Deluxe Resorts Overview

These resorts are at the top of the price range at Disney. It will cost you a pretty penny to stay each night in one of these resorts. But Disney makes sure you get your money’s worth by “rolling out the red carpet” via their amazing rooms and amenities.

The Resorts in this article will Include:

Now let’s dive right in and see what each Deluxe Resort has to offer.

One of the unique offerings of Deluxe Resorts is their “Concierge Services.” This is just a designated area where they have a lounge available to guests staying in a Concierge Level Room. In the lounge you’ll find (for the extra price of a Concierge Level Room) food, drinks entertainment, and help making pretty much any Disney plans you’d wish to make.

Many of these resorts also have sections that are a part of Disney Vacation Club (DVC), but this overview looks only at the parts of the resort that are not included in the DVC.

These resorts all participate in the free Magical Express service, for more info on that, click the proceeding link.

**Disclaimer, this list does not include rooms available through the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) for more info on those, please email us at dolewhipandcastle@gmail.com.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney calls the lodge “Jambo House.” And from the moment you pull up, you feel as though you have been transported to a fantastical oasis in the middle of an African wildlife reserve. Though the entrance to the Animal Kingdom Lodge may seem small at first, (it’s done this way to mimic a small African village) in reality the resort is a sprawling wonder. It is situated on a huge parcel of land. You truly start to appreciate its grandeur as you enter the main lobby, which is massive! So massive, that you actually enter on the third floor (of six total floors) of the lodge. And the floor-to-ceiling windows offer you your first view of the 30+ acres of land. Along with the animals they have roaming freely outside.

There are a number of different room types to choose from. There are Standard Rooms (which face the parking lot), Pool View Rooms. And there are Savanah View Rooms, Deluxe Pool View Rooms, Deluxe Savanah View Rooms, and Concierge Rooms. If it’s suites you’re looking for, they have different types of those too. There’s the Presidential Suites, the Vice Presidential Suites, the One Bedroom Suites, and the Two Bedroom Parlor Suites.

Most rooms offer two queen sized beds. But some have one queen bed and a set of bunk beds. There are also some rooms (for an extra price) that offer king sized beds. Any room located on floors 2-6 will have a narrow but long balcony. However, only the Savanah View Rooms will be able to see the animals from their balconies.

The rooms also come with a T.V. and basic cable. And a small safe, coffee maker with packets of coffee, iron, ironing board, hair dryer, and a small refrigerator. Cribs, valet parking, and room service are also available upon request. Free Wi-Fi is also available to guests.

What makes this resort so unique, is the wildlife reserve they have behind the resort. There are over 200 types of animals that call the reserve home. You can view the animals at any time from various locations. And there are often Cast Members (CMs) there that can tell you more about the animals. You can find the CMs at the outdoor viewing areas. You will even find an animal viewing guide in your room! But make note, that you will not be able to touch or feed the animals. Unless you are closely supervised in a special program offered by the resort. Check with the front desk for any of these programs offered during your stay. Should you attempt to harm the animals in any way, it will result in an immediate expulsion from the resort.

There are a number of options, at this resort, when it comes to food. Jiko and Boma are the Table Service Restaurants, and Advanced Dining Reservations are strongly advised. There is also Mara that offers poolside dining for all three meals. And Uzima Springs which is a pool bar. If you’re looking for coffee, tea, or other drinks in the evening, you can head to the Victoria Falls lounge. And there is also Sanaa which is open for lunch and dinner. This resort also has refill stations if you purchase one of the Refillable Resort Mugs. Or if you received one as a part of one of Disney’s Dining Plan option.

If you’d like to do some shopping or pick up Disney or Resort souvenirs, you can do so at Zawadi Marketplace. It is one of the largest retails shops at at Disney World Resort.

For other recreation options, Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a main pool (with a waterslide). Then there are two outside hot tubs, a fitness center (for anyone over the age of 14). And there’s a wading pool and playground for the kids.

Some things to keep in mind: there is no pathway to Animal Kingdom from this resort. Nor are there trams either. Animal Kingdom does not allow balloons at the resort. So bare that in mind before spending a good chunk of change on a balloon for the kiddos. You will have to check them in at Bell Services and pick them up again when you depart the resort. And finally, there are cameras everywhere (for the safety of you and the animals). So be sure to close the curtains of your room whenever you wish to ensure privacy.

Bringing a pair of binoculars is a great idea for spotting animals farther out in the reserve. Also, lighting in the rooms is low, so a lighted mirror might be beneficial to bring as well.

You can take a complimentary shuttle bus to the parks or Disney Springs. Or you can drive, though you will have to pay for overnight parking if you bring your own vehicle.

Room rates at Animal Kingdom Lodge will depend on what time of year you go and what type of room you get. A Standard Room during a non-peak time will start around $345/weeknight. The weekends typically cost more per night. Rooms with views of the Savanah and Club Level Rooms will also cost more. And if it’s during a peak season, all the rooms will cost more per night.

Beach Club

This resort is located on the Disney Boardwalk. It is within walking distance of anything along the Boardwalk. Which includes other resorts, restaurants, shops and entertainment. It is also within walking distance of Epcot.

The beachy theme and laidback atmosphere provide a peaceful ambiance to your vacation and makes you feel as though you have been transported to the New England seaside. The resort is sprawling though, so be prepared for a long walk to and from your room if you aren’t located close to the main lobby.

There are two room view types and a number of different suite options. For the Standard View Rooms, you will either face the parking lot, roof, or wooded areas. In the Pool/Water View Rooms, you may face the inner courtyards, the lakes, the boardwalk, Hollywood Studios, the Dolphin or Swan hotel, or the quiet pool. Some rooms have balconies but some do not. And some ground floor rooms have walk-out patios.

The rooms also come with a T.V. and basic cable, a small safe, coffee maker with packets of coffee, iron, ironing board, hair dryer, and a small refrigerator. Cribs, valet parking, and room service are also available upon request. Free Wi-Fi is also available to guests.

The Beach Club offers a number of dining options within the resort itself. There is Cape May Cafe (a character dining breakfast option) and Beaches and Cream which is a diner that’s famous for its Kitchen Sink Sundaes. Advanced Dining Reservations are highly recommended for both of these places. There is also Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill that serves lunch and dinner along with a full bar, and Martha’s Vineyard lounge that offers a full bar, open in the evenings. This resort also has refill stations if you purchase one of the Refillable Resort Mugs, or if you receive one as a part of one of Disney’s Dining Plan options.

It is also close to its sister resort, the Yacht Club that boasts its own incredible restaurants. Not to mention the other resorts and Boardwalk restaurants that are within walking distance that you can try.

There are a lot of fun things to do around the resort and boardwalk, Be sure to request your copy of the resort’s Recreational Activities flier. There are tennis courts, jogging trails, volleyball and the Ship Shape Health Club. Along with a large, indoor arcade, Lafferty Place Arcade and Bayside Marina where you can take fishing expeditions or lake cruises.

The Beach Club Marketplace is a large shop that has Disney and resort souvenirs along with books, swimwear, sundries, candy, and some prepackaged food.

Arguably, the most noteworthy aspect of the Beach Club is StormAlong Bay. Which is quite possibly the best pool located at any Disney resort! The large pirate ship waterslide zips over the Boardwalk and splashes down into their pool on the other side. There is a smaller water slide for those who aren’t tall enough to brave the larger slide. There is also a lazy river (careful, it’s deep) and another separate area with entry points covered in sand! This pool is so popular, that the resort has implemented strict Beach and Yacht Club guests only! So you must have your magic band/resort ID to gain access to the pool area. There are also quiet pools you can take advantage of, if StormAlong Bay gets too loud or crowded.

To get around on Disney property, Beach Club offers complementary shuttle buses. But they sometimes stop at the Boardwalk and Swan and Dolphin hotels so be prepared for it to take longer to get to the parks or Disney Springs. To get to the Magic Kingdom, you could also take the monorail from Epcot’s back entrance and transfer to the Magic Kingdom monorail, though this tends to take longer and is a bit more walking. You can also take a boat to Hollywood Studios as well as Epcot, though the boat makes a number of stops around the Boardwalk area, so again, it will take some time. Finally, you can drive to any of the Disney parks, resorts or Disney Springs, though there is now a fee to park overnight at any of the Disney Resorts and you’ll also have to pay for parking at the parks.

Room rates at the Beach Club will depend on what time of year you go and what type of room you get. A Standard Room during a non-peak time will start around $400/weeknight. The weekends typically cost more per night. Rooms with views of the Pool/Gardens/Lagoon, Club Level Rooms, and Suites will also cost more. And if it’s during a peak season, all the rooms will cost more per night.

Boardwalk Inn

This resort is styled after a 1920’s-1930’s Atlantic City resort. It’s Coney Island-like boardwalk gives the area its name, Disney Boardwalk. It is within walking distance of both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

This resort offers Standard Rooms and Water View Rooms as well as Deluxe Rooms and Garden Suites. The rooms also have a private balcony or patio.There is also a Concierge Club at this resort and the Deluxe Rooms are only available for those spending the extra dough to get into the Concierge Club.

The rooms offer two queen sized beds and a daybed, or a king bed and a daybed. There is also a dresser with a T.V. and basic cable, a small pullout table with one chair, a small safe, coffee maker with packets of coffee, iron, ironing board, and a small refrigerator. The commode and shower are separate from the double sink area. And there is plenty of counter space with a full length mirror on the door and a hairdryer in every room. Cribs, valet parking, and room service are also available upon request. Free Wi-Fi is also available to guests.

The Garden Suites are two story accommodations and though they are marketed towards honeymooners, they can sleep a family of four. All but three of the suites have their own private entrance and the ones that don’t have their own private balcony. Each yard is separated by a cute white picket fence and the front is meticulously landscaped with a gated entrance. These suites are all separated from the main building so there’s a walk if you wish to visit the Concierge Lounge. For more info on the Garden Suites, email us at: dolewhipwishesandcastledreams@gmail.com.

The Boardwalk Inn offers a number of amenities: meeting rooms, 24-hour front desk, business center, laundry and room service to name a few.

Dundy’s Sundries is a small store located in the lobby on the Villa side and it offers resort souvenirs as well as a limited basic necessities. There are a number of other stores located out along the Boardwalk too that are within walking distance.

There are also a number of dining options located out along the Boardwalk and inside the resort that you can chose from, some of these options include: Ample Hills Creamery, Big River Grille and Brewing Works, Boardwalk Bakery, ESPN Club, and Flying Fish to name just a few. You can also get pizza, room service or stop at one of the many food carts that are scattered across the Boardwalk. This resort also participates in the Refillable Resort Mug program.

For fun things to do, look no further than the carnival themed pool, Luna Park, with its gigantic water slide! There are two quiet pools available as well, if you’re looking for something more low key.

There’s also Muscles and Bustles Health Club, two lighted tennis courts, recreational rentals (such as bicycles and swimming equipment). And marina type activities (such as boat fishing gear rentals). If you head out to the Boardwalk, you’ll find a plethora of fun activities to do as well, that vary throughout the year.

To get around on Disney property, the Boardwalk Inn offers complementary shuttle buses. To get to the Magic Kingdom, you could also take the monorail from Epcot’s front entrance and transfer to the Magic Kingdom monorail, though this tends to take longer and is a bit more walking. Epcot and Hollywood Studios are within walking distance, or you can also take a boat to both, though the boat makes a number of stops around the Boardwalk area, so it will take some time. Finally, you can drive to any of the Disney parks, resorts or Disney Springs, though there is now a fee to park overnight at any of the Disney Resorts and you’ll also have to pay for parking at the parks.

Room rates at the Boardwalk Inn will depend on what time of year you go and what type of room you get. A Standard Room during a non-peak time will start around $439/weeknight. The weekends typically cost more per night. Rooms with views of the water, Club Level Rooms, and Suites will also cost more. And if it’s during a peak season, all the rooms will cost more per night.

Contemporary Resort

This resort is one (of two) of Disney’s original resorts. It’s located next to the Magic Kingdom and is a short walk, or even shorter monorail ride to the most popular Disney park. It is one of the monorail resorts, which simply means it’s located along the monorail’s path. In fact, the monorail actually runs through the inside of the main building of the resort!

The rooms are among the largest in any WDW resort, and come either as a Standard Room or a Suite. There are also different views you can get for Contemporary Resort Rooms, there are Bay Lake View Rooms, Magic Kingdom/Parking Lot View Rooms, or Garden View Rooms. Your view will depend on whether you’re staying in the Tower or the South Garden Wing, and is also dependent on what you’re willing to spend (it costs more for Magic Kingdom View Rooms).

The Standard Rooms offer two queen sized beds and a day bed or one king sized and a day bed. They can sleep up to five people plus a child under three (in a crib). The Suites vary in what types of beds they have and how many they sleep. Email us at dolewhipandcastle@gmail.com for more info.

There are two Concierge Lounges at this resort on two separate floors, though they are identical.

For dining options, there are two Table Service Restaurants, The Wave and California Grill which is located near the top of the Tower, it’s views of the Magic Kingdom (and nightly fireworks shows) are breathtaking. There’s also a Character Dining Experience, Chef Mickey’s. Advanced Dining Reservations are highly recommended for California Grill and Chef Mickey’s.

If you’re looking for Quick Service Restaurants, you can check out The Contempo Cafe and the Sand Bar. And for grabbing a quick cup of coffee, the Contemporary Resort has Contemporary Grounds. There’s also limited room-service and pizza delivery available.

For those who wish to swim, Contemporary offers two pools, a large one with a water slide and a smaller, quiet pool. Cabanas are available for rent and they come with a flatscreen T.V., resort phone, mini fridge, and iPod docking station. Two hot tubs are also available and a water play area for kids.

The pools aren’t the only amenities, be sure to ask for a list of recreational activities when you check in. You can also rent small boats and fishing equipment, along with taking part in their various water sports. There’s Olympiad Fitness Center, basketball hoops, golf (located nearby, speak to the concierge desk for transportation), volleyball and tennis. For kids ages 4-12, there is Pixar Play Zone which boasts interactive fun and for kids of all ages, there’s a video arcade. Just keep in mind, many of these things require a resort ID so make sure to bring it with you.

There are three locations for shopping inside the Contemporary Resort. The first is Bayview Gifts that has chocolates, jewelry, framed art, housewares and some women’s fashion. The next is Fantasia Market which has reading materials, some toiletries and refrigerated items along with alcohol. Finally, there is Fantasia which is a Disney souvenir store that offers a wide collection of trading pins.

For transportation to Magic Kingdom, it’s a short walk or monorail ride. The monorail will also take you to the Grand Floridian and Polynesian Resorts as well as the Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC) where you can transfer to the monorail that will take you to Epcot. There are also complementary shuttle buses that will take you to the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. You can also drive, but it’s worth noting that you now have to pay to park overnight at any of the Disney resorts and you have to pay to park at the parks as well.

Room rates at the Contemporary Resort will depend on what time of year you go and what type of room you get. A Standard Room during a non-peak time will start around $410/weeknight. The weekends typically cost more per night. Garden Wing/King/ Deluxe Rooms, Tower Rooms, Club Level Rooms, and Suites will also cost more. And if it’s during a peak season, all the rooms will cost more per night.

Grand Floridian

This resort is at the very top of Disney’s price range when it comes to places you can stay. It is located next to Magic Kingdom (though there is NO walkway from this resort to MK), along the monorail route. The Victorian theme and elegant atmosphere is pervasive throughout the resort grounds.

The different types of rooms you can get are: Pool/Marina View Rooms (which have balconies), Lagoon View Rooms (which may or may not include views of Magic Kingdom), Magic Kingdom View Rooms (which includes the jacuzzi/honeymoon rooms), Lodge Tower Rooms, Concierge Rooms (which includes Deluxe and Honeymoon Concierge Rooms), and Suites.

It’s also worth noting that this resort has rooms known as Dormer/Attic Rooms, this means they are a bit smaller than the Standard Rooms but seem a little bigger because of the vaulted ceilings and only the Dormer Rooms have private balconies, the other rooms have shared balconies. The Standard Rooms sleep up to five people, whereas the Dormer Rooms only sleep four. And the Lodge Tower Rooms offer all the features of the rest of the room types (mentioned below), but includes a separate sitting area with additional furniture. Free Wi-Fi is also available to guests.

The rooms are mostly queen sized beds, but you can request king sized ones (for an extra cost). The rooms also include a small safe and refrigerator (if there isn’t, you can request one at no additional charge). There are T.V.s with basic cable, an ironing board and iron, a resort phone, a dresser, and in each room you will find two fluffy robes! You can request child sizes if you like, but keep in mind, these robes are just for use at the resort. But you can purchase robes to take home with you at the Sandy Cove Gift Shop.

Along with the robes, Sand Cove also sells gourmet gifts, resort souvenirs, toiletries, music from performers at the Grand Floridian, snacks and drinks. There are a few other places to shop at the Grand Floridian – Summer Lace offers women’s fashions, character apparel, accessories and swimwear. Commander Porter’s which sells designer clothes, golf apparel, and some gift options. M. Mouse Mercantile sells Disney merchandise and children’s clothing, toys, and accessories, along with pins and books. And finally Basin White, which offers bath and beauty products.

For those wishing to take a dip, you can visit one of Grand Floridian’s two pools. The Courtyard Pool is the largest of the two and is always open though it does not have lifeguards. There is a hot tub available near this pool. The other pool is themed and called the Beach Pool. This pool has a zero-depth entry point and there are lifeguards on duty from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. There is a poolside shop that sells basic swimming essentials and pool toys. And there is a poolside bar, where you can purchase drinks.

If you’re looking for other things to do, there is Senses which is the spa and health club located at the Grand Floridian. There are two lighted tennis courts, volleyball courts, and croquet are all available to resort guests. Recreational boats can be rented at their marina. And there is a jogging path that starts by the Beach Pool and goes past the Polynesian to loop back towards the Grand Floridian.

And of course, there are a number of options when it comes to eating at the Grand Floridian. The three Table Service Restaurants are Victoria and Albert’s (where you’ll have to wear something nicer than what you’d wear to the parks), Narcoossee’s which is a seafood restaurant with waterside dining, and Citricos (where you’ll also have to up your attire game). There is also a Character Dining Buffet, 1900 Park Fare, at breakfast you’ll find Mary Poppins, Alice, the Mad Hatter, along with Pinocchio and Geppetto. At dinner you’ll be able to see Prince Charming, Cinderella and her evil step-sisters (keep an eye on your boyfriends/husbands, the sisters are notorious flirts!). There is also the option for meeting Princess Aurora at Grand Floridian’s My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party. Advanced Dining Reservations are highly recommended for these restaurants and Character Dining.

For Quick Service Restaurants and meals, the Grand Floridian offers Gasparilla Island Grill (which is open twenty-four hours a day) and Grand Floridian Cafe (which is open from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.). Limited room service is available, as is pizza delivery. There is also Mizner’s Lounge (which is open from 5:00 p.m. until midnight) that has a full bar. And in case you were wondering, this resort does participate in the Refillable Resort Mugs program.

To get to the other resorts, parks, and Disney Springs, Grand Floridian offers a complementary shuttle bus service. You can also take the monorail to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Or you can drive, but keep in mind that it will cost you to park overnight at the Grand Floridian and you’ll also have to pay to park at the parks.

Room rates at the Grand Floridian will depend on what time of year you go and what type of room you get. A Standard Room during a non-peak time will start around $584/weeknight. The weekends typically cost more per night. Rooms with views of the Lagoon/Magic Kingdom and Club Level Rooms will also cost more. And if it’s during a peak season, all the rooms will cost more per night.

Polynesian Village Resort

This resort is located in the Magic Kingdom area of WDW. It is known as one of the “monorail resorts” because it is situated along the monorail’s route and has its own monorail stop. The sprawling resort is themed like a tropical paradise.

There are a few different room options, The Standard Room (which sleeps five plus a child under three in a crib), and there are Suites (which sleep four-nine people) and also DVC rooms at this resort. Most rooms have queen sized beds, but some king beds were added a few years ago so you can now request those (for an additional cost). The buildings are all two or three stories (with elevators in each building) and you get to the rooms via interior hallways. There are Concierge (a.k.a. Club) Level Rooms for additional cost, but they come with the privileges of staying in the Club Level accommodations.

The different types of Suites are the Concierge Suite (with two queen beds and no separate parlor), the One Bedroom Suite (two rooms, separate parlor with a day bed and small kitchen area), the Princess Suite (two bedrooms with a parlor and day bed, there’s also a small kitchen), the Ambassador Suite (two bedrooms with a parlor, master has a king bed, second bedroom has two queen beds, third bathroom off the parlor and there’s a small kitchen), and finally, the King Kamehameha Suite (It’s two stories, with a basic kitchen, small bathroom off the parlor, bedrooms on the second floor, master has a king bed and large whirlpool tub, and second bedroom has two queen beds.)

You also have different options when it comes to views. There’s the Standard View Rooms (which can be anything from the parking lot to the lush landscape of the resort), Lagoon View Rooms, and Theme Park View Rooms. A helpful hint is, the better the view, the more you’ll be paying, so keep that in mind when you think about booking.

Each room comes with a a dresser, small table and two chairs, coffee maker, small refrigerator, safe, iron and ironing board, iPod docking station, and hair dryer. Complementary Wi-Fi is also available for guests of the Polynesian Village Resort.

When it comes to amenities, the Polynesian has a lot to offer. There are two pools, the Nanea Volcano Pool boasts a large deck area complete with children’s water play area and a stream that starts near the Great Ceremonial House ends up in this pool. And as you might have guessed, there is a rather large volcano that houses a tube slide and pool bar. The other pool is a quiet pool so if you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing, that would be the place to go. There is also an eight person hot tub that looks out over the Seven Seas Lagoon.

There are also places to jog and/or walk, though there is no health club at this resort. You can take boat cruises on the Seven Seas Lagoon. You can also rent small boats at their marina.

For shopping, the Polynesian offers the BouTIKI that sells various island themed souvenirs, along with toiletries, men’s and women’s fashions, and some other necessities. There’s also Trade Jack’s that sells Disney souvenirs and other similar gifts and there is a pin trading cart right outside the shop. Finally, there is Wyland Gallery that sells mostly artwork.

When it comes to food, the Polynesian won’t disappoint! “Ohana is its most popular restaurant. It is an all-you-can-eat feast (family style, not buffet style) Character Dining Breakfast, where you can meet Disney characters Lilo and Stitch. For other dining entertainment, you can check out The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show. This goes on in Luau Cove starting at sunset on Tuesdays-Saturdays, weather permitting. The show features Polynesian dancing and authentic island food is served. Advanced Dining Reservations are highly encouraged and some restrictions apply if you are using one of Disney’s Dining Plans, so be sure to get all the details prior to booking your reservation.

Then there is Kona Cafe and Captain Cook’s Snack Company which are the resort’s Quick Service Restaurants. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a clever, interactive lounge that boasts live entertainment. And Tambu Lounge provides cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks along with a limited appetizer menu. There’s also a small coffee bar and Samoa Snacks located at this resort, if you’re looking for a quick cup of joe or a snack.

Limited room service is available (including orders of Tonga Toast and Ohana Bread Pudding!) Pizza delivery is also available. This resort also participates in the Refillable Resort Mug program.

For traveling to and from Magic Kingdom or other monorail resorts, the Polynesian has its own monorail stop. Or you can take a boat to MK. You can also take the monorail to Epcot, or walk to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). Though there is no trail for walking to MK. You can also take one of Disney’s complementary shuttle buses to any of the parks, resorts, or Disney Springs. Just be prepared for it to take a while as the buses may stop at other nearby resorts. Finally, you can drive to any of the above mentioned places. Bear in mind that you will have to pay to park overnight at this (or any other resort) and you will also have to pay to park at the parks.

Room rates at the Polynesian Village Resort will depend on what time of year you go and what type of room you get. A Standard Room during a non-peak time will start around $485/weeknight. The weekends typically cost more per night. Rooms with views of the Magic Kingdom/Lagoon, Club Level Rooms, and Suites will also cost more. And if it’s during a peak season, all the rooms will cost more per night.

Wilderness Resort

The fully immersive theme is apparent as soon as you step through the lobby doors. The nearly eight-story high fireplace is surrounded by rocking chairs, totem poles, teepee chandeliers and so much more! This resort is located in the Magic Kingdom area. Though, it is so large and offers so much to do, that you could spend your whole vacation at the resort without running out of things to do.

This resort boasts a unique claim. It has options all across the price points for Disney resorts. The Campgrounds are included in our overview of the Value Resorts. The Cabins are included in our overview of the Moderate Resorts, and The Lodge itself is included in this overview of the Deluxe Resorts. Not to mention that the Boulder Ridge Villas and the Copper Creek Villas and Cabins are a part of Disney Vacation Club. All in all this is one versatile Disney resort!

The Wilderness Lodge offers three types of room views. Theses are the Standard View Rooms, the Woods View Rooms, and the Courtyard View Rooms. There are seven floors in the main building and the wings have six floors. First floor rooms offer a walkout patio. And for the upper floors, some but not all have balconies.

There are also different types of rooms available. There are the Standard Rooms, Junior Suites, and Concierge Rooms. The big difference between the Suites and the standard rooms are the second room that separates the sleeping area from the parlor area. So you can watch T.V. while someone sleeps without disturbing them. There is a pull out couch in the T.V. viewing room as well as two chairs with a table, and a wet bar.

The Concierge rooms offer either a king sized bed, two queen beds or a queen bed and a set of bunk beds. They also offer use of comfy bathrobes and turndown service. You will also have access to Old Faithful Club, the concierge lounge that provides continental breakfasts, snacks, tea, nightly appetizers and desserts, along with wine and cheese. The concierge desk is also open from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. to help you with shows, dining reservations, etc.

Most rooms offer two queen sized beds or one queen and a set of bunk beds. There is also a dresser with a T.V. and basic cable, a small safe, iron, ironing board, and a small refrigerator. The commode and shower are separate from the double sink area. And there is a hairdryer in every room. Cribs are available upon request. Free Wi-Fi is also available to guests.

As far as amenities go, there’s a great pool that starts as a geyser inside the lobby and ends in the Silver Creek Falls that’s outside in a large pool. A small waterslide, kiddie pool, and hot tubs are also available along with a pool bar. There is also a sandy beach perfect for building sand castles and watching the boats go by, which you can rent at the marina, btw.

They also have a scenic path on which you can walk, bike (bicycle rentals are available), or jog. An arcade for all the gamers, tours of the lodge, and other activities you can check out while you’re there. Be sure to ask for an activity calendar when you check in.

And if you’re looking to do some shopping, you can check out the Wilderness Lodge Mercantile. They offer a mix of Wilderness Lodge and Disney souvenirs along with limited food items.

Other places you can get food at Wilderness Lodge are Artist Point, Whispering Canyon Cafe, Territory Lounge, Roaring Fork, Geyser Point Bar and Grill. And limited room service (and pizza delivery is also available). This resort also participates in the Refillable Resort Mug program. Artist Point and Whispering Canyon (don’t forget to ask for ketchup!) are the Table Service Restaurants. Advanced Dining Reservations are suggested. All the rest serve snacks and/or light meals. And the Lounge and Bar and Grill have alcoholic drinks if you’re looking for something a bit stronger.

To get to the parks, other resorts, and Disney Springs, you can take Disney’s complementary buses or the Boat Dock. Just note that the bus depot and the dock are on opposite ends of the resort. You can also drive but keep in mind that you’ll have to pay to park overnight at the resort and again to park at the parks.

Room rates at the Wilderness Resort will depend on what time of year you go and what type of room you get. A Standard Room during a non-peak time will start around $332/weeknight. The weekends typically cost more per night. Rooms with views of the Woods/Courtyard, Club Level Rooms, and Suites will also cost more. And if it’s during a peak season, all the rooms will cost more per night.

Yacht Club

This resort is located in the Disney Boardwalk area, close to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. It is a five story resort that is a little bigger than its sister resort, the Beach Club. The nautical theme is prevalent but not overwhelming, and offers guests a luxuriant, yet peaceful atmosphere.

There are three room view types and Suite options for the Concierge Levels (a.k.a. Club levels). For the Standard View Rooms, you will either face the parking lot, roof, or garden areas. For the Pool/Lagoon View Rooms, you may face the Crescent Lake and Boardwalk (though just because it is called a Pool/Lagoon View room, you may not be able to actually see either due to the intense angles of the building), or StormAlong Bay (which can get a bit noisy during the day). The Garden or Woods View Rooms usually look out over the nicer landscaped areas around the quiet pool and some even have views of the wedding gazebo. Most rooms come with a balcony with a table and two chairs.

The rooms will typically sleep four and have two queen sized beds, though there are some with king beds (for an added cost) and some will sleep five with the addition of a day bed. They also come with a T.V. and basic cable, a small safe, iron, ironing board, hair dryer, and a small refrigerator. Cribs, valet parking, and room service are available upon request. Free Wi-Fi is also available to guests. And there are some rooms that are pet friendly (for an additional fee).

The Yacht Club offers a number of dining options within the resort itself. There is Ale and Compass (which serves a buffet or al la carte breakfast, and a regular lunch and dinner) and the Yachtsman Steakhouse (which only serves dinner), these are the two Table Service Restaurants located within the resort. Advanced Dining Reservations are recommended for both of these places. There is also Ale an Compass Lounge where you can get specialty coffee and beverages from 3:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. or the Crew’s Cup that offers a full bar and light appetizers, open from 4:00 p.m. until midnight. This resort also has refill stations if you purchase one of the Refillable Resort Mugs, or if you receive one as a part of one of Disney’s Dining Plan options.

The Yacht Club is also close to its sister resort, the Beach Club that boasts its own delicious restaurants. Not to mention the other resorts and Boardwalk restaurants that are within walking distance that you can try.

Fittings and Fairings Clothes and Notions is a large shop that has Disney and resort souvenirs along with some clothing, toiletries, and other necessities, but be ready to pay more than you might normally, their items are not cheap! And if you’d like to pamper yourself even more (than spending a lot on shopping) you can head to Ship Shape Spa and Salon that offers hair/nail services along with massages and facials.

Arguably, the most noteworthy aspect of the Yacht Club is StormAlong Bay. Which is quite possibly the best pool located at any Disney resort! The large pirate ship waterslide zips over the Boardwalk and splashes down into their pool on the other side. There is a smaller water slide for those who aren’t tall enough to brave the larger slide. There is also a lazy river (careful, it’s deep) and another separate area with entry points covered in sand! This pool is so popular, that the resort has implemented strict Beach and Yacht Club guests only! So you must have your magic band/resort ID to gain access to the pool area. There are also quiet pools you can take advantage of, if StormAlong Bay gets too loud or crowded.

To get around on Disney property, there are complementary shuttle buses. But they sometimes stop at the Boardwalk and Swan and Dolphin hotels. So be prepared for it to take longer to get to the parks or Disney Springs. To get to the Magic Kingdom, you could also take the monorail from Epcot’s front entrance and transfer to the Magic Kingdom monorail, though this tends to take longer and is a bit more walking. You can also take a boat to Hollywood Studios as well as Epcot. Alhough the boat makes a number of stops around the Boardwalk area, so again, it will take some time. Finally, you can drive to any of the Disney parks, resorts or Disney Springs. However, there is now a fee to park overnight at any of the Disney Resorts and you’ll also have to pay for parking at the parks.

Room rates at the Yacht Club will depend on what time of year you go and what type of room you get. A Standard Room during a non-peak time will start around $400/weeknight. The weekends typically cost more per night. Rooms with views of the Pool/Gardens/Lagoon, Club Level Rooms, and Suites will also cost more. And if it’s during a peak season, all the rooms will cost more per night.

Thus wraps up our overview of Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World! If you would like more info on Moderate Resorts or Value Resorts, just click the preceding links. If you would like to book a resort, we would be happy to help you do that! Just click HERE to get your no obligation, free quote! This service is free to you and we love helping people plan the perfect Disney vacation!

Deluxe Resorts at Disney World