There’s no doubt that the Epcot Resort Area is one of Disney World’s best places to stay. Along with having some of the most convenient locations, it offers some of the best on-property dining and entertainment.
This guide was created to be the ultimate resource for everything you need to know about Epcot’s resorts and hotels. Whether you’re deciding on accommodations or just looking for a fun place to spend an evening, we’ve got you covered.
#1 Beach Club & Yacht Club Resort
I’m putting the Beach Club and the Yacht Club together since they are essentially the same general resort and share all amenities. They combine to create one of Disney World’s best resorts, period.
The top choice for families (Beach Club) or for adults (Yacht Club)
The Beach Club Resort and Yacht Club Resort are the best Epcot resorts. It’s definitely not a stretch to say that they have something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a great spot for a family full of kids or a romantic spot for two adults, it’s hard to beat these two.
The Beach Club Resort is perfect for families of all sizes. The theme is based on 19th-century coastal New England and is a bit more laid back than what you’ll find at the Yacht Club. Don’t be mistaken though- even though the resort is meant to have the feel of a laid-back beachside resort, it’s very impressive and is deserving of its “Deluxe” categorization.
The Yacht Club Resort is, without a doubt, one of the best adult-friendly resorts that Disney World has to offer. It’s right at the top of our list of the best grownup Disney World resorts. While the Beach Club has a general New England beachside theme, the Yacht Club’s theme would be better described as refined and nautical. Think navy blues and rich wood grains instead of pastels and white-wash.
Stormalong Bay is absolutely the best pool at Disney World
And it’s not even close. If having access to a great swimming pool is one of your biggest resort priorities, Stormalong Bay is going to blow you away. It’s essentially a miniature waterpark smack dab in the middle of the Beach Club and Yacht Club. The entire 3-acre pool area contains three gigantic pools, a lazy river, a 230ft waterslide, and multiple whirlpool spas. One of the pools even features a sandy bottom.
Seriously, Stormalong Bay is massive for a resort pool area. Whether you want to have fun with the kids in the pool or lounge around on one of the elevated decks, you’re in good shape here.
The best overall location
All Epcot Resort Area resorts and hotels are conveniently located, but the Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts are the best of all worlds. Epcot is only a 10-minute walk from your room in either resort, Hollywood Studios is a 15-minute walk, and The Boardwalk Inn is a 5-minute walk.
The Beach Club and the Yacht Club are also a short walk from the Disney Skyliner, which can transport guests to the Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century Resort, Art of Animation Resort and to Hollywood Studios.
This awesome location is about as convenient as it gets at Disney World. The significance of having walking access to two parks really can’t be overstated. It’s also a huge perk to have the quietness and charm of the Beach Club or Yacht Club while still being extremely close to the liveliness of the Boardwalk.
The Beach Club and Yacht Club are situated along Crescent Lake, providing a beautiful waterfront view with the Boardwalk Inn as a backdrop. Sandy beaches line the waterfront and give you a relaxing spot to soak up some sun.
Top-notch restaurants abound
Staying at the Beach Club or Yacht Club means that you’ll have immediate access to some of the best Disney resort restaurants. There are a number of above-average options within the resorts, both quick-service and table-service.
The Beach Club’s restaurants are a little more casual in nature. For example, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop is a popular table-service restaurant that serves good burgers and a ton of ice cream. If you’re looking for character dining, you can find it at Cape May Cafe, a Beach Club buffet-style restaurant.
In my opinion, the Yacht Club’s restaurants are a notch above (not that it really matters since they are both connected) the Beach Club’s restaurants. Yachtsman Steakhouse is one of the best signature fine-dining establishments at Disney. Ale and Compass is a fairly new restaurant but has become one of my favorite resort table-service spots for lunch. Yacht Club’s Crew’s Cup Lounge is also one of the best resort lounges both for drinks and for food.
And of course, staying at the Beach/Yacht Club also means that you have easy access to all of the restaurants at Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and the other resorts nearby. There’s nothing better than walking from your hotel room to get some Epcot ice cream before turning in for the evening.
Definitely take a look at our Insider’s Guide to Epcot Dining if you want to see our recommendations for every Epcot restaurant, snack, dessert, and drink imaginable.
Ease of transportation
The Beach Club and the Yacht Club have some of the best resort transportation options. There is a boat launch footsteps from your room that will take you to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, or the Boardwalk Inn. Since Epcot has a monorail to Magic Kingdom, this means you can get to every park but Animal Kingdom without ever setting foot on a bus.
With the addition of Disney’s Skyliner, park hopping and resort hopping is a breeze. You can find the Skyliner loading station just before the International Gateway entrance to Epcot. In fact, all the resorts on this list have access to the Skyliner and all it’s stops between Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
If you’ve spent enough time at Disney World, you probably already know that buses are usually the least fun part of the vacation. The ability to mostly eliminate them is a HUGE perk.
If you’re in the middle of planning your Disney World trip…
Definitely take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Planning Disney World on a Budget. It will give in-depth tips and information to help you through every planning phase.
#2 Boardwalk Inn
The Boardwalk comes in a close second for Epcot Area Resorts, but can easily be the top choice for anyone who prefers a bustling resort over something quieter.
Excellent choice for anyone who likes having a lively resort atmosphere with plenty to do
The Boardwalk is one of the most unique resorts at Disney World. It has all the expected details and theming of a Deluxe resort, but adds a whole different element with its old-fashioned boardwalk. It’s pretty cool to have all of the luxuries of an upscale Disney resort while also having an outdoor area full of cool shops, restaurants, and entertainment to keep you occupied.
The theme is designed to transport you to 1940’s Atlantic City and it definitely delivers. The Boardwalk Inn’s atmosphere is whimsical and upbeat, so it’s pretty unlikely you’ll encounter any boredom during your stay.
The Boardwalk is also a destination for other Disney World guests, so it stays fairly busy with non-resort guests. This isn’t a bad thing if you like staying somewhere with a high level of activity. The Boardwalk prioritizes fun over straight-up relaxation.
Fun and games all over the place
Having a full, working boardwalk footsteps from your resort room means that that you’ve got access to constant fun. Think of Disney’s Boardwalk as a largely scaled-down version of Disney Springs.
One of the most fun places at the Boardwalk (for guests 21 and over) is Jellyrolls. Jellyrolls is a dueling piano bar that specializes in all types of music. The pianists are really talented and can take just about any song request you can think of. It’s a busy place and a lot of fun for a grownup’s night out. Atlantic Dance Hall is right next door to Jellyrolls. The Dance Hall is another fun spot for anyone 21+. It plays everything from the 80’s through today.
For general family fun, there are street performers, carnival games, caricature artists, and more up and down the Boardwalk. There’s also a full arcade.
It’s also worth noting that, even though it’s not an official part of the Boardwalk Inn Resort, Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf is a short walk away. It’s a popular spot in the evening, but isn’t usually too busy during the day.
Lots of restaurants and shops
The Boardwalk has quite a few dining options. The restaurants also have a good variety, from quick-service to table-service.
Casual spots include a bakery, pizza window, and hot dog cart. Flying Fish Cafe, Trattoria al Forno, Big River Grille & Brewing Works, and the ESPN Club are the sit-down options. Flying Fish is one of the best Disney World restaurants for seafood.
There are a number of shops throughout the boardwalk. Most don’t offer anything overly unique, but there are a couple of specialty stores. Wyland Galleries is also worth checking out. It has a large inventory of Disney-themed paintings and other artwork.
Great location
The Boardwalk Inn is absolutely a top-tier Deluxe resort. Even though it lacks in the “wow” factor you get from a resort like the Animal Kingdom Lodge or the Wilderness Lodge, it makes up plenty of ground with its style and activity level.
Immersion is something that plays a big role in the overall resort experience and the Boardwalk does a great job of it. The resort layout is designed so that the buildings wrap around the boardwalk. This layout does a lot to help you block out the rest of the world.
The Boardwalk’s physical location is just as good at the Beach & Yacht Club’s. The only real difference between the two is that they are on opposite sides of Crescent Lake. Epcot is a short 10-minute walk from the Boardwalk. Hollywood Studios is a 15-minute walk. Friendship Boats also dock at the Boardwalk, so it’s very simple to get to the parks by waterway. And the Disney Skyliner can get you to all Epcot area resorts and over to Hollywood Studios.
#3 Riviera Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort is one of the most exquisitely designed resorts on property. Inspired heavily by French architecture with Italian flair mixed in, you’ll be in awe of the intricate tile mosaics on the walls and the intimate boutique style of this resort.
It seems to be made for adults, especially couples, on a romantic weekend away. Everything from the delicious food, coffee shops and reading nooks tucked away in corners of the lobby and around the main building creates an inviting and cozy environment for couples.
This is another quieter and more relaxed environment than you’ll find in most other Disney resorts. The deluxe rates prices out a lot of families with young children and has a more mature feeling to the decor, food options and overall atmosphere.
The exterior is reminiscent of Parisian apartment buildings and the interior has a European boutique hotel feeling. The entryway is refined but approachable and the lobby is one of the smallest on property, making the experience much more intimate.
Rooms at the Riviera are absolutely beautiful and much more conducive to a couple’s getaway than a family vacation.
Fine European Dining
The Riviera Resort is equipped with a few dining spots that have very European menus that adults will love.
- Topolino’s Terrace: This signature dining is most closely compared to California Grill at the Contemporary Resort, but maybe one step down. The food is excellent and the experience is similar – you can view fireworks after dinner from both Hollywood Studios and Epcot, but they don’t pipe in the music like California Grill does. Breakfast is another must-do at Topolino’s. The food is delicious and Mickey, Minnie and Donald are fully dressed in French Riviera street artist clothing.
- Primo Piatto: This little eatery is your go-to place for quick service meals during your stay. Their Croque Madame and Croque Monsieur sandwiches are highly recommended, along with their Hearth Baked Pizzas. The room has floor to ceiling windows on its perimeter allowing you to catch an expansive view of the lagoon.
- Le Petit Cafe: Le Petit Cafe is a little coffee shop located on the main floor, serving up delectable treats and expertly crafted pastries. We’d expect nothing less of a very French cafe. They also carry a multitude of alcoholic beverages, coffees, teas and beer and wine. After 4pm, they have small plates available to pair with your aperitif.
Ease of Transportation
The Riviera Resort is right in the center of the Skyliner system, which comes with it’s own loading dock. Go to the right, and you have access to Epcot, the Boardwalk and the Yacht & Beach Club resorts. Go to the left, and you’ll get to Hollywood Studios, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century & Art of Animation resorts. With the addition of Disney’s Skyliner, park hopping and resort hopping is as easy as ever. You can find the Skyliner loading station at the far east side of the resort. Not only does the Skyliner take you to multiple destinations, but you also have bus access to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, as well as Disney Springs.
#3 Swan & Dolphin Hotels
Disney’s Swan & Dolphin Hotels are the only Epcot Resort Area hotels that aren’t owned and operated directly by Disney. I’ve heard people describe them best as “unofficial official” Disney properties. Either way, rooms at either one of these hotels often offer some of the best value for of any on-property accommodations.
A great option for guests who want the most bang for the buck
Since the Swan and Dolphin are independently owned hotels, they offer pricing that’s a little bit more competitive than actual Disney resorts. It’s not unusual to find rooms here for around $150/night. You do lose some of the perks that come with staying at a full resort, but that’s mitigated big time since you’re in the same connected area as the Beach Club and the Yacht Club. Same basic location for half the price. Not a bad deal.
On the flip side, there are a few drawbacks. One drawback is that the Swan and Dolphin both have an extra resort fee. But even with the dreaded “resort fee”, the Swan and Dolphin will almost always beat out the vast majority of Disney resorts in price. The other big drawback is the lack of Disney theming. There are still some Disney elements sprinkled in, but there won’t be nearly as much Disney World “magic” at these hotels.
Overall, your money definitely goes pretty far here when compared to nearby resorts.
An outstanding restaurant lineup
The Swan and Dolphin’s restaurants are 100% on par with Disney Deluxe resorts. In fact, the dining options here are even better than some Deluxe resorts, depending on your preferences.
Between to two hotels, you’ve got everything from grab-and-go quick service to full-blown fine-dining. Shula’s Steakhouse, Il Mulino, and celebrity chef Todd English’s Bluezoo are the two standout signature restaurants. Bluezoo, in particular, is a really fun dinner spot. For character dining, there is the buffet-style Garden Grove. One of my personal favorite places here is Kimonos, an excellent sushi (with a side of karaoke) joint inside the Swan.
So, of the areas that the Swan and Dolphin lack in some areas of the “full” Disney experience, food is definitely not one of them. And you still have walking access to all restaurants at the Beach & Yacht Club, the Boardwalk, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios.
Deluxe-level hospitality
The Swan and Dolphin’s non-Disney management is a pro or a con, depending on who you ask. Many regulars feel that the Swan and Dolphin’s Starwood management is actually a step above what you’ll find at a Disney resort. This is probably splitting hairs though, because I believe that they all do a pretty decent job. Disney is still very involved with the Swan and Dolphin, so standards stay high.
The Swan and Dolphin have the look and feel that you would other 4-star hotels. Both hotels are well-appointed, clean, and have a very attentive staff. Also, all rooms were recently renovated, so you won’t have to worry about getting a “dated” room.
Compared to a Disney Resort, these hotels will definitely feel more “business”. They’re luxurious enough for their hotel class, but they won’t overwhelm you with charm. This makes them a good option for guests who are a little less enthused about being in the “Disney World Bubble”.`
The pools are actually on par with some of Disney World’s best, so that’s a big plus. Other amenities include swan boat rentals, basketball, volleyball, tennis, a full spa, and more. There’s definitely plenty to do.
Access to Disney transportation
The Swan and Dolphin include Disney buses and boats to the parks, which is nice considering you’re paying a lot less to stay here. There’s a boat launch on the water and a bus stop out front.
You also have the added benefit of being close to the Disney Skyliner, which can get you to other Epcot area resorts and to Hollywood Studios.
#4 Caribbean Beach Resort
The Caribbean Beach Resort is the only resort on this list that isn’t a Deluxe or 4-star property. It’s a standalone Moderate Disney resort that is separated from the previously listed resorts, but it still considered part of the Epcot Resort Area.
Good choice for guests who want the Disney Resort experience for a more reasonable price
Being in the Moderate Resort category means that the Caribbean Beach Resort will obviously be quite a bit cheaper than a Deluxe. That said, Moderate resorts can still be very nice.
The Caribbean Beach Resort has a tropical island theme. It’s a very pretty resort, from the Caribbean buildings to the well-kept grounds. The recent construction efforts have made this massive resort much more modern and beautiful. All the rooms have been renovated, new play and eating areas have been added, and access to the Skyliner is a huge plus.
Caribbean Beach is especially good for guests that come from colder climates. The general tropical island theme, combined with palm trees and other special touches make it a nice change of pace.
A Well Connected resort
The Caribbean Beach Resort is now much more connected than before. Previously, the bus system was the only form of transportation connecting Caribbean Beach to Disney parks and resorts. Now it sits as the main hub for the Disney Skyliner. With this new addition, you now have access to far more than before.
The bus system, as before, still transports guests between all major parks and to Disney Springs. The Skyliner now provides Caribbean Beach guests ease of access to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. In addition, Caribbean Beach guests can also travel to Pop Century Resort, Art of Animation Resort, The Beach Club, The Yacht Club, and The Swan and Dolphin hotels via Skyliner.
The only downside to staying in Caribbean Beach is the sheer size of the property. Caribbean Beach is huge, so it can be challenging walking to different parts of the resort. On one hand, your room could be extremely close to the Skyliner. On the other hand, you could be an extremely long walk from the Skyliner, the main lobby or the pool areas. Be sure to prepare for this distance or ask for a room closest to the front of the resort.
Very family friendly
The Caribbean Beach Resort is particularly family-friendly. The resort’s general atmosphere and amenities are great for kids.
The pools at Caribbean Beach are especially good. The main pool is themed as a pirate-y Spanish fort. It’s a lot of fun and definitely one of the better Disney World pools. The resort also has a good splash zone and quiet pools. There’s a pretty large beach area too, adding to the already immersive tropical vibe.
I also like the newer rooms at CBR. They were updated not too long ago and have a nice design. They used to be loud and colorful, but they are now more akin to a toned down version of the Polynesian Resort’s decor.
Reasons to Stay in the Epcot Resort Area
- Easy access to Epcot: This is perfect for guests who plan on spending more time at Epcot than other parks. Having Epcot so close also means that you have a TON of additional dining options walking distance from your hotel room. Boat launches or Skyliner rides from your resort to Epcot are the cherry on top.
- Easy access Hollywood Studios: Like Epcot, Hollywood Studios is also a walk, boat ride or Skyliner ride away. Having two parks this easily accessible is a HUGE plus.
- Easy access to surrounding resorts: If you’re staying at a resort around Crescent Lake, you’ve got access to all other resorts nearby. The Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk Inn, Swan, and Dolphin are all footsteps from each other. Limitless dining and entertainment options for your entire vacation.
- Laid-back atmosphere: Since the Epcot Area Resorts aren’t on the monorail track, they tend to be a little more laid back. This works especially well with the laid back theme of the Beach Club or Yacht Club resorts.
- Walkability: Again, it can’t be overstated how nice it is to have access to such a large walkable area. The collection of parks, resorts and restaurants in the area provide you with a limitless amount of entertainment and dining right outside your room.
- Boat launches: All Epcot Area Resorts (besides CBR) have on-property boat launches to transport you to Epcot or Hollywood studios.
- Limited need for bus transportation: Riding a bus from a Disney resort to a Disney park is often the least fun part of a vacation. Fortunately, the Epcot Resort Area provides you with a ton of transportation flexibility. You can simply walk, boat or take the Skyliner to Epcot or Hollywood Studios. From Epcot, you can ride the monorail all the way to Magic Kingdom and the other monorail resorts.
- Crescent Lake: Crescent Lake is a nice backdrop for Epcot Area Resorts. It’s relaxing to sit on one of the resort beaches and watch the boats roll in and out of the area.
