Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
86
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
The Yacht Club has an atmosphere loaded with
the posh elegance found in a turn-of-the-20th-century New England yacht club (as
imagined by Disney). It is definitely more upscale than its sister resort, the Beach Club
(reviewed earlier), as the rooms, views, service, and atmosphere (nautically themed, of
course) are a step or so better. Here you'll find fine leather furnishings, antique glass
chandeliers, and brass accents adorning the lobby. It's geared more toward adults and
families with older children, though young kids are certainly catered to (this is Disney,
after all). The resort shares a 25-acre lake, white-sand beaches, an extensive swimming
area (with sand-bottom pools, water slides, and a life-size shipwreck), and magnificent
landscaping with the Beach Club, including a lighthouse to help you find your way back
from the parks. Rooms have beds for up to five, and most have balconies; views run from
asphalt to Crescent Lake and the gardens; you would, however, have to be a contortion-
ist to see the lake from some of the “water-view” rooms, so if this is a must, make sure
that you request one with a direct view (as a bonus, you'll see Epcot in the distance).
Epcot is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the front door, but save your energy for the parks
and use the Disney ferry. Disney's BoardWalk, with its array of restaurants, shops, and
entertainment options, is just a short ferry ride (or walk across the bridge) away, as are
the WDW Swan and Dolphin resorts.
1700 Epcot Resorts Blvd. (off Buena Vista Dr.; P.O. Box 10000), Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000.
&
407/
934-7639
or 407/934-7000. Fax 407/924-3450. www.disneyworld.com. 630 units. $335-$780 double;
$610-$2,725 suite. Extra person $25. Children 17 and younger stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC,
MC, V. Valet parking $10; self-parking free.
Amenities:
3 restaurants; grill; lounge; babysitting; supervised
children's program; concierge; concierge-level rooms; health club & small spa; Jacuzzi; 3-acre pool and
play area; 2 outdoor heated pools; kids' pool; room-service; 2 lighted tennis courts; watercraft/equipment
rentals; WDW Transportation System; transportation to non-Disney theme parks for a fee; limited Wi-Fi
access (fee).
In room:
A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, Internet (fee), microwave (free, upon request).
4
Walt Disney World Dolphin
If Antonio Gaudí and Dr. Seuss had teamed up
on an architectural design, they might have created something like this Starwood resort
and its sister, the Walt Disney World Swan (see below). This hotel centers on a 27-story
pyramid with two 11-story wings crowned by 56-foot twin dolphin sculptures. Because
it isn't as theme-intensive as the other Disney resorts, it's popular with business travelers
and those who prefer their accommodations a little less sugary. Rooms, after being
redecorated in 2008, sport warm yet contemporary earth-tone color schemes, custom
curtains, upgraded technology, and the usual array of amenities; all offer views of the
grounds and other parts of Mickey's world. Public areas are a bit more avant-garde,
thanks in part to the dramatic lighting, earth-tone color schemes, and upscale furnish-
ings. The resort shares a grotto pool with waterfalls, water slide, and whirlpools, as well
as a Body by Jake health club (for an extra fee) with the Swan. There's also a branch of
the Mandara Spa. Camp Dolphin is a supervised children's program for kids ages 4 to 12,
Tips
When a WDW Property Is Not a WDW Property
As mentioned earlier, there are nine “official” Disney hotels that aren't owned by
Disney itself. That's true. But there are a couple of asterisks. The Walt Disney
World Swan and the Walt Disney World Dolphin have the Walt Disney name and
are located right on the WDW resort property, but they're not Disney-owned
resorts, so they are considered “official” resorts.
