Disney’s EPCOT Resorts

Disney’s EPCOT Resort area consists of three of the Deluxe Walt Disney World Resorts. These resorts offer guests walking access to EPCOT and Skyliner OR walking paths to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The EPCOT Resorts offer a unique blend of luxury, entertainment, and Disney charm. Each with its own distinct personality, these resorts provide an enchanting escape for visitors seeking a memorable stay. Let’s take a look at each of Disney’s EPCOT resorts!

Just outside the International Gateway entrance to EPCOT, you will find Disney’s Boardwalk. Along this gorgeous area of Walt Disney World are the three EPCOT Resorts. Here you will find Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Each of these is unique and beautiful, offering its own unique amenities to guests. Some may suggest that Disney’s Riviera Resort is an “EPCOT” resort, but for the purpose of this post, I am focusing on the three located right outside the entrance to EPCOT.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is a charming waterfront resort that transports guests to the heyday of Atlantic City. The BoardWalk area is adorned with timeless architecture, carnival games, and delightful eateries, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era.

Rooms at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn offers rooms that sleep up to five guests in the standard rooms. These consist of two queens and a sofa that converts to a standard size twin bed. These rooms finished a refurbishment in 2023, and have hard wood floors, a softer color palette, and updated furniture and soft goods. The small Victorian, turn of the century decor and art work make the rooms absolutely beautiful!

Recreation at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

Formerly, Boardwalk Inn was knowing for the scary clown slide at the main pool, Luna Park. However, the creepy clown has been replaced with a more fun, “Disney” theme. Now, it reflects a fun Mickey and Minnie vintage theme. Have you ridden Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? If so, that is similar to the pool theme at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn.

“Luna Park” is home to this super cut Keister Coaster, and is the feature pool area with the fun water slide. You will also find Leaping Horse Libations, where you can purchase food and drinks. The Boardwalk Inn also houses two leisure, quiet pools. These are great for families or adults who want a quiet pool experience without the hustle and bustle of a water slide and the pool side activities.

Dining at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

One thing that I do not LOVE about the EPCOT resorts in general is the lack of dining options. However, keep in mind that at anytime you can hop on the Skyliner, or possibly walk over to EPCOT to get something to eat. It’s not that they don’t exist, I just find them to be very limited. This does NOT keep me from staying at these, or recommending them to guests. I think it’s something to be aware of, though.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn is home to Carousel Coffee, Belle Vue Lounge, and Boardwalk Deli. In the general area of the Boardwalk, you also have easy access to Big River Grille and Brewing Works, Boardwalk Ice Cream, Flying Fish, Trattoria al Forno, and the Pizza Window.

While the lack of dining, or convenient dining options, is not enough to keep me from staying at the Boardwalk Inn, I think it’s important to consider when traveling with younger children.

One of the advantages of staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is its convenient location. Epcot is within walking distance, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is just a boat ride away. This proximity allows guests to easily access the parks and enjoy the magic without lengthy commutes.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Dare I say, Disney’s Beach Club Resort is my favorite EPCOT resort, and my second favorite Walt Disney World Resort overall. The resort is designed to evoke the charm of a beachside community in New England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The architecture is characterized by clapboard siding, pastel colors, and a picturesque lakeside setting. It’s charming, beautiful, and has the BEST pool at Walt Disney World.

Rooms at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

The Beach Club offers Standard rooms that sleep up to 5 guests. Like the Boardwalk, most rooms have two queens and some have an additional sofa that converts to a twin bed. It also has Deluxe Rooms and Suites, some that sleep up to 6. The Deluxe Rooms have two queens and a queen size sleeper sofa, and are much larger as far as square feet. The rooms at Disney’s Beach Club Resort are light and airy. They have a beautiful “airy” theme to them, with soft colors and updated furnishings.

Some, not ALL, rooms at the Beach Club have a balcony. You can request a room with a balcony, but it is a request and not a guarantee.

Recreation at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is home to Stormalong Bay. This is the BEST pool on all of Walt Disney World property. Stormalong Bay is known for the tall pirate ship water slide, sand bottom pool area, and lazy river. It is a 3-acre water complex shared with the adjacent Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Stormalong Bay includes a sandy-bottomed lake, a lazy river, a shipwreck-themed pool, and a sandy beach. It’s one of the most elaborate and enjoyable pool areas on Disney property.

Guests of Disney’s Beach Club Resort can also enjoy poolside games, movies under the stars and campfires on the beach. While these are common activities at almost all of the Walt Disney World resorts, there is something special about a movie on the beach at the Beach Club. The ambiance of the Boardwalk and EPCOT just add to it!

Dining at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is home to Cape May Cafe. Which is at the top of my list of favorite character dining locations! Guests can dine with Minnie and her friends in their cutest beach costumes for breakfast! In the evening, Cape May Cafe serves dinner. They serve a seafood buffet, with some of the finest peel and eat shrimp, mussels, and other seafood offerings.

Not only is it home to Cape May, but also to Beaches and Cream Soda Shop. Beaches and Cream is also a table service dining location. But, they also have a walk up window for guests who just want to order some of their famous ice cream creations. The No Way Jose and Kitchen Sink are some of the best ice cream concoctions you will ever have! Also, the diner themed restaurant serves sandwiches, soups, and other yummy menu items for lunch and dinner.

Beach Club Marketplace and Hurricane Hanna’s {located near the pool} are your Quick Service dining locations. Both of these have a decent menu, and you can find something to snack on as well. You will also find the drink refill stations at these locations.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a popular choice for guests who appreciate a relaxing beach atmosphere combined with the convenience of being close to Epcot and other amenities on Disney property. It provides a blend of luxury, theming, and proximity to the parks that make it a sought-after destination for Disney visitors.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

This Deluxe Walt Disney World Resort is the “sister” resort to Beach Club. So this means they are connected via a walkway, and they share the same amenities. For example, Stormalong Bay is available to guests of BOTH Yacht and Beach Club resorts. The resort is themed as a luxurious New England yacht club, featuring a stately nautical design with dark wood accents, polished brass, and a color palette inspired by the sea. The overall atmosphere is elegant and refined.

Rooms at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

The rooms at this resort are designed for families of up to 5 guests. Upper floor rooms have balconies, while lower floor rooms have patios. Some suites will sleep 6 guests. The rooms feature a classic maritime design with dark wood furniture, brass accents, and a color palette inspired by the sea. The overall decor is elegant and creates a sophisticated atmosphere.

Depending on the room category, guests may enjoy views of the resort’s landscaped grounds, gardens, the Crescent Lake, or the BoardWalk area.

Recreation at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

As mentioned earlier, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort shares the Stormalong Bay pool complex area with Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Stormalong Bay is a 3-acre water wonderland featuring a sandy-bottomed pool, lazy river, a shipwreck-themed pool, and a whirlpool spa. It’s one of the most elaborate and enjoyable pool areas on Disney property.

The Yacht Club is home to Lafferty Place Arcade as well. Located near the resort’s lobby, the Lafferty Place Arcade provides a fun indoor activity for guests of all ages. It features a selection of video games and classic arcade games.

Guests of the Yacht and Beach Club also have access to the Ship Shape Fitness Center. The Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness is the resort’s fitness center, equipped with cardio and weight training machines. It’s a great place for guests to maintain their fitness routine while on vacation.

Dining at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort offers a variety of dining options, ranging from casual to fine dining. And, with the close proximity of the Beach Club, guests can also find great dining options to enjoy there as well!

Yachtsman Steakhouse is the signature dining restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Known for its upscale and intimate atmosphere, it specializes in premium steaks and seafood. The restaurant features an open kitchen, and the menu includes a selection of dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and other gourmet dishes.

In my opinion, Ale and Compass is a “hidden gem” at Walt Disney World. Their breakfast is AMAZING! Ale & Compass Restaurant is a casual dining option located in the lobby of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. The restaurant offers a New England-inspired menu with a focus on comfort food. Guests can enjoy dishes such as clam chowder, lobster rolls, and various entrees for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Crew’s Cup Lounge is a cozy spot located adjacent to Yachtsman Steakhouse. It offers a pub-like atmosphere with dark wood and nautical decor. Guests can enjoy a variety of beverages, including cocktails, beer, and wine, along with appetizers.

For guests who want a quiet, nautical, and upscale resort, the Yacht Club is a great option. The proximity to EPCOT, as well as the ease of sharing amenities with Disney’s Beach Club makes it a great option.

To note, the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve are “EPCOT” resorts. Although they are owned by Marriott, but situated on Walt Disney World property.

Overall, staying at one of the EPCOT resorts is a win win. These resorts are in a prime location to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Also, they are known as being the most centrally located on all of Disney property. That makes access to the Magic Kingdom and Disneys’ Animal Kingdom very easy and fairly quick, even though you are taking Disney motorcoaches.

Also, guests of the onsite Walt Disney World Resorts are entitled to the following;

• Early Park Entry
• Continuous Complimentary Transportation
• Booking dining 60-days from arrival for your entire stay
• Early access to booking Individual Lightning Lane selections at 7AM

Will your family be enjoying one of the EPCOT resorts on your next trip? To plan your next trip, reach out to me at carrie@destinationsinflorida.com.