Beach Club vs. Yacht Club

[njprincess601]

My family is thinking of staying at one of these resorts in May. What are the major differences between the two? And which one do you prefer?

[davedmaine]

We like the feel of BC a little more. They're basically the same resort though.

[auntpoly]

There is not much difference. The Beach Club is a tiny bit closer to EPCOT. We love them both and will take either one.

[natebenma]

Here's the info from the BC/YC FAQ forum:

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


I would like to invite you to come on over and join us. Lots of info and pictures on the first page of the thread. You can click on the link in my signature.

Dee

[pl4bby]

I prefer the yc side. BC side Is always more crowded plus I love a full balcony, which is harder to get at bc. The cl at yc is great

[jfoster]

We are going the week of May 8th. When I called to make reservations, all of the Beach Club Garden View and Standard View rooms were gone, so we booked the Yacht Club for our family (three boys ages 4, 7 and 9). We are really excited to try an Epcot area resort this year!

[owl0306]

have fun. My DH and I love the epcot resorts much more than the mono ones. I love being able to walk to hs and epcot. (or a quick boat ride) I love the grounds, the lake, the beach...Kouzzinas is delicious for breakfast and dinner. My kids love espn club.

[Pakey]

I've stayed at both and to me, the major difference for each is:

PRO YC: BC has 50% standing balconies only. If a balcony is important to you, I'd suggest YC.

PRO BC: BC has the Marketplace which is a store and counter service type location. YC only has a store, no counter service type location. This can be very inconvenient.

Also, depending on the time of year you go it might make a difference that the park buses to AK and MK pick up at YC before BC. I most often stay at BCV and many times the buses are SRO by the time they get to BC.

[Scott MC]

Here's what I tell friends who ask this question...

Beach Club:
-Brighter and airier (rooms, architecture and lobby)
-Think "carefree elegance"
-More crowded due to Cape May in lobby
-3 min. walk to Epcot
-Quick-Serve Option in gift shop
-No balcony guarantee, but they have a great staff that will do whatever they can to help you
-Think "seashells and fish and sand castles"

Yacht Club
-More dark and formal (rooms, architecture and lobby).
-Think "privilege"
-Very quiet and serene
-5-6 minute walk to Epcot (not enough of a difference to choose one resort over the other
-Better dining choices (Captain's Grill, Yachtsman's Steakhouse, Crew's Cup)
-guaranteed balcony
-Think "anchors and sailboats"

[michelleiada]

In my opinion the BC has a more laid back feeling. More family feel. The lobby feels a bit more casual and warm to me and I LOVE the smell of the lobby! We are huge a beach Club fans so I'm biased. We love Cape May Cafe and the Marketplace.

[DisneyJanFeb2008]

Staying at BC in 2+ wks, nervous about balcony situation but dont want to be at YC if there are business people and we are on fam vacation

[owl0306]

Originally Posted by DisneyJanFeb2008

Staying at BC in 2+ wks, nervous about balcony situation but dont want to be at YC if there are business people and we are on fam vacation

do not think that. I am a family and always stay yc side and couldnt be happier or treated better. I love it. A lot of families stay at yc. we stay cl and my kids get to make a lot of friends. its great!

[owl0306]

Originally Posted by michelleiada

In my opinion the BC has a more laid back feeling. More family feel. The lobby feels a bit more casual and warm to me and I LOVE the smell of the lobby! We are huge a beach Club fans so I'm biased. We love Cape May Cafe and the Marketplace.

yc has that fab scent also. The lobby was just too busy with kids running everywhere. I have kids and stay yc as it is calmer. I do love cape may and sab!

[Angeejoe]

YC

Pros:
1. Location, location, location!
2. Storm A Long Bay is awesome
3. Close walk to Epcot
4. Closest to boat launch vs BC
5. Beautiful hotel
6. Yachtsmen Steakhouse
7. Ice cream @ Beaches & Cream
8. Drinks @ Hurricane Hanna
9. Cheaper buffet breakfast @ Captians Grille vs Character breakfast
@ Cape May
10. Mostly full balconies for water view vc BC that has a lot of mini balcony
11. Awesome water view of the Boardwalk at night
12. Watching fireworks from Epocot while swimming in SAB
13. Bus pick up 1st/drop off 1st

Cons:
1. A little stuffy vs BC
2. Difficult to fill refillable mug drinks as you have to go to Hurricane Hanna's
3. Marketplace is at BC, nothing like that at YC

[lady_hlh]

Originally Posted by DisneyJanFeb2008

Staying at BC in 2+ wks, nervous about balcony situation but dont want to be at YC if there are business people and we are on fam vacation

My 10 year old DD liked YC much better than BCV because it was fancier and the lobby wasn't so loud and crowded. We never even noticed the convention people at YC, they were way more obvious at CSR. If you really must have a balcony you might want to switch to YC or BCV. We also love having a balcony that is why we stayed at BCV instead of BC.