Walt Disney World Resort features an array of Deluxe Resorts, each offering a unique theme, luxurious amenities, and prime locations. They also boast the largest rooms on property, approximately 80 square feet bigger than Value Resort rooms and 30 square feet than Moderate Resort rooms.
Deluxe Resorts provide another huge benefit over the other resorts – Extended Evening Hours. This is extra time in the parks available only to guests staying at Deluxe Resorts. This perk cannot be oversold. Extended Evening Hours are always significantly less crowded and can mean the difference between getting on that S Tier attraction or not.
There is no free lunch in life though and all these benefits come at a very steep cost. Deluxe Resort rooms are often double or even triple the cost of a Moderate Resort room. If you’re accustom to luxury 5 star resorts, you’ll likely find Deluxe Resorts to be a step below your expectations at a similar price point. You’re paying more for the exclusive locations and those unique Disney Theming touches.
With the general pros and cons out of the way, let’s dive into the details of each resort: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Theme and Atmosphere:
- Inspired by the African savanna with stunning architecture and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Amenities and Features:
- Two main pools: Uzima Springs Pool and Samawati Springs Pool.
- Award-winning dining options such as Jiko – The Cooking Place, Boma – Flavors of Africa, and Sanaa.
- Cultural activities, including African storytelling and wildlife programs.
- A freakin’ savanna!
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Theme and Atmosphere:
- Victorian elegance, offering a refined and sophisticated atmosphere.
- Located on the Seven Seas Lagoon, providing stunning views and proximity to Magic Kingdom.
Amenities and Features:
- Two main pools: the Beach Pool and the Courtyard Pool.
- Fine dining options such as Victoria & Albert’s, Citricos, and Narcoossee’s.
- Full-service spa and salon, with various recreational activities.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Theme and Atmosphere:
- South Pacific-inspired theme with lush landscaping and tiki torches.
- Located on the Seven Seas Lagoon, offering a picturesque setting and proximity to Magic Kingdom.
Amenities and Features:
- Two main pools: the Lava Pool and the Oasis Pool.
- Dining options include ‘Ohana, Kona Cafe, and the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show.
- Recreational activities, including beach volleyball and boat rentals.
- The most unique lounge on property – Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Theme and Atmosphere:
- Sleek, modern design with an iconic A-frame structure.
- Walking distance to Magic Kingdom, with the monorail running through the resort.
Amenities and Features:
- Two main pools: the Feature Pool and the Bay Lake Pool.
- Dining options include California Grill, Chef Mickey’s, and The Wave… of American Flavors.
- Various recreational activities, including boat rentals and a fitness center.
- The Monorail runs through the hotel lobby.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Theme and Atmosphere:
- New England seaside charm, offering a relaxed and breezy atmosphere.
- Located near Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Amenities and Features:
- The consensus best pool on property – Stormalong Bay, a 3-acre water wonderland.
- Dining options include Cape May Cafe, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, and Martha’s Vineyard.
- Recreational activities, including bike rentals and a fitness center.
- 5 minute walk to EPCOT and 15 minute walk to Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Theme and Atmosphere:
- Nautical theme with sophisticated decor.
- Located near Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Amenities and Features:
- The consensus best pool on property – Stormalong Bay, a 3-acre water wonderland.
- Dining options include Yachtsman Steakhouse, Ale & Compass Restaurant, and Crew’s Cup Lounge.
- Recreational activities, including boat rentals and a fitness center.
- 5 minute walk to EPCOT and 15 minute walk to Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Theme and Atmosphere:
- Atlantic City-inspired theme with a lively boardwalk atmosphere.
- Located near Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Amenities and Features:
- Luna Park Pool with a whimsical carousel theme.
- Dining options include Flying Fish, Trattoria al Forno, and Cake Bake Shop.
- Recreational activities, including bike rentals and a variety of entertainment options on the boardwalk.
- 10 minute walk to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Theme and Atmosphere:
- Rustic beauty inspired by National Park lodges.
- Located on the shores of Bay Lake, providing a tranquil setting and convenient boat access to Magic Kingdom.
Amenities and Features:
- Two main pools: the Copper Creek Springs Pool and the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool.
- Dining options include Whispering Canyon Cafe, Geyser Point Bar & Grill, and the unique Snow White themed dining at Artist Point.
- Recreational activities, including fishing, hiking trails, and a fitness center.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Theme and Atmosphere:
- European Riviera-inspired elegance with modern luxury.
- Until recently, the newest resort on property.
Amenities and Features:
- Two main pools: the Riviera Pool and the Beau Soleil Pool.
- Dining options include Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, Primo Piatto, and Le Petit Café.
- Recreational activities, including bocce ball, outdoor movies, and a fitness center.
- Short Skyliner ride to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
While all the resorts above have a DVC component, these last two resorts are 100% DVC resorts. In terms of practical impact, there isn’t much to note. You’ll always get a kitchenette in studio rooms and full kitchens in 1 and 2 bedrooms. Arguably the pools are these resorts aren’t the wow factor of the other Deluxe Resorts. Similarly, the dining is objectively a step below here as well, probably owning to the fact that all rooms have facilities to enable eating in the room. That said, these resorts are always among the cheapest Deluxe Resorts.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Theme and Atmosphere
- Modeled after the upstart New York city of Saratoga Springs, famous for it’s horse racing track.
- Located near Disney Springs
- Treehouse villas are one of the most unique lodging options on property.
Amenities and Features
- 2 feature pools, High Rock Spring pool and The Paddock pool and 3 additional leisure pools.
- Recently renovated rooms.
- Pedestrian bridge connects the resort to Disney Springs.
- Boat service to Disney Springs and connections to boats to Old Key West and Port Orleans.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Theme and Atmosphere
- Themed to resemble the Florida Keys, giving a very tropical vacation vibe.
- Located near Disney Springs.
- Large and Tranquil resort.
Amenities and Features
- Sandcastle feature pool and 3 additional leisure pools.
- Boat service to Disney Springs and connections to boats to Saratoga Springs and Port Orleans.
Conclusion
Each Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort offers a unique theme, luxurious amenities, and convenient locations. Whether you’re looking for African adventure, Victorian elegance, modern luxury, tropical paradise, seaside charm, Atlantic City fun, rustic serenity, or European Riviera elegance, there’s a Deluxe Resort that will make your Disney vacation magical. The Deluxe Resorts provide top-notch amenities, dining options, and convenient access to the parks, ensuring a memorable stay for every guest.
I hope this comprehensive comparison helps you choose the perfect Deluxe Resort for your next visit to Walt Disney World Resort! If you need more details or have any specific preferences, feel free to ask!
