I get asked by many potential clients about the three Disney resorts that are considered the “Boardwalk area resorts.” Which is best? Which is closest to EPCOT? Best pool? Best nightlife? I thought it would be a good idea to dissect these three resorts and give you a taste of each to help you see which would be the best fit for your Disney vacation.
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club, and Beach club are all deluxe resorts. They have the same amenities as far as what is in your room, but they all have different themes. All three are within walking distance to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and all offer some great dining locations.
Let’s start with the Yacht Club. This resort, per the name, has a very nautical feel. Lots of navy blue and browns can be seen throughout the resort. The lobby is very cozy, and it has a quaint feeling to it.
The rooms have lots of nautical touches as well as hidden Mickeys.
One of my favorite restaurants, Yachtsman Steakhouse, can also be found at this resort. This is the only resort where I have not stayed club level so I cannot attest to it, but I have heard it is a very small room, similar to the Beach Club’s club level lounge.
One of the biggest draws here is access to the pool (saying pool just doesn’t do it justice, it’s amazing), Stormalong Bay.
Kids (and adults!) can play here for hours and hours. Back before magic bands, you had to have a special wrist band to get into the pool area because so many people not staying at the resort would try to sneak in. This miniature waterpark is shared with the Yacht Club’s sister resort, Disney’s Beach Club. Here you will find light colors, sand volleyball courts, and Beaches n Cream soda shop. It is also home to Cape May Café which has a character buffet and a clam bake dinner.
Rooms are light and airy, with seafoam green and light blues.
I have stayed club level here, and the lounge was very small, cramped, and loud when we were there. The food offerings were, in my opinion, just ok.
Lastly, we have the Boardwalk Inn, on the other side of the lake. This resort attracts the older crowd and the single crowd because well, the scary clown slide just freaks everyone out. (I will spare you a close up!)
The pool is fine, but compared to Stormalong Bay…well, there is no comparison. The room below is not a normal sized room, it is a deluxe room…so don’t go thinking all the rooms are this big. 
The color scheme has a lot of red and yellow for a more Victorian feel. I love all the brightness, and it remind me a lot of the Grand Floridian. The biggest draw for this resort is the sweeping Boardwalk views, and the nightlife. Below is a view from our balcony. Gorgeous.
At night you can find magicians along the Boardwalk, and you are steps away from the Atlantic Dance Hall and Jellyrolls dueling piano bar. My favorite two restaurants on the Boardwalk are Flying Fish café and the ESPN club. If we are staying during football season we always end up there watching a game!
As I mentioned before, all three resorts are within walking distance to two parks. Boardwalk Inn is the closest to Hollywood Studios, and the Beach Club is the closest to EPCOT. The walks to both parks are beautiful and peaceful, we really enjoy this time before the hustle and bustle of the day. Note: there is also a boat if you don’t want to walk!
The club level lounge at the Boardwalk is bigger than the other two, and has good food in my opinion. The staff is super friendly as well.
So, in my opinion? If you has small kids, I would most likely pick the Beach Club or Yacht Club. If you are young folk with no kids, or empty nesters, etc. I would go with the Boardwalk Inn. All three are great no matter what you choose though!
QOTD: What is your favorite of these three resorts and why?
I would love to plan your family’s magical vacation to one of these resorts or one of the many other options. 2016 pricing comes out on Monday, so email me today to get on my list of quotes! heather@travelwiththemagic.com
We stayed at Boardwalk, in the Disney Vacation Club section, for the first time last October and we LOVED it. Since Epcot is our favorite park, the location can’t be beat. It’s close to Hollywood Studios, too. Also, that entire area is good for runners (a few loops around the lake is a good workout!). I agree with you, though, all three are great!
Yes I love running around the lake!
My parents’ home resort was the Boardwalk with their time share. We started staying there when I was in high school and I just love it. Between the easy walks or boat rides, running around the lake, and so much to do, it’s a great area to stay in.
The Yatch Club is my favorite! Not only of the Epcot resorts but my favorite Disney World Resort hotel. Evah! We just had so much fun there and it was so convenient for Hollywood Studios (small kids so Disney Junior factors in big in our plans). Stormalong Bay could very well be a water park on its own and like Jennifer said, it’s beautiful run around the lake with so much to see. It’s also part of the Disney Marathon route. I actually got lost once while running there. Ended up in a cast member area somehow. Don’t ask. lol
I’d stay at any of them! I love Disney!! haha
All these resorts are so beautiful! I’d stay at any of them : ) I’m going to Beaches n’ Cream for dinner over 4th of July weekend and can’t wait to see the Boardwalk area (beyond what I see in the marathon)