Is there Value in a Deluxe Resort at Walt Disney World?
I get it. Value and 3rd party resorts can look like a great way to save money. My thought process years past was, “anything to get me into the parks!” As time has passed, I’ve experienced the benefit that being a Walt Disney World resort guest – particularly a Deluxe resort guest – can have on the Walt Disney World experience. Deluxe Resorts do not keep me out of the parks -
They are a way in.
I understand the word deluxe is often associated with expensive. Let’s separate that. Not only is a deluxe resort a value with added benefits and flexibility to the trip, but the cost can be comparable and sometimes better than moderate resorts (Disney loves to offer deals for select resorts, often at the deluxe resort level).
Within the cost of a Deluxe Resort offering, you are often afforded valuable hours, transportation options, extra planning time to grab those sought-after tickets, and magic in quality and service. All these perks can turn a vacation from a stressful rush to a relaxed trip with more flexible park time.
VALUABLE HOURS
Every Disney Resort Collection guest gets access to early entry hours. This is usually half an hour before park open (in most cases, it’s 8:30 am for a 9:00 am opening). This can be the perfect time to hit those hard-to-grab Lightning Lane passes or popular rides that will have long waits.
On my recent visit to Hollywood Studios, I was able to hit Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and grab a nice Joffrey’s Shakin Jamaican Cold Brew during early entry. I didn’t use a single Lightning Lane or wait in a line longer than 10 minutes.
Imagine pairing that with Deluxe Resort access to extended hours. This is often two hours to EPCOT or Magic Kingdom during the week. Having a good early entry and extended hours plan can even get you onto attractions that only sell Lightning Lane Single Pass. When everyone else is leaving, you’re able to get in line for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or TRON Lightcycle / Run.
INCREDIBLE VALUE. If the deluxe resort cost is a barrier in your mind, imagine the savings of hitting these rides during early/extended hours, versus a Lightning Lane Single Pass per person, per day!
Not to mention this is time spent outside of normal operating hours. You’re not using precious park time (aka money), and it’s easier to take a well needed break midday. That can often feel extra difficult when you account for travel time.
Which leads me to my next point…
VALUABLE TRANSPORTATION
When building an entire world of entertainment and experiences, Disney knew it would need excellent transportation options. And options they provided!
Disney Buses. The Monorail. The Skyliner. Ferry Boats.
Each Disney resort has access to these incredible options. These are ways to avoid paying parking costs ($30/day), taxi fare, or Lyft/Ubers, and get direct service to your destination. Not to mention they are all decorated and designed with the same Disney magic in mind.
Deluxe Resorts like the Magic Kingdom resorts (Polynesian Village Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and the Contemporary Resort) have the monorail with direct access to Magic Kingdom. The Wilderness Lodge has ferries constantly going to the park as well.
Deluxe Resorts like the BoardWalk Inn and the Yacht and Beach Club are a short walk from EPCOT’s turnstiles and the Skyliner. A quick in and out means an easier day and more precious park hours to spend with your family and friends.
More time in the parks = more value per dollar spent on tickets.
VALUABLE PLANNING TIME
An important element to a Disney vacation is the time spent planning it (which is why having a Goofy Getaways agent makes all the difference)! You often need to keep a record of advance dates when you grab dining reservations, Lightning Lane reservations, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique reservations, etc.
As a resort guest, you get extra days before the general public to grab those reservations. That can mean getting that Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Ticket or that Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique reservation. It can mean getting the exact Lightning Lane reservations you were dreaming of grabbing.
With Disney, every day of planning counts.
VALUABLE MAGIC
Most likely, no surprise to you, a deluxe resort also means higher quality accommodations. Gorgeous décor, magical pools, superior dining options right outside your room. Many resorts even have a character dining choice you can book for a fun breakfast before your day in the park.
Then you have a resort like Animal Kingdom Lodge, where giraffes graze right outside your window. At my past visit to Animal Kingdom Lodge, I was granted magical moments every time I looked out my balcony!
Experiencing these extra touches, you’ll see they shouldn’t be considered extra. They are an integral part of making that immersive, magical Disney dream you’re investing in.
My experience as a Deluxe Resort guest during the Silver Earmarked Agent Education Program made a convert out of me.
Combining early planning time with those early entry and extended hours granted me the ability to hit every attraction I wanted. The ease of transportation allowed me to utilize my park hoppers to their fullest, while I got valuable rest. Most days I didn’t even need to buy Lightning Lanes, and I didn’t wait in a line longer than 20 minutes.
It’s worth repeating: more flexible park time equals more value per dollar spent. That’s where I believe the Deluxe resorts become the real value. This is especially true when these resorts are often the target of many promotions and have quotes that rival moderate price points.
Now about deciphering these promotions and organizing a plan to take advantage of all these deluxe offerings – what are you to do?
That’s where Goofy Getaways comes in. We can provide a plan of action for your family so you can hit your wish list and experience the deluxe resort experience!
Want to learn if a Deluxe resort is right for your next Walt Disney World vacation? Contact your Goofy Getaways Travel Consultant to learn more.
