A Guide to Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation and ready to make your resort part of the experience? Disney’s Deluxe Resorts offer some of the most immersive theming, incredible dining, beautiful pools, and convenient transportation on property. They’re a splurge, but for many guests, the extra amenities and location can make the resort feel like a destination all on its own.
From waking up to giraffes on the savanna to walking to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, each Deluxe Resort offers something completely different. Here’s everything you need to know to find the perfect Deluxe Resort for your next Disney adventure.
What Makes Deluxe Resorts Special?
Deluxe Resorts are Disney’s highest tier of traditional resort accommodations and offer:
Prime locations: Many are within walking distance, monorail, or boat distance of the parks.
More dining options: Deluxe Resorts are home to some of Walt Disney World’s best restaurants, including Signature and Character Dining.
Beautiful pools & recreation: Expect elaborate pool areas, waterslides, activities, and plenty of places to relax.
Extra transportation options: Select Deluxe Resorts offer access to the monorail, boats, or Skyliner in addition to buses.
More room to relax: Deluxe rooms are typically larger than rooms at Value and Moderate Resorts.
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours: Guests staying at Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villa Resorts can take advantage of this special perk on select nights, in addition to Early Theme Park Entry available to all Disney Resort hotel guests.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Theme & Vibe
Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most unique resorts at Walt Disney World. Inspired by African architecture, culture, and wildlife, the resort surrounds guests with incredible details, from African-inspired artwork to massive windows overlooking savannas where giraffes, zebras, and other animals roam.
Why We Love It
Savanna views: Some rooms overlook the savanna, giving you the chance to spot animals right from your resort.
Incredible dining: Jiko, Boma, and Sanaa offer some of the most distinctive dining experiences on Disney property.
Amazing theming: The architecture, music, artwork, and cultural details make this resort feel like a destination.
Animal experiences: Guests can enjoy animal viewing areas and educational opportunities throughout the resort.
Good to Know
Animal Kingdom Lodge is located near Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but it does not offer walking or monorail access to the park. If resort transportation and proximity to multiple parks are your top priorities, another Deluxe Resort may be a better fit.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Theme & Vibe
Beach Club brings the charm of a New England seaside resort to Walt Disney World. With soft colors, coastal details, and a relaxed atmosphere, it feels like a charming beach vacation tucked inside the magic of Disney.
Why We Love It
Stormalong Bay: This massive pool complex shared with Yacht Club features a lazy river, sandy-bottom pool, waterslide, and plenty of places to relax.
Walk to EPCOT: The International Gateway entrance to EPCOT is just a short walk away.
Skyliner access: Guests can easily hop on the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios or EPCOT.
Great dining: Beaches & Cream is a fan favorite, and the resort's location puts even more dining options within easy reach.
Good to Know
Beach Club is an especially great choice for families who love pool time and EPCOT. The combination of Stormalong Bay and easy park access makes this one of our favorite Deluxe Resorts.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Theme & Vibe
Yacht Club shares the same beautiful New England inspiration as Beach Club but has a more sophisticated, nautical feel. Think elegant yacht-club details, darker wood accents, and a slightly more upscale atmosphere.
Why We Love It
Stormalong Bay: The incredible pool complex is one of the biggest draws.
EPCOT access: EPCOT is an easy walk away, and Hollywood Studios is also accessible by boat or Skyliner.
Refined atmosphere: Yacht Club feels polished and relaxing while still being family-friendly.
Dining: Yachtsman Steakhouse is a standout Signature Dining experience.
Good to Know
If you love everything about Beach Club but prefer a quieter, more sophisticated atmosphere, Yacht Club may be your perfect match.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Theme & Vibe
BoardWalk Inn transports guests to a turn-of-the-century Atlantic seaside resort, complete with colorful architecture and a lively boardwalk just outside your door.
Why We Love It
Walk to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios: Both parks are accessible by walking or boat.
BoardWalk entertainment: Restaurants, lounges, shops, and nighttime entertainment are right outside the resort.
Classic Disney charm: The theming is detailed without feeling over-the-top.
Great for adults: The location and nightlife make it especially appealing for couples and adults' trips.
Good to Know
BoardWalk is ideal for guests who want to be close to the action. It has one of the best locations on property for enjoying EPCOT's restaurants and entertainment without needing a park ticket every evening.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Theme & Vibe
Contemporary Resort is one of Disney's original resorts and remains one of the most iconic. Its sleek, modern design and massive A-frame atrium give it a completely different feel from many of Disney's more heavily themed resorts.
Why We Love It
Walk to Magic Kingdom: This is one of the biggest perks—guests can walk directly to Magic Kingdom.
Monorail access: The monorail runs directly through the resort.
Chef Mickey’s: A classic Character Dining experience featuring Mickey and friends.
California Grill: One of Disney's most popular Signature Dining experiences.
Good to Know
For families prioritizing Magic Kingdom access, Contemporary is hard to beat. The ability to walk back to your room after a long park day is a major advantage.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Theme & Vibe
Grand Floridian is Disney's picture of Victorian-era elegance. With beautiful architecture, sophisticated details, live music, and views of Seven Seas Lagoon, this resort feels luxurious from the moment you arrive.
Why We Love It
Monorail access: Magic Kingdom is just a few stops away.
Walk to Magic Kingdom: Guests can also walk to the park.
Exceptional dining: Victoria & Albert’s, Narcoossee’s, and Citricos are among the resort's standout restaurants.
Beautiful atmosphere: Live piano music, gorgeous grounds, and elegant common areas make the resort wonderful for relaxing.
Good to Know
Grand Floridian is a fantastic choice for special occasions, romantic getaways, or travelers who want a more sophisticated Disney experience without sacrificing the magic.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Theme & Vibe
Aloha! Polynesian Village Resort brings the spirit of the South Pacific to Walt Disney World. Tropical landscaping, tiki torches, island-inspired architecture, and beautiful views of the lagoon create a vacation-within-a-vacation atmosphere.
Why We Love It
Monorail access: Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are easy to reach.
Great dining: 'Ohana, Kona Café, and Trader Sam’s are longtime guest favorites.
Volcano Pool: A tropical pool with a waterslide and views of Cinderella Castle.
Fireworks views: Select areas offer fantastic views of Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Good to Know
Polynesian is one of our favorite choices for families because it combines excellent transportation with a fun, relaxed atmosphere. It’s also a fantastic option for a split stay paired with another resort.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Theme & Vibe
Wilderness Lodge feels like a grand Pacific Northwest retreat tucked into the middle of Florida. Massive timber beams, stone fireplaces, waterfalls, and rustic details create a cozy atmosphere that is especially magical during the cooler months.
Why We Love It
Incredible theming: The lobby alone is worth exploring.
Boat to Magic Kingdom: A relaxing boat ride connects guests to the park.
Beautiful pool: Copper Creek Springs Pool offers a relaxing setting with a waterslide.
Great dining: Story Book Dining at Artist Point and Whispering Canyon Café offer very different but equally fun experiences.
Good to Know
Wilderness Lodge feels wonderfully removed from the hustle and bustle while still being just a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom. It's a great choice for guests who want a peaceful resort atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Disney’s Deluxe Resorts offer some of the best locations, dining, recreation, and theming at Walt Disney World. Whether you're looking for the convenience of walking to Magic Kingdom, easy access to EPCOT, incredible dining, or a resort where you can spend an entire afternoon relaxing, there’s a Deluxe Resort to match your travel style.
And remember, Disney also offers Deluxe Villa Resorts, including options such as Disney’s Riviera Resort, Animal Kingdom Villas, and the Villas at Grand Floridian. These accommodations can be especially appealing for larger families or longer stays, with options ranging from studios to multi-bedroom villas with kitchens and additional living space.
Let us help you find the perfect match for your travel party. Whether you're planning a milestone celebration, a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or simply want to make your next Disney trip extra special, People Mover Travel is here to make every detail magical.
Ready to start planning your Walt Disney World vacation? Request your free quote from People Mover Travel today!