The Beach Club Villas are my favorite place to stay at Walt Disney World. Many guests choose their Disney resort based on its theme, its level of service, and its amenities, and the Beach Club Villas have all those going for it as well. However, it also excels at three areas that should be high on the list of priorities for any Walt Disney World visitor.
1. You’re within walking distance of Epcot. For one thing, the International Gateway (the World Showcase entrance to Epcot, see the map ) is without a doubt the least crowded entrance to any park, and the Beach Club is the closest resort to that entrance. So, you can be in the park and on your way to a ride within minutes of leaving your hotel. The Beach Club is closer to Epcot than the other Epcot-area resorts like the Boardwalk Inn or the Swan & Dolphin hotels. For park access, it just can’t be beat.
2. Stormalong Bay. Every Disney resort has at least one pool, and many have more. Most of them have waterslides, hot tubs, and special areas just for kids. But Stormalong Bay, the swimming pool complex for Beach Club and Yacht Club guests, is far more amazing than any other Disney pool: it’s a three acre waterpark. It has multiple pools, a lazy river area, waterfalls, and plenty of chairs in the sun and shade. Access is limited to guests of the resort, so people who are “resort hopping” can’t get in. Plus, if you have Stormalong Bay right outside your front door, you may decide you don’t need to add the “Water Parks and More” option to your Walt Disney World tickets. This can easily save you $50 or more per person, or several hundred dollars for a family.
3. Get steep discounts through the Disney Vacation Club. The Deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World aren’t cheap. However, owners of Disney Vacation Club properties often find themselves with time that’s about to expire, and they often “rent” this time to others – see my other articles for more information about renting points from Disney Vacation Club members, the short version here is that you can often rent a Beach Club Villa for a fraction of the regular price of a Deluxe room.
So there you have it – when it comes to great park access, an amazing swimming area, and deep discounts, the Beach Club Villas can’t be beat.
Sources:
“Epcot Map” – http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/epcot.htm
“Stormalong Bay Photos” – http://allears.net/acc/g_sab.htm
“Disney’s Beach Club Villas” – http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/beach-club-villas/