Tuesday, February 17, 2015

5 Reasons to Stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort

     There is some debate among Disney fans as to the most "convenient" of the Resort Hotels at Walt Disney World. You could argue for the Resorts along the monorail to the Magic Kingdom, The ones right next to Disney Springs, or even the Swan and Dolphin for being half-way between two parks. My money, however, goes to The Beach Club. Now, I have to say that I am extremely biased when it comes to this decision. The Beach Club is my favorite hotel on property, and it isn't really all that close. I won't give it all away right out of the gate though. Here are my five reasons you are missing out if you don't stay at the Beach Club:

  1. Convenience: Ok, I'm going here right away. The convenience of the Beach Club cannot be overstated. In fact, there is no other hotel on property that is so close to a park (not to mention that Epcot is the best park). In some rooms at the Beach Club, you can walk out the door and into Epcot in four minutes. The only thing keeping you from Epcot is a perfectly quiet, quaint, beautiful walk next to the Crescent Lake Canal and alongside France, through the beautiful and private International Gateway. No matter where you stay at the Beach Club, you are in very easy walking distance to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. You can also stroll over to the Boardwalk for some entertainment, across to the Swan and Dolphin for a nice meal, or out onto the beach to enjoy the sun. In short, there is no beating the location here.
  2. The Pool: Once again, this hotel wins the pool contest, leaving all others in the dust. Stormalong Bay, as it's called, features the longest and fastest water slide in the resort pools, which stretches from an abandoned pirate ship on the beach, across the walking path, through the rock-work, and back into the resort. It has a sand bottom, with little sinking sections that will make you feel like you're never going to get out. It has a whirlpool to swim against, a pool-side beach for making sandcastles, several secluded and hidden hot tubs, a children's area, and tons of pool-side chairs, refreshments, seats, umbrellas, and space. You can also play pool volleyball and other games at certain times during the day. This pool is worth staying at this resort all by itself. Check it out.
  3. Beaches and Cream: Do you often feel like a hot dog and milk-shake while you're on your vacation? This little soda shop, taken directly from Miami in the 1950's, will bring you to ice cream and eats heaven. The hot dogs and burgers are amazing. The sundaes are all great (No Way Jose being my favorite). The atmosphere and juke-box and waiters will all make your day. If you're feeling particularly ambitious, try the Kitchen Sink. Think they're joking? The sundae comes in an actual kitchen sink, and features every type of ice cream they sell, an entire can of whipped cream, cookies, brownies, cake, sprinkles, caramel, fudge, and everything... including the kitchen sink.
  4. General Aesthetic: Being at this resort is one of those things in my life that truly relaxes me. Combine the Victorian beach theme of the Grand Floridian, and add some blues and more intimacy and seclusion, and you have the feel of this place. The lobby, rooms, pool, walkways, hallways, and staff all take you to a sunny place of knickers, ragtime, beach balls, and faint shades of pink and blue. Come here and just soak it in. You will not want to leave.
  5. What's Nearby: I know, I already talked about how close the Beach Club is to Epcot. Here, however, I am referring to its location as being in the center of all the fun, but also in a dimly lit and warm corner of Walt Disney World. The Epcot Resort Area is different from the others in that it isn't the first place most people think of in Walt Disney World. After a day at Epcot, come walk along the Boardwalk and see some magicians. It will be lively, but not loud. Watch some amazing pianists at JellyRolls. It will be charming, but not overly-intoxicated or trashy. Check out the giant fountains at the Dolphin, and walk along the side of the lake. And after all of this fun, walk back to the Beach Club. Listen to the soft music playing, crickets chirping, and hear the rest of the people still over at the Boardwalk, lights flashing and crowds cheering. You, however, sit by the warmly lit and sleepy pool. The windmills slowly turn in the breeze, and you retire to await your next morning at whatever park you want to visit.

     So have I sold you? What's your favorite part of the Beach Club? Follow and join the discussion!

-William Tollefson