Top 5 Reasons to Stay at a Deluxe Resort at Walt Disney World

 By Pixie Leslie

One of the most frequently asked questions I hear as a travel agent is, “Is it really worth the cost to stay at a Deluxe resort?”  My answer is almost always a resounding, “Yes!”  Here are my top 5 reasons why:

1)  Location, location, location

For many families, especially those with young children who desperately need a break and some nap time during the day, the Magic Kingdom is the #1 park for the majority of days at Walt Disney World.  If you’re going to be spending more time at the Magic Kingdom than anywhere else, doesn’t it make sense to stay as close as possible?  Welcome to the Magic Kingdom resorts:  The Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, The Polynesian and the Grand Floridian.  All of these resorts, with the exception of Wilderness Lodge, are on the monorail loop and so once you board you are literally minutes away from the park.  Wilderness Lodge is a short boat ride across the Seven Seas Lagoon and is very convenient, yet feels like you’re in another world.

Of course, not all Deluxe resorts are near the Magic Kingdom.  Boardwalk Inn, Beach Club and Yacht Club are all handy to Epcot, and these are super-popular during the Epcot Food & Wine Festival and the Flower & Garden Festival.  The Boardwalk also offers a variety of nightlife, too, which makes it a popular option.

Deluxe resort rooms are larger than those at the Moderate resorts, and far, far larger than those at the Value Resorts.  They feature either a King bed or two Queen beds, and most resorts also have some that have a day bed as well, making it possible to sleep a family of 5 comfortably.  Deluxe resorts have balconies or patios in most rooms, double sinks, more spacious bathrooms, and overall offer a higher level of comfort than you will get anywhere else.  The day bed option is also popular for families with 2 older children who have reached the age where they no longer want to sleep together.

The Deluxe resorts offer more amenities that can enhance your stay.  These include spa services, workout facilities, jogging trails, marinas with assorted water craft, and even child care centers to allow you and your special someone the opportunity for a romantic dinner in a Signature restaurant.  The pools are bigger and better as well:  Stormalong Bay which is shared by the Beach and Yacht Club resorts is stunning with something for everyone.  Everyone who goes to Walt Disney World pays a pretty penny for their trips and to stay on property.  If you’re paying for it, use all that a resort has to offer!  It gives you a way to pace yourself and finish vacation without feeling like you need another week off to recover.

Speaking of restaurants, most of the very best restaurants in Walt Disney World are located in Deluxe resorts, and they aren’t all Signature establishments either.  Ohana (Polynesian) and Whispering Canyon Café (Wilderness Lodge) are both very popular with families.  The Yachtsman Steakhouse (Yacht Club), Narcoosee’s (Grand Floridian) and Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge) are all exceptional dining experiences sure to make an impression for date night.  The newly refurbished California Grill atop the Contemporary Resort offers stunning nighttime views of the Magic Kingdom and has a wonderful new menu.

Your mom’s old adage is true: you do get what you pay for.  Disney’s Deluxe resorts offer a complete experience.  Unlike the Value and Moderate resorts, they are true hotels with interior corridors, lush landscaping and impressive themes that are elegant and even whimsical without ever being over the top.  The Deluxe resorts are popular with the empty-nesters who come for the ambiance and the amenities rather than just the parks.  Families are still welcomed and entirely at home, too, and the Deluxe properties offer more of a vacation experience for Mom and Dad while still catering to children and the young at heart alike.  If you’re considering a holiday trip, in particular, a Deluxe resort is well worth the splurge for the decorations and festive atmosphere.