Disney World Deluxe Resorts offer convenient theme park transportation, standout pools, table-service restaurants, and some of the most spacious standard hotel rooms on property. Here’s how every Disney World Deluxe Resort compares, including locations, dining, transportation, accommodations, and benefits.

Choosing where to stay at Disney World can be almost as difficult as deciding which park to visit first. Walt Disney World divides its on-property hotels into several categories, including Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa Resorts.

Disney World Deluxe Resorts sit at the top of the traditional hotel categories. These properties generally offer larger rooms, elaborate theming, multiple restaurants, impressive pools, and some of the most convenient transportation options at Walt Disney World. Several are even within walking distance of a theme park.

However, the Deluxe category includes a wide range of experiences. You could wake up to giraffes outside your balcony at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, walk to Magic Kingdom from Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or enter EPCOT through the International Gateway while staying at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

To help you choose, we’re breaking down every Disney World Deluxe Resort, along with the Deluxe Villa properties, transportation options, dining, accommodations, and benefits you should consider before booking.

Disney World Deluxe Resorts at a Glance

There are eight traditional Disney Deluxe Resort hotels:

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney also has a separate Deluxe Villa category that includes Disney Vacation Club accommodations. Some Deluxe Villas are located within or alongside traditional Deluxe Resorts, while others (such as Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa) are standalone properties.

Disney World Deluxe Villas

Guests who are looking for more space can choose to stay at the Walt Disney World Villa Resorts. The villas offer sizes from studios up to Grand Villas, and even specialty bungalows or cabins in some locations. The available options are:

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows

What Is a Disney World Deluxe Resort?

A Disney World Deluxe Resort is one of the highest tiers of accommodations in the Disney Resorts Collection. Deluxe hotels typically offer more dining choices, larger standard rooms, upgraded recreational amenities, and more transportation options than Disney World Value and Moderate Resorts.

‹ ›

Built by Social Mermaid Software

Most Deluxe Resorts are also located close to at least one theme park. Depending on where you stay, you may be able to walk, take a boat, ride the Disney Skyliner, or use the monorail instead of relying exclusively on buses.

Common Disney Deluxe Resort features include:

• Spacious standard hotel rooms
• Elaborate resort theming
• Multiple table-service and quick-service restaurants
• Feature pools with waterslides
• Fitness centers and additional recreation
• Club Level rooms at select resorts
• Convenient transportation to at least one theme park
• Early Theme Park Entry
• Extended Evening Theme Park Hours on select nights

The specific amenities vary by resort, so paying more for the Deluxe category does not automatically mean every property will be equally convenient for your vacation.

Disney World Deluxe Resort Benefits

Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts receive the standard benefits available at Disney Resort hotels, plus access to one particularly valuable perk.

Early Theme Park Entry

Guests at Disney Resort hotels can enter any of the four theme parks 30 minutes before the official opening time each day. Early Theme Park Entry is also available on check-in and check-out days, provided you have valid park admission.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Photo by Laurie Sapp

This benefit is not exclusive to Deluxe Resorts, but it can be especially useful when combined with their convenient transportation. For example, guests at the Contemporary can walk to Magic Kingdom, while Beach Club guests are only a short walk from EPCOT’s International Gateway.

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours are available to guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and a small group of other eligible hotels.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Photo by CJ Ayd

On select dates, qualifying guests can remain in a designated theme park after it closes to regular daytime guests. The participating parks, dates, hours, and available attractions vary, so check Disney World’s calendar before your trip.

Convenient Theme Park Transportation

Many Deluxe Resorts offer transportation options that are not available at most Value and Moderate Resorts.

Photo by Brett Svenson

Depending on your hotel, you may have access to:

• Disney Monorail transportation
• Disney Skyliner transportation
• Water taxis or Friendship Boats
• Walking paths to a theme park
• Complimentary bus transportation

Location is one of the biggest reasons to book a Deluxe Resort. Staying within walking distance of your most-visited park can save a surprising amount of travel time over the course of a vacation.

More Dining and Recreation

Disney Deluxe Resorts generally have a broader selection of restaurants than Value or Moderate Resorts, including character meals and signature dining experiences.

You can also expect enhanced recreation, although offerings vary by hotel. Feature pools, waterslides, health clubs, lounges, organized activities, and rental options may all be available.

Every Disney World Deluxe Resort

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers one of the most immersive hotel experiences at Walt Disney World. Inspired by African architecture, art, and wildlife, the resort surrounds multiple savannas where guests may spot giraffes, zebras, and other animals.

Photo by CJ Ayd

The biggest draw is the theming. Few Disney World hotels make it so tempting to skip the parks and spend time exploring the resort itself. Animal Kingdom Lodge is also home to several standout restaurants, including Boma – Flavors of Africa, Jiko – The Cooking Place, and Sanaa at nearby Kidani Village.

Its primary disadvantage is transportation. Complimentary buses are the only Disney transportation provided to the four theme parks, and the resort is relatively removed from every park except Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Best for: Animal lovers, immersive theming, resort days, and unique dining
Transportation: Bus transportation to all four theme parks
Dining highlights: Boma, Jiko, Sanaa, and The Mara
Pools: Uzima Springs Pool and Samawati Springs Pool
Villa accommodations: Jambo House and Kidani Village

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Disney’s Beach Club Resort has a relaxed New England coastal theme and one of the best locations at Disney World. Guests can walk to EPCOT’s International Gateway in only a few minutes and can also walk or take a Friendship Boat to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Photo by Wayne Wood

Beach Club shares the sprawling Stormalong Bay pool complex with Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. With a sand-bottom pool, lazy river, waterslide, and multiple swimming areas, Stormalong Bay is widely considered one of the best Disney World hotel pools.

The resort is also close to dining and entertainment around Disney’s BoardWalk. Its combination of pool access and EPCOT proximity makes Beach Club particularly popular with families.

Best for: Families, pool time, and EPCOT visits
Transportation: Walk or boat to EPCOT; walk, boat, or Skyliner connections to Hollywood Studios; buses elsewhere
Dining highlights: Cape May Cafe, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, and nearby BoardWalk restaurants
Pools: Stormalong Bay and leisure pools
Villa accommodations: Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is themed after turn-of-the-century Atlantic City and Coney Island. The resort sits along Disney’s BoardWalk, giving guests easy access to restaurants, lounges, entertainment, and nightlife.

Photo by Laurie Sapp

Like Beach Club and Yacht Club, BoardWalk Inn is within walking distance of both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. That location can be particularly valuable during an EPCOT festival or for guests planning multiple days at those two parks.

Because several dining locations are found outside on the BoardWalk rather than inside the hotel, grabbing food can be less convenient during bad weather. However, the lively atmosphere and central location remain major advantages.

Best for: Adults, couples, EPCOT festivals, and nightlife
Transportation: Walk or boat to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios; buses to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom
Dining highlights: Flying Fish, Trattoria al Forno, BoardWalk Deli, and AbracadaBar
Pools: Luna Park Pool and two leisure pools
Villa accommodations: Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the original Disney World hotels and remains one of the most convenient places to stay near Magic Kingdom. The resort’s famous A-frame tower has a monorail running directly through its interior.

Photo by Cliff Wang

Even more importantly, Contemporary guests can walk to Magic Kingdom. The dedicated walking path can be faster and more predictable than waiting for transportation, especially at the end of the night.

Rooms are available in the Main Tower and Garden Wing, while Bay Lake Tower provides Disney Vacation Club accommodations. Theme Park View rooms can provide views of Cinderella Castle and Magic Kingdom fireworks, although they come at a premium.

Best for: Magic Kingdom access, families with strollers, and short transportation times
Transportation: Walk or monorail to Magic Kingdom; monorail to EPCOT with a transfer; buses elsewhere
Dining highlights: California Grill, Steakhouse 71, Chef Mickey’s, and Contempo Cafe
Pools: Feature Pool and Bay Lake Pool
Villa accommodations: Bay Lake Tower

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is Disney World’s flagship hotel. The Victorian-inspired resort sits along Seven Seas Lagoon and offers views of Magic Kingdom from select rooms and public areas.

Photo by Danny Shuster

Guests can reach Magic Kingdom by monorail, boat, or walking path. The resort also has one of the strongest dining lineups at Walt Disney World, with restaurants including Narcoossee’s, Cítricos, 1900 Park Fare, and Victoria & Albert’s.

The atmosphere feels more refined than at many Disney hotels, but the resort still offers family-friendly amenities, character dining, pools, and convenient park access.

Best for: Luxury stays, celebrations, signature dining, and Magic Kingdom visits
Transportation: Monorail, boat, or walking path to Magic Kingdom; monorail to EPCOT with a transfer; buses elsewhere
Dining highlights: Victoria & Albert’s, Cítricos, Narcoossee’s, and 1900 Park Fare
Pools: Beach Pool and Courtyard Pool
Villa accommodations: The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort combines tropical theming with a convenient location along the monorail loop. The resort’s lush grounds, beaches, restaurants, and views across Seven Seas Lagoon make it one of the most distinctive hotels at Disney World.

Guests can take the monorail or a boat to Magic Kingdom. The nearby Transportation and Ticket Center also provides relatively convenient monorail access to EPCOT.

Photo by Cliff Wang

The resort offers traditional hotel rooms as well as Disney Vacation Club accommodations. Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows include Deluxe Studios, overwater Bungalows, and accommodations at Island Tower.

Popular dining options include ‘Ohana, Kona Cafe, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, Capt. Cook’s, and Pineapple Lanai.

Best for: Families, tropical theming, Magic Kingdom access, and resort dining
Transportation: Monorail or boat to Magic Kingdom; access to the EPCOT monorail from the Transportation and Ticket Center; buses elsewhere
Dining highlights: ‘Ohana, Kona Cafe, Trader Sam’s, and Capt. Cook’s
Pools: Lava Pool and Oasis Pool
Villa accommodations: Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, including Island Tower

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is inspired by the grand lodges of the American West. Although it is located in the Magic Kingdom Resort area, its forests, streams, fireplaces, and towering lobby can feel pleasantly removed from the theme park crowds.

Photo by CJ Ayd

Boat transportation connects Wilderness Lodge with Magic Kingdom, while buses serve the remaining theme parks. The resort is not on the monorail and does not have a walking path to Magic Kingdom.

Wilderness Lodge is often one of the less expensive traditional Deluxe Resorts. Its combination of elaborate theming, peaceful grounds, and Magic Kingdom boat access can make it an appealing middle ground between convenience and price.

Best for: Immersive theming, quieter stays, and Magic Kingdom trips
Transportation: Boat or bus to Magic Kingdom; buses to the other parks
Dining highlights: Story Book Dining at Artist Point, Whispering Canyon Cafe, Geyser Point, and Roaring Fork
Pools: Copper Creek Springs Pool and Boulder Ridge Cove Pool
Villa accommodations: Boulder Ridge Villas and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort shares many amenities with Beach Club, including Stormalong Bay and easy access to EPCOT. However, Yacht Club has a more formal nautical atmosphere and tends to feel quieter than its neighboring sister resort.

Photo by CJ Ayd

Guests can walk or take a boat to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Yacht Club also has a slight transportation advantage over Beach Club because it is typically picked up first and dropped off first when the two hotels share buses.

Yacht Club is especially appealing to adults, couples, convention attendees, and families who want access to Stormalong Bay but prefer more subdued surroundings.

Best for: Adults, couples, quieter stays, and EPCOT access
Transportation: Walk or boat to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios; buses to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom
Dining highlights: Yachtsman Steakhouse, Ale & Compass, Crew’s Cup Lounge, and nearby Beach Club restaurants
Pools: Stormalong Bay and leisure pools
Villa accommodations: None; nearby villas are located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

What Are Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts?

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts are Disney Vacation Club properties offering studio and multiroom accommodations. You do not need to be a Disney Vacation Club Member to stay in one. Villas may be booked directly through Disney when available, and guests can also explore renting Disney Vacation Club points.

Grand Villa at Disney’s Old Key West Resort. Photo by CJ Ayd.

Deluxe Studios generally include a kitchenette, while most one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas include:

• A full kitchen
• Separate living and sleeping spaces
• An in-room washer and dryer
• Multiple bathrooms in many room categories
• Dining areas
• Additional sleeping capacity

Disney World Deluxe Villa Resorts include:

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

The Disney Vacation Club Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are also eligible for select Deluxe benefits, including Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. Because resort classifications and participating hotels can change, confirm the current benefits for your exact accommodation before booking.

What About the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve?

The Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve are not owned or operated by Disney, but they occupy a prime location in the EPCOT Resort area.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels are a staple in the EPCOT resort area. Photo by CJ Ayd

Guests can walk or take a Friendship Boat to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The hotels also participate in several Disney World hotel benefits, including Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.

These hotels can offer a Deluxe-style location and amenities at a lower price than nearby Disney-owned Deluxe Resorts. However, their policies, transportation, fees, booking systems, and overall atmosphere differ from those of hotels in the Disney Resorts Collection.

Disney World Deluxe Resort Transportation

Transportation is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a Deluxe Resort.

Monorail Resorts

Three Deluxe hotels are located on the resort monorail loop:

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

The monorail serves Magic Kingdom and the Transportation and Ticket Center. Guests can transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center to reach EPCOT.

EPCOT Resort Area Hotels

These Deluxe Resorts are within walking distance of EPCOT and provide boat service to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Guests can also walk to Hollywood Studios, although the distance varies by hotel. Disney Skyliner stations are accessible near EPCOT’s International Gateway and Hollywood Studios, but the Skyliner is not usually the most direct way to travel between these resorts and the parks they border.

Resorts With Boat Transportation to Magic Kingdom

Disney’s Grand Floridian, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offer water transportation to Magic Kingdom. Routes and operating schedules can change.

Resorts That Primarily Use Buses

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge relies on buses for transportation to all four theme parks. Standalone Deluxe Villa Resorts such as Old Key West and Saratoga Springs also primarily use buses for park transportation, although they offer boat service to Disney Springs.

Disney World Deluxe Resort Dining

Dining is another major advantage of staying at a Deluxe Resort. Most properties include at least one table-service restaurant, one quick-service location, and one or more lounges.

Photo by Jenn Marrazzo

Several Deluxe Resorts are also home to character meals:

• Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Story Book Dining at Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort

Character appearances and meal periods can change, so check the current restaurant details before reserving.

Deluxe Resorts also contain many of Disney World’s signature restaurants, including California Grill, Jiko, Flying Fish, Cítricos, Narcoossee’s, Yachtsman Steakhouse, and Victoria & Albert’s.

How Much Do Disney World Deluxe Resorts Cost?

Disney World Deluxe Resort prices vary significantly based on the hotel, room type, view, season, and available discounts. Standard rooms frequently cost several hundred dollars per night, while Club Level rooms, suites, Bungalows, Cabins, and Grand Villas can cost considerably more.

Before booking, compare:

• Disney’s direct room rate
• Current Disney World resort discounts
• Vacation package pricing
• Annual Passholder or Florida resident offers
• Eligible third-party discounts
• The cost of renting Disney Vacation Club points

Remember to evaluate the entire vacation rather than only the nightly rate. A more expensive hotel may provide enough transportation convenience, additional space, or kitchen access to offset costs elsewhere.

Are Disney World Deluxe Resorts Worth It?

A Disney World Deluxe Resort may be worth the higher price if you plan to use its location and amenities. They provide the most value for guests who want to walk to a theme park, enjoy resort dining, schedule pool or rest days, or take advantage of Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.

A Deluxe Resort may not be worth it if you will spend nearly every waking hour in the parks and only use the room to sleep. In that situation, a Value or Moderate Resort could provide the Disney hotel benefits you need at a substantially lower price.

Before booking, ask yourself:

• Which theme park will I visit most often?
• Will I use the pool and resort amenities?
• How important is table-service dining?
• Will my group benefit from a villa’s kitchen or separate bedrooms?
• Are Extended Evening Theme Park Hours scheduled during my stay?
• Would renting Disney Vacation Club points lower the price?
• Is convenient transportation worth paying more for?

Which Disney World Deluxe Resort Is Best?

There is no single best Disney World Deluxe Resort for every vacation, but these are our picks for different priorities:

• Best for Magic Kingdom: Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Best for EPCOT: Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Best pool: Disney’s Beach Club or Yacht Club Resort
• Best theming: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or Wilderness Lodge
• Best dining: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Best for adults: Disney’s BoardWalk Inn or Yacht Club Resort
• Best for families: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Best for larger groups: A Disney Deluxe Villa Resort
• Best balance of theming and price: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Best for Disney Springs: Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Ultimately, the best Deluxe Resort is the one that fits your park plans, group size, budget, and preferred vacation style.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Disney World Deluxe Resorts are there?

There are eight traditional Disney Deluxe Resort hotels. Disney World also has a separate collection of Deluxe Villa Resorts, many of which share locations and amenities with the traditional hotels.

Do you need to be a Disney Vacation Club Member to stay in a Deluxe Villa?

No. Anyone can book an available Disney Deluxe Villa directly through Disney. Nonmembers can also explore renting Disney Vacation Club points through a third-party rental service.

Which Disney Deluxe Resorts are on the monorail?

Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are located on the resort monorail loop.

Which Disney Deluxe Resorts can you walk to a theme park from?

You can walk to Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian. Beach Club, Yacht Club, and BoardWalk are within walking distance of EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Walking routes, entrances, and operating conditions are subject to change.

Do all Disney Deluxe Resorts offer Extended Evening Theme Park Hours?

Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts and eligible Deluxe Villa Resorts can use Extended Evening Theme Park Hours when the benefit is scheduled. You will need valid theme park admission and must meet any applicable park-entry requirements.

Are Disney World Deluxe Resorts all Disney Vacation Club properties?

No. Traditional Deluxe Resort hotels and Deluxe Villa Resorts are separate categories, although several properties share a location. For example, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a traditional Deluxe hotel, while nearby Bay Lake Tower is a Deluxe Villa Resort.

What is the least expensive Disney World Deluxe Resort?

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are often among the least expensive traditional Deluxe options. Prices change by date and availability, so compare current rates and special offers for your travel dates.