One Person’s Ranking of the Deluxe Disney Resorts
For those who are planning to stay at a Disney World Resort for their next vacation and are looking to splurge a little more money on a room then Disney World Deluxe Resorts are the way to go. Residing at the top of the Disney resort list, these deluxe resorts offer unique and special experiences that include excellent amenities, fun activities, and useful accommodations, but with so many great options it can be hard to choose.
That’s what I’m here for! I’ll give you a brief overview of each deluxe resort and rank them from best to worst (the worst still be amazing!) so you can decide for yourself which one is perfect for you and your family.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
It my opinion this is Disney World’s best deluxe resort. I have stayed here multiple times and each time I love it more and more. From the minute you pull up to the lobby you immediately feel like you’ve been transported to the wild plains of Africa. The theming of this hotel is amazing! An African lodge surrounded by open savannas with over 200 types of animals.
Every aspect of the lodge and the savannas to the overall ambiance, even the smells wafting from the restaurants add to the overall experience. The sights are amazing, the food is wonderful (especially the jungle juice and peanut butter brownies!), and it really is one of the best and most unique Disney Resorts!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
If a tropical paradise is what you’re after, then the Polynesian is the resort for you! With a luau vibe, tiki themes, and beaches what more could you ask for? The Polynesian comes in at number 2 because of its excellent dining options (Dole whips and ‘Ohana…what more could you want?), monorail transportation, and its spacious room.
This resort as some of the largest rooms on Disney Property some even have 2 showers!! This resort is a must try and I highly recommend it.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Coming in at number 3 is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge resort. All of people believe that to like the wilderness you lodge you need to be a camper, but that is not the case. I hate camping, but I thoroughly enjoy staying at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. What makes this one of the greatest deluxe resorts is its overall vibe and excellent quick service options.
Just like Disney’s Animal Kingdom lodge Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has a fully immersive atmosphere. With it’s warm and cozy log cabin theming you truly feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere staying at a luxury resort located in the mountains.
The Roaring Fork, which is the quick service restaurant located in Wilderness Lodge, is the most underrated quick service restaurant in all the resorts. The food there is truly delicious. With options like chicken and waffles, gourmet grilled cheese, and unique hot dogs you really can’t go wrong.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The Grand Floridian is considered the flagship resort at Walt Disney World and it’s no wonder with its Victorian elegance and sophistication. With its verandas, cupolas, and dormers it’s the perfect resort for princes and princesses alike. Why then did it come in at number 4?
While this resort is beautiful I find that it’s almost too fancy. I prefer the more relaxing vibes of the other deluxe resorts. However, there are many who enjoy the grandeur of the resort. With its spa, monorail transportation, and award-winning signature dining it is a one-of-kind experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts
Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club resorts are located right next to each other and share most of their amenities and recreation, which is why I have grouped them together. These resorts come in at number 5 and 6 due to their theming, dining, and pool area. The Beach Club resort is decorated in a fun pastel palette and carries with it that relaxed beach vibe.
The Yacht Club resort has a more sophisticated vibe. While staying there I find myself wanting to wear loafers and blue and white striped clothing. (cliché I know, but it’s true). Both resorts have excellent dining options. Beach Club is home to one of Disney’s most well-known ice cream shops Beaches & Cream and the Yacht Club has excellent seafood and steakhouse options.
What really sets these resorts apart from others is their shared pool area Stormalong Bay. Stormalong Bay is basically a mini water park. With a lazy river, pirate ship water slide, and a pool with a sand bottom there is potential for hours of family fun and relaxation!

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
Coming in at number 7 the Boardwalk Inn has a 40’s carnival vibe. I’ll admit that the resort theming and all-around vibe are not it’s selling points. While there is nothing wrong with the theming when compared to the other deluxe resorts it just doesn’t live up.
The pros of this resort are aimed more towards adults. Located on Disney’s Boardwalk it gives you access to all kinds of shopping and food. Plus, it’s fun to walk the boardwalk at night and see the all the lights. Another pro of this resort is its proximity to Epcot. The Boardwalk Inn and the Beach and Yacht Club resorts have a special entrance into Epcot.
In just a short walking distance you can enter Epcot between the England and France pavilions. Since the France pavilion is home to one of my favorite places to eat at Disney, Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, it is a huge draw to be able to eat there every morning!
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
I have never had the chance to stay at the Contemporary Resort, but I have visited it on multiple occasions and I have always been underwhelmed. Which is why Disney’s Contemporary resort comes in last on our rankings.
Even though it is my least favorite of all the deluxe resorts does not mean it is a horrible resort. It’s far from it actually. With its spacious and modern style rooms, monorail transportation, and one of Disney’s well-known restaurants Chef Mickey’s, where you can dine with Mickey and the gang, it has many loyal followers.
You honestly can’t go wrong with whichever resort you choose. All you have to do is decide what kind of experience you want and then enjoy it!
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Hello Disney Fans! Janie here. I was a Disney kid growing up and now that I am an adult I love it even more. Whether its movies, music, parks, or games I just can’t get enough of it. I visit Disney World at least twice a year and even when I’m not there it’s all I can think about!