Is there anything better than a Disney World hotel?
We love how immersed in the magic you can get when you’re staying on the property, and don’t get us started about the theming. This got us thinking about how there are some Disney World hotels that receive all the love while others are just so criminally underrated. Let’s talk about those, specifically about the ones near EPCOT.
As we said, some Disney World hotels fly under the radar, specifically some of the ones near EPCOT, and we’d like to bring them to your attention. They deserve the love, too! Let’s go!
Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort
Listen, this is a pretty stunning resort complex, and it’s a favorite among those in the know. Also, they’re owned by Marriott, which means that if you’re a member of the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program, you can earn points and use your Bonvoy points for stays at the Swan and Dolphin.
The next great thing about this resort is that you get the deluxe hotel experience for about half the price of a Disney deluxe hotel.
But we have to be honest and say that the real star of the show might be Rosa Mexicano. Trust us, this restaurant is worth the visit alone.
I Stayed at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort…and Here’s Why You Should, Too!
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Okay, listen. BoardWalk Inn isn’t just a hotel. It’s basically an entertainment district!
To that point, if you want to do some dancing, you can do so at the Atlantic Dance Hall, where you can dance the night away with hits from the ’80s, ’90s, and today until 1AM on nights when the club is open!
Another option is Jellyrolls, which is a dueling piano bar where you can enjoy a night of live music and drinks with free popcorn while you’re watching the show.
If you’re starting to imagine strolling along a charming boardwalk at night, enjoying the ambiance, street performers, and delicious treats, your mind is in the right place! Speaking of treats, you have SO many great dining options to please the whole family. Here are a couple of the places you can get a bite to eat on the BoardWalk:
- Flying Fish
- Trattoria al Forno
- BoardWalk Deli
- BoardWalk Ice Cream
- Carousel Coffee
- Pizza Window
- COMING SOON: The Cake Bake Shop with Gwendolyn Rogers
- COMING SOON: Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs
Did we catch that right? You said you wanted to ride a bike? Well, guess what? You can rent a Surrey Bike to make your way around the BoardWalk in style.
This resort has it all. We’d recommend considering it for your next stay.
The Best Kept Secret at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Beach Club Resort transports you to a charming New England beach retreat.
The theming is incredible, but perhaps the biggest reason to stay here is the location. Beach Club is located closer to a Disney World park than any other hotel. It is literally only a few steps away from EPCOT park entry (trust us, we’ve counted).
As we were saying, the theming extends to the rooms, and they’re lovely.
One of the main reasons you might consider a stay at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is the dining options!
Two of the most popular spots are Cape May Cafe (you’ll want to experience a buffet breakfast complete with Disney pals), and Beaches and Cream (go with your crew and devour the colossal Kitchen Sink sundae).
Lastly, you need to experience the pool — Stormalong Bay. It’s basically a mini water park complete with a huge pirate-themed slide, a sand-bottom pool, and a lazy river.
All-in-all, this resort is a fantastic choice.
AllEars TV: What You Need To Know Before You Stay At Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
It’s truly one of the most beautiful resorts on the property. Elegance meets nautical charm at Yacht Club. Also, it has to be one of the most relaxing resorts as well.
You’ll find many of the same amenities as Beach Club like Stormalong Bay, being a stone’s throw from an entrance to EPCOT, and its fantastic dining options.
While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to dine at Ale & Compass (it’s seriously underrated as well).
WAllEars TV: What You Need To Know Before You Stay At Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
The Location
Lastly, one of the biggest perks of staying in any of these hotels is that they all share such a great location. Since they’re located in the EPCOT area, they’re all close enough to walk to EPCOT and the EPCOT Skyliner station. You can’t beat that convenience!
Those are just a couple of the EPCOT hotels we think are criminally underrated, and we want to hear from you! Stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest Disney World news and tips!
We’re Getting Really Concerned About This MISSING Disney World Hotel Perk
Join the AllEars.net Newsletter to stay on top of ALL the breaking Disney News! You'll also get access to AllEars tips, reviews, trivia, and MORE! Click here to Subscribe!
Which Disney World hotels do you think are criminally underrated? Tell us all about it in the comments!
Dolphin-Swan have great location, restaurants, and pools. But those hotel rooms are a little dated and weary. However, Swan Reserve (and you can use all 3 hotels’ amenities during your stay) is newer, well maintained, and has great vibes. Smaller hotel means fewer people and less congestion. Still great location.
French Quarter, Riverside, Old Key West, Coronado Springs and Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Many times at the Beach Club my family and I have walked inside the hotel, in air conditioning, to the end of the halls, out the last door, and past the quiet pool, coming out only three minutes at best to EPCOT. Beach and Yacht are my favorites of the expensive hotels. (FQ is my fav of the moderates.) I also like that the Swan and Dolphin have rental car accessibility. I have picked up a rental car there, left the parking lot, and taken a straight drive to Melbourne airport. Easy.
The shop at Yacht is a little more elegant than the one at the Beach, and usually less crowded. Then there is the pool.
The Boardwalk is difficult to get around IMO, with little dining options inside the hotel. But I always seem to be taking pictures of it.
Please stop telling people how nice The Dolphin is!
Very funny! Never was able to stay there because I had a family of five. Always looked at it though. And made the long walk over many times to eat at the open all the time–including past midnight–restaurant there. Which has changed its name many times over the years. Though I couldn’t use my room key to charge at the restaurant.