Disney Resort Comparison: Deluxe Resorts

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!