Disney’s Yacht Club Lobby: A Look at Its Current Design Before the Next Refurbishment
It seems like just yesterday that Disney’s Yacht Club underwent a refurbishment that resulted in new rooms. Those rooms, however, debuted back in 2017. The resort underwent a complete refurbishment during that time with new carpet and updates throughout. Then, in 2021, the Yacht Club’s lobby was completely refurbished. That redo resulted in an entirely different look for the lobby where the ceilings were painted and furnishings were modernized.
Fast forward to 2025, and we find the resort is undergoing another extensive refurbishment. At publish time, it’s unclear of whether or not the lobby will see any significant changes. The current resort refurbishment notice only mentions that guests may see or hear construction work during their visit. It also notes that Stormalong Bay and the Shipwreck Pool are closed for maintenance work, that work is expected to be complete by the end of June.
At one point last year, a notice was posted that work would be completed on the Yacht Club’s rooms in 2025. However, that notice was later removed. Earlier this week, guests reported that the club level rooms (the 5th floor) had been refurbished. Therefore, it is likely that the refurbishment will continue, one level at a time, until it makes it to the first floor. If this refurbishment stays the course similar to the 2023 refurbishment of Disney’s Beach Club, we might see some changes to the lobby later this year. So I thought we’d take a look at the lobby’s current design. Then, if and when, it does change, we’ll do a before and after style of post.
Previous to the 2021 refurbishment, the Yacht Club’s lobby was exceptionally traditional. So the addition of more contemporary furnishings was a big change.
Two ship models sit in decorative display cases, framing the entrance that leads to Crescent Lake and the surrounding Epcot Resorts area. These pieces, along with the lobby’s iconic globe, survived the last remodel.
A staircase in the corner of the lobby leads to the resort’s second floor. We had a room in this area a few years back and found the location convenient. If you don’t know, both the Beach and Yacht Club have extensive halls. Depending on your room assignment, it can feel like it takes forever to get back to your room. (But the walk is air-conditioned.)
You can stop on the way up and right the ship if things have somehow gotten out of hand. Kidding aside, this area by the helm offers a nice view of the lobby.
You’ll find a private sitting area at the top of the staircase.
Here are a few more photos around the lobby.
On one side of the lobby, a hallways leads to the resort’s combined quick service restaurant and gift shop, then on to guest rooms. It dead ends at an exterior door that leads to the Admiral Pool, tennis court, and main laundry room.
Back inside, the giant globe, a lobby staple sits somewhere near the center of the lobby.
On the opposite side of the lobby, you’ll find the Ale and Compass Lounge. Sometimes we order to-go from the restaurant, and then enjoy it in the lounge.
The restaurant is next door.
A hallway leads to the resort’s other restaurants, Stormalong Bay, and continues to Disney’s Beach Club. It’s basically an indoor/outdoor walkway between both resort’s lobby’s.
Right before you get to the outdoor area that connects the resorts, you’ll run into Yachtsman Steakhouse, the Yacht Club’s signature restaurant and the accompanying (and endearing) lounge, Crew’s Cup.
Most of the photos in this article were taken on our last stay in 2023. But I just happened to be at the Yacht Club in late 2021 on the day the new (at the time) rugs were installed. So I was very fortunate to get a photo of what is probably the largest hidden Mickey at the resort. (He’s in the smaller rugs, too.)
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this gallery of photos. We love Disney’s Yacht Club and always look forward to our next visit. We’ll eventually get back to the resort for a few updates when things settle down. As mentioned earlier, the Beach Club recently underwent a similar refurbishment. We have coverage of those updates in the following articles:
- Disney’s Beach Club Review: The 2 Reasons It’s Our Favorite
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort Rooms (New Updates)
- Disney’s Beach Club Before and After Refurbishment (Late 2023)
You might also enjoy our resort guides:
The Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Beach Club Resort
The Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Yacht Club
In the Comments
What do you think of the lobby’s current design? Do you like the modern feel or miss the more traditional look? Let us know in the comments below or on our socials.
