Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be complicated — especially when you’re trying to choose between 25 resort hotels. If you’ve narrowed down your choices to these hotels, how do you make your final selection?

Well, we’re here to walk you through the differences between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

Whether room size, location, pools, and/or restaurants are most important to you, we share the information that you’ll need to make an informed decision. After all, we want you to stay at the hotel that is best for your family!

Let’s get started and look at all the details so that you can plan your Disney trip with confidence.

There’s no doubt that Disney vacations are expensive, and no one wants buyer’s remorse when it comes to what can usually be the most EXPENSIVE part of your Disney trip. The best way to tackle such a massive decision like this is with as much logic as possible, so we broke down this comparison into five categories: Common Ground, Theme/Rooms, Pools, Food, and Transportation.

Let’s get started on your vacation research.

COMMON GROUND

Before we mention their differences, let’s take a look at what Wilderness Lodge and Yacht Club have in common. First, both offer Deluxe Resort accommodations with a similar resort layout. For instance, a main lobby building connects guests to the gift shop, rooms, and more. You’ll discover luxurious amenities and unique themeing at both hotels. Plus, both boast many of the same perks. 

The Wilderness Lodge offers Disney Vacation Club Villas as additional accommodations, and while the Yacht Club does not have DVC Villas, its sister resort — Disney’s Beach Club — does.

But, what about the prices? Well, this is where you’ll first see a difference. In fact, you’ll save quite a bit by opting for the Wilderness Lodge. However, the most expensive rooms are large villas.

For the Wilderness Lodge, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $453 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $5,128 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates)

For the Yacht Club, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $537 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $3,877 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit.

Let’s dig a little deeper to see what you can get for the money at these resorts!

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THEME/ROOMS

These are not your standard hotels. You can head out to a Northwestern National Park Lodge at Wilderness Lodge or stay in the lakeside setting of the Yacht Club.

But whether your stay takes you to the rustic wilderness or the elegant seashore, you’ll find that both of these options provide delightful Disney amenities.

Wilderness Lodge

Welcome to the beauty and grandeur of the U.S. Pacific Northwest. At Wilderness Lodge, you’ll discover towering redwoods, pristine free-flowing creeks, artifacts, and monuments to American history and its inhabitants. The inspiration for this resort is pulled from various lodges and resorts of the national parks like Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park and Ahwahnee Hotel at Yosemite National Park. Guests feel the full majesty of nature once they enter the grand lobby with soaring ceilings, the massive 82-foot tall Grand Canyon-inspired fireplace, and 55-foot totem poles.

And the lobby delivers on that jaw-dropping “oh wow” moment (especially around the holidays).

The deluxe Wilderness Lodge standard rooms received a little facelift, like the Contemporary and Polynesian rooms have. So, when you stay here, you’ll get to experience a bit more streamlined and updated decor that is both modern and rustic. Standard rooms are 344 sq. ft. 

Wilderness Lodge also has two different Disney Vacation Club accommodations, Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek, which include villas ranging from basic studio rooms all the way up to multi-room cabins overlooking Bay Lake.

Some of these cabins face the Contemporary Resort and may provide some obstructed views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Results

Wilderness Lodge delivers a rustic Northwestern escape, while Yacht Club features an elegant seaside setting. So, this really could be down to what type of vibe you want on your vacation.

For cost, we give the edge to Wilderness Lodge, however if a larger room is important to you, you’ll want to look closer at Yacht Club. Also, the Yacht Club gets a nod for the most recently updated rooms with a bit more pizzazz.

PHOTOS: The Halls at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Are DECKED Out for Christmas!

POOLS

When the weather is HOT or you just need a break from park queues, head to your resort pool! After all, the pools have their own unique features and special theming. Feature pools at Walt Disney World hotels usually have at least one slide and also offer poolside activities. Look at the hotel’s recreation schedule for more information. These swimming spots are family-friendly with at least one whirlpool spa.

Note that poolside towels are always complimentary.

Wilderness Lodge

The Wilderness Lodge hosts two pools: the Copper Creek Pool and the Boulder Ridge Pool. Both pools have the natural feel of swimming in a spring. Copper Creek is the main pool, complete with a water slide and the Copper Creek splash area.

Copper Creek pool overlooks the serene Bay Lake and resort-iconic geyser, Fire Rock Geyser, which spouts off every hour on the hour between 7am and 10pm. (But Cast Members will turn it off for inclement weather, including particularly windy days.)

Boulder Ridge pool is a quieter pool closer to the Boulder Ridge section of the resort with rustic themed cabanas, and close proximity to the Geyser Point Bar & Grill.

Yacht Club Resort

The Yacht Club may be understated when it comes to its lobby and resort rooms, but it is not to be outdone in the pool category. Disney’s Yacht Club shares a pool complex with its neighboring resort, the Beach Club, Stormalong Bay.

Stormalong Bay is a destination on all its own. This pool complex is almost like its own mini-water park, with sand at the bottom and even a lazy river! Whether you take advantage of the ‘shipwrecked’ themed water slide or leisurely float around the lazy river, this pool delights guests of all ages.

Stormalong Bay is also nestled in close to Beaches and Cream, an iconic ice cream shop, providing over-the-top milkshakes, sundaes, and comfort junk food essentials like burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Results

Both have relaxing pools with pool bars, lounge chairs, and splash areas. Again, it might boil down to just what your style is. Do you want to soak in a natural spring with lakeside views, a majestic geyser, and surrounded by serene, wooded trails? Or something a bit more coastal with sand and a lazy river?

Our heart leans towards the Yacht Club because that pool is just epic! Toes in the sand and relaxing down a lazy river with a shipwreck-themed water slide is our idea of a wonderful poolside escape.

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FOOD

Because we are Disney FOOD Blog, we take food seriously. Very. Seriously. And we love it all. We love the cheap, comfort of plastic cheese, and we love the high-brow sophistication of a wine flight or a multi-course pre-fixe meal. We don’t discriminate; we are a lover of all foods. Since food is SO important, let’s see how these resorts stack up against each other in the restaurant category.

Wilderness Lodge

Wilderness Lodge has five dining spots for you to nibble and nosh your way through the wilderness.

Geyser Point Bar & Grill located near the Copper Creek Springs Pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge — is a unique space in that it offers two different kinds of service for guests… all in one cozy and lovely setting.

It blends two different dining styles (a Table Service lounge and a Quick Service walk-up counter) and two different menus. The Featured Cocktail list at the lounge boasts beverages unique to Geyser Point, featuring spirits from Northwest distilleries in keeping with the theme of the Resort. Hearty appetizers can be ordered from the lounge as well, while full entrees are available at the connected Counter Service.

The open-air restaurant offers gorgeous waterfront views and a fireplace for cool evenings. And don’t sleep on Geyser Point, it’s a destination-worthy eatery with amazing burgers, queso, and unique cocktails, all in a serene atmosphere.

Formerly a signature restaurant, Artist Point’s setting and menu have been entirely transformed with a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs theme for a different experience. Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White is a Character Meal! Guests enjoy a prix-fixe meal and can look forward to Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy stopping by throughout the dinner. And The Evil Queen is even present for a unique photo opportunity.

Shhh…..don’t tell anyone our secret. Territory Lounge is one of our favorite hidden gems at Disney World!  If your idea of a good lounge is one with cozy seating, specialty cocktails (as well as beer and even wine flights), and some of the best lounge eats on Walt Disney World property, then Territory Lounge is your place.

Boasting its own unique menu of lounge noshes, the Disney Food Blog gives it a hearty thumbs-up. The Territory Lounge is a great place to grab a light dinner and drinks with friends in an atmosphere that’s warm and inviting.

Looking for hearty comfort food in a warm, rustic setting? Welcome to Roaring Fork! Roaring Fork offers a variety of hearty entrees and counter service basics (along with grab-and-go options) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a serene atmosphere, with seating both indoors and out.

Guests will even find specialty coffee drinks available, and fans of Disney cupcakes will often find some really fun and unique options here that change with the seasons.

The other Table Service option at the Wilderness Lodge is Whispering Canyon. Whispering Canyon Cafe is one of Disney World’s “funnest” restaurants ! With a crew of wayward servers intent on making you laugh and all-you-can-eat down home grub served skillet-style (guests may also choose from a la carte selections), this restaurant is a great one to book for a casual good time — especially if you’re with a group!

Whispering Canyon is renowned for its raucous hijinks like wooden pony races, massive straw drops, and tables overloaded with ketchup bottles. It is one of Disney’s dining options that put the fun front-and-center, and also provides some consistently tasty eats.

Click HERE for our Complete Guide to Eating at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge!

Yacht Club Resort

Hurricane Hanna’s is a pool bar, tucked under the Stormalong Bay waterslide, that provides fixes for your hunger without having to wander too far from the pool.

The Yacht Club is home to two lounges, one quick-service market, a table service option, and a Disney Signature dining restaurant. Not to mention its close proximity to Beach Club and all of those dining options.

For an ideal spot to relax with a nightcap while winding down in the evening, or to grab a bite or two from their substantial appetizer menu, head over to Ale & Compass Lounge. The Ale & Compass Lounge is one part of the Ale & Compass dining concept at the Yacht Club, which also includes The Market at Ale & Compass and the Ale & Compass Restaurant.

Located right next to Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, the Crew’s Cup Lounge is a great place to get a bite and a drink in a relaxing, cozy atmosphere — and it’s a DFB favorite! In addition to specialty cocktails and a full bar, a robust food menu is served during evening hours as well, including a few full meals. During dinner hours at the Yachtsman, you’ll have a direct view through a glass window of steak being prepared for the steakhouse – so cool!

Ale & Compass Restaurant is the table service component of the Ale & Market dining concept in Disney’s Yacht Club, which also includes The Market at Ale & Compass along with the refreshed Ale & Compass Lounge. The atmosphere offers a gastropub ambiance while comfort food (New England-inspired) is featured on the menu. A la carte options for breakfast include classic American breakfast fare, with a few twists like the Dark Chocolate Waffle and Salted Caramel-Apple French Toast, and a pastry buffet option may be paired with your choice of entree. Casual lunch options include Fish & Chips, burgers, and more. Dinner offerings feature specialties like the New England Seafood Pot Pie and Pappardelle pasta dishes, among others.

The Market at Ale & Compass is a Counter Service location at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Simple convenience is the name of the game, with a focus on grab-and-go items. However, hot sandwiches, specialty desserts — and even a coffee bar — round out the options nicely. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Yachtsman Steakhouse comes highly recommended by any discerning carnivore. The steaks here are some of the best on property, and the service is often excellent.

This craftsman-inspired dining room at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort caters to all tastebuds with a variety of dishes, incredible sides, and amazing, cut-in-house steaks.

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Results

Wilderness Lodge offers a casual vibe with Whispering Canyon Cafe and character dining at Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White! While Yacht Club offers the upscale Yachtsman Steakhouse, Wilderness Lodge restaurants are fan-favorites.

Still, we advise looking at the menus to see which resort has more food that appeals to your traveling party.

TRANSPORTATION

Do these resorts offer anything different when it comes to transportation? Let’s see!!

Wilderness Lodge

If Magic Kingdom is your destination, there is boat transportation that sails through Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon to the front steps of the Magic Kingdom. There is also a bus option at peak times or when the weather doesn’t permit boat travel.

If EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s buses to transport you to these locations.

For complimentary Walt Disney World transportation, guests staying at the Wilderness Lodge will have to rely primarily on bus and boat transportation. However, it is possible to boat to Magic Kingdom or Disney’s Contemporary Resort, then take the monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center. From there, you can transfer to an EPCOT-destined monorail.

Yacht Club Resort

The Yacht Club is considered an “EPCOT-area” resort. It sits on Crescent Lake, across the lake from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. This resort is situated in between TWO Disney parks, EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Yep, that’s right, you can walk or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on a Friendship Cruise boat to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

We love walking to EPCOT’s International Gateway. Not having to worry about fighting EPCOT’s post-fireworks crowds? Yes, sign us up, please.

If Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s buses to transport you over to these parks.

And as if walkways, boats, and buses weren’t enough options for you, Yacht Club guests are also within walking distance of the EPCOT Skyliner station. This means you have easy access to the other Skyliner resorts if you want to go exploring other resorts or just have a relaxing cruise through the sky.

Results

Yacht Club wins in this category due to its proximity to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Plus, there is the Disney Skyliner for visiting other resorts! However, if your focus is the Magic Kingdom, Wilderness Lodge may be a better choice for your traveling party.

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THE WINNER!

So, who is the ultimate winner in the Wilderness Lodge vs. Yacht Club battle? We hate to say it, but it depends! You’ll need to decide which theme, dining, pools, and transportation best suits your next vacation to Walt Disney World.  Wilderness Lodge standard rooms are smaller, however if cost is your biggest concern, staying here will save you money. However, Yacht Club has rooms with more sophistication! If themeing is most important, Wilderness Lodge also has the edge in that category.

When we look at transportation, Yacht Club is the clear winner. You can’t beat the location!

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What do you think? Which Disney World hotel is the best choice for your family? Let us know in the comments!

The post Wilderness Lodge vs. Yacht Club Disney World Resort Guide 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog.