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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The Family Vacation Guide
Disney’s Beach Club vs Yacht Club: Which Should You Choose?
posted by James Brockbank on September 3, 2022 // last updated on September 19, 2022
One of the best parts of planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida , is choosing where to stay.
Disney owns and operates more than 20 resorts and other accommodations on their central Florida property, in addition to the dozens of others nearby.
If Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort are among your options, you might be wondering which is better. After all, they’re located directly next door to each other, and the theming is similar.
Despite having much in common, these two hotels have some key differences that make them distinct. Below, we’ll talk about the perks of staying in one of Disney’s hotels and what the Yacht and Beach Clubs have in common. Then, we’ll dive into what makes them distinct. That way, you can make the best choice for your family vacation.
Early Genie+ Access
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Experienced Disney vacationers will tell you that staying “on-property” has many advantages that can help you get the most out of your time in the most magical place on earth.
Each day, the four theme parks in Walt Disney World– Magic Kingdom , EPCOT , Hollywood Studios , and Animal Kingdom –open 30 minutes early for resort guests. That means you can get to the park in the morning and head to a couple of your favorite attractions without worrying about crowds.
At times in the past, Disney had offered “Extra Magic Hours” when parks opened even earlier or stayed open late in the evening for resort guests. While Disney isn’t offering them now, it certainly could return in the future.
Genie+ is the paid reservation system that allows guests to reserve times to visit top attractions. Time slots become available to park guests when the park opens for the day.
However, guests with resort reservations linked to their accounts can make their first selections at 7 AM. That’s a distinct advantage over everyone else. What’s more, reservations for some of the most popular rides sometimes go quick.
Disney provides regular, reliable transportation from all of its hotels to its four theme parks, two water parks, and Disney Springs shopping and entertainment district. Buses run to each destination from every hotel about every 30 minutes.
In addition, there are boats and water taxis, the Skyliner gondola system, the monorail, and walking trails from several resorts. Below, we’ll talk about what’s available at the Yacht and Beach Clubs.
An often-overlooked advantage of staying at a Disney hotel is on-site guest relations. You can visit this desk to take care of a range of questions and issues before visiting the parks. You can purchase or verify tickets, make and confirm park and dining reservations, and schedule tours and special events.
Of course, guest relations is available at the entrance to all theme parks and water parks. However, there can be long lines, especially at the beginning of the day. What’s more, visiting the desk in the park takes away from your time enjoying attractions.
What Do the Yacht and Beach Clubs Have in Common?
If you’ve done your research, you may already know that the Yacht and Beach Clubs are next to each other. They’re also often discussed together since they share so many amenities and features.
Before we discuss what makes them unique so you can choose between them, it’s helpful to look at what they share. That way, you can get a total picture of what it would be like to spend your family vacation there.
Both the Beach Club and Yacht Club are Disney Deluxe Resorts . This is the top tier of hotels on Disney property, ahead of value resorts like Art of Animation and All-Star Sports and moderate resorts such as Coronado Springs and Port Orleans Riverside.
As you might expect, deluxe resorts have the best of everything. The rooms tend to be larger, the hotel lobbies and fixtures more opulent, and the theming is more detailed. There are better pools (with slides), more amenities (such as spas and shops), and more dining options.
Deluxe resorts have several unique features and perks. Sometimes, Disney parks stay open late for guests of deluxe resorts. They tend to have great locations with better access to the parks and transportation options. Of course, it all comes at a price. Deluxe resorts start at around $450 and increase sharply from there.
The location is one of the best things about staying at the Yacht or Beach Club. They are two of the three resorts located directly near EPCOT.
If you enjoy the thrilling attractions in Future World or a leisurely stroll through the World Showcase, you might like the Yacht and Beach Clubs even more than the Magic Kingdom monorail hotels–The Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village, and the Contemporary.
Let’s zoom in on the three things that make this location spectacular.
The Yacht and Beach Clubs are about a ten or 15-minute walk from EPCOT . One of four theme parks in Walt Disney World, EPCOT has so much to offer. It’s split into two major worlds, and they almost feel like two separate worlds.
Future World has some of the most thrilling attractions in any of the parks, including Soarin’ , Test Track , and the brand new Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster, Cosmic Rewind .
Then, there’s the World Showcase, with pavilions from 11 countries around the world. Sample food, drink, merchandise, and culture without leaving central Florida.
The new Skyliner transportation system is just before you reach the World Gateway entrance to EPCOT. The Skyliner is a gondola system that connects several popular spots around the “world,” including Hollywood Studios, Riviera Resort, and several other hotels.
The Skyliner has revolutionized how people get around Walt Disney World. Many guests hated waiting for and riding buses to and from the parks, but the Skyliner has turned that experience into a ride in itself.
Guests at the Yacht and Beach Club can easily walk to the Skyliner. The Beach Club is a bit closer, but it only takes about ten minutes from the Yacht Club lobby.
The Boardwalk Hotel is on the same walking trail as the Yacht and Beach Club. In addition to the hotel is the Boardwalk entertainment area. While it’s much smaller than Disney Springs, you can find shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
One of the Boardwalk’s favorites is Jelly Rolls, a dueling piano bar. The Atlantic Dance Hall opens nightly for drinks and dancing.
Most room accommodations at the Yacht and Beach Club are the same. Standard rooms include one king or two queen beds, and some have a pull-down bed under the television.
Daily housekeeping is included, and guests can choose from water, pool, and garden views. In addition, both hotels have suites and a club or concierge level.
The best part of staying at the Yacht or Beach Club is arguably the main pool. The most popular on Disney property, Stormalong Bay encompasses three acres of space. There’s a lazy river, three whirlpool spas, and a life-size replica of a shipwreck with a 230-foot waterslide. It’s partially sand-bottom, and there’s a sandy beach to play on.
If you prefer a quieter poolside experience, there are three more leisure pools for use by guests at the Beach and Yacht Clubs: the Admiral Pool, Dunes Cove, and the Tidal Pool. All three have whirlpool spas and other amenities.
The Yacht and Beach Club share transportation, and the great news is how easy it is to get around Walt Disney World from both of these hotels.
The bus stop is located outside the main lobby of the Yacht Club. Buses run about every 30 minutes to the parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. The bus is the best way to get to Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the Magic Kingdom.
There is also a boat launch behind the lobby of the Yacht Club on Crescent Lake. The boats take guests to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and are a leisurely way to get to both parks.
As mentioned above, the Skyliner is about a ten-minute walk from the Yacht and Beach Clubs. The Skyliner takes guests to Hollywood Studios and is the fastest way to get there.
We mentioned walking into EPCOT from these resorts, but you can also walk to Hollywood Studios. The path winds for about one mile around the water.
Finally, while the Yacht and Beach Clubs aren’t located on the monorail, you can access the monorail through EPCOT. You will need a theme park reservation at EPCOT or a park hopper ticket (useable after 2 PM) to access the monorail. However, it can take you to the Magic Kingdom.
The two resorts also share much of the same entertainment and recreation options. Moreover, guests at either hotel are almost always welcome to use amenities at the other one.
The resorts jointly host nightly campfires (weather permitting) and movies under the stars (indoors in inclement weather). There are tennis courts, volleyball courts, jogging trails, arcades, boat rentals, and fishing. There’s also a full fitness center and salon at Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness.
What Makes Disney’s Beach Club Different?
Now that you know all the things that Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs share, we can look at meaningful ways that they differ.
One of them is written right into their names. Even though the themes at the resorts are similar, they are distinct from each other. The Beach Club is reminiscent of classic Atlantic and New Jersey seaside resorts around the turn of the 20th century.
It’s bright and cheerful, with light pastel colors throughout. You’ll notice elements of gingerbread-style and Victorian architecture, almost like an upscale beach cottage. The atmosphere is designed to be more relaxed and calming.
There are several other important ways that the two hotels differ. Here’s what’s unique to the Beach Club.
One thing that makes the Beach Club distinct is the presence of Disney Vacation Club villas. Disney Vacation Club is a vacation ownership company that sells timeshares in select Disney resorts worldwide. It also offers exceptional experiences, excursions, and reciprocity with RCI for members in good standing to use their annual allotment of points.
There are only 282 villas at the Beach Club, making it among the smallest in the collection. There are studios with kitchenettes and one, two, and three-bedroom villas with full kitchens.
You don’t need to be a DVC member to book the villas. In fact, many non-members love the villas for family reunions and space to spread out. They typically cost more than standard rooms per night.
You don’t have to be a guest at the Beach Club to dine in any of its restaurants. Anyone can make a reservation or drop in for table availability, but guests of this resort will be closer and find it easier to eat at these.
Cape May Cafe is a popular buffet spot for breakfast and dinner. Beaches and Cream Soda Shop has diner offerings for lunch and dinner and is known for its incredible ice cream. Martha’s Vineyard serves lunch but is best known for its bar service and wine selection. Finally, the Beach Club Marketplace offers counter-service and grab-and-go dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Some guests prefer the Beach Club’s location because it is closer to EPCOT and the Skyliner. It takes about five or ten more minutes to get there from the Yacht Club, depending on where your room is situated. However, most of the rooms at the Yacht Club are closer to Stormalong Bay than at the Beach Club.
Even though guests of either resort can use all the amenities, it’s worth mentioning the ones that are located at the Beach Club:
- Dunes Cove Pool
- Volleyball courts
What Makes the Yacht Club Different?
Several elements distinguish the Yacht Club from the Beach Club, and the first is the theme. While the Beach Club is designed to look and feel like a relaxed yet refined seaside resort, the Yacht Club is more stately.
The Yacht Club is reminiscent of a grand, exclusive New England yachting or boating resort, visited by titans of industry, politicians, and some of the oldest families in America. It is elegant, plush, and nautical. In contrast to the whimsical pastels at the Beach Club, you’ll see dark blues and wood tones against white finishes.
Perhaps because of the prestige, the Yacht Club’s prices tend to be slightly higher than the Beach Club’s, though not substantially. The rooms at both resorts follow their themes but are around the same size.
While the Beach Club has Disney Vacation Club villas, the Yacht Club has a convention center, which frequently contributes to the more formal atmosphere at the Yacht Club. In fact, the resort itself was designed to host conventions, and its setup is conducive to that.
The convention center has more than 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. The hotel has almost 2,000 guest rooms, most of which are standard. Nearly 140 are located on the club level, perfect for executives. Couples also often hold weddings at the Yacht Club, and the nearby wedding gazebo is a convenient ceremony space.
There are several dining options at the Yacht Club, and true to its theme, most of them are more formal than the ones you’ll find at the Beach Club. The main restaurant is the Yachtsman’s Steakhouse , a traditional New England steakhouse. It is one of the more formal restaurants in Walt Disney World and is only open for dinner.
In addition, the less-formal Ale and Compass restaurant is a gastropub serving Yankee comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Marketplace at Ale and Compass offers counter-service and grab-and-go dining options.
Finally, two bars offer drinks and light snacks: the Ale and Compass Lounge and the Crew’s Cup Lounge.
These are the recreation and amenities offered at the Yacht Club:
- Admiral Pool
- Tennis courts
- Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness
If you plan to spend the bulk of your Florida vacation in Walt Disney World, we strongly recommend staying at a Disney hotel for all the reasons discussed above. But which is better–the Beach Club or Yacht Club?
As you can see, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Yacht Club Resort have a lot in common and share many of the same amenities and perks. However, they have distinct themes that create different atmospheres. The Beach Club is more relaxed and refined, while the Yacht Club is more stately and elegant.
Regardless of where you and your family decide to stay, the most important thing is that you enjoy your time together at Walt Disney World. And don’t forget to check out Stormalong Bay–it’s the best part of either hotel!
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James Brockbank
A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.
Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.
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Disney’s Beach Club or Yacht Club – Which Resort is Right for You?
by Disney Magic Diva | Feb 2, 2021 | Deluxe , Dining Reviews , First Timer Tips , First Trip Tips , Resort/Hotel Tips & Reviews , Trips with toddlers , Vacation Planning Guides , Walt Disney , Walt Disney World , Walt Disney World , Where to stay? | 0 comments
by Disney Magic Diva
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
We’ve always been a “Rope-Drop-til-Kiss-Goodnight” type of family. Our typical plan is to enjoy the parks, and not focus much on the pool or other resort amenities. It’s always been one of my biggest Disney regrets, because I know what fabulous activities are available for families and adults alike outside the parks.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
So on our most recent visit, we decided to change things up. We were bringing our two grandkids, and we knew a mid-afternoon nap was going to be essential for our 3-year-old grandson. Since we scored a great deal on airfare, we decided to splurge a bit on the room and book a stay at the Disney’s Beach Club Resort so we could finally experience the amazing Stormalong Bay pool. (Read Nick the Disney Devo’s article here ) But in booking our room, I discovered that it would save us money if we booked Beach Club for the first few nights, then move to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort for the remainder of our trip.
Beach Club lobby
Since the resorts share Stormalong Bay, we thought it would be a great opportunity to try a split stay and compare both resorts! (Click here to read about how we dealt with a split stay.)
Yacht Club lobby
Having the chance to cross both of these marvelous deluxe resorts off our Disney Bucket List on one trip was more than a little magical. It was so fun to spend time at the resorts, and constrast and compare the two experiences. Here’s what we found:
Resorts: While the Yacht and Beach Club resorts are sisters, there are naturally some differences. Beach Club is located closer to Epcot; Yacht is closer to Boardwalk and Hollywood Studios.
Beach Club room
Beach Club has a slightly more casual, open- air feeling. Its décor has soft teals, tans, and whites – exactly the colors you’d expect to find at the beach. Yacht Club is a little more “masculine” with jewel tones of navy, burgundy and gold. Some reviews had mentioned a “stuffy” feel to it, but we never experienced that. Everyone was gracious, relaxed, accommodating, and fun! Our room at Beach Club was quite a distance from the lobby.
Daybed in our Beach Club room. It was perfect for a child!
We had to go down several long hallways with multiple turns (so long and winding that there were small lounge areas along the way!) to get to our room.
Yacht Club room
Notice the hidden Mickey at the top of the mirror and the Mickey lamp. Magical details in our Yacht Club room.
One of the small lounge areas connecting long hallways at Beach Club
The hallways were narrow and felt somewhat dark because there wasn’t really much natural light along the way. Our Yacht Club room was quite a bit closer to the lobby, although still not what I’d term “close.” The halls here were noticeably wider and brighter, which I found somewhat ironic since the overall décor of Beach Club had a lighter feel.
The hallways at Yacht Club were brighter and wider than Beach Club
Beach Club is one of the Disney Vacation Club properties while Yacht Club has a conference center attached to the resort. Neither of those attributes impacted our trip in the slightest, but worth mentioning if you want a true comparison of the resorts.
View from our room at Beach Club
Rooms: Both resorts are considered deluxe, and so naturally they both have fabulous accommodations. We booked standard rooms, but were pleasantly surprised by having a pool view at both! At Beach Club we had a view of Stormalong Bay, albeit you had to look over the gravel-covered flat rooftop which was
View from our room at Yacht Club
immediately outside our balcony. At Yacht Club we were treated with a view of one of the quiet pools. From both rooms we could see the Star Wars: A Galacatic Spectacular – something we enjoyed immensely! Our room at Beach Club had two queen beds and a day bed which was quite the treat. Our grandson loved his own special bed! The room at Yacht only had the two queens, so there was a little disappointment, but without the daybed we had extra floor space for playing – so all was good.
Beach Club bathroom. There was a very discrete hidden Mickey in pattern design of the shower curtain
Both had beautiful double vanities with granite countertops, showers/tubs with tiled walls (ceramic tile that looked like wood planks at Beach, marble tiles at Yacht), and countless perfectly themed details. I thought the beds at Beach were more comfortable, and overall had a more updated feel. The draperies, carpet and other minor things were showing their age in our Yacht Club room.
Yacht Club bathroom
Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Cape May Cafe
Dining: Yacht and Beach Club share restaurants, so there is no advantage or disadvantage to staying at one resort over another when it comes to dining. There are four table service restaurants between the two resorts. At Yacht Club, The Yachtsman’s Steakhouse is the only signature restaurant and is well known as a top choice for a fabulous steak dinner. (Read Darlin’ Diva’s review here. ) Captain’s Grille is also located at Yacht Club, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. (Disney Diva’s review can be found here .) Over at Beach Club is Cape May Café, which serves Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast, a delightful character breakfast. We opted to try this on our get-away day, and loved it! Cape May also serves a fabulous Seafood-and-More Dinner Buffet for dinner. (Beauty and the Beast Diva tells you about here .) Finally Beach Club is home to Beaches and Cream Soda Shop which serves lunch and dinner, but is more famously known for its ice-cream and desserts.
TIP: Beaches and Cream is an extremely small restaurant, so if you want to dine here I would highly suggest reservations. The Kitchen Sink should be on every Disney fan’s “must-do” list at least once!
All the restaurants at the Yacht and Beach Club resorts accept the Disney Dining Plan, although The Yachtsman’s Steakhouse is two dining credits.
If you are looking for a quick service choice, your options are slightly more limited. Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill is perfect for a poolside lunch or dinner. The kids’ meals are served in a plastic beach pail – precisely what you need for an afternoon of sandcastle-building fun! Beach Club Marketplace is the other quick service location. This is a small “take-out” style location where you can get pizza, sandwiches, soup or salad as well as some limited grocery items. Both restaurants accept the Disney Dining Plan. If you have the resort refillable mugs which came with your Disney Dining Plan package (or you purchased separately), you can refill them at either of these quick service restaurants.
TIP: If you plan on using your refillable mugs frequently during your stay, you may want to choose Beach Club instead of Yacht. Both Hurricane Hanna’s and Beach Club Marketplace are considered Beach Club Resort locations. While Hurricane Hanna’s is poolside, and therefore pretty centrally located, the food service and beverage station there closed by 8:00 pm each night (the bar stayed open later.) So the only option to refill our mug in the evening was walking all the way over to Beach Club Marketplace, about a 20-30 minute roundtrip walk from our Yacht Club room.
Friendship Boats can take you to Epcot or Hollywood Studios
Transportation: Yacht and Beach Club share Disney bus transportation. Yacht Club was the first stop, but we never had a problem getting on a bus while we stayed at Beach Club. The bus drop-off/pick up location for both resorts was near their respective lobbies, so depending on where your room is the walk to the bus can be anywhere from 5-10 minutes. One advantage of staying at either Beach or Yacht Club is that you can pretty much stay under cover from the sudden Florida downpours the entire way from your room to the bus stop. With two little ones in tow, that was a tremendous bonus!
Another perk of staying at Yacht and Beach Club is the option to use the boat transportation to Hollywood Studios, Boardwalk and Epcot. Right outside Yacht Club, you can catch a boat which will take you to any of these locations. On a hot summer day, a cool trip on Crescent Lake can be a welcome respite!
Of course, if you are in a hurry, the fastest way to get from Yacht and Beach Club to Epcot, and perhaps Hollywood Studios, is by walking! Epcot is about a 5 minute walk from Beach Club, and maybe an 8 minute walk from Yacht Club. Hollywood Studios is a little further – reportedly about 20-30 minutes – although we didn’t get a chance to try it for ourselves.
Campfire on the beach! Disney provides complimentary roasting sticks and marshmallows!
Recreation and Amenities: If you have somehow found a way to squeeze more than 24 hours in a day, then maybe you’ll have time to enjoy all the activities available at Yacht and Beach Club resorts. As I noted, we chose these resorts so we could play in Stormalong Bay when not in the parks. And we absolutely enjoyed every moment of it! The grandkids made some new friends, and enjoyed the poolside activities (Disney Junior Pool Party, Mickey Tie-Dye, Bingo, Chalk Art, Trivia Challenge) led by the Recreation Staff. And of course building sandcastles. And more sandcastles.
But if swimming isn’t your thing, maybe you’d like a game of tennis or volleyball; a surrey bike ride or a run around the lake. Maybe you’d like to take home a memory of “the one that got away” and embark on a guided fishing tour. Or rent a motorboat. Or hit the fitness center. Maybe the kids (or you!) want to play in the arcade, or attend Ratatouille Cooking School, or take a Pirate Adventure Cruise. Had a long day in the parks? Relax by roasting marshmallows around a campfire then catch a movie under the stars. Or maybe enjoy a grown-up evening out while the kids build a paper volcano at Sandcastle Club and watch it explode. There truly is something for everyone at Yacht and Beach Club!
Do you wanna build a … sandcastle?
As you may be able to surmise, we loved both Yacht and Beach Club. Each has it’s own unique magic, and I’m looking forward to our next visit! Which resort will you choose? Contact Patricia at All for Dreams Travel to find the best fit for your next Walt Disney World vacation. And build a sandcastle for me!
Looking for more like this?
- Split Stays: How to Enjoy Multiple Walt Disney World Resorts During One Vacation
- Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Cape May Café
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – The Grandest Resort of All
- Stormalong Bay at Walt Disney World’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort
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Where Should I Stay? Disney Yacht Club Vs Beach Club Comparisons Guide
So you’re planning your 2024 Walt Disney World vacation and stuck between the Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club. Both the Disney Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort are deluxe hotels found on the Walt Disney World Boardwalk. These two resorts share the shame building space and are commonly confused as the same Disney Resort, especially with their similar themes. That’s why we have taken the time to break out everything you need to know about both Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club.
We hope you find this post helpful, and if you are planning a trip to Disney World be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next vacation. This includes helping you find the best time to buy Disney World tickets as well as book amazing Walt Disney World vacation packages!
So if you’re ready to decide if you would prefer to stay at the Disney Yacht Club or Beach Club read on!
SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Walt Disney World be sure to check out our Disney Crowd Calendar!
Disney Crowd Calendar
Disney’s Yacht Club Vs Beach Club
When deciding between the Disney Yacht Club and Beach Club for your vacation, it’s essential to understand their unique features and the subtle differences that might influence your choice. Both resorts offer luxurious accommodations with a nautical theme, sharing many amenities, including the acclaimed Stormalong Bay pool. However, their distinct styles, room options, and proximity to Disney parks set them apart.
Thematic Differences
- Disney Yacht Club: Features a more formal, sophisticated theme inspired by the seaside cottages of the Northeast, with a color palette of modern greys and whites. It’s designed to offer an elegant experience reminiscent of a yacht club.
- Disney Beach Club: Boasts a relaxed, cheerful vibe with a design influenced by New England-style family resorts of the 1920s. Bright colors and a playful atmosphere make it feel more casual and family-friendly.
Location and Proximity to EPCOT
- Beach Club Advantage: Closer to EPCOT, making it a shorter walk (about five to ten minutes) from the majority of its rooms to the park entrance.
- Yacht Club Proximity: Slightly further from EPCOT than the Beach Club but offers closer access to shared amenities like Stormalong Bay. It’s also marginally nearer to Disney’s BoardWalk area, enhancing its appeal for guests prioritizing this entertainment district.
Room Types and Accommodations
- Both resorts offer rooms that are similar in size and start at a standard rate of approximately $522 per night . The main distinction comes in the form of Beach Club Villas, which are designed to accommodate larger groups and families, offering amenities like in-unit washers/dryers and fully equipped kitchens.
Dining Options
- Each resort houses unique dining experiences, with about five restaurants each, ranging from casual bites at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at the Beach Club to fine dining at Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Yacht Club.
Shared Access: Guests of both resorts enjoy easy access to additional dining options on the Disney World BoardWalk , alongside quick walks to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Why should I choose the Beach Club or Yacht Club?
- For a Vibrant, Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Choose the Beach Club for its lively colors, casual ambiance, and villas suited for larger groups.
- For Sophistication and Elegance: Opt for the Yacht Club if you prefer a more refined environment that echoes the luxury of a yacht club experience.
In conclusion, while both the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts offer exceptional service, amenities, and convenience for visiting Disney World, your choice might ultimately come down to personal preference regarding the theme, atmosphere, and specific accommodation needs. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of the Yacht Club or the playful charm of the Beach Club, both promise a memorable stay.
Related Post: Complete Guide to the Walt Disney World Boardwalk
Difference in Rooms at Yacht and Beach Club Resort 2024
If comparing the room size is part of your deciding factor for the Beach Club vs Yacht Club, we will have to call this a tie. The rooms at the Yacht and Beach Club are pretty much identical when it comes down to size.
We will say the one advantage that the Beach Club has that the Yacht doesn’t is the addition of the Walt Disney World villas . If you are looking to enjoy a room that’s accommodating for larger groups you’ll want to take a look at having your very own villa. Having a villa can provide many benefits, if it fits in your budget. For instance, most villas have in-unit washer/dryers along with a fully equipped kitchen and living room. Villas are not for everyone, so if you don’t require one and don’t otherwise care for the color and pop of Beach Club, perhaps the Yacht Club will be a better choice.
What is the difference between Disney Beach Club and Beach Club Villas?
As a general rule of thumb the Beach Club Villa rooms are located in a completely separate building when compared to the regular Beach Club or Yacht Club. This is actually the set up for a majority of the villas located at Walt Disney World as they are all part of the Disney Vacation Club.
Related Page: Guide to the Virtual Queue at Disney World
Location When Comparing Beach Club Vs Yacht Club
One of the aspects that everyone should look at before picking out a hotel at Walt Disney World is the location. Location is key. Thankfully, when deciding between the Beach Club vs Yacht Club the location should not be a factor. Both resorts are relatively close to Epcot, however, there are some advantages to each resort over the other.
For instance, the Beach Club Resort is a few minutes closer to Epcot. With this in mind, you are also that much closer to the Disney Skyliner Station which can then take you over to Hollywood Studios.
While the Yacht Club Resort is not that much farther away, if you have young ones or even elderly people with you who may need to do less walking, the Beach Club Resort may be the best option. Depending on where you stay at the Yacht Club Resort, you might be closer towards Disney’s Boardwalk than the Beach Club may be. This may not be true for all rooms, but certain rooms are indeed closer. If having quick access to the Boardwalk is a requirement for you, then maybe the Yacht Club is the best option.
Related post: The Complete Guide to the Disney Skyliner Route
Dining at Beach and Yacht Club Resort 2024
Is having access to the best Disney World restaurants your deciding factor between the Disney beach club vs Yacht club? You’ll be happy to find that both resorts provide an array of dining options. As we discussed though given that the resorts are essentially connected, you’ll have a ton of options close by.
When you look at the resorts separately each resort would have about five restaurants each. One thing that might be useful in deciding where you want to stay is where the restaurants are actually located. If there is a particular restaurant your family wants to eat at, maybe consider the resort that is closer towards that particular restaurant. Below is the complete list of restaurants at each resort.
What are the Disney Beach Club restaurants?
- Cape May Cafe
- Martha’s Vineyard
- Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
- Hurricane Hanna’s
What are the Disney Yacht Club Restaurants ?
- Yachtsman Steakhouse
- Crew’s Cup Lounge
- Ale & Compass
- Market at Ale & Compass
Related post: Complete Guide to the Disney World Boardwalk in 2022
Disney’s Yacht Club vs Beach Club – In Conclusion
In conclusion, there are not a lot of differences between each resort. The pool for instance, is shared between both resorts. While very subtle, they do have certain advantages/disadvantages over one or the other. When deciding on whether or not to stay at the Beach Club vs Yacht Club , hopefully these factors can benefit you in deciding which resort to stay at!
We think that either Disney’s Yacht Club or Beach Club would be a wonderful choice for families looking for incredible dining and entertainment, or even couples looking for a romantic night out on the BoardWalk. We love how close both the Beach Club and the Yacht Club to EPCOT, and only a boat ride away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios .
Related post: Disney Memory Maker Guide : Disney World Pictures and Disney PhotoPass
When is The Best Time to Visit Disney World?
Our Disney World Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices, and average temperature. We also break down the best time to visit Disney World based on specific times of the year and special events.
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Yacht Club v. Beach Club
Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts are two Crescent Lake hotels at Walt Disney World, both within walking distance of Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and across the water from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. In this post, we’re going to continue our ongoing Walt Disney World hotel comparison series with an entry featuring these two so you can decide which is a better option for your vacation.
Yacht and Beach Club are sister resorts that are physically connected to one another, but this does not mean they should be viewed as a pair. Debunking this “myth” of sorts is basically our main motivation for writing this comparison. In fairness, their interchangeably does apply in some regards, such as transportation, location, dining, and amenities; in terms of theme, they are stark contrasts.
We think this is very important. When you stay in a Walt Disney World resort hotel, you’re paying a significant premium over a real world venue, and that’s largely for two things: location and theming. Given that, we think choosing a theme and resort atmosphere that appeals to you is incredibly important…
Setting aside the general ‘nautical-ness’ of each resort, the theme and ambiance of Yacht Club and Beach Club and significant departures from one another. If anything, Beach Club is more comparable to BoardWalk Inn from an atmospheric perspective, whereas Yacht Club is (arguably) more like a nautical Grand Floridian.
Suffice to say, the resort theme (and by extension, the room theme) should be a significant deciding factor in this showdown. As such, the first two variables in this Walt Disney World hotel comparisons. Unlike our other entries into this series, we do not use all six elements of two different resorts to determine which is “the best.” In fact, this comparison seeks less to crown a definitive champion and more to compare and contrast…
Theme/Atmosphere: Beach Club – While technically sister resorts, I think the theme and tone of each resort is dramatically different. Beach Club has a theme resulting from former Disney CEO Michael Eisner’s obsession with his childhood vacations in the seaside communities of the Northeast. Its theme is meant to evoke the seaside resort cottages scattered around New England in the early 20th Century.
Beach Club is very laid back; both in the substance of the theme, and the styles used. There are a lot of light colors and pastels, and this makes for a relaxing environment. The only thing slightly at-odds with this is that the lobby is sometimes noisy and chaotic, moreso than the Yacht Club lobby. All things considered, though, I’d say Beach Club shares more with BoardWalk Inn in terms of theme and atmosphere than it does with Yacht Club.
By contrast, Yacht Club feels like an actual high-society yachting club set in turn of the century New England. If I were to describe it in a single word, I’d call it “stately.” The color scheme is much more muted and darker, and there’s also an abundance of deep woods, nautically-themed antiques, and rich furniture throughout the resort. The environment could pass for a place where the Kennedys and other elites might have met for liquid lunches and made power plays.
This environment can be off-putting for some families. While I think it stops well short of being stuffy or unfriendly to families, it’s definitely more sophisticated and less laid back. You’re also more likely to see business people and conventioneers around Yacht Club, since it’s adjacent to the (huge) Convention Center.
Our take is that both of these resorts offer exceptional attention to detail and do an incredible job of conveying their respective themes, and setting a tone for the resort via those themes. Which is “better” will largely be a matter of personal preference–whether you prefer refined or laid back. Our personal take is that Beach Club is a hair better from an objective perspective, and the exterior common areas (shared between the resorts) are also more in keeping with the vibe at Beach Club. Your mileage may vary.
Rooms: Yacht Club – Both resorts recently completed room refurbishments, replacing some fairly dated rooms for more modern ones. In our estimation, the end result at Yacht Club is dramatically superior. Not only is the room more well-appointed, but it does a much better job of offering a thematic extension of the resort’s common areas. As a result, the new rooms are much darker than the old ones.
Beach Club’s new rooms are nice, but bland. They remind us of mid-grade chain hotel rooms you could find pretty much anywhere, except with a light beach motif. They are not necessarily bad, but feel uninspired to us. (The Beach Club Villa rooms are better, but still not great.) Not quite what we expect given the price points of Beach Club.
With that said, both sets of rooms are very much an extension of the style of their resorts. If you find the lobby of Yacht Club ‘stuffy and drab’ you’ll feel the same way about the guest rooms. If you enjoy the ‘light and airy’ nature of Beach Club, you’ll find that extended into the guest rooms.
One caveat I figure I should mention up front, because I know it’s going to come up in the comments is that Yacht Club has a small number of dog-friendly rooms. Thus far, very few guests have brought their pets to Yacht Club, but this seems like a very big deal to some guests.
Transportation/Location: Push – This is a really poor basis for choosing between the two, but Beach Club is slightly closer to Epcot. On the other hand, that means Yacht Club is slightly closer to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. (Most people will probably take a boat there, though.) We’re talking a 1-5 minute difference, at most.
In terms of boat transportation, the two are equal as they share a boat dock. They’re also equal(ly bad) for bus transportation, with shared buses.
Amenities: Push – For this, we’re talking dining and pools, since those are usually separate categories. Since all pools and restaurants are shared between these two sister properties, there is no meaningful distinction between any of these.
With that said, it’s always worth noting that Stormalong Bay is awesome, and is a good basis for choosing either (or both!) of these resorts.
Cost: Push – Standard room rates are identical, with higher tiers seeing some differences.
Historical discounts show better offers for Yacht Club in the recent past, but that was also during the resort’s refurbishment, so we view that unlikely to continue going forward (especially with Yacht Club seeks to cater to more business travelers).
Verdict: It Depends – This is a first for us. Even in other hotel comparisons that were really close calls, we went ahead and crowned a winner. In some cases, that required really splitting hairs, or even a bit of subjectivity.
The problem here is two-fold. First, these resorts share so many amenities that it’s downright impossible to crown one victorious without splicing them down the middle and only counting those locations physically within each resort. That’s a nonsensical approach given the shared grounds, and the fact that some rooms in Yacht Club may be farther from that resort’s amenities than some Beach Club rooms (and vice-a-versa).
Second, this verdict ultimately comes down to your personal take on the atmosphere. While I would give Beach Club a slight hair in this regard objectively, the subjective side matters far, far more. A lot of families are going to dislike Yacht Club and love Beach Club, and perhaps some older couples will prefer the refined elegance of Yacht Club. (This is not to say the inverse won’t be true, too–as mentioned, it’s a lot of personal preference.)
Really, the single element of the two resorts where we think there’s a decisive advantage is in terms of room quality, where Yacht Club prevails. However, even there, we’ve encountered a lot of people who prefer the new rooms at Beach Club because of their vibe and atmosphere. So once again, even that will largely be decided by subjectivity.
Just in case you’re really indecisive, here’s our normal poll so you can see how other Walt Disney World fans feel about these two resorts:
Considering theme, atmosphere, rooms (and probably nothing else since the rest is shared), which of these two Walt Disney World hotels do you prefer: – Disney Tourist Blog (@DisTouristBlog) December 11, 2017
We’re predicting a decisive victory for Beach Club. It seems to be Disney fans’ cup of tea much more so than Yacht Club, and the new dog-friendly policy of Yacht Club will certainly cost it a few votes, too.
Ultimately, for us, Beach Club is the winner. We really enjoy both–but prefer the Yacht Club rooms–but the vibe at Beach Club is more to our tastes when on vacation. Read our full Disney’s Yacht Club Review and Disney’s Beach Club Review to see more photos of each, which can help determine which will appeal more to you.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
Which resort do you prefer, Yacht Club or Beach Club? Any other considerations we didn’t take into account? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Any questions we can help you answer about these hotels? Hearing feedback about your experiences is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Written by Tom Bricker
What about the pervasive seafood smell in The Beach Club lobby? I’ve read that the smell can be very strong, and I am not a seafood (or seafood smell) lover.
Yacht club is a very nice place awesome rooms . Would recommend it
We had reservations at the Yacht Club. We arrived very early and was not allowed check in until almost 2 p.m. :-(. When we entered the room it was a train wreck! The door to the nightstand fell off, the room faced a bunch of dead trees and brush and it had wall safe with a key (ancient). We went to the front desk and asked for a better room. The manager was extremely nice and found us a water view room at the BC. It was great! The pool and restaurants are difficult to get around in/to. We always stay at the Grand and love it!
They accommodate early check ins when possible but the stated check in time is 3pm. Getting to check in an hour early is hardly something to be upset about.
Do you have any opinion or comparisons on the concierge lounges at these two resorts? I’m hoping to spend two nights at either in the near future. I’m finding it harder to find info or comparisons to the comfort, ambience, and offerings in the club lounges of these two resorts in particular.
First off, they are both excellent, so we really splitting hairs. That said, a few things to consider. Both were renovated in the last few years, but YC is newer having been completed within the last year. As mentioned in the general review, YC tends to attract a somewhat older crowd, so slighty fewer kids there. YC is also influenced a lot by conventions. If there is one at YC, the concierge level sees more activity – especially in the evening. The staff at both Clubs is excellent however YC’s is very experienced having been there a long time. Both clubs, and for that matter all of Disney’s concierge levels, have worked hard to improve the food offerings in the last year or so. I personally think the BC chef is excellent and very creative. In the end for us at least, it comes down to availability and what we have planned for that particular trip. For what it’s worth, we will be at BC Club level next week 🙂
First off, they are both excellent, so we really splitting hairs. That said, a few things to consider. Both were renovated in the last few years, but YC is newer having been completed within the last year. As mentioned in the general review, YC tends to attract a somewhat older crowd, so slightly fewer kids there. YC is also influenced a lot by conventions. If there is one at YC, the concierge level sees more activity – especially in the evening. The staff at both Clubs is excellent however YC’s is very experienced having been there a long time. Both clubs, and for that matter all of Disney’s concierge levels, have worked hard to improve the food offerings in the last year or so. I personally think the BC chef is excellent and very creative. In the end for us at least, it comes down to availability and what we have planned for that particular trip. For what it’s worth, we will be at BC Club level next week 🙂
First, I think that one point you mentioned in passing that I feel influences these resorts quite a bit is YC and the convention center and BC and DVC. My feeling ( I have stayed at both and will be at BC next week) is that this affects both the clientele and the atmosphere to a significant degree at each resort. I agree with your conclusion that with many essentially shared areas, it is a matter of taste. Second, while in this case I think you would have another tie, I feel that evaluating the Club levels at the Deluxe resorts is an significant delineator. They are an important, and with the continued blurring of lines between hotel categories, perhaps one of the few distinguishing characteristics of the deluxes. I know your argument about expenses, but your reviews would be a lot more complete if you included the Club levels. I know it’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it.
I will probably never stay at YC because of DVC, so I’ll give BC my vote, lol.
As a couple with no kids, we always choose Yacht because it feels so much quieter and relaxed, with a serene atmosphere similar to that of the Grand without the (often excruciatingly) high price point. This offers a great reprieve from the parks while still being themed exquisitely, and there’s something to be said for a Disney resort that is geared toward adults while still maintaining a perfectly Disney vibe. The Beach is great, but I’ve never found it to be all that “beachy” – I suppose maybe it’s because when in Florida, I don’t want to feel like I’m on a New England beach; I much prefer a tropical vibe a la Old Key West. I also don’t find that the Beach’s theming “transports” the guest to another time or place quite resorts such as the Boardwalk, AKL, WL, OKW or even the Yacht, and this is key for us when choosing a Disney resort. One more point – the bus system at the Yacht for us has always been consistently better than the Beach at all times of year because the Yacht is picked up first. I can’t count how many times we have had a full bus by the time we get to the Beach and there is no room left for Beach guests. Both resorts have their place but I’d take the Yacht any day!
Good point about the busses! I’ve had that happen on other busses and am glad to know YC gets 1st pick up, which can make for a better experience. I am going next month on our first solo trip without the little ones and we’re staying at the YC for the same reasons you describe. Fingers crossed and thanks for the review. It helped ease any small concerns I had!
We just stayed almost 2 weeks at BC. One note about the bus transportation. They pick-up at the YC first. Then BC. With that said. There were many times that the Bus would show up at BC basically already full from the YC. This made it difficult to make it to reservations/fast passes on time, even when you showed up at the bus stop on time or ahead of time. If fact we didn’t want to “lose” our Be Our Guest reservation one night and had to use the Minnie Van service. (Which I might add was excellent!) We actually joked that we should catch the bus at YC.
I am older now, and opt for the serenity of the Yacht Club. (Although, even when younger, I was drawn to the Yacht Club’s subdued atmosphere more than The Beach Club). My son and daughter-in-law, however, who have six year old triplets and an eight year old, stay in a two bedroom Villa at The Beach Club, mostly because they need the room. I guess sometimes it’s more a case of need than want. Plus, they feel the location is perfect because they can hit three theme parks without taking buses.
Tom – You wrote “Yacht Club has a small number of dog-friendly rooms”. I thought I had read somewhere, perhaps on your site, when the new policy came out recently, that dog-friendly resorts could potentially have any resort room used as a dog-friendly room. However, you seem to be indicating that only specific rooms, or perhaps specific parts of a resort, have been set aside. Do you know which is actually true? This can be an issue for those who can stay in a resort that is dog-friendly but cannot necessarily stay in a room that a dog has lived in.
Separately, while we have been to the Beach and Yacht Clubs numerous times due to the wonderful Cape May buffet, we have never actually stayed there nor seen the guest rooms. We decided a long time ago that if we were to stay there, we would only stay at the Beach Club, due to a strong preference for the light pastel colours over the dark colours at the Yacht Club in the public areas.
I can’t believe you did not point out the highly localized potentially dangerous weather on Stormalong Bay outside these resorts. This is, of course, where Hurricane Hanna hit many years ago and caused that big shipwreck on the Beach Club’s beach that Disney still has not cleared away (unlike the non-imagineered Hurricane Irma which you actually encountered earlier this year). Always a handy excuse if you are late to an ADR at the two resorts.
I’m pretty sure that only a few hotels have dedicated dog friendly rooms now. So it’s not an “any room could potentially have had a dog” situation.
Yes, it is an any room could have a dog situation. Our friends stayed at POR and arequested a dog free room/bldg. They were told that would happen. When they got to POr they were put in bldg 24, which is the designated dog bldg. They were moved to the 30’s. Then they spotted a dog dong it’s business right outside their non dog bldg room. When they went to guest services and asked why? they were told “well, those guests booked online and wanted that bldg, so…… It states that any room or bldg could have dogs in them in the test resorts. And apparently the designated dog rooms/bldgs is not really true when it comes down to it.
We have booked Yacht Club for our June 2018 visit (crazy time of year, but only time we could coordinate with my cousin’s family when all our kids are out of school, etc), and I’m really looking forward to it. Based on the photos of the rooms, we like the look of Yacht Club better, and we can easily hang in the lobby & public areas of either resort if we feel like it. So we chose the nicer rooms. Decision made, as we view all else as being equal. Can’t wait to get a chance to play at Stormalong Bay! Given the weather in June, we figured a hotel with a good pool was vital! Thanks for all your great posts on this blog! Cheers.
The opening of the (really, really good) C&A Lounge must surely give a further nod to YC’s lobby. It has an incredible sense of atmosphere, and puts the “Club” in club, if you will.
Now, a more interesting comparison (although totally useless) would be to throw NPB into the mix. It really feels like a “boutique” version of YC.
I’ve stayed at BC and BCV only. I have visited YC’s lobby many times plus I have had drinks at Crew Cup Lounge. I love both resorts theming and atmosphere, my pick is BC/BCV because I prefer the dining (Cape May is one of my favorite buffets whereas Yachtsmen Steakhouse is too pricey) , closer proximity to Epcot and Boardwalk, and I love the Solarium, Drawing Room, and Breezeway areas of BCV.
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Resort Showdown! Beach Club vs. Yacht Club: Which is Better For Your Family?
Let’s get ready to… calmly analyze two Walt Disney World resorts ! (What? Did you think we were going to rumble? This is Disney, y’all!) The two resorts that are entering our Disney World ring are two Epcot Resort Area favorites that have more than a little in common: the Beach Club Resort and the Yacht Club Resort .
Comparing Walt Disney World Resort hotels is trickier than it might seem. While Resorts are comprised of many part — theme, amenities, restaurants, and location — they’re really more than the sum of their parts .
In this case the comparison is even more difficult because the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts are often thought of as one in the same . They share adjacent space in the Epcot Resort Area, and they share some important amenities. And how many times have you heard them called “the Yacht and Beach Club” as if they are one in the same?
So we’re laying out our beach towels on our imaginary yacht to compare and contrast these Deluxe Resorts in an AllEars Resort Showdown !
When you take a look at a map of the Epcot Area Resorts, Beach Club is slightly (minutely) closer to Epcot, but it’s truly just a matter of steps difference. Since their location is essentially identical, it won’t be a deciding factor when looking at these two resorts, unless we need a tiebreaker.
Note that being Epcot Area Resorts mean you can enter that Park via International Gateway and access the Skyliner station that’s there. You are also just steps away from the Friendship Boats that carry guests between Beach Club, Yacht Club, BoardWalk, Swan and Dolphin, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot. It’s truly a fabulous location if you plan on spending time at those parks. (Bonus: there’s even a walking path from this area over to Hollywood Studios, giving them walkability to two theme parks!)
Both the Beach Club and the Yacht Club Resorts have a nautical theme. Beach Club is beachier while the Yacht Club is based on a New England- style yacht club. The Beach Club has an actual beach while the Yacht Club has a dock with power boats for rent. You can rent the boats at the Bayside Marina and take them through designated waterways.
Most guests feel the difference in theme is one of mood. Between the two, Yacht Club is a more formal resort than the Beach Club. So if you are a looking for a slightly more relaxed environment, the Beach Club is probably the best option for you. And that makes perfect sense with the themes, as a beach is generally a more relaxed environment than a yacht club.
Though we’re saying Beach Club is more relaxed, it’s still a classy resort with thoughtful design and interesting architectural details. So you’re not losing any of that sense of a Deluxe Resort despite it feeling less stuffy.
Since the two resorts are intricately connected, they share just about all of their amenities. And even those that are enclosed in one of the two resorts remain accessible because you can easily resort hop and take advantage of what you want from either of them. One of the main amenities that they share — and one of the most compelling offerings at these resorts — is the three-acre pool called Stormalong Bay.
It feels wrong even to call this water playground a pool; it’s so much more. Stormalong Bay has a sand-bottomed pool that has artificial currents, a 230-foot long waterslide, a lazy river, three whirlpool spas, a miniature waterslide, and an elevated tanning deck. The large, irresistible waterslide is one of the tallest hotel waterslides at Walt Disney World, and it is arguably the best.
In addition to this massive aquatic experience, there are three separate leisure pools shared between the two resorts. These are quiet all-ages pools, one located closer to Beach Club, another located closer to Yacht Club, and the last near the Beach Club Vacation Villas. Guests staying at either resort can visit any of these three pools as long as they respect the quiet rules.
Both Beach Club and Yacht Club have other similar recreation areas as well. They both have arcades, cabanas for rent, campfires in the evening, fishing in the lake, boat rentals, running trails, tennis, and volleyball. If you’re between the ages of 4 and 12, you can even join Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew . The Pirate Crew activity includes dinner and the full pirate experience, where you learn sea shanties, try out talking like a pirate, and get a pirate nickname. It’s a shame we’re about 20 years too old for this. Dear Disney, please create one of these for adults (and include delicious rum cocktails, too).
So amenities — really shared between the two resorts — are a wash. In a good way, if you’re a guest staying at either resort!
Once again, because the resorts are so close in proximity, dining is a bit of an even playing field. Even when you go to look at a list of dining options at one of the resorts, Disney lists restaurants from both Beach Club and Yacht Club.
Table Service options exist in both resorts. Yacht Club has Ale & Compass Restaurant and Yachtsman Steakhouse, while Beach Club has Cape May Cafe and the favorite Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (which, in truth, is located near Stormalong Bay and is basically central to both resorts). The restaurants at the Yacht Club are more mature options, perhaps, and better suited to adults and older children. Ale & Compass has some great New England seafood dishes, like the Maine Lobster Roll. If you prefer a juicy steak, the signature restaurant Yachtsman Steakhouse is the best option.
The two Table Service options at the Beach Club will cater more toward families with children or the young at heart. Cape May Cafe offers a character meal at breakfast and a seafood buffet at dinner.
The real shining gem is Beaches & Cream Soda Shop where you can get massive ice cream sundaes served in kitchen sinks, because they put everything in them but the kitchen sink. With the classic diner vibe and burgers, sandwiches, and tater tots there are plenty of great savory options to eat before you gorge yourself on gallons of delicious ice cream. Or do what we do, order the kitchen sink and some cheese tots on the side to cut the sweet flavor.
In addition to the great Table Service options, there are classic Quick Service restaurants at both and a few different lounges, too. On the Beach Club side, there is Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar & Grill which serves up frozen rum cocktails, beer, and great poolside snacks like pork nachos and coconut shrimp. Once again this shows the slightly more laid back vibe from the Beach Club. At Yacht Club, Crew Cup Lounge will be your go-to lounge.
If you have younger kids or want a shorted walk to giant ice cream, Beach Club might be better for you. But if you think you’ll be wanting great seafood or a steak dinner every night, then maybe Yacht Club is better suited to your lifestyle.
The layouts and designs of the rooms at these resorts are very similar. Both employ a blue, gray, and brown color scheme. The level of rooms are also equivalent. Both resorts offer a level of comfort and sophistication found at the Deluxe Resort tier.
They both have standard rooms that are $440 a night, but once you get to the higher levels, the Yacht Club’s rooms are a few dollars more expensive. When you get to the Club Level the pricing starts to deviate the most. For example when you look at the Two-Bedroom Suite at Club Level, the Beach Club costs $1,695 a night while at the Yacht Club it costs $1,828 a night. That is over a $100 difference a night. (The interior design style deviates a bit more at this level, too.)
Beach Club also has a few suite options above and beyond what the Yacht Club has. They have the Nantucket VP Suite that sleeps two adults and the Newport Presidential Suite that sleeps up to seven adults. The Beach Club also has the Beach Club Villas, which are Deluxe Villas that include a spacious living space, a full kitchen, fully separate bedrooms, and a washer and dryer. If you want the feel of being in a home and not just a hotel room, then the Villas might be best for your family.
Final Results
Look, we’ve given ourselves an impossible task. The resorts are about even, and the deciding factor depends almost entirely on your tastes and lifestyle. Beach Club may be a better option for families with small children because the dining options are a little more kid friendly. If you are a couple or have older children, the Yacht Club may be slightly better for you with the more mature restaurants and styling.
However, the Beach Club has our vote for the best of the two for a few minor reasons. First, it has Beaches and Cream which is a must-do (plus, who votes against ice cream?!). Second, it has that great poolside bar in Hurricane Hanna’s (which is accessible to guests of either resort using the pool but minutely closer to Beach Club). Finally, it is just those few feet closer to the International Gateway entrance into Epcot. In this case, it’s the small details that give Beach Club the edge.
What do you think: Beach Club or Yacht Club? Let us know in the comments.
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6 Replies to “Resort Showdown! Beach Club vs. Yacht Club: Which is Better For Your Family?”
We have stayed at both the Yacht Club and Beach Club because my husband often has conferences there. The biggest difference between the rooms that nobody seems to be talking about is the bathrooms. As a mom who has traveled with 4 young children, the Yacht Club bathroom is much better because the double sinks have their own space, and the toilet and shower are in a separate room off of the sink area. It’s way easier for multiple people to get ready. At the Beach Club, the two sinks are in the same space as the toilet and shower, and it’s awkward to open and shut the door to get in to use the sinks if someone is on the toilet. It’s much more cramped. The quick service options also worked for our kids at the Yacht Club and Ale & Compass satisfied everyone as well for both lunch and dinner. Beaches and Cream is a hard to get ADR, but it’s right in the middle between the two resorts so I wouldn’t base my choice on that. I also liked where Yacht Club has access into the pool area compared to the Beach Club. Lastly, the walk to the boat launch for Hollywood Studios is closer, so that makes up for the slightly longer walk to Epcot.
We stayed at Beach Club last December and were very happy with the hotel. However, my 14 y.o. daughter & I had breakfast at Ale & Compass one morning. She looked around the lobby and asked me; “Why aren’t we staying here?!”. The hotel was beautiful and quite which gives it a big edge over Beach Club. The lobby at Beach Club was always crowded and noisy but Yacht was relaxing. I’m planning our next trip for Yacht Club for sutey
We’ve stayed multiple times at both. We like Yacht Club because the Quick Service restaurant has seating that Beach Club lacks. Yet, we like Beach Club better because it is a little closer to Epcot and easier for the grandkids to get to the water park.
It’s basically the same resort.
Stayed many times at both hotels. Beach Club used to have it over Yacht because of the market place and the food available there. Now that Yacht has upped the game, their food selections are equal to or better than the Beach Club. Yacht also has more unique merchandise, though a smaller selection.
Either is a great choice. My personal favorite luxury resorts. (French Quarter is my favorite moderate resort.)
Staff has always been extraordinary.
I’ve been to both resorts and love them both. To me, the Yacht Club wins because you will always get a balcony in a Yacht Club room and not in a Beach Club room. Only some of the Beach Club rooms have one. Also to say Hurricane Hanna’s or Beaches and Cream belong to the Beach Club is misleading. They are both next to the pool and not closer to either resort. The lobby in the Yacht Club is much quieter and that is very much appreciated after a long day at the parks. I always try for a Yacht Club room first. If that isn’t available then the Beach Club works too.
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- Disney Resorts
Beach Club Resort VS. Caribbean Beach
- Thread starter cindycviper
- Start date Feb 6, 2004
cindycviper
Earning my ears.
- Feb 6, 2004
MickeysMommy
Dis veteran.
stinkerbelle
In a #10 sort of way<br><font color=green>sometim.
<font color=990066>Yankee Girl in a Southern Belle
We've stayed at both moderates and deluxes, and we own at BCVs. Although all of the WDW hotels are nice, we definitely prefer the Deluxes if given a choice. I like the indoor hallways and lobbies (especially on a rainy day!). Love being able to have access to SAB, and it's great to be able to just walk over to Epcot or the Boardwalk. You are also close to a ton of dining options. If you have children, and use the kids clubs, it's so nice to be able to have the club in your resort, and not have to pick the kids up and then transport them back to your resorts. Lastly, we are very partial to the CB at Cape May - although I guess you could go to that no matter where you stay!
DIS veteran
It all depends on what you want from a resort. I have stayed at both resorts and both are great. The advantages of the Beach Club for me is Storm-along Bay and the resort's proximity to Epcot and MGM. The advantage of CBR for me is the totally relaxing atmosphere and the food court for quick meals. Also, I think the outdoor hallways can be quieter than indoor hallways. I would suggest that you try one of the moderates on your upcoming trip and save a little cash in the process. That's really the only way to know if a deluxe is better for you.
<font color=teal>Are we there yet?<br><font color=
We love both the moderate and deluxe resorts. The CBR is great. We usually decide to stay moderate or deluxe based on what we want to do on the trip. If it's a short trip and we plan to go, go, go and stay in the parks all day and night then we chose a moderate - it seems silly to us to pay for features we won't have time to enjoy. If, however, we plan to take it easy and relax more, then we definitely chose a deluxe. We are sooooo excited about AKL for Spring Break and plan to spend a lot of time at the pool and exploring the resort. What about splitting your stay? That would cut down on cost and still give you lots of diverse experiences.
Mouseketeer
Cindy, We are faced with the same problem. We love the BC/YC and have stayed there twice, but last spring we stayed at CSR because it was peak season and there were no rates available, so we stayed at CSR on a DC discount. We stayed POR in 2000 and didn't like it, but CSR was so nice, now I find it hard to justify the extra cost for BC/YC. I'm thinking about AKL or WL for this July. What I've decided is, if we can stay BC for around $200/night, then we'll stay BC, if not I'll have to decide WL/AKL or CSR.
fabwallsmom
I stayed at CB 8 years ago. It was very nice! We really liked it a lot. It's very quiet and the pools are very nice. We stayed at CS 5 years ago, and I found that comporable to CB. Both very nice moderates. I haven't stayed in a deluxe yet, but we've recently decided on the YC for this summer and are making our plans now. My reasons for choosing YC are Stormalong Bay and the proximity to Epcot and MGM. My kids are older now, and can go off to Epcot or MGM on their own, and I can hang back with the youngest in the pool. I guess I'll find out if it's worth the price difference this summer. Anyway, I'm sure you won't be disappointed at the CB resort. It's very nice. Robin
We stayed at BC in May. It was very nice and we enjoyed our stay but would pick POFQ over BC. We love POFQ!! The convenience of the Food Court, the boat to DTD and the size of POFQ make it more appealing than the BC to our family. We like being able to get up and go to the Food Court for a hot breakfast and not spending the Character Breakfast charge at BC or having the cold breakfast offered in the lobby. Also, there is a considerable difference in the cost and do not think BC is worth the extra money. We also found eating there to be real problem. Beaches and Cream was always crowdred with a long wait. The kids like to use the refillable mugs and it is not easy to do at the BC.
We've stayed at several deluxes and moderates. I really enjoyed my stays at each. If money were no object I would stay at BC because of Stormalong Bay and location. Sometimes its hard to justify the cost of the deluxes when the mods are just as nice for more than half the price. We liked POFQ because it was smaller and more compact but we liked CBR's tropical theming. We stayed in Martinique which was close to the main pool and food court. We never had trouble with transportation at any of the resorts we stayed in. Nasi
<font color=blue>My DD got picked as the Big Kahun
I stayed at both this year in December. I like CB OK. I know that some people are huge fans though. Some of the pros and cons to Beach Club for us: Pros: Stormalong Bay, proximity to Epcot/MGM/Boardwalk, queen sized beds. Cons: distance to self parking (we always drive when there), no food court. We really liked French Quarter when we stayed there a few years ago. They just had a major refurb so you know that the rooms should be in good shape. You can also take a boat over to the Marketplace which is nice if you plan to go to Pleasure Island, or just out to dinner or shopping. It is also a "small" resort unlike CB. It is also a sister resort to Riverside, so you can take a short walk over to use their amenities. For me, the queen sized beds in the deluxes are a big plus, you might want to check out Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge as they are deluxe resorts at a not-quite deluxe rate. Have fun!
- Feb 7, 2004
Caribbean Beach and Beach Club and absolutely YES the Beach Club is worth the money. Unless it'll really mess up up financially. That's no fun. We like CBR but you can't beat the convenience of walking to Epcot and MGM. Plus, you get the best pool in the World...Stormalong Bay. I say spend the money as long as you can afford it. PamNC 2 days and counting and I'll be at the Poly.
DIS Veterans & CBR Lovers!!!
- Feb 8, 2004
CBR ALL THE WAY!!!! We absolutely love CBR and actually enjoyed it more than Contemporary in May of 2000 (our honeymoon) and since it is much cheaper, it makes the choice so much easier. We have not stayed at the Beach Club but if we were to stay at any other Deluxe it would be the Grand Floridian - although I visited there when I was younger and with my family, it left a very positive impression. . . we tried to make ressies this March/April for POR but we just couldn't do it as you can see. If it is worth the extra $$$ for the deluxe, go for it but we feel with the $$ you can save staying at a moderate, you can go all out for other things - like more meals at some great restaurants or booking some Disney tours or even taking in some shows at DD. Good luck with your decision.
alias the 'disneychick'
CBR for me too! We always stay at cbr. Luv it , Luv it, Luv it.... But it really depends on your wants. Like to save where you can spend elsewhere, stay at cbr, have plenty for everything stay at b&yc. My kids love everything at cbr. And tho some don't like the bus stops, or walking, its never been a problem for us. Try it and see what you think! Looking forward to May! CBR 93, CBR 94 CBR 98 CBR 2001 CBR - 2004 - not soon enough!
wdwphanatic
Someone said that the only breakfast options are the character breakfast or the lobby's cold offerings... While that is technically true, I just wanted to let you know that you could easily walk to the Yacht Club's restaurant next door and get a very similar buffet to the one offered at Cape May, but without the character breakfast price! Whenever we stay at BCV we always go to the YC for breakfast and then hop on the bus there when heading to MK or AK (the bus stop is less crowded and you have a better chance of getting a seat, too!)... Works out great! The other thing about BC is that the rooms are bigger than the moderates and some come with daybeds (if you have more than 4 people, this would be a big plus!)... Happy planning, Sarah
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What is the best route between Caribbean Beach Resort and Yacht and Beach Club? We are staying there in March and my sister is thinking about meeting us for a couple days. ”
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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 ...
Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. You'll often see Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts lumped together as one single entity, but they're actually a secret Disney World two-for-one! These two adjacent resorts are more than just close neighbors; they share many amenities and some tasty dining options, too. ... Caribbean Beach Resort ...
YC is a deluxe resort, so overall, the amenities are a lot better than CBR, which is a moderate. If doing a pool day, Stormalong Bay (which you have access to staying at Yacht or Beach) is SO much better than the main pool at CBR. 9. Re: Disney's yacht club vs Caribbean Beach Resort.
As you can see, Disney's Beach Club Resort and Yacht Club Resort have a lot in common and share many of the same amenities and perks. However, they have distinct themes that create different atmospheres. The Beach Club is more relaxed and refined, while the Yacht Club is more stately and elegant.
Many people won't walk to Hollywood Studios due to distance and the SkyLiner is faster than the boat. For the two parks that require the use of buses, Yacht shares with Beach Club and Caribbean Beach has 6 or 7 stops. So Yacht gets the edge there. We stayed at the Yacht Club twice last year, and the quick service food options there were terrible.
Transportation: Yacht and Beach Club share Disney bus transportation. Yacht Club was the first stop, but we never had a problem getting on a bus while we stayed at Beach Club. The bus drop-off/pick up location for both resorts was near their respective lobbies, so depending on where your room is the walk to the bus can be anywhere from 5-10 ...
Are you trying to decide if you should stay at the Disney Yacht Club Vs Beach Club? Dining, room, and price options and more! Speak with a theme park expert: 321-966-4300; Email Us ; FAQs . Frequently Asked Questions. ... Dining at Beach and Yacht Club Resort 2024.
Rooms: Yacht Club - Both resorts recently completed room refurbishments, replacing some fairly dated rooms for more modern ones.In our estimation, the end result at Yacht Club is dramatically superior. Not only is the room more well-appointed, but it does a much better job of offering a thematic extension of the resort's common areas.
Disney's Yacht Club. Disney's Yacht Club is the series of gray buildings with the little red awnings on Disney's Boardwalk. Known for a more upscale theme than its sister resort, the Beach ...
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.
Agree with Yacht Club and definitely get hoppers or a 4-day ticket. Hoppers are great when staying near EPCOT as you can visit the other parks during the day and then stroll/dine at EPCOT in the evening.. Dining recommendation...
Disney's Beach and Yacht Club. ... Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort for a Disney Staycation. While Caribbean Beach may not be the most obvious choice in the list, we think it makes the list ...
Here's a look at some 2024 pricing (you can always find this information at MouseSavers ): Early Feb — Yacht/Beach $569 vs. BoardWalk $641. Mid April — Yacht/Beach $721 vs. BoardWalk $738. Christmas — Yacht/Beach $1043 vs. BoardWalk $1118. This price differential has been around for years and never made sense to me.
Yacht club is a great resort, it has access to storm along bay pool, its walking distance to EPCOT and Hollywood or a boat ride, it is the furthest away from EPCOT, but not a far walk. Caribbean beach resort has access to skyliner for EPCOT and Hollywood also there pool is nicely themed, the resort is large and spaced out with walking trails ...
Beach Club is beachier while the Yacht Club is based on a New England- style yacht club. The Beach Club has an actual beach while the Yacht Club has a dock with power boats for rent. You can rent the boats at the Bayside Marina and take them through designated waterways. Most guests feel the difference in theme is one of mood.
Apr 19, 2003. Feb 6, 2004. #1. Hi, we have been to Disney World once and stayed at Beach Club Resort. We loved it!! We are currently planning a vacation for this July and are debating on staying at Beach Club again or trying Caribbean Beach or possibly French Quarter. There is a HUGE price difference. I don't mind spending the money if Beach ...
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 ...
This is about a 15 minute walk. You could also catch the bus from Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort to Epcot, but it will drop you off at the front of the park. You would need to walk through Epcot and out the International Gateway to get to Disney's Yacht or Beach Club Resort. This could be a nice walk, but would require that you have admission ...
Boardwalk (Pricest: $1,789 Per Room): I hear this is the newest renovation - the rooms seem stale to me, though and I hear the pool is the "worst" of the 3. Yacht Club (Lowest Rate of Stay: $1,029 Per Room) I've been told this is a bit more upscale compared to the other two and has a great pool. Beach Club (Mid-Level Rate of Stay: $1,444 Per ...
Yacht Club is a deluxe resort, walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood, with queen size beds and a day bed, 380 sq. foot rooms, deluxe pool, fitness center, dining, night-life on Boardwalk, etc. Caribbean Beach is a moderate resort, bus transport to all areas, 314 sq. ft. rooms, with double beds. Great new pool area.
Answer 1 of 15: My family and I are visiting Orlando and will be there for 4 full days the first week of March. We will be doing 3 parks. I was thinking about doing Epcot, pool day, magic kingdom then Hollywood. We will not have a car and pretty much plan on...
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All SeaDream Yacht Club voyages in the Caribbean include a signature Champagne & Caviar Splash beach party. Executive chef Elton Tabaj and his galley team transport the five-star kitchen from the ...
The Exuma Bahamas Beach Pigs: Everything You Need to Know. By K.C. Dermody K.C. Dermody K.C. Dermody is the author of Best Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to Ireland and has had hundreds of travel articles published online and in print, including Yahoo! Travel, Trips To Discover, Hotels.com, Travelocity, and many more. She also creates itineraries for major tour companies focused on ...
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