What Should I do When Staying at Beach Club?

Disney Vacation Club resorts are our homes away from home. Alas, since we’re staying so close to Disney theme parks, we sometimes forget to take advantage of a hotel’s best activities. Fortunately, you have plenty of years on your DVC contract to do some exploring. Let’s say that you’re at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Here’s what you should do.

Hang Out at the Campfire 

Did you know that many DVC resorts host nightly campfires? Some of them are better than others, as the key part of a campfire is an idyllic backdrop. So, Beach Club is hard to beat because you’re actually watching a campfire on the beach. It just feels right. 

Beach Club adds to the magic by offering complimentary marshmallows for you to roast. You can also purchase S’mores kits to accentuate the experience. Then again, the setting itself is more than enough to relax you. 

Depending on the season, the resort offers campfires from 6:30-7:30 p.m. or 7-8 p.m. Right now, the latter is correct, but it does change. You can check the schedule in My Disney Experience or via an itinerary pamphlet at the hotel. 

Also, once the campfire session ends, Disney will host Movies Under the Stars in the same vicinity. So, those are two calming nightly activities you can use to wind down after a hectic park visit. As an aside, you can watch Movies Under the Stars at the Solarium as well. 

Order the Kitchen Sink 

Photo Courtesy of DisneyTouristBlog.com

DVC Resale Market has just spent more than a year informing you of the best places to eat at the various DVC resorts. Longtime Beach Club owners know that dining at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop is an essential part of any visit. It’s one of the most iconic DVC restaurants.

Guests love the Happy Days-styled décor and the simplicity of a malt shop. The menu is among the smallest of any Table Service restaurant, and that’s by design. You’ll probably order a burger and a milkshake here. 

Afterward, you’ll face the choice of going big or going home. Always go big! Order the Kitchen Sink, the most decadent dessert at Disney. Here’s the list of ingredients. It’s decidedly over the top, serving four-to-six guests. I hope you’re hungry because it’s an endeavor. 

Play Mini-Golf 

Did you know that you can walk from Beach Club to one of Disney World’s two official mini-golf courses? It’s true. In fact, Fantasia Gardens & Fairways Miniature Golf is only three-quarters of a mile from Beaches & Cream!

You can walk this distance, but you may be full after a big meal. If so, the Friendship Boat will take you to the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. It’s a short walk from the boat dock to Fantasia Gardens. If you’re unfamiliar with the mini-golf course, this is it.

You can see the Disney touches everywhere. On TripAdvisor, it’s the higher-ranked of Disney’s two courses, with a glowing 4.5 out of 5 stars rating. When you need a less strenuous Disney activity, Fantasia Gardens is an excellent choice. 

Spend Time at Stormalong Bay

Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog

Obviously, you’re going to do this. It’s probably one of the main reasons you’re staying at Beach Club. Disney has turned Stormalong Bay access into an exclusive amenity for guests staying here or at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. 

So, you’re wasting one of the primary hotel features when you don’t spend time at Stormalong Bay. This mini-water park delights with its sand-bottom floors, waterslides, scenic backdrops, and pool bar. 

Many Disney analysts consider Stormalong Bay the best overall DVC pool, and I’m one of them. I love hanging out here for hours on end, just basking in the ambiance of Disney perfection. 

And Rent a Cabana

If you’re like me and plan to spend a day at Stormalong Bay, you should consider renting a cabana. Beach Club is one of three DVC properties at Walt Disney World that offers cabanas. The official site lists the cabana amenities as:

• Dedicated Cast Member providing service to the cabanas
• Cocktail service
• Ceiling fan
• Padded furniture, including chairs and couch
• Television with cable access
• Charging outlet/USB
• Mini refrigerator stocked with complimentary sodas and water
• Fruit basket (may not be available without advance reservation)
• Plush towels
• Cabinet safe

So, you can stay cool by the pool, charge your devices, and eat and drink while you bask in the sun. Currently, a full-day rental costs $329, although that price is subject to change. 

You may wonder whether the cabanas justify the price. Here’s a Business Insider writer who feels like cabana rentals are “worth every penny.” Remember that half-day rental prices are available as well, though! That option may better fit your budget and your timeline. 

Visit the BoardWalk

Here’s the other thing you’re certain to do, as the bright lights of Disney’s BoardWalk will beckon at night. As you explore the Beach Club campus, you’ll gaze across the water at this area and know that it looks fun. 

While roaming around the BoardWalk, you’ll find a little bit of everything. There’s haute cuisine like Flying Fish or the simplicity of grabbing a slice at the Pizza Window. 

The entertainment options include Atlantic Dance Hall, a DVC favorite, and the dueling pianos at Jellyrolls, which I highly recommend. You’ll also find street performers like acrobats, buskers, and jugglers who put on shows. It’s a magical way to spend some time during your DVC vacation!