The True Value of Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World
Often when you picture a Deluxe Walt Disney World resort, the signature monorail resorts like Disney’s Contemporary Resort or the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
And these resorts certainly showcase Disney magic, but do you know the full value of staying at a Deluxe resort for your Walt Disney World vacation- including the underrated or lesser known details?
First, what are the Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World:
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn & Villas
Disney’s Beach Club
Disney’s Yacht Club
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
What makes a resort Deluxe?
Officially- proximity, the size of a standard room and the amenities at the resort.
So let’s break these down.
Proximity- every Deluxe resort is close to a park or Disney Springs- often within walking distance or offering additional transportation options. This means that you will spend less time on and using transportation to get to certain destinations when you are staying at a deluxe Walt Disney World resort. However, it’s important to know that Walt Disney World is massive and none of the resorts offer close proximity to all the parks (it will typically be one or two of the parks). But even being close to one or two of the parks to save time can be the difference between a magical vacation and a meltdown.
Also, Deluxe bus stops are the closest to the park exit/entrance which is a great saver for your feet after all those steps in the parks.
The size of the rooms will be larger at a deluxe resort than value or even moderate resorts (when looking at a standard room that has 2 queen beds or a king bed). The deluxe rooms will vary in size at different resorts from 316 to over 500 square feet in a standard room. All the Deluxe resorts will also offer large room options such as suites or villas because most of these resorts are also DVC properties. (DVC stands for Disney Vacation Club which is Disney’s timeshare program). Having additional space in your room when traveling can be a huge benefit to help keep the peace.
Every Deluxe resort also offers additional amenities beyond what you will find at value and moderate resorts.
EVERY Walt Disney World resort offers: complimentary transportation to and from the Disney parks and Disney Springs, bell services for storing luggage, a quick service dining location, a heated pool, plus early entry to any of the 4 theme parks each day of your visit.
Deluxe resorts offer these options as well additional benefits and it’s many of these amenities that truly bring the biggest value to your Walt Disney World vacation.
Let’s start by looking at food since everyone has to eat.
Deluxe resorts will still offer a quick service dining location where you can do things like mobile order or grab something quick to enjoy, but they will also offer at least one table service (sit down) meal option. Many of the deluxe resorts actually feature a character meal dining option as well as some of the most delicious menus on Disney property (including the Michelin Star rated Victoria and Albert’s). This offers more variety in food options but also in your culinary experience during your vacation. The majority of the deluxe resorts do also have a bar/lounge available as well.
Every Deluxe resort features at least one pool that will have a water slide and there will be a hot tub on property as well plus many of the Deluxe resorts have a splash pad too. While every Disney resort has a fun pool, only moderate and deluxe resorts will have the water slide and a hot tub. Being able to soak your feet in the hot tub after a long day in the parks is a bigger win than most guests realize. And some of your child’s favorite memories might just be playing in the pool, especially one where they might even be able to see fireworks from the water.
One of my personal favorite benefits to a Deluxe resort is that many of these resorts will have room entry indoors instead of from the outside like the value and moderate resorts. On a rainy day, this is an extra nice benefit (and even better at the resorts where you can remain indoors/under cover the entire time you are at the resort).
This feature is not available for all room types so it’s important to share with your travel advisor if this is a priority for you.
Select Deluxe resorts will also have upgraded amenities like Club Level services.
This includes access to a lounge from the day you check in through the day you check out. This lounge will feature light snacks and beverages (including select alcoholic beverages for guests over 21) and will be staffed with concierge staff- ready to help guests have their most magical vacation.
The final benefit I want to feature for you (though there are still more!) is the extended evening hours on select nights in select parks. On certain evenings (most often on Mondays and Wednesdays) one of the 4 parks will stay open for a couple of hours exclusively for Deluxe resort guests.
While not all attractions remain open, this is an amazing way to enjoy short wait times for some of your favorite attractions (and enjoy cooler temperatures too). Deluxe resort guests will need to scan their magic bands or room key card to show proof of their stay but the added time in the parks included with your resort is a big benefit.
Want help choosing the right Deluxe resort for your Walt Disney World vacation? Our team at Goofy Getaways is ready to help you find the perfect fit.
Picking a Deluxe resort that fits you might be overwhelming but with our advisors help it can be a breeze. Click the link below to get connected with someone on our team.
