Walt Disney World Resort Categories: What’s the Difference?

Walt Disney World resorts are classified into three main categories: value, moderate, and deluxe. So what’s the difference?

The main difference between the three Walt Disney World resort categories is price.

On average, the price differences are as follows:

• Value resorts cost approximately $120-$220 per night
• Moderate resorts cost approximately $220-$350 per night
• and Deluxe resorts cost approximately $400-$1,000+ per night

There are exceptions to these prices, such as value resort family suites which will cost approximately $300-$450 per night, and DVC rooms, club level rooms, preferred, themed rooms, and bungalows.

But these resorts do offer other differences as well including resort styles, room sizes, amenities, pool features, transportation, and dining options.

Location

• Value resorts are typically further away from the theme parks. They will require transportation of some sort for park entry. Due to their location, additional time needs to be factored when planning your daily activities.
• Moderate resorts are somewhat closer to the theme parks. Although, they are not within walking distance, many of them do offer additional transportation options to the parks which can make it easier to get to the parks than those arriving from value resorts.
• Several of the deluxe resorts are within walking distance to at least one theme park. There are a few exceptions such as Animal Kingdom Lodge and Riviera Resort, so be sure to check which resorts have walking access before choosing a resort if this is an important factor.

Transportation Options

• Value – all the value resorts offer bus transportation with a single bus station located at the main lobby. When using the bus system, note that strollers need to be collapsed and folded. Additionally, they can only accommodate two (2) ECV’s at a time. Pop Century and Art of Animation offer Skyliner access to Disney’s Boardwalk, Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Strollers do not need to be folded when riding on the Skyliner and children can remain in their strollers. The Skyliner does accommodate ECV’s and wheelchairs as well. They are designed to fit a maximum of 10 passengers total.
• Moderate – all of the moderate resorts offer bus transportation. Some of the larger moderate resorts such as Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs offer several bus stations located throughout the resort. Caribbean Beach Resort is the hub for the Skyliner system and offers Skyliner access to Disney’s Boardwalk, Hollywood Studio’s, and Epcot. Fort Wilderness Resort and the Port Orleans Resorts both have access to water transportation. From Fort Wilderness, guests can take a water taxi (boat) directly to Magic Kingdom. Both Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter have water transportation to Disney Springs.
• Deluxe – all the deluxe resorts offer bus transportation option. The only deluxe resort that does not offer any other enhanced transportation is Animal Kingdom Lodge. All the other deluxe resorts offer either Skyliner, water transportation, or walking access to theme parks or Disney Springs. Disney’s Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Polynesian resorts also offer monorail access for the ultimate convenience.

Resort layout

• Value – value resorts are overly themed with “larger than life” characteristics. The resorts are large and very spread out to accommodate a lot of guest reservations. Although this sounds like a positive, it can be considered a negative when you are booked in room that is furthest from the main lobby. With the exception of some of the Family Suites at Art of Animation, the rooms all have doors that are accessed from the outside (motel style) and no rooms are located in the main lobby building. This means, during hurricane season, there is a possibility of getting rained on when returning to your room.
• Moderate – this category of resorts offers a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. Moderate resorts have a water feature of some sort (a pond, river, or lake) that give these resorts the feeling of relaxation. These resorts also have rooms that open to the outside with the exception of the rooms in Grand Destino Tower at Coronado Springs. Like the value resorts, no rooms are located in the main lobby. Moderate resorts are more sophisticated and have several locations onsite to relax and recoup and truly enjoy a Disney resort day!
• Deluxe – deluxe resorts are Disney’s best-of-the-best. The theming of these resorts take guests either to another time or another place. These resorts all offer indoor access to their rooms with most of their rooms being located within the main building. This makes transportation much easier, especially with smaller children or inclement weather. Most of the deluxe resorts have very convenient access to at least one theme park, such as walking distance or monorail transportation.

Room sizes

• Value – on average, a value resort room can accommodate 4 guests. The rooms are approximately 260 square feet, and offer a single feature window. There are a few Family Suites within this category that offer a larger space and can sleep up to 6 guests. Value resorts come with a basic coffee maker and a small mini-fridge. The family suites do have a microwave within their room.
• Moderate – the rooms at the moderate resorts are slightly bigger with certain rooms having the option of accommodating up to 5 guests. The rooms in this catagory are average 314 square feet and also have a single feature window when located in the middle of the building. Corner rooms of moderate resorts have double windows which give the illusion of a slightly bigger room and offer a lot more natural sunlight. Some of the suites within this category, such as those located Coronado Springs and the Fort Wilderness Cabins that are 504 square feet and can sleep up to 6 guests.
• Deluxe – deluxe room sizes vary anywhere from 344 square feet to 440 square feet, with some of their suites being over 1,000 square feet. Most of the deluxe rooms will feature a walk-out balcony. Standard rooms in this category can sleep up to 5 guests and more depending on the room sizes.

Bathrooms

• Value – the bathrooms in value resorts are 1-bathroom to each room, with a sink and counter area separate from the toilet and shower/tub combo. The sink area does have a slider that can be shut to provide additional privacy for families who may want to get ready while others are still sleeping. Value family suites are the exception with two bathrooms.
• Moderate – the moderate resort rooms are similar to the value resorts with the difference of double sinks!
• Deluxe – the deluxe resorts will have 2 sinks, a separate toilet and shower/tub combo, and the suites will have anywhere from 2-3 bathrooms depending on the suite size. Some deluxe resorts will have the toilet separate from the shower/tub.

Pools

• Value – these pools are fun and very themed! Many of them will have interactive water features and offer several different pool activities throughout the day!
• Moderate – these resorts usually have one theme pool with a water slide and several quiet pools. These resorts also have hot tubs, so if you’re looking for a late night hot tubing, you will want to be sure to stay at a moderate resort.
• Deluxe – Along with a theme/main pool and several quiet pools, a large water slide, and hot tubs, deluxe pools will also offer additional water features such as water falls or sand features or even beaches! If you are staying at a deluxe resort, you may want to consider a “resort day” during your stay to enjoy all the amenities offered.

Dining

• Value – have a food court located in the main lobby area and a pool bar.
• Moderate – have a food court located in the main lobby, a pool bar, and has at least one table service dining option on site.
• Deluxe – food court availability, poolside bar, multiple table service dining options on site, many other table service option easily accessible. These resorts also offer full room service menu available throughout the day. These resorts also offer at least one indoor bar or lounge. Some deluxe resorts also provide character dining may be available on site.

These are some of the basic differences between value, moderate and deluxe resorts! Which category of resorts do you prefer to stay at? Comment below!

 

(Photos Courtesy of Disney, USA Today, and the author)