Disney’s Yacht Club: the Complete Guide

Yacht Club


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The older sister to the Beach Club Resort, the Disney Yacht Club rests on the Crescent Lake, completing the trio of resort areas on the boardwalk area.

While the Yacht Club shares some features and amenities with the Beach Club, it is a mistake to think that they are one and the same.

Created to be slightly more upscale, the Disney Yacht Club has its own unique flavor that sets it apart from its sister.


Table of Contents


Disney’s Country Club – The Disney Yacht Club

While the architecture is generally the same, the subtle gray color sets the Yacht Club apart from the Beach Club. This shade also sets the upscale tone. The nautical theme is still present, however the focus is more on boatmen and sailing rather than the beach itself. Jewel tones match the variety of woods in the lobby and hallways, giving the Yacht Club the feel of a fancy ship rather than a beach resort. Throughout the resort, the décor emphasizes sailing and sea voyages, a more serious side to the ocean.

The Disney Yacht Club shares some facilities with the Beach Club, like access to the pools and fitness center. However, it has plenty of its own charms that are not to be ignored. You will also love taking advantage of the proximity to the boat rentals, which fits with the overall resort theme. Don’t forget to get out on the Disney BoardWalk and enjoy the sights!

The resort is comparable in size to the Beach Club (without the Villas), and is attached to one of the convention centers Disney has on site. This makes the Yacht Club an ideal local for a convention, large business meeting, or a wedding. Packages are available to create the perfect experience for a large gathering, and Disney is prepared whether it’s for work or pleasure.


A Voyage Through Time – The History of the Disney Yacht Club

Image of Crescent Lake at Disney Yacht Club
Epcot Resorts – Crescent Lake

The Disney Yacht Club was the first of the resorts to grace Crescent Lake, opening November 5, 1990, shortly before the Beach Club later that month. Robert Stern, who had a passion for replicating the vintage American vacation experience, designed both the Yacht and Beach Clubs. Eventually, Stern would go on to add the BoardWalk Inn to this resort region, rounding it out in both theme and area. Altogether, these resorts comprise the main Epcot resort area, as well as creating their own small world of a historic New England summer.

The Yacht and Beach Clubs are opposite sides of the marine coin – one focusing on the navigation of the sea while the other fun times at the beach. Both are full of the Disney magic we know and love!  


Anchor’s Away! Disney Yacht Club Resort Amenities

Rooms & Suites

Accommodations & Benefits

At the Disney Yacht Club, you’ll find plenty to choose from when it comes to the room selection. Decide between a water, garden, or standard view depending on your preference. Additionally, for a bit more, you can book some of these offerings with Club Level perks. The Yacht Club also has two-bedroom suites if you need something with just a bit more space.

Standard rooms and suites all have the same basic amenities:

  • Hairdryer
  • Internet – Free WiFi Service
  • Soaker Tub
  • Telephone with voicemail
  • Coffee Maker
  • Iron & Ironing Board
  • In-Room Safe
  • Mini-refrigerator

Such conveniences are typical of a Disney resort stay, making it easy to settle in and feel at home.

At the Club Level, you can take advantage of these extra benefits:

  • Evening turndown
  • Secured key access to the club-level lounge, serving refreshments 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
  • Access to Concierge service at the Regatta Club
  • Complimentary health club access
  • Personalized Front Desk and Guest Services

These can be particularly nice, especially if you are planning to hang out at the resort throughout your trip. That extra breakfast option doesn’t hurt either!

Room Layouts

In the standard rooms, regardless of view, you could find a number of configurations. Options include two queen beds, two queen beds and a day bed, one queen bed and a twin-size sleeper chair plus a day bed, one king bed, or one king bed and a day bed. What is great about having so many options is you can take into account the type and size of your party. From there, choose the room that best fits your needs.

Standard rooms are “all in one,” meaning the bedroom and living areas are in the same space. With that in mind, take the time to determine what fits your needs. Just traveling as a couple? Spring for the king bed rather than dealing with the extra space of the extra queen. Only have one child? The single bed and day bed would be better for you. Two kids? How much is it worth to you to give them their own places to sleep?

Two bedroom suites have a king bed in one room and two queen beds in the other. Additionally, there is a queen-sized sleeper sofa if you need just a little more space. This is a great way to get your whole party into one room while still providing privacy to everyone. Multiple bedrooms and a living area also means multiple TVs, which can be a godsend when traveling with kids (or the in-laws). We suggest piling all the kids in your group into the room with the queens, leaving the adults to the privacy of their own areas.

Pools

Stormalong Bay

Stormalong Bay is like a miniature water park, complete with a 230-foot water slide, lazy river, and whirlpool section. Oh, did I mention that the slide is shaped like a shipwreck? It’s so cool, and a great spot to snap a photo!

In addition to the amazing pool spaces, there’s actual sand at the bottom of the pool to make it feel like you’re really on the shore! A shallow section of the pool also holds a bit of extra sand for kids to play and build. This is great for your kiddos who don’t really want to get all the way in the pool, but want to join in the fun. Feel free to bring your own buckets and sand toys! Stormalong Bay is heated year-round, so no need to worry that it will feel like the ocean. Even the hot tubs are like their own personal oases, hidden throughout the pool complex like natural hot springs.

If you want to secure yourself a spot at this popular pool, you can rent a poolside cabana. Splurge a little on the extra privacy and comfort! These cabanas have their own padded furniture, television, resort phone, plush towels, and a mini-fridge stocked with complimentary soda and water. You also have access to a small safe for personal belongings you may not want to leave sitting out. While the cabana doesn’t come with food, you can order food to the cabana for an extra charge.

Know Before You Go

Stormalong Bay, sadly, is one of the worst kept secrets on Disney property. It is one of the most popular pools at Disney World, and can get crowded quickly. Part of the reason for this is that Stormalong Bay is shared between the Yacht and Beach Clubs. While Stormalong Bay certainly is big enough to accommodate both resorts, guests tend to hang around the pool for a while. Some guests even spend the whole day (or multiple days) at this inland beach. Moral of the story – if you want to go to Stormalong Bay, make sure you get there early. Or rent a cabana.

Also, make sure you have your MagicBand or phone readily available when headed to the Bay. You will need it to both get into the pool are and prove that you are a Yacht Club guest. This pool is so beloved that guests from other resorts try to sneak in. Especially during peak seasons, Cast Members may ask to scan your MagicBand to be sure you are actually staying at the Beach Club. Please don’t be offended if this happens to you – the Cast Members are just doing their jobs, and it is really to your benefit. It keeps other guests from taking your space!

Leisure Pools

Swimming pool at Disney Yacht Club
Image: Grace Hoyos

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter to relax, you might want to try one of the three leisure pools. The Yacht and Beach Clubs each have their own, and the Beach Club Villas have one as well. While each pool is designed to serve the guests in those areas, all the pools at both the Yacht and Beach Clubs (including the Villas) are open to all Yacht and Beach Club guests.

Ship Shape – Massage, Spa, Salon, and Fitness

If you’re looking for a place to spoil yourself, or just get a good work out, you want Ship Shape. A massage, salon, and fitness center, it covers all your physical needs. Located at the Yacht Club, but available to all guests, Ship Shape is a great way to keep up with your workout routine while you’re on vacation. You can use the fitness center at any time of day or night, just use your MagicBand to swipe yourself in.

You should also make time for the incredible spa services, including massages and facials. Get a little “me” time with a Swedish massage for yourself, or indulge in a romantic massage for two. Add a reflexology foot massage, aromatherapy, or extra time to any massage appointment for a bit extra.

Right next store to the spa, you can find the salon. Haircuts and other treatments are available for men, women, and children. They even have a special session designed just for the kids to make them look like a Disney character! The salon also offers a wide variety of nail services, whether you need a touch up or want to get your nails done for a special night out.

If you are planning to use either the spa or salon, you’ll need to book in advance. Call (407) 939-7727 for spa appointments and (407) 939-4526 for the salon. Only guests 18 and older can book the appointments, although younger guests can absolutely use the facilities (while accompanied by an adult). Please note, if your plans change, you need to call to cancel within six hours of your appointment window to avoid paying for the full price of your service.

Parking

Those that choose to travel with their own transportation, do have to pay the overnight parking fee for each night of your stay. At the Yacht Club, the fee is $25 a night or $33 for valet. The parking charge goes on the bill at the end of your vacation, so you don’t have to worry about paying it every day.

A major benefit to paying this fee is that you don’t have to also pay to park at the theme parks, which can save you both time and money. There’s something nice about having your own car versus waiting on Disney transportation, so don’t fret about bringing your own car. Growing up, that’s what we always did, and the benefits definitely outweigh the spending.


Sports and Recreation at the Disney Yacht Club

The Disney Yacht Club shares many of its facilities with the Beach Club, and that includes its recreation offerings. While that does mean double the guests trying to do the same activities, there’s enough offered that you won’t feel overcrowded!

I also suggest trying some of the fun surrounding the Yacht Club – there’s lots to see and do over on the BoardWalk side, as well as over by the Swan & Dolphin resorts. All of these areas are a quick walk or boat ride away, so you don’t have to worry about transportation.

Pirate Adventure Cruise

For the kids in your group, consider booking a Pirate Cruise! With the massive rise in popularity of the Disney pirate characters, these lake cruises are perfect for little adventurers.

Kiddos ages 4-12 can join a pirate crew and set sail across Crescent Lake and Epcot park’s World Showcase Lagoon. Departing from the Bayside Marina, right next to the Yacht Club, your little sailors will hear the tale “The Legend of the Albatross” while they follow clues to find a hidden treasure. At the end of the trip, the triumphant buccaneers will split the pirate bounty and enjoy a feast (snack) together!

If you’ve booked yourself something at the spa or the salon, this is a great way for your kids to be entertained and try something new, enabling you to relax and enjoy your treatment. If you have littler ones, we suggest that you make sure they are accompanied by an older child from your party.

Evening Activities

Why let the fun end when the sun goes down? Like many other resorts, the Disney Yacht Club has fun family-focused activities in the evening to help you wind down your day. Enjoy roasting marshmallows over a campfire before watching a movie under the stars!

Located on a lawn outdoors near the Beach Club volleyball courts, you’ll find Cast Members waiting for you with the materials for your delicious snack before showing a family-friendly Disney film. Sometimes the film is shown in the Solarium depending on the weather.

Traditional Sports

Want to get out and enjoy the sunshine? The Yacht Club makes available plenty of more traditional sports opportunities for all the active members of your group.

Fun for the whole family, rent a surrey bike, clattering along and ringing your bell all along the boardwalk. Enjoy a round of tennis or the jogging trails for some light exercise. Runners will also love just taking a few laps around the boardwalk, as it connects the main Epcot resort areas. This is a great way to get moving in the morning, without having to travel particularly far. If you’re up early enough, you’ll get some fantastic pictures of the BoardWalk, Yacht Club, and Beach Club!

Right by the Tidal Pool, there are a few beach volleyball courts if you’re looking for a friendly game. These are first come, first serve (no pun intended).  

You can even go on a guided bass-fishing excursion if you’re dying to get out on the water. Head out onto Crescent Lake, and see what’s biting!

Boat Rentals

Even if you’re not a big fisherman, you can rent motorized boats of various sizes to go out and enjoy Crescent Lake. Speed around the lake in the Sea Raycers, explore the sights in the slightly larger Boston Whaler, or take the whole family on a slow and smooth pontoon ride.

The Sea Racyers are particularly great, as they are light and fast. Built for two passengers, you’ll have a blast racing your family members…just be careful of other boats! Before I could even drive I car, I was able to captain a Sea Racyer, and I loved every minute!


Transportation Options

For airline guests, the best option is Disney’s Magical Express (at least until they finish building the train!). On my most recent trip, I remembered all over again why I love this free service. It’s so nice just to get off the plane, grab your bags, and head straight down to the motor coach. Disney did just recently release that Magical Express will end in 2022, so if you’re travelling any time soon, use it before it’s gone!

Disney Magical Express bus
Not a Magic Carpet…But Close Enough!

Like all Disney resorts, the Yacht Club also uses the Disney bus transportation, taking guests from the resort to the parks and Disney Springs. The busses won’t directly take you to other resorts, but if you head to Disney Springs you can catch a bus to a different resort. You’ll find the Yacht Club bus stop right outside the main lobby and car loop to the left. This is the only bus stop for the Yacht Club, so if your room is a bit further away you might want to account for the walking time when you’re headed to the bus. While the Yacht and Beach Club each have their own bus stop at the resort, they will take the same bus from the parks, so make sure you’re getting off at the right place.

Of course, the Yacht Club is so close to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios that it might just be faster to walk. In fact, if you’re trying to do anything other than walk to Epcot, you’re going to end up costing yourself time! In terms of the Studios, it can be a bit of a hike, so there are a few other options you might want to take.

Since the Yacht Club is on the water, you have access to Disney’s water transportation. These boats are a fun and relaxing option, particularly if you have the time just to enjoy the ride.

There are several stops along the boardwalk ring, making it easy to cross the lake if you don’t want to walk. This boat will take you on to Epcot as well, but again walking is the most direct route. You can also take a water taxi over to the Swan and Dolphin then to Hollywood Studios. This transportation option does move at a more leisurely pace, so if you’re in a hurry you might want to choose something else. Otherwise, skip the bus and board a boat!

Yacht Club guests have easy access to the newest travel method, the Disney Skyliners. A Disney Skyliner station is right at the International Gateway to Epcot, which is the back entrance of the park. Scooch on over from the resort and you’ll be off through the air! This is a great way to get to Hollywood Studios or to the other resorts on the line – Riviera Resort and Caribbean Beach.


Resort Location

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is part of the Epcot Resort area. When getting off of Florida’s I-4, you’ll want to exit on to Epcot Center Drive before turning on to East Buena Vista Drive. The resort will be on the right, past the BoardWalk resort. Make sure you don’t turn into the Beach Club by mistake!

While you can trust your GPS to take you there, it might be worth looking at the map ahead of time. Occasionally, the GPS will take you to the incorrect entrance.

Resort Address:

1700 Epcot Resorts Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8407


Contact Information

Get ready to feel like the captain of your own nautical adventure at the Disney Yacht Club!

For questions regarding booking or and existing reservation, call (407) 939-5277 to speak to a cast member. If for some reason you need to contact the resort directly, call (407) 934-7000.


Grace Hoyos, Staff Writer

Grace is a life-long lover of all things Disney, particularly the parks at Walt Disney World. She is also an avid Disney Cruise Line enthusiast who regularly dreams of the white sands of Castaway Cay. Grace loves the fact that her Disney trips give her time to spend with her family, enjoy incredible food, and try new experiences.



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