Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a favorite among guests looking for a blend of elegance, convenience, and top-tier amenities. This New England-style resort offers a sophisticated nautical theme, stunning views, and one of the best pools at Walt Disney World. With its prime location near EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, plus access to world-class dining and recreation, it’s a fantastic choice for both families and adults seeking a refined Disney experience.

Where is the Yacht Club Resort Located?

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is located in the EPCOT Resort Area, adjacent to Disney’s Beach Club Resort. It is within walking distance of EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance and offers easy access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios via boat or the walking path along Crescent Lake.

Who Would Enjoy Staying at the Yacht Club Resort?

• Families: With spacious rooms, Stormalong Bay (the BEST Disney Resort pool), and proximity to EPCOT, families with kids of all ages will love it.
• Couples: The resort’s upscale atmosphere and waterfront views make it ideal for a romantic getaway.
• Disney Enthusiasts: Anyone who loves staying within the magic while enjoying deluxe accommodations.
• EPCOT Festival Goers: If you love visiting EPCOT for Food & Wine, Flower & Garden, Festival of the Arts, or Festival of the Holidays, staying at Yacht Club means you’re just a short walk from all the festival fun!

Room Types at the Yacht Club Resort

• Standard View: Overlooks parking areas or other non-scenic areas.

• Water View: Offers views of Crescent Lake or the quiet pool.
• Garden View: Features scenic views of resort landscaping.
• Club Level Rooms: Provides access to the Regatta Club lounge with complimentary food and drinks.
• Suites: Larger accommodations with extra amenities, perfect for bigger groups or special occasions.

Are There Rooms to Avoid at the Yacht Club Resort?

While all rooms are well-appointed, some standard-view rooms face parking lots or service areas, which may not be as magical as water or garden views. Guests who prefer quieter accommodations should also avoid rooms near high-traffic areas like the lobby or near the elevators.

Club Level at Yacht Club

Staying Club Level at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort means an elevated experience with personalized service, exclusive amenities, and access to the Regatta Club Lounge. Here’s what you can expect:

Exclusive Perks of Club Level

• Concierge Services – Club Level guests have access to a dedicated concierge team located on the 5th floor of the resort. They assist with dining reservations and special requests, making your stay even smoother.
• Private check-in – skip the main front desk and head straight to the lounge upon arrival.

The Regatta Club Lounge

Located on the 5th floor, the Regatta Club Lounge is an exclusive retreat for Club Level guests. Here, you’ll find complimentary food and beverages throughout the day, including:

• Continental Breakfast (7:00 AM – 10:30 AM) – Fresh pastries, fruit, cereals, yogurt, smoked salmon, bagels, and assorted juices.
• Midday Snacks (11:30 AM – 4:00 PM) – Light refreshments like crackers, cheese, hummus, and cookies.
• Evening Hors d’Oeuvres & Wine (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM) – A rotating selection of appetizers, hot and cold small plates, beer, wine, and cocktails.
• Desserts & Cordials (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Delectable sweets like macarons, brownies, and Disney-themed desserts, along with after-dinner liqueurs.
• Complimentary Beverages – The lounge offers soda, coffee, and tea throughout the day. Self-serve wine and beer are available in the evening, along with bartender-prepared specialty cocktails on select nights.
• Enhanced Room Amenities – Club Level rooms come with plush robes, nightly turndown service, and upgraded toiletries. Some rooms feature better views, with options for EPCOT fireworks views over Crescent Lake.

Is Club Level at Yacht Club Worth It?

If you enjoy extra convenience, VIP treatment, and complimentary food & beverages, then Club Level is a great upgrade. It’s especially worth considering if you plan to spend time at the resort enjoying its amenities rather than being in the parks all day.

Best Restaurants at the Yacht Club

One of the standout perks of staying at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is the fantastic selection of dining options—ranging from signature dining to casual bites. Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience, a casual burger, or a quick snack before heading to the parks, Yacht Club has something for everyone.

Signature & Table Service Restaurants

Yachtsman Steakhouse 🍷

• Cuisine: High-end steakhouse featuring hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and indulgent sides
• Atmosphere: Elegant yet cozy, with a New England yacht club theme
• Highlights:
  • 28-day dry-aged steaks, butchered in-house
  • Truffle Mac & Cheese – a fan favorite
  • Lobster Bisque – rich and creamy
  • On-site wine selection with expert pairings
• Who It’s Best For? Perfect for steak lovers, date nights, or a special occasion dinner

Ale & Compass Restaurant 🌊

• Cuisine: New England-inspired comfort food with a modern twist
• Atmosphere: Nautical, relaxed, and refined, perfect for a casual yet upscale meal
• Highlights:
  • Lobster & Corn Chowder – a creamy and flavorful starter
  • Parker House Rolls with Spreads – a must-try appetizer
  • Short Rib with Cheddar Grits – hearty and delicious
  • Dark Chocolate Waffle (Breakfast) – an indulgent morning treat
• Who It’s Best For? Families, foodies, and guests looking for a solid table-service meal without breaking the bank

Casual & Quick Service Dining

The Market at Ale & Compass ☕

• Cuisine: Grab-and-go options, bakery items, sandwiches, and coffee
• Atmosphere: A small café and market perfect for a quick bite
• Highlights:
  • Breakfast sandwiches & pastries for an easy morning meal
  • Fresh salads and sandwiches for lunch
  • Joffrey’s Coffee selections to fuel your Disney day
• Who It’s Best For? Guests who want a quick and convenient meal option

Crew’s Cup Lounge 🍻

• Cuisine: Pub-style small plates, drinks, and casual meals
• Atmosphere: A cozy lounge tucked beside Yachtsman Steakhouse, with a laid-back New England pub vibe
• Highlights:
  • Prime Rib Sliders – a guest favorite
  • Lobster Roll – a classic, served chilled
  • Craft beers, bourbon flights, and signature cocktails
• Who It’s Best For? Adults looking for a relaxed atmosphere with great drinks and small plates

Poolside Dining

Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar & Grill 🍔

• Cuisine: Classic poolside fare – burgers, sandwiches, and tropical cocktails
• Atmosphere: Casual, outdoor setting right by Stormalong Bay
• Highlights:
  • Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Avocado Ranch
  • Seafood Roll – a delicious mix of lobster and shrimp
  • Frozen cocktails & signature rum punches
• Who It’s Best For? Guests hanging out by the pool who want a quick but tasty meal

Dining Options Nearby at Beach Club Resort & BoardWalk

One of the perks of staying at Yacht Club is its walking distance to even more dining options at Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s BoardWalk.

• Beaches & Cream Soda Shop – Famous for its Kitchen Sink Sundae and classic diner-style food
• Cape May Café – A seafood buffet (dinner) and a character breakfast with Minnie Mouse & friends
• BoardWalk Deli – Great for New York-style sandwiches, bagels, and pastries
• Trattoria al Forno – Italian cuisine with house-made pasta and an excellent wine selection

Pools and Recreation at the Yacht Club

• Stormalong Bay: A massive, 3-acre pool complex with a lazy river, sand-bottomed pool, and one of the best waterslides at Walt Disney World.
• Quiet Pools: Smaller, more relaxed pools for those who prefer a quieter swim.
• Marina Activities: Guests can rent boats or enjoy guided fishing excursions.
• Tennis and Volleyball: Courts are available for active guests.
• Movies Under the Stars: Nightly Disney movie screenings on the lawn.

Stormalong Bay: The Ultimate Disney Resort Pool

If you’re looking for the best pool at Walt Disney World, you’ve found it. Stormalong Bay isn’t just a pool—it’s a 3-acre water park exclusively for guests staying at Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts. With a lazy river, a sand-bottom pool, and a massive waterslide, it’s often considered a must-stay feature for families who love water fun.

What Makes Stormalong Bay So Special?

✅ Sand-Bottom Pool – One of the only pools at Disney that replicates the feel of the beach with soft, white sand at the bottom. It’s a unique and immersive experience that kids (and adults) love!

✅ 230-Foot Waterslide – The tallest waterslide at any Disney resort! This shipwreck-themed slide starts from a life-sized pirate ship across the walkway from the main pool and twists its way down into the water.

✅ Lazy River – Want to relax? The gentle lazy river is the perfect place to float away the afternoon on an inner tube.

✅ Multiple Pool Areas –

• A zero-entry main pool, perfect for little ones
• A quiet pool area for more laid-back swimming
• Shallow sand play areas, great for toddlers to dig and splash

✅ Hot Tubs & Whirlpool Spas – Need to unwind after a long park day? Stormalong Bay has three hot tubs tucked around the pool deck.

✅ Poolside Service & Bar – Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar & Grill is just steps away, offering burgers, seafood rolls, tropical cocktails, and frozen drinks. There’s also poolside drink service, so you can relax in your lounge chair and have a Cast Member bring your order to you.

✅ Private Cabanas (Limited Availability) – Stormalong Bay offers private cabana rentals, which come with shaded seating, a TV, a mini-fridge stocked with sodas and water, and dedicated service. These book up fast, so reservations are highly recommended.

How to Access Stormalong Bay

• Exclusive to Resort Guests – Unlike some other Disney resort pools, Stormalong Bay is gated and requires guests to scan their MagicBand or room key for entry.
• No Pool Hopping – Only guests staying at Yacht Club or Beach Club can use Stormalong Bay, making it a huge perk for booking this resort.
• Complimentary Towels & Life Jackets – Available for all guests, so no need to pack your own!

Is Stormalong Bay Worth Booking Your Whole Resort Stay Here?

If you or your kids love pools, slides, and lazy rivers, this is one of the best resort experiences in all of Walt Disney World. Some guests even plan their resort days just to spend time at Stormalong Bay instead of heading to the parks!

Shopping at the Yacht Club

• The Market at Ale & Compass: Offers Disney merchandise, snacks, beverages, and essentials.
• Screen Door General Store (at neighboring Beach Club): Features more souvenirs, apparel, and vacation necessities.

FAQs About Yacht Club

What makes the Yacht Club special?

The Yacht Club stands out for its sophisticated nautical theming, proximity to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, and access to Stormalong Bay, one of the best resort pools at Walt Disney World.

Is the Yacht Club a deluxe resort?

Yes, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a deluxe resort, offering high-end accommodations, top-tier dining, and exceptional guest services.

Are Yacht Club and Beach Club the same resort?

No, they are separate resorts but share some amenities, including Stormalong Bay. The Yacht Club has a more upscale, sophisticated feel, while the Beach Club is more casual and family-oriented.

How much does it cost to stay at the Yacht Club?

Prices vary by season but typically range from $450 to over $900 per night, depending on the room type and time of year.

Can I eat at the Yacht Club if I’m not staying there?

Yes! All restaurants at the Yacht Club, including Yachtsman Steakhouse and Ale & Compass, are open to all guests. Dining reservations are recommended.

Does the Yacht Club have a good pool?

Yes! Stormalong Bay the best pool at Disney World, featuring a lazy river, a sandy bottom, and a massive water slide.

Can I swim at the Yacht Club pool if I’m not staying there?

No, Stormalong Bay is exclusive to guests staying at Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts. Wristbands are required for entry.

Is Yacht Club better than Beach Club?

It depends on your preferences! The Yacht Club is more refined and quieter, ideal for adults and business travelers, while the Beach Club has a more relaxed, family-friendly vibe.

What transportation options are available at Yacht Club?

• Walking: A 5-minute walk to EPCOT’s International Gateway.
• Boat: Friendship Boats transport guests to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
• Disney Skyliner: Available at the International Gateway near EPCOT.
• Bus: Provides transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort offers a unique combination of luxury, convenience, and exceptional amenities. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a fun family vacation, or a relaxing Disney retreat, this resort delivers an unforgettable experience.

Ready to Stay at Disney’s Yacht Club? Let’s Plan Your Trip!

If you’re ready to experience the magic, I’d love to help! Let’s plan your Walt Disney World vacation with expert guidance and complimentary concierge services!