5 Reasons to AVOID Disney World's Deluxe Resorts

Staying at one of Disney’s Deluxe Resorts is a no-brainer for a lot of guests. They’re beautiful, have an abundance of restaurants and amenities, and boast some of the biggest rooms of all the Disney resorts.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Lobby

But, to be honest, they are expensive, so trying to decide if staying at one is worth it is an important planning step, and can be quite daunting. That’s why we’re giving you 5 reasons you might actually want to avoid staying at a Deluxe Resort.

What is a Deluxe Resort?

Let’s start with some basics. Disney hotels come in 3 categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. The Deluxe Resorts are the most luxurious on property, are in prime locations, and have the best dining and amenities of all the tiers of resorts. But the average price at these hotels ranges from $439/night to $747night — and it can get much pricier depending on the season.

Disney Deluxe Resorts include:

These resorts might be great options for you, but every family has different needs, so let’s talk about some of the reasons you might not want to stay in one.

1. DVC Construction

Having to deal with construction in your resort hotel isn’t exactly the most relaxing way to spend your vacation. It causes noise and less-than-ideal reroutes — generally, the feel of your stay is a little less luxurious. Deluxe Resorts are home to many of Disney’s Vacation Club rooms, and unfortunately, that means renovations.

DVC rooms have been going through quite a bit of changes lately. Disney’s Grand Floridian has been going through a pretty lengthy remodel — DVC rooms started getting makeovers and there’s still a lot of construction still happening around the resort.

Over at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, there is a whole new DVC building in the works that will include new restaurants and recreation offerings. This will eventually be an exciting new addition but for now, it has been causing some roadblocks.

These renovations are an important part of keeping Disney fresh, but they can be a huge bummer when you get caught in the middle of them!

Transportation

Staying at a Deluxe Resort usually means getting the best location and the best transportation offerings — but sometimes it doesn’t work out that way.

Skyliner station at Disney’s Riviera Resort

If you’re staying at one of the Magic Kingdom resorts, for example, you have a prime spot next to the park with only a short Monorail ride between you and the park entrance. Occasionally, however, the Monorail has technical difficulties!

Monorail in front of the Grand Floridian Resort

Being on the Monorail is a big reason some choose to stay at these resorts, so it can be a huge bummer if it’s not operating on the day you’re there. And with the walkway to the parks under construction, this leaves you with even fewer options.

Guests are being redirected to take bus transportation instead.

Another reason your Deluxe Resort transportation might not be all you hoped it would be is that some of the resorts just don’t have it as good. Sorry, Animal Kingdom Lodge, but as far away as you are and with only buses to get to and from the parks — it can be kind of a hassle!

Pool Closures

Deluxe Resorts have some of the best pools, but they get to be that way because of the upkeep! Keep that in mind if you had your heart set on a certain resort because of its pool, it might be closed for refurbishment while you’re there.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Typically, pools close in the first half of the year, but it’s always good to check before your trip so you know what to expect.

If you have your heart set on Saratoga Springs, however, this resort has five pools — so there will be ample opportunity for you to take a dip.

Extended Evening Hours

Well technically this is a perk — and a pretty cool one at that, but Extended Evening Hours might not be enough of a Deluxe Resort selling point at the moment.

Extended Evening Hours are a special bonus for those staying at these resorts for select parks on select dates. On these nights, Deluxe Resort guests are able to stay in the parks for a few hours past the official park closing, so that they may enjoy select attractions with fewer crowds.

This is a big selling point that might sway certain families to book a Deluxe stay, but now that After Hours Events are back, it might not be the best choice.

After Hours!

After Hours Events are a similar concept, but instead of having to stay at a Deluxe Resort, you can buy a ticket to a late-night event with low wait times instead! Tickets range from $145 to $175, so depending on your family size, this might be a more affordable option when paired with a Value Resort than staying at a Deluxe. H2O Glow After Hours are also back and are the cheapest starting at $75 per person.

Deluxe Resorts are POPULAR

Disney’s Deluxe Resorts have SO much to do, and as a result — they are popular. Whether it’s because everyone wants to stay at them for their huge themed pools or luxurious amenities, you won’t be the only family staying there by a long shot.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Deluxe Resorts are known for their top-notch restaurants and seasonal offerings as well, so other resort guests often aren’t the only ones you’ll run into at your resort. For some special occasions, resorts will draw fans to their lobby with festive additions like Grand Floridian’s chocolate easter eggs in the spring, and Beach Club’s gingerbread carousel in the winter.

These are tons of fun, and a great attraction at these hotels that might be a selling point for you and your family, but keep in mind they are well-loved by many!

For those who are considering one of these resorts for these reasons, it might still make more sense for your family to stay at a Value Resort. You can always enjoy all of the decorations, restaurants, and seasonal additions at the Deluxe Resorts as a visitor without paying to stay there!

Topolino’s Terrace

While every group and family is different, these are some of the things to look out for in deciding whether a Deluxe Resort makes sense for your next Disney vacation. As always, stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest Disney news.