Memories and Magic at Disney’s Beach Club Villas!

I was 10 years old when I first fell in love with Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

On my first trip to Walt Disney World as a kid, my family stayed at a hotel off-site; however, we visited some of the resorts on property for meals and to take breaks from the August heat and summertime crowds in the parks. One afternoon, we made our way to one of the newest resorts at that time, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, for a nice cool treat. For me, it was more than just a place we went for ice cream on a hot afternoon; it was the beginning of a dream! 

Even as a small child, I always loved staying in hotels, and I quickly fell head over heels for the beachy atmosphere, gorgeous gardens, and lakeside grounds of the Beach Club. I couldn’t help but imagine myself jumping into the sparkling pool and splashing about as we sat on a bench, enjoying our frosty treats. I remember telling my mother how I would stay there one day when I was older!

As I grew up and became an adult, I started traveling to Disney more and more, yet every time a new trip was in the planning stages, staying at the Beach Club just never seemed to work out. Don’t get me wrong; I was still very grateful for any chance to visit Walt Disney World and have enjoyed staying at many of the other resorts on property! I happily kept my tradition of visiting the Beaches & Cream Soda Shop in order to spend some time at the resort. It wasn’t until I was in my 30’s that my dream finally came true, and I was lucky enough to stay in a Beach Club Villas Studio on a research trip as a David’s Vacation Club Rentals team member!

I’m not too proud to admit that I shed some happy tears as I checked in at the desk for that first stay at the Beach Club. It was such a thrilling and magical moment for me, as I had wished for it to happen for over 20 years! The stay was just as enchanting and wonderful as I dreamed it would be, and I had an amazing time soaking in the experience from check-in to check-out! 

The memories of that first visit and first stay will always be very special to me and are some of my favorites to reminisce about, so I’d like to share with you a few of the reasons why I fell in love with Disney’s Beach Club Villas!

The Ambience

Disney’s Beach Club Villas is inspired by the New England seaside homes and resorts of yesteryear, and you’ll find lots of soft pastel colors, gardens, and sitting rooms, as well as plenty of Disney touches and fun activities. 

I have always found the atmosphere at the Beach Club to be full of laid-back elegance. It’s cheerful and lively, yet also polished and sophisticated, making it a popular choice for both families and grownups-only getaways. The lobby, public areas, and resort rooms are beautifully and tastefully decorated with splashes of themed décor such as seahorses on the chandeliers lighting the lobby and vintage swimming costumes framed on the walls to honor the beachside theme.

As a kid, I would have told you I liked the resort because “it’s pretty,” and as an adult, I must admit I still feel the same way!  In my opinion, no matter which way you turn at this resort, you’re going to see something that’s pleasing to the eye, as the grounds are beautifully kept, and the views around Crescent Lake are stunning! Beyond that, to me, when you’re at the Beach Club, it really feels like you’re on vacation! It truly embodies the spirit of a deluxe, upscale resort, yet the easygoing and warm atmosphere mixed with Disney charm encourages you to relax, unwind, and enjoy your stay. 

The Rooms

While the resort originally opened in 1990, in 2002, it joined the DVC family with the opening of Disney’s Beach Club Villas and has been a popular pick for DVC owners and guests ever since! The Villas are decorated with soft, subtle blues and neutral tones, echoing the tranquil thought of waves lapping at the sand. 

I remember the first time I opened the door to my DVC Studio Villa and couldn’t believe how spacious it was! There was plenty of room for all of the things in my over-packed suitcase without ever feeling cluttered or cramped. The bed was incredibly comfortable; Sleeping Beauty would have been in heaven! There was also plenty of storage space for hanging up clothes and organizing toiletries, and the kitchenette was perfect for a midnight snack or quick breakfast before heading out for the day. The sofa also pulled out into a double bed, and there is a bunk-size pulldown bed featuring Donald Duck napping on the beach tucked away under the TV.

The One Bedroom and Two Bedroom Villas at the Beach Club also have plenty of room for bigger families to spread out. The larger room sizes are equipped with a full kitchen, plenty of sleeping space, and a washer and dryer right in the room!

Personally, after a busy day of park-hopping or splashing in the pool, I found my villa to be super cozy. Each room also has a private patio or balcony as well, and I loved being able to sit out on the balcony in the morning or at the end of the night to unwind before bed. 

The Pools

Speaking of splashing in the pool, I think one of the top reasons the Beach Club is so popular is due to Stormalong Bay!

Stormalong Bay is the feature pool area at this resort, but it’s definitely more like a miniature waterpark!  With 795,000 gallons of water and spanning 3 acres, this has got to be one of my favorite DVC resort pools! There’s plenty of room for swimming, of course, but did you know that this pool also features a sand-bottom you can squish your toes into?! It really feels like you’re spending the day at a magical beach full of fun! 

Swimming isn’t the only activity you’ll find here either! There are three whirlpool spas, a lazy river, and my personal favorite, a life-size shipwreck waterslide! That’s right, Stormalong Bay is home to one of the highest resort slides, and at a length of 230-feet, the shipwreck waterslide is an amazing aquatic adventure that will bring you splashing back into the pool with a huge smile!

Splashing, swimming, floating, and soaking up the sun at Stormalong Bay is definitely one of my favorite Disney memories! I could easily spend several days at this resort without going to the parks and just alternating my time between the shipwreck slide, lazy river, and lounge chairs. To me, Stormalong Bay is the ultimate combination of entertainment and relaxation for the whole family, all wrapped up in a pool complex! If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, however, there are also three leisure pools that guests can use during their stay, each with a whirlpool spa that’s perfect for soaking in at the end of a long day full of fun.

Beyond the amazing ambiance, comfortable and cozy rooms, and practically perfect pool area, the Beach Club Villas also have an amazing location! When staying here, you’re within walking distance to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios, and with boat and bus transportation also available, as well as close proximity to the Skyliner route, it’s easy to make your way around. 

Another one of my favorite Disney memories is walking back to the Beach Club from Epcot at the end of the evening. The scenery along the walkway is gorgeous, and I thoroughly enjoyed the quiet stroll, taking a leisurely pace and soaking up the view of the glittering lights reflected in the surface of Crescent Lake while making my way back to the resort after a day full of the hustle and bustle.

After so many years of daydreams and wishes, the reality of staying at the Beach Club Villas was all I hoped it would be and more. My inner 10-year-old was jumping for joy as I rolled my suitcase up to the check-in desk, splashed into Stormalong Bay, and sat sipping on an ice cream soda from Beaches & Cream on the balcony of my villa! 

It was truly a dream come true, and I can’t wait to cross off more stays from my Disney wish list!

~Stacy