Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Review
Yacht Club Resort is a luxury hotel at Walt Disney World within walking and boat distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios. This Deluxe Resort review features reimagined room photos, pool info, restaurant details, transportation benefits, other amenities, and pros & cons of these accommodations. (Updated August 21, 2020.)
During Walt Disney World’s phased reopening, Yacht Club Resort will be the first Crescent Lake area hotel to reopen. In fact, it’s nearby counterparts–Beach Club and BoardWalk Inn–don’t even have reopening dates set and may not reopen until sometime in 2021. (However, the Disney Vacation Club wings of each are already operating.)
After being one of the host resorts for the NBA’s bubble site, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort will reopen on August 24, 2020. When it does, some restaurants (including two favorites, Yachtsman Steakhouse and Crew’s Cup Lounge) will not reopen right away. Fortunately, most of the hotel will be operational, including Ale & Compass Restaurant and the Stormalong Bay pool complex. For a look at what’ll be different, see our Photos & Review of Walt Disney World Hotel Health Safety Modifications.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is themed to a New England yachting club. It’s an elegant and refined hotel contrasting with its more airy and lighthearted sister resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort. The relationship between Yacht and Beach Club Resorts is an interesting one. They share facilities and are located next to one another, and are basically one giant resort complex.
However, despite their numerous similarities and shared features, Yacht & Beach Club are technically separate hotels. On the outside, the main noticeable differences for most guests will simply be color choices: Beach Club is light blue and Yacht Club is grey. It’s also abundantly clear when stepping into each lobby.
Yacht Club feels stately. With deep, masculine woods, dark colors, leather furniture, and an antique-looking globe, it reminds you of someplace that you’d imagine senators and titans of industry might have puffed on cigars and made power plays in the early 1900s.
By contrast, Beach Club is geared towards party-people who shout “I’M ON A BOAT!” from the bow of a ship. Okay, maybe not to those extremes, but the idea is that Yacht Club feels a bit more stuffy and refined in terms of theming, whereas Beach Club feels more relaxed and lighthearted.
Most people informally lump them together as one resort: Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club and overlook the thematic differences. We think this is a mistake. As we discuss in our Yacht Club v. Beach Club comparison, the differences in atmosphere are fairly pronounced, and this is likely driven in part by Yacht Club being one of Walt Disney World’s main convention hotels.
Let’s check out what the guest rooms offer…
These new rooms have been really divisive with Walt Disney World fans. Unpopular opinion, but we are big fans of the new look. Many fans have complained that they look drab and boring, but these are pretty consistent with the common areas of Yacht Club and there are a ton of subtle details and thematic touches.
We can understand why some people don’t like the new rooms given the colors now versus the patriotic color explosion of the old rooms (the old style was more cheery and lighthearted, but also off kilter with the resort’s otherwise stately appearance). The new Yacht Club rooms use of navy blue and beige contrasted against white, is really sharp in the context.
Beyond that, there’s an extensive use of dark woods, which really give the room an air of sophistication. It reminded me of the interior of a Brooks Brothers, oddly enough.
There’s also a variety of textures, the extent of which might be tough to ascertain from the photos. Our New Yacht Club Rooms Photo Tour shares more thoughts and images of the new rooms (including a different room style with a couch).
Much like BoardWalk Inn, Yacht Club is also great for the dashes of Disney presented in a restrained manner. The only Disney characters in the entire room appear in star constellations hidden on the curtain.
There are numerous other thematic flourishes reinforcing the nautical style, but many people want something overtly Disney in their hotel room. If that’s what you’re looking for, Yacht Club is not the resort for you.
The restrooms are divided, with double sinks outside of the shower and toilet area. Pretty standard–no complaints or praise here.
In terms of amenities, there is a nice benefit in their proximity of the Crescent Lake resorts to one another: better and more amenities as a result of sharing.
Between the Yacht Club and Beach Club, there are some seriously excellent dining options, including Beaches & Cream, Cape May Cafe, and Yachtsman Steakhouse, putting them, collectively, right up there with the best of the Deluxes in terms of quality restaurants.
We’ve also slowly become big fans of Ale & Compass Restaurant, which is a newer addition to Yacht Club. This is home to the Best Value Breakfast at Walt Disney World, and we highly recommend it.
Add to that the nearby Swan & Dolphin Resorts and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, none of which technically share amenities but are so close that they might as well, and you have more high-quality restaurants within walking distance when staying at any of these resorts than at any other Walt Disney World hotel.
If dining is going to be a highlight of a trip, staying at one of the Crescent Lake resorts is the best option as there are numerous excellent dining options all within walking distance. This is especially true during Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival, when you can graze and drink in World Showcase and then stumble back to your hotel!
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort has a ton of amenities, but it’s biggest selling point is Stormalong Bay. This is the crème de la crème of Walt Disney World pools. For those unfamiliar with Stormalong Bay, it is a sprawling 3 acre pool complex with sand at the bottom. That’s right, it’s a hotel pool with sand at the bottom!
Not only that, but it also has a lazy river, an excellent ‘shipwrecked’ water slide, tons of places for lounging, and an excellent poolside bar. While many Walt Disney World resort hotels now no longer allow “pool hopping,” this was the first that introduced the concept, and the pool that most vigorously enforces the no-hopping rule. The excellence of this pool really cannot be understated. It’s basically a mini water park. (For everything you need to know about Stormalong Bay and its policies, see our Guide to Pools at Walt Disney World: Rules, Info & FAQ.)
The close proximity to both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (we consider both walking distance, but most guests opt to take a boat to Disney’s Hollywood Studios instead of the 15 minute walking path–even if the path is usually faster) is another huge benefit. Boat service is also available to both parks, and it’s a certifiable fact that boat transportation at Walt Disney World is awesome.
Additionally, there’s now a Skyliner station at Epcot’s International Gateway, which means guests staying at Yacht Club can walk there and take the gondolas to Hollywood Studios, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, Art of Animation, and Riviera Resorts. That can be useful in opening up other dining options. (Plus, the Skyliner is just plain fun.)
On the other hand, bus transportation is decidedly un-fun. Getting to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom via bus can be a hassle. There’s always some sort of shared bus service operating, but exactly how many buses share the service depends upon the season.
When you consider the prices guests are paying to stay at a Walt Disney World resort hotel with “Deluxe” accommodations, it’s ridiculous that the buses make stops at multiple resorts. It’s frustrating that Pop Century, a budget hotel, has dedicated and efficient bus service but it can take an hour to get to Magic Kingdom via buses from the pricey Epcot-area resorts. (Although makes us happy when we pay the comparative bargain price to stay at Pop Century!)
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort offers other amenities, including a health club, volleyball court, arcade, marina, business center, babysitting, tennis courts, and other recreational facilities, but none of these measure up to Stormalong Bay. This pool complex is the ultimate trump card that makes Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts stand out from the other Deluxes.
All of this comes at a cost, as rates at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort start at around $400 per night and go up from there depending upon the season and room category. This puts it among Walt Disney World’s most expensive hotels, but still not as expensive as the Magic Kingdom area hotels. While we love the Yacht Club, we would not stay here without a 30% off room-only Walt Disney World resort discount or the Free Disney Dining Plan promotion.
Overall, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a solid option for a Deluxe Resort stay at Walt Disney World. The pool is great, the restaurants are solid, and location is great for visiting Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Yacht Club is especially appealing if you’re a New Englander from Nantucket who wears an ascot aboard your vessels.
Joking aside, Yacht Club’s theme is a bit more taste-specific and adult. Those considering Yacht Club are probably also considering Beach Club. For us, the overall ambiance and laid back vibe of Beach Club screams “vacation” in a way that Yacht Club just doesn’t, and this ambiance appeals to us. Still, both resorts are great options–two of our favorites at Walt Disney World–and whether you should choose Beach Club or Yacht Club if considering the two should really only be a question of whether you prefer the elegant nautical look or the relaxed beach look.
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Check out our Walt Disney World Hotel Reviews page, which offers quick-hit capsule reviews of the strengths and weaknesses of every Walt Disney World hotel, plus links to our reviews and photo pages for every hotel we have reviewed. Looking for comprehensive Walt Disney World vacation tips? Make sure to read our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide.
Your Thoughts
Do you agree with us that Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is one of the best Walt Disney World hotels? Do you think Stormalong Bay lives up to the hype? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing feedback about your experiences is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Never mind – the Google is my friend. Yes, all rooms are supposed to have those, for any future people with that same quandry.
Hmmm … this comment was supposed to be in reply to my original question below. I promise I’m not usually this internet-challenged.
Also, I don’t usually talk to myself this much!
Do the basic-level rooms at Yacht Club have mini fridges in them?
before heading over to take a dip in the pool! Stormalong Bay is following health and safety guidelines to make sure that swimmers and loungers are having a great time. Although guests must wear masks if they are walking around the pool area, they don’t have to wear them at the lounge chairs or while swimming. This was from all ears net today. It also said no boat transportation yet
Love, love love the Yacht Club. My favorite Disney hotel, hands down. I know this may not be a popular POV (except on a blog about the Yacht Club) but I love the decor, the restaurants, and the way the lobby smells. The scent-branding they do there is awesome. Unfortunately, I also find YC very hard to get at a reasonable price
I keep hoping to find out about Beach Club and Wilderness Lodge opening in 2021, plus deals. If not Yacht Club is waaaaaay up there (how are the sofa beds at BC Villas and WL villas? We have a teen who needs to know).
Do you think the friendship boats will start running when yacht club reopens? We’re staying at BWV sept 8-20
Absolutely love the new rooms. Hate how they movers the globe! But I still like the yacht club so much that it is in my top 3 of all Disney world resort hotels
Any new news on the boats opening now that yacht club is open?
I enjoy the Yacht Club for it’s upclass nautical ambiance. I was once a huge fan of storm along bay. In fact, swimming in storm along bay swayed me to book reservations at the Yacht or Beach club over other hotels. More recently (pre coved), I am annoyed by the scream fest that is offered as entertainment at mid day. The poolside blaring of cast members “drumming up fun” with a dance party for the tween crowd, just creates headaches for everyone else. Maybe Pop Century would be a better site for the mega decibel blast of annoying karaoke. Smack in the hottest part of the afternoon, we had to leave the beautiful pool with is soothing bubbles and smooth sanded bottom, to protect our ears. I don’t need to pay $450 a night to swim at an outdoor kiddie concert.
I agree with you.
Disney’s Yacht Club is fantastic. I have stayed there several times and have never been disappointed by the service levels, food options, and room amenities. I love the views of the Boardwalk as well as being able to walk to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Any new news on the boats opening now that yacht club is open?
1.) I requested a microwave but it was never delivered.
2.) Worse, I booked for the bus to the airport a day before & I wasn’t given a confirmation paper. When the time came, I was being asked for these papers. It was already time for the bus to come. Good thing the bus was late. But I had to run back to the front desk to ask for these papers. And my wife had to work with the bus company to get our reservation confirmation by phone. Needless to say, these last moments of our vacation became tense.
3.) The new app was not user friendly.
4.) The fast track passes were all gone – except for a few lousy rides.
We stayed at YC in October. I loved 87% of the hotel. I liked that it was refined. I like the new rooms. I love being on the lake and having a balcony to enjoy it. However, the huge convention happening meant we couldn’t self park because tents had taken over the parking lot so had to valet so more $$. But my biggest issue was that our room had a door to the adjoining room. I could hear EVERY WORD the guy in the next room said. Unfortunately he said most of them at 11 p.m. and over FaceTime to his wife so I could hear every word SHE said too. And he slept with the TV on. Those doors are far, far, far too thin for a deluxe property. It was a real bummer and if we ever stay there again I will for sure request a non-adjoining room.
I am fortunate to have stayed Club Level (Regatta Club) in the Yacht Club. Upon entering the spacious upgraded room, I did my usual wiping of everything to make sure that things were cleaned (wall switches, handles, knobs, remotes, etc.). I was really amazed at the level of dust that I found in this room. There were spots that appeared to have not been cleaned for at least a few days. The top of the head board, which sits about 5’, was covered in it. I was glad to have cleaned it up, as I didn’t want to be breathing that when I was sleeping. Turn down service showed up and asked if we needed anything. I asked for two more pillows and one more extra blanket for my family (and yes, I know that there is an extra blanket and pillow below the TV). The woman doing the turn down said that she would come back later with everything and do the turn down -we were headed to dinner. We got back from dinner, and had nothing that we asked for, but we did have two chocolates on the bed. A call to the desk made it all good. The next morning, the hallway was busy with cleaning crew. A few were polite and would say good morning and give a smile. Most wouldn’t make eye contact, and would actually cut me off as they were walking. I figured that they were busy, and I shouldn’t let this bother me. Then it was time to get a magic band fixed. I spoke to a concierge who started to work as hard as she could for me to fix the issue. My family had a reservation for lunch and I was comforted with the fact that we could come back and pick up the magic band. We returned from our day at the park, I asked the new concierge about the band and explained everything. She opened a drawer, I think she may have looked down, and not in the drawer, then said, “It’s not here, maybe its in your room.” I thought the same, and went to the room. Nothing. I went back to the desk and the woman that helped me was on the phone, so I spoke to a man and explained the situation. He asked for the name, and when I told him, his finger went up in the air with an “Ah-ha! I know where that is!” And he got it. It was behind his desk. Can I tell you that the other concierge desk is about four feet away? What I am saying is that my stay at this resort, has been less an what I would expect from a Disney resort. The food club level, is really mediocre. If you have a lake view it looks amazing however, you hear everyone in the pool. Elevators need to be refurbished, as do attitudes and attention to details when it comes to cleaning. Luckily for me, I am not spending a ton of waking time in the room, and having fun in the parks. At this point, I wouldn’t recommend Club Level. Save your money!
The Yacht Club is glorious fun and elegance. Think Mary Poppins.
I am attending a conference at the Yacht Club in October and we are going to go for extra time to spend at the parks. We have 4 kids and HATED the bus system last time we were there. If we will not have park hopper tickets is there any way to avoid the bus and get to Magic Kingdom from Yacht Club?
Uber or Lyft We never take Disney’s busses. The extra cost is worth it
Am I the only one who dislikes those sliding glass doors on the tub?
Hello,
Hoping someone who has stayed at the refurbished rooms at Yacht Club could confirm the room set up for me.
“2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed or 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair and 1 Day Bed”
The descriptions of the rooms lead me to believe that all the rooms with queen beds have a daybed or a twin sleeper chair. Is this true? As a family of four with two middle schoolers having three separate sleeping areas and allowing each kid to have their own bed would be a huge selling point for us.
Thank you.
I stayed at the Yacht Club for the first time last month, and it was delightful! It’s an excellent hotel for adults traveling without children because it’s quiet, relaxing, and elegant. The proximity to Epcot is everything, and the beds are ridiculously comfortable. I’ve stayed at multiple hotels on property over the last 29 years, and I have to say that Yacht Club is definitely my favorite.
Has anyone been to the yacht after the new rooms were completed? We are booked in November and wanted to make sure they are completed. Thanks!
I love the Beach Club, but do plan on trying the Yacht Club.
That being said, I think the decor at the Yacht Club is obnoxious. I’m sorry, I just do not feel comfortable with those patterns and colors.
Looking to boo either the beach or yacht in late Feb/early March 2017. Anyone know anything about the refurbishements going on and which would be the better option for hubby, 2 year old son and myself?
The refurbs are completed at the Beach Club and the rooms are pristine. I was there this past December. I believe that it is scheduled for Feb at the Yacht Club.