If you’re looking to stay at a Disney World hotel, does it get any better than Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts?

I mean, they’re iconic. They’re classy, they’re convenient, and they boast some serious perks (Stormalong Bay, anyone?). But what if I told you there’s a hidden gem in the EPCOT area that offers many of the same benefits (and maybe even some better ones) for hundreds less per night? It might just be the best-kept secret in the EPCOT resort area, and once this secret’s out, you might not want to stay at Yacht and Beach Club again.

We’re talking about the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. These two hotels are about to give Yacht and Beach Club a serious run for their money. Let’s break down why the Swan and Dolphin might just be the best-kept secret in the EPCOT resort area.

Location, Location, Location

First up: location. Staying at Yacht and Beach Club means you’re a short walk or boat ride away from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guess what? Swan and Dolphin offer the exact same convenience. These hotels are nestled right there on Crescent Lake, just steps from the BoardWalk. You can still stroll into EPCOT through the International Gateway or hop on a Friendship Boat to Hollywood Studios.

That means you’re getting all the benefits of staying in the EPCOT resort area – easy park access, scenic strolls, and a prime spot for fireworks viewing – without paying Yacht and Beach Club prices.

Foodies, Rejoice

One of the biggest draws of Yacht and Beach Club is their dining. Beaches & Cream is a fan favorite for its classic soda shop vibes and Kitchen Sink sundae, and Ale & Compass serves up elevated comfort food. But here’s the thing: the Swan and Dolphin absolutely hold their own in the food department, and, dare we say, they might even surpass Yacht and Beach Club.

At Swan and Dolphin, you’ve got:

• Shula’s Steak House, one of the best steakhouses in Disney World.
• Todd English’s bluezoo, a seafood lover’s paradise.
• Il Mulino, serving up incredible Italian cuisine.
• The Fountain, a hidden gem for ice cream and comfort food.

And that’s just scratching the surface. There are more than 20 restaurants and lounges between the two hotels, offering everything from upscale dining to quick bites. If you’re a foodie looking to explore world-class dining options, Swan and Dolphin have got you covered.

Price Check: Yacht and Beach Club vs. Swan and Dolphin

Let’s talk dollars and cents, because the price difference between these resorts is jaw-dropping. Depending on the time of year, a standard room at Yacht and Beach Club can easily set you back $600–$800 per night. Meanwhile, rooms at Swan and Dolphin typically hover between $250–$400 per night. That’s a difference of several hundred dollars for essentially the same location and amenities.

Think about what you could do with that extra cash. More park snacks? Fancy dinners? A VIP tour splurge? The possibilities are endless, and suddenly staying at Swan and Dolphin feels like the ultimate Disney hack.

Disney Perks Without the Price Tag

One of the reasons many guests stick with Disney-owned resorts is the extra perks. Things like Early Theme Park Entry and access to Extended Evening Hours can make a big difference when it comes to maximizing your park days. Good news! The Swan and Dolphin are included in these perks!

That’s right! You’ll still get access to early entry and those glorious late-night hours, just like you would at Yacht and Beach Club. Plus, the Swan and Dolphin offer complimentary transportation to the parks, including buses and boats.

But Wait, What About Stormalong Bay?

Okay, we hear you. Stormalong Bay is a big deal. It’s basically a mini water park with a sand-bottom pool, lazy river, and a killer water slide. We’re not going to argue that the Swan and Dolphin’s pools can compete with that level of awesomeness.

But here’s the thing: If you’re not a pool person or don’t plan to spend much time at the hotel during your trip, is Stormalong Bay really worth the extra $300+ per night?

At the end of the day, the Swan and Dolphin pools are still plenty nice, with beautiful landscaping, plenty of seating, and more, which is all you need if you’re primarily spending your time at the parks.

So, there you have it. Between the unbeatable location, incredible dining options, and major cost savings, these hotels offer so much value that you might now find it a bit hard to justify shelling out for Yacht and Beach Club. Now that the word’s out about this Disney resort hack, you might want to grab a reservation before everyone else catches on.

In the meantime, keep it right here for all the latest Disney news!

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Which Disney World hotel will you be staying at in 2025? Let us know down in the comments!