Walt Disney World deluxe resorts are some of the most beautifully themed hotel properties you’ll find in the Central Florida area! There are a few features and amenities at deluxe resorts that value and moderate resort hotels do a little bit differently. Are you wondering if a deluxe resort at Walt Disney World is the right fit for you and your family? I hope this brief explanation will help you decide. A complete list of the deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World is located at the bottom of the page.

In addition to early theme park entry, guests staying at a Deluxe resort will enjoy extended evening hours on select nights in select theme parks.

Contents hide
1 Room Size & Features
2 Pools
3 Overall Theming
4 Proximity to Theme Parks
5 Transportation Options
6 Dining
7 Complete List of Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World Resort

Room Size & Features

In general, the rooms at deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World are larger than the rooms within the value and moderate resort categories. For example, a Standard Room at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is larger than a Standard Room at Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

Most rooms at deluxe resorts include private outdoor space for guests to enjoy, with a patio on the ground floor or a balcony in an upper level room. There is something absolutely magical about being able to sit out on the balcony for a quiet morning coffee before hitting the theme parks or Disney Springs for a day of shopping. Equally enjoyable is a glass of wine in the evening as a way to relax while the kids watch a Disney movie and unwind inside.

A small refrigerator can be found in every Walt Disney World Resort hotel room.

Bathrooms are always split for the best use of family space and time.

Club Level is offered at deluxe resorts, but not at moderate or value resort hotels.

Pools

Deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World have multiple swimming pools, with splash features for children to enjoy. There are also typically jacuzzis for guests to enjoy at a deluxe resort. Jacuzzis are not found at value or moderate resorts.

Overall Theming

Deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World have incredibly immersive and detailed theming and storytelling woven into the design and decor of the entire property. Theming is more elaborate at deluxe resorts than you’ll find at other category resort hotels.

The theming is also typically more “grown-up” at a deluxe resort than it is at a value resort. For example, the characters will be woven more subtly into the decor of the resort at a deluxe resort, while at a value resort, guests will find more obvious and colourful examples of Disney characters and film themes throughout the hotel.

Woody hangs out in front of one of the hotel buildings at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort. Photo by Amy Urquhart at Pure Magic Vacations, 2019.
Cogsworth blends into the bookcase at the Enchanted Rose, a lounge on the upper level of the lobby at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Photo by Amy Urquhart at Pure Magic Vacations, 2020.

Proximity to Theme Parks

If being close to theme parks is important to you, then a deluxe resort is the way to go. The following deluxe resorts are within walking distance to one or more theme parks:

  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort–walk to Magic Kingdom
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa–walk to Magic Kingdom on the new walking path
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort–walk to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Transportation Options

Deluxe resorts tend to have more than one means of transportation available on site for travel to various locations. For example, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has a monorail station for travel to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers water taxi service to Magic Kingdom, with shuttle buses available to take guests to the other theme parks.

The monorail is a transportation option at some deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World.
The monorail is a transportation option at some deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World. Photo by Amy Urquhart at Pure Magic Vacations, 2019.

Dining

The deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World include both table service and quick service dining options. Often, character dining experiences are available at these properties, as well. For example, at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, guests can meet Snow White, Grumpy, Dopey and the Wicked Queen Storybook Dining at Artist Point.

Complete List of Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World Resort

Click the links below to explore deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World Resort.

Deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World are fabulous options for families, couples or even solo travellers. When I hear prospective clients say, “This is a once in a lifetime trip for my family,” I know they will absolutely love the experience that comes with staying at a deluxe resort.

Are you ready to start planning your family’s next Walt Disney World vacation with a stay at one of these beautiful resort hotels? Let’s start planning.

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