When you start planning your Disney vacation you probably begin to have questions about which type of resort is best to book. If you plan to stay an on-site Disney property there are different class levels – Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Villas.
You can read about Value and Moderate resorts in my previous posts. Today, I’m sharing a bit about Deluxe resorts – the pros, cons, and everything in between.
Disney Deluxe & Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels
There are 11 hotels that fall into the Deluxe Resort category:
- Animal Kingdom Lodge – (read the reviews)
- Beach Club Resort – (read the reviews)
- BoardWalk Inn – (read the reviews)
- Contemporary Resort – (read the reviews)
- Grand Floridian Resort – (read the reviews)
- Old Key West Resort – (read the reviews)
- Polynesian Village Resort – (read the reviews)
- Riviera Resort – (read the reviews)
- Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – (read the reviews)
- Wilderness Lodge Resort – (read the reviews)
- Yacht Club Resort – (read the reviews)
What to Expect at a Disney Deluxe Resort
When you book a deluxe room you will be paying the premium price for accommodations but that also means there are more amenities at your disposal. They also can sleep more people.
A typical deluxe room can fit up to 5 people, so if you are a larger family this might be a better option.
You may however want to consider two adjoining rooms in a less expensive category (value or moderate) as this usually ends up being more cost effective in the long run.
Deluxe resorts, such as the Animal Kingdom Lodge can have amazing views – there aren’t many places in the United States you can wake up and see animals from your window!
You can catch a glimpse of the fireworks at Magic Kingdom from the beach at Polynesian as well.
Lobbies are grand and extremely well themed. If you’re looking for luxury, the Grand Floridian is hard to beat for it’s design and décor – December is always a very magical time at this resort!
Deluxe resort guests also have their choice of where to dine – food court, sit down restaurants, poolside bars and 24 hour room service. Several of the hotels also offer character meals if this is something your children are looking forward to.
Possibly one of the best advantages of Deluxe resorts are the transportation options. If you won’t have access to a vehicle and want to easily enter and exit theme parks Deluxe resorts have the best options.
A few of the resorts are within walking distance, while others offer more than one transportation option – monorail, boat, or bus.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is the only deluxe resort with one mode of complimentary transportation – bus service.
Concierge level rooms (referred to as “club level” by cast members) are also available at every resort in this category. Guests staying on this floor have access to personalized vacation planning services (booking priority seating, help make reservations for shows and restaurants) and a lounge that offers continental breakfast, snacks around lunch time and hors d’ouevres, dessert and cordials every evening.
If pools and entertainment are important, then deluxe resorts offer the best. Pools are themed extremely well with water slides, interactive features and deluxe resorts also have “quiet pool” options.
How Much Is This Going to Cost?
Depending on the season, here’s what you can expect to pay for a room at a Disney Deluxe Resort:
- Standard Room (max 4 to 5 people + baby in crib): $320 to $1015 per night
- Club Level Rooms: Starting at $480 per night
Why Choose a Disney Deluxe Resort?
If spending time, relaxing at the resort, dining options and proximity to parks is important to your family, then a Disney Deluxe Resort Hotel may be worth the extra cost.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider a Disney Deluxe Resort:
- You have a flexible budget
- Looking for concierge level service and amenities
- You want more space in the room – standard rooms range from 340 – 420 square feet
- Themed pools with slides, interactive water features, food court, 24 hour in room dining, full service restaurant on site
- Less is more décor — no big Disney character statues or primary colored exteriors.
- You want to take advantage of Disney Resort guest perks.
- Several complimentary transportation options for you to choose from (this does not include Animal Kingdom Lodge) which can get you back to the hotel quickly whenever you feel like you need some downtime
Best Large Chain Comparison? Hilton
Looking for more information about Disney World Resort hotels? Read these posts.
