We were recently introduced to the magic of Walt Disney World’s Beach Club Resort and her sister, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – and we wish we’d discovered it sooner! There are so many different criteria when choosing a resort on property, and it’s important to know what you and your family value most in your accommodations before making the decision of where to stay while you’re in WDW. To help you with this ever-important decision, we’ve compiled our top pros and cons of Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
PROS
1. Pool
Talk to anyone who’s stayed at Disney’s Beach Club or Yacht Club Resorts, and chances are, they’ll rave about the massive pool complex here. Stormalong Bay is hands-down the best pool complex in Walt Disney World, and you’ll only be able to use it if you’re staying here! With its own lazy river and iconic shipwreck waterslides, it’s practically a waterpark unto itself. Little ones can enjoy the shallow sandy areas, perfect for building sand castles, and adults will appreciate the numerous waterfalls and hot tubs. There’s even a whirlpool area with current stronger than the lazy river, if you’re brave enough to venture in! Trust us when we say you can easily spend an entire day enjoying Stormalong Bay.
2. Size
You don’t have to worry about getting lost at Disney’s Beach Club Resort! It’s a fairly small resort, and all the rooms are located in one central building. This means that you won’t ever have a daunting hike to your room after you get back from an exhausting day in the parks, and it’ll never take you that long to get from your room to the pool or your on-site meal.
3. Ease of Transportation
We love the ease of Walt Disney World’s complimentary bus system, but there’s something special about having alternate transportation options from your resort. At Disney’s Beach Club Resort, you’ll have the option of taking a water taxi or the Disney Skyliner to Hollywood Studios, and we highly recommend either of them! You’ll arrive at the park refreshed and ready to tackle your day.
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4. Location, Location, Location
Then again, you don’t really HAVE to take the Skyliner or water taxi to Hollywood Studios from Disney’s Beach Club Resort, or the bus, for that matter. The resort is within walking distance to Hollywood Studios (approximately a 20-minute walk) and to Epcot’s World Showcase (around a 5-10 minute walk), which is one of the reasons we simply adore this resort! It’s all about location, and there’s nothing like skipping the transportation lines when the crowds make a beeline for them after Epcot fireworks, or strolling from the resort to a lunch or dinner reservation in Hollywood Studios or Epcot!
5. Dining Options
We love the dining options here so much, we eat here even when we’re not staying at the Beach Club or Yacht Club! Whether you’re looking for a quick pool-side drink or a multi-course table service meal, you’ll find food and drink here to suit every budget, schedule and palate. Try the exquisite Yachtsman Steakhouse for some of the best steaks on property, or enjoy a delicious ice cream treat at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop. We love the casual elegance of the Ale and Compass Restaurant, and the Beach Club Marketplace is perfect for grab-and-go options.
6. Ambiance
Because Disney’s Beach Club Resort is much smaller than the value resorts on property, there are fewer crowds to contend with. You won’t find sports teams or throngs of screaming children here, and the quieter, more upscale ambiance will make you feel relaxed and pampered. You’ll likely want to spend some time enjoying the extra amenities and stunning details you’ll find here, making this resort a perfect choice for guests who have been to WDW before, or don’t plan to spend every waking moment in the parks.
CONS
1. Cost
There’s a reason Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a deluxe resort – it’s among the best of the best when it comes to Walt Disney World accommodations, and you definitely pay for the privilege. Expect to pay around four times what you would for a room at a value resort – and that’s just the starting rate! Families who plan to spend all their time in the park may not reap enough benefits to make the cost worthwhile, and budget-conscious travelers will definitely want to look at a moderate or value resort instead. Of course, you can always split your vacation across different resorts to experience the Beach Club without the hefty price tag of spending your whole trip there.
2. Theming
We love the theming of Disney’s Beach Club Resort – it’s a laid-back (but elegant), pastel take on New England style, and it’s beautiful as well as relaxing. But what you won’t find here are giant cartoon characters, bold primary colors, or in-your-face Disney theming, which can be a drawback for some Disney fans and for guests with young children. So if you want to be surrounded by your favorite Disney characters and reminded every second of your vacation that you’re in the most magical place on earth, there are better resort options for you!
3. You Can Never Go Back
Once you have stayed at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, you will be forever ruined for value resorts (and even moderate resorts) on property! When you see the difference in quality of a deluxe resort, it’ll be hard to go back to anything less. And a word to the wise – if you’re planning on spending a few nights at the Beach Club Resort and the rest of your vacation at a value resort, learn from our mistake and do the value resort FIRST.