I highly recommend the Yacht Club. My husband and I with our children, ages 10 and 11, just returned from a Disney Land and Sea Package. The first part of our trip we spent four nights at Disney's Yacht Club.
About the bad reviews - if you are looking for a 5 star, Ritz Carlton experience, then this is not the hotel for you. But, if you are looking for a fun, laid back, all around good hotel (3.5 - 4 star), then the Yacht Club is a great place. Yes, the decor probably needs to be updated, but the rooms are clean and comfortable. Really, for as much time as you spend in your room, this is a fine property. And I truly believe if you look for the negatives, you will find them - if you are positive, then you will see the good.
Our room was on the second floor close to the elevators and stairs with two queen size beds and a day bed. The beds were very, very comfortable and the room was a decent size. The bathroom has the shower/toilet separate from the vanity which makes it easy for four people to get ready.
The very best part of the hotel is its amazing 3-acre sand bottom pool - the pool alone is worth the stay! The workout room looked very nice though we didn't use. We ate at the breakfast buffet in the Yacht Club twice, both times were very good. We grabbed clam chowder, sandwiches, and salads from the Market two nights while the kids swam.
The transportation system could be improved, but we all decided that it was not worth getting upset about. The buses are full because they stop at the Yacht, Beach, Boardwalk, Swan, and Dolphin Hotels - more than the other buses. You can take the boat to Epcot or walk. I do not suggest walking to Disney Hollywood Studios in the heat - take the boat.
We spent two days at the parks and two days at Downtown Disney - one day shopping and one day at Disney Quest.
I would definitely stay at the Yacht Club again - maybe next summer!








