The Best Disney World Deluxe Resorts for Families

Deciding on where to stay for your Disney World vacation can be overwhelming. We asked the agents here at Traveluxe to vote on their favorites to help you decide. 

We scored each hotel by seven important factors: transportation, location, dining options, value for your money, room features, pool area, and theme. 

Just in time to plan your next vacation, we share four of our favorite Disney World Deluxe Resorts, so you can choose the best Disney World hotel for your family. 

4. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge wows guests around every corner. From gorgeous earth tones to exotic decor, this resort evokes the heart of Africa. Photos to do not do it justice!

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Savanna

There is no place like this at Walt Disney World. There are so many things that make this resort spectacular. What makes this resort unique among all the Walt Disney World hotels are the animals! Since an estimated 200 animals live on this animal reserve, you never know what you'll spot when you wander. There are viewing spots throughout the resort, and the staff is prepared to answer your questions about the animals on the resort savanna.

Vibe: Its quiet, laid back and cozy feel make it perfect for families of all sizes. The theme and decor are beautiful throughout the resort. From the elegant safari inspired decor in the lobby to the subtle Lion King references in the rooms, this resort is thoughtfully designed and decorated.  

Dining: This resort does dining right. AKL has some of the best dining on Disney World property. Boma is consistently rated the best buffet on Disney property. The Mara quick service has tons of options and the food is always good. Sanaa and Jiko are both Disney Signature restaurants serving up delicious African-inspired cuisine that will please even the pickiest of eaters.  Even if you're not staying here, it's worth the trip to experience the food at this resort. 

Transportation: A downside to staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is the lack of transportation options. Disney buses run to every park and Disney Springs but they can be slow and eat up a lot of time in your day.  MinnieVans and Uber are readily available for an added cost. We always recommend our clients rent a car when staying at this resort. 

Location: If you are visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom park, this resort is a great option as it's a short 5-min bus ride away. However, it is a considerable distance to the other theme parks and at the end of a long park day, having to stand on a long bus ride back to the resort does not make for a great vacation. 
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Rooms: The standard rooms here are smaller than some of the other deluxe resorts but the optional upgrade to a savanna view more than makes up for it. When you book a savanna view room, you will see zebras, giraffes, and several other animals right from your balcony.  This will be the highlight of your stay at this amazing resort. 

Pools: Located off the lobby, the 11,000 square foot zero entry pool offers a waterslide, two hot tubs, and a playground. The pool area is expansive with an abundance of lounges, and a great pool bar that also serves snacks. 

Between the pool and playground is a small alcove that overlooks the Flamingo area of the Uzima savanna. Often times at night, you will find gazelles and zebra in this area. The resort offers night vision goggles for viewing. 

Guests staying at Jambo House also have access to the massive pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village which has even more slides and an extensive wet-play zone for little ones. 

Value: While Animal Kingdom Lodge has an expensive price tag, it's the least expensive of the deluxe resorts. If you want that deluxe feel at a more reasonable rate, Animal Kingdom Lodge delivers. If you can splurge on a savannah view room, you'll never forget the experience of watching the majestic animals from your balcony. 

3. disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

​Offering stunning views, an incredible pool, exceptional dining, and the perfect location, Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts are high on our list of favorite Disney Deluxe Resorts.

Disney's Beach Club Resort

A convenient, elegant Disney hotel that is also kid-friendly may seem like it's impossible to find but both Disney's Yacht & Beach Club fit the bill. The nautical and New England theme make for a classy feel, while the location and amenities make it perfect for families. 

Vibe: The Beach Club side offers a more casual New England style vibe where the Yacht Club is it's grown up nautical sister. The Yacht Club hosts conferences so it may feel more "adult" at times yet you will always see kids running around, it is Disney after-all! 

Dining: With multiple dining options, a character meal, onsite ice cream parlor, and a delicious steakhouse, you will never be hungry at either of these resorts.  Beaches and Cream is one of our favorite spots to grab a late-night burger and milkshake after a long day at the parks. Cape May Cafe is the onsite character breakfast buffet with Minnie and friends. At night, Cape May Cafe serves up a delicious New England style clam bake for dinner. Over on the Yacht Club side is Disney's Signature steakhouse the Yachtsman Steakhouse, which we all agreed is one of our favorite restaurants on Disney property!

Transportation: This is the closest resort to EPCOT, some rooms even face the park. With a short stroll to Epcot, it's also easy to hop on Disney's Skyliner over to Hollywood Studios.  For a more relaxed ride, the Friendship Boats also take you to both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Disney buses are readily available to take you to Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, both water parks, or Disney Springs. 

Location: A perfect location with the proximity to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios you have two theme parks in your backyard when you stay at either Yacht or Beach. 

Rooms: Rooms at both resorts are elegantly appointed with two queen beds, some offering a day bed. Rooms on the Yacht Club side all offer a full balcony while some on the Beach Club side only have a Juliet style balcony. 

Pools: Rated the best pool on Disney Property, Stormalong bay is situated on Crescent Lake across from the Boardwalk. Guests at both the Yacht and Beach Club share this massive pool complex. Stormalong Bay showcases a lazy river, hot tubs, pirate ship waterslide, and a sandy-bottomed swimming pool. With fun activities happening daily, the kids will never want to leave. What parks?!

Value: As one of the most expensive resorts at Walt Disney World, this resort ranks low on value. The amenities and location more than make up for it.  

2. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa came in at a very close second.  We wouldn't be surprised if it took the number one spot after all the refurbishments are finished next year.  When you see all the features of this resort, you'll understand why we love it so much. 

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

Disney's Grand Floridian exudes extravagance and romance and transports you to the Victorian era. You will feel like you are a world away while being in the center of the magic when you stay at this resort. 

Vibe: The atmosphere here is luxurious and refined. The grand lobby at the resort features Victorian styling and unmatched elegance. At Christmas, the lobby hosts an intricate life-sized Gingerbread that is not to be missed. Senses Spa is also available at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, make sure to take time to be pampered if you stay here. 

Dining: Disney's Grand Floridian has several dining options available, including a AAA 5-Diamond restaurant, Victoria and Albert's. For a quick bite, Gasparilla Island Grill offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the option to take your meal outside for a wonderful view of Cinderella's Castle! If you are looking for a delicious dinner, Narcoosee's is sure to please with freshly caught seafood and fabulous views of Seven Seas Lagoon. If you time your meal right, you can watch the fireworks. There are 5 restaurants and 4 bars onsite as well as in-room dining. 

Transportation: Magic Kingdom is the first stop after the Magic Kingdom making Disney's Grand Floridian Resort the most accessible to that park. Having access to the Monorail to get back to your resort at the end of a long day is priceless. You can also take the Monorail to Epcot. There is a walking path to the Magic Kingdom as well as boat transportation if you do not want to take the Monorail. We recommend walking or taking the ferry back at the end of the day as that will be quicker. The Monorail loops around to Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Polynesian Resort with Grand Floridan being the last stop on the return trip. Disney buses run throughout the day to Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, the water parks, and Disney Springs. 

Location: With one of the best locations at Walt Disney World, you will be a 5 min monorail ride or 10 min walk from the Magic Kingdom. We also love the option to take the monorail loop around to the other resorts for dinner or to shop. 

Rooms: Rooms at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort are the largest on property at 440 square feet. The standard rooms have two queen beds, a daybed, an oversized bathroom, and extra large balcony accommodating a family of 5 plus a baby with plenty of room. The rooms here were recently refurbished with a Mary Poppins theme. 

Pools: The Grand has two impressive pools and a water play area. At the main Beach Pool, there is a 181 foot waterslide, waterfalls, and a zero-entry area. Beaches Pool Bar & Grill offers quick bites to eat with delicious drinks. There is poolside service if you do not want to leave your lounge chair. Cabanas are available to rent for the day at the Beach Pool for an additional fee. Poolside activities like games and crafts keep it a lively atmosphere and entertain the kids while mom and dad relax. 

The Courtyard Pool is a large free form zero entry pool behind the main building. It doesn't have a waterslide or activities making it feel more "adult" than the lively Beach Pool. The Courtyard Pool Bar offers signature cocktails, salads, and wraps with poolside service.  

The Mad Hatter-themed aquatic play area has a small waterslide, water sprays, and a larger than life Mad Hatter Hat that dumps water. 

Value: This resort is the most expensive hotel on Disney property, consider staying here if you plan on spending a lot of time at your resort. Take in all the resort's amenities-swim, shop, and dine!

1. Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Lobby

The Traveluxe agents have spoken, and our favorite Deluxe Resort is the Polynesian Village Resort!  
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What makes the Polynesian our favorite? Everything! This is the one resort that all of us keep going back to and our clients also rave about. 

Vibe: The South Seas theming transports you to the islands making you feel like you truly are on vacation. Outside the resort you will find palm trees, torches, and the buildings themed to longhouses. Inside you will find "Moana" inspired decor and authentic Kona coffee. The property offers everything you need to feel like you are in Hawaii without flying there yourself.  

Dining: The Polynesian is home to 'Ohana and Trader Sam's-which are both very popular dining spots. 'Ohana is a signature dining option with a prix-fixe dinner menu of Polynesian flavors and a traditional family style breakfast. Trader Sam's is an interactive bar that fills up pretty quickly, arrive 30 mins prior to opening to get your name on the waitlist.  Kona Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the ever popular Tonga Toast on the breakfast menu.  Additionally, Capt. Cooks quick service to grab and go a quick bite for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Try the pulled pork nachos, yumm! 

Transportation: Enjoy easy access to the Magic Kingdom via the monorail and ferryboat or walk over to the Transportation and Ticket Center to take a nonstop monorail to Epcot.  Disney buses are available to the other parks and Disney Springs. Secret tip: Since the Polynesian is before the Grand Floridian on the Monorail loop to the Magic Kingdom, you will most likely always have a seat. 

Location: Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is perfectly located in the heart of Disney World with easy access to the parks and other resorts for dining and shopping. 

Rooms: There are 10 different longhouses at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort that have a mix of traditional hotel rooms and villas. The Hawaii building is home to Disney's club-level rooms that offer an extra level of service and access to the concierge lounge. The rooms at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort are one of the largest on property. The standard rooms have two queen beds, a daybed, and an oversized bathroom accommodating a family of 5 plus a baby with plenty of room. The rooms on the 3rd floor have a full balcony, 2nd floor rooms have a Juliet style balcony, and the 1st floor rooms have a private patio. The rooms here were recently refurbished with a Moana theme. In addition to the traditional room options, there are 20 two-bedroom overwater villas that sit side by side above the lake.  Pro Tip: Book a Club Level Theme Park View room to guarantee a full balcony with a fireworks view. 

Pools: The "Poly" has two pools and a water play area. The main Lava Pool has a view of Cinderella's Castle that you can see from anywhere in the pool. Zip down the 142-foot waterslide, play with the little ones in the splash area, or lounge by the zero-entry sipping a frozen cocktail. The hot tub is tucked away and is a secret spot with an amazing view, don't tell anyone! There is something so special about ending your day watching fireworks from the Lava Pool. 

The Oasis Pool does not have a waterslide or splash area but it has cabanas you can reserve and a hot-tub.  Both pools have their own bar and grill with refreshments and light food options. 

Just outside the pool gates is the Pineapple Lanai Dole Whip counter that offers not only the cult-favorite Dole Whip ice-cream but other flavors as well.  Try the rum-infused option, it's good!

Value: While this resort is expensive, the amenities are second to none and the location cannot be beat. This is hands-down our favorite Disney resort for families. 

There you have it! The experts have spoken and these are the Best Disney Deluxe Resorts for families. 

Have questions about the Disney deluxe resorts? Connect with one of our agents for help.