When booking a deluxe resort at Walt Disney World, choosing the one that aligns with your style, preferences, and vacation goals can elevate your entire experience. Each resort has its own unique charm, from immersive themes to top-tier dining, but there’s also insider knowledge that can make your stay even more magical. Below, I’ve ranked the top Disney deluxe resorts based on overall experience, dining, location to the parks, and ambiance. To round out our guide to the best deluxe Disney World resorts, I’ve added pro-tips to ensure you make the most of your stay.
1. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Best For: Families looking for tropical vibes and convenience to Magic Kingdom
Not Ideal For:Those seeking a quieter, less-themed resort experience
Disney’s Polynesian Resort consistently ranks at the top for its stunning South Pacific-inspired design, prime location on the monorail loop, and proximity to Magic Kingdom. The resort boasts some of the best dining options on Disney property, including the wildly popular ‘Ohana, known for its all-you-can-eat family-style meals and Lilo & Stitch character breakfast. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is perfect for adults seeking a lively tiki bar atmosphere. The Polynesian shines when it comes to ease of access. The monorail directly connects you to Magic Kingdom and Epcot, while boat transportation offers another scenic option. Families will love the recently updated rooms themed to *Moana* and the lush pool area with a volcano slide. For those who don’t mind the high price tag, Disney’s Polynesian Resort offers excellent value for money thanks to its immersive theme, fantastic dining, and unbeatable location.
Pro-Tip: Stay in a room close to the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC). It allows you to catch both the Magic Kingdom monorail and the Epcot monorail without having to transfer, making park-hopping even more convenient. The TTC also has shorter security lines, so you can breeze through in the mornings!
2. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Best For: Animal lovers, couples seeking a quieter retreat
Not Ideal For: Guests who want quick access to the parks
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is unlike any other Disney resort. With savanna-view rooms offering the chance to see giraffes, zebras, and other African wildlife from your balcony, this resort provides a truly unique experience. The decor is African-inspired, with intricate details throughout the expansive lobby and rooms.
Jiko – The Cooking Place and Sanaa are two of the most beloved dining experiences at Disney World, serving African-inspired dishes with flair. However, the biggest downside is the resort’s distance from most of the parks. It’s closest to Animal Kingdom (about a 5-minute bus ride), but farther from Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios, requiring longer bus commutes. Animal Kingdom Lodge is perfect for guests looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the parks while staying immersed in Disney’s famous storytelling.
Pro-Tip: Book a room with a savanna view for a more immersive experience. If that’s not in the budget, you can still enjoy the savanna from several viewing areas around the resort. For a unique experience, visit the savanna early in the morning or around dusk—this is when the animals are most active.
3. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Best For: Guests seeking the ultimate luxury Disney experience
Not Ideal For: Budget-conscious families or those preferring relaxed atmospheres
As Disney’s flagship resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian offers timeless elegance with Victorian-inspired decor. Located on the monorail loop just one stop away from Magic Kingdom, it’s hard to beat the Grand Floridian’s convenience and level of service. From the lush lobby with live music to the on-site Senses Spa, the resort exudes luxury. Dining here is top-notch, with the award-winning Victoria & Albert’s offering a once-in-a-lifetime fine dining experience. For something more casual, Narcoossee’s and Citricos provide fantastic alternatives. The beach area and pools are family-friendly, while the adults-only pool and spa make it ideal for couples. While it’s certainly one of the most luxurious, the Grand Floridian can feel a bit formal compared to the more laid-back deluxe resorts, making it less appealing for families with younger children. The price is also steep, making it a splurge for most travelers.
Pro-Tip: For a quieter stay, request a room in the Boca Chica building, which offers stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Cinderella Castle, but without the hustle and bustle of the main building. Also, take advantage of the Grand Floridian Spa for a mid-trip relaxation break—it’s one of the best-kept secrets for adults at Disney!
4. Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Best For: Families with young children and those wanting easy access to Epcot
Not Ideal For: Guests seeking more luxurious accommodations
Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a fan favorite, particularly because of its location—just a short walk to Epcot and a boat ride to Hollywood Studios. It also features Stormalong Bay, one of the best pools on Disney property, which includes a lazy river, a sand-bottom pool, and water slides, making it a hit with kids.
In terms of dining, Beach Club’s casual restaurant, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, is a must-visit for its legendary ice cream sundaes, but overall, dining options at Beach Club are less diverse than other deluxe resorts. Guests can easily access Epcot’s many restaurants, however, which more than makes up for it.
The Beach Club’s nautical-themed decor may not feel as upscale as other deluxe resorts, but the resort’s prime location and fantastic pool make it an excellent choice for families prioritizing fun and convenience over luxury.
Pro-Tip: If you’re visiting during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Beach Club is the ultimate home base. You’re just a 5-minute walk from the World Showcase entrance, allowing you to pop in and out of the festival with ease. Stormalong Bay is a major draw, but it can get crowded—visit in the evening for a quieter, more relaxing swim.
5. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Best For: Nature lovers and those seeking a quieter stay
Not Ideal For: Guests who prefer direct access to the parks
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a beautiful, Pacific Northwest-themed resort that evokes the charm of national park lodges with its towering lobby, complete with a crackling fireplace. The resort feels serene and remote, offering a relaxing atmosphere that still puts you near the Magic Kingdom, accessible via boat ride.
Dining options include the fun-filled Whispering Canyon Cafe and the more sophisticated Artist Point, which now features a character dining experience with Snow White. For a more rustic, outdoorsy experience with deluxe amenities, Wilderness Lodge is hard to beat.
While it offers good value for a deluxe resort, Wilderness Lodge is somewhat removed from the action of the parks, which might be a downside for those who want quicker transportation options. Buses are required to reach most parks, aside from the boat service to Magic Kingdom.
Pro-Tip: Ask for a room facing the Fire Rock Geyser for a spectacular view of the hourly eruption, which mimics Old Faithful. You can also catch the Electrical Water Pageant from the resort’s beach area—a nighttime water parade that many guests overlook but is a nostalgic Disney experience.
6. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Best For: Guests wanting modern decor and walking access to Magic Kingdom
Not Ideal For: Those looking for themed or immersive environments
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is an architectural marvel, with the monorail running through the main atrium. It’s the only resort within walking distance to Magic Kingdom, making it ideal for families with young children who want easy access to the park. The clean, modern design might not be as charming as other resorts, but it’s sleek and functional.
Dining at the Contemporary is excellent, with the renowned California Grill offering panoramic views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Chef Mickey’s, located in the main atrium, is a must for character dining with the classic Disney characters.
While the Contemporary is convenient and offers great dining, its atmosphere may feel a little too stark or business-like for those looking for that signature Disney whimsy.
Pro-Tip: Request a theme park view in the A-frame building for a direct line of sight to Cinderella Castle and Magic Kingdom fireworks—perfect for watching the evening show from your room. To avoid the busy Chef Mickey’s crowd in the morning, opt for breakfast at the Wave Lounge (next to the Wave restaurant); it’s a quieter, often overlooked spot for a delicious start to the day.
7. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Best For: Adults and couples seeking sophistication
Not Ideal For: Families with young children or guests looking for a themed experience
Disney’s Yacht Club shares many amenities with the neighboring Beach Club Resort, including the popular Stormalong Bay pool. However, the Yacht Club leans into a more elegant, adult-oriented atmosphere, with dark wood decor and a sophisticated nautical theme.
Dining options are similar to Beach Club, but the Yacht Club offers the more upscale Yachtsman Steakhouse, which is perfect for a refined meal after a day in the parks. While its proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios makes it convenient for park access, the Yacht Club might not be the best fit for families with young kids, as it lacks the lively atmosphere of some other deluxe resorts. It’s a fantastic choice for couples or adults looking for a quieter, more refined stay.
Pro-Tip: For a more exclusive experience, book a stay on the Club Level. Yacht Club’s Regatta Club offers personalized service, gourmet snacks, and beverages throughout the day, and it’s often less crowded than other deluxe resort club levels. Also, Yacht Club tends to have slightly lower rates than Beach Club, despite sharing many amenities—making it a savvy pick for luxury travelers.
8. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Best For: Adults and guests seeking nightlife
Not Ideal For: Families with young children or guests who want modern amenities
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is all about charm and entertainment. Located along the lively Disney BoardWalk, it offers a whimsical Atlantic City boardwalk theme with street performers, nightlife, and dining options galore. The Flying Fish restaurant and Jellyrolls dueling piano bar are highlights for adults looking to enjoy Disney’s evening entertainment. Though its location offers quick access to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios, the resort’s decor and room offerings may feel a little dated compared to the other deluxe resorts. BoardWalk is great for adults and those seeking nightlife, but might not be the best fit for families with young children, especially those looking for a quieter retreat.
Pro-Tip: Make time to explore the nightlife along the BoardWalk, but for a quieter stay, request a garden or water view room away from the BoardWalk itself. This ensures you get the ambiance without the late-night noise. Also, take advantage of the relatively hidden AbracadaBar, a magic-themed lounge with a unique, nostalgic Disney atmosphere that many guests overlook.
Conclusion
Each deluxe Disney World resort offers something unique, from the tropical ambiance of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to the sophisticated charm of Disney’s Yacht Club. By considering what each resort excels at and using these insider tips, you’ll maximize your experience and enjoy the best that Disney has to offer. Whether you’re seeking luxury, convenience, or immersive theming, the best deluxe Disney World resorts have something for every traveler.
Want to Learn More?
View our guide to the Top 10 family resataurants in Walt Disney World
