10 Must-Do Things at Disney’s Yacht Club

So you just found out you’re headed to Walt Disney World as a part of the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration and are staying at the Yacht Club, one of Disney’s Deluxe Resort Hotels! Congrats! Among the excitement of the parties, tours and parks, many forget to take in everything their hotel has to offer. We’ve been fortunate to stay at the Yacht Club previously and want to share a little insider’s information.

When you have some downtime from all the events, check out all these amenities that are available to you with just a short walk from your room! Most people don’t realize the Yacht Club is actually attached to another of Disney’s Deluxe Resort Hotels, the Beach Club. So while you’re staying on one side of this attached property, the features of each one are available to guests of either hotel!

First, familiarize yourself with the property with this interactive map provided by Disney. Knowing the layout is your first step in maximizing your experience. Now, let’s look at the things you don’t want to miss while you’re there!

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop

I’m putting this one first because it needs to be on your list. This small ice cream parlor & soda shop is located on the Beach Club side, but is right outside of the pool area. I’m not exaggerating when I say they have the BEST milkshakes of any Disney hotel or park. And super-affordable! Open 11am-11pm each day, if the temperature is warm you’ll want to cool off with a Roy Rogers or a Milky Way Sundae. This is also the home to the world-famous “Kitchen Sink” dessert. You’ve never seen anything like it.

Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness

Now that you’ve had your treat, it is time to work it off. Ship Shape has fitness equipment as well as salon & spa services. This is not your local salon, this is pampering as it should be. I highly recommend making your reservations NOW to get the best time slot. After playing in the sun all day, you’ll need some me-time. This is the perfect solution.

Supervised Children’s Activity Center

At the Sandcastle Club, kids 3 to 12 years of age can make crafts, play games, have dinner and snacks, watch Disney movies and make new friends while parents enjoy an evening to themselves. Or a spa treatment. Or a milkshake. Or anything!

Pirate Adventure Cruises

Yet another activity for the kids when you need some alone time. Choose from a variety of adventures, from treasure hunting to tales of Captain Jean Lafitte – one of the most infamous pirates ever to haunt the waters of New Orleans. Call ahead for reservations as they do limit the number of kids on each trip. (407) 939-7529

Motorized Boat Rentals

Now who would have thought that you would want to rent a boat instead of visiting the parks? Whoever did was a genius. Experience Captaining your own vessel in the safety of Disney’s lakes. Choose from a 2-person power mini-powerboat, a 6-person Boston Whaler or even a 10-person Sun Tracker pontoon boat! Whatever your party size, Disney has an option for you.

Bike Rentals

One of our favorite ways to relax, yet burn a few calories, is to rent bicycles. Being able to take in the scenery at your own pace, yet see more than you can by just walking, makes this activity well worth the price. Don’t want to have to worry about the kids out-pacing you? Get a surrey bike that accommodates the entire family!

Disney Character Breakfast

If this is your first visit for your kids, this is definitely a must-do. There is nothing like sitting down to a meal with your favorite Disney character. At the Cape May Cafe, you can enjoy the New England-style beach-side setting for a Disney Character breakfast and a seafood dinner buffet. Again, plan this well ahead of time as they fill up quickly!

Yachtman Steakhouse

Sometimes a buffet just doesn’t cut it and you want a real meal. The Yacht Club’s Yachtman Steakhouse offers a fine-dining experience better than anything you’ll find back home. Don’t forget there IS a dress code!

Stormalong Bay

The swimming pools at the Yacht Club and Beach Club are consistently voted as the best of all Disney properties. Catch currents in an expansive sand-bottomed pool. From atop the mast of a life-sized shipwreck replica, zip down a 230-foot-long waterslide, one of the highest hotel slides at Walt Disney World Resort. Float down the lazy river on a rented inner tube, unwind in one of 3 whirlpool spas or simply relax on the elevated tanning deck. You’ll want to go back again and again.

Arcade & Playground

When you need something a little less-Disney, let the kids unwind at the playground right along Stormalong Bay (open 24 hours!) or feed their video game passion in the Lafferty Place Arcade. Purchase a prepaid card because quarters aren’t needed!

So many things to do, and this is just at YOUR hotel! I hope you elected to extend your stay this year because you’ll regret it if you didn’t. Even if the Yacht Club is a little out of your budget for a longer stay, Disney has a number of other properties you can transfer to which will make it easier on your wallet. The staff will even take care of getting your luggage from one property to the next so you don’t miss out on any important pool/park/dining/boating/fishing/etc time!

Do you know any special things that we must experience at the Yacht Club? List your tips in the comments for everyone to see!