Pool days or shorter queues. Disney's Yacht Club Resort, from about $655, for Stormalong Bay and Epcot nine minutes' walk away; Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, from about $795, for a free water taxi to CityWalk and Express Unlimited at most rides in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
A shingle-style yacht club on Crescent Lake, with Stormalong Bay's three-acre pool complex and Epcot a 9-minute walk away.
$$$From about $655 a night
Choose Disney's Yacht Club Resort if
Pool afternoons between park days
Epcot and Hollywood Studios on foot
Families with children who swim
Evenings at Epcot and the BoardWalk
The catch
The entry Resort View rooms look over gardens, rooftops or the car park, and guests have found theirs facing a roof or the bus stop. The Water View, over Crescent Lake or the quiet pool, cost $118 a night more on a February weeknight in 2027, and Disney sells the view over the Stormalong Bay lagoons only with Club Level.
A replica Ligurian harbour at Universal, where the room key doubles as Express Unlimited and a boat runs to CityWalk.
$$$$From about $795 a night
Choose Loews Portofino Bay Hotel if
Two or three days at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
Families of four or five
Ride-heavy short trips
Harbour evenings after the parks
The catch
It is dear, and parking comes on top: the entry room costs about $795 a night before 12.5% tax on a February weeknight and about $1,330 between Christmas and New Year, and self-parking is $36 a night plus tax ($45 for valet).
Disney's Yacht Club ResortLoews Portofino Bay Hotel
Beach & pool optionalBeach & pool central
Central & walkableRemote escape
CouplesFamilies
IntimateLarge resort
Smart spendSplurge
ClassicContemporary
Wellness minimalWellness focus
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Area
Walt Disney World, Epcot area, United States
From the centre
1.1 km
Airport
38 min from MCO
Price band
$$$
Typical rate
From about $655 a night
Rooms
Not confirmed
Opened
1990
Pool
Outdoor
Beach
None
Spa
No
Adults only
No
Restaurants
2
Parking
Yes
Selected by
Independent research
Last checked
October 2026
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Area
Universal Orlando, United States
From the centre
14.6 km
Airport
28 min from MCO
Price band
$$$$
Typical rate
From about $795 a night
Rooms
750
Last renovated
2020 (opened 1999)
Pool
Outdoor
Beach
None
Spa
No
Adults only
No
Restaurants
4
Parking
Yes
Selected by
Independent research
Last checked
October 2026
The verdict
Pool days or shorter queues. Disney's Yacht Club Resort, from about $655, for Stormalong Bay and Epcot nine minutes' walk away; Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, from about $795, for a free water taxi to CityWalk and Express Unlimited at most rides in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
Good questions about Disney's Yacht Club Resort vs Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Disney's Yacht Club Resort or Loews Portofino Bay Hotel?
Pool days or shorter queues. Disney's Yacht Club Resort, from about $655, for Stormalong Bay and Epcot nine minutes' walk away; Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, from about $795, for a free water taxi to CityWalk and Express Unlimited at most rides in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
Is Disney's Yacht Club Resort worth it?
Book the Yacht Club for Stormalong Bay and an Epcot and Hollywood Studios week on foot and by boat, and pay the $118 step to a Water View on the Crescent Lake side. Plan on buses for Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. A large, classic Disney resort where a three-acre pool complex is the reason to book and Epcot is a short walk away. Expect families at the pool and Deluxe Disney prices for the room.
Does Disney's Yacht Club Resort have a pool or a beach?
It has an outdoor pool. There is no beach; the nearest is a drive away.
Is Loews Portofino Bay Hotel worth it?
Book it for a short, ride-heavy Universal trip, take a Bay View room and let the room key do the queuing at most rides in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Budget for $36 a night in parking, and for standby queues at Epic Universe. A big, themed Italian harbour resort that works as a base for Universal's two original parks: Express Unlimited comes with the room and a boat runs to CityWalk. It is expensive, and there is no spa.
Does Loews Portofino Bay Hotel have a pool or a beach?
It has an outdoor pool. There is no beach; the nearest is a drive away.
The pool one