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Disney's Beach Club Resort ReviewThis property re-creates the grand turn-of-the-20th-century Victorian seaside resorts of Cape Cod but sports a more casual ambience than its sister, the Yacht Club (detailed , with which it shares restaurants, shops, and numerous recreational activities. Wicker furnishings, seashells, and beach umbrellas adorn the hotel's casual beach house-inspired interior. From the Beach Club, it's an easy walk to Epcot's rear entrance, though most guests prefer to take the ferry (the parks are workout enough!). The shipwreck at Stormalong Bay (a sprawling 3-acre free-form swimming pool and water park) invites you to explore, climb around its decks, and slide into the water waiting below. It includes a stretch of sandy beach, sand-bottom pools, whirlpools, and water slides (including a toddler slide, so no one misses out). Room views range from the pool (more expensive) to the parking lot. Some units have balconies. Note: Both the Beach Club and Yacht Club offer the chance to charter a reproduction of a 1930s mahogany runabout to cruise Crescent Lake or see Epcot's IllumiNations fireworks display (from $325 plus tax for up to six people for a 45-min. cruise to catch the fireworks). Daytime cruises ($90 for 30 min.) are available departing at 2:30 and 5:30pm (tel. 407/824-2621). Note: At press time, the runabout was temporarily out of service, but guests can still catch the fireworks aboard a roomier, albeit less romantic, pontoon ($325 for up to 10 passengers). The Beach Club's Baby Sister -- Disney's Beach Club Villas (tel. 407/934-7639 or 407/934-2175; www.disneyworld.com) are inspired by Cape May seaside homes of the early 20th century, with clapboard exteriors and intricate white-wood trim. The 280-room resort, opened in July 2002, is a member of the Disney Vacation Club that rents studios and one- and two-bedroom villas ($345-$555 studios, $480-$1,250 villas) to mainstream guests when their owners are not staying on the property. Amenities are shared with the Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts, with the exception of the Villa's quiet pool -- which is only accessible to villa guests. It, too, is close to Epcot's International Gateway. Facilities: Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
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| 0 stars | Frommer's Recommended | |
| 1 stars | Frommer's Highly Recommended | |
| 2 stars | Frommer's Very Highly Recommended | |
| 3 stars | Frommer's Exceptional |
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Other ratings provide stars based primarily on price and amenities; the Frommer's star rating is meant to quantify the kind of intangible, experiential elements that help travelers make informed decisions.
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