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Planning a Resort Day at Walt Disney World’s Beach Club Resort

Photo: Matthew Cooper (www.thetimethespace.com)

One of my favorite ways to spend a day at Walt Disney World is enjoying all of the amenities my resort has to offer.  It is so nice to spend a day relaxing and recovering after the long days of walking in the parks, and with so many things to do around the resorts I always recommend that guests plan to spend at least most of a day exploring and enjoying.  Even with the modified policies and procedures, the Beach Club Resort & Villas have a lot to offer guests staying there.  As of this writing the Beach Club Villas have reopened for guests, and the Beach Club resort portion is scheduled to re-open on May 30, 2021 when they will be able to welcome guests back to the entire resort, not just the villas section.  Here is how I would plan the perfect resort day at Disney’s Beach Club Resort or Disney’s Beach Club Villas:

  

1. Sleep In!

With the busy days in the parks, and early mornings to beat the crowds when you are playing in the parks, a day to sleep in is just what the Mouse ordered to start your resort day off refreshed.  And, if you have kids with you, no pushing them to get up and out the door on a resort day.

2. Breakfast

I think I would opt to mobile order breakfast this morning from the Beach Club Marketplace.  I mean you really can’t beat picking up some fresh Mickey Waffles and enjoying them in your room or on your balcony or patio.  One of my favorite things about the deluxe resorts are these “private” outdoor spaces. (Pro Tip:  At the Beach Club request a full balcony on your reservation).

3. Morning Fun!

After breakfast I am going to hit Stormalong Bay to get a prime spot.  Stormalong Bay is the premier pool destination at Walt Disney World, it is like a mini-waterpark—I mean it has a sand bottom!  Only guests of the Yacht & Beach Clubs can enjoy all it has to offer.  While many families are in the parks, the pool will be a little less crowded.  That means more chairs to choose from, more room to play in the sand, less crowded lazy river, and shorter lines at the 230 foot waterslide (slide temporarily closed in February 2021 for refurbishment). 

Yacht & Beach Club Pool

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4. Lunch time

There is no reason to end the poolside fun for lunch!  Hurricane Hannah’s is open and operating, and it makes the perfect lunch by the pool.  Stormalong Bay has lots of tables and chairs, so if you think lunch may be part of your resort morning then it would be wise to grab one of those when you arrive in the morning.  Entrees at Hurricane Hannah’s include a seafood roll, sandwiches, and salads—nice, fresh options for your mid-day meal.  And, don’t forget the specialty beverages, you are on vacation after all!  I like the Storm Chaser and the Category 5.  Check your My Disney Experience app for the availability of Mobile Order which can vary. 

5. Afternoon Activities

Despite the changes due to COVID-19, the resorts are still offering several of their poolside activities and many of these take place in the afternoon.  I am usually traveling with my children, and my 9-year-old loves to participate in the pool games led by the recreation staff.  Whether it is character bingo, Disney trivia, or races in the pool, they keep him busy and he loves the (physically distanced) interaction with others his age.  I love to watch him play, or sneak a few minutes reading my book.  On our recent trips since the re-opening of the resorts they have also offered some of the craft activities like the tie dye Mickey T-Shirts.  These are always fun, and you end up with a special souvenir, but they are an additional fee, and there is limited participation due to the current policies.

6. Dinner Time

While there are lots of great restaurants in the Epcot resort area at Beach Club, Yacht Club, and the Boardwalk, I’m going to take another path for the evening.  Because it is just a quick walk away, I’m going to hop on the Skyliner and fly over to Disney’s Riviera Resort for a nice dinner at Topolino’s Terrace.  The French and Italian food here is outstanding, and the views (particularly at sunset) are breathtaking from the restaurant.  With the Skyliner so close to the Beach Club it makes getting over to the Riviera to dine quick and easy.

Topolino’s Terrace

7. Evening Entertainment

After dinner I would fly back over to the Beach Club via the Skyliner gondolas, and then head over to Fantasia Gardens for a little bit of Mini-Golf fun.  You can walk to the course from the Beach Club if you follow the path by the Yacht Club and go between the Swan & Dolphin hotels, there is a path just past the Swan to the left (if you get to the Grotto Pool at the Dolphin you’ve gone too far).  You just cross Epcot Resort Blvd. and there you are.  Once the sun has set and it is cooler this is a very fun way to spend the evening, and maybe start a little friendly competition.  Walk ups are welcome, but you can also make a tee time the day prior. 

8. Dessert

After mini golf I would take the long way around Crescent Lake, turning right after the Swan and heading toward the Boardwalk.  The Boardwalk Bakery has an assortment of sweet treats and beverages that you can enjoy at one of the tables al fresco along Crescent Lake (check for Mobile Ordering options).  Usually they have a seasonal specialty that is always fun to try.

After a very fun and relaxing day at the resort I would go to bed excited about the fun of the parks the next day, but knowing that the time we spent at the resort might just end up being the most memorable experiences of the vacation. 

About Sarah Chapman

I am a long time Disney fan since I was hooked on Walt Disney World with my first trip in 1987. Since that time I’ve tried experiencing everything I can in the parks, with a total of 30 visits and counting (I’m always planning my next trip) to Walt Disney World—not to mention Disney Cruise Line and even (shhh!) Universal Orlando and Sea World. I’ve turned my Disney obsession into a profession helping others plan their magical vacations as a Dream Vacation Maker at LBAC Travel. I am a work at home mom to three wonderful boys, and each one has been properly indoctrinated with all things Disney. Walt Disney World is definitely our “Laughing Place.” Look for me on Facebook at Facebook.com/SarahLBAC for updates, discount announcements, tips, tricks and planning advice for your next vacation. You can also find me on Instagram (sarahdreamvacationmaker) and Pinterest (sarahlbactravel).