An Idiot's GUIDE TO DELUXE RESORTS at Walt Disney World | 2021

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Hey guys! I've had a couple comments about missing resorts. This video only covers the deluxe resort category, and not the deluxe villas category, so the Riviera, Saratoga Springs and Old Key West DVC resorts aren't covered. Hope that makes sense! I'll be covering these in a future video 😁

[@KatieC246]

What about the Swann and dolphin?🤩

[@KNHarrison125]

I have no plans to visit Disney for quite some time but I just love watching these videos. There's just something I really enjoy about seeing the amount of detail Disney puts into creating a theme for each resort. If I ever get the money Beach Club and Boardwalk are both on my list but for now I have to live through videos like this.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you for watching 👍😁

[@nataliepenna8618]

Can't believe I missed this on update day even though I mentioned it on your last video, lol. Thanks for highlighting all the things I should do when I sell my kidneys to afford this!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Haha, no problem, glad you enjoyed it 👍😁

[@jenniferlorimer9644]

Great video. Would love to stay in the Polynesian resort, especially with the incorporation on the Moana theming. But a little above my budget 😳. Thanks for all the good information. Appreciate your hard work 👏

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you! Yeah it’s not very frugal, definitely too expensive to stay at for more than a couple nights if you’re flying from the UK.

[@blainegowland]

I know I say this every video, but I can’t rate this channel high enough 🙌

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Really appreciate that Blaine 👍😁

[@brettdudenhoeffer3405]

Love the videos! Would love it if you made a video comparing the Disney World on-site resorts to the Universal Ones. Or even just the Deluxe Disney World vs the premium Universal ones!

[@tidelovinyankee1368]

I absolutely love your video; it is by far, the best WDW review video I have ever seen, regardless of topic. We live in Texas and take frequent vacations at Disney World. Our next trip will take place in late February of this year for three weeks, and will be spent in the Deluxe hotels with no park attendance. The parks are fantastic, but sometimes we just like spending long vacations in the resorts and enjoy the ambience and great food. Interestingly, we often run into families from England who spend extensive holidays at Disney World and stay in the Deluxe hotels. Always nice to run into you folks.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Much appreciated! Yes us Brits love to spend all our money in Orlando! Thanks for watching 😁

[@stephenhodgson3506]

Something that is often overlooked is that you don't have to stay at just one resort, this is called a split stay. Disney offer a service where they will transfer your luggage free of charge for you if you are stopping at multiple locations. So for example you may decide to begin your vacation at Animal Kingdom Lodge staying there for maybe two or three days. Then move onto Magic Kingdom and one of the resorts there. Finally moving onto an Epcot/Hollywood Studio. This will minimise the amount of travel time getting to the parks. This service is also available between different price band; so you could mix between value all the way through to deluxe. However if you decide to use this option I wouldn't recommend starting at a deluxe resort and moving down. You will either feel that you overpaid to begin with or be disappointed with you lower value resort as you will be comparing it to what you had before.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Good knowledge, thank you Stephen!

[@tidelovinyankee1368]

Thanks for the great advice; we will use it on our upcoming trip to Disney.

[@TheMastermind729]

My family did this back in 2013. Felt amazing going from Port Orleans to Beach Club with its bigger rooms, amazing pool, and easy access to epcot.

[@clairejones7878]

My husband and I have stayed at Jambo House five times. We love the Savannah view bedrooms and African decor throughout the hotel.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Stunning!

[@sluggy236]

Another great video frugal! Always wanted to stay in the contemporary! One day I will, but not very frugal

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you! Yeah it’s really hard to justify the cost if you’re staying more than a couple nights.

[@YannLL]

Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Poly are the only 2 deluxe resorts that really appeal to me, but I'll only ever stay in moderates. I prefer to visit deluxe resorts and spend more money on restaurants or experiences. Great video as always!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Yeah the Deluxe resorts are fantastic, but they’re obviously crazy expensive. Can be a great way to end the vacation though for a night or two. Thanks for watching! 👍😁

[@athenahastings1151]

Another great video as per usual. I see your channel has really taken off...well done! You deserve it!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Athena, yes very happy with the progress 👍😁 Always appreciate your comments.

[@CharlotteOconnorTravel]

Great info as usual and agree with the summaries. I always do a few days at Beach Club each trip as its so convenient. Love the Poly too, but as you say it feels really busy and for the price I paid for a club level room and to not even have a balcony isn't great. Grand Floridian doesn't appeal to me at, not even if it was half the price

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thanks Charlotte, pleased you enjoyed the new video. Likewise, the Grand Floridian is my least favourite resort if I’m honest, but obviously stiff competition in this category.

[@patrickdaly5988]

@@TheFrugalBrit I know the aesthetic the GF is shooting for, and while it appeals to Americans, it just looks like late 1980s Laura Ashley to me. I can never shake that impression when I'm in there. I will say, I quite liked the external view before they ruined it with DVCs.

[@GMAMEC]

I am so glad you mentioned the price. There are so many other reputable options available in Orlando. Furthermore, most people will be spending most of their time at one of the theme parks. Considering the room sizes, I would be reluctant to stay, even if it was a quarter of the price. There are homes and genuine suites (1-2 br with 1 or more bathrooms) available for much less.

[@r99evo]

I love your videos so much. I wish you would post more, especially the top 10 and review videos.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you for that. Unfortunately the videos take quite a bit of time to make 😢.

[@r99evo]

@@TheFrugalBrit I can tell!

[@williamr5371]

Thanks for video. My favs (that I’ve stayed at) are 1) YC; 2) Polynesian; 3) GF; 4) Contemporary (wing). I hope to stay at others one day

[@tomcaron9113]

Thank you Michael Eisner for Crecent Lake area! Thank you for this video, one of the best reviews anywhere. Right to the point and great shoots!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

And to his parents for taking him on those New England vacations as a kid 😉

[@RireV]

Great overview video. Personally, I love Wilderness Lodge the most, it's my favorite WDW resort (esp. the DVC bungalows). The Beach Club is nice, so is the Boardwalk inn. I'd never stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge (too far and too much walking inside the resort), Grand Floridian or Contemporary (too expensive with too little to offer in return irw. exterior, crowded and posh athmosphere) or Polynesian Village (always feels extremely busy and crowded, hotel urgently needs a make-over, food options too expensive).

[@johnhannan1093]

Excellent video - Love your overviews :)

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you! 👍😁

[@MISSLEONAJB]

Thanks so much for this - really useful. I am looking forward to hearing about Swan and Dolphin to see if I should consider one of those ☺️ xx

[@TheFrugalBrit]

You’re welcome! Pleased you’ve found it useful, thanks for watching 👍😁

[@tomsinsky5548]

It's stupid & cheap of Disney to not have a special, fun method of transportation between the AKL & the AK park. (Perhaps a Jungle Book, Lion King, or Black Panther-themed train.) At the very least there should be a safe, well-lit walking path between them.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Yeah it’s odd that they haven’t figured something out for that. Wouldn’t be surprised if they implemented one of those ideas 👍

Yes thank you for all your videos. I think these are ideal to inform you about the resorts. Going to show them to my friends to plan our 2022 trip

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you for that! Pleased you’ve found it useful 👍😁

[@Trazynn]

Animal Kingdom Lodge seems like it's oriented to families where one parent needs to be working remotely for a week, there's no point buying a park ticket but they still get to experience it as a holiday and be with their family. Or just incredibly rich people. Obviously.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Yes it’s far too expensive for me to stay more than a night or two!

[@timh4794]

Another great video, would be good to see your personal top 10 hotels (Disney, Universal etc.). Have a good weekend.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Tim, I’ll definitely be doing that video at some point in the future 👍😁

[@misskitteecatz]

Absolutely brilliant information , will watch again.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

😁😁 thank you

[@livingincrete7157]

Thanks so much. Best video I have ever seen from Disney you tuber. And I've seen a lot! Love your accent..are you a scouser?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you for that! No I’m not a scouser but live fairly close to liverpool (Ellesmere Port).

[@livingincrete7157]

@@TheFrugalBrit Ah ha, I though I could detect a little bit of that. I am from the North of England and went to Polytechnic in Liverpool.

[@jazmin8461]

As soon as I saw this, I couldn't click fast enough.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

☺️

[@daxhausentraveller8488]

Quality job 👍. Contemporary is my fav . But great and fair review . Nice one FB 👏

[@TheFrugalBrit]

So hard to pick a favourite with the Deluxes, they’re pretty well balanced 🙈 Thanks for watching 👍😁

[@GhassanTheBomb]

Another added benefit the late park hours are only available for these and I believe swan and dolphin one of the reasons I’m considering them.

[@VallaMusic]

ah what a beautiful fantasy video for a lower middle class person like myself - lol

[@StupidNoble]

Keep up the good work, thanks for all the good advice 👍

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Very welcome, thanks for watching 👍😁

[@jaynefreeburn6543]

Great video. I love hearing all the details, pros and cons and all the tips. I would love to see some Instagram content too.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Jayne! I’ll hopefully start an insta account within the year 👍😁

[@kiwisun529]

Great video and I wait for your review on Villas!

[@robertshort1271]

Another awesome video to finish a fantastic guide trilogy. Would love to know your thoughts about the upcoming Star Wars hotel/experience too, although I know that’s not your usual thing!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thanks for watching all three! Galactic Starcruiser looks very interesting, but I think it’s going to be aimed at the ultra rich which is a shame.

[@karenchambers8825]

Great video. I stayed at the yacht club and loved it so close to epcot and a fabulous swimming pool

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you! Indeed, you can’t beat stormalong bay!

[@mattbee4091]

Fantastic video mate!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Cheers Matt!

[@StuGatherum]

Brilliant video, very informative and helps make decisions

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you 👍😁

[@cesargalue]

another amazing video, keep them coming!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you 👍😁

[@chelfys_world]

Great video once again thank you 😊

[@TheFrugalBrit]

You’re very welcome, thanks for watching 😁👍

[@kiwisun529]

Stayed at all but one. The Poly. It is so hard to get reservations there. Grand Floridian great IF you are in tower. To our family Boardwalk is the best and another one hard to get reservations with. Prices for the rest of the year with the Deluxes are crazy. The only "somewhat" reasonable price is Animal Kingdom and they always seem to have rooms available. Oh i forgot never stayed at Wilderness ...another one that never has availability when we are looking sighhh. Renting DVC points can make it a "bit" more reasonable but then again I think it is non refundable.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Wilderness lodge often comes in a lot cheaper. Had similar issues with trying to book the BoardWalk. Thanks for watching 👍😁

[@heatherjousma2105]

I think you forgot about Riviera Resort. It’s the newest hotel and is so, so lovely!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Yeah the likes of the Riviera and Old Key West etc technically fall within the Deluxe Villas category, so I’ll cover those in a future video.

[@juniperdog5523]

Great video, thanks. Isn’t the Beach Club closer than the Yacht Club to Epcot? It looks that way on the map….maybe the way the walking paths go change that or something?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Oh man I messed that up! Meant to say the opposite 🤦‍♂️ apologies!

[@ahcupcake8]

The Ivy Trellis Salon at the Grand Floridian no longer exists. It was turned into a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique a few years ago

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Good knowledge 👍

[@orlawalsh4204]

Amazing video thank you! Planning my first trip for my 30th birthday at the moment and finding it tricky to decide where to stay. Which of the deluxe resorts would you say has the best location with regard getting to all the parks? :)

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Orla! I would say that the resorts on crescent lake have the advantage of letting you walk to either Hollywood Studios or Epcot. I suppose it really depends on what parks you’ll be visiting most.

[@davidh.2020]

I’m curious about what you think about Waldorf Astoria and the Swan and Dolphin hotels on Disney property?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Swan & Dolphin is great, but resort fees are frustrating. Compares well to the Disney owned deluxes. Waldorf is better imo, absolutely stunning, doesn’t have as good theming compared to the Disney Deluxes though.

[@hb2862]

I would love to stay at the polynesian. It's been a dream since childhood. Now i have a child and never have been. I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer last year. I've been incredibly ill. I am taking my young child to disney in a few days. I can only afford one day at the park. I am staying one night at the a value resort. Can we go see polynesian and / or eat at a restaurant there if we aren't guests there. It looks so beautiful. I would love to go. Are there ever last minute discounts?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Sorry to hear that. You can indeed visit the Polynesian for a meal etc, but not the pool area. You can even watch the fireworks there at night. Unfortunately the discounts aren’t great 😢. Did you have nice trip?

[@alejimenez2906]

Can you please review the Hilton Orlando at 6001 Destination Pkwy as it’s my favorite hotel and I would love for it to be shown on you’re channel!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

I’ll definitely do that one eventually. Loved that hotel, stayed there in 2013. The lazy river was great. I couldn’t afford to eat at any of the restaurants at the time though.

[@jeffreynolds9772]

Excellent work. Great travel prep. Does anyone know where he’s from? Trying to place his accent.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank mate. I’m from Ellesmere Port. Bit of a mild Merseyside accent.

[@mariasandera9151]

Love your videos!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you! 👍😁

[@susanb374]

You made a mistake in regard to the Yacht/Beach. Beach Club is closer to Epcot, Yacht Club is closer to Studios, you mixed that up.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Yeah I completely messed this up sorry 🙈

[@Dawkins921]

Great video!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you 😁

[@KateHistoryMysteries]

Another great video!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you! 😁

[@614supercool]

Great stuff.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

👍😁

[@gracebufano1058]

What about saratoga or old key west!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

They technically fall within the Deluxe Villas category, so not covered by this video. But I appreciate it’s confusing as the Deluxe hotels covered in this video also have DVC wings.

[@Xman305]

Where's old key west and Saratoga springs?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

They are DVC exclusive resorts which this video doesn’t cover, will hopefully cover all those in a future video. Probably should have included them all to be honest, but didn’t have the resources to do so.

[@jessburr1985]

I really want to visit wilderness lodge but we are a family with three children we heard it is hard to cater for families of 5 is this true please?

[@edvaira6891]

I’m quite surprised that Beach and Yacht club are considered DELUXE…they were, I believe, considered MODERATE when I stayed there in 1995 (three days in each, mostly because our room in the Beach Club was TERRIBLE and they could only move us to the Yacht Club rooms, which were, at least, NOT terrible, but still NOT “Deluxe)…the only other one we stayed in was Animal Kingdom Lodge which was LIGHT YEARS nicer and was actually WORTH $600 a night!….As always, Great job on the vlog!

[@kiwisun529]

I don't think a Disney resort called YACHT or BEACH CLUB (note club) was ever a moderate . I know the beach club has presidential suites because 2 of my friends had it on their honeymoon in the 90's.. As for Animal Kingdom we just got back and too dark and too many 1/2 mile hallways for us. But kids enjoyed the 15 mins in morning seeing animals from balcony. Stayed in Villa and standard and both too expensive but the only "reasonable" cost of the deluxe class. Now with the extra evening perks we might go back. The resort is BEAUTIFUL at Christmas and wonderful food!!

[@edvaira6891]

@@kiwisun529 Back in 1995, the pricing was, perhaps, a bit more generous, at least to the budget…we chose our original room (the bad one in the Beach Club) because it was a similar price to Caribbean Beach, at the time, and had a better location…so these two hotels were at least PRICED as MODERATES, back in June of ‘95

[@TheFrugalBrit]

For sure the rooms at Beach Club are the weakness. Crazy how much more expensive room rates are these days. As always, appreciate the insight 👍😁

[@ariana9941]

these must not be fun to kids probabbly :(, when I was a kid I did go to Disney once and stayed in the hotel that was styled in the 90's, I loved playing donkey kong on the lobby

[@Sn0zzberr13s]

FYI, you are missing Riviera.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Yeah that’s in the Deluxe villas category; this video only covers the standard deluxe resorts. However appreciate it gets confusing as a lot of the resorts in this video will have DVC sections.

[@Sn0zzberr13s]

@@TheFrugalBrit , that makes sense because other DVC resorts are also not included such as Old Key West and Saratoga Springs. Great production, BTW.

[@Tommow94]

Where is Four Seasons Resort?

[@Everclearboy1]

Yacht Club is not closer to Epcot, Beach Club is

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Yeah I got that mixed up 🙈

[@shahjehan]

AK lodge is way too dark for my tastes.