Hotel with the finest pool complex at Disney World: A Review of Disney's Yacht Club Resort

When you picture a hotel at a Florida theme park, you probably don't envision deep, vibrant colors, hardwood finishes, and an elegant turn-of-the-century New England nautical-style resort.

And when you think of a hotel pool, images of a sprawling 3-acre waterpark featuring a life-sized shipwreck replica and a twisting waterslide likely don’t come to mind.

However, all of this—and much more—is exactly what awaits you at what is undoubtedly one of the top hotels at Disney World, Disney's Yacht Club Resort. In fact, during our short Florida escape, we even considered forgoing visits to the Disney parks altogether. While we eventually opted for one day at Epcot, it wouldn't be far-fetched to enjoy an entire vacation at the resort without stepping foot on a ride. In this scenario, the resort itself could serve as your main destination.

Disney's Yacht Club (1990) opened alongside the rapid expansion of Disney World, which also saw the debut of Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort (1988). Despite sharing a coastal theme, these two resorts are vastly different. With just over 600 rooms compared to Caribbean Beach's more than 1,500, this deluxe Disney resort provides guests with a luxurious getaway that emphasizes both comfort and amenities.

Following a recent stay at the property, I struggled to resist the temptation to extend my visit when checkout time rolled around. While not every detail is flawless at this Disney resort currently, I made a promise to myself (and my kids) that we would return. It truly holds a special place in our hearts.

Booking

Let’s begin with some unfortunate news: Disney's Yacht Club tends to come with a hefty price tag.

This hotel is among Disney's deluxe resorts and notably lacks a Disney Vacation Club section. This means you can't rent DVC points to possibly secure a room at a lower rate, as you can at places like the Polynesian Village Resort. (However, this option is available at the adjacent Beach Club Resort.)

If you manage to book a room during a sale or secure a good discount, you might reduce the rate to around $350-$400 per night, though it's rare for it to drop significantly below that. It's typical for rooms here to cost $500 or more, particularly once standard rooms sell out, requiring an additional fee for a water view, which I had to pay. In my view, the view itself isn’t worth the extra cost, but sometimes it’s all that’s available.

Despite booking during a 30% off promotion, my water-view room at the Yacht Club still came to just over $500 a night. There are ways to utilize points for Disney World vacations, such as redeeming miles from the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to offset costs at a 1 cent = 1 mile ratio, but you won’t find a way to achieve exceptional value for your credit card points at Disney properties.

If you choose to reserve a Disney resort like this one, it might be wise to work with a Disney Vacation Planner, as this won't increase your expenses. They are excellent at monitoring sales and discounts while managing the many fluctuating aspects of a Disney World trip.

FOR FREE HELP WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS.

Location

It may seem a bit crazy to spend $500 on a hotel room near a theme park, but the location is a significant factor in why Disney's Yacht Club justifies that price (and often fully books).

This hotel is conveniently located just a 5-10 minute stroll from the World Showcase entrance of Epcot. It’s also a manageable walk to Disney's Hollywood Studios, or you can catch a boat for a quicker ride, as that walk is slightly longer.

Being so close to Epcot means that the Skyliner station is just a short walk away, providing access to additional Disney destinations like the Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, and more.

The Yacht Club is also just a quick walk from the BoardWalk, which features even more shops and dining options.

I’m perfectly fine with saving money by staying off Disney property for the first night or when we’re not fully committing to a Disney family vacation. However, when we dive into a complete Disney experience, I want to be enveloped in the "Disney bubble." Choosing the Yacht Club places you right in the center of that bubble, surrounded by your own deluxe nautical-themed haven, yet only a stone's throw away from fantastic Disney dining and entertainment choices.

Check-in

We arrived at Disney's Yacht Club in the early afternoon, kicking off our vacation with a delightful character brunch at Topolino's Terrace located atop the nearby Disney Riviera Resort. (I highly recommend adding this to your itinerary if you love character experiences and can secure a reservation.)

Since we showed up a few hours before the official check-in time, I didn't expect our room to be ready, especially with the ongoing pandemic protocols. However, I was pleasantly surprised when Room 2077 was available for us several hours early.

During check-in, we learned that while room service had resumed for breakfast and dinner, regular housekeeping services had not yet returned to Disney resorts. Towel and trash service would be provided every other day. For our two-night stay, this meant no formal housekeeping, although we could request additional towels and amenities if needed.

Room

If you're able to navigate stairs, you can easily reach the second level of the resort — where we stayed — by using the lobby stairs instead of the elevators.

In fact, ascending the lobby stairs unveils some charming details, including a ship's wheel among various themed decorations.

Our room required a bit of a trek through several hallways, so if that's a concern, consider requesting a room nearer to the lobby if one is available.

Inside a room at Disney's Yacht Club, you won't encounter vibrant colors, Disney characters, or flashy decor. If that's what you're after, I suggest Disney's Art of Animation, which is filled with color and character.

Recently renovated, the Yacht Club caters not just to traditional Disney vacationers but also to convention attendees who typically stay here. This redesign successfully preserved the resort's overall theme while enhancing its offerings.

The rooms continue to reflect the resort's upscale nautical theme, but with an elegance that surpasses the more dated 1990s style.

In line with other Disney resort updates, the beds are now elevated, and the flooring has been switched from carpet to hard surfaces. This change is part of the standard renovations taking place across Disney properties.

The room features a pullout sofa that doubles as a sleeper and includes a compact writing desk.

Notably, there were outlets everywhere, which was a relief since we travel with numerous devices that need charging; we didn't even come close to using them all. While some furniture has a turn-of-the-century New England design, it is equipped with modern power options.

The two queen beds provided an ideal space for a restful night after a hectic day at Disney.

The room also includes a mini fridge and a Keurig coffee maker.

We were pleasantly surprised by the ample storage space available, featuring shelves, racks, cubbies, and drawers. This allowed us to stay much more organized than usual, even with a family's worth of belongings.

A balcony with two chairs offered a view of a beautifully maintained lawn and, technically, a bit of water. Keep in mind, this was a more expensive water-view room.

I loved the curtains; not only did they effectively block out morning light, but they were also charming and perfectly suited to the room, adorned with constellations.

Similar to many Disney resorts, the bathroom featured a dual-sink vanity situated in a nook between the main room and the bathroom, allowing for use while someone else was in the shower.

The bathroom area included sliding doors for both the main room and the tub/shower combo. Abundant Disney H2O+ bath products were provided in the shower and bathroom area.

We found the room to be very pleasant, but be aware that sound travels easily from the hallway and neighboring rooms. If you prefer complete silence, consider bringing earplugs and a white noise app alongside your Mickey ears.

Amenities

While the Yacht Club room is certainly comfortable, that's likely not the main reason for choosing to stay at Disney's Yacht Club — and it wasn't for us either, given the cost.

Stormalong Bay pool complex

The true highlight of this resort is the expansive 3-acre pool complex that it shares with the nearby Disney Beach Club Resort.

Known as Stormalong Bay, this pool area features a 230-foot waterslide, a lazy river, whirlpool, shallow splash zone, toddler slide, hot tubs, and much more. Some sections even have a sandy bottom, which is far gentler on your tired Disney feet compared to a hard surface.

This pool area resembles a mini-waterpark and definitely deserves some dedicated time in your itinerary. It can become quite crowded, especially during peak hours when entry may be impossible.

However, we had a fantastic time visiting late at night after the parks had closed, enjoying the pool with hardly anyone around. During our stay, it was open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., though hours may vary.

There are four cabanas available for booking at the pool if you desire more space and personalized service. However, it's advisable to make your reservations well in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly.

Accessing the pool requires verification that you're a resort guest, after which you'll receive a colored wristband for the day. The pool area is well-stocked with towels, and a dedicated team of lifeguards is on duty to monitor all pool zones closely.

Stormalong Bay is conveniently located next to Hurricane Hanna's Waterside Bar & Grill, making it easy to grab a snack or cocktail. The $12 seafood roll was an ideal light bite for us.

My 11-year-old loved the $6 Lava Smoothie, a delicious blend of raspberry, coconut, and pineapple, while I found the $14 Frosé to be outstanding.

This pool area is fantastic for groups of any age, whether you have adults, teens, tweens, or toddlers. It’s especially enjoyable if you carve out some time to relax there while most guests are busy sleeping, dining, or exploring the Disney parks.

Evening movies on the beach

A Disney movie is screened on the "beach" at the Yacht Club several nights a week at 8 p.m. This enjoyable experience is free, and during our stay, we watched "Zootopia," "Sleeping Beauty," "A Bug's Life," and "Disneynature: Earth."

Gym

I can never quite grasp the need for a treadmill at Disney, considering most people walk around 10 miles a day in the parks. Nevertheless, the Yacht Club features a gym with treadmills and more, all with a view of Stormalong Bay.

Magical Express Bus

Until the end of 2021, guests staying at this and other full-service Disney resorts could utilize the complimentary Magical Express Bus for transport to and from Orlando airport. If you opt for self-parking at the Yacht Club, expect a $25 nightly fee, which also grants you parking access at Disney theme parks without any extra cost.

The Magical Express Bus stop is conveniently located right at the hotel entrance, while the bus stop for trips to various Disney theme parks is just beside the entrance.

Still-closed amenities

As I mentioned earlier, there are still some minor issues at the Yacht Club, and this is where they start to show.

For those seeking the ultimate Yacht Club experience, it might be wise to wait a bit longer until all amenities are available. The Club Lounge remains closed, along with one of the main sit-down dining options.

Additionally, the on-site Ship Shape Salon and Lafferty Place Arcade are both currently closed.

Typically, you can rent boats or enroll your kids in a pirate-themed adventure departing from the Yacht Club's dock, but these activities are also still unavailable.

We had more than enough to keep us busy for a few days, even without those amenities, but it's worth noting that some options are still unavailable for now.

Dining

Ale & Compass Restaurant

Nestled just off the Yacht Club lobby is a cozy, dimly lit restaurant known as Ale & Compass. Reservations are required for breakfast or dinner, but it's one of the easier spots to book at Disney World.

Featuring what’s described as "Yankee comfort food," the menu includes dishes like lobster-and-corn chowder, a delightful Ale & Compass salad with pumpkin seeds and beets, steak, pasta, and a burger topped with bacon and Vermont cheddar, accompanied by hearty fries.

Capturing good photos in the dimly lit restaurant proved nearly impossible, but we relished our salad and burger.

Although we skipped breakfast here, I've heard wonderful things about their dark chocolate waffles.

Our experience with the service was friendly, but it was notably slow. We faced a lengthy wait for our reservation, followed by an additional delay before a server approached us to take our orders. This may be partly due to the restaurant's busy to-go order service available via the Disney app, especially since the other sit-down dining option at the hotel was closed.

Ale & Compass Lounge

An alternative dining option is the nearby Ale & Compass Lounge, which boasts a sleek, modern design that becomes quite dim as night falls.

The lounge features a bar at the back, while the front area offers various seating choices and a limited menu that still includes the burger and chowder.

The Market at Ale & Compass

Located in the hotel's gift shop area, the Market at Ale & Compass allows you to order convenient grab-and-go meals through the Disney app.

We sampled the $12 breakfast bowl, which offered a bit of everything and was nearly enough for me and my two kids to share for a quick bite before heading to the parks.

The $7 ham and cheese breakfast sandwich served on a pretzel roll also seemed quite appealing.

In the afternoon and evening, the menu features a selection of sandwiches, a hot dog, and a panini.

Beaches and Cream Soda Shop

If you’re going to indulge by staying at the Yacht Club, I highly suggest treating yourself to some calories at Beaches and Cream. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance (dining reservations can be made 60 days prior to your visit) or hope for a stroke of luck.

We planned our trip rather last-minute and couldn’t secure advance reservations, but we were fortunate to find an outdoor table available just in time to order the most thrilling item on the menu... the Kitchen Sink.

This $35 ice cream extravaganza includes eight scoops (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream, and mint) topped with every single topping available, plus a whole can of whipped cream on top.

It's enormous, outrageous, and a total blast.

The three of us hardly made a dent in it, but we definitely enjoyed the challenge.

There are also regular-sized ice cream treats available on the menu, but if you’re on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, don’t miss out on this extraordinary dessert.

If you're craving more than just sweets for your meal, this is also the spot for burgers, sandwiches, chili, and other classic 1950s fare.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

This second sit-down restaurant hasn't reopened yet, but when it does, it's the place for those post-convention dinners on the company’s tab or a romantic meal for two. The menu features a $135 seafood tower, prime porterhouse steak, lobster, filet mignon, elk, and other entrees starting around $50.

Overall impressions

I'm absolutely drawn to a well-themed, ideally located Disney World resort. Places like this one, along with Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, and others, have me completely hooked, both emotionally and financially.

To me, a resort hotel is more than just a place to rest at night; it's a destination in its own right, much like the theme parks. I love the aroma in the lobby, the property's story, the little Disney details sprinkled throughout, and the overall convenience of being surrounded by Disney magic.

Although my kids weren't on board with the idea, I would have been perfectly content to have Disney's Yacht Club Resort as our main destination for the weekend, skipping the parks entirely. Still, the easy stroll to Epcot made adding that park a delightful experience as well.

If you're just looking for a comfortable bed near the parks, this isn't the place for you. Staying at the Yacht Club might feel like a splurge if you don't genuinely appreciate the Stormalong Bay pool area. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the nearby Disney Swan and Dolphin if location is your only priority.

Given that some amenities are still unavailable, I wouldn't recommend staying here if you're expecting a fully operational service. Prices remain high to meet demand, so don’t anticipate discounts for the limited amenities.

However, if you can overlook a few shortcomings and desire a fun, slightly sophisticated hotel atmosphere, along with a fantastic location, access to Disney's premier resort pool, and nearby dining options, then Disney's Yacht Club Resort has become one of my all-time favorite Disney hotels — and I eagerly look forward to my next visit in the years to come.