Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Jan 16, 2022

6 min read

An Epcot Area Resort

Disney’s Yacht Club is a deluxe resort, which is located in one of the most prime locations of any Walt Disney World resort. You will be within walking distance to, not only one, but, TWO of the parks. You will also be within walking distance to the Boardwalk, and one of Disney’s miniature golf courses (Fantasia Gadens). Being so close to two of the major theme parks is a huge convenience, especially if you do not have a car. It also just makes you feel that much closer to “the magic.” Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Boardwalk Inn, and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts are also located in this area.

The Yacht and Beach Club are commonly thought of as one resort, but they are actually sister resorts! They have two separate lobby’s, a different theme and atmosphere, and some unique amnesties, but they also share a lot between the two of them. This means that a lot of the information presented here can apply to both resorts, but we are going to focus on the Yacht Club. Let’s explore what makes Disney’s Yacht Club Resort unique.

The Basics

The Yacht club is a New England and nautical themed resort. It has five stories. The resort contains 635 rooms, and 21 suites. The three room types are standard view, garden or woods view, and water view. The water view would be facing Crescent Lake. Each room has full size balcony (which isn’t the case at it’s sister resort). The 21 suites are all two bedroom suites with two kind beds, a queen-size sleeper sofa, and a view of either Crescent Lake or Storm along Bay (the pool area). There are also Club Level rooms available, as with most of Disney’s deluxe resorts.

In general, this resort feels a little more adult oriented and formal than it’s sister resort. The lobby is usually a little quieter, and it’s not as bright as the Beach Club’s lobby. Yacht Club also contains a high end table service restaurant that has a minimum dress code requirement. This does not mean that kids wouldn’t enjoy staying at this resort. On the contrary, it can still be very popular with kids, as guests have access to (arguably) the best resort pool on property!

Shopping and Dining

The Yacht Club contains two sit down restaurants with lounges next to both of them for drinks and snacks. There is also a counter service restaurant located inside/next to the gift shop. The gift shop, called The Market at Ale and Compass, is a little smaller than many other Disney resorts. Many of the items are resort specific and are nautical themed. Anchors are a common design on the clothing, mugs, and other souvenirs found here. The shop, and some of it’s merchandise, feels a little more high end than other Disney gift shops, which is another thing that contributes to the formal atmosphere.

As for the two table service restaurants. The Ale and Compass is the more casual restaurant. Open for all three meals of the day, Disney describes this restaurant as “New England comfort food and classic seafood dishes in a coastal-inspired restaurant that’s reminiscent of a cozy lighthouse.” The other restaurant is more high end and formal. This one is called Yachtsman Steakhouse, and it serves the kind of food you would expect from a steakhouse. Despite the high cost of the main courses, this restaurant is very popular, even among locals. Because of this, reservations can be hard to come by, so make sure you are on top of it as soon as your reservation window opens up. Keep in mind that there is a minimum dress code to dine at this restaurant. According to Disney’s website, men must wear khakis, slacks, or dress shorts, and women must wear capri pants, skirts, dresses, or dress shorts. Jeans are also allowed for both men and women, but they must be in good condition.

Stormalong Bay

As mentioned earlier, the pool is shared with the Beach Club resort. Don’t worry about the extra people. The pool area is huge! It is really more like a mini water park, as it contains 3 whole acres of fun! All of the pools here have a sandy bottom (like a beach). There are open areas to swim in, areas that are a little more closed off, hot tubs, and even a lazy river! The inner tubes going around the lazy river are free to use. Just find an empty one that will be floating around, and you are good to go! Kids, and kids at heart, will love the water slide. It looks like a life-size ship wreck, and it is one of the highest water slides of any Disney resort pool! There is a small water slide behind it for the kids not yet ready for the big one. If this is all too big and exciting for you, there is also a quieter pool in the garden area of the Yacht Club.

Transportation

There is a variety of options to choose from for transportation,, which is especially convenient if you don’t have a car. First, as mentioned earlier, the most reliable form of transportation is to walk! Epcot and the Boardwalk are both very short walks, but Hollywood Studios and Fantasia Gardens (mini golf) is also within walkable distance from this resort. If you are too tired, or are unable to walk, you can also take a boat to all of these places. Fantasia Gardens would still be a walk, but you can boat over to the Swan and Dolphin to get a little closer. Another good option to get to Hollywood Studios is to walk over to international gateway (the back entrance to Epcot) and hop on the skyliner. You will have to transfer to another skyliner, but the lines go very fast, as they are constantly moving.

This Friendship Boat makes stops at Epcot, Yacht and Beach Club, Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin, and Hollywood Studios

As for Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs, you will have to take a bus to these places, if you do not have a car. The buses may not be as fun as sailing on a boat, or riding the skyliner, but they will get you to where you want to go.

Boating on Crescent Lake

As this is about the Yacht Club, not the Beach Club, there is no beach at this resort, but you can rent a “yacht,” and drive it along Crescent Lake. It is an extra charge, but if want to do something different on your vacation, boats are available to rent from this resort. The boats can fit up to 10 people. This will give you some unique views of the theme parks and natural surroundings, and it will give you a chance to explore different areas of the lake you may not see otherwise.

There is also another boating activity, just for kids. One of the Pirate Adventure Cruises takes off from the Bayside Marina. The Albatross Treasure Cruise is, specifically, for kids from 4 to 12 years of age. If you want to get rid of your kids for a little adult time, but also want them to have fun, this may be something to think about! Kids will get to hear “The Legend of the Albatross” while riding around Crescent Lake and searching for “pirate booty.” The kids are required to wear life jackets, and the cast members are well trained to watch and work with your kids.

Final Thoughts

The Yacht and Beach Club do share a lot of similarities. If one isn’t available, you can usually choose the other one without being too disappointed. In the end, the two biggest reasons people choose these resorts are, for the location, and for access to Stormalong Bay. With that being said, Disney’s Yacht Club does have some unique aspects that sets itself apart. If you are looking for a quieter, even more adult oriented, atmosphere, then you will like the Yacht Club. If you want to be guaranteed a full size balcony to relax on, and enjoy the views, then the Yacht Club is the way to go. If your first choice was the Beach Club (or even Boardwalk), and it is unavailable, the Yacht Club will not be a disappointment. Even though the atmosphere may be a little more formal and adult oriented, kids are always welcome, and they will still love it everything it has to offer!