beach and yacht club resort pools

The Four Pools at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club (Photos, Hours, and Details)

When it comes to the pools at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts, you’ve got options. Four pools are available between the resorts. However, most guests will prefer the resort’s feature pool, Stormalong Bay. It’s no secret that we consider it the best hotel pool at Walt Disney World .

However, those wanting to enjoy a peaceful spot at the pool or take a quick swim near their room will want to be aware of the resort’s other options. For instance, you might have a day when you want to enjoy the pool and get laundry done simultaneously. Or you might wake up early one morning and have a few minutes to enjoy the quiet pool before the main pool opens. If so, you’ll have options.

Below, we’ll discuss each of the quiet and feature pools at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club. We’ll review their location, pool hours, and other amenities you’ll want to know beforehand.

Major Refurbishment Note: From January 2025 through June 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for routine maintenance. Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours. During this time, Guests are welcome to swim at the Tidal, Admiral, and Dunes Cove leisure pools. (This was originally scheduled to end in May of 2025.)

Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Pools

As mentioned above, Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club has four swimming pools. They are as follows:

Stormalong Bay

Dunes cove pool.

• Admiral’s Pool

We’ll preview each pool further below.

Pool Hours at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club

During our visit, pool hours at Stormalong Bay were between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. However, hours are subject to change. During the summer months until Labor Day, the hours are usually extended one hour until 11:00 p.m.

Quiet pool hours were posted during our last stay from 7:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m. These pool hours are pretty consistent throughout the year. However, you’ll want to know that the quiet pools at Beach and Yacht Club do not have lifeguards or other attendants.

Are the Pools Heated?

Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club pools are heated to 82 degrees. So, in the event of cooler weather, they usually remain open. However, if the outside temperature drops to around 50 degrees or lower, the pools will close until warmer temperatures return.

Complimentary Towels and Life Jackets

Complimentary towels are provided at each pool at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club, so you can use the extra room in your suitcase for something else.

Life jackets are also provided at each resort pool. They come in a wide range of sizes.

Mobility Lifts

Pool lifts are available for guests with disabilities or limited mobility. Here is a photo of the lift at the Beach Club’s Tidal Pool.

Changing Areas

Each of the resort’s pools has a nearby restroom. However, Stormalong Bay has an area with dedicated showers, a room to change, toiletries, and towels. If you find this area busy, you can use the shower inside the resort’s gym. The gym is adjacent to the pool, and I don’t think most people know this extra set of showers exists.

Stormalong Bay is more of a water park than a pool. It’s so large it would be difficult to photograph in its entirety unless you had an aerial view.

Most guests (including my family) stay at Disney’s Beach or Yacht Club because of Stormalong Bay. Most of our days are spent relaxing at the pool. However, we do visit the parks for entertainment in the evenings.

Toward one end, a wading pool features a large sandbar in the center of it. Smaller children can spend hours digging in the sand and enjoying this pool area.

Another kiddie pool is available inside the shipwreck, across the walkway from Stormalong Bay. The ship also serves as the entrance to the pool’s water slide. The photo below shows where the tube slide begins at the top of the ship’s mast.

Stormalong Bay has three hot tubs scattered throughout the pool area.

Guests can take in scenic views of Disney’s Boardwalk across the lake from some places around the pool. Stormalong Bay has plenty of seating. But be warned, the good seats are often taken early. During our stay at the Yacht Club this summer, I waited in line for the pool to open each morning to get a table and chairs in the shade. Places in the shade are pretty limited.

Cabana rentals can be reserved up to 60 days in advance, but they sell out quickly. If you want to learn more, we have a review of renting a cabana at the Beach Club . We also have a complete guide for Stormalong Bay that includes photos and videos of every pool feature. If you plan to spend some time at this pool, it has some tips that will likely be useful.

Tidal Pool at Disney’s Beach Club

Disney’s Beach Club has two additional quiet pools. The Tidal Pool sits on the front side of Disney’s Beach Club. It is the smallest of the three quiet pools between the resorts. While this pool sits near the walkway to Epcot, a laundry room sits on one end, blocking the view. Rooms on the other three sides surround the pool.

To access this pool, take the main hallway off the resort’s lobby. Follow the signs that say pool, and after a few turns, you’ll reach a doorway leading out to the pool. You can’t miss it.

This pool is often the least busiest of the three quiet pools. However, if you’re visiting when the weather is warm, don’t be surprised to find a reasonable number of guests at all the pools.

A hot tub sits adjacent to the pool.

Here is the laundry room by the pool. We have a separate article with the locations for all the laundry rooms at Disney’s Beach Club .

Next, the Dunes Cove Pool is located near the back of the resort. This is the formal pool for the Beach Club Villas. The buildings in this wing are mint green compared to the blue of Disney’s Beach Club.

While the Dunes Cove Pool is exclusive to guests staying in the Beach Club Villas, resort guests can access it. However, this pool area will likely be out of the way and is often busy.

This pool was recently completely resurfaced. We stopped in on a chilly day to check out the updates. Everything looked fresh and new.

A hot tub sits behind the Dunes Cove Pool.

A foosball table and a life-size chess set are available.

Here are a few tables with chairs and loungers around the pool.

Admiral Pool at Disney’s Yacht Club

At Disney’s Yacht Club, guests have access to the Admiral Pool. If you take the hallway off the lobby and pass The Marketplace at Ale and Compass, it will dead end at doors that lead to the Admiral Pool. It’s a peaceful pool area surrounded by trees on one side.

This pool is a little off the beaten path. If your room doesn’t face it, you might not know it was there.

All the quiet pools have a maximum depth of 4’3″. However, Stormalong Bay has some areas that get as deep as 8′.

A hot tub is available on the far end of the pool.

A large laundry room sits at the back of the Yacht Club’s Admiral Pool. We have a post with specifics for laundry at Disney’s Yacht Club if you want to learn more.

Hurricane Hannas Waterside Bar and Grill

You’ll have two options if you want to enjoy a meal or cocktail at the pool. You can order something and take it to the pool of your choice. Or you can visit Stormalong Bay and order from the poolside bar and grill, Hurricane Hannas.

During busier times, servers wait on guests at the pool deck. However, this often takes a while because only a few servers wait on the entire pool area. On my last visit, a server left us a menu. It was over 30 minutes before he returned to our area. While it wasn’t his fault, if you want something quickly, you are probably better off ordering it at the location.

We like placing a mobile order at Ale and Compass and bringing it to the pool. The food is good quality and reasonably priced, and if you want something small, you can order something from the kids’ menu.

If you purchase a Rapid Fill mug during your stay, you’ll want to be aware that Hurricane Hannas has a beverage refill station. You can refill your mug at the pool.

Additionally, Beaches and Cream, an ice cream shop, sits immediately behind the pool area. They do not do mobile orders but have a walk-up window where guests can order various ice cream treats. If you want to dine here, you’ll need to get a reservation or join their walk-up list when available.

In addition to the pools, the Beach and Yacht Club have a variety of other recreational activities. The Beach Club has a sand volleyball court near the lobby entrance.

The Yacht Club has a tennis court next to the Admiral Pool. Both resorts share a fully equipped gym on the walkway behind Stormalong Bay.

Or you might prefer to lounge on the Beach while the children play in the sand.

Final Thoughts

We love all the pools at Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club. But it’s hard to deny that Stormalong Bay has a special place in our hearts. It’s going to be tough to beat!

On a side note, I would caution that some guests are overwhelmed by the large pool area. So, if you have children of an age where you’ll need to keep an eye on them at all times, you might not enjoy your pool time. When my niece was younger, we camped out at the sand bar pool. It’s more of a wading pool than anything. She was content to dig in the sand all day. So I never had to worry about her wandering off into other pool areas.

That said, make sure to pack a good book (hopefully), find a spot in the full sun or shade, and relax the day away. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

You might even enjoy a little pool-hopping between the resort’s quiet and feature pools throughout your trip. It’s your vacation, so enjoy what you like the most. These special times don’t come often enough for most of us.

For more information about Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort , you might enjoy:

• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Review
• Disney’s Beach Club Review
• Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Restaurants Guide
• Cape May Cafe Character Breakfast Review
• The New Rooms at Disney’s Beach Club

What Do You Think?

Now that we’ve looked at all the pools at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club, what do you think? Are you more of a quiet pool person or a Stormalong Bay person? Leave us a comment below or on our social media channels to let us know!

Hi, I'm Amber the owner of Resorts Gal . We have stayed at every single Disney Resort Hotel. Our philosophy? We believe you can have an incredible time at the resorts without ever setting foot in a theme park. We live near the parks and visit weekly and would love for you to follow along.

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Your Guide to Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club Resorts

in Hotel , Walt Disney World

Welcome, Disney vacation planners! If you’re looking for a complete guide to a deluxe resort with Walt Disney World’s BEST pool, amazing proximity to EPCOT, and all the pixie dust you can expect from the top category in Disney resorts, you’ve come to the right place! BONUS, we’re discussing TWO adjacent resorts in this complete guide.

So, stay with us as we cover all the details you need to know as you plan your stay at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts.

Related: Disney’s BoardWalk Inn: A Complete Guide

In this Complete Guide we will cover:

An Overview of Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts

Disney’s beach and yacht club resorts pros and cons, accommodations at disney’s beach and yacht club resorts, dining at disney’s beach and yacht club resorts, amenities and activities at disney’s beach and yacht club resort.

• Transportation at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts

Disney Extras

If a beach vacation is what you usually dream of, but you want to get some Disney magic for your next vacation, Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts will give you the best of both worlds!

During your stay at either of these Deluxe Disney Resort Hotels, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to a New England seaside wooden cottage, with sandy areas, a BoardWalk nearby, and fireworks views. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts are located in the EPCOT resort area. This means you can easily walk over to EPCOT and to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In no time flat, you can be enjoying a croissant at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in the France Pavilion at EPCOT’s World Showcase or rushing over to join a boarding group for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

Related: Here’s Everything You Need to Know Before You Experience Rise of the Resistance

Across the water, you can enjoy views of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. A short walk will have you enjoying Midway games, dinner at any one of the many dining options at the BoardWalk , or even just for a quick ice cream treat.

Both Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club resorts offer comfort and all the Disney Deluxe Resort touches you can expect to make your magical vacation extra special. Disney’s Beach Club is also part of the Disney Vacation Club family, offering villas that can fit larger families or groups!

It’s hard to choose a favorite. But follow along as we keep on swimming and learning more about why these resort hotels might be the perfect choice for your upcoming Disney World visit.

• Walking distance to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s BoardWalk
• Walt Disney World Resort’s BEST pool on property- Stormalong Bay
• Great dining options
• Deluxe Amenities
• Recently renovated rooms
• Childcare on location – Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew
• Beautiful Grounds
• Convention hotel
• Can feel stuffier than other resorts on property
• Can be difficult to locate rooms upon arrival

Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club are home to over 1400 Guest Rooms, more than 275 Villas, and over 20 Suites and you!

Rooms at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Standard Rooms at Disney’s Beach Club Resort sleep up to 5-adults. They offer a combination of either two Queen Beds and a Day Bed, one Queen Bed and one Day Bed, two Queen Beds or one King Bed and one Day Bed.

Guests can pick from Standard views which offer views of Disney’s Beach Club Resort Rooftop or Parking areas,  Garden/Woods views which offer views of Disney’s Beach Club Resort, or Water views, which offer views of Stormalong Bay, Crescent Lake or the resort’s quiet Pool.

Need a little more room? Choose the Deluxe Room. These rooms sleep up to 6-adults and are larger than the standard rooms. They offer two Queen beds and a Queen sleeper sofa with views of Stormalong Bay, Crescent Lake, the quiet pool or the resort’s parking area.

Looking for an even more deluxe experience? The Club Level rooms will offer a variety of additional services to make your stay a very luxurious one!

Rooms & Suites with Club-Level Service offer the following Amenities:

• Access to Concierge service at the Stone Harbor Club
• Complimentary fax assistance
• Complimentary health club access
• Complimentary newspapers in Club Level lounge
• Evening turndown
• Personalized Front Desk and Guest Services
• Secured key access to the club-level lounge, serving refreshments 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily

It’s important to note that the Club Level rooms only sleep up to 4-adults. These rooms are available in standard, water, and garden view options.

Also available, a one-Bedroom Club Level Access Suite that also sleeps up to 4-adults. This suite offers additional privacy with the separation for the bedroom and comes with one King Bed and one Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa.

Have additional guests? The Two Bedroom Club Level Access Suite will sleep up to 7-adults. Offering views of Disney’s Beach Club Resort Gardens, Woods or Crescent Lake, this two-bedroom suite has 2 Queen Beds, one King Bed and one Day Bed.

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Disney’s Beach Club Villas are part of Disney’s Vacation Club or DVC. Offering ample room and all the comforts to make you feel right at home, if you want a little more legroom and additional amenities, these larger accommodations might be the perfect fit for your family or group.

Offering Deluxe Studios, One-Bedroom Villas, and Two-Bedroom Villas.

The Deluxe Studios sleep up to four guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib. They offer a kitchenette, one queen-size bed, a double-size sleeper sofa, and a private porch or balcony, perfect for that quiet morning coffee!

The largest accommodations available at this resort are the two-Bedroom Villas which can sleep up to eight guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib. Like the one-bedroom villa, you’ll have a fully equipped kitchen for memory-making meals together, a master bedroom, a second bedroom, two full bathrooms, in-room washer and dryer, and a private porch or balcony.

Rooms at Disney’s Yacht Club

Disney’s Yacht Club rooms recently went through a lovely refurbishment updating all the furnishing and style giving this resort a nice updated look.

Similar to Disney’s Beach Club Resort’s rooms, Disney’s Yacht Club offers Standard, Garden/Woods, or Water views.

Each room sleeps up to 5-guests plus an additional child under 3 in a crib.

Each Standard Room has a combination of the following:

• 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed
• 1 Queen Bed, a Twin-Size Sleeper Chair, and Day Bed
• King Bed and a Day Bed

Room Amenities

• Coffee Maker
• In-room safe
• Internet – Free WiFi Service
• Iron & ironing board
• Mini refrigerator
• Telephone with voice mail

Disney’s Yacht Club also has Club level rooms available. These rooms also only sleep up to 4-adults and offer these additional services:

Some of the best, hidden gems when it comes to restaurants are found at these resorts. The best part of them being a hidden gem is that reservations are not difficult to come by. But most importantly, the food is real Disney magic!

With options from Quick Service to Signature Dining, these resorts will have something for whatever you are in the mood for! And you don’t have to go too far to enjoy a really wonderful dining experience.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort Dining

Table service.

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop

Lunch and dinner featuring snacks and a classic American soda fountain. Care to try and finish the Kitchen Sink? We dare you to try!

Disney Character Dining

Join your best girl Minnie at Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Cape May Café. An all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast buffet with beachy vibes and Disney Character fun.

Related: Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Cape May Café also offers a delicious and filling seafood dinner buffet!

Quick Service

Beach Club Marketplace

Offering Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Late-Night snacks! Enjoy a hot, made-to-order meal and stock up on snacks before heading out for a day of fun in the parks.

Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill

Lounging by the fabulous Stormalong Bay Pool area is hard, appetite-building work. But, no worries. You don’t have to lounge hungry! Enjoy lunchtime favorites like burgers, nachos, chicken nuggets for the kids and more!

You can’t be in the warm Florida sun without some refreshments, and tasty cocktails, right?  Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill will quench your thirst for some frosty beverages and beautiful bay views at this not-so-blustery walk-up bar.

Disney’s Yacht Club Dining

Signature dining.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

This dinnertime restaurant specializes in oak-grilled steaks, poultry, seafood, vegetarian entrées and more. Fans rave that this is the absolute best steakhouse on property! So, make those reservations soon and don’t miss it!

Table-Service Dining

Ale & Compass Restaurant

This Breakfast buffet is one of the best bangs for your buck on property! So good! Also offering lunch and dinner comfort food and seafood classics.

Quick-Service Dining

  The Market at Ale & Compass

Hot and cold offerings with grab and go convenience, perfect for those quick mornings you’re running out to play at the magic!

Room Service

Room service at Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night offerings available to order until 2 am.

Breakfast is served from 6 am-12 pm. The menu offers breakfast favorites like continental breakfast, omelets, and of course, Mickey waffles! Muffins, bagels, kids meals, and beverages make up a very complete menu. Adult beverages like Mimosas are also available.

Lunch is served from noon to-5pm. Offering appetizers, special seafood options like lobster and corn chowder to keep with the theme, and entrees like burgers, sandwiches, steaks and more.

Pizzas with choice of toppings are also available for lunch, dinner, and late-night orders.

A $3.00 delivery charge, 18% gratuity, and any applicable sales tax and will be added to all orders.

Stormalong Bay

Probably the number one reason guests choose one of these resorts is the incomparable Stormalong Bay aquatic playground. This three-acre water park is chock full of  SPLASHtastic fun for the whole family!

Don’t miss the 230-foot-long waterslide, one of the highest hotel slides at Disney World.

Want a more relaxing experience? Stormalong bay has it! Float down the lazy river on an inner tube, unwind in one of 3 whirlpool spas or simply relax on the elevated tanning deck.

For your tiny Mouseketeers, there is a large sandy beach area with shallow water where they can build sandcastles to their heart’s content! Parents can also take their tiny tots over to Shipwreck Pool for more swimming fun. There’s even a miniature waterslide.

The resort also offers three additional leisure pools and adult whirlpool/hot tubs for more relaxing swim time.

Disney Movies Under the Stars

Watch your favorite Disney movies under the stars with your whole crew! Oh, the memories you’ll make! Check with the front desk for times and movie lists. This activity is weather permitting.

Want to stay in shape even after enjoying all those Mickey-shaped snacks? This resort offers a Health Club, Tennis courts, and a gorgeous jogging trail to burn off all those pixie-dusted calories!

Marina Watercraft Rental

Enjoy the water up-close and personal with one of the marina watercraft rentals. This will turn your resort day into another super fun day!

Surry Bike Rental

Explore the resort grounds on wheels when you ride around with your crew on a Surry Bike! They are so much fun!

Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club Transportation

Guests staying at the Walt Disney World Resort have access to complimentary transportation throughout the resort. During your stay, you will have access to several transportation options that are conveniently located to the resort hotel and will transport you to all the theme parks, Disney Springs and more!

Boats, Buses, and Disney’s Skyliner

Disney Buses and Disney’s Magical Express

You can hop on a Disney Bus to take you to your destination. From Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you never have to worry about how to get to the magic. Disney’s complimentary buses will take the guesswork out of resort transportation.

The bus stop is conveniently located by the front entrance of the resort hotel.

Check your My Disney Experience mobile app for bus schedules.

Disney’s Magical Express is the complimentary service that takes guests from the Orlando International Airport to their resort hotel on Disney property. Once you’ve made your resort reservation, visit this link to request the service. 

Disney Water Transportation

Hop on a fun Disney boat to get to Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the BoardWalk Inn.

The Disney Skyliner

Disney’s newest mode of transportation is conveniently located right outside Epcot’s International Gateway. The Skyliner station is within walking distance from the resort and will have you taking flight in no time to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort , Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Related: Grand Floridian walkway to Magic Kingdom construction underway at Disney World

This transportation option is as convenient as it is fun! We recommend taking flight even if just to enjoy the ride and the views. Explore other resort and dining options on property via the Skyliner. It will add more magic and adventure to your visit!

Disney’s Minnie Van

Disney’s version of a ride-sharing service is adorable and convenient. Use the Lyft app to request a Minnie Van and see cost estimates for your desired ride.

Pro-tip! Minnie Van will get you closest to Magic Kingdom!

Guests at Disney Resorts, you can enjoy some extra pixie dust to make your stay even more magical!

Extra Magic Hours

Resort Hotel Guests exclusive playtime at the theme parks! Check the times on your My Disney Experience app so you can plan these times during your stay.

Early Access to FastPass+

Resort guests can make their FastPass+ reservations up to 60-days before they arrive.

PRO-TIP! Your FP+ booking window will open 60-days before you arrive plus the days you are staying (up to 10). So, lock in those popular attractions for your last days first to ensure you score those coveted FastPass+ for attractions like Slinky Dog Dash and Avatar Flight of Passage!

Complimentary MagicBands

Customize your MagicBand color before you arrive through your My Disney Experience. NEW options are now available to upgrade your complimentary MagicBand for a small fee . Availability is limited, so check back often.

Related: Resort Exclusive MagicBands Revealed for Grand Floridian and Riviera Guests

Childcare Program on location at the resort

Captain Hooks Pirate Crew

Enjoy some adult time while the kids have a blast being recruited by Captain Hook himself! Kids ages 4-12 can enjoy an evening of adventure, treasure hunting, and fun – dinner included- while the parents go enjoy a grown-up night out! The current price for this activity is $55 per child.

Disney’s Enchanting Extras

Celebrate a birthday with an in-room celebration, order a customizable cake, book a VIP tour to peek inside the magic, limited-time events, nature tours, and more! Visit the Enchanting Extras site to learn more about the magic you can add to your stay!

Related: 45 Secrets for Fabulous Family Vacations

We hope you found this information helpful as you plan your next visit to the Walt Disney World Resort!

If you need assistance planning that enchanted and unforgettable getaway, be sure to reach out to our friends at Academy Travel for a no-cost, no-obligation quote on your magical vacation.

See ya real soon!

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What it's like staying at Disney's Beach Club Resort — and why it's now my favorite place to stay

• Every hotel at Disney World has something special to offer, but it's hard to beat Disney's Beach Club, which is within walking distance of two theme parks and has what is essentially a miniature water park.
• Stormalong Bay is shared with neighboring Yacht Club but easily comes in as the nicest pool at Disney World with waterslides, a sand bottom and a lazy river.
• On top of all of that, it also has some of the most entertaining places to eat, including an on-site character meal experience and an ice cream shop with sundaes as big as the kitchen sink.

Walt Disney World Resort has more than 20 on-site hotels, and each one has its own brand of Disney magic. I've loved my stays at value resorts like Disney's Art of Animation Resort with its movie-themed rooms and massive "Finding Nemo"-themed pool. I've also equally loved staying at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort for its proximity to the Magic Kingdom and abundance of Dole Whip.

However, after my most recent Disney World vacation, you'd have a hard time convincing me to go back to any of those hotels rather than my new favorite Disney hotel: Disney's Beach Club Resort.

What is Disney's Beach Club Resort?

Disney's Beach Club Resort is one of Disney World's top-tier Deluxe resorts. Disney Deluxe resorts are often in prime locations, have larger rooms and offer more activities and amenities than other Disney resorts. This resort is designed to resemble a classic coastal New England-style resort, with Colonial architecture, a muted color scheme and a nautical flair.

When you stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort, you also have access to the restaurants and amenities at Disney's Yacht Club Resort , which is just next door. The resort is also within walking distance of both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, as well as the dining and nightlife along Disney's BoardWalk.

How to book Disney's Beach Club Resort

As with other Disney World hotels , it's sometimes best to book direct through Disney. You can do this through Disney's website, over the phone or by using an authorized Disney vacation planner . Disney vacation planners can help you get the best price by searching for available discounts at the time of booking and up until your trip.

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

In addition to booking through Disney or a vacation planner, you can also use miles from your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

As a Walt Disney World annual passholder, I took advantage of a special offer of 30% off the regular room rate for a resort view room at Disney's Beach Club Resort. I paid $391 per night (plus taxes and fees) instead of the regular rate of about $660 per night (plus taxes and fees).

This is near the high end for a standard room at Disney World, and the rate can climb even higher during holidays or busy times of the year. Disney's Beach Club Resort also offers club-level rooms with lounge access.

But notably, it is also bookable for studios, one- and two-bedroom suites via Disney Vacation Club . Even if you aren't a DVC member, you can rent DVC points at a rate that can be much lower than what you'd pay in cash by booking through Disney. Studios here start at 14 DVC points per night, which would be $294 to $322 using points rented from David's Vacation Club, depending on how far in advance you book.

Related: Rent DVC points via David's Vacation Club

Easy access to Disney's theme parks and more

Disney's Beach Club Resort is conveniently located between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. From the hotel lobby, you can walk to the Epcot International Gateway (near the back of the park) in about five minutes or head in the other direction and be at Hollywood Studios in 10 to 15 minutes.

With all the walking you do during a day at Disney, it's also worth noting Disney's Beach Club Resort offers complimentary boat transportation to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, too, plus bus transportation to the Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs and Disney's water parks. There's also a Disney Skyliner station near the Epcot International Gateway, which can get you to Disney's Hollywood Studios or to four of Disney's other resort hotels if you want to sample the dining and amenities across Walt Disney World.

Spacious, upscale rooms

I've stayed at every tier of Disney resorts, and you definitely get what you pay for when it comes to room size. Our room at Disney's Beach Club Resort was spacious enough for our family of five, with plenty of storage for our luggage and a sofa bed where we could relax during the day and one of our children could sleep at night.

Related: How Disney renovated more than 22,000 hotel rooms in 5 years

The Disney theming was limited to a few paintings on the wall that portrayed Disney characters enjoying the resort. Otherwise, the room had a "lived-in luxury" vibe with comfortable, understated furnishings. Outside, there was a wrought-iron patio set where we spent many mornings and evenings before or after a day of Disney fun.

The bathroom had a large double vanity with a door that separated the vanity area from the shower and tub combo and the toilet. In the entryway, there was a minifridge, a coffee and tea station and a closet with an iron and an ironing board. The flat-screen TV sat atop a large dresser with plenty of storage for our three-night stay.

A variety of dining options

Disney's Beach Club Resort has dining options that range from character meals to poolside dining to the best ice cream shop at Disney World (and probably beyond). Character dining takes place during the breakfast buffet at Cape May Cafe ($45 per adult and $29 per child, plus tax and gratuity). Cape May Cafe also serves a seafood-forward, New England-inspired dinner buffet without character appearances.

The Beach Club Marketplace is a quick-service dining location with staples like eggs, bacon and Mickey waffles for breakfast and soup, salad, sandwiches and pasta for lunch and dinner. The marketplace also sells snacks and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. It's adjacent to the hotel gift shop, where you can stock up on souvenirs or forgotten necessities like swimsuits, sunscreen and toiletries.

Related: The best restaurants at Disney World in 2023

Outside by the Stormalong Bay pool, you can grab a drink at Hurricane Hanna's Waterside Bar and Grill or have your food and libations delivered to your pool chair. I had the grilled chicken sandwich with provolone and an avocado spread ($12.29) and a frozen pina colada ($15.50). It was just what I needed to energize myself for an afternoon of swimming.

The highlight of our many meals at Disney's Beach Club Resort was Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. This is the most popular ice cream spot at Disney World because of its unique ice cream creations and old-fashioned soda shop vibes.

At Beaches & Cream, I had the No Way José peanut butter and hot fudge sundae ($11.50), but for the ultimate Beaches & Cream experience, you must get the Kitchen Sink sundae ($36). It has eight scoops of ice cream, tons of toppings and a whole can of whipped cream. What's really fun about it, though, is the show the server puts on when you order it. I don't want to ruin the surprise, so just take my word for it and give it a try.

Take your pick of fitness and recreational activities

Guests of Disney's Beach Club Resort can use the 24-hour fitness center next door at Disney's Yacht Club Resort. It's only about a five-minute walk from the Beach Club lobby and has a variety of fitness equipment, including strength machines, cardio machines, free weights, medicine balls and kettlebells.

Related: 8 Walt Disney World experiences that don't require a park ticket

Disney's Beach Club Resort has a lot of other fun fitness opportunities, too. There's a sand volleyball court, tennis courts (tennis and pickleball equipment is available at the front desk) and a nearly 1-mile-long running trail. Disney also recently added on-demand fitness videos for kids that you can watch on the TV in your room.

The best pool at Disney World

Aside from a room that sleeps five, the 3-acre Stormalong Bay pool complex was the reason we stayed at Disney's Beach Club Resort.

Stormalong Bay is shared between the Beach Club and Yacht Club resorts and features a sandy beach area for kids, a lazy river, a hot tub, an activity pool with a volleyball net, swirling whirlpools, a 230-foot-long shipwreck-themed waterslide and two smaller waterslides for kids.

Related: Splash into fun: The 14 best hotel pools in Orlando

The hotel provides complimentary life jackets for kids to use at the pool and free tubes for the lazy river. The activities team also hosts daily poolside games and, in the evening, poolside movies under the stars. We spent an entire day swimming and playing in the water and went back for more after dinner. It's almost like having a small water park just for hotel guests.

During our visit, getting somewhere to sit in the shade wasn't a problem, thanks to the number of trees in the area to supplement the umbrellas. That said, getting there early is always a good strategy if you want first dibs on a good spot.

Family fun outside Disney's theme parks

Another bonus of staying at Disney's Beach Club Resort — or any Deluxe resort — is the wide variety of activities you can enjoy during your time away from Disney's theme parks.

Pick up a monthly activities guide when you check in to see exactly what's on offer during your stay. Guests can make crafts, attend a painting class, make s'mores at the nightly campfire, rent a boat or fishing equipment (or both) and more.

From the resort, you can easily walk to Disney's BoardWalk, where you'll find restaurants, a dueling piano bar, bicycle rentals, carnival games and other downtime activities.

Accessibility

All Disney hotels strive to be accessible to guests with disabilities.

Disney's Beach Club Resort offers both wheelchair- and hearing-accessible rooms. Additionally, public areas of the hotel also have accessible paths between the lobby area and restaurants, shops, meeting rooms, pools, fitness centers and laundry facilities, and pools have wheelchair lifts.

Checking out

After staying at Disney's Beach Club Resort, it moved to the top of my "favorite Disney hotels" list. I loved that my family had enough space to spread out in our room and that there was so much to keep us busy around the resort.

I have no problem staying in one of Disney's more budget-friendly hotels when we are going to go hard in the parks or water parks. However, if I want to splurge for a hotel that has just as much fun (and good food) to offer as Disney's theme parks, you'll find me booking another stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort.

Related reading:

• Are the Disney Visa credit cards worth it?
• Can you really save hundreds of dollars at Disney World by renting DVC points? We tested it to find out
• How to use points to buy Disney tickets
• New swan on the block: A review of the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

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Disney's Yacht Club Resort Pool Pictures & Reviews (Orlando, FL)

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Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club (Which to Choose)

The Beach Club Resort and its sister, Disney’s Yacht Club, are two of my family’s favorite hotels at Disney World. You really can’t beat the ideal location, family friendly restaurants, and deluxe amenities at these Walt Disney World resort hotels. But, you may be wondering which of the two deluxe resorts you should book for your upcoming vacation.

While it’s true the Beach Club and Yacht Club share almost everything, the two resorts are also very different from each other. For example, one of the resorts offers a quieter vibe and rooms with full balconies while the other hotel features closer access to Epcot and restaurants. If you are looking for a comparison of Disney’s Beach Club vs Yacht Club resort, this post provides a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best hotel for your trip!

(This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy at the bottom of this page for more details.)

Beach Club vs Yacht Club Rooms

Depending on availability for your vacation dates, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Yacht Club Resort offer several options for hotel rooms. If you’re comparing the rooms at Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club, we would crown Yacht Club the winner here .

The rooms at Disney’s Yacht Club have updated hardwood flooring rather than carpet. Also, the balconies at the Yacht Club are full balconies as opposed to the Beach Club where you will find standing only Juliet Balconies.

Standard View Rooms

Standard View rooms at the Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts offer views of the rooftop or parking area. These rooms can sleep up to 5 adults since some of the standard view rooms have 2 queen beds and 1 daybed.

Garden View Rooms

Garden View rooms offer views of the garden, woods, or lawn area at Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club. These rooms can also sleep up to 5 adults as some provide 2 queen beds and 1 daybed.

Water View Rooms

Water View rooms at the Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts offer views of one of the pools or of Crescent Lake. These rooms also sleep up to 5 adults if you have a room with 2 queen beds and 1 daybed.

Deluxe Room

Deluxe Rooms at Disney’s Beach Club offer more square footage than the regular hotel rooms. They can sleep up to 6 adults since they offer 2 queen beds and a queen sleeper sofa.

Club Level Rooms

The Club Level rooms at Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts offer standard, garden, or water views similar to the regular hotel rooms. However, you also receive special perks if you book a room in the Club Level. These are some of the benefits you will receive:

• concierge services
• Club Lounge with snacks and beverages
• complimentary health club access
• turndown service

Disney’s Beach Club Resort offers several options for suites.

• The 1 Bedroom Suite can sleep up to 4 adults with a king sized bed in the bedroom and a queen sleeper sofa in the separate sitting area. The 1 bedroom suite offers either garden or water views.
• The 2 Bedroom Suite can sleep up to 7 adults. It offers two separate bedrooms: one with a king bed and one with 2 queen beds. The 2 Bedroom Suite also has a daybed. Your views from this suite will be either of the garden or the water.
• The Nantucket VP Suite sleeps up to 2 adults with a king sized bed. It offers views of the water.
• The Newport Presidential sleeps up to 7 adults with 2 double beds, 1 king bed, and 1 daybed. It provides views of the water and Epcot.

Disney’s Yacht Club also offers a suite for guests. This 2-bedroom suite includes club level access and features two king beds and a queen pullout.

Room Requests

The rooms at Beach Club Resort come with a mini refrigerator. You can request a microwave when you check in as well. Other items you may request include bed rails, highchair, crib, and connecting rooms.

As mentioned above, it is important to note that not all of the rooms at Beach Club have FULL balconies. Many of them only offer the small Juliet type balcony. If a full-sized balcony is important to you, I HIGHLY recommend requesting this during online check in.

Beach Club vs Yacht Club Location

The Beach Club Resort at Walt Disney World sits near Epcot Theme Park and Disney’s Boardwalk entertainment district. Since this resort is located on Crescent Lake, you get amazing water views and sandy beaches where your kids can play. Beach Club’s sister resort, Disney’s Yacht Club, is located right next door.

These two resorts are connected, so you can easily walk between the two and enjoy the amenities each hotel has to offer. One of the most popular amenities at these sister resorts is their elaborate pool: Stormalong Bay. Even though the check-in time typically is not until 3:00, guests of the resorts can use the pool before their room is officially ready.

One of our top reasons for choosing to stay at Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club is their prime location. Below, I will detail how to get from the hotels to each of the Walt Disney World theme parks. Since both of these resorts sit on the same property, there really isn’t much of a difference on their location .

When comparing the Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club, the Beach Club is slightly closer to Epcot while the Yacht Club is a bit closer to Hollywood Studios. The differences in distance are so small that I wouldn’t recommend basing your decision on that factor though . On a side note, if you are looking for tips on choosing the right Disney World hotel, join our Facebook group for personalized help on finding the best resort for your family!

If you are wondering how far Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club are from Epcot, you will be pleased to know it’s a short five-minute walk. You just stroll along the walkway near Crescent Lake and follow the signs for Epcot. You will arrive at the International Gateway entrance to Epcot, which is at the back of the park near the World Showcase.

to Hollywood Studios

If you are wanting to travel to Disney’s Hollywood Studios from the Beach Club Resort or the Yacht Club, you have several options to get there. You can walk along the scenic paths to the theme park, which takes about 20 minutes.

You can also take the water shuttle from the Beach Club to Hollywood Studios. Since the boat makes some stops along the way, this also takes about 20 minutes. You can also utilize the Skyliner from the International Gateway. This gondola ride will take you straight to Hollywood Studios.

to Magic Kingdom

If you want to access Magic Kingdom from the Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts, you will need to board the Disney bus outside the lobby of one of the hotels. Depending on when you are visiting WDW, this shuttle bus may combine pickups by stopping at both the Beach Club and Disney’s Yacht Club. Magic Kingdom is about a 20-minute drive from Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

to Animal Kingdom

If you are looking to travel to Animal Kingdom Theme Park, you would need to board the Disney bus in front of the hotel. Each bus promptly displays where they are headed, so it’s super easy to catch the correct one. This ride is usually around 20 minutes long.

to Disney’s Boardwalk

Disney’s Boardwalk is super easy to access from the Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts. The Boardwalk is located right across the lake from the hotels and is a short 5-minute walk. This area of Disney World is one of our favorites, and its close proximity to the hotels is a huge perk to staying in the Beach Club/Yacht Club area.

to Disney Springs

You would also need to drive or take the Disney shuttle bus to Disney Springs. This ride typically takes 20 minutes.

Activities Comparison

Disney’s Beach Club Resort and the Yacht Club offer many fun activities for families visiting with kids. Again, since these two hotels are sister resorts, guests staying at either hotel may experience activities at both hotels . In other words, the Beach Club and Yacht Club share the guest activities listed below.

The Beach Club and Yacht Club share an arcade that is located right by Stormalong Bay Pool. The arcade is full of fun video games and sports tables. This is a great rainy day activity!

Outdoor Movies

Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club resort show nightly movies outside on the lawn or sand. You can check out the entertainment schedule for the dates of your visit to determine which movies are playing. This activity schedule is usually released at the beginning of each month.

Kids love spending their evenings roasting marshmallows and making s’mores by the campfire. Sometimes Mickey’s friends even join in the fun!

Guests of Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Disney’s Beach Club Villas have access to three leisure pool areas (one at each resort). In addition, these three Disney resorts share a main pool, Stormalong Bay, which I will discuss in more detail below.

Stormalong Bay is a massive pool and water play area shared by Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club resorts. If you have set aside time to enjoy this elaborate swimming area, note that pool towels are complimentary and available in the pool gates.

Stormalong Bay

Stormalong Bay offers lots of different spaces for swimming and playing in the water. Near the site of the large shipwreck model, you will find a kiddie pool perfect for little ones. This pool is in a contained area and is separate from the larger pool area.

This kiddie pool tends to be a bit quieter than the main pool. Stormalong Bay also has a sand bottom pool that is great for babies and toddlers . The super shallow water allows them to safely splash and play in the sand. You will find deeper areas of water to swim as well. Disney’s Beach Club Resort offers complimentary safety vests that little ones can use while playing and swimming.

In addition to the many swimming areas at Stormalong Bay, guests can enjoy the lazy river. You will find complimentary inner tubes available near the lazy river to make floating even more fun!

Water Slides

You will find two water slides at Stormalong Bay Pool. The larger of the two slides is a whopping 230 feet long. It begins atop the huge shipwreck model (pictured above) at the edge of the lake. This large water slide does not have a height requirement; however, there is a limit of one person at a time on the slide. This means that parents are not permitted to slide with their toddler or small child.

If you have an adventurous toddler who enjoys thrill rides, you can usually wait in the water at the bottom of the slide. This way you are available to grab your little one after he/she lands in the water. Children are permitted to wear complimentary safety vests on the slide as well.

*Note that you have to leave the main pool gates and climb many steep stairs to get to the top of this slide. Therefore, you will not want your toddler entering the slide area alone.

The smaller of the two slides is near the entrance to the larger slide. When you arrive in the shipwreck area, you will see a small, kiddie pool with a miniature water slide perfect for toddlers. Smaller kids should have no problem climbing to the top of this slide and sliding down to the pool below. You can clearly see them the whole time.

The shallow sand bottom section is perfect for toddlers and little kids to splash and dig. The lazy river is super fun and relaxing. The main water slide is a big hit for kids and adults. The kiddie water slide and pool area are great for toddlers and those who want a calmer sliding experience.

Price Comparison

Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts are typically priced similarly. My family and I often find that one may be a bit cheaper than the other for a specific set of dates, but a different set of dates may produce different results. If you are interested in experiencing all the great amenities of Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club resorts for a fraction of the price, I recommend looking into renting Disney Vacation Club points for a stay at the Beach Club Villas.

These villas are located on the same property as the Beach Club/Yacht Club Resorts, and they have access to the same great restaurants and activities! You can check out the “cost calculator” at David’s Vacation Club Rentals to see how much you save on your vacation dates. I have personally used David’s rental services multiple times and have always had great experiences!

Things to Do Near the Resorts

Since Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts are located in such a great spot near the Boardwalk and other resorts, you will find lots of kid friendly things to do within walking distance of the hotel.

Epcot Fireworks

One of our favorite activities just outside Disney’s Beach Club/Yacht Club is to view the nightly fireworks show at Epcot. You can grab some ice cream from Beaches and Cream and choose a spot near the walkway to Epcot. This is a great way to enjoy the fireworks show without having to maneuver between the crowds of people inside the park. It’s also a nice activity to enjoy at Disney World without purchasing a park ticket!

The Skyliner is one of the newer additions to Walt Disney World. This gondola ride connects several of the resort hotels to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you are looking for a unique activity, take a ride on the Skyliner with your kids.

Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf is an 18-hole course themed off the movie Fantasia . Since this kid friendly activity is located near The Swan hotel, guests of Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club can easily walk to the mini golf course.

Restaurants

In addition to the easy access to the restaurants on Disney’s Boardwalk, guests at the Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts have lots of dining options right at the hotel.

Beaches and Cream Soda Shop

Beaches and Cream is my personal all time favorite restaurant at Disney World. This diner offers all kinds of delicious options, including a tomato bisque that is out of this world!

Open daily for lunch and dinner, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop is located right beside Stormalong Bay Pool. They are famous for the ice cream concoction knows as The Kitchen Sink. Note that you are able to order some ice cream and to-go items from the window without actually going inside the diner.

Beach Club Marketplace

If you are looking for a quick stop on your way to the theme parks, Beach Club Marketplace is a great option. This dining venue serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Its diverse menu offers something for everyone. Beach Club Marketplace is our go-to for a fast breakfast or a quick snack before heading out for the day.

Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is a lounge that serves all kinds of adult beverages. You can also order appetizers like clam chowder, chicken wings, and calamari from this venue.

Hurricane Hanna’s

Hurricane Hanna’s is located right outside by Stormalong Bay Pool. You can order your food and beverages from the counter and dine outside at the available tables.

Ale and Compass

Ale and Compass is a sit down restaurant located at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. This dining venue serves family favorites for breakfast and options like seafood, chicken, and steak for dinner.

The Market at Ale and Compass

The Market at Ale and Compass is the quick service dining venue located at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Similar to The Beach Club Marketplace, this restaurant is a great stop for a quick meal.

Cape May Cafe

Cape May Cafe is located near the lobby of Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This restaurant is buffet style and serves your favorite seafood options. Cape May Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, the restaurant takes on a different theme for breakfast when it becomes the site for Minnie’s Beach Bash.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

Yachtsman Steakhouse is a signature dining restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. You will find steak and seafood among other options on the menu. Since this is a signature dining experience, guests must adhere to a dress code .

Crew’s Cup Lounge

Crew’s Cup Lounge is located near Yactsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Here, you will find all kinds of adult beverages along with a few options for appetizers or snacks.

In Room Dining

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is one of the Walt Disney World hotels that offers room service. You will find an In Room Dining Menu in your hotel room with instructions on how to place an order.

The menu includes options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night dining. You can even pre-order your breakfast the night before, so your family can eat in the room as you get ready for the parks.

Character Dining

As mentioned above, Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort becomes a character dining experience each morning for breakfast. Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast is a super fun way to start your day! The breakfast is buffet style and has a wide range of items to choose. You will even find a stand serving made to order omelets!

Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy each walk around the dining areas to greet you at your table. The characters are decked out in their finest beach wear to continue the theme of the dining experience.

Beach Club and Yacht Club vs Other Disney Resorts

Since Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts are my family’s favorite hotels at Disney World, I will try to explain WHY we love them so much! Below, I will compare the Beach Club/Yacht Club to other resorts at Disney World, so you can get an idea of why we choose to stay at these resorts. If you would like to see more comparisons between other hotels, feel free to comment below with the resorts you are considering. I know how stressful and overwhelming planning a Disney World vacation can be!

vs Beach Club Villas

Like the Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Villas have access to all the restaurants, activities, and amenities at the Beach Club resort. My recommendation is to choose the cheapest option of the three resorts . As mentioned above, renting DVC points for Beach Club Villas is often the best way to save money.

vs Boardwalk Inn

If you stay at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, you get the perks of the awesome location near Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Boardwalk. You can also easily walk over to the Beach Club to enjoy the dining venues located there. The one big drawback to Boardwalk Inn is that you don’t get Stormalong Bay . Disney’s Boardwalk Inn has a really fun pool, but it just doesn’t compare to the elaborate swimming pool at the Beach Club.

vs Monorail Resorts

You may be wondering how the Beach Club compares to the monorail resorts: Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Polynesian . These three resorts offer really easy access to Magic Kingdom, which is a huge perk if you have little kids.

They all offer great theming and activities as well. However, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts get our pick because they’re usually priced significantly lower than the monorail resorts .

vs Caribbean Beach Resort

It is difficult to compare Disney’s Beach Club Resort with Caribbean Beach because they really aren’t similar at all. Even though the names may cause you to think differently, the two resorts do not have much in common. Caribbean Beach is a moderate hotel that is lovely, but it does not offer the amenities that the deluxe resorts do.

If you are not planning to spend a lot of time at your hotel, you can certainly look into Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. However, you will not have access to the prime location, restaurants, pool, and other activities that the Beach Club offers .

Final Review of Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club

Since these two resorts share EVERYTHING, it’s really a matter of personal taste when deciding between these two hotels. The Disney Beach Club has a more relaxed vibe, while Yacht Club seems more sophisticated . We find that Stormalong Bay Pool is reason enough to stay at these amazing hotels. Who can pass up the opportunity to experience the best pool at Disney World?!

In addition, the location, restaurants, and activities offered at these deluxe resort hotels help to make your vacation one you will never forget! If I were planning a trip to Disney World, I would choose whichever is cheaper between the two ! Don’t forget to join our Facebook group for personalized help on finding the best resort for your family! So, how do you think they compare? Which resort would you choose? Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club? Comment below to share!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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How to Choose Between Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts

by Stephanie Shuster | May 7, 2020 | Walt Disney World Resorts , WDW Blog

Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts are unique at Walt Disney World—while most hotels stand on their own, these two sister resorts are more like twins—side by side with lots of shared features and a few distinct personality traits all their own.

You can use the amenities of BOTH resorts if you stay at either one , which makes these properties a great value since you have more to enjoy!

It also lets you escape for date night or to a pool party just for a few hours if you want a taste of something new.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort lobby. Photo by Danny Shuster.

But if you’re going to stay here, how do you choose between the #YachtSide or the #Beachside (okay, that’s not quite as catchy as Light Side/Dark Side, but let’s toll with it young padawans… I mean, sailors!).

Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew location. Photo by Danny Shuster.

Who’s going with you?

If you’re traveling adults only, consider the Yacht Club —it’s quieter, more romantic, and has a conference facility with added business amenities.

If you’re visiting for work, on a trip with your spouse, traveling solo or in an adult group, this is a great choice.

Families will probably prefer the Beach Club —it’s got more easy/casual dining options, extra amenities for kids, and if you’re a DVC member this is where you’ll want to stay to use those points!

Adults may prefer this side too, based on personal taste, DVC status, and whether you’re planning to walk to and from the Epcot festivals on your trip.

Where are you eating?

Dining options are quite different at the resorts.

Bar seating in the Ale & Compass Lounge. Photo by Danny Shuster.

Over at the Yacht Club, imagine fancy steak dinners, a sleek gastropub, and a dark bar that makes you feel like you’re in the hull of a ship. There’s also a simple grab-and-go option here, but if service is what you’re looking for you’ll have some of the best.

It’s cool and cozy in the Ale & Compass Lounge. Photo by Danny Shuster.

Beaches and Cream decor. Photo by Danny Shuster.

Over at Beach Club, you’ll find quick service spots at Beach Club Market Place and Hurricane Hannah’s, an ice cream window and full 50s diner experience at Beaches and Cream (including GIANT sundaes!) , and a casual buffet that serves seafood (and more) in the evening and hosts a character breakfast in the morning.

Beaches and Cream seating. Photo by Danny Shuster.

What’s your pool plan?

The main pool complex is shared between the two resorts, but it’s vast and your room location could put you much closer (or further) from the poolside you seek.

Stormalong Bay cabanas. Photo by Danny Shuster.

Cabana rentals are available at Yacht Club for the most serene experience, plus the marina is steps away if you prefer sailing on Crescent Lake to floating in a pool. 

Stormalong Bay. Photo by Danny Shuster.

Beach Club offers more energy with a lazy river, pool games, and a pirate ship waterslide that exists into a beach front pool.  Plus as the sun goes down, it’s closer to the beach front campfire—roasted marshmallows after an afternoon at the pool, anyone?

What it boils down to:

Are you looking for a quiet, refine seaside escape with adults in mind, or an easygoing getaway to the beach?

This chart will help you compare the amenities at each resort— but remember, you can use any of them even when you’re staying at the other property!

So, which is right for you? Disney’s Yacht Club Resort with its sophisticated atmosphere and gourmet dining options, or Disney’s Beach Club Resort with its relaxed family vibe and pool fun proximity?

Truth be told, they’re both lovely properties, and it’s easy enough to stay at one while enjoying the amenities the other offers only steps away from your room.

Does Stormalong Bay and all that Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts have to offer sound like the perfect summer escape? Book your dream getaway today— just fill out this form to get a quote on your stay from our partners at Destinations to Travel!

Thanks to Disney for hosting us on a 3-night Resort Showcase where we got to tour and experience many of Walt Disney World’s resorts and restaurants, including Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and Ale & Compass Restaurant. #wdwresorts #deliciousdisney

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The Family Vacation Guide

Disney’s Beach Club vs Yacht Club: Which Should You Choose?

posted by James Brockbank on September 3, 2022 // last updated on September 19, 2022

One of the best parts of planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida , is choosing where to stay.

Disney owns and operates more than 20 resorts and other accommodations on their central Florida property, in addition to the dozens of others nearby.

If Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort are among your options, you might be wondering which is better. After all, they’re located directly next door to each other, and the theming is similar. 

Despite having much in common, these two hotels have some key differences that make them distinct. Below, we’ll talk about the perks of staying in one of Disney’s hotels and what the Yacht and Beach Clubs have in common. Then, we’ll dive into what makes them distinct. That way, you can make the best choice for your family vacation.

Early Genie+ Access

Transportation, on-site guest relations, deluxe resorts, the skyliner, the boardwalk, room accommodations, entertainment and recreation, disney vacation club villas, recreation and entertainment, convention center, which should you choose: disney’s beach club or yacht club, perks of staying in a walt disney world hotel.

Experienced Disney vacationers will tell you that staying “on-property” has many advantages that can help you get the most out of your time in the most magical place on earth.

Each day, the four theme parks in Walt Disney World– Magic Kingdom , EPCOT , Hollywood Studios , and Animal Kingdom –open 30 minutes early for resort guests. That means you can get to the park in the morning and head to a couple of your favorite attractions without worrying about crowds.

At times in the past, Disney had offered “Extra Magic Hours” when parks opened even earlier or stayed open late in the evening for resort guests. While Disney isn’t offering them now, it certainly could return in the future.

Genie+ is the paid reservation system that allows guests to reserve times to visit top attractions. Time slots become available to park guests when the park opens for the day. 

However, guests with resort reservations linked to their accounts can make their first selections at 7 AM. That’s a distinct advantage over everyone else. What’s more, reservations for some of the most popular rides sometimes go quick.

Disney provides regular, reliable transportation from all of its hotels to its four theme parks, two water parks, and Disney Springs shopping and entertainment district. Buses run to each destination from every hotel about every 30 minutes.

In addition, there are boats and water taxis, the Skyliner gondola system, the monorail, and walking trails from several resorts. Below, we’ll talk about what’s available at the Yacht and Beach Clubs.

An often-overlooked advantage of staying at a Disney hotel is on-site guest relations. You can visit this desk to take care of a range of questions and issues before visiting the parks. You can purchase or verify tickets, make and confirm park and dining reservations, and schedule tours and special events.

Of course, guest relations is available at the entrance to all theme parks and water parks. However, there can be long lines, especially at the beginning of the day. What’s more, visiting the desk in the park takes away from your time enjoying attractions.  

What Do the Yacht and Beach Clubs Have in Common?

If you’ve done your research, you may already know that the Yacht and Beach Clubs are next to each other. They’re also often discussed together since they share so many amenities and features. 

Before we discuss what makes them unique so you can choose between them, it’s helpful to look at what they share. That way, you can get a total picture of what it would be like to spend your family vacation there.

Both the Beach Club and Yacht Club are Disney Deluxe Resorts . This is the top tier of hotels on Disney property, ahead of value resorts like Art of Animation and All-Star Sports and moderate resorts such as Coronado Springs and Port Orleans Riverside.

As you might expect, deluxe resorts have the best of everything. The rooms tend to be larger, the hotel lobbies and fixtures more opulent, and the theming is more detailed. There are better pools (with slides), more amenities (such as spas and shops), and more dining options.

Deluxe resorts have several unique features and perks. Sometimes, Disney parks stay open late for guests of deluxe resorts. They tend to have great locations with better access to the parks and transportation options. Of course, it all comes at a price. Deluxe resorts start at around $450 and increase sharply from there. 

The location is one of the best things about staying at the Yacht or Beach Club. They are two of the three resorts located directly near EPCOT. 

If you enjoy the thrilling attractions in Future World or a leisurely stroll through the World Showcase, you might like the Yacht and Beach Clubs even more than the Magic Kingdom monorail hotels–The Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village, and the Contemporary.

Let’s zoom in on the three things that make this location spectacular.

The Yacht and Beach Clubs are about a ten or 15-minute walk from EPCOT . One of four theme parks in Walt Disney World, EPCOT has so much to offer. It’s split into two major worlds, and they almost feel like two separate worlds.

Future World has some of the most thrilling attractions in any of the parks, including Soarin’ , Test Track , and the brand new Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster, Cosmic Rewind . 

Then, there’s the World Showcase, with pavilions from 11 countries around the world. Sample food, drink, merchandise, and culture without leaving central Florida.

The new Skyliner transportation system is just before you reach the World Gateway entrance to EPCOT. The Skyliner is a gondola system that connects several popular spots around the “world,” including Hollywood Studios, Riviera Resort, and several other hotels.

The Skyliner has revolutionized how people get around Walt Disney World. Many guests hated waiting for and riding buses to and from the parks, but the Skyliner has turned that experience into a ride in itself.

Guests at the Yacht and Beach Club can easily walk to the Skyliner. The Beach Club is a bit closer, but it only takes about ten minutes from the Yacht Club lobby.

The Boardwalk Hotel is on the same walking trail as the Yacht and Beach Club. In addition to the hotel is the Boardwalk entertainment area. While it’s much smaller than Disney Springs, you can find shops, restaurants, and entertainment. 

One of the Boardwalk’s favorites is Jelly Rolls, a dueling piano bar. The Atlantic Dance Hall opens nightly for drinks and dancing.

Most room accommodations at the Yacht and Beach Club are the same. Standard rooms include one king or two queen beds, and some have a pull-down bed under the television. 

Daily housekeeping is included, and guests can choose from water, pool, and garden views. In addition, both hotels have suites and a club or concierge level.

The best part of staying at the Yacht or Beach Club is arguably the main pool. The most popular on Disney property, Stormalong Bay encompasses three acres of space. There’s a lazy river, three whirlpool spas, and a life-size replica of a shipwreck with a 230-foot waterslide. It’s partially sand-bottom, and there’s a sandy beach to play on.

If you prefer a quieter poolside experience, there are three more leisure pools for use by guests at the Beach and Yacht Clubs: the Admiral Pool, Dunes Cove, and the Tidal Pool. All three have whirlpool spas and other amenities.

The Yacht and Beach Club share transportation, and the great news is how easy it is to get around Walt Disney World from both of these hotels.

The bus stop is located outside the main lobby of the Yacht Club. Buses run about every 30 minutes to the parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. The bus is the best way to get to Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the Magic Kingdom.

There is also a boat launch behind the lobby of the Yacht Club on Crescent Lake. The boats take guests to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and are a leisurely way to get to both parks.

As mentioned above, the Skyliner is about a ten-minute walk from the Yacht and Beach Clubs. The Skyliner takes guests to Hollywood Studios and is the fastest way to get there. 

We mentioned walking into EPCOT from these resorts, but you can also walk to Hollywood Studios. The path winds for about one mile around the water.

Finally, while the Yacht and Beach Clubs aren’t located on the monorail, you can access the monorail through EPCOT. You will need a theme park reservation at EPCOT or a park hopper ticket (useable after 2 PM) to access the monorail. However, it can take you to the Magic Kingdom.

The two resorts also share much of the same entertainment and recreation options. Moreover, guests at either hotel are almost always welcome to use amenities at the other one.

The resorts jointly host nightly campfires (weather permitting) and movies under the stars (indoors in inclement weather). There are tennis courts, volleyball courts, jogging trails, arcades, boat rentals, and fishing. There’s also a full fitness center and salon at Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness. 

What Makes Disney’s Beach Club Different?

Now that you know all the things that Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs share, we can look at meaningful ways that they differ. 

One of them is written right into their names. Even though the themes at the resorts are similar, they are distinct from each other. The Beach Club is reminiscent of classic Atlantic and New Jersey seaside resorts around the turn of the 20th century. 

It’s bright and cheerful, with light pastel colors throughout. You’ll notice elements of gingerbread-style and Victorian architecture, almost like an upscale beach cottage. The atmosphere is designed to be more relaxed and calming.

There are several other important ways that the two hotels differ. Here’s what’s unique to the Beach Club.

One thing that makes the Beach Club distinct is the presence of Disney Vacation Club villas. Disney Vacation Club is a vacation ownership company that sells timeshares in select Disney resorts worldwide. It also offers exceptional experiences, excursions, and reciprocity with RCI for members in good standing to use their annual allotment of points.

There are only 282 villas at the Beach Club, making it among the smallest in the collection. There are studios with kitchenettes and one, two, and three-bedroom villas with full kitchens.

You don’t need to be a DVC member to book the villas. In fact, many non-members love the villas for family reunions and space to spread out. They typically cost more than standard rooms per night.

You don’t have to be a guest at the Beach Club to dine in any of its restaurants. Anyone can make a reservation or drop in for table availability, but guests of this resort will be closer and find it easier to eat at these.

Cape May Cafe is a popular buffet spot for breakfast and dinner. Beaches and Cream Soda Shop has diner offerings for lunch and dinner and is known for its incredible ice cream. Martha’s Vineyard serves lunch but is best known for its bar service and wine selection. Finally, the Beach Club Marketplace offers counter-service and grab-and-go dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Some guests prefer the Beach Club’s location because it is closer to EPCOT and the Skyliner. It takes about five or ten more minutes to get there from the Yacht Club, depending on where your room is situated. However, most of the rooms at the Yacht Club are closer to Stormalong Bay than at the Beach Club.

Even though guests of either resort can use all the amenities, it’s worth mentioning the ones that are located at the Beach Club:

• Dunes Cove Pool
• Volleyball courts

What Makes the Yacht Club Different?

Several elements distinguish the Yacht Club from the Beach Club, and the first is the theme. While the Beach Club is designed to look and feel like a relaxed yet refined seaside resort, the Yacht Club is more stately.

The Yacht Club is reminiscent of a grand, exclusive New England yachting or boating resort, visited by titans of industry, politicians, and some of the oldest families in America. It is elegant, plush, and nautical. In contrast to the whimsical pastels at the Beach Club, you’ll see dark blues and wood tones against white finishes. 

Perhaps because of the prestige, the Yacht Club’s prices tend to be slightly higher than the Beach Club’s, though not substantially. The rooms at both resorts follow their themes but are around the same size.

While the Beach Club has Disney Vacation Club villas, the Yacht Club has a convention center, which frequently contributes to the more formal atmosphere at the Yacht Club. In fact, the resort itself was designed to host conventions, and its setup is conducive to that.

The convention center has more than 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. The hotel has almost 2,000 guest rooms, most of which are standard. Nearly 140 are located on the club level, perfect for executives. Couples also often hold weddings at the Yacht Club, and the nearby wedding gazebo is a convenient ceremony space. 

There are several dining options at the Yacht Club, and true to its theme, most of them are more formal than the ones you’ll find at the Beach Club. The main restaurant is the Yachtsman’s Steakhouse , a traditional New England steakhouse. It is one of the more formal restaurants in Walt Disney World and is only open for dinner. 

In addition, the less-formal Ale and Compass restaurant is a gastropub serving Yankee comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Marketplace at Ale and Compass offers counter-service and grab-and-go dining options.

Finally, two bars offer drinks and light snacks: the Ale and Compass Lounge and the Crew’s Cup Lounge. 

These are the recreation and amenities offered at the Yacht Club:

• Admiral Pool
• Tennis courts
• Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness

If you plan to spend the bulk of your Florida vacation in Walt Disney World, we strongly recommend staying at a Disney hotel for all the reasons discussed above. But which is better–the Beach Club or Yacht Club?

As you can see, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Yacht Club Resort have a lot in common and share many of the same amenities and perks. However, they have distinct themes that create different atmospheres. The Beach Club is more relaxed and refined, while the Yacht Club is more stately and elegant.

Regardless of where you and your family decide to stay, the most important thing is that you enjoy your time together at Walt Disney World. And don’t forget to check out Stormalong Bay–it’s the best part of either hotel!

More about our TFVG Author

James Brockbank

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

10 of the best hotel pools in the US

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Is there anything better in life than spending a lazy day lounging in the sun by a pool? Probably not, unless your idea of the perfect pool day is floating in a larger-than-life lazy river or chasing your kiddos around a pool with a kid-friendly splash pad or wave pool.

Whatever your version of an ideal pool day is, it all starts with the swimming pool. Thankfully, here in the U.S., we have more incredible hotel pools than we could ever possibly write about.

That said, we have gathered a handful of our favorites from sea to shining sea. These include pools with knockout views you have to see to believe, ones with incredible cabanas and others that are just so fun and functional that you’ll never want to leave.

From the Las Vegas Strip to the theme parks of Orlando and everywhere in between, here are some of the best hotel pools in the U.S. to consider for your next trip.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Beach Club Resort

In Orlando , there’s no shortage of activities — and there’s certainly no shortage of pools.

One of the best in Orlando (and the country) can be found on the grounds of Disney World, shared between two Disney resorts: Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club. Called Stormalong Bay, this 3-acre pool complex is basically a water park complete with a trio of leisure pools (including a sand-bottom pool), a 230-foot-long waterslide, a lazy river and an elevated tanning area.

How to book: At two of the more expensive properties at Walt Disney World, rates easily reach over $500 a night. However, with the help of a free Disney vacation planner , you might be able to find a better deal.

Related: The best Disney World hotels

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center

When we think about incredible pools, our minds don’t usually go straight to  indoor pools — unless you’re familiar with the luxe Four Seasons Philadelphia. On the 57th floor of the downtown Philly hotel, the 30,000-gallon infinity-edge pool is reserved exclusively for hotel guests and boasts some of the most incredible views of the city, all seen from the comfort of heated water.

It’s open all year long, so hotel guests can take in those stunning views or sit back with a healthy bento box meal delivered to their lounge chair even while it’s snowing outside.

How to book:  Though we’re hoping it’ll happen someday, Four Seasons still doesn’t have a loyalty program. Cash rates at the Four Seasons Philadelphia can be found from $1,000 a night during peak summer months. There is some good news, however: Four Seasons is a member of American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts , a program for holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express (and other Centurion- and Platinum-branded cards), that offers complimentary breakfast, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, upgrades and a $100 spa credit.

Related: Why the Four Seasons in Philly is the perfect weekend getaway

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Everything’s bigger in Texas — and that’s exactly the case at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa.

There, guests will find more water action than at most resorts, including a 9-acre water park with multiple waterslides, a 1,100-foot lazy river, a kids pool with a zero-depth beach entry, an activity pool and even an adults-only pool. So, whatever your preferred vacation style, everyone who visits this Marriott Bonvoy-associated resort can find the perfect pool to beat the intense heat of Texas Hill Country.

Related: The best Marriott hotels in the world

How to book:  Cash rates at this JW Marriott start as low as $290 a night, though you’ll likely find more availability closer to $400 and above, with rates soaring to over $1,000 during peak travel periods. Marriott Bonvoy award nights start at 43,000 points a night, and if you act fast, there is still reward night availability for July and August.

Right now, with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, you could earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after using your card to spend $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months; plus, earn 50,000 bonus points after you stay six eligible paid nights at Marriott hotels through Jan. 31, 2024.

Resorts World Las Vegas

In Sin City, choosing a hotel based on its pool is an overwhelming experience because there are just so many great options.

Those trying to trade in some points for a stay at a property with one of those pools should look no further than Hilton’s Resorts World . It’s home to three different hotels in one massive complex: the Las Vegas Hilton, the Conrad Las Vegas and the luxury-focused Crockfords Las Vegas.

Related: The best hotel pools in Las Vegas

At the property’s 5 1/2-acre pool complex, located outside on the fifth floor, guests will find a handful of different pools to experience. That includes the large Main Pool, where guests can reserve daybeds with a dedicated server, side table, concierge, towel service and shade.

There’s also a Family Pool with rentable cabanas; the Bimini Pool with oversized games and activities; the Cabana Pool, where guests can rent cabanas with amenities like a television, refrigerator, coffee table and misting fan; and a VIP pool.

How to book:  Because there are three different Hilton Honors -associated hotels here, rates vary depending on where you want to stay. Rates at the Las Vegas Hilton start at $78 or 45,000-70,000 points per night. Rates at the Conrad can start at $95 or 39,000-80,000 points per night. Rates at Crockfords start at $259 or 88,000-95,000 points per night.

The West Hollywood Edition

If you want to take in sweeping views of Hollywood Hills and the Los Angeles skyline, there’s no better place to do it than from the pool at the celebrity-friendly West Hollywood Edition.

High in the hills, the pool offers wooden lounge chairs and lush greenery throughout to complement the stunning California sunsets and sunrises that are a must to take in while visiting this Marriott Bonvoy property. For food and drink, The Roof offers pool guests a wide arrange of drinks, including “tropical-inspired cocktails with Southern California flair” and an extensive list of tequilas and mezcals.

How to book: Cash rates for the West Hollywood Edition, including access to its rooftop pool, start at $568 a night. For folks with Marriott Bonvoy points to blow, nightly redemptions start at 68,500 points.

Fairmont Kea Lani

It’s tough to imagine sitting by a pool in Hawaii when you’re surrounded by the beauty of the ocean. However, at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui, it’s really not that hard because there are plenty of incredible pools.

At this all-suite Fairmont, there are two lagoon pools joined by a 140-foot waterslide, two whirlpools and a kids pool with a basketball hoop. There’s also an adults-only pool tucked away from the others.

Guests can rent cabanas around the three different main pools with access to chilled water, juices and sodas with the reservation, plus complimentary snacks. All guests can enjoy lunch and cocktails from Ko Restaurant and Ama Bar & Grill, as well as grab water toys and free sunscreen at the Pool Pavilion.

How to book: Rates at the Fairmont Kea Lani, the only Accor Live Limitless property on Maui, start at $1,009 a night. Read a review of the property, as well as reviews of TPG’s other favorite Maui properties .

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

When it comes to swimming pools, Disney knows what it’s doing — that’s why it’s got two entries on this list. This time, we’re looking at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, one of the most popular hotels in all of Hawaii, especially for folks traveling with family.

Called the Waikolohe Valley pool area, this resort has something for everyone: pools with ocean views, a kids pool and the main Waikolohe pool, and an 8,200-square-foot zero-entry pool with a waterslide in a volcano. Hotel guests can rent cabanas, dine poolside and forget the outside world while splashing and relaxing under the big Hawaii sky.

How to book:  Cash rates at this top-tier Disney property don’t come cheap and are usually upward of $569 a night.

Related: Where Disney and Hawaii intersect: Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Another contender from Las Vegas, the pools at The Cosmopolitan — a Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection property — are where people go to bake in the sun and the flashing lights of Las Vegas Boulevard.

Of the two pools, the Boulevard Pool reigns supreme with its fourth-floor location overlooking the Strip. Folks who head up to this pool deck can book cabanas with a server and complimentary fruit plate, or just opt for a daybed. The pool frequently features live entertainment and “dive-in” movies. However, you can always hit up the bar for a refreshing drink to cool down from the desert heat.

How to book: You can find cash rates at The Cosmopolitan for as low as $240 a night if you look hard and your dates are flexible. Vegas is famous for its fluctuating rates, though, so don’t be shocked if stays here cost upward of $500 a night on various weekends. The Cosmopolitan is also a Marriott Bonvoy resort with award availability starting at 75,000 points per night.

Related: Jackpot! Best hotels in Vegas for a Sin City getaway

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

There’s no skyline like the New York City skyline — and there’s really no better place to take it in than the rooftop pool at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge.

Located in Brooklyn Heights near the trendy DUMBO neighborhood, this hotel is prime Brooklyn real estate. However, the real star of the show is the pool. It’s reserved for hotel guests, but reservations are required and limited to two-hour slots. Food and drinks are served from Harriet’s Rooftop, which stays open even after the pool closes at 7 p.m.

Related: The best hotels in New York City, from luxury stays to points properties

How to book:  Rates at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge vary throughout the year. In the busy summer months, rooms start around $400 a night during weekdays but can climb to over $600 on weekends.

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Another resort with a pool area that doubles as a water park, the Westin Kierland in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the perfect place to take the kids (or kids at heart) to enjoy a day basking in the sun, splashing in the water and racking up some Marriott Bonvoy points along the way.

At Adventure Water Park, guests can ride a 110-foot waterslide, float along a lazy river or try a surfing simulator that feels more California than Arizona desert. You can rent a cabana to get a little shade or reserve a Tommy Bahama Relaxation Reef that’s basically a private island right in the middle of it all. If that’s just too much, the adults-only pool is the ideal spot for folks to relax without a child in sight.

How to book: In the very hot summer months, you can find rooms as low as $229. As the Phoenix area cools down in the fall, rates go up significantly, easily upward of $500 a night. Award nights can be found as low as 41,000 points per night and as high as 60,000 points per night.

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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To The Beach And Yacht Club At Perdido Key

Be A Part Of An Exclusive Beachfront Community

The Beach & Yacht Club at Perdido Key combines all the beauty of this coastal paradise with a warm atmosphere you’ll appreciate the moment you arrive.

More than just a weekend hideaway, the Beach & Yacht Club is a community. Gatherings around the pool and in the clubhouse are common and two tennis/ pickle ball courts are a favorite spot for a friendly competition.

Quality In Design And Comfort In Living

The Beach & Yacht Club’s design offers the privacy you’d expect in an exclusive development. Each floor comprises four residences with roomy floorplans, spacious Gulffront balconies, and spectacular views. Fully equipped kitchens and built-in-icemaker for the convenience of those who love to spend time in the kitchen as well as those who don’t. And from the garden whirlpool tubs to the generous storage areas, comfort and convenience are notable design considerations in each three-bedroom, three-bath home.

Whether for a full-time residence, a part-time home, or an occasional getaway, your home at the Beach & Yacht Club will offer a welcome respite. A place to enjoy luxurious surroundings in a magnificent setting.

If you have any questions about services, please contact our manager:  [email protected]

Beachfront condo rentals  available for vacationing on the Gulf Coast. Near Pensacola Florida, Perdido Key offers white sandy beaches and is a  vacation hot spot  for those seeking family get-a-ways.  Beach vacations  for the entire family on the Florida coast.  Gulf front condo rental  vacation packages available .

New Cape Coral Yacht Club designs: Most on council like a coastal, Key West vibe

Given three different design options for the new Yacht Club Community Center , most of the Cape Coral City Council is leaning toward a coastal, Key West-flavor architecture.

At a committee of the whole meeting on Wednesday, the city sought direction from the council on a design direction for the outside of the community building.

"It's a concept, just like we do with anything else, and as we are designing, things may come up that we want to shift and be nimble (on)," said Cape Coral City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn.

James Pankonin with Kimley Horn, a consulting firm focusing on public and private developments, presented the information about the look of the community building.

Cape Coral's Yacht Club Community Park, which includes a yacht basin, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a ballroom, and a beach, has been a popular attraction and staple for the city since the 1960s but is set to undergo major renovations after Hurricane Ian delayed the original plans .

The current plans include a new two-story community center to replace the ballroom, removing the tennis courts, rearranging the area to accommodate a four-story parking garage, a new restaurant, and a new resort-style pool.

The city is also preparing for the demolition of the Yacht Club and its facilities in April as it awaits permits.

No estimates could be provided for the price of the new building.

"It will really come into how much of certain materials are needed and construction methods," Ilczyszyn said.

The city will have that information once they have 30% of the construction design.

Two public meetings for the designs are planned for April 2 and May 7.

After getting public input, the city will vote to amend its contract with Kimley Horn to approve all these changes.

The plan is to have these changes approved or introduced before the summer hiatus.

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New Designs for the Yacht Club building

John Bryant with Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors, a Sarasota-based design firm, said the goal with the new designs was to maintain the experience of the original Yacht Club.

The majority of the council preferred option one.

Design one:

Bryant described the first option as "coastal vernacular" and similar to the park buildings at Lake Kennedy and Yellow Fever Creek.

"So it's sort of informed by the current architectural work in 2024," Bryant said. "Kinda Key West."

Councilmember Dan Sheppard and Mayor John Gunter preferred option one.

Gunter said the design was the most pleasing for him.

Councilmember Keith Long liked option one and said he liked the Key West aesthetic.

Councilmember Tom Hayden liked option one.

Design two:

Option two is more informed by the current Yacht Club and would have a stone base and mid-century feel to it, according to Bryant.

"There's certainly opportunity to kind of further develop this option to have even more of the existing Yacht Club feel, but a different vibe, feel than option one," Bryant said.

He also said option two might be more expressive the closer they try to recreate the aesthetic of the old ballroom building.

Councilmember Jessica Cosden liked design two as it incorporated design elements of the old building though she lamented how similar it looked to the first design.

"I wish we could have done more, but I know it's hard with a two-story building, to make it look the same as a very unique one-story building.

Councilmember Bill Steinke said two would be his choice as well, but was wary of additional maintenance of natural wood products used in the design.

"As long as we can bring that aesthetic and keep the maintenance down, number two would be my choice," Steinke said.

Councilmember Robert Welsh said he could go either way, but he liked the look of two.

Design three:

This would be more contemporary and modern.

"Even with a more contemporary language, you can still have warmth, incorporating some wood elements and stone elements," Bryant said.

None of the council members expressed any favorability for the third design.

Inside the new community center

The Community Center will have an additional 10,000 square feet for a total of 47,000 square feet, a history room to remember the first ballroom building on the first floor, and more rooms for civic and community use on the first floor.

Additionally, the new ballroom has shifted slightly as the balcony area on the second floor has been expanded to wrap around the top of the building.

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