Disney’s Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Boardwalk Inn are affectionately known as the “EPCOT” resorts. These three Deluxe tier resorts sit just outside the International Gateway entrance to EPCOT, and provide guests with almost immediate access to EPCOT, and are in very close proximity to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
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They are impeccable, have amazing views, and are centrally located on Walt Disney World property. I am excited to share these three unique resorts with you!
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Disney’s Beach Club vs. Yacht Club Resorts – Rooms & Pool
First, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Yacht Club are “sister resorts”. They both have an East Coast, seaside theme to them. Beach Club has more light blue, airy, beachy vibes to it. Yacht Club is a bit “darker”…navy, grays, darker wood tones with a more nautical theme. While they have slightly different nuances to them, you cannot go wrong with either one.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort is all about the beach and having fun in the sun. Of the three, Beach Club is the closest to the International Gateway entrance to EPCOT. The beauty of the Beach Club is found in the sandy white beach area along the water. It’s gorgeous! You can sit all day on one of the swinging benches or chairs, and soak in the atmosphere.
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Disney’s Beach Club Resort rooms sleep up to five guests in most of them. They house two queens and a daybed. They have a split bathroom set up, so the toilet and shower are separate from the sink area. And as the new trend in Disney resorts, the beds are raised to allow for under bed storage, they offer hardwood floors, and lots of hidden storage.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort has more of a nautical, lighthouse feel to it. While guests at both resorts can easily access all the dining options, Ale and Compass is the stand out at Yacht Club. It is very much a hidden gem at Walt Disney World. And of course, you will also find Beaches and Cream. Guests from every resort on property will travel here for the famous Kitchen Sink!
The rooms at Yacht Club are similar to those at Beach Club. They house five guests at the most, with two queens and a day bed. They also offer the raised beds, great storage options, and plenty of space for your family.
Both resorts sit right next to each other, and share restaurants as well as the best pool on Disney property – Stormalong Bay.
Stormalong Bay is not just a pool – it is an entire experience. Stormalong Bay is a 3 acre home to a lazy river, sand bottom wading pools areas, a very large swim area, and a giant ship wrecked pirate ship waterslide.
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Dining Options at Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts
The dining between Beach and Yacht Club has something for everyone! Guests can find a lounge / bar atmosphere at Ale and Compass, Crew’s Cup Lounge, and Martha’s Vineyard.
For sit down options, Yachtsman Steakhouse in Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a great spot for tasty steaks and stellar service. Guests can find a fabulous seafood menu at Disney’s Beach Club Resort’s Cape May Café. Cape May also serves breakfast, and in the past was home to character dining.
As mentioned above, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop is a sit down location as well. They also offer a smaller ice cream menu at their walk up window. This can be worth using, as the location is small and it is difficult to get an ADR (Advanced Dining Reservation). If you only want a special ice cream treat, definitely use the walk up window!
Guests who want something quicker can find it at the Beach Club Marketplace, the Market at Ale and Compass, or the pool bar – Hurricane Hanna’s Grill.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort – Rooms & Pool
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort is located across Crescent Lake from the Yacht and Beach Club. Boardwalk Inn is a turn of the century, whimsical resort located on the Boardwalk. Disney’s Boardwalk is so fun at night. Street performers, carnival style games, surrey bikes…..it’s just a fun atmosphere.
The recent refurbishment of the main pool boasts the style of the vintage Mickey and Minnie cartoons we love. Think Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway…..on a pool! It’s so much fun!
Guests of the BoardWalk are literally a hop, skip, or Friendship boat ride away from Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. It is located in such a way that you can easily walk to or take a boat to either park!
The rooms at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn will house five guests. They do need a refurbishment, as they have not been remodeled to the current new style of the Disney resorts. However, that will come in due time, and they are still a great option!
Dining Options at BoardWalk Inn Resort
While the BoardWalk Inn is not known for its quick service dining options, guests still have options. The BoardWalk Bakery, a funnel cake cart, and a walk up pizza window are all your quick service options. There is a small grab and go selection in the gift shop as well as a nice menu at the pool bar, Leaping Horse Libations.
However, the Boardwalk Inn is home to some great table service locations. Trattoria al Forno serves a fabulous breakfast menu. Then in the evening, it serves an authentic Italian menu. You will also find the Flying Fish, a signature dining location at Walt Disney World. Both Big River Grille and Brewing Works and ESPN Club offer guests a kid-friendly menu in a relaxed atmosphere.
All three of the EPCOT resorts offer Club Level for guests who would like to book that room category, and take advantage of those amenities during their stay. They also offer business centers, work out facilities, merchandise shops, concierge, jogging trails, movies under the stars, and various poolside activities.
When you choose to make one of these three resorts your “home” for your Walt Disney World vacation, you honestly cannot go wrong. Of the three, Beach Club is my recommendation. I simply like the airy, light theming of that resort over the rest. However, if you are looking for a great location, fun pools, easy access to two of four theme parks, and a magical experience, any of these will fit that description!
