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Longing for white sands, sunny beaches, and relaxing cape getaways? Then you’ll find yourself right at home at Disney’s Beach Club Resort!
Designed with a vintage seaside cottage feel, the Beach and Yacht Club resorts nestle in along their own private beaches.
Right across Crescent Lake is Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, completing the picture of a beach vacation.
The literal boardwalk circles along the Beach Club, connecting the resort areas of the BoardWalk, Beach Club, and Yacht Club.
This quaint hub feels like a vintage vacation, and will become one of your favorite places at Walt Disney World.
Explore Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Table of Contents
- Resort Snapshot
- History
- Disney’s Vacation Club Villas
- Resort Amenities
- Sports and Recreation
- Transportation
- Resort Location
- Contact Information
A Seaside Escape – Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort is one of my absolute favorite places to stay and visit when in Disney World. Filled with the charm and joy of a seaside vacation, easygoing atmosphere will make you fall in love too.
Part of the deluxe tier of Disney resorts, there is an undeniable air of luxury as you explore the resort. The décor has an upscale Victorian air, from the light beach-inspired color palette to the intricate architectural design. Much like when you enter the Grand Floridian, the Beach Club just feels fancy. However, don’t let that feeling fool you, there’s plenty of fun to be had!
Enjoy a refreshing dip in Stormalong Bay, one of the largest (and best) pool complexes on Disney property. Delight in hand-dipped ice cream or gelato, or grab a snack from one of the excellent counter service locations. Take a stroll on the boardwalk or along the beach, appreciating the sights or simply relaxing with your family. Not to mention the incredible photo opportunities, from the full view of the BoardWalk resort to the adorable lighthouse pier.
Furthermore, by far one of the best aspects of the resort is its location. Not only is the resort right next to the Yacht Club and across the lake from the BoardWalk, but you are within easy travel distance from Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Walk right up the boardwalk to enter the back entrance to Epcot, straight into the World Showcase. You can also walk to the Studios, or ride in style on the Disney Skyliner. Either way, you’ll love the easy access to these parks!
History
Opening November 19, 1990, Disney’s Beach Club Resort joined its sister resort the Yacht Club to form the quaint seaside village we know and love. Designed by architect Robert Stern, the goal with these resorts (and eventually the BoardWalk) was to create the feeling of vacations gone by, different from the typical resort. In a sense, an upscale vacation experience with all the magic of Walt Disney World!
While both resorts have that coastal vibe, the Yacht Club is more refined, with the Beach Club as its relaxed counterpart. Think country club boatmen versus family vacationers – it’s that sort of difference. Even though there have been some changes and improvements over the years, these resorts have largely remained untouched. That allows them to hang on to both their historical essence and the nostalgia of a beloved Disney resort.
Disney’s Vacation Club Villas – Welcome Home!
In 2002, part of the Beach Club resort was converted to Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Villas. This was the fourth resort to open DVC offerings, expanding the DVC network. With its own pool, DVC room amenities, and gorgeous mint green décor, you’ll settle in to your “beach home” in no time. If you own (or like to rent) DVC points, the Beach Club Villas are a great option. Particularly if you want to head to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, or both, you can’t beat this location.
The villas share amenities with the rest of the resort, including access to Stormalong Bay, while also having a pool and other areas of their own.
We are huge fans of DVC accommodations, so if extra space and upgrade perks are up your alley, then this is the place for you!
Resort Amenities
Rooms
Resort Accommodations
At the Disney Beach Club Resort, you’ll find plenty to choose from when it comes to the room selection. In the main resort alone, there are standard rooms (subcategorized by view), deluxe rooms, and suites. Additionally, for a bit more, you can book some of these offerings with Club Level perks.
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 Stone Harbor 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 queens beds and a day bed, two queen beds, one king bed, or one king bed and a day bed. What is ideal about these options is when you are booking, you can take into account the type and size of your party and choose the one that is right for you. As the standard rooms are “all in one,” with the bedroom and living areas being the same, 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.
Deluxe rooms are slightly larger than the standard, typically containing two queen beds and one queen-sized sleeper sofa. The views in these rooms can vary as well. The major benefit to a deluxe room would be the extra space and room for one more sleeper. If you’re comfortable jamming six adults into one room, this would give you the space you need without having to pay the addition cost for a suite.
Disney Beach Club also has one and two bedroom suites, as well as two “presidential” level suites, great for larger families or multiple groups.
One bedroom suites have one king bed and a queen sleeper, separated by a set of double doors. This is particularly nice if you are traveling with another couple or with kids, as the separation allows for more privacy. The spacious bathroom easily would accommodate everyone in your party!
Two bedroom suites have a king bed in one room and two queen beds in the other. Additionally, there is a day bed available should you need to sleep a seventh person. Again, 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).
Presidential Suites
Disney Beach Club Resort has two top-tier suite options – the Nantucket VP Suite and the Newport Presidential Suite. Both are automatically Club Level, and cost top dollar, but if you’re willing to indulge you’re going to be blown away!
The Nantucket VP Suite is perfect for couples, as it only has a king bed and is advertised for two adults. Cozy and romantic, the Nantucket suite is ideal for a honeymoon or private getaway. The suite opens onto a spacious living room with eating nook, which helps to separate the room’s areas for different purposes. In the living room, there’s even a small bar to get the party going right away! From there, enjoy the comforts of a spacious master bedroom and gorgeous bathroom, along with an extra half bath.
Meanwhile, the Newport Presidential Suite is the one you want if you’re booking for a large group. The key word to this suite is spacious. From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel more like you’re in an apartment rather than a hotel room. Enjoy the fireplace in the living room in the cooler months, or spread out with your family on the couches. A massive dining table seats ten, making it easy to accommodate a large party. Not to mention a bit of space to shimmy in a highchair here and there as needed. Mix your own drinks at the bar area connected to the dining space.
You’ll find a king bed in the open and airy master bedroom, with a gorgeous ensuite bathroom. In the second bedroom are two queen beds, perfect for housing the kids in your group all in one space. This bedroom also has a “sitting room” space, which has a daybed, and an attached bath as well. Overall, this is a great option if you need a little extra space and want a nice place to hang out on your non-park days.
Villas
At the Beach Club Villas, you see a shift from the typical hotel-style resort rooms to vacation condos. It’s this difference that make Disney Vacation Club (DVC) worth every penny!
Studios all have the following amenities:
- Toaster
- Internet – Free WiFi Service
- Microwave
- Telephone with voicemail
- High Chair
- Iron & Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Mini-refrigerator
- Soaker Tub
- Flat-Panel TV
- DVD Player
- Coffee Maker
- In-Room Safe
Villas have all the same features, with the added bonus of an in-room washer and dryer, soaker tub, and full kitchen.
The major benefit to staying in a villa, or even a studio, is the “home” amenities. Trust me, once you’ve had the ability to make your own food in your room, it will be a game changer. I’ve even brought leftovers back to a one bedroom villa and had them for lunch the next day! For many staying on Disney property, this is unheard of, but staying in DVC accommodations makes all the difference.
Deluxe studios include a queen bed, a queen sleeper sofa, and a single pull down bed. For a smaller family, especially with kids, this is a great option. Particularly if you’re spending most of your time out of the room, a studio can be a great choice as a less expensive price.
One bedroom villas have one king bed in the bedroom with a sleeper sofa out in the living area. The two bedroom as a similar layout, with the addition of two queen beds in the second bedroom. Both bedrooms have their own bathroom space, and each bathroom also has a door to the main living area. This is particularly nice if you have people sleeping on the pull-out. That way, they won’t have to go through the bedrooms to get to the bathroom.
During our most recent trip to Saratoga Springs, we stayed in a one bedroom villa instead of a studio. Unless we’re there for a short trip, I don’t think we’ll go back to a studio!
Pools
Stormalong Bay
Without a doubt, this is one of the best resort pools in all of Disney World! I’ve been in love with this pool since the first time I stayed at the Beach Club, and have wanted to go back ever since. Stormalong Bay is like a miniature water park, complete with a 230-foot water slide, lazy river, and whirlpool section.
Not enough? Get this, actual sand lines the bottom of the pool to make it feel like you’re really at the beach! A shallow section of the pool also holds a bit of extra sand for kids to play and build. Don’t worry, it doesn’t feel like the ocean, Stormalong Bay is heated year-round. Even the hot tubs are like their own personal oasis, tucked into different areas throughout the pool complex.
Looking to pamper yourself even further? You can rent a poolside cabana to indulge in extra privacy and comfort. 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.
However, I’m not the only one who loves Stormalong Bay. 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. Stormalong Bay certainly is big enough to accommodate both resorts, guests tend to hang around the pool for a while. Moral of the story – if you want to go to Stormalong Bay, make sure you get there early. Or rent a cabana.
Oh, and make sure you have your MagicBand or phone readily available, because you will need it to both get into the pool and prove that you are a resort guest. This pool is so popular, 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
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 pamper yourself or get a good work out, you want Ship Shape, the massage, salon, and fitness center. 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 can also take advantage of 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. Get any haircut or treatment you can imagine, for women, men, and kids. They even have a special session designed just for your young Mousketeers to make them look like a Disney character of their choosing! 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
Driving yourself? Those that choose to travel with their own transportation, will have an overnight parking fee each night of your stay. At the Beach 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 benefit to paying this fee is that you don’t have to also pay to park at the theme parks. This can save you both time and money as you can skip the bus and not pay to park. I’m not going to lie, there’s something nice about having your own car versus waiting on Disney transportation, so don’t fret about bringing your own car.
If you are a DVC member (not just renting DVC points) you are exempt from the parking fee.
Sports and Recreation
I often get asked the question “What is there to do other than going to the parks?” My response always is “Everything else!”
There’s no shortage of non-theme park activities, both at the resort and around Walt Disney World, that you never need to worry about being bored.
Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Mini-Golf
Not far from the resort is Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf, one of the two mini-golf locations at Walt Disney World. While this isn’t right on Beach Club property, you can catch a boat over to the Swan and Dolphin and then walk, snag a bus, or use a ride share.
Mini-golf is a great way to spend the evening, particularly after a large meal, and is fun for the whole family. I personally don’t feel like my Disney trips are complete without at least one round!
This particular course has two options, Fantasia Gardens and the Fairways.
Fantasia Gardens is more of the traditional, themed mini-golf course. Enjoy the colorful and exciting course based on the Disney film Fantasia, featuring the music from the movie as well as the beloved characters. Be careful, there are more than a few fountains on this course that just might get you!
For lovers of traditional golf, the Fairways course is designed like a miniature version of a standard course, complete with hazards (so a literal miniature gold course!). If you have older members in your party, or just want to avoid the crowds of the Fantasia course, this would be a great option!
Pirate Adventure Cruise
Do you have any lovers of pirates among your kiddos? Consider booking them a Pirate Adventure Cruise!
Sailing out of the Bayside Marina, guests ages 4-12 can join a pirate crew and set sail across Crescent Lake and Epcot park’s World Showcase Lagoon. Your little sailors will hear the tale “The Legend of the Albatross” while they search for hidden treasure. At the end of the excursion, the successful crew will split the pirate bounty and enjoy a feast (snack) together!
Especially if you have a booking at the spa or the salon, this is a great way for your kids to be entertained and try something new. If you have littler ones, we suggest that you make sure they are accompanied by an older child from your party.
Evening Activities
Looking for a fun and low-key activity to end your day? Try roasting marshmallows over a campfire before watching a movie under the stars!
Located on a lawn outdoors near the volleyball courts, you’ll find Cast Members waiting for you with the materials for your delicious snack before showing a family-friendly Disney film. You and your family can snuggle up outside right by the Boat Rentals, or in the Solarium depending on the weather.
This is a great way to wind down for the evening before heading back to your room for the night. Especially if you don’t have to get up early for a park the next day, you have to give this a try!
Traditional Sports
Like many of the Disney resorts, the Beach Club makes available plenty of more traditional sports opportunities.
You can rent surrey bikes for a ride for the whole family, clacking and ringing your bell all along the boardwalk. Enjoy tennis or the jogging trails if you need to get out of the hotel room or if you want to get your exercise. As the boardwalk joins all the Epcot resort areas, you could just run the loop around Crescent Lake in the morning for a smooth and consistent route. 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 into fishing, you can rent motorized boats of various sizes to cruise around the lake. Zip around in the Sea Raycers, explore 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 speedy. Built for two passengers, have a blast racing your family members around the lake. Just be careful of other crafts! As the drivers only have to be 12 years old, I have plenty of fantastic memories of skootching around with my sister, way before I could even drive a car!
Transportation Options
For those guests flying in and out of Orlando International Airport, the best option is Disney’s Magical Express (at least until they finish building the train!). This free service will relieve much of the hassle of beginning and ending your vacation, so you’ll want to take advantage of it! On our most recent trip, I was amazed all over again how using Disney’s Magical Express took the stress out of that leg of our journey. If I’m flying, I’m using it!
The Beach Club is also serviced by 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. The Yacht and Beach Club each have their own bus stop, but will take the same bus, so make sure you’re getting off at the right place. Disney Beach Club Villas use the Beach Club stop.
Of course, the Beach 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!
As the Beach Club is on the water, you also 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. 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!
Beach Club guests also have easy access to the newest travel method – Disney Skyliners. A Disney Skyliner station is located at the International Gateway to Epcot, the back entrance of the park. Just a quick walk from the resort and you’ll be off in a gondola! 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 Beach Club Resort is part of the Epcot Resort area, right in the backyard of the park (pretty much literally, you can see Canada and France from some of the upper floors). 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.
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:
1800 Epcot Resorts Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8443
Contact Information
What could be better than a Disney vacation at your own mini-beach paradise? Nothing! (Ok, except maybe a Disney Cruise, but that’s another story). Head over to Disney’s website and start the process now! 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) 934-8000.
Get ready to soak up the sun at Disney’s Beach Club Resort!
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.