As a vacation planner, the first discussion I often have with clients is about where to stay. Disney offers several categories of resorts to meet the needs of their guests. The key is to understand the difference in amenities offered within these categories. To help you decide which resort is right for you, here’s my guide to Walt Disney World Resort hotel amenities.
Disney Resort Hotel Categories
At Walt Disney World, Disney Resort hotels are split into four main categories:
- Value Resorts*
- Moderate Resorts**
- Deluxe Resorts
- Deluxe Villas Resorts
*Includes the campsites at Fort Wilderness Resort
**Includes the cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort
For the purpose of these comparisons I’ll be looking at the standard room configurations offered in each category. Keep in mind that the individual hotels are unique and rooms such as Family Suites or regular suites can change the game a little.
These categories vary greatly in both amenities and price, so let’s take a look!
Disney Resort Hotel Amenities
Room Size & Location
When you’re on vacation, you want to feel comfortable. This is especially true if you have a larger family. Here are the average room sizes you’ll find in each category:
- Value: 260 sq ft
- Moderate: 314 sq ft
- Deluxe: 344-440 sq ft
- Deluxe Villa: 339 – 2,491 sq ft
Only Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts offer interior access (i.e. inside hallways). Moderate and Value Resorts typically only offer exterior access (i.e. outside “motel” hallways) and are more spread out overall.
In-Room Amenities
All Disney Resort hotels offer in-room amenities such as free Wi-Fi, TV’s, safes, irons, and mini-fridges. They do differ in a few areas:
Value Resorts typically offer 2 double beds, whereas all other categories offer standard configurations with 2 queen beds. Two of the Moderate Resorts also offer pull-down child-size bunks. At select Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts you can also find bunk beds or pull-down day beds.
Coffee drinkers, keep in mind that Value Resorts don’t offer coffee makers. You’ll have to walk down to the food court for a morning cup.
Deluxe Resorts often offer Club Level rooms with concierge service, evening turn down, access to the resort club-level lounge, a DVD player, and improved amenities overall.
Deluxe Villa Resorts offer room options with kitchenettes, full kitchens, and even in-room washers and dryers. Popular 1-3 Bedroom Villas offer large living/dining areas, separate bedrooms, and multiple bathrooms.
Dining Options
Deluxe and Deluxe Villas Resorts offer multiple table-service and quick-service dining options throughout the resort. Some of the best Disney World restaurants are located at the Deluxe hotels, such as California Grill, Victoria & Albert’s, and Jiko. Room service is also available.
Most Moderate Resorts offer one table-service restaurant and 1-2 quick-service options.
Value Resorts only offer quick-service options in the form of a food court.
Pools & Recreation
Each of the Disney Resort hotels offers multiple themed pools as well as a range of fun recreational activities.
Value Resorts offer pools, a playground, and an arcade.
At Moderate Resorts you’ll also find water slides and hot tubs at the pools, as well as a few additional recreational options (e.g. horse-drawn carriage rides at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside).
Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts offer the most in terms of recreation, with huge pools that offer fun features such as zero-entry or sand-bottoms. Select hotels also offer sporting courts (tennis, volleyball, etc), water sports, and specialty cruises. You can also find unique activities such as night-vision animal viewing at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or morning yoga at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Resort Amenities
Speaking of the resorts themselves, each of the resorts offers the following:
- Free Resort Wi-Fi
- Merchandise Delivery & Pickup
- Magical Express Service
- Resort Airline Check-In
- Laundry Services
- In-Room Celebrations
At Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts you will also find the following amenities:
- Concierge Services
- Spas & Fitness Centers
- Dry Cleaning Services
- Room Service
- Business Centers
Transportation & Proximity to the Parks
Generally speaking, Deluxe and Deluxe Villas resorts are located closer to the parks than their Moderate or Value counterparts.
Transportation options to the park differ by category and individual resort:
- Value: Bus Only
- Moderate: Buses or Boats (Disney Springs Only)
- Deluxe/Deluxe Villa: Buses, Boats, Monorail, or Walking Path
If you’re the type who doesn’t like waiting for a crowded bus, be sure to consider the hotels with alternatives such as ferries or monorail access.
Theming & Environment
Finally we get to the overall feel of the resorts.
Value Resorts are known for their big, bold, character-driven theming.
Moderate Resorts offer a moderate level of theming, suited to different cultures such as New Orleans and the Caribbean.
Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts put you in the middle of the moment with fully immersive theming. Explore the native artwork of Africa or step into turn-of-the-century Florida. These hotels truly feel like an escape from the real world.
Hopefully you’re now a little more familiar with the difference in what you’re getting at the Disney Resort hotels. Know your priorities and determine which amenities are most important to you.
Want more help choosing the right vacation options for your family? I’m here for you! As I mentioned, I am a concierge vacation planner specializing in Disney Destinations. When you book with me you get all of my great services 100% free.
Request a free quote and consultation today!
