All About the Disney Deluxe Resorts: Disney World Luxury

If you decide to stay on property at Walt Disney World in Florida, you’ll find that there are a number of different lodging options available to you in several different price ranges. The Disney Deluxe Resorts, which are the most expensive resorts on the property, include some of the most iconic and popular resorts.

With the extra cost, you’ll get some additional amenities that can really make your Walt Disney World vacation extra special. If you are considering a stay at a Disney deluxe resort, here’s everything you need to know.

I am a former member of the Disney Parks Moms Panel (now the planDisney Panel) and have been on some complimentary/discounted press trips at Walt Disney World (with stays at Disney resorts), but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us.

When booking your Walt Disney World vacation, consider purchasing through our affiliate Get Away Today. They offer great prices on tickets and can book many hotels.

Fireworks over Polynesian overwater bungalows

All About the Disney Deluxe Resorts: Disney World Luxury

Disney Deluxe Resorts all offer special amenities beyond what the Disney value resorts and the Disney moderate resorts offer. In addition to the standard amenities that all of the resorts offer, you’ll also find that these resorts may have some of the best pools, more dining options (including fine dining), and fitness centers/spas. Some of these deluxe hotels are also within close proximity of some of the theme parks.

As a Disney resort guest, you’ll have early access to the parks with the early theme park entry benefit. You’ll be able to enter the theme parks 30 minutes in advance of the official park opening. You’ll also get to take advantage of extended evening hours.

In general, I think the Disney Deluxe Resorts can be worth the extra money if you plan to take advantage of the various amenities and activities offered, and if you prefer the more convenient locations to the theme parks. While you absolutely don’t have to stay in a deluxe resort to still have a great vacation, there are lots of fun benefits if a deluxe resort fits your budget.

Monorail Resorts

Many guests of Walt Disney World are interested in staying at a resort that is located on the monorail loop. These resorts can be extremely convenient if you are planning to spend most of your time at the Magic Kingdom and/or Epcot.

To get to the Magic Kingdom, you can take the monorail right to the entrance of the park, and to get to Epcot, you’ll need to transfer to the Ticket and Transportation Center. Two of these resorts are also a short walk from the Magic Kingdom.

Transportation options to the other parks are somewhat limited – you’ll need to take bus transportation to Disney Springs, the water parks, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

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. Amenities at the Grand Floridian include:

The Senses Spa, which offers body treatments and massages, as well as a fitness center
Motorized boat rentals (additional fee applies)
Movies Under the Stars on select nights
Jogging trails and basketball courts
Campfire activities
An arcade
Viewing location of the Electrical Water Pageant
The Beach Pool and the Courtyard Pool
Many dining options include Victoria and Albert’s, 1900 Park Fare, Citricos, Narcoossee’s, the Grand Floridian Cafe, and more.

Why stay here? The grandest of hotels, the Grand Floridian is very upscale and posh and is located within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom. There are lots of great amenities including pools, restaurants, and shops.

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 are planning on spending 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 Bay Lake Tower, the Disney Vacation Club property that is officially part of the Contemporary Resort. Bay Lake has its own pool area and check-in desk. Bay Lake Tower has some of the best views of the resorts.

Amenities include:

The Olympiad Fitness Center
Main pool with water slide
The Bay Lake Pool
Hot tubs
Basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts
Jogging trails
Catch and release fishing (additional fee)
Motorized boat rentals
Movies Under the Stars
Campfire activities
An arcade
Restaurants including the Contempo Cafe, Chef Mickey (one of my favorite Disney character meals), Steakhouse 71, and the California Grill

Why stay here: Like the Grand Floridian, the Contemporary is extremely convenient to the Magic Kingdom. The monorail is also very fun for kids to see going right through the building.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

The Polynesian is my favorite kid-friendly monorail resort because we love the restaurants and the theme of the resort. Even if you haven’t visited Hawaii or the other Polynesian islands, you’ll appreciate the theme. Here are some of the amenities you’ll find there.

Access to the Senses Spa at the Grand Floridian
The Lava and Oasis Pools
Volleyball courts and jogging trails
Catch and release fishing (an additional fee applies)
Campfire activities
Movies Under the Stars
Dining options include ‘Ohana, Kona Cafe, Kona Island, and Captain Cook’s. Even if you aren’t staying at the Polynesian, you’ll probably want to book a meal at ‘Ohana. It’s so much fun!

Why stay here: I love the environment at the Polynesian. It’s got a great pool, delicious restaurants, and a fun theme. It’s also on the monorail and is within walking distance of the Ticket and Transportation Center.

Other Deluxe Resorts

Disney’s Boardwalk

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn is a resort located right on the Disney Boardwalk. This 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, I didn’t find noise to be an issue at all – although I thought it might be. One negative about the resort, however, is the lack of good quick service options.

To get to Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Epcot, you can walk or take the boat. Bus service is offered to Animal Kingdom and the Magic Kingdom.

The theme is reminiscent of the Atlantic City Boardwalk, with Boardwalk entertainment, midway games, shops, bakeries, bars, and food. Amenities include:

An arcade
Surrey bike rentals (for an additional fee)
The Muscles & Bustles Health Club
Tennis courts
Campfire activities
Movies Under the Stars
A playground
Catch and release fishing for an additional fee
The Luna Park Pool with a waterslide, as well as two leisure pools
Dining options include the restaurants on the Boardwalk including the Flying Fish, ESPN Club, and Trattoria al Forno

Why stay here: You’ll be within walking distance of two parks, the Skyliner, and many restaurants.

The Yacht Club Resort at Walt Disney World

Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort

My favorite of the Disney resorts is the Beach Club Resort, which is 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 to be a little more kid-friendly than the yacht club, but they are both family-friendly.

To get to Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Epcot, you can walk or take the boat. Bus service is offered to Animal Kingdom and the Magic Kingdom. It’s easier to walk to Epcot rather than take the boat. From the Beach Club, it’s only a few minutes walk. Amenities at the resorts include:

Movies Under the Stars
Stormalong Bay, a three-acre water park complex with a lazy river, sandy bottom pool, jacuzzis, and a water slide
Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness, located between the two resorts
Three separate, quieter pools
An arcade
Motorized boat rentals (available for an additional fee)
Tennis and volleyball courts, as well as jogging trails
Campfire activities
Several restaurant options including Beaches and Cream, the Cape May Cafe, the Yachtsman Steakhouse, and the Ale & Compass Restaurant

Why stay here: Stormalong Bay and easy access to EPCOT/the Skyliner are great reasons to stay at either of these resorts.

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.

From the Wilderness Lodge, you can take a boat to the Magic Kingdom, and buses to the other theme parks.

Amenities include:

The Sturdy Branches Health Club
Salon by the Springs beauty salon with nail and hair services
The Copper Creek Springs Pool and the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool
Arcade
Campfire activities
Bike rentals
Motorized boat rentals (additional fee)
Fishing excursions and catch-and-release fishing (additional fee)
Restaurants including the Geyser Point Bar and Grill, Artist Point, Whispering Canyon Cafe, and the Roaring Fork

Why stay here: This resort really feels remote and homey. It’s a beautiful hotel.

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. If you don’t get a room with a savanna view, however, plenty of viewing areas are scattered throughout the resort.

There are two separate sections to the resort – Jambo House is the original area, and Kidani Village is the new area, especially for the Disney Vacation Club. There is no boat or monorail access from this resort – you’ll need to take the buses to all of the theme parks.

Amenities include:

Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center
Playground
Arcade
Movies Under the Stars
The Uzima Springs Pool (located at Jambo House) and the Samawati Springs Pool (located at Kidani Village)
Restaurants including Boma, Jiko, and Sanaa (three of my favorite table service restaurants at Walt Disney World)

Why stay here: If you love animals, this is the resort for you! We loved staying here when my kids were younger.

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 the following amenities:

A health club
The High Rock Spring Pool with waterslide, and the Paddock Pool with waterslide, as well as three leisure pools
Surrey bike rentals (an extra fee applies)
Playground
Jogging trails, basketball, and tennis courts
An arcade
Campfire activities
Restaurants including the Artist’s Palette, Turf Club Bar and Grill, and the Paddock Grill

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

This Disney Vacation Club property offers bus service to the four theme parks and two water parks and boat service to Disney Springs. Amenities include:

The Old Key West Exercise Room
Bike rentals
Tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts
Movies Under the Stars
The Sandcastle Pool with a waterslide
Three leisure pools
Playgrounds
Arcades
Olivia’s Cafe offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Disney Riviera Resort buildings by waterfront

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 1, 2, and 3-bedroom suites. It’s located near the Caribbean Beach Resort and has Skyliner access. Amenities include: