Value, Moderate, or Deluxe: What’s the Difference Between Disney World’s Resort Tiers?

When it comes to planning a Disney World vacation, no decision is QUITE as important as choosing the right resort. Through immersive theming and incredible design, Disney’s magical resorts — divided into three unique resort tiers — have the power to set the mood for your ENTIRE vacation. 

Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical Caribbean getaway or a charming European escape, you can have it at Walt Disney World! 

Of course, there are many factors to consider when choosing your ideal resort. From pricing and theming preferences to which resorts can accommodate larger parties, choosing a Disney resort entails a SHOCKING amount of decisions.

If you’re struggling to narrow things down, your first major decision should be CHOOSING A RESORT TIER.

What is a Resort Tier?

Disney has divided their Disney World resorts into three separate categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. These terms refer not only to the cost associated with each resort but also to the amenities they offer.

So what’s the difference between Disney World’s Value, Moderate, and Deluxe resorts? Let’s check it out!

Major Differences Between Disney World’s Resort Tiers

Cost: Unsurprisingly, the BIGGEST and most important difference between Disney’s Value, Moderate, and Deluxe resorts is the pricing. Value resorts are generally the least expensive option, while moderate resorts come with a price increase of about 20-30%. Deluxe resorts will typically run you 20-30% more than THAT.

Of course, it’s always wise to price compare when it comes to choosing your Disney World hotel.

Location: Whether you stay at a Value, Moderate, or Deluxe resort, you’ll always be closer to some Disney World theme parks and farther away from others.

While resort tier won’t necessarily affect your transit time, Deluxe resorts will often give you easy access and short transit time to at least ONE theme park. For instance, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn puts you within walking distance of both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, while Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers a walking path to Magic Kingdom.

Room Size: In Walt Disney World, room sizes increase along with costs (shocker, I know). You’ll find Disney World’s smallest standard rooms at Disney’s Value resorts, while Disney’s largest standard rooms belong to the Deluxe resorts. 

Views: Regardless of tier, Walt Disney World resorts offer rooms with parking lot views, resort views, and pool views. However, view options increase as you move further up in tier, with Deluxe resorts offering the most interesting and varied views.

Amenities: Depending on your resort tier, you’ll find different levels of amenities at your Disney World resort. Where Value resorts offer basic amenities, Moderate and Deluxe level resorts include a wide variety of activities, transportation options, dining options, and even guest perks.

So what can you expect from each of Disney’s resort tiers? Let’s take a closer look!

Disney World Value Resorts

Disney World’s Value resorts may offer basic accommodations, but their larger-than-life theming is ANYTHING BUT! With their bright color schemes and beloved Disney characters, these affordable resorts are particularly popular among families with small children.

Disney’s Value resorts are TONS of fun and keep the Disney magic going even after you leave the parks! These resorts are functional, comfortable, and well-appointed — but they’re generally a no-frills type of situation.

While all Value resorts offer a food court and a poolside bar, you won’t find a table service restaurant on the resort grounds. 

In addition, pools are fairly basic at the Value level, with some resorts offering a splash pad or other interactive elements. For example, The Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offers impressive theming and a splash pad at the Schoolyard Sprayground.

Standard rooms at Disney’s Value Resorts are the smallest rooms on Disney property, clocking in at about 260 square feet. You also won’t find private balconies at any Value resort. 

The different resort tiers also offer different types of room views. At Value Resorts, those views include parking lots, wooded areas, resort grounds, and swimming pools.

While all Disney World hotels offer park transportation, options at the value level tend to be more limited. At Disney’s All-Star Movies, All-Star Sports, and All-Star Music Resorts, you’ll rely on Disney buses for transportation to the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. 

For an alternative option, choose Disney’s Pop Century Resort or Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, which are both located on the Disney Skyliner route.

Keep in mind that the Skyliner does not provide direct access to the parks from these resorts. Instead, you’ll transfer at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and continue on to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios from there.

Walt Disney World Value Resorts:

• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
• Disney’s POP Century Resort

Choose a Value Resort If:

• You need a budget-friendly option to cut down on accommodation costs.
• You would prefer to spend your vacation budget on other experiences.
• You plan to spend the bulk of your time in the theme parks and won’t take advantage of resort amenities.
• You view your room as “just a place to sleep.”

Disney World Moderate Resorts

With more exciting amenities, food options, and next-level theming, Disney’s moderate-tier resorts provide an attractive middle ground in terms of both pricing and resort offerings.

These resorts tend to offer a more sophisticated vibe, with upscale design elements and immersive, transportive theming.

Like Disney’s Value resorts, moderate-level resorts offer lively food courts and laid-back poolside bars. However, most moderate resorts also provide at least one table service restaurant AND at least one lounge.

Keep in mind that Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter is the ONLY moderate resort without its own table service restaurant. On the other hand, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort boasts an impressive FOUR unique table service locations.

In terms of pools and amenities, Disney’s moderate resorts are generally a step up from the value-tier resorts. Moderate resorts offer highly themed swimming pools with impressive extras like hot tubs, water slides, and water play areas.

When it comes to accommodations, standard rooms at Disney’s moderate resorts are slightly larger than those at the value level, coming in at about 314 square feet. While Moderate resorts still don’t offer private balconies, you may enjoy upgraded views in some room categories.

Of course, some rooms will overlook parking lots, wooded areas, resort grounds, and swimming pools. But many Moderate resorts also offer rooms that overlook ponds, beaches, and other waterways. At Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside and Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter Resorts, guests can even enjoy a view of the Sassagoula River!

Transportation options are also generally improved at Disney’s Moderate Resorts. While Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort relies exclusively on the Disney bus system, guests at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort enjoy direct Skyliner access to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Meanwhile, Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside and Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter both offer boat transportation to Disney Springs, where you’ll find an incredible variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Walt Disney World Moderate Resorts:

• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Choose a Moderate Resort If:

• You plan to spend at least some time relaxing at your resort and taking advantage of your resort amenities.
• On-site table service dining is important to you.
• You appreciate immersive theming and don’t mind paying a little extra for it.

Disney World Deluxe Resorts

If your ideal Disney resort oozes charm, sophistication, and magnificent theming, Disney World’s Deluxe resorts are sure to deliver! These resorts offer lush grounds, impressive swimming pools, and immersive theming elements that blend Disney magic with elegant, upscale details.

Disney’s Deluxe Resorts are undeniably expensive, but they also offer the best amenities and perks on Disney property.

Unsurprisingly, Deluxe resorts boast some seriously incredible pools, from the Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to the sand-bottom Stormalong Bay pool at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts.

Deluxe pools feature breathtaking theming elements, winding water slides, and elaborate splash pads. A few even offer cabana rentals at an additional cost.

At Deluxe Resorts, you’ll also find a variety of top-tier amenities, including fitness centers, spas, and high-end shopping.

When it comes to dining, deluxe resorts offer plenty of variety and PLENTY of fabulous food. Of course, these resorts feature poolside bars and Quick Service locations, but you’ll also find various table service, character dining, and Signature Dining options. 

When it comes to accommodations, Deluxe resorts boast the most spacious rooms (about 380 square feet). In addition, Deluxe rooms generally include private balconies (or patios on the ground floor), along with some truly excellent views.

Like Value and Moderate resorts, Deluxe resorts do have rooms that overlook parking lots and wooded areas. However, certain room categories offer spectacular views of Disney’s natural waterways, nighttime fireworks shows, and Disney Parks icons like Spaceship Earth and Cinderella Castle.

Of course, when you’re in Disney World, you don’t want to just SEE it from a distance — you want to be right in the middle of the magic! As such, park transportation is one of the biggest factors to consider when choosing your Disney resort. 

Regardless of tier, all Disney resorts offer some kind of park transportation. However, when you stay at a Disney Deluxe Resort, you’ll score quick and easy park access via some of Disney’s most unique modes of transportation.

It’s worth noting that not ALL Deluxe resorts offer bus alternatives. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge depends entirely on Disney’s bus system, while Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa offer boat service to Disney Springs, but rely on buses for park transportation.

However, every other Deluxe resort offers alternative park transportation, like the Disney Skyliner, the monorail, and a variety of boats and water taxis. At several deluxe resorts, you’ll even enjoy a walking path to one (or even two) Disney theme parks!

Finally, Disney’s deluxe resorts offer one GIANT perk that’s exclusive to guests of Deluxe and Disney Vacation Club resorts. Disney’s Extended Evening Hours allow Deluxe guests to enjoy select parks on select nights, after park closing. 

Naturally, this means far fewer crowds, much shorter lines, and a unique opportunity to experience Disney World’s theme parks at their finest!

Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts:

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Choose a Deluxe Resort If:

• You plan to take full advantage of the amenities and offerings at your Disney resort.
• Proximity to the parks is a high priority.
• Varied dining options are important to you.
• You value an immersive atmosphere and elegant theming.

Which Disney Resort Tier is Best for You?

Still not sure which Disney resort tier is right for you? MickeyTravels can help! Their talented and knowledgeable agents will help you plan the PERFECT Disney World vacation – all at no extra cost to you!

As always, stay tuned to MickeyBlog for all the latest Disney Resorts news!

Thanks for visiting http://MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Diamond-Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon!