Is a Deluxe resort worth it at Disney World?

Is a Deluxe resort worth it at Disney World?

Is a deluxe resort worth it at Disney World? It’s easy to wonder if a higher priced resort is worth the extra cost. While value and moderate resorts can be a great fit for some budget and vacation goals, the deluxe resorts at Disney World some absolutely incredible perks that you need to know about.

Location, Location, Location

One of the most significant perks of a deluxe resort at Disney World is the extremely close proximity to the parks. Imagine being able to watch the firework display behind Cinderella castle at Magic Kingdom every single night, right there in the comfort of your resort room. Need a midafternoon break from the parks every day? No problem, your resort is just a hop, skip and a jump away! Being able to walk directly to the parks each morning is such a time saver that you will be singing Zip a Dee Do Dah all the way to Main Street USA or straight through the International gateway into the World Showcase.

Planes, trains and Monorails?!
An important part of determining whether a deluxe resort is worth it at Disney World is the many transportation methods that get you to and from the parks. When staying at a value or moderate resort, your primary transportation method is the bus system (or the Skyliner if you are staying at the Art of Animation, Pop Century, or Caribbean Beach resort.) Some value and moderate resorts share buses so that can add some extra waiting time when trying to get to and from the resorts. This is important to be aware of in your planning process and your time management.
When you decide to upgrade your Disney experience by staying at a deluxe resort you will now have dedicated buses that go directly to and from your resort which can dramatically shave off time waiting for bus arrivals. Some deluxe resorts also offer the Friendship Boats or ferries. I love the boat options specifically during the busier times at the parks because it offers a less crowded transportation option and more beautiful and peaceful scenery back to your resort.
In my humble opinion, the ultimate deluxe resort experience is choosing a resort directly on the monorail line. If you are anything like me and catch yourself saying, “Please stand clear of the doors, Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas,” every time you get on and off the monorail then you will love staying at The Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village or Contemporary Resort. Visualize being able to leave your resort and step directly onto the monorail to take you to the gates at Magic Kingdom or Epcot. I have always considered the monorail to be one of my favorite “rides.”

Extra Amenities

While deciding if a deluxe resort is worth it at Disney World it is important to know the amenities that are only offered at deluxe resorts. If you like having a gym with weight training equipment while on vacation to work off those churros, mickey ice cream bars and dole whips, you should know they are only offered in a deluxe resort setting. In addition to the gym, there are multiple pool options while staying deluxe. Typically there is a pool with a slide and also a quiet pool without. Some resorts also have a splash area for the younger guests. Have you seen Stormalong Bay that is shared between the Yacht Club and Beach club resort? I am not exaggerating when I tell you it is a 3 ACRE water wonderland that includes two waters slides in which one is a shipwreck, a lazy river, a sand zone. That doesn’t even include the other three leisure pools on property. It truly is a pool paradise. If you want to learn more about the best pools at Disney World we have a previous blog you can find here. If you also enjoy the finer things in life then you will appreciate some of the resort specific shops located at each deluxe resort such as Basin White, Commander Porters and Summer Lace at the Grand Floridian.

Give me space…(and we aren’t talking about the mountain)

If you are anything like me and my family of 4, we like to have plenty of space in our room to spread out and, who am I kidding, to store all of our souvenirs. Most rooms at a value resort are on average a max of 260 square feet while the standard deluxe room measures in at 380 square feet. You also have the option of booking a villa or a bungalow if you have a larger family or are traveling with friends or grandparents. Villas provide the option of multiple bedrooms, along with a full kitchen. If you are curious what deluxe resort is best for kids, we have a top 3 list you can find here.

Signature table service dining

Each Disney resort whether value, moderate or deluxe has a quick service dining option which is comprised of a grab and go type of selection of snacks, drinks and meals. These options are great if you are looking for something speedy before you go to the parks or pool. What makes a deluxe resort different is that they also each offer a signature table service option. These restaurants are ideal if you are looking for more of a fine dining experience. If you crave seafood check out the Ale & Compass inside the Yacht Club. My personal favorite is Ohana’s inside the Polynesian resort. The bread pudding is to die for!

Staying in the Magic

One of the best perks about staying at a deluxe resort is being fully immersed into the magic. Deluxe resorts are the most themed resorts you will ever experience. Imagine waking up to a giraffe peeking over into your balcony from the African savannah. Does this sound like a dream come true? You can find giraffes, zebras and more at the Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort. Picture yourself promenading down an elegant stair case in a beautiful Victorian manner at the Grand Floridian. Do you like the more rugged and rustic feel? Considering staying at the warm and cozy Wilderness Lodge that is reminiscent of the Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park. Every single detail from the carpets, the bedding, and even the landscape is meticulously planned to transport you into the theme and even time of the resort.

Ready to immerse yourself into an experience you will never forget? Contact us today so we can help you begin your vacation of a lifetime.