If you grew up loving Disney in the ’90s—or if you just wish you had—there’s big news coming out of the EPCOT Resort area that’s guaranteed to make your nostalgic heart flutter.
One of Walt Disney World’s most iconic non-park destinations is finally making its grand return. After months of silence and construction walls, signs are pointing to a full revival of Stormalong Bay—the sprawling aquatic playground that links Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts. And yes, it’s shaping up to be a full-on throwback to the glory days of early-’90s Disney.
The Pool That Redefined Resort Fun
Calling it just a “pool” feels a little unfair. Stormalong Bay has long been considered the crown jewel of Disney resort pools—basically a mini water park reserved just for resort guests. With its sandy-bottom lazy river, sprawling lagoon-style areas, and that unmistakable shipwreck waterslide, it’s been a bucket-list experience for generations.
It originally opened in 1990, bringing with it a brand-new kind of resort energy that mixed elegance with Disney fun. And while it’s had a few updates over the years, nothing quite like this has happened in decades.
That’s because back in January 2025, the entire area shut down for an extensive refurbishment—something Disney doesn’t take lightly when it comes to fan-favorite resort features.
More Than Just a Pool Refurbishment
This wasn’t your average maintenance job. The closure affected not only Stormalong Bay itself but also Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill, a fan-favorite poolside spot for snacks, drinks, and a midday break from the parks.
Guests who’ve visited recently are starting to notice major signs that the project is wrapping up. The pool’s been refilled. Construction walls are starting to disappear. And Hurricane Hanna’s just quietly refreshed its menu online, which for Disney insiders is like seeing a flare shot into the sky—reopening is imminent.
Some new menu items include Loaded Crab Fries and a Grilled Chicken Sandwich with avocado spread, alongside summery cocktails like the Captain’s Mai Tai and a frozen Cold Fashioned. It’s clear the area’s gearing up for a full return just in time for peak summer.
Why This Matters to Disney Fans
Stormalong Bay isn’t just a resort perk—it’s the thing that makes the Beach and Yacht Club worth the price tag for many guests. For years, people have booked these hotels because of this amenity. So its return isn’t just a pool reopening. It’s a restoration of what many view as the soul of the EPCOT resort area.
And if you’ve been craving the Disney vacation vibe from decades past, this return really delivers. Everything from the aesthetics to the atmosphere seems to be embracing the same relaxed-but-magical energy that made these resorts instant classics in the ’90s.
So… When Is the Grand Return?
While Disney hasn’t circled an official date on the calendar just yet, all signs suggest it’s right around the corner—possibly just days away. With new food offerings already loaded into Disney’s online system and pool work clearly wrapping up, those staying in the area this summer might get to enjoy the full experience.
For longtime fans, this feels like a love letter to a different Disney era. And for new guests, it’s a chance to see why so many people fell in love with this spot in the first place.
So if your dream vacation includes lazy rivers, poolside cocktails, and a little splash of retro Disney magic—now’s the time to start checking those Beach Club room rates.
Because EPCOT’s most beloved poolside retreat is making a comeback, and it’s bringing a bit of 1990 with it.
