The second installation of our trip through the Walt Disney World Resorts brings us to the EPCOT Resort Area. Opening back in October of 1982, EPCOT is about to embark on a little updating beginning in 2020! Find more details here on World of Walt on what is coming for EPCOT!
With five out of the seven EPCOT resorts being within walking (and boating!) distance of two parks, EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, these resort gems intertwine perfectly to accommodate guests from all over the world. From Coney Island to the Caribbean, each of the EPCOT resorts brings you to the water’s edge. Let’s dive in!
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Opening Date: October 1, 1988
Category: Moderate
Transportation: Bus, Skyliner
Little known fact: Sitting on more than 200 acres, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is the largest on property.
About The Resort: The Caribbean Beach Resort sports a 45-acre lake. Old Port Royale is the resort’s hub. With your arrival or departure, this hub has you covered. Shop Centertown Market and Calypso Trading, or have a bite at Sebastian’s Bisto, which is now offering outdoor dining that is attached to the Banana Cabana outdoor bar and lounge…uh, yes, please!
The Walt Disney World Swan
Opening Date: January 13, 1990
Category: Deluxe
Transportation: Bus, Boat
Little known fact: The Swans that sit atop of the building were designed by world-famous architect Michael Graves and stand a massive 47 feet tall each!
Back in the day when Disney saw many groups and conventions entering the Orlando hotel market, they combined forces with some outside partners, including Tishman Hotel Corporation, MetLife, and Starwood Hotels and Resorts. These partnerships came to life when Walt Disney World opened the Swan and her sister hotel, The Walt Disney World Dolphin.
The Walt Disney World Dolphin
Opening Date: June 1, 1990
Category: Deluxe
Transportation: Bus, Boat
Little Known fact: Celebrity chef Todd English brings his talents to the Dolphin at Todd English’s Blue Zoo!
About The Resort: Disney’s Dolphin is the sister resort to Disney’s Swan and shares similar textures, colors, and design schemes. It is home to one of twelve Shula’s Steakhouses in the U.S. and also Blue Zoo, by famous chef Todd English. Blue Zoo offers a variety of fresh seafood options and also provides a more intimate adult setting with two hours of complimentary child care for the kiddos at Camp Dolphin!
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Opening Date: November 9, 1990
Category: Deluxe
Transportation: Bus, Boat, Walking
Little Known Fact: Disney’s Guided Fishing Excursions has a spot for you to drop a line in! In fact, there is a whole fleet of boating toys for guests to choose from at the Yacht Club.
About The Resort: Sitting on Crescent Lake with its long docks and lighthouse, the Yacht Club invokes the nautical vibe high society of old Newport. The Yacht Club shares a few things with its sister resort Disney’s Beach Club, but the most popular is Stormalong Bay, its three-acre water wonderland! With its sand bottom pools, lazy river and one of the highest resort water slides on property, it is a huge draw for guests.
With its darker tones and rich decor, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is almost an opposite in decor from its sister. It offers a slew of its own terrific tastes like the Yachtsman’s Steakhouse and the Beaches & Cream Soda Shop which was recently renovated.
Because of where these resorts are located, guests can enjoy a beautiful walk home from EPCOT (about 5 minutes) or Disney’s Hollywood Studios (about 15 minutes).
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Opening Date: November 19, 1990
Category: Deluxe and DVC
Transportation: Bus, Boat, Walking
Little known fact: The Beach Club is known for its expansive pools, but did you know that it shares a 73,000 square-foot Convention Center with its sister resort Disney’s Yacht Club?
Its pastels and beachy textures and design provide the look of a laid back, comfortable resort experience. The Beach Club is situated closer to EPCOT than any other resort and is sister resort to Disney’s Yacht Club. This resort also pleases with excellent eateries including the popular Cape May Buffet; a New Englander will even approve here. The whole family can enjoy some time at the Beach Club!
Disney’s Boardwalk Resort
Opening Date: July 1, 1996
Category: Deluxe, DVC
Transportation: Bus, Boat, Walking
Little known fact: Disney’s Boardwalk is home to Wyland Galleries of Florida who transports us Under the Sea with their beautiful glass sculptures and artistic talents.
About the Resort: Disney’s Boardwalk sits almost as a hub in the EPCOT Resorts Area on Crescent Lake. From one side of the resort, you can see Disney’s Hollywood Studios and from the other, EPCOT’s entrance into World Showcase! This resort is within walking and boating distance between both parks and has many dining options to choose from, including the Flying Fish, the ESPN Club, and The Boardwalk Bakery.
Designed around the Coney Island theme, Disney’s Boardwalk provides many different forms of entertainment including live jugglers and performers, face painting, and carnival games. You will also find Jelly Roll’s with its famous dueling pianos that provides the whole family with a great night out without leaving “home”!
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Opening Date: December 19, 2019
Category: Deluxe, DVC
Transportation: Bus, Skyliner
Little Known Fact: Disney’s Riviera Resort has an open-air pool bar!
About The Resort: It’s doors just recently opened to exude the European characteristics that bring us right over the pond. Have a seat and enjoy dinner under the stars at Mezzanotte at Topolino’s: An Italian Masquerade or enjoy a Charcuterie at Le’ Petit Cafe.
With the new Skyliner so close by, the Riviera Resort is situated to get you to EPCOT in very little time. The resort has an art collection that will satisfy trained eyes and budding artists alike, with a nod to some of our Disney favorites of course! Walking through the main lobby and touring the extensive gardens helps you imagine what kings have built.
Each Disney Park has its own identity and feel, and the resorts are no different. We always felt like once we were on property, driving back out to reality wasn’t an option, so we always stayed.
Which EPCOT Area Resort is your favorite?