disney yacht and beach club slide

The Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Stormalong Bay (With Photos)

Stormalong Bay is the tremendous feature pool area at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts. A day spent here might be the best part of your Walt Disney World vacation.

We planned our first stay at Disney’s Beach Club many years ago and fell in love with the entire Epcot Resorts Area during that stay. But what surprised us most was how much we enjoyed the massive pool. We found ourselves wanting to spend more and more time at Stormalong Bay than anywhere else.

On our last vacation day, we completely blew off our park plans and spent the entire day (and evening) at Stormalong Bay. I picked up a paperback novel in the hotel’s gift shop and found a place in the shade to read while my son played with other children at the pool.

Even though the day consisted of small things, like reading a book, it’s still one of my favorite memories. We both know that sometimes the little things become the best memories.

For some, that might be helping your child build a sandcastle at the sand bottom pool. That is until they meet a few pool friends. Soon after, you can return to reading that book. Meanwhile, the children will conspire to meet back at the pool the next day, oblivious to your vacation plans.

Whatever it is, Stormalong Bay has a way of making you want to linger a little longer than expected. Below, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Stormalong Bay. Additionally, we’ve included a video with clips of various pool areas toward the bottom of this article.

Refurbishment Announcement for Stormalong Bay : From January 2025 through June 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for routine maintenance. Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours. (This was originally scheduled to end in May of 2025.)

Pool Details for Planning a Day at Stormalong Bay

Stormalong Bay is more of a mini water park than a pool. The pool area is over three acres and holds 750,000 gallons of water. Those areas include a lazy river, multiple whirlpool spas or hot tubs, sand bottom pool areas, waterfalls, a waterslide, a kiddie pool, a sand bar, and a shipwreck, among other things.

It’s important to be aware that Stormalong Bay has deep areas. The various pools range from zero-entry to 8′ (feet) deep. That 8′ deep area is limited to a portion of the lazy river. However, some other pool areas transition from shallow to 4′ and 5′ (feet) deep.

The photo below shows a shallow pool for children at the far end of the pool. A sand bar sits in the center of the pool, where children spend hours building sandcastles. However, looking toward the photo’s center, you’ll notice a hot tub. Then, on the opposite side, steps lead into the lazy river, where it’s immediately 6′ deep and soon after 8′ deep.

Spa tub inside the pool area at Stormalong Bay.

Complimentary lifejackets are provided for anyone who needs them. Additionally, lifeguards are stationed across the entire pool deck.

complimentary life jackets at Stormalong Bay

Stormalong Bay is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. during the busier times of the year. Guests of either Disney’s Yacht or Beach Club can access the pool during regular operating hours.

Wristbands are provided at the gate, allowing guests to come and go from the pool. If you want prime seating (AKA by the pool, in the shade, or a table and chairs), you’ll want to rope-drop the pool when it opens.

On our last stay (in mid-August), guests lined up as early as 9:30 a.m. at both pool gates to secure seats. While plenty of chairs are provided at the pool, it’s often one of those scenarios where people throw their items or a towel down and then mysteriously disappear.

Pool hours might be reduced depending on several factors. For instance, when we stayed at the Yacht Club in January, the pool was only open until 10:00 p.m. due to fewer crowds. (We had no trouble finding seats during this time of year.)

Another instance is if you visit on a colder day. The pool might not open until the temperature increases to a certain degree, or if it’s exceptionally cold, it might remain temporarily closed.

However, the pools at Walt Disney World, including Stormalong Bay, are heated to 82 degrees year-round. So when it’s cooler outside, the pool will often feel pleasant, especially in the evenings.

The Sand Bottom Pool

Most of Stormalong Bay’s pool area has a sand bottom. This is soothing, unlike the typical abrasive concrete bottom pools that leave knees scraped.

Stairs in the center of Stormalong Bay lead up to a private alcove.

Here, you’ll find two separate hot tubs nestled among the rocks.

It was so hot in August that the pool water felt like a hot tub. So, no one was using the whirlpools. However, during our stay last winter, they were constantly packed.

Whirlpool hot tubs at Disney's Stormalong Bay

Waterfalls cascade down the rocks on both sides of the hot tub area.

Here are a few more photos of this area from various angles.

Water is various depths throughout the pool.

One side of this area adjoins the lazy river. A rope acts as a divider between the pool area and the lazy river.

Here is a view looking back from the lazy river.

portion of the lazy river at Stormalong Bay

The pool stretches linearly on the opposite side (toward the right). A volleyball net made from pool noodles provides an excellent place to get up a game.

This area is where the afternoon activities for children take place. Those with children (who want to participate in the pool activities) will want to grab a spot on this end of the pool early.

Unfortunately, the pool deck in this area is narrow, so it can be difficult to find a seat. You can tell in the photo below that most of the chairs under umbrellas are already in use. This photo was taken within 15-20 minutes of the pool opening!

guests playing volleyball in Stormalong Bay

Every afternoon, from around 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., recreation cast members provide entertainment. They play pool games like Disney trivia and guess that tune. You might be surprised at how much everyone enjoys it.

As the day shifts to dusk, cast members invite everyone to campfire activities like roasting complimentary marshmallows and watching Movies Under the Stars. Both resorts have a recreation calendar detailing the nightly movie and other specifics.

Guests enjoying the pool area at the Beach Club.

Past this portion of the pool, the area continues to Bubblin’ Bay and a lagoon with whirling waters.

You’ll find the slide’s exit at the end of this area.

The Lazy River

At the opposite end, we find the lazy river, the deepest pool area. It has several entrances. But you’ll want to remember that some of those entrances lead into 5′ to 8′ deep areas.

It’s not a large lazy river. You can see its entire circular shape in the photo below.

bridge over lazy river at Stormalong Bay

Hurricane Hanna’s , the poolside bar and quick service, sits directly behind the lazy river.

Hurricane Hanna's is at the back of the lazy river

A few clear inner tubes are available for guests to use. Naturally, the river does have a bit of a current that keeps you moving. However, on our last stay, less than ten were available. A good deal of guests were complaining about the lack of tubes.

In case you’re wondering, most of these photos were taken from a large deck on the Crescent Lake side of the pool.

upper level deck seating at Stormalong Bay

Additional seating is available at the top. However, like everywhere else, it can fill up quickly.

lounge chairs on the deck at Stormalong Bay

A few coveted spots in the shade are available if you get there early enough. A pool table was also present.

Stormalong Bay Water Slide (The Flying Jib)

From the upper deck, you can see the Stormalong Bay slide. It’s one of the best waterslides at the Disney Resorts . Called The Flying Jib, the slide is in a shipwreck across a walkway from the pool.

The shipwreck sits on the shores of Crescent Lake, so guests have to cross the walkway to get to the slide. The tunnel portion of the slide extends across the walkway from the ship back to the pool area.

Once you cross the path, you’ll climb into the ship and up the spiral staircase to access the slide.

It’s a speedy slide that almost always has a long line!

As far as the shipwreck goes, this is the same area where the nightly Movies Under the Stars are held. Cast members inflate a projection screen in front of the chairs sitting on the beach.

And here is a photo of where guests roast marshmallows each evening.

marshmallow roast area at Stormalong Bay

Kiddie Pool (The Shipwreck Pool)

Most guests have no clue that an additional kiddie pool sits inside the shipwreck. If you never took the time to check out the area, you’d have no idea it existed.

Kiddie Pool in the shipwreck at Stormalong Bay

It has a separate kiddie water slide!

No sand is involved at this pool. It’s a fun area.

Sand Bar Kiddie Pool

The other kiddie pool is back on the Yacht Club side of Stormalong Bay. This large wading pool has a sand bottom and a massive mound of sand in its center.

Additionally, Stormalong Bay’s third hot tub resides in this area.

A word of warning: After spending time in this area, young children will probably always remember this trip to the Beach Club. They will always ask to return to that place with the sand pool.

They will not want to leave when it’s time to prepare for your dinner reservation. And if you take them to the pool early on during your vacation, they will continuously ask when you’re going to the pool–even when you’re in the parks. Can you blame them?

Toward the back of the sand bar pool, the area forms another lagoon that’s approximately 3.5′ deep.

view of Crescent Lake from Stormalong Bay Pool

It’s a pretty area that looks out to Crescent Lake and Disney’s Boardwalk.

Cabanas at Stormalong Bay

Four cabanas are available to rent at Stormalong Bay. These cabanas are available at 60 days out and sell out quickly. They come with the following amenities:

A dedicated cast member providing service to the cabanas.
Cocktail Service
Ceiling Fan
Padded furniture, including chairs and a couch
Television with cable access
Charging Outlets/USB Ports
A mini refrigerator stocked with complimentary sodas and water.
Fruit Basket/Dessert Tray
A Cabinet Safe

Find details for cabana reservations and pricing on Disney’s site . Since we stay at these resorts often, we’ve rented a cabana at Stormalong Bay. You might enjoy reading about our experience in this article: Renting a Cabana at Disney World .

Towels, Lockers, and Changing Areas at Stormalong Bay

Before we wrap things up, I wanted to share a few other details that might help you plan time at the pool. For instance, towels are provided at Stormalong Bay. So you shouldn’t need to pack them. Guests can get as many as they need throughout the day.

Additionally, a locker area is available for guests who might need to store a few items while in the pool.

Restrooms are available immediately behind the pool area.

When you enter this covered area to the restrooms, you’ll notice a sign that says showers on the far right-hand side. This area leads to showers and changing areas for men and women. Inside, you’ll find a couple of showers, towels, a bench, and a place to hang items.

Toiletries like body wash, shampoo, and conditioner are available in the shower stall. This area provides a wonderful place to change or freshen up if you have a late flight on your check-out day. You might also use this area to change into your swimsuit if your room isn’t ready on arrival.

pool showers for guests at Stormalong Bay

Stormalong Bay Video

Here is a video of Stormalong Bay.

Disney’s Stormalong Bay Photos

Here are a few more photos of the pool.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this review of Stormalong Bay provided you with everything you needed to know about the area to plan your vacation. We recommend spending at least one full resort day here during your vacation. Or maybe you can carve out time to spend here every day! We do!

If you want to learn more about the resorts, we have an entire resort guide for Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort . You might also enjoy our guide to the best pools at Disney World . Spoiler: This one’s pretty hard to beat!

Or you might enjoy one of the following hotel reviews. They are all located within the Epcot Resorts Area:

Disney’s Beach Club Resort Review
Disney’s Yacht Club Review
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Review
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Review
Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Review

In the Comments

Feel free to comment below and share your thoughts on Stormalong Bay. Do you have any questions? What are you looking forward to experiencing here?

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

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Get to Know Stormalong Bay: The Yacht & Beach Club Pool Area

In my personal tally of how many times I’ve stayed at each Disney World resort, the clear winner, with more than 15 stays, is the Beach Club and Beach Club Villas . There are many hotels we love, but we continue to circle back to the Beach Club for two reasons: the proximity to Epcot and the rockin’ awesome pool situation. Stormalong Bay, the pool complex shared by the Yacht & Beach Club, is 3+ areas of fun, nearly a waterpark unto itself. If you’ve got water lovers in your party, Stormalong Bay may be reason enough to make the Yacht or Beach Club your Disney resort of choice. Here’s a tour.

As a first step, take a look at our general guide to the Disney World pools . This covers things like lifeguards (there are lots), floatation vests (they’re free), towels (take as many as you need), and water temperature (warm)!

Moving on to Stormalong Bay specifics, this is the map you’ll receive during check-in. You can see that Stormalong Bay (those amorphous blobs in the center) is neatly centered between the Yacht & Beach Clubs. All guests of those resorts are entitled to Stormalong Bay access, even those staying at the Beach Club Villas. It’s worth noting that Stormalong Bay access is strictly limited to use by Yacht & Beach guests, you will need to show a valid room key or have your MagicBand scanned for access. They’re quite strict about checking.

Now let’s zoom in a bit and take a look at an aerial view from Google Maps. I’ve added some labels so you can get oriented. All those red dots are lifeguard station umbrellas.

On the left of the aerial view, you’ll see a huge shallow sand area. The maximum depth here is about two feet, but most of the area is more shallow than that, making it the perfect place for younger kids to hang out. The bottom of the sand zone is, you guessed, sand. You’re not going to feel any hard cement under your feet. There are also sand “dunes” in places, mounds where you can sit and build sand castles. This is my perfect version of the beach for little ones, all the fun stuff, but none of the worries that they’ll get knocked over by a wave, complain about sticky seaweed, or cut their foot on a sharp shell. From ages two to ten, I would have to literally drag my daughters out of the sand area at the end of the day.

You’ll notice that many of the guests in the sand are using green buckets for their castle building. The buckets (new ones of course) are used as a serving container at the nearby Hurricane Hanna’s Grill . Rather than taking sandy buckets home, many choose to leave their buckets at Stormalong Bay, so there’s usually a supply available for anyone to use. If you want to add a bit more oomph to your structure, you can often find more elaborate sand toys available for sale in the gift shops at the Yacht & Beach Clubs.

Moving left across the map, you’ll see the “Lazy River.” This is a deep water zone (8+ feet) with an slow speed artificial current. If you wanted a heavy duty workout, you could try to swim against this current, but most guests grab a noodle or tube and drift along for a few laps. This is the very definition of relaxation.

Along the path of the lazy river, you’ll see an information booth. This used to be a merchandise sales location, but now it’s just a friendly cast member there to answer questions, tell you about the day’s activities, and lend out sports equipment.

Above the Lazy River is an open swim zone. There are waterfalls and two hot tubs (spas) in this area. Generally, this open swim zone is a bit more quiet than the shallow sand. This is where you’ll find many adults that want to cool off.

Just past the spas, you’ll find another set of restrooms, the Lafferty Place Arcade , the Ship Shape Health Club , and the Americana classic Beaches & Cream Soda Shop – home of the famous Kitchen Sink Sundae.

To burn off some calories, you may want to do some watersliding. There are two slides at Stormalong Bay. There are no particular age or height requirements for either slide, but riders do have to be able to go down on their own. No lap sitting is allow. Most guests on the junior slide will be about ages 2-9 and most guests on the large slide will be about 6-adult.

To access either slide, exit the main pool area and head toward the massive shipwreck – the area at the bottom of the Google map above. Along the way you’ll see a hair wrap stand and a pick-a-pearl kiosk. Both have limited hours but are generally open throughout the afternoon.

The junior slide is completely contained in the shipwreck zone…

But to get to the main slide exit point, you have to cross back to the main pool area.

In the same sub-pool as the slide exit, you’ll also find the whirlpool zone. This area has an artificial current turned up much stronger than the lazy river. You can do some quick spinning on your noodle here. It’s a particularly popular spot for middle grade boys.

I’ve given you a taste of Stormalong Bay, but even the photos don’t really do it justice. This is the perfect place to spend a non-park day, or days, during your vacation. And if you’ve got kids that love the water, it’s likely that they’ll remember Stormalong Bay as much, if not more, than any of the other attractions at Walt Disney World.

Have you stayed at the Yacht or Beach Club and enjoyed Stormalong Bay? What was your favorite part? Is staying at these resorts on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below.

Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

6 thoughts on “ Get to Know Stormalong Bay: The Yacht & Beach Club Pool Area ”

Good distribute Certainly. Thank you associated with discussing.

Thanks for the info, I haven’t been to this resort in years. With all resort guest given magic bands at this time, do they no longer give paper wristbands for the pool? I would think you would not want to swim with your magic band ha ha.

Oh, you can totally swim with your magic bands!

I LOVE BCV & it has been a dream of mine to stay there. Most times when we go to WDW, we rent DVC points. I made the mistake of not booking 11 months out & tried to book 7 months out. Unfortunately, there was no availability so we will be staying elsewhere. So, until next time… Thanks for the review – just makes me want to make sure that we book earlier next time 🙂

Stormalong Bay always tempts me to consider a Disney Resort booking more than any of the WDW locations. Normally we prefer to stay off property, mostly in villas, but, the whole boardwalk thing is pure Disney Magic at its very best. Setting aside the beauty and charm of the boardwalk’s entertainment, shops and restaurants, the mini water parks here are amazing. Sure, a stay here is pricier than many of the resorts, but guests in large groups can save on park tickets by spending a day or two ‘pool side’ at the Yacht & Beach Club. One of the hottest vacation planning questions on forums is about ‘how many parks can we visit in a week etc’. The answer of course is ‘not as many as you might think!’ The Disney Resort water parks are undoubtedly the perfect way to spend time away from the parks, recharge energy levels, save on tickets, without feeling as though you’ve wasted valuable vacation time.

Lovely article and much appreciated!! (We so much miss Brian Staron though) 🙁

One of my favorite parts of Stormalong Bay is the “sinking sands” feature- spots where the filtration system pulls the sandy bottom of the pool area (near the whirlpool) down through grates below. It’s a very unique quicksand feeling, which feels incredible on park-tired feet!