If you’re planning a trip to Disney, I’ve got you covered with this series comparing the three main types of Disney resorts! Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando, Florida, has a lot of resorts to choose from and it can be overwhelming. This post I’ll cover Disney’s deluxe level resorts. You can also read about Value Resorts and Moderate Resorts in my other reviews.
Deluxe resorts are, of course, the top of the line for staying at Disney. Just as the moderate resorts are a noticeable step above value, the Deluxe level are a noticeable different above moderate! It’s really all about the small details that just give the feeling of luxury and that extra special something you can’t quite explain. The deluxe resorts really immerse you in their themes and there are a lot more extras that make you feel the upgrade is worth it.
Deluxe Resorts Rooms
One major difference with the deluxe resorts is that the rooms are bigger than the moderate resorts rooms. There are also more options for room sizes at this resort level. The decor is definitely upgraded as well. Another big difference is most have a separate bathroom. This is compared to the moderate and value resorts which have the sinks in the room with a curtain to pull across and a separate doored toilet and shower area. In the deluxe resorts you get the whole bathroom separate with a door, which is really big deal when you need to use the facilities after the kids have gone to bed!
Another great upgrade here is that many of these resorts have rooms with balconies. Balconies aren’t found at every room level, so be sure to read carefully when booking if that’s important to you. The rooms are also interior entrance, meaning you enter from inside the building verses entering from an outside breezeway. This is great when it pouring rain and I also think it helps cut down on outside noise.
Deluxe Resorts Amenities and Extras
As for amenities, you will also notice a difference here! The pools are very nice and spaced out with a lot of theming. There’s large pools with water slides, kiddie pools and hot tubs at the deluxe resorts. There are also some amenities you can only get at this level resorts such as workout rooms and upgraded dining. The Deluxe resorts have nicer dining options from breakfast to dinner. You won’t find a “food court” style dining hall at these resorts, but you will have a variety of restaurants from quick service to casual sit down to fancy sit down.
Deluxe resorts also have special amenities unique to each one. For example, at the Polynesian Resort there’s the Spirit of Ohana dinner luau you can book. At the Grand Floridian and Saratoga Springs you’ll find a spa. There’s also character dining experiences available at most of the Deluxe Hotels. Another thing worth mentioning is that several of these have kids clubs available where you can drop your kids off for kid friendly programming while you go enjoy an adults only dinner! Last, from the Magic Kingdom area resorts you can see the fireworks from your resort and the nighttime Electrical Water parade!
How to Select the Right Deluxe Resort for You
Just like with moderate and value, I think the two biggest considerations here are location and theme. Because the themes are so immersive at these resorts, this may be enough of a reason to choose one over the other for you! You could go to the resort all day and forget you’re at Disney and it still feels like a fancy vacation. The best themes at this level, in my opinion, are the Polynesian and the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Animal Kingdom Lodge is especially cool because you can get a room overlooking the savannah and see animals right there!
As for location, the deluxe resorts have the prime spots! Many are within walking distance of at least one of the parks. For example, from the Contemporary you can walk right to Magic Kingdom and from the Beach Club you can walk to Epcot. There’s also a monorail loop for the Polynesian, Grand Floridian and Contemporary that can take you to the TTC and transfer right to Magic Kingdom or Epcot monorail.
Last, take into consideration the amenities that you want. The deluxe resorts have it all, so you can definietly find one with the amenities you want at this level!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom transports you directly into the African kraal. The semi circle design allows guests to overlook four ornate Savannahs where you can see over 200 animals that roam the area. The main pool is the Uzima Springs Pool. It's an oasis with 11 thousand square feet with a zero entry. Samawati Springs Pool can be found near the Animal Kingdom Villas. This is the smaller of the two pools at only 4,700 square feet but it offers an amazing 128 foot long water slide and zero entry. Location: Animal Kingdom area Walk right into the classic elegance of this family friendly New England Esque Resort. Fine dining, beautiful pools, spas and several fun activities. Staying at Beach Club Resort is within walking distance to Epcot and a short boat ride to Hollywood Studios. There is a zero entry into the sand bottomed pool. This pool is complete with a life sized replica shipwreck area to explore and the largest water slide of all of Disney’s resorts. Plus, in this area there are three whirlpool spas to enjoy. Shipwreck pool is in the Stormalong bay area but is for the smaller kids who are not big enough to enjoy the large pool area. This pool even has its own smaller water slide. There are also three quiet area pools with hot tubs. Location: Epcot Area The BoardWalk Inn provides the unique experience of Coney Island inspired boardwalk plus fun Disney style accommodations. While staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn you are within walking distance to both Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Step back into a 1920’s carnival at the Luna Park Pool. Elephant trunks spraying water, a 200 foot long water slide. A whirlpool spa and a kiddie pool complete this area. If the main pool isn’t appealing to you there are two quiet or leisure pools with hot tubs available as well. Location: Epcot Area Contemporary Resort is an all out modern resort on Disney property. There are two different areas to the Contemporary Resort; You can either stay in the recognizable A-Frame building or the neighboring Garden Wing. Staying at the Contemporary Resort gives you the ability to walk or take the monorail to the main gate Magic Kingdom. Contemporary Resort offers a ‘feature pool’ with a curvy 17 foot water slide and a hot tub. If you want to steer clear of the busy pool your family can enjoy the Bay Lake Pool which is a bit quieter than the main pool. There is also a water playground nearby as well. Location: Magic Kingdom Area The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa perfectly combines Victorian charm with modern touches. You can take the resort monorail right to Magic Kingdom. After a long day in the parks you can unwind with a massage or, catch Magic Kingdoms fireworks. From Beach Pool you can look out over Seven Seas Lagoon while enjoying a zero depth entry and a 181 foot long water slide to zip down. Next to the Beach Pool is there is a fun kiddie pool for those who are too small to enjoy the larger pool. There are also quiet pools available. Location: Magic Kingdom Area The Polynesian Resort gives an islander feel while still giving your family the whole Disney experience. Lava Pool has a 142 foot long water slide, zero depth entry and a waterfall. Within a beautiful garden is the quiet Oasis Pool. Oasis patio is a shaded area with cushioned chairs for your family to enjoy next to the pool. At this resort you'll also find some of the best drinks! Location: Magic Kingdom Area Disney’s Wilderness Lodge gives the feel of being within the wooded Northwest complete with a creek. Much like visiting a State or National park in the Northwest! Copper Creek Spring Pool lets you swim along with nature and zip down the 67 foot long water slide. The hot and cold whirlpool spas set this pool apart from most of the other Disney properties. There is a play area for the little ones to use. Boulder Ridge Cove Pool is Wilderness Lodges’ quiet pool located by the Boulder Ridge Villas. It offers a zero depth entry and six seating areas located in the shade. There is a hot tub as well. Location: Magic Kingdom Area This lakeside resort is a complete nautical oasis along Stormalong Bay. Stormalong Bay is a huge sand bottomed pool which gives you a true beach feeling complete with a zero depth entry. Three whirlpool spas are available along with a raised tanning area. Delve into a life sized replica of a shipwreck location or zip down the water slide. Take some time to relax on the lazy river too. Shipwreck pool is a miniature version of Stormalong Bay including the shipwreck site and a smaller water slide. Location: Epcot AreaDisney Resort Comparison: Deluxe Resorts
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge | Walt Disney World Resort
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Beach Club Resort | Walt Disney World Resort
Beach Club
Disney's BoardWalk Inn | Walt Disney World Resort
Boardwalk Inn
Disney's Contemporary Resort | Walt Disney World Resort
Contemporary
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa | Walt Disney World Resort
Grand Floridian
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort | Walt Disney World Resort
Polynesian
Disney's Wilderness Lodge | Walt Disney World Resort
Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Yacht Club Resort | Walt Disney World Resort
Yacht Club