If you are looking for a Disney World Deluxe Resorts ranked, best to worst you are in the right place. First I should mention that no matter what deluxe resort you choose there really is no worst or bad option. All of these Disney resorts are over the top and will offer a fantastic vacation. Deluxe Resorts are for families looking to splurge or have an unlimited budget as they will run you a pretty penny.
Now this list is highly subjective and may look completely different for you and your family. Every family has a different vacation style, some spend all their time in the park while others pack in as much time at the pool as possible. Even more so your top pick for a deluxe resort may depend on the particular vacation. For example, a romantic honeymoon at the Grand Floridian versus a bachelorette party focused on drinking around the world that stays at the Beach Club. Each deluxe resort has its own perks and unique factors which I will try to highlight in the list below.
Our Disney Deluxe Resorts Ranking
Grand Floridian Resort
This had to top our list as it is the most luxurious of all the Disney resorts. The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is a sprawling Victorian hotel located next to the Magic Kingdom. The lobby here is truly a sight to behold and if you have the extra time it’s always cool to stop in and check it out. There is often live music playing they have a solo pianist as well as a full dance band.
When you stay here you can expect to find a marble bathroom and a balcony and patio attached to your room. There is no shortage of luxury here!
Contemporary Resort
The main highlight here, is this is the only Disney World Resort in which you can walk to the Magic Kingdom. This resort was built at the same time as the Magic Kingdom and remains a staple of the resort. It may be the unique modern architecture but I think it’s the fact that a monorail runs straight through it that makes it so unique. Some people don’t care for this resort due to its stark modern theme. I on the other hand love it, I especially love the artwork you find in the rooms and the halls at Baylake Tower. The views here are another fantastic reason this resort ranks high.
The Contemporary houses one of my favorite places to dine on property, California Grill. This restaurant sits at the top of the hotel overlooking the Magic Kingdom. It’s the perfect way to commemorate a special occasion.
Polynesian Resort
Step into the lush tropical paradise of the South Pacific of the Polynesian Village Resort. While the atrium in the lobby may be no more the lobby here is still a fantastic place to relax. You want to also make sure you pick up a Dole Whip here! It’s the only Disney World Resort that serves them! The Polynesian is another resort that is moments away from the Magic Kingdom, just a monorail ride away to be exact. It’s prime location and special atmosphere make it a common Disney bucket list stop. We also LOVE eating at Ohana here, be prepared to eat it’s all you eat shrimp, noodles, bread pudding and so much more!
The Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is Disney World’s newest deluxe resort and takes you to the heart of Africa. What makes this hotel so special is that it wraps its way through a savannah that is home to over 200 animals. It’s hard for any other Disney resort to top the theming that the Animal Kingdom Lodge offers. The disadvantage here is other than the Animal Kingdom all the other theme parks are pretty far away.
Read our Full Animal Kingdom Lodge Review
Beach & Yacht Club Resort
Yachtsman Steakhouse Sign
Located behind Epcot across from the BoardWalk Inn this hotel has a prime location. It’s important to note that Beach and Yacht are two separate hotels but since they share a pool (which is the best on property) and have near identical theming I grouped them together. When you stay here it is shorter walk into Epcot than the BoardWalk. This makes this resort especially beneficial during Epcot festival seasons like the Festival of the Arts, the Flower and Garden Festival and the Food and Wine Festival.
BoardWalk Inn
This resort has a great location, it sits between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. It is completely theme after an Atlantic City boardwalk from the 1930’s. There are two different parts to this resort there are the hotel rooms in the BoardWalk Inn and then there are the DVC rooms over at the BoardWalk Villas. The real feature is just outside this resort you will find entertainment along the waterfront boardwalk as well as several fantastic dining options.
When you are staying here you have the fantastic perk of walking into the back of Epcot or talking a scroll or boat to Hollywood Studios.
Wilderness Lodge
The theming you get for the price here is actually really good. The Wilderness Lodge is styled after the US National Park lodges located in the Pacific Northwest. Your closest park is the Magic Kingdom which you can get to by boat or bus. If you love a woodsy outdoorsy feel this is the perfect resort for you. When I was younger, I loved staying in the bunkbed rooms and watching the geyser!
Share in the comments below what your favorite Disney World resort to stay in is! If you would like to see more of our rankings read, Disney World value resorts ranked!
I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!
