When you start planning your visit to the Walt Disney World Resort, one of the most important decisions you will need to make is where to stay. There are pros and cons to every resort but in my opinion, there are so many perks to staying in an Epcot area resort!

You might be thinking – what resorts are in the Epcot area? You may also hear this area referred to as Disney’s Boardwalk. I am referring specifically to the three resorts located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, around Crescent Lake. Those resorts are Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort & Beach Club Villas, and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn & Villas.  You can’t go wrong if you choose any of these for your stay and here are just a few reasons why!

Proximity to the Parks

When you visit the Walt Disney World Resort, the goal is usually to get to the parks and experience all the magic. I know I like to get to the parks and get there quickly. I am also a mom of four and often travel with my kids, so that makes proximity pretty important!  If you stay in the Epcot area, you can walk to the International Gateway and be in Epcot in just a few minutes! It’s a leisurely walk where you can take in the views around Crescent Lake. You can also walk to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This will take a little longer but if you prefer, you can always ride the Friendship boat to either park as well.

This also means that when you are looking for a mid-day break or to head back to the resort in the evening, you can do so easily from either of these two parks. When traveling with little ones, this is a huge benefit. It’s so easy to leave the park, take a nap or a swim, and then head back when you are ready! At night, you can get back sooner to get some rest for the next day!

It is also worth noting that while you would take bus transportation to both the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the proximity of any of these resorts makes it an easy commute back and forth.

Great Restaurants

If you are looking for some great dining options, the Epcot area is the place to be!  Whether it’s exploring the many amazing choices in the nearby parks or staying at the resort, I assure you, you will not go hungry! My personal favorite is grabbing a late reservation with my kids at Beaches & Cream to get some dessert. You won’t soon forget the look on your child’s face when they bring one of the famous desserts to the table!

For a great sit-down meal, check out Trattoria Al Forno for breakfast or dinner. While the characters are not currently available at this location, the food is always very good. This is a great choice for the whole family or even a date night! You can grab a quick bite at the Boardwalk Bakery or the Pizza Window too! What better way to end the day than by sitting along Crescent Lake while people watching and eating some treats? Although not all of the restaurants have reopened yet, there is still something for everyone!

If you are looking to grab a drink, you can stop by the AbracadaBar or Martha’s Vineyard at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. You can even take your drink to go and sit on the Boardwalk to enjoy!

Amazing Amenities

All of the resorts above are in the deluxe or deluxe villa resort category. This means that they have more amenities compared to the other resort levels including more dining options, bigger rooms, the club level option, and more. My favorite amenity? It has to be the pools! The pool that is shared by Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts, Stormalong Bay, is easily one of the best pools on property. This pool features a lazy river, sand bottom, and sand play area. Did I mention that it’s also huge at over 3 acres? At Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, previously known for the infamous clown slide, you will find the Luna Park Pool and a newly themed slide, the Keister Coaster, featuring Mickey Mouse and friends. There are also additional pools at each resort.

Photo: Courtesy Disney

If you have little ones, they are sure to love pool time at any of these resorts!

The View

The area around Crescent Lake is just so pretty! Even if you are not heading to one of the parks, Disney’s Boardwalk is a great place to sit and relax, see the sunset, have a romantic moment with a loved one, or even get married! There’s a reason for having more than one spot available to have a wedding in this area!

One last perk of staying at an Epcot area resort? Although fireworks have not yet returned to the Walt Disney World Resort, once they resume, you can grab a spot and watch the show! For some room categories, all you have to do is step outside on the balcony!

These are just a few of the countless reasons that the Epcot resorts are my favorite! The perks of staying in the Epcot area are great for any guest but in my experience, this is especially the case for families who want the convenience but also a beautiful location! Consider one of these for your next stay and you may fall in love too!

Are you considering a trip? This is a great time to plan your perfect vacation! Having a travel advisor means someone there to have your back in any occurrence. There is no additional cost to you and you have peace of mind knowing that your vacation is in good hands.

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