Our rankings of all Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World weigh design, pricing, amenities, location, pools & more to determine the best and worst hotels, and everything in between. These luxury-level accommodations can be great for a splurge and are all easy to love…if you don’t get sticker shock first!
Honestly, it’s really difficult to rank the Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World. There are pros & cons to each, all have downsides & upsides nice, and ultimately each bring something unique and special to the table. Consequently, the rankings really can vary based on what you need, want, or how much you value that unique quality.
Due to this, it makes sense to group the hotels by areas, and first determine if you want to be close to the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or somewhere else, and go from there. It also means which might be right for you depends more upon what type of theme appeals to you, which amenities matter most, and the “style” of your vacation. In other words, read the description–not just the numbers. One person’s #8 could be another person’s #1, and vice-versa!
If you’re starting from square one and don’t know which level of hotel is right for you, the resort ‘district’ that might be best, and more, we’d recommend first reading our Rankings of ALL Walt Disney World Hotels from Worst to Best. With over 30 different on-site resort options and hundreds of hotels in and around Walt Disney World in Orlando, choosing the best resort can be overwhelming–especially since it varies with each party’s priorities.
If you’re just getting started planning and don’t know where to start, that’s a great practical planning post. This is more of a ‘just for fun’ ranking of Deluxe Resorts, based on our own priorities and preferences. This is something we’ve discussed between the two of us from time to time in the past, and we have never really been able to agree on anything. Again, the Deluxe Resorts are really difficult to rank.
Finally, it’s worth noting that this list excludes Deluxe Villas, which are a different category. That means you won’t find Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, or Riviera Resort on this list at all (spoiler: the first two would be at the bottom). If you’re looking for a list that includes those and the Disney Vacation Club wings of Deluxe Resorts, see our Deluxe Villas or DVC Resort Rankings.
That list is most useful if you’re planning on renting DVC points to save money on top tier resorts at Walt Disney World. It’s also fun and is hotly contested–many DVC members are very passionate about their home resorts, having a vested interest in the ranks as they feel a sense of ownership (literally). The results are often very different from here, too.
With that out of the way, let’s dig into our list of the best & worst Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World…
8. Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Beach Club falling in last place pretty much gives up the ballgame, so to speak. That’s because we love the Beach Club. It falls in the last slot of this list not because there’s anything wrong with it, but because Yacht Club is the superior option, and it’s easy to rank Beach Club low as a bit of a cop-out since its sister resort still scores highly. (I will also point out that these rankings used to be flipped.)
From the grounds to color palette of the hotel to the pool and beyond, Beach Club has the perfect vibe for a relaxed vacation. Its common areas are inviting, feeling comfy and cozy and welcoming in a way that’s difficult to articulate. Regardless, it’s ideal for a Walt Disney World vacation.
The rooms have been refreshed at Beach Club recently, but the overhaul was not as dramatic as the one at BoardWalk Inn or Yacht Club. Still, it replaced the soft goods while also adding more personality and Disney details. They’re a big improvement, but still the weakest of Disney’s trio of Crescent Lake Resorts. This is a big part of why Yacht Club and BoardWalk both rank higher.
In terms of the main draws, the incredible Stormalong Bay really can’t be overlooked. I am a total sucker for lazy rivers–as is just about every person who likes things that are awesome–and this pool with that and sand at the bottom really can’t be beat. This is the best pool at Walt Disney World and a shared strength of Yacht and Beach Club.
The Yacht & Beach Club dining is generally strong, with standout options at every level, all of which surpass those at BoardWalk Inn. Beaches & Cream is also beloved among fans, but the reputation is better than the reality. The lack of a compelling counter service option is a downside to the dining scene, but even that has improved of late with upgrades to Beach Club Marketplace. It’s now better than the marketplace at Yacht Club.
Walking distance proximity to World Showcase and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is another big draw. Beach Club fans will point out that it’s closer to EPCOT than Yacht Club; we’d point out that the difference is fairly negligible and that Yacht Club is closer to DHS. So it nets out to zero advantage. We’d also point out that Beach Club’s lobby tends to be busier and a bit more chaotic (and it smells like seafood in the evenings), but that’s an ever-so-slight difference.
In the end, unlike the Magic Kingdom Area Resorts, which are all clearly distinguishable from one another in objective terms, so much of the EPCOT Area Resorts comes down to personal preference due to shared amenities and walking distance proximity to one another. If we’re being 100% honest: Beach Club, Yacht Club and BoardWalk Inn are all very similar and any of them could be in the #8 spot or as high as the #2 spot. The explanations matter more here than the numbers–don’t say I didn’t warn you!
7. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
BoardWalk is where we honeymooned, and it used to be our #1 hotel at Walt Disney World. I’ve struggled for an excuse to move it up the list. The new rooms are a welcome and overdue refresh, even if they’re not thematic stunners or as good as other recently-redone resort rooms on this list. Regardless, these reimagined rooms make us want to stay at BoardWalk Inn more than we did before, and that’s the true test.
Unfortunately, the dining scene at BoardWalk is a bit of a mess. The controversial Cake Bake Shop is now open, and we think it’s better than fans give it credit. Flying Fish is also an underrated Signature Restaurant and Trattoria al Forno is likewise better than its reputation. That’s really it, though. There are now several vacancies on the other end of the BoardWalk, and the counter service scene is underwhelming.
That plus the unevenness of the new rooms is part of why BoardWalk doesn’t move up. The bigger reason, though, is simply that there’s no good basis for moving any other resorts down!
In analyzing its main strengths, let’s compare BoardWalk Inn to the Yacht & Beach Club. First, there’s the design and style. While thematically different, they’re superficially similar. Most people are probably going to consider this a wash unless personal preference skews towards one or the other.
Next up is location. Both are near EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance, and you’d probably need a stopwatch to calculate which is closer. However, BoardWalk is closer to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, should you want to walk.
On balance, Yacht & Beach Club have the edge. Pools factor heavily into that, and Stormalong Bay at Y&BC wins that by a colossally wide margin. This really leaves BoardWalk Inn’s selling point as an inarticulable “X factor”, which is a tough basis for ranking a hotel.
Our personal take is that BoardWalk Inn has a lot of this X factor. Objectively I feel like I can’t support why I love the BoardWalk Inn so much, but I just do. There’s a sort of vague romanticism about strolling along the BoardWalk, then heading up through the hotel, which balances the elegance and whimsy of a bygone Atlantic City inn, and to your room. Serious bonus points if that room has a balcony overlooking the BoardWalk.
6. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
There is something special about staying in that A-frame for Walt Disney World fans. Opening the door to your room and seeing a monorail zoom past is one of those quintessential “magic moments” and gazing off at Cinderella Castle in the distance is something special. Staying at the Contemporary is a wish fulfillment experience for a lifelong Walt Disney World fan. I’m not sure it hits quite the same for first-timers or infrequent visitors, though.
Then there’s the Garden Wing. What we love about the Garden Wing is the price–it’s the cheapest resort along the monorail loop, and one of the least expensive Deluxe Resorts, period. In fact, this is one of our favorite places to stay for family trips. There are other upsides and downsides to the Garden Wing, but the lower price makes them easy to overlook.
Despite all its 50 year old magic that persists to this day, Contemporary Resort has a number of modern day faults. The cluttered atrium is a hodgepodge of 1970s and 1990s styles that does the otherwise grandiose space no favors. It and other areas around the Contemporary desperately need to be modernized, as they do not hold a candle to other Deluxe Resorts at this point.
Other recent changes have been made at Disney’s Contemporary Resort that are unequivocally positive. The lobby looks fantastic, paying tribute to the Vacation Kingdom of the World via historical photos as well as artist Mary Blair. This is a huge upgrade, showcasing how the hotel could marry mid-century modern with Disney themed design.
Convenient monorail access and being walking distance proximity to the Magic Kingdom are big selling points. Disney’s Contemporary Resort also has some strong dining options with Contempo Cafe, Steakhouse 71, and California Grill. Chef Mickey’s is overrated, but it’s certainly a draw for anyone wanting to meet the characters while eating.
5. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
This is a really tough one, and bound to be controversial since the Poly is a sentimental favorite with so many Walt Disney World fans, us included. It used to be the #1 resort before falling to #3 during construction of the Island Tower. While we still love the Poly, we’ve found that we enjoy visiting more than staying here. We also now favor staying at the Island Tower, even though we hate the hideous exterior (among other things).
The problem with the Poly is that the resort infrastructure is overburdened, whether that be the feature pool or the beach for fireworks viewing or seating areas and line for the monorail in the Great Ceremonial House. There are just too many visitors and rooms, and this resort that should feel serene and peaceful is often crowded and chaotic instead. This isn’t always the case, though, and if you can find those quieter times, the Poly is still something special.
The Poly does an excellent job at keeping one foot in the past, paying homage to both its own legacy and those of kitschy tiki resorts of a bygone era. Since its reimagining a few years ago, it also feels like a modern luxury resort, with updated amenities, grounds, dining, and an improved pool, among other things. Guest rooms are also spacious and nice, and have been given Disney character–quite literally–during the ‘Moana Makeover.’
Not all of the changes at the Poly in the last several years have been for the better. The removal of the waterfall in the lobby was a mistake, and the grounds lost some of their lushness in the process. However, the modernization of the resort has done wonders for it. The resort’s other faults are its high price point and the lack of a true Signature Restaurant. Dining at Disney’s Polynesian Resort is good, but it could use something high end.
The Polynesian brings a lot to the table with its theme, which feels like a dose of tropical tiki culture in a laid-back, high-end setting. From Trader Sam’s to ‘Ohana to the vibrant, kitschy decor abounds throughout the Poly. It just exudes a sense of island fun that is unique among Walt Disney World hotels and has led the Poly to have a loyal following. Its location near the Magic Kingdom makes it appealing to families, but really, it’s an alluring hotel for just about any demographic from kids to retirees.
All of this is arguably enough to elevate the Polynesian higher up the list–and for many Walt Disney World fans, it is #1. If you stay here during the off-season, only visit, or have memories of the resort going back a decade, I get that. But I also think fans view the Poly with rose-colored glasses, glossing over the crowds, changes, and other shortcomings. It’s still the quintessential Walt Disney World resort, though.
4. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
We’re big fans of Yacht Club and think it’s underrated. Walt Disney World overhauled the guest rooms earlier this year, which is our main basis for recommending it in 2026. That’s the biggest reason Yacht Club moves up the list and Beach Club moves down.
This refurbishment took the sophisticated style of the Yacht Club rooms (which were great to begin with!) and refreshed the furniture, fixtures, and furnishings while also adding carpet and pops of color. The end result is really nice–see for yourself in our Review: Refined Redone Rooms at Walt Disney World’s Most Sophisticated Resort.
The resort has a certain masculine look to its common areas and is refined almost in a flagship-esque way. Unlike many other pricey Deluxe Resorts, Yacht Club looks and feels like an actual luxury hotel and not “just” a Disney Deluxe Resort. A lot of Walt Disney World fans dislike Yacht Club for the same reason. What we see as stately and sophisticated, they call stuffy and snobby.
This is fair to an extent, as Yacht Club doesn’t have the inviting sense of ‘fun’ and charm of Beach Club. If you’re looking for a light and breezy resort that exudes “vacation mode” vibes for your Walt Disney World trip, this is definitely not it. Beach Club has a laid-back Florida feel to it, whereas Yacht Club does not. The two sister resorts are not that much different, but atmosphere and tone is one very notable way (beyond rooms).
Another big plus, in our view, is that service at Yacht Club tends to be a cut above because it caters to more demanding conventioneers. Other strengths of Yacht Club are shared with Beach Club, and are its location near EPCOT, its incredible pool, and a great selection of on-site dining options. Yacht Club is a strong option for guests who love Crescent Lake, but want a hotel with a more adult or sophisticated tone than Beach Club or BoardWalk Inn.
Downsides are that Yacht Club is farther from EPCOT or the Skyliner station than Beach Club, its hosting of conventions can make it feel too “business-y” (especially when paired with the refined theme), and the labyrinthine hallways can be a bit much. There are other cons to Yacht Club, but the rest are shared with Beach Club.
3. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
If I could only stay in one resort for the rest of my life, Wilderness Lodge would be my pick. No doubt about it whatsoever. This is my personal favorite at Walt Disney World, and that’s based almost entirely on my thematic preferences and the feeling I get sitting in a rocking chair in the lobby sitting by the fireplace.
Setting aside my strong personal feelings, Wilderness Lodge still makes this list as the best Magic Kingdom Area Resort. Considering the heavy hitters in the area this is probably both high praise and a bit surprising. The key to Wilderness Lodge is the mood its theme evokes. While other hotels in the Magic Kingdom area convey their themes effectively, I don’t think you can get lost in those themes.
At Wilderness Lodge, all it takes is a walk outside on the walkway through the thick woods and past the geyser, or sitting in an alcove by a fireplace, and you are instantly someplace else. Then there’s Christmas at Wilderness Lodge, which is totally next-level and unlike anything you’ll experience elsewhere. The main advantage Walt Disney World’s highly “Imagineered” resorts have over their real world counterparts is theme, and Wilderness Lodge is top-notch there.
The other big strength of Wilderness Lodge is the price. In terms of value for money, no other Magic Kingdom Area Resort comes even remotely close. This “cheaper” pricing is due to Wilderness Lodge not being on the monorail loop, which is going to be a big downside for some.
I’d push back against that, as boat transportation is almost as efficient, while also being more pleasant and reliable. I’ve never been on a boat that has broken down and caused me to miss an ADR. Add to this some truly great (and often overlooked) dining options, and I think you have a hotel that is tough to beat.
The rustic theme of Wilderness Lodge isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but even the recent room design does a good job of balancing the outdoorsy style with modern luxury and features. If you like those rooms, the resort’s theme as a whole, and want to be convenient to Magic Kingdom, Wilderness Lodge is a can’t miss choice–and not just at Christmas.
2. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Grand Floridian used to rank dead last on this list, which was a controversial opinion. In our view, the “insurmountable obstacle” to a higher ranking was that the regular guest rooms were among the dullest at Walt Disney World. You’d be hard-pressed to distinguish them from a mid-range Hilton or Marriott. Well, that obstacle is now being surmounted!
Grand Floridian has taken massive leaps forward with new rooms that transform them into something both distinctly Disney and luxurious. We love these new rooms, which started debuting a couple of years ago. See Grand New Rooms at Walt Disney World’s Flagship Resort for a look inside.
The other reason Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa moves up this list so much because it just wrapped up its main building and lobby reimagining, with the finishing touches coming in early 2026. There are a number of ways the Grand Floridian looks and feels fresh, and is once again worthy of being considered the crown jewel of WDW resorts. See our Review: Walt Disney World’s Flagship Hotel Finally Fits Its Status & Sky-High Prices.
The Grand Floridian still isn’t perfect. Refurbishments have been all over the place, with some refreshes retaining thematic integrity and nicely modernizing whereas others have been incongruous and inert. There’s also the potential for the Poly problem to be repeated here due to the addition of the Birdcage Bar. If crowds start to overwhelm the Grand Floridian as a result of that lobby lounge, we may likewise see it drop in the 2026 rankings.
Grand Floridian’s strengths are numerous. The dining here is some of the best at Walt Disney World, the grounds are lovely, and the location near the Magic Kingdom is a strong selling point. This last one in particular is huge, as the ability to walk, take the monorail, or a boat to Magic Kingdom is huge, and the convenience cannot be overstated, especially for those with small children or who enjoy midday breaks.
Service and attention to detail still are best at the Four Seasons or Conrad, both of which are real world luxury hotels that are a stone’s throw from Magic Kingdom. However, Grand Floridian belongs in the conversation along with them for its distinctly Disney quality, on-site perks, more. It’s once again a top-tier hotel worthy of its status as Walt Disney World’s flagship. Only the sky-high price drags its ranking down from the #1 spot.
1. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge brings a lot to the table. First, let’s focus on what it doesn’t bring: location. Just about any valid knock on Animal Kingdom Lodge can be summed up as having to do with its remote location away from any theme park that isn’t Animal Kingdom. Many guests identify location as a main reason to stay on-site at Walt Disney World, so that can’t be overlooked.
This location also means there are no novel forms of transportation–boat, monorail, Skyliner, etc–between AKL and the parks. It’s all buses. As much as I hate bus transportation, I think this complaint is overblown. Unlike other bus-only resorts, Animal Kingdom doesn’t have an internal loop with a half-dozen stops. The bus stop is easy and access to the parks is relatively efficient.
Now let’s take a look at everything it brings to the table. First, the rooms were recently redone and Disney did an awesome job balancing theme and modern touches. Second, AKL is arguably the best themed Walt Disney World hotel. From the meticulous design that makes it feel like an extension of the Animal Kingdom theme park to the art collection that you can see by perusing the common areas, Animal Kingdom Lodge is a hotel that really rewards those guests who are willing to spend the time drinking in its details.
That doesn’t even address the living, breathing animals that graze on the 4 savannas outside of the hotel. This is the resort’s main draw and selling point, and the tradeoff for Animal Kingdom Lodge being relatively isolated. These savannas are something you won’t find at any real world hotel in the United States, and are the reason Animal Kingdom Lodge is a “destination” resort unto itself. You could sit and watch the wildlife for a long weekend, never even venturing to the parks. That’s what ultimately gives Animal Kingdom Lodge the edge over Wilderness Lodge, even if we personally favor the latter.
Then there’s the dining situation. With the Mara, Victoria Falls Lounge, Boma, Sanaa, and Jiko, Animal Kingdom Lodge literally has one of the best dining options are every single dining tier. In fact, I would put it ahead of the Grand Floridian in terms of overall dining quality, and that’s really saying something. Then there are rooms that wonderfully toe the line between theming and luxury (skewing, as always, towards theming), which are some of the best at Walt Disney World.
Finally, there’s the price point; while expensive, Animal Kingdom Lodge is usually the least expensive of the Deluxe Resorts. The cost difference between #1 and #2 on this list is colossal, which alone explains why each of them rank where they do.
All of this makes Animal Kingdom Lodge my current pick for the #1 Deluxe Resort at Walt Disney World. This is especially true if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your hotel (this would be our easy pick for a “hotel weekend” that would involve no park time), albeit considerably less true if you’ll be spending a lot of time in the parks and little time in your hotel.
At the end of the day, depending upon the day and our moods, almost any of these hotels could climb or fall the list. We cannot reiterate enough how much this list can vary based upon what’s important to you or the focus of your trip. We mentioned three categories at the beginning of this post: Magic Kingdom Area, Epcot Area, and Other Area, and you might notice the top 5 have hotels from each, which is deliberate, as you should definitely keep these zones in mind when considering which hotel to book.
To that end, if you need personalized advice about which resort is best for your family–since there’s no one size fits all answer—we recommend contacting a no fee “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” (Disney’s term for a travel agent) to get a quote and to help you plan. They get their commission from Disney, so most of the authorized (key word) planners will charge you for booking their trip and helping. Here’s one such fee-free Authorized Disney Vacation Planner that we highly recommend. Request a quote from them, and then discuss your specific priorities and preferences so they can help you choose the Deluxe Resort that’s perfect for you!
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
Which Deluxe Resort at Walt Disney World do you think is best? Worst? Have your own rankings? Do you agree or disagree with our picks? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!