disney yacht club boat rental

6 Things to Know About Disney World Boat Rentals

Feel the need to spend some time on the water while vacationing at Disney? Well, get ready to head out to “sea” – and who knows, maybe spot some of Ariel’s or Nemo’s friends! Here are six things to know about boat rentals at Disney.

1 – Motorized Boats

Disney offers one motorized boat option for families to enjoy the Disney waterways. Locations of most of your motorized boat selections are at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary. The Sun Tracker Pontoon boat is available for up to 10 guests. Imagine climbing aboard a pontoon with your family and checking out the Disney sites! Renting a pontoon boat is one of our favorite things to do as a family! The current price is $49 per half-hour.

2 – Canoes and Kayaks

Go Pocahontas style – forget the motor and grab a couple of paddles instead! Located at Fort Wilderness, if you are 11 years old and up, you are welcome to rent a canoe for just $15. Fort Wilderness offers beautiful scenery for canoeing down inlets within the resort. For $15 an hour, it seems like this one is too good to pass up! Maybe you are looking for a slightly different speed than a canoe but still want to hit the waters without a motorized boat. Look into renting a Kayak , which is once again available at Fort Wilderness Resort for just $15 an hour!

3 – Guided Watercraft Options

So maybe you really want to spend some time on the water, but you aren’t into operating or renting a boat? Disney offers a guided boat opportunity for individuals and families to have fun on the water without the hassle or responsibility of operating a watercraft. Check out the Guided Bass Fishing Excursions available at several different Disney resorts, such as Fort Wilderness, Caribbean Beach, Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Old Key West, Polynesian, Port Orleans Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and the Yacht Club. Both 2-hour and 4-hour excursions are offered. A Sun Tracker pontoon boat that can accommodate up to five guests and a NITRO bass fishing boat for up to three guests are available. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Call (407) 939-FISH or (407) 939-3474 to make a reservation.

4 – Specialty Cruises

For the ultimate splurge, consider a Fireworks Cruise! These maned Specialty Cruises allow you to take it easy and let someone else do the driving while you have all the fun! There are two firework cruise options that offer spectacular viewing of the nighttime spectaculars at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom. At EPCOT, you’ll set sail from the International Gateway and enjoy “Luminous the Symphony of Us.” You can also enjoy Happily Ever After from the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake near Magic Kingdom. Prices start at $449, plus tax, and vary by date. Boats seat up to ten guests.

5 – Restrictions

As mentioned above, there are age requirements for operating several different Disney watercraft. Keep in mind height and weight information will be taken, as some of these watercraft options only allow for a specific height and/or max weight. All of Disney’s watercraft are required to stay within designated water areas. A Cast Member will fill you in on your restricted waterways, depending on which site you decide to rent from. Disney uses water transportation regularly to transport guests. The fact they allow watercraft rentals is fantastic, but it does come with restrictions to allow for your safety and the safety of those afloat around you.

6 – In the Know

As with any Disney planning, we recommend you check the weather, if possible, before boarding your watercraft. Disney has the right to cancel any excursion scheduled if the weather would be an issue of safety in any way. Check with each rental option on their cancellation policy regarding this matter. A little tip we have learned, however – the larger the party, the better the deal seems to be. By that, we mean that if you have a family of 3 and are traveling with another family of 3, sharing the rental cost for up to 6 guest boats would save you from spending money on renting two watercraft. For many of the simple boat rentals, no advanced reservation is needed. However, specialty cruises, fishing excursions, and some selections do require advanced reservations. Check with the resort location you are interested in setting sail from for more reservation details. Lastly, be sure to bring the sunscreen!

With so many lakes, lagoons, and bays, Disney understands the desire to set sail. Once again, if you can dream it, Disney makes it happen! Have a magical time aboard your watercraft!

For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.

Matt & Kim

Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Enjoy a refreshing swim in one of our pools overflowing with fun themes and Disney character.

Resort Campfire Activities

Gather 'round as the sun goes down for old-fashioned family fun as your roast marshmallows by a crackling fire. Located on the Beach Club Beach 5:30pm-6:30pm Nightly 

Movies Under the Stars

Watch favorite Disney films at complimentary screenings on the Beach Club Beach or in the Solarium at 7pm Nightly. See a Recreation Host for more details. 

Learn more about Movies Under the Stars at Walt Disney World Resort.

Poolside Cabanas Rentals

Stretch out and relax when you treat yourself to a poolside cabana rental—featuring cocktail service and delightful amenities.

Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf

Inspired by Disney's Fantasia , this miniature golf course is located near the Resort hotel, and features 36 whimsical yet challenging holes.

Motorized Boat Rentals

Captain your own adventure when you rent a motorboat from Bayside Marina.

Learn more about renting motorized boats at Walt Disney World Resort .

Enjoy a guided bass-fishing excursion—perfect for both amateur wranglers and seasoned fishermen!

Learn more about fishing at Walt Disney World Resort.

Tennis & Pickleball

Enjoy an illuminated court near the Admiral Pool. Read More

Enjoy an illuminated court near the Admiral Pool. Complimentary tennis and pickleball equipment can be checked out at the Disney Yacht Club Front Desk.

Learn more about tennis at Walt Disney World Resort.

Enjoy a friendly volleyball match on a sandy court located near the Tidal Pool. Read More

Enjoy a friendly volleyball match on a sandy court located near the Tidal Pool. Complimentary equipment is available from Ship Shape Massage and Salon Fitness for all Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel.

Learn more about volleyball at Walt Disney World Resort.

Take your pick of several jogging paths, including a loop around Crescent Lake.

Learn more about jogging at Walt Disney World Resort.

Lafferty Place Arcade

Score big with a variety of video games at this arcade near Stormalong Bay.

Learn more about arcades at Walt Disney World Resort.

Hotel Address

(407) 934-7000

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Captain Your Own Private Pontoon Boat Rental at Walt Disney World

by Maria Salerno | Mar 22, 2023 | Magic Kingdom , Walt Disney World , Walt Disney World Resorts

Did you know you can rent a pontoon boat and sail around Seven Seas Lagoon at Disney World? We’re sharing everything you need to know about the exciting experience!

Imagine operating a free-floating boat that weaves in and out of the Magic Kingdom Ferry’s path . Or one that can explore the old docks of Discovery Island close-up and at your own pace. Believe it or not, there are free-floating pontoon boat rentals available at Disney World…where you are your own captain! No Cast Member guides, no assigned captain, just you, your family, and a wide-open Seven Seas Lagoon to explore! Pontoon boat rentals at Disney World are a unique experience that not many guests realize they can do. We’ll be sharing a complete guide on how you can rent your own — along with what the boat rental experience is like!

Pontoon Boat Rentals in Disney World

Photo by Maria Salerno

Disney offers rentals of their pontoon boats in several marinas across Property . Each of the boats can hold up to 10 guests , and anyone over 18 years of age with a valid drivers’ license is eligible to captain. Importantly, there’s no boating license required, so you won’t be barred from driving the boat if you haven’t driven one before. 

You can rent a pontoon boat from $45/ every 30 minutes at these Resort Marinas:

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and Bay Lake Tower
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Pontoon boats rentals at Disney don’t require a reservation , and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis . When we rented our boat, it was a busy day! We rented ours from the Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and luckily their marina has so many boats available that we did not have to wait!

The Water Bridge and Seven Seas Lagoon in Disney World

The fact that the pontoon boat would soon be entirely under our control was both exciting and a little daunting at first! After a quick tutorial on how to drive the boat , you are sent out into the very same waters that the massive Magic Kingdom Ferry and various large Resort launch boats traverse frequently.

This is not the Jungle Cruise — there isn’t a track you can follow! The ability to go wherever your heart desires is what makes this experience unlike any other at Walt Disney World.  The minute I took over as captain, I steered our boat towards the Bay Lake/Seven Seas Lagoon water bridge . This working water bridge allows boats to pass over the below roadway, reversing the usual layout. I’ve passed below the water bridge several times when on a bus to Magic Kingdom, and likely so have you! Passing other vessels in the tight passage and ultimately steering over the road was such a cool thing to experience from the opposite point of view!

As you pass by Magic Kingdom , (mind the Ferry…they’re a bigger vessel and have the right of way!) you can go anywhere in Seven Seas lagoon! We took our time passing by Narcoosee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian, checking out the Polynesian’s many overwater bungalows, and perusing the progress of the new DVC Tower being built there  all at our own pace. 

You Can Extend Your Pontoon Boat Rental Time at Disney World

By the time we passed back over the water bridge, our 30 minutes were up . The time flew by for us on the water, so we decided to keep our pontoon boat rental  out for another 30 minutes . Since you don’t pay for your boat rentals until you return, your total cost will be prorated according to how long you were on the water . Feel free to make your journey as long or short as you like !

We couldn’t skip over Bay Lake , especially not with the mysterious, now-defunct original Discovery Island still unexplored! We took a perimeter tour of Bay Lake , passing Wilderness Lodge and the famed Shoe Tree, waving at guests dining at Geyser Point , and finally passed by the Campsites before pulling up to the shores of Discovery Island. 

Overall, the experience is one of the most relaxing and stress-free things you can do on a non-Park day. Your time on the water is truly what you make it! We brought lunch onboard with us and took turns captaining while other members of our party ate and drank in the sights.  We sun bathed on the comfy leather seats , pointed out famous Disney landmarks beneath the sun shade, and ultimately ‘let our conscience be our guides’ as we cut our way through the Disney waterways. 

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How To Rent A Boat At Disney World

Disney World is home to an endless selection of unique activities to enjoy during your vacation. You can find unique tours and experiences and more to suit any taste or activity level – and sometimes, without even leaving your resort ! For those looking to take to the water and enjoy some of the uniquely beautiful views of Disney World, a motorized boat rental is the perfect entertaining activity for you.

A motorized boat rental can make for the perfect relaxing afternoon activity. It’s also a great way to celebrate a special occasion! You can rent a pontoon boat at one of the resort marinas and “pilot your own adventure” around the beautiful lakes and lagoons.

The pontoon boat rentals can accommodate up to 10 guests, making it perfect for a group activity or family gathering. The pontoons available are spacious Sun Tracker pontoons, which offer comfortable seating and optional sun cover – perfect for those hot afternoons in Orlando! The cost is $45 per half hour. 

Cruise around beautiful Seven Seas Lagoon, Bay Lake or Crescent Lake and experience the sights and sounds of Disney World like you’ve never seen them before.

Where To Rent A Boat

Marinas at several resort locations have motorized boat rentals available. No reservations are required, so just stop by the marina during operating hours (typically 11AM to 5PM) to secure your rental on a first-come first-serve basis.

Locations include:

• Bay Lake Tower and Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Villas
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa / The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Other Watercraft Rentals and Activities

For smaller watercraft rentals, you can also head on over to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground to rent a canoe or kayak . Visit the Bike Barn at the Meadow Recreation Area to secure your rental for $13/hour, then paddle around the streams and ponds of Fort Wilderness and take in the natural beauty around you.

Disney World also offers guided fishing and dockside fishing for any aspiring anglers out there! During the guided catch-and-release fishing excursions, an experienced cast member guide will take you on a 2- or 4-hour guided fishing tour of Bay Lake, Seven Seas Lagoon, Village Lake, or Crescent Lake and World Showcase Lagoon. 

Per Disney World, all fishing excursions include:

• An experienced guide
• Rod and reel
• Artificial and/or live bait (NITRO boats will not offer live bait.)
• Non-alcoholic beverages only (Guests may not bring alcoholic beverages aboard.)

Fishing excursions are available at:

• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

If you prefer to stay dockside for fishing, head on over to Port Orleans Resort – Riverside or Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground to rent casting-rod fishing gear and enjoy a relaxing afternoon fishing off the docks.

Things To Know

There are a few guidelines to be aware of if you plan to rent a motorized boat. Per Disney:

• Guests must be 18 years of age or over and will need to present a valid driver’s license, state-issued ID or Military ID to rent a boat.
• Onboard smoking is not permitted.
• Complimentary life jackets must be worn for all Guests under 12.
• During peak times of the year, only Resort hotel Guests or Guests with dining or recreation reservations may be allowed to enter the Resort hotel area to park.

This is the perfect activity to build into a non-park or resort-only day! Have you ever rented a boat at Disney World? Share your experience with us below in the comments!

Leia Cullen

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yacht Club Restaurants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rooms 

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

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

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

Prices at Yacht Club

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

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

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

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

Things to Do at Disney’s Yacht Club 

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

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

See Epcot Fireworks

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

Take a Ride on the Skyliner

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

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

Eat Ice Cream

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

Dine with Characters

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

Float along the Lazy River

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

Play Games in the Arcade

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

Ride the Friendship Boats

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

Build Sandcastles

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

Make S’mores

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

Rent a Boat

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

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

Stroll along the Disney Boardwalk

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

Play Volleyball

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

Enjoy an Evening Movie

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

Play Mini Golf

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

Swim Some Laps

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

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

Join a Kid Friendly Party at the Pool

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

Play Tennis

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

Zoom Down Waterslides

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

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

Book a Fireworks Cruise

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

Transportation

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

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

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

Is Disney’s Yacht Club Worth It?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Renting a Pontoon Boat at Walt Disney World

While it’s certainly fun to enjoy the theme parks at Walt Disney World, sometimes it’s nice to get away from the crowds for a while. There are a number of options to do that on Disney property, and one of those is renting a pontoon boat. 

Recently four friends and I rented a pontoon boat at Disney’s Yacht/ Disney’s Beach Club Villas marina. It was a terrific experience and surprisingly affordable. 

Currently, pontoon boats are also available at the Contemporary Resort and the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa . The Yacht and Beach Club pontoons sail around the waters of Crescent Lake, while the pontoons at the Contemporary and Grand Floridian can sail in the waters of Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon. As guests cruise along, they will see theme park views, resorts, wildlife, natural surroundings, inlets, and more.  

Pontoon boats hold up to ten guests. The rental locations at the marinas are currently open from 11 AM to 5 PM. Boat rentals are first-come, first-served; reservations are not available. I have experienced the pontoon boats a few times, and I’ve never had a problem getting one right away, yet I imagine VERY busy weeks might cause a wait for a pontoon. 

My friends and I arrived in the early afternoon, and we were able to get a boat immediately. We each needed to sign a waiver, but only one group member was required to show a driver’s license. Life jackets are supplied free of charge, and it’s mandatory for any guests under the age of 12 to wear one. If guests 12 and over opt not to wear a life jacket, the Cast Members will still be sure your boat has enough for everyone. 

It took no time to sign up and get going. Any guest 18 or over can pilot the boat. The pontoons are very large, but they move slowly, so almost anyone is capable of driving one. There are some rules to follow, such as being mindful of the no-wake zones and watching out for other boats. Although I did not pilot the boat this time, I have driven Pontoon boats a number of times with no problems at all. 

Once you have been given the safety spiel, it’s time to get on the boat! The clock starts once you take off. The fee is $45 per half hour–for the entire party, not per person. If you have enough people in your group to fill the boat, that comes to $4.50 each! And there is a 15% discount for Disney Vacation Club members as well as Annual Pass Holders! Even with half the boat filled as ours was, the price was very reasonable. You can stay on the boat as long as you like; you’ll be charged when you return. Food and beverages are allowed on the pontoon, but no alcohol and no smoking. And no standing while the boat is moving.

If you leave from Yacht and Beach Club as we did, Friendship boats that take guests from Disney’s Hollywood Studios to the Epcot Resorts and to Epcot share the waterways with the pontoon boats. During the safety lecture, we were told to stay far away from those boats. To be sure everyone stays safe, Cast Members in smaller crafts are out on the water driving around to keep watch. 

We were able to glide from the marina into the lake and then down the canal that leads to the Studios, passing Disney’s Boardwalk Villas . 

Continuing on, we passed some water birds and, in a short time, arrived at the front of Hollywood Studios . We lingered in front of the Studios for a while, enjoying the view, before we turned around to head back. Pontoon boats are NOT allowed to drive under the bridge that the Friendship boats use to get to Epcot. 

FUN FACT: Many guests know the waters between Boardwalk and Yacht/Beach Clubs is called “Crescent Lake;” yet did you know that the smaller lake by Swan/Dolphin is called the “Half Moon” by the Cast Members who drive the Friendship boats? Plus, they refer to the canal that goes to Hollywood Studios as “The Disney Channel!”

A good time was had by all! It was lovely to get out on the water and enjoy the views. As an FYI, the pontoons that leave from the Contemporary and Grand Floridian have more waterways to sail on. I would recommend 30 minutes to see everything if leaving from Yacht/Beach and 60 minutes if departing from Contemporary or Grand Floridian Marinas. Of course, guests can stay out longer.

My family likes to pack a lunch and have a “picnic” on the water. One final comment: The boat is covered, but only halfway. If it’s super-hot, the people in the front of the boat will not have any shade, so if you have a large group, I suggest going when the temperatures aren’t very high.

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For Day Cruises, you can rent a pontoon boat from Bayside Marina at Disney's Yacht Club Resort. This specialty cruise can accommodate up to 10, and includes a captain, assorted snacks and soft drinks.

Private Dining can be arranged at an additional charge. For details, contact Private Dining at the Yacht and Beach Club by calling (407) 939-3160.

COST: Day Cruise Around the World is $149 plus tax for a party of up to 10 guests. Pricing is subject to change.

RESERVE by calling (407) WDW-PLAY / (407) 939-7529.

Pontoon boats can also be rented, with a driver, to see the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom and IllumiNations at Epcot. The 21-foot pontoon starts at $299 plus tax (seats 8 guests). Read more about Fireworks and other Specialty Cruises HERE.

To rent for one of the nighttime shows call: (407) WDW-PLAY/(407) 939-7529.

See AllEars.Net Reader reviews or rate IllumiNations Cruises HERE.

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Pontoon Boat Rental at Walt Disney World

Are you planning to visit Walt Disney World in the future and are looking for plans away from the parks? OR, are you visiting Orlando and want to get your Disney fix without entering the theme parks? Renting a pontoon boat at Walt Disney World is your solution! I just experienced this and loved every moment of it. Whether you’re looking to relax with family or friends or just enjoy a fun day away from the Disney theme parks, this is for you! You’ll get to enjoy theme park views and nature as you cruise around the lakes and lagoons of Walt Disney World!

You can rent a Sun Tracker Pontoon boat for up to 10 guests. Pricing is  $45 per hour. This breaks down to a pretty low cost when split among you and your friends! Drivers must be at least 18 years of age and the maximum weight is 1,900 pounds.

The rental location at the marinas is open 11 AM to 5 PM. They are first come first served. I wanted to ride around the Epcot/Hollywood Studios area, so we rented our boat from the Yacht Club Resort Marina. This was the best way to celebrate my mom for Mother’s Day. We all loved it! Since we weren’t staying on Disney property (I live locally), we arrived at Yacht Club around 10:40 AM so that way we would get to the marina right before 11 AM. I know the pontoon rentals are popular and since we wanted to be sure to get one of the first boats, we arrived right when they opened. We didn’t have any issues renting a boat right away. There were tons available and only 1 other pontoon boat had been rented before us. Since there aren’t any reservations, it is first come first serve, so if you can get there sooner than later, that will ensure they aren’t all sold out or on the water when you arrive. Once you rent your pontoon boat, you will have the chance to go to the bathroom at the nearest resort or pick up some food from the quick service location nearby or the closest market at the resort. You can bring any food/drinks on board (except no alcohol). Be sure to place your mobile order in advance so that the pickup time coincides with your boat rental time. You can pick up your food and head back to the marina! Your time on the boat won’t start until you have had the safety briefing and are physically on the boat and about to leave. You’ll be told your start time and then will be charged every half hour. There is no limit on how long you have the boat for. It’s totally up to you on how long you want to be out on the water!

Since we left from the Yacht Club marina, we did have to look out for the Friendship boats picking up/dropping off guests in the area. Disney does have watercraft guards out on the water to help you look out for these boats coming through the lagoons as well as to make sure you are safe. This is also the same if leaving from Grand Floridian or Contemporary marinas well. The boat is equipped with 1 life vest per person. You’ll also have Bluetooth speakers to make it fun to listen to your music when driving around. When leaving from the Yacht Club marina, you can drive all around the Boardwalk area, drive past Swan & Dolphin Hotel, through the channels, and then over to Hollywood Studios. It’s so fun to see Disney from a different view! We had the best time and spent a full hour driving around and enjoying the views. I highly recommend this as something fun and different to do if you’re looking to take a break from the theme parks!

Important Details

Reservations are not required.

Rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guests must be 18 years of age or over and will need to present a valid driver’s license, state-issued ID or Military ID to rent a boat.

Onboard smoking is not permitted.

Complimentary life jackets must be worn for all Guests under 12.

During peak times of the year, only Resort hotel Guests or Guests with dining or recreation reservations may be allowed to enter the Resort hotel area to park. Valet parking will only be available.

Cast member and Annual Passholder discounts are available

Marina Locations

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Other Boat Rentals at Walt Disney World Resort

Canoe Rentals at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Kayak Rentals at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Specialty Cruises

If you’re looking for an even more special experience and want a specialty cruise, you would love a fireworks cruise! Check out my blog post all about the fireworks cruise experience that I did for my 30th birthday!

Specialty Cruises at Walt Disney World

If you’re looking to plan a vacation to Walt Disney World in the future, I would love to help! Contact me for more information and let’s include some fun experiences like this in your vacation! I would love to help you plan!

Love and Travel Dust,

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About the author: molly.

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