Exterior Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney World

How to Have a Deluxe Disney Vacation

Have you priced out a Disney World Deluxe Resort and thought, “WHOA!”?  Disney World Deluxe Resorts and Villas are expensive! Sticker shock is a thing when it comes to these high-end accommodations!! However, allow me to explain how staying at a Disney World deluxe resort or villa can benefit you and your vacation success. 

First, for any Disney related travel plans, let me encourage you to utilize the service of a travel professional that specializes in Disney Destinations.

Disney's Polynesian Resort and Villa
The Polynesian Village Resort at Disney World. Photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn

Disney World resorts are divided into three categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. As you already guessed, Disney value resorts are the least expensive options, whereas the deluxe options are the most expensive. Meanwhile the moderate options are priced in between. But why are the Disney deluxe resorts so expensive?

Decor at Art of Animation Resort in Disney World
https://bizzyrunninganddizn.com/why-you-should-stay-at-a-disney-value-resort/

You Get What You Pay For

Maybe you are the type of vacationer who wants all the bells and whistles.  You want your resort accommodations to reflect luxury, convenience, and have access to all the benefits. More importantly, you want at least all the comforts of home, or you need a place that will fit a large travel party.  If any of these matches your vacation needs, Disney World deluxe resort or villa may be your best option.

BoardWalk Inn is a Disney EPCOT area Resort
Deluxe level Disney Resorts are in close proximity of the theme parks and each other. photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn

Disney deluxe level resorts are also the closest to the theme parks and/or have easy transportation available to get to the theme parks. The Magic Kingdom area resorts are walkable to MK. The EPCOT area resorts a short walk away from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. They also have direct Skyliner resort access!

The Bigger the Better

Disney World deluxe resorts and villas have the highest tier of amenities available.  For one, the resort rooms are the most spacious.  The resort studios average a square footage of 355 to 365 square feet.  In comparison, a value resort standard room has an average 260 square feet. Meanwhile, the moderate resort rooms average 314 square feet.  Lastly, Disney villas offer 1,2- and 3-bedroom choices inside Disney deluxe resorts. 

Boat transportation from Disney deluxe resort Old Key West.
Some Disney Deluxe resorts have more than one transportation option. photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn

My family of 8 adults and one 15-year-old recently stayed at a 2-bedroom Old Key West villa. We found it very spacious and comfortable.  The addition of a full kitchen, laundry and separate living area were a welcome comfort of home that made us feel we could step away from the crowds and relax in our private space.

Disney Deluxe level hotels offer the option of Club level accommodations with concierge service and complimentary breakfast and evening snacks.

Disney Magic Kingdom area resort- Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Disney’s Polynesian Resort just outside of Magic Kingdom. photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn

Location, Location, Location…

Many of the Disney deluxe resorts and villas are within walking distance of at least 1 park.  In fact, Epcot area deluxe resorts are within walking distance of 2 parks (Epcot and Hollywood Studios).

Furthermore, Magic Kingdom resorts such as the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, The Contemporary Resort and The Polynesian Village Resort are steps away from the OG Disney World theme park.

As an alternative, Wilderness Lodge offer a quick and relaxing boat ride to the gates of Magic KingdomSaratoga Springs and Old Key West Resort are perfect if you are looking for night life. These resorts are walkable distance or a similar quick and chill boat ride to Disney Springs.

Theming at Disney World Deluxe Resorts and Villas

Every resort is different. Each Disney deluxe resort feels like a secondary destination. For example, Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) is quiet, serene, and stunning.   At AKL you will be able to view beautiful animals on safari from either your own personal balcony or from the resort lobby. 

The same can be said for Wilderness Lodge! It’s not only peaceful but it’s inspirational landscape and awe-inspiring lobby will immediately put you in vacation mode.  See some examples below:

Animal Kingdom Lodge is a Disney World Deluxe Resort and Villa
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House
photo: bizzyrunninganddizn
Inside the Grand Floridian Resort
The Center of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
photo: bizzyrunninganddizn

The Disney World Deluxe resorts will make you feel like you are getting 2 vacations in 1.  Each of Disney’s deluxe resort and villa hotels not only bring the “Disney” but they will all also transport you to other destinations outside of the central Florida and Disney atmosphere. 

The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.  A Disney World Deluxe Resort and Villa
Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa photo: bizzyrunninganddizn

Amenities of a Disney World Deluxe Resort or Villa

While staying at a Disney World Deluxe resort or villa, you will also have access to sit down restaurants, lounges, and quick service locations within your resort.  In most cases, because of your proximity to other deluxe resorts you will have easy access to those amenities as well. 

Disney World Deluxe resorts and villas have fitness centers and some offer spas.  They have more dining options plus the arcades, pools, activities and shops available at value and moderate resorts. That gives the deluxe resorts and villas a high advantage.

The Riviera Resort.  A Deluxe Resort and Villa at Disney World
Disney World’s Riviera Resort photo: bizzyrunninganddizn

Benefits of Staying at a Disney World Deluxe Resort or Villa

One of the biggest perks of staying at a Disney World Deluxe Resort or Villa is Extended Magic Hours.  As a guest of a deluxe resort or villa you can stay at select theme parks (usually Epcot or Magic Kingdom) on select after the park closes.  Take the opportunity to ride the most popular attractions with much shorter wait times.

Check the park schedule for extended magic hours to take full advantage of this exclusive Disney deluxe resort amenity.  

Disney's BoardWalk Inn entrance
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn photo: bizzyrunninganddizn

Summing Up the Benefits of Staying Deluxe

No one can deny that the price tag of a Disney World deluxe resort room or villa is shocking.  However, when planning your trip, the Disney deluxe room may fit the bill (no pun intended).  The deluxe resort rooms and villas offer the most amount of space and the highest level of amenities and perks.  If you are looking for luxury or a high level of convenience during your stay at the Disney World resort, you may want to consider booking a deluxe resort room or villa.  

Yacht and Beach Club.  Disney World deluxe resorts and villas
a view of the Yacht and Beach resorts at Disney World
photo: bizzyrunninganddizn

If you are interested in a vacation to any Disney destination or Universal theme park, reach out to DizN Vacations. Their expert advice and experience will help you plan the trip you of your dreams. You can also submit a free no obligation quote request to start planning your vacation right away!

Continue to follow my blogs and use my tools page for information, tips and tricks on how to travel to both Disney destinations and Universal Studios. 

About the writer:

Me with Tigger

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1 thought on “How to Have a Deluxe Disney Vacation”

  1. Pingback: What you Must Know about Disney's Moderate Resorts - DizN Vacations at CS Elements Travel -Jessica Yashin

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