Are Deluxe Disney Resorts Worth the Price?

One of the most important decisions that a Guest needs to make when planning a vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort is where to stay. There’s no doubt that staying on property has some amazing perks including being close to the magic, complimentary Disney transportation, wonderful dining options, shopping locations, immersive theming, fun pools, and more.

Despite deciding to stay on property, Guests still have a large decision to make when it comes to just what Disney Resort to pick, with options broken down by price into three categories.

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Value Resorts like Disney’s Art of Animation Resort are the most economical, followed by Moderate Resorts including Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. The most expensive category of Disney Resort is Deluxe, which can feature a very high price depending on the location, time of year, type of room, and so much more.

Deluxe Disney Resorts available to Guests include Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Wilderness Resort, and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort with each location featuring its own unique theme, amenities, and more.

With so many Deluxe Disney Resorts to choose from, Guests have to decide whether the high price point of these locations is worth it to them. So let’s break the debate down into several categories and figure out whether the price of a stay is justifiable at a Deluxe Disney Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Location

The biggest thing that many Disney Deluxe Resorts have going for them is location. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are all moments from the Magic Kingdom. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn are all steps from both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort is adjacent to Disney Springs. Being this close to the Disney Parks and Disney Resorts cuts down on travel time each day, adding more time to enjoy attractions and experiences, which is a huge pro for Deluxe Disney Resorts.

In addition to convenient locations, many Deluxe Disney Resorts have quick and convenient access to various modes of transportation, making it even easier to get to and from Disney Parks without relying exclusively on Disney buses. With quick access to the Monorail, Friendship Boats, Disney Skyliner, and more, Deluxe Disney Resorts are definitely worth the price for the convenience of complimentary Disney transportation.

Grounds

While every Disney Resort is home to wonderful theming that can be enjoyed throughout the grounds, Deluxe Disney Resorts absolutely go above and beyond when compared to Value and Moderate Resorts in several ways. Disney Deluxe Resorts tend to be much larger and more spread out, resulting in the opportunity for more in-depth landscaping and gardens which, in turn, add more charm and theming to the location. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is home to incredible rose gardens, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge features sprawling savannas filled with roaming animals, and Disney’s Old Key West Resort features winding waterways and gardens to stroll through.

In addition to beautiful grounds, Deluxe Disney Resorts also boast premium views and scenery thanks to their locations. The aforementioned Disney Resorts close to the Magic Kingdom feature sweeping views of Seven Seas Lagoon. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge overlooks Bay Lake, the Deluxe Disney Resorts near EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are situated on Crescent Lake. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort overlooks Lake Buena Vista. It’s definitely a valid argument that prime locations and stunning views are worth the price at Deluxe Disney Resorts.

Room Size

One aspect of Deluxe Disney Resorts that is absolutely worth the higher price is the size and quality of the rooms. Guest rooms at the Deluxe Disney Resorts are much larger in size than those found at Value and Moderate counterparts, often including better layouts and spacing, which help to make the room feel even more sizable overall. In addition to more space, the furnishings and fixtures in Deluxe Disney Resort rooms are more detailed and high-end, leading to a more luxurious feel for the price point.

Dining Locations

Deluxe Disney Resorts are home to some of the most popular dining locations at the Walt Disney World Resort including ‘Ohana, Whispering Canyon Café, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Victoria & Albert’s, California Grill, Jiko – The Cooking Place, Olivia’s Café, and Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera. While the proximity to these dining locations is a perk of staying at a Deluxe Disney Resort, it doesn’t come into play as a factor in determining whether the higher costs of accommodations are worth it. This is due to the simple fact that any Guest can visit a Disney Resort at any time and enjoy a meal in one of these wonderful dining locations regardless of whether they are staying there or not.

Pools/Amenities

The final thing to consider when debating if the price of a Deluxe Disney Resort is worth it is the various amenities located at each location. Every Disney Resort, regardless of its price category, is home to at least one pool location that features a theme complimentary to the location. While all the pools are wonderful, the Deluxe Disney Resorts definitely boast some of the most relaxing and incredible locations, including Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, which features a sand bottom, pirate ship slide, lazy river, and more. The Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort boasts an actual volcano with a water slide, massive hot tub, and views of white sand beaches and Seven Seas Lagoon with the Magic Kingdom in the distance.

In addition to the pools, Deluxe Disney Resorts also boast amenities including movie nights under the stars, campfires, running and walking trails, playgrounds, boat and bicycle rentals, and more. While all of these amenities are wonderful, many can also be found at Value and Moderate Disney Resorts as well. In addition, many amenities offered at Deluxe Disney Resorts are available to Guests just visiting the location, making it moot when debating whether the cost is worth it or not.

So there, we have several thinking points to consider when debating whether the price of a Deluxe Disney Resort is worth it or not. It really comes down to what is most important to each Guest in determining a budget. Looking for larger rooms and convenient locations? Then Deluxe Disney Resorts are the way to go. More focused on good dining options and amenities? Then it might be worth considering a Moderate or Value Disney Deluxe Resort to save a little money. Either way, the decision will absolutely vary from Guest to Guest!

Do you think that a stay at a Deluxe Disney Resort is worth the price?