Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be complicated — especially when you’re trying to choose between 25 resort hotels. If you’ve narrowed down your choices to these hotels, how do you make your final selection?

Well, we’re here to walk you through the differences between Disney’s Beach Club Villas and Disney’s BoardWalk Villas.

Whether room size, location, pools, and/or restaurants are most important to you, we share the information that you’ll need to make an informed decision. After all, we want you to stay at the hotel that is best for your family!

Let’s get started and look at all the details so that you can plan your Disney trip with confidence.

There’s no doubt that Disney vacations are expensive, and no one wants buyer’s remorse when it comes to what can usually be the most EXPENSIVE part of your Disney trip. We’re approaching this chaos-agent of a decision with as much logic as possible, so we’re breaking it down into five categories:

• Common Ground
• Theme/Rooms
• Pools
• Food
• Transportation

It takes a lot of research to plan a Disney vacation, but we’re here to help.

Common Ground

Before we mention their differences, let’s take a look at what Beach Club Villas and BoardWalk Villas have in common. First, both are Deluxe Villa Resorts offering many of the same perks. These hotels can be booked by Disney Vacation Club members or cash-paying guests.

Both resorts offer bus transportation to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. And we love the easy access (walking or Friendship Boats) to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT! Disney Skyliner can be utilized to get to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

And, they have similar price points.

For Beach Club Villas, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $534 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $2,401 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit.

For BoardWalk Villas, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $596 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $3,672 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit.

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Theme/Rooms

Beach Club Villas have villa-type accommodations with studio (sleep up to five), 1-bedroom (sleep up to four), and 2-bedroom (sleep up to eight) layouts.

BoardWalk offers studio (sleep up to five), 1-bedroom (sleep up to four), and 2-bedroom (sleep up to nine), and 3-bedroom (sleep up to 12) layouts.

Three-bedroom Grand Villas are available first for Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members to book, so they’re pretty difficult to score and pricing is not readily available to the public (unless you call Disney to book for a specific date).

If you’re looking for convenience, a villa’s amenities might make your trip a whole lot easier!

While the prices and room sizes are similar at both resorts, neither resort stands out for the themeing inside the villa rooms.

Beach Club Villas

Opened in July 2002, the villa accommodations are in a separate building, however there is a covered walkway leading to the resort’s main building.

Villas are currently being refreshed with a planned completion estimated for late 2023. From pictures that we’ve seen, Disney is adding the popular queen-size Murphy pull-down bed as well as convenient USB charging ports. It’s nice to see the new carpeting, curtains, and upholstery. And we love the picture of Donald, Huey, Dewey, and Louie swimming by day (and then sleeping on the beach when the bed is pulled down)!

The Beach Club embraces pastels and the soft tones of the beach at sunset. Plus, this is a very quiet location compared to the sometimes-noisy BoardWalk.

BoardWalk Villas

Welcome to the charming turn-of-the-century Atlantic boardwalk themed resort, aptly named BoardWalk Inn. The BoardWalk brings in vibrant colors reminiscent of a seaside amusement park. In essence, the BoardWalk Inn balances the fun of the theme with the luxury of a deluxe resort.

Villas were first opened in 1996. The rooms last received a bit of a touch up back in 2016 and with the ongoing construction and other resort renovations may see some TLC, soon. We hope the room updates and renovations keep with the classic Disney charm we’ve come to love and aren’t watered down to look like other standard hotels. Villa renovations are scheduled to begin in fall of 2023.

4 BIG Changes (Including New Restaurants) Announced for Disney’s BoardWalk

Results

What location and price point do you prefer? For now, we’ll recommend the Beach Club villas due to the latest room renovations. Although we would have liked to see more Disney touches inside the villas, we’re happy to see the rooms being refreshed.

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Pools

When the weather is HOT or you just need a break from park queues, head to your resort pool! After all, the pools have their own unique features and special theming. Feature pools at Walt Disney World hotels usually have at least one slide and also offer poolside activities. Look at the hotel’s recreation schedule for more information. Some Disney resorts are so spread out that they also offer leisure pools. These swimming spots are family-friendly with at least one whirlpool spa. Leisure pools are quieter than the more crowded and active feature pools.

Note that poolside towels are always complimentary.

Beach Club Villas

The Beach Club may be understated when it comes to its lobby and resort rooms, but it is not to be outdone in the pool category. Disney’s Beach Club shares a pool complex — Stormalong Bay — with its neighboring resort, Disney’s Yacht Club.

Stormalong Bay is a destination all its own. This pool complex is almost like its own mini-water park, with sand at the bottom and even a lazy river! Your kiddos can take advantage of the ‘shipwrecked’ themed water slide, while you leisurely float around the lazy river or relax on one of the many lounge chairs.

Stormalong Bay is also nestled in close to Beaches and Cream, an iconic ice cream shop, providing over-the-top milkshakes, sundaes, and comfort junk food essentials like burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.

BoardWalk Villas

The BoardWalk Inn has three pools — the main pool called Luna Park and two “leisure” pools for folks that are looking for more chill than thrill for their watery adventure.

The Luna Park pool used to be the home of the clown water slide that lit up at night and may have caused an entire generation to need therapy. Luckily for you fine folks, you get to enjoy the renovated model of the Keister Coaster pool slide.

Mickey, Minnie, and Friends enjoy a pool adventure with you on this 200-foot-long slide.

This pool is 184,217 gallons and is just steps away from the fun of the boardwalk where you can easily grab a quick ice cream or margarita and then jump right back in the pool.

Results

Our heart leans towards the Beach Club, because that pool is just epic!

Toes in the sand, relaxing down a lazy river with a shipwreck-themed water slide, and a sweet treat from Beaches and Cream — need we say more?! Oh, we haven’t mentioned food, yet? Well, let’s get right to it, then!!

10 Hidden Secrets About Disney World Pools

Food

Park days can be exhausting. Whether you’re taking a whole day to enjoy your resort, or you are relaxing after a shopping excursion at Disney Springs, once you’re at your Disney World hotel, you might not want to get back on a bus or boat for nourishment. So, you’ll want to know about the best options at your Disney World resort!

Take a look at the menus and decide which resort has the food that best suits your family.

Beach Club Villas

The Beach Club is home to one lounge, one quick-service market, a table service option, and a Character dining restaurant. Not to mention its close proximity to Yacht Club and all of those dining options.

The Beach Club Marketplace is the quick service location and gift shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Guests will find basic staples for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in addition to a dry goods section (think boxes of cereal, peanut butter, and other essentials you might need). This is also the location for topping off your Refillable Resort Mugs.

Hot breakfast choices include a breakfast platter, pastries, and oatmeal. Lunch and dinner options include sandwiches, salads, and some truly tasty baked mac and cheese dishes. Oodles of tempting sweet treats are often found in the refrigerated cases, so keep an eye out for specialty cupcakes and more!

Ah, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop… THIS is the place to go for classic diner eats and GIGANTIC ice cream sundaes in Walt Disney World! Though the sundaes and shakes here are sizable no matter which sweet treat you order, Beaches & Cream is especially well known as being home to the famous Kitchen Sink: an eight-scoop ice cream sundae (made for sharing with the whole group) served up with EVERY TOPPING in the house!

And you can always grab some ice cream (or hard shakes & floats for adults) at the Beaches & Cream To Go Window, too!

Cape May Cafe currently features an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast buffet with Disney pals! Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast is one of the best places to see some of the most beloved Disney characters outside of the parks. Though characters may vary, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy can often be found at Cape May Cafe, all dressed up for a day at the beach!

Although Disney characters are not present during Dinner, the evening meal serves up something unique, as all-you-can-eat surf-and-turf gets the spotlight, with plenty for landlubbers and seafood fans to enjoy!

Hurricane Hanna’s is a pool bar and grill, tucked under the Stormalong Bay waterslide that provides fixes for your hunger without having to wander too far from the pool.

Martha’s Vineyard Lounge is a relaxing spot to get a bite and a drink in the evening hours. Specialty cocktails, craft drafts, wines, and a full bar menu are available. And, like Cape May Cafe, the cuisine (a small selection of appetizers) is inspired by a Northeastern clambake, with comforting seafood favorites like clam chowder served alongside a few pub classics like chicken wings.

Sometimes, Martha’s Vineyard Lounge will also host drawing or painting activities, so be on the look out for those.

The Complete Guide to Eating at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

The Beach Club really embraces the casual vibe of its setting with over the top sundaes and milkshakes at Beaches & Cream, and the casual fun of a clambake with your favorite Disney pals over at Cape May Cafe. Nothing hoity-toity here, just good ol’ fashioned family-beachy fun!

BoardWalk Villas

The BoardWalk Inn has been updating and renovating some of the dining areas. Let’s take a look…

AbracadaBar, according to the story, you can still feel the magic in the air at this former secret haunt of boardwalk magicians and entertainers… a group that mysteriously vanished over 70 years ago. Guests can experience their lingering magic in the sights, sounds, and even tastes (through the signature “Curious Cocktails”) in this enchanted lounge!

Atlantic Dance Hall is another bar on the BoardWalk. Looking for a place to get your groove on? Boogie down to music from the 80s through today at Atlantic Dance Hall! You can request your favorite music videos, and dance along as they play on the large screens above. Please note that Atlantic Dance Hall is limited to guests 21 and older and typically open Thursday through Sunday nights from 8PM to 1AM.

The Belle Vue Lounge is what many call a “rare find” at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Modeled after a 1930s sitting room, it has nice touches like board games and working radios playing shows from eras past. Tucked right off the main lobby, this lounge is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink after a long day at the parks. Guests can also stop here for coffee or pastries in the morning.

Head to a real brewing factory at Big River Grille & Brewing Works! Here you can sample many different kinds of beers, along with great burgers, steaks, nachos, and more. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls in the Big River Grille & Brewing Works restaurant provide a glimpse into the beer-making process. Watch while an on-site brew master crafts the establishment’s beers. Or sit outside and enjoy the BoardWalk atmosphere and water views.

Step back in time to a seaside boardwalk village on Crescent Lake where turn-of-the-century charm meets savory eats and sweet treats at the BoardWalk Deli. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are offered, and guests enjoy items like house-baked bagels or a hand-piped cannoli.

Craving a cool treat while strolling along the BoardWalk? Then stop by BoardWalk Ice Cream! This ice cream to-go store scoops up simple sundaes and cones made with Edy’s brand ice cream.

BoardWalk Joe’s is known for ONE thing: “Marvelous Margaritas!” For a relatively small kiosk, there is a surprising variety of flavorful margaritas available — and sometimes you’ll happen upon a seasonal concoction! A selection of snacks such as pretzels and nachos are also available. Non-alcoholic smoothies (including one made with Dole Whip!) are also on offer.

Stop by the Pizza Window for a piping hot pizza pie! They serve up whole pizza pies and pizza by the slice (and Sangria to go with it, for of-age guests, along with fountain drinks). Grab one of the cafe tables outside or stroll while you eat.

If you happen to be walking down Disney World’s BoardWalk and you’re in the mood for a quick snack, be sure to stop at the BoardWalk To Go kiosk. At the kiosk you’ll find baskets of deep fried treats including fried mac and cheese bites and corn dogs. You can even grab a meal combo built around a hot dog, cheeseburger, or pulled pork sandwich. (Note: This location has been permanently closed.)

The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is coming to Disney World’s BoardWalk in 2023! This new Table Service restaurant will serve items for brunch, lunch, and dinner featuring both sweet and savory menus. Afternoon tea service will be offered as well! And guess what? Guest will also be able to pop in for a quick treat by grabbing something to-go from the bakery case!

You can find Carousel Coffee located right off the Resort’s lobby, making it a perfectly convenient spot for your pick-me-up cup! Coffee, tea, and pastries (including options by Joffrey’s Coffee) are on the menu.

Flying Fish is a signature restaurant that serves gourmet seafood to guests. Many tout both the sea and land dishes here. (The Char-Crusted New York Strip is a favorite among landlubbers.) The location — complete with a lovely glass school of fish “swimming” above the main dining room — has an emphasized focus on seasonal, sustainable fare.

Flying Fish

You’ll find a truly classic carnival treat on Disney World’s BoardWalk: Funnel Cake! The Funnel Cake Stand also serves the rather unexpected offering of Fried Ice Cream.  PLEASE NOTE: The BoardWalk Funnel Cake is currently closed. We will keep you updated when a reopening is announced!

Funnel Cake Stand is closed

Do you love music from the 70′s, 80′s, and 90′s? Do you love dueling piano improv? Then Jellyrolls Dueling Piano Bar is the place for you! The raucous bar on Disney’s BoardWalk brings you non-stop dueling pianos and a drink special each night (the “Jellyroll of the Day”). There is a cover charge of $18.00 to enter Jellyrolls, which is typically open nightly from 7PM to 1:45AM. Doors open at 7PM, and entertainment starts at 8PM — it helps to be early to grab a seat!

Jellyrolls

Welcome to Leaping Horse Libations at the Luna Park Pool. This poolside bar serves fun carnival-themed drinks like the Tilt-A-Whirl and The Roller Coaster Meltdown served along with the standard Disney pool bar menu.

Leaping Horse Libations

You’ll find Trattoria al Forno on Disney World’s BoardWalk. This eatery serves dinner daily featuring regional specialties with classic preparations. Many of the ingredients are crafted in-house including hand-crafted mozzarella and handmade cavatelli. Trattoria al Forno also features seasonal risotto and serves only Italian wines.

Trattoria al Forno

So many amazing places to eat, how can you choose? Or you don’t have to, just systematically eat your way through the BoardWalk!

Click HERE to find our COMPLETE GUIDE TO EATING at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn!

Results

It’s difficult to select a clear winner since these resorts are so close to each other. BoardWalk Villas has a LOT of dining and a lot of variety. However, we might give a slight edge to Beach Club due to the nearby Yacht Club adding to your dining choices.

Plant-Based Rigatoni Bolognese at Trattoria al Forno

But the BoardWalk Inn really embraces the casual vibe of its carnival setting with nostaglic, approachable snack foods like pizza, sandwiches and ice cream to craft beers and fine Italian fare. One thing is for sure, you won’t go hungry at either resort, especially with the restaurants at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in such close proximity as well!

Transportation

Beach Club Villas and BoardWalk Villas provide bus transportation to Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

Beach Club Villas and BoardWalk Villas

The BoardWalk Inn is considered an “EPCOT-area” resort. It sits on Crescent Lake, across the lake from Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. This resort is situated in between TWO Disney parks — EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Yep, that’s right, you can walk or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on a Friendship Cruise boat to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. We love walking to EPCOT’s International Gateway. Not having to worry about fighting EPCOT’s post-fireworks crowds? Yes, sign us up, please.

Friendship Boat

If Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s buses to transport you over to these parks.

Skyliner

And as if walkways, boats, and buses weren’t enough options for you, Beach Club and BoardWalk guests are also within walking distance of the EPCOT Skyliner station. This means you have easy access to the other Skyliner resorts if you want to go exploring other resorts or just have a relaxing cruise through the sky.

Results

There’s no clear winner since they are in such close proximity to each other. 

Learn all about WDW Transportation

The Winner!

So, where do we think you should stay? Sorry, that decision has to be up to you. It depends on the people in your traveling party and what your plans are during your stay at Walt Disney World.

If you’re looking for quiet back at your resort, Beach Club Villas might be the better choice. Beach Club villas also offers closer parking, a shorter walk to EPCOT, and a better pool!

See Disney friends at Cape May Cafe

However, if you want to be steps away from late night entertainment, BoardWalk Villas would be a great choice. The EPCOT resort area is truly one of the most convenient locations on Walt Disney World property. 

Polynesian Village vs. Beach Club Disney World Resort Guide 2023

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