Welcome to a comprehensive guide that will help you navigate the enchanting world of Disney’s Beach Club Villas.
This charming Resort offers a captivating mix of pros and cons, each contributing to a unique vacation experience.
After staying in a Two-Bedroom here in September 2023, I have many opinions on this Resort (both positive AND negative) that may help you decide to opt for or against this DVC Resort.
Whether you’re a seasoned Disney traveller or planning your first magical getaway, it’s crucial to understand the advantages and potential challenges of staying at this iconic property.
So, let’s dive into the inviting waters of this delightful Resort and discover what awaits on the shores of Disney’s Beach Club Villas.
This post is all about the many pros and cons of Disney’s Beach Club Villas.
Pros and Cons of Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Pros of Staying at Disney’s Beach Club Villas
1) Best DVC Resort for Walking to Epcot
One of the standout advantages of staying at Disney’s Beach Club Villas is its unbeatable proximity to Epcot.
If you love strolling through the World Showcase or want to take advantage of the park’s festivals and events, you will probably enjoy staying here.
RELATED POST: The Ultimate Guide To All The Epcot Festival Dates You Need To Know
2) Beach Club Villas are also close to Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also just a boat/Skyliner or a leisurely walk away.
This means you can enjoy the thrill of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or the nostalgia of Toy Story Land with minimal travel time.
3) You can stay here at a relatively decent price
If you’re a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member or plan to rent points, staying at Beach Club Villas can be a more budget-friendly choice compared to the Beach Club Resort (the hotel, non-DVC side).
You get to enjoy the same great location and amenities at a more affordable price point.
4) You can enjoy Stormalong Bay
The Resort’s feature pool is Stormalong Bay, a breathtaking pool complex that’s often regarded as one of the best in all of Disney World.
With its sandy-bottomed pool, lazy river, waterfalls, and a shipwreck slide, it’s an attraction in itself.
As long as you don’t go at a very busy/crowded time, it can be fun and relaxing!
5) The wildly underrated DVC Quiet Pool
Beyond the lively atmosphere of Stormalong Bay, Beach Club Villas boasts a quieter pool area – known as Dunes Cove Pool.
This is perfect for those looking to relax in a tranquil environment or take a refreshing dip without the crowds. It’s a hidden gem many guests overlook.
Please note that this pool is closed for refurbishment from October 30th – late December 2023.
6) Character Dining Options
Foodies will find paradise at Cape May Cafe – the Resort’s onsite character dining restaurant.
Here, you can savour a delectable buffet with characters such as Minnie, Goofy, Daisy and Donald in their beach attire.
Please note that the characters are only here for breakfast.
It’s an excellent choice for a fun and delicious meal right at your doorstep.
Cons of Staying at Disney’s Beach Club Villas
1) There are comparable accommodation options – in the same area – at lower prices
While the Beach Club Villas can be a great choice, you can find similar accommodations at a lower cost.
For instance, Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, which are in the same Epcot resort area, can be more budget-friendly, whether you’re renting points or using your own DVC points.
For example, the cost of a studio for one night (December 11th-12th, 2024) at each of these Resorts is:
Beach Club Villas: $368
Boardwalk Villas: $230
For the sake of saving $138 for just one night – it might be worth opting for Boardwalk Villas – unless the shorter walk to Epcot is extremely important to you.
2) It’s not the cheapest DVC Resort
Beach Club Villas are among the more expensive Disney Vacation Club (DVC) properties at Walt Disney World.
On average, the studios at Beach Club Villas are more expensive than:
- Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Boardwalk Villas (as previously mentioned) at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Studios at Beach Club Villas are usually in the same price range as Studios at the following Disney World DVC Resorts:
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
These resorts may be better if you prefer Magic Kingdom. Bay Lake Tower is arguably better than Beach Club Villas – as it is within walking distance of Magic Kingdom.
3) A poor array of dining options
While Cape May Cafe is a standout, the Resort offers few dining options.
Their quick service option – Beach Club Marketplace – has very basic options. Based on my family’s experience of undercooked chicken and watery chilli, it is one of the worst quick service locations I’ve ever been to.
4) High Prices May Not Equate to Luxury:
Some accommodations at this DVC Resort don’t always justify the high price.
When I stayed in a Two Bedroom here, it was really dated – and not worth the low 4-figure/night room rate (assuming that you’re booking directly with Disney).
Beach Club Villas are coming to the end of a much-needed refurbishment. But even then, they don’t feel especially luxurious for a Deluxe Resort.
Here are some photos that display this:
Generic Airbnb vibes? I think so …
On the other hand, Boardwalk Villas are much cheaper, and yet they feel fancier.
6) Lacks the Sophistication of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
While Beach Club Villas are lovely, some guests seeking a more sophisticated atmosphere might prefer Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – the sister resort to Beach Club.
The Yacht Club offers an upscale ambience that caters to a more refined taste.
The downside is that there aren’t any Studios or Villas at Yacht Club, meaning that if you stay there, you have to pay Disney’s hotel prices.
Ta Ta For Now
In conclusion, Disney’s Beach Club Villas presents a captivating blend of advantages and disadvantages that offer a unique experience to each guest.
Ultimately, deciding whether this DVC resort is the right fit for your Disney vacation relies on your unique preferences and priorities.
This post was all about the many pros and cons of Disney’s Beach Club Villas.
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