Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World are attractions unto themselves. We like to think of them as true “resorts” in that you don’t even have to leave them to have a great vacation. Wonderful pools, fantastic restaurants, beautiful appointments, and plenty of things to do make these resorts a wonderful vacation experience. Here are our favorite Deluxe Resorts, shared by our Dream Designers…..
AMY HUFFMAN – DISNEY’S BEACH CLUB RESORT
One of my favorite Deluxe resorts is the Beach Club. You cannot beat the short walk into Epcot via the International Gateway and the boat ride to Hollywood Studios makes transportation easy. The views of the Lagoon are Boardwalk are breathtaking, and there is no better pool on property! The recently refurbished rooms are just gorgeous.
Grab a “kitchen sink” sundae at Beaches and Cream, dine with Mickey and friends for breakfast at Cape May, or head over to the Yacht Club for a fabulous meal at Yachtsman Steakhouse. The Beach Club offers proximity to the parks for ultimate fun, along with pure relaxation at the resort.
KIM OTZENBERGER – DISNEY’S WILDERNESS LODGE RESORT
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a place where you can leave all of your cares behind and is my all time favorite Resort! The rustic feel and the overall warmth of the lodge is outstanding! The Wilderness Lodge is absolutely breathtaking and gives you the feeling of being in the Pacific Northwest.
There are quiet places to escape the hustle and bustle of the parks. Pools, hot tub and boardwalks make this a perfect paradise! We love being able to use the boat transportation to and from the Magic Kingdom and the Contemporary Resort. The rooms are warm and inviting with beautiful rustic charm! Dining options are so much fun with Whispering Canyon Cafe, as well as 2 counter service locations, including the new Geyser Point.
STEPHANIE ANDERSON – DISNEY’S POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT
My favorite deluxe resort is the Polynesian Village Resort. When I step foot on this property it’s like I’m in paradise from the moment I walk in the beautiful lobby with an Aloha welcome to the breathtaking views of the resort!
There are so many things to do from swimming in the lava or oasis pool, boating at the marina, movies under the stars, or adults can check out Trader Sam’s for a fun date night! Not to mention the amazing restaurants to partake in, such as Spirit of Aloha for the nightly luau, Kona cafe and you must try the Tonga toast, or my favorite Ohana (you can’t go wrong with breakfast or dinner there).
Plus now you have bag check before you get on the monorail to the Magic Kingdom so it saves you tons of time without waiting in line to get in the park! I promise you can’t go wrong with choosing this deluxe resort as your next stay!
KATHY CARLETON – ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE
How to choose my favorite Deluxe resort?? I close my eyes, and I find that I am picturing myself in the heart of Africa! Yes, my favorite resort at Walt Disney World is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) is an amazing adventure to Africa, with the 4 exciting parks of WDW just minutes away. I like to describe a stay in these deluxe resorts to my guests- Jambo House and Kidani Village- as 2 vacations in 1.
I am not able to choose which location is my favorite as there is fabulousity to be found at both locations. Kidani Village has the amazing pool with the kids splash area, Sanaa for delicious dining and an activity center for young and old. Jambo House is the heart of these properties in my opinion, with incredible art work, exotic animal viewing areas, African story tellers, and dining options such as Jiko, Boma and The Mara.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is indeed the best of both worlds- a trip to Africa in the middle of magical Walt Disney World.
HOLLEY MCKAY – DISNEY’S CONTEMPORARY RESORT
The Contemporary Resort is my favorite Deluxe Resort! It is the first resort I ever stayed in and it provides a feeling of nostalgia for me. From the Monorail running through the main tower to the openness of the inside of the tower looking down over the concourse, I love everything about this place!
Chef Mickey’s stirs up excitement for everyone and the Contempo Cafe has the best cupcakes!! Having the ability to move along the Monorail to explore the other resorts, as well as riding to the Magic Kingdom make this Resort a treasure.
My family loves the walkway between the Magic Kingdom and The Contemporary, especially on those nights that we close down the Magic Kingdom. Everyone is waiting for the Monorail, water taxis and busses, while we zip right along to our home!
COLEEN BALLARD – BOARDWALK RESORT
My newest favorite Deluxe Resort at Walt Disney World is BoardWalk Inn! BoardWalk is a beautiful walk or boat ride to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios and was the perfect place for me and my husband to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary.
We enjoyed the “Coney Island” feel while watching street performers and sipping on Margaritas. BUT, Boardwalk’s selection of desserts were “Oh, so delicious”! From our breakfasts at The BoardWalk Bakery to Ample Hills Creamery, we satisfied our sweet tooth.
BoardWalk has a community feel and is a truly charming resort. We look forward to taking our whole family next time!
COURTNEY MIKULA – DISNEY’S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT &SPA
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is my favorite resort because it’s the doorstep to the Magic Kingdom. We spend most of our time at that particular park, so I love that it’s quick and easy to get there by boat and monorail. The Grand Floridian truly is the flagship resort of Walt Disney World based on it’s prime location and gorgeous grounds.
The resort houses a full service spa, 1900 Park Fare restaurant with your favorite characters, fine dining, wonderful pools (including a fun kid’s play pool area), and fun activities for guests of all ages.
The close proximity to Magic Kingdom, as well as it’s luxurious style make this my favorite Deluxe Resort.
Be sure to contact your favorite Dream Designer travel agent, or request your free quote by clicking here.
