Disney’s Beach Club Resort is widely known for its resort pool, Stormalong Bay, but how does the rest of the resort compare to other Disney resorts? If you’re considering a splurge-worthy Disney vacation, you’re in the right place. My family recently spent a weekend here, and I’m breaking down our entire trip in this Disney’s Beach Club Resort review. Is this resort really worth the price tag? 

Disney’s Beach Club Resort Overview

Our Verdict

• Hotel Category: Deluxe Resort
• Price: $700-$1000+ per night
• Resort Area: EPCOT Resort Area
• Who is it Best For: Resort and EPCOT-focused trips
• Standout Strengths: Stormalong Bay pool, location, Skyliner access
• Key Weaknesses: High price tag, balcony sizes vary
• Value for Money: Worth it if spending time at the resort, not for park-heavy trips

Atmosphere & Theming

Stepping into the Beach Club Resort transports guests to the New England seaside, bringing a casual, beachy atmosphere to the heart of Central Florida. Situated on Crescent Lake, there are even white sandy beaches along the water with views of boats and Disney’s Boardwalk! 

Relaxation is a key component of this resort, offering calm and quiet walkways, plenty of reading nooks and breezeways, and even a solarium. Beach Club offers a prime location for both resort-focused stays and park-focused stays, as the resort is just a short walk away from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. 

Of course, you can’t talk about the Beach Club without talking about Stormalong Bay. The resort pool is not just a pool; it’s an entire mini-waterpark! 

Dining & Transportation Options

As a deluxe resort, Beach Club offers a variety of quick-service dining, table service dining, and lounges. Additionally, since Beach Club and Yacht Club are connected, guests can also access Yacht Club dining with a short walk. Guest dining options include:

• Beach Club Marketplace
• Hurricane Hanna’s Pool Bar and Grill
• Martha’s Vineyard Lounge
• Beaches and Cream Soda Shop
• Cape May Cafe
• Ale & Compass
• Ale & Compass Marketplace
• Crew’s Cup Lounge
• Yachtsman Steakhouse

The resort’s location and transportation options are a huge perk here. Beach Club is a 5-minute walk to EPCOT, and roughly a 15-20 minute walk to Hollywood Studios. Aside from walking, transportation options include: 

• Disney Friendship boats to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
• Disney Skyliner to Hollywood Studios
• Disney Buses to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs

Amenities & Recreation

As a deluxe resort, Beach Club offers a wide variety of amenities and recreation for guests to enjoy. Entertainment options include: 

• Stormalong Bay
• Tidal Pool
• Admiral Pool
• Dunes Cove Pool
• Lafferty Place Arcade ($)
• Ship Shape Fitness Center
• Poolside activities and crafts ($)
• Painting classes ($)
• Movies Under the Stars
• Jogging Trail
• Nightly Campfire
• Fishing excursions ($)
• Boat rentals ($)
• Trivia
• Glow parties
• Tennis courts
• Volleyball court
• Beaches

Our Disney’s Beach Club Resort Review

We spent a weekend at Disney’s Beach Club as a group of six, comprised of three adults and three children. Most of our trip was spent at the resort, though we did pop into the parks for a few hours each day.

The Room

We arrived at 10 AM, and to our delight, our room was ready! We booked a water-view room that sleeps 5 guests plus an infant. Our room was 4641, located in the main building of the Beach Club. 

The room consisted of two queen beds and a sofa that transforms into a twin bed. A small desk and chair were located in the corner, and the bathroom area offered two sinks, a large mirror, and a glass-door bath/shower combo.

While infants have to be listed on the reservation, they don’t technically count toward the number of guests the room holds, so we were able to secure this room even though it slept only 5 people. Guest Services will deliver a pack-and-play for the baby.

There was ample space, nearly double the size of walkways and bathroom areas at value resorts. Since we were only staying for two days, we didn’t have that much luggage, but the raised beds do offer space to tuck suitcases away. One dresser offered drawers for clothing, and there was a hanging closet for additional storage. 

Overall, we loved the room, and even with 6 people it was never overwhelming. However, one downside was the balcony situation. Our balcony ended up being a standing-room-only Juliet balcony, as opposed to a full-size balcony. Thus, there were no table or chairs; instead, just a small square balcony that one person could stand on. The views of Crescent Lake and Disney’s Boardwalk were beautiful, though.

This wasn’t too much of an issue for us since we didn’t spend much time in the room, but I would have been disappointed to not be able to sit and drink my morning coffee on the balcony had we planned a week-long vacation here.

Food and Drinks

Day 1

While sitting by the pool, we ordered some drinks and snacks from Hurricane Hanna’s. My favorite summer drink is the Pina Colava, basically a pina colada mixed with raspberry. Additionally, we snacked on some chicken tenders and fries poolside. 

Once the afternoon storm started rolling in, everyone rushed inside. This left a few lounge options to grab a quick bite and cocktail. We ended up at Crew’s Cup Lounge, a lounge technically located in Disney’s Yacht Club; however, the resorts are connected through a series of indoor and outdoor hallways, less than 3 minutes from one lobby to the other. 

This cozy lounge offers small plates and a full bar. We opted for some housemade chips with a malt vinegar and black garlic aioli for $10.50, as well as a round of draft beers. They were delicious! This is a great spot for a quick lounge snack, while relaxing with family or friends. We snacked, enjoyed our drinks, and played some cards until the storm passed.

For dinner, we mobile ordered from the quick-service option, Beach Club Marketplace. There is no seating inside Beach Club Marketplace, so we brought the food back to our room. With two kids under 5, a meal in the room was welcomed, but I could see it being an issue for those who want to eat at the restaurant. We ordered two pulled pork sandwiches and a mac and cheese kids meal. 

The food was standard quick service quality, though, I really enjoy the pulled pork sandwiches across Disney property. The sandwich is on nearly every quick service menu, and it’s a flavorful switch up to basic burgers and fries. 

Day 2 

We skipped breakfast to head to EPCOT for early entry and ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, but of course had to stop at Connections Cafe for Starbucks after. Unfortunately, between weather and broken-down attractions, we didn’t ride anything else during our EPCOT morning. Instead, we headed back to Beach Club and ended up at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop for lunch. 

Beaches and Cream is home to classic diner comfort food and specialty ice cream, shakes, sundaes, and more. We all enjoyed a combination of grilled cheese and tomato soup, alongside chili cheese tots and mac and cheese kids’ meals for the littles.

We shared meals (a great way to save money as Disney portions are usually large), because our main goal was to take on the famous Kitchen Sink! The ever-popular Kitchen Sink consists of 8 scoops of ice cream, an ENTIRE can of whipped cream, and every ice cream topping and sauce available. The menu says it serves 4, but our group of 6 struggled to finish this, albeit, it was delicious!

I really enjoy the food choices at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and although we didn’t dine at all the available restaurants this trip, past experiences have proven that all the options are great.  

Amenities & Recreation

Our first stop upon arrival was, of course, Stormalong Bay! This highly sought-after pool (more like a waterpark) is so popular that cast members have it on strict lockdown. So much so that you have to wear a wristband to even get in. Once you acquire your wristband, it’s a race for shaded seating. 

The pool opens at 10 AM, though guests line up well in advance to ensure a good spot. We walked in at 10:30 AM and found one small table with an umbrella, with the rest of our loungers in the sun. 

Throughout the day, the kids played in the beach sand pool (bring beach toys to play with!), while we floated in the lazy river, played volleyball, participated in poolside trivia and games, and took about 15 trips down the waterslides. 

Stormalong Bay was the main attraction for our weekend getaway, though we did take a few trips to the Lafferty Place Arcade as well. 

Transportation

We only used Disney transportation once during this trip, as EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance is within walking distance of this resort.

While we spent most of our days at Stormalong Bay, we decided to head to Magic Kingdom one day once the afternoon storms passed. We arrived at the bus station around 6 PM, and a bus pulled up just minutes later. (Tip: you can check your resort bus times in the My Disney Experience app). 

The bus process is seamless, though, at the end of the night it can get crowded. The park was open till 11 PM, but most people headed out after the Happily Ever After fireworks spectacular, which was at 10 PM that night. Our return bus came pretty quickly, but it was packed with many people standing.

The convenience of EPCOT being within walking distance is one of my favorite perks of this resort, especially with a double stroller. Being able to pop in and out of the park and not have to fold a stroller up to get on the bus gives the location an A+ from me. 

Overall Disney’s Beach Club Resort Review

Overall, Disney’s Beach Club Resort’s value is solely dependent on how much you have in the budget. For our trip, our room cost $410 per night; however, that included an annual passholder discount. Without the discount, this room would have cost $700 per night. If a deluxe resort stay is financially accessible for you, resort days are essential, and EPCOT and Hollywood Studios are priorities, Disney’s Beach Club is a must-stay! 

However, if Magic Kingdom is a priority, you don’t plan to utilize the amenities, or the high price tag just isn’t in the cards, don’t be disappointed. I’ve had just as great stays at moderate (and value) resorts throughout my over 100 nights on Disney property. 

Comments

Have you stayed at Disney’s Beach Club Resort? Let us know in the comments if we’ve convinced you to stay here on your next Disney trip, or where you’re staying instead!