In the fourth of my series on Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Resorts at the Walt Disney World Resort Resort (WDW), I’m covering the New England-style Disney’s Beach Club Villas. Being a DVC member gives my family the flexibility to stay in deluxe villas at different resorts at Walt Disney World (and beyond). I’m not sure I can truly pick a favorite. Since it’s difficult to choose, I have been listing the five reasons that I love a particular DVC resort. I have covered the Villas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Old Key West Resort.

Here are my five reasons that I love Disney’s Beach Club Villas.

Photo by Mary Spina

1. Pools, including the ultimate feature pool: Stormalong Bay

If you ask Guests for their favorite pool area at Walt Disney World, I think Stormalong Bay will be at the top of many lists.  Stormalong Bay is a 3-acre water area that includes a life-size shipwreck, pools, and lagoons.  Climb those stairs to the top of a “shipwreck” and enjoy one of the highest water slides at a WDW hotel.  Not your speed?  Grab an inner tube and float around the lazy river.  Have little ones?  There are two kiddie pools available.  There are also 3 “quiet pools” each with a whirlpool spa located throughout Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.

Stormalong Bay; Photo by Disney

2. Location

Are you attending Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival?  Is the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival on your to-do list?  Do you love walking (and eating and drinking) around the World Showcase in Epcot?  It’s a very easy 5 minute walk to the International Gateway entrance to Epcot from Disney’s Beach Club Villas.  There is also boat transportation available.  Disney’s Hollywood Studios is about a 15-20 minute walk as well.  I usually opt for the Friendship boat for that park.  Across the lake is Disney’s Boardwalk.  Enjoy some of the nighttime entertainment or have dinner at one of the restaurants.  In addition to the boat transportation to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there is bus transportation to the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.

3. Restaurants

Did you know that there is character dining at Disney’s Beach Club?  Cape May Cafe offers Minnie’s Beach Bash breakfast.  Please note that characters only appear at breakfast (not lunch or dinner).  One of my favorite signature dining options can be found at Disney’s Yacht Club (connected to Beach Club).  Yachtsman Steakhouse offers premium steaks and fresh seafood in a New England-style restaurant with nautical touches.  Captain’s Grille also offers steak and seafood in a nautical setting.  Looking for dessert or want to try the famous “Kitchen Sink”?  Head to Beaches and Cream Soda Shop.

Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream – Photo by Mary Spina

4. Romance factor

Take a stroll around Crescent Lake, sail around the lake on a rented mini-powerboat, or just sit on the sandy beach and enjoy the view of Disney’s Boardwalk.  You can also see some of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth from the bridge that connects Disney’s Beach Club to the Boardwalk without having to venture into Epcot.

Crescent Lake sunset from Beach Club – Photo by Mary Spina

5. Sandcastle Club – Children’s Activity Center

Located in the lobby of Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Sandcastle Club offers supervised activities for children ages 3 to 12 (for an additional fee).  Kids may also get to meet some of their favorite Disney friends. As your little ones use their imaginations with fun activities geared to educate, entertain, and enchant, parents can head out for some grown-up fun (see my #4 above)!

Do you like to stay at Disney’s Beach Club Villas?  Or is there another DVC resort that tops your list?

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