yacht club construction disney

Photos: Inside New Rooms at Yacht Club

Following its latest refurbishment, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort has redesigned rooms, which are one component of a resort-wide re-imagining of this Walt Disney World hotel. In this post, we’ll review the new rooms, share some photos, and thoughts on the changes at Yacht Club.

While other changes are still underway throughout the resort, it’s worth noting that the room refurbishment at Yacht Club is now entirely finished. I suppose this is good or bad news depending upon your opinion of the new rooms. Either way, there’s no need to request an old or new room. They’re all new.

This was yet another stop on our recent Walt Disney World “vacation” during which we stayed in 6 different new or newly-refurbished rooms. Given that the room refurbishment coincides with a convention center expansion, I was not exactly optimistic about what we’d find at Yacht Club…

This is because the changes at Yacht Club are, in large part, aimed at making it more appealing to the convention-going demographic. Elsewhere at Walt Disney World where the goal has been making rooms more appealing to non-families or non-fans, the result has left something to be desired.

We’ve harped on this in the past, so I won’t rehash it all here. Basically, the more ‘mainstream’ Walt Disney World makes a hotel room, the less-themed the result. There have been some exceptions to this, and these room designs have been a bit hit or miss. At least, from my fan perspective. Conventioneers and others might (and do) disagree.

Anyway, let’s take a look at the old rooms before we offer further commentary:

Fairly bright and airy, albeit having a 1990s quality to them. Personally, I liked these rooms, but I wouldn’t say they fit well with the Yacht Club’s aesthetic in common areas, which is generally more stately and sophisticated.

Now, let’s take a look at the new rooms:

Perhaps it was because my expectations were low going in, but I loved this room. If anything, I would say it is more themed than before, with excellent use of navy blue and beige contrasted against white, which really looks sharp in the context. The color palette alone reinforces the nautical theme.

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.

Most notably, there are small rivets or other ship fastenings throughout, including on the dresser and other furniture. Then you have the headboards, mirror, and desk. Some of the nice features of the room now include a built-in ironing board, wood floors, abundance of storage (including under-the-bed room for luggage), and Keurig coffee makers.

The attention to detail in the new Yacht Club rooms is incredible, and all of it works to cement the theme. If your idea of a good Walt Disney World room includes an infusion of characters, you will be disappointed. Aside from a couple of them hidden in constellations on the curtain (a really cool curtain, by the way), the room is devoid of Disney IP. Fine with me, as I regularly stress that Disney characters are not “theme.” Really, the only thing I dislike is the framed pictures on the walls (too modern and ‘artsy’), but the rest works well.

One thing that I think most definitely was a mistake was not putting a runner on the bed. As mentioned in our Pop Century New Rooms post, I think the beds look naked without this, and it’s an industry-wide trend I hope stops. Imagine how much better this room could look with the simple addition of a runner that looks like the throw pillows on the couch.

During our visit, we spoke with a higher-level Cast Member at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort who indicated that they had solicited a lot of feedback, particularly from conventioneers, prior to making the updates to the room.

Generally speaking, this is not particularly noteworthy. Disney regularly prefaces whatever decision is being made with, “Due to feedback from our guests…” Often, it’s used as cover to justify decisions that are going to be unpopular with fans.

What’s interesting here is that the Cast Member was clear that this feedback was actively sought from convention attendees, as opposed to families or other demographics. Supposedly, Disney created multiple different test rooms to aid in the redesign, too.

While we absolutely love the new style, I can envision a couple of complaints. The new style is a bit dark and drab; I think this is appropriate, as that’s the visual style of the resort as a whole, and if you want to brighten it up, opening the curtains fixes that.

I think this will also lead to people finding the rooms stuffier or less inviting. The older rooms were no doubt lighter and had more of a quintessential ‘fun’ Disney vibe to them, but I still think these rooms are nicer and more appropriate thematically.

Moreover, I think most business and convention-going guests, these new rooms will be a very welcome improvement, even if they don’t win over some Disney fans. Among hardcore fans and repeat families, Yacht Club is not a particularly popular resort. Like any resort, it has its fans, but many people regard it as stuffy and less kid-friendly.

I don’t see these changes moving the needle one way or the other for families. On the other hand, I think the changes make Yacht Club much more compelling for conventioneers, adults without kids, and those looking for a room that’s more understated.

While I liked the old room at Yacht Club, it look was starting to feel a bit tired and some of the rooms were worse for wear. The changes are nice upgrades, and make it feel more commensurate in quality with the high nightly price being charged.

(Note: If you’re wondering why the sheets aren’t discolored, the furniture is not trashed, and there’s not feces spread over every inch of the walls, it’s because we were here before Yacht Club became a post-apocalyptic canine wasteland. Now that Yacht Club is dog-friendly , we can only assume it looks like a worse version of Parkside Hotel & Suites now . Walt is rolling in his grave. Smh.)

Beyond the room changes, the hallways and some common areas have also been refurbished and look great. Some areas of Yacht Club were looking a bit worse for wear, so these refurbishments are very welcome.

As noted, Walt Disney World is currently expanding the Yacht Club convention center facility to nearly 100,000 square feet. Speaking of which, this DisneyMeetings.com press release details the other upgrades being made to improve the convention experience at Yacht Club. (It’s also an interesting read to see how Walt Disney World markets itself to conventioneers, I think.)

The dining scene at Yacht Club is also in the process of changing . The Market at Ale & Compass has already opened, with the next steps being a re-imagined lobby lounge and new concept for the former Captain’s Grille, which will become Ale & Compass Restaurant. Too bad none of these changes entail a fully-fledged counter service restaurant or food court. (Yacht Club is admittedly not the best spot for that, but one of the Crescent Lake resorts could use one!)

Overall, the Yacht Club room refurbishment seems like one of those rare times a change has been made in a Walt Disney World hotel that will please both the fan and non-fan constituencies. Conventioneers will appreciate the modern and fresh-looking rooms that are well-appointed and classy. Disney fans who were likely to book Yacht Club before will appreciate that there’s still a lot to the themed design. I’m sure there are still legitimate quibbles to be made with these new rooms, but frankly, I didn’t spot anything that I’d consider even remotely major. From my perspective, this is a job exceptionally well done by Walt Disney World.

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

Your Thoughts

Do you agree or disagree with our take on the new Yacht Club rooms? Would you stay here, or is this resort off of your radar due to the refurbishment? 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!

Written by Tom Bricker

The new rooms look great. However….those dresser drawers look useless. Incorporating the fridge into the dresser at wdw resorts was the worst idea ever. I love the corner units at PoP and AKL. Adds so much functionality to the rooms. I’ll ignore your comment about dog rooms

I love love love that the rugs are Being pulled up, and a hard surface is down in its place. I wish all hotels would do this!

Have stayed at the Yacht Club both in October and November. We like the Yacht Club with respect to location. As for the rooms. We love them overall. The safe is much larger. There are plenty of outlets to charge your phone. Nice lamps built into the bed frame for reading. The HVAC unit seemed very quiet and efficient. Both my wife and I enjoyed the shower with the glass door. No curtains here! One interesting item they added was a sliding door to close off the sink area so it gave you privacy without waking up that late sleeper. We stayed at a first floor room and a third floor room on our visits. The only difference between the two was a large lamp in the center of the ceiling on the third floor room. Finally, my only complaint was the absence of a pen and notepad. Housekeeping told me they were cutting back! Could have used it when I was booking a Bounceback offer on the phone.

Like the Yacht Club redo but the bathtub and shower didn’t see any grab bars for safety. Don’t want room with room in shower not handicapped but where’s the safety, put in grab bars please.

We LOVE the more refined decor in the Yacht club rooms. We’ve stayed there twice since the new make-over. Never would stay there before because of the blinding red and blue child’s bedroom vibe. LOVE the sleek floors (carpet is not a very clean feel). It now looks like a Yacht Club would look – elegant, nautical, high-end. Good taste Disney.

Took family of 5 to a split stay with yacht club first then poly. Absolutely loved the yacht club rooms. So functional and convenient. Only problem was we could not use balcony due to love bugs but also a problem at poly. Think I actually prefer Yacht club to poly. One bummer was they moved the beautiful giant globe from the lobby to near the convention center. Boo!

More drabness!!!!!!!! These refurb are a 100% fail. A Disney resort should look DISNEY!!!!!!!! These rooms do not.

I do not understand why so many Disney room remodels are removing the ceiling fans!! In Florida with the year round heat and humidity, ceiling fans are a tremendous benefit and in my mind, they are an absolute necessity!!

We just got back from a 6 night stay at the Yacht Club! I loved it! Would be happy to only ever stay there! We were in room 2133 and the view was incredible! I would highly recommend the Yacht Club!

I think you are spot on about having a runner on the bed to match the pillows on the couch being an addition that would improve the decor greatly. That and maybe a few subtle details- such as adding a couple nautical tiles in the bathroom shower – would make for a sophisticated yet fun room. We stayed in a one bedroom DVC rental at Jambo House. I was amazed at how small things – like a tiny, carved lion cub on a piece of furniture, bedroom lamp with a large bird egg worked into the base, a couple of themed tiles in the shower – made the room so warm and interesting.

I don’t understand this trend of installing “hardwood” floors in hotel rooms. I understand that they are easier to clean but don’t they alter the noise level? I think the room looks fine, although like you I think the “art” is too modern, but it could benefit from a runner between the beds and the dresser at the very least.

Your comments about it being “dog friendly “, lol

We’re booked to stay at YC in January. It was a fail safe in case our planned December trip fell through – which it did, halfway, but that’s a story for another time (one of us is going!) – and I got an awesome rate from Disney Visa offers. (Under $300 for a deluxe room? Why heck yeah!!) Since it just us two oldies (chronologically speaking, that is) a more sophisticated environment sounds lovely. We toured the lobbies last year during the holiday season, and I fell in love with the whole Boardwalk area. We were staying at the Swan then – again, we appreciate the “lack of theming” and a more grown up aesthetic. We stayed at CBR last September, and construction and hurricane and all aside, it was nice, very casual where you’d feel comfortable running to the Coke station in your sweat pants and bare feet, but not Motel 6 like. I’ve visited the values – sorry but not my cup of tea with the bright, garish color schemes, noisy, Disney-in-your-face-24/7, over excited kids running everywhere – and stay off the lawn too, ya darn kids!!

I’m excited to see the new rooms in the spring. It is one of our favorite resorts, but we are just 2 adults. I love the proximity to the Boardwalk & Epcot, the smaller size, access to the nicer pool, and I love the full balcony. The balcony alone is a huge seller for me.

I love these new higher beds! They had them at the Grand Californian when we stayed last month. It’s super practical to be able to slide your luggage under the bed to get it out of the way. It also really helps when you are cramming people into the room like sardines.

I do really like the look of the new rooms, but I agree with you about the bed runner. The bed looks cold. Like I’m going to freeze all night. I thought the same thing about the new Pop rooms. Maybe I just need to pack a blanket.

Just came back from Disney and stayed at All Star Movies. The remodeled room was absolutely nice and the bed was incredibly comfortable. Perfect place to stay if your going with some little ones.

I really like the look of the new rooms. To be honest even though I’m an AP holder (from California that stays in the resorts when at WDW) and not a conventioneer I was not a fan of the previous rooms but now I’m anxious to stay at YC.

With these new room refurbs, is Disney taking steps to lesson the impact of bed bugs? Things like mattress encasements, etc?

I have wanted to stay at the Yacht Club for years – ever since I saw a Rick Steves piece on the resort. I was allured by the YC as it was then We finally stayed at the Yacht Club in April ’17 during the refurbishments. We ended up on the first floor in a not-yet-renovated room. Because of unrelated issues, we were moved to a new room on the 4th floor toward the end of our trip and were blown away! The rooms feel spacious and carry the yacht theme well with nautical tones and subtle touches. The common areas are both sophisticated and fun. I am not a conventioneer, but a Disney fan and a mother of two, and my family will stay at the Yacht Club again.

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Disney World Announces Multiple Month Closure in 2025

in Walt Disney World

If you’re planning a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort in 2025, you need to know about a multi-month closure that was recently announced.

Significant changes are on the horizon for Walt Disney World Resort as we look towards the remaining seven months of 2024. EPCOT will open up CommuniCore Hall & Plaza this summer. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is in the midst of refurbishing its Animation Courtyard theater in preparation for the refreshed show,  The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure , that will be coming to the Disney park in the fall of 2024.

The biggest new updates at Walt Disney World, of course, will happen at Magic Kingdom Park. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to open up in the summer as the replacement for Splash Mountain . Several new offerings– including shopping locations– will open with the new attraction.

In addition, Country Bear Musical Jamboree will open with a new show beginning this summer, likely coinciding closely with the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. With so much happening this year, it’s hard to look forward to 2025 just yet, but Disney World just made an announcement that you should be aware of if you’re planning to visit “The Most Magical Place on Earth” next year.

If you’ve booked a stay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort , you should know that a major announcement was just made about work at the resort, which will last nearly six months. In an announcement, Disney shared that the Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool will be closed all the way through June 2025.

“From January 2025 through June 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for routine maintenance. Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours. During this time, Guests are welcome to swim at the Tidal, Admiral and Dunes Cove leisure pools.”

During this closure, Disney World guests can still take a swim in the Tidal, Admiral, and Dunes Cove leisure pools.

Inspired by the grandeur of New England’s coastal mansions, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort transports guests to a world of maritime luxury and relaxation. With its stately architecture, pristine white facades, and regal blue accents, the Yacht Club exudes an air of sophistication and refinement.

Boasting luxurious accommodations, including spacious rooms and suites adorned with maritime-themed decor, as well as an array of upscale amenities such as a serene sand-bottom pool and tantalizing dining options, the Yacht Club offers guests a truly indulgent retreat from the excitement of the nearby theme parks.

Of course, this won’t be the only major closure or announcement for 2025.

When will Disney World announce new attractions for 2025?

With the highly anticipated opening of Universal’s Epic Universe on the horizon, Disney is undoubtedly preparing to showcase its innovative spirit and commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences. As guests eagerly anticipate the grand unveiling of Universal’s new theme park, Disney World is poised to elevate its offerings, setting the stage for an exciting era of theme park rivalry.

As the countdown to the D23 Expo in August begins,  Disney World park enthusiasts and industry insiders alike are buzzing with anticipation, eagerly awaiting news of Disney’s response to the unveiling of Universal’s Epic Universe. With speculation rife about potential expansions, enhancements, and groundbreaking attractions, all eyes are on Disney as it prepares to unveil its next wave of magical experiences.

Just recently, Disney unveiled that it would be investing more than $60 billion in the coming years . With Tiana’s Bayou Adventure the major new addition in 2024, it will be interesting to see if we get an announcement in August for something to come in “late 2025.” We do expect that It’s Tough to be a Bug! will likely close down later this year, and a new Zootopia -themed show will take its place, hopefully opening in 2025.

What do you think Disney World’s biggest announcement will be in 2025? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!

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Construction Work Being Carried Out Disney’s Yacht Club

by Melissa Roden · August 8, 2021

Earlier this week, we here at MickeyBlog shared footage with you of the reopening of the Yachtsman Steakhouse.

During our visit we noticed work being carried out at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. 

Scaffolding was set up along some of the exterior wings of the building. 

It was a bustle of activity with large team of workers on the scene. 

Certain sections were also blocked off to the public. 

You can see the scaffolding going all the way up to the rooftops of the building. 

During our visit we were told that the majority of working being carried out is paintwork on the exterior of the building. 

If you look at the photos closely you can actually see some old sections and the more vibrant recently painted sections of this deluxe resort property. 

At the moment there is a lot of work being carried out across Walt Disney World Resort . 

This is because Disney World wants everything to look perfect for it’s 50th Anniversary celebration. 

The festivities kick off on October 1st. 

Many minor projects are being pushed through in time for the festivities. 

Work was recently completed at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. 

Construction work is also underway at Disney’s Contemporary Resort where all of the guest rooms are getting an Incredibles -style refurb. 

This is a very popular time for guests to be staying at Disney World’s EPCOT Resorts with the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival in full swing so we don’t expect the paint job to drag on too long at this property. 

We do think the completed areas look absolutely dazzling! 

For photos from are meal at Yachtsman Steakhouse, you can check out our previous post here . 

The Crew’s Cup Lounge also recent reopened on the property which can also be found here.  

The property is also connected to Disney’s Beach Club Resort where we also reported last week that the takeaway window at Beaches & Cream has just reopened! You can take a look at that menu here . 

With everything getting a big sprucing up in the lead in to Disney World’s Anniversary plans, now is a great time to start planning your getaway. 

Packages can currently be booked through December 2022! 

Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration will also carry through to much of 2022. 

We’ll be popping by the Yacht Club again soon to share the completed paint job with you! 

So be sure to keep following along with us for further news and updates!

In the meantime, a huge shout-out to the crews over at the Yacht Club for making this property look even more magical. 

Have you heard the news!?  Walt Disney World packages are currently available through Summer of 2022!  Book your getaway with ME before the end of August of 2021 and I’ll throw in a Disney Gift Card!* Plus 1 lucky family will be picked each month to receive a special in-room delivery from Disney Floral & Gifts!  Simply fill out my form below to get your FREE, no obligation quote!

With new policies and procedures in place for next year, there’s never been a better time to work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner who can help you navigate through Disney World’s new way of doing things! Just fill out my form  HERE  to get your FREE, no-obligation quote. Alternatively, feel free to reach out at  [email protected]  or follow along on  Facebook

Tags: construction Deluxe Resort Epcot Yacht and Beach Club Yacht CLub Yachtsman Steakhouse

Melissa Roden

As an agent with MickeyTravels and a Blogger with MickeyBlog I enjoy sharing, tips, tricks and advice to help readers and clients get the most out of your time with Disney. When I'm not helping clients plan their perfect holidays or nab those hard-to-get discounts you can find me enjoying a Dole Whip at Disney World with my daughter! Reach out for a FREE, no obligation quote at 1.800.801.4025 or find me on Facebook !

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planDisney Pocket Guide to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

by Lisa Mendillo , Sr. Manager, Digital Integration

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort offers guests amazing amenities, an incredible location and numerous dining options. There is so much to do here, so the planDisney panelists recommend including at least one resort day in your itinerary when vacationing at this Disney Resorts Collection hotel.

Transportation is a breeze at this resort. While buses are available for guests to venture to theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is also walking distance or a short boat ride to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

planDisney Tip : Don’t forget Disney Skyliner can also be accessed at EPCOT International Gateway nearby, giving guests even more choices for transportation near this resort.

A variety of room types await guests at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Rooms with standard, water, garden, and wood views are available and can sleep up to five adults. Suites and Club Level access are also available and can sleep up to six adults while the Turret Suite can accommodate up to eight adults.

With dining options like Ale & Compass , Yachtsman Steakhouse , The Market at Ale & Compass , and Crew’s Cup Lounge there are choices for every palate when mealtime rolls around. And let’s not forget Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar & Grill , Beaches & Cream Soda Shop and Cape May Café .

On to recreation and one of the most beloved pools on Disney property. Stormalong Bay is a 750,000 gallon, beachside wonderland that offers guests three acres of aquatic fun. Take a swirl around the lazy river or put your toes in the sand … inside the pool with a sand-bottom! Plus, Stormalong Bay is also home to one of the highest hotel waterslides at Walt Disney World Resort, and it can be found at the top of the life-size shipwreck replica.

If pool time to you means a quiet afternoon soaking up the rays, there are also three leisure pools you can enjoy at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and the neighboring sister-resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

planDisney Tip: Book a poolside cabana and spend the day lounging and enjoying cocktails or munchies from Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar & Grill or mobile ordering a delicious to-go meal from Ale & Compass Restaurant.

Also, close by, guests will find Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf . Whether you want to work on your putting or just want to have fun with the family, this is a great afternoon activity for all. And, it’s only a short walk away!

To learn more about additional offerings and planDisney tips, be sure to swipe through our planDisney Pocket Guide:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by planDisney (@plandisneypanel)

You can also download a copy of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort planDisney Pocket Guide here .

Plus, check out past planDisney Pocket Guides:

• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
• Disneyland Hotel
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower

Stay tuned for more planDisney pocket guides as we explore all the wonderful Disney Resort Hotels. For more fun tips and great advice for planning your next Disney vacation stop by  @planDisneyPanel on Instagram ,  @planDisney on twitter , or  planDisney.com . The panelists look forward to answering your planning questions.

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Construction Has Begun on the ALL-NEW Gingerbread Display at Disney’s Yacht Club Hotel!

By Jasmine Kocon 2 Comments

The Disney World gingerbread displays are an iconic part of the holiday celebration at the resort.

2023 Grand Floridian Gingerbread House

All around the property at several hotels, you can find life-sized gingerbread displays. From the most iconic display– the gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian –to the baby giraffe and baby zebra at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, there’s so much to see! These displays add a warm, cozy, Christmas ambiance to each location they’re in. This year, an all-new gingerbread display will be joining the group and construction has started!

Each year at Disney’s Beach Club Resort , you can find an in-motion  gingerbread carousel with all new themes every year. This year, the Beach Club’s sister resort, Disney’s Yacht Club is joining in on the gingerbread fun by bringing to life an exact, scaled, replica of the lighthouse on Crescent Lake!

Construction has begun!

The lighthouse, fully composed of gingerbread, stands nearly two people tall! As you can see, it takes a couple of ladders to ensure this fun display comes to life.

It is being built next to their Christmas Village , which makes for a very pretty Christmas view!

So much joy in one picture!

The train that roams around the Christmas Village is set to depart at scheduled times throughout the day. Be sure to stop by to see the full effect!

Train departures

Usually, at each gingerbread display, there is a Holiday Pop-Up Shop that goes along with it where you can purchase gingerbread and other holiday treats. While the lighthouse was set to have a pop-up shop with a new lighthouse fudge (which is available at the Beach Club) , a Cast Member mentioned that it would not be opening due to staffing issues. So we’re not 100% sure what will happen; we’ll have to wait and see as the season goes on! 

It’s going to be so cool!

We look forward to seeing the completed display for its Disney World debut! Usually, these take about two to three days to be completed, so we’ll be keeping our eye out.

In the meantime, keep following DFB!

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Which gingerbread display is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

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November 11, 2023 at 10:11 am

Can you visit the gingerbread displays at hotels without park ticket?

November 13, 2023 at 12:25 pm

Hi, Jane! Yes, you can visit the hotels displays, no park ticket needed! Hope you have a great time!

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The Ultimate Disney Yacht Club Review + Insider Tips

February 8, 2021 //  by  Kimberly Jones //   2 Comments

Disney’s Yacht Club opened back on November 5, 1990. Its sister location is the Beach Club located right next to it. The Yacht Club is a beautifully themed resort with nautical and beach themes. We are going to tell you everything you need to know about this wonderful resort in our Ultimate Disney Yacht Club Review + Insider Tips! 

There are so many great aspects to this resort such as its location, pools, transportation options, and amenities. If you are thinking about staying at the Yacht Club, read on to find out if this resort is a good fit for you!

Where Is The Yacht Club At Disney Located?

One of the best reasons to stay at Disney’s Yacht Club is the fantastic location! This resort is within walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios . There are also several different transportation options to all of the parks, Disney Springs , and the water parks .

The Yacht Club is directly next to the Beach Club, and they share the pool. Now you not only have access to all of the Yacht Club’s restaurants and amenities, but you also have access to the Beach Club’s! 

The Yacht and Beach Club are right across the water from Disney’s Boardwalk Resort . It is a short walk away to enjoy everything the Boardwalk has to offer! There are some fun restaurants, bars, and shops to explore there.

The Yacht Club is also very close to the Swan and Dolphin Hotels. There is a pathway to take you right over to these hotels for some extra fun as well! 

Not only are there other resorts within walking distance of the Yacht Club, but there are also resorts that are a quick Skyliner trip away! Taking the Skyliner from Epcot’s International Gateway, you can visit Disney’s Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century , and Art of Animation! 

Disney’s Yacht Club is in a very prime location with quick access to two of the parks and multiple resorts!

Checking in to The Yacht Club At Disney

Checking into the Yacht Club is extremely easy, and it doesn’t even require you to visit the front desk! The day of your reservation, you can check in to the resort from the My Disney Experience app . The app will let you know when your room is ready and what your room number will be! If you have magic bands or even your phone , you can head straight to your room and unlock the door. 

Of course, you can always go the old school route and check-in at the front desk. All the cast members at Disney’s Yacht Club are extremely friendly and accommodating! A great tip to keep in mind is you can always see if there are any upgrades available for your room. We were able to get a free upgrade from a standard view to a water view! 

The lobby is also absolutely amazing here. It has a very adventurous and nautical theme to it. You can find everything you need right in this area, such as the restaurant, lounge, bell services, and the front desk. 

Right outside the backside of the lobby, there is a boardwalk that will lead you to the boat transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Transportation Options From The Yacht Club

We love all of the transportation options the Yacht Club has to offer, and we’re sure you will too! As mentioned before, there are walking paths to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The Epcot walking path is very short and will get you to the International Gateway in about 5 – 10 minutes. The entrance at International Gateway is on the back side of Epcot by World Showcase . 

The walking path to Hollywood Studios is a little bit longer than the Epcot one. This one can take 20 minutes or more. However, there is boat transportation to Hollywood Studios if you don’t want to walk! You can find boat transportation right behind the lobby that will take you to Epcot or Hollywood Studios. 

If you don’t want to walk or take the boat to Hollywood Studios, you can always take the Skyliner! There is a Skyliner location right outside International Gateway that will take you first to Disney’s Riviera Resort, and then to the Skyliner central hub at Caribbean Beach Resort. From here you will get off the Skyliner and get in line for a different Skyliner track to take you to Hollywood Studios. 

So there are so many options to get to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, but what about the other parks? Disney has bus transportation from the Yacht Club to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Spring, and the water parks. 

If you plan on spending a lot of time at either Epcot or Hollywood Studios, the Yacht Club is one of the best resorts to stay at.

Disney Yacht Club Room Review

There are several different room options at the Yacht Club. There is Standard View, Water View, Garden or Woods View, and 2 Bedroom Suites. All of the view rooms also have club level options. 

I was able to stay in a Water View room. The room was absolutely delightful! It had a nautical theme to match the rest of the resort, and it was quite spacious. The room had two queen beds and a pull out couch, so it was able to sleep up to 5 guests. We only had 4 guests in our room, but I could imagine the pull out bed might make the room feel a little more cramped.

The room had large closets with space to hang clothes, and a big sink and bathroom area with two sinks. The shower had a sliding glass door, which I prefer over a curtain. 

I really liked that this room had wood flooring compared to carpet. It added to the nautical theme very well. The room also had a balcony that looked over the back entrance of the lobby and the water. Overall, the room was very nice, and I thoroughly enjoyed its set up! 

Yacht Club rooms average in price anywhere between $400 to over $3000 per night depending on what room you stay in and what time of the year you visit. 

Dining Options At The Yacht Club

There are some really great and delicious dining options at the Yacht Club. This resort has two restaurants, two lounges, a quick service restaurant, a restaurant located in between the Yacht and Beach Club, and a pool bar. 

The two restaurants at the Yacht Club are Ale & Compass and Yachtsman Steakhouse. Yachtsman Steakhouse is currently temporarily unavailable, but Ale & Compass is open for breakfast and dinner. This restaurant follows the nautical theme with a relaxing atmosphere and some delicious coastal eats. 

The Ale & Compass Lounge is located adjacent to the restaurant. Here, you can order off the lounge menu and even the restaurant menu. This lounge can fill up quickly at night though, so make sure to grab a seat early if you want to eat or drink here.

The other lounge, Crew’s Cup Lounge,  is right next to Yachtsman Steakhouse and is also temporarily unavailable. We hope that the lounge and restaurant will open soon! 

The quick service location shares a spot with the Yacht Club’s gift shop. When you enter the Market at Ale & Compass, on the right is the gift shop and on the left is the quick service restaurant. They serve coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and more. This is a great place to stop for a quick bite to eat to or from the parks! 

Beaches and Cream Soda Shop is the hidden gem of the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts! This restaurant is located in between the two resorts and serves some wonderful food! They are open for lunch and dinner and they serve sandwiches and burgers. My favorite is their Grilled Cheese sandwich, its delicious! 

However, save room for the best part of this restaurant. The ice cream! They have shakes, floats, and sundaes! You can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. If you’re feeling really brave though, try the Kitchen Sink sundae. This sundae is meant for 4 or more people, and includes every topping and a whole can of whipped cream! I have attempted it twice, and I still haven’t been able to finish it. Maybe you can! 

Hurricane Hanna’s Grill is the pool bar located right next to Stormalong Bay. They have a few food items and some refreshing drinks. 

If you’ve tried everything at the Yacht Club and want something different, head over to the Beach Club! Here you can find even more restaurants and tasty eats!

Yacht Club Swimming Pools

The Yacht and Beach Club have hands down the best swimming pools on Disney World property. It’s considered more of a small water park than swimming pools because it’s so large! 

Stormalong Bay is 3 acres of refreshing fun! It includes a large sand bottomed pool and a lazy river. There are waterfalls, a volleyball net in the pool, and a water slide. 

This water slide is no joke. You climb a large shipwrecked ship all the way to the top and then slide down this long and exciting slide! Stormalong Bay even has a “beach” area with sand to play with! After all that fun, go relax in one of 3 whirlpool spas.

Right by the entrance to the water slide is a small kid play area with a mini water slide. This is a great introduction to the big slide for nervous kids! 

Don’t need all the excitement of Stormalong Bay? There are also 3 leisure pools at the Yacht and Beach Club for guests to enjoy.

If you plan on staying at the Yacht Club, you must plan a resort day into your schedule! Make some time for this awesome mini water park and relax away from the parks! You won’t regret it. 

Amenities At The Yacht Club Resort

There are so many fun amenities and things to do at Disney’s Yacht Club. When it comes to activities, there are fishing excursions, a tennis court, a sand volleyball court, jogging trails, motorized boat rentals, an arcade, and a fitness center. Just ask the front desk if you’d like to book a fishing excursion or rent a boat to go out on the water! 

The Yacht Club even has a spa! Ship Shape Massage Salon is a full service spa that can do massages, facials, hairstyling, and nails. We all need a relaxing day every once and awhile! Why not enjoy the spa on your day off from the parks?

The resort also has campfire activities, movies under the stars, and a Pirate Adventure Cruise (which is unfortunately temporarily unavailable at the moment). The Yacht Club is within walking distance of the Fantasia Gardens & Fairways Miniature Golf. Go show off your mini golf skills at this adorably themed course!

This resort really has a lot of fun things for you and your family to enjoy! You will definitely want to take a day away from the parks to enjoy this amazing resort! 

Overall Thoughts On Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

We at Disney Trippers absolutely love Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. The whole place is incredibly peaceful and beautiful. It has the perfect mix of being family friendly and adult friendly with lots of things to do. So whether you’re traveling with a bunch of adults or your kids, everyone will enjoy it! 

Most everything is in super close distance to this resort. The only time you will have to take the bus is to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Spring, or the water parks. The other parks and some resorts are really easy to get to, making this a top notch location for a resort.

If you have a day off from the parks, make sure to enjoy all of the amenities the Yacht Club has to offer. You could spend a whole day just having fun at the resort! You definitely don’t want to miss out on this place!

Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort? If so, did you enjoy it as much as we do? What do you liked to do while staying there? We want to hear your opinions on this Disney resort! 

Reader Interactions

February 23, 2021 at 3:18 pm

We stayed at the Disney Yacht Club the last time we were at DW. We loved it. The staff was outstanding. It was an adult family vacation, and due to different work schedules, some family members had to fly in at different times. The staff accommodated each one and made them feel as if they already knew them. We loved the location as we could walk to different locations. We tried the Kitchen Sink sundae, but couldn’t finish it. We sure had fun trying. We actually took one day to enjoy the resort and were not disappointed. We spent time in the swimming pool, which was amazing with the sand bottom. Lunch was an delicious lobster roll and we finished off at the steakhouse. I would certainly recommend this resort to all who are considering a trip to Disney World.

February 23, 2021 at 9:27 pm

Thank you for sharing!!!! We LOVE this resort too!!!

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Pools at Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Stormalong bay.

Splash it up at this 750,000-gallon, beachside wonderland that offers 3 acres of aquatic fun.

Immerse yourself in an expansive sand-bottomed pool or a lazy circular river. Explore a life-size shipwreck replica. Slide down one of the highest hotel waterslides at Walt Disney World Resort. Then, feel your cares melt away as you soak up the sun's golden rays atop an elevated tanning deck, or simply escape to one of 3 whirlpool spas.

Children can wade into the main pool from the gently sloping, sandy beach and cool off in the Shipwreck Pool—complete with a miniature waterslide!

Boasting an impressive complex of pools that range from swirling to placid or open to secluded, every member of your family can find a place to cool off and have some fun at Stormalong Bay.

3 Leisure Pools

Looking for a more peaceful swimming experience? Choose from 3 leisure pools at Disney's Beach and Yacht Club Resorts.

Disney's Beach Club Resort pool is located in the garden area on the far end of the resort facing Crescent Lake. Disney's Yacht Club Resort pool can be found in its own tranquil garden area. A third pool is privately located in the Disney's Beach Club Villas ; although it is situated for the convenience of Beach Club Villas Guests, Guests of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort are welcome to enjoy it. All pools include steaming whirlpool spas.

Poolside Activities

Know before you go.

Hours and lifeguard availability vary by pool and are subject to change.

Complimentary towels are provided at all pools.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Review

Hoping for a chic place to stay at Disney World where the kids can still feel at home? At Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, sophisticated style, refined restaurants, and an epic hotel waterpark make for the perfect stay for families and couples alike.  

So, how does the Walt Disney World Yacht Club Resort compare to the other deluxe hotels? Is this spendy stay worth the price of admission? Grab your captain’s hat and a compass as we set sail to find out. (Updated September 7, 2022)

Staying at the Disney World Yacht Club Resort

Yacht clubs may typically be for the rich and famous, but you don’t need to be the owner of a swanky ship to stay at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Overlooking Crescent Lake towards Disney’s BoardWalk , it’s the more dignified stay of the Disney Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, perfect for an adult Disney trip , kid-friendly perks like the best Disney hotel pool, and a convenient location in the middle of the Epcot & Hollywood Studios Resort Area . 

With quaint grey buildings trimmed in white and a lighthouse guiding Friendship Boats to the marina, this deluxe resort is styled like a stately yacht club along New England’s coastline. Only a short walk from the International Gateway entrance at Epcot with a covetable spot on the Disney Skyliner route, it’s an ideal stay for families hoping to maximize their time at Hollywood Studios or adults stumbling back to the room after a day spent drinking around the world . 

Disney World Yacht Club Rooms & Suites

The Walt Disney World Yacht Club Resort touts a 4.5 on TripAdvisor. As with other deluxe resorts at Disney World, it has a variety of room types to choose from including standard rooms, Disney club-level rooms , and even a 2-bedroom suite. If you’re picky about the view and don’t want to get stuck with uninspired scenes of the resort’s rooftops, choose from a relaxing garden-view or water-view room instead.

A far cry from the outdated, on-the-nose guestrooms of the past, rooms here use more contemporary elements like dark woods, strong lines, crisp linens, and nautical touches for a more refined take on classic coastal style. With sky-chart-inspired curtains, a mirror reminiscent of a porthole, and a feature wall with menswear flair, a stay here feels like stepping into the captain’s quarters on a posh mega yacht. 

In general, all standard rooms and suites at the Yacht Club come with the following amenities: a hairdryer, iron, ironing board, mini-refrigerator, coffee maker, in-room safe, telephone with voicemail, and free Wi-Fi. 

Standard View Room

• Comes with 1 king bed or 1 king bed & 1 day bed or 2 queen beds & 1 day bed or 1 queen bed & 1 day bed & 1 twin-sized sleeper chair
• Sleeps between 2 to 5 adults 
• Views of the parking area or resort rooftops

Garden or Woods Room

• Comes with 1 king bed or 2 queen beds or 2 queen beds & 1 day bed or 1 queen bed & 1 day bed & 1 twin-sized sleeper chair
• Views of the gardens or forested areas

Water View Room

• Comes with 1 king bed or 1 king bed & 1 day bed or 2 queen beds or 2 queen beds & 1 day bed or 1 queen bed & 1 day bed & 1 twin-sized sleeper chair
• Views of Crescent Lake or the quiet pool

2 Bedroom Suite

• Comes with 2 king beds and 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper
• Sleeps up to 6 adults 
• Views of Crescent Lake or Stormalong Bay

Rooms with Club-Level Service at the Walt Disney World Yacht Club

Club-level guestrooms at Disney’s Yacht Club offer the same handsome interiors and thoughtful amenities (see above for details) as the standard rooms and suites, plus a DVD player, as well as the following benefits at the Regatta Club: complimentary access to the health club, complimentary fax assistance, complimentary newspapers in the Regatta Club, evening turndown service, and access to Disney Signature Services and a personalized front desk. Club-level guests are also able to access the Regatta Club with their key when refreshments are served between 7 AM and 10 PM.  

Standard View – Club Level Room

• Comes with 1 king bed or 2 queen beds 
• Sleeps between 2 to 4 adults 

Garden View – Club Level Room

• Comes with 1 king bed or 2 queen beds or 2 queen beds & 1 day bed
• Views of the gardens 

Water View – Club Level Room

• Comes with 1 king bed or 1 king bed & 1 day bed or 2 queen beds or 2 queen beds & 1 day bed
• Views of Stormalong Bay

Disney Yacht Club Resort Prices

Ready to book your reservation at the Walt Disney World Yacht Club Resort? You’re probably wondering how much it’ll cost you to stay there. With sophisticated rooms, an unbeatable location, and arguably the best hotel pool at Disney World, a night here doesn’t come cheap.

In fact, even if you stay in the most basic room of the bunch during the slowest time of year, you’ll still end up dropping at least $500 a night. So, if you’re traveling on a shoestring, one of Disney’s All-Star Resorts might be more your speed. Or save on your hotel stay without skimping on little Disney luxuries, stay at one of the charming Disney Port Orleans Resorts or another moderate resort instead. 

If you’re ready to treat you and your loved ones to a stay at Disney’s Yacht Club, room rates will depend on a few different things like what time of year you’re traveling, how many people are staying, and what you want to see when you look out your window. For example, while watching the Christmas fireworks from your water-view room on the Regatta Club level will run you almost $1,400, staying during the slow season in a room with a less-than-picturesque view of the roof will net you around $900 in savings . 

With rates spanning from the mid-$500s during the slow season to the mid-to-high $900s, basic standard-view rooms without access to the Regatta Club are the most affordable option. Contrastingly, if your clan is large or you’re looking to splurge, prices for a 2-bedroom suite with keys to the club-level lounge start in the low $2,000s and top out in the high $3,000s. 

Below are some examples of room rate ranges for stays in 2023 , arranged by starting price, for each of the room types available at the Yacht Club (expect slightly lower rates in 2022 ) :

• Standard View Room: $542 to $986
• King Bed: $549 to $991
• Garden or Woods View Room: $586 to $1,034
• Water View Room: $684 to $1,118
• Standard View – Club Level: $796 to $1,378
• Garden View – Club Level: $828 to $1,398
• Water View – Club Level: $939 to $1,566
• 2 Bedroom Suite: $2,182 to $3,877

Disney Yacht Club Hotel Amenities

Although room rates at Disney’s Yacht Club are on the spendy side, as a deluxe resort , you’ll have access to some of the best hotel amenities on Disney property. Unlike staying at Disney’s Art of Animation or one of the other value resorts, there are more than enough things to do at the Yacht Club at Walt Disney World to keep you entertained all vacation long.

Disney Yacht Club Dining

Just like the elegant yacht clubs that dot the New England coast and the rest of the United States, Disney World’s Yacht Club Resort offers an array of tempting dining options. As this is one of the more grown-up resorts at Walt Disney World, don’t expect any seafaring-themed Disney dinner shows or character dining starring Donald Duck in his iconic sailor outfit here. Instead, you’ll find everything from a grab-and-go market to a prime steakhouse.   

Best of all, with the Beach Club right next door and Disney’s BoardWalk only a short stroll away, you’re minutes away from a smorgasbord of other Disney World restaurants that are perfect for pleasing even the pickiest of eaters. 

Ale & Compass Lounge

Attached to the table-service restaurant of the same name, the Ale & Compass Lounge is a distinguished spot to grab a drink after a long day exploring the parks. With its dark blue paneling, plush furniture, and tin ceiling accents, you almost feel as if you’re in a classy cruise ship lounge. Stop by for elevated appetizers like Lobster and Corn Chowder and a Bacon and Vermont Cheddar Burger; stay for the old-school and updated craft cocktails . 

Ale & Compass Restaurant

With both a to-go menu and a handsome, expansive dining room, the Disney Ale and Compass Restaurant is a welcome stop whether fueling up for a day of adventures or dropping anchor after hours in the parks. Serving up both breakfast and dinner, this table-service restaurant styled after an inviting lighthouse is a beacon for hungry guests both day and night.

In the morning, tuck into seaside breakfast favorites like Shrimp and White Cheddar Grits, Crab Cake Benedict, or a Maine Lobster Roll. At dinnertime, dig into a selection of comfort food classics with a coastal twist like New England Seafood Pot Pie and Short Rib “French Dip” Flatbread. 

Crew’s Cup Lounge

With its warm wood beams, Craftsman-style elements, and a convenient location next door to the Yachtsman Steakhouse, Disney’s Crew’s Cup Lounge is a cozy place for a drink before heading to dinner or on your way back to the room. While you could just come for a glass of wine or a boozy coffee cocktail, this hotel bar also offers an extensive menu with dishes from the neighboring steakhouse, making this an excellent alternative if you can’t score a reservation. 

The Market at Ale & Compass

Serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner – as well as a substantial selection of Disney souvenirs, snacks, and sundries – The Market at Ale & Compass is the place to go for a fast meal at Disney’s Yacht Club. This quick-service restaurant serves up pretty standard AM fare such as Mickey Waffles and breakfast sandwiches in the morning before transitioning to light bites like sandwiches and salads in the afternoons and evenings. 

Yachtsman Steakhouse

No yacht club in the Hamptons is complete without a ritzy steakhouse slinging surf-and-turf favorites. Warm and welcoming with seaworthy touches like knotty pine and porthole-inspired windows, the Yachtsman Steakhouse feels more laidback than stuffy, although a dress code is required (no flip-flops here!). 

Cut into carnivorous classics like the 28-oz Porterhouse for Two or the Roasted Prime Rib or stick to fresh-from-the-sea fare like Seafood Cioppino or a Chilled Admiral’s Tower for Two overflowing with lobster, crab, mussels, and more. End your meal on a sweet note with desserts like Yachtsman’s Chocolate Cake or Crème Brûlée. 

Disney Yacht Club Pools 

Like to get in the water as much as you like to get on the water? Well, you’ve come to the right place. One of the resorts with the best hotel pools at Disney World , Yacht Club is home to the only waterpark at a Walt Disney World hotel: Stormalong Bay. Sprawling across 3 glorious acres on the shores of Crescent Lake, this aquatic paradise is the perfect spot for a beach day – no trip to the coast necessary.  

Splash down the 230-foot-long waterslide, let your cares drain away along the lazy river or in one of the whirlpool spas, sink your toes into the sand-bottomed pool, or even discover the ruins of the resort’s resident shipwreck. Yachting is all about luxury, so splurge on a full-service cabana for you and your crew (reservations required). 

As you can imagine, Stormalong Bay can get pretty busy during the day. To skip the crowds, try visiting one of the 3 different leisure pools shared by Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort. 

Other Recreation at Disney’s Yacht Club 

The WDW Yacht Club Resort may be the Disney hotel with the best pool, but there are plenty of other recreational activities to keep you busy all vacation long. While you don’t need the keys to your own Sunseeker to gain entrance to Disney’s Yacht Club hotel, you can rent some out by the half-hour for everything from a 2-person Sea Raycer to a 10-person pontoon boat from the resort marina – one of our top things to do outside the theme parks . Or for other on-the-water fun, go on a guided fishing excursion or pirate adventure cruise instead. 

Rather keep both feet on dry land? The youngest resort guests will love watching some of their favorite Disney flicks during Movies Under the Stars or toasting marshmallows around the campfire, while grown-ups can keep their exercise routine intact on the jogging path or during an intense match on the volleyball or tennis courts.  

Getting cabin fever? Take some time to explore the resort’s incomparable location. The Disney World Yacht and Beach Club is just a short walk from the tasty restaurants, entertaining nightlife, and turn-of-the-century appeal of Disney’s BoardWalk complex. Or for wholesome thrills the whole family can enjoy, work on your swing at Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course across the street from the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts. 

Disney Yacht Club Merchandise Locations

For those searching for that perfect souvenir, set a course for The Market at Ale & Compass. This one-stop shop is a convenient spot to pick up forgotten essentials, Disney merchandise, and provisions for a day in the parks. As the location of the resort’s quick-service restaurant, table-service restaurant, and to-go outlet, it’s also an ideal pitstop before cruising to the parks or back to your room. 

Disney Yacht Club FAQs

Want to know more about Disney’s Yacht Club Resort? Read on for answers to some commonly asked questions. 

Is Disney Yacht Club kid-friendly?

Yes! Despite the more grown-up vibe, Disney’s Yacht Club can be a great place to stay for families with children of all ages. While the guestrooms aren’t exactly overflowing with pixie dust, you’ll still find plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep little ones feeling the magic, from splashing around in Stormalong Bay to watching Disney Movies Under the Stars. And if there aren’t enough options to please the picky eaters in your life at the Ale & Compass, there definitely will be at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop next door at Disney’s Beach Club. 

When was Disney Yacht Club refurbished?

Rooms at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort were renovated rather recently in 2017, a welcome update from the previous guestrooms’ dated design touches like nautical headboards and white-painted furniture. 

Can you see fireworks from Disney Yacht Club?

Yup! While you won’t be able to watch the entire show, thanks to its covetable location in the heart of the Epcot and Hollywood Studios Resort Area, you will be able to catch some of the higher fireworks from both nighttime spectaculars. In fact, aside from the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort , it’s also one of our top spots to watch the Disney World fireworks outside the parks . Just head to the resort’s lighthouse on Crescent Lake. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to catch glimpses of the show from the comfort of your hotel room.  

Can you walk from Yacht Club to Hollywood Studios? 

Yes! If you’d rather not take the bus, Friendship Boat, or Disney Skyliner , there is a walking path that connects the Epcot Resort Area to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Roughly 1-mile long or around a 15 to 20-minute walk, the walkway runs from between Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort to the main entrance to Hollywood Studios. 

How long is the walk to Epcot?

Walking to the International Gateway entrance at Epcot from Disney’s Yacht Club Resort will only take around 10 to 15 minutes depending on your pace. If you’re not in a hurry, you can also enjoy a leisurely 20-minute ride from the hotel to the park on one of the Friendship Boats . 

How long is the bus ride from Yacht Club to Magic Kingdom? Animal Kingdom?

Taking the Disney bus from the Yacht Club to Magic Kingdom typically takes around 20 minutes, as does the bus to Animal Kingdom . If you’ve really got some time on your hands and are looking to take the scenic route, you can also take the Monorail from the front of Epcot to Magic Kingdom Park.

However, as you will need to walk all the way through World Showcase and Future World just to reach the Monorail, this hourlong route definitely isn’t for the faint of heart or those short on time. Keep in mind that you will need a park ticket (and currently, also a park reservation) to get to the Epcot Monorail from Disney’s Yacht Club. 

Well, crew, that concludes our cruise around Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. With its adult ambiance, convenient location, classy style, delicious restaurants, and a boatload of recreational activities (including the best hotel pool at Disney World), it’s an excellent choice for everyone from families with children (especially older kids and teens) to couples. 

While you’re there, make the most of your time at the resort’s two closest parks with our 1-day plans for Epcot and Hollywood Studios . Or since you indulged in a deluxe resort, why not save some cash with our discounted Walt Disney World tickets . 

Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Yacht Club? Which room type or restaurant is your favorite? Is the Regatta Club worth it?  Where is the best place to watch the Epcot fireworks ? Let us know in the comments!

Transportation Options and Tips for Disney’s Yacht Club (The Expert’s Guide)

Staying at Disney’s Yacht Club means you’ll have access to several modes of transportation from the resort. But what is the most efficient way to get from the resort to where you’re going?

We’ve got the answers. Below, we’ll discuss every transportation tip you need to know for planning a vacation at Disney’s Yacht Club. We have stayed at this resort countless times and know all the ins and outs!

We recommend reviewing this entire guide in preparation for your trip. Then save it if you need a quick reference while on-site. But if you’re already there, here are a few quick links to some of the main destinations at Walt Disney World from the Yacht Club.

• How to Get from Disney’s Yacht Club to Magic Kingdom 
• How to Get from Disney’s Yacht Club  to Epcot 
• How to Get from Disney’s Yacht Club to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• How to Get from Disney’s Yacht Club to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• How to Get from Disney’s Yacht Club to Disney Springs

Can you imagine sitting at a bus stop at Walt Disney World and waiting for a bus that’s not coming? I would be willing to bet that scenario happens daily at Disney’s Yacht Club.

Over the years, we’ve often witnessed guests waiting at the bus stop for a bus to Epcot or Hollywood Studios. Sometimes, they’ve been waiting a while. Other times, they get to the bus stop, start looking at the wait signs, and immediately realize they’ve made an error.

Time is precious at Walt Disney World, and while we can’t control how long we have to wait for anything, we can learn how to use transportation to our advantage. So let’s learn how to navigate our ship, in this case–the little Friendship boats that dock immediately behind the resort!

Disney’s Yacht Club Transportation Options

The following forms of transportation are available at Disney’s Yacht Club:

• Friendship Boats
• Disney’s Bus Service
• Skyliner (within walking distance)

*You can also walk to two theme parks from the resort, which we’ll discuss in more detail below.

Disney’s Yacht Club to Magic Kingdom

For Magic Kingdom, you’ll want to take the bus. Yacht Club’s bus stop is conveniently outside the resort’s front doors.

Disney’s Yacht Club shares its bus service with Disney’s Beach Club, its sister resort. So when you board the bus at the Yacht Club, you’ll stop at the Beach Club. After that, you’ll continue to the park.

Disney’s Yacht Club is the first stop when returning to the resort from Magic Kingdom. So you’ll be at an advantage on the return trip.

Disney’s Yacht Club to Epcot

You can get to Epcot from Disney’s Yacht Club in two ways. Since Disney’s Yacht Club is part of the Epcot Resorts Area , you are within short walking distance of Epcot.

#1 Walking to Epcot from the Yacht Club

How short is the walk to Epcot? Most will be able to walk out the back door of the Yacht Club and arrive at Epcot’s International Gateway in less than 10 minutes.

When you exit the resort’s lobby (on the resort side), you’ll take a left at the lighthouse and continue straight until you reach Epcot. As you can see from the picture below, it’s a gorgeous walk along stunning Crescent Lake.

#2 Taking a Friendship Boat to Epcot from the Yacht Club

Alternatively, you can continue straight to the lighthouse when you exit the Yacht Club. You can board one of Disney’s Friendship Boats and take it to Epcot from there. However, the boats take longer than walking.

The boat departs Yacht Club and continues across the lake to Disney’s Boardwalk. There, it will stop and unload before continuing to Epcot. This route takes approximately 15 minutes. You’ll board on the left-hand side of the dock if you decide to take the boat to Epcot.

Disney’s Yacht Club to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Similar to traveling to Epcot, you’ll have two options for traveling to Disney’s Hollywood Studios from the Yacht Club.

#1 Walking to Hollywood Studios from the Yacht Club

First, you can walk to Hollywood Studios. However, I would caution that you know the length of the walk. We’ve mapped it, and it’s approximately 1.25 miles between Disney’s Yacht Club and Hollywood Studios.

This is one of our favorite “long” walks at the Walt Disney World Resort, but it’s not for everybody. Some days, it’s not even for us, especially when the sun is beating down so much that you might have two seconds to enjoy an ice cream cone before the entire thing turns into a–happy snowman.

That said, the serene walk is one of the best ways to escape crowds on the way back to the resort. Take it slow and allow yourself to decompress.

#2 Taking a Friendship Boat to Hollywood Studios from Yacht Club

When taking the boat to Hollywood Studios, you’ll want to board on the right-hand side of the dock. On this route, you’ll stop at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Hotel to load and unload. Then, you’ll continue to Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s Friendship Boats are a pleasant way to travel. There is one row of exterior seats on the back of each boat, but most of the seating is inside. So, if you get in line early, you might be able to snag a seat outside.

On the return trip from Hollywood Studios, you’ll stop at the Swan and Dolphin first before arriving at the Yacht Club. We have a complete guide that discusses Disney’s Friendship Boat routes if you want to learn more.

Disney’s Yacht Club to Animal Kingdom

You’ll take a bus from the Yacht Club to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It takes approximately 15 minutes to travel from the resort to Animal Kingdom. However, loading and unloading can take extra time when you stop at the Beach Club. Again, you’ll be the first stop on the return trip.

Disney’s Yacht Club to Disney Springs

You’ll also need to take a bus from Disney’s Yacht Club to Disney Springs. On our last visit, this was the longest route because the bus stopped at Yacht Club, Beach Club, and then at the Boardwalk.

While this isn’t always the case, I wanted to mention it because the resorts may share buses during slower parts of the day. Regardless, you’ll be the first stop on the return trip from Disney Springs.

Accessibility at Disney’s Yacht Club

Most transportation options at Disney’s Yacht Club accommodate guests with accessibility needs. Disney provides an overview of each form of transportation on their website.

All bus stops have a separate spot for guests in wheelchairs and ECVs to wait. Additionally, the Friendship Boats accommodate most wheelchairs and ECVs. Disney has an excellent resource on their site if you want to learn more: Transportation and Mobility Disabilities at Disney World

Disney’s Yacht Club to Typhoon Lagoon

You’ll have to take a bus from the Yacht Club to Disney Springs to reach Typhoon Lagoon. At Disney Springs, you’ll board a transfer bus to Typhoon Lagoon.

You will return this same way. However, when you return to Disney Springs at the end of the day, you’ll have to locate the bus stop for Yacht Club.

Previously, Disney offered direct bus service to and from the resorts to the water parks. If this changes, signage at the bus stop will indicate which bus to take.

You may notice in the photo below under Typhoon Lagoon it says, “Take the Disney Springs bus and transfer.” You’ll want to confirm this when you arrive at the Yacht Club’s bus stop.

Disney’s Yacht Club to Blizzard Beach

You’ll also take a transfer bus to Blizzard Beach. However, you’ll take a bus to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for this water park. When you exit the Disney’s Animal Kingdom bus, you’ll board a transfer bus to Blizzard Beach.

On return, you’ll take a bus from Blizzard Beach to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You’ll have to locate Disney’s Yacht Club’s bus stop from there.

Side note: When we stay at Disney’s Yacht Club, we typically like to spend an entire resort day at Stormalong Bay . So we rarely visit the water parks.

However, driving to the water parks is much easier (or taking a car service) than using the buses. While the transfer buses aren’t the end of the world, they are a pain. That’s especially true when everyone is tired at the end of the day, and you’ve got wet swimsuits in tow, among other things.

Disney’s Yacht Club to Disney’s Boardwalk (and Epcot Resorts)

Those staying at Disney’s Beach Club will likely visit Disney’s Boardwalk Inn at least once during their vacation. Disney’s Boardwalk has several excellent restaurants. We have a list with an overview of the restaurants at Disney’s Boardwalk if you want to learn more.

You’ll have two options for getting to the Boardwalk. First, you can walk. It takes about 10 minutes at a leisurely pace.

Or you can take the Friendship Boat (on the Epcot side) and exit at the Boardwalk. This will only take a few minutes, plus how long you must wait for the boat.

You can also walk or boat to the Swan and Dolphin Hotel. If you’re visiting the Swan Reserve, you can still walk. But if you boat, you’ll exit at the Swan and Dolphin and then walk to the Swan Reserve.

Since Disney’s Beach Club Resort is connected to the Yacht Club via an indoor/outdoor walkway, you can easily walk back and forth between them. If it’s raining on the walk back from Epcot, you’ll want to enter the Beach Club’s lobby and take the covered walkway back to the Yacht Club.

Disney’s Yacht Club to the Monorail Resorts

Additionally, most guests will want to visit the  monorail resorts  for dining or touring. You can take a bus from Disney’s Yacht Club to Magic Kingdom to do this.

From there, you will have to walk through security at Magic Kingdom. Then you can walk, boat, or monorail to the following resorts:

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (walk, boat, monorail)
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (boat, monorail, technically can  walk via the Grand Floridian walkway to Magic Kingdom)
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort (walk or monorail)

Disney’s Yacht Club to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness

If you want to visit Fort Wilderness or Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, you can take a bus to Magic Kingdom. You’ll then take a boat from Magic Kingdom to either resort.

Of course, these are not the only ways to travel back and forth to the above-mentioned resorts. You could always take a boat or walk to Hollywood Studios and then board a bus to any of those resorts as long as it’s within the park’s operating hours.

Disney’s Yacht Club to the Skyliner Resorts

Additionally, at some point, you might want to ride the Disney Skyliner or visit the Skyliner Resorts . Skyliner stations are available near the entrance of Hollywood Studios and at the Epcot’s International Gateway .

Epcot will be the nearest location to Disney’s Yacht Club. From there, the Skyliner travels in this order:

• Epcot International Gateway
• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach

At Disney’s Caribbean Beach, you must exit the Skyliner and reboard another line to one of the following:

• Disney’s Art of Animation and Pop Century
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Or you could always return to Disney’s Riviera and Epcot.

Yacht Club to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

For visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, we usually take a bus from the Yacht Club to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Then, we’ll take a bus from the Animal Kingdom to the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Note that the bus makes two stops at the Lodge. The first is Kidani Village, and the second is Jambo House. You’ll want to know which location is your intended destination.

You can also boat or walk to Hollywood Studios and take a bus to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Disney’s Yacht Club to the Disney Springs Resorts

If you would like to visit one of the resorts near Disney Springs, you can take a bus from the Yacht Club to Disney Springs. You’ll have these options:

• Walk or take a water taxi from the Disney Springs Marketplace to Disney’s Saratoga Springs
• Take a water taxi from the Disney Springs Marketplace to Old Key West Resort, Port Orleans-French Quarter, or Port Orleans-Riverside.

If you do not want to walk across Disney Springs and boat to these resorts, an alternative would be to take a boat to Hollywood Studios (during hours of operation) and then take a bus to that resort. 

Related:  Disney Springs Transportation Guide

Airport to Disney’s Yacht Club

Lastly, when traveling from the Orlando International Airport (MCO), you’ll need to arrange transportation to the resort. Disney no longer offers transportation between the airport and the Walt Disney World Resort. 

Tip: If you find yourself in need of travel outside of complimentary transportation hours, you can order a car service (i.e., Lyft, Uber, Taxi, or Minnie Van). We try to avoid the extra expense as much as possible. But if we had late dining reservations or comparable, we would take a car service back to our hotel.

Final Thoughts on Transportation at Disney’s Yacht Club

Hopefully, this article gives you a good idea of how to get to and from your desired destinations. Walt Disney World is a tremendous place and can be overwhelming when you’re unfamiliar.

As for Disney’s Yacht Club, you might enjoy a few other articles;

• Disney’s Yacht Club Review
• Restaurants at Disney’s Yacht Club
• Room Tour: Standard Guest Room at Yacht Club
• Laundry at Disney’s Yacht Club

Or you can preview our entire list of Disney World Transportation Guides .

What Do You Think?

Did you find this transportation guide for Disney’s Yacht Club helpful? Do you have any questions about the transportation options at this resort?

Hi, I'm Amber the owner of Resorts Gal . We have stayed at every single Disney Resort Hotel. Our philosophy? We believe you can have an incredible time at the resorts without ever setting foot in a theme park. We live near the parks and visit weekly and would love for you to follow along.

Wonderful , concise advice! My family of 6 will be staying at the Disney Yacht Club for 5 days beginning Nov 7…our 1st visit to Disneyworld! Coming from Massachusetts we will be arriving at Orlando @ 10am and would like to take transport all together to resort. How can we reserve transportation from airport to Yacht Club?

Thank you! Many people use Mears Connect, a bus service from the airport to Disney: https://www.mearsconnect.com/

You could also use a private car service to get to and from the airport.

Thank you for all detailed information. But I realized that we won’t have many options coming from After Hour at Hollywood Studios. We’ll probably drive a car, if we don’t want to walk at 1am.

You are welcome! We walked back to the Yacht Club when we did After Hours. I didn’t know it at the time, but was told later that bus service is provided to Beach, Yacht, and Boardwalk at the end of After Hours. I assume it starts after the boats finish.

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