Where can you travel around the globe to a lakeside locale that features the stormiest pool, the biggest dessert, and not one but two side by side resorts?
Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts
My third and fourth picks for most outstanding Disney deluxe resorts rank two of the most popular of Walt Disney World resorts, and when you see what they have to offer, you quickly understand why.
Yacht Club Resort was our home away from home during Disney’s Social Media Moms Celebration in May. I have to admit, between the red carpet treatment from that event and the fact it was Mother’s Day weekend, I felt more pampered than practically any other Disney vacation we’ve ever had. Any Disney vacation where I get to greet Mickey and Minnie on the beach is tops in my book!
But Yacht Club Resort also was a big contributor to my royal treatment because it is stunningly beautiful. Although Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts are separate properties, these two are in prime position to tempt me away from the Magic Kingdom area as my resort choices, and here’s why: perfect location, theming, and Stormalong Bay.
Location:
As my kids have grown, our Disney trips have adapted and grown with them. Although Magic Kingdom is still our sentimental favorite, we spend far more time in all the parks than we ever did when they were preschool/elementary age. That means more Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Epcot’s World Showcase entrance is within walking distance (so cool), and even if World Showcase isn’t open yet, you can use this entrance for access to Epcot. Major perk for sure. And you wouldn’t believe how quickly you can be back to your resort after IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth ends because of this easy access point. Additionally, Hollywood Studios is a short ferry ride away (or totally do-able walking distance.) In other words, less bus time. I call that winning!
Another major perk of Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts is the proximity to Disney’s BoardWalk. Reminiscent of famous boardwalks in Atlantic City and Coney Island, BoardWalk offers restaurants, shopping, and entertainment al within a stone’s throw of Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts. Rent a Surrey bike and take a spin down the quarter mile BoardWalk. Duck into BoardWalk Bakery for a sweet treat. Cine at one Big River Grille & Brewing Works, Flying Fish Cafe, Trattorio al Forno, or the ESPN Club. My absolute favorite is Flying Fish Cafe for inventive, always fresh seafood creations. There’s even a pizza window for slices, and hot dog and funnel cake carts. Adults have Jellyrolls for dueling pianos and sing-along fun and Atlantic Dance Hall for dancing the night away.
Nautical Theming:
Both resorts welcome you with a nautical, beachy vibe. I think Beach Club Resort feels more feminine in its decor than the Yacht Club because of the pastel colors.
The Yacht Club Resort has a more buttoned-up, New England yacht club feel. The two resorts host an assortment of restaurants, including Yachtsman Steakhouse and Captain’s Grille at the Yacht Club Resort, and Cape May Cafe for character breakfast and clam bake dinner and Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at the Beach Club Resort.
And for a tour of our poolside room at Yacht Club Resort, follow the link at the bottom of this post. I’ve found that videos are the best way to capture the layout and features of a room even if I am no expert at making them!
Stormalong Bay:
Hands down, Stormalong Bay is the best Disney resort pool area. What a great name, right? This three acres water wonderland shared by Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts offers a lazy river, waterslide, and life-size pirate ship play area. One of the unique details your toes will love is the sand lining the bottom of the pool. You know it’s a great watering hole when a mama duck and her ducklings swim in it, too! The proof is in the collage photo-so cute!
Get your exercise at the pool and then dive into the Beaches and Cream Soda Shop’s biggest dessert: the Kitchen Sink, boasting EIGHT scoops of ice cream and every topping they have. Delish!
Why You Should Stay There: Ease of access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Stormalong Bay. Beaches and Cream Soda Shop. Close to BoardWalk.
How to choose between them? Well, you could flip a coin. They are both EXCELLENT. Having stayed in both, I would say that I have to give the nod to Beach Club Resort as a bit more of a sentimental favorite. Either way, you’re in for a treat.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort, 1800 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. (407) 934-8000
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, 1700 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. (407) 934-7000
So there you have it…my favorite Disney Deluxe Resorts. Quite the collection, aren’t they? Where would you choose?
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I’m with you – Beach Club has a special place in my heart, too. I love Stormalong Bay – that slide is awesome. My girl talked me into doing it with her and we had a blast! Loving this series 🙂