Is a Disney World Deluxe Resort Worth the Price for Your Vacation?

Disney Guests who want to enjoy the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation beyond the Parks love staying on property at a Disney Resort. But with so many fabulous Disney Resort Hotels, how do you know which one is right for your family?

If you want to relax in style at your chosen resort and money is no object, then a Disney World Deluxe Resort might be the perfect choice for you!

Understanding Disney World Resort Tiers

Walt Disney World categorizes its Resort Hotels into three main tiers: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Deluxe Resorts represents the pinnacle of Disney accommodations, offering superior locations, transportation options, amenities, dining experiences, and overall vacation quality. Naturally, these premium offerings come with a higher price tag, but they promise an unforgettable experience.

List of Disney Deluxe Resorts

Disney’s Deluxe Resorts each offer unique themes and experiences, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Here are the resorts included in the Deluxe tier:

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  • Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels
• Disney’s Riveria Resort
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Theming and Atmosphere

Each Deluxe Resort is a masterpiece of immersive theming. Guests can escape to the South Pacific at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, experience Victorian elegance at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, or enjoy the rustic charm of the Pacific Northwest at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Meanwhile, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge provides African-inspired architecture and opportunities to observe exotic animals roaming the savanna.

The attention to detail in the decor is breathtaking, ensuring every aspect of the resort enhances the theme. Guests should explore online galleries or videos to see which resort matches their personal tastes.

Pricing and Value

Luxury doesn’t come cheap, but there are ways to maximize your budget. Deluxe Resort prices vary depending on the time of year, room type, and resort. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are often the most affordable options in this tier, with starting rates around $425 per night. Rates at other Deluxe Resorts can escalate significantly, especially for premium room categories or during peak seasons.

For those wanting a taste of luxury without committing to a full stay, consider splitting your visit between a lower-tier resort and a Deluxe Resort. Ending your vacation at a Deluxe Resort ensures your trip concludes on a high note.

Room Sizes and Amenities

Deluxe Resorts offers some of the largest standard rooms on Disney property, ranging from 344 to 440 square feet. Guests can expect luxurious furnishings, upscale bathrooms, and private balconies or patios in many rooms. The spacious layouts are perfect for families or those looking to spread out and relax.

Dining Options

Some of the finest dining experiences at Walt Disney World can be found at Deluxe Resorts. Here are a few highlights:

• California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: A rooftop dining experience with spectacular views of Magic Kingdom’s fireworks.

• Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: A signature dining destination for steak lovers.

• Boma – Flavors of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: A buffet showcasing African-inspired dishes.

Each resort also offers quick-service options and lounges, ensuring a variety of dining experiences to suit every mood and occasion.

Recreation and Activities

Deluxe Resorts takes recreation to the next level. Guests can enjoy fitness centers, spas, bike rentals, basketball courts, tennis courts, and even boat rentals. Signature experiences include sleigh rides at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and the sprawling pool complex of Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts.

Location and Transportation

One of the biggest perks of staying at a Deluxe Resort is the proximity to Disney’s theme parks. Many resorts are within walking distance of parks or offer unique transportation options like the monorail, boats, or Skyliner gondolas. For example, guests at Disney’s Contemporary Resort can walk to Magic Kingdom, while those at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort can stroll to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Bottom Line

Staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort is an investment in comfort, convenience, and magic. With stunning theming, world-class dining, and unmatched locations, these resorts offer an unparalleled Disney experience. Whether traveling as a family, a couple, or a solo adventurer, a Deluxe Resort stay is sure to create memories that last a lifetime.