Disney's Yacht Club Resort vs Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Photo: Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Deluxe Epcot Resort Area
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Photo: Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
Deluxe Epcot Resort Area
Alex Young
Alex Young
· Updated · 5 min read

At a Glance

Tier

Yacht Club

Deluxe

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Deluxe

Area

Yacht Club

Epcot Resort Area

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Epcot Resort Area

Transportation

Yacht Club

Boat, Walk, Bus

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Walk, Boat, Bus

Table-Service Dining

Yacht Club

2 restaurants

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

4 restaurants

Quick-Service Dining

Yacht Club

5 locations

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

None

Pool Amenities

Yacht Club

Water Slide, Pool, Quiet Pool

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Pool

Extended Evening Hours

Yacht Club

Yes

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Yes

Top Highlight

Yacht Club

Shares Stormalong Bay with Beach Club, one of the best pools at Disney

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Newest and most modern of the Swan and Dolphin complex

Overview

Disney's Yacht Club Resort

A deluxe nautical resort beside Beach Club on Crescent Lake, with easy walking access to Epcot's International Gateway.

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

The newer tower within the Swan and Dolphin complex, positioned near Crescent Lake and marketed as a more boutique-style Marriott option.

Amenities

Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Recreation

  • stormalong bay—a 3-acre water wonderland
  • Water Slide
  • catch currents on an inner tube in the lazy river
  • Pool
  • Quiet Pool
  • Marina
  • Volleyball
  • Arcade
  • Playground

Wellness

  • Fitness Center
  • Spa

Rooms

  • disney signature services — guests staying in club-level rooms
  • Club Level

Other

  • The Market at Ale and Compass all-purpose store

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Recreation

  • Pool
  • Tennis Courts
  • Arcade
  • Playground
  • Boat Rental listed in Activities & Recreation; water taxi access to parks

Wellness

  • Fitness Center
  • Spa

Other

  • Water taxi dock for park access
  • Resort shops available

Transportation

Disney's Yacht Club Resort

  • Boat

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Walk

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Bus

    Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

  • Walk

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Boat

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Bus

    Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Pros

Disney's Yacht Club Resort

  • Shares Stormalong Bay with Beach Club, one of the best pools at Disney
  • Walking distance to EPCOT and boat to Hollywood Studios
  • Yacht Club Marketplace and Yachtsman Steakhouse on property
  • More nautical, adult-oriented atmosphere than neighboring Beach Club
  • Easy access to BoardWalk dining and entertainment district

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

  • Newest and most modern of the Swan and Dolphin complex
  • Spacious tower rooms with contemporary design and updated amenities
  • Same Crescent Lake location with walking access to EPCOT
  • Marriott Bonvoy points redemption available
  • Quieter and more upscale feel than the larger Swan and Dolphin hotels

Cons

Disney's Yacht Club Resort

  • Very expensive even by Deluxe resort standards
  • Smaller pool at Yacht Club itself, relies on shared Stormalong Bay
  • Rooms can feel dated compared to more recently renovated Deluxes
  • No monorail access, bus or walk required to Magic Kingdom
  • Nautical theming may not excite young children as much as other resorts

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

  • No Disney on-site perks such as Early Entry or booking advantages
  • High resort fees on top of nightly rate increase true cost
  • Smaller pool exclusive to Swan Reserve guests, main pools are at Swan/Dolphin
  • Limited dining within the Swan Reserve itself
  • No direct transportation to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom

On-Site Dining

Disney's Yacht Club Resort

  • Ale & Compass Lounge

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • Ale & Compass Restaurant

    Table Service

    American

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Ale & Compass Restaurant To Go

    Quick Service

    American

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Crew's Cup Lounge

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • Martha's Vineyard

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • The Market at Ale & Compass

    Quick Service

    American

    breakfast

    View menu

  • Yachtsman Steakhouse

    Table Service

    American, Steakhouse

    dinner

    View menu

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

  • Amare

    Table Service

    Mediterranean

    lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Grounds

    Table Service

    Bakery, American, Quick Service - Coffee

    snack

    View menu

  • Stir

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu

  • Tangerine

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu

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