5 Ways Deluxe Resorts Bring the Most Value to Your Next Walt Disney World Resort Vacation
Exploring the world of Walt Disney World's on-property resorts is an exciting way to start planning for your next vacation – but it can also be overwhelming. The range of options is vast, with over 25 resorts to choose from and categorized into the groupings of Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Each category brings its own benefits and reasons for choosing one of these resorts for your next Walt Disney World stay. At first glance, it’s natural to assume that the Value category would bring the most…well…value. But what if I told you, when you factor in all the benefits, that it is in fact the Deluxe category that brings you and your family the most value for your next vacation? Consider the following and how these lesser-known perks add a whole lot of magic to your trip and are more than worth the upgrade to your budget.
1. More Dining Options
Each Deluxe Resort on Walt Disney World property offers multiple dining options, ranging from grab and go, quick service, table service and fine dining. Whereas the other resort categories may only offer one or two options for dining, each resort in the Deluxe category has options for every occasion, situation and budget. A quick muffin and coffee on your way to catch the monorail to the Magic Kingdom? Contemporary Grounds at Disney’s Contemporary Resort has you covered. Just arrived and looking for a casual cocktail and small plates? Pull up a chair at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is a must try for those celebrating a special occasion or looking for a luxurious fine dining experience. Or maybe you want your kids to have some quality time with Mickey but you want a brunch that is très chic? Topolino’s Terrace Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends at Disney’s Riviera Resort is going to give you everything on your wish list. Rather than having to use the same dining outlet over and over again, multiple dining options within your resort keeps your experience fresh with a venue to match every scenario throughout your stay.
Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort
2. Larger Rooms with Outdoor Space
We’ve all been there, Mama. You get home from the parks and all you want to do is unwind with a cup of tea or glass of wine after you put your little ones to bed. But if you have to stay in the room while everyone dozes off, your options for a place to decompress are limited. Deluxe properties give you the outdoor space to take a break and take a breath. Most rooms in Deluxe category resorts offer a balcony or patio to be able to step outside and have a moment. Also, Deluxe Resorts host the largest rooms on property, with every room having nothing smaller than queen sized beds and averaging out around 380 square feet. Most bathrooms feature a spit bath configuration and double sinks, allowing for more space as your family is gearing up and getting ready to hit the parks. Plus – that extra square footage is appreciated throughout your stay as you’re navigating multiple pieces of luggage, souvenirs you’re grabbing along the way, and potentially adding pack and plays for little ones.
Bathroom at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
3. Activities for Kids
Deluxe Resorts offer so many activities for kids to enjoy on those break days. Each resort has a main pool that features some type of water slide as well as an elaborately themed water playground area. Deluxe Resorts also offer plenty of scheduled activities throughout the day, with crafts like Make your Own Kukui Nut Leis or Mickey Tie-Dye and organized events like Lawn Games and a Video Game Dance Party. Each resort hosts campfires with complimentary marshmallows, Movies Under the Stars, and Pool Party games. With so much for your kids to do and see at a Deluxe Resort, your day or two away from the parks will be anything but boring.
Scheduled kids activities at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
4. Extended Evening Hours
Another perk for guests staying at Deluxe Resorts is access to Extended Evening Hours. At select parks on different nights of the week, Deluxe Resort guests are able to enjoy two more hours at the end of the night than the rest of the park goers from the day. This typically brings lighter crowds – and you guessed it – shorter lines! Plus, parks with Virtual Queue attractions will offer a third chance to get into a queue at 6pm – even if you were able to snag a queue spot earlier in the day. Ride TRON twice? Yes, please! And as the crowds grow even thinner as the night wears on, grab that coveted picture standing on a nearly empty Main Street in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Giving your family a magical evening at a Disney Theme Park AND capturing next year’s Christmas card photo is multitasking at its finest.
An empty Millennium Falcon during Extended Evening Hours
5. Location. Location. Location…and transportation.
Deluxe Resorts are located closest to at least one of the theme parks, with some being in walking distance to one or more. When you consider the size of Walt Disney World Resort (think San Francisco), this is a huge perk to weigh when deciding where you should call home during your vacation. Travel time to and from the parks can affect so many things – your time at the parks, if and when you’re able to take break, and the ease of getting to the parks. For example - I’m looking at you, mamas with young ones - the idea of a short walk to a theme park sounds divine compared to a 20-minute bus ride where you must collapse your stroller. Also, Deluxe Resorts offer at least (2) modes of transportation (with the exception of Animal Kingdom Lodge – although, this resort is basically a theme park in itself). This helps with crowds, wait time for transportation to arrive, and just the excitement of getting to the parks! As much as we love the Walt Disney World Resort bus system, the Monorail or Skyliner are a bit more thrilling.
Walkway to the Resort Monorail at Disney’s Magic Kingdom serving (3) Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts
When it’s time to consider where you and your family want to stay for your next Walt Disney World vacation, it’s important to factor into your decision all the value that a Deluxe Resort brings to the table. Although resorts in this category are more expensive than those resorts in Moderate and Value, all the benefits your crew will receive at a Deluxe Resort are worth far more than the increase in spend – making the upgrade more than worth it for your family. With over 15 Deluxe Resorts and Villas to choose between, we can help navigate the options and select the best fit for your family - turning your next trip to Walt Disney World Resort you’re your absolute dream vacation!
