Disney’s Yacht Club Resort In-Depth: What You Need To Know Before You Go [Review]

I stayed a night at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort with my family of 5 in early May 2025. Though we only visited this Disney Deluxe Resort Hotel for 1 night, it packed the value of a much longer trip.

I’ll describe our experience in a standard room, detailing amenities, dining, transportation, and resort benefits.

Whether you’re considering a splurge night or booking a whole vacation, here’s everything you need to know about Disney’s Yacht Club Resort before you go.

Booking Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

After I stayed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in March 2025 with my best friend, I wanted my family to get a taste of Disney resort life, too. We stayed off-site for most of our early May visit but had time to add a night at a Disney World resort.

At Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, we paid $432.90 for a standard resort view room with 2 queen beds and a sleeper sofa for up to 5 people. I paid with my Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, which now earns 4x Ultimate Rewards points on hotels booked direct and offers various travel protection benefits.

Hot Tip:

There aren’t a lot of ways to book Disney resorts with points. You can book Walt Disney World Swan, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, and Walt Disney World Dolphin with Marriott Bonvoy points or use Capital One miles in the Capital One Travel portal. Read our guide to visiting Disney World using points and miles for more details.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Location

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is in the EPCOT resort area on Crescent Lake, connected to Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and in the same area as Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Walt Disney World Swan, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, and Walt Disney World Dolphin. The lake and Disney’s BoardWalk are destinations that offer dining, attractions, and entertainment beyond EPCOT, with no admission required.

The resort is very close to EPCOT. It’s about a 10-minute walk or a quick boat ride to the International Gateway entrance. Hollywood Studios is a 15-to-20-minute walk away, or you can take a boat or the Skyliner.

The resort is 24 miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO), typically a 30-to-40-minute drive or shuttle ride.

Checking In

After spending part of our day at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, we were ready to visit the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. But first, we needed to check into our room and get changed. We arrived at 3:15 p.m., right around the resort’s 3 p.m. check-in time.

The resort had a gated entrance with a security guard, where we got waved through after he checked for our reservation.

I used Disney’s direct-to-room service for a fast check-in experience. Using the My Disney Experience app, I checked into our room as we pulled into the parking lot. By the time we parked and grabbed our bags, I’d received a room-ready app notification and email. We opened the door with a MagicBand+ connected to my account.

Resort Benefits

Staying at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort offers numerous benefits with no resort fee. Some of the benefits include:

• Early theme park entry and extended evening hours
• Complimentary water park admission on your check-in day
• Lightning Lane access up to 7 days in advance
• Access to dining plans
• Bus, boat, Skyliner, and monorail park transportation
• Hey Disney! voice assistant that offers wake-up calls, Disney trivia, and interactive experiences
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Complimentary standard self-parking at the resort and theme parks

On our check-in day, we received complimentary admission to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. All Disney resort guests receive free water park access on check-in day through 2025. There’s no minimum stay to receive this benefit, so it’s valid even if you stay only for a night, like we did.

For our family of 5, we would have paid $364 plus tax for 1-day admission to the water park (4 $74 adult tickets and 1 $68 child ticket).

The day we checked in also offered extended evening hours at the Magic Kingdom, with exclusive late-night access for guests of qualifying resorts, including Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. We enjoyed low crowds and short wait times for attractions.

While not sold separately, similar Disney After Hours events cost between $175 and $185 per ticket plus tax, which would’ve been at least $875 for all 5 of us — more than our room rate.

Lobby

The lobby fit the resort’s refined nautical theme, with deep navy blues, rich wood tones, and coastal-inspired patterns that felt like a classic New England yacht club.

Walking in the front door, the check-in desk was to the right with model ships behind the front desk agents.

Bell services were on the opposite side of the front door.

Across from the front desk was a kids corner featuring a TV and kid-size seats for young guests to sit in during check-in.

My kids immediately gravitated toward the heavy spinning globe near the back door.

Display cases near the globe featured wooden model ships.

The lobby’s back porch featured inviting white rocking chairs and a view of Crescent Lake.

The hallways looked like what you’d find on a cruise ship, with nautical details, map-themed carpet, and porthole-style room markers.

Resort View Room With 2 Queen Beds

We booked a resort view room with 2 queen beds and a sofa sleeper. This room type is standard, and it was nice to sleep all 5 of us comfortably without booking a more premium room. It fit the resort’s maritime and Disney themes, featuring classic touches of Mickey and friends.

The beds featured bright white linens, wooden headboards, and light blue leather upholstery. Each side had small lights that pulled out from the headboard. I liked the bold nautical rug underneath the beds.

Disney details were evident throughout the room, including “The Queen Minnie” art on the wall, the Mickey ship’s wheel bolster pillow, and towels rolled into a Mickey shape at the foot of the bed.

A shared nightstand was between the beds. It featured drawers, a phone, and an outlet with 2 regular plugs and 2 USB-A outlets.

In the corner closest to the bathroom wall was a small shelf, perfect for small items like glasses or a cell phone. This spot had another outlet with 2 regular and 2 USB-A plugs.

The side closest to the balcony had a wooden desk with a chair, mirror, and lamp.

Atop the desk was a Hey Disney! device, which my kids immediately used for Disney trivia. We always had a soundscape going — our favorites were based on “Haunted Mansion” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.” The device also offered functional tasks, such as requesting more towels or information about park hours.

Behind the lamp was another outlet with 2 regular plugs and 2 USB-A outlets.

At the foot of the bed was a dresser with several medium-size drawers and a cabinet. We didn’t unpack, since it was just 1 night, but the stone surface was a great landing spot for everyone’s MagicBand+ and park bags. Above the dresser was a wall-mounted TV that welcomed our family to the resort.

A pair of power outlets was built into the dresser.

Inside the dresser cabinet was a shelf with an extra pillow and blanket for the sofa bed.

The sofa bed was near the balcony and served as seating during the day. Next to it was another piece of Disney magic: a “Steamboat Willie” lampshade.

When we folded the bed down, the sheets were already on it, and all we had to do was add the blanket and pillow. It was one of the best fifth-sleeper experiences we’ve had at a hotel.

A closet unit was near the bathroom. The right side featured a steam iron, folding ironing board, and safe.

The other side had a mirrored door, hanging rack, shelves, and luggage rack.

At the entrance was a coffee station with a beverage cooler in the cabinet below. The coffee maker was a single-serving Keurig machine, and we were provided with various Joffrey’s coffee pods, creamer, and sugar. I liked the placement here as a drop zone for drinks and water bottles as we walked in the door.

Bathroom

The bathroom had a vanity separate from the toilet and shower, which is always a nice feature when we have 5 people getting ready. The vanity featured 2 sinks, a large mirror, magnifying mirror, and open shelving with a hair dryer. There were several towels in this space, not just hand towels. The wallpaper featured blue and white nautical knots, including hidden Mickeys.

On the counter was a set of Disney-branded amenities, including soap, a kit with cotton swabs and a nail file, mouthwash, lotion, and a shower cap.

The toilet and shower room had more towels — more than enough for 5 people.

The shower featured a combination rainfall showerhead with a separate detachable wand.

The back wall of the shower had a small nook for toiletries. Below was a set of sea salt body wash and sea marine shampoo and conditioner in wall-mounted dispensers. These dispensers were much more user-friendly than the pumps we struggled with at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. We had no trouble getting product out of these dispensers, and we all liked the smell and feel of the amenities.

Balcony

We had a balcony, a nice feature for a standard room. It felt generously sized and had just the right furniture for the space. The view wasn’t anything special, just a rooftop and a building, but that’s what we expected in a standard room.

Amenities

I mostly booked this stay for the resort’s benefits and amenities, even though they were slightly dialed back because of construction. Standout amenities at the resort included boat transportation, resort activities, water recreation, and dog-friendly options. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort shares amenities and dining with Disney’s Beach Club Resort next door.

Construction in the back area of the resort included Stormalong Bay, which is between the resorts. We weren’t bothered by any construction noise during our stay. We would have enjoyed visiting one of Disney World’s most loved resort pools, but with a short stay and a visit to Typhoon Lagoon, we didn’t miss it.

Resort Transportation

All Disney World resort guests get complimentary park transportation, which includes buses to Disney World parks and Disney Springs, and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is no exception. Some resorts also offer monorail, Disney Skyliner, or boat transportation. With its location on Crescent Lake, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort offers FriendShip Boat transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and Skyliner transportation to Hollywood Studios.

After checking in, we went to EPCOT and could have easily walked, but why walk in the heat when you can catch a breezy ride on a boat?

It was a treat walking out the lobby’s back door to the boardwalk and down to the lighthouse, where a FriendShip Boat picked us up.

The boat arrived just a couple of minutes after we got to the dock. It was colorful, mostly covered, and breezy.

Riding on the boat gave us a great view of the resort and lake as we pulled away to pick up guests at the boardwalk dock.

Less than 10 minutes later, we arrived at the EPCOT International Gateway entrance across from the Disney Skyliner stop. We entered the park between the United Kingdom and France pavilions.

Disney’s Yacht Club resort also had a bus stop just beyond the front drive.

At the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort share a bus pickup spot: No. 15. We only waited about 10 minutes for our ride back from the Magic Kingdom, and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort was the first stop.

Parking

Parking was free for resort guests. There were plenty of open spaces at check-in time, though it was a bit of a hike to the front door from the parking lot.

Valet parking was available for $42 per night plus tax.

Pools

Stormalong Bay, shared between Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort, was closed for refurbishment during our stay, though it reopened in June. It’s one of the best resort pools at Disney World, with a shipwreck replica, lazy river, and waterslide. Stormalong Bay is typically open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, though hours for all pools vary by season.

We weren’t without a place to swim, as 3 leisure pools were available, including the Admiral Pool at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and 2 pools at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

The Admiral Pool was close to guest rooms, and some patios had direct access to the pool walkway.

There was also a whirlpool spa.

We happened upon a poolside activity: Goofy bingo. For this game, a cast member described Disney characters, which we identified and marked off on our bingo cards. Cast members kept the game going long enough for each of our kids to get a bingo and choose a prize (including sunglasses, fidgets, and mini beach balls).

Ship Shape Health Club

This Ship Shape Health Club is between Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort near Stormalong Bay. It’s open 24/7 with room key access and features cardio, strength, and functional fitness equipment with lockers available.

Campfire Activities

Each night from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the resort has a campfire at Shipwreck Beach with marshmallow roasting.

Movies Under the Stars

Disney films are screened at 8 p.m. at Beach Club Beach or the solarium each night. The movie selection depends on the day of the week, including the original “The Little Mermaid” on Fridays and “Moana 2” on Mondays.

Miniature Golf

Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Mini Golf are nearby at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel. These 2 18-hole courses are family-friendly and feature themes from “Fantasia.” A round is $19 per adult or $12 for kids 3 to 9.

Boat Rentals

Pontoon boat rentals are available from Bayside Marina for $49 per half hour with space for up to 10 guests. Reservations aren’t required.

Fishing

Guided catch-and-release bass fishing excursions are available on Crescent Lake. Excursions are $299 for a 2-hour trip or $499 for 4 hours, and they accommodate up to 5 people on a pontoon boat or up to 2 people on a bass boat.

Sports Courts

There’s a tennis and pickleball court near Admiral Pool open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. with equipment available from the front desk. You can also sign up for tennis lessons from Orlando Tennis. A volleyball court is near the Tidal Pool, and equipment is available at the fitness center.

Lafferty Place Arcade

Lafferty Place Arcade is near Stormalong Bay and has family-friendly games including pinball, air hockey, claw machines, and racing games. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Game cards can be purchased at a kiosk inside the arcade.

Laundry

Near Admiral Pool, there is a 24-hour-a-day laundry room. The resort also offers dry cleaning and valet laundry services.

Activities

In addition to movies and campfires each night, the resort has activities nearly every hour from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., including dance parties, paid craft activities, trivia, and bingo.

Gift Shop

The Market at Ale & Compass doubles as a quick-service restaurant and gift shop near the lobby.

It has exclusive Disney’s Yacht Club Resort merchandise, including apparel, towels, and home goods. The shop also had resort wear, toys, souvenirs, and essentials such as over-the-counter medications and snacks.

Convention Center

A large convention center is on-site with rooms for meetings and events. It also features a business center offering fax, copy, print, and ship services. Mail services are available at the front desk.

Dog Policy

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is one of just a few dog-friendly Disney World resorts. There’s a $75 nightly pet fee with a limit of 2 dogs per room. Designated dog-friendly rooms are near the Admiral Pool and pet relief area with dog waste bags.

We boarded our dog at Best Friends Pet Care instead of bringing her to the resort. It was slightly cheaper at $67 per night for a standard indoor accommodation, including mealtimes and potty walks, and we could drop her off in the morning instead of waiting until we could check in to our room.

Other dog-friendly Disney World resorts include:

• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside
• The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
• The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Food and Beverages

Guests of Disney’s Yacht Club resort have 5 on-site places to get something to eat, with additional dining at Disney’s Beach Club Resort and the BoardWalk.

Ale & Compass Restaurant and Lounge

Ale & Compass is a casual dining restaurant featuring New England seafood and American classics, including crab bisque, seafood pot pie, burgers, and New York strip. The restaurant is open for breakfast from 7:30 to 11 a.m., lunch from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m.

The Ale & Compass Lounge next door, open from 12 to 11 p.m., offers snacks and cocktails.

On the other side of the lobby with the gift shop, the Market at Ale & Compass is a quick-service restaurant open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. We mobile-ordered breakfast here and liked the variety, including Mickey-shaped waffles, a breakfast bowl, and a breakfast wrap.

It had beverage stations that worked with refillable resort mugs for coffee, tea, and selections from the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine.

There were also grab-and-go sandwiches, pastries, snacks, and drinks, with a microwave in the corner.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

The resort’s New England-style Yachtsman Steakhouse is open for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. The Crew’s Cup Lounge next door with snacks and drinks is open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort Dining

Additional dining is available at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, including buffet breakfast and dinner at Cape May Cafe, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, Beach Club Marketplace, Martha’s Vineyard lounge, and Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill at Stormalong Bay.

Service

We did a lot of self-service on this stay, bypassing the front desk by checking in with the direct-to-room service and ordering our market breakfast on our mobile device, so our staff interactions were limited but positive. We had fun playing bingo poolside with the cast members. As we walked out the door to head home, a cast member dressed as a yacht captain bade us farewell, which was a friendly and totally on-theme touch.

Final Thoughts

With deluxe-level perks, seamless transportation, and comfortable accommodations, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort delivered a memorable experience. We loved the resort’s proximity to EPCOT, but found the most value in waterpark access and extended evening hours. Fun extras like poolside bingo and the Hey Disney! assistant kept us all entertained. I’m glad we splurged on this Disney Deluxe Resort Hotel stay, if only for a night.