Why We Love Disney’s Beach Club Resort (And I Mean LOVE)

Disney’s Beach Club is currently closed to guests. Disney’s Beach Club Villas is open as well as Disney’s Yacht Club! 

Location, location, location… We hear all the time that location is the most important thing in real estate, right? It’s true for Walt Disney World resorts as well. And if location is king, then I would argue that Disney’s Beach Club Resort rules them all! (I know, I know – Contemporary Resort lovers will fight me on this but stick with me.)

Built in 1990, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and its sister resort, Disney’s Yacht Club, are located on Crescent Lake, adjacent to Epcot. The light blue and white exterior evokes the classic seaside resorts of the Northeast. The Beach Club shares amenities with the Yacht Club but each has its own distinct decor.

Accommodations

There are 576 guest rooms at Disney’s Beach Club. Rooms are approximately 380 square feet and offer standard, garden, or water views (known as Pool or Lagoon View). There are also Deluxe Rooms which offer slightly more square footage at 530 square feet. In addition to the usual room types, the Beach Club also offers Concierge Level rooms and suites. Concierge rooms are located on the fifth floor of the hotel, and include access to the Stone Harbor Club (concierge lounge) where guests can get snacks and drinks throughout the day as well as assistance from the Concierge team with planning.

Our favorite room type is a Lagoon or Pool View Room, preferably Concierge level! DPP TIP: If you want a balcony, request a second floor room. Not all rooms have full balconies! Or if you prefer a patio, request a first floor room.

Amenities

The amenities are where Disney’s Beach Club really shines. Stormalong Bay, the resort’s main pool, is more water park than pool! With a lazy river, amazing pirate ship water slide, and sand-bottom, zero-entry pool, there is something for everyone. It is by far the best pool on property. There is also a “quiet” pool without a water slide, located at the far end of the resort, near Epcot.

In addition to the pool, guests can take advantage of the Volley Ball and Tennis Courts, jogging trail, arcade, outdoor campfire and movies on the beach, and more. The Ship Shape Spa, Salon, and Fitness Center insures that guests can keep up with their beauty and exercise routines while on vacation. There is a Marina where guests can arrange for boat rentals, fishing excursions, and even a Treasure Cruise, just for kids! The Marina is also where Illuminations fireworks cruises depart from.

Dining

Disney’s Beach Club has two full service restaurants – Cape May Cafe, and Beaches & Cream. The Marketplace offers quick service dining. Hurricane Hanna’s offers pool-side dining and drinks. And at the adjacent Yacht Club, there are two more full service restaurants – Ale & Compass, and The Yachtsman Steakhouse – as well as their quick service location, The Market at Ale & Compass. DPP TIP: Cape May Cafe offers one of the best character breakfasts at Walt Disney World. And while Beaches & Cream is known for their burgers and ice cream, real fans know that their Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup are perfect for the rare rainy or chilly day at Walt Disney World! 

Transportation

And here is where the Beach Club earns it’s title as “Best Resort Location at Walt Disney World.” Disney’s Beach Club is located mere steps from the International Gateway Entrance to Epcot. Don’t want to walk? There is boat service as well! But wait – there’s more!

Not only is the Beach Club close to Epcot, but it is just a short boat ride or slightly longer walk to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. (Hear that Star Wars fans?) This means that you are located with in close proximity to not one but TWO theme parks! (Take that Contemporary!) Animal Kingdom and the Magic Kingdom are accessible by bus. Guests can also use Minnie Van service to get anywhere on Walt Disney World property.

So if you are looking for the Disney Park Princesses on our next trip to Walt Disney World, chances are good that you can find us at Disney’s Beach Club. Look for us by the pool, with a drink in our hands!