Stormalong Bay Drained as Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Undergoes Major Renovation

31 days ago in "Disney's Beach Club Resort"

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Stormalong Bay refurbishment - February 2025

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Posted: Thursday February 13, 2025 8:50am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Stormalong Bay at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resort is undergoing a major refurbishment, with work expected to continue through June 2025.

Stormalong Bay refurbishment - February 2025

The entire pool complex has been drained, and crews are actively working on all aspects of the area, from resurfacing to structural repairs.

Stormalong Bay refurbishment - February 2025

Crews are resurfacing the drained pools and have removed all sand from the sand-bottomed sections, which will be replaced later in the project.

Stormalong Bay refurbishment - February 2025

The whirlpool spas are also undergoing updates, while the Shipwreck Slide is receiving maintenance.

Stormalong Bay refurbishment - February 2025

Additionally, the surrounding pool deck is being replaced.

Stormalong Bay refurbishment - February 2025

Stormalong Bay, one of Walt Disney World's most elaborate resort pool areas, closed for refurbishment in January 2025 and is set to remain unavailable until June 2025. Covering three acres, the pool complex features a lazy river, multiple whirlpools, kiddie pools, and an elevated sun deck.

While Stormalong Bay remains closed, guests staying at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resort can use the Tidal, Admiral, and Dune Cove leisure pools as alternative options.

Disney has not provided a specific reopening date beyond the June 2025 timeframe.

Stormalong Bay refurbishment - February 2025

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Biff21524 days ago

I agree that identification is another piece of this. Other than my red shorts, you couldn’t tell me apart from most other guests. I also feel like the shirt is a better look for all body types. At 20 I was in pretty good shape but at 44 I’m not sure most guests would want to look at me shirtless lurking over them! 😂

plutofan1524 days ago

Many years ago, mid 80s, I was a lifeguard at Sesame Place. We had multiple different positions - standing in shallow water (shin/knee deep), sitting in guard stands and standing in deeper water (waist deep) at the bottom of slides. With the exception of the deeper water positions, we were required to wear shirts. They were yellow with red collars and trim. One of reasons was that we were easier to see and pick out from park guests in case of emergency. PS: We still got good tans!😄

surfsupdon24 days ago

Thank you. Makes sense. It's just me from Jersey wanting to be tan as I work/am outside!

flynnibus24 days ago

I think none of this is relevant. The reason the whole topic has changed vs 30 years ago is protection for the guard -- not performance/safety. With the modern materials we have the ability to protect against the sun, while also being able to quick dry, be lightweight, and usable in the water as well. No longer are we simply talking sweatshirts and t-shirts... we have sunguards that are worlds different. Guards can now wear protection w/o encumbering their job function. Businesses are incentivized to use such protection as well.

surfsupdon24 days ago

As someone who grew up and lives at the beach, lifeguards can be in clothes and easily/quickly remove them before going into the water for a rescue. A shallow water guard, not needing to jump under water for a rescue, why must they wear an outfit in addition to their bathing suit? Why can they be solely in their swimsuit?

DisneyFanatic1224 days ago

Interesting to know! Shirts are a requirement for Ellis guards now (with a couple exceptions), so I’m guessing they probably updated the rules in the 2010s. The slide needs some work for sure!

Biff21524 days ago

I was a lifeguard at Blizzard plus Typhoon and the All Star resorts in 2000. No requirement for a shirt for anyone and we were Ellis certified, so I can only assume that was a change Disney made later on. Blizzard also has deep water guards for the wave pool and other various areas. If they don’t do a full replacement on the slide at Stormalong then this refurb is a waste. That thing is absolute torture on your back.

nickys24 days ago

A deep water life guard needs to be able to dive down under the water. That’s harder to do wearing clothes.

DisneyFanatic1225 days ago

It is really interesting how deep water lifeguards can don’t need a shirt when on stand. I wonder if the change for shallow water guards wearing shirts and hats came when Disney started using Ellis, or if Ellis changed their protocols in the 90s. For shallow water stands I’m pretty sure they have to have on a hat and everything unless under an umbrella. Does Melt-Away Bay allow the swimsuits as well, or do the guards there need a shirt? I think Downhill Double Dipper requires a shirt unless they stand in the water, but I don’t know for sure.

surfsupdon25 days ago

Another fun fact. A deep water lifeguard can be shirtless as a male or wear a full one piece bathing suit as a female. Neither have to cover up and wear the shirt. I learned this at the pool. Only Stormalong Bay lazy river and Typhoon wave pool allow this. As a youngster in the 80s and 90s, I always remember the lifeguards in bathing suits, shirtless. We have photos (somewhere) with them. As a beach guy, it always felt weird when I noticed they were required to wear shirts. There was a definite change 2000s.

Yodasnuggs25 days ago

Oh wow, that's fascinating, thank you both.

DisneyFanatic1225 days ago

There was going to be, and I think for a brief period there was, fish at the bottom of what’s just the lazy river now. It’s the reason that it’s the only resort that uses deep-water lifeguards, as the aquatic life necessitated a portion of the lazy river to be very deep.

monothingie25 days ago

The lazy river was originally salt water and had assorted sea life in it you could swim with. It wasn't practical to keep operational.

Yodasnuggs25 days ago

I apologize if this was simply a very obvious joke that went completely over my head, but my curiosity is getting the best of me. Can I ask what you mean by sea life?