Disney Deluxe Resort Comparison
The Deluxe Resorts live up to their name! The theming is incredibly immersive but in an elegant way. If you ever wanted to vacation in the Polynesian or on an African Savannah without the long flight, you will feel like you are there. My favorite thing about these resorts is the location. The convenience many of the resorts offer of being able to walk to a park makes the price tag SO worth it.
These resort hotels offer the largest non-villa type rooms with the most luxurious amenities, most coveted locations, and the best service. They also offer some of the best food, drink, and entertainment anywhere on Walt Disney World property. Most deluxe resorts can accommodate up to 5 people in a standard room starting at 344 sq. ft. Rooms open to inside corridors. Dining options at the deluxe resorts typically consist of a few table service locations with a counter service restaurant, too. All feature pools will showcase a water slide and some pools offer cabana rentals. Rental of watercraft and bikes are available at most resorts. They also offer non-bus (monorail, walking, or boat) to at least one park.
ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE
Step into the heart of Africa at this magnificent Resort hotel. Inspired by the traditional African kraal, the horseshoe-curved design provides spectacular views of 4 lush savannas that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home. Delight in dazzling pool areas, exciting animal programs, and one of the largest collections of African art in the United States as you experience your own African safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic.
Location: Animal Kingdom Area
Transportation: Bus to All Parks
Dining: Boma Buffet Restaurant, Jiko Signature Restaurant, Sanaa Restaurant (with Savannah View,) The Mara Food Court, Pizza Delivery, Victoria Falls Lounge, Uzima Springs Pool Bar and Maji Pool Bar
Recreation: Two Pools, Main Pool has Waterslide, Hot Tub, Kiddie Pool, Water Play Area, Playground, Arcade, Running Path, Fitness Center
Rooms: Most of the Animal Kingdom Lodge rooms are 344 square feet and have two queen-size beds, a daybed, and a desk and three chairs. But can also be configured with one queen and a bunk bed or a King bed and daybed.
The Animal Kingdom Lodge is an incredible choice for families with young animal lovers. If you have always dreamed of a visit to Africa, this is as close as you can get without malaria pills. I love this resort if you plan on spending a lot of time exploring as their resort activities are abundant and immersive. It does not have the convenience of many of the other deluxe resorts so if you still have a stroller I would recommend a different resort.
BOARDWALK INN
Experience the charm and whimsy of turn-of-the-century Atlantic City at this waterfront Resort hotel. Make a splash at Luna Park Pool and delight in a massage at the state-of-the-art fitness center. Discover carnival games, unique dining, and exciting nightlife on the Coney Island-style boardwalk. Strung like saltwater taffy along the shimmering Crescent Lake, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is located within walking distance to both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Location: EPCOT Resort Area
Transportation: Walk or Boat to EPCOT or Disney Hollywood Studios, Bus to Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom.
Dining: Flying Fish, ESPN Club, Trattoria al Forno, BoardWalk Bakery, BoardWalk Joe’s, BoardWalk Pizza Window, BoardWalk To Go, Dundy’s Sundries, AbracadaBar, Belle Vue Lounge, Leaping Horse Libations, Ample Hills Creamery, Big River Grille & Brewing Works (Table Service)
Recreation: Main Pool with Water Slide, Quiet Pool, Hot Tub, Kiddie Pool, Water Play Area, Arcade, Fitness Club, Running Path, Surrey Bike Rentals, Jellyrolls (21 + Dueling Piano Bar,) Atlantic Dance Hall (21 +)
Rooms: Rooms measure 371 square feet each. Most contain two queen-size beds and an upholstered sleeper sofa. Most rooms have balconies.
The boardwalk is great for families who plan on spending time in the parks. I do not love the pool (in fact the large clown face scares me) but the location is absolutely incredible. To be able to walk to EPCOT and take the Skyliner to DHS is invaluable. If you are looking for nighttime entertainment this is the best option for you. There is always something going on at the Boardwalk.
BEACH CLUB RESORT
Discover the casual elegance of this charming, New England-style Resort hotel. Savor exquisite dining, and explore the pools, lagoons, and spas of Stormalong Bay. Sail around Crescent Lake on a rented mini-powerboat, and experience the luxurious comfort of a Club Level Suite. Sharing many amenities with its more formal sister, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort is walking distance to Epcot and a convenient boat ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Location: EPCOT Resort Area
Transportation: Walk or Boat to EPCOT or Disney Hollywood Studios, Bus to Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom.
Dining: Yachtsman Steakhouse (signature), Cape May Cafe (character), Beaches and Cream, Captain’s Grille. Lounges: Ale & Compass, Crew’s Cup, Martha’s Vineyard, Hurricane Hannahs
Recreation: Main Pool with Water Slide, Quiet Pool, Hot Tub, Kiddie Pool, Water Play Area, Arcade, Fitness Club, Running Path, Surrey Bike Rentals
Rooms: Rooms measure 371 square feet each. Most contain two queen-size beds with hardwood headboards, an upholstered sleeper sofa or pull-down murphy bed in updated rooms, a cherry desk and chair, a mini-fridge, a coffeemaker, and ceiling fans. Closet space exceeds that in other Disney Deluxe rooms. Most rooms have balconies.
The Beach Club is my favorite resort in the EPCOT area. It is closest to the park and perfect for families who love to pop into EPCOT for dinner. The theme is adorable with nods to the Jersey Shore at its peak. The pool shared with the Yacht Club is the best on property with an incredible sand bottom and lazy river. The one thing I do not love about the beach club is how congested the lobby can get with Cape May Cafe Diners. It also doesn’t have a great quick service option so if you wanted to grab a quick breakfast or lunch before heading to the parks there are better options.
CONTEMPORARY RESORT
Retreat to this ultra-modern Disney Resort hotel and discover award-winning dining, spectacular views, and dazzling pools. Whether you’re staying in the iconic A-frame Contemporary tower or the nearby Garden Wing, you can walk to Magic Kingdom’s main gate or catch the Resort Monorail as it breezes through the tower. Inside, a 90-foot-tall mural by Disney Legend Mary Blair—responsible for the distinct look and feel of the “it’s a small world” attraction—celebrates the Grand Canyon and the American Southwest.
Location: Magic Kingdom Area
Transportation: Monorail to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, Bus to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, Walkway to Magic Kingdom
Dining: California Grill, The Wave, Chef Mickey’s, Outer Rim Lounge, Contempo Cafe (QS), The Sand Bar, Cove Bar
Recreation: Two Pools, Main Pool has Waterslide, Hot Tub, Cabanas for rent, Motorized Water Vehicles for rent, Fitness Center and Spa, Arcades, Basketball, Tennis and Volleyball Courts, Fishing Excursions
Rooms: Most of the Contemporary rooms are 394 square feet, which makes them some of the largest standard rooms in Walt Disney World with two queen beds, a day bed, a desk and chair, a mini-fridge, a coffeemaker, and a vanity outside the bathroom.
If you have a toddler this is the best option for you. The walking path between the Contemporary and the Magic Kingdom is priceless. The hotel has great dining and good pools. The only thing this resort is lacking is in theming.
GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT
Victorian elegance meets modern sophistication at this lavish Disney Resort hotel. Relax in the sumptuous lobby as the live orchestra plays ragtime, jazz, and popular Disney tunes. Unwind outdoors, indulge in a luxurious massage, and watch evening fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella Castle. Just one stop to Magic Kingdom park on the complimentary Resort Monorail. This timeless Victorian-style marvel evokes Palm Beach’s golden era.
Location: Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Transportation: Boat or Monorail to Magic Kingdom, Monorail or Bus to EPCOT, Bus to Disney Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom
Dining: Citrico’s, Narcoosee’s, 1900 Park Faire, Grand Floridian Cafe, Victoria and Albert’s, Gasparilla Island Grill, Beaches Pool Bar, Courtyard Pool Bar
Recreation: Grand Floridian has two pools. The Courtyard Pool sits with a Hot Tub, Kiddie Pool, and Water Play Area. The Beach Pool near the Villas is a 111,261-gallon pool overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon with a 181-foot water slide and cabanas available for rent.
Rooms: Most of the Grand Floridian rooms are 440 square feet, which makes them some of the largest standard rooms in Walt Disney World, and has two queen-size beds, a daybed, and a desk with a chair.
We used to stay at the Grand Floridian when I went to Walt Disney World as a kid. My mother loved that it was on the monorail and she could take whichever one of my brothers (I have 3) was napping at the time back to the room. I did not appreciate it as a kid, wishing I could stay at Caribbean Beach with our family friends. For an adult’s only trip, this is an incredible resort though the service is sometimes lacking given the exorbitant pricing but a lot of times you can find a great deal here. It is home to some of my favorite restaurants and the princess touches to the resort activities are perfect for a Mother/Daughter trip.
POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT
Celebrate the spirit of the South Pacific at this oasis of tropical palms, lush vegetation and so much more. From moonlit nights immersed in the outdoor island ambiance to the exotic tastes of our world-class restaurants, discover the signature tropical atmosphere that’s made Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort a favorite Disney destination since 1971.
Location; Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Transportation: Boat or Monorail to Magic Kingdom, Monorail or Bus to EPCOT, Bus to Disney Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom
Dining: Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, Kona Cafe, Ohana (Character at Breakfast,) Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, Captain Cooks, Tam bu Lounge, Barefoot Pool Bar, Pineapple Lanai
Recreation: Main Pool with Water Slide, Large Infinity Hot Tub, Quiet Pool, Kiddie Pool, Water Play Area, Arcade, Fitness Club, Running Path, Beach Volleyball, and Playground. Marina – Kayaks, Sailboats, Pedal Boats, and Sea Raycers can be rented. Guests can also book a guided fishing excursion.
Rooms: Most rooms have two queen beds, a sofa, a reading chair, and a large dresser with a built-in flat-panel TV cabinet.
The Polynesian is one of my favorite resorts at Walt Disney World, its theme is second to none, the dining is incredible and the location can not be beaten but the price often reflects it. If you are looking for the best value this may not be it but if budget is not a huge consideration and you want what is, in my opinion, the best resort on property the Poly is the best choice for you.
WILDERNESS LODGE
Escape to the rustic majesty of America’s Great Northwest. Inspired by turn-of-the-century National Park lodges, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge celebrates American craftsmanship and honors the beauty of the untamed wilderness. Soak in the splendor of the great outdoors, from nature trails through pine forests to rocking chairs that overlook a murmuring creek. Inside, discover towering totem poles, headdresses and more, and enjoy the rustic elegance of the stone hearth and roaring fireplace.
Location: Magic Kingdom Area
Transportation: Boat to Magic Kingdom, Bus to All Other Parks
Dining: Artist’s Point (Character Dining) Whispering Canyon Cafe, Geyser Point Bar & Grill, Roaring Fork, Territory Lounge
Recreation: Two Pools, Main Pool has Waterslide, Hot Tub, Kiddie Pool, Water Play Area, Playground, Arcade, Running Path, Fitness Center, Bike Rental, Boat Rental, Fishing, Campfires
Rooms: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers different kinds of accommodations to suit different tastes and needs, but the rustic charm of the rooms is what appeals to most guests. The decor of each room is composed of wood-carved furniture and earth tones. Glass-paned doors lead to a patio or balcony in each room. Room types range from standard rooms, bunk-bed rooms, Club Level Rooms, and Suites.
If you are looking for the best value look no further than the Wilderness Lodge. This resort is my personal favorite to stay at. The pricing is often the lowest of this list, but the amenities are just as good if not better. The one drawback is the transportation. The Wilderness Lodge has a boat to the Magic Kingdom but its bus transportation to the other resorts. Artist Point has my favorite character dining, Whispering Canyon is great food and good fun, Roaring Fork is one of the best quick service options and Geyser Point is one of my favorite places on property. I love sitting by the lake enjoying a Huckleberry Moscow Mule and cheesy brisket dip in an incredible atmosphere. The theming takes me right back to Jackson Hole Wyoming one of my favorite trips I have ever taken.
YACHT CLUB RESORT
Delight in the formal grace of a grand New England-style yacht club at this lakeside hotel. Relax in the inviting elegance of a plush lobby replete with nautical touches, explore the whimsical Stormalong Bay and rent a variety of watercraft from Bayside Marina. Sharing many amenities with its pastel-toned sister, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is walking distance to Epcot and a convenient boat ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Location: EPCOT Resort Area
Transportation: Walk or Boat to EPCOT or Disney Hollywood Studios, Bus to Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom.
Dining: Yachtsman Steakhouse (signature), Cape May Cafe (character), Beaches and Cream, Captain’s Grille. Lounges: Ale & Compass, Crew’s Cup, Martha’s Vineyard, Hurricane Hannahs
Recreation: Main Pool with Water Slide, Quiet Pool, Hot Tub, Kiddie Pool, Water Play Area, Arcade, Fitness Club, Running Path, Surrey Bike Rentals
Rooms: Rooms measure 371 square feet each. Most contain two queen-size beds, an upholstered sleeper sofa, or a pull-down murphy bed in updated rooms. Most rooms have balconies.
The Location and Service at the Yacht Club go beyond any of the options on this list. I love being able to walk to EPCOT especially during the Food and Wine Festival. The pool it shares with the Beach Club is the best on property but the dining options and theming are sorely lacking. I think I prefer the historical, idealistic theming of the Beach Club to the stuffy Martha’s Vineyard theming solely because I live in Massachusetts and it doesn’t seem like much of a departure to me. But if you need a nice clean room and plan on enjoying the parks this is a fantastic option.
NEED HELP CHOOSING THE RIGHT RESORT?
The right resort can upgrade your entire Disney vacation—but with more than 25 Disney resorts and hotels to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed! I can help you so you can choose the perfect-fit resort for your family—based on your budget, travel style, and family’s interests.
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