disney yacht club to boardwalk

Transportation Options and Tips for Disney’s Yacht Club (The Expert’s Guide)

Staying at Disney’s Yacht Club means you’ll have access to several modes of transportation from the resort. But what is the most efficient way to get from the resort to where you’re going?

We’ve got the answers. Below, we’ll discuss every transportation tip you need to know for planning a vacation at Disney’s Yacht Club. We have stayed at this resort countless times and know all the ins and outs!

We recommend reviewing this entire guide in preparation for your trip. Then save it if you need a quick reference while on-site. But if you’re already there, here are a few quick links to some of the main destinations at Walt Disney World from the Yacht Club.

• How to Get from Disney’s Yacht Club to Magic Kingdom 
• How to Get from Disney’s Yacht Club  to Epcot 
• How to Get from Disney’s Yacht Club to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• How to Get from Disney’s Yacht Club to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• How to Get from Disney’s Yacht Club to Disney Springs

Can you imagine sitting at a bus stop at Walt Disney World and waiting for a bus that’s not coming? I would be willing to bet that scenario happens daily at Disney’s Yacht Club.

Over the years, we’ve often witnessed guests waiting at the bus stop for a bus to Epcot or Hollywood Studios. Sometimes, they’ve been waiting a while. Other times, they get to the bus stop, start looking at the wait signs, and immediately realize they’ve made an error.

Time is precious at Walt Disney World, and while we can’t control how long we have to wait for anything, we can learn how to use transportation to our advantage. So let’s learn how to navigate our ship, in this case–the little Friendship boats that dock immediately behind the resort!

Disney’s Yacht Club Transportation Options

The following forms of transportation are available at Disney’s Yacht Club:

• Friendship Boats
• Disney’s Bus Service
• Skyliner (within walking distance)

*You can also walk to two theme parks from the resort, which we’ll discuss in more detail below.

Disney’s Yacht Club to Magic Kingdom

For Magic Kingdom, you’ll want to take the bus. Yacht Club’s bus stop is conveniently outside the resort’s front doors.

Disney’s Yacht Club shares its bus service with Disney’s Beach Club, its sister resort. So when you board the bus at the Yacht Club, you’ll stop at the Beach Club. After that, you’ll continue to the park.

Disney’s Yacht Club is the first stop when returning to the resort from Magic Kingdom. So you’ll be at an advantage on the return trip.

Disney’s Yacht Club to Epcot

You can get to Epcot from Disney’s Yacht Club in two ways. Since Disney’s Yacht Club is part of the Epcot Resorts Area , you are within short walking distance of Epcot.

#1 Walking to Epcot from the Yacht Club

How short is the walk to Epcot? Most will be able to walk out the back door of the Yacht Club and arrive at Epcot’s International Gateway in less than 10 minutes.

When you exit the resort’s lobby (on the resort side), you’ll take a left at the lighthouse and continue straight until you reach Epcot. As you can see from the picture below, it’s a gorgeous walk along stunning Crescent Lake.

#2 Taking a Friendship Boat to Epcot from the Yacht Club

Alternatively, you can continue straight to the lighthouse when you exit the Yacht Club. You can board one of Disney’s Friendship Boats and take it to Epcot from there. However, the boats take longer than walking.

The boat departs Yacht Club and continues across the lake to Disney’s Boardwalk. There, it will stop and unload before continuing to Epcot. This route takes approximately 15 minutes. You’ll board on the left-hand side of the dock if you decide to take the boat to Epcot.

Disney’s Yacht Club to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Similar to traveling to Epcot, you’ll have two options for traveling to Disney’s Hollywood Studios from the Yacht Club.

#1 Walking to Hollywood Studios from the Yacht Club

First, you can walk to Hollywood Studios. However, I would caution that you know the length of the walk. We’ve mapped it, and it’s approximately 1.25 miles between Disney’s Yacht Club and Hollywood Studios.

This is one of our favorite “long” walks at the Walt Disney World Resort, but it’s not for everybody. Some days, it’s not even for us, especially when the sun is beating down so much that you might have two seconds to enjoy an ice cream cone before the entire thing turns into a–happy snowman.

That said, the serene walk is one of the best ways to escape crowds on the way back to the resort. Take it slow and allow yourself to decompress.

#2 Taking a Friendship Boat to Hollywood Studios from Yacht Club

When taking the boat to Hollywood Studios, you’ll want to board on the right-hand side of the dock. On this route, you’ll stop at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Hotel to load and unload. Then, you’ll continue to Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s Friendship Boats are a pleasant way to travel. There is one row of exterior seats on the back of each boat, but most of the seating is inside. So, if you get in line early, you might be able to snag a seat outside.

On the return trip from Hollywood Studios, you’ll stop at the Swan and Dolphin first before arriving at the Yacht Club. We have a complete guide that discusses Disney’s Friendship Boat routes if you want to learn more.

Disney’s Yacht Club to Animal Kingdom

You’ll take a bus from the Yacht Club to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It takes approximately 15 minutes to travel from the resort to Animal Kingdom. However, loading and unloading can take extra time when you stop at the Beach Club. Again, you’ll be the first stop on the return trip.

Disney’s Yacht Club to Disney Springs

You’ll also need to take a bus from Disney’s Yacht Club to Disney Springs. On our last visit, this was the longest route because the bus stopped at Yacht Club, Beach Club, and then at the Boardwalk.

While this isn’t always the case, I wanted to mention it because the resorts may share buses during slower parts of the day. Regardless, you’ll be the first stop on the return trip from Disney Springs.

Accessibility at Disney’s Yacht Club

Most transportation options at Disney’s Yacht Club accommodate guests with accessibility needs. Disney provides an overview of each form of transportation on their website.

All bus stops have a separate spot for guests in wheelchairs and ECVs to wait. Additionally, the Friendship Boats accommodate most wheelchairs and ECVs. Disney has an excellent resource on their site if you want to learn more: Transportation and Mobility Disabilities at Disney World

Disney’s Yacht Club to Typhoon Lagoon

You’ll have to take a bus from the Yacht Club to Disney Springs to reach Typhoon Lagoon. At Disney Springs, you’ll board a transfer bus to Typhoon Lagoon.

You will return this same way. However, when you return to Disney Springs at the end of the day, you’ll have to locate the bus stop for Yacht Club.

Previously, Disney offered direct bus service to and from the resorts to the water parks. If this changes, signage at the bus stop will indicate which bus to take.

You may notice in the photo below under Typhoon Lagoon it says, “Take the Disney Springs bus and transfer.” You’ll want to confirm this when you arrive at the Yacht Club’s bus stop.

Disney’s Yacht Club to Blizzard Beach

You’ll also take a transfer bus to Blizzard Beach. However, you’ll take a bus to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for this water park. When you exit the Disney’s Animal Kingdom bus, you’ll board a transfer bus to Blizzard Beach.

On return, you’ll take a bus from Blizzard Beach to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You’ll have to locate Disney’s Yacht Club’s bus stop from there.

Side note: When we stay at Disney’s Yacht Club, we typically like to spend an entire resort day at Stormalong Bay . So we rarely visit the water parks.

However, driving to the water parks is much easier (or taking a car service) than using the buses. While the transfer buses aren’t the end of the world, they are a pain. That’s especially true when everyone is tired at the end of the day, and you’ve got wet swimsuits in tow, among other things.

Disney’s Yacht Club to Disney’s Boardwalk (and Epcot Resorts)

Those staying at Disney’s Beach Club will likely visit Disney’s Boardwalk Inn at least once during their vacation. Disney’s Boardwalk has several excellent restaurants. We have a list with an overview of the restaurants at Disney’s Boardwalk if you want to learn more.

You’ll have two options for getting to the Boardwalk. First, you can walk. It takes about 10 minutes at a leisurely pace.

Or you can take the Friendship Boat (on the Epcot side) and exit at the Boardwalk. This will only take a few minutes, plus how long you must wait for the boat.

You can also walk or boat to the Swan and Dolphin Hotel. If you’re visiting the Swan Reserve, you can still walk. But if you boat, you’ll exit at the Swan and Dolphin and then walk to the Swan Reserve.

Since Disney’s Beach Club Resort is connected to the Yacht Club via an indoor/outdoor walkway, you can easily walk back and forth between them. If it’s raining on the walk back from Epcot, you’ll want to enter the Beach Club’s lobby and take the covered walkway back to the Yacht Club.

Disney’s Yacht Club to the Monorail Resorts

Additionally, most guests will want to visit the  monorail resorts  for dining or touring. You can take a bus from Disney’s Yacht Club to Magic Kingdom to do this.

From there, you will have to walk through security at Magic Kingdom. Then you can walk, boat, or monorail to the following resorts:

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (walk, boat, monorail)
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (boat, monorail, technically can  walk via the Grand Floridian walkway to Magic Kingdom)
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort (walk or monorail)

Disney’s Yacht Club to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness

If you want to visit Fort Wilderness or Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, you can take a bus to Magic Kingdom. You’ll then take a boat from Magic Kingdom to either resort.

Of course, these are not the only ways to travel back and forth to the above-mentioned resorts. You could always take a boat or walk to Hollywood Studios and then board a bus to any of those resorts as long as it’s within the park’s operating hours.

Disney’s Yacht Club to the Skyliner Resorts

Additionally, at some point, you might want to ride the Disney Skyliner or visit the Skyliner Resorts . Skyliner stations are available near the entrance of Hollywood Studios and at the Epcot’s International Gateway .

Epcot will be the nearest location to Disney’s Yacht Club. From there, the Skyliner travels in this order:

• Epcot International Gateway
• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach

At Disney’s Caribbean Beach, you must exit the Skyliner and reboard another line to one of the following:

• Disney’s Art of Animation and Pop Century
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Or you could always return to Disney’s Riviera and Epcot.

Yacht Club to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

For visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, we usually take a bus from the Yacht Club to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Then, we’ll take a bus from the Animal Kingdom to the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Note that the bus makes two stops at the Lodge. The first is Kidani Village, and the second is Jambo House. You’ll want to know which location is your intended destination.

You can also boat or walk to Hollywood Studios and take a bus to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Disney’s Yacht Club to the Disney Springs Resorts

If you would like to visit one of the resorts near Disney Springs, you can take a bus from the Yacht Club to Disney Springs. You’ll have these options:

• Walk or take a water taxi from the Disney Springs Marketplace to Disney’s Saratoga Springs
• Take a water taxi from the Disney Springs Marketplace to Old Key West Resort, Port Orleans-French Quarter, or Port Orleans-Riverside.

If you do not want to walk across Disney Springs and boat to these resorts, an alternative would be to take a boat to Hollywood Studios (during hours of operation) and then take a bus to that resort. 

Related:  Disney Springs Transportation Guide

Airport to Disney’s Yacht Club

Lastly, when traveling from the Orlando International Airport (MCO), you’ll need to arrange transportation to the resort. Disney no longer offers transportation between the airport and the Walt Disney World Resort. 

Tip: If you find yourself in need of travel outside of complimentary transportation hours, you can order a car service (i.e., Lyft, Uber, Taxi, or Minnie Van). We try to avoid the extra expense as much as possible. But if we had late dining reservations or comparable, we would take a car service back to our hotel.

Final Thoughts on Transportation at Disney’s Yacht Club

Hopefully, this article gives you a good idea of how to get to and from your desired destinations. Walt Disney World is a tremendous place and can be overwhelming when you’re unfamiliar.

As for Disney’s Yacht Club, you might enjoy a few other articles;

• Disney’s Yacht Club Review
• Restaurants at Disney’s Yacht Club
• Room Tour: Standard Guest Room at Yacht Club
• Laundry at Disney’s Yacht Club

Or you can preview our entire list of Disney World Transportation Guides .

What Do You Think?

Did you find this transportation guide for Disney’s Yacht Club helpful? Do you have any questions about the transportation options at this resort?

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.

Wonderful , concise advice! My family of 6 will be staying at the Disney Yacht Club for 5 days beginning Nov 7…our 1st visit to Disneyworld! Coming from Massachusetts we will be arriving at Orlando @ 10am and would like to take transport all together to resort. How can we reserve transportation from airport to Yacht Club?

Thank you! Many people use Mears Connect, a bus service from the airport to Disney: https://www.mearsconnect.com/

You could also use a private car service to get to and from the airport.

Thank you for all detailed information. But I realized that we won’t have many options coming from After Hour at Hollywood Studios. We’ll probably drive a car, if we don’t want to walk at 1am.

You are welcome! We walked back to the Yacht Club when we did After Hours. I didn’t know it at the time, but was told later that bus service is provided to Beach, Yacht, and Boardwalk at the end of After Hours. I assume it starts after the boats finish.

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Disney Transportation Map

Our Disney Transportation Map is an interactive map designed to help you plan your next Disney vacation. Use it to determine which Disney Resort is the best fit for your next trip to Florida!

How to Use the Disney Transportation Map and Guide

The massive Walt Disney World Resort transportation system can be confusing. Use our Disney World Transportation Map/Guide to navigate your way around the park. We provide the bus, monorail, and boat routes you will need to reach your destination.

To use the interactive Disney World Transportation Map and Guide, simply click on the name of the Disney Resort you wish to depart from or arrive at. You will see the Disney transportation options available to you. The transportation routes are color-coded and highlighted to correspond with the information in the legend key. Note that certain destinations do not have direct transportation options, and you may need to take a connecting mode of transportation to reach your destination.

Walt Disney World Transportation Map and Guide

Disney Transport  is a massive public transportation system at Disney World that provides efficient transportation within the park. All modes of Disney transportation are complementary (i.e., FREE) and open to guests staying at a Disney Resort and staying off-property.

The system consists of buses, monorails, watercraft (water taxis, boats, and ferries), and other assorted modes of transport heading to areas throughout Disney World. Disney Transport provides guests with a wide variety of transportation options, including resorts to theme parks, theme parks to theme parks, resorts to resorts, and Disney Springs (the shopping, dining, and entertainment district). In other words, where ever you want to go to Disney World, you can get there using some form of Disney transportation. Plus, there are taxi services like Uber and Lyft within the park if you so choose.

Because of Disney’s large size – 25 Disney Resorts, 4 theme parks, and two water parks – deciding which mode of transportation you should use to get from point A to point B can be confusing. Thus, we have created a Disney World transportation map to help you find the best route to your destination. Continue reading for detailed information about transportation routes and pickup locations to and from each Disney Resort listed on the map.

How Does Walt Disney World Resort Transportation Work?

Disney provides transportation using buses, ferries/boats, monorails, as well as a few other options like railroad and parking lot trams. One of the great things about Disney transportation lines is that it is entirely free to use, which means you can potentially spend no money on transportation during your stay at the park. Of course, there are plenty of  parking lots if you choose to use your own car (you can even get free parking if you’re staying onsite) — and you can use taxi/Uber/Lyft options (extra charge) to speed up your arrival if necessary. However, if you plan on staying at a Disney Resort, there really is no need to open your wallet to get around Disney World.

As you can see from the Disney World Transportation Map, there is a wide availability of free transportation inside the park. In addition, every Disney Resort has stations/stops to catch various modes of transportation to a theme park, water park, and other destinations around Disney World.

(Note: For maps of the theme parks, water parks, Disney Resort hotels, and Disney Springs, please reference our comprehensive  Disney World Map  page for printable PDF maps.)

Get Answers to All Your Vacation Questions

B us Transportation at Disney World

Buses provide Disney World guests a mode of transportation in locations where monorail or boat are not available, and walking is not an option. You can find Disney’s bus service connecting all in-park Disney resort hotels with each theme park and water park (most buses provide direct service), to/from Disney Springs, and service between parks.  Like all modes of Disney transportation, bus service is complimentary and offered to both visitors staying at a Walt Disney World Resort as well as those staying  off-site .

On average, Disney buses run every 20 minutes from all Walt Disney World Resorts, although wait times can vary. To accommodate breakfast dining reservations and parks with Extra Magic Hours, bus service to the theme parks typically begins at 6:30-7 a.m. (running on a less frequent basis). Buses run at full operation roughly one hour before the park opens and stop running up to 2 hours after the park closes in the evening. Buses to/from Disney Springs remain in operation until 2 a.m. Check with your Walt Disney World Resort for the latest information.

Larger  Disney World hotels have bus stops inside the resort grounds, whereas smaller resorts typically have stops near the resort’s front entrance. The bus stops for theme parks are located near the park entrance, and the Disney Springs stop is located near the Town Center entrance.

Transportation and Ticket Center & Monorail Service at Disney World

With over 150,000 daily riders, the  Disney World monorail  is one of the world’s most heavily used monorail systems. There are three monorail lines at Disney, all originating from the  Transportation and Ticket Center  (TTC). The Disney World Transportation Map lists them all. Monorail service is free for Resort guests and non-guests.

The “ Resort ” monorail line loops between Magic Kingdom and the TTC, making stops at the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary Resorts.

The “ Express ” monorail bypasses the resorts and travels directly between the TTC and Magic Kingdom.

The “ Epcot ” monorail line provides service between the TTC and Epcot.

Dreaming of staying at a Monorail Resort? Make it Happen with The Vacationeer !

Boat Service from select Walt Disney Resort Hotels

Guests of select Disney Resort hotels can embark on complimentary boat rides throughout the resort. Ferries, water taxis, and other Disney water transportation bring passengers to and from Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, and waterfront Disney Resorts. Most boats run at 15-30-minute intervals.

Magic Kingdom-Area Motor Launch/Motor Cruise Routes

Disney watercraft provide a fun and efficient mode of transportation to and from Magic Kingdom, the TTC, and the resorts surrounding The Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.

Ferryboats : Ferries take passengers directly between Magic Kingdom and the Transportation and Ticket Center. Typical hours of operation: 30-45 minutes before park opening until 45-60 minutes after park closure.

Gold Flag : The Seven Seas Lagoon Gold Flag boat loop makes stops at Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Typical hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. until 60-90 minutes after park closure.

Blue Flag : The Bay Lake Blue Flag loop operates between Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds. Typical hours of operation: 6:45 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.

Green Flag : The Green Flag boat travels between Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Magic Kingdom. Typical hours of operation: 8:30 AM until 60-90 minutes after park closure.

Red Flag : The Red Flag boat operates between Wilderness Lodge and Magic Kingdom. Typical hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. until 60-90 minutes after park closure. Boats do not run for Extra Magic Hours.

Disney Springs-Area River Boat / Water Taxi Routes 

The hours of operation for the riverboat routes are typically 11 am – 11:30 pm. However, operating times may vary, so check the daily schedules.

Yellow Flag : Operates between Disney Springs and the Port Orleans-Riverside and Port Orleans-French Quarter.

Blue Flag : Operates between Disney Springs and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.

Green Flag : Operates between Disney Springs and the Old Key West Resort.

Red Flag : Disney Springs internal boat service.

Epcot/Boardwalk-Area Friendship Boat Routes

The hours of operation of the Friendship Boats are typically 8:30 am until 60 minutes after the parks close. Operating times may vary, so check the daily schedules.

Hollywood Studios to Disney’s Swan Resort, Dolphin Resort, Yacht Club Resort, Beach Club Resort, Boardwalk Inn, and Epcot.

Epcot to Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan Resort, and Dolphin Resort.

Epcot internal routes: one route runs between Canada and Morocco pavilions, and the other runs between Germany and Mexico pavilions.

Traveling Between Disney Theme Parks – Transportation Map

If you plan on park hopping, these free Walt Disney Company transportation options are available.

Traveling from ANIMAL KINGDOM to:

• Epcot or Magic Kingdom – Bus
• Hollywood Studios -Bus

Traveling from EPCOT to:

• Animal Kingdom – Bus
• Hollywood Studios – Bus, ferry, or walk
• Magic Kingdom – Take the Epcot monorail to the ticket center. From there, transfer to the Magic Kingdom monorail or the ferry.

Traveling from Disney’s HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS  to:

• Animal Kingdom or Magic Kingdom – Bus
• Epcot –   Bus, ferry, or walk

Traveling from MAGIC KINGDOM to:

• Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios – Bus
• Epcot – Take the Magic Kingdom monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). From there, transfer to the Epcot monorail.

Transportation from a Deluxe Walt Disney World Resort to the Theme Parks 

Guests staying at the Magic Kingdom-area resorts can take the monorail or boats to Magic Kingdom and buses to the other theme parks and water parks. Because of its proximity, guests staying at the Contemporary can walk to Magic Kingdom if they wish.

Guests staying at the Boardwalk-area resorts can either walk or take a ferry boat to Epcot and Hollywood Studios and buses to other theme parks and water parks.

Guests of other  Disney World Deluxe resorts  will use bus transportation to get to their theme park destination.

*see below for resort-specific transportation options

Transportation from Value and Moderate Disney Resorts to the Theme Parks

Guests staying at Value and Moderate resorts will  not  have access to either boats or monorail but  do  have access to buses that go directly to each theme park. Walking directly to a nearby park from your hotel may even be possible. For guests staying at Fort Wilderness, Disney offers a free shuttle service around the resort, making internal loops to take guests to different areas of the gigantic campground.

Transportation Between Resorts

Taking the free Disney transportation between parks can be confusing to the uninitiated. We recommend that you head to the nearest theme park and hop on a bus, monorail, or ferry to your destination. You may also find that heading to Disney Springs and catching a bus from there is an easy option. If time is of major concern, the quickest way to travel between resorts is by taxi/Uber/Lyft. This should cost you in the $10-$15 range, but the time you save may be worth the added expense.

Transportation from Disney Springs

Disney Springs  provides free parking throughout the day. While this may sound tempting to guests with cars, be warned that there is no direct transportation to the theme parks from Disney Springs. You can certainly take a bus or water taxi to other transportation hubs and find connecting services to the parks from there. Just be aware that transportation originating from Disney Springs will take longer than from other locations within Disney World. On a positive note, one-way service from the parks to Disney Springs  is  provided after 4 pm.

Transportation from Disney Deluxe Resorts

 grand floridian resort & spa – disney world transportation map.

The  Grand Floridian Resort & Spa  is Disney’s flagship resort. It also provides its guests with a host of transportation options. The resort’s monorail station is located in the Main Building (2nd floor), the bus stop can be found between the main building and Resort Convention Center, and the water launch is next to Narcoossee’s along the banks of The Seven Seas Lagoon.

Destinations:

• Animal Kingdom – Bus (service runs from 6:30-7:00 AM until 2 hours after the park closes).
• Epcot   – Board the Resort monorail to the Ticket & Transportation Center (TTC). Transfer to the Epcot monorail.
• Hollywood Studios –   Bus (service runs from 6:30-7:00 AM until 2 hours after the park closes).
• Magic Kingdom – Board the Resort monorail. You can also take the water taxi to Magic Kingdom.
• Water Parks – Bus (service runs 30 minutes before the park opens until 1 hour after the park closes).
• Disney Springs – Bus (operates from 9 a.m. -2 a. m.) or take the Epcot monorail from the TTC and transfer to Disney Springs bus.
• Contemporary Resort or TTC – take the Resort monorail.
• Polynesian Resort – Boat or Resort monorail.

Contemporary  Resort – Disney World Transportation Map

Disney’s award-winning Contemporary Resort is located adjacent to Magic Kingdom. This Disney resort hotels monorail station is inside the resort’s Grand Canyon Concourse. At the same time, the bus stop is located between the lobby and the check-in parking lot. In addition, the Contemporary’s boat launch is along the banks of Bay Lake.

• Animal Kingdom or Blizzard Beach – Board the “Animal Kingdom/Blizzard Beach” bus
• Epcot – Board the Resort monorail to the Ticket & Transportation Center (TTC). Transfer to the Epcot monorail.
• Hollywood Studios – Board the “Hollywood Studios” bus
• Magic Kingdom – Walk (5-10 minutes), take the boat, or board the monorail to Magic Kingdom (enjoyable but takes longer than walking).
• Typhoon Lagoon – Before 4 p.m., board the monorail to the TTC and transfer to the “Downtown Disney” bus. There are direct buses between the park and the resort after 4 p.m.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Disney World Transportation Map

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort monorail station is located inside the Great Ceremonial House (2nd floor), the bus stop is outside the Great Ceremonial House, and the boat launch/water taxi is behind the Nanea Volcano Pool. In addition, the Ticket and Transportation Center is just a short walk away.

• Epcot –   Board the Resort monorail (or walk) to the TTC. Transfer to the Epcot monorail.
• Hollywood Studios – Bus (service runs from 6:30-7:00 AM until 2 hours after the park closes).
• Magic Kingdom – Board the Resort monorail or walk to the TTC and board the Express monorail. You can also take the water taxi to Magic Kingdom.
• Water Parks –   Bus (service runs 30 minutes before the park opens until 1 hour after the park closes).
• Grand Floridian –   Boat or Resort monorail.
• Contemporary –   Resort monorail.
• Disney Springs –   Bus (operates from 9 a.m. – 2 a.m.) or take the Epcot monorail from the TTC and transfer to Disney Springs bus.

Wilderness Lodge Resort – Disney World Transportation Map

Monorail service does not extend to Wilderness Lodge, but there are a few Disney Transportation options. The bus depot is located adjacent to the Porte Cochere, past the gift shop and Cub’s Den. The boat dock can be accessed through the back door of the Lodge, past the Silver Creek Springs Pool, and down a walkway.

• Animal Kingdom – Bus (service runs from 6:30-7:00 AM until 2 hours after the park closes)
• Epcot – Bus (service runs from 6:30-7:00 AM until 2 hours after the park closes)
• Hollywood Studios – Bus (service runs from 6:30-7:00 AM until 2 hours after the park closes)
• Magic Kingdom – Boat (begins operating 30 minutes before the park opens on standard days, 1 hour before during Extra Magic Hours, and ends 45 minutes after the park closes) or Bus (service runs 45 minutes before the park opens until 2 hours after the park closes)
• Water Parks –   Bus (service runs 30 minutes before the park opens until 1 hour after the park closes)
• Disney Springs – Bus (operates from 9 a.m. -2 a. m.).
• Contemporary Resort – Boat (begins operating 30 minutes before the park opens on standard days, 1 hour before during Extra Magic Hours, and ends 45 minutes after the park closes).
• Fort Wilderness Campground – Boat (begins operating 30 minutes before the park opens on standard days, 1 hour before during Extra Magic Hours, and ends 45 minutes after the park closes).

Animal Kingdom Lodge – Disney World Transportation Map

Disney’s  Animal Kingdom Lodge  is the only Deluxe Resort that offers just one mode of transportation – bus service. The buses that provide service to AKL do not go directly to other resorts. That said, you will find buses that service all Disney World theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. As you exit the main lobby, the Animal Kingdom Lodge bus station is on the left. Unfortunately, there aren’t any walking paths between Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park despite their proximity.

• Epcot – Bus (service runs from 6:30-7:00 AM until 2 hours after the park closes).
• Magic Kingdom –   Bus (service runs from 6:30-7:00 AM until 2 hours after the park closes).
• Disney Springs –   Bus (operates from 9 a.m. -2 a.m.).

Beach Club Resort and Yacht Club Resort – Disney World Transportation Map

Walking to Epcot from Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts takes a few minutes. This allows you easy access to the wonderful attractions and  dining of Epcot , plus the Epcot monorail station. As far as other modes of transportation go, buses (stations located between the lobby and check-in parking lot) and water taxis (near the lighthouse on Crescent Lake) are nearby.

• Epcot –   Walk or take the boat (operates from 8 a.m. on standard hour days, 7:30 a.m. during Extra Magic Hour mornings, and until 1 hour. after the park closes).
• Hollywood Studios – Boat (operates from 8 a.m. on standard hour days, 7:30 a.m. during Extra Magic Hour mornings, and until 1 hour after the park closes).
• Magic Kingdom – Bus (service runs from 6:30–7:00 am until 2 hours after the park closes), or walk to the Epcot monorail station and transfer to the Magic Kingdom monorail at the TTC..
• Disney Springs – Bus (operates from 9 a.m. -2 a.m.).
• Swan/Dolphin/Boardwalk Inn Resorts – walk or take the boat (operates from 8 a.m. on standard hour days, 7:30 a.m. during Extra Magic Hour mornings, and until 1 hour after the park closes).

Swan Resort and Dolphin Resort – Disney World Transportation Map

Like the Beach Club/Yacht Club Resorts, Swan and Dolphin Resorts provide their guests with bus and water taxi transportation. You can walk to Epcot in about 15 minutes, so the Epcot monorail is also within easy reach (if you don’t mind a little exercise). Buses depart from the front entrances of both the Swan Resort and the Dolphin Resort, while boats launch from the dock between the two resorts.

• Epcot – Walk or take the boat (operates from 8 a.m. on standard hour days, 7:30 a.m. during Extra Magic Hour mornings, and until 1 hour after the park closes).
• Hollywood Studios –   Boat (operates from 8 a.m. on standard hour days, 7:30 a.m. during Extra Magic Hour mornings, and until 1 hour after the park closes).
• Magic Kingdom – Bus (service runs from 6:30-7:00 AM until 2 hours after the park closes), or walk to the Epcot monorail station and transfer at the TTC to the MK monorail.
• Disney Springs – Bus (operates from 9 a.m. – 2 a.m.).
• Beach Club/Yacht Club/Boardwalk Inn Resorts – Walk or take the boat (operates from 8 a.m. on standard hour days, 7:30 a.m. during Extra Magic Hour mornings, and until 1 hour after the park closes).

Boardwalk Inn – Disney World Transportation Map

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn benefits from its close proximity to Epcot (just a few minutes’ walk) and the Epcot monorail line. The bus stop for other Disney World locations can be found between the lobby and the check-in parking lot. At the same time, the water taxi to the Yacht Club, Swan, Dolphin, Beach Club, Epcot and Hollywood Studios is located along the Boardwalk waterfront.

• Animal Kingdom –   Bus (service runs from 6:30-7:00 AM until 2 hours after the park closes).
• Magic Kingdom – Bus (service runs from 6:30-7:00 AM until 2 hours after the park closes), or walk to the Epcot monorail station and transfer at the TTC to the Magic Kingdom monorail.
• Beach Club/Yacht Club/Swan/Dolphin Resorts – Walk or take the boat (operates from 8 a.m. on standard hour days, 7:30 a.m. during Extra Magic Hour mornings, until 1 hour after the park closes).

Old Key West Resort – Disney World Transportation Map

Old Key West is a short boat ride away from all the excitement of Disney Springs. The water taxi dock can be found behind the lobby on the waterfront. There are 5 bus stops at Old Key West with direct service to the theme parks and water parks. The bus stops are located here: Peninsular Road (Buildings 23 – 29), South Point Road (Buildings 45 – 56), Old Turtle Pond Road (Buildings 30 – 44), Miller’s Road (Buildings 15 – 22 and 62 – 64), and North Cove Road/Hospitality House (Buildings 11 – 14).

• Animal Kingdom –  Bus (service runs from 6:30-7:00 AM until 2 hours after the park closes).
• Magic Kingdom – Bus (service runs from 6:30–7:00 am until 2 hours after the park closes), or walk to the Epcot monorail station and transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center to the MK monorail.
• Disney Springs – Bus (operates from 9 a.m. – 2 a.m.) or boat (runs from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.).

Saratoga Springs Resort – Disney World Transportation Map

Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is the largest Disney Vacation Club resort. It’s located within walking distance of Disney Springs, the popular shopping and dining area of Disney World. The Saratoga Springs “Blue Flag” water taxi brings guests to/from Disney Springs. There are 5 bus stops inside the resort to transport guests directly to theme parks and water parks. These can be found at the following locations: The Springs (Guest Villa 3101 – 4436 & The Carriage House), Congress Park (Guest Villas 1101 – 2836), The Paddock (Guest Villas 4501 – 6836), The Carousel (Guest Villas 7101 – 7836), and The Grandstand (Guest Villas 8101 – 9836).

• Disney Springs – Bus (operates from 9 a.m. -2 a.m.), boat (runs from 10 a.m. -11 p.m.), or walk on the path to Disney Springs.

Considering a Deluxe Resort? Get free help planning your stay!

Transportation from Disney Moderate Resorts

Caribbean beach resort – disney world transportation map.

Due to its large size, the Caribbean Beach Resort runs an internal shuttle bus loop throughout its grounds to bring guests to other parts of the resort. External bus transportation to all Disney theme parks and water parks is also available throughout the resort. There are 8 locations to catch external buses: outside of Port Royal, across from Trinidad North, Trinidad South, Jamaica, Aruba, Barbados, Martinique, and at the Custom House.

Coronado Springs Resort – Disney World Transportation Map

Coronado Springs is a “moderate” Disney Resort in the Animal Kingdom section of Disney World. It’s also in close proximity to Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Buses provide transportation to theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, and the Boardwalk area. Bus stops can be found at El Centro, Casitas, Ranchos, and Ranchos and Cabanas.

• Epcot –   Bus (service runs from 6:30-7:00 AM until 2 hours after the park closes).
• Water Parks –   Bus (service runs 30 minutes before the park opens until 1 hour after park close).

Fort Wilderness Resort – Disney World Transportation Map

Disney’s Fort Wilderness & Campground is a themed camping resort located in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area. There are three internal bus routes – identified as purple, orange, and yellow. These buses run the length of the resort between the Outpost Depot (near the entrance of the resort) and to Settlement Depot (near the resort’s waterfront area). External buses take guests to theme parks and water parks from these two depots. Fort Wilderness also has a water taxi launch (near Settlement Depot) which brings guests directly to Magic Kingdom (Green Flag) or indirectly via nearby resorts (Blue Flag).

• Animal Kingdom – Take an internal bus to the Outpost Depot and board the Animal Kingdom bus (service runs from 6:30-7:00 AM until 2 hours after the park closes).
• Epcot – Take an internal bus to the Outpost Depot and board the Epcot bus (service runs from 6:30-7:00 AM until 2 hours after the park closes).
• Hollywood Studios – Take an internal bus to the Outpost Depot and board the Hollywood Studios bus (service runs from 6:30-7:00 AM until 2 hours after the park closes).
• Magic Kingdom –   Take an internal bus to the Settlement Depot and board the boat to Magic Kingdom (service runs from 6:30-7:00 AM until 2 hours after the park closes).
• Water Parks – Take an internal bus to the Outpost Depot and board the appropriate bus (service runs 30 minutes before the park opens until 1 hour after the park closes).
• Disney Springs –   Take an internal bus to the Outpost Depot and board the Disney Springs bus (operates from 9 a.m. – 2 a.m.).
• Contemporary/Wilderness Lodge – Take an internal bus to Settlement Depot and board the boat to the Contemporary or Wilderness Lodge
• Polynesian/Grand Floridian – Take an internal bus to Settlement Depot and board the boat to Magic Kingdom or the Contemporary, then ride the Resort monorail.

Port Orleans Resort – Disney World Transportation Map

Port Orleans Resort has two distinct Disney Resort hotels themed to look like the Old South and New Orleans – Riverside and French Quarter, respectively.

Port Orleans – Riverside 

Water launch service to Disney Springs is available from the marina. Riverside has four bus stops the North (behind Building 80), South (behind the main building), East (behind Building 85), and West (behind Building 25) depots. Port Orleans-Riverside shares bus service with Port Orleans-French Quarter.

Port Orleans – French Quarter

Water launch service to Disney Springs is available from the marina. Disney bus transportation goes to all the theme parks and water parks. The bus stop is located outside the main entrance of the hotel.

Transportation from Disney Value Resorts

All-star resorts – disney world transportation map.

We have grouped the All-Star Resorts (Movies, Music, and Sports) into one category because they all have similar transportation services. Bus loops going directly to the Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks may or may not pick up guests from other All-Star resorts along the way. The bus stop for All-Star Movies is located at Cinema Hall near Donald’s Double Feature Gifts & Sundries; All-Star Music is located at Melody Hall near Maestro Mickey’s Gifts & Sundries, and All-Star Sports is located at Stadium Hall near Sport Goofy Gifts & Sundries.

• Magic Kingdom – Bus (service runs from 6:30-7:00 AM until 2 hours after the park closes).
• Disney Springs –   Bus (operates from 9 a.m. – 2 a.m.).

Pop Century Resort – Disney World Transportation Map

Pop Century Resort is a Disney Value Resort themed around 20th-century American pop culture. Disney bus transportation goes to all theme parks and water parks from the resort. The bus stop for Pop Century is located outside near the front lobby, just past Everything Pop Shopping and Dining.

Art of Animation Resort – Disney World Transportation Map

The Art of Animation Resort is themed around Disney animated classics like Finding Nemo and The Lion King. This resort has one bus stop with transportation to every theme, water park, and Disney Springs. The bus stop is located in front of Animation Hall.

Disney Skyliner

Disney Skyliner is the newest Walt Disney World Resort transportation feature. The gondola lift system launched on September 29, 2019, and is now in full swing.

The Disney Skyliner  has 3 routes that connect to resorts and theme parks.

The lines for the Disney Skyliner are hubbed from a central station at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. There are 5 stations in total.

The 3 Disney Skyliner routes are as follows:

 Epcot Line

Route: Caribbean Beach – Riviera – Epcot

The Epcot Line is the longest of the 3 Disney Skyliner lines. The duration between Caribbean Beach and Riviera takes approximately three minutes, and the duration between Riviera and Epcot takes approximately six minutes.

Hollywood Studios Line

Route: Caribbean Beach – Hollywood Studios

The ride time for a one-way trip between Caribbean Beach and Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park is 5 minutes.

Art of Animation and Pop Century Line

Route: Caribbean Beach – Art of Animation – Pop Century

The Art of Animation and Pop Century Line is the shortest route of the three. The ride time for a one-way trip on the Art of Animation route takes approximately 4 minutes.

Disney Minnie Vans, Uber, Lyft, and Taxi Service

For those of you who don’t mind spending the extra money to get better service, then Walt Disney World has a few options for you. Guests can opt for the convenience and playfulness of the Disney Minnie Vans service or the standard on-demand ride services of Lyft and Uber. And yes, there are still plenty of old-school taxis within the park as well. Any of these options will improve your comfort level and save you time.

Disney Minnie Vans

Disney Minnie Vans is Walt Disney World’s on-demand ride service. These vehicles operate daily from 6:30 am to 12:30 am and are available to anyone within the park.

Although Disney has partnered with Lyft on this service,  Disney Minnie Vans  are actually operated by Disney and driven by Disney Cast Members (Disney employees). To schedule a Disney Minnie Van, you simply open the standard Lyft app and call for a pickup as you would for a normal Lyft ride.

As far as the vehicles go, the vans are more like midsize SUVs. They are painted red with white polka dots (a la Minnie Mouse). Each vehicle will hold six passengers and carry two adjustable car seats for children.

The cost of Minnie Vans is much higher than a taxi, Uber, and standard Lyft rides. Be aware the Guests can only be picked up in designated pickup zones and not from sidewalks or non-designated areas. Minnie Vans are able to drop you off directly at the Magic Kingdom or next to Pioneer Hall at Fort Wilderness or anywhere else you wish to go.

Disney Minnie Vans are a good option if you don’t mind paying for comfort and point-to-point convenience.

Lyft and Uber

On-demand Lyft and Uber services are available throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

While cheaper than Minnie Vans and regular taxi services, be aware that “surge pricing” is in effect during periods of high demand. Prices for Lyft and Uber could potentially exceed taxi rates during this time. But, for the most part, Lyft and Uber will be the cheapest transportation option (other than the free Disney Transportation options listed above).

Using an on-demand ride service like Uber and Lyft is fairly straightforward. Just download one of the apps and use it on your Android or iPhone. Remember to stay put once you call for the car, so there is no confusion as you meet your driver.

Taxis are located throughout Walt Disney World Resort and use different brand names (Yellow Cab, City, Checker, or Safety). However, all the taxis are yellow, and all are operated by Mears Transportation (a company that has an official relationship with Disney). We recommend that you use the yellow cabs (sedans and vans) with meters, lest you pay more than you have to.

Call (407) 699-9999 to schedule a pickup, or have your hotel’s front desk call over to a Yellow Cab or taxi to wait for you.

We hope that you found the Walt Disney World Resort Transportation Map and Guide helpful for planning your Disney World vacation. Feel free to browse through other  Magic Guides  pages for more Disney insights, hidden secrets,  Disney tips and tricks ,  Disney Dining Plan Calculator , and   Disney Travel Planners  articles, as well as our updated   WDW crowd calendar   and our  Disney World Cost Calculator .

Thank you for reading our page, and we hope you have a magical Walt Disney World Resort vacation!

For help with every part of your vacation — from transportation to tickets to hotel dining reservation — rely on the  completely free  services of  The Vacationeer !

Their team of 90+ expert vacation planners can handle all your advance planning, so all you have to do is focus on going and having fun!

There’s never any obligation to book, and you might even save a bit on your trip thanks to their knowledge of all the latest discounts.

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Disney’s Boardwalk Inn vs Yacht Club – The Best Resort?

So you’ve narrowed your Disney World Resort list down between two options: the Boardwalk Inn and the Yacht Club.  But which one is the best option for you and your family?

Well, in this article, I’m going to let you know what each resort has to offer its guests, and outline some notable pros and cons of each hotel, as well.  Hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll walk away with a good idea of which resort won the battle of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn vs Yacht Club!

Boardwalk Inn vs Yacht Club

Let’s begin this by discussing resort type.

Resort Type

Both the Boardwalk Inn and Yacht Club are considered to be “ Deluxe Resorts ” by Disney’s standards. In short, this means they are considered to be in the best resort category when looking at resorts on Disney property. 

As a deluxe guest, you will have access to early park hours, as well as extended park hours. This is one reason why some people will only stay at a deluxe resort. Besides that, the deluxe class of resorts are beautiful and offer great amenities and theming.

If you’ve narrowed your choices down to either Boardwalk or Yacht Club, chances are that you’ve decided you want to be close to Epcot. 

Situated on Crescent Lake, both of these resorts are within walking distance to Epcot. You’ll also have easy access to the Skyliner that will get you to Hollywood Studios. 

This is a great mode of travel, and you will have quick access to both parks. You can even take a longer stroll by walking directly to Hollywood Studios (though I do not recommend this).

However, for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, you will have to rely on the bus to get you there from these resorts.

The location overall is fantastic for both options, with no real clear winner here.

Yacht Club Dining Options

As both of these resorts are walking distance to one another, I’m only going to focus on dining options that are contained within each resort. Bear in mind, though, that if you want to skip over to one of the other resorts restaurants, you can very easily do that.

We will start with the Yacht Club. Since the Yacht Club is connected to the Beach Club , I will also include some of those options here.

For casual dining with an American seafood bias, Ale & Compass is a great choice for breakfast or dinner. The prices are on the lower side of most upscale dining options, so this is a good restaurant that offers a lot of value for money.

Next door at then Beach Club, we have the beloved Beaches & Cream. This is a staple for many families that visit Disney World . This is your classic American diner food option, like cheeseburgers and French fries. They also offer many milkshake and sundae options, hence the “Cream” part of the name. 

Crews Cup Lounge is a great place to cool off with a cocktail after a long day in the parks. This laid back bar lounge also serves up quick bites to eat with their tasty drinks.

The Yachtsman Steakhouse is one of the best Steakhouses on Walt Disney property. Le Cellier barely beats it out by my vote, but this steakhouse is fantastic signature dining. And it’s located right at the heart of the Yacht Club Resort. This is a must try if you are staying at the resort.

Boardwalk Inn Dining Options

Moving on over to Boardwalk Inn, we’re going to start with one of my favorite Italian restaurants — Trattoria al Forno. Here you can enjoy a character breakfast for the kids , and at dinner you will have a host of Italian options to choose from that are sure to please.

For a great quick service lunch option, look at the Pizza Window. The name implies exactly what you are going to get—hot pizza delivered to you at a window. Don’t let that fool you though, this pizza joint serves up a great slice of pie when you are pressed for time.

For a nice cocktail to wind down after a long day, look at making a trip over to AbracadaBar. This quick service bar harkens back to the magicians and illusionists from ages before. They have some really great drinks, and you can also grab a quick bite to eat if you are in a pinch. 

For your signature dining at the Boardwalk, Big River Grille & Brewing Works offer a great entree paired with a huge beer selection. And yes, it’s actually a brewery! So you can get beer that you will not see anywhere else, and also eat a great steak in the process!

A quick tip for one of my favorite sugary treats: you can visit the Funnel Cake Cart and grab a hot, ready to eat Funnel cake. Make sure and add this to your list if you are staying at the Boardwalk!

I’m going to come right out and say it—Yacht Club (and Beach Club) have the best pool, in my humble opinion, on Disney Property. 

Stormalong Bay is a 3 acre beachside pool area that sits in the middle of Yacht & Beach Club. 

With 3 leisure pools and a sandy bottom beach pool, you will be hard pressed to find an area at Stormalong Bay where you can’t enjoy a relaxing moment to yourself. 

Surrounding the pools is also a lazy river that will let you float around the whole 3 acre area while you sip your favorite cocktail that you can pick up at the beachside cabana.

To cap it all off, there is a 230’ waterslide that races you down from Crescent Lake to Stormalong Bay. 

Though this contest is easily won by Yacht Club, we have to mention the pool over at the Boardwalk Inn.

The Luna Park Pool is a carnival themed water escape, with a 200 foot waterslide. Here, there are all sorts of statues that harken back to the 1920 amusement parks. 

They also have a nearby lounge for refreshments. 

I can’t mention the pool here and not bring up the crazy clown that looks like something directly out of a horror film. Thankfully Disney took notice, and removed the clown , so you don’t have to worry about him haunting your dreams, should you choose the Boardwalk Inn.

It’s hard to narrow down the price difference here, as the price points are ever changing throughout the year. 

What I can say, however, is although they both go up and down depending on the season, the prices are usually relatively neck and neck. 

So I don’t think it’s terribly important to put a lot of attention on this. If you are looking at these two resorts, the money you will save will be negligible, so the better option is to pick the best one for you and your family based on the other elements. 

Yacht Club has relatively newly designed and revamped rooms. Though some people complain that it reminds them of a cramped cabin on a boat (which is part of the theme, hence “Yacht Club”) they are still spacious enough that you won’t feel too tightly packed in. 

I think that feeling is generated mostly due to the low ceilings, but the room really shines everywhere else. Sporting a sleek and modern look, I suppose one could argue the rooms look too dark or modern . I find them personally to be in line with my tastes, and I enjoy the more updated designs.

Over at the Boardwalk Inn, they have some of the oldest rooms situated around Crescent Lake. With a serious lack of outlets, these rooms are not as functional as the ones you’ll find at Yacht Club.

The design is a bit old and outdated, though some people find them beautifully executed. You’ll have to be the judge here and check out the pictures for yourself. 

Final Thoughts

This is an easy choice for me. If you haven’t figured it out by now, if I had to choose between these two deluxe resorts, I’d be putting my money toward the Yacht Club .

With the bonus addition of being a double resort connected to Beach Club, you also get access to the best pool on Disney Property along with some of the best signature dining options around. 

And while I prefer Yacht Club in this Boardwalk Inn vs Yacht Club battle royale, this does’t mean that the Boardwalk Inn is the wrong choice for you and your family. 

If you enjoyed this article, please “like” our brand new Countdown to Magic Facebook page !

You Might Also Like These Articles:

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort vs Coronado Springs
• Disney’s Polynesian vs Yacht Club
• Disney’s Riviera Resort vs Grand Floridian
• Disney’s Riviera Resort vs Beach Club
• Disney’s Art of Animation vs Polynesian

Michael has been visiting Disney World since he was a kid. He's also been to Disneyland and sailed on the Disney Dream. Michael is the owner and editor of Countdown to Magic.

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Disney’s Yacht Club, Beach Club, or BoardWalk: Which EPCOT Resort Is the Best?

The EPCOT-area Resorts  and hotels at Walt Disney World have achieved something of a cult status. They’re impeccably designed, feature some lovely views, and — best yet — they’re walking distance from not one but two Disney Parks. The Yacht Club, Beach Club, and BoardWalk are Disney-owned and operated Resorts with classic themes and more than their share of great dining and accessible entertainment. No matter which you choose, you’re ideally placed for fun and convenience. 

Still, we wondered which of these Resorts would come out on top if we took a (clearly subjective) look at their characteristics.

Come along as AllEars struggles to decide which EPCOT Resort or hotel is best! We’re going worst to first, so get those comments ready for when you reach the end of our list!

Disney’s yacht club resort.

We’ll start with Disney’s Yacht Club, the least beloved of the three. This hotel is sophisticated preppy-ness done right with posh nautical references and luxurious and stately ambiance. But that tone isn’t exactly a good fit for a lot of Walt Disney World guests, landing Yacht Club on the bottom of our (short) list.

Browse reader reviews of Yacht Club here!

The dining options at Disney’s Yacht Club are actually pretty great: Ale & Compass Restaurant is decent, Crew’s Cup Lounge  is fantastic, and the famous Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (shared with Beach Club and home of the No Way Jose and Kitchen Sink Ice Cream Sundaes and killer chili cheese fries) is a dining destination worth traveling for.

But Beach Club guests can also easily access the Yacht Club dining options, making dining kind of a moot point of comparison between the two.

Another shared amenity for the Yacht Club and Beach Club: arguably Walt Disney World’s best pool, Stormalong Bay .

Stormalong Bay isn’t just any ordinary Resort pool; it’s a complex and is more like a waterpark in many respects! We’re talking a lazy river, sandy bottom wading pools, and expansive swim areas with bridges and islands scattered throughout them. It even has its own massive shipwrecked boat for a waterslide!

Don’t think you’ll get in to Stormalong Bay if you’re not a guest of the Yacht & Beach Club. You need to scan your MagicBand for pool entry and Cast Members keep Stormalong Bay pretty well guarded at all times for stowaways.

But the decor and tone of Yacht Club — which is stuffier than its beachy sister — leave this (still pretty awesome) Resort at the bottom of our Epcot-area Resorts list.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Next we’re heading right next door to Disney’s Beach Club Resort. The theming of this Disney Resort draws its inspiration from the spirit of having fun in the sun!

Check out reader reviews of Beach Club here!

Disney’s Beach Club is a little closer than Yacht Club and BoardWalk to the International Gateway entrance for EPCOT. While the distance may seem negligible to the naked eye, the few extra steps saved at the end of a long night in the Park really makes a difference when our dogs are barkin’!

Outside of Disney’s Beach Club you’ll find serene white sand beaches with lots of swinging benches and chairs perfect for reading or relaxing.

Ultimately, Beach Club’s vibe is decidedly more relaxed than Disney’s Yacht Club. If you’re into a more laid back cottage feel than the super-luxe sporting man’s vibe over on the Yacht side, you’ll likely feel more comfortable with Beach’s equally gorgeous but more chilled out design.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort also has some great restaurants you’ll want to try. There’s Cape May Cafe with a character breakfast buffet and a seafood dinner buffet and the apropos Martha’s Vineyard  for wine.

Room rates between Disney’s Yacht Club and Disney’s Beach Club are pretty much the same, so with both having sharable amenities, the real deciding factor between the two is their unique stylish settings — and we give Beach Club the edge for this . And if you’re traveling with kids who are all about some pool time, you might bump Beach Club over our number one pick…

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Our number one pick for best EPCOT-area Resort is Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, a whimsical turn-of-the-century-style Resort with oceanside offerings. To us, the BoardWalk feels a lot less stuffy than Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts while still providing an elegant backdrop to a Disney stay.

Browse reader reviews of BoardWalk Inn and Villas here!

There’s lots to see and do when you stay at Disney’s BoardWalk. The boardwalk itself is a popular nighttime destination — like a mini Disney Springs with lively bars, restaurants, and street performers!

There’s nightly dueling piano performances and singalongs down at Jellyrolls , or you can trip the light fantastic at the Atlantic Dance Hall , a popular nightclub. These over-21 venues do leave out the littles, though, which is why parents with kids might not find they can make the most out of BoardWalk’s many nighttime offerings.

But it’s not just  about the grown-ups here. The Resort has lots of stuff for the kids, too, including nightly showings of movies on the lawn and Surrey bikes for rent!

The BoardWalk Inn knows it has stiff pool competition across Crescent Lake, and theirs doesn’t disappoint. It may not have all the bells and whistles that Stormalong Bay has, but it does have a giant waterslide that resembles an old-timey wooden roller coaster.

In the end, you can’t really go wrong with any of the three Resorts , so while BoardWalk landed on top for us, we can certainly see the virtues of Yacht and Beach Club, too. Luckily since all three are within easy walking distance from one another, you really don’t have to choose in some respects! You can enjoy most of what each of these Resorts has to offer in terms of nightlife, restaurants, bars and entertainment no matter which one you choose to lay your head down in.

Which of the three Epcot area resorts do you think is best? Let us know in the comments section!

Want to read more allears reader reviews or leave one of your own.

• AllEars Reviews Main Page
• AllEars Reviews: Walt Disney World Rides & Attractions
• AllEars Reviews: Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
• AllEars Reviews: Walt Disney World Dining
• AllEars Reviews: Disneyland Resort Rides & Attractions

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11 Replies to “Disney’s Yacht Club, Beach Club, or BoardWalk: Which EPCOT Resort Is the Best?”

Can’t compare because we went to the Beach Club and will never go anywhere else (actually staying at the BC Villas in April)

I have stayed at the Boardwalk and also the Swan and Dolphin. I would like to stay at the Yacht and Beach clubs but they are really cost prohibitive in my opinion at this point. I stayed at those other resorts from 10 to 25 years ago when they were still affordable.

Definitely love Beach Club! When kids were younger, the pool was super important. Now that they are getting a little older though, we are preparing ourselves to try out Boardwalk in November. Wish us luck!!

Last December we stayed at the Beach Club but my DD (14) & I had breakfast at the Ale & Compass. When we walked in she looked around at the empty lobby, giant Christmas village train set and darker woodwork and asked, “Why are we staying here?!”. I had assumed my kids would prefer the Beach Club but the serpent at Yacht won them over. So next trip looks like we’ll be staying there. However, I agree that Boardwalk is pretty awesome. Except for the clown

My choice is Yacht Club for two particular reasons: Stormalong Bay puts it over Boardwalk, and every room having a full balcony puts it over Beach Club. Yacht Club is my favorite Disney resort of all!

I know I’m about two years late on this article, but a thousand times yes! However wrote this article definitely needs to go back and do more research. Boardwalk rating higher than Yacht club is laughable. I would dare say Yacht club ranks higher than Beach club for me. I happen to like the stuffy atmosphere but I also love that I get a full balcony.

In my opinion, for the amount of money these resorts cost…I’m in favor of the Beach Club! The POOL!! You can save money on park tickets for the family and just have a day dedicated to this pool. Walking ccess to the two parks is fantastic. The ability to see a little bit of the Epcot show every night from the bridge is fun too! Just walking around the circle is very pretty and good for little ones to walk..

Don’t forget Swan and Dolphin!!! Appreciate not Disney “owned” but offers everything I would expect from a Disney resort hotel. Have enjoyed many great holidays there.

Liz, thanks for your comment!

This is a pretty superficial comparison of the three resorts. Having stayed multiple times at each of these, I have to respectfully suggest a closer look in order to make a meaningful analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the three resorts. Yes, the dining is important, but what about the rooms? The friendliness and performance of the staff? The little details? For example, the Boardwalk is HUGE and many of the rooms are a long distance from the lobby. Those with disabilities may particularly have a problem with that. Also, there is a difference in noise level, because of the conferences held at the Boardwalk and, well, the boardwalk out front, which brings lots of foot traffic to the stores and restaurants there. You could also have addressed the differences in the reputations of the concierge levels at all three. I prefer the Beach Club’s concierge, but some rooms are not located on the same floor as the concierge lounge, which can be bothersome to those of us who like to dash down the hall for snacks, etc., at all hours. You didn’t mention the various resorts’ shopping options, either. I would rate Yacht Club higher than Boardwalk in that regard, for example. And then there are the holidays and the unique touches at each during that time. The amazing gingerbread carousel, which actually moves, makes the Beach Club tops for the holidays, in my book. Anyway, I’d love to see a more in-depth version of this article. There’s much to cover just in comparing these three resorts to one another, let alone in comparing them to other deluxe resorts on the property. (And you didn’t even mention the Swan and Dolphin, also in the Epcot-adjacent area!)

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Disney's BoardWalk Inn

Last updated: May 21, 2024

The BoardWalk is a detailed replica of an early-20th century East Coast beach boardwalk hotel, with facades of hotels, diners, and shops to create an interesting waterfront skyline.

$641 - $4,702

Lodging Area

Boat, Bus, Skyliner, Walk

Guest Overall Rating

Based on 194 surveys. (See our Ratings and Research page for details)

Lighting: C

Walking distance to EPCOT's International Gateway and Disney's Hollywood Studios

Excellent staff/service

Unique garden suites

Vast selection of dining options for adults

Fitness center is larger than Yacht & Beach Club's

Carnival pool is whimsical

Limited quick-service dining options suitable for kids

Not as many rooms overlook the BoardWalk as you might think

Bus service to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, water parks, and Disney Springs is shared with other EPCOT resorts

BoardWalk Villas have fewer baths per bedroom than newer DVC/DDV properties

When staying at Boardwalk, the wing closest to the path to the Studios is also the farthest to the lobby.

April 30, 2022

We stayed at the BoardWalk, and we fell in love with the ferry service for both EPCOT (Food and Wine Festival!) and Hollywood Studios. Our bus rides to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom were on-time, and we got to sit down

We stayed at the BoardWalk, and we fell in love with the ferry service for both EPCOT (Food and Wine Festival!) and Hollywood Studios. Our bus rides to Magic...

September 19, 2021

The location of Boardwalk inn was brilliant, it was easy to get to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, however it is a long walk to the front of EPCOT.

July 21, 2019

We loved the pull-down daybed in our BoardWalk room. All deluxes should offer this!

March 16, 2019

BoardWalk Inn was clean, quiet and friendly. They short walk to both EPCOT and HS was wonderful. The food choices were very limited and overpriced.

June 22, 2018

Rooms measure 371 square feet each. Decor includes yellow- and white-striped wallpaper, green carpet, and blue curtains. There seems to be more closet space here than at other resorts.

• Room with Queen Bed(s) and en-suite bathroom
• Balcony or patio
• Dresser with drawers
• Full-length mirror
• Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi)
• Flat-panel TV
• Coffee maker and starter supply of coffee pods
• Ironing board and iron
• Digital thermostat
• In-room safe
• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and bar soap

Most rooms have a balcony or patio, although balconies on the standard upper-floor rooms alternate between large and medium.

Boardwalk Inn Standard Room

Boardwalk Inn Couch, TV, and Dresser

Boardwalk Inn Desk and Chair

Boardwalk Inn Standard Room Closet

Boardwalk Inn Coffee Maker

Boardwalk Inn Bathroom

Boardwalk Inn Room 4227 View

We’ve mapped and taken photographs of the views from every single room on Walt Disney World property! Our Room Finder helps you find the perfect room for you and then request that room from Disney.

Plenty of dining options are on the boardwalk, from cakes and sweets, to pizza, Italian, and bars. Room service is also available.

The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers Offers sweet and savory meals and treats, plus afternoon tea service.

Flying Fish A mainstay of Disney World’s fine-dining roster, Flying Fish impresses with its upscale food and attentive service. The kitchen can sometimes force a slower-paced meal here, but the food is always worth the wait. Enjoy a fancy night out on the BoardWalk with an aperitif at neighboring AbracadaBar before settling into the Flying Fish dining experience. This restaurant is listed on the OpenTable website and app. On OpenTable reservations are often available when they are not on the Disney site. There is also no cancellation fee with OpenTable.

Surrey Bike Rentals - Beverages

Trattoria al Forno The kitchen makes mozzarella cheese and rolls out fresh pasta daily. The wines represent Italy’s major regions, with more than 30 available by the glass or quartino. Breakfast is one of the best on Disney property.

BoardWalk Deli

Boardwalk Ice Cream Serving ice cream along the Boardwalk.

Carousel Coffee Coffee shop featuring Joffrey's Coffee and specialty drinks, plus various cookies, breads, and pastries

Pizza Window The aptly named Pizza Window is a spot on the BoardWalk to grab a quick slice of pizza that, if we're being kind, is mediocre. If you are walking by and really want a piece of pizza go on then, but you'd be better served elsewhere.

AbracadaBar Located next to Flying Fish, in the former Seashore Sweets locations, this lounge promises cocktails and magic. The theme is that Abracadabar is an old-time magic hangout, but the decor is understated and classic. Looking around you can find lots of mention of magic and magicians and what happened to them, but regardless of your curiosity level it is an enjoyable bar to explore.

Belle Vue Lounge Offers breakfast (pastries, muffins, coffee, etc.) in the morning and libations in the evening. If you are wandering through the Boardwalk Inn and Villas, cross through the lobby and head toward the elevators, but don’t get in one. Instead, look across the nearby staircase where you’ll see a large sitting area. While it looks very much like a comfy miniature waiting area, it’s actually the Belle Vue lounge. The area is truly comfortable, inviting, and surprisingly secluded for a spot so close to the lobby. What’s deceiving is that it is far from an overblown waiting room with a bar, but one of the more enjoyable resort lounges in which to relax. The abundance of cushy furniture, the large plants, and the dark wood floors lend an air of relaxed sophistication as it mimics an east coast hotel from the late 1930s. Like many of the Walt Disney World lounges, the Belle Vue arranges their furniture into small groups so that you and your companions can have a little privacy. All around the room are knickknacks and souvenirs from the 1930’s, and scattered in the alcoves are a few board games, the first of which you know quite well: Monopoly. It was mass produced for the first time in 1935 and Monopoly’s “properties” are all Atlantic City streets, thus fitting the room’s theme as perfectly as can be. Another game is 1936’s Go to the Head of the Class, where the goal is to answer questions about Language, Science, Art & Music, Math, History, Literature, and Geography to move to...well, the head of the class. The board game that you are sure to notice is the one with the shocked face printed on it. That is Eddie Cantor’s Tell it to the Judge, which also came out in 1936. The goal of this game is to move cars around the board by playing cards representing traffic signals. The man whose face is on the game, Eddie Cantor, was a comedian, dancer, singer, actor, and songwriter who was quite popular in the 30s and 40s and has nothing to do with the game except for allowing his face to be put on the board (marketing!). There are many additional items that you will find around the room, but we will leave them for you to find (although one thing you will not find is a television...because it’s 1940). If a drink is what you are really searching for, the Belle Vue bar is fully stocked, although the menu is only the standard Disney bar menu with its typical selection of wine, beer, and cocktails. There are several Scotches, Bourbons, Ports, Tawnys, and Cognacs available if you are feeling really fancy. There is no food available here once breakfast ends, but the boardwalk is steps away for a pre-lounge meal.

Leaping Horse Libations Located next to the main pool at the Boardwalk Inn and Villas, Leaping Horse Libations is one of the more heavily-themed pool bars. The entire pool area has a carnival theme with the pool slide representing a roller coaster, and the bar as a carousel. This carousel motif is easy to spot because it includes a large red and white striped tent roof and depictions of carousel horses. A word of warning however: If you’re leery about giant, orangehaired clown faces spitting children into a pool, you may not want to pick a chair facing the pool slide. Unfortunately, looking like a carousel is the best thing about Leaping Horse Libations. There is nothing particularly wrong with it, but there is nothing special either. Only snacks are served so this is definitely not the place to come if you are hungry. The drinks are equally unspectacular as they come exclusively from the Disney standard pool bar menu. If your family is spending time swimming, here the bar is nice looking and well located directly next to the pool. It also has some large, comfortable chairs. Other than that, there is little reason to choose Leaping Horse Libations as your go-to bar with so many better choices nearby.

BoardWalk Joe's Marvelous Margaritas

Dundy's Sundries

The Screen Door

Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs Building on the popularity of a Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs location at Downtown Disney in California, this Florida outpost replaces Boardwalk To Go along Crescent Lake. Expect a simple-but-tasty menu.

Funnel Cake Kiosk

Boardwalk Private Dining

Refillable Mugs Allows guest self-service soft drink refills from quick-service locations in hotels ( NOT in theme parks ) for $21.99 for the length of stay.

SWIPE TO EXPLORE

BoardWalk's main pool is the Luna Park Pool , with pictures of 1920's-era Mickey Mouse and friends all around. There's also a 200-foot water slide. In addition, the resort has two quiet pools on the south and east side of the resort.

Side Show GamesArcade arcade is near the Luna Park pool and features relatively recent video games of all kinds.

Free Disney Movies Under the Stars are shown most evenings, weather-permitting, at the Village Green, on the lawn at back side of the resort.

The Muscles & Bustles has weights, treadmills, and other equipment for your workout. Hours are typically 6 AM to 9 PM. Joggers will enjoy the 0.8-mile loop around Crescent Lake too.

The BoardWalk Inn hosts marshmallow roasts around 5:30 PM nightly near Community Hall. It's really great during the cooler months of the year.

The Luna Park Crazy Play Area playground, with slides and other play structures, is near the pool area in the back of the resort.

Disney resort guests get into each theme park 30 minutes earlier than off-site guests, every day.

Those staying at Disney's Deluxe and Deluxe Villa hotels can buy Lightning Lane via Individual Purchase at 7:00 a.m. each day. Others cannot make that purchase until the official park opening time.

Disney's Deluxe and DVC resort guests get two extra hours in select theme parks on certain days of the week. The schedule changes, so check with the front desk.

Practical Matters

Check-in is 3:00pm Check-out is 11:00am

All Disney resorts participate in Disney’s Online Check-In program. If you’ve checked-in online and provided a mobile phone number or email address, you will receive your room number electronically. Then you can go straight to the room and use your smart phone or MagicBand to open the door, skipping the lobby altogether.

These rubber and plastic wrist bands can function as your room key, park admission, charge card, and more! MagicBands cost money, but if you'd like a free option you can use the official Disney World app on your phone or request an RFID-embedded card at the front desk.

Park tickets are best purchased online in advance either directly through Disney or via our Least Expensive Ticket Calculator . However, if you arrive without park tickets, head to the concierge desk in the hotel lobby.

Dining reservation are best made online in advance or on your phone or tablet during your visit. You can also use our Disney World Reservation Finder .

Washers and dryers are availabile in laundry facilities at each Disney World hotel. Cost is $3 per wash, and another $3 per dry cycle. A small selection of soap, fabric softener, and dryer sheets are also sold, for around $1 each. Only credit/debit cards can be used for payment. For more information, see our Disney World Laundry Facilities page.

If you lose something in a theme park or during your stay at a Disney-operated hotel, visit Disney's Lost and Found website or call (407) 824-4245.

Disney hotels have gifts shops near their lobbies with a decent collection of Disney-branded souvenirs. You will also find basic pharmacy items such as sunscreen, aspirin, allergy and cold medicine, baby diapers and formula, shampoo, and the like. Resort hotels with Deluxe Villa rooms offer an assortment of groceries, as well.

Disney recommends a third party company, Kid's Nite Out , to provide babysitting services at the resort hotels. See our Disney World Child Care page for more information.

The BoardWalk Inn is located in the EPCOT Resort Area. All modern GPS apps, and Google Maps, will have clear driving directions to it. As a backup, look for Disney road signs directing you toward the EPCOT resorts (not EPCOT) once you're on property, and then look for signs for the BoardWalk Inn once you're close.

Disney's Skyliner gondola system has a station at EPCOT's International Gateway. From the station, the ride to Disney's Hollywood Studios is about 12 minutes (plus waiting time in line.) It may be just as fast to walk to the Studios though.

Disney provides free bus service to the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, and Disney Springs from the bus stop at the front of the resort. Buses run about every 20 minutes. For all destinations except the Magic Kingdom, it's probably faster to drive or walk.

If you have your own car , it's faster to drive yourself to Disney's Animal Kingdom, the Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks, and Disney Springs. Disney's transportation system is faster to the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

EPCOT is a short walk from the BoardWalk Inn, and the walk to Hollywood Studios is just a little longer.

Disney provides free boat service to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios from the resort.

You can walk between the Beach Club, Yacht Club, BoardWalk, Swan, Swan Reserve, And Dolphin. Boat service is available to all of those, too, except the Swan Reserve (take the boat to the Swan and walk over.) The Skyliner can take you to Caribbean Beach, Riviera, Pop Century, and Art of Animation. For all other resort destinations, the fastest option is an Uber, Lyft, or taxi. Disney's bus service is free but slow, and will probably require you to use an intermediate destination like Disney Springs, to get to your destination. And that can take a couple of hours each way if you're unluckly.

if you have a car, the easiest way to get to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and other tourist destinations is to drive. Alternatively, Mears Transportation operates shuttle services between the Disney hotels and other theme parks.

tabs#change">Driving to the Resort

tabs#change">Getting to the Parks and Disney Springs

tabs#change">Getting to Another Hotel from BoardWalk Inn

tabs#change">Getting to Universal Orlando

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The Ultimate Disney Yacht Club Review + Insider Tips

February 8, 2021 //  by  Kimberly Jones //   2 Comments

Disney’s Yacht Club opened back on November 5, 1990. Its sister location is the Beach Club located right next to it. The Yacht Club is a beautifully themed resort with nautical and beach themes. We are going to tell you everything you need to know about this wonderful resort in our Ultimate Disney Yacht Club Review + Insider Tips! 

There are so many great aspects to this resort such as its location, pools, transportation options, and amenities. If you are thinking about staying at the Yacht Club, read on to find out if this resort is a good fit for you!

Where Is The Yacht Club At Disney Located?

One of the best reasons to stay at Disney’s Yacht Club is the fantastic location! This resort is within walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios . There are also several different transportation options to all of the parks, Disney Springs , and the water parks .

The Yacht Club is directly next to the Beach Club, and they share the pool. Now you not only have access to all of the Yacht Club’s restaurants and amenities, but you also have access to the Beach Club’s! 

The Yacht and Beach Club are right across the water from Disney’s Boardwalk Resort . It is a short walk away to enjoy everything the Boardwalk has to offer! There are some fun restaurants, bars, and shops to explore there.

The Yacht Club is also very close to the Swan and Dolphin Hotels. There is a pathway to take you right over to these hotels for some extra fun as well! 

Not only are there other resorts within walking distance of the Yacht Club, but there are also resorts that are a quick Skyliner trip away! Taking the Skyliner from Epcot’s International Gateway, you can visit Disney’s Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century , and Art of Animation! 

Disney’s Yacht Club is in a very prime location with quick access to two of the parks and multiple resorts!

Checking in to The Yacht Club At Disney

Checking into the Yacht Club is extremely easy, and it doesn’t even require you to visit the front desk! The day of your reservation, you can check in to the resort from the My Disney Experience app . The app will let you know when your room is ready and what your room number will be! If you have magic bands or even your phone , you can head straight to your room and unlock the door. 

Of course, you can always go the old school route and check-in at the front desk. All the cast members at Disney’s Yacht Club are extremely friendly and accommodating! A great tip to keep in mind is you can always see if there are any upgrades available for your room. We were able to get a free upgrade from a standard view to a water view! 

The lobby is also absolutely amazing here. It has a very adventurous and nautical theme to it. You can find everything you need right in this area, such as the restaurant, lounge, bell services, and the front desk. 

Right outside the backside of the lobby, there is a boardwalk that will lead you to the boat transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Transportation Options From The Yacht Club

We love all of the transportation options the Yacht Club has to offer, and we’re sure you will too! As mentioned before, there are walking paths to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The Epcot walking path is very short and will get you to the International Gateway in about 5 – 10 minutes. The entrance at International Gateway is on the back side of Epcot by World Showcase . 

The walking path to Hollywood Studios is a little bit longer than the Epcot one. This one can take 20 minutes or more. However, there is boat transportation to Hollywood Studios if you don’t want to walk! You can find boat transportation right behind the lobby that will take you to Epcot or Hollywood Studios. 

If you don’t want to walk or take the boat to Hollywood Studios, you can always take the Skyliner! There is a Skyliner location right outside International Gateway that will take you first to Disney’s Riviera Resort, and then to the Skyliner central hub at Caribbean Beach Resort. From here you will get off the Skyliner and get in line for a different Skyliner track to take you to Hollywood Studios. 

So there are so many options to get to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, but what about the other parks? Disney has bus transportation from the Yacht Club to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Spring, and the water parks. 

If you plan on spending a lot of time at either Epcot or Hollywood Studios, the Yacht Club is one of the best resorts to stay at.

Disney Yacht Club Room Review

There are several different room options at the Yacht Club. There is Standard View, Water View, Garden or Woods View, and 2 Bedroom Suites. All of the view rooms also have club level options. 

I was able to stay in a Water View room. The room was absolutely delightful! It had a nautical theme to match the rest of the resort, and it was quite spacious. The room had two queen beds and a pull out couch, so it was able to sleep up to 5 guests. We only had 4 guests in our room, but I could imagine the pull out bed might make the room feel a little more cramped.

The room had large closets with space to hang clothes, and a big sink and bathroom area with two sinks. The shower had a sliding glass door, which I prefer over a curtain. 

I really liked that this room had wood flooring compared to carpet. It added to the nautical theme very well. The room also had a balcony that looked over the back entrance of the lobby and the water. Overall, the room was very nice, and I thoroughly enjoyed its set up! 

Yacht Club rooms average in price anywhere between $400 to over $3000 per night depending on what room you stay in and what time of the year you visit. 

Dining Options At The Yacht Club

There are some really great and delicious dining options at the Yacht Club. This resort has two restaurants, two lounges, a quick service restaurant, a restaurant located in between the Yacht and Beach Club, and a pool bar. 

The two restaurants at the Yacht Club are Ale & Compass and Yachtsman Steakhouse. Yachtsman Steakhouse is currently temporarily unavailable, but Ale & Compass is open for breakfast and dinner. This restaurant follows the nautical theme with a relaxing atmosphere and some delicious coastal eats. 

The Ale & Compass Lounge is located adjacent to the restaurant. Here, you can order off the lounge menu and even the restaurant menu. This lounge can fill up quickly at night though, so make sure to grab a seat early if you want to eat or drink here.

The other lounge, Crew’s Cup Lounge,  is right next to Yachtsman Steakhouse and is also temporarily unavailable. We hope that the lounge and restaurant will open soon! 

The quick service location shares a spot with the Yacht Club’s gift shop. When you enter the Market at Ale & Compass, on the right is the gift shop and on the left is the quick service restaurant. They serve coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and more. This is a great place to stop for a quick bite to eat to or from the parks! 

Beaches and Cream Soda Shop is the hidden gem of the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts! This restaurant is located in between the two resorts and serves some wonderful food! They are open for lunch and dinner and they serve sandwiches and burgers. My favorite is their Grilled Cheese sandwich, its delicious! 

However, save room for the best part of this restaurant. The ice cream! They have shakes, floats, and sundaes! You can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. If you’re feeling really brave though, try the Kitchen Sink sundae. This sundae is meant for 4 or more people, and includes every topping and a whole can of whipped cream! I have attempted it twice, and I still haven’t been able to finish it. Maybe you can! 

Hurricane Hanna’s Grill is the pool bar located right next to Stormalong Bay. They have a few food items and some refreshing drinks. 

If you’ve tried everything at the Yacht Club and want something different, head over to the Beach Club! Here you can find even more restaurants and tasty eats!

Yacht Club Swimming Pools

The Yacht and Beach Club have hands down the best swimming pools on Disney World property. It’s considered more of a small water park than swimming pools because it’s so large! 

Stormalong Bay is 3 acres of refreshing fun! It includes a large sand bottomed pool and a lazy river. There are waterfalls, a volleyball net in the pool, and a water slide. 

This water slide is no joke. You climb a large shipwrecked ship all the way to the top and then slide down this long and exciting slide! Stormalong Bay even has a “beach” area with sand to play with! After all that fun, go relax in one of 3 whirlpool spas.

Right by the entrance to the water slide is a small kid play area with a mini water slide. This is a great introduction to the big slide for nervous kids! 

Don’t need all the excitement of Stormalong Bay? There are also 3 leisure pools at the Yacht and Beach Club for guests to enjoy.

If you plan on staying at the Yacht Club, you must plan a resort day into your schedule! Make some time for this awesome mini water park and relax away from the parks! You won’t regret it. 

Amenities At The Yacht Club Resort

There are so many fun amenities and things to do at Disney’s Yacht Club. When it comes to activities, there are fishing excursions, a tennis court, a sand volleyball court, jogging trails, motorized boat rentals, an arcade, and a fitness center. Just ask the front desk if you’d like to book a fishing excursion or rent a boat to go out on the water! 

The Yacht Club even has a spa! Ship Shape Massage Salon is a full service spa that can do massages, facials, hairstyling, and nails. We all need a relaxing day every once and awhile! Why not enjoy the spa on your day off from the parks?

The resort also has campfire activities, movies under the stars, and a Pirate Adventure Cruise (which is unfortunately temporarily unavailable at the moment). The Yacht Club is within walking distance of the Fantasia Gardens & Fairways Miniature Golf. Go show off your mini golf skills at this adorably themed course!

This resort really has a lot of fun things for you and your family to enjoy! You will definitely want to take a day away from the parks to enjoy this amazing resort! 

Overall Thoughts On Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

We at Disney Trippers absolutely love Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. The whole place is incredibly peaceful and beautiful. It has the perfect mix of being family friendly and adult friendly with lots of things to do. So whether you’re traveling with a bunch of adults or your kids, everyone will enjoy it! 

Most everything is in super close distance to this resort. The only time you will have to take the bus is to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Spring, or the water parks. The other parks and some resorts are really easy to get to, making this a top notch location for a resort.

If you have a day off from the parks, make sure to enjoy all of the amenities the Yacht Club has to offer. You could spend a whole day just having fun at the resort! You definitely don’t want to miss out on this place!

Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort? If so, did you enjoy it as much as we do? What do you liked to do while staying there? We want to hear your opinions on this Disney resort! 

Reader Interactions

February 23, 2021 at 3:18 pm

We stayed at the Disney Yacht Club the last time we were at DW. We loved it. The staff was outstanding. It was an adult family vacation, and due to different work schedules, some family members had to fly in at different times. The staff accommodated each one and made them feel as if they already knew them. We loved the location as we could walk to different locations. We tried the Kitchen Sink sundae, but couldn’t finish it. We sure had fun trying. We actually took one day to enjoy the resort and were not disappointed. We spent time in the swimming pool, which was amazing with the sand bottom. Lunch was an delicious lobster roll and we finished off at the steakhouse. I would certainly recommend this resort to all who are considering a trip to Disney World.

February 23, 2021 at 9:27 pm

Thank you for sharing!!!! We LOVE this resort too!!!

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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Transportation Options: Navigating Your Stay with Ease

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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a New England nautical-themed hotel located in the heart of Walt Disney World Resort. As a guest planning your vacation, you have a variety of transportation options to navigate the sprawling entertainment complex. These options are tailored to enhance your resort experience by providing convenience and accessibility to the various parks and attractions.

You can take advantage of the complimentary Disney bus service, which connects the Yacht Club to all Disney theme parks, water parks, and the Disney Springs area. Buses run approximately every 20 minutes, making them a reliable mode of transportation throughout your stay. Additionally, the resort is situated within walking distance to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offering a pleasant stroll as an alternative to vehicular transport.

For a more scenic route, you may opt for water transportation. The Friendship Boats offer leisurely trips to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as well as other nearby resorts. This service lets you enjoy panoramic views while effortlessly moving to your destination. If you prefer a personalized travel experience, Minnie Vans are available through the Lyft app for a fee, providing door-to-door service within the Walt Disney World Resort.

Transportation Options at Disney Resorts

Navigating around Disney Resorts, including Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, is facilitated by numerous transportation options. These methods ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout your visit to various theme parks and attractions.

Complimentary Disney Bus Service

Disney’s bus service is a no-cost transportation option connecting Disney resorts, including Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, to all theme parks and Disney Springs. Buses run approximately every 20 minutes from bus stops located near the entrance of each resort.

Self-Driving and Parking at Disney Parks

You can self-drive and park at the theme parks. For guests of Disney resorts like Disney’s Yacht Club Resort , standard parking at Disney theme parks is complimentary. Preferred parking is available for an additional fee.

Taxi, Uber, and Lyft Usage at Disney

For direct transportation, taxi, Uber, and Lyft services offer pickups at Disney resorts. For instance, if you’re staying at Disney’s Beach Club Resort , you can arrange for an Uber to take you to EPCOT or any destination.

Disney Minnie Van Service

Minnie Van service , accessible via the Lyft app, provides a whimsical way to get around. These polka-dotted vehicles, driven by Disney Cast Members, accommodate up to six guests and offer child seats.

Walking Paths to Parks and Attractions

Staying at resorts like Disney’s Yacht Club Resort or Disney’s BoardWalk Inn gives you access to walking paths. A popular path leads from these resorts to Epcot’s International Gateway.

Disney Skyliner Aerial Gondolas

The Disney Skyliner system is an aerial gondola that links Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation resorts to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The closest station to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is Epcot’s International Gateway.

Water Transportation Options

Certain resorts offer water transportation, such as the Friendship Boats connecting Disney’s Yacht Club Resort with EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Guests at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge can take a boat to Magic Kingdom.

Disney Monorail Transportation

The monorail provides a quick and scenic route to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. It is notably convenient for guests at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Accessibility in Disney Transportation

Disney transportation accommodates guests with disabilities. All buses, boats, and the monorail are equipped to handle various accessibility needs. Disney Cast Members are available for assistance.

Pre-Planning Disney Transportation

You are encouraged to consider transit times and options in advance. For example, Disney’s Skyliner may not operate during inclement weather, so having an alternative plan is wise.

Efficient Tips and Tricks for Disney Transport

Maximize your time by staying informed about departure times and locations. For instance, always check the bus stop screens at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort for live updates on the next bus arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Guests often seek information about transportation durations and accessibility. For example, the journey from Disney’s Beach Club Resort to Magic Kingdom via bus may take around 20 minutes, while the Friendship Boat will take slightly longer.

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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Review (Is it worth it?)

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is one of the most beautiful and convenient hotels in all of Walt Disney World. With its classy design, enormous pool, and prime location, it’s easy to see why the Yacht Club at Disney World is such a highly sought after place to stay.

My family and I have visited numerous hotels on Disney property, but the Yacht Club always keeps us coming back for more. We love the close proximity to Disney’s Boardwalk, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios.

The multiple transportation options are a huge plus, especially for those who don’t like to solely rely on Disney buses. And of course we have to mention the Yacht Club’s pool, Stormalong Bay. This elaborate resort swimming area is arguably the best pool at the Walt Disney World Resort!

If you’re still not quite sold on the Yacht Club at Disney World or if you would like more information, continue reading below. In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about this deluxe Disney resort , including the activities, restaurants, and rooms available at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

(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.)

Yacht Club Restaurants

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is full of all different types of restaurants. Since this hotel shares dining options with its sister resorts, you’ll find even more places to eat within a short walk of your room.

These are the Yacht Club restaurants you will find just a short stroll away:

• Ale and Compass – sit-down restaurant in the Yacht Club that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner (also available to-go)
• The Market at Ale and Compass – quick service restaurant at Yacht Club with to-go items and menu options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Yachtsman Steakhouse – fine dining restaurant at the Yacht Club that is open for dinner
• Crew’s Cup Lounge – bar at the Yacht Club that features a small dinner menu and full bar
• Cape May Cafe – offers a character meal breakfast buffet and sit-down dinner with no characters
• Beach Club Marketplace – features to-go items and menu options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Beaches and Cream – available for lunch and dinner with reservations highly recommended
• Martha’s Vineyard – offers appetizers and full bar
• Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill – pool restaurant with full bar and lunch/dinner options

Furthermore, the Yacht Club is located just a short walk away from Disney’s Boardwalk , where you’ll find additional restaurants and bars.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is home to the most popular pool on Disney property. It’s such a hit that you’ll find cast members handing out wristbands at the entrance so that only hotel guests can enter.

The main pool, Stormalong Bay, features a large sand bottom swimming area that’s super shallow and great for toddlers and little kids. There’s also a lazy river that’s a fan favorite in my household.

Guests can also enjoy other large swimming areas at Stormalong Bay, including an activities section where you’ll find games like pool volleyball. Stormalong Bay offers a large waterslide as well as a smaller slide that empties into a shallow pool.

In addition to Stormalong Bay, the Yacht Club in Disney World features a “quiet” pool that is seldom busy. This is a great spot to relax or swim laps.

Rooms 

My family and I love the nautical decor and ambience of the Yacht Club guest rooms. Additionally, we appreciate that the rooms offer full balconies. In our post on Disney’s Beach Club vs Yacht Club , you’ll read about why these balconies are a major pro for Yacht Club compared to its sister resort.

Disney’s Yacht Club features standard rooms and club level rooms. If you book a room with Club Level benefits, you get access to the Regatta Club. Here, you’ll find food and beverages offered at certain times throughout the day.

Guest rooms at the Yacht Club come with views of the lake, pool, garden, or hotel rooftop/parking lot. These rooms typically feature 1 king bed or 2 queens. Some of them also offer a daybed. This means that if you book a room with 2 queens plus a daybed, you can sleep a family of five!

Prices at Yacht Club

Since Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is classified as a deluxe hotel at Disney World, you’ll notice that the prices are higher than at some of the other hotels. This is because the Yacht Club offers deluxe room space, extra amenities, and a prime location.

We will explain all the significance of all of these perks in more detail below, but it’s important to note that Disney’s Yacht Club truly offers a deluxe experience. The updated guest rooms feature plenty of space, including private balconies. Plus, the hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of other Disney hotels, restaurants, theme parks, and more. 

If you would really like to experience the location, amenities, and entertainment at the Yacht Club without the hefty price tag, we suggest booking a room at the sister hotel through David’s Vacation Club Rentals. You will be blown away by the cost savings on David’s DVC rental site! We usually save hundreds of dollars per night by using this method to book a room at a deluxe resort.

Just use the cost calculator to see exactly how much a room costs at Yacht Club’s sister resort, Disney’s Beach Club Villas. These villas are located just a short walk away from the Yacht Club hotel, and they both share restaurants, pools, and activities. While you can reserve one of the villas on the official Disney website, we prefer to book through David’s DVC rental website . We have used this reputable company for years to rent timeshare points at Disney villas.

Things to Do at Disney’s Yacht Club 

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort sits on the same property as two sister resorts: Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Villas. These three hotels share restaurants, activities, amenities, and entertainment options with each other.

One of my family’s favorite things about the Yacht Club is that you don’t need to leave the property to have fun. So, if you’re looking for activities at Disney outside of the theme parks, the Yacht Club offers lots of great options. These are our favorite things to do at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort when enjoying a relaxing day at Disney:

See Epcot Fireworks

We recommend walking to the bridge that connects the Disney Boardwalk to the Yacht and Beach Club Resort to enjoy the nightly Epcot fireworks show. You can even grab some ice cream to enjoy during the presentation.

Take a Ride on the Skyliner

Since the Disney Skyliner sits just outside of Epcot’s International Gateway entrance, you can easily access it from the Yacht Club Resort. Just take the short (less than ten minutes) walk toward Epcot and hop on the Skyliner for free!

Book a fishing excursion on Crescent Lake for a truly unique experience while staying at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

Eat Ice Cream

Disney’s Yacht Club is home to one of our favorite WDW restaurants, Beaches and Cream . While reservations can be difficult to snag at this popular dining spot, you can access the walk-up window to order shakes and ice cream to-go.

Dine with Characters

Check out Cape May Cafe during breakfast/brunch when it becomes Minnie’s Beach Bash. Guests can meet Goofy, Minnie, and Donald while they dine at the breakfast buffet.

Float along the Lazy River

The Beach Club’s main pool, Stormalong Bay, offers many fun features. One of our favorite things to do at the pool is to grab (free) tubes to float along the lazy river.

Play Games in the Arcade

Lafferty Place Arcade offers lots of fun games for kids and adults to enjoy. This is a particularly great place to spend time at Disney World when it’s raining.

Ride the Friendship Boats

The Disney water taxi picks up visitors near the Yacht Club. You can ride this free boat to the Disney Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin Resorts, Epcot entrance, and Hollywood Studios entrance.

Build Sandcastles

Did you know that Stormalong Bay features a shallow, sand bottom pool and beach area? Kids love digging in the sand and splashing around in this section of the pool.

Make S’mores

Visit the nightly campfire to roast marshmallows during your visit. You can even purchase S’mores Kits for a few dollars.

Rent a Boat

Spend time on Crescent Lake on your own private pontoon boat. Guests can rent boats from the marina near the Yacht Club.

Disney’s Yacht Club offers a large fitness center for guests to use during their stay. Ship Shape Health Club is even open 24 hours a day, so you can squeeze in a workout at any time.

Stroll along the Disney Boardwalk

The Disney Boardwalk is full of amazing activities and entertainment options and is just a short walk away from the Yacht Club. 

Play Volleyball

As you walk along the boardwalk in front of the Beach Club, you’ll notice a sand volleyball court. This is a great spot to pick up a game with friends or family. You can also often join a game of volleyball at Stormalong Bay Pool.

Enjoy an Evening Movie

Each evening, Disney Yacht Club guests can watch a movie under the stars. These family friendly movies are a great way to unwind after a long day.

Play Mini Golf

Stroll over to Fantasia Gardens and Miniature Golf Course where you’ll find two 18-hole courses. This fun spot is located near the Dolphin and Swan Resorts.

Swim Some Laps

If you’re looking for a quieter poolside experience to swim laps or relax, check out the leisure pool at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. You’ll also have access to the quiet pools at Beach Club and Beach Club Villas.

If you’re not into running or jogging on vacation, you can spend time strolling along the jogging paths at the Yacht Club. You’ll find lots of great spots to take pictures and may even catch some surprises along the way.

Join a Kid Friendly Party at the Pool

Each afternoon, Stormalong Bay hosts fun poolside activities like hula hoop competitions and limbo. 

Play Tennis

Guests can find tennis courts near the Yacht Club’s quiet pool. 

Zoom Down Waterslides

Stormalong Bay features two separate water slides for guests to enjoy. The main waterslide stretches from the pirate ship and across the Beach Club boardwalk to the main pool.

You’ll also find a smaller slide that’s perfect for toddlers and small kids at the entrance to the main water slide.

Book a Fireworks Cruise

Take in the sights and sounds of the Epcot fireworks show from your pontoon boat on Crescent Lake.

Transportation

As mentioned above, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort sits in a prime location in the center of all the magic at WDW. If you’re planning to visit one of the theme parks, you’ll be happy to know that several of them are just a super short walk or ride away.

These are our preferred ways to get from Disney’s Yacht Club to other places in Walt Disney World:

• To Magic Kingdom – You can access the Disney buses in front of the hotel. The ride to Magic Kingdom should take 15-20 minutes. 
• To Epcot – Exit the back of Yacht Club (toward Crescent Lake) and turn left. Epcot sits just under a ten minute walk away!
• To Hollywood Studios – You have several options for getting to Hollywood Studios. We find the quickest option *usually* is walking. Hollywood Studios sits just a 15 minute walk away from the Yacht Club. You can also ride a Friendship Boat to Hollywood Studios. However, by the time you wait on the boat to make stops, this method can take longer than walking. You could also walk toward Epcot to catch the Disney Skyliner. With this method, you should be able to reach Hollywood Studios in around 25 minutes.
• To Animal Kingdom – You can hop on one of the Disney buses to get to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. This is roughly a ten-minute ride.
• To Disney’s Boardwalk – You can make the five-minute walk around Crescent Lake to easily reach the Disney Boardwalk. Guests can also take the Friendship Boat from the Yacht Club lighthouse and ride across the lake to the Boardwalk.
• To Disney Springs – You can take a bus to Disney Springs, which typically takes 15-20 minutes.

Is Disney’s Yacht Club Worth It?

Since Disney’s Yacht Club may be my personal favorite resort in all of WDW , I would definitely say it’s worth the cost! I love the classy guest rooms and bathrooms with their nautical decor.

The lobby seems to be quieter and calmer than that at other resorts, and the cast members are super friendly and helpful. My family and I enjoy the food at all the restaurants on site, and we appreciate the ability to easily walk from the Yacht Club to the Beach Club’s dining options.

The close proximity to Epcot makes the Yacht Club an ideal place to stay since there’s no rush to get to the park in the morning or back “home” at the end of a long day. Plus, you enter and exit through the International Gateway entrance to Epcot (near World Showcase), so the lines to enter are basically nonexistent.

Additionally, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is just a short walk, boat ride, or Skyliner ride away. And if you feel like venturing out, you can take the scenic stroll around Crescent Lake to the Disney Boardwalk.

Overall, we highly recommend the beautiful Yacht Club Resort! For additional information on Disney resorts, join the conversation on our Facebook page: Mom’s Guide to Disney Resorts ! Do you have a review of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort? Comment below to share your thoughts with us!

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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Walt Disney World Parks in Orlando Florida Complete Guide

P lanning a Disney World Vacation gets complicated for many because Walt Disney World isn’t just one place. In fact, covering over 40 sq. miles, the Disney World Parks combined is the size of San Francisco. Spanning 4 theme parks, two water parks, 30+ resorts, and a shopping center. As a result, unlike other vacations, this one is more than just buying tickets, booking a hotel and showing up. Luckily, we’re hear to break it down, so that you can understand the layout of Disney World Parks in Orlando Florida, and get a handle on how much time you need to cover it all. Consider this your complete guide to the theme parks in Disney World. 

We’re sharing the important rides, and restaurants in each park, so that you can make a plan to do all your favorite things on your next trip to the parks. As one of the major theme parks in Orlando, Florida, Walt Disney World sees about 58 million people a year. With most vacationers planning between 7-10 days per visit, there is so much to do that you typically won’t get it all in. Therefore we always recommend a few tips to help you make the best decisions when it comes to planning your vacation. 

• Review the Disney World Event Calendar to check what events, and crowds may look like for the dates of your visit.  
• Decide How Many Days for Disney World you’d like to plan. While it’s a huge resort, how long you stay is up to you and based mostly on what you hope to do while you’re there. 
• If this feels overwhelming to you, consider using a Disney Travel Agent to help you create your best vacation. Authorized Disney Travel Planners offer their services for FREE and is a great resource, if you’ve never visited before. 

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

We’ve said it before, Disney theme parks in Orlando, Florida are multiple places that see millions of visitors a year. Luckily all these places are connected by complimentary Disney Transportation to help get you around Walt Disney World. Here are the places to visit on your trip. 

Theme Parks

Walt Disney World has four theme parks, each with their own theme, rides, restaurants, and shows. 

• Magic Kingdom Park : Home to Cinderella’s Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean and Fantasyland. Disney’s most popular park with over 25 attractions. 
• EPCOT Park : Walt Disney’s original concept for a community of tomorrow, EPCOT includes the World Showcase, Festivals, Spaceship Earth and areas honoring Nature, Technology, and Celebration. 
• Animal Kingdom Park : Home to over 2000 animals, Animal Kingdom includes animal habitat trails, animal shows, Pandora, and rides like Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro Safaris. 
• Hollywood Studios Park : Disney’s Original MGM Studios park, this park honors old Hollywood, Star Wars and Toy Story. Home to churros, light sabers and the Tower and Terror. 

Water Parks

The Water Parks at Disney World are typically open on opposite schedules throughout the year to allow for cleanings and refurbishments. The Water Parks at Disney require an additional ticket. 

• Typhoon Lagoon : This Disney Water Park is themed as a tropical oasis with a lazy river, surf pool and water slides. However, it’s been hit by a “typhoon”, causing a bit of chaos. 
• Blizzard Beach : Featuring a Santa Claus on vacation storyline, you can find “snow” at Blizzard Beach, a snow monster and even the snowgies from Frozen. 

Other Places at Disney World

These places at Disney are open to the public and do not require a park ticket to visit. 

• Disney Springs:  The shopping center at Disney Springs includes stores, restaurants, and live music. It’s also home to the Splitsville bowling alley, a Movie Theater and the Cirque de Soleil show. 
• Disney’s BoardWalk: The Boardwalk includes a variety of restaurants, beaches, and recreation. It’s also home to 3 Disney Resorts; Disney’s Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. 

Magic Kingdom Park

Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando is home to Cinderella’s Castle and opened in 1971. By far the most famous of the Walt Disney World parks, it is, however, also the smallest. Magic Kingdom includes Main Street U.S.A. inspired by Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri, and popular classic attractions like It’s a Small World, and Pirates of the Caribbean. This Park consists of six themed lands combining everything old, with everything new. Featuring classic rides like the Mad Hatter Tea Party in Fantasyland alongside the newer attractions like TRON LightCycle Power Run in Tomorrowland. Magic Kingdom has the most rides of any Walt Disney World Park and even though it’s the smallest will take the longest to get through get everything offered here.

Magic Kingdom Resorts

The Disney World Magic Kingdom theme park is near several resorts that get you close to the action. If you’re looking for hotels near Magic Kingdom, you have a couple of options. Easy transportation via the Monorail allows for easy access to and from the park from the Disney Monorail Resorts. These resorts include Disney’s Contemporary Resort , The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and the Polynesian Village Resort. 

You can also grab a boat from Magic Kingdom to the nearby Wilderness resorts. Both Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are a quick boat ride to the park, and offer a nature filled alternative to a typical Disney hotel experience. 

Magic Kingdom Restaurants

Magic Kingdom is filled with restaurants. Unfortunately, restaurants at Magic Kingdom are not usually the best, and we always recommend heading to the Monorail Resort restaurants instead. However, if you’re planning to stay in the park to eat, we suggest Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, and The Crystal Palace. Home to Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest , these are some of the hardest to get Disney Dining Reservations at Walt Disney World. They are also some of the most expensive, and we don’t feel they’re worth the cost. 

If you’re looking for something easy and cheaper, you can check out the Best Quick Service Restaurants at Magic Kingdom. Again, the theme park food at Magic Kingdom is not the best, so we try to stick to things that are simple. Pinocchio’s Village Haus has flatbreads, and Friar’s Nook has great potato barrel Bowls. 

Magic Kingdom Rides

Of all the parks, you most need Disney Genie+ for Magic Kingdom because there are so many rides. And waiting in line for rides throughout the day is near impossible when crowds are typically the worst at this park. Popular Rides at Magic Kingdom include the Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight, Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain . The newest ride at Magic Kingdom, TRON, requires a Lightning Lane or Virtual Queue Board Pass. Check out the Magic Kingdom Park Checklist for all the rides to plan for! 

Magic Kingdom Disney Characters

Mickey Mouse, Tinkerbell, and Disney Princesses are all available to meet at Magic Kingdom. These Disney Character Meet and Greets don’t typically have the longest lines, but if they are a priority for you, be sure to plan for them! You can also catch Donald and Daisy, Winnie the Pooh and more Disney favorites in this park. Lines are lowest for characters in the morning and between 2-4 PM. Check out the list for where to find Disney Characters in Magic Kingdom. 

Magic Kingdom Shows and Parades

Magic Kingdom is famous for its Festival of Fantasy Parade and the fireworks show, Happily Ever After . Both are Disney Must Dos at Magic Kingdom, and you should plan for it! This means a 3pm parade in the park, and an 8 or 9pm Fireworks Show to stay for in the evening. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience App, for showtimes.

Magic Kingdom Events

Best known for it’s seasonal events, you can attend parties at Magic Kingdom and Disney After Hours events. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in the fall and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in December are very popular and an excellent way to take advantage of rides with fewer guests in the park, exclusive snacks, and seasonal fun!  

EPCOT 

EPCOT combines the worlds of technology, nature, and culture, bringing life to Walt Disney’s original idea of an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. While his original idea included self-driving cars, solar-powered homes and an international marketplace, the current version of the park is changing with times. As a result, EPCOT is in the midst of several construction projects beginning to complete. Grounded in an overarching goal of creating four neighborhoods within EPCOT these themed areas further solidify the desired look and feel of each experiential land.

These four neighborhoods are World Celebration, acting as the central spine of the park, World Nature showcasing everything on the land and sea that makes up our human experience, World Discovery, featuring technology and space with a focus on innovation and World Showcase comprised of multiple countries sharing cultural experiences in each pavilion. From engineering your own vehicle at Test Track to strolling through nature in the Moana’s Journey of Water attraction, there are many things to explore in EPCOT.

EPCOT Area Resorts

Resorts near EPCOT Park can be found in the Disney Boardwalk Area. Disney’s Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk Inn are all within walking distance of the park. You can also find Disney Marriott Hotels in the EPCOT area, giving you even more options of places to stay. Disney’s Swan, Swan Reserve and Dolphin are also other hotels near EPCOT if you’re looking to stay close by. Other resorts included in this area are Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Riviera Resort, both accessible via the Disney Skyliner, with a station at the EPCOT International Gateway. 

EPCOT Restaurants

Restaurants at EPCOT combine a lot of different cuisines, as a result of the World Showcase. Home to signature dining experiences at Monsieur Paul and Le Cellier, you don’t have to spend a fortune for a good meal. We most like Via Napoli for the pizza, La Cantina de San Angel for the empanadas, and Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie for everything else. You can also see all the Disney Princesses at once for character dining at Akershus in Norway. Many of the restaurants here are good and you can find even more Quick Service Restaurants at EPCOT that are budget friendly. 

EPCOT Rides

Most known for Spaceship Earth at the entrance of the park, there are many popular rides in EPCOT worth riding. Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Soarin’ are favorites, and usually require a ride strategy or lightning lane pass if you’re hoping to stay out of long lines. Favorites like Test Track, and Living with the Land are also here. Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind is a thrill rollercoaster that brings back to the past, with fun music. It does require a Virtual Queue Boarding Pass to snag a place in line or a Lightning Lane Pass if you’re hoping for a shorter wait. Check out the EPCOT Park Checklist for details on all the rides. 

EPCOT Disney Characters

Characters in EPCOT include Snow White in Germany, Aurora and Belle in France, Mulan in China, and Donald Duck in Mexico, among other. With more characters than you realize be sure to check out the list of EPCOT characters to make sure you have your favorites on the list. 

EPCOT Shows and Parades

EPCOT doesn’t have parades, but they do have a nighttime spectacular called, Luminous . Luminous combines music, pyrotechnics and fireworks for a nightly show featuring familiar Disney music and a message about our shared humanity. You can see this show nightly, for a dazzling display on the World Showcase Lagoon. Truly an amazing fireworks show you can even see it from the beaches of the Boardwalk and nearby hotels. 

EPCOT Festivals

Walt Disney World hosts 4 festivals at EPCOT park annually. Each festival has it’s own theme, specialty foods, shows, performances and merchandise. Here are the festivals you can see every year at Epcot. First, the International Festival of the Arts happens from January through mid-February. Second, the Flower and Garden Festival takes place from March through mid-June. Third, you can visit the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival late July- November. And Fourth, the International Festival of Holidays in December. Check out all the details on each festival at EPCOT. 

Animal Kingdom 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom covers 500 acres of landscape comprised of six areas featuring unique cultures, wilderness, and over 2000 animals. The Oasis and Discovery Island features lush landscapes, shops, and the Tree of Life as the centerpiece of the park. Bringing the lands of Africa and Asia to the forefront, Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers winding paths through the Maharajah Jungle Trek, and the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. DinoLand U.S.A features the world of the past, while Pandora World of Avatar brings guests 4.4 million lightyears away. Here you’ll find Walt Disney World’s most popular ride, Avatar Flight of Passage.

Animal Kingdom Area Resorts

If you’re heading to Animal Kingdom, know that this area of the Disney World Parks, is somewhat remote. Still, there are 5 Disney Resorts in the Animal Kingdom Resorts Area. While none of them are within walking distance, and you can only travel to Animal Kingdom by Bus, here are the Animal Kingdom resorts to know. The Disney All-Stars Resorts ; including All Star Music, Movies and Sports are nearby. As are Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge . These resorts only offer Disney Bus transportation, but if you’re hoping to finding somewhere close to Animal Kingdom to stay, then it’s typically a 10-15 minute bus ride from these resorts. 

Animal Kingdom Restaurants

Offering a variety of unique cuisine, hailing from Africa, Asia and even Pandora, the food at Animal Kingdom is unique and flavorful. The Tusker House Restaurant offers character dining with Mickey and Friends in their Safari Gear, and Nomad Lounge serves some of the best drinks and appetizers to be had in the park. If you’re looking for the  Best Quick Service Restaurants at Animal Kingdom , then Satu’li Canteen offers delicious power bowls to keep you going through the day. Animal Kingdom is also great for specialties like dumplings at Mr. Kamals, and Pineapple Dole Whip Cake from Tamu Tamu. 

Animal Kingdom Rides

The most popular ride at Animal Kingdom is Pandora’s Flight of Passage . This flight simulator ride has consistently long waits, typically about 1-2 hours long. As a result this is an ideal ride to grab a Lightning Lane Pass for, or to rope drop as soon as the park opens. Due to Animal Kingdom’s shorter hours, there is less time to ride rides. However, there are a few main ones you should be sure to have on your Animal Kingdom Must do list. Kilimanjaro Safaris takes you across the savanna so you can see the animals and is a must see for many at the park. Expedition Everest gets you face to face with a Yeti, and Dinosaur is a must do for anyone eager to outrun a T-Rex, courtesy of a rickety old jeep. Get a full list of Animal Kingdom Rides in the Checklist. 

Animal Kingdom Disney Characters

Some of the most unique Disney characters can be found at Animal Kingdom Park. Moana, Pocahontas, Tarzan, Russell and Dug, and Kevin from UP! are all available for meet and greets throughout the year. Plus, you can also see Donald Duck, Launchpad McQuack and even meet Mickey and Minnie in their Adventurer outfits. Animal Kingdom characters can also be seen in flotilla boats sailing along the discovery River throughout the day. A fun treat if you’re not up for standing in line to see them close up. Check out all the Disney Characters at Animal Kingdom you can see on your next visit. 

Animal Kingdom Shows and Parades

Due to Animal Kingdom’s early closing, usually by 6pm there aren’t typically nighttime spectaculars , like the other parks. However, on nights when they are open later you can watch the Tree of Life Awakenings Show, which also offers a holiday version during December. Throughout the daytime hours, Animal Kingdom does not offer parades, but does include a steady stream of Disney Character Flotillas that sail Discovery River. Check the My Disney Experience App for showtimes. You can generally see up to 5 different character floats in a day. 

Animal Kingdom Events

Disney After Hours Events are sometimes offered at Animal Kingdom throughout the year on select dates. Giving guests the chance to see Pandora at Night, and take advantage of a nighttime safari on the savanna. You can check the Disney Website and the app for times when specialty events are available. Note, that they are in addition to your park ticket, so plan to budget extra if you’re hoping to snag a spot at a late night event. 

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios has had many names over the years, but the focus of honoring cinema has stayed the same. Featuring some of Disney’s most popular film franchises like Toy Story, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and the Muppets, Hollywood Studios has rides and experiences perfect for both kids and adults. Home to popular rides like Slinky Dog Dash, Rise of the Resistance and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Hollywood Studios offers a variety of fun for everyone in the family.

Hollywood Studios Area Resorts

Nearer to EPCOT Park than you realize, and actually connected by a walking path from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios, the Hollywood Studios Resort Area includes the EPCOT resort area as well. As a result, all of the BoardWalk Resorts are within walking distance of Hollywood Studios. In addition, there are a few other resorts connected to Hollywood Studios via the Disney Skyliner. These Skyliner Resorts include Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, the Riviera Resort, Art of Animation and Pop Century. As Skyliner resorts guests staying at any of these 4 locations can take the skyliner to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. 

Hollywood Studios Restaurants

Dining at Hollywood Studios is much like it is at Magic Kingdom, somewhat sub-par. While Woody’s Lunch Box over in Toy Story Land is fantastic for a quick lunch, and the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge is wonderful for an upscale meal, other options inside the park are basic theme park fare. The exception my be the Ronto Wraps over at Ronto Roasters, which are a must-try Disney Snack. You can check out our Best Quick Service Restaurants at Hollywood Studios to make sure you’re only picking the best ones. 

Hollywood Studios Rides

Home to Rise of the Resistance , Mickeys Runaway Railway and Slinky Dog Dash , there are plenty of rides here that are popular and fun. Though lines do tend to be long, if you plan the busiest rides in the morning, you’ll be able to fit indoor rides, like Star Tours, and Toy Story Mania, in during the hot afternoon hours. And don’t overlook the shows; Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, Indiana Jones Stunt Show Spectacular , and Muppets 3-D are all fun additions to your Hollywood Studios Day. check out the List of Attractions at Hollywood Studios for everything to see and do while you’re there. 

Hollywood Studios Disney Characters

The main characters to see at Hollywood Studios include the Pixar Pals, Star Wars characters, and Woody, Buzz and Jessie in Toy Story Land. You can also see Mickey and Minnie at Red Carpet Dreams, if you’re looking for a Hollywood version of your favorite power couple.

Hollywood Studios Shows and Parades

While Hollywood Studios doesn’t typically have parades, you can sometimes see cavalcades, or motorcades throughout the park. You can also catch the Green Army Men and Stormtrooper March performances that are shown intermittently throughout the day. 

The main shows at Hollywood Studios are Fantasmic and Wonderful World of Animation. Fantasmic is show that takes place at the outdoor theater, complete with moat, pyrotechnics, fireworks, and storytelling as Mickey and the Disney Villains have a showdown. The Wonderful World of Animation show takes place on the facade of the Chinese Theater. Featuring memorable Disney scenes and songs, this is an honor to the animation of Disney.

Hollywood Studios Events

Events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios often include Disney After Hours, on select nights throughout the year. And during the holidays, you can catch Jollywood Nights , which is a holiday party after hours in parks. Both require additional tickets and get you access to the park after closing. 

Disney World Parks Guide

Hopefully this post has helped you get a handle on all the Disney World Parks to visit while you’re in Orlando Florida. If you looking for even more to do, be sure to check out the Disney Water Parks. In addition, visiting the Disney BoardWalk , and Disney Springs to your trip are also free and worth your time! 

I go to Disney World at least once a month. Tourists keep missing out on these 5 underrated things.

• I go to Disney World at least once a month, and I've found underrated things most tourists miss. 
• On days when I'm not going to the theme parks , I love playing mini golf with family and friends.
• Wine-tasting classes are great for adults looking for something unique to do at Disney Springs .

I've been going to Disney World for over 30 years, and as an adult, I visit at least once a month.

The company is putting $60 billion into its global theme parks and cruise lines — including significant additions and renovations across the Disney World parks — so there's more to do every visit.

But with all the expansion, most tourists probably miss the underrated activities I've discovered across the property.

Here are some of my favorites.

Playing pickleball is a great way to start the day.

Most people look forward to character breakfasts or getting on their first rides in the morning, but I love hitting the pickleball courts .

There are courts at the Contemporary Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge , Boardwalk Inn, Fort Wilderness Resort, Old Key West Resort, Saratoga Springs Resort, Yacht Club Resort, and Beach Club Resort.

Hotel guests can check out equipment for free, so I never have to bring paddles or balls in my suitcase.

Another sporty activity I love is playing mini golf at one of the four Disney courses.

Mini golf is a classic vacation activity in my family, and the four courses at Disney World are filled with whimsical touches.

Two courses, Fantasia Gardens and Fantasia Fairways, are located near Disney's Swan and Dolphin hotels . The former is full of larger-than-life decor with fun twists and turns, and Fairways is set up more like a real golf course.

The other mini-golf complex, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf, is next to Blizzard Beach Water Park . One side is Christmas-themed, and the other is Santa's summer break.

I prefer Winter Summerland because of its nostalgic, kitschy vibes.

Wine-tasting classes can be fun and educational for adults.

My favorite restaurant at Disney World is Wine Bar George at Disney Springs. A few days a month, owner and master sommelier George Miliotes holds a 90-minute blind wine tasting.

Throughout the class, participants learn how to taste wine like a sommelier, and Miliotes has been able to answer just about any wine question I've ever had.

On a recent tasting, I blindly compared a $15 bottle of Argentine white wine to a $300 bottle of French white wine — I liked the cheaper one better.

A day of pampering at the spa is a great mid-trip break.

Until a few years ago, I never realized Disney had full-service spas on its property. Trust me when I say taking a break in the middle of a theme-park vacation is usually greatly needed.

I've been to the Grand Floridian Spa for a leg massage after a long weekend of organized races around the parks via runDisney.

I loved choosing a rock from the indoor crystal garden to inspire the music, lighting, and scents of my treatment room.

Spending the day at the spa inside the Four Seasons Resort Orlando is also a treat.

During my visit to the Disney-affiliated hotel, I had access to an indoor and outdoor relaxation area, a steam room, and a solarium before and after my treatment.

I love going behind the scenes of an iconic Epcot attraction.

One of my favorite Epcot attractions is Living With the Land. The quiet boat ride takes guests through various nature scenes before sailing through working greenhouses.

The ride itself is fun, but I also love taking the Behind the Seeds walking tour.

The one-hour tour isn't included in theme-park admission , but it takes people through the ins and outs of the greenhouses. I've caught an up-close look at the massive fruits and veggies and peered into the fish farm from the edge of the tanks.

You can reserve a spot on the tour online, but I've never had any problems booking it at the park. There's a small booth in the Land Pavilion near the attraction's exit.

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Why You (Probably) Shouldn’t Stay at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort in 2025

By Jordan-Paige Sudduth Leave a Comment

Disney’s Yacht Club is a deluxe resort located near EPCOT that draws in hundreds of visitors every year.

Disney’s Yacht Club

We love the New England style of this hotel, and it’s especially beloved by those who don’t want tons of Disney theming in their rooms while they stay on property. However, if you’re planning a trip for 2025, this may NOT be the resort you want to book.

The truth of the matter is that Yacht Club is going to be undergoing some MASSIVE renovations in the beginning half of 2025. On the Disney World website, a banner warns guests that some guest rooms at the hotel will be undergoing refurbishment from January-May 2025.

It’s unclear at this time if the rooms are being reimagined, just getting a touch up, or what exactly is going on , but this means guests may hear construction going on during daytime hours, and some amenities may be unavailable.

Not only that, but the hotel’s main pool, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool , which are shared by Disney’s Beach Club Resort and are guest-favorite pools among ALL the Disney World hotel pools on property, will be closed for refurbishment January through June 2025. 

There are other pools available at the hotel, the Tidal, Admiral, and Dunes Cove leisure pools , but they don’t hold a candle to the exciting theming of Stormalong Bay. This means that if you’re staying at this deluxe resort, which isn’t a cheap stay by any means, you may be hearing construction noise in TWO areas during your stay, and you/your kids won’t get to experience the epicness of Stormalong Bay.

Stormalong Bay

However, there could be a few perks to staying at this hotel during all this construction. If you and your family aren’t planning on staying much in the room at all and are spending all day in the parks, it’s likely that this construction won’t bother you ! Now, we don’t normally recommend NOT taking a resort day when you’re paying to stay at a deluxe resort, but it’s also possible we may see some lower room rates due to this construction.

Yacht Club beach

This would mean staying at this deluxe resort may become more affordable, making a stay without a resort day more worth it. It also may be a good fit still for a group of adults taking a trip together, because those leisure pools may be just what you’re looking for (just be warned that there may be more kids than usual since the main “fun” pool is closed).

But, if you’re wondering where to stay instead, we have a couple of options for you. If you love Yacht Club because of its subtle theming and upscale hotel feel, you should check out the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels . These hotels have an upscale resort feel but no over-the-top Disney theming.

The Swan Reserve Hotel

They are owned by Marriott, and you can earn (and use!) your Marriott Bonvoy points here. But unlike other hotels near Disney World run by global hotel chains that are still miles away from the parks, the Swan and Dolphin are just steps away from EPCOT — just like the Yacht Club.

Speaking of location, if you love the Yacht Club because it’s so close to EPCOT, another resort to check out is the BoardWalk Inn .

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

It’s just across Crescent Lake from the Yacht Club, and an easy walk to EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance .

Disney’s BoardWalk

And if it’s an amazing pool that drew you to the Yacht Club, then we recommend changing your stay to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for the Lava Pool experience.

Yep, that’s a huge “volcano” with a 142-foot-long waterslide! Plus this pool offers Cinderella Castle views…and there’s DOLE WHIP just steps away at Pineapple Lanai .

Overall, it’s up to you and your group to decide if this hotel is still right for your trip amid all the construction. We’re always here to bring you the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB!

We’ve ranked EVERY single restaurant in Disney World’s hotels — check it out!  

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We were able to have a disney gift basket delivered to a room at Boardwalk. Can we do that at Aulani for a honeymoon? ”

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Episode 247 - Resort Dining: Deluxe Resorts - Disney's Yacht Club The Happiest Plate on Earth

• Places & Travel

Send us a Text Message.Ahoy Happy Platers!On today’s menu, we are finishing up our series about dining at WDW Resorts to give you a breakdown of all the dining and lounge options available. We started this with value resorts on show 203, the moderates on 206, and the Deluxe on 212, 216, 220, 237, and 243. Our last Deluxe Resort is Disney’s Yacht Club.What is your favorite place to dine at the Yacht Club?Now Taking Reservations for the Chef's Table on our private Facebook Page call...

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• © 2024 The Happiest Plate on Earth

Walt Disney World Resort

NEW Addition at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

by Heather Concannon , Public Relations Manager, Disney Signature Experiences

The new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will take you on a storytelling journey that brings to life the spirit of Polynesia.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Walt Disney World (@waltdisneyworld)

Projected to open in December 2024, the proposed 10-story tower overlooking the stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon will celebrate the natural world, and of course, the magic of Disney. 

Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will be within convenient walking distance to the Disney Monorail, making it the perfect base for visiting Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT . 

Did you know that original concept designs for Disney’s Polynesian Resort featured a prominent tower as the heart of the resort? Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will complete the vision created by Disney Imagineers decades ago while embracing the rich culture from the Polynesian Islands. 

When you arrive at Island Tower, you will notice beautiful designs created exclusively for the exterior, including a gorgeous Manta Ray that symbolizes freedom, protection and grace. 

Inside the lobby, you will be greeted by an art panel installation on the ceiling inspired by several Polynesian Islands, showcasing wildlife native to each locale. Each animal holds a strong connection to the islands and symbolizes values important to Polynesians.

Walt Disney Imagineering collaborated with over a dozen artists from around the world to create unique artworks that will be displayed throughout the resort. From preserved moss walls to sculptures made from recycled fishing nets, each piece will be inspired by the spirit of conservation and embody the rich cultures of Polynesia.  

Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will feature a variety of room types that will sleep from two to nine guests, such as duo studios, spacious one- and two-bedroom villas and brand-new two-bedroom penthouse villas. Many rooms will feature spectacular views. 

In the meantime, here are some important dates to keep in mind:   

• June 4: Disney Vacation Club members can make early rental reservations by contacting Member Services at (800) 800-9800. Disney Vacation Club members will be able to make points-based reservations at a later date.   
• June 5: Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can start booking rental reservations by contacting (407) 934-7639.   
• June 6: All guests can make reservations online or by contacting (407) 934-7639. 

We can’t wait to share more with you on Disney Parks Blog. There’s just no telling how far we’ll go with Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows! 

Destinations: Walt Disney World Resort

Topics: Hotels & Resorts

Looks great and hoping to get a reservation when we go Dec 7.

So looking forward to this, but wish there was going to be some Grand Villas available. We are DVC owners in the Polynesian Resort but have never been able to stay there. We try every year and they are always very full, we always try to get something right on the dates when our times are available but to our dismay can’t seem to get in there.

I wish Disney had stayed with the design of the original Poly. This looks like a budget cut version of just another beige hotel There is a reason people keep coming back, don’t try to update what works. The wheel doesn’t constantly need to be reinvented. I thought the interior would look more like the original. SO very disappointed.

There is something wrong going on here! We paid big money to be DVC members at two different resorts, shouldn’t all of us that are DVC members get to make reservations before outsiders!? I’m personally sick of cash payers taking a room in our HB and leaving us out to dry. DVC members should have first chance at staying at a new resort.

Was at WDW last month with family. My wife and I took some time off from the kids and grandkids to check out some of our previous stay locations i.e. Contemporary , G. Floridian, and Poly. Many stays at the Polynesian when kids were younger. Very disappointed about design, size and location of tower. It does not blend in with rest of resort and lots like any standard hotel. Plus it sits right on top of the Grand Floridian. The pool is overcrowded as is. Did not notice new pool or even room for one. I feel that Disney has abandoned their idea of unique lodging for an unique vacation. Theming and architectural design has take second fiddle to economics. This is also the case with The Swan Reserve. How could this be built next to such a great concept area as the Beach Club, Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin. Please don’t build any more of these cookie cutter “hotels” at the World. Bring back the Magic.

Love the new tower and am excited to stay there. We are current owners at Poly and are dismayed by the lack of a clear path for us to book using our points. We want to stay there when it opens in December!. It seems like cash reservations will get precedence leaving current owners unable to book at our home resort (where we pay dues). If this is the same association why wouldn’t we be able to book with points on June 4th? I can’t get a clear answer on this – only timeshare bureaucratic talking points.

Are they getting their own bus stops over there? We own at POLY and there’s a tiny little bus stop station as it is. I already know they are sharing the monorail station, but there no way they think that little bus stop can handle the tower also. Bay lake shares with contemporary but everyone can see the difference in size of bus stops there. This could be a nightmare that will drive me to abandon my home resort and book elsewhere. I’m sure hoping my mind is overthinking this. But I’ve seen the monorail station wrap around the upstairs of the lobby, so can’t imagine once the tower guests have to go there too.

It would be awesome to let Poly DVC owners know when they can book with points and if it will be the same dates you can book with cash!

Why did imagineering not model the exterior to blend with the rest of the Poly? The now permanent Poly Hilton is going to be an out-of-place eyesore next to the rest of the Poly and blend in with nothing. I don’t understand how these atrocious design decisions are made and OK’d by management, its as if continuity of theming and attention to detail is thrown out for budget reasons, or worse if management simply doesn’t care anymore. Sad!

I’m worried about what this will do to the monorail queue, not to mention the crowds of people going through the original Poly lobby to get to the monorail platform. It’s already crowded.

This looks just like Grand Destino. Blah

BRING BACK THE LUAU!!!!

I’m not a current DVC member but I’m always on the ‘verge’ of becoming one. I do like the Poly and I’m staying there in July for first time. While I love the vibe at Poly, I like this lobby b/c it isn’t just the same as the other. All of DVC lobby’s, in my opinion, have a bit of a different design. Often not filled with as much ‘Disney’ in your face (which I love) but more subtle. This lobby looks like the beach to me and I’m ok with that.

The fact that they say they are celebrating nature with the construction of a tower is ironic. There is a reason the original design team scrapped the idea of building a tower – because it doesn’t go with the Polynesian theme at all. The current resort was wonderful the way it was and so relaxing. I was very disappointed when they built the tower at Coronado as well, that was previously one of my favorite resorts. I agree with the other comments that the decor looks bland and looks like every other hotel, even more disappointing. At least they “tried” at Aulani but a tower is a tower and has no place in Polynesia.

I think it looks so nice! I always found the original poly lobby to be so dark and dank. Plus I’m always tripping on the uneven stone floors. This lobby is much better.

My family can’t wait to try the new tower! Very excited as Poly is our fav WDW resort.

For people wondering about DVC owners losing out to cash bookings… that is not so. When new DVC opens only a percent is declared in the association. After those points get sold, more of the resort gets declared. Right now Riviera is still 25% undeclared, so 25% of the bookings go to cash.

One viable complaint is restrictions. Buyers were lead to believe that mattered and apparently not so much. Riviera buyers have to deal with salvage value plummeting due to one resort resale restriction. Lead to believe would be normal and then VGF and Poly did not follow, leaving Riviera owners out to dry.

Is someone answering the questions in the comments?

Looks beautiful but whats not so beautiful is saying if a DVC member is not paying to stay, a later date will be available to reserve with points! Are you really putting that out there??? Thanks for making us feel like we are not special!! I already paid for my membership. Disney is not what it used to be.

What is being done to add parking? Will there be garage spaces underneath like Kidani? When we were on property last month, we drove over like we always do for some Tonga toast at Captain Cooks and for the first time ever we were told we couldn’t come in and park for quick service breakfast as spaces were limited.

This is so bland and not “Disney” at all … I would just stay off property at a cheaper luxury resort. Like a carbon copy of Gran Destino tower … blah

If this ends up being the same association, it’s a huge insult to current owners for cash stays being given the opportunity to book before members booking on points.

I really wish that Disneyland Magic Key holders could get in on these early deals. It makes almost no sense that some of the discounts and specials don’t go between parks. I get not having access to the parks, but the AP isn’t cheap so I don’t usually want to pay for California and then consider the extra costs of Florida. Considering a the Premier Passport was discontinued back in 2020, throw us a bone here, jeez…

For those folks asking about studios, a lot of the existing resorts have two types of 2-bedrooms: “lock-off” two bedrooms that can be separated into a studio + a 1 bedroom, and “dedicated” two bedrooms that cannot be separated. I’m hopeful the Poly tower will offer both types.

It’s pretty, But I was hoping/ expecting it to have more of the Polynesian/ Aulani feel. Kind of feels out of place.

Enough of more beige towers that look like every other hotel in the world

It looks amazing! I think it’s fantastic that Disney is using the original Imagineering inspired design! Great job, Disney!

PLEASE tell me there are new amenities in this tower like restaurants, pools and shops. ESPECIALLY restaurants. The restaurants and main pool are already way overcrowded without hundreds more people added.

I’m Assuming the duo studios are like the tower studios at Riviera and probably no regular studios as currently that’s what Poly DVC is? But I’m surprised no grand villas

On the June 4th date, it implies that DVC members can use their points for reservations later. Does that mean I can’t use my points for reservations on the 4th? And on the 4th how does 11 month and 7 month window apply? Also is the new tower going to be under the current poly DVC contract agreements as was done with Grand Floridian?

On June 4th, Can DVC members make point based reservations 7 months out?

So obviously there are only duo studios because this is part of the existing Poly association, which is MOSTLY regular deluxe studios.

But why aren’t Poly association owners getting first crack?

Wow, I had no idea Polynesia was so beige.

The Poly is my favorite resort. I don’t mind the addition of the tower, but I wish the exterior looked less contemporary and more Polynesian. It doesn’t match the rest of the resort. Also, please find a way to bring back the luau. It was an awesome show and a unique offering that made the resort special.

So will this be its own DVC association or will it be grouped into the existing Polynesian DVC?

Will they be selling DVC points memberships for the new Poly tower?

Since it appears to be a part of the existing association, which is nothing but studios, they probably only added the toom types not previously offered.

Am i reading this correctly…owners of contracts at Polynesian have to wait until everyone else pays cash before we can use our points at our home resort? What’s advantage of having Polynesian as home resort & 11 month window if we have to wait? Just curious

No 3-bedroom grand villas?

There is no mention of deluxe studio villas, only the duo villas. Was that an oversight or are there no “traditional” studios that sleep 4-5 people?

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