Disney Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World : A Quick Guide

Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World are the height of luxury when it comes to Disney hotels. They are also the most expensive. Read on to learn all about deluxe resorts, what they include and if they might be right for your family.

Walt Disney World has 3 resort categories. Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Each resort category offers different things, at different price points, and in this post, we are sharing what you need to know about value resorts at Walt Disney World. And how you can decide if a Disney Deluxe Resort is right for your Walt Disney World vacation!

What Are Disney Deluxe Resorts?

The largest of all of the resort categories, the deluxe category has by far, the most hotels in its name. For the sake of simplicity, we will combine Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villa Resorts together. In total, there are 12 deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World. While there are differences between Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villa Resorts, to the average guest booking them, splitting them up is generally fairly confusing. But we will explain the differences in each section below. Here are the Disney Deluxe Resorts at Disney World. 

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club
• Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Cabins
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Yacht Club

Disney Deluxe Resorts are the most expensive resorts on property and for good reason. Often between $400- $1000 per night, depending on the time of year and room types, villas in this category can be close to $3000 per night during the holiday season. They are resorts with the additional transportation options like the Disney Skylier, Monorial and Boat Transportation. Frankly, if you’re even been smashed onto a Disney Bus with 40 other guests at midnight after the Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party, you’ll understand why we’re obsessed with alternative transportation methods at Disney World. These resorts also have multiple restaurants, bars and lounges, and are often within walking distance of the parks. And while Animal Kingdom Lodge is a little out of the way, you won’t find animals roaming the savanna at any other hotel. 

Deluxe Resort Atmosphere

One big draw to the deluxe level resorts is the atmosphere. Walt Disney World can be chaotic at times. Most Value Resorts, namely the All Stars Resorts, tend to have that same chaotic vibe to them. And while many people think Deluxe Resorts will be the opposite, this is actually just not true. At least not for all of them. While Deluxe Resorts definitely have a more upscale atmosphere than the Value Resorts, depending on which location you stay at, it still might not feel that relaxed to you. 

This is because many of the deluxe resorts have popular table service restaurants or other amenities that draw outside guests to the resort. So even though the atmosphere itself is more elevated, it can still be quite hectic with outside visitors. The monorail resorts at Christmastime are a perfect example of this. The lobby of the Grand Floridian at Christmas is often packed, with lines at the Gingerbread house completely wrapping through the lobby. This isn’t necessarily a “bad” thing. The bustling lobby is always fun to see during the holidays.  The Gingerbread House at the Grand Floridian is there for everyone to enjoy.

Disney Deluxe Room Types

Of all the Disney Hotels these are the ones with the most room options. From single studio spaces to the biggest villas for 9-12 people the options are wide reaching. Standard rooms with or without views that generally compare to the Value and Moderate resort rooms are available. They are larger and usually more sophisticated than you’ll find at their lower category counterparts. And many come with balconies.

But that is just the start. Deluxe resorts that are also part of, or mostly, Disney Vacation Club, have a wide variety of rooms as well. You can find studios with small mini kitchenettes, and 1,2 and 3- bedroom villas that include full kitchens.  Outside of villas, there are also special accommodations that rival living quarters like The Polynesian Bungalows, The Treehouses at Saratoga Springs and the Copper Creek Cabins at Wilderness Lodge. 

Booking Deluxe Villas at Deluxe Resorts with DVC Points

In addition to that, extra desirable accommodations like the Polynesian Bungalows and the Copper Creek Cabins go for a premium price. They also go very quickly and are often very difficult for the general public to secure a reservation. You have a couple of options of either of these are on your bucket list. Firstly, you can rent DVC points. This can save you some money, but there are also some caveats you need to be aware of. Additionally, you can also try to book these accommodations as soon as they become available for the following year. And with all things Disney, if you have your heart set on staying anywhere that’s not available, just keep trying. 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Want to escape to the wilds of Africa on your next trip to Disney World? Head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge! This resort, not only boasts several great restaurants on property but also animals roaming the savanna, a life size gingerbread display during the holidays and one of our favorite Disney World Club Level Lounges at the Kilimanjaro Club. At this resort you can try the bread service at Sanaa, head to the terrace for s’mores and animal facts, and indulge in cozy rooms dressed with white bedding and African artifacts. AKL only has Bus Transportation, but is also only 10 minutes from Animal Kingdom Park. 

Disney’s Beach Club

This fan favorite resort at Disney World, includes beaches overlooking the water, a sand volleyball court and one of the best pools at Disney World. Say hello to Disney’s Beach Club. While our stay at this resort was less than amazing, it’s within walking distance to EPCOT Park, and got us close to all our favorite things on the Disney Boardwalk. Home to Minnie Mouse’s Cape May Character Dining Restaurant, if you like seafood, settle in.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

By far one of our favorite resorts, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn is within walking distance of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios Park, and gets you all the amenities of the Boardwalk. Featuring the Trattoria al Forno restaurant, entertainers on the boardwalk in the evenings, and close proximity to Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf, there is plenty to do if you’re staying at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. Themed to the 1930’s Atlantic city shoreline, you can find fair games, an ice cream shop, gift shops and boat transportation here. 

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

One of Disney’s most recognizable resorts is Disney’s Contemporary Resort. An original opening day resort, this building is done in the style of Brutalist architecture and sits heavy on the landscape near Magic Kingdom Park. Home to a monorail stop and one of our favorite Disney quick service restaurants, Contempo Cafe, you can laze the day away in this open lobby, head to the gifts shops, or grab a nice meal at Steakhouse 71. Within walking distance of Magic Kingdom, this resort is perfect if you’re staying at MK for parties and want a quick way to get home. 

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Cabins

Newly renovated, the Fort Wilderness Cabins are now available as a DVC property, but still open to the public for booking at a pretty penny. Nestled in it’s own area of the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds, staying in a Cabin means you get your own living space that includes a kitchen, and outdoor space too to lounge and enjoy nature. These are perfect for families looking to be nearby Magic Kingdom, which is just a boat ride away. This resort is hope to the Hoop dee doo musical review if you’re up for dinner and a show. And you can also grab food at Trails End and a few other places on property. This resort is so big, we highly recommend you book a golf cart for your stay so you can get around easily. 

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Disney world’s flagship hotel is the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Mostly famous, because Princess Diana once stayed here, it’s also modeled after the glamourous seaside hotel of Hotel del Coronado. With some wonderful restaurants on property like the Grand Floridian Cafe, Enchanted Rose Lounge and Citricos, we highly recommend visiting, even if you don’t stay. It’s also home to a Christmas Gingerbread House display during the holidays, that is Must-See. 

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Disney’s Old Key West is perfect for those who want to get close to Disney Springs, since it’s just a boat ride away. Known for it’s Key West feels, and laid back vibe, you can tackle 18 holes on the golf course nearby, or grab a bite at Olivia’s Cafe for a slow and lazy afternoon. 

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

One of the best resorts at Disney World, Disney’s Polynesian Resort includes a south pacific theme, with inspiration from Moana and Lilo Stitch and dole whip on tap at the walk up count of Pineapple Lanai. Home to the Tambu Lounge and ‘Ohana, the food here is wonderful. Views of the castle from the beach, and access to the boat and monorail, get you close to Magic Kingdom without the transportation worries. We love coming here to dip our toes in the sand, listen to Hawaiian music and grab breakfast at Kona Cafe. 

Disney’s Riviera Resort

One of Disney’s newest resorts is inspired by Walt Disney’s love of the French and Italian Riviera, and it shows. With European inspired architecture, there is a lot about Disney’s Riviera Resort to love. Home to Mickey’s character dining restaurant Topolino Terrace, this resort also boast Tower Studio Rooms with views of the neighboring Caribbean Beach Resort. Located on the Disney Skyliner line, it’s easy to get to and from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. With beaches, a bocce ball court and our favorite coffee shop, Le Petit Cafe, this is a resort worth trying. 

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

Honoring all things Saratoga Springs, this resort is perfect for horse lovers. Featuring the upscale elite feel of a Victoria style resort hotel, this one is equestrian themed. With easy access to golf course, and near the Disney Springs shopping area, this is one of the best resorts for Disney Adults at Disney World. 

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Step foot into the forested Pacific Northwest at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Always a nice respite the Florida heat, we swear the air conditioner blows colder here. Filled with elements of the wild north, this resort acts like a large log cabin. Featuring a giant fireplace in the lobby, and some of the best restaurants at Disney World, this is one of our favorite places to be at Disney World. Home to the Whispering Canyon Cafe, Story Book Dining with Snow White, and Club Level at the Old Faithful Club, this is a bucket list resort for almost every Disney person we know. You can even watch the Disney Electrical Water Pageant Parade from the waterfront here. 

Disney’s Yacht Club

An underrated hotel at Disney World, if ever there was one, don’t let the subdued tones of Disney’s Yacht Club fool you, this is a wonderful resort. Beautiful rooms, with great views of the Boardwalk, and within walking distance to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, add to the convenience of staying here. Featuring the Ale and Compass Restaurant and Lounge, sand bottomed pools, a fitness center, and some great shops, it’s more upscale than Beach Club, and definitely worth the stay. You can see the EPCOT Luminous Show from here, take advantage of everything on the Boardwalk too. 

Pros and Cons of Disney Deluxe Resorts

One of the top reasons guests choose a deluxe resort at Walt Disney World is for the amenities. Deluxe Resorts offer a more “resort” feeling than any of the other categories at Walt Disney World. First of all, they all feel more like a hotel, than a motel. By that, we mean the doors to the rooms are located inside of the buildings. All of the Value Resorts and Moderate Resorts, minus the Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs, have doors that are accessed directly from outside. Some people feel safer and more secure with a hotel style set up, so if that’s you, consider a deluxe resort. 

Pros of Disney Deluxe Resorts

Disney Deluxe Resorts are usually right near the parks, so add an extra convenience in getting around WDW. All have premium pools with slides, premium restaurants that include both quick service and table service restaurants, most have fitness centers, and some even have spas. Many have Club Level options for booking. So, if you’re looking to elevate your stay a bit, Club Level is a great way to do that.  And if you want the ultimate convenience, Deluxe Villas also have full kitchens. 

One big perk for deluxe resort guests is the Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. These are available only for deluxe resort guests, and only on specific nights. Guests get extended after hours, with less wait times and even opportunities for additional Virtual Queues for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Cosmic Rewind. You can find out all the details about Extended Evening Theme Park hours at Walt Disney World here. 

Cons of Disney Deluxe Resorts

By far the biggest negative of Disney Deluxe Resorts are the prices. They are REALLY EXPENSIVE. As such, we often like to just visit them, as opposed to stay there. Which is easy to do if we’re just taking a day Disney Resort Hopping. That said, while some things like lack of Disney theming, may be a con to some, it’s not for many, and these really are some of the best, and more beautiful hotels. 

Disney Deluxe Resort or a Disney Villa?

What is the difference between Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villa Resorts? There are a few things that do separate Deluxe Resorts from their Deluxe Villa Resort counterparts. Firstly, Deluxe Villa Resorts are Disney Vacation Club Properties. This means that they can be booked both with cash and with DVC points. If you’re not a Disney Vacation Club member, you can rent DVC points and it will sometimes save you some money. This is an entirely different topic for a different post, and you can find a quick guide to renting DVC points here. 

Because these properties are DVC, they are also available to book differently than standard deluxe resorts. Much of the DVC inventory is held back by Disney until DVC owners are able to book, which is 11 months out from the time of travel. So, for example, if you’re looking for a 2-bedroom villa that is more than 11 months away, it’s possible it might not show up as available, even though dates for deluxe resorts that are even further out are. This dosn’t mean that they are actually sold out. It just means that you may have to wait to book them. 

In addition to variances in how these resorts are booked, Deluxe Villa Resorts also tend to have kitchenettes or full kitchens. And many also have washers and dryers. Disney Vacation Club Resort rooms also don’t receive mousekeeping every day. Mousekeeping for these types of rooms is every 4th day. So keep that in mind if you are hoping to snag a DVC room. 

Disney Deluxe Resort Prices

How much do the Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World cost? Pricing varies tremendously in the deluxe category. Not only do the prices fluctuate a lot during different times of year, but since there are so many different types of rooms that can be booked, those prices vary a lot too. Depending on discounts, room availability and season, you can sometimes find rooms slightly under $400 per night. You’ll likely only find these rates on the least expensive deluxe resorts, like Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge, but if you’re looking to stay deluxe on a budget, we recommend checking both of those out. With the deals we’ve seen this fall, both resorts had standard rooms for even just slightly over $300 per night. The lowest rates tend to be late August after kids have gone back to school. So if you can tolerate the heat, this is a great time to take advantage of great rates. Now that’s not always typical, but it is a testament to how low these resorts can go when demand is down, and your schedule is flexible. 

On the flip side, the most expensive rooms can cost a small fortune. The monorail resorts, Riviera Resort and Beach and Yacht Club tend to be amongst the highest priced deluxe resorts. With rates varying between $400- $1000 per night these resorts charge a premium for the convenience alone. Again, you can sometimes find a good deal on during slower seasons when discounts are available. So if they’re on your Disney bucket list, be sure to keep an eye out for great deals.

Are Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World worth it?

As with anything, “worth it” is subjective! If you are planning to spend a good amount of time at your resort, then we generally think deluxe resorts can be worth it. Deluxe resorts can help you feel like you’re on an actual vacation, rather than a busy and hectic trip that Walt Disney World can sometimes be. There is plenty to do at the resorts, making planning a resort day completely easy and stress free. However, if you plan to rope drop the Parks and spend much of the day out and about, you’re better off staying at a Value or Moderate Resort. 

Another reason Deluxe Resorts may be worth the extra is the prime locations of some of these resorts. If you plan to spend a ton of time between Magic Kingdom and Epcot, the monorail resort location just cannot be beat for convenience. If you’re planning a girls’ trip for an Epcot Festival, you really can’t go wrong with any of the resorts on the Boardwalk. And if you love the Skyliner, the Riviera is quite convenient. Although if that’s you’re only interested in the resort because of the Skyliner, well, there are less expensive options. 

And if you’re planning to travel with a larger party, or want access to a kitchen and in room laundry, the deluxe villas may be a great value for you. 

Overall Review of  Disney World Deluxe Resorts

We hope this guide to deluxe resorts has helped you decide if a deluxe resort is right for you!

Melanie Renee

Co-Founder and Director at Polka Dot Pixie Co LLC | Website | + posts

Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she's not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip .

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