Disney World Deluxe Resorts: A Complete Guide - WDW Magazine (2023)

When you’re staying at Disney World, you have a few different categories of on-site hotel options: Deluxe, Moderate, and Value. We’re sharing a complete guide to the Disney World Deluxe Resort Hotels, including dining options, transportation, and exactly what you can find at each.

There are so many options to choose from when you are staying at Walt Disney World. You can stay off-site at a number of different hotels in Orlando, or you can choose to stay on-property at Walt Disney World Resort. When you stay on property, you can do so at a Value, Moderate, or Deluxe Resort hotel, each of which offers different amenities and options to choose from. We’re sharing a complete guide to everything you need to know about the Disney World Deluxe Resort hotels, from your options to what you will be able to find at each!

• • What is a Disney World Deluxe Resort?
  • Disney World Deluxe Villas
  • Deluxe Resort Dining Options
  • Disney World Deluxe Resort Transportation
  • Deluxe Resort Accommodations
  • Deluxe Resort Tours

What is a Disney World Deluxe Resort?

Disney World’s Deluxe Resort hotels feature rooms that are larger than you will find at a Value Resort, with more amenities, features, and perks. Disney World has eleven Moderate Resort hotels: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. The rack rate prices for the Deluxe Resort hotels can vary based on date and which of the hotels you choose, but typically the lowest end will be in the $400s per night.

Along with the Disney-owned Deluxe Resort hotels, in the EPCOT Resort area you can also find Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Hotels, along with the Swan Reserve. While not owned by Disney, these hotels feature Deluxe-hotel accommodations, and also receive the benefits extra perks you get from staying at an on-property Disney World Deluxe Resort hotel (such as Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours).

At the Deluxe Resort hotels, there are more dining and transportation options available than any of the other Disney World hotels, with both table service and quick service options available. Additionally, there are typically more transportation options to get to the theme parks. Many of the Deluxe Resort hotels also offer villas, which often offer more space for larger groups. Staying at a Deluxe Resort also means you get special perks, including access to Early Theme Park Entry, as well as the ability to make your first Individual Lightning Lane selection at 7AM. Additionally, Deluxe Resort guests are the only ones with access to Extended Evening Hours, which take place on select nights at select parks. This feature will give Deluxe Resort guests an extra two hours in the chosen park for that date after the park has closed to everyone else.

Disney World Deluxe Villas

Guests who are looking for more space can choose to stay at the Walt Disney World Villa Resorts. The villas offer sizing from studios up to Grand Villas, and even speciality bungalows or cabins in some locations. The available options are:

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

Disney World Deluxe Resort Dining Options

Dining is one of the biggest differences that makes a Deluxe Resort deluxe. Each of the hotels offers a variety of dining options, including signature table service dining restaurants.

These are the dining options you can find at each of the Disney World Moderate Resort hotels (TS indicates table service, QS indicated quick service):

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Jiko (TS)
• Boma – Flavors of Africa (TS)
• Sanaa (TS)
  • Sanaa Lounge (Bar Service)
• The Mara (QS)
• Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar (Bar Service)
• Victoria Falls Lounge (Bar Service)
• Uzima Springs Pool Bar (Bar Service)
• Maji Pool Bar (Lunch, Bar Service)

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

• Cape May Cafe (TS)
• Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (TS)
• Beach Club Marketplace (QS)
• Martha’s Vineyard (Lunch, Bar Service)
• Hurrican Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill (Bar Service)
• Ale & Compass Restaurant (TS)
• Ale & Compass Lounge (Bar Service)
• The Market at Ale & Compass (QS)
• Yachtsman Steakhouse (TS)
• Crew’s Cup Lounge (Bar Service)

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

• Flying Fish (TS)
• Trattoria al Forno (TS)
• Big River Grille & Brewing Works (TS)
• BoardWalk Deli (QS)
• BoardWalk Ice Cream (Snacks)
• Carousel Coffee (Snacks)
• Pizza Window (QS)
• AbracadaBar (Bar Service)
• Leaping Horse Libations (QS)
• BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas (Snacks)
• Belle Vue Lounge (Bar Service)
• Funnel Cake Cart (Snacks)

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

• California Grill (TS)
  • California Grill Lounge (Bar Service)
• Steakhouse 71 (TS)
  • Steakhouse 71 Lounge (Bar Service)
• Contempo Cafe (QS)
• Chef Mickey’s (TS)
• Contemporary Grounds (Snacks)
• Cove Bar (Bar Service)
• Outer Rim (Bar Service)
• The Sand Bar (Bar Service)

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

• P & J’s Southern Takeout (QS)
• Meadow Snack Bar (QS)
• Crockett’s Tavern (Bar Service)
• The Chuck Wagon (Food truck)
• Trail’s End Restaurant (TS)
• Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (TS)

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

• Olivia’s Cafe (TS)
• Good’s Food to Go (QS)
• Turtle Shack Poolside Snacks (Lunch)
• Gurgling Suitcase Libations & Spirits (Brunch, Dinner, Late Night)

Disney’s Riviera Resort

• Topolino’s Terrace (TS)
• Bar Riva (Pool Bar)
• Le Petit Cafe (QS)
• Primo Piatto (QS)

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

• ‘Ohana (TS)
• Kona Cafe (TS)
• Trader Sams (Bar Service)
• Capt. Cook’s (QS)
• Pineapple Lanai (Snacks)
• Tambu Lounge (Bar Service, Late Night)
• Barefoot Pool Bar (Pool Service)
• Oasis Bar and Grill (Bar Service)
• Kona Island (QS)

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

• The Turf Club Bar and Grill (TS)
• The Artist’s Palette (QS)
• The Paddock Grill (QS, Bar Service)
• The Turf Club Lounge (Bar Service)
• On the Rocks (Bar Service)
• Backstretch Pool Bar (QS)
• Chip ‘n Dale’s Cafe (Snacks)

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

• Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White (TS)
• Whispering Canyon Cafe (TS)
• Geyser Point Bar & Grill (Lunch, Dinner, Bar Service)
• Roaring Fork (QS)
• Territory Lounge (Bar Service)

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

• Cape May Cafe (TS)
• Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (TS)
• Beach Club Marketplace (QS)
• Martha’s Vineyard (Lunch, Bar Service)
• Hurrican Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill (Bar Service)
• Ale & Compass Restaurant (TS)
• Ale & Compass Lounge (Bar Service)
• The Market at Ale & Compass (QS)
• Yachtsman Steakhouse (TS)
• Crew’s Cup Lounge (Bar Service)

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, Dolphin Hotel, Swan Hotel

• Shula’s Steakhouse (TS)
• Il Mulino (TS)
• Kimonos (TS)
• Todd English’s Bluezoo (TS)
• Amare (TS)
• Rosa Mexicano (TS)
• Garden Grove (QS)
• Cabana Bar and Beach Club (Casual)
• Splash Pool Bar and Grill (Casual)
• Fountain (Casual)
• Tangerine (Casual)
• Picabu (QS)
• Fuel (QS)
• Chill (QS)
• Java (QS)
• Grounds (QS)
• Lounges: Shula’s Lounge, Il Mulino Lounge, Phins Lounge, Kimonos Lounge, Todd English’s Bluezoo Lounge, Stir Lounge

Deluxe Resort Transportation

Deluxe hotel transportation varies based on the hotel you are staying at. If you are staying in the Magic Kingdom Resort area, you will typically have the option to walk, take a boat, or ride the Monorail to Magic Kingdom. The EPCOT Resort area hotels typically offer a boat or a walking path to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with the Skyliner also available. Here’s a full list of what the hotels offer to get to each of the four parks:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Magic Kingdom: Bus
• EPCOT: Bus
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Bus
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

• Magic Kingdom: Bus, Monorail from EPCOT
• EPCOT: Walking path, Boat
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Skyliner, Boat, Walking path
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

• Magic Kingdom: Bus, Monorail from EPCOT
• EPCOT: Walking path, Boat
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Skyliner, Boat, Walking path
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

• Magic Kingdom: Monorail, Walking path
• EPCOT: Monorail (transfer from TTC), bus
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Bus
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

• Magic Kingdom: Boat, Monorail, Walking path
• EPCOT: Monorail (transfer from TTC), bus
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Bus
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

• Magic Kingdom: Bus
• EPCOT: Bus
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Bus
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Disney’s Riviera Resort

• Magic Kingdom: Bus
• EPCOT: Skyliner
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Skyliner
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

• Magic Kingdom: Boat, Monorail, Walking path
• EPCOT: Monorail (transfer from TTC), bus
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Bus
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

• Magic Kingdom: Bus
• EPCOT: Bus
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Bus
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

• Magic Kingdom: Boat, bus
• EPCOT: Bus
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Bus
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

• Magic Kingdom: Bus
• EPCOT: Walking path, Boat
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Skyliner, Boat, Walking path
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, Dolphin Hotel, Swan Hotel

• Magic Kingdom: Bus
• EPCOT: Walking path, Boat
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Skyliner, Boat, Walking path
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Disney World Deluxe Resort Accommodations

Each of the Deluxe Resort hotels offers standard rooms that can sleep up to four adults. Additionally, many of the hotels offer villas that provide a larger space for bigger parties.

The theming varies based on where you’re staying, with specialty rooms available at several of the resorts. Read on for a full list of rooms available, as well as what pools are available to guests at each.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Room Types:

• Standard Room, available as:
  • Standard View (also available with King Bed)
  • Pool View (also available with King Bed)
  • Savanna View (also available with King Bed)
• Deluxe Studios, available as:
  • Standard View
  • Savanna View
  • Value
• Villas, available as:
  • 1 Bedroom Villa (Value, Standard, or Savanna View)
  • 2 Bedroom Villa (Standard or Savanna View)
  • 3 Bedroom Grand Villa (Savanna View)
• Club Level available for select room types

Pools Available:

• Uzima Springs Pool
• Samawati Springs Pool

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Room Types:

• Standard Room, available as:
  • Standard View
  • Water, Water, or Woods View
  • Deluxe Room
  • King Bed (instead of two Queens)
• Deluxe Studios
• Villas, available as:
  • 1 Bedroom Villa
  • 2 Bedroom Villa
• Suites, available as:
  • 1 Bedroom Suite
  • 2 Bedroom Suite
  • Nantucket VP Suite
  • Newport Presidential Suite
• Club Level available for select room types

Pools Available:

• Stormalong Bay
• 3 Leisure Pools

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Room Types:

• Standard Room, available as:
  • Standard View
  • Garden View
  • Water View
• Villas, available as:
  • 1 Bedroom Villa (Standard, Garden, Pool, or Boardwalk View)
• Outer Building Garden Room
• Deluxe Room
• Deluxe Studios, available as:
  • Garden or Pool View
  • Boardwalk View
  • Standard View
• Suites, available as:
  • 2 Bedroom Suite
  • Sonora VP Suite
• Club Level available for select room types

Pools Available:

• Luna Park Pool
• 2 Leisure Pools

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Room Types:

• Garden Wing, available as:
  • Garden View, King, Deluxe Room, Standard View, Bedroom Suite
• Main Tower, available as:
  • Lake View, Theme Park View
• Deluxe Studios, available as:
  • Standard View, Theme Park View, Lake View
• Villas, available as:
  • 1 Bedroom Villa (Standard View, Lake View, Theme Park View)
  • 2 Bedroom Villas (Standard View, Lake View, Theme Park View)
  • 3 Bedroom Grand Villa (Lake View, Theme Park View)

Pools Available:

• Feature Pool
• Bay Lake Pool

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Room Types:

• Outer Building Room, available as:
  • Garden View, Lagoon View, Theme Park View
• Resort Studio, available as:
  • Garden View, Lagoon View, Theme Park View
• Main Building Room, available as:
  • Standard Room, Deluxe King Room, Theme Park View Room
  • 1 Bedroom Suite
  • Victorian Suite
  • 2 Bedroom Suite
  • Disney Suite
• Deluxe Studios, available as:
  • Lake View, Standard View
• Villas, available as:
  • 1 Bedroom Villa (Standard View or Lake View)
  • 2 Bedroom Villa (Standard View or Lake View)
  • 3 Bedroom Grand Villa (Standard View or Lake View)

Pools Available:

• Beach Pool
• Courtyard Pool

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Room Types:

• Deluxe Studios
• Villas, available as:
  • 1 Bedroom Villa
  • 2 Bedroom Villa
  • 3 Bedroom Grand Villa

Pools Available:

• Sandcastle Pool
• 3 Leisure Pools

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Room Types:

• Standard Room, available as:
  • Standard View, Pool or Marina View, Lagoon View, Theme Park View
• Suites, available as:
  • Ambassador VP Suite
  • 1 Bedroom Suite
  • King Kamehameha Suite
  • Honeymoon Room
• Deluxe Studios, available as:
  • Standard View, Lake View
• Bungalow
• Club Level available for select room types

Pools Available:

• • Lava Pool
  • Oasis Pool

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Room Types:

• Villas, available as:
  • Deluxe Studio (Standard View, Preferred View)
  • 1 Bedroom Villa (Standard View, Preferred View)
  • 2 Bedroom Villa (Standard View, Preferred View)
  • 3 Bedroom Grand Villa
• Tower Studio

Pools Available:

• Riviera Pool
• Beau Soleil Pool

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

Room Types:

• Villas, available as:
  • Deluxe Studio (Standard, Preferred)
  • 1 Bedroom Villa (Standard, Preferred)
  • 2 Bedroom Villa (Standard, Preferred)
  • 3 Bedroom Grand Villa
  • Treehouse Villa (Standard, Preferred)

Pools Available:

• • High Rock Spring Pool
  • The Paddock Pool
  • 3 Leisure Pools

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

Room Types:

• Standard Room, available as:
  • Standard View, Nature View, Courtyard View, Nautre Fireworks View — all available with King Bed as well)
• Villas, available as:
  • Deluxe Studio (at Boulder Ridge or Copper Creek)
  • 1 Bedroom Villa (at Boulder Ridge or Copper Creek)
  • 2 Bedroom Villa (at Boulder Ridge or Copper Creek)
  • 3 Bedroom Grand Villa (at Copper Creek)
• Cabin (at Cooper Creek)
• Club Level available for select room types

Pools Available:

• Copper Creek Springs Pool
• Boulder Ridge Cove Pool

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Room Types:

• Standard Room, available as:
  • Standard View, Water View, Garden or Woods View, King Bed
• 2 Bedroom Suite
• Club Level available for select room types

Pools Available:

• • Stormalong Bay
  • 3 Leisure Pools

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, Dolphin Hotel, Swan Hotel

• Traditional Room
• Deluxe Room
• Family Room
• Suites, available as:
  • Junior Suite, Grand Suite, Executive Suite, Signature Suite, Chairman Suite, Governors Suite, Presidental Suite

Pools Available:

Grotto pool, two lap pools, spring pool, relaxation pool, four whirlpools, kiddie pool

Disney World Deluxe Resort Tours

You can check out a few complete video tours of the Deluxe Resort hotels below! For a full tour of the Disney World Resort hotels, check out our YouTube playlist here.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Looking to book your stay at one of the hotels? Make sure you check out WDW Magazine’s videos below, which take you through room tours at some of the available options for the Disney World Moderate Resort hotels.