The Disney Deluxe Resorts, the most expensive resorts on the property, include some iconic and popular resorts. With the extra cost, you’ll get additional amenities to make your Walt Disney World vacation special. If you are considering a stay at a Disney deluxe resort, here’s everything you need to know. This post contains affiliate links, and a purchase through one of these links may result in a commission being paid to us. I have been on complimentary/discounted press trips at Walt Disney World.
Disney Grand Floridian
The Grand Floridian is the grandest of the Disney resorts. While all the resorts are kid-friendly, I find the theming at the Grand Floridian less exciting for kids. Its design is inspired by Victorian-era beach hotels, namely the Hotel Coronado in San Diego.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom, making it one of the most convenient resorts if you plan to spend most of your time at that park. It’s a modern resort, and the monorail runs right through the middle of the central tower (rooms are still very quiet). There’s also a separate Disney Vacation Club section called Bay Lake Tower that is part of the resort.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
The Polynesian is my favorite kid-friendly monorail resort because we love the restaurants and the resort’s theme. You’ll appreciate the theme even if you haven’t visited Hawaii or the other Polynesian islands. Highlights include the Lava and Oasis Pools as well as the delicious restaurants.
Disney’s Boardwalk
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn is a resort located on the Disney Boardwalk. It can be such a fun place to stay because you’ll be right near the Boardwalk restaurants and activities. During the one time I stayed there, noise wasn’t an issue—although I thought it might be. However, one negative about the resort is the lack of good quick service options.
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort
My favorite of the Disney resorts is the Beach Club Resort, the sister resort to the Yacht Club Resort. While the themes of these hotels are slightly different, they share amenities. I find the Beach Club theme a little more kid-friendly than the Yacht Club theme, but they are family-friendly.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
I love Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. It’s located near the Magic Kingdom resort area and feels like a completely different place. It’s modeled after the national park lodges of the Pacific Northwest and is rustic and quaint. The resort recently added the new Copper Creek Villas and Cabins, which are luxurious and beautiful.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
If your kids love animals, you may consider staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. My family first stayed there when my kids were 2 and 3, and they loved seeing animals from our savanna-view room. However, plenty of viewing areas are scattered throughout the resort if you don’t get a room with a savanna view. See our full review for more information.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
This resort, located in the Disney Springs area of the park, is modeled after the New York town. It’s a Disney Vacation Club property and includes many amenities, including the High Rock Spring Pool with waterslide, the Paddock Pool with waterslide, and three leisure pools.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
This brand-new resort opened in late 2019 and has been popular ever since. It is a Disney Vacation Club property offering studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites. It’s located near the Caribbean Beach Resort and has Skyliner access.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
This Disney Vacation Club property offers bus service to the four theme parks, two water parks, and a boat service to Disney Springs. Amenities include the Old Key West Exercise Room, the Sandcastle Pool with a waterslide, Olivia’s Cafe, arcades, three leisure pools, and tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts. Consider purchasing through our affiliate Get Away Today when booking your Walt Disney World vacation. They offer great prices on tickets and can book many hotels. Read our blog post to learn more about these hotels.