by Heather | Jan 28, 2022 | Deluxe Resorts, Walt Disney World
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a deluxe resort hotel at the Walt Disney World Resort. There are 630 rooms at this resort and it is the sister to Disney’s Beach Club Resort, sharing many amenities.
Located in the EPCOT area, the resort is filled with elegance and the ambiance of summertime at the New England seaside. It is just a short walk to EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance. Guests can also walk or take a short boat ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Resort Overview
This deluxe resort is located in the EPCOT area, right along the waters of Crescent Lake. Featuring nautical touches reminiscent of a New England-style yacht club, this lakeside hotel offers elegance and top-notch amenities, with an amazing location.
Reasons We Love This Resort:
- Location: This resort is a short walk to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Great for families: Spacious standard rooms sleep up to 5 guests, with larger accommodations also available
- Pool and Recreation: The pool is one of the best on Disney property
- Dining: There are great dining options at the resort, with additional restaurants nearby
Amenities:
- Wi-Fi Service (complimentary wi-fi access in guest rooms, main lobbies, and main pools)
- Dining Options (table service, quick service, and poolside service)
- Business Center (computer services, print services, shipping services, office supplies)
- Designated Smoking Area
- Luggage Service (luggage assistance, valet parking assistance, dry cleaning)
- Laundry Services (24-hour self-service laundry room is available)
- Housekeeping Services
- Valet and Self-Parking
- 24-Hour ATM (near the front desk)
- Babysitting and Childcare Services
- Front Desk Service (banking and mail)
- Merchandise Delivery and Pickup
- Grocery Orders
- Ice and Vending Machines
- Concierge Service (purchase tickets, upgrade tickets, special requests)
- Ship Shape Health Club
- Beach Club Marketplace for sundries, snacks, apparel, and souvenirs
- Salon Services
- Room Service
- Safekeeping (in-room safes with safe-keeping boxes available at Front Desk)
- Rapid Fill (refillable mugs)
- Wake-up Call Service
- Disability Service (mobility, hearing, visual, and service animal accommodations)
- Pet-friendly resort hotel
- Resort Airline Check-In
A Full Range of Accommodations
Spacious accommodations with a nautical theme and subtle Disney touches offer a New England-style vibe. This Resort hotel offers an array of room options, including:
- Standard View
- Garden or Woods View
- Water View
- Standard View – Club Level
- Garden View – Club Level
- Water View – Club Level
- 2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level Access
Standard View
The standard view rooms offer spacious accommodations with views of either the rooftop or parking area.
Standard View:
- Can accommodate up to 5 adults
- Views of rooftop or parking area
- The room configuration will be one of the following: 2 queen beds and 1 twin-sized sleeper chair; 1 king bed and 1 day bed; 1 king bed; 1 queen bed, 1 twin-size sleeper chair and 1 day bed
- Full bathroom with shower
- Mini refrigerator and coffee maker
- Flat-panel TV
- Private porch or balcony with seating for two
Garden or Woods View
Rooms in this category offer views of the garden or woods.
Garden or Woods View:
- Can accommodate a party of 5
- The room configuration will be one of the following: 1 king bed; 1 queen bed, 1 day bed, and 1 twin-size sleeper chair; 2 queen beds and 1 day bed; 2 queen beds
- Full bathroom with shower
- Mini refrigerator and coffee maker
- Flat-panel TV
- Private porch or balcony
Water View
Rooms in this category offer views of Crescent Lake or the quiet pool.
Water View:
- Can accommodate a party of 5
- The room configuration will be one of the following: 1 king bed and 1 day bed; 1 king bed; 1 queen bed, 1 day bed, and 1 twin-size sleeper chair; 2 queen beds and 1 day bed; 2 queen beds
- Full bathroom with shower
- Mini refrigerator and coffee maker
- Flat-panel TV
- Private porch or balcony
Club Level
For guests looking for an elevated level of service, the club level at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is the way to go. These room categories include all of the standard amenities. In addition, club level guests receive the following amenities:
- Complimentary health club access
- Secured key access to the club-level lounge, serving refreshments from 7:00 am – 10:00 pm daily
- Club Level Concierge – Regatta Club
- Complimentary Newspapers in Club Level lounge
- Daily Housekeeping Service
- Access to Disney Signature Services
- Personalized Front Desk and Guest Services
There are four different room types available at the club level.
These room types include:
Standard View
- Sleeps up to 4 guests
- Views of rooftop or parking area
- The room configuration includes 1 king bed or 2 queen beds
Garden View
- Sleeps up to 4 adults
- Views of the garden
Water View
- Sleeps up to 4 adults
- Views of one of the Stormalong Bay Lagoons
2 bedroom suite:
- Can accommodate a party of up to 6 guests
- The room configuration includes 2 king beds and 1 queen-size sleeper
- Full bathroom with shower
- Flat-panel TV
- Private balcony
- Views of Stormalong Bay or Crescent Lake
Dining Information
Ale & Compass
The Ale & Compass Restaurant is located right inside Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. This restaurant offers menu options that take you away to the New England coast in a cozy atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to start or end your day, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus available.
Breakfast
The breakfast menu includes hearty dishes such as omelets, dark chocolate waffles, and more. Plus, there are lighter options available such as smoothies and a buffet featuring pastries, parfaits, and more.
Lunch
The lunch menu features sandwiches, salads, and hearty soups such as Lobster and Corn chowder.
Dinner
There are a variety of dinner options on the menu, sure to delight every palate. Whether you prefer seafood or heartier options such as chicken or pasta, you are sure to find something delicious! Be sure to save room for the dessert menu too. The decadent desserts include a 12-layer chocolate cake, apple cobbler, and more.
All Dining & Lounges
- Ale & Compass – Offering New England comfort food, this restaurant is a cozy place to enjoy a meal, inspired by a coastal lighthouse. Currently, breakfast and dinner are served here.
- Ale & Compass Lounge – Stop here for a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails as you relax in the nautical-themed lounge.
- Yachtsman Steakhouse – Come to this airy dining room filled with nautical touches as you enjoy a signature dining experience of high-quality, hand-cut steaks, your choice of delicious sides, and decadent desserts! A dress code is required at this Signature Dining Experience.
- The Market at Ale & Compass – This quick service location offers a variety of choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Options include Mickey waffles, sandwiches, and more.
- Cape May Cafe – This restaurant is located next door, at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and serves an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast or a surf and turf dinner.
- Beaches & Cream Soda Shop – This restaurant offers a nostalgic setting, reminiscent of a soda shop on the Atlantic seashore. Open for lunch and dinner, guests can choose from fountain favorites such as milkshakes and sodas, as well as burgers and sandwiches. The best part though is the desserts, especially the Kitchen Sink! There is also a to-go menu available.
- Beach Club Marketplace – This quick service location offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Mobile ordering is also available.
- Martha’s Vineyard – This New England beach house-themed lounge offers a full bar with signature cocktails and a variety of appetizers.
- Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill – Located poolside with a great view of Stormalong Bay, enjoy your choice of cocktails, beers, and frozen drinks, along with a selection of appetizers and entrees.
- Crew’s Cup Lounge – Located right next to the Yachtsman Steakhouse, this cozy spot is the perfect place to relax and unwind while enjoying your choice of wine, pint, or cocktail.
Pools, Grounds, & Recreation
The feature pool at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Stormalong Bay, is shared with its sister resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This is one of the best pools on Disney property, offering 3 acres of aquatic entertainment. It includes a sandy-bottom pool with a sandy beach, which is the perfect location for kids to play. There is a lazy river and three whirlpool spas. Then, head over to explore the life-size shipwreck and enjoy one of the highest hotel waterslides at the Walt Disney World Resort!
If you plan to spend your day poolside, consider a cabana rental to relax in the shade. This is the perfect retreat, furnished and shady, with personal electronics and refreshments included.
In addition to Stormalong Bay, there are three leisure pools at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. These quiet pools offer a more peaceful swimming experience and are shared by guests staying at Disney’s Yacht Club, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and Disney’s Beach Club Villas. All pools include steaming whirlpool spas.
In addition to the amazing pools, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort offers many other recreation options. Since it is located right on Crescent Lake, there are motorized boat rentals available, as well as fishing excursions.
If you are looking to exercise, there is a lit tennis court, a sandy volleyball court, and several jogging paths. There is even a loop around Crescent Lake, along Disney’s Boardwalk.
In the evenings, head out to the beach area for campfire activities where guests can roast marshmallows. Then, watch some of your favorite Disney movies under the stars!
Disney’s Yacht Club Transportation
Get around Walt Disney World Resort with ease using these convenient, complimentary transportation options.
How to get to each park:
While staying at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort you may be wondering how you can get to each park using the free transportation systems offered at Walt Disney World. We have it broken down for you:
- Magic Kingdom: There are free resort buses that offer transportation to Magic Kingdom nearly every 20 minutes from the resort. Buses typically run for an hour after park close.
- EPCOT: Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a short walk to the International Gateway entrance of EPCOT. In addition, Friendship Boats are available if you choose not to walk.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Although a little further, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also within walking distance from this resort. Friendship boats are also available to take guests to the park.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: There are free resort buses that offer transportation to Disney’s Animal Kingdom nearly every 20 minutes from the resort. Buses typically run for an hour after park close.
- Disney Springs and Water Parks: There are free resort buses that offer transportation to Disney Springs and the water parks nearly every 20 minutes from the resort. Buses typically run for an hour after Disney Springs or the water park close.
by Heather | Jan 19, 2022 | Deluxe Villa Resorts, Walt Disney World
Disney’s Riviera Resort is Walt Disney World’s newest Deluxe Villa Resort. The resort opened in December 2019 offering approximately 300 vacation homes and units, including studios, one and two-bedroom villas, and grand villas that sleep up to 12 guests each. There’s also a brand new Tower Studios room category that sleep two guests.
This Walt Disney World Resort is a luxurious retreat that celebrates the elegance and artistic flare from the French Riviera. Walt Disney and his wife Lillian fell in love with the region during their travels over the years. Disney Imagineers took that into consideration when designing the new resort.
Resort Overview
The European-inspired architecture isn’t overwhelmingly “Disney-themed.” Instead, it is the small touches of hidden magic, or pixie dust if you will of Disney: black and white photos of Walt and Lily on holiday in Italy, Disney and Pixar movie posters in French, a Disney art collection but in the style of Van Gogh and Degas, glittering mosaics of Tangled and Peter Pan, and jazzy renditions of Disney favorites.
Reasons We Love This Resort:
- Skyliner Route Resort
- Spacious Rooms allowing you to bring the whole family
- Rooftop Dining at one of the best-rated dining spots on property for both breakfast and dinner.
- Subtle Disney theming
- Brand New Resort
Amenities:
- Wi-Fi Service (complimentary wi-fi access in guest rooms, main lobbies and main pools)
- Dining Options (table service, quick service and poolside service)
- Business Center (computer services, print services, shipping services, office supplies)
- Designated Smoking Areas
- Locker Rentals (near pools)
- Luggage Service (luggage assistance, valet parking assistance, dry cleaning)
- Laundry Services (24-hour self-service laundry room is available)
- Housekeeping Services (daily housekeeping service is not provided for DVC Members, but is available at an additional cost)
- Valet and Self-Parking
- 24-Hour ATM (near the front desk)
- Front Desk Service (banking and mail)
- Merchandise Delivery and Pickup
- Grocery Orders
- Ice and Vending Machines
- Concierge Service (purchase tickets, upgrade tickets, special requests)
- Athlétique Fitness Center
- La Boutique store for sundries, snacks, apparel and souvenirs
- Safekeeping (in-room safes with safe-keeping boxes available at Front Desk)
- Rapid Fill (refillable mugs)
- Wake-up Call Service
- Disability Service (mobility, hearing, visual and service animal accommodations; call (407) 939-7807
A Full Range of Accommodations
Stylish accommodations invite you to channel the relaxation of life along the Riviera. This Resort hotel offers an array of room options, including:
- NEW! Tower Studios – unique to Disney’s Riviera Resort, these accommodate up to 2 Guests
- Deluxe Studios
- 1-Bedroom Villas
- 2-Bedroom Villas
- 3-Bedroom Grand Villas
NEW! Tower Studios (photos below)
Specially designed for 2 Guests, these one-of-a-kind Tower Studios are a marvel of efficiency and luxury—and are unique to Disney’s Riviera Resort. Built into the wall, you’ll find a microwave, small refrigerator, drawers and a cleverly hidden pull-down queen-size bed that just as easily tucks away to reveal a comfortable lounge-worthy space.
Tower Studio:
- Can accommodate a party of 2
- 1 queen-size pull-down bed
- Kitchenette with small refrigerator, wet bar, microwave, toaster, and coffee maker
- Full bathroom with walk-in shower
- Flat panel TV
- Private porch or balcony with seating for two
Deluxe Studios(photos below)
Each stylish Deluxe Studio sleeps up to 5, with a queen-size bed, a pull-down queen-size bed, and a single pull-down bunk-size bed. Enjoy the convenience of your own kitchenette—and unwind on your private patio or balcony.
Deluxe Studio:
- Can accommodate a party of 5
- 1 queen-size bed, 1 queen-size pull-down bed, 1 single pull-down bed
- Kitchenette with small refrigerator, wet bar, microwave, toaster, and coffee maker
- Split bathroom with shower/tub combination on one side and walk-in shower on the other
- Flat panel TV
- Private porch or balcony
Villa Difference(photos below)
You’ll truly feel at home in 1-Bedroom Villas or larger, where you’ll discover a variety of comforts and conveniences, including:
- Separate bedrooms that offer privacy
- A sleek, fully equipped kitchen with stainless-steel appliances—perfect for whipping up a French toast breakfast
- Your own washer and dryer—so you can pack lightly and avoid airline baggage fees
- A soothing bubble-jet bathtub—where you can to relax after an excitement-packed day
1-Bedroom Villa:
- Can accommodate a party of 5
- 1 king-size bed, 1 queen-size pull down bed, 1 single pull-down bed
- Fully-equipped kitchen with full-size appliances, toaster, and coffee maker
- Stacked washer and dryer
- Full bathroom with bubble-jet tub
- Flat panel TV
- Private porch or balcony
2-Bedroom Villa:
- Can accommodate a party of 9
- 1 king-size bed, 2 queen-size beds, 1 queen-size pull-down bed, 1 single pull down bed
- Fully-equipped kitchen with full-size appliances, toaster, and coffee maker
- Stacked washer and dryer
- Full bathroom with bubble-jet tub
- Flat panel TV
- Private porch or balcony
3-Bedroom Villa:
- Can accommodate a party of 12
- 1 king-size bed, 4 queen-size beds, 1 queen-size sleeper sofa
- Fully-equipped kitchen with full-size appliances, toaster, and coffee maker
- Stacked washer and dryer
- Full bathroom with bubble-jet tub
- Flat panel TV
- Private porch or balcony
Dining Information
Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera –
Topolino is the Italian name for Mickey Mouse. The restaurant features authentic dishes infused with French and Italian flavors at dinner and offers views of the nighttime fireworks spectaculars of Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Additionally, guests wanting to begin their day with character can visit Topolino’s Terrace for a Disney character breakfast inspired by the Riviera.
Topolino- Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends
Start your morning with breakfast at this beautiful rooftop restaurant offering an exclusive storybook dining experience. The prix fixe menu offers delicious choices to please everyone in the family.
While enjoying breakfast and the bird’s eye views, Mickey and his friends are excited to celebrate with you! As part of our new Character Dining experience, all Guests will be able to see Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck as they parade through the restaurant in their stylish outfits unique to Topolino’s Terrace!
Topolino- Dinner with a View
For dinner, get ready to indulge in fresh, delicious seafood and meat dishes, handmade pasta and decadent desserts infused with French and Italian flavors at this signature rooftop dining experience straight from the Riviera. Inspired by the cliffside restaurants of France and Italy, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera takes its name from the Italian name for Mickey Mouse.
Dining is a true experience, prepared at the exclusive expo kitchen or wood-burning grill. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from the impressive collection sourced from the Mediterranean coast. Feast your eyes on the stunning visual aesthetic, a modern interpretation of the textures, colors, carved details and stonework found in ancient villages along the Riviera.
All Dining & Lounges
- Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera – as Topolino is the Italian name for Mickey Mouse. The restaurant features authentic dishes infused with French and Italian flavors at dinner and offers views of the nighttime fireworks spectaculars of Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Additionally, guests wanting to begin their day with character can visit Topolino’s Terrace for a Disney character breakfast inspired by the Riviera.
- Le Petit Cafe – a lobby locale with coffee by day and a wine bar by night.
- The Voyageur’s Lounge – located next to Le Petit Café and features décor that was inspired by a collection of book titles that Walt Disney gathered, including Walt’s 1935 European “Grand Tour.” The lounge showcases some of the unique Disney connections to Europe.
- Primo Piatto – the Resort’s quick-service location, is reminiscent of chic dining venues found along Riviera promenades. This restaurant is located near the feature pool.
- Bar Riva – the resort’s open-air pool bar.
Pools, Grounds, & Recreation
The feature pool is relaxing with lounge chairs, colorful umbrellas, and, for the more adventurous, a stone turret slide.
Nearby, S’il Vous Play, an interactive water play area, keeps younger guests cool. The area is inspired by the grand fountains of Europe and features several characters from Fantasia.
While the splashing will please the kids, the patina and limestone-inspired design will have grown-ups feeling like they’re in a “place where visitors might have gathered to share a memory or a wish along the European Riviera.”
There is also a smaller pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas that offers a nice place to relax in the sun.
Close by the pool is a seasonal gelato cart and on the lawn every night they play movies under the sky and yard games like bocce and cornhole. On the walk to the Skyliner station, you walk through a beautiful tunnel adorned with 2 incredible Disney mosaics.
Riviera Resort Transportation
Get around Walt Disney World Resort with ease using these convenient, complimentary transportation options.
How to get to each park:
While staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort you may be wondering how you can get to each park using the free transportation systems offered at Walt Disney World. We have it broken down for you:
- Magic Kingdom: There are free resort buses that offer transportation to Magic Kingdom nearly every 20 minutes from the resort. Buses typically run for an hour after park close.
- EPCOT: Since Disney’s Riviera Resort is on the Skyliner route you have access to hop the Skyliner to EPCOT at least one hour before park opening and for one hour after park close. If the Skyliner is closed for any reason Disney will provide buses to and from the resort.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Just like EPCOT, this park is on the Skyliner route. You will have access to hop the Skyliner to EPCOT at least one hour before park opening and for one hour after park close. If the Skyliner is closed for any reason Disney will provide buses to and from the resort.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: There are free resort buses that offer transportation to Disney’s Animal Kingdom nearly every 20 minutes from the resort. Buses typically run for an hour after park close.
- Disney Springs and Water Parks: There are free resort buses that offer transportation to Disney Springs and the water parks nearly every 20 minutes from the resort. Buses typically run for an hour after Disney Springs or the water park close.
Parking
*Guests who drive either their own vehicle or a rental car to Walt Disney World should know that a standard overnight self-parking fee of $25 per night will be applied to the guest hotel folio upon check-out. Disney Vacation Club Members using vacation points for their stay are not required to pay parking fees.
