If you’re planning a Disney trip and trying to decide between the Grand Floridian and the Yacht Club, you’re not alone—we recently stayed at both, and each one has its own kind of magic. The Grand Floridian brings that old-school Disney charm with elegant architecture and close proximity to Magic Kingdom, while the Yacht Club leans more into a relaxed, coastal vibe with unbeatable access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. We are no strangers to Disney (see our last post How We Do Disney and Why We Love It) and we got a real feel for what each resort has to offer—from rooms and pools to dining and transportation. Here’s how they compare, based on our firsthand experience.
Key Takeaways
- Grand Floridian offers elegance, nostalgia, and great views of Magic Kingdom fireworks.
- Yacht Club wins for best pool on property and easy access to EPCOT and the Skyliner.
- Dining is strong at both, but Narcoossee’s at Grand Floridian was our top meal.
- Our kids preferred Grand Floridian, but I personally lean toward the vibe of Yacht Club.
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Quick Resort Overviews
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The Grand Floridian feels like “old Disney” in the best possible way—it’s got that classic charm and elegance that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a different era. That said, it’s definitely showing its age. When we visited, they were doing some renovations in the lobby, so parts were fenced off and under construction. The multi-level atrium was still impressive, but it was a little odd not having a front desk—it felt more like walking into a grand hotel that forgot where to put reception.
And honestly, the whole place felt like it hadn’t had a serious refresh since the late ’90s. Our room was located in one of the outer buildings, so we had to walk outside and then ride an elevator up—not the most convenient setup, especially if you’re juggling luggage or kids.
Yacht Club Resort
Now the Yacht Club was a totally different experience. The whole place feels more updated and well thought out. The nautical theme has this subtle, polished “Ralph Lauren by the sea” vibe—crisp, clean, and classy without trying too hard. The lobby layout actually made sense, and our room was super easy to find, which I appreciated after a long park day. There’s just something about the Yacht Club that feels more grounded and easy to navigate, which made it a more relaxed home base overall.
Rooms & Atmosphere
Both rooms—at the Grand Floridian and the Yacht Club—were in great shape and felt recently updated, which was a nice surprise.
At the Grand Floridian, we stayed in a room with a water view on the 5th floor, and that vaulted ceiling really made the space feel open and airy. One of the coolest touches was the chandelier—it had subtle Disney songbird accents that were just fun to discover. The bathroom was spacious and spotless, and we really appreciated the little touches like plenty of power outlets and built-in USB chargers. The standout feature for us, though, was the couch that converted into a small bed. Our two boys actually fought over who got to sleep on it. Go figure.
Over at the Yacht Club, the room was also generously sized and had a similarly fresh feel, but it didn’t have the convertible couch/bed—which, after the Grand Floridian, felt like a bit of a miss for our family. That said, the view was awesome. We could actually see the EPCOT fireworks from our room at night, which was a really fun bonus. Our balcony at Yacht Club was also noticeably larger, which gave us a nice little spot to unwind after the parks.
Pool & Recreation
This one’s not even close—Yacht Club absolutely takes the win when it comes to pools and recreation.
Stormalong Bay is more like a mini water park than a typical hotel pool. Our kids were obsessed with the massive pirate ship waterslide—it’s a total highlight. The sand-bottom pool area was another big hit. While the boys built sandcastles, we actually got to kick back and relax by the water. Plus, there’s just a ton of seating around the pool, so we never had to worry about finding chairs.
At the Grand Floridian, there are two pools. One is located right behind the main building, and honestly, it felt a little underwhelming—pretty basic and kind of small considering the size and status of the resort. The second pool, off to the side, was more fun. It had a little waterfall and a waterslide tucked behind it, which was a nice surprise. But again, seating was super limited. We really had to scope things out and get lucky to find a spot to sit.
So if pool time is a big deal for your family, Yacht Club is definitely the better pick.
Location & Transportation
Location-wise, both resorts have their strengths—but in different ways.
At the Grand Floridian, being on the monorail loop definitely has that classic Disney magic. This was actually our first time using the monorail to get to the parks, and it was nostalgic, easy, and a fun part of the experience—when it worked well. That said, we did hit a snag one night after EPCOT. We waited about 30 minutes at the monorail station, and when the train finally arrived, it just sat there for another 15 minutes with the doors closed. When it finally started moving, it crawled along at half speed and was completely packed. After a full park day, that kind of ride really tests your patience.
The Yacht Club, on the other hand, wins big on proximity. You’re basically at EPCOT’s back door—you can walk from your room to the park entrance in just a few minutes. Hollywood Studios is also an easy boat ride or Skyliner trip away, which was a fun and efficient way to get around. We took the bus to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom from Yacht Club, and while it worked fine, the buses can be hit or miss depending on the time of day.
One cool trick we learned while staying at the Grand Floridian—after the Magic Kingdom fireworks, we skipped the massive monorail line and took the walking path back to the resort. It’s about a mile around the lake, but honestly, it was a really peaceful walk and a great way to end the night.
So if you’re EPCOT-focused, Yacht Club is hard to beat. But if Magic Kingdom is your must-do, the monorail access from Grand Floridian (when it’s running smoothly) is definitely a plus.
Dining Options
We didn’t spend a ton of time dining at the resorts—when you’re trying to pack in four parks over three days, most of your meals happen out and about. But we did manage to fit in some great food, especially at the Grand Floridian.
Let’s start with Narcoossee’s, because hands down, this was our favorite meal of the entire trip. I had the Blackened Redfish with chorizo-sunchoke hash, sweet corn hominy, and red pepper rouille—and I’m still thinking about it. Megan went with the plancha-seared scallops, served with trumpet mushrooms, asparagus, tasso ham, and a truffled Meyer lemon curd. Hers was just as incredible. And because I’m a sucker for dessert, I have to shout out the cherry cheesecake. It was rich, tart, and totally over-the-top in the best way—honestly, I’d go back to Florida just for that slice.
We also ate several meals at Gasparilla Island Grill, the Grand Floridian’s quick-service spot. Breakfast was our go-to there each morning, and their custom yogurt parfait station was the standout. Fresh berries, granola, bananas, and other toppings—all layered with thick Greek yogurt. It was the perfect, protein-packed start to our mornings. We had lunch there a couple of times too—nothing to write home about, but it hit the spot and gave us what we needed to refuel before heading back out.
Over at the Yacht Club, the quick-service experience just didn’t measure up. Their market-style restaurant felt more limited in both menu and seating. I definitely missed those custom parfaits. But on the flip side, Yacht Club has some really solid table service options, including Yachtsman Steakhouse, which is one of the better signature restaurants on property, and Ale & Compass, which is a great spot if you’re looking for something elevated but not overly fancy.
And of course, you’ve got to mention Beaches & Cream, which is technically at the Beach Club right next door—but it’s connected, so it totally counts. Their legendary Kitchen Sink sundae is a Disney bucket list item. We always order it as a family. And no, we’ve never come close to finishing it—but it’s always fun to try.
Vibe & Crowd Energy
The Grand Floridian has that signature “classic Disney” charm, but it’s starting to show its age. Some areas could definitely use a refresh—especially the main pool, which felt a little underwhelming for a resort of this level. The overall atmosphere is quieter and more relaxed, and the crowd definitely skews older. That said, there’s something really peaceful about the pace there. One of our favorite moments was watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the hotel. They even pipe in the music, so you get the full experience without having to fight the park crowds.
Yacht Club, in contrast, had a more energetic and family-friendly feel. There were definitely more kids around, and the overall vibe was more beachy and laid-back. It felt a bit like a New England seaside escape. And of course, the pool is the star of the show—best one on Disney property, hands down.
Price Point
There’s no sugarcoating it—both of these resorts fall into Disney’s Deluxe category, so neither one is what you’d call budget-friendly. That said, there’s a noticeable difference in what you pay.
The Grand Floridian is usually one of the most expensive resorts on property. You’re paying for the prestige, the proximity to Magic Kingdom, and that flagship Disney feel. Prices often start in the $700–$1,200 per night range, depending on the season and room type. If you want fireworks views or a suite, expect to pay more.
The Yacht Club tends to come in a few hundred dollars cheaper per night—usually somewhere in the $550–$900 range. Still a splurge, but the value feels stronger, especially considering the pool, the EPCOT location, and the more modern room experience.
If cost is a major factor and you’re choosing between the two, Yacht Club gives you more bang for your buck while still delivering that Deluxe resort feel.
Final Thoughts
So which one’s our favorite? Honestly… it depends on who you ask.
Shockingly, the kids both voted for the Grand Floridian. Maybe it was the convertible bed they kept fighting over, maybe it was the fireworks views from the hotel—but something about that resort really stuck with them. I think Megan leans that way too. She appreciated the classic charm and elegance, and there’s something undeniably iconic about being so close to Magic Kingdom.
For me, it’s Yacht Club. I loved the Ralph Lauren-meets-Disney vibe, the easy access to EPCOT, and starting my morning with coffee on the boardwalk. There’s something about that laid-back coastal feel that really works for me—especially after a long park day. The pool, the grounds, the relaxed energy… it all just felt like a great fit.
Bottom line: you can’t go wrong with either, but each one gives off a very different kind of Disney magic. Grand Floridian is more refined and nostalgic; Yacht Club is more relaxed and family-friendly. Pick the one that fits your vibe—or try both and see where your crew lands.
How to Book
You can absolutely book these hotels on your own or on various travel sites. However, we’ve used the help of Laura Laiti at Leave It To Laura Travel for all our Disney trips. She’s free to use and makes planning a great trip very easy! You can also use Expedia to book these hotels, and others in the Orlando area at the best rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grand Floridian wins here. It’s on the monorail loop, just one stop away, and there’s also a walking path that gets you there in about 15–20 minutes. Super convenient if Magic Kingdom is your top priority.
Yacht Club, hands down. You can walk to EPCOT in under 10 minutes and either boat or Skyliner to Hollywood Studios. It’s a dream for park-hoppers.
Yacht Club—no question. Stormalong Bay is like a mini water park with a pirate ship slide, sand-bottom pool, lazy river… the works. It’s widely considered the best pool on Disney property.
Depends on the vibe you’re after. Yacht Club is a bit more casual and energetic with a killer pool. Grand Floridian is quieter and more refined, but still worked well for our family—our kids actually liked it more!
If you want that classic Disney luxury and close proximity to Magic Kingdom, it could be. But if you’re more about park access, updated rooms, and pool time, Yacht Club gives you a lot for a little less.
Yep! At Grand Floridian, we had a great view of Magic Kingdom fireworks, and they even pipe in the music. At Yacht Club, we could see the EPCOT fireworks from our balcony—pretty magical both ways.
Yacht Club felt more modern overall. Grand Floridian has beautiful design elements but definitely feels a bit dated in some areas and is undergoing renovations.
Both have solid choices. Narcoossee’s at Grand Floridian was our favorite meal of the trip, but for casual eats, we preferred Gasparilla’s over the Yacht Club’s quick-service options. Yacht Club gets bonus points for Beaches & Cream and easy access to EPCOT restaurants.
