lit closet area with a nifty fold-down ironing board. The quartz bath vanity area shuts off from the bedroom via sliding pocket doors. The bath holds double sinks in a dark wood vanity, hairdryer, lighted makeup mirror, H2O+ Sea Marine/Sea Salt bath products, and, most exciting of all, great lighting. There are a separate tub and shower area with a frosted door; some rooms come with a bathtub but are on request only so families with young children should take note. Amenities include a Keurig coffeemaker, small glass door refrigerator, and electronic safe. View Disney’s Yacht Club’s Guest Room on the Glass Slipper Concierge YouTube channel.

Cara’s Tip: Standard View rooms come with a view of a slice of the parking lot or the rooftops, so be sure to book a Garden View requesting one near the quiet pool that looks out on the grassy area with a fountain and duck pond. Lagoon/Pool View rooms face Crescent Lake, Stormalong Bay, or sometimes both; ask for one facing Epcot for a distant view of the fireworks. If too much walking is not your idea of a vacation, request a room close to the lobby; the resort is quite spread out, and long treks to your room are not uncommon. King-bedded rooms can also come with a sofa sleeper so a family of four might get this type of accommodations.

Concierge Rooms

Most are located on the fifth floor and privileged to the expanded Regatta Club, one of only a few Disney concierge lounges with a full-size balcony but alas with a view of the front of the resort instead of Crescent Lake. Most concierge rooms are standard; for extra space choose the 654-square-foot Deluxe Rooms , all located on the third and fourth floors, and all with two queen-size beds, a small parlor separated by a partial privacy wall, and views of Crescent Lake. They do, however, require an elevator ride to the concierge lounge.

In the lounge is the same menu as the next-door Beach Club with complimentary food and beverages on offer throughout the day. Mornings bring coffee with a self-service Nespresso machine, juices, fresh fruit, cereal, muffins, orange loaf with oat streusel or apple-cinnamon loaf, croissants, warm cinnamon buns with cream cheese frosting, bagels, toast, steel-cut oatmeal, cheese grits, rotating egg dishes such as a seasonal egg casserole or egg white frittata, silver dollar pancakes, crepes, slow roasted ham, chicken sausage (plant-based sausage by request), a variety of yogurt including Greek with homemade granola, and hard-boiled eggs. Midday Seaside Snacks consist of fruit, crudites, candies, bagged snacks and chips, muffins, sweet loaf bread, oatmeal-raisin, sugar, and chocolate chip cookies, lemonade, and iced tea.

Wine served by an attendant includes a choice of Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut Sparkling Wine, Selbach-Oster Reisling, Babich Savignon Blanc, J Lohr Chardonnay, H3 Merlot, and R Collection Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon, along with an assortment of beer. Hors d’oeuvres include such items as charcuterie, artisan cheeses, cold roasted vegetables with roasted shallot aioli, crudites with garlic peppercorn sauce, roasted marinated olives, quinoa salad, Caesar salad, Greek salad, tomato mozzarella salad, tuna poke cones, Thai beef salad, seafood roll, and hummus; along with hot items such as chicken tagine with couscous, chicken nuggets, pulled pork sliders, chicken tacos, oven-baked salmon and lentils, pot roast with mashed potatoes and barbecue demi, (kids feast on the likes of mac and cheese, mini hot dogs, make-it-yourself peanut butter and jelly cups with Parker House rolls, and apple slices with caramel sauce). After dinner is a selection of cordials and desserts such as key lime tart, strawberry trifle, vanilla cupcakes, chocolate pot de creme, vegan brownies, chocolate chip cream cheese cannoli, pineapple-carrot cake, chocolate truffle cake, chocolate cupcakes, and sugar and chocolate chip cookies. And everyone loves the mini-freezer full of Mickey ice cream bars, a refrigerator filled with sodas and fruit juice boxes, and the bottled water for takeaway on request.

Additional room amenities for concierge guests include the services of a friendly concierge staff, private check-in and checkout, and nightly turndown service.

View Disney’s Yacht Club Regatta Club on the Glass Slipper Concierge YouTube channel.

A variety of suites are available, all with concierge lounge access.

Three Turret Two-Bedroom Suites, located on a corner of floors one, two, and three, offer 1,160 square feet with lots of navy and cream colors, hardwood flooring, and plenty of charm. Off the left of the entry hall is a standard size guest room with two queen beds and a full bath but with upgraded décor (you may access this room from its own separate entrance door). On the opposite side of the foyer are an alcove with a desk and an additional full bath with a single sink. Next up is one of two living areas with sleeper sofa, coffee table, easy chair, desk, credenza with TV, and wet bar; followed by a 2nd living area in the bright and sunny turret, beautifully decorated with hardwood flooring, fun navy and cream décor, 4-person table, sofa, and retro-yacht chairs. The master has a king bed, easy chair and ottoman, bureau, and TV with a standard-type bath with tub/shower combo and double sinks. Patios or balconies, depending on the floor, are found off the master bedroom and another off the turreted living area. Views are of the walkway leading to the Boardwalk as well as Crescent Lake. View the Turret Suite on the Glass Slipper Concierge YouTube Channel!

There are also two Non-Turreted Two-Bedroom Suites with similar decor, one of Floor 3 and the other Floor 4, each with 1,256 square feet. The two guest rooms come with a king bed, and there is a sofa sleeper in the living area.

Almost identical at 2,017 square feet but with different décor are the two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath Presidential (5th floor) and Admiral (4th floor) Suites . The Admiral Suite overlooks the BoardWalk and Crescent Lake, decorated in shades of navy, cream, and gold. There’s a hardwood foyer with half bath as well as two living areas, both with hardwood flooring and nautical-style area rugs—one turreted with hardwood flooring and porthole-style windows overlooking Crescent Lake with sofa, four easy chairs, and round coffee table; the other with a sectional sofa loaded down with soft pillows, two easy chairs, coffee table, credenza and oversized TV, desk, and gas fireplace. A separate eight-person dining room adjoins a small wet bar/service kitchen with a service entrance. The master bedroom offers a king bed with a light bronze leather headboard, easy chair, bureau, and TV. The white/gray marble master bath is an accessible one with a roll-in shower, two sinks, a deep soaking tub, and an open toilet area in an alcove. A second bedroom with two queen beds is a standard size room with upgraded decor and an additional entrance. Balconies are found in each bedroom and off the living area with a stand-up, one-person balcony off the dining area. View the Admiral’s Suite on the Glass Slipper Concierge YouTube Channel!

The resort’s most extensive suite at 2,374 square feet is the first floor, two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath Captain’s Deck Suite . A hospitality suite of sorts, it’s tucked away in a corner area at the front of the resort perfect for privacy, just past The Marketplace retail store. A hardwood octagonal foyer leads to a contemporary, nautically decorated suite decked out in cream, navy blue, and gold palette. The sizable great room features hardwood flooring topped with a cushy area rug, a large sectional sofa filled with throw pillows, a half-circle modern chair, a square coffee table, a chess table, credenza above which hangs an oversized TV, and a dining room seating twelve. A desk, bar, and half bath sit in a wide hallway near the master bedroom. Off the dining room is a full kitchen (minus a stove) with a full-size refrigerator, sink, Keurig coffee maker, microwave. Doors lead out of the living area to one of the suite’s best features, an oversized brick garden patio (shrubbery blocks the view of the adjoining parking area). Room 1111 connects to the Captain’s Deck suite to make a 3-bedroom suite.

Each of the Captain’s Deck bedrooms has a private patio, with the master bedroom offering a king-size bed, chaise lounge, bureau, easy chair and ottoman. Traverse a hallway with a walk-in closet and vanity area to get to the lovely white and gray marble bathroom with its oversized shower, deep soaking tub, double sinks, and separate commode area. The suite’s second bedroom with two queen beds is similar to a regular guest room with slightly upgraded décor, chaise lounge, oversized bureau, and second full bath. There are several entrances to the suite: the main entrance foyer area, the office/desk/bar/half bath area near the master bedroom, the service entrance off the kitchen; and the guest bedroom. View the Captain’s Deck Suite on Glass Slipper Concierge’s YouTube channel .

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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: Everything You Need To Know

posted by Charmaine Cortes on June 10, 2023 // last updated on June 10, 2023

Disney has over 30 beautiful resorts to choose from when you’re planning your getaway. Each Disney resort has its own theme and aesthetic, making your trip more magical than staying at another nearby hotel. 

As you browse the Disney resort options, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort needs to be on your list. This magnificent resort is in a great location with fantastic dining options, transportation to and from the parks, and plenty of entertainment choices. 

If you’re considering staying on Disney property during your next vacation to Orlando, Florida , here’s everything you need to know about Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. 

Overview of the Yacht Club

Checking in and out of the resort, resort dining, water recreation, other recreational activities, transportation to and from the parks, final thoughts.

Similar to Disney’s Beach Club Resort , the Yacht Club captures everything you love about New England. The decor and aesthetic of the resort make you feel like you’re in a prominent yacht club in New England rather than Central Florida. 

The Yacht Club Resort joined in the middle with the Beach Club and opened its doors to visitors for the first time in November of 1990. The color scheme throughout the resort is shades of pastel blue and plenty of nautical decor touches. 

The prime location on Crescent Lake puts you close to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, so if you’re planning on hitting one or both of those parks, you can’t beat staying at this resort. 

Learning about how the check-in and out process work where you’ll be staying can make you feel more prepared for your vacation. Staying at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is similar to most hotels around the United States with their check-in and out process. 

Your room will likely not be ready for you until 3 PM on your arrival date. The slightly later check-in time gives the staff plenty of time to ensure the room is in the best condition for your stay. You can request an earlier check-in time when completing your booking, but that doesn’t guarantee you’ll get it. 

As for checking out, the time is 11 AM. You can request a late check-out, but the latest they offer guests is noon, so it’s not a huge difference but still an option if you’re interested. 

When booking at this Disney resort, you’ll notice that there are several room types you can choose from. They have standard rooms with a typical amount of space up to oversized suites built for those seeking elegance. 

Here’s a quick look at the different room types. 

Standard View

A standard room at the Yacht Club has either one king-size bed or two queens. It has a small chair and table, bathroom, TV, and mini-fridge for you to use. These rooms are their most basic, and the views show you the parking lot, woods, or parking garage, depending on your room’s floor level. 

The standard view rooms might only offer you the most basic lodging in the resort, but they’re still beautifully decorated and will give you a comfortable place to sleep after spending all day at the parks or one of the pools. This room sleeps up to four people comfortably. 

Garden View

You can opt for a garden view if you want a prettier view than the standard view rooms. You’ll get to see the beautifully landscaped courtyards that scatter the property. You’ll enjoy all the same bed options and other amenities that the standard view rooms offer. 

You might have guessed this already, but the water view is the same as the standard and garden view rooms, except that your window or balcony will overlook the lake or one of the beautiful pools on the property. 

Two-Bedroom Suite

A two-bedroom suite is an excellent option if you need a little more room. These rooms have many of the features of the standard rooms, like TVs, bathrooms, and mini-fridges. 

Each two-bedroom suite has two king beds and one queen sleeper sofa. They all face the lake or Stormalong bag and can sleep six people easily.

Admiral Suite

The Admiral suite is another option that can sleep up to six people. It comes with a primary bedroom with a king-sized bed and another room with two queen beds. 

The bathroom is more spacious, and the water views are stunning. You’ll have a decent-sized sitting area, mini-fridge, desk area, and two TVs. 

Captain’s Deck Suite

For a suite that can sleep six people comfortably, you can consider the Captain’s Deck Suite. This suite features one king bed and two queen beds in separate rooms. 

You’ll have all the space with a two-bedroom suite and all the features. The main difference is the decor and only one Captain’s Deck Suite. 

Commodore VIP Suite

The Commodore VIP Suite is very similar to the Captain’s Deck Suite. You’ll have the same type and amount of beds, allowing you to sleep six people comfortably. 

What sets this beautiful suite apart from the others previously mentioned is that you’ll have a balcony with stunning water views. 

Presidential Suite

The Presidential Suite is the second largest in the Yacht Club Resort. There are two queen beds and one king bed in this suite. Everything is mostly the same from the Commodore VIP Suite, but there’s even more space for you and your other travel buddies. 

They have some two-bedroom suites that connect if you want more than six people to travel with you. 

Turret Suite

Finally, the most oversized suite at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is their Turret Suite. This suite sleeps up to eight comfortably, with one king bed, two queen beds, and one sleeper sofa that can sleep two adults. 

This suite’s size is generous and spacious, and if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll love how much space your family will have to move around and enjoy the different rooms of this suite.

It’s safe to say you’ll never go hungry when you stay at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Whether you’re interested in quick service spots, market-style, or a sit-down restaurant, you’ll have a lot of options here. 

Ale & Compass Restaurant

One of the most popular sit-down restaurants at the Yacht Club Resort is Ale & Compass . This restaurant features delicious seafood you would see when traveling up the east coast of the United States and into New England. 

People usually get lobster and eat shrimp and corn chowder here. The best part is they’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

The Market at Ale & Compass

Near the Ale & Compass Restaurant and Lounge is their market. The Market at Ale & Compass is the perfect spot to stop for fast food and beverages to enjoy in your room or on the go.

They have breakfast items, sandwiches, coffee, and Disney souvenirs that you might want to browse before you head home. 

Ale & Compass Lounge

Ale & Compass has a lounge worth looking at for a relaxing spot with great libations. They have snacks that are great appetizers before your dinner reservation or whenever you’re feeling peckish as you sip delicious cocktails. 

They have a lot of higher-end liquor, and people rave about the pomegranate margarita. 

Yachtsman Steakhouse

When you want a more excellent table service restaurant for dinner, you must try Yachtsman Steakhouse . This warm and inviting steakhouse has nautical decor like the rest of the resort and features everything you would want in a steakhouse. 

There are plenty of cuts of steaks, veggies, and other side dishes to go around. There are even kid-friendly options if you’re traveling with kids. Most people recommend getting a reservation with this restaurant, but you can do that by calling the restaurant. 

Cape May Cafe

Do you love a breakfast buffet? Then you need to try Cape May Cafe. This buffet-style restaurant features all your favorite breakfast items in the morning, like fruit, egg dishes, bacon, toast, and the world-famous Mickey and Minnie-shaped waffles. 

Their dinner buffet is excellent, with plenty of shellfish and even snow crab legs for an extra fee. They also have a delicious oven-roasted chicken dish that’s perfect when you’re not in the mood for seafood. 

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop

When you want classic beach food, you must visit the Beaches & Cream Soda Shop . This spot serves plenty of ice cream, sundaes, and other sweets that people of all ages will love. You can also grab fast food when you’re not feasting on their specialty ice creams. 

They have several burgers and hot dogs that are perfect for kids and picky eaters. They also have many soups, sandwiches, and other classic American menu items. 

Martha’s Vineyard

As a resort based on a New England yacht club, it’s no surprise that Martha’s Vineyard is one of the best dining options here. This restaurant features signature cocktails, a lounge, imported wines, beers, and plenty of delicious seafood. 

Don’t worry, though. The restaurant also has other menu items besides seafood. You’ll love having a nice meal with your family here. 

Crew’s Cup Lounge

Crew’s Cup Lounge is a great option when you’re looking for a great place to lounge with an alcoholic beverage after a long day. They have a fantastic selection of beer, wine, and handcrafted cocktails to enjoy.

They have a smaller menu with small plates that pair well with all their drinks. The hours vary here, so you’ll want to check online or call before arriving. 

Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill

For the adults who love to enjoy a good frozen or tropical cocktail while they lounge in the lazy river, wade in the pool, or relax in a lounge chair, Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill is the spot. 

This bar doesn’t offer food, but the frozen piña coladas are unmatched. 

When you’re not riding all the rides and seeing the parades at the parks, you can soak up the sun at one of the several water recreation areas at the resort. 

Stormalong Bay

Stormalong Bay is a shared space between the Yacht Club and Beach Club. This three-acre water recreation area is fun for everyone. There are pools, slides, and sandy shores for you to relax in the Florida sun.

You’ll love the lifesize shipwreck area, the lazy river, the hot tubs, and lounging on the elevated training deck.

Shipwreck Pool

The Shipwreck pool is for the youngest of travelers. This pool is for tiny tots because they can easily wade into the water and play without a high risk of drowning. There are lifeguards on duty at this pool and a mini water slide for the bravest of the kids. 

Admiral Pool

The Admiral Pool is in a peaceful garden. It’s the best for adults because it’s a quieter area of the resort, and most adults come here to escape the children running around and playing.

There aren’t lifeguards on duty here, so you’re not likely to see any children, but you’ll still want to be cautious. 

Cabana Rentals

If you feel like treating yourself, you can book a cabana for the day or a few hours. You’ll need to pre-book this service, but you won’t regret it.

When you book a cabana, you’ll enjoy amenities and services like: 

• A cast member serving you at the cabana 
• Food and drink service
• A ceiling fan to keep you cool
• Comfortable furniture, TV
• A charging outlet
• A fruit basket
• A mini fridge 
• Fresh towels 

Hanging out by the pool isn’t the only recreational activity that the Yacht Club offers guests. You’ll find volleyball and tennis courts surrounding the resort, a spa, and a fitness center too. Here are a few other recreational activities you might enjoy while staying at this Disney resort. 

Movie Under the Stars

There’s nothing like watching a great Disney movie under the twinkling stars. The Yacht Club Resort shows movies at nighttime at their Solarium and on their lawn by the volleyball courts.

Movie showings don’t happen every night, and the movies constantly change. If you’re interested in this activity, you can ask your front desk staff for a schedule. 

Motorized Boat Rentals

You can rent boats and frolic around Crescent Lake. You can rent them for 30-minute intervals, and you don’t need a reservation to rent them. While you don’t technically need one, you might want to consider renting in advance to secure the time slot you prefer. 

Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf

If you’re willing to walk a short distance, you can play this 18-hole mini golf course . There are five different themes throughout the course that resemble some of your favorite Disney characters. 

Disney is known for their spectacular service, so you know the amenities here are excellent. Some of the amenities included at the resort are: 

• Safes in every room for small valuables
• ATMs for quick cash
• Turn-down service
• Housekeeping
• Complimentary WiFi
• Voicemail service 
• Valet parking
• Laundry and dry cleaning services

One of the best reasons to stay at one of the Disney resorts is the free transportation to and from the parks they offer guests.

You’re more than welcome to drive your car to the park, but parking can get stressful. The Yacht Club Resort has three transportation options for guests to ensure a stress-free trip. 

Bus Service

Disney’s bus service is most people’s go-to transportation method when staying at one of the several Disney resorts. There are plenty of buses that go from all the different resorts and to all the parks. 

They run about an hour before the parks open until an hour after the parks close to ensure everyone can safely make it back to their resort. It’s easy to look up the bus route and schedule online, or you can ask the staff at the front desk of your hotel for assistance if needed. 

The Skyliner is a great way to travel to and from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as long as you’re not afraid of heights. These beautiful gondolas in the sky have different themes based on your favorite Disney movies and characters. 

It’s not technically at the resort, but it’s a short walk down the boardwalk and still an excellent transportation option when traveling to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Much like the buses, it operates an hour before the parks open until an hour after the parks close.

Last but not least, we have the ferry boat . Like the Skyliner, this service is not available at every Disney resort, and it doesn’t go to all the parks either. It can take you to and from Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. They run every 15 to 30 minutes for the majority of the day. 

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is among one of the most popular on their property. Its central location, great amenities, dining options, and atmosphere make for the perfect vacation to Walt Disney World .

Whether traveling with your partner, best friend, group of people, or family, this beautiful New England yacht club-inspired resort is the perfect place to stay for a magical Disney vacation. 

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Charmaine Cortes

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Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Costco Member Reviews

Delight in the formal grace of a grand New England-style yacht club at this lakeside hotel.

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Property offers upscale design and decor, superior dining venues, manicured grounds, and a high level of service and hospitality.

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Hotel Details

Hotel description.

Relax in the inviting elegance of a plush lobby replete with nautical touches, explore the whimsical Stormalong Bay and rent a variety of watercraft from Bayside Marina. Sharing many amenities with its pastel-toned sister – Disney's Beach Club Resort – Disney's Yacht Club Resort is walking distance to EPCOT® and a convenient boat ride to Disney's Hollywood Studios® park. Savor a breakfast, lunch and dinner at this lakeside Resort hotel that recalls the timeless charm of a New England yacht club.

Resort guests will receive transportation to all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks (Theme Park admission required). Resort guests are also able to utilize Disney Water Transportation to other Walt Disney World® Resorts, EPCOT® and to Disney's Hollywood Studios® park.

Key Features

• Distance from Airport: 21 Miles
• Number of Rooms: 1,400
• Number of Floors:
• Elevator(s)
• Check-In Time: 3:00 p.m.
• Check-Out Time: 11:00 a.m.
• Wheelchair-Accessible Room(s) Available
• Minimum Age to Stay Without an Adult: 18
• Nonsmoking Property
• Additional Fees Not Included in Room Price: Valet parking is available at approximately $33 plus tax (per vehicle, per night). The fee is payable directly to the hotel. All fees are outside the control of Costco Travel and are subject to change by the hotel without notice.  
• Air-Conditioning in Public Areas
• Activities/Tour Desk
• Business Center
• Concierge Desk
• Health/Fitness Facility
• Hot Tub/Jacuzzi
• Internet Access (wireless)
• Internet Center
• Mini Market
• Restaurant(s)
• Room Service
• Swimming Pool(s) - Outdoor
• Water Slide

Features for a Fee

• Babysitting
• Conference Room(s)
• Dry Cleaning
• Gift Shop/Boutique
• Laundry Facilities (self-service)
• Parking (self)
• Parking (valet)
• Room Service (24 hours)
• Wedding Services
• Golf (nearby)
• Restaurants (nearby)
• Shopping (nearby)

Ale & Compass Lounge:  Navigate your way to a cozy lounge with a great wine list, light snacks and overstuffed chairs.

• Air-Conditioned
• Meals Served: Snacks
• Menu Type: A la carte
• Reservations: Not Required
• Dress Code: Casual Attire | Footwear Required | Shirt Required

Ale & Compass Restaurant:  Set your sights on Yankee comfort food and seafood classics at this cozy gastropub-inspired eatery.

• Meals Served: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
• Children's Menu Available
• Reservations: Recommended

Beach Club Marketplace:  Enjoy a hot, made-to-order meal and stock up on snacks before heading out for a day of fun in the parks.

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop:  Satisfy your sweet tooth with old fashioned ice-cream favorites and delectable new creations at this 50's themed eatery.

• Meals Served: Lunch | Dinner

Cape May Café:  Delight kids and adults alike with a Disney Character breakfast and a seafood dinner buffet!

• Cuisine Type: American
• Dress Code: Casual Attire | Footwear Required | No Swimsuits | No Beachwear | Shirt Required

Crew’s Cup Lounge:  Ready all, row! Race to a place with New England favorites like tender lobster rolls and creamy chowder.

• Meals Served: Lunch | Dinner | Snacks

Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill:  Brace for frosty beverages and beautiful bay views at this not-so-blustery walk-up bar.

• Meals Served: Lunch | Snacks
• Dress Code: Casual Attire

Martha’s Vineyard:  Gather for a glass – or bottle – of wine at this casual lounge reminiscent of a New England beach house.

The Market at Ale & Compass:  Find hot and cold offerings with grab-and-go convenience for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Yachtsman Steakhouse:  Relish premium dry-aged beef, fresh seafood and signature drinks at this New England-style steakhouse.

• Meals Served: Dinner
• Cuisine Type: American | Steak
• Dress Code: Casual Attire | Footwear Required | No Swimsuits | No Beachwear | No Flip-Flops | No Sandals | No Shorts | Shirt Required

Although bedding requests can be made, these cannot be guaranteed until the time of check-in by the front desk.

Available in All Rooms:

• Air-Conditioning
• Coffee/Tea Maker
• In-Room Safe
• Iron/Ironing Board
• Mini-Fridge
• Nonsmoking Rooms Available
• Rollaway Bed (fee may apply)
• Satellite/Cable TV
• Housekeeping - Daily

Available in Some Rooms:

Children under age 18 stay free in room using existing bedding.

Resort-View Room

Rooms feature views of the Convention Center or parking areas, and include a private patio or balcony.

• Balcony/Lanai
• Approximate Square Feet: 400
• Bedding: King or Two Queens (with or without single day bed); or One Queen, Single Day Bed and Twin-Size Sleeper Chair

Garden-View Room

Rooms feature views of gardens or landscaping, and include a private patio or balcony.

Water-View Room

Rooms feature views of Crescent Lake or the Quiet Pool, and include a private balcony or patio.

Resort-View Room - Club Level

Enjoy a Club Level Lounge and take advantage of services like assistance with dining reservations, transportation information and more. The Club Level Lounge also offers continental breakfast, evening wine and beer selections, and desserts/cordials.

• Bedding: King or Two Queens

Garden-View Room - Club Level

• Bedding: King and Single Day Bed, or Two Queens

Water-View Room - Club Level

Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the hotel, resort or cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the provider without notice. Hotels, resorts, ships or accommodations designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

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8 Reasons You’ll Love Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

• May 24, 2018
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Typically when I think of a weekend at Disney World, the word “relax” doesn’t necessarily come to mind. After all, there’s so much to do, see, ride, eat, and buy! But there’s something about Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club resorts that give a whole different, laid-back vibe. I combined them in the same post because they are close together and share several amenities. If you’re a Disney fan, you can’t miss out on a stay at one of these resorts.

We stayed at Beach Club Resort for the first time right after we got married to celebrate our “mini-moon”. I fell so in love with the casual and charming vibes that made me feel like I was in a luxurious beach home. The rooms were already updated, filled with the soft and calming tones of the ocean. I wasn’t blogging back when we went so I have very little photos, but it instantly became our favorite Disney World Resort.

Now, 18 months later we wanted to spoil ourselves to another weekend at a Deluxe Disney Resort. This time, we chose the elegant older sister of the Beach Club Resort and booked the Yacht Club. For our April weekend getaway, it was quite a bit cheaper than the Beach Club. Like all Disney resorts, the cast members welcomed us “home” and checking into our room was a breeze because we already had our Magic Bands and room number. We skipped the front desk altogether and made it to the third floor where we were surprised with a nice little view off our balcony.

Planning a trip ? Don’t forget to see the best & worst times to visit Disney World!

So, What Makes Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts So Special?

Beautiful & updated rooms.

The Yacht Club wrapped up it’s remodeling in 2017 and they did an amazing job. The wood-style flooring, nautical décor, and contemporary furnishings make this New England style resort feel relaxing and luxurious. I had previously read other Disney fans complain about the lack of “Disney magic” in the room, but I appreciated the subtle touches with gorgeous framed prints and stylish curtains with hidden characters. As a Deluxe resort, I never expect it to scream Disney. The Yacht Club has always seemed like a more sophisticated resort, so I think it’s a perfect balance. But don’t worry, in true Disney fashion, families feel just as welcome as couples. Disney’s favorite guest is whoever walks through the door and that’s a perk of staying at a Disney resort.

The beds in Deluxe resorts are always so comfortable to us! The Yacht Club’s new beds have space underneath to store suitcases which is such a space saver ( why don’t more hotels do this?! ). We don’t mind getting a room with two queens because we’ll usually spread out and take advantage of the extra bed. The room has plenty of storage, a coffee maker, and a small fridge.

Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club resorts share the same pools and they are, quite possibly, the best pools at any Disney resort! Stormalong Bay is an incredible 795,000-gallon pool with sandy bottoms and a (smaller) lazy river. With areas dedicated to relaxation and others for playing, there’s plenty of space for families to spread out. Towels are provided for the guests and they have a ton of chairs around the pool. Hannah’s Hurricane Bar is a great option for drinks and lunch. Cast members will walk around to take food and drink orders, which is all the luxury I need by the pool!

Stormalong Bay is also home to a 230-foot-long water slide that is perfect for cooling off on a hot Florida day. It’s one thing you can’t miss out on doing if you stay at these resorts.

Proximity to Epcot

Disney World Resort sits on 27,000 acres (about the size of San Francisco), and while much of it is still not developed ( believe it or not ), it’s big. Transportation on buses, boats, and monorails is free, but there’s nothing better than being able to walk to a park from your room. Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club resorts are about a 5 – 10 minute walk from the World Showcase entrance to Epcot. Staying at the Yacht Club during the Flower and Garden Festival was so much fun because we walked right into the excitement. Each day, we headed to the park for a couple of hours and then went back to the pool. We didn’t have to deal with the fuss of parking, transportation, or waiting in long lines to enter the park.

Related :  10 Items You Need to Pack for a Day at Disney World!

Resort Activities

Like all deluxe resorts, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club resorts have plenty of fun activities right on site, and they go beyond the pool and restaurants. From roasting s’mores by a campfire to watching a movie under the stars, they have a list of daily activities for every day of the week.

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop

I believe Disney goes out of their way to make sure there’s something extra special at each resort and Beaches & Cream Soda Shop is one of them. Recommended by every cast member I spoke to, we had lunch at the bar and enjoyed the old-fashioned American grille, complete with a jukebox. The burgers and fries were delicious, but it’s really all about the dessert here. It was probably the best sundae I’ve ever had in my life. And Instagram friends seemed to like it, too!

If you don’t want to stick around for an entire meal, pop in for a sundae “to-go” before watching the fireworks on the boardwalk! Are you brave enough to try the infamous “Kitchen Sink”?!

Yachtsman Steakhouse

Yachtsman Steakhouse is one of the best steakhouses on Disney property (and I love my steak, ya’ll). It’s an upscale, but family-friendly, New England-style restaurant. Leave your flip-flops and cut-offs in the room and treat yourself to fresh seafood, tender steaks, and truffle mac n’ cheese! You don’t have to be staying at the Yacht Club to get a reservation, but make one in advance, if possible. I highly recommend this Signature dining selection if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

Cape May Café

Don’t miss out on character dining! The character breakfast buffet at Cape May Café is said to be one of the best ones with Miss Minnie herself. In the evenings, the restaurant transitions into a seafood dinner buffet. Minnie Mouse and her friends are popular, as you can imagine, so make a reservation before showing up.

I saved the Boardwalk for last because I think it’s one of the best perks of staying at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club resorts . The boardwalk makes one big loop you can walk around (or rent a Surrey bicycle from the Boardwalk Inn). It’s a beautiful setting and the boardwalk restaurants, shops, and entertainment make up about a 1/4 mile of the loop.

Restaurants

• The boardwalk features some wonderful dining options like the Flying Fish , Big River Grille & Brewing Works , Trattoria al Forno and the ESPN Club .
• Don’t miss out on vacay indulgences like the Boardwalk Bakery , Ample Hills Creamery , and the Funnel Cake Cart!
• Looking for a drink? The AbracadaBar and Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas will quench your thirst.

Entertainment

• Jellyrolls is a fun, adult-only, dueling piano bar! it does have a cover fee of $15, if I remember correctly.
• Atlantic Dance Hall is a huge Art Deco ballroom where you can sip on a drink or get on the dance floor and bust your moves. This one is also for adults.
• Street performers will catch your attention if you’re visiting Thursday through Sunday. Think jugglers, balancing acts, and musicians. They’re entertaining and so talented!
• You’ll also find an outdoor “ arcade ” along the boardwalk with games like basketball and the water squirt game!
•  It’s hard to pass up an opportunity to browse the shops of Disney. Whether you’re checking out the pins, buying a plush character, or visiting the Wyland Gallery , you’ll enjoy the leisure and less chaotic shopping opportunity.

Are you sold on these resorts yet?! Anytime I have friends or readers asking for a recommendation, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club resorts are my number one answer. I haven’t stayed at all of the Deluxe resorts, just yet, but I can confidently say that you can’t go wrong with these two. Whether you’re staying for a short weekend or an entire week, you’ll be so happy you chose to stay here.

Related : Where to Stay at Disney World: A Weekend at Wilderness Lodge

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The 17 best Disney World hotels for your 2024 stay

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

Related: The best travel credit cards

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

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

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

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

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

Here are our top picks:

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

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

Best Deluxe Disney World resorts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Moderate Disney World resorts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Value Disney World resorts

Value Disney resorts are the most affordable Disney World hotels.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Disney World resort pools

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

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

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

Related: The best pools at Walt Disney World

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Disney World resorts for large families

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

Related: The best Orlando hotels for large families

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

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

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

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

Best Disney World resorts for adults

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related: Is a Disney annual pass worth it?

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

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

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

Bottom line

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

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

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

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Best Disney World Resort Hotel Restaurants RANKED- We Visit Multiples Times Per Month!

Although Disney World's theme parks have plenty of incredible restaurants, there are even more amazing restaurants located at the various Disney World resorts . Even if you are not a guest of a Disney World resort hotel, you are able to dine and enjoy any of their restaurants during your vacation. Each Disney World resort has at least one quick service restaurant option, and some resorts have sit-down table service restaurants, including several with character meet and greets.

I am a Disney World annual passholder, Florida resident, and visit Disney World several times each month. There are so many resort restaurants to choose from and it can be difficult to pick which reservation to make for your next trip to Disney World.

I will list our favorite Disney World resort hotel restaurants and explain why we enjoy them so much. We rank our favorite resort hotel restaurants in several categories including the best quick service and table restaurants, best resort hotel restaurants with character meet and greets, best “upscale” dining experiences, and more!

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Our Favorite Disney World Resort Hotel Restaurants

This article will rank the top three of our favorite Disney World resort hotel restaurants within several different categories. These categories include:

• Best table service hotel restaurants:  These restaurants are your typical table service restaurants. We almost always recommend getting a reservation for table service restaurants (especially for our favorites listed below), because they tend to be extremely busy. If you are not able to get a reservation, sometimes you can join a walk-up list using the My Disney Experience app if there is capacity available.
• Best character dining hotel restaurants: This category includes the best restaurants where you can meet some of your favorite characters while you dine. The character dining restaurants are typically table service with a family style, buffet, or prix fixe menu. We definitely recommend getting reservations for any character dining restaurant throughout all of Disney World property as they are typically the busiest.
• Best quick service resort restaurants: Every Disney World resort has a quick service restaurant available, and we will rank our favorites in this section. You never need a reservation for quick service restaurants throughout Disney World. You can even pre-order your food for easy pick-up or to go using the My Disney Experience mobile app. If you plan on dining at resort quick service restaurants frequently, we recommend picking up a refillable mug souvenir for unlimited refills on soda, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate throughout your trip.
• Best hotel “upscale” restaurants: For a more upscale or romantic dining experience, check out this section for our must do restaurants at Disney World resorts. Unlike most restaurants throughout Disney World, these restaurants typically have a dress code. The dress code is not strict, however, it's important to consider before dining at these restaurants as clothing must be clean, neat, and in good condition. They do not allow swimwear or other inappropriate clothing in these upscale restaurants. 
• Honorable mentions:  We will wrap up our list with some honorable mentions that are worth visiting but may not make our top choices or perfectly fit into the other categories.

Best Table Service Resort Hotel Restaurants

The following three restaurants are our favorite table service restaurants located at the Disney World resorts. As mentioned, we highly recommend reservations for table service restaurants due to their popularity. Most of the table service restaurants fit the overall theme of the resort and offer food that would make sense for the theme (i.e. African-inspired food at the Animal Kingdom Lodge resorts). All of the table service restaurants offer great food, however, these are our favorites!

3. Olivia's Café – Old Key West Resort

Olivia's Café, located at Disney's Old Key West Resort, is open daily for brunch between 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM and dinner between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM. We feel Olivia's is an extremely underrated table service restaurant that has both great food and a laid back but unique atmosphere. Olivia's is described as “hearty home cooking with a taste of the Florida Keys at this hidden gem.” If you look around the restaurant, you will see hundreds of framed photos of guests visiting Disney World throughout the past decades, which is a cool detail and definitely makes this restaurant feel homey.

At my most recent dinner experience at Olivia's, a friend ordered the Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken entrée and described it as one of the best fried chicken dishes she'd ever had. I personally enjoyed the West Indian Tofu and Coconut Curry entrée which had a lot flavor but wasn't too spicy.

Olivia's also has a variety of food allowing everyone in your group to find something they'd enjoy, including prime rib, shrimp scampi, and a cheese and charcuterie entrée. The great service, laid back atmosphere, and delicious food makes Olivia's one of our top 3 Disney resort table service restaurants.

2. Ale & Compass – Yacht Club Resort Hotel

Ale & Compass is located inside Disney's Yacht Club Resort which is located steps away from Disney's BoardWalk area , a quarter-mile promenade of unique nightlife, restaurants, and bars. Ale & Compass is a more upscale dining experience but offers a variety of delicious food and drinks at a relatively low cost.

Ale & Compass is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner between 7:30 AM and 11:00 AM, 11:45 AM to 2:00 PM, and between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Although it may look fancy on the inside, Ale & Compass actually has a lot of different food options that don't break the bank.  The most expensive item on the dinner menu is a $36 New York Strip steak dinner which comes with delicious truffle fries, house-made steak sauce, and a Watercress salad. Our server highly recommended the Cabernet-braised short ribs which were also a big hit with our group. We also love the chicken pot pie which has a flakey crust and the rolls.

As previously mentioned, the location of Ale & Compass is another reason why we love this restaurant besides the delicious food and atmosphere. If you're looking to continue the fun after dinner, you can simply walk outside to the BoardWalk to enjoy ice cream, additional drinks at one of several bars, or simply a nice stroll around the BoardWalk. You can read more about the BoardWalk and the various restaurants and lounges in our Disney Boardwalk restaurants guide .

1. Sanaa – Animal Kingdom Resort Hotel – Kidani Village

Our favorite table service restaurant has to be Sanaa, located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Resort . This resort has amazing and unique African and Indian foods and is located within a beautiful location right outside the Sunset Savanna. That's right, you can spot giraffes, zebras, birds, and other animals roaming around right outside the windows as you dine. Sanaa offers lunch between 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM and dinner between 5:00 PM and 9:30 PM. There is also a Kuamsha Breakfast which does not require reservations, however, we specifically chose Sanaa as our favorite table service restaurant due to the lunch and dinner options.

If you make the wise choice to dine at Sanaa, the Indian-style Bread Service appetizer is a MUST do. This service comes with your choice of five breads or Naan (as well as gluten-free and vegan bread upon request) with nine accompanying dipping sauces ranging in various flavors. This bread service alone is worth dining at Sanaa, but their entrees are also delicious.

Overall, the location and animal viewing, beautiful atmosphere, and unique foods made Sanaa an easy choice for our favorite table service restaurant at a Disney World resort.

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At no cost whatsoever, you can receive FREE concierge Walt Disney World services! This includes a Get Away Today expert taking care of your dining reservations, pricing of hotels and other special events, and more! Let Get Away Today take all the stress and hassle away from planning your Disney World vacation. Rather than waking up at odd hours to make a dining or hotel reservation, let Get Away Today's travel agents take care of it for you- for FREE!

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Buying tickets from Get Away Today is easy and convenient since all their tickets are sent electronically. You can take their vouchers and head straight to the gate without needing to wait in any ticket booth lines. They also offer layaway plans so you can pay off your vacation over time.

Best Character Dining Resort Restaurants

Next up are our favorite Disney World resort restaurants that offer character dining experiences. Please note that not all resort restaurants have character meet and greets at each meal, and some are only open during specific meals. However, reserving at least one character meal is a great idea, especially with children, as it is a very convenient way to meet characters without having to spend time in line at the parks to meet various characters. 

3. ‘Ohana – Polynesian Village Resort

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is one of my favorite resorts for so many reasons, one of which is their ‘Ohana restaurant located on the second floor of the main lobby, known as the Great Ceremonial House. ‘Ohana is open for breakfast between 7:30 AM and 12:15 PM and dinner between 3:30 PM and 10:00 PM. Although character dining only occurs during breakfast, it is such a fun experience for the whole family. Guests get to meet Stitch, Lilo, Mickey, and Pluto while taking photos and receiving autographs. There is also a very cute “conga line” that periodically goes through the restaurant where children can play instruments and dance along with Mickey and friends.

In addition to the character experiences, the food is also delicious! It is “family style” where you can order as much food as you'd like, so definitely come hungry. Their pineapple-coconut bread is one of our favorites, along with the delicious POG juice, which combines orange, passion fruit, and guava juice.

If you're lucky enough to get a table by the window, you can get some great views of the Polynesian's resort pool, along with Cinderella's castle in the background. Overall, this is definitely a great character dining experience we recommend for guests of all ages.

2. Story Brook Dining at Artist Point – Wilderness Lodge

Although you can usually meet Snow White at EPCOT, a fairly rare character greeting is with any of the Seven Dwarves and the Evil Queen. You can meet Grumpy, Dopey, Snow White, and the Evil Queen while dining on delicious food at the Artist Point restaurant at the beautiful Wilderness Lodge Resort.

Artist Point is open for dinner between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM and offers a three course prix fixe menu with shared appetizers for the table, an entrée of each guest's choice, and shared desserts. There is also a very cool presentation of “The Hunter's Gift to the Queen” dessert, which is a box of chocolate hearts that when opened, leaks out smoke.

During dinner, besides getting to meet and greet with the various characters, there are also a few fun shows that incorporate the beautifully lit trees within the restaurant which give a more modern enchanted woods feel. We really enjoyed the characters, food presentation, and overall atmosphere of Artist Point which makes it another great character dining option at a Disney World resort.

1. Topolino's Terrace- Riviera Resort

Located on the top of the beautiful Riviera Resort, Topolino's (which translates to Mickey Mouse's Italian name) comes in at number one for our favorite character dining experience at a Disney World resort restaurant. This restaurant has it all amazing food, adorable character meet and greets with your favorite classic Disney characters, as well as breathtaking views from the top of the Riviera Resort. Topolino's is also conveniently located on the Skyliner, which makes it a perfect breakfast option to fuel up before you head to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios for the day.

Similar to ‘Ohana, Topolino's Terrace has family-style character dining during breakfast hours only between 7:30 AM and 12:15 PM. However, they also have an eloquent and French and Italian-inspired dinner served between 5:00 PM and 9:30 PM. After your meal, be sure to step out onto the terrace to enjoy the views of the Riviera Resort's pool and outdoor areas as well as views of the Skyliner and EPCOT.

You can see our full Topolino's Terrace review for everything you need to know about our experience dining here!

Best Quick Service Resort Restaurants

This section details our top three favorite quick service restaurants located at Disney World Resorts. Most quick service resort restaurants offer the general same types of foods, however, some have interesting theming, convenient locations, or specialty dishes that we will include below. 

3. Everything POP – POP Century Resort

Of all of the value-priced resorts, our favorite quick service restaurant is the Everything POP quick service restaurant at POP Century Resort. This resort appears to have the widest variety and best tasting foods of the value resorts which makes it our favorite.

Everything POP is open daily between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM and has something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Our favorite breakfast options include the Loaded Totcho Bowl or Vanilla Pancakes. For lunch and dinner, they serve a variety of burgers, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and more. For a quick meal at a low cost, POP Century's Everything POP quick service restaurant is our go to option.

2. Centertown Market – Caribbean Beach Resort

Our number two ranked quick service resort restaurant is the Centertown Market located at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. This quick service restaurant offers a Latin and Caribbean inspired menu which is unique and tasty. They are open between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM offering guests breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. A couple of our favorite entrée options include the Arroz Mamposteao and the Caribbean Plant-Based sausage, black beans, and rice bowl.

1. Capt. Cook's – Polynesian Village Resort

We're headed back to the Polynesian Village Resort for our favorite quick service restaurant – Capt. Cook's, located on the first floor of the Great Ceremonial House. This is one of the smaller quick service restaurants, however there is indoor and outdoor seating near the pool area which we tend to enjoy. More importantly, they arguably have the best food out of all the resort quick service restaurants.

Capt. Cook's is open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily and has amazing offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our absolute favorite breakfast is the Tonga Toast, which is banana-stuffed sourdough bread, battered, deep-fried, and dusted with cinnamon sugar. For lunch or dinner, the Pan-Asian Noodles and Vegetables dish is also highly recommended, but anything off their menu you will be sure to enjoy. Additionally, if you are looking for a delicious dessert, you can walk around the corner to visit the Pineapple Lanai stand, which offers various types of DOLE whip.

Best “Upscale” Resort Restaurants

Lastly, we will list our top three upscale dining experiences you can find at the Disney World resort restaurants. Although these are typically not as unique or interesting as some of the themes and overall atmosphere as the other restaurants, the food is typically top notch and can be a fun date night or special occasion during your trip. Our top three favorites are included below!

3. Victoria & Albert's – Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Not too surprisingly, the Grand Floridan Resort and Spa has one of our favorite upscale restaurants, Victoria & Albert's. It's always a treat to even walk around the Grand Floridian, yet alone dine there at such a beautiful restaurant. Victoria & Albert's has won numerous awards and accolades including the AAA Five Diamond Award since 2000, Forbes Travel Guide Five Star since 2018, Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, and Florida Trend Golden Spoon Hall of Fame – American Regional award. 

The one downside of Victoria & Albert's is the availability to get a reservation as it is only open from about 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily, and is a long prix fixe menu dining experience. However, it is easily one of the best and more beautiful Disney World restaurants throughout all of Disney World property.

2. Yachtsman Steakhouse – Yacht Club Resort

Another upscale yet rustic resort restaurant is the Yachtsman Steakhouse, located at Disney's Yacht Club Resort. This restaurant is only open for dinner between 5:00 PM and 9:30 PM daily. Similar to the theme of the resort, the New England-style Yachtsman Steakhouse offers fine American dining including steaks, fresh seafood, and more. 

Yachtmans Steakhouse's high-quality beef is prepared on an oak-fired grill in their open kitchen, and guests can watch their butchers cut the steaks in the dry-aging room. It truly feels like an upscale dining experience from the moment you walk through the front door. 

1. California Grill – Contemporary Resort

The California Grill at the Contemporary Resort is our favorite restaurant for special occasions, celebrations, and a truly unique Disney World resort dining experience. The best part about California Grill is the amazing views of the Magic Kingdom. If you time your reservations correctly, you can even watch the fireworks from the restaurant. When the fireworks start, the lights dim as the music is piped into the restaurant, immersing guests into the magic of the night in the comfort of the restaurant. 

California Grill is open for dinner each night between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM and offers an award-winning prix fixe three-course menu with one appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Guests over 21 can also choose from a wide assortment of hand-picked wines, most of which are of course from California. The views are a meal in themselves. Watching sunset and then the fireworks from here is perhaps the most upscale experience you can have at Walt Disney World.

Dining at the California Grill is the quintessential example of fine dining at Disney World which is why it takes the number one spot as our favorite upscale Disney World resort restaurant. 

Honorable Mentions

Scat Cat's Club Café – Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

If you haven't explored or stayed at the Port Orleans Resort, I highly recommend it. You truly feel as if you've stepped into the streets of New Orleans, and you can even often spot horse-drawn carriages giving guests rides throughout the property.

More importantly, you can find delicious beignets and other treats at the Scat Cat's Club Café, located inside the main lobby of the Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter. 

The Scat Cat's Club Cafe is open daily between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM and is always a standby queue with no reservations or mobile orders. Currently, this restaurant is the only place you can purchase beignets on all of Disney World property (but we're hoping that changes when Tiana's Bayou Adventure opens at Magic Kingdom). They always offer classic Mickey-shaped beignets with various dipping sauces as well as various specialty beignets, which mostly recently were hot cocoa flavored. For those 21 and over, you can also enjoy Baton Rouge Beignets which are made with your choice of Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, Kahlua Liqueur, or RumChata Liqueur. Scat Cat's Club also serves coffee and other beverages to enjoy.

Whispering Canyon – Fort Wilderness Lodge

Another honorable mention and favorite table service restaurant is Whispering Canyon Café, located inside the Wilderness Lodge Resort. This restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner between 7:30 AM and 11:25 AM, 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM, and between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Whispering Canyon offers hearty Western fare including all you can eat skillets and “shenanigans.”

The shenanigans is definitely true, as the restaurant can get pretty rowdy with the servers picking on their guests. During our last visit, our waitress named “Anita Margarita” told us if we needed any ketchup, we had to scream for it!

Once we did, a nearby table brought us every single bottle of ketchup in the restaurant. When the next table needed ketchup, the parade continued and we were responsible for carrying every bottle to the next table. If you are into similar shenanigans as well as hearty western food, this is a great option. 

Disney Dining Plan

If you haven't heard the good news, Disney World's Disney Dining Plan recently returned on January 9, 2024. If you plan on dining at any of the Disney World restaurants either in the theme parks or at the various resorts, I highly recommend considering the dining plan. We list all of the restaurants included in the 2024 Disney Dining Plans in our Disney Dining Plan guide .

There are two different plans Disney World offers:

• Disney Quick Service Dining Plan:  This plan is for groups who are only interested in dining at quick service restaurants throughout Disney World. No reservations are required for any of the quick service restaurants and can be a convenient option, especially with young children. There are over 100 quick service locations throughout Disney World. Everyone over the age of 3 on the quick service dining receives two quick service meals, one snack or non-alcoholic drink, and one resort refillable mug per each night of stay. Beverages are included with each meal, and guests over 21 years old may substitute for beer, wine, and cocktails. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during your stay, and expire at midnight on the day of checkout. 
• Disney Dining Plan:  The Disney Dining Plan is similar to the quick service plan, but includes one table service meal, including character dining meals. Each person over the age of three on this plan receives one quick service meal, one table service meal, one snack or nonalcoholic drink, and one resort refillable mug. All of the same rules apply to this plan, the main difference is the option of having one table service meal each day instead of two quick service meals. If you choose this option, make sure to make as many reservations for table service meals as possible in order to confirm availability. 

The Disney Dining Plan can not only be a great option for groups interested in dining at the various restaurants throughout Disney World but can bring much peace of mind financially while taking on the large task of planning a Disney World vacation.

Plan Your Next Disney World Vacation

For more dining recommendations and other ways to save money and help plan your next Disney World vacation, be sure to subscribe to our FREE Mickey Visit newsletter for the most up-to-date Disney World information. This also includes exclusive deals and the lowest ticket prices anywhere. Additionally, make sure to check out our other guides related to dining at Disney World below:

• Walt Disney World Restaurant and Dining Guide + Tips and Tricks 2024
• Ultimate Guide to Walt Disney World's Cheapest Food Finds
• Every Character Dining Disney World 2024 Experience Reviewed
• Best Disney World Discounts 2024: Ranking Ticket & Hotel Deals
• When to Visit Disney World 2024 Disney World Crowd Calendar

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all Disney World resorts have restaurants. However, the value resorts only have quick service restaurants, or cafeteria-style. These restaurants have a variety of food and drink options at breakfast, lunch, and dinner and are typically open from 7 AM to 11 PM. All Disney World quick service restaurants also sell refillable mugs that can be used for unlimited refills at most Disney resorts including soda, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Quick service restaurants do not require reservations and also allow mobile ordering using the My Disney Experience mobile app.

No, you do not have to stay at a Disney resort to eat at the restaurants. No matter where you are staying, you can make a reservation or walk into any Disney World resort restaurant. However, we highly recommend making a reservation at any of the table service or character dining restaurants as they are typically very busy. Additionally, when the parking lots for Disney World resorts are busy and near capacity, security will sometimes require guests to either have a resort or restaurant reservation in order to park at the resort.

No, you cannot eat breakfast at ANY Disney hotel, because some are not open for breakfast. All quick service resort restaurants are open for breakfast, however, some character dining and table service dining restaurants are only open for lunch and dinner. However, you are allowed to dine any Disney hotel, as long as it's open. You are not required to be a Disney resort guest in order to dine at their restaurants. However, reservations to Disney World restaurants are highly recommended due to their popularity.

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About Ann Marie Scott

I loved Topolino’s amd California Grill! I definitely want to try them all.

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Exclusive Discounts + BREAKING NEWS

Join our newsletter of 100,000+ readers for discounts, planning tips, and breaking news about Walt Disney World and Disneyland. “Essential for planning your trip!” -Helen from Portland, Oregon

Disney's Yacht Club Resort

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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 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.

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 00 800 2006 0809. 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 .

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 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.

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.

Save Up to 20% at Disney Resort Hotels in 2024

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EPCOT Resorts For Your Disney Family Vacation

W hen visiting Walt Disney World, you’ll face many different hotel options. Choosing the best Disney resort hotel for your family can be difficult, because there are so many themes, amenities, restaurants, and activities to consider. All of the resorts are convenient to any of the theme parks, but you may want to stay in one particular area of the resort.

Here are the EPCOT resorts within Walt Disney World to consider. Have you stayed at any of these hotels? Which is your favorite?

See information about the Magic Kingdom hotels here.

I am a former member of the Disney Parks Moms Panel and have been on some complimentary press trips at Walt Disney World, but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no cost.

When booking your Walt Disney World vacation, consider purchasing through our affiliate Get Away Today . They offer great prices on tickets and can book many hotels.

EPCOT Resorts at Walt Disney World

Why stay at an epcot resort.

Because all guests to any Disney resort hotel have access to Disney transportation, all of the parks are easily accessible from any resort. However, I especially love to stay in the EPCOT Resort area because we love dining in EPCOT’s World Showcase in the evenings. Staying in that area lets us quickly return to our hotel room when we are done for the night.

When staying at Disney’s Boardwalk, the Yacht and Beach Club, and the Swan and Dolphin, you’ll also be able to walk to the Boardwalk restaurants and entertainment area easily. Between that and EPCOT, as well as the resort restaurants, your family will have lots of easy dining options.

With the addition of the Skyliner, the EPCOT resorts can easily access Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation, and Disney’s Pop Century. This is especially helpful if you want to dine in these areas.

Walt Disney World Boardwalk Inn

The Boardwalk Inn is a deluxe Disney resort and DVC property offering several room types. You’ll find standard views, water views, garden views, and club-level rooms. Rooms at the Boardwalk provide comfortable beds, a coffee maker, a refrigerator, a hairdryer, and complimentary WiFi. Many also have a pull-out bed that can be used for a fifth person in the room.

At the Boardwalk Inn, you’ll be able to take advantage of similar amenities that you’ll find at the other deluxe resorts, including a pool with waterslide, surrey bike rentals, tennis courts, an arcade, a self-service laundry room, valet parking, and a fitness center. Disney’s Fantasia Gardens mini golf course is within walking distance.

At the Boardwalk Inn, you’ll find several restaurants. These include the following:

The Flying Fish: A recently-renovated restaurant that offers seafood and steak. It’s within the signature restaurant category, so there is a minimum dress code.

AbracadaBar: a magic-themed lounge with a fun cocktail menu.

Trattoria al Forno: Offering authentic Italian cuisine.

Big River Grille & Brewing Works: a kid-friendly microbrewery and restaurant.

The Cake Bake Shop is coming soon.

There are also several different Boardwalk quick service locations. These include the Boardwalk Bakery, Boardwalk Joe’s Magnificent Margaritas, Ample Hills Creamery, a Funnel Cake cart, and a pizza window. These are great for a quick snack or drink while exploring the Boardwalk area.

When staying at the Boardwalk Inn, you’ll be within walking distance of both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Friendship boats are also available to take you to both parks. To get to the Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom, you can take one of the resort buses.

Walt Disney World Beach and Yacht Club

Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club are adjacent to each other and share amenities. Rooms at the resorts have different decor but are similar in terms of layout. Of all of the EPCOT Resorts, we prefer to stay at the Beach Club because we love the amenities and the proximity to EPCOT’s World Showcase (through the International Gateway entrance).

Of all of the resort’s amenities, our favorite is the shared 3-acre pool area – Stormalong Bay Water Park. It offers a sandy-bottom pool, a regular pool, a lazy river, three jacuzzis, and a 230-foot water slide. There are activities and games run by the pool each day – you can get a daily schedule from the resort.

Other amenities include the Ship Shape Health Club, offering fitness equipment, spa services, and salon services, merchandise shops (in each resort), a concierge, a business center (in the Yacht Club), complimentary WiFi, tennis courts, volleyball, jogging trails, campfire activities, movies under the stars, and more.

Restaurants at the Yacht Club include:

The Ale & Compress Restaurant and Lounge: Offering traditional New England Cuisine

The Crew’s Cup Lounge:  offering appetizers, entrees, and drinks

The Market at Ale & Compass: quick service grab and-go food and counter service

The Yachtsman Steakhouse: a signature steakhouse

Restaurants at the Beach Club include:

Cafe May Cafe: Offers a character breakfast each morning featuring Minnie and Friends, and a seafood buffet each evening (no characters attend the dinner)

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop: an old-fashioned ice cream and soda shop offering burgers, grilled cheese, soup, sandwiches, and ice cream.

Beach Club Marketplace: located at the back of the Beach Club gift shop with grab-and-go food and prepared foods.

Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill: A  poolside bar and grill at Stormalong Bay with light lunch, drinks, and cocktails.

Martha’s Vineyard: A small bar offering light bites, appetizers, and drinks.

Guests at the Disney Yacht and Beach Club Resorts can walk to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you’d prefer not to walk, Friendship Boats travel between Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Bus transportation is available to Animal Kingdom and the Magic Kingdom.

Disney Swan and Dolphin Resorts

Disney’s Swan and Dolphin properties (and the Swan Reserve) are a bit different from the other Disney resorts. They aren’t owned and operated by Disney, but do offer some benefits. You may also find that you can get or use hotel rewards points when staying at one of these two resorts.

Here are some of the benefits that guests of the Swan and Dolphin can take advantage of:

• Complimentary transportation to the parks and Disney Springs with Disney’s Transportation (Friendship boats and buses)
• Free parking at the Disney theme parks if you bring along a vehicle and want to drive to the parks
• Package delivery where your purchases made at the theme parks can be delivered to your resort

Other amenities at the resort include a huge grotto pool area with waterfalls and a water slide, two lap pools, a kiddie pool, a spring pool, four whirlpools, a white sand beach, watercraft rentals, water volleyball, sand volleyball courts, an arcade, basketball, ping pong, tennis courts, a Mandara spa, two health clubs, and a playground.

The resort also offers Camp Dolphin. Reservations are required, and they accept kids 5-12.

There are 23 restaurants and lounges between the Swan and Dolphin.

The signature restaurants on the property are:

• Shula’s Steak House
• Il Mulino (delicious Italian food)
• Kimonos (Japanese food)
• Todd English’s Bluezoo
• Rosa Mexicano

Casual restaurants are:

• The Garden Grove (offering a Disney character breakfast)
• Tangerine (pool bar)
• The Fountain (an ice cream counter)
• The Cabana Bar and Beach Club (open seasonally)
• Splash Pool Bar and Grill (open seasonally by the beach)

The resort also offers three quick serve spots:

• Fuel (with grab and go items)
• Java Bar (coffee and pastries)

These two resorts are extremely comfortable, with nice rooms and good views. However, they are a bit more “corporate” than the other Disney hotels. So you may prefer a more “magical” theme for younger kids.

Caribbean Beach Resort

The Caribbean Beach Resort is the lone Disney moderate resort on this list. It’s not in the Boardwalk area, and you’ll need to take a bus to the four theme parks and Disney Springs. As a moderate resort, however, it’s usually less expensive so it can be a great way to save money.

When booking a room at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, you’ll have several different room options. Standard rooms, water/pool view rooms, preferred rooms, and rooms accommodate a fifth guest. Pirate-themed rooms are also available. These rooms have two double beds. The resort offers five different villages based on Caribbean islands – Jamaica, Aruba, Trinidad, Barbados, and Martinique.

Amenities at the resort include free WiFi, the pirate-themed Fuentes del Morro Pool, and five leisure pools. There’s also a self-laundry facility.

There are a few restaurants located on the property. These include the following:

Sebastian’s Bistro: This table service restaurant offers casual Caribbean-themed food.

Centertown Market: Looking for a quick bite? Stop in for a casual quick service entree. Grab-and-go items are also available.

Banana Cabana Pool Bar: Get drinks (including signature cocktails) and light meals at this pool bar.

Spyglass Grill: Located in the Trinidad village, this grill offers casual food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The post EPCOT Resorts For Your Disney Family Vacation appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

Disney World Gingerbread Houses: A Complete Guide

by Morgan Flaherty | Jun 25, 2024 | Walt Disney World , Walt Disney World Resorts

A complete guide to where you can find each Disney World gingerbread house for the holiday season, along with what to expect at each.

It’s hard to find a better word to describe the holidays at Walt Disney World than simply “magical.” The festive season brings beautiful decorations to each of the four parks and all the hotels, along with exciting entertainment and special treats. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can enjoy Disney Jollywood Nights, while Magic Kingdom brings back Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party . And, of course, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays kicks off at the park in late November.

One of the most memorable annual events that happens in Disney World year after year for the holidays is the gingerbread houses. These magnificent displays can be found in several of Disney World’s Resort hotels, with the most famous located in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. We’re sharing your complete guide to this exciting part of the holidays, including where you can find each of the gingerbread displays for 2024,

Disney World Gingerbread House Displays 2024

Each year, several of the Disney World Resort hotels celebrate the holiday season with a massive gingerbread house or display. These beautiful structures take months of planning and preparation, with the culinary team at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa even beginning to mix the dough for their life-size gingerbread house in the spring.

The gingerbread displays are not all the same. The largest, and most well-known, is at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Here you can find a life-size gingerbread house where you can purchase assorted holiday treats, including gingerbread shingles. Other hotels form their own themes and designs for their gingerbread display. For example, in years past , we’ve seen a gingerbread giraffe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, along with a gingerbread BoardWalk Deli at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.

Gingerbread House Locations

While the 2024 locations have not been confirmed, in 2024, you could find gingerbread displays for the holiday season at these locations:

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Gingerbread House

At Disney World, the Gingerbread House at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be returning for a 25th year. In 2023, the life-size house featured white chocolate candy canes, edible snowflakes, sugar poinsettias, and over 10,000 pieces of gingerbread. You’ll also find an 85-pound chocolate Santa!

Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort

Over at Disney’s Yacht Club, the 2023 gingerbread display was the first for the resort! Pastry Chef de Cuisine Michael Craig used the blueprints from the real lighthouse located outside, right on Crescent Lake to create the display. And at the Holiday Pop-Up Shop, you can grab new offerings such as Lighthouse Fudge.

Next door at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, the life-size Holiday Carousel gingerbread display also returned in 2023, inspired by Ducktales.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House featured gingerbread displays of giraffes and zebra in 2023. The displays were created by Pastry Chef Lexy Ross, who created the baby “ginger-affe,” Ginger, and gingerbread zebra, Debra, with gingerbread, sugar dough, and modeling chocolate. Y

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Over at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the gingerbread display returned for its 12th year from in 2023 . The display’s creation was led by Pastry Chef Jeff Barnes and can be found on the fourth floor of the resort.

Gingerbread Capital City at EPCOT

There’s also a pretty impressive gingerbread display you could find at EPCOT during the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays in 2023 at the American Adventure.

The display recreated classic American monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Plus, it will have gingerbread versions of EPCOT favorites like The American Adventure building with Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue, and a Festival Marketplace. You’ll be able to find six hidden Mickeys as well!

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most frequently asked questions about the gingerbread displays at Walt Disney World Resort.

What dates are the gingerbread houses on display?

Typically the gingerbread displays will go up at the beginning of Disney World’s holiday season. For 2023, that was November 11th. However, we have seen some structures go up a bit earlier or a bit later in years past. Typically the displays will last through December of the year, and get taken down in early January.

Do you have to be a guest of the hotel to visit a Disney World gingerbread house?

You don’t! You’ll find plenty of people visiting these displays who aren’t staying at the respective hotel — especially for Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

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What Disney+ resort is closest to epcot?

What Disney+ Resort is Closest to Epcot?

When planning a vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, one of the essential questions to answer is which resort is closest to Epcot. As one of the four theme parks operated by Disney, Epcot is a must-visit destination for any Disney fan. In this article, we will explore the Disney resorts that are nearest to Epcot, so you can make an informed decision for your next Disney vacation.

Top 5 Disney Resorts Closest to Epcot

After analyzing the distance between Epcot and each of the Disney resorts, we have compiled a list of the top 5 resorts that are closest to Epcot. Here are the results:

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn: The Closest Resort to Epcot

According to our research, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is the closest Disney resort to Epcot, with a distance of 0.4 miles. This deluxe resort is located on the BoardWalk, a waterfront promenade that offers stunning views of Epcot’s iconic Spaceship Earth. Guests of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn can take a leisurely 6-minute walk to Epcot’s main entrance.

Other Resorts within Walking Distance

While Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is the closest resort to Epcot, there are three other resorts that are within walking distance:

• Disney’s Beach Club Resort : Located on the shores of Crescent Lake, Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a 0.7-mile walk or a 3-minute boat ride to Epcot’s main entrance. • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort : This luxurious resort is also located on the shores of Crescent Lake and offers a 0.7-mile walk or a 3-minute boat ride to Epcot. • Disney’s Swan Resort : As part of the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel complex, Disney’s Swan Resort is a 0.8-mile walk or a 5-minute bus ride to Epcot. • Disney’s Dolphin Resort : This resort is also part of the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel complex and offers a 0.8-mile walk or a 5-minute bus ride to Epcot.

Convenience and Amenities

When choosing a resort based on its proximity to Epcot, consider the convenience and amenities offered. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

• Transportation : While walking is always an option, some resorts may offer shuttle buses or boat transportation to and from Epcot. • Parking : If you plan to drive, consider the parking options and fees at each resort. • Dining and Shopping : Resorts with on-site restaurants and shops may offer convenient dining and shopping options for those visiting Epcot. • Recreational Activities : Some resorts may offer recreational activities, such as pools, fitness centers, or arcades, that can provide entertainment for guests.

In conclusion, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is the closest Disney resort to Epcot, with a distance of 0.4 miles. However, four other resorts – Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Swan Resort, and Disney’s Dolphin Resort – are also within walking distance or offer convenient shuttle bus or boat transportation to and from Epcot. When planning your next Disney vacation, consider these factors to choose the resort that best suits your needs and preferences.

Key Takeaways

• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is the closest resort to Epcot, with a distance of 0.4 miles. • Four other resorts – Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Swan Resort, and Disney’s Dolphin Resort – are within walking distance or offer convenient transportation to Epcot. • When choosing a resort, consider factors such as transportation, parking, dining, and recreational activities.

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Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Resort Amenities

In-Room Floral & Gifts

Delight that special person in your life with a personalized in-room surprise—such as vibrant flowers and fun gifts! Read More

Delight that special person in your life with a personalized in-room surprise—such as vibrant flowers and fun gifts!

Whether celebrating a birthday, anniversary, first visit or romantic occasion, In-Room Floral & Gifts are sure to bring joy.

Choose from beautiful gift baskets, snack baskets, themed balloon bouquets and enchanting floral arrangements—all designed to celebrate your special moments while visiting Walt Disney World Resort.

Explore great gifts and surprises —or call (888) 814-8718 to learn more!

Order In-Room Floral & Gifts Order online anytime for delivery to any Disney Resort hotel and other select locations.

Deliveries are available 7 days a week. For same-day delivery, please order by noon.

Resort Transportation

Get around Walt Disney World Resort with ease using these convenient, complimentary transportation options. Read More

Get around Walt Disney World Resort with ease using these convenient, complimentary transportation options.

Disney Skyliner Transportation This new gondola system offers a bird’s-eye view while connecting Guests to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios from select Disney Resort hotels. A Disney Skyliner station is conveniently located at the International Gateway to EPCOT—just a quick stroll away from Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

Learn more about Disney Skyliner transportation.

Disney Bus Transportation Most areas throughout Walt Disney World Resort—including theme parks, water parks, Disney Resort hotels and the Disney Springs area—are accessible by complimentary bus transportation. The bus stop at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is located a short walk from the lobby.

Learn more about Walt Disney World bus transportation.

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.

Minnie Van™ Service

Dash about in Disney style with Minnie Van service Connected by Lyft for travel within Walt Disney World Resort. Please note: this service is separate from your vacation package and subject to additional charges.

Learn more about Minnie Van service.

Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet

Explore parking options at this Disney Resort hotel. Read More

Explore parking options at this Disney Resort hotel.

• Overnight self-parking is complimentary to Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World Resort.
• Valet Parking is $39 per night (includes sales tax)
• Standard self-parking is complimentary for day Guests while they enjoy select dining, shopping, entertainment and recreation experiences at this Disney Resort hotel.

Services and fees are subject to change without notice.

Learn more about parking at Walt Disney World Resort.

Online Check-In

A 24-hour ATM is located near the Front Desk.

Learn more about ATMs at Walt Disney World Resort.

Visit the Front Desk to exchange foreign currencies.

Business Center

Fax, copy, print, ship and more at the Business Center, located just inside the Convention Center.

Learn more about Business Center services and locations at Walt Disney World Resort.

Designated Smoking Areas

Disney Meetings & Events

Planning a meeting? Read More

Planning a meeting? The Convention Center at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts offers 73,000 square feet of flexible meeting and function space for events large and small. Between meetings, your team can rent motor boats, relax on white-sand shores and enjoy mouthwatering cuisine.

Learn more about Disney Meetings & Events .

Housekeeping Service

When you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, enjoy peace of mind knowing that your room will be thoroughly cleaned prior to your arrival and will receive full housekeeping service daily for the duration of your stay.

Learn more.

Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services

Enjoy 24-hour self-service laundry rooms near Admiral Pool, plus dry cleaning and valet laundry services.

Learn more about laundry and dry cleaning services at Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

Mail Services

Send pre-stamped postcards and letters from the Front Desk, as well as pre-packed, pre-labeled packages. Read More

Send pre-stamped postcards and letters from the Front Desk, as well as pre-packed, pre-labeled packages. Stamps are available for purchase at Beach Club Marketplace.

Learn more about mail services at Walt Disney World Resort.

Club Level Concierge

Visit the Club Level Concierge to purchase tickets, make dining reservations and more. Read More

Visit the Club Level Concierge to purchase tickets, make dining reservations and more.

Learn more about Resort Concierge services at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Signature Services

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

Spa & Fitness

Get toned at Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness —a full-service facility featuring equipment, massages and more.

Learn more about Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness.

View Rooms and Prices

Hotel Address

(407) 934-7000

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