Comparing Magical Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Disney World Resorts

August 8, 2023

Comparing Magical Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Disney World Resorts

The Walt Disney World Resort has over 25 hotels on property! The hotels are put into three categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Disney World Resorts. When trying to decide where to stay, it’s helpful to understand the differences in your options. The main difference between the Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Disney World Resorts is going to be the price.

The Value Resorts are designed as an entry-level option for those wanting to stay on-site with rooms typically in the $150 – $200 a night range. The Moderates are a step up and usually between $200 – $300 a night. Then you have the Deluxes where costs can range anywhere from around $300 all the way up to over $700 per night. Besides the cost, there are other distinct differences between each of these amazing options which may help you determine which resort is “just right” for your family.

Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the big differences you may find.

Value Disney World Resorts – This resort category is perfect for those looking to travel on a budget with prices that are the most affordable of the Disney categories. Some other features include:

Larger-than-life Disney Characters – Whether its one of the All Stars, Pop Century, or the Art of Animation, each of these resorts is big on character. They are colorful, vibrant, and perfect for small travelers. It’s not uncommon to see a 4-story Ursula from the Little Mermaid, towering Dalmatians, or a swimming pool in the shape of a bowling pin when staying at one of these properties.
Rooms that Open to the Outside – These hotels are more motel style. Rather than being in a central building, all of the resorts in the Value category (with the exception of the Art of Animation Family Suites) have rooms that open right to the outside corridor and feature a window with a curtain.
Large Central Pool Areas but No Water Slides – Each of the Values has a delightful central pool area as well as some satellite pools. Each pool offers fun water features and cute theming that families love. However, for those looking for waterslides, you’ll need to upgrade as it’s one of the added perks of staying at a Moderate or Deluxe.
Food Court Dining – Each of the Value Resorts offers a central Food Court where guests can choose cafeteria-style from a range of different options. There are also central drink stations for soft drinks, coffees, and teas. For those on a dining plan, these would be considered quick service. There are no Table Service options at the Values.
Transportation – If you will be using Walt Disney World transportation during your resort stay, it will be by bus if staying at the All Star Resorts. Resort buses typically leave from the Values every 10 – 20 minutes with stops at each of the four theme parks as well as Disney Springs. Pop Century and Art of Animation offer the Disney Skyliner as well for transportation to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Moderate Disney World Resorts – This category is best for those who want a little bit of luxury, slightly larger rooms, and some extra amenities but without the deluxe prices. Here are some of the extra features you’ll find at moderate resorts:

More Adult Landscaping and Theming – The Moderates are all set on sprawling grounds, with large lakes or rivers and lots of beautiful landscaping. These properties are so large that a few offer an internal busing system and some of the outer buildings could be a 10-minute walk across the grounds to get to the central amenities. Whether it’s feeling like you’re on a tropical island complete with quiet spots to sit in a hammock at Caribbean Beach or walking the grounds of a beautiful Antebellum plantation at Port Orleans Riverside, the moderates tend to be a bit more relaxed and quieter than the flashy deluxe resorts.
Queen Beds with Some Rooms Sleeping 5 – The reason the moderates are a big hit with families is that Port Orleans Riverside and Caribbean Beach resort each offer pull-down beds allowing families of 5 to sleep comfortably. All of the Moderates will offer two Queen Beds per room which allows families to spread out a bit more and there are even King Bed options available at some of the resorts for adults traveling alone.
Rooms That Open to the Outside – Similar to the Values, all of the rooms at the Moderate Resorts open directly to the outside corridors and walkways and feature a window. Guests at these resorts also have the option of being able to choose what view they want. You could save by going with a standard view which will be landscaping or parking lots but also have the option of splurging if you’d like to overlook one of the beautifully landscaped gardens or waterways.
Themed Rooms – For those looking for an extra little dose of Disney magic, Port Orleans Riverside and Caribbean Beach offer themed rooms. At Caribbean Beach, your little ones will feel like they’ve gone under the sea in the new Little Mermaid rooms. Port Orleans Riverside is perfect for princess lovers who can stay in one of the delightfully appointed Disney Princess themed Royal Guest Rooms.
Large Central Pool Areas With Waterslides – If you know you’ll be spending a fair bit of time lounging by the pool then the Moderates may present a nice option. Each of the resorts in this category features large central pool areas with fun waterslides that the kids will want to ride time and time again. They also boast other fun amenities like a kiddie pool, outdoor playground, and whirlpools. Each resort also offers smaller quiet pools located nearer the guest rooms meaning that you don’t have to go too far to take a dip.
Both Food Court and Table Service Dining – At each of the Moderates, you’ll find a range of dining options. The properties have Food Courts similar to those offered at the Value Resorts for guests looking to get their meals on the go. There’s also Table Service options for those wanting to sit down for a quieter meal and most resorts also offer a lounge or bar for adults looking for a nightcap.
Bus transportation To and From the Parks – Similar to the Values, if you’re using Disney Transportation to get to and from the parks each day, it will be by bus. The exceptions are Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter which offer a Water Taxi Service that takes guests to Disney Springs, and Caribbean Beach which has a Disney Skyliner stop. The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort can also be grouped into the Moderate Category which also includes boat service to the Magic Kingdom.

Deluxe Disney World Resorts – These are Disney’s 5-star accommodations where guests will be completely swept up in the magic of it all from the luxurious theming to extra amenities like spas and fitness centers. Here are just some of the advantages of booking a stay at a Deluxe Disney World Resort:

Beautiful and Elegantly Themed Properties – Each of the Deluxe Disney World resorts has the ability to magically transport you to another time and place with its incredible theming. Whether it’s feeling like you are on an African safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge, walking down the promenade of turn-of-the-century Atlantic City at the Boardwalk Inn or being whisked away to a tropical island at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, guests have lots of options when it comes to selecting the perfect holiday surroundings.
Queen Beds with Some Rooms Sleeping 5 – Similar to the Moderate properties, Deluxe rooms will often times feature 2 Queens beds or a King Bed with a pullout sofa bed. There are also resorts within this category that can comfortably sleep a family of 5.
Internal Rooms- Unlike the Values or the Moderate Resorts, most Deluxe Disney World Resorts feature rooms that are accessed from the inside of the resorts. However, some resorts do have Outer Buildings like the Garden Wing at the Contemporary, The Outer Buildings at Grand Floridian, or Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Large Central Pool Areas With Waterslides – In this category, you’ll find some of the best swimming pools on Walt Disney property. From Stormalong Bay, the Yacht and Beach Club’s massive sand-bottomed pool area to the giant volcano-themed pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the Deluxe Disney World Resorts are perfect for families who plan on spending a fair share of downtime enjoying all that the resorts have to offer. There are also smaller quiet pools throughout most of these properties meaning you don’t have to go far to take a dip.
Food Court, Table Service, Signature, and Character Dining – In addition to Food Courts, all of the Deluxe Disney World Resorts offer more than one Table Service Restaurant. At each of the properties, you’ll find a Signature/Fine Dining Restaurant which features amazing dishes from Disney’s most esteemed chefs. Several of the Deluxe Disney World Resorts also offer character dining allowing guests to enjoy meeting some of their favorite Disney friends from the comfort of their own resort.
Themed Rooms – Many of the Deluxe Disney World Resorts now feature themed rooms! From the Incredibles at the Contemporary to Moana at Disney’s Polynesian to Mary Poppins at the Grand Floridian, there is a themed room for everyone that wants one!
Extra Amenities – Most of the Deluxe Disney World resorts also feature extra amenities including on-site gyms, salons, and valet parking.
Enhanced Disney Transportation Options – With the exception of Animal Kingdom Lodge, all of the Deluxe Disney World Resorts offer alternative modes of transportation when visiting some of the theme parks. Stay at one of the Monorail Resorts (Grand Floridian, Polynesian, or Contemporary) and you’re just a quick ride away from Magic Kingdom. Each of the Epcot Resorts (Yacht and Beach Club and Boardwalk Inn) allows you to either walk or boat to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, Riviera has access to the Skyliner, and at Wilderness Lodge, you’re just a short boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom.

I hope you find this rundown of the Value, Moderate and Deluxe Disney World Resorts helpful when making your Disney plans! There are so many great perks of staying on property at Walt Disney World and so many fantastic resorts to choose from.

Ready to plan your next Disney World stay? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.

Comparing Magical Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Disney World Resorts 1

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Sara

Sara is a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, a Disney Earmarked agency. She lives in Alaska with her husband and 3 kids. Due to her extreme dislike of winter, she travels often to warmer destinations during the colder months. She visits the Disney parks and resorts frequently with her family and loves helping other families plan magical vacations. Contact her here for help with your vacation!