Yacht and Beach Club questions

[scarlett24]

We will be in WDW for just one night after our Disney Cruise this May. Want to try out Beach Club, but all that is available at Beach Club is Concierge rooms. Yacht Club has standard, garden, pool view available. From what I understand, they are very close in proximity. We have 3 kids ages 9, 6 & 3, so plan to spend the day at Stromolong Bay. I think we will just stay at Yacht Club because we really don't need club level. Do you think we will be disappointed by this? I'm thinking it will be fine. Also, we usually stay at Poly and request a longhouse. Do you request an area at BC &YC, like being close to Stromalong Bay? Thanks

 

[Kim1964]

YC is a wonderful hotel....light, airy room decor and most of the rooms have balconies for additional space. If you're going to be there primarily for SAB, then it won't matter much which of the hotels you sleep in.

 

[pmaurer74]

If you do not need club level go for Yacht Club. There is a thread on here dedicated to both so you can see on a map the close proximity of each.

 

[natebenma]

We will be in WDW for just one night after our Disney Cruise this May. Want to try out Beach Club, but all that is available at Beach Club is Concierge rooms. Yacht Club has standard, garden, pool view available. From what I understand, they are very close in proximity. We have 3 kids ages 9, 6 & 3, so plan to spend the day at Stromolong Bay. I think we will just stay at Yacht Club because we really don't need club level. Do you think we will be disappointed by this? I'm thinking it will be fine. Also, we usually stay at Poly and request a longhouse. Do you request an area at BC &YC, like being close to Stromalong Bay? Thanks

I don't think you will be disappointed in the Yacht Club. The resorts are very similar and share amenities.

One advantage to the Beach Club is that is slightly closer to EPCOT, but if the pool is your focus, then that shouldn't be a factor.

Yes, you can add "close to Stormalong Bay, please" as part of your room reservation- this is a request only, not a guarantee.

Here are the differences between the two resorts from the FAQ thread for the resort. If you want to learn more, click on the link in my signature to bring you to the FAQ subforum. There's LOTS of info and pictures on the first page of the thread.

The Beach Club and Yacht Club are similar resorts in terms of service and amenities, and have equal access to the shared pool complex, health club and video arcade. Both resorts have the same management team in place.

Some minor differences have been noted by guests:

Beach Club
Lighter, beachy decor in lobby and rooms
Lobby can be active and lively with families waiting for meals at Cape May
Closer to EPCOT and Marketplace Gift Shop
Approximately 50% of rooms in all room categories have full balconies. The remaining are standing balconies.

Yacht Club
Darker woods and nautical decor in lobby and rooms
Lobby is more serene
Convention attendees are more likely to be booked at YC
Closer to Hollywood Studios and Friendship Boats
Most rooms have a full balcony


Want more details about the differences between the two resorts? Check out this awesome blog post (November 2011) from The World of Deej:
The World of Deej: BC vs. YC

Pixarmom's comparison of BC and YC

 

[Angeejoe]

We will be in WDW for just one night after our Disney Cruise this May. Want to try out Beach Club, but all that is available at Beach Club is Concierge rooms. Yacht Club has standard, garden, pool view available. From what I understand, they are very close in proximity. We have 3 kids ages 9, 6 & 3, so plan to spend the day at Stromolong Bay. I think we will just stay at Yacht Club because we really don't need club level. Do you think we will be disappointed by this? I'm thinking it will be fine. Also, we usually stay at Poly and request a longhouse. Do you request an area at BC &YC, like being close to Stromalong Bay? Thanks

These hotels are very similar, so if you don't go BC CL, YC is awesome place to stay especially if it's going to be a non park day. SABs awesome, and there's so much to do in the Epcot resorts without ever going to Epcot!

 

[MaxTheHorse]

I stayed in a garden view room at YC a few months ago and did not think it was worth the premium charged over "standard" view. I still had a view of the parking lot, just with a couple of trees between that and my window.

The doors on the back side of the YC lobby lead straight out to the boat dock, making boats to Epcot or HS slightly easier than BC.

If you have refillable mugs or want counter-service breakfast, it's a long schlep over to the soda fountain and quick-service food station in the Marketplace at BC.

If there is a convention at the small convention center near YC, you will notice a lot of business travelers. But there are still plenty of families too.

I would choose BC just for the slight convenience of being nearer the Marketplace, but if my choices were BC club level or YC standard, I'd go for the cheaper option at YC with zero regrets.

The YC/BC FAQ thread is awesome. The above poster and the regulars on that thread know everything you could possibly want to ask about!

 

[mmmears]

YC and BC are really just 2 sides of the same resort. We've stayed at both and like them both. I think that you should book the one that has the availability or discount you are looking for (and if both are available just go by room decor) because they are connected, they share the great pool, the restaurants, the fitness center, and the same great location. I don't think you'll be disappointed by either one. And it's a great place to spend a day after your cruise!

PS -- Check out Beaches and Cream for amazing, out of this world sundaes.

 

[Sue M]

I stayed in a garden view room at YC a few months ago and did not think it was worth the premium charged over "standard" view. I still had a view of the parking lot, just with a couple of trees between that and my window.

The doors on the back side of the YC lobby lead straight out to the boat dock, making boats to Epcot or HS slightly easier than BC.

If you have refillable mugs or want counter-service breakfast, it's a long schlep over to the soda fountain and quick-service food station in the Marketplace at BC.

If there is a convention at the small convention center near YC, you will notice a lot of business travelers. But there are still plenty of families too.

I would choose BC just for the slight convenience of being nearer the Marketplace, but if my choices were BC club level or YC standard, I'd go for the cheaper option at YC with zero regrets.

The YC/BC FAQ thread is awesome. The above poster and the regulars on that thread know everything you could possibly want to ask about!

There is also a self serve mug refill station at Hurricane Hannas and at B&C you can go to the Icecream window to get mug refill.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

There is also a self serve mug refill station at Hurricane Hannas and at B&C you can go to the Icecream window to get mug refill.

Perfect for a day by the pool.

I loved the BC, but would also stay at the YC, no question. There's no reason to pay the extra for CL if you don't really want it.

 

[EagleScout]

To the original poster- I looked at your tag line to see which WDW resorts you have previously stayed at. The "distance" between YC and BC (which have essentially adjoining lobbies=and share amenities) is closer than many of the buildings in Poly, and certainly less walking than at CBR. Have fun!

 

[mickeynut1]

We've only stayed at the BC, but have visited the YC many times over the years and I agree with others that I don't think you would be disappointed in the YC. I would go with a standard room at YC if CL isn't something you want. You can always book YC and keep checking to see if something other than CL becomes available at the BC. Good luck.

 

[BCV23]

So true Debrn. It is so cold here right now. Today it is supposed to warm into the 60s which sounds lots better than yesterday.

We arrived Saturday night. Didn't see Teena in the lobby yesterday so figure she must be on a cruise or visiting her girls. Checked the Marketplace's menu. No evidence of salads any more although I didn't ask as it was busy. There is a salad at HH. Sounds good too but haven't tried it yet.

I tool pics of the pool rules at both the BCV and BC "quiet" pools. Both list hours as 7am-11 pm.

Can I check on anything for anyone?

Have fun Debrn.

 

[Disney Fool]

I'm doing the same as the OP, coming for a one night stay first weekend in May after Disney cruise. I've stayed at both, like both, although I prefer the Yacht Club for its nautical feel. You can walk into the main lobby, walk across right out the "back" door and turn left and you'll be on a wrap-around veranda which connects to Beach Club. Both resorts share the pool, and fitness center, hottub, ice cream parlor, and fast-food counter at the pool, called Hurricane Hanna's. They have two separate lobbies, and restaurants that are located in each resort. You are free to cross-cross between the two resorts. The beach club is closer to the entrance to Epcot, but only if your room is in the first building. There are nighttime movies on the beach, and many pool activities. A very shallow part of the pool where the tiniest children (toddlers) hang out with their sandpails is over on the Yacht Club side at the furthest end; the deeper end of the pool is on Beach club side. The lazy river is accessible from both sides. The huge pirate ship slide empties out on the beach club side. So Yacht club pool area tends to be a little quieter. Lots of umbrella tables located throughout. Do not hesitate to stay at Yacht club - you will become a convert to Epcot area resorts.

 

[DSLRuser]

beach club and yatch club are the same hotel. just different themeing.

anyone telling you different is just spliting hairs. 5 min walk vs 3 min walk to the pool. 10 min walk vs 12 min walk to epcot. that kind of thing.

 

[natebenma]

Moving this to the FAQ:

So true Debrn. It is so cold here right now. Today it is supposed to warm into the 60s which sounds lots better than yesterday.

We arrived Saturday night. Didn't see Teena in the lobby yesterday so figure she must be on a cruise or visiting her girls. Checked the Marketplace's menu. No evidence of salads any more although I didn't ask as it was busy. There is a salad at HH. Sounds good too but haven't tried it yet.

I tool pics of the pool rules at both the BCV and BC "quiet" pools. Both list hours as 7am-11 pm.

Can I check on anything for anyone?

Have fun Debrn.

Thanks for checking on those things!

Too bad about the salads at the Marketplace.

Teena is in Vegas this week.

 

[darkwing818]

If you do not need club level go for Yacht Club. There is a thread on here dedicated to both so you can see on a map the close proximity of each.

Our thoughts as well....

 

[scarlett24]

Thanks for all your very helpful replies. I booked the Yacht Club this morning and am now obsessing about how wonderful Stromolong Bay looks!