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 Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.

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 Yacht Club and BoardWalk Inn have in common. First, both offer Deluxe Resort accommodations with a similar resort layout. You’ll discover luxurious amenities and unique themeing at both hotels. Plus, both boast many of the same perks. In addition, each offer the same convenient transportation options at an amazing Walt Disney World location. Both of these resorts feature nautical, seaside themes!

But, what about the prices? Well, this is where you’ll first see a difference. In fact, you’ll save a bit by opting for the Yacht Club. However, the most expensive rooms are large villas at BoardWalk Inn. The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Villas can be booked by Disney Vacation Club members or cash-paying guests.

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.

For BoardWalk Inn, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $597 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $4,455 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!

Extra Theme Park Hours Benefits for Disney World Resort Hotel Guests

THEME/ROOMS

These are not your standard hotels. Get ready to enjoy beautiful lakeside accommodations.

But whether your stay takes you to the sophisticated Yacht Club or the vintage BoardWalk, you’ll find that both of these options provide delightful Disney amenities.

Yacht Club Resort

Ahoy maties, straighten that ascot and slip on those boat shoes, you’re about to set sail into the Disney resort themed after the grand and sleek yachting clubs of New England. And no, Disney does not require that you own a yacht to stay here (phew, that’s one expense you won’t have to factor into your Disney trip!).

This resort makes “subtle” look good. It’s sleek, elegant, and streamlined — like, well, a yacht. If you’re visiting Disney World for a business conference, this hotel might just be the right speed for you as it encompasses a rather executive vibe to it. There are some very nice, and perfectly adequate furnishings, but the rooms themselves just don’t scream lavish.

Our favorite touch in these otherwise “character-less” rooms are the curtains that feature fictional constellations inspired by some of our favorite Disney pals.

The Yacht Club renovated and updated the rooms in 2017 resulting in a more sophisticated appearance with dark woods, crisp whites, and deep navy blues.  They definitely don’t have the personality that you can find at the Contemporary and Polynesian. So, if you’re looking for a room with some “character,” the Yacht Club may not be your jam. Note that standard rooms are about 381 sq. ft.

Why You Should Add Disney’s Yacht Club to Your Resort Hopping List Right NOW

BoardWalk Inn

Welcome to the charming turn-of-the-century Atlantic boardwalk themed resort, aptly named BoardWalk Inn. The BoardWalk brings in vibrant colors reminiscent of a seaside amusement park. In essence, the BoardWalk Inn balances the fun of the theme with the luxury of a deluxe resort.

The rooms last received a bit of a touch up and spruce back in 2016 and with the ongoing construction and other resort renovations may see some TLC, soon. We hope the room updates and renovations keep with the classic Disney charm we’ve come to love and aren’t watered down to look like other standard hotels. Standard rooms at 434 sq. ft. sleep five people.

Given the charming color palette and light fixtures in the updated hallways, we have high hopes for the new room decor!

Results

So, this really could be down to what type of vibe you want on your vacation.

For cost, we give the edge to Yacht Club, however if a larger room is important to you, you’ll want to look closer at BoardWalk Inn. We’re giving a slight edge to Yacht Club right now due to the ongoing construction at BoardWalk Inn.

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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.

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.

BoardWalk Inn

The BoardWalk Inn has three pools — the main pool called Luna Park and two “leisure” pools for folks that are looking for more chill than thrill for their watery adventure.

The Luna Park pool used to be the home of the clown water slide that lit up at night and may have caused an entire generation to need therapy. Luckily for you fine folks, you get to enjoy the renovated model of the Keister Coaster pool slide.

Mickey, Minnie and Friends enjoy a pool adventure with you on this 200-foot-long slide.

This fun pool is 184,217 gallons and is just steps away from the amusements on the Boardwalk where you can easily grab a quick ice cream or margarita and then jump right back in the pool.

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 whimsical pool area? 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.

10 Hidden Secrets About Disney World Pools

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.

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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BoardWalk Inn

The BoardWalk Inn has been updating and renovating many of the common areas including some of the dining options on the actual boardwalk. We’ve seen the rebranding of the BoardWalk Deli (formerly the BoardWalk Bakery) and look forward to the new Cake Bake Shop.  Inside the BoardWalk lobby, the fan-favorite Belle Vue Lounge reopened with new furnishings, that received some humdrum remarks from loyal guests for losing its charm and looking like it was furnished by Wayfair. And Carousel Coffee recently opened serving up pastries and Joffrey’s Coffee with a rather subdued vibe for a joint named after a bright and vivacious carnival attraction. Let’s take a look…

At AbracadaBar, according to the story, you can still feel the magic in the air at this former secret haunt of boardwalk magicians and entertainers… a group that mysteriously vanished over 70 years ago. Guests can experience their lingering magic in the sights, sounds, and even tastes (through the signature “Curious Cocktails”) in this enchanted lounge!

Atlantic Dance Hall is another bar on the BoardWalk. Looking for a place to get your groove on? Boogie down to music from the 80s through today at Atlantic Dance Hall! You can request your favorite music videos, and dance along as they play on the large screens above. Shake your groove thang, and get your dance on with a group of friends! Please note that Atlantic Dance Hall is limited to guests 21 and older and typically open Thursday through Sunday nights from 8PM to 1AM.

The Belle Vue Lounge is what many call a “rare find” at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Modeled after a 1930s sitting room, it has nice touches like board games and working radios playing shows from eras past. Tucked right off the main lobby, this lounge is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink after a long day at the parks. Guests can also stop here for coffee or pastries in the morning.

Head to a real brewing factory at Big River Grille & Brewing Works! Here you can sample many different kinds of beers, along with great burgers, steaks, nachos, and more. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls in the Big River Grille & Brewing Works restaurant provide a glimpse into the beer-making process. Watch while an on-site brew master crafts the establishment’s beers. Or sit outside and enjoy the BoardWalk atmosphere and water views.

Step back in time to a seaside boardwalk village on Crescent Lake where turn-of-the-century charm meets savory eats and sweet treats at the BoardWalk Deli. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are offered, and guests enjoy items like house-baked bagels or a hand-piped cannoli.

Craving a cool treat while strolling along the Disney World BoardWalk? Then stop by BoardWalk Ice Cream! This ice cream to-go store scoops up simple sundaes and cones made with Edy’s brand ice cream. The treats here are said to be inspired by the beloved Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at the nearby Beach Club Resort.

BoardWalk Joe’s is a stand on Disney World’s BoardWalk that is known for ONE thing: “Marvelous Margaritas!” For a relatively small kiosk, there is a surprising variety of flavorful margaritas available — and sometimes you’ll happen upon a seasonal concoction! A selection of snacks such as pretzels and roasted nuts is also available. Non-alcoholic smoothies (including one made with Dole Whip!) are also on offer.

Stop by the Pizza Window on Disney World’s BoardWalk for a piping hot pizza pie! One of the most relaxing and fun things to do at Disney World is stroll along the Disney BoardWalk, taking in all the sights and smells around Crescent Lake. With 9,000 square feet of entertainment, shops, and restaurants, there are several options for a quick bite to eat. Why not grab some fresh pizza from the BoardWalk Pizza Window? They serve up whole pizza pies and pizza by the slice (and Sangria to go with it, for of-age guests, along with fountain drinks). Grab one of the cafe tables outside or stroll while you eat.

If you happen to be walking down Disney World’s BoardWalk and you’re in the mood for a quick snack, be sure to stop at the BoardWalk To Go kiosk. At this kiosk you’ll find baskets of deep-fried treats including fried mac and cheese bites and corn dogs. You can even grab a meal combo built around a hot dog, cheeseburger, or pulled pork sandwich. (Note: BoardWalk To Go has permanently closed.)

The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is coming to Disney World’s BoardWalk in 2023! This new Table Service restaurant will serve items for brunch, lunch, and dinner featuring both sweet and savory menus. Afternoon tea service will be offered as well! And guess what? Guests will also be able to pop in for a quick treat by grabbing something to-go from the bakery case!

You can find Carousel Coffee at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. This spot is located right off the Resort’s lobby, making it a perfectly convenient spot for your pick-me-up cup! Coffee, tea, and pastries (including options by Joffrey’s Coffee) are on offer. Keep an eye out for seasonal drinks and unique options like a Dark Cherry Mocha Frozen Blended Coffee. As far as the eats, you can grab classic snacks such as the Vintage Mickey & Minnie Sugar Cookie, Banana Bread, Croissants, Muffins, NJ Crumb Cake, Bagels, and a Mickey Brownie.

Flying Fish is a signature restaurant that serves gourmet seafood to guests on Disney World’s BoardWalk. Many tout both the sea and land dishes here. (The Char-Crusted New York Strip is a favorite among landlubbers.) The location — complete with a lovely glass school of fish “swimming” above the main dining room — has an emphasized focus on seasonal, sustainable fare.

Flying Fish

You’ll find a truly classic carnival treat on Disney World’s BoardWalk: Funnel Cake! The Funnel Cake Stand also serves the rather unexpected offering of Fried Ice Cream. Enjoy your “Tasty Sensations” (as the sign says) while you stroll or pull up a bench on the BoardWalk while watching the people go by! PLEASE NOTE: BoardWalk Funnel Cake is currently closed. 

Funnel Cake Stand is closed

Do you love music from the 70′s, 80′s, and 90′s? Do you love dueling piano improv? Then Jellyrolls Dueling Piano Bar is the place for you! This raucous bar on Disney’s BoardWalk brings you non-stop dueling pianos and a drink special each night (the “Jellyroll of the Day”). So be thinking of your favorite Billy Joel, Mariah Carey, or Elton John song to request! There is a cover charge of $18.00 to enter Jellyrolls, which is typically open nightly from 7PM to 1:45AM. Doors open at 7PM, and entertainment starts at 8PM — it helps to be early to grab a seat!

Jellyrolls

Welcome to Leaping Horse Libations at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn! Out at the Luna Park Pool at this Deluxe Resort, you’ll find a poolside bar with all the basics you need for an afternoon in the sun — cold drinks, snacks, and even a few lunch items to get you through your Florida sun-and-pool afternoon! Look for fun carnival-themed drinks like the Tilt-A-Whirl and The Roller Coaster Meltdown served along with the standard Disney pool bar menu.

Leaping Horse Libations

You’ll find Trattoria al Forno on Disney World’s BoardWalk. This eatery serves breakfast and dinner daily and is an “original Italian restaurant.” The dinner menu features regional specialties with classic preparations. Many of the ingredients are crafted in-house including hand-crafted mozzarella and handmade cavatelli. Trattoria al Forno also features seasonal risotto and serves only Italian wines.  

Trattoria al Forno

So many amazing places to eat, how can you choose? Or you don’t have to, just systematically eat your way through the BoardWalk!

Click HERE to find our COMPLETE GUIDE TO EATING at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn!

Results

Since both resorts are within an easy boat ride or walking distance from each other, the dining options can be enjoyed by guests of Yacht Club or BoardWalk Inn.

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!!

Yacht Club and BoardWalk Inn

Both hotels are considered “EPCOT-area” resort and sit on Crescent Lake, across the water from each other. These resorts are situated in between TWO Disney parks, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Yep, that’s right, you can walk or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on a Friendship Cruise boat to both EPCOT and Disney’s 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 and BoardWalk 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

It’s a tie!

HOW in the world do I get around the WORLD?

THE WINNER!

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

The location and transportation options are awesome at both resorts!

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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 Yacht Club vs. BoardWalk Inn Disney World Resort Guide 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog.