Going to Disney world is a one of a kind experience and for many choosing just how they are going to mold their trip can be quite overwhelming. There are so many choices to consider when making plans; do you get a park hopper, is the dining plan right for your group, do you sign up for a special tour, or is there a reason not to add water park entry to your ticket? All of these are valid questions, but perhaps one of the most pressing questions is what category of hotel is right for you when staying on Disney property. Today I will help you sort out some of the confusion by discussing if staying at a Deluxe resort is right for you!
Disney offers three categories of on property accommodations: value, moderate, and deluxe resorts. The Deluxe resorts are the most expensive resorts on property and offer quite a few perks for the guests staying at them. Many wonder, however, if the major cost difference between the value resorts and deluxe resorts is really worth it. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your home away from home.
The deluxe resorts offer the most visually attractive themes and will appeal to everyone in your group. The grounds are spotless! The rooms are clean and offer double sinks, roomy bathrooms in comparison to value resorts, a variety of toiletries, and balconies. I have also never been disappointed in the towel animal department, but this could be pure luck!
Deluxe resorts, which include The Grand Floridian, The Contemporary Resort, The Polynesian, The Wilderness Lodge, The Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Boardwalk Inn, The Yacht Club and The Beach Club are the most elegant and luxurious hotels on Disney property. They offer a true resort feel and add an element of relaxation to your trip. Most of these resorts offer spectacular pools, hot tubs, and spa services. You will also find poolside bars and towel services. Though there are pools at every Disney resort, if you are staying at a value resort you will not find towel service or the relaxing atmosphere of that the deluxe pools offer.
Deluxe resorts also offer proximity to at least one theme park and often offer multiple modes of transportation. From the Grand, The Contemporary, and the Polynesian you will be able to arrive to the Magic Kingdom by boat, bus, foot, or monorail. By using the monorail you are also afforded easy access to Epcot and very simple return trips to your room from these parks. This is especially valuable for those traveling with small children who may need a nap or a pool break at a moments notice. From the Boardwalk and the Yacht and Beach Clubs you will be able to access Epcot by foot or boat and access to Hollywood studios by boat. With its proximity to Epcot this means the Magic Kingdom is only a quick trip on the monorail! The Wilderness Lodge offers boat service to the Magic Kingdom. The only Deluxe that does not offer particularly stellar transport is the Animal Kingdom Lodge. This is due to the size and location of the resort. Because there are many living animals who reside at the lodge, transportation is limited to bus service only and can be a bit on the slow side.
Deluxe resorts offer spectacular food service locations and many of these resorts offer at least one quick service location, one table service location, and one signature dining experience. The Contemporary offers some of the best dining on property with the California Grill. The views of the Magic Kingdom are unbelievable here! With a variety of choices for dining right at your finger tips, you will be assured that you are never limited to just pizza alone!
Another great advantage to staying at a deluxe is the service. You will feel like royalty in the hands of the wonderful cast members. Though it is Disney policy that all cast members are willing, helpful, and just plain amazing, I have never encountered a single one who did not go above and beyond the call of duty at any deluxe resort.
There are also quite a few extras that the deluxe resorts offer such as health clubs, child care locations, equipment rentals such as bikes and boats, in room refrigerators, and amazing gift shops. As a guest of a deluxe resort you will certainly enjoy the best of everything.
Now that you are armed with some valuable information about the deluxe resorts it is time to make a decision. There are some factors to take into consideration. Cost is of course the number one factor. A deluxe can cost you three or four times as much as a value and often the prices of a deluxe soar well over the two hundred dollar a night mark. If you really want to stretch your vacation dollar a deluxe simply may not work for your group. You could always consider a split stay if you want to sample a deluxe. I suggest starting your trip at a value resort and ending at a deluxe. It is very easy to move up the ladder, but moving down may be a bit of a disappointment.
Another factor to consider is your touring style. Does your group start out the day at the parks and stay there until well past sun down? If so a deluxe may not be a necessary expense for you as you are only there to use a bed and a bathroom. If your touring style is more in line with mine then you are the type of person who sets out to the parks for only a few hours at a time and comes back to the resort to read, relax, and soak up the sun. If your Disney vacation needs to have some elements of a relaxing get away then a deluxe may be a better choice than a value or a moderate.
There are so many resorts to choose from on Disney property and there are great things about every category. I am a fan of the deluxe resorts as they fit my relaxed touring style and I budget for the expense involved in staying at one. Sit down with your family and decide what your vacation is going to be like before choosing a hotel. As always, no matter where you stay you are still at Disney World and will have an amazing vacation!
