I'm interested in staying in one of the deluxe resorts at Disney World. Can you tell me the differences among them?
Lucky you. Walt Disney World's luxury resorts offer great pool areas, a choice of restaurants, amenities like workout rooms and a variety of sporting options, on-site child care, concierge service and--perhaps most importantly -- unbeatable geographic proximity to the parks. Prices start at around $307 for a standard room and can go as high as $670, depending upon the room location and the season you're traveling. Suites are available, but are more expensive.
To begin your selection process, first ask yourself: Do I want to be close to Epcot, MGM or the Magic Kingdom? Part of what makes the luxury resorts more expensive is that you have such easy access to the theme parks, and a better choice of transportation than guests at the lower-priced resorts.
THE EPCOT/MGM RESORTS
Located near the "backdoor" entrance, which is between France and United Kingdom in the World Showcase, these resorts offer tram and boat service to Epcot. But the truth is, you're so close you might just want to walk. MGM is a short water-taxi ride away. The resorts are clustered around a huge lake with a choice of boats for rent; or take a lap around the waterfront on one of the great surrey bikes which hold between two and six people.
The Yacht Club and Beach Club are "twin" resorts which, although they have different registration desks, share transportation and many amenities, such as the amazing water recreation area known as Stormalong Bay. This huge sand-bottomed pool contains whirlpools, geysers and a long waterslide that originates from the top of a shipwreck. Great favorites with families, the Yacht and Beach Clubs are built to resemble a Nantucket seaside resort and both are casual and homey.
Across the bay from the Yacht and Beach Clubs are the Boardwalk Inn and Villas. Here the mood is turn-of-the-century Atlantic City and the rooms are clustered above an old-fashioned boardwalk. With four restaurants, an ESPN sports club, a dance club, comedy club, shops and midway-style games, this joint is always jumping. Two of the best restaurants in Disney World, the Flying Fish Cafe and Spoodles, are in the Boardwalk, and the resort is a favorite of conventioneers and anyone seeking a wide variety of entertainment within easy reach.
The Swan and Dolphin, while not owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company, are on Disney property and also located near Epcot's backdoor. With their dramatic architecture, acres of convention space and wide variety of sophisticated restaurants, they're often favorites of adults traveling without children.
THE MAGIC KINGDOM RESORTS
Located near the Magic Kingdom, with monorail service directly to the park, these resorts are good choices for families with young kids. The Magic Kingdom is an easy five-minute commute, making it a simple matter to return to your hotel room for a nap or dip in the pool. All the resorts listed below have private white sand beaches and a choice of watercraft for rent, making it easy to explore the enormous Seven Seas Lagoon.
With its white gingerbread Victorian architecture, the Grand Floridian is possibly the prettiest of all Walt Disney World resorts. Modeled after the famed Florida beach resorts of the 1800s, the Grand Floridian has a complete spa, a large multi-leveled lobby with a grand piano and a wide choice of restaurants. Disney World's flagship restaurant, Victoria and Albert's, is there, along with the popular Citrico's. Honeymooners love the Grand Floridian, which is indeed within sight of Disney's wedding chapel.
The Polynesian, designed to emulate a Pacific island village, is relaxed and casual. You enter through the Great Ceremonial House, which is filled with lush plants, parrots and fountains; rooms are clustered around the waterfront. The Neverland Club, the most complete on-site child care facility at Disney World is located here, or you can attend a luau right on the beach. The Polynesian enjoys a loyal repeat clientele as satisfied families return year after year.
The Contemporary is the original Walt Disney World resort, and the monorail goes straight through its mammoth open-air lobby. There are plenty of shops, sporting options and restaurants to keep families busy. If you're seeking peace and quiet, ask for a room in one of the garden wings. The California Grill on the resort's top floor not only offers stellar food but also Disney World's best vantage point for watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Wilderness Lodge is not directly on the monorail line, but instead offers direct boat service to the Magic Kingdom. This small delay doesn't bother the families who love this elegantly rustic hotel, modeled after a national park lodge. The awe-inspiring lobby, which looks like a Lincoln Log project run amok, centers on an 82-foot fireplace containing rocks from every strata of the Grand Canyon. The pool begins as a hot spring in the lobby and then flows out and through the property, culminating in a waterfall into the outdoor pool. Best of all, Wilderness Lodge is a little less pricey than the other luxury hotels; rates here begin at $205.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in November 2000.
Updated March 2006
