Hiya pals!

There are several Deluxe resorts on Disney property. We’ll talk about Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk, Yacht Club and Beach Club in this post. If you’re interested in one of the other deluxe resorts in the Magic Kingdom area, we have more on them here.

Starting off, the difference between the deluxe resorts and others is the perk of getting extra park hours! Staying at a Deluxe resort gets you two extra hours in EPCOT or Magic Kingdom on select days. These hours are evenings after the park closes to the rest of the guests and is a great opportunity for low wait times!

Animal Kingdom Lodge

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You’re transported to the African Savanna- animals included! Here your Safari view room will face the Savanna where you’ll see zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and more! These rooms have a balcony for viewing, something that sets the deluxe resorts apart from the others.

There are paths and lookout points on property, so even if you don’t have a savanna view room, you’ll still see plenty of wildlife throughout the grounds. Enjoy a massage at the spa or get a quick workout in at the fitness center. Animal Kingdom Lodge truly is one of a kind and amazing to stay at-a true bucket list for many families.

Restaurants include Sanaa, Boma and Jiko. These sit-down restaurants offer authentic African cuisine, some offering fantastic Safari views! If you are adventurous, and love trying new things but others in your party may be more ‘conservative’ in their palette, I suggest trying Boma, an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet. Try adventurous dishes while still playing it safe in the food department.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

Have you ever stayed near the coastal boardwalks and wanted to recreate that relaxed vibe at home? Here at the Boardwalk you have the nightlife at places like Jellyrolls, delicious food options like Trattoria Al Forno and the fun peaceful atmosphere of a coastal town. One of the biggest draws to this resort is that it’s an EPCOT Resort. Meaning you’re within walking distance to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios!

Rooms and Amenities

At the Boardwalk Inn you’ll find both standard view rooms and water view rooms. If you want suites, villas, standard rooms to garden views you’ll find it here! You can even choose to stay club level. There are two leisure pools as well as a feature pool with a 200-foot water slide! Surrey bike rentals are available to ride the loop around crescent lake. Enjoy yoga or the on-site Health Club. Transportation here is a breeze! You can hop a boat, skyliner and a bus.

Food

Trattoria al Forno is one of my favorite character breakfasts on Disney property! It’s a great option for girls and boys alike because the characters greet you in couples pairs! You’ll see Flynn and Rapunzel, and Ariel and Prince Eric. (Characters should be returning soon!) The menu is delicious, and the pastries are divine, but the amaretto iced coffee is amazing! You’ll also find places like Flying Fish and Big River Grille along with the NEW Boardwalk Deli ensuring you’ll find something to devour no matter what you prefer.

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Beach Club Resort and Yacht Club Resort

Offering water views to deluxe rooms and club level, the Beach Club Resort and Yacht Club Resort have a very high end feel to them. Located in the EPCOT Resort area, you can walk to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

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While they are technically separate resorts, they are connected to each other and share Stormalong Bay Pool. Here you can relax at the health club, unwind in one of the multiple hot tubs, or lounge poolside along one of the most unique pools on property. Additionally, you can rent a poolside cabana. You’re only a quick walk to one of the most iconic ice cream shops on property: Beaches and Cream.

Rooms and Amenities

Does a water view appeal to you? At the Beach club you can have a pool view or lake view, stay club level or opt for suites or standard rooms. You can walk to EPCOT, hop aboard the skyliner to Hollywood Studios, or find bus transportation to Magic or Animal Kingdoms.

If lounging poolside is a must do for you or your family Yacht & Beach Club have three awesome leisure pools and you have access to the coolest pool on property: Stormalong Bay! This large pool offers a zero-entry beach playground for the littles, and a lazy river as well as a sandy bottom pool. This is hands-down the most awesome pool, definitely worth a visit!

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Food

I already mentioned Beaches and Cream for ice cream, but there’s a diner for food too! They even have a walk-up window so you can order to go. Cape May offers surf and turf in an all-you-care-to-enjoy style. Which is great for a date night or a family dinner. There is upscale dining at the Yachtsman Steakhouse. As with all signature dining there is a dress code so be sure to check that out if you choose to dine here!

Other places to dine include Ale and Compass as well as lounges, bars and grills. You’re sure to find something yummy no matter if you choose seafood or steak or anything in between. These four deluxe resorts are top of the line as far as dream Disney vacations go!

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My personal favorite has been Yacht Club! We love the deep navy and gold accents, the amazing scent in the lobby and the awesome pool. The rooms are large but cozy and the restaurants are amazing.

We love walking around the resorts and checking out all the amazing merchandise in the gift shops, especially the resort specific pins which we collect. These make great souvenirs and they’re some of the cheapest options too!

Which Disney Deluxe resort do you want to stay at? Our friend Erica can help you decide! Tell her Midwest Disney Life suggested a deluxe resort and she can get you a free price quote! The best part? ALL her services are FREE to you!