Deluxe Resorts and Villas
- Brenda
- May 8, 2023
- 9 min read
Updated: Aug 27
When you book a stay at a Disney Deluxe Resort or Deluxe Villa, you’re not just choosing a place to sleep—you’re unlocking some of the most luxurious, immersive, and convenient hotels at Walt Disney World. These resorts are destinations all on their own, with stunning theming, spacious rooms, world-class dining, and amenities that rival top vacation spots around the globe.
Think grand lobbies that wow you the moment you walk in, themed pools that feel like a mini water park, and restaurants that range from casual bites to signature fine dining experiences. Add in the fact that most deluxe resorts sit just steps—or a monorail, Skyliner, or boat ride—away from the parks, and it’s easy to see why many Disney fans consider them the ultimate splurge.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxing Disney vacation, Deluxe Resorts offer more space to unwind—perfect for families who want a break from the crowds or couples planning a romantic getaway
🛏️ Rooms at Disney Deluxe Resorts
If you’re looking for space, comfort, and a touch of indulgence, the rooms at Disney Deluxe Resorts deliver. Standard rooms are noticeably larger than what you’ll find at Value or Moderate Resorts, often sleeping up to five guests without feeling cramped. Many also feature private balconies or patios—perfect for sipping your morning coffee or winding down with fireworks views at night.
🍴 Dining at Disney Deluxe Resorts
One of the biggest perks of staying at a Deluxe Resort or Villa is the food; seriously, these hotels are a foodie’s dream. While you’ll still find a small quick-service spot for grab-and-go meals or a late-night snack run, the real draw is the incredible variety of table-service and signature dining options right on property.
Some of Disney’s most popular character dining experiences are tucked inside Deluxe Resorts:
Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Mickey, Minnie, and friends in chef hats!).
Story Book Dining at Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge, where Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and the Evil Queen make the rounds.
Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort—our personal favorite—for a European-inspired breakfast with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in adorable themed outfits.
And that’s just the beginning—many Deluxe Resorts also feature signature dining restaurants that rival top restaurants outside the parks, from California Grill’s fireworks views to Jiko’s African flavors.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Even if you’re not staying at a Deluxe Resort, you can book these dining experiences. They’re a great way to explore different resorts (and grab a photo op in those stunning lobbies!) while enjoying some of the best food on Disney property.
Snuggle Up at the Club Level Lounge
At Disney Deluxe Resorts, "Club Level" rooms—sometimes playfully dubbed "Concierge Level"—unlock access to exclusive, ultra-comfy lounges and a dedicated concierge team ready to handle everything from dining reservations to transportation logistics.
What’s served and when? These lounges are hospitality heaven:
Early morning coffee (often starting around 6:30 a.m.) followed by continental breakfasts (typically 7–10:30 a.m.)
Light afternoon snacks and refreshments
Evening hors d’oeuvres paired with beer, wine, and cocktails
Later still, desserts and cordials to cap off the night
Amenities & atmosphere:These lounges often feature cozy seating, TVs, kid-friendly areas, and—at select locations—stunning views (like fireworks shows at BoardWalk Inn). They serve as your charming “home base” on resort grounds—a calm retreat after park adventures or a quiet space to regroup with loved ones.
🚎 Getting Around: Transportation from Deluxe Resorts
One of the biggest perks of staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort or Villa is just how easy it is to get to the parks. These hotels have the best transportation options on property, saving you time (and energy!) after long park days.
Monorail Resorts – Disney’s Contemporary, Polynesian Village, and Grand Floridian Resorts are all on the iconic monorail loop. You’ll be whisked straight to Magic Kingdom, with easy transfers to EPCOT.
Walk to the Magic – Staying at the Contemporary or Grand Floridian means you can stroll right over to Magic Kingdom. From the BoardWalk, Beach Club, or Yacht Club, you can walk into EPCOT or take a longer path to Hollywood Studios.
Scenic Boat Rides – Many Deluxe Resorts also offer boat service. Glide across Bay Lake to Magic Kingdom, or down Crescent Lake to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios for a fun, breezy alternative.
Skyliner Access – Disney’s Riviera Resort connects to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios via the Skyliner gondolas - a fast and scenic ride that feels like an attraction in itself.
Disney Springs Proximity – Guests at Saratoga Springs can walk or boat over to Disney Springs in just minutes, making dining, shopping, and nightlife extra convenient.
Buses – Of course, every Deluxe Resort also has bus service where alternative methods are not available to the theme parks and the water parks, though buses are often shared between nearby Deluxe resorts since they host fewer guests than Value or Moderate hotels.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Transportation might not be the most glamorous part of your vacation, but it can be the most time-saving. If Magic Kingdom is your family’s top priority, book a monorail resort. If EPCOT or Hollywood Studios are your go-tos, the BoardWalk/Beach/Yacht Club area or Riviera Resort can’t be beat.
🏡 What About Disney Deluxe Villas?
You’ll often hear Deluxe Villas mentioned in the same breath as Deluxe Resorts—and for good reason. Many of them are located on the same grounds as their resort counterparts and share all the same amenities, dining, and recreation options. The key difference is that Deluxe Villas are part of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC), Disney’s version of a timeshare-like program. Members use points to book these stays, but here’s the secret: you don’t have to be a DVC member to stay in a villa. Anyone can book them directly through Disney.
The real magic of Deluxe Villas is in the room options. While standard Deluxe rooms are already bigger than Value or Moderate resorts, the villas take things to the next level with:
Studios that sleep up to 5 (with a kitchenette).
1-bedroom villas with full kitchens, a dining area, and in-room laundry.
2- and 3-bedroom villas that can fit extended families, complete with multiple bathrooms and tons of space to spread out.
This extra space comes with a price tag—rates typically start around $400 per night and can climb over $1,000+, depending on size and season. Still, for many families, the ability to cook meals, do laundry mid-trip, and unwind in a larger living space is worth every penny.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you love the idea of a villa but not the deluxe price tag, look into renting DVC points from members. It usually requires booking about a year in advance and has stricter rules around cancellation, but the savings can be hundreds (sometimes thousands!) of dollars per stay.
✨ Who Should Stay at a Disney Deluxe Resort?
Deluxe Resorts and Villas are best for guests who want to blend Disney magic with an upscale vacation experience.
They’re especially popular with:
Families who want bigger rooms, multiple dining options, and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Couples and honeymooners dreaming of a romantic Disney escape complete with fine dining, spa treatments, and beautiful settings.
Park lovers who want to be as close as possible to the magic—some Deluxe Resorts are literally steps from the gates.
Travelers who value convenience, like walking paths, monorail service, or Skyliner access that make getting around effortless.
Guests seeking elevated service and luxury, from attentive Cast Members and concierge lounges to private balconies and resort-exclusive experiences.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If late-night fireworks are on your must-do list, staying at a resort within walking distance of the parks (like the Contemporary for Magic Kingdom or the Beach Club for EPCOT) makes heading “home” after the show an absolute dream.
💰 Disney Deluxe Resort Pricing (2025)
Deluxe Resorts are Disney’s top-tier hotels, and that level of access, style, and service does come at a premium.
Rack rates for 2025 look like this:
Standard Deluxe Rooms – typically start between $550–$900+ per night, depending on resort and season. For example, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge often begins around $555/night, while Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa frequently starts closer to $857/night.
Deluxe Villas – prices vary by size and layout:
Studios: roughly $489–$710/night
1-Bedroom Villas: $663–$1,174/night
2-Bedroom Villas: can climb up to $1,986/night during peak season
While these nightly costs are higher than Value or Moderate Resorts, the real value comes in the experience: larger rooms, resort-exclusive amenities, and unbeatable convenience like walking or monorail access to the parks.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Don’t let rack rates scare you—Disney frequently offers discounts and promotions throughout the year, especially during less crowded seasons. Prices can also swing dramatically with demand (think holidays vs. early fall). Before you book, always check for current Disney World discounts to see if your dates qualify.
🏖️ Recreation at Disney Deluxe Resorts
Every Disney resort has a little extra magic built into the day, but Deluxe Resorts take it further with immersive settings and a wider variety of activities.
Themed Feature Pools – These pools are true showstoppers: a sandy-bottom lagoon at Yacht & Beach Club, a towering volcano pool at the Polynesian, or Uzima Springs overlooking the savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge. You’ll also find splash pads for kids and quiet pools when you want a more relaxing dip.
Daily Activities – Expect favorites like Movies Under the Stars and nightly campfires with marshmallow roasting (a Disney tradition across all resort categories). Deluxe Resorts often layer in extra themed fun—like cultural activities at Animal Kingdom Lodge or wilderness-inspired crafts at Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge.
Water Recreation – Select Deluxe Resorts offer fishing, pontoon boats, or specialty cruises, adding a unique way to experience Disney property.
Playgrounds – While all Disney resorts have them, Deluxe Resorts theme theirs beautifully. Kids can climb and play under a seaside canopy at the BoardWalk or tackle rope bridges near the savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Fitness Centers – Keep up your routine (or just balance out a few Mickey bars) at fully equipped gyms included for Deluxe guests.
Bike & Surrey Rentals – Explore sprawling resort grounds with a casual bike ride or hop on a surrey bike for a family adventure.
Community Halls & Recreation Centers – Found at select Deluxe Villas, these cozy hubs offer games, Disney movies, crafts, and Cast Member-led activities.
Sports Courts – Many Deluxe Resorts feature tennis, basketball, volleyball, or ping pong courts, with gear available to rent or borrow.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Plan a “resort day” into your Deluxe stay. Between the pools, activities, and unique recreation options, you’ll still feel like you’re in the middle of the magic—even without setting foot in a park.
🌟 Exclusive Deluxe Perks & Amenities
In addition to all the fun, staying at a Deluxe Resort unlocks perks you won’t find at Value or Moderate resorts:
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours – On select nights, guests of Deluxe Resorts and Villas get two extra hours in Magic Kingdom or EPCOT after closing.
Concierge & Club-Level options at some resorts, with private lounges and upgraded services.
Spas and wellness centers at select locations, like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Signature dining and lounges that elevate your hotel stay into a vacation highlight.
🏨 Disney’s Deluxe Resorts & Villas
Here’s the full lineup of Disney Deluxe Resorts and Villas you can choose from:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas – An African safari lodge with savanna views (yes, giraffes outside your balcony!).
Disney’s Beach Club Resort & Villas – A breezy New England seaside escape with a sandy-bottom pool.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas – A turn-of-the-century Atlantic boardwalk vibe, steps from EPCOT.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort & Bay Lake Tower – Sleek, modern, and home to the iconic monorail gliding through the lobby.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Villas – Disney’s flagship Victorian-inspired resort with luxury dining and a full-service spa.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort – Laid-back Florida Keys charm, with some of the largest villa rooms on property.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort & Villas – A South Seas paradise, complete with tiki torches and a volcano-themed pool.
Disney’s Riviera Resort – Inspired by Europe’s Mediterranean coast, with stylish villas and Skyliner access.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – A nod to horse-racing history, with walking access to Disney Springs.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge & Boulder Ridge Villas – A grand Pacific Northwest lodge with rustic elegance and forest vibes.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – Sophisticated nautical theming, plus shared access to Stormalong Bay pool with Beach Club.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you’re torn between resorts, start by picking which park you’ll spend the most time in—then narrow it down by theming. Proximity to Magic Kingdom? Look at the Monorail resorts. EPCOT fan? Yacht, Beach, or BoardWalk will save you miles of walking.
🌟 Final Thoughts on Disney Deluxe Resorts & Villas
Disney Deluxe Resorts and Villas aren’t just a place to stay—they’re an experience in themselves. From grand lobbies and themed pools to character dining and private balconies, every detail is designed to make your vacation feel more magical (and a little more pampered).
For some families, the higher price tag is all about convenience—being able to walk to the parks or hop on the monorail after fireworks. For others, it’s about luxury touches like spa days, concierge lounges, or having space to truly unwind in a villa. Either way, staying at a Deluxe Resort can transform your Disney trip into something unforgettable.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you’re on the fence about splurging, try mixing it up—book a split stay with a few nights at a Deluxe Resort to enjoy the perks, then move to a Value or Moderate for the rest of your trip. It’s a great way to get the best of both worlds.
And remember: discounts and promos pop up often, so don’t write off a Deluxe stay without checking current offers. (You can always peek at our current Disney World discounts to see what’s available right now.)
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, Kim
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