{"id":36387,"date":"2015-01-15T09:00:58","date_gmt":"2015-01-15T14:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/?p=36387"},"modified":"2022-05-05T00:48:20","modified_gmt":"2022-05-05T04:48:20","slug":"chase-winter-blues-away-dreams-stormalong-bay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/chase-winter-blues-away-dreams-stormalong-bay\/","title":{"rendered":"Chase the Winter Blues Away with Dreams of Stormalong Bay"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Stormalong<\/a><\/p>\n

Now that the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season is behind us, and winter is in full effect (at least here in Michigan \u2013 there\u2019s a reason our state is shaped like a mitten!), all we can seem to think about is escaping the sub-zero wind-chills and blustery snow! When we can\u2019t seem to keep warm and are feeling totally over winter, we start dreaming of hot, sunny days spent lounging by the water \u2013 more specifically \u2013 the poolside paradise that is \u2018Stormalong Bay\u2019 at Disney\u2019s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve had the pleasure of experiencing several remarkable pools during our time at Walt Disney World, but without a moments hesitation we can definitively say that Stormalong Bay is the best of them all! Honestly, the term \u201cpool\u201d doesn\u2019t do the wonder that is Stormalong Bay justice. Centrally located between the two resorts, Stormalong Bay meanders from the Yacht Club to the Beach Club, covering a whopping 3 acres with its pristine turquoise waters.<\/p>\n

\"Stormalong\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A view of the Stormalong Bay pool at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts<\/p>\n

Stormalong Bay consists of a children\u2019s wading pool, a lazy river, large pools, secluded coves, three hot tubs, and the best waterslide at any Disney resort, hands-down. And amazing as all that sounds, we haven\u2019t even told you the most magical part \u2013 this expansive aquatic playground has a sandy bottom!<\/p>\n

\"Emmalee<\/p>\n

Our daughter enjoying the Children’s pool at Stormalong Bay<\/p>\n

The children\u2019s wading pool at Stormalong Bay evokes the feeling of a true beach experience. The pool varies in depth (in part due to its sandy bottom), but remains shallow enough for even the youngest of children to comfortably stand. In the center of the children\u2019s pool, there is a large sandy peninsula complete with pails and shovels. After all, what\u2019s a day at the beach without building a sand castle? Looking out from the children\u2019s wading pool, across Crescent Lake, is a beautiful view of the Boardwalk resort, which only lends to the authenticity of the resort\u2019s Atlantic seaboard theming.<\/p>\n

\"Children's<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0A view of the sandy peninsula in the Children’s pool<\/p>\n

The languorous lazy river at Stormalong Bay has been our favorite lazy river experience by far! In our opinion, one of the most notable features of this particular lazy river is the depth. One of our biggest complaints about most lazy rivers is that they are too shallow. There\u2019s nothing worse than scraping your knees and feet along the rough bottom of a too-shallow lazy river. At Stormalong Bay, this is never a problem! The lazy river here varies in depth throughout \u2013 ranging from 4\u2019 to 8\u2019 deep depending on your location. In the \u201cshallower\u201d 4\u2019 sections, the river\u2019s sandy bottom ensures that even if your feet touch down, you\u2019ll never experience that unpleasant scraping sensation. The river\u2019s current flows at a comfortable pace \u2013 not too fast and not too \u201clazy\u201d \u2013 and there are inflatable rafts aplenty. If you\u2019re concerned that the depth might be unsafe for the little ones, rest assured \u2013 Disney provides complimentary life jackets in a range of sizes, and there are Lifeguards stationed around every bend of the river.<\/p>\n

\"Lazy<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0Best Lazy River ever!<\/p>\n

One of the most thrilling features of Stormalong Bay doesn\u2019t even begin in the confines of the main pool area, it\u2019s accessed from across the walkway in it\u2019s own private cove \u2013 and that feature is the Flying Jib water slide! From the \u201cpeaceful\u201d waters of Stormalong Bay, you can spot the mast of a shipwreck on the shore of Crescent Lake. If you make your way across the walking path that connects the Yacht and Beach Club resorts to Epcot for a closer look, you\u2019ll find that there is a stairwell up that mast, which leads to aquatic adventure that is the Flying Jib slide. \u201cBut how does a slide that begins across the walkway end up in the waters of Stormalong Bay?\u201d you ask. Simple \u2013 the slide zips along right over the walkway! It took some persuading to get our then 6-year-old daughter to try the Flying Jib, as she was concerned that it might be \u201ctoo scary,\u201d but once she tried it, we couldn\u2019t get her to stop \u2013 it quickly became one of her favorite attractions (and ours too)!<\/p>\n

\"Flying<\/a><\/p>\n

A view of the shipwreck entrance to the Flying Jib from Crescent Lake<\/p>\n

Gosh, all that fun in the sun has made us hungry! Luckily Stormalong Bay doesn\u2019t just knock it out of the park in the fun department, but in the food department as well. Within the main pool area, there are two readily accessible dining options \u2013 a Quick Service option, Hurricane Hanna\u2019s<\/a>; and a Table Service treat, Beaches and Cream<\/a>. If you\u2019ve purchased a refillable Resort mug, Hurricane Hanna\u2019s has a convenient Rapid Refill station, and offers fairly standard Quick Service fare and comfortable outdoor seating.<\/p>\n

\"No<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0Scott enjoying his favorite treat at Beaches and Cream – the “No Way Jose” sundae<\/p>\n

But the real gem is Beaches and Cream \u2013 a nostalgic ice cream parlor \u2013 complete with jukebox and ice cream cone light fixtures. Beaches and Cream serves up classic favorites including burgers, hot dogs, onion rings, and Scott\u2019s favorite \u2013 a six-cheese Grilled Cheese sandwich. But the main event at Beaches and Cream is dessert! Nothing beats one of their cold, creamy old-fashioned sundaes after a day at the Bay! A word to the wise \u2013 Beaches and Cream now accepts Advanced Dining Reservations, and because the restaurant has such limited seating, they fill up fast, so a reservation is highly recommended! If you can\u2019t score a reservation at Beaches and Cream, don\u2019t fret! Their delicious ice cream is available for carryout \u2013 no reservation required!<\/p>\n

\"Kid's<\/a><\/p>\n

The\u00a0adorably delicious “Mouse” sundae for kids<\/p>\n

Day dreaming about the warmth and water at Stormalong Bay helps to ease our winter blues, and make these cold winter days a bit more tolerable. The only thing more therapeutic is planning our next Walt Disney World vacation!<\/p>\n

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