5 Reasons to Stay at a Disney Deluxe Resort
Planning a Disney vacation is always exciting—there’s so much magic waiting for you around every corner! But one of the biggest decisions you’ll make before your trip even begins is where to stay. With options ranging from Value to Moderate to Deluxe resorts, each tier offers something special. But if you’re wondering whether it’s worth it to splurge on a Deluxe Disney resort, I’m here to tell you why it just might be the best decision for your family.
We’ve stayed at a variety of Disney resorts over the years, and while each one has its charm, there’s something truly magical about staying Deluxe. From the prime locations to the luxurious touches, Deluxe resorts offer a next-level experience that can make your vacation more convenient, relaxing, and even more magical. Here are five reasons to consider booking a Deluxe resort for your next Disney trip.
1. Unbeatable Location and Convenience
One of the biggest perks of Disney’s Deluxe resorts is their prime real estate. Many are located steps—or a quick monorail, boat, or Skyliner ride—from the parks. This saves your family precious time and energy, which is especially valuable when traveling with little ones or trying to make the most of those early rope-drop mornings and late-night fireworks.
- Monorail Resorts like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Polynesian Village Resort, and the Contemporary offer fast and easy access to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
- EPCOT-Area Resorts such as the Beach Club, Yacht Club, and BoardWalk Inn allow you to walk (yes, walk!) to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
- Even resorts like the Animal Kingdom Lodge, though farther from most parks, immerse you in a one-of-a-kind safari atmosphere that makes the distance well worth it.
This proximity means easier park hopping, more flexibility for midday breaks or naps, and less stress trying to navigate transportation with strollers or tired kids in tow. That’s what makes this a top reason to stay at a Disney Deluxe Resort.
2. Upscale Accommodations and Immersive Theming
Deluxe resorts deliver on comfort, style, and immersive storytelling. The rooms are generally more spacious than those in value and moderate resorts, which can make a big difference for families. You’ll find queen-size beds, balconies or patios, higher-end linens, and updated bathrooms. Many Deluxe resorts also offer suite or villa options for even more space and comfort.
But it’s not just about the size—it’s about the experience. Each Deluxe resort is themed to perfection in a way that feels elegant yet magical:
- At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you’re transported to a tropical island oasis with lush landscaping and tiki torches.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge surrounds you with African art, architecture, and even real savanna views.
- The Grand Floridian offers timeless Victorian charm with stunning details throughout, perfect for fans of classic Disney luxury.
And if you’re looking for an extra dose of magic, many Deluxe resorts offer Club Level accommodations, which include access to exclusive lounges, complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the day, and personalized concierge service.
3. Exceptional Dining Options at Your Doorstep
One of the best parts of staying at a Deluxe resort? The dining! Disney’s Deluxe resorts are home to some of the best restaurants on property. You’ll find everything from fine dining and signature experiences to casual family-friendly meals—all without leaving your hotel.
Here are a few guest favorites:
- California Grill at the Contemporary Resort: Enjoy incredible views of Magic Kingdom fireworks while dining on delicious seasonal cuisine. A great choice for date night!
- ‘Ohana at the Polynesian: A must-do for many families, with all-you-care-to-enjoy dinner and a fun character breakfast.
- Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club: Home to the iconic Kitchen Sink sundae—perfect for a post-pool treat!
- Jiko – The Cooking Place at Animal Kingdom Lodge: A hidden gem serving bold African-inspired flavors and one of the best wine lists at Disney.
Having access to such amazing food just steps from your room means you can end your park day with a relaxing dinner and avoid the hassle of last-minute dining reservations elsewhere.
4. Amazing Pools, Recreation, and Relaxation
If your family likes to mix in rest days during your vacation (highly recommended!), then staying at a Deluxe resort will make your non-park days feel just as magical. The pools at Deluxe resorts are themed, expansive, and often come with some serious wow factor. This is one of my favorite reasons to stay at a Disney Deluxe resort!
- Stormalong Bay at the Beach and Yacht Club is practically a mini water park with a sand-bottom pool, lazy river, and a giant waterslide.
- The Lava Pool at the Polynesian has a volcano-themed slide and splash area for the kids.
- The Uzima Springs Pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and overlooks the savanna.
Beyond the pools, Deluxe resorts often offer added recreational activities:
- Evening campfires with s’mores
- Outdoor movies under the stars
- Boat rentals, fishing excursions, or bike rides
- Spa services and fitness centers
It’s easy to spend a full day at the resort enjoying all the amenities—and not feel like you’re missing out on the parks at all!
5. Exclusive Perks for Guests staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort
When you stay at a Disney Deluxe resort, you also unlock a few extra perks that can make a big difference—especially if you’re hoping to maximize your time in the parks.
One of the best perks? Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. This benefit is exclusively available to guests staying at Deluxe resorts (and select Deluxe Villas) and allows you to enjoy select parks for a few extra hours after they’ve closed to the general public. These evenings are less crowded and perfect for enjoying popular attractions with lower wait times.
Deluxe guests also receive:
- Early Theme Park Entry (available to all Disney resort guests)
- Priority access to advanced dining and experience reservations (like spa treatments or VIP tours)
- Access to concierge services that can help with park planning, dining, and more
These extras may seem small, but they really add up—especially for families who want to pack in as much fun as possible.
Final Thoughts: Is a Deluxe Resort Right for You?
While Deluxe resorts come with a higher price tag, many families find the convenience, comfort, and added magic well worth the investment—especially for milestone trips, large families, or guests who want to take a more relaxed approach to their vacation.
If you’re still unsure whether a Deluxe resort is right for your family, consider how much time you plan to spend at your hotel, what your priorities are (location, dining, amenities), and what kind of experience you want to create. For some, the extra convenience alone—like being able to walk to a park—is a game changer.
As a Disney travel planner and a Disney-loving mom, I love helping families find the resort that best fits their needs and budget. If you’re considering a Deluxe resort or need help planning your next magical vacation, I’d be happy to help you every step of the way.
Let the magic begin!
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Want to go to Disney World and don’t know where to start? Check out this post on 10 Steps to Plan Your Disney World Trip!
