Yacht Club Review: Is Club Level Worth It? (Honest Thoughts from a Travel Agent)

I went to Disney World and spent only a few hours at Magic Kingdom and a few hours at EPCOT.

And honestly? I didn’t mind it one bit.

I was staying at Disney’s Yacht Club for our Simply Magical Travels agency trip, and once checked in, I honestly didn’t want to leave! I’m still wish I’d had another day to explore, try more of the dining, and find all the little places I missed!

If we were sitting down for coffee and you asked me about Yacht Club, that’s probably where I’d start. This resort made me want to slow down and enjoy being at Disney World without feeling like I needed to head into a park every chance I got.

First, let me tell you about Yacht Club

Every Disney resort has its own personality, and Yacht Club feels true to its name. From the moment I walked in, I loved the nautical details, the ship’s wheel overlooking the lobby, and the little sitting areas tucked away throughout the resort. It feels elegant and comfortable, all at once!

The Bell Services cast members were incredibly friendly and kind when we arrived. They helped unload our luggage and met us at our room, which made that first stretch of arriving and getting settled feel seamless and easy.

There was some refurbishment happening in the lobby during our stay, and the wall of windows across from the desks was covered with dark drapery. It made the space a little darker than usual, but we never saw dust or work, and it didn’t interrupt our experience at all.

Location, location, location!

Then there’s the location. Oh, the location!

You can walk over to EPCOT’s International Gateway in minutes. The Skyliner station is nearby, so you could hop on and head to Riviera for brunch at Topolino’s Terrace. You can take a boat to Hollywood Studios or wander over to the BoardWalk for dinner. Ale & Compass at Yacht Club would make a lovely date night choice and Flying Fish and The Cake Bake Shop are right there on the BoardWalk when you want to make an evening of it.

Yacht Club and Beach Club sit beside each other, too, so it almost feels like you have two resorts to explore. I wandered through the shops at both and found everything from jewelry, mugs, and apparel to toys and things for the kids.

We also watched EPCOT fireworks from the walkway behind Yacht Club, caught glimpses of fireworks from Hollywood Studios, and even saw Magic Kingdom fireworks from the Club Level balcony! There was so much to enjoy right around us!

And then…there’s Stormalong Bay

I have heard so much hype about this pool and to be perfectly honest, I didn’t get it. It’s a pool, guys, how good can it be? That was old me. That was old me. Now? I have to agree. Stormalong Bay might be one of the best resort pool areas on all of Disney property! We spent an afternoon there after several days of working and walking, and it was exactly what we needed!

There are waterslides, sand-bottom pools, and a lazy river. Some of us grabbed lunch, drinks, and snacks from Hurricane Hanna’s and for a few hours, nobody needed to be anywhere else.

I kept thinking about how much my own family would enjoy a day like that. It’s easy to picture everyone finding their favorite part of the pool, then heading back to the room to clean up before dinner. If I were planning a family stay here, I’d want to leave plenty of time to enjoy the resort.

So, was Club Level worth it?

For the way our group traveled, I would say yes!

When we arrived on the Club Level floor, a sweet cast member named Hyacinth welcomed us and offered us mimosas and other drinks while we waited for our room. It was such a lovely start to our stay!

The Regatta Club lounge soon became the place we kept returning to. In the mornings, we could have breakfast before heading out.

Throughout the day, there were snacks, fresh fruit, drinks, and small plates. In the evening, we enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Depending on what was being served and how hungry we were, those small plates could easily become a meal for us.

We could grab water, soda, coffee, beer, or wine. There were Mickey ice cream bars and sandwiches, which I was very happy to find, and even a little candy bar with bags for taking a few treats along. I loved being able to pick up something cold to drink or a snack before an agency session, a park visit, or the walk back to our room.

Some nights, we came to the lounge in our pajamas for dessert and ended up staying to play Mahjongg and chat. It gave us a comfortable place to gather and linger, even when we’d spent the day doing different things.

I appreciated having Club Level concierge cast members nearby, too. They could help with questions, dining plans, transportation, and resort needs as things came up. That kind of support adds to the ease of a stay.

Would I tell every family they need to stay Club Level? Of course not. I’d want to know how you plan to spend your vacation first. If you’re hoping to enjoy slow mornings, take a pool afternoon, and come back to the resort between outings, I do think you could get so much value and an incredible experience out of it.

Our group sure did! We used the lounge throughout the day, enjoyed the extra space to be together, and loved having those little comforts woven into our routine. By the end of the trip, I was already dreaming about coming back with my family!

So no, I’m not saying you have to stay Deluxe or book Club Level on your next Disney vacation.

But after this stay? I’m definitely not saying you shouldn’t! 😉

If Yacht Club has you dreaming a little, let’s talk about the trip you have in mind! I’d love to help you decide whether the resort, the location, and a Club Level stay would be as wonderful a fit for you and your crew as they were for us!

Let’s Chat and Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!