How to Choose the Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort that’s Right for You

Each of the Deluxe Resorts and Villas at Walt Disney World Resort has its own unique charm and there are many things to consider when trying to pick the right one.

So how do you choose the Deluxe Disney Resort hotel that’s best for you?

Forgetting for a moment price and availability, here is a short list of considerations based on the main merits of each Disney resort. These are some of the main considerations that may help to narrow your list in one direction or another.

The Main Reasons Why You Might Choose One Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort Over Another

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Why you might want to stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:

• You want to stay in the Crown Jewel of all Walt Disney World Resorts.
• You like the Victorian elegance theme.
• You want multiple upscale dining options at your hotel.
• You want multiple upscale shopping options at your hotel.
• You want to stay in a resort on the monorail line close to the Magic Kingdom.
• You want to stay at a resort with a full-service spa.

Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Why you might want to stay at the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort:

• All the same reasons as above, but you want a room with a kitchenette, or
• You have a larger family and want a one- or two-bedroom villa with full kitchen and laundry.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Why you might want to stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort:

• You like the tropical island theming and ambiance.
• You want to stay in a resort on the monorail line close to the Magic Kingdom.
• You want to be able to walk to the Epcot Monorail Line

Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows

Why you might want to stay at Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows:

• All the same reasons as above, but you want a room with a kitchenette.
• You want to stay in a Polynesian Bungalow (arguably the most desirable accommodations at Walt Disney World).

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Why you might want to stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort:

• You want to be able to walk to the Magic Kingdom.
• You want a resort with large and quiet standard rooms.
• You want to stay in a resort on the monorail line close to the Magic Kingdom.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Why you might want to stay at Bay Lake Tower:

• You want to be able to walk to the Magic Kingdom.
• You want to be close to Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
• You want a room with a kitchenette, or
• You have a larger family and want a one- or two-bedroom villa with full kitchen and laundry.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Why you might want to stay at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge:

• You like the rustic (yet upscale) lodge theming.
• You want to be close to the Magic Kingdom, but not right on the monorail line.

Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Why you might want to stay at the Boulder Ridge Villas:

• You want a room with a kitchenette, or
• You have a larger family and want a one- or two-bedroom villa with full kitchen and laundry.

Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Why you might want to stay at the Copper Creek Villas:

• You want a room with a kitchenette.
• You have a larger family and want a one- or two-bedroom villa with full kitchen and laundry.
• You want to stay in a unique standalone Cabin on the water’s edge.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Why you might want to stay at Disney’s Beach Club Resort:

• You want to be within walking distance of Epcot
• You want to be within a short boat ride of Hollywood Studios.
• You want access to Stormalong Bay.
• You like the upscale and fun beach theming.

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Why you might want to stay at Disney’s Beach Club Villas:

• All the same options as above, but the Beach Club is all booked
• You want a room with a kitchenette, or
• You have a larger family and want a one- or two-bedroom villa with full kitchen and laundry.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Why you might want to stay at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort:

• You want to be within walking distance of Epcot.
• You want to be within a short boat ride of Hollywood Studios.
• You want access to Stormalong Bay.
• You like the quieter ambiance versus the Yacht Club.
• You want a guaranteed balcony on your Club Level room.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

Why you might want to stay at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn:

• You want to be right on the Disney Boardwalk.
• You like the Atlantic City style theming.
• You want to be within walking distance of two parks (Epcot and DHS)

Disney’s Boardwalk Villas

Why you might want to stay at Disney’s Boardwalk Villas:

All the same options as above, but

• The Boardwalk Inn is all booked
• You want a room with a kitchenette, or
• You have a larger family and want a one- or two-bedroom villa with full kitchen and laundry.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Why you might want to stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort:

• You like the African style theming.
• You want a Savanna room view overlooking the animals.
• You want to be a little off the beaten track.
• You want to be a short drive from Animal Kingdom Park.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House

Why you might want to stay at Jambo House:

All the same options as above, but

• The main hotel is all booked.
• You want a Club Level Villa room.
• You want a room with a kitchenette.
• You have a larger family and want a one- or two-bedroom villa with full kitchen and laundry.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village

Why you might want to stay at Kidani Village:

All the same options as Animal Kingdom Lodge, but

• The main hotel and villas are all booked.
• You want to be as far away as possible from the hustle and bustle.
• You want a room with a kitchenette.
• You have a larger family and want a one- or two-bedroom villa with full kitchen and laundry.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Why you might want to stay at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort:

• You want to be very close (walking distance) to Disney Springs.
• You want to stay in a large, relaxed resort with a more relaxed pace.
• You want a room with a kitchenette.
• You want to stay at a resort with a full-service spa.
• You want to have a golf course on property.
• You have a larger family and want a one- or two-bedroom villa with full kitchen and laundry.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Why you might want to stay at Disney’s Old Key West Resort:

• You want to be very close (boat ride) to Disney Springs.
• You want to stay in a relaxed resort with a more relaxed pace.
• You want a room with a kitchenette.
• You want to have a golf course on property.
• You have a larger family and want a one- or two-bedroom villa with full kitchen and laundry.

Planning a Walt Disney World Deluxe Vacation?

Be sure to read my Guide to Planning A Walt Disney World Vacation and my post on the Five Golden Rules of Walt Disney World Vacation Planning.

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Mike Belobradic: The Finer Side of Disney Travel
Luxury Travel Blogger – Deluxe Disney Travel Specialist
The Finer Side of Travel™