If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Are Disney Deluxe Resorts worth it?”—you’re not alone. With gorgeous lobbies, swoon-worthy dining, and locations that are just steps from the parks, Disney Deluxe Resort perks sound ideal. But with those perks come premium price tags, and whether or not the splurge is worth it really depends on your travel preferences. So, to help you decide if a Deluxe Resort stay is right for you on your next trip, we’re breaking down the good, the bad, and everything in between!

Disney Deluxe Resort Overview

If you’re looking for the most luxurious way to stay at Walt Disney World, Deluxe Resorts are where the magic meets comfort, space, and prime location! These are the top-tier hotel offerings and are where you can find some of the most upscale theming, premium amenities, and the best food outside of the theme parks.

It’s also important to note that, while Disney Deluxe Resorts offer standard hotel accommodations, they’re also home to Disney Vacation Club Villas. This is Disney’s version of a timeshare program, and staying in these rooms gives you access to more space and amenities like kitchenettes.

Currently, there are 8 Disney Deluxe Resorts, including:

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Each of these resorts also has an attached or adjacent DVC villa property, including:

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House & Kidani Village

But, are Disney Deluxe Resorts worth it? Let’s dive into the pros and cons!

Disney Deluxe Resort Perks

If you’ve ever wondered whether a stay at a Disney Deluxe Resort is worth the splurge, let me tell you…it absolutely can be! From extra time in the parks to the best locations and next-level dining, these resorts come packed with perks that can really level up your Walt Disney World vacation. You’re not just getting a nicer room when you stay at these hotels (though, yes, that’s part of it); you’re getting the best of the best that Disney has to offer in well…every aspect!

More Time in the Parks

If you’re visiting Disney World during a particularly busy season or just don’t like to wait in long lines, then staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort can be a game-changer. All Deluxe Resort guests get access to BOTH Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours, giving you an extra 2.5 hours in the parks with little to no crowds.

While all Disney Resort guests get Early Entry (that sweet 30-minute head start each morning), only Deluxe and Deluxe Villa guests can access Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. This unique perk is most similar to Disney’s former hotel guest benefit, Extra Magic Hours, and gives you an additional two hours in select parks on select nights of the week.

These nights are hands-down one of the best ways to ride fan-favorite attractions with minimal to no wait time, and it’s totally free with your resort stay. No extra ticket required, just proof of your resort stay! If you love the idea of strolling onto attractions after most guests have cleared out, this perk alone might tip the scales when you’re deciding where to book your next stay.

Proximity to the Parks (and Better Transportation Options)

Disney Deluxe Resorts also tend to be located in some of the best spots on property, making it easy to get between the parks and your hotel.

Want to walk to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Resorts like Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club have you covered. Planning a Magic Kingdom-heavy trip? Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa put you right on the monorail loop! Plus, some Deluxe Resorts even have Disney Skyliner access or FriendShip Boat service, which makes getting around Walt Disney World feel like part of the fun.

All in all, the prime location of these hotels means that you’ll spend less time getting to the parks and more time in them. And, if you’re traveling with little ones who need an afternoon nap or just want to schedule in some mid-day breaks back at the hotel, the ability to get between the parks and your hotel so easily can make your vacation less stressful and more relaxing.

More Dining Options

If you’re planning to eat your way through Disney World, you can’t go wrong when you stay at a Deluxe Resort. These hotels offer both the most dining options of all the resorts on property and the best food. Each Deluxe Resort features a quick service option, lounge, and at least one table service restaurant (though most have even more). And, the table service restaurants aren’t just your average sit-down meal – many offer character meals or signature dining experiences.

Whether it’s sipping wine at California Grill on the top floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, digging into noodles at ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, or grabbing a quick bite from Disney’s only Beauty and the Beast-themed lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, you’ll have plenty of choices to satisfy any craving – all within walking distance of your room!

Staying at these resorts also tends to make it easier to score hard-to-get dining reservations, since you’re already right there and can be more flexible with times.

Bigger Rooms

Rooms at Deluxe Resorts are generally more spacious than those at Value or Moderate resorts. Most standard rooms start around 340 square feet, and if you book a suite or villa, you’ll get extras like kitchenettes, multiple bathrooms, and separate living areas.

That extra elbow room can make a big difference for families, friend groups, or anyone who just wants a little more breathing room. And with upgraded furnishings, larger bathrooms, and little touches like balconies and patios, you’ll actually look forward to coming back to your room at the end of a long park day.

The Downside to Disney Deluxe Resorts

Disney Deluxe Resorts offer a lot to love, but they’re not perfect. Just like any Disney stay, the right hotel choice depends on your travel style, your priorities, and, of course, your budget. While the perks are plenty, there are a few things to consider before splurging on that dreamy Deluxe Resort stay.

They’re Pricey…Really Pricey

There’s no getting around it – Deluxe Resorts come with a Deluxe price tag. Standard rooms often start around $600 per night, and during peak travel times, rates can jump to $800 or more, even for the most basic room. Plus, if you’re looking to book larger suites or club-level accommodations, you’ll easily cross into the $1,000+ range. And that’s before you factor in extras like fancier dining or optional add-on experiences.

For larger families, this can get expensive fast. Booking two standard rooms may cost more than a spacious family suite at a Value Resort. And unlike Value and Moderate Resorts, discounts for Deluxe Resorts can be less common or less impactful, especially during busy seasons.

For many guests, the cost alone makes this tier feel out of reach, or simply not worth it for how little time they plan to spend at the resort.

Dining Isn’t Always Kid (or Budget) Friendly

While Deluxe Resorts are known for their signature dining experiences and immersive lounges, that upscale vibe doesn’t always suit families who just want to grab a burger and go. Quick service dining is often limited to one small location per resort, and the menus tend to lean more adventurous. So if you’re traveling with picky eaters or hoping to stick to a budget, the options may feel too formal, too time-consuming, or just too pricey.

Unlike the big food courts at Value Resorts (where chicken tenders and pizza are always on deck), Deluxe Resort dining caters more to the foodie crowd. If you’re trying to maximize park time or feed your family quickly without needing a dining reservation for every meal, the dining options at these resorts might not be the best fit.

Not as Kid-Friendly as Other Resorts

If you’re hoping to be surrounded by Mickey and the gang at every turn, Deluxe Resorts won’t necessarily deliver on the experience you’re looking for.

Deluxe Resorts tend to dial down the Disney and lean more into elegant theming, relaxing pools, and quiet common areas. For adults or families who love a more upscale and less in-your-face-Disney atmosphere, this is a plus. But for families with little ones looking for rooms that are decorated in Mickey from top to bottom, elaborate splash zones, or over-the-top theming, Deluxe Resorts can feel a little underwhelming.

While the pools are beautiful (and plentiful!), they may lack the interactive play areas or kid-focused energy you’ll find at Value and Moderate Resorts. The same goes for lobbies and recreational offerings. Instead of a focus on arcades and kids’ programming, Deluxe Resorts focuses more on creating a relaxing ambiance and atmosphere. So, if you’ve got kids who light up at giant statues, bold colors, and non-stop activities, Deluxe hotels may feel a little too grown-up.

So, Are Disney Deluxe Resorts Worth It?

Deluxe Resorts aren’t for everyone, but for the right families, they can absolutely be worth the splurge!

If you’re looking for hotels with the best location, comfort, and luxury, these resorts deliver in a big way. Being able to walk to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, hop on the monorail, or cruise to the parks on a boat is a major convenience that can make a big difference in your Disney World vacation, especially on a short trip when every minute counts.

Deluxe Resorts also stand out when it comes to the little details that can have a big impact on your overall stay. The lobbies are beautiful, the dining is top-tier, the pools are great for relaxing, and there’s extra space in your room to spread out. Couples looking for a romantic getaway or families who want a more relaxed, upscale atmosphere will find a lot to love here. And during the holidays, these resorts truly go all out with the biggest and best decorations and festive touches you won’t want to miss.

That being said, if you’re working with a tighter budget or plan to spend sunup to sundown in the parks, a Deluxe Resort stay might not be the best use of your money. The nightly rates add up fast, especially for longer stays or larger families, and for some, that money may be better spent on extra park days, snacks, or souvenirs.

Deluxe Resorts are best for:

• Couples celebrating a special occasion
• Families who want to be close to the parks
• Shorter trips where time is money
• Anyone looking for upscale touches and premium amenities

Deluxe Resorts may not be ideal for:

• Large groups trying to stick to a strict budget
• Those who plan to spend minimal time at the hotel
• Anyone looking to stretch their trip with the lowest nightly rates

And, here’s the thing – you don’t have to stay at a Deluxe Resort to have an amazing Disney World trip. While these resorts are certainly worth the splurge for many families, Disney’s Value and Moderate Resorts also have amazing food, theming, and activities. Plus, you’ll have access to all of the Disney World Resort guest perks no matter where you stay! So, pick the hotel that fits best with your budget and preferences – you won’t regret it!

Comments

Do you think that Disney Deluxe Resorts are worth it? Let us know in the comments what your favorite Deluxe Resort is!