Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

On our most recent visit to Walt Disney World, we did a split stay and ended at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. The sister property of Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort evokes all of the charm of a New England lakeside hotel. To drive home the point, the nautical touches are ubiquitous, but in the most exquisite way.

This is one of my favorite deluxe resorts on Disney property because of the beautifully appointed rooms, fantastic location (easy walking and/or boat access to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT), Stormalong Bay – it’s beachside waterpark, access to multiple dining options including table service meals, and excellent amenities. Let’s take a look at these one by one.

Water View Room

We stayed in a Water View Room and could not be more pleased. As the teens get older, they like having more space to spread out {and away from each other}. Having a balcony and a 5th sleeper was perfect! They even got to enjoy EPCOT’s Harmonious fireworks from the balcony while the DH and I enjoyed a rare EPCOT date night.

Location

It’s all about location, location , location. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is ideally positioned between Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. As the teens get older, these are the two parks we spend the most time in. The resort is approximately a 15-minute walk to EPCOT, and a 20-minute walk to Hollywood Studios. Alternatively, you can take a short walk over to EPCOT and board the Disney Skyliner at International Gateway, with connecting transportation to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Or, hop aboard a Friendship Boat that services both parks. Any of these options is super convenient!

Stormalong Bay

In my opinion, Stormalong Bay is the best pool area on Disney property. Shared between the sister resorts, Stormalong Bay is three acres of aquatic fun! Highlights include a sandy-bottom pool, lazy river, and a life-size shipwreck replica that doubles as one of the highest hotel waterslides at Disney.

I must add that the shipwreck slide entrance is quite a distance from where you’re expelled into the pool. If you have littles, go ahead and slide with them. This is much preferred to fretting poolside when the line is particularly long.

Cabana rentals are now available at Stormalong Bay, which is a lovely addition. Ask me about booking them for your next visit!

For those moments you need to exhale, the resort also has a quiet pool far away from the boundless energy enveloping the waterpark.

Dining

There are so many incredible dining options at Disney’s Yacht Club, with a variety of table service and quick service venues. It was easy for us to get a same day reservation for Ale & Compass. After a full park day, it was nice not having to venture far to get to our room after dinner.

Table Service Meals: Ale & Compass (more on this in a subsequent post), Yachtman’s Steakhouse

Quick Service: The Market at Ale & Compass, Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar & Grill (located at Stormalong Bay; shared by Disney’s Beach Club)

Extras: Ale & Compass Lounge, Crew’s Cup Lounge

Because sister property Disney’s Beach Club is just next door, it’s not unreasonable to include their dining options as well. They are:

Table Service: Cape May Café (please note that character dining has not yet returned)

Quick Service: Beach Club Marketplace

Extras: Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, Martha’s Vineyard Lounge,

Amenities

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not leaving enough time in their itinerary to enjoy their resort. There is a sandy beach area on Crescent Lake for sunbathing. And Movies Under the Stars is always a special treat!

Beyond the pool, my top recommendation is a motorized boat rental from Bayside Marina. A Sun Tracker Pontoon boat rental is super affordable, and an excellent way to enjoy the EPCOT fireworks.

Christmas at Disney’s Yacht Club

The resort is extra magical at Christmastime! Here are a few photos from our 2018 visit.

Be sure to check our the gingerbread carousel at Disney’s Beach Club next door!

The Boardwalk

Just across Crescent Lake is The Boardwalk – a quarter-mile promenade featuring dining, unique shops, and vibrant nightlife. This is another excellent option for dining…or dessert. My favorite stops include Boardwalk Ice Cream (excellent substitution if you cannot get a reservation at Beaches & Cream), and Boardwalk Bakery. Can you tell I have a sweet tooth?

Surrey bike rentals are available and can accommodate parties of 4.

I could not love Disney’s Yacht Club Resort more and I hope you can see why. Check back soon for my review of Ale & Compass Restaurant and Lounge.

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival / Disney’s Yacht Club Resort / Ale & Compass Restaurant and Lounge