Spending time at Yacht Club Resort recently made me happy I waited until now to visit this hotel. It never appealed to me before for whatever reason. Now, after the busyness and bustle of a day at Disney Springs or Universal Studios, I can go back to the hotel, relax in the newly non-themed room, and then use the sand bottom pool which is one of the best pools anywhere. No more Beaches and Cream, but you gotta give up something old to get something new!
This once immersive and magical resort hotel was a regal, rich and layered place that told a story of glamourous yachts, exploration, the sea and a time when ocean travel was a grand experience. It was also a sophisticated (for Disney) oasis from the theme parks and chaos. The public areas were always fresh, beautiful and pristine. The rooms were never amazing, but they offered quiet, tranquil settings with some spectacular views. But over the past several years, The Yacht Club story and theme has been eroded, watered-down, and wiped out. It now has the middle-of-the-road, copycat esthetic of an "anyplace Hilton" decorated by your aunt who dabbles in interior design and an admiration for Wayfair and HGTV. It is a mismatched disaster. A random modern rug here, more black paint, brass light fixtures from 2016, a yellow arm chair from a nightclub. Who did this? If they work for Disney they shouldn't, and if they are from an outside design firm, Disney should think twice. And, is anyone in charge of "Disney taste and resort storytelling?" It's feeling like the answer is "no". Disney World's greatest resorts don't look like a Property Brothers' makeover - they transport you to another time and place. They are a movie set - not a modern design job from an interior designer looking to "update" Disney's design esthetic. The Yacht Club is now a confused mess. The old stands out from the new. The new looks cheap and out of place with the architecture and grounds. And the painfully "trying to look hip" deigns are dated from the moment they hit the floor. You want change Disney? You want The Yacht Club to feel fresh? Don't ask the public. The public will lead you to bland and mediocre. You want a new update? Try gutting the bathrooms, new lighting, real custom carpeting, wall coverings and opportunities for views. Change for the better and long-term can't be done by ordering a blue wave rug someone liked on Overstock.com. On a high note, the staff was amazing and the pool is legendary. We love Disney World Resorts, but one by one, restaurant by restaurant, they are starting to seem less special, less detailed, and more like everyplace else.…
I can’t say enough great things about this resort. I can’t think of anything terrible to say. The front desk helped when I needed my parents magic bands. The bell hop-I think his name was Ivan-went above and beyond for us. The breakfast at the Ale and Compass was outstanding. It was super clean in our room. Very spacious room. Beds were a dream. Balcony was a huge Plus. You can’t hear the ferries-which I was so happy about. The view -incredible! They texted me my room and with my Disney experience app I was able to unlock my door and enjoy my room right away. No need to go to the front desk. I am so pleased with this stay. Thank you Disney for going above and beyond! Perk: walking to Epcot. Ferry to Hollywood studios. Bus ride to Magic Kingdom was awesome and clean. PS: boardwalk is closed-not many restaurants open. Just a pizza place (walk up) and ice cream. Not many restaurants open at the resort so make a reservation. We will be back!…
AVOID DISNEY - most of park is closed but they continue charging full price. I paid $5k for a 4 night 5 day last minute trip. All but one restaurant closed thus you can’t get food, parks are packed although they claim limited enrollment. And only a fraction of guest get on the marque rides due to over selling. Most lines for rides are +1.5 hours. In short, you receive a small fraction of normal “magical” experience but must still pay full price. Of course they don’t inform you in advance!
Our family won’t be staying at this resort again. My showers were cold in the mornings, we had brown water running out our faucets, the walls are very thin, and housekeeping was lacking. Also, food options are limited and not very good. It’s not a great hotel for younger kids, despite the pool. Definitely didn’t feel the magic. Most of the staff were friendly. Some didn’t seem to want to be at work. I’ll be spending my money at a different resort next time.
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