Choosing the right Walt Disney World Resort hotel can often be a difficult task. There are many on-property resorts to choose from, each with its unique theme and offerings. While no two Disney Resorts are the same, there’s a set of resorts in the Deluxe category that are very similar – Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.
These two resort hotels share many of the same amenities and recreational offerings, which often causes guests to view them as the same. If you plan on staying at one of these resorts during your next Walt Disney World vacation, but aren't sure which one to pick, keep reading. In this article, we’re going to take a close look at the similarities and differences between these two resorts to better help you choose which one is the best for you.
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Both Resorts Have the Same Transportation Options
One of the best perks of staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels is having complimentary transportation to a number of destinations on-property. Sometimes, the available transportation options at a specific resort are why guests choose to stay at that resort over others. In the case of Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, the transportation options are the same, making transportation an impractical factor when trying to decide between the two resorts.
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The Disney bus system is the main form of transportation at both resorts. However, they also both have water transportation, which will take guests directly to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, or other resorts that are located on Crescent Lake.
Both of the resorts are also within walking distance of EPCOT, which gives guests access to the Disney Skyliner. With Skyliner access, guests can easily whisk away to Hollywood Studios or any of the other Skyliner Resorts.
Beach Club is Closer to EPCOT
While one resort doesn’t win over the other regarding transportation, location may be important to you. Even though the resorts are essentially connected, Disney’s Beach Club Resort is slightly closer to EPCOT.
If you plan on walking to EPCOT for a day at the park, or to utilize the Skyliner, it will take you less time to get there from Beach Club than it would from Yacht Club. It takes about 5 minutes to walk to EPCOT from the Beach Club. From the Yacht Club, it takes closer to 10 minutes to walk there.
While this isn’t a huge difference in time, it may be just enough to make Beach Club a more appealing option to some.
More Lodging Options are Available at Beach Club
In regard to room types, Disney’s Beach Club Resort has more availability. Beach Club has Standard Rooms, Club Level Rooms and Suites, Deluxe Studios, and Villas. In comparison, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is only equipped with Standard Rooms and Club Level Rooms, and Suites.
Some guests may enjoy having more variety in their booking options. With the additional room options at Beach Club, guests have the opportunity to get more out of their stay.
Guests Can Have More Space to Spread Out at Beach Club
While the room options at both resorts can only accommodate up to 8 adults, Disney’s Beach Club Resort does provide more space for guests with 1-, 2-, and 3-Bedroom Villas. These villas have living spaces, separate bedrooms, full kitchens, and laundry machines, making them a true home away from home.
The full kitchens in the villas also provide a way for guests to save money on food during their Walt Disney World vacation, which is a big perk for those traveling on a budget.
Nightly Rates are Comparable
When it comes to pricing, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort are pretty comparable. When looking at the Standard Rooms, Club Level Rooms, and Club Level Suites at both resorts, it can be seen that their rates aren’t too far off.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Standard Rooms range from $621 per night for a Resort View to $1,209 per night for a Water View.
- Club Level Rooms range from $894 per night for a Resort View to $1,694 per night for a Water View.
- Club Level Suites range from $1,115 per night for a 1-Bedroom Suite to $4,211 for a 2-Bedroom Suite.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Standard Rooms range from $622 per night for a Resort View to $1,215 per night for a Water View.
- Club Level Rooms range from $873 per night for a Resort View to $1,720 per night for a Water View.
- Club Level Suites range from $2,328 per night for a Turret Suite to $4,257 per night for a 2-Bedroom Suite.
In most cases, the rates are only a few dollars off between the resorts, making pricing another factor that doesn’t feel very useful when deciding between the two.
Pools are Shared at These Resorts
The main pool of both of these resorts is Stormalong Bay. It’s a 3-acre water area that’s located directly between Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. At Stormalong Bay, guests can enjoy a sand-bottomed pool, lazy river, one of the highest Walt Disney World hotel waterslides, a tanning deck, 3 whirlpool spas, and a children’s pool.
If that isn’t enough (or possibly sounds like too much), the resorts also share 3 leisure pools. Guests can visit any of these pools when they’re seeking a more serene pool experience. These pools can be found at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Villas, and Disney’s Yacht Club.
As a recreational option that is equally shared among the guests of Beach Club and Yacht Club, the pools are another item that can’t be compared between the two resorts.
The Resorts Have a Similar Theme with Different Aesthetics
Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort do share a similar nautical theme. However, as the names suggest, Beach Club has a more relaxed beach theme, while Yacht Club has the feel of a New England-style yacht club. To put it simply, Beach Club’s vibe is chill, and Yacht Club’s is a bit more posh.
This is simply a reflection of the feel at both resorts. Even though the atmosphere at Beach Club doesn’t feel as stuffy, it isn’t any less of a Deluxe Resort. It still has all of the upscale amenities that come along with all of the Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts.
The atmosphere is something that should be considered when choosing between these two resorts. Normally, it’s pretty easy for guests to determine which type of atmosphere they prefer. Since there are so many similarities between the two resorts, this is one difference that guests should keep in mind.
Dining Locations are Also Shared
Dining locations are another thing that Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort share. Both resorts do have their own set of restaurants, lounges, and bars. Guests are able to quickly and easily go between the two resorts to dine at the location of their choice. At both resorts, you’ll find full-service restaurants, quick-service options, bars, and lounges.
That being said, there are differences between the available dining locations at each resort. In a way, they play off the atmospheres of the two resorts, with Beach Club having more relaxed dining locations available and Yacht Club having ones that are a bit more upscale.
Beach Club is home to Cape May Cafe – a delightful buffet-style restaurant that has a fun, beach-themed character breakfast in the morning and surf-and-turf options for dinner. Another dining location at this resort, that’s a real crowd-pleaser, is Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. This is a 50s-style diner that serves up delicious foods from the grill as well as amazing desserts. One of the most popular items on the Beaches & Cream Soda Shop menu is the Kitchen Sink. This dessert includes 8 scoops of ice cream with all of the available toppings!
Over at Yacht Club, guests can enjoy a meal at Ale & Compass Restaurant or put on their evening attire for a fine dining experience at Yachtsman Steakhouse. At this New England-style steakhouse, guests can enjoy premium steaks, fresh seafood, and more menu items that have been prepared for them in the restaurant’s open kitchen. Yachtsman Steakhouse perfectly captures a nautical theme in a sophisticated setting. This location provides a truly enjoyable evening experience for guests.
The Biggest Deciding Factors
Since Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort are so similar and share so much, there are two main factors that need to be considered when choosing between the two – atmosphere and room types.
As I mentioned before, there is a distinct difference between the mood of these two resorts. Would you be more comfortable in a relaxed, beach atmosphere or a refined yacht club setting? While you can easily hop back and forth between the two resorts, you would have a more enjoyable stay if you picked the ambiance that you’re most comfortable with.
Additionally, the room type that you want will play a part. If you’re looking for a location that has bigger options available, such as villas, then Beach Club would be the best choice for you. If your needs will be met in a standard room or a suite, then you may prefer staying at the Yacht Club.
When making your final decision, focus on your priorities and which resort would be the best match for you. Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort are both amazing options for your magical vacation. No matter which resort you choose to stay at during your trip, make sure you take the time to enjoy everything that both resorts have to offer.
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