So you’ve decided to plan an amazing Walt Disney World vacation; now what? Choosing your resort is one of the most important decisions you make, and who wouldn’t love being swept away to a nostalgic New England- style yacht club during your stay? Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is the sister resort to Disney’s Beach Club Resort, which is right next door. Read below to learn more about this beautiful resort that offers a walk to Epcot, one of the best pools in all WDW property, a variety of great restaurants, and beautiful views of Crescent Lake!

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• 5-10 minute walk to Epcot Center & The Boardwalk Resort area
• Access to the Skyliner & water taxis to Hollywood Studios
• Multiple onsite sit down restaurants, lounges, bars, & quick service options; as well as easy access to all the same that Beach Club Resort has to offer 
• Dog-friendly  
• Each room has a patio or balcony
• Views of Crescent Lake & The Boardwalk in specific rooms 
• One of the best pools in property, Stormalong Bay, joins The Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

Cons: 

• Potentially long wait times for buses to Magic Kingdom & Animal Kingdom 
• Theming may not be as exciting as other resorts on property 
• The resort itself may not appeal to children as much as other resorts on property 
• Resort View rooms may have you longing for a water view

Resort Overview

Location Benefits

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort will put you in the middle of the Epcot & Boardwalk excitement, while allowing you to also relax at one of the best pools on all of Walt Disney World property. The Yacht Club offers walking distance to The Beach Club Resort, The Boardwalk Resort, Swan & Dolphin Resorts, and Epcot International Gateway! 

The location also offers access to a wide variety of transportation outside of simply walking. From this resort you can access complimentary buses, the Disney Skyliner, & water taxis. 

Resort Category: Deluxe

Resort Area: Epcot

Guest Rooms

The Yacht Club Resort offers a variety of rooms, with some sleeping up to 8 adults. Each room offers a patio or balcony. A wide variety of views are offered at this resort. 

Standard Amenities in each room include: 

• Hairdryer 
• TV
• Free WiFi 
• Keurig coffee maker 
• In-room mini-fridge or drink cooler
• Telephone
• In-room safe
• Iron & ironing board 
• Outlets and USB ports are scattered throughout the rooms for your convenience
• Ample storage space; closets, drawers, bathroom counter space, & under the bed storage. 

The vanity area has a sliding door for privacy, and there is a door separating the shower and toilet from the vanity/sink area.

Room Types

The Yacht Club Resort offers standard rooms, suites, and Club Level rooms. This resort offers room types that can sleep up to 8 adults.

Rooms & Suites

Water View:

• 1 King Bed or
• 1 King Bed & 1 Day Bed or
• 2 Queen Beds or  
• 2 Queen Beds & 1 Day Bed 
• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Views of Crescent Lake or Quiet Pool
• Includes patio or balcony

 

Resort View:

• 1 King Bed or
• 1 King Bed & 1 Day Bed or
• 2 Queen Beds or  
• 2 Queen Beds & 1 Day Bed 
• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Views of garden, rooftop, or parking area
• Includes patio or balcony

 

Club-Level Service

Certain rooms and suites at The Yacht Club come with Club-Level Service, which includes perks such as evening turndown, complimentary fax assistance, complimentary health club access, secured key access to club-level lounge, Club Level Concierge (Regatta Club), & personalized front desk & guest services.

Rooms and Suites with Club Level Service

 

Resort View – Club Level Access: 

• 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds
• Sleeps up to 4 adults
• Views of garden, rooftop, or parking area
• Includes patio or balcony

 

Water View – Club Level Access: 

• 1 King bed & 1 day Bed or 1 King Bed
• 2 Queen Beds or 2 Queen Beds & 1 Day Bed
• Sleeps up to 4 adults 
• Views of one of the Stormalong Bay Lagoons
• Includes patio or balcony

 

2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level Access: 

• 2 King Beds & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 6 adults 
• Views of Stormalong Bay or Crescent Lake 
• Includes patio or balcony

 

Turret Suite – Club Level Access: 

• 1 King bed & 2 Queen Beds & 1 Queen or
• 4 Queen Beds
• 1,160 st. feet
• Large living area 
• 2 bedrooms
• 3 full baths
• Sleeps up to 8 adults 
• Views of Stormalong Bay or Crescent Lake 
• Includes multiple patios or balconies

Checking In and Out

There are multiple ways to check in for your stay; all being very easy. You can use the front desk, check-in online through the official Walt Disney World website, or utilize the My Disney Experience app. 

After online check-in, you’ll receive a room-ready notification and can use your MagicBand or the digital key feature in the app to unlock your room door.

Using the app tends to be the quickest way to check in; it means you never have to wait in line to check in at the front desk. The MDE app can also be used virtually to chat with a cast member should you need any assistance. 

Guests will be automatically checked out of their rooms upon completion of their stay. Any unresolved charges will be put on the credit card on file & a final statement will be emailed to you. You may also visit the front desk if you wish.

Should you need assistance with your bags you’ll call bell services from your room phone and they will come to your room to assist you with your luggage.

Resort Shops

The Yacht Club offers a large marketplace where you can pick up snacks and souvenirs. This marketplace also offers wine, drinks, medications, and other small grocery/sundry type items.  

• The Market at Ale & Compass: This one stop shop offers souvenirs, grocery items you may have forgotten, beer & wine, snacks, as well as houses a small cafe offering breakfast staples sandwiches, & a full coffee bar. 

Amenities

• Laundry Services: A 24-hour self-service laundry facility is available.
• Parking: Complimentary parking is available to guests. Valet parking is available at a nightly rate. 

• “Hey Disney!”:  Stay up to date on daily park info, play games, make requests in your resort with your in-room virtual assistant. 
• Dry Cleaning Services: Offers dry cleaning and valet laundry services.
• Movies Under the Stars: Enjoy complimentary Disney movies in the Solarium or on the lawn near the volleyball courts. 
• Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness: Access a wide variety of fitness equipment as well as a range of spa offerings. 
• Childcare Services: In-room babysitting for children aged 6 months to 12 years old.
• The Sandcastle Club: This activity center for children ages 3-12 is open daily from 4:30 pm to midnight and is located next door at The Beach Club. 
• Campfire activities: Nightly marshmallow roasting happens next door at The Beach Club beachfront. 

Lounges & Entertainment

• Crew’s Cup Lounge: Enjoy a cocktail while catching a football game & even order a full dinner between 5:00 and 9:30pm. 
• Ale & Compass Lounge: This cozy lounge offers coffee and cocktails. Add on some appetizers between 4:00-10:00pm. 

Dining Options

The Yacht Club offers a range of dining options. Whether you want to grab a burger poolside to not miss out on the Florida sunshine or you want to get dressed up and grab a New York strip & glass of wine, The Yacht Club Resort has you covered.

Table Service

Disney World’s Table Service restaurants offer a magical dining experience, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy a delicious meal in a themed setting. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance and are highly recommended. Table Service options cater to a variety of tastes. Use the Mobile Dine Check-In feature via the My Disney Experience app, and make checking in for your reservation is a breeze.

• Ale & Compass: This coastal themed restaurant offers classic Northeastern dishes; steaks, soups, salads, as well as their famous Parker House Rolls. A large wine and spirits menu is also available. 
• Yachtsman Steakhouse: This cozy steakhouse offers premium steaks & seafood, allowing you to feel like you’ve been transported to the New England coast.

Quick Service

Disney World’s Quick Service restaurants provide a convenient and efficient dining option for guests on the go. Perfect for a quick bite between attractions, these restaurants offer diverse menus, from an afternoon sweet treat to an on theme small plate. 

No reservations are needed; simply order at the counter or on your My Disney Experience app and find a seat. Mobile Ordering through the My Disney Experience app lets you skip lines and customize your meal in advance. Quick Service options ensure you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the magic of Disney.

• The Market at Ale & Compass: A great spot for a quick breakfast, coffee, snack, or snacks to take home; the perfect grab-n-go. 
• Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar & Grill: Grab a refreshing Dole Whip anytime throughout your stay; whether you like it traditional or in a fun float version, there are so many sweet treats to pick from.
• Beaches & Cream Soda Shop: Don’t miss this 50’s themed soda shop, offering a walk up window or sit down options. You can’t skip on “The Kitchen Sink!”

Recreation

For guests looking to relax and have fun, The Yacht Club offers a selection of recreational activities:

• Swimming: Yacht Club Resort plays co-host to arguably one of the best pools on Disney property; Stormalong Bay. This amazing pool is shared with Beach Club & offers a beautiful shaded area with a plethora of lounge chairs, sand bottoms, a lazy river, and a large shipwreck themed water slide. Guests wanting to lounge around a smaller pool can lounge beside The Admiral Pool, located in the garden near the tennis court. 
• Lafferty Place Arcade: Play to win on a variety of video games near Stormalong Bay.
• Fishing: Guided bass-fishing excursions are available.
• Jogging: Take a run along the scenic trail, giving you views of Magic Kingdom & Disney’s Wedding Pavilion.

• Motorized Boat Rentals: Enjoy an afternoon out on the water when you rent from Bayside Marina.
• Poolside Cabana Rentals: Excel an afternoon at Stormalong Bay by renting a cabana; complete with cocktail services and other amenities.
• Tennis & Pickleball: Pickleball is growing in popularity; take the sport with you and play on the illuminated courts near Admiral Pool.

Transportation

Getting around from The Yacht Club Resort is a breeze with several transportation options:

• Walking: You can’t possibly beat being able to walk into the back entrance of Epcot, but at this beautiful resort, that can be the start to your morning! Being so close to International Gateway makes midday breaks from the park a breeze! 
• Skyliner: You will be an easy walk to the International Gateway Skyliner stop & be at Hollywood Studios in no time.
• Friendship Boats: Hope on a boat for a lovely ride across Crescent Lake to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, or select Epcot area-resorts. 
• Buses: Disney buses are available for transportation to Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs.

 

How to get from The Yacht Club to anywhere at Disney World

• Magic Kingdom – Take  resort but to get to Magic Kingdom or Minnie Van to Magic Kingdom.
• Epcot – A quick walk will take you right to the International Gateway entrance of Epcot.
• Hollywood Studios – Take a ride on the Friendship Boats or the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios. 
• Animal Kingdom – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Animal Kingdom.
• Disney Springs – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Disney Springs. Uber/Lyft are an option but they will drop you off at the far end of Disney Springs close to the Rain Forest Cafe area.  It can be a long walk to more central locations.  The bus and Minnie Van will drop you off in a central location.

Resorts

Magic Kingdom Area Resorts – including Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter, Saratoga Springs and Old Key West –

1. Take a bus to Magic Kingdom
2. Use Magic Kingdom transportation to the resort of choice.
   1. Walk to Contemporary or Grand Floridian
   2. Monorail or Ferry to Grand Floridian and Contemporary
   3. Water Taxi to Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness
   4. Bus to all resorts.
3. Minnie Van or Uber/Lyft are the fastest transportation from The Yacht Club to any Magic Kingdom area resort.

Epcot Area Resorts – including Boardwalk, Beach Club, Swan and Dolphin and Swan Reserve.

1. Walk to all resorts.

 

Hollywood Studios Area Resorts – including Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach and Riviera Resort.

1. Take the Skyliner to all resorts.

 

Animal Kingdom Area Resorts – including Animal Kingdom Lodge, All Stars – Movie, Music and Sports and Coronado Springs

1. Take the resort bus to Animal Kingdom.
2. Use Animal Kingdom transportation to the resort of choice.
3. Minnie Van or Uber/Lyft are the fastest transportation from The Yacht Club to any Animal Kingdom area resort.

Water Parks

• Typhoon Lagoon – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Typhoon Lagoon. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off near the main gate. Note that you will take a resort bus to Disney Springs and transfer to the Typhoon Lagoon bus there. 
• Blizzard Beach – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Blizzard Beach. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off near the main gate. Note that you will take a resort bust to Animal Kingdom and transfer to the Blizzard Beach bus there.

Mini Golf

• Winter Summerland – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Blizzard Beach. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off near the main gate of Blizzard Beach.  Winter Summerland is next to Blizzard Beach.
• Fantasia Gardens – Walk to Fantasia Gardens. Take the Boardwalk Path to Swan/Dolphin and cross over to The Swan Reserve. Fantasia Gardens is next to The Swan Reserve. Uber/Lyft can also take you to Fantasia Gardens.

Tips for Your Stay

1. Make Dining Reservations Early: You’ll want to make dining reservations at the ever-popular Polynesian establishments or other Disney restaurants 60 days prior to arrival, especially for character dining experiences.  Table service dining does fill up and it’s not recommended to try to walk up to your favorite restaurant the day of.  Instructions on how to use the My Disney Experience app are here.
2. Enjoy the Lakefront & Boardwalk Area: Take advantage of the evening entertainment on The Boardwalk; nightly views of the fireworks from Epcot area also easily viewed. 
3. Use Mobile Ordering: To save time and avoid lines, use the My Disney Experience app’s mobile ordering feature for quick-service meals.  Best tips on mobile ordering and some of our favorites can be found here.
4. Watch Epcot Fireworks from the Resort Area: Some areas in the resort area offer closeup views of nightly Epcot fireworks, so be sure to check the schedule and plan to watch from the resort.
5. Plan for Rainy Days: Pack ponchos or umbrellas, as Florida weather can be unpredictable. Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor activities at the resort to keep you entertained.
6. Use the Disney Transportation System: Take advantage of the complimentary Disney transportation options to access all the parks and Disney Springs with ease.

 

The Yacht Club Resort Address & Phone Number

1700 Epcot Resorts Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8407
(407) 934-7000

Conclusion

Staying at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort offers a unique and exciting experience for guests who want to be in close proximity to Epcot and the entertainment of the Boardwalk Resort area. The “coastal” experience of the Yacht Club Resort and the access to many dining/lounge options in the resort area make it a great option for your Disney World vacation. With its themed decor, nautical accommodations, and recreational offerings, you will surely have a memorable and magical stay at this Deluxe Disney Resort. Enjoy your time at the Yacht Club Resort!

Request a free, no-obligation quote from the Love of the Magic Vacations team here.