Why stay at the Yacht Club?

Three very important reasons: Location, Location, Location. The Yacht Club is one of the most conveniently located resorts on Disney's property. The Yacht Club is within walking distance of Epcot, Disney's Boardwalk, the Swan, and the Dolphin hotels. It is also just a short boat ride away from the Disney's Hollywood Studios.

If you like fine dining, you will be in the center of it all. Both the Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts have many fine locations, as does Disney's Boardwalk just across Crescent Lake, and the international flavor of World Showcase in Epcot. If you like to swim, one of the best hotel pools, Stormalong Bay, is right under your nose. There are several other recreational activities available at the Yacht Club (described below).

Transportation - How do I get there from here?

• Epcot - Epcot can be easily reached by foot, a short 10-minute walk along the water way leading to Epcot's International Gateway. If walking isn't for you, there is a boat to ferry guests from all the Epcot resorts (Swan, Dolphin, Boardwalk, Yacht Club, and Beach Club) to the International Gateway, but the walk is faster and a bit more scenic. To board the boat, simply exit the lobby on the rear side of the hotel and walk straight down to the dock. Be sure you're in the Epcot line (left side facing the water), not the Disney's Hollywood Studios (right side facing the water) line.
  
  Epcot resort guests CAN use the International Gateway entrance to Epcot even though World Showcase may not yet be open for the day. Cast members will help usher you toward Future World in Epcot. The International Gateway also offers full-service ticketing and purchasing of annual passes. The guest services window usually opens 30 minutes prior to park opening.
  
  
• Disney's Hollywood Studios - The best way to reach the Studios is by boat. You can meet the boat at the dock just as you would the boat for Epcot, by exiting the rear or the hotel and walking straight down to the dock. Again, make sure you catch the right boat. The CMs will surely let you know which boat you're getting on. The boat usually stops by the Swan and Dolphin and Boardwalk via the Studios. The trip takes about 20 minutes.

  The walking path from the Boardwalk resort to the Studios is now open. If you're up to a 20-minute walk, enjoy the stroll!

• Magic Kingdom - The Magic Kingdom can easily be reached by taking a bus from the front of the hotel. The bus will stop at the Beach Club, the Boardwalk, and then you're just moments away from the Magic! Another longer, but more scenic, journey is to take the monorail from Epcot's front entrance, transfer at the TTC, and then continue to the MK. Traveling this way does take some time and some walking, but you get to see a little bit more, and it lends to resort hopping if the mood strikes. Depending on traffic, buses can take 15-25 minutes to reach the Magic Kingdom.
  
  
• Disney's Animal Kingdom - Disney's Animal Kingdom can be reached by taking a bus from the front of the hotel. The bus will stop at the Beach Club, the Boardwalk, and then you're just moments away from Disney's newest theme park! Depending on traffic, buses can take 10-20 minutes to reach the Animal Kingdom.
  
  
• Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Pleasure Island and Downtown Disney - Buses take you directly from the hotel to these locations after picking up passengers from the Beach Club and Boardwalk Inn. Travel times vary to each of these locations, but many of these attractions are relatively close to the Yacht Club, so you never have to wait too long. A trip to Typhoon Lagoon takes approximately 20 minutes. A trip to Downtown Disney takes approximately 30 minutes.
  
  
• Disney's Boardwalk - The Boardwalk faces the Yacht and Beach Clubs on the opposite side of Crescent Lake. There are two foot bridges, one in the direction of the Swan/Dolphin hotels, and one in the direction of Epcot, allowing you to walk to this entertainment complex and hotel.
  
  
• For all other locations, including Fort Wilderness, and resort hotels, buses to Downtown Disney will allow you to connect with other transportation to your final destination. You can also take the monorail from the Future World side of Epcot to reach the TTC. Travel times vary widely here. You can time it just right and have a short, efficient trip, or have a trip lasting almost an hour. Hope for the best!
  
  Hint: When in a hurry, it usually takes only 5 minutes to get a taxi. Go to the valet station at the front of the Yacht Club and they will call a taxi for you. Trips to destinations on property range in cost from $8 to $15. For example, the typical taxi fare from the Yacht Club to the Grand Floridian costs about $14 (not including tip).

What are the rooms like?

A room with a view, but which one?

There are three views available: The Standard view, the Garden view, and the Water view. Normal rooms can be booked for Standard or Water view. Concierge level rooms can be booked for Garden or Water view.

Standard view rooms overlook the nicely landscaped parking or wooded areas around the hotel. Garden view rooms typically overlook the slightly nicer areas around the quiet pool, or even the wedding gazebo. Water view rooms have a direct view of Crescent Lake and the Boardwalk. Some of the Water view rooms are located just above Stormalong Bay and may be a bit noisy during the day. Note also that not all water view rooms offer a direct view of the lake and the Boardwalk. Many are at right angles to the lake, making it often difficult or impossible to see the Boardwalk. If you should book a Water view room, don't be disappointed if you don't have a direct view of the lake.

All Disney resorts and guest rooms are smoke free. There are designated outdoor smoking areas. Check the resort map or with a Cast Member for locations.

What are the prices for a room?

The Yacht Club is considered a "Deluxe" resort hotel, and its prices are among the more expensive offered at Disney. There are Value Season, Regular Season, Peak Season and Holiday Season rates. These are regular rate prices and do not include the Florida Sales Tax nor the county resort tax. Rates are based on double occupancy. No charge for children under 17 years old when in the same room as the adults. For each adult over 2 there is a $25 per night charge per person. Maximum of 5 persons per room.

Restaurants?

If you're looking for good food while staying at the Yacht Club you needn't go far. The Yacht Club has two very good restaurants of its own, and a brief walk along Stormalong Bay will take you to the restaurants of the Beach Club.

Captain's Grille (was known as the Yacht Club Galley) -- Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual nautical atmosphere. Tables are almost always available, but an Advance Reservation is recommended if possible.

Yachtsman Steakhouse -- Serving dinner only. This is the Yacht Club's premier restaurant (pictured below), serving tasty cuts of superbly aged beef, poultry and seafood selections are also available here. An Advance Reservation is highly recommended for dinner. They are usually able to accommodate early (5:30-7:00) and late (9:00-9:45) walk up arrivals. A party of two is more likely to be seated more quickly than a party of six or more. Although this rule normally applies even to the busiest of seasons, there are no guarantees. Always make an Advance Reservations if possible to avoid disappointment.

Looking for a place to relax, wind down, and have a nice drink? The YC offers two lounges at your disposal. The Ale and Compass Lounge, located just off the lobby features specialty coffee and drinks. In the morning, coffee is served here from 8 to 10 a.m. The Crew's Cup, located near the Yachtsman Steakhouse, serves a multitude of beer, along with your favorite drinks and wines. Appetizers and finger foods are also available here, making the Crew's Cup a nice place for a light evening meal.

Don't forget right next door in the Beach Club is the Cape May Buffet, where you'll find Goofy and friends for a breakfast buffet or a clambake dinner served family-style (buffet). Also, shared between the YC and BC are two other dining locales, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop (open 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. for Breakfast, 11 a.m. -11 p.m. for Lunch and Dinner) and Hurricane Hanna's Grill. Beaches & Cream serves wonderful shakes and malts along with burgers and ice cream selections. Hanna's specializes in great, quick eats such as hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, and more.

Beach Club Market Place - offers quick service foods, some made to order, and gelato!

The Ale and Compass Lounge is great for a really fast cup of coffee.

Full Service Breakfast options also include Captain's Grille (Yacht Club) Spoodles (Boardwalk), and Fresh (Dolphim)

I want to swim!

The Yacht Club has one of the best, if not the best swimming holes (at a hotel) in all of Walt Disney World. Stormalong Bay is a three-acre water playground shared between the Yacht Club and the Beach Club. It's a great place to have fun or just relax. Stormalong Bay has many different sections that encompass its 750,000 gallons of water. There are shallow wading areas for the younger ones, complete with sand bottoms. There are also larger and deeper areas, some with sand, some without.

A "shipwreck" on the shore of Crescent Lake provides the entrance to an exciting water slide for the adventurous folks. There is a circular area in Stormalong Bay with water jets that create a current. All you have to do is float. the water will move you along! All around Stormalong Bay are lounge chairs where you can relax and catch some rays. Among other things, you'll find a waterfall and a couple of hot tubs hidden amongst the scenery. Note, however, that lifejackets cannot be worn when using the water slide. The water slide includes an enclosed tube and a child with a lifejacket can get stuck. If your child requires the use of a lifejacket, you can request to use the pool and slide at the Boardwalk Inn.

There is a quiet pool at the Yacht Club, found on the far end of the hotel away from the noise and excitement. The pool is located on the front/side of the hotel farthest from the Beach Club and closest to the Swan/Dolphin. There is also a hot tub in the same area as the quiet pool. These facilities are open 24 hours, as long as you are quiet! You can also use the quiet pool/hot tub on the Beach Club side of things. This pool is located on the back side of the Beach Club, closest to Epcot. You may see this area if you walk the path to Epcot.

What other recreation is available at the Yacht Club?

Be sure to request the Recreational Activities flyer. There may be activities like Water Volleyball, Campfire Sing-along, or Movie Under the Stars.

If swimming isn't for you, there are plenty of other activities available at the Yacht Club. Areas for volleyball and croquet are available on the Beach Club end of the twin hotel complex. Equipment is available free of charge from the Ship Shape Health Club.

Ship Shape Health Club is located between the Beach and Yacht Club resorts next to Lafferty Place Arcade and open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Membership is free to Yacht Club resort guests for the length of their stay. Disney Vacation Club members may use the facilities free if they are staying at a Disney resort. Guests from other Disney resorts can use the facilities for $12/day, based on availability. Equipment includes Nautilus, Hammer Strength and aerobic machines as well as a spa, steam room, sauna and massage therapy. Massages are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. by appointment only.

Jogging - Jogging route maps are available from Lobby Concierge (Guest Services) or from the Ship Shape Health Club.

Volleyball -A sand court is located on the Beach Club side of the complex. Equipment use is complimentary for BC/YC guests and may be obtained at the Stormalong Bay Towel Window.

Lafferty Place Arcade is located next to the Beaches and Cream Soda Shop.

Bayside Marina is located in a small building to the right of the pier (facing the lake) and services guests from both the Yacht Club and Beach Club daily from 11am to 5pm. To reserve cruises or fishing excursions call 1-407-WDW-PLAY.

Fantasia Gardens - is located across from the Swan/Dolphin hotels. Here you can enjoy mini-golf at its best... Disney style.

I need to shop, NOW! OR -- I forgot to pack something real important!

The Yacht Club's all-purpose store is Fittings and Fairings Clothes and Notions. It is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. This store offers a small but comprehensive collection of clothing, character merchandise, and sundries. Need a greeting card, maybe some soap, how about a toothbrush? They've got it. Did you forget your undershirts? Got a run in your pantyhose? A quick trip down to this first-floor store will satisfy your needs. Beware though, you may pay for forgetfulness! You won't find "el cheapo" clothing here. Those undershirts you forgot are Polo brand undershirts here. About $10 apiece! The Beach Club has a shop with similar items called Beach Club Marketplace. If Fittings and Fairings is out of stock, try there! Also if you are looking for cigarettes, each of the BC and YC shops has some behind one of the counters, so just ask a Cast Member.

Need your clothes cleaned?

If you need to wash your clothes during your stay at the Yacht Club, laundry facilities are located adjacent to the quiet pool area located on the far front side of the hotel, closer to the Swan/Dolphin hotels. Likewise there are laundry facilities at the quiet pool of the Beach Club.

If you need something dry cleaned or pressed, you'll find a card detailing services and costs in your room upon check-in. An iron and ironing board are located in most guest rooms. If your room does not have these items, they can be obtained free of charge by contacting housekeeping.

Baby-sitting, Childcare, Children's Programs

Need a break from the young ones? Childcare services are available at the Sandcastle Club located on the Beach Club side of things. The Sandcastle Club is for children ages 4-12 and is available from 4:30 p.m. until midnight. Take a look at our Childcare FAQ for details and current pricing.

The Grand Floridian vs. Yacht Club/Beach Club Debate

Folks participating in discussions on Disney Message Boards some times ask: Which is better, the Grand Floridian or the Yacht/Beach Club? There are people on both sides who will swear their hotel of choice is hands-down the best. It is this FAQ writer's opinion that the question is not of quality or stature, but of convenience, practicality, and cost.

For those guests traveling with children, some say the Grand Floridian and the Yacht Club are a bit stuffy for kids. Most agree that no hotel in WDW is too stuffy for kids. Some may seem more inviting than others, but all hotels embrace children just as the Magic Kingdom would. Walt Disney World is for kids of ALL ages. There are plenty of programs and activities at any of these hotels to keep children happily entertained.

Think about the cost first. Can you afford the hotel? The Grand Floridian does cost more than the YC/BC. Is it worth the cost to you? Some say yes, some say no. For a five night, non-discounted stay, you could spend more than $250 more for your room (regular season) at the Grand Floridian. If you had your heart set on being in the "main" building at the Grand Floridian, keep in mind that this building only houses the more costly concierge rooms, costing at least $540 per night.

Now think about how practical your hotel choice may be, and how convenient it will be. If you are traveling with children, and plan to spend much of your time in the Magic Kingdom, or in your hotel, then the Grand Floridian might be for you. You will be a quick monorail or boat ride away from the Magic, and the ride back will be just as quick for early afternoon naps. If you are traveling without children, especially couples, the Yacht/Beach Club might be best for you. You are as close as you can be to two of the three major theme parks, you're a stone's throw away from the nighttime (and daytime) fun of the Boardwalk, and a quick bus ride will whisk you away to the other minor theme parks.

If cost is not a factor, and you don't have your heart set on one hotel or the other, look at the amenities that each hotel offers, and then look at where you will be spending most of your time. If a full-service spa is something you want to visit often, you might choose the Grand Floridian. If you plan on partying to the wee hours of the morning, being within walking distance of the party might appeal to you. By staying close to where you'll be spending most of your time, you'll be able to see and do more: you'll spend less time on buses, boats, and monorails.

Although you will feel comfortable walking around in shorts and that special Mickey tee-shirt at either resort, there is a vast difference in the atmosphere. The Yacht Club exudes a feeling of quiet understated elegance, while the Floridian flaunts its elegance on a grand scale. If you like the concept of luxurious furniture and fixtures, sounds of a live piano or band wafting through the lobby, and bright airy spaces then the Floridian is for you. If you prefer the more subdued atmosphere of quiet elegance, dark wood floors, and quiet then the Yacht Club is probably better suited to your tastes.

Yacht Club Vital Statistics

The Yacht Club is located at 1700 Epcot Resorts Blvd.; Box 10,000; Lake Buena Vista, FL; 32830-1000. The main phone number is (407) 934-7000. The fax number is (407) 934-3450.

For directions on getting to the Yacht Club from the Orlando airports, visit our Driving Directions page.

Tips and Tricks: What else you should know about the Yacht Club:

Need a new 'do, or just a haircut? Periwig's Salon and Barber, located between the YC and BC, next to the health club, is the place to go. Open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Are you a couple on a romantic getaway? Ask for a room overlooking the wedding gazebo (a garden view room). If you're lucky, from your balcony you'll be able to hear and see a magical Disney wedding take place. Quite a romantic/reminiscent experience.

Plunk a few quarters in the slots at Lafferty Place Arcade where you'll find a selection of exciting video games.

Looking for a night out at a fine restaurant located at another resort? The valet outside the entrance to the Yacht Club can have a taxi for you in about 5 minutes. One way fare to the Contemporary or Grand Floridian will cost you about $14, but get you there MUCH quicker than the bus.