yacht club and resort

Full Guide to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s yacht club resort.

Dive into the nautical ambiance of this New England-style yacht club along Bayside Marina. An upscale, quiet atmosphere with plenty of ship-shape touches from the lobby to the rooms. Take a walk along Disney’s BoardWalk for more shopping and dining or head out to the beach to catch a view of the fireworks from EPCOT just steps away. Anchors away!

Resort Category: Deluxe

The resort is located along Disney’s BoardWalk at the EPCOT resort area. It is next to Disney’s Beach Club Resort and across from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and within walking distance to EPCOT .

Plenty of nautical touches can be seen throughout the resort. Soft blues, navy, and wood flooring give a seaside feel to the lobby and restaurants. 

Find shopping & dining all in one place at The Market at Ale & Compass where you can also grab resort-exclusive merchandise .

VIDEO: Watch Our Full Tour of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Resort Rooms 

Standard, Water View, and Resort View Rooms are available to book at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Rooms can sleep 4-5 guests. Club Level rooms are also available.

PHOTO TOUR: A Water View Room at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Dining & Lounges

The market , ale & compass restaurant, ale & compass lounge, crew’s cup lounge, yachtsman steakhouse, hurricane hannah’s waterside bar & grill, transportation.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is located along the Disney Skyliner Route which has access to and from Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, & surrounding resorts including Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s POP Century Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort.

Disney Skyliner

Friendship Boats

Recreation & Amenities 

• Stormalong Bay Pool & Waterslide – shared with Disney’s Beach Club
• Admiral Pool 
• Dunes Cove Pool – located at Disney’s Beach Club
• Tidal Pool – located at Disney’s Beach Club
• Poolside Cabana Rentals
• Motorized Boat Rentals
• Located Near Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Mini Golf Course
• Ship Shape Health Club 
• Tennis & Pickleball
• Jogging Trail
• Lafferty Place Arcade

Movies Under the Stars

Enjoy complimentary screenings of Disney films on select nights at the Beach Club Beach

Campfire Activities

Roast marshmallows and join in on family fun each night at the Beach Club Beach

Related Articles 

REVIEW: Dinner at Ale & Compass

All of the Resort-Exclusive Merchandise Available at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Your Guide to Choosing the Right Disney World Hotel

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Disney's Yacht Club Resort

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While Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours, most Resort hotel amenities will remain available.

What Makes This Resort Hotel Unique

Disney Skyliner Transportation

This gondola system offers a bird's eye view as it whisks you and your family away to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Outdoor Water Recreation Area

Discover a life-size shipwreck, pools, lagoons and more at Stormalong Bay—a 3-acre water wonderland. Read More

Discover a life-size shipwreck, pools, lagoons and more at Stormalong Bay—a 3-acre water wonderland.

Climb the mast and zip down one of the highest hotel waterslides at Walt Disney World Resort. Catch currents on an inner tube in the lazy river, unwind in one of 3 whirlpool spas and relax on the elevated tanning deck. Children can wade into the main pool from a gentle slope and splash about in 2 kiddie pools—including one with a miniature waterslide.

Prefer a more tranquil experience? Explore 3 all-ages quiet pools—each with a whirlpool spa—located throughout Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.

Learn more about recreation at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

Savor mouthwatering steaks, seafood and more at this sophisticated, family-friendly restaurant.

Ship Shape Health Club

Enjoy a workout or indulge in a massage at this full-service fitness center.

Dog-Friendly Accommodations

Bring your pampered pooch to stay with you at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Read More

Bring your pampered pooch to stay with you at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

Here at Walt Disney World Resort, we know that dogs aren’t simply pets—they’re members of your family. And since family is at the heart of everything we do, for a limited time, your furry friends are welcome to join you at select Disney Resort hotels. Let the tail wagging commence!

Note: Limit 2 dogs per room. Restrictions and fees apply.

How to Book Bring your dog along on your upcoming visit by calling (407) 939-5277. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Services for Guests with Dogs During your stay, Best Friends Pet Care can provide assistance with day care and other pet services (fees apply). For details, please call (877) 4-WDW-PETS or (877) 493-9738, or visit bestfriendspetcare.com . Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Some restrictions on certain pets may apply. Before you arrive, be sure to download the official dog policy PDF .

Need More Room?

Consider booking a Disney Deluxe Villa with just-like-home amenities like a kitchen, washer, dryer and private bedrooms. Read More

Consider booking a Disney Deluxe Villa with just-like-home amenities like a kitchen, washer, dryer and private bedrooms.

When you stay at Disney’s Beach Club Villas , you’ll enjoy the same benefits offered at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort—along with spacious Disney Deluxe Villa accommodations. It’s an outstanding home base for your Walt Disney World vacation.

Discover the Villa Difference Disney’s Beach Club Villas and other Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts offer accommodations with just-like-home touches that go beyond the traditional hotel room.

Choose from 1-, 2- and 3-Bedroom Villas—as well as Cabins and Bungalows at select Resort hotels—with the following features:

• A full kitchen , so you can prepare meals and snacks from the comfort of your villa
• Spacious living and dining areas where your family can share even more quality time together after you return from the parks
• Separate bedrooms that offer space, privacy and tranquility – so it’s easy to rest, relax and recharge your spirit after each exhilarating vacation day
• A washer and dryer , so you can pack lightly and avoid airline baggage fees

A little more than you need? Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts also feature Deluxe Studios, which feature a kitchenette and sleeper sofa—a great option for smaller travel parties and shorter stays.

Reservations and Rates Check availability and nightly rates at Disney’s Beach Club Villas.

More Magic for Your Stay

A More Magical Stay Starts with "Hey Disney!”

The "Hey Disney!" voice assistant experience features tons of character fun plus a helpful host, who can order you extra towels and answer lots of your park questions.

Disney Signature Services

Guests staying in Club-level rooms and suites are eligible for personalized vacation-planning support.

Enhance Your Stay with the My Disney Experience App

Simplify your arrival, access your room and discover a world of fun with this helpful app. Read More

Simplify your arrival, access your room and discover a world of fun with this helpful app.

Be sure you have the latest version of the My Disney Experience app to enjoy these handy features during your stay.

Check In and Check Out with Ease

Enjoy a simplified arrival at your Disney Resort hotel! Use the app to begin the check-in process , view your room number and even unlock your door .

At the end of your stay, there’s no need to stop by the Front Desk if you have a valid payment card on file or a zero-dollar balance on your account. Instead, check out of your room via the app by visiting My Reservations or your Hotel Account.

Plan, Play, Dine and Unwind

There are many more ways to enhance your stay! With the app, you can:

• Make vacation plans during your stay—and review existing plans
• Enter the theme parks (with a valid park reservation and valid admission) using Disney MagicMobile service
• Order food and beverages with mobile order service
• Check park schedules
• Get directions
• Explore transportation options
• View your Disney PhotoPass photos

And that’s only the beginning!

Learn more about the My Disney Experience app .

Available for iPhone®, iPad® and smartphones for Android™. Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc .

Lightning Lane Passes – Purchase Up to 7 Days in Advance

Plan ahead and save time in line for select attractions and experiences! Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels can purchase Lightning Lane passes—and choose experiences—up to 7 days in advance of their stay.

View Rooms and Prices

Hotel Address

(407) 934-7000

Check Availability

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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Home » Experience » Walt Disney World® Resort » Accommodations » Epcot Resort Area » Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Four- and five-story oyster gray shingle-style buildings with balconies shaded by red and white striped awnings front Crescent Lake and a sliver of groomed beach that stretches over to the adjoining Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This near-perfect location is within walking distance of Epcot ®’s International Gateway entrance as well as Disney’s BoardWalk and just a short boat ride away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios ®. Or just outside of Epcot ®’s International Gateway is Disney Skyliner that can drop you at Disney’s Hollywood Studios ® with one connection at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

The polished, sleek lobby of ship-shiny dark oak hardwoods, potted palms, roped nautical railings, leather sofas, and overstuffed, striped easy chairs creates an environment reminiscent of an eastern seaboard hotel of the 1880s. Detailed ship models and oceans of gleaming brass complete the picture. The resort shares Stormalong Bay, Disney’s fantasyland of a pool complex, and all recreational areas and facilities with its sister property, Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Tour Disney’s Yacht Club Resort on the Glass Slipper Concierge YouTube channel.

621 rooms. 1700 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista 32830; phone (407) 934-7000, fax (407) 934-3450. Check-in 3 p.m.; Check-out 11 a.m.

Welcome to Disney's Yacht Club Resort!

Yacht Club's special greeting

The Resort's Lobby

The Lobby with it's comfortable seating areas

Yacht Club back entrance

Stormalong Bay Disney's very best pool

Stormalong Bay after dark

A private pool cabana rental is worth the splurge

Ale & Compass, a great respite after the end of a long day at the parks.

View from the beach

Yacht Club beach

Standard Room King

Standard Guest Room daybed sofa

Standard Guest Room bureau

Standard Guest Room nifty ironing board

Standard Guest Room bath

Club Level Guest Room water view balcony

Club Level Guest Room Water View view

Captain's Deck Suite entry At 2,374 square feet this is the Yacht Club's largest suite.

Captain's Deck Suite's dining room

Captain Deck Suite living room

Captain's Deck Suite master bedroom

Captain Deck Suite's master bath

Captain Deck Suite's master bath vanity

Captain's Deck Suite guest bedroom

Captain's Deck Suite roomy and secluded patio

Admiral Suite Living Area

Admiral Suite Turret Living Area

Admiral Suite Dining Room

Admiral Suite Master Bedroom

Admiral Suite Master Bath

Admiral Suite Master Bath Note the accessible shower.

Admiral Suite guest bedroom

Admiral Suite half bath off entry hall

Regatta Club concierge desk

Regatta Club Lounge

Regatta Concierge Club

Regatta Concierge Club breakfast

Regatta Concierge Club evening offerings

Regatta Club oh-so-popular ice cream freezer

Regatta Club liqueurs

Regatta Concierge Club TV nook

Regatta Concierge Club balcony

Turret Two-Bedroom Suite Living Area #1

Turret Two-Bedroom Suite Living Area #2

Turret Two-Bedroom Suite Master Bedroom

Turret Two-Bedroom Master Bath

Turret Two-Bedroom Suite guest bedroom

Turret Two-Bedroom Suite guest bath and living room desk

Turret Suite building

Moonlight over Crescent Lake

Guest Rooms

Due for renovations beginning in 2025, these rooms are relatively spacious at 400 square feet with either two queen-size beds or one king, with room under each to store luggage. Rich wood borders the cloth-covered blue and white headboards that accent beds made up in white sheeting. Most rooms come with a chenille cream-colored flip-over sleeper sofa sporting brass nailhead accents. Other furnishings include a wood and granite desk, porthole-style mirror, and a nautical-style bureau with a large wall-mounted flat-screen TV above. And for the first time in a standard room at a Deluxe Disney resort are wood floors throughout instead of carpeting. The navy drapery leading to the patio or balcony is in a Disney-inspired constellation theme, and by the bath is a spacious, internally lit closet area with a nifty fold-down ironing board. The quartz bath vanity area shuts off from the bedroom via sliding pocket doors. The bath holds double sinks in a dark wood vanity, hairdryer, lighted makeup mirror, H2O+ Sea Marine/Sea Salt bath products, and, most exciting of all, great lighting. There are a separate tub and shower area with a frosted door; some rooms come with a bathtub but are on request only so families with young children should take note. Amenities include a Keurig coffeemaker, small glass door refrigerator, and electronic safe. View Disney’s Yacht Club’s Guest Room on the Glass Slipper Concierge YouTube channel.

Cara’s Tip: Standard View rooms come with a view of a slice of the parking lot or the rooftops, so be sure to book a Garden View requesting one near the quiet pool that looks out on the grassy area with a fountain and duck pond. Lagoon/Pool View rooms face Crescent Lake, Stormalong Bay, or sometimes both; ask for one facing Epcot for a distant view of the fireworks. If too much walking is not your idea of a vacation, request a room close to the lobby; the resort is quite spread out, and long treks to your room are not uncommon. King-bedded rooms can also come with a sofa sleeper so a family of four might get this type of accommodations.

Concierge Rooms

Most are located on the fifth floor and privileged to the expanded Regatta Club, one of only a few Disney concierge lounges with a full-size balcony but alas with a view of the front of the resort instead of Crescent Lake. Most concierge rooms are standard; for extra space choose the 654-square-foot Deluxe Rooms , all located on the third and fourth floors, and all with two queen-size beds, a small parlor separated by a partial privacy wall, and views of Crescent Lake. They do, however, require an elevator ride to the concierge lounge.

In the lounge is the same menu as the next-door Beach Club with complimentary food and beverages on offer throughout the day. Mornings bring coffee with a self-service Nespresso machine, juices, fresh fruit, cereal, muffins, orange loaf with oat streusel or apple-cinnamon loaf, croissants, warm cinnamon buns with cream cheese frosting, bagels, toast, steel-cut oatmeal, cheese grits, rotating egg dishes such as a seasonal egg casserole or egg white frittata, silver dollar pancakes, crepes, slow roasted ham, chicken sausage (plant-based sausage by request), a variety of yogurt including Greek with homemade granola, and hard-boiled eggs. Midday Seaside Snacks consist of fruit, crudites, candies, bagged snacks and chips, muffins, sweet loaf bread, oatmeal-raisin, sugar, and chocolate chip cookies, lemonade, and iced tea.

Wine served by an attendant includes a choice of Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut Sparkling Wine, Selbach-Oster Reisling, Babich Savignon Blanc, J Lohr Chardonnay, H3 Merlot, and R Collection Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon, along with an assortment of beer. Hors d’oeuvres include such items as charcuterie, artisan cheeses, cold roasted vegetables with roasted shallot aioli, crudites with garlic peppercorn sauce, roasted marinated olives, quinoa salad, Caesar salad, Greek salad, tomato mozzarella salad, tuna poke cones, Thai beef salad, seafood roll, and hummus; along with hot items such as chicken tagine with couscous, chicken nuggets, pulled pork sliders, chicken tacos, oven-baked salmon and lentils, pot roast with mashed potatoes and barbecue demi, (kids feast on the likes of mac and cheese, mini hot dogs, make-it-yourself peanut butter and jelly cups with Parker House rolls, and apple slices with caramel sauce). After dinner is a selection of cordials and desserts such as key lime tart, strawberry trifle, vanilla cupcakes, chocolate pot de creme, vegan brownies, chocolate chip cream cheese cannoli, pineapple-carrot cake, chocolate truffle cake, chocolate cupcakes, and sugar and chocolate chip cookies. And everyone loves the mini-freezer full of Mickey ice cream bars, a refrigerator filled with sodas and fruit juice boxes, and the bottled water for takeaway on request.

Additional room amenities for concierge guests include the services of a friendly concierge staff, private check-in and checkout, and nightly turndown service.

View Disney’s Yacht Club Regatta Club on the Glass Slipper Concierge YouTube channel.

A variety of suites are available, all with concierge lounge access.

Three Turret Two-Bedroom Suites, located on a corner of floors one, two, and three, offer 1,160 square feet with lots of navy and cream colors, hardwood flooring, and plenty of charm. Off the left of the entry hall is a standard size guest room with two queen beds and a full bath but with upgraded décor (you may access this room from its own separate entrance door). On the opposite side of the foyer are an alcove with a desk and an additional full bath with a single sink. Next up is one of two living areas with sleeper sofa, coffee table, easy chair, desk, credenza with TV, and wet bar; followed by a 2nd living area in the bright and sunny turret, beautifully decorated with hardwood flooring, fun navy and cream décor, 4-person table, sofa, and retro-yacht chairs. The master has a king bed, easy chair and ottoman, bureau, and TV with a standard-type bath with tub/shower combo and double sinks. Patios or balconies, depending on the floor, are found off the master bedroom and another off the turreted living area. Views are of the walkway leading to the Boardwalk as well as Crescent Lake. View the Turret Suite on the Glass Slipper Concierge YouTube Channel!

There are also two Non-Turreted Two-Bedroom Suites with similar decor, one of Floor 3 and the other Floor 4, each with 1,256 square feet. The two guest rooms come with a king bed, and there is a sofa sleeper in the living area.

Almost identical at 2,017 square feet but with different décor are the two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath Presidential (5th floor) and Admiral (4th floor) Suites . The Admiral Suite overlooks the BoardWalk and Crescent Lake, decorated in shades of navy, cream, and gold. There’s a hardwood foyer with half bath as well as two living areas, both with hardwood flooring and nautical-style area rugs—one turreted with hardwood flooring and porthole-style windows overlooking Crescent Lake with sofa, four easy chairs, and round coffee table; the other with a sectional sofa loaded down with soft pillows, two easy chairs, coffee table, credenza and oversized TV, desk, and gas fireplace. A separate eight-person dining room adjoins a small wet bar/service kitchen with a service entrance. The master bedroom offers a king bed with a light bronze leather headboard, easy chair, bureau, and TV. The white/gray marble master bath is an accessible one with a roll-in shower, two sinks, a deep soaking tub, and an open toilet area in an alcove. A second bedroom with two queen beds is a standard size room with upgraded decor and an additional entrance. Balconies are found in each bedroom and off the living area with a stand-up, one-person balcony off the dining area. View the Admiral’s Suite on the Glass Slipper Concierge YouTube Channel!

The resort’s most extensive suite at 2,374 square feet is the first floor, two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath Captain’s Deck Suite . A hospitality suite of sorts, it’s tucked away in a corner area at the front of the resort perfect for privacy, just past The Marketplace retail store. A hardwood octagonal foyer leads to a contemporary, nautically decorated suite decked out in cream, navy blue, and gold palette. The sizable great room features hardwood flooring topped with a cushy area rug, a large sectional sofa filled with throw pillows, a half-circle modern chair, a square coffee table, a chess table, credenza above which hangs an oversized TV, and a dining room seating twelve. A desk, bar, and half bath sit in a wide hallway near the master bedroom. Off the dining room is a full kitchen (minus a stove) with a full-size refrigerator, sink, Keurig coffee maker, microwave. Doors lead out of the living area to one of the suite’s best features, an oversized brick garden patio (shrubbery blocks the view of the adjoining parking area). Room 1111 connects to the Captain’s Deck suite to make a 3-bedroom suite.

Each of the Captain’s Deck bedrooms has a private patio, with the master bedroom offering a king-size bed, chaise lounge, bureau, easy chair and ottoman. Traverse a hallway with a walk-in closet and vanity area to get to the lovely white and gray marble bathroom with its oversized shower, deep soaking tub, double sinks, and separate commode area. The suite’s second bedroom with two queen beds is similar to a regular guest room with slightly upgraded décor, chaise lounge, oversized bureau, and second full bath. There are several entrances to the suite: the main entrance foyer area, the office/desk/bar/half bath area near the master bedroom, the service entrance off the kitchen; and the guest bedroom. View the Captain’s Deck Suite on Glass Slipper Concierge’s YouTube channel .

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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Review

Yacht Club Resort is a luxury hotel at Walt Disney World within walking and boat distance of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. This Deluxe Resort review features reimagined room photos, and info about pools, restaurant, transportation, on-site benefits & amenities. Plus, pros & cons of these accommodations. ( Updated September 15, 2024 .)

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is themed to a New England yachting club. It’s an elegant and refined hotel contrasting with its more airy and lighthearted sister resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort. The relationship between Yacht and Beach Club Resorts is an interesting one. They share facilities and are located next to one another, and are basically one giant resort complex.

However, despite their numerous similarities and shared features, Yacht & Beach Club are technically separate hotels. On the outside, the main noticeable differences for most guests will simply be color choices: Beach Club is light blue and Yacht Club is grey. It’s also abundantly clear when stepping into each lobby.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort feels stately. With deep, masculine woods, dark colors, leather furniture, and an antique-looking globe, it reminds you of someplace that you’d imagine senators and titans of industry might have puffed on cigars and made power plays in the early 1900s.

By contrast, Beach Club is geared towards party-people who shout “I’M ON A BOAT!” from the bow of a ship . Okay, maybe not to those extremes, but the idea is that Yacht Club feels a bit more stuffy and refined in terms of theming, whereas Beach Club feels more relaxed and lighthearted.

Most people informally lump them together as one resort: Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club and overlook the thematic differences. We think this is a mistake. As we discuss in our Yacht Club vs. Beach Club comparison, the differences in atmosphere are fairly pronounced, and this is likely driven in part by Yacht Club being one of Walt Disney World’s main convention hotels.

If you’re debating other options in the Crescent Lake area–or beyond–we’d recommend first reading our  Rankings of ALL Walt Disney World Hotels from Worst to Best . Yacht Club actually is the lowest-ranking Crescent Lake on that list, but it still performs fairly well. Moreover, Yacht Club is a very taste-specific hotel, as explained here.

If Yacht Club does “click” for you, there’s a very good possibility it’ll be your personal favorite of the Crescent Lake area resorts. So don’t take that list as the gospel. Read the explanation and check out the photos here to understand whether this might be a good or great fit for your family!

Let’s check out what the guest rooms offer…

These new rooms have been really divisive with Walt Disney World fans. Unpopular opinion, but we are big fans of the new look. Many fans have complained that they look drab and boring, but these are pretty consistent with the common areas of Yacht Club and there are a ton of subtle details and thematic touches.

We can understand why some people don’t like the new rooms given the colors now versus the patriotic color explosion of the old rooms (the old style was more cheery and lighthearted, but also off kilter with the resort’s otherwise stately appearance). The new Yacht Club rooms use of navy blue and beige contrasted against white, is really sharp in the context.

Beyond that, there’s an extensive use of dark woods, which really give the room an air of sophistication. It reminded me of the interior of a Brooks Brothers, oddly enough.

There’s also a variety of textures, the extent of which might be tough to ascertain from the photos. Our New Yacht Club Rooms Photo Tour shares more thoughts and images of the new rooms (including a different room style with a couch).

Much like BoardWalk Inn, Yacht Club is also great for the dashes of Disney presented in a restrained manner. The only Disney characters in the entire room appear in star constellations hidden on the curtain.

There are numerous other thematic flourishes reinforcing the nautical style, but many people want something overtly Disney in their hotel room. If that’s what you’re looking for, Yacht Club is not the resort for you.

The restrooms are divided, with double sinks outside of the shower and toilet area. Pretty standard–no complaints or praise here.

In terms of amenities, there is a nice benefit in their proximity of the Crescent Lake resorts to one another: better and more amenities as a result of sharing.

Between the Yacht Club and Beach Club, there are some seriously excellent dining options, including Beaches & Cream , Cape May Cafe , and Yachtsman Steakhouse , putting them, collectively, right up there with the best of the Deluxes in terms of quality restaurants.

We’ve also slowly become big fans of Ale & Compass Restaurant, which is a newer addition to Yacht Club. This is home to the Best Value Breakfast at Walt Disney World , and we highly recommend it.

Add to that the nearby Swan & Dolphin Resorts and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn , none of which technically share amenities but are so close that they might as well, and you have more high-quality restaurants within walking distance when staying at any of these resorts than at any other Walt Disney World hotel.

If dining is going to be a highlight of a trip, staying at one of the Crescent Lake resorts is the best option as there are numerous excellent dining options all within walking distance. This is especially true during Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival, when you can graze and drink in World Showcase and then stumble back to your hotel!

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort has a ton of amenities, but it’s biggest selling point is Stormalong Bay. This is the crème de la crème of Walt Disney World pools. For those unfamiliar with Stormalong Bay, it is a sprawling 3 acre pool complex with sand at the bottom. That’s right, it’s a hotel pool with sand at the bottom!

Not only that, but it also has a lazy river, an excellent ‘shipwrecked’ water slide, tons of places for lounging, and an excellent poolside bar. While many Walt Disney World resort hotels now no longer allow “pool hopping,” this was the first that introduced the concept, and the pool that most vigorously enforces the no-hopping rule.

The excellence of this pool really cannot be understated. It’s basically a mini water park. (For everything you need to know about Stormalong Bay and its policies, see our Guide to Pools at Walt Disney World: Rules, Info & FAQ .)

The close proximity to both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (we consider both walking distance, but most guests opt to take a boat to Disney’s Hollywood Studios instead of the 15 minute walking path–even if the path is usually faster) is another huge benefit. Boat service is also available to both parks, and it’s a certifiable fact that boat transportation at Walt Disney World is awesome.

Additionally, there’s now a Skyliner station at Epcot’s International Gateway, which means guests staying at Yacht Club can walk there and take the gondolas to Hollywood Studios, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, Art of Animation, and Riviera Resorts. That can be useful in opening up other dining options. (Plus, the Skyliner is just plain fun.)

The Skyliner makes for easy midday breaks when you’re doing Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and is extremely advantageous for Early Entry. Knocking out Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog Dash before the park even opens to day guests is huge. The benefits of the Skyliner cannot be overstated–we prefer it to the monorail.

With that said, the Skyliner is much more valuable for Art of Animation, Pop Century, and Riviera Resorts than any of the Crescent Lake ones. That’s because it’s seldom faster to take the Skyliner than it is to simply walk to DHS. Sure, the Skyliner is more fun and easier (and won’t tire out your feet), but walking is the most efficient–and predictable–option.

On the other hand, bus transportation is decidedly un-fun. Getting to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom via bus can be a hassle. There’s always some sort of shared bus service operating, but exactly how many buses share the service depends upon the season.

When you consider the prices guests are paying to stay at a Walt Disney World resort hotel with “Deluxe” accommodations, it’s ridiculous that the buses make stops at multiple resorts. On the plus side, at least there’s one centralized stop.

It’s frustrating that Pop Century, a budget hotel, has dedicated and efficient bus service but it can take an hour to get to Magic Kingdom via buses from the pricey Epcot-area resorts. (Although makes us happy when we pay the comparative bargain price to stay at Pop Century!)

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort offers other amenities, including a health club, volleyball court, arcade, marina, business center, babysitting, tennis courts, and other recreational facilities, but none of these measure up to Stormalong Bay. This pool complex is the ultimate trump card that makes Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts stand out from the other Deluxes.

All of this comes at a cost, as regular rack rates at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort start at around $500 per night and go up from there depending upon the season and room category. This puts it among Walt Disney World’s most expensive hotels, but still not as expensive as the Magic Kingdom area hotels.

While we love the Yacht Club, we would not stay here without a 30% off room-only Walt Disney World resort discount or the Free Disney Dining Plan promotion . Thankfully, you can find bargains here thanks to discounts–so long as conventions aren’t being hosted at Yacht Club.

As with all on-site hotels, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort offers the standard perks of a Disney-owned hotel, such free transportation around Walt Disney World , Early Entry , and the extended Advance Dining Reservation window. Yacht Club guests can also purchase the Disney Dining Plan , but whether that’s a real perk is debatable. On-site guests are also able to purchase discount MagicBands pre-arrival. Whether these last two things are actual perks is debatable.

One really-for-real on-site advantage is early access to Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, which replaced the Genie+ system in mid-2024. We’re not going to get into the nuts and bolts of it here–see our  Guide to Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Walt Disney World   for that–but the bottom line is that on-site guests have a significant head-start on making Lightning Lane ride reservations. It’s pretty much the only way to score the most popular picks, such as Slinky Dog Dash, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

None of that’s unique–guests of all Disney-owned hotels (and a few third party ones!) also offer this. So there’s really no reason to opt for a more expensive Deluxe Resort over a Value or Moderate for the sake of perks. To that point, the one  big  perk offered to Deluxe and DVC resorts is  Extended Evening Hours , which typically occur on Mondays and Wednesdays at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. We love Extended Evening Hours–it’s arguably the best on-site perk of all, and Yacht Club guests are eligible for this!

Overall, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a solid option for a Deluxe Resort stay at Walt Disney World. The pool is great, the restaurants are solid, and location is great for visiting Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Yacht Club is especially appealing if you’re a New Englander from Nantucket who wears an ascot aboard your vessels.

Joking aside, Yacht Club’s theme is a bit more taste-specific and adult. Those considering Yacht Club are probably also considering Beach Club. For us, the overall ambiance and laid back vibe of Beach Club screams “vacation” in a way that Yacht Club just doesn’t, and this ambiance appeals to us. Still, both resorts are great options–two of our favorites at Walt Disney World–and whether you should choose Beach Club or Yacht Club if considering the two should really only be a question of whether you prefer the elegant nautical look or the relaxed beach look.

Not sure which Walt Disney World hotel is right for you? Let a professional help you  for free.  Click here to get a quote from a recommended, no-fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner (Disney’s term for travel agent). They get their commission from Disney, so there is no charge to you for them to book your trip and help you plan! They’ll book your trip, help you with dining reservations and itineraries, and apply the best discounts to your reservation. Using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is the win-win option if you’re overwhelmed by the complexities of Walt Disney World and don’t want to do all of the “homework” yourself.

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? If you’re interested in learning more about hotels, our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page is a good place to start. For where to eat, try out our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews page. If you want to save money on tickets or determine which type you should get, 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 unconventional things you should take on your trip. Once you arrive at the parks, our Walt Disney World “Ride Guides” are great for determining what to do and when to do it. For overviews of all of these topics and so much more, the best place to start is our comprehensive Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide to make the most of your experience!

Your Thoughts

Do you agree with us that Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is one of the best Walt Disney World hotels? Do you think Stormalong Bay lives up to the hype? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing feedback about your experiences is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

They lost our car key. This place is a disaster if incompetence. They don’t care about anyone.

Completely disagree on Yacht Club being at all stuffy! We usually stay at Beach Club but booked Yacht Club with our three kids, 18, 16, 9, in April and FELL IN LOVE!! The staff was excellent, rooms simple & clean, lobby beautiful and airy, convenient shop-not a snobby, stuffy vibe to be felt. Last time we stayed at BC the room (Club level) was dated, felt small and had peeling paint on the wall! We alway stay in walking distance to Epcot because of the food and later hours. Yacht Club is our new favorite. The entire experience was like a dream. Also, we did the masks in 90 degree weather and were surprisingly unbothered. Every staff member we interacted with was wonderful. And we are Northern MI folk. I can assure you, none of us own yachts or ascots

^ wes’ comment about starving to death is 100% accurate. the resort has over complicated everything “because of covid.” you can’t just walk in anywhere, the staff is rude and condescending. we are staying in a villa paying out the ass and they won’t even change our sheets? hello? how do the other hotels manage? don’t get me started on the self righteous mask police here. if you are outside alone not surrounded by anyone for WAY over 6 ft you MUST wear a mask, in the 90% humidity and 90 degree weather. but as soon as you step foot in the pool no masks required. covid knows when and when not to be contagious. also you can sit INSIDE surrounded by people without a mask. but not outside guys. such a joke. the staff here all give you different answers as well. would never stay here, would rather stay at a motel 6. we are speechless at how rudely everyone has treated us.

forgot to mention last night we called the front desk for water. we waited an hour and called to follow up on the water and were told they only have two bottles and we would have to come get them ourselves. for a 20k villa we expected much more, this is below what i would expect from a hole in the wall hotel.

on a positive note the best thing about this resort is the ferry transportation to and from the parks, the location and the actual room is great. that’s literally all i can come up with it. really bad customer service.

I have lost 10 pounds since we’ve been here. You will starve to death. I am considering flying home two days early. About 65% of the staff have been great, but the others act like they are miserable. This is the furthest thing from hospitality you could imagine. I have been to jail before and it wasn’t this bad. If you want to lose weight quick and want to feel like a second-class citizen, stay here.

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