5 reasons to stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort

Stroll along the sandy white beaches of Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

By Maria Mora

As a gulf coast native, my beach vacations usually involve salt water and crashing waves. But over the holidays, 17 members of my family spent five days at the Walt Disney World Beach Club Resort. Sure, the lake was made of fresh water and we were an hour from the coast — but we had more fun as a family than we’ve had in years.

Here were my favorite parts of the beach resort:

Stormalong Bay water slides and pool: The resort’s award-winning pool is open late into the evening, so it’s easy to take advantage of the slides and beach even if you’ve had a full day at one of the parks. My three-year-old enjoyed the smaller slides and my husband loved the huge pirate ship slide. I loved the heated pool and generous bartending at the poolside bar.
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop: After our kids (and their grandparents) hit the sack, my husband and I went on a date to the resort’s retro ice cream parlor. Get the brownie sundae, or if you’re really daring, ask for the kitchen sink (and get your camera ready).
The convenient location: Nothing beats walking straight from your hotel room to Epcot. (The back entrance leads you right to Epcot’s England area.) The resort is so close to the park that you can actually watch the evening fireworks right from your balcony. If you’re heading to Hollywood Studios, catch a small ferryboat right out back. Hop on a bus out front to get to The Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom.
The huge soaking tub: After long days at the theme parks, I wanted nothing more than to soak my feet. Each night, I planned the next day’s activities from the comfort of a big whirlpool bath.
Disney’s Boardwalk: This shopping and nightlife destination is directly across the bay from the Beach Club Resort. Walk over during the evening to catch a double view of the Epcot and MGM fireworks. Grab a fresh funnel cake from the street vendor near the ferry station, and then head to Jellyrolls for a hilarious (but PG-13) piano sing-along.