Disney’s Beach Club Villas and Disney’s Boardwalk Villas – Choosing the Epcot Area DVC Resort That’s Best for You!
Disney’s Beach Club Villas and Boardwalk Villas are two popular DVC locations, and both are located in the Epcot area.
With similar theming that celebrates the splendor of a seaside vacation, these deluxe resorts complement each other wonderfully as they stand as neighbors along the shores of Crescent Lake. That said, as much as they are alike, there are also some differences between the two resorts, prompting many prospective travelers to wonder which location may be the best fit for them. To help you decide which resort may be best for your next trip, let’s explore some of the features of Disney’s Boardwalk Villas and Beach Club Villas!
Theme:
It makes sense to me that these two spectacular resorts are neighbors, as their respective themes blend together very well. Both are inspired by seaside getaways, with the Boardwalk Villas paying homage to 1930’s Big Top style entertainment and the Beach Club Villas leaning more towards the rejuvenation of relaxing by the shore.
At the Boardwalk Villas, you’ll find pops of cheerful color, vintage circus and carnival props and artwork, and an atmospheric feeling of fun, nostalgia, and excitement.
I find that the Beach Club Villas, on the other hand, has a quieter atmosphere. Though there is no shortage of fun to be found at the Beach Club, the inspiration of peaceful beachside holidays of the early 20th century brings a calm yet charming feel to the resort. Softer colors, nautical knick-knacks, poolside fun, and sunny, elegant spaces combine for a mellow and lighthearted ambiance.
If you’re looking for a lively location that sparkles with buzzing activity, I would recommend the Boardwalk Villas. If a quieter, relaxed, and tranquil yet fun-loving atmosphere is your preference, the Beach Club Villas may just be your perfect home away from home!
Entertainment:
With midway games, exciting nightlife, performers, and many more activities, I have to give the Boardwalk Villas the top spot when it comes to resort entertainment! Under the shimmer of glowing lights and a sky full of stars, the Boardwalk truly shines!
As you stroll across the wooden planks along Crescent Lake, options for mysterious and magical cocktail concoctions, dueling pianos, surrounding yourself with screened sporting events, and dancing the night away are all mere steps from your villa door. Although some of these offerings are currently not available, I look forward to when they return. Of course, guests staying at Disney’s Beach Club Villas are just down the path, so all of the entertainment at the Boardwalk is still easily accessible if you want to spend some time enjoying the glittering nightlife and revelry!
Guests staying at the Beach Club Villas and Boardwalk Villas also have access to a myriad of recreational activities! Campfires, bike rentals, fishing, arcades, sports, movies under the stars, and more can be found at both locations, so there is no doubt that there’s fun in store no matter which resort you choose!
Dining:
One thing I can say for certain is that you’ll never be lacking in restaurant choices when staying at one of the Epcot area resorts!
Between the resorts and the parks within walking distance, there are dozens of dining locations to choose from! *Note, some of these dining locations have not yet reopened, but I look forward to when they do!
The Beach Club is home to one of my favorite eateries in all of Disney Word – Beaches & Cream Soda Shop!
This retro-feeling restaurant is inspired by 1950’s diners and soda fountains and has a menu full of American comfort foods and ice cream treats that tickle the tastebuds and always hit the spot! Enjoying an ice cream soda out by the pool is one of my favorite parts of staying at this resort!
You’ll also find Cape May Café and quick service spots such as the Beach Club Marketplace and Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill. Not to mention the additional restaurants located in the adjacent Yacht Club!
Over at the Boardwalk, there’s Trattoria al Forno, Big River Grille & Brewing Works, ESPN Club (the chicken wings are a favorite for my family), as well as signature dining at the fan-favorite Flying Fish, which are all great options!
If you’re looking for a quick bite, you can check out the delectable treats at the Boardwalk Bakery or sample a slice of cheesy goodness from the Pizza Window.
When it comes to dining, I think both resorts have great options, and you’re sure to please your palate at either location!
Park Access:
Both the Beach Club and Boardwalk Villas offer a variety of transportation methods to their guests, making theme park access very convenient! Boat and bus transportation is available from the resorts, and the Skyliner is nearby. However, one of the things I love most about staying in this area is being within walking distance to two parks!
That’s right, both Epcot and Hollywood Studios are literally steps away!
The walkways are easy to navigate, and as they follow along Crescent Lake, they are also quite scenic! The pathway leading from Epcot’s International Gateway along the water towards the resorts is honestly one of my very favorite places in all of Walt Disney World! The pretty colors of the resort buildings pop beautifully against a blue-sky backdrop, Crescent Lake sparkles in the sunlight, and excitement from the nearby parks can still be felt softly in the breeze.
The Beach Club Villas is a bit closer to Epcot, so if you plan to spend more of your time at that park, the location is absolutely ideal!
This is especially handy during Epcot’s yearly festivals, as the path leads straight into World Showcase! If you’re heading to Hollywood Studios from the Beach Club, it is a slightly longer trek. The Boardwalk Villas are a little more centrally located between Epcot and Hollywood Studios, so if you plan to spend more time in Hollywood Studios, perhaps that might be the better option for you.
Feature Pool:
In my opinion, this is where you’ll find the biggest difference between the two resorts. While the Luna Park Pool at the Boardwalk has a great waterslide and many cute features that tie into the resort theme, the Stormalong Bay pool at the Beach Club is, in my personal opinion, the best resort pool on property!
Stormalong Bay is more like a miniature waterpark, spreading 3 acres with a plethora of pool features for guests to enjoy.
Stormalong Bay at the Beach Club Villas is a resort pool that I think is on a whole different level! This aquatic wonderland starts with 795,000 gallons of water that is dispersed into several pool areas that range in the type of current, depth, and temperature. Did I mention that it also has a sand-bottom?!
Those looking to relax while cooling off can float leisurely down the lazy river on an inner tube. There are multiple whirlpool spas, an elevated tanning deck, and let’s not forget about the epic waterslide! What I think is the sparkling gem in the crown of this resort pool complex is the life-sized shipwreck replica that houses the start of one of the highest resort waterslides! Trust me when I tell you, it’s 230-feet of pure, exhilarating fun! For little ones visiting Stormalong Bay, there’s also the Shipwreck Pool with a mini waterslide and sandy play area.
The Boardwalk’s Luna Park Pool has the Keister Coaster waterslide. It looks like a vintage wooden roller coaster, and being 200 feet long; it sends guests speeding through the twists and turns before they pop out of into the pool below. Previously the exit of the slide was a clown’s mouth, yet it has recently been updated to a mural with some of our favorite Disney friends.
Everything else you need for a great poolside experience is also conveniently located nearby. Leaping Horse Libations offers poolside snacks and drinks, there’s a whirlpool spa, games, and more, meaning there’s something fun for everyone in your party to enjoy!
As you can see, both resorts have fantastic features and amazing amenities. No matter where you hear “welcome home,” both the Boardwalk or Beach Club Villas are deluxe DVC destinations perfect for making magical Disney memories!
~Stacy
