Disney’s Yacht Club or Beach Club?
Ah, the age-old dilemma of the discerning Disney traveler: Yacht Club or Beach Club? They're like fraternal twins—similar DNA, slightly different vibes, both with great hair. As someone who spends a fair amount of time making pros and cons lists and loves a good balance of fun and quiet, I’m here to walk you through making the big decision between Yacht and Beach Club.
Let’s set the scene. You’re heading to Walt Disney World. You’ve narrowed it down to the EPCOT resort area—smart move. Now, you're eyeing the classy, nautical Yacht Club and its breezy, beachy sibling, the Beach Club. They share a pool (and not just any pool—Stormalong Bay is more like a mini water park), they share a few restaurants, and they even share a walkway to EPCOT. But they are not the same.
Yacht Club Vibes: Structured Serenity The Yacht Club is like the introvert of the two—put-together, quiet, maybe sipping an iced coffee and journaling on the balcony. The interiors are crisp and classic, with navy tones and polished wood. It has a more refined feel and leans slightly more adult. If you’re the kind of person who finds calm in structure (and let’s be real, some of us need our emotional support itinerary), Yacht Club might be your place.
The bonus? It’s home to the convention center, which means fewer families and a bit more quiet. Also: it's the only one of the two that allows dogs. So, if your mental health support animal has four paws and a love for plush bedding, Yacht Club wins a few points.
Downside to Yacht Club: You can walk pretty far to get to your room. Since it does have a convention center, it holds a lot of people. That being said, the walk to your room can take you a few extra minutes than Beach Club.
Beach Club Vibes: Casual Comfort Beach Club, on the other hand, is the extroverted sibling who’s always ready to go for a bike ride or eat ice cream before dinner. It’s lighter, brighter, and more relaxed. The pastel tones and beachy decor are charming and cheerful without being over-the-top. It’s ideal if your version of peace involves easy laughter and sunshine, and maybe a little less predictability.
Families tend to gravitate toward the Beach Club, so it can be more energetic. But if your inner child thrives in that kind of joy—or if your actual children do—it’s a happy place to be. And for food lovers, let’s not forget: Beach Club is home to Beaches & Cream, a retro diner that serves up legendary sundaes. Because sometimes, a No Way Jose is the therapy we didn’t know we needed.
What They Share
Stormalong Bay: Arguably the best pool on Disney property. Lazy river, sand-bottom pool, and a shipwreck waterslide. This is not your average hotel pool. This is your stress-relief strategy in liquid form.
Walkability: Both are a short stroll to EPCOT’s International Gateway. Hello, World Showcase evenings.
Friendship Boats: Whether you choose to walk or cruise, the location is dreamy.
Club Level Options: Both offer Club Level for that extra touch of ease and service. It’s like the grown-up version of a Disney dining plan—with snacks, wine, and concierge smiles.
So, Which One? If you like your vacations with a side of sophistication and stillness, Yacht Club might feel more aligned with your soul. If you crave whimsy, warmth, and the freedom to kick off your shoes and dance to BoardWalk music, Beach Club might be your match.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong. Both offer deluxe convenience, thoughtful touches, and a hop, skip and jump away from Epcot.
Choose the one that feels like a breath of fresh air. That’s your resort.
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With joy and pixie dust, Sarah
