Finally, in our “Choosing the Perfect Resort Room Category” Series, we get to the Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts! These are our favorite resorts for many reasons. But the well-appointed rooms are a big part of why we come back to the Deluxe Resorts over and over again!
We’ve covered choosing which Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort to stay at for your magical family vacation; but now let’s drill down one more level. Which is the perfect room category for your Deluxe Resort stay? After all, you are paying a premium for a Deluxe Resort. The last thing you want is to be disappointed in your room!
(Did you miss the posts on choosing the perfect room at the Walt Disney World Moderate Resorts and Value Resorts? Don’t worry – we covered those too!)
The Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World all offer both Club Level rooms and Suites. (Only one moderate resort offers this option – Coronado Springs!) This means that the differences in room categories goes further than just location and view. Some rooms have completely different services and amenities available!
Most Deluxe Resort rooms sleep up to five people with have two queen beds or a King Bed plus a day bed. The “Lodges” – Wilderness and Animal Kingdom – only sleep four people in most rooms.
Let’s get into it!
The Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is themed after the lodges of the Pacific Northwest. Surrounded by pine trees on three sides, and water along the back of the resort, views can range greatly at this resort! Standard rooms at this resort only sleep four people. Only Deluxe Rooms sleep up to six people.
Standard View – Located throughout the resort, the Standard View rooms have views of parking lots, rooftops, or service areas.
Courtyard View – Courtyard View rooms face into the main pool area of the Wilderness Lodge. Depending on the floor, you could have a view of lounge chairs, the pool, or even the lake.
Nature View – Wait, if the Courtyard View rooms can look at the lake, what the heck do the Nature View rooms look at? I’m so glad you asked… Trees. Bottom line, the Nature View rooms are usually on the exterior of the resort and look out at the many pine trees.
Nature Fireworks View – But SOME Nature View Rooms are located on high enough floors that they offer a view of the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom.
NEW – King Bed (Standard, Nature, Nature Fireworks, and Standard Club Level) – HALLELUJAH! Deluxe Resorts now, FINALLY, offer the ability to book King Bed rooms. King Bed rooms come in Standard View, Nature View, Fireworks View, and Standard Club Level. Wilderness Lodge Rooms DO NOT have a day bed in them.
Standard Room – Club Level – Club Level rooms include access to the Club Lounge – the Old Faithful Lounge. The rooms can have views of the courtyard, water, trees, or Bay Lake.
Deluxe Room – Club Level – The Deluxe Room is a great option for families of five or six, as they sleep up to six people. They have two Queen Beds and a pull-out Queen sleeper sofa. The views of the Courtyard, trees, or Bay Lake.
You’re not missing a category – the Wilderness Lodge does not have Suites!
Our Choice: We love the Nature Fireworks View rooms! One of the perks of staying at the Wilderness Lodge is the proximity to Magic Kingdom. Being able to end your day watching the fireworks in your PJs is the perfect way to end a Disney day in our opinion!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge may not offer direct access to any of the four major theme parks, but what it lacks in location, it makes up for in magic! Waking up in the morning and pulling back the curtains to see a giraffe enjoying its breakfast? Yes, please. Standard rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge only sleep four people. If you have more than four, you will need either a Suite or multiple rooms.
Standard View – Standard Rooms have a view of the roof or the parking lot.
Pool View – Pool View rooms have, you guessed it, a view of the pool.
Savanna View – The Savanna View rooms offer incredible views of the Savannas. And what are on the Savannas? ANIMALS!
King Bed (Standard View, Savanna View, Pool View, and Savanna View Club Level) – King Bed Rooms come in different views but all have a King Bed. Animal Kingdom Lodge King rooms DO NOT have a day bed in them.
Savanna View – Club Level – Savanna View, but better! Club Level rooms include access to the Kilimanjaro Club.
Standard View 1-bedroom Suite – Club Level – As much as we love Suites and Club Level rooms, having a Standard View Suite at Animal Kingdom Lodge is a bit like getting to go to Hamilton on Broadway, but having to listen from the lobby. Sounds great, but not really worth it! Sleeps up to six adults.
1-bedroom Suite – Club Level – This Suite offers a Savanna View and also sleeps up to six people. It has two Queen Beds in the bedroom, and a Queen sized sleeper sofa in the living area.
2-bedroom Suite – Club Level – This Suite sleeps up to eight people, with a King Bed in one bedroom, two Queen Beds in the other bedroom, and a Queen sized sleeper sofa in the living area.
Royal Asante Presidential Suite – Club Level – I have had the chance to tour this Suite (though sadly not stay there), and it is remarkable. If you have seen “Out of Africa“, you get the idea. This Suite sleeps up to six guests but is the most remarkably decorated and appointed Suite I have ever seen. From the thatched ceiling, to the incredible tile work and bathrooms, this might be my first choice for a Presidential Suite!
Our Choice: Here is our line in the sand… if you are not staying in a Savanna View Room at Animal Kingdom Lodge – WHY ARE YOU EVEN STAYING HERE?! Bonus points for Club Level as Animal Kingdom Lodge has one of our favorites!
Disney’s Beach Club
Oh Beach Club, how do we love thee? Let me count the ways! Disney’s Beach Club is hands down our favorite Walt Disney World Resort. From the moment we walk into the lobby with its signature scent, to the soothing colors of the room décor, this resort is just “home” for us. Beach Club rooms sleep up to five people, Deluxe Rooms and Suites sleep more.
Standard View – These rooms have a view of a rooftop or parking area. They have two Queen Beds and a day bed to sleep up to five people.
Garden or Woods View – Same layout as a Standard View Room, just with a view of gardens or woods.
Water View – Same layout as a Standard View, but in this case you have a view of water, which can be a pool, or Crescent Lake.
Deluxe Room – The Deluxe Rooms offers slightly more square footage, and swaps out the day bed for a Queen sized sofa bed. Sleeps up to six people. View can range from parking lot to water view but cannot be specifically booked.
Club Level Rooms – Standard View, Garden View, and Water View – These rooms come in the views listed above but also have access to the Stone Harbor Club. (Quick reminder – Club Level rooms include access to the lounge which has snacks and drinks throughout the day, as well as the assistance of the Club Concierges with planning your trip!)
1-bedroom Suite – Club Level – This Suite offers a view of gardens, woods, or Crescent Lake, and sleeps up to six people. It has two Queen Beds in the bedroom, and a Queen sized sleeper sofa in the living area.
2-bedroom Suite – Club Level – This Suite is a Water View, and sleeps up to 7 people. It has a King Bed, Two Queen Beds, and a Day Bed.
Nantucket VP Suite – Club Level -The Beach Club has one of Disney’s rare Vice Presidential Suites! The Nantucket Suite has a view over looking Stormalong Bay, Crescent Lake, and Disney’s Boardwalk. But believe it or not – it only sleeps two people! There is one King Bed.
Newport Presidential Suite – Club Level – The Newport Presidential Suite has the same view as the Nantucket VP Suite, but sleeps up to 7 people. It has a King Bed, Two Queen Beds, and a day bed.
Our Choice: The Water View Room! We just love looking out over Crescent Lake with the Boardwalk shimmering in the distance. Especially at night! But also these rooms place us just steps away from our favorite theme park – Epcot!
Disney’s Yacht Club
The sister resort to Disney’s Beach Club, Disney’s Yacht Club is a more reserved atmosphere. Aimed more at business travelers rather than families, the vibe is much more subdued than the Beach Club. Yacht Club rooms sleep up to five people.
Standard View – These rooms have a view of a rooftop or parking area. They have two Queen Beds and a day bed to sleep up to five people.
Garden or Woods View – Same layout as a Standard View Room, just with a view of gardens or woods.
Water View – Same layout as a Standard View, but in this case you have a view of water, which can be a pool, or Crescent Lake.
2-bedroom Suite (NOT Club Level) – Oddly, the 2-bedroom Suite at Disney’s Yacht Club does NOT have Club Level access! Another difference to most Suites, this Suite has two King Beds, and a Queen-sized sleeper sofa to sleep up to six guests. (Most 2-bedroom Suites have a King Bed in one bedroom, two Queen Beds in the second bedroom, and a day bed. And they include Club Level access!) This is the Yacht Club’s only Suite.
Club Level – Standard, Garden View, or Water View – These rooms come in the views listed above but also have access to the Regatta Club.
Our Choice: Honestly – our choice would be to simply stay next door at the Beach Club! The Yacht Club just isn’t really our vibe. But if the Beach Club is unavailable, we would choose a Water View Room here as well.
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
Sharla and I had the chance to stay at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn on our last trip together before the world shut down. This was my third trip to the Boardwalk and I have to admit – it gives the Beach Club a run for the top of my list! Located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with a recently renovated pool, and one of our favorite Club lounges I cannot wait to go back. Most Boardwalk Inn rooms sleep up to five people.
Standard View – These rooms have a view of a rooftop or parking area. They have two Queen Beds and a day bed to sleep up to five people.
Garden View – These rooms have a view of the gardens surrounding the resort.
Water View – There rooms have a view of a pool, Crescent Lake, or the Boardwalk.
Club Level Rooms – Standard View or Deluxe Room – Club Level rooms include access to the Innkeepers Club which has snacks and drinks throughout the day. The standard Club Level rooms have a view of one of the pools, the Deluxe Rooms sleep up to six people and have a view of the Boardwalk.
2-bedroom Suite – Club Level – The 2-bedroom Suite sleeps up to 9 people (!). There are a couple configurations of these Suites, some have King Beds in both bedrooms, plus a Queen sized sofa bed and sleeper chair in the living area, the others have a King Bed in one bedrooms, two Queen Beds and a day bed in the other bedroom, then a Queen sized sleeper sofa in the living area.
Sonora VP Suite – Club Level – The Sonora VP Suite sleeps up to six guests with two Queen Beds and a Queen sized sleeper sofa. It has views of the Boardwalk and Crescent Lake.
Outer Building – Garden Room – Club Level – These are the hidden gems of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn! These charming cottages only sleep two people, making them the perfect romantic getaway. They have their own private entrances and are on two levels with the main level featuring a spacious living area, and the loft with a King Bed.
Our Choice: The Outer Building Garden Room cottages are next up on our bucket list!! They are just SO CHARMING. But if you are staying with more than two people, The Standard View Club Level room is the way to go here!
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
One of the original resorts at Walt Disney World when it opened in 1972, Disney’s Contemporary Resort has the perfect mix of location, Disney theming, and large rooms. Rooms can be located in either the Garden Wing, or the Main Tower. The Main Tower room entrances overlook the Monorail, which runs right through the center of the resort! Most Contemporary Rooms sleep up to five people, with some notable exceptions listed below!
The room category options at this Walt Disney World Resort are a bit different so hang in there… in fact there are even TWO Club Levels at this resort! There is the Atrium Club on the 12th floor, and the Tower Club on the 14th floor. (The 12th floor has Club Level rooms but no Suites. The 14th floor is where the Suites are located!)
The Garden Wing at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Garden Wing – Standard View – Standard View rooms have a view of the parking lots, or a new one – “obstructed view.” This usually means a view of the legs of the monorail track.
Garden Wing – Garden View – Garden View rooms can have a view of Gardens, pools, the marina, or of Bay Lake. For some reason, the Contemporary does not separate out Water View rooms in the Garden Wing.
Garden Wing – King Bed – King Bed rooms in the Garden Wing can have either Standard or Garden Views.
Garden Wing – Deluxe Room – Another anomaly, the Deluxe Room actually sleeps LESS people than Standard or Garden View rooms! The Deluxe Room is much larger than the standard rooms, but only sleeps up to four people. Don’t ask me why…
Garden Wing – 1-bedroom Hospitality Suite – Club Level – Another odd room type, the large Hospitality Suite is located in the Garden Wing, but includes access to the Atrium Club Lounge in the Main Tower. The Hospitality Suite sleeps up to seven people. It comes in two configurations – one with a King Bed and day bed in the bedroom, and a Queen sized sleeper in the living area; and the other with two Queen Beds and a day bed in the bedroom, and a Queen sleeper sofa in the living room. The hospitality Suites have Standard Views.
Garden Wing – 1-bedroom Suite – Club Level – This Suite sleeps up to five people. The bedrooms has a King Bed, the living area has a queen sleeper sofa and a sleeper chair. The 1-bedroom Suites have Garden Views.
The Main Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The rooms in the tower have been recently remodeled and now have décor inspired by the Pixar movie, “The Incredibles.”
Main Tower – Lake View – These rooms are located on the back side of the tower and have views of Bay Lake.
Main Tower – Theme Park View – Located on the front side of the tower, these rooms have a view of the Magic Kingdom.
Standard View – Atrium Club Level – Located on the 12th floor, these rooms have a view of Bay Lake and access to the Atrium Club.
Standard View – King Bed – Club Level – No you didn’t miss it! The only King Beds available to book in the Tower at Disney’s Contemporary are Club Level. So if you have to have a King Bed, be prepared to stay in the Garden Wing or splurge on Club Level! King Bed rooms can have a view of Bay Lake OR the Magic Kingdom.
Theme Park View – Atrium Club Level – Located on the 12th floor, these rooms have a view of the Magic Kingdom.
Bay Lake View – 1-bedroom Suite – Club Level – This Suite sleeps up to six adults with two Queen Beds and a Queen sleeper sofa. It has a view of Bay Lake. The Suites are located on the 14th floor and have access to the Tower Club.
Bay Lake View – 2-bedroom Suite – Club Level – This Suite sleeps up to eight adults and has a view of Bay Lake. Available with either a King Bed or Two Queens in one bedrooms, and two Queens beds in the second bedroom plus a Queen sleeper sofa in the living area.
Theme Park View – 1-bedroom Suite – Club Level – These Suites sleep up to six adults.
Theme Park View – 2-bedroom Suite – Club Level – These Suites sleep up to 10 adults with four Queen Beds and a Queen Sleeper sofa. The Theme Park View – 2-bedroom Suite at the Contemporary has the largest capacity of any Suite at the Deluxe Resorts!
Theme Park View Presidential Suite – Club Level – The Presidential Suite has a view of Magic Kingdom and sleeps up to eight adults. It has one King Bed in one bedroom, two Queen Beds in the second bedroom, and a Queen sleeper sofa in the living area.
Our Choice: We have stayed in both Garden Wing and Tower Rooms over the last few years, and the Tower wins hands down. It is just so much closer to all of the action and has much better views! Go with the Theme Park View room. You won’t be sorry!
Disney’s Polynesian Village
The other “OG” Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village has recently undergone a massive remodel with redesigns on the rooms, as well as the monorail station. The rooms now feature “Moana”-inspired décor. Rooms sleep up to five adults with most having two Queen Beds and a day bed.
Standard View – Standard View Rooms sleep up to five people with two Queen Beds and a day bed. They have views of the gardens, monorail, or parking lot.
Pool or Marina View – Unlike other resorts that have a “Water View” room that could be either a pool or a lagoon, river, etc.; the Poly actually breaks it down! Pool or Marina view rooms look at exactly what it sounds like. They are the same configuration as Standard View rooms.
Lagoon View – These rooms are the same configuration as Standard View but instead offer a view specifically of the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Theme Park View – These rooms look directly across the Seven Seas Lagoon to Magic Kingdom.
Garden View – Club Level – These rooms have a view of the resort gardens and have access to the King Kamehameha Club Lounge. Rooms sleep up to five adults with most having two Queen Beds and a day bed.
Lagoon View – Club Level – These rooms have a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon and have access to the King Kamehameha Club Lounge. Rooms sleep up to five adults with most having two Queen Beds and a day bed.
Theme Park View – Club Level – These rooms have a view of Magic Kingdom and have access to the King Kamehameha Club Lounge. Rooms sleep up to five adults with most having two Queen Beds and a day bed.
Honeymoon Room – Club Level – “Wait a second – where are all the King Beds at ‘The Poly’?” They can almost all be found in this one category! These rooms only sleep two people, and offers view of the Marina.
1-bedroom Suite – Club Level – The 1-bedroom Suite at the Polynesian Village sleeps up to five people. Yes, exactly like the regular rooms with two Queen Beds and a day bed! This just offers more square footage and a view of the Marina.
Ambassador Vice Presidential Suite – Club Level – Now we’re talking – the Ambassador VP Suite sleeps up to eight adults. It has a King Bed in one bedroom, two Queen Beds in the other room, and a Queen sleeper sofa in the living room. This Suite offers a view of the Gardens.
King Kamehameha Suite – Club Level – While the configuration of beds in the King Kamehameha Suite is the same as the Ambassador Suite, the view is VERY different! This Suite has an incredible view of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom!
Our Choice: One of the best kept secrets at “The Poly” is that the Garden View Club Level room is usually less expensive than the regular Theme Park View room! And while your room won’t have that incredible view, the Club Lounge DOES. So you get the best of both worlds!
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Walt Disney World’s flagship resort, Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort & Spa is the Grand Dame of all Deluxe Resorts. Similar to the Contemporary, your room category is based on which building your room is located in. And that’s not all – “The Grand” also has two Club Levels. The Grand Floridian now has one building that is entirely Club Level – Sugarloaf!
Outer Building – Garden View – No, we didn’t skip the Standard View of the parking lot. There is no Standard View at Disney’s Grand Floridian! This resort is so fancy it jumps right to the Garden View. These rooms have a view of the Courtyard, Pool, or Marina. The rooms have either Two Queen Beds and a day bed, or one King Bed and a day bed.
Outer Building – Lagoon View – These rooms have the same configuration as the Garden View but look out on the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Outer Building – Theme Park View – These rooms have the same configuration as the Garden View but have a view of the Magic Kingdom!
Those are your only choices for non-Club Level rooms. Every other room at “The Grand” is a Club Level room! The Main Building Club Level rooms offer some choice of views but from here on out, the differences really come down to location and configuration.
Outer Building – 1-bedroom Suite – Club Level – These suites sleep up to six adults with two Queen Beds, and a Queen sleeper sofa in the living room. They have a view of the resort grounds.
Outer Building – 1-bedroom Suite – Theme Park View – Club Level – This Suite actually only sleeps up to four people with a King Bed in the bedroom, and a Queen sleeper sofa in the living room. It has a view of Magic Kingdom.
Outer Building – 2-bedroom Suite – Theme Park View – Club Level – This room sleeps up to six people with two Queen Beds in one bedroom, and a King Bed in the other bedroom. (No sleeper sofa in the living room!) It has THE VIEW – a view of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom.
Main Building – Standard Room – Club Level – Located in the Main Building of the Grand Floridian, these rooms offer a view of either Magic Kingdom or the resort grounds but the view cannot be specifically booked. They sleep up to five people. The rooms have either Two Queen Beds and a day bed, or one King Bed and a day bed. These rooms have access to the Royal Palm Club, the Club lounge in the Main Building.
Main Building – Theme Park View – Club Level – These rooms have the same configuration as the Standard Room but have a view of Magic Kingdom!
Main Building – Deluxe King Room – Club Level – The Deluxe King Room is larger than typical rooms at the Grand Floridian. Some have a day bed, but others have just the one King Bed. These rooms have a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon or the Pool.
Main Building – 1-bedroom Suite – Club Level – These suites sleep up to six adults with two Queen beds (or one King Bed), and a Queen sleeper sofa in the living room. They have a view of either the Courtyard Pool or Beach Pool.
Main Building – 2-bedroom Suite – Club Level – These Suites sleep up to eight people. They have a King Bed in one bedroom, two Queen beds in the second bedroom, and a Queen sleeper sofa in the living room. They have a view of the Courtyard Pool.
Main Building – Grand Suite – Club Level – The Grand Suite sleeps up to four people with an unusual configuration! This Suite only has one King Bed and two TWIN beds – almost unheard of for a room category at Walt Disney World! It has a view of the Courtyard Pool.
Main Building – Victorian Suite – Club Level – Another Suite that only sleeps four people! This Suite has a King Bed and a Queen sleeper sofa. Views of Magic Kingdom!
Main Building – Disney Suite – Club Level – The Disney Suite sleeps up to five people with with a King Bed, a Queen sleeper sofa, and a twin sleeper chair. And again – despite the Disney name, this Suite has a view of the Courtyard pool. No park view here!
Sugarloaf Building – 1-bedroom Suite – Club Level – The 1-bedroom Suite in the Sugarloaf Building sleeps up to six adults with two Queen beds and one Queen sleeper sofa. It offers views of the Marina, and access to the Sugarloaf Club.
Sugarloaf Building – 2-bedroom Suite – Club Level – The 2-bedroom Suite in the Sugarloaf Building sleeps up to eight people with a King Bed in one bedroom, two Queen beds in the second bedroom, and a Queen sleeper sofa in the living room. This Suite also offers THE VIEW – Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom!
Our Choice: The Lagoon View rooms are actually our favorite here. (Though we will NEVER say no to Club Level.) These rooms are close to the walkway and boat launch to the Magic Kingdom and offer great views usually of the Electric Water Pageant.
Conclusion
No matter which Deluxe Resort you choose at Walt Disney World, there is a room category that is perfect for your family. Personally, we want the chance to try them all!
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