Beach Club vs Boardwalk: Which DVC Resort Is Worth Renting?

If you're shopping around for DVC point rentals at Walt Disney World, you've probably noticed that Beach Club and Boardwalk keep popping up in conversations. They're neighboring properties in Epcot's backyard, they share some of the same amenities, and they're both wildly popular with renters. But they're different enough that choosing between them can actually matter to your vacation experience.

We've seen plenty of renters choose the wrong resort because they didn't understand the real differences. So let's break down exactly what each resort offers, what the rental costs look like, and which one makes sense for your situation.

Location and Walkability: A Clearer Picture Than You Think

Both resorts sit in the same general neighborhood, but location matters more than you'd expect when you're walking around at 90 degrees and 80% humidity.

Beach Club is positioned right between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. You can literally walk to Epcot's International Gateway entrance in about 5 to 10 minutes. It's the shorter walk of the two. Beach Club also connects to Yacht Club via a covered walkway, which is convenient if you want to grab a meal or use amenities at both resorts.

Boardwalk sits slightly farther from Epcot's main entrance, and the walk to Hollywood Studios is longer and less direct. However, Boardwalk is much closer to the ESPN Club, Flying Fish restaurant, and the Boardwalk entertainment area. If you plan to spend evenings on the Boardwalk itself, this resort wins the location game.

Here's what actually matters for renters: if you're doing heavy Epcot days, Beach Club saves you time and energy. If you're splitting time across multiple parks or want more walkable dining and entertainment options, Boardwalk gives you a livelier scene right outside your door.

Room Types and Point Costs: What You'll Actually Pay

Both resorts offer studios, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms, and three-bedroom grand villas. The point requirements differ slightly, and that affects what you'll pay in a rental.

As of 2024, here's what typical annual point costs look like for a standard week in moderate season:

The point costs are essentially identical, so your rental price won't differ much between the two resorts. What differs is what those rooms feel like and what amenities you get access to.

Beach Club studios are smaller and more dated than what you'll find at newer DVC properties. Boardwalk studios have similar layouts. Both are tight quarters if you're staying longer than three days with a family. That said, both resorts charge the same per-point rental rates, which usually run between 12 and 15 dollars per point depending on the season and the DVC owner's asking price.

If you're looking to secure a rental safely without worry, using a service like DVCSafePay protects both you and the DVC owner. Your payment stays in escrow until you check in successfully, so neither side takes on risk.

Amenities and Resort Perks: Where They Diverge

Beach Club has a more traditional resort feel. The main pool is the famous Stormalong Bay, a massive sand-bottom pool with waterslides that spans the Beach Club and Yacht Club properties. It's one of the best pools at Walt Disney World. The resort also has a quiet pool near the lobby, and the beach (sandy shoreline overlooking the Crescent Lake) is genuinely nice for relaxing. There's also a full-service spa, fine dining at Bluezoo, and casual dining at Beaches and Cream.

Boardwalk leans harder into entertainment and nightlife. The Boardwalk area itself has several restaurants and bars, including Flying Fish, Trattoria al Forno, and the ESPN Club. The pool is smaller and less elaborate than Stormalong Bay, but the scene around it is more adult-oriented. There's live entertainment on the Boardwalk most nights, and you have direct access to street performers, shops, and a genuine feeling of being somewhere beyond the resort.

Here's the practical distinction: if you're traveling with kids and want a resort that feels like a complete vacation destination, Beach Club is your pick. Stormalong Bay alone keeps families occupied for hours. If you're adults traveling together or you value proximity to restaurants, bars, and evening activities, Boardwalk's location and atmosphere win.

Room Quality and Recent Refurbishments

Both resorts have been around since the early 1990s, and both are showing their age in certain ways.

Beach Club rooms tend to feel more spacious, and the resort recently completed a significant refurbishment cycle on several room buildings. Newly renovated rooms have modern lighting, updated bathrooms, and refreshed color schemes. Not all buildings are done yet, so ask the DVC owner or their rental agent specifically which building your rental is in.

Boardwalk rooms are similarly sized, but the resort has completed fewer full renovations. Hallways can feel a bit dated compared to Beach Club's newly updated areas. That said, individual room quality varies by building and refurbishment status. Some Boardwalk rooms are beautiful, while others feel tired.

If you're renting, request a renovated building at either property. A newly refurbished room makes a measurable difference in your experience, and owners who maintain newer buildings tend to offer better overall service.

Which Resort Should You Actually Rent?

Choose Beach Club if:

Choose Boardwalk if:

Honestly, both are solid choices. The rental point costs are the same, the room sizes are comparable, and both properties are well-maintained. Your decision comes down to atmosphere and what you'll actually do during your stay.

Once you've decided which resort fits your trip, the next step is finding a reliable DVC owner and protecting your money. Make sure you're using secure payment methods like escrow when you rent. Your deposit is too valuable to send directly to someone, and DVC owners deserve the same protection. A platform like DVCSafePay handles the transaction safely for both sides, releasing funds only after you successfully check in.

Ready to lock in your next beach vacation? Start comparing available DVC rentals at both resorts, pick the one that matches your travel style, and book with confidence. Your perfect Epcot-area getaway is waiting.