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SATURDAY SIX: 6 Reasons We LOVE Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

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This week’s SATURDAY SIX takes a look at Six Reasons We Love Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. Disney has three classifications for their resorts: Value (including Pop Century and Art of Animation), Moderate (Port Orleans Riverside and Fort Wildnerness), and Deluxe (Wilderness Lodge and BoardWalk). Today we are going to look at two of the Deluxe offerings with Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

# 6 – Beaches & Cream

Everyone who has tried to make an ADR for a Disney World restaurant knows there are several venues that can be extremely challenging to get, especially if you want a specific time or have a large group. Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, and Le Cellier are among Disney guests’ hardest to get reservations, but generally provide an experience that makes the effort to make the reservation worthwhile. Beach Club’s Beaches & Cream Soda Shop – thanks to its relatively small amount of seating inside – can also make one pull out hair in frustration when trying to get an ADR, but it’s worth it.

While Beaches & Cream offers a menu with burgers, hotdogs, and fries along with a ton of great ice cream sundaes (the peanut butter loaded No Way Jose is one to die for,) the big draw here is the signature Kitchen Sink. What separates the Kitchen Sink sundae from other outrageous desserts on property is the presentation. Not only is the dessert itself served in a mock kitchen sink – which unfortunately, you can’t keep – (we’ve asked, repeatedly) but the entire Beaches & Cream staff gets in on the action when one is delivered to a table. The overhead lights dim, an alarm light goes off, and your server reads off the list of Kitchen Sink ingredients, with the whole staff joining in with “and a whole can of whipped cream!” Trying the Kitchen Sink is a true Disney experience, and one that should be on every fan’s bucket list.

Beachs & Cream Soda Shop. (photo by Brandon Glover)
The Kitchen Sink.
Kids will LOVE the Kitchen Sink.
Chocolate Lover’s Kitchen Sink. While it doesn’t have the visual flair of the regular Kitchen Sink, for us here at the SATURDAY SIX it is a much more tasty dessert.

Chocolate Lover’s Kitchen Sink.
We did it!
Cast Member Thienau gives us a big thumbs up for finishing the Kitchen Sink!
There are some outdoor tables outside Beaches & Cream, including these fun ice cream cone-themed ones. While you can’t be served outside, the restaurant does offer a to-go section for ice cream. (photo by Brandon Glover)

# 5 – Ship Shape Gym

Located near Beaches & Cream is Ship Shape, an area which guests of all ages can get massages or even a hair cut at the salon, but what impressed us was the gym component. Open 24 hours, and available to guests at both the Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, the Ship Shape gym has everything you need to get your pump on (or to work off those Kitchen Sink calories.) Ship Shape is not one of those hotel gyms that looks like no one has used it in years, but instead offers state-of-the-art equipment that will rival anything at your home fitness center.

Ship Shape.
Ship Shape gym. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Equipment. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Equipment. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Fill your water bottle. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Lockers. (photo by Brandon Glover)
H2O product available. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Forgot anything at home? Don’t worry, you’re covered. (photo by Brandon Glover)

# 4 – Cape May Cafe

Here at the SATURDAY SIX we love character meals and we love Disney buffets, so you knew Beach Club’s Cape May Cafe was going to make our list. Featuring Goofy, Minnie Mouse, and Donald Duck (dressed up in their beach going garb), Cape May has both breakfast and dinner time slots available, but characters are only at “Minnie’s Beach Bash” breakfast. While we are partial to breakfast as we eat our weight in Mickey waffles and bacon, its at the New England-style clam bake dinner buffet where you can really get your some value with great seafood selections (for Florida that is. Those actually from New England may be used to a higher standard.) For breakfast, we’ve gone to Cape May several times and the characters seem to come around quite often, so you’ll have more than enough opportunity to get all the pictures you want and it is generally easier to get an ADR for a time you want compared to other character buffets such as Chef Mickey’s or Crystal Palace.

Entrance to Cape May Cafe. (photo by Brandon Glover)
There are several sandcastles to admire among the theming. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Some of the seating area. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Get ready for the buffet! (photo by Brandon Glover)
Some of the breakfast options on the buffet. (photo by Morgan Crutchfield)
Vegan Mickey waffles and donut brought out as a special request.
Some dessert options at Cape May’s dinner buffet. (photo by Julia Mascardo)
Goofy!
Minnie Mouse.
One of the most recognizable and universally loved Disney characters of all. Also in the photo: Donald Duck. (photo by Tom Bricker You can read Tom’s review of his Cape May experience over at the Disney Tourist Blog
Your Humble Author once celebrated his birthday at Cape May Cafe and this is what was brought out. Was a great day.

# 3 – Theming

Because the Yacht and Beach Club share so many amenities, it becomes easy to think of them as one large resort. While there are some differences between the two (including the Beach Club’s light blue exterior compared to the Yacht Club’s light grey facade,) they feel like a cohesive whole. A nautical theme abounds at Yacht Club, where you can find scale models of boats and subtle compass designs throughout. The Beach Club themed after a New England seaside cottage, and most find the resort the more kid-friendly of the two (a feeling which can start in the lobby as guests can get some great photos sitting among the many unique chairs.) Like the Grand Floridian, the overall vibe of the Yacht & Beach Club resorts are more “elegance” rather than being immersed among Disney characters.

Globe in the lobby of the Yacht Club. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Knots.
Yacht Club merchandise. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Great tile work at Beach Club bathrooms. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Outdoor seating at the Beach Club. 
The Solarium at the Yacht Club. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Painting in The Solarium. (photo by Brandon Glover)
The Solarium. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Beach Club bedroom. (photo by Brian McNichols)
Yacht Club bedroom. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Plenty of outlets and USB ports in the rooms. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Lights installed in the bed frames. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Christmas Tree at the Yacht Club with boats as decorations. (photo by Brandon Glover)

# 2 – Location, Location, Location

Staying at the Yacht or Beach Club has you located right in the middle of a whole bunch of awesome stuff at Disney property. While Disney offers boat transportation to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios, you are within walking distance of each. You’re also right across the way from Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, which can be a great place to spend an evening. Ice cream at Ample Hills, drinks at AbracadaBar, and listening to the dueling pianos at Jellyrolls? There’s worse ways for a couple to spend a date night. We also love taking the short walk over to the nearby Swan and Dolphin hotels and visiting some of their incredible restaurants such as bluezoo and Il Mulino. Does the family enjoy mini-golf? If so it’s worth a quick walk over to Fantasia Gardens. For as great as the “monorail hotels” are, you are closer to a lot more things when staying at the Yacht & Beach Club, especially when you factor in dining at the nearby World Showcase.

A look at the Yacht & Beach Club lighthouse.  In the background is Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Who wants to take a boat over to DHS? (photo by Brandon Glover)
Walkway to DHS from EPCOT resorts.
Walkway to DHS.

# 1 – Stormalong Bay

Walt Disney World has a lot of great pools among its 26 resorts, but the consensus pick for the best of them all is the Yacht & Beach Club’s Stormalong Bay. With a lazy river, sandy beach, large swimming area, hot tubs, and an E-Ticket slide, Stormalong Bay is almost a water park in and of itself. The pool’s immense popularity is well deserved, as the overall theming is exceptional. While the kids run back and forth to the large pirate ship slide, adults can enjoy a beverage at the Hurricane Hannah’s pool bar and enjoy tubing on the lazy river.

Stormalong Bay. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Have your MagicBand ready! (Seriously, they’ll check.)
A Google Maps look at Stormalong Bay.
Pirate ship slide at Stormalong Bay. (photo by Brandon Glover)
A look at the massive pirate ship slide from the backside. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Tubes ready for the lazy river. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Tubing in Stormalong Bay.
Stormalong Bay.
Lazy River area of Stormalong Bay. (photo by Erin Foster)
One of the swimming areas of Stormalong Bay. (photo by Brandon Glover)
A Category 5 from Hurricane Hannah’s (photo by Brandon Glover)
One of Stormalong Bay’s hot tubs. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Sandy Beach. (photo by Brandon Glover)

Honorable Mention: MORE FOOD!

With Crew’s Cup Lounge, Ale & Compass, and Yachtsman’s Steakhouse at the Yacht Club, Yacht & Beach Club guests are steps away from some terrific dining. The truffle fries and sandwiches at Crew’s Cup can make for a great lunch without breaking the bank. Ale & Compass Restaurant is the old Captain’s Grille under a new “gastropub” label offering interesting takes on New England comfort food along with hearth oven pies. For foodies, Yachtsman’s Steakhouse delivers an upper-level Disney Dining Experience that rivals the best WDW has to offer.

Crew’s Cup. (photo by Brandon Glover)
If you don’t get truffle fries at Crew’s Cup, YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Ale & Compass restaurant. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Coastal Clam Bake at Ale & Compass. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Deconstructed Apple Pie at Ale & Compass. (photo by Brandon Glover)
Bring your appetite (and your wallet…)
A Yachtsman’s steak as pictured by celebrity Disney blogger Tom Bricker. Read his review of Yachtsman’s on the Disney Tourist Blog.

So there you have it: Six Reasons We Love Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts! See you next weekend for the latest installment of the SATURDAY SIX, where we’ll look at something fun from the world of Disney and Universal. If you enjoyed yourself, be sure to check out The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! articles, or, for your listening pleasure, check out the E-Ticket Report podcast. You can also follow Your Humble Author on Twitter (@derekburgan).

Did we mention Yacht Club is dog-friendly?

If you enjoyed this article, you will surely like the following:

SATURDAY SIX Investigative Report: The WORST Places To Propose at WDW

6 Pieces of Disney Merchandise That Don’t Exists (But Totally Should)

Are Disney’s Hotels Going To The Dogs? A Review.

Walt Disney World Locations Used in Hulk Hogan’s THUNDER IN PARADISE

SATURDAY SIX Investigative Report: Disney PET PEEVES

The SATURDAY SIX Uses Disney Villains To Explain Theme Park Blogging

6 Times Our Favorite TV Shows Went To Walt Disney World

Special Thanks to crack staff photographer Brandon Glover, In-N-Out connoisseur and Mr. Anti-Tipping Tom BrickerJammin’ Julia Mascardoand blogger to the stars Megan Stump for their invaluable assistance with this article. Be sure to also check out Brandon on The Park Blogger podcast with goofballs co-hosts Aengus Mackenzie and LitemAndHyde , while fellow Potterheads may enjoy Meg’s work on the Central Florida Slug Club.

FINAL PLUG! Did you know The 2018 Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando has a special edition of the SATURDAY SIX in it? Finally, someone came up with an actual reason to read a book. ORDER this baby now!

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14 thoughts on “SATURDAY SIX: 6 Reasons We LOVE Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

  • We stayed at the Beach Club during our 2015 visit and then did Polynesian last year. There was no comparison: Beach Club was superior in every way. Better rooms, better facilities, better service, better atmosphere, cleaner, just more fun and pleasant — and more relaxed. The food options at the BC are both more limited and less interesting — which, in fairness, is in significant part due to the huge variety of options within walking distance.

    In contrast, the Polynesian felt both forced, theme-wise, and out-of-date in terms of the look, feel, and amenities. Our room felt like it hadn’t been remodeled since the 1970s. In my opinion, the Kona Cafe is one of the weakest casual sit-down options on the entire property, and the Ohana family-style dinner is really not something you do more than once.

    Finally, although our girls love the Ohana breakfast with Stitch, the Cape May is our all-time favorite character breakfast. The vibe, the service, the buffet are all great, and the characters’ beachwear is hilarious.

    From now on, we’ll stay at the Beach Club.

    Reply
    • Whoops — I meant to say the food options at the BC are both less limited and more interesting!

      Reply
  • Until his retirement a few years ago, I think the number 1 feature of the Beach Club could have been “Art”.
    Not as in paintings and sculptures, but Art Lark, who was the ever-present greeter in the lobby. A nicer man you will never meet, and I am honored to still call Art my friend. The stories of great guest experiences with Art could fill several books.

    Reply
    • We had a family group of 16 coming to the Beach Club for the character breakfast and Art was off that day. We made a special trip back to the Beach Club the next day just to have everyone in our group meet Art.
      He was so pleasant and took time to talk with each of us as if we were royalty staying on the Concierge Floor. We piled back in the van and as we drove off my DD7 asked: “So Dad, what princess movie was Art in?”
      For her, and for the rest of us, it was a very most-special Meet & Greet.

      Reply
  • The company that is contracted to run the Spa at the Yacht and Beach Clubs absolutely forbids resort guests from using the gym locker room that is photographed above. Things were so contentious, with deluxe level guests not having a place to shower after check out, that the resort carved out part of a rest room and installed 2 tiled shower stalls minus any lockers. This is a distinct reduction in amenities when compared with the locker room that is off limits.

    Reply
    • All I can tell you is that the lockers were not off limits to us during our stay.

      Reply
  • Great article — I have been lucky enough to stay here twice and I think it’s amazing. Walking to Food & Wine Festival, swimming at Stormalong Bay, eating a No Way Jose — to me it’s the quintessential Disney experience.

    Reply
  • We love the Yacht & Beach Club resorts!
    Although we miss the theming that used to be in the rooms, prior to the most recent rehab.

    The photo for “Outdoor seating at the Yacht Club” is actually at the Beach Club – opposite the Marketplace, along the walkway to the Beach Club Villas.

    The photo for “Yachtsman’s Steakhouse” is actually adjacent to the Yachtsman’s Steakhouse, and is a picture of the The Crew’s Cup Lounge.

    Reply
    • Thanks Marlene. Switched out photo Yachtsman photo. That was actually my fault in mislabeling them to begin with.

      Also changed caption on the seating area. Great catch. I just assumed my photographer Brandon got that shot during our recent stay at the Yacht Club but you’re right, i actually got that shot myself when I went to the Beach Club Marketplace specifically to get their “pizza” (which you can find in last year’s Disney Dump article)

      Reply
  • Great list as usual— bonus points awarded for capturing The Year Without a Santa Claus on the tv in the lobby.

    Reply
  • This place should be a value resort. There is nothing magical when you stay here.

    Reply
    • If you book a room a lot of money will magically disappear from your bank account, does that count?

      Reply
    • Worst take of 2018-

      Reply

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