At first glance, it seems the only difference between resorts is the theming. While that is certainly the case, each resort has several other unique features that set it apart from the other resorts. These things don’t necessarily make one resort better than another, but they are good things to consider when you’re trying to decide where to stay. I’ve assembled a list of unique features for each resort and today I’m sharing, in no particular order, my top 10 reasons to stay at Disney’s Beach Club Villas.
Casual New England Beach Club Theme
The Beach Club theming was influenced by the charming seaside cottages found in New England at the start of the 20th century. It has a casual elegance that feels posh without being stuffy.
Stormalong Bay
Without a doubt, Stormalong Bay is the best resort pool on Disney property. It’s huge, nearly 3 acres in size. It has a shallow, sand-bottom area for young children and lounging dads, a lazy river, a whirlpool current, and a giant slide disguised as a shipwreck. The deepest point is about 8 feet deep, deeper than any other Walt Disney World pool. Only guests at the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts are allowed to use this pool.
Friendship Boat Transportation
Friendship boats transport guests between Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Boardwalk, Yacht and Beach Club, and the Swan and Dolphin Resorts. I would much rather take a leisurely boat ride than hop on a bus any day. The boats arrive about every 20 minutes.
Cape May Cafe Character Meals
Cape May Café is an all you can eat buffet located in the Beach Club Resort. Donning their beach attire, Goofy, Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck greet guests at their breakfast beach party. The menu includes a variety of breakfast favorites including Mickey Waffles, breakfast pizza, biscuits and gravy, a fresh fruit and yogurt bar, fresh-baked pastries, as well as other yummy breakfast items.
Beaches & Cream
What could be better than having Beaches and Cream Soda Shop within walking distance of your room? Just think, every day you can sample a different delicious ice cream treat – it’s vacation after all! For those of you who haven’t tried this old fashioned soda-fountain, trust me, it’ll be hard to pass by it without stopping in when you are staying at the Beach Club Villas. In addition to ice cream, they have one of the best burgers you’ll find in all of Walt Disney World.
Mini Spa
A real hidden gem at the Beach Club is Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness. It’s easy to miss this little mini next door to Beaches and Cream. Isn’t that handy? After filling up on ice cream, you can go right next door and work it off at the fitness center! Personally, I prefer to start at the spa with a massage and then go eat my ice cream. The salon offers haircuts and styling, manicures and pedicures.
Movies on the Beach
Of all the movie spots at Walt Disney World, this beach is the best by far. What fun it is to play in the sand while watching a movie. And just look at the view! What a relaxing way to end the day.
Walk to Epcot
Walking to Epcot from the Beach Club takes only 5-10 minutes. It’s closer from the resort to the gate than any other resort is to any park. If Epcot is your favorite park, especially if you love World Showcase, you can’t beat the location of Beach Club for convenience. Here’s a tip: Notice how the sign above directs guests to go up that little hill to get to Beach Club. You do have to go that way if you are going to the Boardwalk, but Beach Club guests can take the low road and go under the bridge for an easier and quicker walk. Just follow the gentleman in the photo.
Close to Boardwalk
Speaking of Boardwalk… when you stay at the Beach Club Villas, you can also enjoy the Boardwalk. There’s nightly entertainment, games, snacks, surreys to rent, and all kinds of fun just a short stroll around the lake. Or, just enjoy the view from the Beach Club side of the lake.
Lots of Restaurants in the Area
Within easy walking distance or a short boat ride of the Beach Club Villas are dozens of great eateries at the different Epcot resorts around Crescent Lake. There are several fine dining establishments like Flying Fish Café, Il Mulino, and Yachtsman Steak House. ESPN, Big River Grille and Crew’s Cup offer more casual dining. Fresh Mediterranean Market has a wonderful breakfast buffet. And for the ultimate snack foods, grab a slice of pizza or a funnel cake on the Boardwalk. For foodies, this resort is the best!
Honorable Mention: Really Big Arcade!
This didn’t make it to my top ten list of reasons to choose Beach Club Villas over another resort, but I thought it was worthy of an honorable mention. The arcade at this resort is huge! There’s even more to it than what shows up in the photo. If your kids like games, just imagine how much fun they could have in here.
So, there you have it, my top 10 reasons for choosing Disney’s Beach Club Villas. If these things appeal to you, then Beach Club would make a great resort for your next vacation. Check out the other articles in our Top 10 series below.
~ Barrie Brewer, Social Media Director
