06/17/2025
Have you ever wondered the differences in what you get at a Walt Disney World Deluxe, Moderate, and Value Resorts?
Here is an easy breakdown including pros, cons, differences, and when/where you might get the best value depending on your trip priorities.
๐จ DELUXE RESORTS
Examples:
Grand Floridian
Polynesian Village
Contemporary
Beach Club / Yacht Club
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Riviera Resort
๐ฐ Price Range: ~$600โ$1200+/night
โ
Pros:
Best Locations: Near Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or with Skyliner access
Best Pools: Elaborate themed pools with slides & hot tubs (e.g., Stormalong Bay)
Top-tier Dining: Signature restaurants & character dining on-site
Transportation Perks: Monorail, Skyliner, or boat access
Larger Rooms: Often more spacious and well-appointed
Deluxe Perk: Access to Extended Evening Hours in select parks
โ Cons:
High Cost: Most expensive category
Can feel less โDisneyโ: Some feel more like luxury hotels than themed fun
More Formal: Might not appeal to guests who want a relaxed or kid-centric vibe
๐จ MODERATE RESORTS
Examples:
Caribbean Beach
Coronado Springs
Port Orleans (Riverside & French Quarter)
Fort Wilderness Cabins
๐ฐ Price Range: ~$275โ$400/night
โ
Pros:
Balanced Price vs Comfort: Good middle ground for amenities and cost
Beautiful Grounds: Scenic resorts with water views or lush landscaping
Better Pools: Waterslides and some hot tubs
Dining Variety: Table-service restaurants or upgraded quick service
Theming: Fun but not over-the-top
โ Cons:
Bigger Layouts: Lots of walking, and internal buses needed at some resorts
Fewer Transportation Options: Most are bus-only (exception: Caribbean Beach has Skyliner)
Rooms Still Basic: Not dramatically upgraded from Value rooms
๐จ VALUE RESORTS
Examples:
Pop Century
Art of Animation
All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports
๐ฐ Price Range: ~$150โ$275/night
โ
Pros:
Most Affordable: Best option for budget-conscious families
Fun Theming: Huge statues, colorful charactersโgreat for kids
Skyliner Access: Pop Century & Art of Animation connect to EPCOT/Hollywood Studios
Good Food Courts: Solid quick service and snack variety
Great for Sleep-and-Go: Ideal for park-focused trips with little time in the room
โ Cons:
Smaller Rooms: Tight for larger families (except Family Suites at AoA)
No Slides/Hot Tubs at Pools: Less exciting pool setups
Bus Crowds: Shared buses (especially at All-Star Resorts)
No Table Service Dining
No Extended Evening Hours access
๐ Disney Resort Comparison: Value vs. Moderate vs. Deluxe
๐ท๏ธ Avg. Nightly Cost
๐ฒ Value: $150โ$275
๐ฒ Moderate: $275โ$400
๐ฒ Deluxe: $600โ$1200+
๐ Transportation Options
๐ Value: Bus, Skyliner (Pop & AoA)
๐ Moderate: Bus, Skyliner (Caribbean Beach)
๐ Deluxe: Bus, Boat, Monorail, Skyliner (varies by resort)
๐๏ธ Room Size
๐ Value: ~260 sq ft
๐ Moderate: ~314 sq ft
๐ Deluxe: 340โ440+ sq ft
๐ฝ๏ธ Dining Options
๐ฅช Value: Food court only
๐ Moderate: Food court + table service
๐ท Deluxe: Quick service + multiple fine dining options
๐ Pool Features
๐ฆ Value: Themed pools (no slide/hot tub)
๐ฆ Moderate: Pools with slides and some hot tubs
๐ฆ Deluxe: Top-tier pools with slides, hot tubs, and more
๐จ Resort Theming
๐ Value: Bright, bold, kid-focused
๐ด Moderate: Scenic, relaxed
๐ฐ Deluxe: Elegant, immersive, detailed
๐ Extended Evening Hours
โ Value: Not included
โ Moderate: Not included
โ
Deluxe: Included at select parks
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Best For
๐ข Value: Budget-focused families & park lovers
๐ง Moderate: Balanced comfort & cost
๐ Deluxe: Premium location, amenities, and experiences
๐ Where the Value Stands Out
โ
Value Resorts: Best forโฆ
Families focused on parks, not hotel time
Kids who love bright, bold Disney characters
Skyliner access on a budget (Pop Century / Art of Animation)
โ
Moderate Resorts: Best forโฆ
Guests who want nicer pools and more relaxation
Families who want a scenic setting but donโt need luxury
Couples or older families at Port Orleans or Coronado (esp. Gran Destino Tower)
โ
Deluxe Resorts: Best forโฆ
Park proximity (walk or monorail to MK or EPCOT)
Relaxing mid-day breaks or dining at your resort
Guests who want a longer, resort-heavy trip
๐ก Chadโs Value Tip:
Best bang-for-your-buck combo:
Pop Century (Value) + Skyliner = Easy access to 2 parks, great theming, lower price
Caribbean Beach (Moderate) = Skyliner hub + better pool + less cost than Deluxe
Beach Club/Yacht Club (Deluxe) = Walk to EPCOT & HS + Stormalong Bay = amazing for older kids or couples
Let me know your trip style, budget, or travel group and Iโll give you a personal recommendation!
Send a message to learn more
