disney yacht club vs polynesian

Countdown to Magic

Disney’s Polynesian vs Yacht Club – Best Resort You’ll Love?

Disney’s Polynesian Village is located in Magic Kingdom, while the Yacht Club is located over at Epcot. Both have similarities, of course, but when you compare and contrast them, you begin to notice a few small, distinct differences. 

So, in a battle between Disney’s Polynesian vs. Yacht Club, which resort comes out on top and why?  Which provides the best bang for your money?  Which resort provides a more immersive theming experience or has the best dining options?  

Well, let’s find out now!

The Polynesian vs Yacht Club

Let’s begin by discussing the different room types for both the Polynesian and the Yacht Club.

Resort Type

Both of these resorts are considered to be “ Deluxe Resorts ” by Disney’s standards. In short, this means they are considered to be in the “best of the best” that Disney has to offer when it comes to things like amenities offered to guests.  However, this also means that they are some of the most expensive Disney resorts that Disney has to offer, as well. 

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. On top of that, the deluxe class of resorts are beautiful and offer great amenities and theming. 

If you’ve narrowed your choices down to either Disney’s Polynesian Village or Disney’s Yacht Club, chances are you have yet to decide which theme park you want to have instant access too.

And that’s because, situated on Crescent Lake, Disney’s Yacht Club is 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. It’s even possible to get some good exercise in and take a stroll over to Hollywood Studios. Though if you have small children, I wouldn’t recommend this.

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

Over at the Polynesian, you are technically in the Magic Kingdom vicinity. There are three resorts that are considered to be “Magic Kingdom Resorts”: the Polynesian, the Contemporary , and the Grand Floridian .

All of these resorts have access to the monorail, which will take you directly to Magic Kingdom, or a bit further out to Epcot. 

You could then take the Skyliner from Epcot to Hollywood Studios if you had Park Hopper tickets, though that could make for a really long day. You may want to consider the bus for that area of the property.

Both of these locations are fantastic, but it really comes down to what park you want to have quick access too. And maybe you’re just not quite sure yet, if you’ve never been to Disney World. 

And for that, I will give a slight nod to the Polynesian, as you have the monorail transportation system to both Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

Dining Options

Let’s now move onto the dining options that both of these resorts offer.  Both the Yacht Club and the Polynesian have a little bit of everything, which is sure to please everyone in your party.  We will start with the Yacht Club. Since this resort 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 the 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—which is where the “Cream” part of the name of course comes from. 

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

The Yachtsman Steakhouse is one of the best Steakhouses on Walt Disney property. Le Cellier barely—and I mean 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.

Now, let’s skip over to the Polynesian.

For the casual breakfast, lunch, and even dinner option, we have Captain Cooks . Here, you will discover a South-Seas inspired spread that is extremely tasty. They have many options for even the pickiest of eaters. This is an all around great restaurant, even if you’re not in a hurry.

Next we have a guest favorite— Pineapple Lanai . Here, they serve one thing. But they serve it extremely well—Dole Whip.  This Disney staple has been around for many years, of course, and no one does it better than the Pineapple Lanai. The classic flavors mixed with seasonal options, will leave your dole whip cravings satisfied!

Next is one of my personal favorite bar options on Disney property: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto . This is a mystical, volcano themed bar. The atmosphere is incredible, and you will be hard pressed to gain entrance if you don’t show up and claim a spot at opening. 

The magical cocktails made here are unlike anything you can get anywhere else. This is a must do if you end up staying at the Polynesian. 

And last but certainly not least, we have our signature dining option— O’hana . I feel a bit like a broken record here, but O’hana is in my itinerary for every single Disney trip I’ve taken—or will take. The price is a bit high, but the food is incredible . The options are a lot like the other restaurants here at the Polynesian, with a south seas inspired course. 

Oh, and the butter noodles may be my favorite thing ever . And that bread pudding?  Look, don’t get me going. You just have to try it for yourself!

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I’m going to be blunt here and hold nothing back—the Yacht Club (and Beach Club) have the best pool in my opinion—on all of Disney Property. 

Stormalong Bay is a 3 acre beachside pool area is just immense and utterly fantastic.  It doesn’t get a whole lot more beautiful, and relaxing, than Stormalong Bay.

On top of that, there is also a lazy river here that allows you float around this entire 3 acre region.  This is where you can really chill, grab your favorite cold drink, and really let your guard down.

Though the Yacht Club may seem like the clear winner here, the Polynesian is no slouch by any means. In fact, there are two pools located on the Village property. 

The first is the Lava Pool , which is famous for its towering volcano with 142 foot long waterslide. This pool is shaped similar to a beach style, with easy access and graceful angles, making it great for smaller children to enjoy the fun.

A nearby lounge is also close by to grab a quick cocktail while you catch some rays. 

Now the Oasis pool is a bit more subdued and quiet. It rests in the middle of a lush garden that offers a bit of an escape from the Disney hustle and bustle.  Here, you will be able to catch up on your latest novel, or just enjoy some peace and quiet. This is a great option if you are looking for a brief escape.

With all of this said, I’m still going to have to choose the pool area over at the Yacht Club by a slight margin.

Per the usual, the price points are ever changing and fluctuate a bit throughout the year.  One trend I have noticed, though, is the Polynesian is going to cost you a bit more per night compared to the Yacht Club—no matter the season.

If price is one of your main concerns, the Yacht Club may be the better option here.

Yacht Club has a relatively newly designed and revamped room. Though some people complain that it reminds them of a tiny boat cabin (which is, well, probably Disney’s intention , at least to some degree) they are still spacious enough that you won’t feel packed in like clowns inside of a tiny clown car. 

As for the Polynesian, well, it also has newly renovated rooms.

In earlier days, the Polynesian was themed after the beloved Disney movie Lilo & Stitch. The new revamped rooms now offer the newer Hawaiian Disney film characteristics from the film Moana . Though the theming is a bit subtle, it is noticeable. The rooms are spacious and offer all the amenities you would need during your vacation. 

Since both resorts have been recently upgraded and renovated, I’m going to call this a tie . But I do prefer the Polynesian rooms, but by the absolute smallest of margins. 

Conclusion: What’s the Best Disney Resort?

I hope this article has helped you navigate the similarities and differences of these two fantastic Disney Resorts.

Overall, when I have to pick between Disney’s Polynesian vs. Yacht Club, my ultimate decision is Disneys Polynesian Village.

The overall atmosphere, proximity to Magic Kingdom, and the magical O’hana has landed me here time and time again.This does’t mean the Yacht Club can’t be perfect for you and your family. It is an awesome resort in its own right, and I will definitely return there in the future. 

But for now, my money is going to the Polynesian.

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You Might Also Like These Articles:

• Disney Resorts Ranked by Transportation Options
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort vs Coronado Springs
• Disney’s Riviera Resort vs Grand Floridian
• Disney’s Riviera Resort vs Beach Club
• Disney’s Art of Animation vs Polynesian
• Disney’s Polynesian vs Yacht Club

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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Six Walt Disney World Resorts The Experts Choose (And WHY!)

Sooooo…you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World , and with so many places to choose from (close to thirty Disney resorts last time we counted!)  it can feel a bit like rappelling down Big Thunder Mountain without a safety net trying to pick the right one! Even when you’ve made your selection, you’ll likely have to fight off some serious FOMO about the resorts you didn’t select!)

So how do you make the best decision for you, your fam, and your budget? You call the experts!  We’ve got the skinny on these six Walt Disney World Resort hotels that the pros always choose — and here’s why!

Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

You’ll often see Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts lumped together as one single entity, but they’re actually a secret Disney World two-for-one!  These two adjacent resorts are more than just close neighbors; they share many amenities and some tasty dining options, too. By choosing one of these resorts, you actually get to have the best of both worlds!

Both Yacht and Beach Club are deluxe resorts and share an exclusive pool (it’s actually more like a water park!)  called  Stormalong Bay ! This “pool” — (again, we use the term “pool” loosely here since this place is totally bonkers!) has a lazy river; a totally decked out shipwreck-themed waterslide; a sandy bottom pool with zero entry; and tons of other stuff you’ll just have to see for yourself! It’s super fun for all ages (especially the littles!) and it’s only for guests who stay here! If you’re hip to giving yourself a “Resort day” to rest between trips to the Disney parks, you’ll have a blast chillin’ out at Stormalong Bay!

The Yacht and Beach Club is also super close to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas (just a quick walk or Friendship Boat ride away!)  AND  Disney’s Swan and Dolphin hotels — yet ANOTHER reason the pros choose Yacht and Beach Club — you’re literally just steps away from tons of great restaurants that these neighboring resorts have to choose from!

Oh, and can we take a sec to rave about   Beaches & Cream ? It’s conveniently located right near Stormalong Bay and is THE BEST place to get some classic diner eats (we’re talkin’ burgers, grilled cheese, chili cheese fries…even their tomato soup is delish). And you’re not going to believe your eyes when you see some of the fantastic ice cream confections they have — namely the magical Beaches & Cream creature dubbed the Kitchen Sink!   Find out what you’re missing here !

Remember the  BoardWalk Inn we mentioned earlier? Well, this place is home to some awesome nightly entertainment at hotspots like Jellyrolls ( oh hello, dueling pianos!) and Atlantic Dance Hall!  Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT’s International Gateway also make the Yacht and Beach Club’s locale amazingly convenient for hopping over to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for a nightcap at Oga’s or a quick jaunt around the World Showcase!

And now the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts are just a short walk away from the  Disney Skyliner , too! They’re linking up with several other resorts, including  Disney’s Riviera Resort  and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, so now you’ll have MORE Resorts to explore. Riviera’s rooftop Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera offers a great view of nearby fireworks shows, and Sebastian’s Bistro at Caribbean Beach shows off some tasty Caribbean eats!

Disney pros know timing is everything, and from Yacht and Beach Club, you have convenient, easy access to just about everything you could need or want! Staying here means you can you’ll be able to get around a lot more freely and not have to rely so much on the sometimes unreliable Disney bus transportation to get around. The Friendship Boats connect the resorts to BoardWalk Inn, the Swan and Dolphin hotels, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT — or you could just do what we do, and hoof it!

That’s right: Disney’s put in several handy-dandy walkways to connect the two Parks and five Resorts , putting you literally just steps away from near-limitless dining and entertainment options! Just make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes!

Wilderness Lodge

In the pantheon of Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World, Wilderness Lodge is beloved for many reasons. Its warm and rustic feel is eternally welcoming and SO COZY! Its location is top-notch, and it tends to be a little less expensive than other Deluxe resorts. (And aside from its year-round National Parks cabin feel — which we love — you’ve GOT to see this Resort during the Christmas holidays, too! GORG!)

Wilderness Lodge is located in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area, and it’s just a short little boat ride away from the iconic park. This means if you’re planning to spend a lot of time cruising “it’s a small world”, you’ll be conveniently located to do that to your heart’s content! (Um, translation: at least five times each!)

From the Wilderness Lodge marina, you can also embark on a guided fishing excursion on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. Disney World practices catch-and-release, and excursions are booked for two or four hours. If you’ve ever wanted to live that outdoorsy life but just can’t bring yourself to leave the Disney bubble, this is your chance!

Likewise, if you want to get behind the wheel of a small boat during your Wilderness Lodge vacation, you can live your best boat captain life at Disney World, too! There are boats of up to two, up to six, and up to ten passengers, so there’s an option for just about everyone.

The dining at Wilderness Lodge is also great across the board. Whispering Canyon Cafe is a fun, family-oriented restaurant where asking for a straw might mean you get twenty, or downing a glass of soda might get you a GIANT refill and a fast pass to the restroom (literally)! The hijinks here are part of the appeal, and guests from all over Walt Disney World travel to Wilderness Lodge to experience it. Stay at Wilderness Lodge, and you’ll only have to cross the lobby!

Storybook Dining at Artist Point lets guests dine with Snow White, some of her Dwarf friends, and the Evil Queen — and it actually has great food, unlike a lot of other character meals! And the Resort’s Quick Service spot, Roaring Fork , serves up some awesome Mickey Waffles (and it’s one of the only places to get them LOADED with toppings!). Oh hai, Dopey!

There’s even great nearby dining at Fort Wilderness, which is an easy walk or boat ride away. Trail’s End Buffet  is a satisfying belt buster and tends to be a little less crowded and chaotic (and much less expensive) than other buffet options on property. And Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue is a rip-roarin’ guest favorite dinner show, which can be highly enjoyed by all ages. Note that we recommend booking Tier 1 or 2 tables versus Tier 3 (which doesn’t have as good a view of the stage) — trust us, you’re gonna want a good seat for this party!

But the tipping point for a lot of families when it comes to Wilderness Lodge is the price. For the location, amenities (the pools are so fun!), and dining options, this Deluxe Resort usually comes in under the price of comparable Resorts — by as much as $200 or more per night for standard view rooms. (The only Deluxe that regularly costs less is Animal Kingdom Lodge.) For that reason, the pros know Wilderness Lodge is a great value.

Coronado Springs Resort

If a Moderate Resort is more your style, you can’t do better than the value of Coronado Springs . This Resort is a favorite of convention-goers, so it often goes under the radar for families and couples. But being popular for conventions also means Coronado Springs has Deluxe Resort-level amenities for way less money! Gotta save that paper where we can, people!

We’re talking two spas and fitness centers (one brand new in the lower level of Gran Destino Tower!), a full-service salon, and SO. MUCH. FOOD!!!

Since the opening of Gran Destino Tower in 2019, the Resort has featured Toledo — Tapas, Steak, & Seafood , its rooftop restaurant, and Dahlia Lounge , its rooftop lounge. These spots offer sweeping views, Spanish-inspired cuisine, and lots of exclusive signature drinks, bb! They also feature incredibly artful interior designs that must be seen IRL to be truly appreciated — and you don’t even have to be staying in the Tower to enjoy these prime spots!

In addition to Gran Destino Tower, guests will also find recently renovated rooms in the rest of the Resort, too. Such luxury!

And if you’re traveling with someone who’s less of a Disney fan than you are, Coronado Springs rooms offer just a touch of Disney — a hidden Mickey here, a fun print there. So if you get burnt out on all the characters, color, and chaos of the Parks, you can really find a retreat here!  Is that the three Caballeros we spy?

Another perk of Coronado Springs Resort? The club-level amenities in Gran Destino Tower mirror those of the Deluxe Resorts — but you don’t have to pay the Deluxe BUCKS to enjoy them! Chronos Lounge is stunning, has expansive views, and offers a stylish getaway within the Tower.

The pros know you get more for your money at Coronado Springs, so even though it’s a trek from the parks, it can be just the budget-friendly (for Disney World, anyway!) oasis you’re looking for.

Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter

Another Moderate Resort the pros pick is Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter . This Resort is one of the smallest Moderate Resorts in terms of guest rooms (only the Cabins at Fort Wilderness have fewer rooms, and that Resort’s sort of in a class of its own) with just over 1000. But the charm of the Resort is what makes this Resort a HUGE Pro PICK!  It’s a BIG ol’ dose of the BIG EASY in a little package!

Styled after New Orleans’ classic exteriors, you’ll find colorful buildings, endless wrought iron, and distinctive hardscape and landscape. Guest room buildings are even given a multi-layered, thoughtful design to give them that New Orleans vibe — and also we just think the pastel colors are soooo pretty!!

The size of French Quarter is also part of its charm. Being on the small side, it has just one bus stop (the other Moderates have two or more), which means you get to the parks FASTER. Dining can be found in one convenient location — and Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory , the Resort’s quick service food court, offers flavorful food that you won’t find everywhere else! (Did somebody say Mickey Beignets?)

Yup! This is the one spot on Disney World property where you can sink your teeth into the deliciousness that is the Mickey Beignet! Other popular dishes here include traditional New Orleans recipes like Po’Boys and Jambalaya, gumbo, and barbecued ribs.

Additional dining includes Scat Cat’s Club Cafe where guests (and visitors) can order up some of the Resort’s specialty Mickey Beignets — as if they couldn’t get any better, somehow they did! Must be because you can get them with BOOZE too!

And Scat Cat’s Club offers dining, drinking, and entertainment — all fabulous in the Moderate Resort category. A few years ago,  Scat Cat’s moved to a larger space, meaning there’s even more space to laissez les bons temps rouler !

But if that’s not enough dining and fun for you, French Quarter’s sister resort (just a quick walk or boat ride away), Port Orleans — Riverside , brings guests to the bayou in its Riverside Mill food court .

Looking for a table-service meal that’s priced right and close-by? Port Orleans — Riverside offers dinner at  Boatwright’s Dining Hall , a down-home restaurant with southern and bayou classics like jambalaya, corn bread, and some seriously good butter cake (here’s hoping it’s on the menu when you’re there!).

And don’t forget — while you’ve got an incredible Sea Serpent pool and splash pad at Port Orleans — French Quarter, you’re also welcome to swim over at Ol’ Man Island, Port Orleans — Riverside’s pool, where they also have a little dock for pole fishin’ in the river! Two pools for the price of one Moderate Resort? Yup, that’s yet another reason why the pros love to dip their toes here! Us pros are all ’bout the TWOFERS!

Plus, it’s never a bad idea to spend an evening exploring Riverside’s winding pathways with views of the Sassagoula River! So beautiful!

Speaking of which, one of the sweetest amenities at French Quarter is the Sassagoula River Cruise , a water taxi that connects the Port Orleans Resorts with Disney Springs. This relaxing boat ride is the perfect way to unwind before enjoying all that the dining, shopping, and entertainment district has to offer. And it’s free to use.

Want to really drive home the historic New Orleans charm? French Quarter also offers carriage rides (for a fee) that will roll you around the Resort for a relaxing ride — perfect for riding in with your Prince Charming!

Basically, this resort has a lot of fun and unique charms!

Caribbean Beach Resort

Caribbean Beach Resort is another terrific Moderate Resort option that the pros know just seriously raised its stock!

With the 2019 opening of the Disney Skyliner gondola system, Caribbean Beach is now a hub connecting EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts, and Riviera Resort.

This system can transport guests from station to station in as few as three minutes, and guests have reported appreciating the system’s efficiency and views. (Skyliner has not been without its snags, however. Click here to read about one such incident. )

Caribbean Beach Resort is also a spacious resort. It’s spread waaay out, with guest rooms in smaller themed buildings strewn across 200 acres. That means some areas of the Resort can be very quiet and secluded which we LOVE. For travelers looking for that kind of atmosphere, this is a great choice! The two-story buildings of Caribbean Beach definitely have a Resort feel, like somewhere you’d call home in the real Caribbean. But, you know, with more Hidden Mickeys. 😉

Thanks to a recent refurbishment of the entire Resort, guest rooms have a fresh feel, and dining options were refreshed, too! Table service restaurant Sebastian’s Bistro offers some terrific, Caribbean-inspired cuisine, while Banana Cabana is easily a destination-worthy pool bar. I mean, even the name makes us giggle with delight!

Speaking of which, the Fuentes del Morro Pool is loads of fun. It’s themed to a Caribbean-style fortress, and its design means even the smallest pirates in your party can enjoy it!

Low cost? Check. Great pool? Check. Direct (and FAST) access via Skyliner to two Disney World theme parks? Check. Updated and refreshed dining options? Check. Yep, Caribbean Beach has come a long way from the under-construction-and-people-had-to-eat-in-a-huge-tent past few years… and the Disney pros know it.

Art of Animation Resort

When the pros stay at a Value Resort at Walt Disney World, they stay at Art of Animation .

This Resort is a combination of typical Value Resort rooms and family suites. Those suites will fit six (plus an under-3 in a portable crib!), so your whole crew can stay together — and can we just say how totally in love with the Cars-theming we are. Yeah, Disney, you really brought it with this one!

Even better: the family suites at Art of Animation have two full bathrooms (one with a tub-shower combo and one with a luxurious walk-in shower) and a true master bedroom with a door that closes to the rest of the family suite (cue: putting on a Disney movie for the kids in the living area and taking a nap in the master bedroom). Anyone who’s traveled with kids knows what a gem it is to be able to escape to an actual room with actual LIGHTS ON after bedtime instead of sitting in the bathroom with the door closed to read our book and sip a glass of chardonnay. (Sound familiar?)

Art of Animation has convenient access to everything a family needs, too. The Landscape of Flavors food court serves up a wide variety of eats from classic chicken nuggets and fries to fresh-made Asian-style stir fry. The Ink & Paint Shop sells souvenirs and essentials like toothbrushes, diapers, and sunscreen, just in case you’ve forgotten something at home — and all of this is just a short walk from your room!

The amenities at this Value Resort aren’t as extensive as you find at Moderate and Deluxe Resorts, but the pools here are fantastic. The Resort as a whole is meticulously themed (from buildings to landscaping!) to celebrate four classic Disney animated movies: The Little Mermaid, The Lion King , Finding Nemo , and Cars . Three of these have associated pools, the most lauded of which is the Big Blue Pool . This Nemo-themed pool is the largest at Walt Disney World and also has an adjacent splash pad and play area. It’s fun for the whole family.

Another great feature: Art of Animation and its sister Resort Pop Century share a Skyliner station (located at Generation Gap Bridge between the two Resorts). This means the large Resorts and their many guests can access Hollywood Studios and EPCOT without using the Disney bus system. This alleviates some of the pressure these Resorts experience at their bus stops. And the pros know if you can avoid waiting in a long bus queue and awkwardly standing with your folded stroller all the way to EPCOT, your day is already off to a great start!

Are you ready to vacation like a Disney World pro? You got this, baby!

Let us know which of these Resorts you love and why you’ll be staying there on your next trip! Comment below!

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Sarah Fournier

Sarah is a former high school English teacher, mom of three, and a (nearly) life-long writer. She's worked with AllEars.net since 2018 and loves sharing the Disney magic with AllEars.net readers.

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9 Replies to “Six Walt Disney World Resorts The Experts Choose (And WHY!)”

Ugh. Coronado Springs?? Literally one of the bottom resorts 1. AKL 2. Contemporary 3. Ft Wilderness 4. Carribean Beach 5. Art of Animation 6. Boardwalk

1) Beach Club Villas 2) Boardwalk Villas 3) Bay Lake Tower 4) Old Key West 5) Riviera 6) Kidani Village

We stayed Caribbean Beach preferred in October. No hot water despite multiple service calls. Will never stay again.

I once counted the table service restaurants one could walk to from Epcot resorts such as Yacht and Beach Club. It came out to almost exactly HALF of all table service restaurants in Disney World!

Soooooooooooooo, what was the number?

If a pro is staying at Art of Animation is a standard room I wouldn’t listen to their advice. Both the farthest away and most expensive standard rooms. Stay at either All-Star Sports for cost and proximity to Animal Kingdom or stay at Pop Century for rooms with Skyliner access.

Exactly who are the pros and experts and what makes them such?

What has happened with the food court at Caribbean Beach that has been under refurbishment? Is it open yet?

Hi Kate! The Caribbean Beach’s food court opened last fall, check out our first look here! http://allears.net/2018/10/08/caribbean-beach-resorts-centertown-market-sebastians-bistro-and-banana-cabana-bar-open/

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The Family Vacation Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

Early Genie+ Access

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Do the Yacht and Beach Clubs Have in Common?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Makes Disney’s Beach Club Different?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Dunes Cove Pool
• Volleyball courts

What Makes the Yacht Club Different?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More about our TFVG Author

James Brockbank

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

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

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Polynesian Village vs. Beach Club Disney World Resort Guide 2023

By Lisa Gilmore Leave a Comment

So, you’re planning a trip to Disney World, and you’ve narrowed it down between two of the most ICONIC Disney resorts in existence (you lucky, lucky person!).

Beach Club Resort

But how do you choose between Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resorts ? Well, let’s dive into the deets to see which one is right for you!

Choosing between the Polynesian Village and the Beach Club, is like choosing a favorite child, a favorite Disney cupcake , or between a Dole Whip or a Mickey Pretzel — there’s enough love to go around! But just like cupcakes and classic Disney snacks (and maybe your kids, too… only you know your family dynamic…😂), there’s a certain flavor that might just hit the spot for what you’re looking for.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

There’s no doubt that Disney vacations are expensive , and no one wants buyer’s remorse when it comes to what can usually be the most EXPENSIVE part of your Disney trip . We’re approaching this chaos-agent of a decision with as much logic as possible, so we’re breaking it down into five categories:

Common Ground

Theme/rooms, transportation.

We’re putting each resort through these paces to see where they stand and which one may be speaking to you for your Disney trip.

Before we start down the rabbit hole into the Wonderland of their differences, let’s review the similarities of these resorts. These resorts are both Disney Deluxe Resorts , so they will be at a similar price point, with similar room sizes, and the same perks .  They both have close proximity to the Disney Parks, and even within walking distance! And both offer Disney Vacation Club Villas as additional accommodations.

The Beach at the Polynesian

For the Polynesian Village , that means that for the cheapest room at the  cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $662 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $5,492 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the  most expensive time to visit.

For the Beach Club , that means that for the  cheapest  room at the  cheapest  time to visit, you can expect to pay around  $534 per night  (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to  $4,763 per night  (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the  most expensive  rooms at the  most expensive  time to visit.

Extra Theme Park Hours Benefits for Disney World Resort Hotel Guests

Just like our ol’  Friend, Chandler Bing, would say, “Could these resorts BE any more different?” Both the Poly and the Beach Club are Deluxe resorts and offer the poshest of Disney’s accommodations and perks, but that doesn’t mean they look the same!

The Polynesian

The Polynesian celebrates tiki culture, and offers a nostalgic image of Pacific island vacations, but isn’t necessarily a literal representation of those environments. It’s filled with dark woods, tribal symbols, and tropical flowers. The Polynesian is one of Walt Disney World’s opening day hotels, it has a rich history, and a large following among Disney fans. It really does embrace its name of “village” as its layout is comprised of 11 longhouses plus the over-the-water Bora Bora Bungalows , which branch out from the Great Ceremonial House.

Polynesian Village Resort

All of the rooms have recently been renovated and updated with a  Moana -inspired theme, and Kona Cafe , a table service restaurant in the Great Ceremonial House, has also recently reopened with a new look and refreshed menu. So even though this beauty is 50 years old, she’s gotten some TLC and looks better than ever!

But with renovations and updates comes construction, like over at the old Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show location , which is currently an active construction zone as it will be the site for a new DVC tower . Though it shares the same white sand beaches as the Grand Floridian, the island vibe here just makes them pop. Sunsets on the Poly beach are just superior to the other Disney World “beaches”.

Beach at Polynesian Village Resort

Not to be confused with its up-tight and snooty sister resort, the Yacht Club, the Beach Club is where you can relax, let your hair down, and wander through the lobby in bare feet with your bucket of collected seashells.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort Lobby

The Beach Club steers clear of those bold nautical colors and embraces pastels and the soft tones of the beach at sunset.

Beach Club Standard Room

Though, we wouldn’t mind some more Disney touches, these rooms are soft, cozy, and embrace the beach cottage vibe of New England.

The Beach Club renovated and updated the rooms in 2016, for a more sophisticated appearance with simple features and softer coloring.  These rooms don’t have the personality that you can find at the Contemporary and Polynesian . So, if you’re looking for a room with some “character,” the Beach Club may not be your jam.

This is a difficult decision because both of these resorts really channel in those beachy vibes. Do you want your beachy-themed vacation to feel more like Hawaii or Bora Bora? Or are you looking for more of the coast of Maine feel? Do you want to feel like you just stepped in from a New England clambake or from a tropical luau? Your preference may give you a particular leaning, but if you’re looking for rooms with a bit more “character”, then the Polynesian might be your choice.

Why You Should Add Disney’s Yacht Club to Your Resort Hopping List Right NOW

Pools, splash pads, hot tubs, and lounge chairs, vacation just doesn’t feel completed without spending some time by the pool. Which of these resorts is the aquatic champion of water lounging? Only one way to find out…

The Polynesian’s whole vibe is stepping into a tropical oasis, so the pool game is strong with this one!

There are two pools at the Polynesian: the Lava Pool and the Oasis Pool. However, the Lava Pool is the showstopper here — because it’s a volcano! Ok, not a for-real volcano, obvi, but it has a waterslide from the top of the volcano’s peak, which is pretty epic.

Even if you’re not looking to swoosh down a volcano waterslide, the lounge area at these pools and the pool bars (which definitely enhance the atmosphere), the Barefoot Pool Bar , and the Oasis Bar & Grill . And Capt. Cook’s and Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace  are also so close they could be considered pool area enhancements, too.

There are lots of drink options and plenty of food options for your day by the pool. You can even try a DFB Dole Whip drink hack that became a permanent menu item on the Barefoot Pool Bar menu !

And now we’re officially on island time!

The Beach Club may be understated when it comes to its lobby and resort rooms, but it is not to be outdone in the pool category. Disney’s Beach Club shares a pool complex with its neighboring resort, the Yacht Club, Stormalong Bay.

Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club

Stormalong Bay is a destination on all its own. This pool complex is almost like its own mini-water park, with sand at the bottom and even a lazy river! So, your kiddos can take advantage of the ‘shipwrecked’ themed water slide, while you leisurely float around the lazy river, so just relax on of the many lounge chairs.

Stormalong Bay Shipwreck

Stormalong Bay is also nestled in close to Beaches and Cream , an iconic ice cream shop, providing over-the-top milkshakes, sundaes, and comfort junk food essentials like burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Both have two pools, and both have pool bars, lounge chairs, and splash areas. Are you looking for adventure on a shipwrecked water slide or a cruise down a lazy river? Or something a bit more casual and with that island vibe? Seeking the pure wow factor with the Volcano and the proximity to Dole Whips ? Or are you craving getting your toes in the sand and a deluxe ice cream sundae?

There’s no real loser in this category if you’ve found relaxation and joy, but our heart leans towards the Beach Club, because that pool is just epic!

10 Hidden Secrets About Disney World Pools

Because we are Disney FOOD Blog, we take food seriously. Very. Seriously. And we love it all. We love the cheap, comfort of plastic cheese , and we love the high-brow sophistication of a wine flight or a multi-course pre-fixe meal . We don’t discriminate; we are a lover of all foods. Since food is SO important, let’s see who these resorts stack up against each other in the restaurant category.

Polynesian Village

Polynesian Village has ten (10!) dining options, including lounges and pool bars (because those count!)!

Barefoot Pool Bar   is the perfect place to grab a specialty cocktail to enjoy while lounging  by the Lava Pool . Oasis Pool Bar & Grill   serves up Polynesian-themed food and specialty cocktails to guests enjoying the  Oasis Pool.

Captain Cook’s   is a  quick-service location , popular for being the place you can grab Tonga Toast for breakfast in the morning, and  Island-inspired dishes like the Pulled Pork Nachos and Thai Coconut Meatballs for lunch and dinner.

The recently renovated and reopened Kona Cafe serves  breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual setting . The sweet Tonga Toast makes breakfast at Kona is a guest favorite . Kona Island   conveniently sits right off the second-floor monorail entrance. In the morning, this location serves Kona coffee and pastries, while at night, it becomes a sushi bar with cocktails.

Kona Cafe is right next to Kona Island

‘Ohana  has an  oak wood fire pit that flavors the grilled meats served at an  all-you-care-to-enjoy meal  each evening. In the morning, Lilo and Stitch entertain guests during an  Island-style character breakfast . Hawaiian side dishes complement each meal. Tambu Lounge   is a relaxing bar where you can enjoy a drink prior to your dinner at ‘Ohana or Kona Cafe. The  Lapu Lapu  (a rum concoction served in a pineapple) is its claim to fame.

Our favorite noodles

Pineapple Lanai   is where you can find the famous  Dole Whip ! This is a Polynesian Village Resort claim to fame, as it was the first Disney World Resort where Dole Whip was served outside of the parks. The Polynesian remains the only Resort with its own spot dedicated to the treat.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto   is a  unique tiki bar  located in the Great Ceremonial House, complete with an  interactive room  (elements react based on the ordering of certain drinks) and  wacky hijinks from your servers , the Skippers!  Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace   is the more relaxed (but still entertaining)  outdoor counterpart  to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.

Learn more about the Polynesian Village Resorts Restaurants here!

Hurricane Hanna’s is a pool bar, tucked under the Stormalong Bay waterslide that provides fixes for your hunger without having to wander too far from the pool.

The Beach Club is home to one lounge, one quick-service market, a table service option, and a Character dining restaurant. Not to mention its close proximity to Yacht Club and all of those dining options.

Beaches and Cream

The  Beach Club Marketplace  is the quick service location and gift shop at  Disney’s Beach Club Resort . Once you make your way through the gift shop you’ll find yourself in the quick service dining area, complete with a sandwich counter. Guests will find basic staples for  breakfast, lunch, and dinner  in addition to a dry goods section (think boxes of cereal, peanut butter, and other essentials you might need). This is also the location for filling your  Refillable Resort Mugs .

Hot breakfast choices include a breakfast platter, pastries, and oatmeal. Lunch and dinner options include sandwiches, salads, and some truly tasty baked mac and cheese dishes. Oodles of tempting sweet treats are often found in the refrigerated cases, so keep an eye out for specialty cupcakes and more!

Beach Club Marketplace

Ah,  Beaches & Cream Soda Shop … THIS is the place to go for  classic diner eats  and  GIGANTIC ice cream sundaes in Walt Disney World! Tucked between the  Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts , this authentic soda counter restaurant is decked out in pastels and is complete with a jukebox! Though the sundaes and shakes here are sizable no matter which sweet treat you order, Beaches & Cream is especially well known as being  home to the famous  Kitchen Sink : an eight-scoop ice cream sundae (made for sharing with the whole group) served up with EVERY TOPPING in the house! Beaches and Cream underwent a renovation  to expand the dining space and reopened in late 2019, so this formerly small spot can accommodate many more guests these days. And you can always grab some ice cream (or hard shakes & floats for adults) at the  Beaches & Cream To Go Window , too!

No Way Jose at Beaches and Cream

Cape May Cafe  is located at  Disney’s Beach Club Resort , just inside the lobby! Cape May Cafe currently features an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast buffet with Disney pals!  Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast  is one of the best places to see some of the most beloved Disney characters outside of the parks. Though characters may vary,  Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy  can often be found at Cape May Cafe, all dressed up for a day at the beach!

Though Disney characters are not present during  Dinner , the evening meal serves up something unique, as all-you-can-eat  surf-and-turf  gets the spotlight, with plenty for landlubbers and seafood fans to enjoy!

Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast

Located directly next to  Cape May Cafe  near the lobby of the Beach Club Resort,  Martha’s Vineyard Lounge is a relaxing spot to get a bite and a drink in the evening hours. Specialty cocktails, craft drafts, wines, and a full bar menu are available. And, like Cape May Cafe, the cuisine (a small selection of appetizers) is inspired by a Northeastern clambake, with comforting seafood favorites like clam chowder served alongside a few pub classics like chicken wings.

Martha’s Vineyard

Sometimes, Martha’s Vineyard Lounge will also host drawing or painting activities, so be on the look out for those.

Has Disney World Gone TOO Far With Their Creative Drinks?! You Tell Us!

It’s so hard to designate a clear winner for food — because we love it all! If you and your family love some more “unique” food, and options that vary away from the traditional comfort food of fried chicken, steak, seafood, burgers, and chicken nuggets, then the Polynesian might be your jam! All of its menus are influenced by island flavors, and though not bizarre or untraditional, you’ll definitely find some creative takes on your familiar favorites.

Kids’ Sushi

The Beach Club really embraces the casual vibe of its setting with over the top sundaes and milkshakes at Beaches & Cream, and the casual fun of a clambake with your favorite Disney pals over at Cape May Cafe. Nothing hoity-toity here, just good ol’ fashioned family-beachy fun!

EVERYTHING to Eat at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Do these resorts offer anything different when it comes to transportation? Let’s see!!

Polynesian Village is on the Monorail loop . It’s the first stop after the Transportation & Ticketing Center (TTC) on the way to the Magic Kingdom. If Magic Kingdom is your destination, there is also a boat option to sail across Seven Seas Lagoon to the front steps of the Magic Kingdom. You can also get your steps in by strolling the walkway over to Magic Kingdom, but it’s not for the faint of heart as it is about a 20-25 minute walk.

Boat launch from Polynesian Village Resort to Magic Kingdom

If Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s busses to transport you over to these parks.

Polynesian Bus Service

But if EPCOT is your park for the day, here is where the difference sets in. Because the Poly is so close to the Transportation & Ticketing Center, if you don’t mind a brief 5-10 minute walk, you can waltz over to the TTC and board a Monorail to whiz you off to EPCOT. This may give the Poly the edge over the Grand Floridian as it does provide relatively easy access to that EPCOT Monorail loop .

The Beach Club is considered an “EPCOT-area” resort. It sits on Crescent Lake, next to Yacht Club Resort, and across the lake from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.  This resort is situated in between TWO Disney parks, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Yep, that’s right, you can walk or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on a Friendship Cruise boat to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

If Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s buses to transport you over to these parks.

Disney buses can get you just about anywhere!

And as if walkways, boats, and buses weren’t enough options for you, Beach Club guests are also within walking distance of the EPCOT Skyliner station. This means you have easy access to the other Skyliner resorts if you want to go exploring other resorts or just have a relaxing cruise through the sky.

Walt Disney World Skyliner

These neighboring resorts are pretty much a tie when it comes to transportation. They both have pretty quick access to TWO Disney parks, and have the options of busses, boats, and even direct walkways to help you get around.

The Polynesian is right on the Monorail loop, and the Beach Club gives you access to the Skyliner, so they both have some unique offerings as well. It might just boil down to which parks do you plan to spend more time in, Hollywood Studios or Magic Kingdom?

Why You Should Skip the Monorail on Your Next Magic Kingdom Trip

The winner.

So, who is the ultimate winner in the Polynesian vs. Beach Club battle? We hate to say it, but it depends ! The Polynesian may seem like a clear choice because of its theming and popularity with Disney fans. If the Beach Club seemed like the clear choice to you, it is a great hotel, it has an awesome pool and is just a quick walk from EPCOT’s World Showcase. It’s up to you and your group to decide what makes the most sense for you using all that we talked about above.

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Polynesian Village vs. Contemporary Resort Guide for Disney World in 2023

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Polynesian vs Contemporary Resort

by Chad Kennedy | Published on Oct 4, 2018 | Last updated Dec 13, 2023 | Resorts , Trip Planning

So, you’re planning your Disney World vacation and you’ve narrowed your resorts down to the Polynesian or the Contemporary.

Welcome to an age-old debate. I’ll be your guide.

These two Deluxe resorts are bonafide Disney originals. They’re iconic. And it can be difficult to choose one. But fear not! I’ve spent a ton of time at both of these resorts, I know them inside and out, and I’m here to help. I’m actually writing this a day after I spent some time at both resorts.

I’ll start with the short and sweet answer, then I’ll get into the details.

Polynesian or Contemporary Resort – The Short Answer

The Polynesian Resort is best for guests who prefer an immersive, tropical-themed resort experience that is very well-rounded in every way. The Contemporary Resort is best for guests who prefer a more traditional, upscale hotel experience that is more subtle in its use of Disney theming.

That is the super-abridged answer and there are way too many nuances to make the answer so simple. Both resorts have a lot going on and both resorts  make plenty of appearances on my huge list of Disney World must do’s.

I’ve broken down the resorts’ features into categories, then picked a winner for each. This should make it easier for you to read and draw your own conclusions.

For the sake of simplicity, I’m not going to use the full “Polynesian Village Resort” name every time. When I write Polynesian or “Poly”, I mean the same thing.

Theme & Atmosphere

Winner: polynesian resort.

When it comes to theme and general vibe, the Polynesian is the clear winner here. I love the Contemporary, but its theme (or lack thereof) is more akin to what you’d find at just about any large, upscale hotel. It just doesn’t have the details or the level of immersion that the Poly does. Matter of fact, there are plenty of folks who think the Polynesian has the best theme of any resort, period.

Polynesian Resort – Theme & Atmosphere

I’ve commonly described the Polynesian as 50% Golden Age of Hawaii and 50% Golden Age of Disney. I still feel like that’s a pretty good intro to the resort, due to its design and its status a Disney World original.

Staying at a Deluxe Resort means paying a Deluxe price to be inside the “Disney Bubble”. In my opinion, the Poly is the Bubble at its best. There’s a reason why it’s has a reputation for being the top dog of Disney resorts. It’s got an amazing theme and it’s on the Monorail Loop, which is something that I’m a big fan of .

On one hand, you’re surrounded by a detailed recreation of a Hawaiian paradise. On the other, you can walk outside of your room and see a head-on view of Cinderella’s Castle across the Seven Seas Lagoon. The whole experience does a great job of making you feel like your simultaneously on a Pacific Island and at Disney World.

The Polynesian’s charm kicks in the moment you walk through the front doors of the Great Ceremonial House. This is the Poly’s main building and it’s as much a resort hub as it is a lobby. Without a doubt, the first thing you’ll notice is the Poly’s famous tropical scent. It’s worth mentioning because it’s one of those brilliant little Disney details that does the perfect job of setting the tone the moment you walk in. Definitely one of my favorite smells at Disney World and it just wouldn’t be the same without it.

The Great Ceremonial House contains all of the resort’s best dining, shopping, and the monorail station. It’s also a nice play to just hang out for a while. It’s busy inside, but not cramped. There’s some seating on the main floor, but I like to relax upstairs at one of the restaurants or tiki bars.

Outdoors, the Polynesian carries on with the great theming. Torches and tikis line the walkways. Palm trees and other tropical plants are strategically placed. Elaborately painted buildings line up one after another. All of those things add up to make the resort feel the way a vacation destination should.

The layout is big, but not so big that it’s inconvenient. It’s an ideal size for exploring, but all of the rooms are within a short walking distance of the most important amenities.

A good resort pool is possibly the most important amenity for most families and the Polynesian is a big winner in this area. The Lava Pool (Poly’s main pool) is one of the best at Disney World. I’d call it the best pool on WDW property, but that title belongs to Stormalong Bay at the Beach & Yacht Club Resorts. That’s not a fair fight though, seeing as Stormalong Bay is essentially the resort equivalent of a miniature water park.

The Lava Pool theme is on another level from other pools though. There’s a great splash zone, a big waterslide, and a gigantic volcano. You also have a pretty good view of the Seven Seas Lagoon from the pool.

Last but not least, it’s a well-known fact that the Polynesian Beaches are awesome. Not only are they a great spot to relax, they’re also one of the best places at Disney to watch fireworks. You’ll quickly learn that other guests are aware of this when you see the crowds form to watch Happily Ever After each night.

Contemporary Resort – Theme & Atmosphere

Compared to the Polynesian, the Contemporary Resort’s theme is just a whole different animal. And to be blunt, there are plenty of guests who would argue that the Contemporary has no theme at all. I think that may be a bit of a stretch, but it’s not that far off the mark.

The Contemporary has the look and feel of a massive, modern, upscale hotel. Almost all of the resort’s most important parts are all contained within one gigantic A-frame building. It’s very convenient, but it doesn’t have that immersive magic that most of the other Deluxe Resorts have.

Don’t get me wrong though, the Contemporary does have its own brand of magic. From my experience, the Contemporary’s magic is found in two places- The location and the Monorail running through the middle of the building.

The first thing you’ll notice when you look out from a window or a balcony is that the Contemporary is looking directly over Magic Kingdom. Spaceship Earth looms large and Cinderella’s Castle is right there with it. I don’t think it can be overstated how cool it is for Disney fans to be situated right over the most iconic theme park in the world. And it’s worth noting that you’d be hard-pressed to find a better fireworks viewing spot.

Inside, the Monorail track running through the building is a special touch. It’s a quintessential “Disney” moment to wake up in the morning, open your room’s door, and look down at the Monorail zooming by beneath you.

Staying at the Contemporary might not mean getting lost in a theme, but it’s the resort that constantly reminds you that you’re right in the middle of the most famous vacation spot in the world. Everything about the Contemporary makes you feel like you’re a part of the action, even from the comfort of a quiet room.

Personally, I’m not overly keen on the outdoor portions of the Contemporary. The grounds are nice and the pool is good, but everything feels a bit too “hotel” for my taste. The real charm of the resort is found within the main building and it fades for me when I walk out toward the pool/beach area.

To sum it up, the Contemporary is perfect if you’re looking for an upscale resort experience that takes it easy with the overt Disney theming. What it lacks in theme, it makes up for with its interesting inner workings and awesome location.

By the way-  We also have a head-to-head comparison of the Contemporary and the Wilderness Lodge .

This one is really hard and it really could go either way. Even though the Contemporary Resort is home to my favorite Disney World restaurant, I feel that the Polynesian has the edge in overall dining. The Contemporary has a better high-end, but it doesn’t have the better overall lineup of restaurants that the Polynesian has.

Polynesian Resort – Dining

A strong case could be made that there’s no resort more fun to eat at than the Polynesian. It may lack a true fine-dining establishment, but it more than makes up for it with its array of great restaurants.

I think it’s probably some sort of unwritten Disney World sin to talk about Polynesian dining without starting with Ohana, the restaurant that has often been considered the most popular at any resort. Ohana is the resort’s flagship Signature restaurant and serves an all-you-care-to-eat family-style feast. Steak, chicken, shrimp, potstickers, lo mein, and so on. Breakfast features character dining with Lilo and Stich. For breakfast food, you only need to remember one thing-Tonga Toast. The food is good here and the experience is a Disney must. Reservations are hard to come by, so they have to be snatched up as early as possible.

Right next door to Ohana is one of my absolute favorite resort restaurants, Kona Cafe. It’s a table-service restaurant that has an awesome Pan-Asian menu. The food is every bit as good (or better) as what you’ll find at Ohana, but it doesn’t have the music or view that Ohana does. Whether you order coffee-rubbed pork or simple stir fry, Kona is an outstanding, moderately-priced spot.

Right outside the back doors of the Great Ceremonial House is where you’ll find a walk-up stand called Pineapple Lanai. This is the only permanent location outside of Magic Kingdom where you can order the fabled Dole Whip pineapple soft-serve. I can’t help stopping in and getting a swirl every time I’m at the Poly. The availability of Dole Whips at your home resort is a perk that can’t be overemphasized. The hype is real, people.

The next big Polynesian dining highlight is technically a tiki bar. It’s called Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and it’s 100% the best bar/lounge at Disney World. This is another can’t-miss Disney experience. The whole place is alive with animatronics and special effects that change depending on your drink order. The staff is also in on the fun and are equipped with zany outfits and countless one-liners. You can also buy all of Trader Sam’s signature ceramic tiki mugs. I just recently completed my collection.

Rounding out the Poly foodfest highlights, there’s also the Spirit of Aloha Dining Show and Captain Cook’s. Spirit of Aloha is a dining event that takes place during the evening. It features singing, fire dancing, and Hawaiian storytelling. It’s a cool thing for the family. Captain Cook’s is the resorts’ primary quick-service spot and one of my favorite 24-hour restaurants at WDW.

Contemporary Resort – Dining

As a regular patron, it just feels weird to rank the Contemporary Resort as a runner-up in regard to its dining. The Polynesian may have more for the whole family, but the Contemporary’s restaurant lineup is good enough that plenty of guests will prefer it, especially adults .

The most noteworthy restaurant at the Contemporary is my favorite at Disney World, California Grill. California Grill is a Signature table-service restaurant that occupies the top floor of the resort. The views are stunning. The windows overlook Magic Kingdom, Seven Seas Lagoon, and Bay Lake. There are also observation decks on each side of the restaurant that allow you to walk outside. You won’t find a better view anywhere at WDW. The food is always incredible, even though the restaurant could be tempted to use the location as an excuse to skimp.

Fun fact:  I love California Grill so much that I actually chose to propose there during the Christmas Wishes fireworks show.

Going back down to the main two floors of the Contemporary Resort is where you’ll find the rest of the noteworthy restaurants.

Chef Mickey’s is a family favorite. It’s a character dining spot with the Fab 5 (Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto). It’s very popular and has a cool aesthetic. It’s out in the open so you can see the hustle and bustle of the Contemporary. Right next to Chef Mickey’s is the Contempo Cafe. This is the Contemporary’s 24-hour quick-service spot and it’s one of the best.

Down on ground-floor is Steakhouse 71. This new addition is a modern American restaurant with sleek decorations and a unique menu. It’s very underrated for how good it is.

Convenience & Transportation

Winner: contemporary resort.

When it comes to convenience, the Contemporary is untouchable. The Polynesian is very accessible in its own right, but the Contemporary’s location takes convenience to the next level. Being walking distance from Magic Kingdom does the trick.

Contemporary Resort – Convenience & Transportation

The Contemporary is the only resort in which you can wake up and subsequently walk right into Magic Kingdom. And if you’re not in the mood to walk, voila!, there’s a Monorail system running right outside of your hotel room door. The Contemporary’s building is also super convenient itself. The layout places all of the most important restaurants, shops, and amenities sans pool inside the main A-frame structure. This means that you can get to everything quickly and efficiently, rain or shine.

Polynesian Resort – Convenience & Trans portation

The Polynesian is among the most convenient resorts at Disney World. It’s two monorail stops from Magic Kingdom and within walking distance to the Ticket and Transportation Center. The overall layout of the resort is just expansive enough to keep you busy without being too difficult to traverse comfortably. I also like that the Great Ceremonial House is a great central hub with all sorts of things to do. Guest staying at the Poly shouldn’t have many (if any) gripes about convenient. Compared to any resort but the Contemporary, it’s right at the top of its class for accessibility.

Winner: Draw

This one was tough. The Polynesian rooms have the better theme, but the Contemporary’s rooms are larger and some have direct views of Magic Kingdom. Honestly, I could go either way on these two, depending on my mood. I don’t think that rooms themselves should ever be the #1 priority when choosing, but neither of these resorts’ rooms should disappoint.

Polynesian Resort – Rooms

The Polynesian Resort rooms are very good for a Deluxe Resort. They were remodeled not too long ago to bring them up to speed. Their design is a little less loud than it used to be and everything looks tasteful. I actually liked the old rooms, but the update was more than welcome. Overall, I feel that the Poly rooms offer a very good blend of size, theme, and comfort.

Contemporary Resort – Rooms

The Contemporary Resort has the largest rooms of the three Monorail Resorts. They were also recently updated with a fun Incredibles family theme. The rooms keep with the resort’s modern vibe and are designed to look more like what you’d expect from a typical upscale hotel, so the theme is subtle. If you choose a Park View room, you’ll have a birds-eye-view of Magic Kingdom. Hard to beat that kind of scenery.

Price & Value

There’s not a huge difference in price from one to the other, but rooms at the Contemporary do run a little cheaper than rooms at the Polynesian. And being that they’re connected to one another via Monorail anyway, the Contemporary has the edge in value.

Contemporary Resort – Price & Value

Contemporary Resort rooms are the upper-middle price range among Deluxe Resorts. No Deluxe Resort is “cheap”, but the Contemporary’s location and Monorail access adds some good value. There’s really no need for a vehicle if you stay at any of the Monorail resorts, so that’s not really a factor. But being within walking distance of Magic Kingdom is something unique to the Contemporary and that’s huge. If and when the Monorail is having issues, it’s quite nice to have the option to walk instead.

All in all, I’ve always felt that the Contemporary is priced appropriately when compared to its fellow Deluxe Resorts.

Polynesian Resort – Price & Value

Polynesian rooms are typically the second most expensive Disney World resort right behind the Grand Floridian. The Poly isn’t your “budget” option by any stretch, but then again, neither is any Deluxe Resort on the Monorail Loop.

Paying for a room at the Polynesian means paying for a full experience. It’s immersive and it’s one of Disney’s best places to be. If your budget is comfortable and you appreciate the Hawaiian theming, you really can’t go wrong here.

Even though the Contemporary has some great selling points, the Polynesian just has a certain je ne sais quoi. I’m obviously a Disney World fan and I’m not sure that any resort feels as much like classic Disney World than the Polynesian. I’ve always felt that the Poly is possibly the most well-rounded of all Disney properties. The theme is immersive, the dining is top-notch, the amenities are great, and the convenience of the Monorail can’t be overstated.

The Contemporary does hold its own in plenty of areas and it’s still the best choice for guests who aren’t all-in on Disney theming. Even without the overt themes, there’s a certain sense of wonder you get from watching the Monorail ride past your room or standing on your balcony and peering into Magic Kingdom. The Contemporary has many different ways of reminding you that you’re smack-dab in the middle of the most iconic family vacation destination in the world.

So, that settles that…or not. Honestly, I don’t think the debate over Monorail Resorts will ever be settled. They all have different things to offer and each one makes for a totally unique experience.

If there’s anything I can say to take the stress away from deciding, I think it’s that both of these resorts are effectively connected by the Monorail. When you stay at one, the other is just a simple ride away. No one should ever stay at Monorail resort without taking at least one evening to hop on the Monorail to visit another resort. Truth be told, one of my favorite things to do at Disney World is to go on a Monorail crawl.

What say you? Which resort is your choice and why? Maybe I sold one resort short. Maybe I oversold another. And if you’ve made your decision, check out the MASSIVE guide I made for planning a Disney World trip on a budget.

Help the world settle the Polynesian vs Contemporary debate and let me know what you think in the comments!

Wonderful info! We are heading to Disney World in March and want to stay at the Poly but are wondering if it is worth it right now because the Monorail is closed there?

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Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club (Which to Choose)

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

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

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

Beach Club vs Yacht Club Rooms

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

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

Standard View Rooms

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

Garden View Rooms

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

Water View Rooms

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

Deluxe Room

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

Club Level Rooms

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

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

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

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

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

Room Requests

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

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

Beach Club vs Yacht Club Location

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

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

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

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

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

to Hollywood Studios

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

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

to Magic Kingdom

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

to Animal Kingdom

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

to Disney’s Boardwalk

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

to Disney Springs

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

Activities Comparison

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

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

Outdoor Movies

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

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

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

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

Stormalong Bay

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

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

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

Water Slides

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

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

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

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

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

Price Comparison

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

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

Things to Do Near the Resorts

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

Epcot Fireworks

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

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

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

Restaurants

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

Beaches and Cream Soda Shop

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

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

Beach Club Marketplace

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

Martha’s Vineyard

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

Hurricane Hanna’s

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

Ale and Compass

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

The Market at Ale and Compass

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

Cape May Cafe

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

Yachtsman Steakhouse

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

Crew’s Cup Lounge

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

In Room Dining

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

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

Character Dining

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

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

Beach Club and Yacht Club vs Other Disney Resorts

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

vs Beach Club Villas

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

vs Boardwalk Inn

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

vs Monorail Resorts

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

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

vs Caribbean Beach Resort

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

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

Final Review of Disney Beach Club vs Yacht Club

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

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

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

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HELLLPPPPP! Grand Floridian vs. Beach Club vs. Polynesian

• Thread starter PrncessNTheFrog
• Start date Feb 10, 2022

PrncessNTheFrog

Earning my ears.

• Feb 10, 2022

I just don’t know where I want to stay! I’ve been to Disney before but have never actually stayed at a resort, so I’m very excited. We’re a couple in our mid 30’s and early 40’s. No kids. Staying for only 3 nights. Been going back and forth between Grand Floridian, Beach Club, and Polynesian. As far as parks go, we’re planning on Epcot, MK, and maybe HS. We love to eat, so hopefully somewhere with great food options. I just keep going back and forth and need to make a decision. Can someone pleeeease offer their opinion to sway me in a certain direction!  

DIS Veteran

We have stayed at all of them. You can't go wrong with any of them. They are 3 great resorts. Beach Club gives you the ability to walk to both EPCOT and DHS. The one thing about Beach Club is if you have allergies and are sensitive to smells, the scent they pipe into the lobby can be really irritating. It makes me really sick. So, we go for Yacht Club instead of Beach Club. We go over to the BC quick service and I can't stay in the lobby very long or I start getting really congested and get a headache. I've heard people say that it is the same scent as in the Grand Floridian-- but I have never had issues breathing at GF And we have spent a lot of time in the lobby listening to the music and waiting our table to be ready at 1900 park Fare. I saw an article claiming that they pipe the same scent into Yacht Club, but I have never smelled it there and have never had issues there. At BC, the scent gets me every time, and the worst was when we stayed there so we were in and out of the lobby a lot. If you are interested in pool time YC/BC has the best pool area on property in my opinion. If you stay at YC or BC during any of the Epcot food festivals and have hoppers, it is nice to be able to hop in and sample the food and drink booths. The stupid park reservation and limitations on hopping before 2:00 create problems with that though. As far as food options-- what kind of food do you like and do you want quick service or places that require ADRs. Among other things, YC/BC has decent quick service, they have the grill by the pool (hurricane Hannas), they have the Yachtsman's steakhouse which is really good, they have the Beaches and Cream soda shop which is good, and you can always walk to the Swan, Dolphin or Boardwalk Hotel for other options. Yachtsman and Beaches and Cream do require ADRs. The Grand Floridian is beautiful. You have the monorail and boat to MK- we love the boat. Sadly the band no longer plays above the lobby which is a huge hit to the atmosphere of the hotel in my opinion. Bus service when we stayed there always seemed a bit slow. The Polynesian is a lot of fun. Trader Sam's bar is there. You have the boat to the MK, you have the monorail, and in addition to being able to grab transportation at the front of the hotel, you can also walk to the TTC and pick up transportation there. When we stay there we always walk to the TTC and take the express monorail to EPCOT- it saves a lot of time. I know the monorails have had some closures and issues, but hopefully that express monorail is running now. I think you will be happy with any of them. We love all of them and it is a hard choice to pick between them. Our last few trips were during the Food & Wine festival and the EPCOT area always gets DH's vote that time of year.  

PrncessNTheFrog said: I just don’t know where I want to stay! I’ve been to Disney before but have never actually stayed at a resort, so I’m very excited. We’re a couple in our mid 30’s and early 40’s. No kids. Staying for only 3 nights. Been going back and forth between Grand Floridian, Beach Club, and Polynesian. As far as parks go, we’re planning on Epcot, MK, and maybe HS. We love to eat, so hopefully somewhere with great food options. I just keep going back and forth and need to make a decision. Can someone pleeeease offer their opinion to sway me in a certain direction! Click to expand...

I'm not grumpy; you're too happy.

Same age but with kids. To me, the kids wouldn't change my mind - Beach Club. The location on the Boardwalk with walking access to Epcot and HS is amazing. We loved it when we went in August. My husband and I would gladly walk around and use the Skyliner also just to explore resorts, etc. And if you love swimming or relaxing, the pool at BC is great.  

GoingSince1990

"Love to eat" with "great food options" screams Beach Club (or Yacht Club) to me. The very short walk from BC/YC to Epcot World Showcase, with its abundance of amazing and diverse dining options, is just a joy.  

sp'smom

I think the Beach Club would be best for your wants. You have great food in Epcot, hands down the best quick service places to eat. You are very close to studios. I love Grand Floridian but food options are not as varied.  

Bostonjetset

Mouseketeer.

So I’m no expert and haven’t stayed at any of these but I want to vote for the Polynesian. It is the most unique of any of the hotels. It’s a cool theme and isn’t something most people would find at a hotel near their homes. GF is beautiful but there are beautiful hotels throughout the country and world. And Poly is an original WDW hotel as well.  

Stayed at all three. Beach club pool and scenery is beautiful but rooms are run down. GF is great but main pool is packed and the main pool has no hot tub (my family cares). But we love the ambience of GF. But Poly checks all boxes. Clean, beautiful ambience, great pools and close to MK. I love being out on the walkway and seeing the castle!!  

Beach club for walking distance to Epcot. Grand Floridian if you want to be closer to Magic Kingdom. The pool at Poly seemed very shallow to me and crowded and a lot more little kids there compared to other deluxes we have stayed at (since you mentioned you have no kids).  

Different approach - which theming do you want to experience? Or - which resort has the TS restaurant or lounge you will likely go to? Those two questions alone would yield different answers for lots of people. Me? Poly. My SIL? GF My Niece? BC  

Love to eat means BC to me. Get hoppers and round out every night with Epcot and fireworks and walk home!  

SleeplessInTO

DisneyHardin

• Feb 11, 2022

We are die hard Poly fans, but have stayed at GF and are staying at YC for our next trip. I think all 3 resorts are lovely and you aren't going to be disappointed in whatever you choose. Depending on what parks you are choosing for your 3 days might sway a little bit. If 2 of your 3 are going to be Epcot and DHS, then I would probably go with BC/YC for the ease of getting there.  

Lots of good advice. But...if I were to choose an Epcot resort for 2 adults only, I would choose BWI or YC. I stayed at BC many, many times when my kids were young and enjoyed the pool. But imo there are more kids at that resort than the other two. I got 'mom!'d out every time I stayed there, by other peoples' kids.  

We've stayed at all 3 and as others have said they are all great resorts. With that said, my favorite is the Poly. The GF & BC are nice, but the Poly has such a fun relaxing vibe with a nice tropical atmosphere. The main pool is great (IMO) as it backs up to the beach with the castle in the distance and it's so relaxing walking around at night under the lit tiki torches. You really can't go wrong with any of them, just depends on your preference of theme/decor and which area/parks you enjoy most. Good luck!  

I could've written exactly what Eastern did above. We stayed at BC many times as my kids were growing up and it was perfect for us. Now, my kids are older and we prefer YC and we are also getting to like BWI. As far as Poly versus GF, we've stayed at both several times with our kids. I'm trying to imagine how it would feel without our kids and I think I'd choose the GF for just me and DH, but if our kids were with us I'd probably choose the Poly. If you have hopping on your tickets, you'd probably really enjoy the Epcot area resorts because it's fun to end each night walking through Epcot countries for drinks/snacks. It's such an easy and beautiful walk back and forth between YC/BC/BWI and Epcot.  

I'm another vote for Yacht club. It has all of the benefits of Beach Club and it is more of a convention resort so it tends to be a bit quieter which is nice for an adult only trip. My second choice would be the Grand.  

For an adults only I would lean towards the Epcot resorts. We just did a BWI/ GF split stay. GF is absolutely beautiful & the monorail was great! I preferred BWI of the 2. We are staying at YC for the last few days of our upcoming September trip because we love the BW area so much!  

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