Disney’s Beach Club Resort

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Honestly, Disney’s Beach Club Resort is one of those places that gets the whole “New England seaside” vibe right without feeling completely fake – which is saying something when you’re basically in the middle of Florida swampland. The moment you walk into that lobby, you’re hit with this weathered nautical theme that actually works. Think Martha’s Vineyard meets Disney magic, and somehow it doesn’t feel ridiculous.

What really sets this place apart is Stormalong Bay – I mean, calling it a pool is like calling the Grand Canyon a ditch. This thing sprawls across three acres with a lazy river, multiple pools, and this massive sand-bottom area that feels more like an actual beach than most actual beaches I’ve been to. The kids go absolutely nuts for the shipwreck water slide, and honestly, I’ve seen plenty of adults sneak down it when they think nobody’s watching. The sand gets everywhere (fair warning), but it’s that soft, imported white sand that makes you forget you’re not actually oceanside. During peak times – basically any school holiday or summer weekend – it gets pretty crowded, but if you hit it early morning or late afternoon, you’ll have plenty of space to spread out.

Location-wise, you’re sitting pretty between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, which means you can actually walk to EPCOT’s back entrance through the International Gateway. Takes about 15 minutes on foot, or you can hop the boat that runs regularly from the resort dock. The boat ride’s actually one of my favorite parts – it’s this peaceful little cruise through the resort area that gives you a break from the theme park chaos. Parking’s included (thank god, because Disney parking fees are brutal), and the resort bus service is solid, though like everywhere at Disney, you’ll wait longer during park opening and closing rushes.

The rooms lean into that coastal cottage feel with lots of blues and whites, and while they’re not huge, they’re well-designed. Pro tip: if you can swing it, get a room with a view of the boardwalk area. There’s something really nice about watching people stroll by in the evening, plus you’re close to the action but far enough away that noise isn’t really an issue. The resort does get busy – it’s Disney, after all – but it never feels as chaotic as some of the other deluxe resorts. Maybe it’s all that beach theming that keeps people more relaxed.

You know what surprised me most? The dining options actually deliver. Cape May Cafe does this seafood buffet that’s legitimately good (their crab legs are solid), and Beaches & Cream next door at the Yacht Club serves up these massive ice cream sundaes that have become sort of legendary among Disney regulars. Fair warning though – both places book up fast, so make those dining reservations as soon as you can.

Look, it’s definitely a splurge compared to staying off-property, but if you’re doing Disney and want that full immersive experience without feeling like you’re sleeping in a theme park, Beach Club nails it. The whole resort just has this laid-back, summery energy that makes the Florida heat feel less oppressive and gives you a real escape from the intensity of the parks.