Beach Club Vs. Boardwalk: Where Should You Stay

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either the Beach Club or Boardwalk Inn. But some differences between these two deluxe resorts could make or break your trip to Walt Disney World. Here’s a comparison between the two to help you decide.

Cost: Push

Okay, so let’s get this out of the way first; they’re both pretty expensive. You could stay at the Caribbean Beach for half the price, but you’d miss out on the amenities these two resorts offer.

You can expect to pay between $600-$800 a night for a room overlooking either the woods or parking area at either Resort. Disney’s Boardwalk can be slightly cheaper, $5-$10 a night, depending on the time of year. Not enough to make a difference.

But you’re paying for all the stuff you get from these resorts. See below for more on that. And you get that location, which can’t be beaten.

Location: Boardwalk

Both of these EPCOT area resorts are in prime locations. You can easily walk into the back entrance of EPCOT, and it’s a short boat ride to Hollywood Studios from either one. That’s two parks, and you don’t have to wait for the Walt Disney World Resort buses. That right there is worth at least $100 a night (at least by my calculations).

This is where Disney’s Boardwalk has an advantage. If you’re staying at the rear of the Resort, it’s less than a mile walk to Hollywood Studios too. That’s two Parks within a reasonable walking distance. It’s also quieter at the rear of the Resort, an added plus.

The walk from Disney’s Beach Club is doable, but it’s over a mile, close to 1.5 miles. That can be a pain after walking through the Park all day. But you can always take the Skyliner to the EPCOT Station, and it’s a few hundred yards to your Resort.

Rooms: Beach Club

You are paying for a great space, which you will get at either one. Boardwalk is the newer of the two, so the rooms are slightly more upgraded. But Beach Club rooms are getting an upgrade right now.

The one-bedroom suites and studios are much nicer at the Beach Club. If you can swing the price and are staying for more than a few days, that’s where I’d go.

Pool: Beach Club

Pools need their separate entry here. There is no better pool in all of Walt Disney World Resort than the one shared by the Beach and Yacht Clubs. It’s the best, but it can be a little overwhelming.

If you’re planning a day by the pool at the Beach Club, get there early. It fills up pretty quickly. Storm-A-Long Bay is three acres with a water slide, lazy river, and sand bottom pool. But it’s always packed.

While the Boardwalk pool isn’t nearly as large, it’s never as crowded. If you just want a quick dip, both Resorts offer smaller, quieter pools on site. However, you would get those pools at a basic hotel off Walt Disney World Property, so be prepared.

 

Decor: Boardwalk

 As a New Englander, I appreciate the 1900s Massachusetts vibe Disney’s Beach Club has. It brings a certain elegance to the seaside shore town.

Boardwalk has the same charm but is more playful. It brings you to the New Jersey Boardwalk of Cape May or Atlantic City. It’s vibrant and fresh without the tackiness that comes with some shore towns in Jersey. It’s not what you’d be getting from the MTV show.

 

Food: Beach Club

Okay, so this one will be a little complicated. If it’s just food, Cape May Cafe will win the argument for the Beach Club, hands down.

But if we include dessert and drinks, Boardwalk puts up a good fight. Boardwalk has AbracadaBar and a Piano Bar, and let’s not forget the actual Boardwalk itself, which comes alive at night. So it wins on drinks and nightlife.

The argument will come down to dessert, and Beach Club wins. Beaches and Cream might be the best ice cream shop on the property. Try the kitchen sink. It says it serves four but can easily accommodate five to seven people, depending on your ice cream tolerance.

Overall

There are no losers here. If you’re willing to pay for either Resort, I say go for it. Both are great for kids and close to two of the four Disney Parks.

But there can only be one winner. Whenever I have the chance, I will stay at the Beach Club. It was the first Disney Delux Resort I ever stayed at, and you never forget your first. If you can, it’s your best bet for the EPCOT area resorts. Give it a try, and you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s and may not reflect the sentiments of Disney Fanatic as a whole.