Disney Deluxe Resorts offer some of the most immersive and convenient accommodations at Walt Disney World Resort. With beautiful theming, exceptional dining, spacious rooms and prime locations near the theme parks, these resorts turn your hotel stay into an important part of the vacation experience.
From watching animals roam the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to traveling by monorail from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, each Deluxe Resort offers something unique.
Whether your priority is location, transportation, dining, recreation or simply having a beautiful resort to come back to at the end of the day, a Disney Deluxe Resort can make your Walt Disney World vacation even more memorable.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Experience the beauty and culture of Africa at one of Walt Disney World’s most unique resorts. Animal Kingdom Lodge features African-inspired architecture and dining, an impressive collection of African art and savannas where you can see animals including giraffes and zebras.
Resort Area: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area
Transportation: Bus
Best For: Animal lovers, families, unique dining and an immersive resort experience
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
With its relaxed New England seaside atmosphere and incredible location, Disney’s Beach Club Resort puts you within walking distance of EPCOT and just a boat ride away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests also enjoy access to Stormalong Bay, one of the most popular pool areas at Walt Disney World.
Resort Area: EPCOT Resort Area
Transportation: Boat & bus; walking access to EPCOT
Best For: Families, EPCOT fans, pool lovers and convenient park access
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Step back in time to a turn-of-the-century Atlantic City-style waterfront resort along Disney’s BoardWalk. Its location provides convenient walking access to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, along with restaurants and entertainment just outside the resort.
Resort Area: EPCOT Resort Area
Transportation: Boat & bus; walking access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
Best For: Couples, adults, EPCOT fans and guests who enjoy dining and nightlife nearby
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
One of the original Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is known for its modern design and the iconic monorail that travels directly through the resort’s main building. Even better, Magic Kingdom is within walking distance.
Resort Area: Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Transportation: Monorail & bus; walking access to Magic Kingdom
Best For: Families, Magic Kingdom fans and guests who value convenience
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Victorian elegance meets Disney magic at Walt Disney World’s flagship resort. Located along Seven Seas Lagoon, the Grand Floridian offers beautiful accommodations, exceptional dining and convenient access to Magic Kingdom.
Resort Area: Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Transportation: Monorail, boat & bus; walking access to Magic Kingdom
Best For: Couples, families, special occasions and guests looking for an elegant Disney experience
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Escape to the South Pacific without leaving Walt Disney World. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort combines tropical surroundings, popular dining and one of the most convenient locations for visiting Magic Kingdom.
Resort Area: Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Transportation: Monorail, boat & bus
Best For: Families, couples, Magic Kingdom fans and guests who love a tropical atmosphere
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Inspired by the grand lodges of America’s national parks, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by towering pines and rustic beauty while remaining just a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom.
Resort Area: Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Transportation: Boat & bus
Best For: Families, couples, nature lovers and guests looking for a relaxing resort atmosphere
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort combines an upscale New England yacht-club atmosphere with one of the best locations at Walt Disney World. Guests can walk to EPCOT, take a boat to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and enjoy access to Stormalong Bay.
Resort Area: EPCOT Resort Area
Transportation: Boat & bus; walking access to EPCOT
Best For: Couples, families, EPCOT fans and guests looking for a more refined resort atmosphere
Why Stay at a Disney Deluxe Resort?
Disney Deluxe Resorts offer an elevated resort experience with some of the best locations and amenities at Walt Disney World. They’re an excellent choice for guests who want their resort to be an important part of the vacation rather than simply a place to sleep.
Depending on the resort, you’ll find:
- Prime locations near Magic Kingdom, EPCOT or Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Spacious guest rooms that are typically larger than rooms at other Disney Resort categories
- Multiple transportation options at select resorts, including monorail and water transportation
- Walking access to a theme park from several Deluxe Resorts
- Feature pools and extensive recreation
- A wider variety of dining, including Character Dining and Signature Dining at select resorts
- Club Level accommodations at select Deluxe Resorts
- Early Theme Park Entry
- Extended Evening Theme Park Hours on select nights
- Complimentary Disney transportation throughout Walt Disney World
Disney currently confirms that Extended Evening Theme Park Hours will continue through 2027 for guests of Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and other select hotels.
Location Can Make a Big Difference
One of the biggest advantages of staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort is location.
Imagine being able to walk back to your resort after watching the nighttime fireworks at Magic Kingdom or strolling into EPCOT through International Gateway.
For families who plan to spend a significant amount of time in the theme parks, the convenience of a Deluxe Resort can mean less time traveling and more time enjoying your vacation.
Which Disney Deluxe Resort Is Right for You?
There isn’t one Deluxe Resort that’s best for everyone.
A family spending most of its time at Magic Kingdom may love the convenience of one of those Resorts. Guests planning lots of time at EPCOT may prefer Beach Club, Yacht Club or BoardWalk Inn.
Animal lovers may find Animal Kingdom Lodge unlike anything else at Walt Disney World. While guests looking for a peaceful retreat close to Magic Kingdom may fall in love with Wilderness Lodge.
Choosing the right resort depends on your family’s priorities, park plans, transportation preferences and vacation style.
