Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what hits you first at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort? It’s not the impressive lobby or the maritime decorations everywhere – it’s actually the smell of chlorine mixed with that distinct Florida humidity, because honestly, you’re basically stepping into what feels like the most elaborate pool complex Disney ever dreamed up. I mean, Stormalong Bay is ridiculous in the best way possible – it’s this massive sand-bottom lagoon that sprawls between the Yacht Club and its sister resort, the Beach Club, and it’s got a shipwreck water slide that’ll make you forget you’re a grown adult paying resort prices.

The thing about staying here is you’re literally a five-minute walk to EPCOT’s back entrance (through the International Gateway, if you know), which honestly saves you so much hassle during busy seasons when the main parking lots are a nightmare. But here’s what most people don’t realize – the resort itself has this weird split personality. During the day, it’s crawling with families and the lobby echoes with kids who are either sugar-high from the parks or completely melting down, but after about 9 PM, it transforms into this surprisingly sophisticated place. The New England yacht club theming actually works when you’re sitting at the Ale & Compass restaurant with a decent cocktail, watching the sunset over Crescent Lake. The rooms are solid – not groundbreaking, but they’ve got that heavy, quality feel to the furniture and the beds are actually comfortable (which isn’t always a given at Disney properties, to be honest).

What really sells me on this place, though, is the location within the “resort bubble” as locals call it. You can take the boat launch to Hollywood Studios – and I’d recommend it over driving because parking there is absolutely brutal – or just wander over to the BoardWalk area when you want decent dining that doesn’t require a park ticket. The resort’s own dining is hit or miss; the breakfast at Cape May Cafe is pretty solid, but dinner service can be slow when they’re slammed. One thing to know: if you’re staying during Food & Wine Festival season (basically September through November), expect the whole area to be significantly busier, and honestly, book dinner reservations way ahead because everything fills up. The resort fees here sting a bit – parking isn’t included despite what you’re paying per night – but if you’re planning to spend serious time at EPCOT or you’ve got kids who’ll basically live in that pool, the convenience factor makes it worth it.