On-Site Magical Disney Stays: Yacht Club
- paigelandrum
- Apr 8
- 6 min read
Contributed by:
Kelly Westbrook, A Mouse and a Beach Travel Advisor
When planning a Disney vacation, choosing the right resort can make all the difference. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a wonderful option for families, couples, and those looking for a peaceful yet fun-filled retreat. My family had the pleasure of staying at Yacht Club a few summers ago, and we still consider it for future Disney trips. Here’s why:
Resort Theming:
Yacht Club is themed as a grand New England-style resort. Once you walk into the lobby, you will feel relaxed by the water views, calm theming, and plush lobby with nautical touches. Also, the smell that they use to welcome you in makes it feel like home every time you return.
Room Types:
Being a Deluxe Resort means the standard hotel rooms are more spacious than what you find at Value or Moderate Resorts. The room sizes allow for more room to spread out, especially for families with little ones (I’m looking at you, stroller families) or those staying longer. Plus, being a Deluxe Resort, the amenities and service are top-notch, giving you an elevated Disney experience - my personal favorite is the Extended Evening Hours on select nights at select parks! Disney’s Yacht Club Resort has multiple room options. Both Standard and Club Level options are available.
Resort View and Water View - Sleeps 5 adults
With a classic and refreshing design, these rooms are available in 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Bed options. Some rooms have a Day Bed too! We love the day bed option so families and groups of 5 can stay here with ease!
Rooms and Suites with Club Level Service - Sleeps 4 adults in Resort and Water View, Sleeps 6-8 adults in Suites
In the same classic theming as the resort view and water view above, both traditional room options and limited suite options are available in Club Level at Yacht Club. Club Level includes access to a lounge with light breakfast, lunch, and dinner time offers and drinks at the Regatta Club all throughout the day. There is also a concierge service for all those who have access to Club Level. The problem with Club Level is once you’ve tried it, it will be hard to go back to a standard room type!
Resort Facts: Dining Options, Transportation
Dining:
When it comes to dining, Yacht Club offers a variety of options that cater to different tastes and moods, making it easy to satisfy everyone in your group. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual bite, a sit-down meal, or even a quick snack, you’ll find something to love here.
Yachtsman Steakhouse is the flagship dining experience at Yacht Club, offering a fine dining atmosphere with a focus on premium cuts of beef. If you’re a fan of steak, this is the place to indulge. With its warm, nautical ambiance and impeccable service, Yachtsman Steakhouse is perfect for a special dinner. It’s a great choice for couples looking for a more refined dining experience or families who enjoy a sit-down meal.
Ale & Compass Restaurant also offers a relaxed table-service dining experience, with a focus on American cuisine and craft beers—a nice spot to unwind after a day at the parks. If you like truffle fries, we definitely recommend trying them here.
If you’re looking for quick dining options, the Market at Ale & Compass serves up a variety of grab-and-go meals, including sandwiches, salads, and freshly made pastries. It's perfect for a quick breakfast or snack before heading to the parks.
If you’re in the mood for something casual and social, Crew’s Cup Lounge provides a cozy spot for drinks and light bites. It’s a great place to relax with a cocktail, enjoy a snack, and even watch a game on TV in a more laid-back setting. With its relaxed vibe and extensive drink menu, Crew's Cup Lounge is ideal for adults or anyone wanting to unwind in a quieter spot.
Lastly, Yacht Club shares amenities with Beach Club. This means all of the dining options at Beach Club are easily accessible leaving plenty of choices on where to eat.
A Pool Like No Other: Stormalong Bay
First and foremost, the pool at Yacht Club is the standout feature of the resort. Stormalong Bay is a massive, shared pool between Yacht Club and Beach Club that will make you feel like you’re at a water park rather than a resort pool. If you’ve never seen it before, you’re in for a treat. Stormalong Bay is a sprawling 3-acre pool area, complete with a sandy-bottom section, water slides, a lazy river, and plenty of room to relax.
One of the main draws of this pool is the waterslide, which is the highest at any Walt Disney World Resort—standing at a towering 230 feet! But, if slides aren’t your thing, the lazy river with inner tubes offers a relaxing way to float your cares away. For families with younger children, the gentle sloping sandy beach and shallow pool area provide a safe and fun environment for the little ones to enjoy.
There’s more! The pool area offers daily trivia, relays, and games, so there’s never a dull moment. It’s easy to imagine spending an entire day just hanging out here. We certainly did!
Grab lunch, late night snack, or a drink while spending time at the pool from Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill.
(Note: From January 2025 to June 2025 Stormalong Bay will be closed for routine maintenance. If you are staying during the closure, there are 3 other leisure pools between the Beach Club and Yacht Club to explore.)
Transportation: (Location, Location, Location!)
One of the reasons we keep coming back to Yacht Club is its unbeatable location. Nestled along Crescent Lake, Yacht Club is just steps away from Beach Club and Boardwalk Inn, meaning you have access to even more dining and entertainment options right at your doorstep. Not only that, but the International Gateway entrance to Epcot is within walking distance—no buses, no hassle! Plus, if you want to visit Hollywood Studios, the boat transportation is a short, scenic ride away or hop on the Skyliner for a longer loop around to Hollywood Studios. If you enjoy walking, you can easily walk to Hollywood Studios as well along the water. Allow about 15-20 minutes to get there depending on the speed of your travel party.
If you’re in the mood to explore, hop on the Skyliner at the International Gateway. This easily connects you to Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, and Art of Animation—and it’s just a quick ride away.
Buses will take you to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs.
Resort Amenities
Choosing a resort at Walt Disney World can be overwhelming. It’s important to check out what amenities the resort offers that would make the most sense for your family. Activities at Disney’s Yacht Club include:
Resort Campfire Activities like Roasting Marshmallows by the Fire
Movies Under the Stars in the Solarium or Outdoors
Poolside Cabana Rentals
Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Mini Golf (located near the resort)
Motorized Boat Rentals
Fishing
Tennis, Pickleball, and Volleyball
Jogging Trails
Lafferty Place Arcade near Stormalong Bay
Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness Center
This would be the ideal resort for you if:
If your family wants easy access to Epcot or Hollywood Studios. The location is perfect for those who want to enjoy the parks but also need a convenient and relaxing place to come back to. If you’re someone who enjoys the idea of taking a “resort day” to rest and enjoy the amenities, Yacht Club’s pool and dining options are perfect for that. Whether you’re parkhopping to Epcot’s World Showcase for dinner or Hollywood Studios for one last ride on Rise of the Resistance, Yacht Club’s location puts you right in the heart of Disney magic.
Additionally, Yacht Club also shines for couples or adults looking for a quieter, more peaceful resort experience. The resort tends to be a little more serene than other Disney resorts, which can make it an ideal choice for those without younger children. Plus, with the proximity to the Boardwalk, you’re in the perfect spot to enjoy evening entertainment, cocktails, or a romantic stroll along Crescent Lake.
A Final Thought
Overall, we are big fans of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. With its impressive pool area, prime location, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a perfect choice for families, couples, or anyone looking for a more luxurious Disney experience. We’re already looking forward to our next stay here, and I hope you’ll consider it for your next vacation too!
AMAAB Travel Advisor
You can check out an overview of all Disney resorts here, or connect with one of our travel advisors to find your perfect match!
Let us know when you are ready to go! Start with our quote request and our crew will send you a proposal of options for your next magical WDW vacation.
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