TipsUpdates

Are Disney Deluxe Resorts Worth It? 5 Key Factors to Consider Before You Book

When planning a magical Walt Disney World vacation, one of the most significant decisions to make is where to stay. With Disney offering three Resort categories—Value, Moderate, and Deluxe—each provides varying price points, amenities, and convenience. While Deluxe Resorts come with a hefty price tag, they also boast incredible benefits. But the question remains: is a Disney Deluxe Resort worth it for your family?

Here, we’ll break down the perks and potential downsides of staying at a Deluxe Resort to help you make the best decision for your Disney vacation.


Why a Disney Deluxe Resort May Be Worth It

1. Location, Location, Location

One of the most compelling reasons to choose a Deluxe Resort is its prime location near Disney Parks. These Resorts often offer quick and easy access to one or more parks, significantly cutting down on travel time—a big plus for families with young children who need midday naps or for those wanting a seamless Disney experience.

For example:

  • Magic Kingdom Area: Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Grand Floridian Resort & Spa provide direct walking paths, monorail access, and even boat transportation to Magic Kingdom.
  • EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios Area: Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Yacht Club Resort, and Beach Club Resort allow guests to walk to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, making them especially convenient for EPCOT festivals.
Disney's Riviera Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort
Credit: V Mills

Staying at a Deluxe Resort means you’re often just steps or a short ride away from Disney magic.


2. Superior Rooms

While Disney is upgrading rooms across all Resort categories, Deluxe Resorts stand out with more spacious accommodations, high-quality bedding, and enhanced amenities. Families staying for a week or more will appreciate the extra space to spread out, store luggage, and relax.

Additionally, Deluxe Resorts typically feature:

  • Interior hallways for quieter rooms.
  • Upgraded toiletries.
  • Luxurious touches like balconies or patios in many rooms.

For families who value comfort and a good night’s sleep, the superior rooms can be a game-changer.


3. Exclusive Amenities and Perks

Deluxe Resorts deliver an elevated experience through dining options, recreational activities, and unique perks.

  • Dining Options: Enjoy a mix of quick-service and sit-down dining, as well as themed lounges and signature restaurants. Whether it’s grabbing a quick breakfast or enjoying a fine dining experience, Deluxe Resorts provide variety and convenience.
  • Extended Evening Hours: Guests staying at Deluxe Resorts gain access to extended evening hours at select parks, including Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. With lower crowds and cooler temperatures, these hours let you enjoy popular attractions with minimal wait times.
  • Club-Level Rooms: Some Deluxe Resorts offer club-level rooms, which include access to a private lounge with complimentary snacks, drinks, and concierge services.

4. Spectacular Views

Deluxe Resorts offer some of the best views in all of Walt Disney World. Imagine watching Happily Ever After fireworks over Magic Kingdom from your room or enjoying serene water views at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. These magical vistas create unforgettable moments and make the upgrade feel worthwhile.

A vibrant display of fireworks and colorful lights illuminates a castle at night, crafting a "Happily Ever After" scene. Bright beams and bursts of color create a magical atmosphere, with the castle at the center surrounded by vivid patterns and glowing effects.
Credit: Disney

5. Incredible Pools

If you’re planning a pool day, Deluxe Resorts are unmatched. Each offers beautifully themed pools with exciting features like slides, waterfalls, and hot tubs.

Highlights include:

  • Stormalong Bay at Yacht and Beach Club: A mini water park with a sand-bottom pool.
  • Lava Pool at Polynesian Village Resort: Complete with a volcano and slide.
  • Samawati Springs Pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge: Known for its lush surroundings and kid-friendly splash area.

For families planning downtime at the Resort, these pools are worth the splurge.


When a Deluxe Resort May Not Be Worth It

While the perks of a Deluxe Resort are appealing, there are scenarios where they might not be the best fit.


1. If You’re Spending All Day in the Parks

If your family plans to maximize park time from opening to closing, you may not fully utilize the benefits of a Deluxe Resort. Moderate and Value Resorts provide excellent accommodations and comfortable beds, making them a practical choice for park-heavy vacations.


2. Traveling Solo or in Small Groups

For solo travelers or smaller groups, the spacious Deluxe rooms may not feel as necessary. Resorts like Pop Century and Art of Animation, with their updated pull-down Murphy beds and functional layouts, can be just as comfortable and more budget-friendly.


3. Transportation Considerations

While Deluxe Resorts boast convenient access to certain parks, transportation to others may take longer. For example:

  • Some Deluxe Resorts share buses, which can add to travel times.
  • Larger Deluxe Resorts may require long walks to dining or pool areas.
Disney's Pop Century Pool Area
Credit: V Mills

Researching transportation options and requesting a room in a preferred location within the Resort can help mitigate these concerns.


Making the Decision

Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World are undeniably luxurious, offering incredible amenities, prime locations, and exceptional service. However, they come at a significant cost, so it’s essential to weigh the benefits against your family’s unique needs and vacation priorities.

Consider a Deluxe Resort if:

  • You value proximity to the parks and plan to take midday breaks.
  • You want a premium Disney experience with added comfort and amenities.
  • You plan to spend time enjoying the Resort’s pools, dining, and recreational activities.

Opt for a Moderate or Value Resort if:

  • Your focus is on maximizing park time.
  • You’re traveling solo or with a small group.
  • You want to stick to a more budget-friendly option.

Whatever you decide, Walt Disney World offers magic and memorable experiences at every Resort category.


Final Thoughts

Disney Deluxe Resorts are beautifully themed, packed with amenities, and deliver unparalleled convenience. While the price tag may be steep, the benefits can make them worth it for the right traveler. By considering your budget, vacation style, and family’s priorities, you can make an informed decision that ensures your Walt Disney World trip is truly magical.

Ready to plan your stay? Let the magic begin!

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

Related Articles

Close

Adblock Detected

Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker