The Ultimate Guide to Deluxe Resorts at Disney World

[@StorytellerStudios]

The information in this DFBGuide Video is excellent, but honestly, I watched it as a "virtual vacation". We love Disney World and the images bring back so many wonderful memories! I find that all DFB videos put a smile on my face. Thanks!

[@dfbbreea]

We’ll give ya a virtual vacation anytime!

[@kristinavalcarce2404]

I'm very lucky. My parents are Disney Vacation Club members, so I've gotten to stay at the Polynesian (three times!), the Beach Club Villas, and the Grand Californian (lost count!). Having said that, I've also had a blast tent-camping at Fort Wilderness and staying at French Quarter. A great Disney vacation can happen no matter what resort you stay at.

[@suewalton8822]

Well said! A great Disney vacation can happen no matter which resort you choose! And ultimately, that is what matters, having a great Disney vacation!

[@pigeonplumtree3]

Definitely Team Split-Stay! It can save money and it means more fun!! 😀

[@brockloy2210]

Would you ever do a review on shades of green, I think it considered a deluxe resort with all the perks of a deluxe resort. I know it is geared for military families but military families do watch your channel. This is on disney property and if you qualify or sponsored by someone who qualified to stay there you are getting a price of a value resort with all the perks of a delux resort, minus all the disney themes

[@jennipirkey9989]

AKL actually has a shuttle that goes between Kidani and Jambo. You don't have to use the busses to go between the too. We like to take advantage of that. 😊

[@Spies_Mia]

I’ve never stayed in a deluxe resort before, but it’s always been a dream of mine! Maybe when I get my first adult job after college, I’ll be able to splurge on a short stay!!

[@rb5078]

I’m glad all this stuff exists for the people who enjoy it. I’m 100% ride focused and don’t care about anything else. To me a hotel is a bed and shower. It’s like, I’m at Disney World, why would I waste time doing anything else when I could be on a ride? 😂

[@DavidBlackDisalvo]

I've been waiting for this version of the resort comparison videos!

[@dfbbreea]

It’s FINALLY HERE! Hee hee!

[@sinistralwing]

My absolute favorite type of trip is a split stay between a Crescent Lake and a monorail resort. We are doing Boardwalk/Poly next year and have done YC/Poly and YC/GF. It's so nice not having to take buses anywhere except AK.

[@ddadbudgetseeingisbelieving]

You're awesome AJ! Thanks for the great info, always.

[@sykesc2]

AJ, I know you are not a fan of DVC, but we have found that the up-front investment 14 years ago has allowed us to take 1-2 deluxe resort Disney trips a year. It is not for everyone, but, as two huge Disney fans, we were fortunate enough to invest in this as our "vacation home." Now for about $1500/year we can have 7ish days at any of the deluxe resorts (a lot better than one night!). To maximize our points, we can choose larger rooms or fireworks-view rooms if we are having a family celebration one trip and smaller rooms for a quiet trip at another time. We come for the whole Disney bubble experience, not just the parks. This has worked well for us and helps us scratch our Disney itch on a regular basis. 😄 Thanks to you and the whole DFB team for a very informative video!

[@KatMo126]

Weird fact about deluxe resorts which may be nitpicky: if u book a deluxe resort as a dvc or rent from a dvc site, u do not get daily housekeeping. But if u book a “regular” reservation, u do get daily housekeeping. Not a fun thing to learn on day FOUR of a family trip.

[@JenniferField-u8z]

Love a split stay.- we are doing Port riverside and then ending our trip at the grand floridian! we will be there during Christmas! can't wait!

[@stephenp117]

Dis you notice in the intro shot of the MK, there is a rainbow that leads stops right at the castle.

[@jazminelacrette5890]

I love Riviera, wasn’t a huge fan of grand Floridian, it’s very busy and people were less friendly. Riviera was so cozy whilst also remaining luxurious. It was truly magical and everyone was lovely 🥰

[@kdusel1991]

The only thing I like about Grand Flo is the lounge lol. I think my favorite MK resort is the Poly.

[@jazminelacrette5890]

@@kdusel1991I’ve not stayed at the poly yet but I’ve visited and it’s lovely😍

[@kdusel1991]

​@@jazminelacrette5890 We love getting drinks there!

[@mymasmith7848]

I find GF to be exhausting, all the to-ing and fro-ing by corporate lawyer types and their families. See and be seen vibes, spending money money money, and still stressed out. High strung. Its not a vacation hotel for me.

[@dfbbreea]

The vibes are ON POINT at Riviera.

[@kdusel1991]

Our home resort is OKW but we also like Saratoga and the Epcot area resorts

[@donnamccaffrey4364]

As adult Disney fans, we love Saratoga Springs and it’s location to the Springs. We visit a park during the day and then usually have a reservation to dine at one of the many restaurants in the Springs, or Epcot.

[@bradyevans9114]

as someone who has stayed at every disney hotel and used to own DVC I can say Disney "Deluxe" is not truly deluxe. If you want deluxe or luxury I would recommend Four Seasons, the new Conrad, Ritz Carlton, or even the Waldorf over any disney hotel

[@laurenemily8982]

Totally agree. Disney prices vs quality is honestly offensive.

[@MelissaBell-dl1yi]

That may be true, but they aren’t in the Disney bubble.

[@bradyevans9114]

@@MelissaBell-dl1yi Yes Four seasons is on disney property and you still get benefits etc...Waldorf is on disney property as well at bonnet creek

[@jadecoloredglasses5822]

@@MelissaBell-dl1yi four seasons actually is

[@MelissaBell-dl1yi]

@@jadecoloredglasses5822 I’m sure, but for Disney that is their deluxe hotels.

[@alexbrown1930]

Not gonna lie: the Deluxe Resorts are my bucket list....but my favourites are Carrivean Beach and French Quarter.

[@a-totally-random-person]

Ice heard good things about French Quarter. How's the food around there?

[@WOWitsANT]

I find animal kingdom lodge to be the only disney deluxe resort to be worth the price. Even though it’s further out and they only have bus transportation it doesn’t have the chaotic vibes that the monorail resorts have sometimes and I think it has the best food by far. I also think it’s the most “affordable” when it comes to deluxe options.

[@mymasmith7848]

AK is my favorite too, because when you are back at the resort you are in a different space, a different frame of mind. The AK food is also great and many options. My kids and I like to take time to go down every side corridor to see all the art. My 2nd is Polynesia but that can sometimes feel like grand central station. If I am going to stay near Epcot, I just do Dolphin. A fraction of the price and I can walk to all the others' restaurants anyway, plus skyliner, boats, the pedalos on their little lake, and mini golf across the street.

[@dfbbreea]

I’ll join ya on “Team AKL.” That place is GORGEOUS.

[@suewalton8822]

I agree, the vibe is so calming. And the animals are so beautiful, as well as the lobby and the art. The Grand Floridian is still my favorite, but I would never say no to staying at AK!

[@kdusel1991]

​@@suewalton8822 AK is fine to me. I like seeing the animals and the bread service at sanaa is delicious. I do really like AK at Christmas.

[@jmbama2008]

I love Poly for the food. AK has great food also !BOMA!

[@penelopepitstop762]

At first I scoffed at the 30 minute early for deluxe resort guests. I admit I thought “big whoop” but we just got back from our trip where we stayed at the swan and we got a lot done in that 30 minutes! We were able to get rise and the millennium falcon done before the crowds came. It helped with Tron even though they didn’t start it at early entry because MK was packed that day (the Monday before Milton).

[@emmapism]

I'm staying at Swan Reserve then Dolphin & I'm so excited to take advantage of this. It's been years since I stayed at a deluxe so looking forward to those perks. It's a shame they don't mention either of them here in this video tho.

[@penelopepitstop762]

@@emmapism you will love it! We stayed at the Dolphin last year. You can’t beat the location! And even though we were there at early entry, there were still hundreds of people ahead of us, so leave early! And for your MK day, walk to the Boardwalk to catch their bus. It’s only about a 10 minute walk. You probably know this, but if you take the swan bus, you will be dropped off at the ticket center and then have to take the monorail to MK. Have fun!

[@emmapism]

@@penelopepitstop762 that's such a great tip, thank you 😊

[@mela1580]

All resort guests get early entry, not just deluxe. Can save thousands by staying at All Stars.

[@penelopepitstop762]

@@mela1580 correction noted! 😁

[@azarriam7852]

I prefer the deluxe resorts. However, I visited POP & I have to say I would stay there in a heart beat. The skyliner made travel a breeze. My least favorite moderate was the coronado.

[@ryanrobinson5638]

I would die on the Swan & Dolphin hill. Same benes as delux, moderate to value prices, and right on the ferry. Use those extra savings to dine in the castle and stay an extra day

[@marisamartin2044]

Same! One of my favorites!

[@dennip60]

And better beds!!

[@ryanrobinson5638]

@@dennip60 truth

[@DianneGallagher-m5f]

❤Nice job AJ.....as always!😊 Short stay, deluxe; longer stay, mid range. Animal Kingdom or the Grand; Port Orleans Riverside

[@dianawilcox8173]

Usually I’m team value. But when I bring my son to Disney World- currently age 7, non- verbal with autism, I *have* to be able to bring him back “home” (hotel room) where there is quiet and I can make him some chicken nuggets. Extra points if the hotel room isn’t near others, as his meltdowns can get quite noisy. We’re staying at the Cabins at Fort Wilderness next summer, which I think will be perfect for him!

[@sydneywillis602]

I never hear very much about the Contemporary anymore beyond easy monorail access. I remember watching a special about it as a kid and have been dreaming about it since.

[@lavenderkisses9461]

I liked this video-to each his own 🤷‍♀️

[@sarahb_]

Have stayed in AKL (2019) and PVR (2022) Next year GF. Very excited.

[@sherryl2178]

I’d love to see a video on how Disney does weddings!! I’m planning to be a 2026 Disney bride and have no idea which hotels would be best!

[@yorkshirelassdiaries4841]

My favourite Meal is beef Wellington, and my favourite desert is panna cotta. Is there any Disney world restaurants that offer these? Thank you. Also do you know where I can order one of those dome birthday cakes from for my trip please? (It's not until April 2025) I'm just excited and thoroughly enjoying the planning of the itinerary ❤

[@christopherbrawley6945]

Question can you tent camp at Fort Wilderness ❓️. Second question can you take the rented golf cart to Animal Kingdom ❓️

[@Cucomacho]

Excelent video! I've stayed in the beach club and the boardwalk before the latest renovations... beach club was great, boardwalk not so much You do really spend a lot in those... do the math before going...

[@Amanda87l]

we are visiting for two weeks next summer. we have the quick service plan included with our stay at port orleans FQ. we have 10 people in our part but i would like to do one nice sit down dinner. where would you recommend if your just doing one sit down dinner. xx

[@dfbbreea]

Oooh, for a big group INSIDE the parks, Biergarten at EPCOT is a nice choice! But if you’re looking for one OUTSIDE the parks, you may wanna book a reservation for Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge!

[@FletchyMcFletch]

Team split stay! Who can pick just one?

[@loricaruthers223]

When can one dine at the new poly DVC tower restaurants?

[@amydoran9987]

My family and I usually stay at the wilderness lodge resort. Taking the boat to and from the magic kingdom is the best. We have become very attached to staying at this resort. We have also stayed at the garden view part of the contemporary. We did not like this resort as much.

[@stacybehrens7152]

We stayed at Wilderness Lodge recently. It was lovely. Been to several deluxe Disney hotels and each has its charms. We try to stay at a different one each time which makes each a unique vacation in spite of the parks not changing much over the years. Personally like Boardwalk and Polynesian but would happily repeat visit any of the ones we've tried so far. Agree the Contemporary is one I have a hard time warming up to. Doesn't seem cozy and the theming is a bit confused. The monorail is neat but also a bit like sleeping in a train station.

[@jackwilkinson4911]

Deluxe resorts are overrated in my opinion. Especially if you're going to be spending more time at the parks than at your resort. True, you get Extended Evening Hours, but often they won't be running for most of your stay. You may get lucky with 1 or 2, but that's about it really

[@stacybehrens7152]

If the plan is to simply be at the parks from open to close, the deluxe resorts are a pointless extravagance. But if you want the hotel to be a big part of the experience and have a more leisurely approach to the parks, they can be a fantastic way to vacation. We often go in and out of the parks and chill at the hotel when the sun is at its strongest - we are more of a morning and evening crew in the parks and not concerned with standing in every line in the park and riding every ride. It's been mostly the same rides for decades and we expect to come back in future years. The club level at the deluxe resorts can be a great way to de-stress the dining and snacking too, especially if you have kids. Plus the restaurants, transportation, and other amenities are usually a bit nicer and more plentiful at the deluxe hotels.

[@jackwilkinson4911]

Oh yes, without a doubt, the amenities and transportation options are really nice I'm sure. It's just, I don't see myself staying at a deluxe resort, mostly because it's way out of my budget. And even if I could afford it, it'd still be a waste of money for me, as I tend to spend all day at the parks myself

[@spiritedreviewexc]

Im team French Quarter and man i miss it my last day the cast member that turned down my room, left me towel art with my pikachu and Micky plush standing next to each other i havea pic somewhere on my instagram

[@a-totally-random-person]

For what Disney resorts cost, park tickets should be included. The costs too far outweigh the perks. I get my annual pass, stay at the cheapest place nearby, and refuse to spend any extra while I'm there.

[@adventures7247]

As someone who has to fly across the country to get to WDW, and I try to annually, that perk... water park on check in day.... screams red eye flight or fly in a day early and stay offside or go to Universal first. If you are closer to the west coast and fly in that day, you don't get in until 4 or 5pm. So it's not really a perk.

[@teejohn8153]

❤

[@shellykreska4472]

VALUE RESORTS ... We go to Disney for the parks not the hotel

[@Magsplanstravel]

Did I just get a bad batch of the mac and cheese at Gasparilla? I literally was so excited to try this and was soooo disappointed. It was gummy and there was almost no cheese. It was so disappointing. 😢

[@jamesf791]

Be warned that DVC may sound enticing, you probably won't get your money back,ormany times you have to pay all at once, many times you are paying up to 11 months prior to visiting, and it's hard to get benefits like Disney dining ... Oh and no guarantee you'll save any money

[@vincent412l7]

When you're staying at DVC, you have to go by DVC rules. And when you rent points from a member, you need to work out terms with them.

[@familyfehl9975]

Poly's new tower looks like a modern wart of a hotel. Blah!

[@danielvandersall6756]

And it looks like they're once again constructing "Reflections" over by Fort Wilderness. Again with a hyper-modern concrete blockhouse that in no way matches Wilderness Lodge at all.

[@KatMo126]

I agree. It looks like the drury u pass downtown on ur way to Disney

[@danielvandersall6756]

@@KatMo126 Honestly might be a better deal as well. Drury Inns are usually very nice.

[@AshleyDeokinandan]

It’s crazy because now those are considered the moderately priced rooms, and standard rooms are going for hundreds more at the Polynesian!

[@mertcanhacfazloglu4862]

Ah... One video I will never need

[@KatMo126]

Also, old key west is less expensive than Saratoga for a very important reason. OKW is the Caribbean of the deluxe resorts. And what do I mean by that? One word. Elevators. There’s only elevators in 2, at times 3 buildings (depending on maintenance). Imagine paying 1000$ a night for a multi room accommodation so u don’t have to share a room with all ur kids, then having to lug all those kids, gear, and strollers up three flights of stairs every night?

[@kdusel1991]

My home resort is OKW!

[@ReelSlashers]

Leave it to the DGB guide to show the same clip twice of the lady tripping over her flip flop 😂

[@annlavine3576]

moderate

[@matthewlupton1539]

To sum it up no it’s not worth it at all to go to Disney as a whole anymore. Literally go anywhere else in the world and you’ll have a better time right now.

[@annlavine3576]

only buss transport/ take them off the deluxe list