When it comes to Disney World vacations, we’re all about making the most out of your money. One of the best ways to do that is to pick the right hotel for you and your family.
At Disney World, the hotels are separated into Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, and Deluxe resorts — which reflect amenities, perks, occasionally location, transportation options, and (of course) cost. When comparing the Deluxe Resorts to the Value Resorts, it’s easy to say the former are better. “You get what you pay for.”… right? Not so fast, my friends. I’m here to tell you that Deluxe Resorts might not be giving you that extra value for your dollar, despite the crazy money you’re shelling out per night.
First and foremost, let’s talk about cost. Value Resorts’ standard rooms will often cost you around $100-$350 per night, depending on the season and days of the week, generally speaking. Deluxe Resorts can start at around $500 to $600 per night and can definitely peak way higher. Ultimately, you can be paying almost five times as much by staying at a Deluxe Resort over a Value Resort.
Now, you do get some noticeable perks with these more expensive hotels. Most of them are closer to the theme parks, have access to all sorts of transportation, like the monorail and water taxi (or are even within walking distance). Stays here also include Extended Evening Hours, which give you an extra two hours in the parks after they close to the general public.
They’re also typically considered elevated stays, giving you a bougie feel.
With that said, Value Resorts are no slouch, either. You still get a lot of the same perks, such as free admission to a Disney water park on the day of your check-in and early park entry up to 30 minutes before the park officially opens. Transportation isn’t lousy, either. Some Value Resorts offer free Disney Skyliner access and they all offer free buses.
You shouldn’t need to pay for rideshares or extra transportation. You can factor in extra transportation costs at a Value Resort, but, honestly, in most cases, you should be able to get around the Walt Disney World Resort for free.
There are also caveats with Deluxe perks. Sure, you get an extra two hours in a park on a given day, but if you want to do an After Hours event, you have to buy a ticket — just like everyone else. And for perks like free Disney Dining Plans for kids, you still have to have already bought Dining Plans for every adult. The spending doesn’t stop.
Now, there is a best of both worlds option that we do recommend you opt for if you’re set on the Deluxe perks but hate the price. Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Hotels are operated by Marriott’s Westin Hotels & Resorts brand — meaning they don’t charge Disney prices. And yet, these hotels include most of the Deluxe perks, like extended evening hours!
The Swan and Dolphin are also in the EPCOT Resort Area, super close to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — making transportation much less of a stress-inducing thought.
With all that said, though, it always comes down to preference. If you really love staying at Deluxe Resorts, you’re totally justified! We definitely get their allure and love staying at those properties as well. But when we’re on a budget, Value Resorts certainly deliver the goods, as well.
Where do you stand on the Deluxe Resorts versus Value Resorts debate? Let us know in the comments, and continue to follow us here at AllEars for all the latest Disney World coverage!
8 Things I Wish I Knew Before Staying at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin
Let us know your favorite Disney World hotel in the comments below!
Shhhhhhhhh! Please stop telling people about the Swan and Dolphin. Its already getting harder to get a room there.