Your complete look at Disney’s most luxurious and convenient resort options
Ultimate Guide to Staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts
Staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort is one of the best ways to elevate your Walt Disney World vacation. These resorts offer the perfect mix of comfort, luxury, convenience, and extra Disney magic which makes them a top choice for families, couples, and anyone who wants a more relaxing and spacious vacation experience.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Disney Deluxe Resorts: what makes them special, where they’re located, which one is best for your travel style, and insider tips that help you get the most for your budget.
Why Choose a Disney Deluxe Resort? (Quick Highlights)
Best Locations
Walk or take the Monorail, Skyliner, or boats to nearby parks
Less travel time, easier mid-day breaks, smoother park hopping
Spacious Rooms & Villas
Larger rooms, plus villa options with full kitchens, laundry, and multiple bedrooms
Perfect for families, long stays, or anyone wanting extra comfort
Top-Tier Dining & Amenities
Signature restaurants, lounges, themed pools, spas, and resort activities
Great for relaxing resort days and enjoying Disney beyond the parks
Exclusive Disney Perks
Extended Evening Hours & Early Park Entry
Premium transportation access and higher-end service
Disney Deluxe Resorts offer the perfect mix of comfort, convenience, and extra magic which makes them a favorite for families and adults if it’s in the budget.
Which Disney Deluxe Resort Is Right for You?
Disney has multiple Deluxe Resorts, each with its own theme, vibe, and location. They fall into four main areas:
Magic Kingdom Area Deluxe Resorts
Why Stay Near Magic Kingdom?
- Perfect location for families
Closest resorts to Magic Kingdom, making mornings and evenings much easier.
Luxury Resort Options
Contemporary Resort: Walkable path to Magic Kingdom, modern rooms, great park views.
Polynesian Village Resort: Tropical theme, amazing dining, direct Monorail access.
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: Elegant setting, signature dining, stunning views.
Rustic & Relaxed Options
Wilderness Lodge: Cozy, nature-inspired atmosphere with beautiful theming.
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: Cabins, horses, outdoor fun, and a peaceful retreat close to the magic.
Closest Resorts to the Park
Just minutes away from Magic Kingdom’s entrance, so no long bus rides or waiting in long transportation lines.
Easy Mid-Day Breaks
Quick to return for naps, pool time, meals, or a recharge before heading back out.
Fireworks Made Simple
Perfect location to return at night for fireworks without the stress of heavy crowds.
Walkable Access
The monorail resorts have nearby paths make it easy to walk straight to Magic Kingdom.
Mom Tip
Take an evening to ride the Monorail loop just for fun!
Stop at each resort, wander the lobbies, grab a treat, or enjoy a cocktail.
EPCOT & BoardWalk Area Resorts
Why Stay in the EPCOT & BoardWalk Area?
Perfect for food lovers & entertainment
Walk right into EPCOT’s World Showcase for festivals, dining, and seasonal events.
Amazing for adults, teens, and families
Nightlife, live entertainment, and fun boardwalk energy make evenings extra magical.
Resorts in This Area
BoardWalk Inn & Villas: Lively atmosphere, great dining, charming BoardWalk views.
Beach Club Resort & Villas: Home to Stormalong Bay—one of Disney’s best pools.
Yacht Club Resort: Elegant, nautical theme with easy access to EPCOT.
Riviera Resort: Modern European design, great dining, and direct Skyliner access.
Neighborhood Feel
Feels like its own little community with street performers, restaurants, shops, and gorgeous lake views.
Everything is close, so no long walks or crowded transportation.
Great for Park Hopping
The fastest access to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Mom Tip
Spend one evening strolling the BoardWalk.
Watch live performers, listen to music, grab a treat, or relax by Crescent Lake. It’s a great nighttime spot.
Animal Kingdom Area Deluxe Resorts & Villas
Why Stay in the Animal Kingdom Area?
Perfect for animal lovers & nature fans
Wake up to views of giraffes, zebras, and exotic animals right outside your balcony.
Unique Disney experience you can’t get anywhere else
Feels like a safari lodge with beautiful African-inspired theming.
Resorts in This Area
Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House: Stunning lobby, savanna views, incredible dining.
Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village: Spacious villas, quieter atmosphere, great for families.
Great Pricing for Deluxe
Often one of the most affordable Deluxe Resort options, especially for villas.
Relaxing & Peaceful Atmosphere
Less crowded, more serene, with beautiful walking paths and lookouts to see the animals.
Amazing Dining Options
Boma, Jiko, and Sanaa are some of the most loved restaurants on Disney property.
Mom Tip
Spend time at the savannas early in the morning or right before sunset because the animals are most active then.
If your budget allows, book a Savanna View room. It’s one of the most unforgettable Disney experiences.
Disney Springs Area Deluxe Resorts & Villas
Why Stay Near Disney Springs?
- Perfect for food, shopping & entertainment lovers
Easy access to world-class dining, stores, live music, and specialty shops.
Relaxed and peaceful atmosphere
A quieter environment compared to the hustle near the parks.
Resorts in This Area
Old Key West Resort: Large villas, tropical Florida charm—great for big families.
Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa: Inspired by upstate New York, peaceful setting, and home to Senses Spa.
Great for Longer Stays
The spacious villas and calm atmosphere make it ideal for week-long trips or adults-only vacations.
Beautiful Grounds
Lakes, walking paths, and pretty landscaped areas create a true “vacation within a vacation.”
Mom Tip
If staying at Saratoga Springs, request Congress Park for quick walking access to Disney Springs, so it saves time and makes evening dining super convenient.
Transportation Perks at Deluxe Resorts (Quick List)
Monorail: Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian
Skyliner: Riviera Resort
Walk to Parks: Contemporary (MK), Beach/Yacht Club & BoardWalk (EPCOT + Hollywood Studios)
Boats: Wilderness Lodge & Fort Wilderness (MK), BoardWalk/Beach/Yacht Clubs (EPCOT + HS), Old Key West & Saratoga Springs (Disney Springs)
Buses: All Deluxe Resorts to all theme parks, water parks & Disney Springs
Amenities & Recreation at Disney Deluxe Resorts
Deluxe Resorts offer some of the best amenities on property, including:
Private balconies or patios
Spas & fitness centers
Concierge & childcare services
Themed pools with slides
Water sports & fishing
Tennis courts & sports areas
Nature trails & wildlife viewing
Movies under the stars
Organized kids’ activities
My Final Mom Thoughts on Disney Deluxe Resorts
Staying at a Deluxe Resort truly makes Disney feel easier and more relaxing. The extra space, better transportation, and quieter atmosphere make a huge difference for families. Being close to the parks means smoother mornings, easier breaks, and more time to enjoy the magic.
When the budget allows, Deluxe Resorts give us a “vacation within a vacation”. These are the stays my family remembers most, and to me, that makes them worth it.
FAQ for Disney Deluxe Resorts
What makes Disney Deluxe Resorts “Deluxe”?
Deluxe Resorts offer the best locations, biggest rooms, signature dining, themed pools, and top-tier service. Many are within walking distance of a park.
Are Disney Deluxe Resorts worth the price?
If your budget allows, absolutely. The convenience, space, transportation options, and resort amenities make a huge difference, especially for families.
Do Deluxe Resorts get Extended Evening Hours?
Yes! Only Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas get this perk, allowing you to stay late in select parks with much lower crowds.
Which Deluxe Resorts are closest to the parks?
Magic Kingdom: Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian (Monorail access)
EPCOT/Hollywood Studios: Beach Club, Yacht Club, BoardWalk Inn (walkable)
Animal Kingdom: AKL & Villas (bus only)
Do Deluxe Resorts have larger rooms?
Signature restaurants, character meals, lounges, quick service, and pool bars. Some of the best food in Disney is found at Deluxe Resorts.
Do Deluxe Resorts offer better pools?
Yes! Stormalong Bay at Beach/Yacht Club, the Polynesian’s Lava Pool, and Wilderness Lodge’s Silver Creek Springs Pool are guest favorites.
How far in advance should I book a Deluxe Resort?
Ideally 6–9 months in advance, especially during holidays or EPCOT festival seasons.
