Nostalgia Alert: EPCOT Spot Returning to Its Legendary 1990 Form

If you’ve ever stayed at Disney’s Yacht Club or Beach Club Resorts, chances are you remember one thing above all else—the pool. And let’s be real, calling it a “pool” doesn’t even do it justice.

Stormalong Bay is practically a mini water park tucked between two of Disney World’s most elegant resorts. For decades, it’s been a vacation-defining experience for families, honeymooners, and Disney die-hards who know it’s not just about the theme parks.

But since January 2025, that whole experience has been on pause.

Stormalong Bay has been closed for refurbishment, leaving many guests disappointed—especially those who had dreamed of floating along the sandy-bottomed lazy river or sliding down the shipwreck waterslide that’s become a rite of passage for Beach Club fans.

The closure wasn’t just about draining a pool and fixing a few tiles—it was a full-on refresh that shut down not only the massive pool complex but also the neighboring fan-favorite, Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill.

Now, here’s the good news: all signs point to the area roaring back to life—very soon.

A Return to That Classic Beach Club Energy

Stormalong Bay originally opened in 1990 alongside Disney’s Beach Club Resort and immediately set a new standard for what a Disney resort pool could be. It wasn’t just a place to cool off—it was an experience. With over three acres of aquatic fun, a lazy river, a sand-bottomed pool, and that iconic shipwreck slide, it was the ultimate escape between park hopping and fireworks.

Fast forward 35 years later, and Disney is finally about to restore that magic.

Recently, guests have spotted the telltale signs of a reopening. Water is back in the pools. Refurbishment walls are coming down. And the big one? Hurricane Hanna’s has quietly updated its menu online. That may sound small, but in the Disney World ecosystem, that’s basically code for “we’re getting close.”

The updated offerings include Loaded Crab Fries, a Grilled Chicken Sandwich with chunky avocado spread, and refreshing cocktails like the Captain’s Mai Tai and a new Cold Fashioned slushy. The menu looks like a fresh take designed for peak summer pool vibes.

Why This Reopening Matters

It’s not just about one pool reopening. It’s about restoring one of the most beloved resort experiences at Walt Disney World. Stormalong Bay isn’t your average hotel pool—it’s one of the biggest selling points for these deluxe resorts. Guests often choose Beach Club or Yacht Club specifically because of Stormalong Bay.

With its return, the area is about to feel whole again. For fans who remember the early 1990s glory days of Disney World resorts, this moment feels like a bit of nostalgia wrapped in a beach towel. It’s the final piece that brings the area back to its iconic form—a throwback to the Disney vacations of the past with the modern updates today’s guests expect.

What’s Next?

There’s no official reopening date yet, but based on how far along the area looks and the fact that menus are being finalized, it seems like we’re just days—or at most, a couple of weeks—away from the grand return.

For those with summer trips planned, this could be a game-changer. And if you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to book a spontaneous visit to Yacht or Beach Club? This might be it.

So yes, dust off your flip-flops, grab that refillable mug, and start dreaming of that sand-bottom pool. Because Stormalong Bay is on its way back—and the Disney World of 1990 is about to meet the guests of 2025 in the best way possible.