yacht beach club pool

The Four Pools at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club (Photos, Hours, and Details)

When it comes to the pools at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts, you’ve got options. Four pools are available between the resorts. However, most guests will prefer the resort’s feature pool, Stormalong Bay. It’s no secret that we consider it the best hotel pool at Walt Disney World .

However, those wanting to enjoy a peaceful spot at the pool or take a quick swim near their room will want to be aware of the resort’s other options. For instance, you might have a day when you want to enjoy the pool and get laundry done simultaneously. Or you might wake up early one morning and have a few minutes to enjoy the quiet pool before the main pool opens. If so, you’ll have options.

Below, we’ll discuss each of the quiet and feature pools at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club. We’ll review their location, pool hours, and other amenities you’ll want to know beforehand.

Major Refurbishment Note: From January 2025 through June 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for routine maintenance. Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours. During this time, Guests are welcome to swim at the Tidal, Admiral, and Dunes Cove leisure pools. (This was originally scheduled to end in May of 2025.)

Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Pools

As mentioned above, Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club has four swimming pools. They are as follows:

Stormalong Bay

Dunes cove pool.

• Admiral’s Pool

We’ll preview each pool further below.

Pool Hours at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club

During our visit, pool hours at Stormalong Bay were between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. However, hours are subject to change. During the summer months until Labor Day, the hours are usually extended one hour until 11:00 p.m.

Quiet pool hours were posted during our last stay from 7:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m. These pool hours are pretty consistent throughout the year. However, you’ll want to know that the quiet pools at Beach and Yacht Club do not have lifeguards or other attendants.

Are the Pools Heated?

Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club pools are heated to 82 degrees. So, in the event of cooler weather, they usually remain open. However, if the outside temperature drops to around 50 degrees or lower, the pools will close until warmer temperatures return.

Complimentary Towels and Life Jackets

Complimentary towels are provided at each pool at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club, so you can use the extra room in your suitcase for something else.

Life jackets are also provided at each resort pool. They come in a wide range of sizes.

Mobility Lifts

Pool lifts are available for guests with disabilities or limited mobility. Here is a photo of the lift at the Beach Club’s Tidal Pool.

Changing Areas

Each of the resort’s pools has a nearby restroom. However, Stormalong Bay has an area with dedicated showers, a room to change, toiletries, and towels. If you find this area busy, you can use the shower inside the resort’s gym. The gym is adjacent to the pool, and I don’t think most people know this extra set of showers exists.

Stormalong Bay is more of a water park than a pool. It’s so large it would be difficult to photograph in its entirety unless you had an aerial view.

Most guests (including my family) stay at Disney’s Beach or Yacht Club because of Stormalong Bay. Most of our days are spent relaxing at the pool. However, we do visit the parks for entertainment in the evenings.

Toward one end, a wading pool features a large sandbar in the center of it. Smaller children can spend hours digging in the sand and enjoying this pool area.

Another kiddie pool is available inside the shipwreck, across the walkway from Stormalong Bay. The ship also serves as the entrance to the pool’s water slide. The photo below shows where the tube slide begins at the top of the ship’s mast.

Stormalong Bay has three hot tubs scattered throughout the pool area.

Guests can take in scenic views of Disney’s Boardwalk across the lake from some places around the pool. Stormalong Bay has plenty of seating. But be warned, the good seats are often taken early. During our stay at the Yacht Club this summer, I waited in line for the pool to open each morning to get a table and chairs in the shade. Places in the shade are pretty limited.

Cabana rentals can be reserved up to 60 days in advance, but they sell out quickly. If you want to learn more, we have a review of renting a cabana at the Beach Club . We also have a complete guide for Stormalong Bay that includes photos and videos of every pool feature. If you plan to spend some time at this pool, it has some tips that will likely be useful.

Tidal Pool at Disney’s Beach Club

Disney’s Beach Club has two additional quiet pools. The Tidal Pool sits on the front side of Disney’s Beach Club. It is the smallest of the three quiet pools between the resorts. While this pool sits near the walkway to Epcot, a laundry room sits on one end, blocking the view. Rooms on the other three sides surround the pool.

To access this pool, take the main hallway off the resort’s lobby. Follow the signs that say pool, and after a few turns, you’ll reach a doorway leading out to the pool. You can’t miss it.

This pool is often the least busiest of the three quiet pools. However, if you’re visiting when the weather is warm, don’t be surprised to find a reasonable number of guests at all the pools.

A hot tub sits adjacent to the pool.

Here is the laundry room by the pool. We have a separate article with the locations for all the laundry rooms at Disney’s Beach Club .

Next, the Dunes Cove Pool is located near the back of the resort. This is the formal pool for the Beach Club Villas. The buildings in this wing are mint green compared to the blue of Disney’s Beach Club.

While the Dunes Cove Pool is exclusive to guests staying in the Beach Club Villas, resort guests can access it. However, this pool area will likely be out of the way and is often busy.

This pool was recently completely resurfaced. We stopped in on a chilly day to check out the updates. Everything looked fresh and new.

A hot tub sits behind the Dunes Cove Pool.

A foosball table and a life-size chess set are available.

Here are a few tables with chairs and loungers around the pool.

Admiral Pool at Disney’s Yacht Club

At Disney’s Yacht Club, guests have access to the Admiral Pool. If you take the hallway off the lobby and pass The Marketplace at Ale and Compass, it will dead end at doors that lead to the Admiral Pool. It’s a peaceful pool area surrounded by trees on one side.

This pool is a little off the beaten path. If your room doesn’t face it, you might not know it was there.

All the quiet pools have a maximum depth of 4’3″. However, Stormalong Bay has some areas that get as deep as 8′.

A hot tub is available on the far end of the pool.

A large laundry room sits at the back of the Yacht Club’s Admiral Pool. We have a post with specifics for laundry at Disney’s Yacht Club if you want to learn more.

Hurricane Hannas Waterside Bar and Grill

You’ll have two options if you want to enjoy a meal or cocktail at the pool. You can order something and take it to the pool of your choice. Or you can visit Stormalong Bay and order from the poolside bar and grill, Hurricane Hannas.

During busier times, servers wait on guests at the pool deck. However, this often takes a while because only a few servers wait on the entire pool area. On my last visit, a server left us a menu. It was over 30 minutes before he returned to our area. While it wasn’t his fault, if you want something quickly, you are probably better off ordering it at the location.

We like placing a mobile order at Ale and Compass and bringing it to the pool. The food is good quality and reasonably priced, and if you want something small, you can order something from the kids’ menu.

If you purchase a Rapid Fill mug during your stay, you’ll want to be aware that Hurricane Hannas has a beverage refill station. You can refill your mug at the pool.

Additionally, Beaches and Cream, an ice cream shop, sits immediately behind the pool area. They do not do mobile orders but have a walk-up window where guests can order various ice cream treats. If you want to dine here, you’ll need to get a reservation or join their walk-up list when available.

In addition to the pools, the Beach and Yacht Club have a variety of other recreational activities. The Beach Club has a sand volleyball court near the lobby entrance.

The Yacht Club has a tennis court next to the Admiral Pool. Both resorts share a fully equipped gym on the walkway behind Stormalong Bay.

Or you might prefer to lounge on the Beach while the children play in the sand.

Final Thoughts

We love all the pools at Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club. But it’s hard to deny that Stormalong Bay has a special place in our hearts. It’s going to be tough to beat!

On a side note, I would caution that some guests are overwhelmed by the large pool area. So, if you have children of an age where you’ll need to keep an eye on them at all times, you might not enjoy your pool time. When my niece was younger, we camped out at the sand bar pool. It’s more of a wading pool than anything. She was content to dig in the sand all day. So I never had to worry about her wandering off into other pool areas.

That said, make sure to pack a good book (hopefully), find a spot in the full sun or shade, and relax the day away. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

You might even enjoy a little pool-hopping between the resort’s quiet and feature pools throughout your trip. It’s your vacation, so enjoy what you like the most. These special times don’t come often enough for most of us.

For more information about Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort , you might enjoy:

• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Review
• Disney’s Beach Club Review
• Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Restaurants Guide
• Cape May Cafe Character Breakfast Review
• The New Rooms at Disney’s Beach Club

What Do You Think?

Now that we’ve looked at all the pools at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club, what do you think? Are you more of a quiet pool person or a Stormalong Bay person? Leave us a comment below or on our social media channels to let us know!

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

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Stormalong Bay Yacht & Beach Club Pool Closing in 2025 for 6-Month Refurbishment

Walt Disney World has announced a pool closure of Stormalong Bay at Yacht & Beach Club Resorts in 2025. This covers dates & details, plus other info about ongoing & upcoming construction work around Crescent Lake, recommendations for those planning vacations during this timeframe, and more.  (Updated March 8, 2024 .)

Let’s start with the big news, which is the pool refurbishment at these two Deluxe Resorts. Here’s the original official announcement by Walt Disney World: In an effort to continually enhance the Guest experience, we refresh our offerings from time to time. From January 2025 through May 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for routine maintenance. Guests may see or hear construction work around Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool during daytime hours. During this time, guests of Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts are welcome to swim at the Tidal, Admiral and Dunes Cove leisure pools.

Here’s the updated official announcement by Walt Disney World: From January 2025 through June 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for routine maintenance. Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours. During this time, Guests are welcome to swim at the Tidal, Admiral and Dunes Cove leisure pools.

While some of the other verbiage has changed, the key difference is that the refurbishment has been quietly extended until June 2025. This is a big deal from our perspective, as the closure is creeping into the hotter and busier summer season when guests are more likely to be making resort reservations on the basis on the pools.

Just a heads up for anyone who already has a reservation at Yacht and Beach Club or is planning to make one. Unless generous discounts are offered or you’re not “pool people,” we’d highly recommend looking elsewhere. (As discussed in greater detail below.)

This isn’t the only project occurring around the Crescent Lake Resort Area. Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Villas is undergoing refurbishment. During this time, all resort amenities will remain available.

This is due to a soft goods refurbishment on both the hotel side and the Disney Vacation Club wing of the Beach Club. Most of the resort rooms have already emerged from this, and not much has changed. There’s new carpet in the hallways, and inside the room the carpet has been replaced by a laminate flooring.

There’s also new furniture–chairs and couch–as well as new curtains, Donald Duck wall art, and other refreshed surfaces. That’s all I noticed. These rooms were bland before, and they’re still pretty bland now–but minus carpet and plus better on-theme artwork. All of this will be wrapped up well before 2025, though. (This was pretty close to being done late last year, so it might already be finished.)

It sure seems like there’s been perpetual construction at Yacht & Beach Club for the last couple of years. All small scale stuff, but it’s persistent and can be annoying if your room is impacted. ( Speaking from experience. ) There have also been a lot of starts and stops, as Walt Disney World drags out construction seemingly everywhere.

Regardless, we’re definitely expecting this work to be finished before the Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool closure commences. It remains to be seen whether more projects are scheduled between now and then, though. Not much left to redo at either resort, except maybe Big River Grille and Brewing Works. Possibly yet another new concept at Trattoria al Forno? (Fingers crossed for a better ice cream shop!)

It’s a similar story across Crescent Lake at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Renovations are also occurring here in both the regular resort rooms and DVC villas. I stayed on the hotel side in one of the new rooms recently, and didn’t see or hear any room construction. That doesn’t mean it’s not happening–BoardWalk is a huge hotel–but it seems like it’s pretty close to completed. About the only thing I did notice inside the hotel is a lobby restroom being closed–hardly earth-shattering construction news.

The bigger deal is what’s happening outside along the turn-of-the-century promenade. Repainting is occurring to facades all throughout this area and other refreshes have been happening. Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs is also slated to open soon in a food cart along the water.

The biggest project at the BoardWalk is the new Cake Bake Shop Restaurant being built to replace ESPN Club. This was originally slated to open in Late 2023, but now Summer 2024 seems more likely. But if that continues at its current snail’s pace, maybe Cake Bake Shop construction will still be ongoing in early 2025 when Stormalong Bay is closed!

Finally, there’s what is not yet announced. Obviously, there are the unknown unknowns, and we have no clue what those could be. Very helpful and insightful, I know!

Then there are the known unknowns. On that front, it’s possible that the Disney Skyliner gondolas–which connect EPCOT’s International Gateway to Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, Pop Century and Disney’s Hollywood Studios–will close in early 2025.

Walt Disney World hasn’t made any official announcements yet, but the Skyliner went down for refurbishment early last year and early this year. In 2022, the Skyliner was closed from January 23 through January 28. The gondolas went down for refurbishment January 22-29, 2023. The longest closure just happened this year, from January 16 to 27, 2024.

This is not a huge deal if you’re staying at a Crescent Lake Resort. The Skyliner technically serves EPCOT, not these resorts. You can still use the FriendShip boats for transportation to International Gateway or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or you can walk. The Skyliner is the least efficient transportation for getting to DHS from Yacht & Beach Club or BoardWalk–it’s really only useful for getting to the aforementioned Skyliner resorts. (To do breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace or dinner at Sebastian’s Bistro, for example.)

Nevertheless, the ‘double-whammy’ of the Stormalong and Skyliner closures certainly makes these resorts less attractive–especially at anything approaching full price. (For what it’s worth, we definitely would  not  stay at Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, Pop Century, or Riviera Resorts during the Skyliner closure–those hotels are more dependent upon the gondolas, so the refurbishment is a brutal blow to them.)

Circling back to the pool project, the scope of the refurbishment work on the Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts has yet to be revealed. Walt Disney World indicates that it’s routine maintenance, which we have no reason to dispute.

The best recent comparison is probably the Dig Site at Coronado Springs, which was refurbished about a few agos for the same duration of time. That pool was essentially just refreshed and had routine/preventative maintenance done. It emerged looking fresh and like-new, but not fundamentally different.

The key difference between the Dig Site (or any other recent pool project) and Stormalong Bay is location. This sprawling pool complex is essentially in Yacht & Beach Club’s central courtyard, with a high percentage of rooms directly overlooking the pool. The closure will almost certainly impact some guests staying at Yacht & Beach Club, even those who didn’t plan on packing their speedos.

Last summer, we did a stay at Yacht Club in a water view room at a time when ‘routine’ maintenance was occurring. To my recollection, it wasn’t even listed on DisneyWorld.com. And yet, our balcony was out of commission as cherry pickers were often outside and construction workers used the balcony to paint the exterior of the hotel. This will be a different project, but a similar idea. Point being, don’t book a water view room at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts from January to June 2025.

Frankly, we’d hesitate to book Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts  at all from January through June 2025 unless significant discounts are offered. And given that the closure was just extended from May to June over a year in advance, I wouldn’t book these resorts during the month of June 2025, period. Perhaps this is a matter of Walt Disney World erring on the side of caution and the refurbishment will be done by early June…but having seen the pace of projects lately, I’d be more worried about a late reopening than an early one.

If you’re wondering why Walt Disney World is announcing the pool project so far in advance, it’s to minimize/avoid giving out recovery or relocating guests to different resorts. Publishing pool closure dates in the distant future has become common practice for this reason–the pools are cited as one of the top reasons people book specific resorts.

Nowhere is that more true than at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, where Stormalong Bay is the biggest selling point. That’s widely viewed as the best pool in all of Walt Disney World ( including by us–and we don’t think it’s even a remotely close call ).

To each their own, but we think that if Stormalong Bay is unavailable, Yacht and Beach Club are not “worth” the same nightly rates. This would be akin to not having the monorail while staying at the Contemporary or the wildlife all going to the vet while staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Whether Walt Disney World offers a deeper discount or not at Yacht and Beach Club for these dates depends almost entirely on how many other guests “agree” with us and vote with their wallets by booking elsewhere. Promotions are dictated by demand (or lack thereof), so it could go either way. With the closure announced this far in advance, we’d expect to see an actual impact on Yacht & Beach Club bookings. It’s possible discounts will hit 30-40% off during those months, but too early to say for sure. We’ll keep you posted–and reminders of the Stormalong Bay refurbishment as the 2025 closure draws nearer.

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

What do you think about Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts closing for routine refurbishment in January through June 2025? Do you like these Deluxe Resorts, or do you prefer the cheaper options? Any other improvements you’d like to see Disney make to Stormalong Bay? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment of the projects? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

We have reservations at Beach Club Villa’s beginning 1/3/25 – thoughts on when Stormalong Bay will actually close in January? Thanks!

Do you think it will close January 1st? Is there any information about this?? Have a trip planned from Dec 29 – Jan 5th

At what point would you feel “safe” booking a July or August stay here, if Stormalong Bay is a must-have? There’s no way they keep it closed all summer, right? Right?

Unpopular opinion: we aren’t fans of that pool at all, but maybe the closure will open up some availability for our trip to Festival of the Arts in January? We have Riviera booked already, but would consider modifying. We don’t own any Boardwalk area resorts, and haven’t had much luck getting any rooms there.

We were just at Yacht Club for a week in early February. That is our week and resort of choice! Because of next year’s pool closure, I used the bounce back offer to book a late Sep/early Oct trip in lieu of a 2025 trip. We haven’t done Mickey’s Not So Spooky Halloween Party yet, so I thought this would be a good reason to do it! Of course, we could just plan on Halloween 2025 instead, but that seems too far away and the deal I got was great. Still deciding, but had to jump on the offer just in case we go for it.

Do they typically release reopening dates for pools once it gets closer? I’ve never paid attention to any other resort pool closures being we only stay at beach club.

Up until this announcement I was planning a trip in May 2025, and I still would if the pool reopened in May. Im wondering if they mean it’s expected to reopen 5/1, any time in may or be closed the entire month and reopen 6/1. Guess we’ll see!

I’m DVC so I would be booking at the 11 month mark, I suppose I could always push the trip back if it got too close without an announcement.

That’s great planning on their part that they inform the community about the loss of that pool..I would be DEVASTATED (I know it’s a bit of a pathetic first world problem) if I didn’t know before I booked-that pool makes the stay next level! And I tend to book over a year out for most stays…I definitely will always choose a deluxe over the other resorts! I do wish they’d announce water park closures in the same way…I keep wanting to try Blizzard Beach and just can’t seem to swing a visit when they’re open. But when looking at Universal’s website was pleasantly surprised to see they don’t take down the Volcano Bay all at once for refurbs, just individual rides intermittently…

Surprised to see you call the sky liner the least efficient transportation to DHS. Just got back from a week at BC in mid-August and that was our go to for DHS transportation. We didn’t walk it bc of the heat, and the boat didn’t seem shorter in terms of time once the wait for the boat was added in. We found the 5 min walk to gondola station, quiet uncongested ride, and no lines to be the height of efficiency for getting to DHS from BC.

Not sure if you’ve ever watched Allears videos…they did a race/experiment a year or two ago from Crescent Lake/Yacht club area to DHS using the 3 modes of transportation-one being your feet. Walking was quickest, then boat, then the skyliner. Obviously, time of day, crowd levels, seasons, etc play into the variables. It was interesting though.

I just got back from a stay at Beach club, and two days ago the pool was shut down in the morning for emergency maintenance and was down until at least noon. It also seemed like it could use some TLC while I was walking around it. I’m probably a loner on this, but we spent several hours at the pool this past week and I just didn’t enjoy it much. It was crowded, hot, and unrelentingly sunny for most of the day, with an exceptionally high number of seat hoarders. I didn’t hate my time there, but I enjoyed Kidani’s pool a lot more since most of the seats were shaded and there weren’t nearly as many people. Glad the rooms are getting a refurbishment, too…it was perfectly serviceable, but very simple. I also had a really difficult time because there wasn’t a full-length mirror! It seemed like an odd omission that would be easy to fix. Now, off to take a survey on my experience~

Agreed. We like Kidani more as well. For many of the reasons you stated, I believe Beach Club’s pool is overrated imho.

I like the vibe at Beach Club better than Yacht Club. Stormalong Bay cost us a day at the Parks one trip (though we got it back via a trip extension), as it required backhoes and dynamite to finally get my wife out the pool for dinner at Cape May. Whether it’s the best pool complex at a hotel in the Orlando area is up for debate, but as you have repeatedly noted, it is far and away the best pool complex at WDW. I have felt that if they were doing it today from scratch, they’d make some changes, namely a MUCH longer lazy river. It would be great if they were to redesign the pool complex to that end… but they’re not, certainly not over such a relatively short time. Which is okay, as Stormalong Bay is fantastic as it is right now. I expect they’ll be replacing pipes, pumps, doing resurfacing, etc. It will be a bright, shiny new Stormalong Bay, but the same one anyone who has had the pleasure to stay and play there knows and loves. But, yeah discounts, HUGE discounts during that time would be needed. It still has an amazing location, being a short walk to the Skyliner and International Gateway… but that while that pretty short walk turns into a longer, but still very reasonable walk from Boardwalk, I’d stay there instead if pools are your thing instead, or even Swan/Dolphin/Reserve. But, as someone who lived next door to a guy who owned a pool company has heard, repeatedly, pools need maintenance and every certain number of years, it is likely to need a major maintenance. That memory now has me curious: When was the last time Stormalong was shutdown for a major maintenance?

I love Stormalong, but that lazy river is a waste of space. Why is it so deep?!

Just at the Yacht club for the grilled cheese and tomato soup (thanks for the recommendation TB). Walked around both resorts doing the scavenger hunt. Whenever we’ve been there we come away feeling it’s nice but a bit sterile, kind of snooty and a typical fancy hotel I can stay at anywhere USA but OMG!!!! that pool !!!! with real sand!!!! There is no discount that can make up for such a loss. Especially as there are so many terrific resort options. I won’t deny that walking back from EPCOT on an extended evening night isn’t an attractive fun incentive but Stormalong Bay is the real attraction here.

BTW – you stop mid-sentence right before the picture of the Cake Bake Shop. I’m a little curious what remains to be seen? Thought you’d want to know.

Thanks for catching that–I’ve fixed it.

What remains to be seen is whether more projects are scheduled between now and then.

Tom, any insight into whether the remaining rooms at Beach Club Villas will be receiving murphy beds? I know the top two floors received murphy beds earlier this year before the refurb was paused. Due to our party size we have an adult sleeping in the living area and we find that the murphy beds are levels of magnitude more comfortable than the pull out couches. Whether or not a resort has the murphy bed definitely affects where we stay.

Thanks for the report! We’re just about ready to book our Spring 2024 trip, but that necessitates looking forward to a potential January 2025 trip and debating the pros and cons of staying at any given resort next time, versus the next-next time. Beach Club is high on our list, and knowing it’s not an option for January 2025 is great to know

We usually stay at the Yacht Club, primarily because of the pool and it location near Epcot. We usually visit between January and March; so, this closure and construction will have an impact on us. We will need more information. Thank you for letting us know.

“Frankly, we’d hesitate to book Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts at all from January to May 2025 unless significant discounts are offered.” As being DVC Members and that this is our Home Resort it would be hoped that significant discounts are offered, significant discounts ! Not having had many “freebies” in the past offered, I don’t imagine there will be many surprises here. It really has felt that the Beach Club is under perpetual refurb these last few years and we can understand Stormalong would in need of a refurb, but wasn’t that what was going on recently ? If not why not ? and what really needs a refurb now ?

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Pools at Disney's Yacht Club Resort

EPCOT Resort Area

Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Age Interest

Catch a wave at Stormalong Bay—a 3-acre water wonderland—or go for a swim in one of 3 leisure pools.

Stormalong Bay

Immerse yourself in an expansive sand-bottomed pool or a lazy circular river. Explore a life-size shipwreck replica. Slide down one of the highest hotel waterslides at Walt Disney World Resort. Then, feel your cares melt away as you soak up the sun's golden rays atop an elevated tanning deck, or simply escape to one of 3 whirlpool spas.

Children can wade into the main pool from the gently sloping, sandy beach and cool off in the Shipwreck Pool—complete with a miniature waterslide!

Boasting an impressive complex of pools that range from swirling to placid or open to secluded, every member of your family can find a place to cool off and have some fun at Stormalong Bay.

3 Leisure Pools

Disney's Beach Club Resort pool is located in the garden area on the far end of the resort facing Crescent Lake. Disney's Yacht Club Resort pool can be found in its own tranquil garden area. A third pool is privately located in the Disney's Beach Club Villas ; although it is situated for the convenience of Beach Club Villas Guests, Guests of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort are welcome to enjoy it. All pools include steaming whirlpool spas.

Poolside Activities

Let’s make a splash at Stormalong Bay! Join us for family-friendly activities each day, like themed pool parties and other cool activities. Fun offerings include themed pool games, relays, trivia and more! See a Recreation Host for additional details.

Know Before You Go

Complimentary towels are provided at all pools.

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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

Transportation, on-site guest relations, deluxe resorts, the skyliner, the boardwalk, room accommodations, entertainment and recreation, disney vacation club villas, recreation and entertainment, convention center, which should you choose: disney’s beach club or yacht club, perks of staying in a walt disney world hotel.

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!

More about our TFVG Author

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 Beach Club vs Yacht Club (Which to Choose)

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

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

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

Beach Club vs Yacht Club Rooms

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

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

Standard View Rooms

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

Garden View Rooms

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

Water View Rooms

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

Deluxe Room

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

Club Level Rooms

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

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

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

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

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

Room Requests

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

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

Beach Club vs Yacht Club Location

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

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

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

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

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

to Hollywood Studios

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

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

to Magic Kingdom

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

to Animal Kingdom

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

to Disney’s Boardwalk

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

to Disney Springs

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

Activities Comparison

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

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

Outdoor Movies

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

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

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

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

Stormalong Bay

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

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

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

Water Slides

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

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

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

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

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

Price Comparison

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

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

Things to Do Near the Resorts

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

Epcot Fireworks

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

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

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

Restaurants

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

Beaches and Cream Soda Shop

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

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

Beach Club Marketplace

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

Martha’s Vineyard

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

Hurricane Hanna’s

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

Ale and Compass

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

The Market at Ale and Compass

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

Cape May Cafe

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

Yachtsman Steakhouse

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

Crew’s Cup Lounge

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

In Room Dining

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

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

Character Dining

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

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

Beach Club and Yacht Club vs Other Disney Resorts

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

vs Beach Club Villas

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

vs Boardwalk Inn

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

vs Monorail Resorts

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

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

vs Caribbean Beach Resort

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

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

Final Review of Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club

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

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

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

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

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Hotel with the best pool complex at Disney World: Review of Disney's Yacht Club Resort

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When you think of a Florida theme park hotel, I'd bet you probably don't think of deep, rich colors, hardwoods and a refined turn-of-the-century, New England-style nautical-themed resort.

And when you think of a hotel pool, you likely don't conjure up images of a 3-acre waterpark complete with a life-size shipwreck replica that is home to a long, twisting, turning waterslide.

But all this, and actually a lot more, is precisely what you'll find at what has to be one of the best hotels at Disney World , Disney's Yacht Club Resort. In fact, when we picked this resort for a short Florida getaway, we actually considered not spending any days in the Disney theme parks to go along with it. We amended that plan for one day at Epcot, but it wouldn't be unreasonable to do an entire vacation here without getting on a single ride. In this case, the resort could be the destination.

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Disney's Yacht Club (1990) opened in the same era of rapid Disney World development as Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort (1988), and both share a type of ocean theme. However, the two couldn't be more different from one another. With just over 600 rooms (compared to more than 1,500 at Caribbean Beach), this deluxe Disney resort offers guests a vacation within a vacation both in terms of comfort and amenities.

After a recent stay at the property, it was all I could do to not add another night when the time to check out unfortunately arrived. And while not everything is postcard-perfect at this Disney resort at the moment, I promised myself (and my kids) we'd be back. It's that special.

Let's start with some bad news: Disney's Yacht Club is often expensive.

This is one of Disney's deluxe resorts and there is no Disney Vacation Club wing of this hotel. This means you can't rent DVC points to potentially book a room for less the way you can at places such as Polynesian Village Resort. (Note that you can do this at the neighboring Beach Club Resort.)

If you can snag a room during a sale or with a solid discount, you can probably get the rate down to $350-$400 per night, but it's unlikely to go much lower. It's common for rooms here to go for $500 and up, especially once standard rooms are sold out and you need to pay even more for a water view, which is precisely what I had to do. The view itself is (in my mind) not actually worth an upcharge, but sometimes that's all that's available.

While I booked during a 30% off sale, my water-view room at the Yacht Club still came to just over $500 per night. There are some ways to use points for Disney World vacations , such as using miles from the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to offset the expense at a 1 cent = 1 mile valuation , but there's no way to get outsize value for your credit card points at Disney properties.

If you do decide to book a Disney resort like this one, it can make sense to go through a Disney Vacation Planner as that doesn't add to your cost and they do a great job staying on the lookout for sales and discounts and keeping track of all those ever-changing components of a trip to Disney World.

Related: How much does a trip to Disney World cost?

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

No doubt it sounds a touch insane to spend $500 for a theme park-adjacent hotel room, but the location is one reason why Disney's Yacht Club commands that rate (and often sells out).

This hotel is just a 5-10 minute walk from the World Showcase entrance of Epcot. It is also within walking distance of Disney's Hollywood Studios, or you can hop on a boat to take you there since that walk is a bit longer.

Being so close to Epcot also means that the Skyliner stop at Epcot is within very easy reach, opening up even more Disney locations such as the Riviera Resort , Caribbean Beach Resort and more.

Yacht Club is also an incredibly short stroll away from the BoardWalk, which is home to even more shops and restaurants.

I'm happy to save money and stay off Disney property on the first night of the trip, or for trips when we aren't going for an all-in Disney family vacation. But when we do go all-in on Disney World, I want to be in the "Disney bubble." Staying at Yacht Club puts you in the heart of the Disney bubble, well-cushioned in your own deluxe nautical-themed space, but just an arm's reach from lots of great Disney dining and entertainment options.

Related: Guide to visiting Walt Disney World

We arrived at Disney's Yacht Club in the early afternoon, after starting the vacation off with a character brunch at Topolino's Terrace at the top of the nearby Disney Riviera Resort . (Which I highly recommend you add to your to-do list if you love characters and can snag a reservation.)

Since we arrived a few hours before official check-in time, I didn't have high hopes our room would be ready, given the era of pandemic precautions, but that became the first pleasant surprise of the trip when Room 2077 was ready and waiting for us several hours early.

Check-in is also where we were informed that while room service has returned as an option for breakfast and dinner, regular housekeeping had not yet returned to Disney resorts . Towels and trash would be attended to every other day. For our two-night stay, that meant there would be no formal housekeeping services, though we could ask for more towels and such.

If you are able to manage stairs, you can easily access the second level of the resort — where we stayed — via the lobby without using the elevators.

In fact, heading up the lobby stairs reveals some fun touches, such as a ship's wheel, among other themed decor.

Our room was a bit of a walk down several hallways, so if that's an issue, ask for a room closer to the lobby if available.

Inside a room at Disney's Yacht Club, you aren't going to find bright colors, Disney characters or loud decor. If that's what you want, I recommend Disney's Art of Animation , which has plenty of color and characters.

Yacht Club was renovated in recent years to appeal not only to traditional Disney vacationers but also to conventiongoers who frequently stay at the resort during normal times. And in this case, everyone won with a redesign that maintained the overall theme but upgraded the offerings.

The rooms still carry out the resort's high-end nautical theme, but in a way that is elegant and more refined than the previous 1990s-era version.

Like with other Disney resort upgrades, the beds are now raised and the floors are now hard instead of carpet. As Disney renovated rooms across its properties, this has been the standard it is changing to.

There's a pullout sofa that can be used as a sleeper and a small writing desk.

Most notably, there were outlets everywhere. We travel with a lot of things that need charging and we didn't come close to using them all up. Some furnishings may be made to look like turn-of-the-century New England, but they are loaded with modern-day power.

The two queen beds were perfect for a good night's rest after a busy day at Disney.

In the room, you'll also find a minifridge and Keurig.

We were impressed with the amount of storage the room had in the form of shelves, racks, cubbies and drawers. We were able to stay far more organized than normal with a family's worth of stuff, thanks to the storage options.

There was a balcony with two chairs that overlooked a well-manicured green lawn and technically some water. Remember, this was a pricier water-view room after all.

I adored the drapes, both because they did a great job keeping light out in the morning but also because they were adorable and perfect for the room, featuring constellations.

Like at many other similar Disney resorts, the bathroom had a vanity with two sinks located in a cubby between the main room and the bathroom, so it could be used while someone was in the shower.

The bathroom area had a sliding door for both the room itself and the tub/shower combo. There were plenty of Disney H2O+ bath products in the shower and bathroom area.

We found the room incredibly nice, but do know that it doesn't take much to hear what's going on in the hallway or other rooms around you. If you like total silence, you'll be well-served to pack some earplugs and a white noise app to go along with your Mickey ears.

Related: Why you need more than just a ticket to get into Disney World this summer

The Yacht Club room is plenty comfortable, but that's probably not why you stay at Disney's Yacht Club — it's certainly not why we paid what we did to stay here.

Stormalong Bay pool complex

What makes this resort so special is the 3-acre pool complex shared with the neighboring Disney Beach Club Resort.

Dubbed Stormalong Bay, this pool complex has everything from a 230-foot waterslide to a lazy river, whirlpool, shallow splash area, toddler slide, hot tubs and more. It even has a sandy bottom in some of the areas, which feels so much nicer on your tired Disney feet than a hard surface.

This pool area is almost a mini-waterpark and certainly worthy of planning some time in your schedule just to enjoy it. Right now, it can get busy to the point where there is no way to get in during peak times.

However, we had a blast also going late at night after the parks closed, when there were very few people in the pool at all. While the hours can vary, it was open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. during our stay.

There are four cabanas at the pool you can book if you want extra space and service, but you need to reserve well in advance if you want those because they go quickly.

Getting into the pool requires verification you are a resort guest and you're then assigned the colored wristband of the day to wear. There's plenty of towels at the pool, as well as a small army of lifeguards keeping a close watch on the various areas of the pool.

Stormalong Bay is adjacent to Hurricane Hanna's Waterside Bar & Grill, so it's pretty easy to pop over there and order a snack or cocktail. The $12 seafood roll turned out to be a perfect snack for us.

My 11-year-old gave the $6 Lava Smoothie (made of raspberry, coconut and pineapple flavors) high marks and my $14 Frosé was excellent.

Whether your group is made up of adults, some teens, tweens or toddlers, this pool area is truly excellent, especially if you build in some time to enjoy it when most people are sleeping, eating or in the Disney parks.

Evening movies on the beach

Several nights per week at 8 p.m., a Disney movie is shown along the "beach" at the Yacht Club. This is free to enjoy and the week we were there the films showing were "Zootopia," "Sleeping Beauty," "A Bug's Life" and "Disneynature: Earth."

I'll never fully understand who needs a treadmill at Disney when it's normal to walk 10 miles a day in the park, but Yacht Club has those and more in its gym that overlooks Stormalong Bay.

Magical Express Bus

Until the end of 2021, if you want to take the included Magical Express Bus transportation to and from the Orlando airport, that's available to those who stay at this and any other full-fledged Disney resort hotel. If you decide to self-park at Yacht Club, it's going to cost you $25 per night. The upside is that the fee also gives you access to parking at the Disney theme parks at no additional charge.

The Magical Express Bus stop is right in front of the hotel entrance, and the bus stop to go to the various Disney theme parks is just to the side of the hotel entrance.

Still-closed amenities

If you remember when I mentioned there are still some small bumps at Yacht Club, here's where they begin.

Those looking for the ultimate, once-in-a-lifetime Yacht Club experience may want to hold off a tiny bit longer if you want to experience all the amenities. The Club Lounge remains closed, as does one of the main sit-down restaurants.

On top of that, the onsite Ship Shape Salon is still closed, along with the Lafferty Place Arcade.

Normally, you can rent boats or even sign your kids up for a pirate-themed adventure that leaves from the dock outside of the Yacht Club, but all of that is also still on pause.

We had plenty to do for a few days without any of those amenities, but just keep in mind that some things remain shuttered for now.

Related: Changes to expect at Disney World in 2021

Ale & Compass Restaurant

Just off the lobby of Yacht Club is a dark, subdued restaurant called Ale & Compass. While you do need reservations to eat breakfast or dinner here, it's one of the easier reservations to get at Disney World.

Described as "Yankee comfort food," this menu has options such as lobster-and-corn chowder; a fantastic salad called the Ale & Compass salad with additions such as pumpkin seeds and beets; steak; pasta; and a burger with bacon and Vermont cheddar served with thick fries.

Getting good photos in the dark restaurant was next to impossible, but we enjoyed our salad and burger.

And while we didn't eat breakfast here, I've heard good things about the dark chocolate waffles.

Our service here was quite friendly but incredibly slow. The wait for our reservation was pretty extensive, followed by another wait for a server to arrive at our table to start the meal-ordering process. This is likely at least in part due to the restaurant having a brisk business of to-go orders that you can make from the Disney app, along with the other sit-down restaurant at the hotel remaining closed.

Related: These are the best restaurants at Disney World

Ale & Compass Lounge

Another alternative to the restaurant is the adjacent Ale & Compass Lounge, which also has a sleek, updated, but pretty dark look once day turns to night.

In the back of the lounge is a bar, with the front portion offering a variety of seating options and a reduced menu that still includes the burger and chowder.

The Market at Ale & Compass

In the gift shop area of the hotel is the Market at Ale & Compass, where you can order grab-and-go options in the Disney app.

We tried the $12 breakfast bowl that had a little bit of everything on it and was actually almost enough food for myself and two kids for a quick pre-park breakfast.

The $7 ham and cheese breakfast sandwich on a pretzel roll also looked really solid.

In the afternoon and evening, you'll find a variety of sandwiches, a hot dog and a panini on the menu.

Beaches and Cream Soda Shop

If you're going to splurge cash on staying at the Yacht Club, I highly recommend also splurging some calories at Beaches and Cream. You're going to need to make a reservation here well in advance (dining reservations are accepted 60 days before your trip) or get very lucky.

We planned our trip pretty close-in and were never able to snag advance reservations, but got lucky with timing that they had an outdoor table available for us to order the most exciting item on the menu ... the Kitchen Sink.

This $35 sink of ice cream is made of eight scoops (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream and mint) along with every single topping in the house. Oh, and there's also an entire can of whipped cream on top.

It's epic, huge, ridiculous and a lot of fun.

The three of us barely put a dent in it but certainly had fun trying.

There are more regular-sized ice cream options on the menu, too, but if you're doing a once-in-a-lifetime trip, try this once-in-a-lifetime dessert.

Should you want more than just sugar for your meal, this is also where you'll find burgers, sandwiches, chili and other 1950s classic-style treats.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

This second sit-down restaurant has not yet reopened, but when it does, this is where you can go for those post-convention expensed sales dinners ... or a very nice meal out for two. The menu features a $135 seafood tower, prime porterhouse, lobster, filet mignon, elk, lobster and other similar entrees that start around $50.

Overall impressions

I'm a total and complete sucker for a well-themed, well-located Disney World resort. Resorts such as this one, along with Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and others, have me hook, line and wallet.

For me, the resort hotel isn't just a place to sleep at night, it's also a destination much like the theme parks themselves. I enjoy the scent in the lobby, the storyline of the property, the Disney touches throughout and the convenience of being fully immersed in Disney magic.

While my kids vetoed the idea, I'd have been totally happy having Disney's Yacht Club Resort serve as our actual final destination for the weekend with no park time at all. However, since it is such an easy walk to Epcot, adding that park on was actually a whole lot of fun, too.

If what you want is just a decent bed close to the parks, don't stay here. You're probably overpaying to stay at Yacht Club if you don't truly value the Stormalong Bay pool area. You can stay at the next-door Disney Swan and Dolphin for a fraction of the cash if you're just after location.

And right now, with some amenities still closed, I don't recommend staying here if you are going to be upset when things aren't 100% full service and perfect. The prices are as high as ever to match demand, so don't expect a reduced price to match the reduced amenities.

But if you can overlook a few things and what you want is a fun, slightly grown-up hotel theme, a great location, access to the best resort pool at Disney World and easy access to multiple restaurants, Disney's Yacht Club Resort is now officially one of my favorite Disney hotels — and one that I can't wait to return to in the coming years.

Pools at Disney's Beach Club Resort

EPCOT Resort Area

Disney's Beach Club Resort

Age Interest

Make a splash at Stormalong Bay—a 3-acre water wonderland—or go for a dip in one of 3 leisure pools.

Stormalong Bay

Catch currents in an expansive sand-bottomed pool. From atop the mast of a life-sized shipwreck replica, zip down a 230-foot-long waterslide, one of the highest hotel slides at Walt Disney World Resort. Float down the lazy river on an inner tube, unwind in one of 3 whirlpool spas or simply relax on the elevated tanning deck.

Children can wade into the main pool from the gently sloping, sandy beach and cool off in the Shipwreck Pool—complete with a miniature waterslide.

With 795,000 gallons of water comprising an impressive complex of pools that range from swirling to placid, open to secluded and cool to warm, every member of your family can find a place to make a splash at Stormalong Bay.

3 Leisure Pools

Disney's Beach Club Resort pool—the 43,000-gallon Tidal pool—is located in a garden area on the far end of the resort facing Crescent Lake. Disney's Yacht Club Resort pool—the 54,000-gallon Admiral pool—can be found in its own quiet garden area. A third pool—the 55,350-gallon Dunes Cove pool—is privately located at Disney’s Beach Club Villas . Though it is situated for the convenience of Guests staying at the Disney Beach Club Villas, all Resort Guests are welcome to enjoy it. All pools also include steaming whirlpool spas.

Poolside Activities

Let’s make a splash at Stormalong Bay! Join us for family-friendly activities each day, like themed pool parties and other cool activities. Fun offerings include themed pool games, relays, trivia and more! See a Recreation Host for additional details.

Know Before You Go

Complimentary towels are provided at all pools.

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Yacht Club Restaurant

Nestled on the end of the Marina, the world’s first Bvlgari Marina and Yacht Club is a unique destination which overlooks a 46-boat harbour and recreates the charm of a Mediterranean atmosphere in the heart of the Gulf. Open for lunch and dinner, it features an Italian Restaurant specializing in fish conceived to offer its diners a timeless dining experience.

The Yacht Club Pool

The Yacht Club's custom-designed pool looks out onto the world's tallest tower, conjuring the soul of the Roman jeweller in every facet of its unique design. Intricate details at the bottom of the pool are inspired by vintage brooches from the 1920s, giving the impression of gemstones scattered in the water. Thousands of emerald green hand-laid tiles and glass mosaic pieces from Bisazza embellish the pool's 18 cabanas, completing the dazzling décor. 

Opening time

The Bvlgari Yacht Club Restaurant:

Open from 12.30 p.m. last seat at 11.00 p.m.

The Bvlgari Yacht Club Lounge:

Open from 05.00 p.m. to 02.00 a.m.

The Bvlgari Yacht Club Pool:

Open from 09.00 a.m. to Sunset

Dario Abbate, Executive Chef Bvlgari Resort Dubai

Executive Chef Dario Abbate brings 15 years of culinary experience to his role as Executive Chef at Bvlgari Resort Dubai. Born in Italy and trained in France, Chef Dario began his career at a one-Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris before returning to Italy to deepen his experience in regional cuisine. From Sorrento to Roma and Milano, he worked in and eventually helmed some of the country's most illustrious kitchens. After a decade studying the techniques and traditions of his native country, Chef Abbate moved to the Middle East in 2016, holding a number of prestigious appointments before taking on his finest role yet: as Executive Chef of Bvlgari Resort Dubai. Fusing east and west, time-tested expertise and a modern approach, Chef Abbate’s passion for flavour and artistry comes through in every dish.

what's on at the resort

Bvlgari resort bodrum to open in 2026.

A chic new addition to the region, the Resort will occupy 10 hectares of terraced gardens on the tip of a private peninsula. The new property will be home to 100 private Mansions, with three to six rooms, pool, and outdoor areas. The Resort itself will comprise 84 rooms and suites, as well as signature Bvlgari destinations for dining, wellness and ...

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At the Resort’s beach, guests can enjoy a variety of international food and drinks during the day; while by night, the beach club glistens under the lanterns and candlelight and offers the perfect spot to enjoy the sea breeze.

Echoing the elegant design of the original Bulgari Hotel Milano, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito at Bulgari Resort Dubai celebrates the rich heritage of Italy. Every element of the restaurant’s ambiance has been hand-picked to ensure a seamless dining experience. Raised banquettes offer a better view of the Arabian Gulf, as a dramatic black ceiling ...

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10 of the best hotel pools in the US

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Is there anything better in life than spending a lazy day lounging in the sun by a pool? Probably not, unless your idea of the perfect pool day is floating in a larger-than-life lazy river or chasing your kiddos around a pool with a kid-friendly splash pad or wave pool.

Whatever your version of an ideal pool day is, it all starts with the swimming pool. Thankfully, here in the U.S., we have more incredible hotel pools than we could ever possibly write about.

That said, we have gathered a handful of our favorites from sea to shining sea. These include pools with knockout views you have to see to believe, ones with incredible cabanas and others that are just so fun and functional that you’ll never want to leave.

From the Las Vegas Strip to the theme parks of Orlando and everywhere in between, here are some of the best hotel pools in the U.S. to consider for your next trip.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Beach Club Resort

In Orlando , there’s no shortage of activities — and there’s certainly no shortage of pools.

One of the best in Orlando (and the country) can be found on the grounds of Disney World, shared between two Disney resorts: Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club. Called Stormalong Bay, this 3-acre pool complex is basically a water park complete with a trio of leisure pools (including a sand-bottom pool), a 230-foot-long waterslide, a lazy river and an elevated tanning area.

How to book: At two of the more expensive properties at Walt Disney World, rates easily reach over $500 a night. However, with the help of a free Disney vacation planner , you might be able to find a better deal.

Related: The best Disney World hotels

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center

When we think about incredible pools, our minds don’t usually go straight to  indoor pools — unless you’re familiar with the luxe Four Seasons Philadelphia. On the 57th floor of the downtown Philly hotel, the 30,000-gallon infinity-edge pool is reserved exclusively for hotel guests and boasts some of the most incredible views of the city, all seen from the comfort of heated water.

It’s open all year long, so hotel guests can take in those stunning views or sit back with a healthy bento box meal delivered to their lounge chair even while it’s snowing outside.

How to book:  Though we’re hoping it’ll happen someday, Four Seasons still doesn’t have a loyalty program. Cash rates at the Four Seasons Philadelphia can be found from $1,000 a night during peak summer months. There is some good news, however: Four Seasons is a member of American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts , a program for holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express (and other Centurion- and Platinum-branded cards), that offers complimentary breakfast, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, upgrades and a $100 spa credit.

Related: Why the Four Seasons in Philly is the perfect weekend getaway

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Everything’s bigger in Texas — and that’s exactly the case at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa.

There, guests will find more water action than at most resorts, including a 9-acre water park with multiple waterslides, a 1,100-foot lazy river, a kids pool with a zero-depth beach entry, an activity pool and even an adults-only pool. So, whatever your preferred vacation style, everyone who visits this Marriott Bonvoy-associated resort can find the perfect pool to beat the intense heat of Texas Hill Country.

Related: The best Marriott hotels in the world

How to book:  Cash rates at this JW Marriott start as low as $290 a night, though you’ll likely find more availability closer to $400 and above, with rates soaring to over $1,000 during peak travel periods. Marriott Bonvoy award nights start at 43,000 points a night, and if you act fast, there is still reward night availability for July and August.

Right now, with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, you could earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after using your card to spend $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months; plus, earn 50,000 bonus points after you stay six eligible paid nights at Marriott hotels through Jan. 31, 2024.

Resorts World Las Vegas

In Sin City, choosing a hotel based on its pool is an overwhelming experience because there are just so many great options.

Those trying to trade in some points for a stay at a property with one of those pools should look no further than Hilton’s Resorts World . It’s home to three different hotels in one massive complex: the Las Vegas Hilton, the Conrad Las Vegas and the luxury-focused Crockfords Las Vegas.

Related: The best hotel pools in Las Vegas

At the property’s 5 1/2-acre pool complex, located outside on the fifth floor, guests will find a handful of different pools to experience. That includes the large Main Pool, where guests can reserve daybeds with a dedicated server, side table, concierge, towel service and shade.

There’s also a Family Pool with rentable cabanas; the Bimini Pool with oversized games and activities; the Cabana Pool, where guests can rent cabanas with amenities like a television, refrigerator, coffee table and misting fan; and a VIP pool.

How to book:  Because there are three different Hilton Honors -associated hotels here, rates vary depending on where you want to stay. Rates at the Las Vegas Hilton start at $78 or 45,000-70,000 points per night. Rates at the Conrad can start at $95 or 39,000-80,000 points per night. Rates at Crockfords start at $259 or 88,000-95,000 points per night.

The West Hollywood Edition

If you want to take in sweeping views of Hollywood Hills and the Los Angeles skyline, there’s no better place to do it than from the pool at the celebrity-friendly West Hollywood Edition.

High in the hills, the pool offers wooden lounge chairs and lush greenery throughout to complement the stunning California sunsets and sunrises that are a must to take in while visiting this Marriott Bonvoy property. For food and drink, The Roof offers pool guests a wide arrange of drinks, including “tropical-inspired cocktails with Southern California flair” and an extensive list of tequilas and mezcals.

How to book: Cash rates for the West Hollywood Edition, including access to its rooftop pool, start at $568 a night. For folks with Marriott Bonvoy points to blow, nightly redemptions start at 68,500 points.

Fairmont Kea Lani

It’s tough to imagine sitting by a pool in Hawaii when you’re surrounded by the beauty of the ocean. However, at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui, it’s really not that hard because there are plenty of incredible pools.

At this all-suite Fairmont, there are two lagoon pools joined by a 140-foot waterslide, two whirlpools and a kids pool with a basketball hoop. There’s also an adults-only pool tucked away from the others.

Guests can rent cabanas around the three different main pools with access to chilled water, juices and sodas with the reservation, plus complimentary snacks. All guests can enjoy lunch and cocktails from Ko Restaurant and Ama Bar & Grill, as well as grab water toys and free sunscreen at the Pool Pavilion.

How to book: Rates at the Fairmont Kea Lani, the only Accor Live Limitless property on Maui, start at $1,009 a night. Read a review of the property, as well as reviews of TPG’s other favorite Maui properties .

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

When it comes to swimming pools, Disney knows what it’s doing — that’s why it’s got two entries on this list. This time, we’re looking at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, one of the most popular hotels in all of Hawaii, especially for folks traveling with family.

Called the Waikolohe Valley pool area, this resort has something for everyone: pools with ocean views, a kids pool and the main Waikolohe pool, and an 8,200-square-foot zero-entry pool with a waterslide in a volcano. Hotel guests can rent cabanas, dine poolside and forget the outside world while splashing and relaxing under the big Hawaii sky.

How to book:  Cash rates at this top-tier Disney property don’t come cheap and are usually upward of $569 a night.

Related: Where Disney and Hawaii intersect: Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Another contender from Las Vegas, the pools at The Cosmopolitan — a Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection property — are where people go to bake in the sun and the flashing lights of Las Vegas Boulevard.

Of the two pools, the Boulevard Pool reigns supreme with its fourth-floor location overlooking the Strip. Folks who head up to this pool deck can book cabanas with a server and complimentary fruit plate, or just opt for a daybed. The pool frequently features live entertainment and “dive-in” movies. However, you can always hit up the bar for a refreshing drink to cool down from the desert heat.

How to book: You can find cash rates at The Cosmopolitan for as low as $240 a night if you look hard and your dates are flexible. Vegas is famous for its fluctuating rates, though, so don’t be shocked if stays here cost upward of $500 a night on various weekends. The Cosmopolitan is also a Marriott Bonvoy resort with award availability starting at 75,000 points per night.

Related: Jackpot! Best hotels in Vegas for a Sin City getaway

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

There’s no skyline like the New York City skyline — and there’s really no better place to take it in than the rooftop pool at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge.

Located in Brooklyn Heights near the trendy DUMBO neighborhood, this hotel is prime Brooklyn real estate. However, the real star of the show is the pool. It’s reserved for hotel guests, but reservations are required and limited to two-hour slots. Food and drinks are served from Harriet’s Rooftop, which stays open even after the pool closes at 7 p.m.

Related: The best hotels in New York City, from luxury stays to points properties

How to book:  Rates at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge vary throughout the year. In the busy summer months, rooms start around $400 a night during weekdays but can climb to over $600 on weekends.

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Another resort with a pool area that doubles as a water park, the Westin Kierland in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the perfect place to take the kids (or kids at heart) to enjoy a day basking in the sun, splashing in the water and racking up some Marriott Bonvoy points along the way.

At Adventure Water Park, guests can ride a 110-foot waterslide, float along a lazy river or try a surfing simulator that feels more California than Arizona desert. You can rent a cabana to get a little shade or reserve a Tommy Bahama Relaxation Reef that’s basically a private island right in the middle of it all. If that’s just too much, the adults-only pool is the ideal spot for folks to relax without a child in sight.

How to book: In the very hot summer months, you can find rooms as low as $229. As the Phoenix area cools down in the fall, rates go up significantly, easily upward of $500 a night. Award nights can be found as low as 41,000 points per night and as high as 60,000 points per night.

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Yacht Club redevelopment

By staff | jun 20, 2024.

To the editor:

I walked around The Boathouse area today after the city demolished the Yacht Club building, the pool and the senior center. It is flat vacant land. It is unfortunate that the City Council, in its infinite wisdom, chose to spend nearly $1 million to demo this area when their insurance company said there was only $25,000 worth of damage to the Yacht Club Ballroom due to Hurricane Ian.

Now that the area is vacant, I am imploring Council to abandon its inane plan to build a community center building, resort-style pool and four-story parking garage. Please go slow with the redevelopment of this land. The only good ideas in their plan are to add a second restaurant, to move the boat launch into the marina and to expand the beach.

The new restaurant should be built directly north of The Boathouse where the old pool used to be. The rest of the vacant land should be used for free ground-level parking. This area does not need a resort-style pool that you have to pay to get into, nor does it need a four-story garage that you will have to pay to get into in order to enjoy the beach and restaurant(s). The community center is just plain inappropriate for this area, too.

Go slow! See how a second restaurant, a wider beach and additional free parking affects the usage of this area before jumping in with grand plans that may not pan out, especially if we have to pay to go to enjoy this area.

The Council plan also includes adding a new seawall parallel to the existing seawall all around the perimeter of the marina and the canals to the east and north. Is this necessary? Was there an engineering study that said the existing seawalls were in poor shape? We have been waiting two years for this seawall to be replaced. They haven’t even started the seawall and it may take another year or two to finish it.

In the meantime, the city kicked out all the boats in the marina two years ago. The city used to rent out about 110 slips in the marina. I heard the monthly rental of a slip was around $400. This means that over the last two years, the city lost about $1 million in rental income and will lose another $1 million in the next two years while replacing the seawall!

I encourage everyone to go visit the Yacht Club area right now and walk around the vacant site and imagine the best use of this land for the citizens of Cape Coral. Do you want a laid-back, old-Florida feel for our city or a “destination” area that you have to pay to get into?

Then let your voices be heard by the City Council.

Ken Kendrick

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Pools at Disney's Beach Club Villas

Stormalong bay.

Immerse yourself in a beachside water play area that offers 3 acres of aquatic fun for everyone in the family.

Atop the mast of a life-sized shipwreck replica, zip down a 230-foot-long waterslide—one of the highest hotel slides at Walt Disney World Resort—and catch currents in an expansive sand-bottomed pool. Glide down a lazy river on an inner tube, relax and rejuvenate in one of 3 whirlpool spas or simply take in the sun on the elevated tanning deck.

Children can wade into the main pool from the gently sloping, sandy beach and cool off in the Shipwreck Pool—complete with a miniature waterslide.

With 795,000 gallons of water comprising an impressive complex of pools that range from swirling to placid, open to secluded and cool to warm, you’re sure to make a splash at Stormalong Bay.

3 Leisure Pools

Guests seeking a tranquil swim can choose from 3 leisure pools in Disney's Beach and Yacht Club Resorts.

Disney's Beach Club Resort pool—the 43,000-gallon Tidal pool—is located in a garden area on the far end of the resort facing Crescent Lake. Disney's Yacht Club Resort pool—the 54,000-gallon Admiral pool—can be found in its own quiet garden area. A third pool—the 55,350-gallon Dunes Cove pool—is privately located at Disney’s Beach Club Villas. Though it is situated for the convenience of Guests staying at Disney's Beach Club Villas, all Resort Guests are welcome to enjoy it. All pools also include steaming whirlpool spas.

Know Before You Go

Hours and lifeguard availability vary by pool and are subject to change.

Complimentary towels are provided at all pools.