If you’re looking to stay at a Disney World hotel, does it get any better than Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts?
Yacht Club
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.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
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.
It’s a beautiful resort!
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.
Shula’s Steak House
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.
Todd English’s bluezoo
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.
Swan and Dolphin
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!
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin at night
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.
Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Beach Club
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?
Pool and the Swan and Dolphin
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.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
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.
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You forgot to mention that the Swan & Dolphin are also Marriot properties, which means that can earn your Marriot Rewards Pionts, if you are a member. An extra perk to staying at Disney’s Swan & Dolphin Resort. I look forward to staying at the Swan & Dolphin Resort in the future. Thanks for showcasing an affordable alternative when staying at Disney’s Boardwalk Area.
Yes but Swan/Dolphin do not have club or concierge level.
Love the swan and dolphin and try to stay here every time. They do host a lot of conferences so the prices can be up there with Beach and Yacht at times. I actually scored beach club for cheaper this spring but I’m guessing it might be because Stormalong bay will be closed, which I didn’t realize when I booked.
Bonus!
Dolphin had a kids club service. Drop the kids off for a play and dinner for fee and the adults can explore Epcot alone!
Agree, nice, however, as Marriott properties, they also charge a $50/day resort fee and $35/day parking, about $100/ day with tax. NO EXCEPTIONS. Disney properties, no such fees. As a lifetime Marriott platinum member, I receive no special benefit which to me was astounding as I have stayed 750+ nights on Marriott properties to achieve lifetime status. However, you can use Marriott points to stay, but still will be charged the report and parking fees.
The only reason I didn’t stay at the Swan and Dolphin before was because they provided luggage pick and Magic Express which enabled me to start my vacation at my home airport. Once it became necessary to do my own luggage handling and provide my own transportation, it didn’t make sense to pay the higher prices for Disney hotels. This makes it possible for a larger pool of hotels not only the Swan and Dolphin but also the hotels in Disney Springs area.
Tell the whole story. You will pay an extra resort fee (now $50) and parking fee (now $38-$56) per day. Disney hotels include them in their price. The transportation buses do not drop off and pick up where the Disney buses do. You will have a much farther walk to the gates.
It’s still a savings, but you won’t get the “Welcome home!” experience that you would from a Disney owned hotel.