by Kathleen Hesketh

Created on: February 25, 2009   Last Updated: February 26, 2009

With the highest attendance of any theme park worldwide, it is no wonder that Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida is also home to more than 20 resort style accommodations. Every hotel is meticulously themed to evoke a certain era or culture, but the 8 Deluxe Resorts are the top in the tier, providing the best in luxury and service that Disney has to offer. High on the list of deluxe accommodations, is Disney's Beach Club Resort.

Disney's Beach Club Resort is set on the peaceful shores of Crescent Lake. There is no swimming from the beach, but careful attention has gone into giving this hotel the rich ambiance of an old New England beachside resort. Clapboard buildings and striped cabanas help to evoke the charm of a Victorian holiday. Even the landscaping brings the eastern seaboard to Florida, utilizing plants common to New England climes.

The Beach Club Resort opened in 1990 next to Epcot. In planning this resort, travel to and from the park was given top priority. Boats leave Crescent Lake and deliver guests in leisurely style to the International Gateway, part of the World showcase at Epcot resort. Though a peaceful and easy ride, it is often quicker to walk the shaded path along Crescent Lake. It is an easy 5 minute walk to the International Gateway that leads right into the World Showcase. Though attractions in the World Showcase open several hours later than those in Future World, the second area of Epcot, they also remain open later and offer prime viewing for the nightly Illuminations show. As only resort guests use the International gateway, leaving the park is quick and easy. Transportation to other parks is provided via boat or Disney bus.

Guests of the Beach Club Resort have access to 3 quiet pools and a 3 acre water park, Stormalong Bay. As with all Disney resort pools, Stormalong Bay features a specially themed water slide. Beginning in an abandoned shipwreck, this is one of the tallest waterslides at Disney Resorts. Adventurers can slide down a twisting waterway through an abandoned ship. The main pool features a lazy river, a sand bottomed pool, hot tub and whirlpool . Many areas are zero entry, making it easy for the youngest and oldest guests at the resort. In addition, seating is readily available for shade and sun lovers alike.

Rooms at the Beach Club are larger than most park-wide and slightly smaller than some of its deluxe resort cousins. An average room is 380 square feet. With 2 queen size beds and a day bed, it accommodates 5 occupants

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