If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation, you’ve likely seen that Disney resorts are divided into four categories: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa. But what’s the actual difference between them, and which one is right for your family? In this guide, I’m breaking down the key differences in price, location, amenities, transportation, and overall experience so you can confidently choose the best Disney resort for your trip.
As a travel advisor who books hundreds of Walt Disney World vacations each year, one of my absolute favorite topics of conversation in the early stages of planning is the Disney Resort Hotels.
So many clients begin their planning process saying, “It really doesn’t matter where we stay — it’s just a place to sleep.” And honestly? Debunking that myth is one of my favorite things to do.
One of the biggest challenges families face is understanding the four levels of Disney resorts and figuring out which one is the right fit for their vacation style and budget.
Disney Value Resorts
I personally break Value Resorts into two “sub-categories,” but we’ll get there in a minute.
All Value Resorts feature motel-style room entry, meaning your door opens to the outside. These rooms do not have balconies or patios. The resorts are typically spread out across multiple two- or three-story buildings, with central hubs for dining, transportation, and pools.
Speaking of pools, while they are heavily themed and incredibly fun, Value Resort pools do not have water slides. Dining at this level is food-court style only, and transportation varies depending on which resort you choose.
Now for those two sub-categories:
The All-Star Resorts (Movies, Music, and Sports)
These resorts offer bus transportation to all four theme parks and Disney Springs. One thing to keep in mind: these resorts are very popular with large groups like cheerleaders, youth sports teams, and music programs.
Art of Animation and Pop Century
What sets these resorts apart is their location on the Disney Skyliner. Guests can take the Skyliner to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, with bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. For many families, Skyliner access is a huge perk.
To sum up the Value category: these resorts are the most basic in amenities, but they offer the most “larger-than-life” theming. At All-Star Sports, you might walk past a giant football outside your building. At Art of Animation’s Lion King section, you’ll see enormous statues of Simba, Timon, and Pumba greeting you each day.
If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing, understated resort experience, a Value Resort may not be your best fit. But if you want bold Disney theming everywhere you turn, this is it.
A note about room sizes- Most rooms in the Value Level will accommodate 4 guests (Children ages 3-9 or adults) and 1 infant (Child under 3). There are suite options for larger families at Art of Animation (with the most adorable theming!) or All Star Music. Often these suites will price out closer to the cost of a standard room at a moderate resort.
Disney Moderate Resorts
Next up are Disney’s Moderate Resorts. These resorts offer slightly larger rooms and more on-property amenities. You’ll find both quick-service and table-service dining, and often a lounge or bar to enjoy at the end of a park day.
Transportation varies by resort and can include bus service, Skyliner access, or even boat transportation, depending on the location. Rooms are still primarily motel-style with exterior entry (with one exception), and buildings are typically two or three stories spread throughout beautifully landscaped grounds.
The biggest shift from Value to Moderate is the theming style. The theming becomes more sophisticated and immersive rather than bold and oversized. You’ll notice more detailed landscaping and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Caribbean Beach Resort is one of my favorite examples. It has a lush, tropical Caribbean feel, colorful buildings, island vibes, but you won’t find a 50-foot pineapple outside your room like you might at a Value Resort.
One major factor that encourages families to upgrade from Value to Moderate is the feature pool. Moderate Resorts include pools with water slides, which can make a huge difference on your non-park days or mid-day breaks.
A note about Room sizes and types- Many Moderate level resorts can accommodate a family of 5 in their standard rooms with 2 queen beds and a twin size trundle bed. There are very few suite-style rooms in the Moderate category, with Coronado Springs resort being the only Moderate level resort with Suites or Club level rooms.
Disney Deluxe & Deluxe Villa Resorts
The final two categories: Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villa Resorts, go hand in hand.
Disney’s Deluxe Resorts offer a wide range of themes and locations, and many are situated closest to the theme parks. One question I get all the time is: “Is there one resort that’s closest to all four parks?” Unfortunately, no. But several Deluxe Resorts are incredibly close to one or two parks, making park hopping and mid-day breaks much easier.
Most Deluxe Resort rooms feature interior corridors and include balconies or patios (with a few exceptions). Rooms are larger and offer more in-room amenities, and the overall resort experience is elevated.
Dining is where Deluxe Resorts truly shine. You’ll find multiple dining locations, signature restaurants, lounges, and often character dining right on property. These resorts also offer beautiful feature pools with water slides and additional recreational activities.
Looking for even more space? That’s where Deluxe Villas come in.
Deluxe Villas range from studios to one-, two-, and even three-bedroom accommodations. Many include full kitchens, in-unit laundry, and generous living space. These are fantastic options for larger families (especially those over five guests), multi-generational trips, or longer stays where having “home-like” amenities makes a big difference. These rooms can have some really stand out over the top features, like a massive balcony at Animal Kingdom Lodge with a view of the Savannah, or The Riviera’s HUGE kitchen island in their 2 bedroom villas.
The theming at the Deluxe level is immersive, detailed, and elevated. From the Polynesian’s tropical tiki atmosphere to the Yacht Club’s coastal elegance, each resort is thoughtfully designed in a way that only Disney can deliver.
Another standout feature? Transportation options. Many Deluxe Resorts are within walking distance to a theme park, like the Contemporary to Magic Kingdom or Beach Club to EPCOT. Others offer monorail, Skyliner, boat, and bus transportation. These alternative transportation options add convenience and an extra layer of magic to your stay.
A note about room sizes and club level options-In addition to the suites and Villas, Many of the standard studio hotel rooms at the Deluxe level will have 2 queen beds and a twin size trundle or couch bed, accommodating families of up to 5. Club level accommodations are also available at many of our Deluxe level resorts for travelers looking to take their trip to the next level of service and amenities. Club level guests have access to concierge staff and the club level lounge, offering light breakfast, apps and drinks throughout the day in their dedicated lounges.
Quick Comparison: Disney Resort Levels at a Glance
Value Resorts
- Lowest price point
- Food court dining only
- No water slides
- Exterior room entry
- Big, bold Disney theming
Moderate Resorts
- Mid-range pricing
- Table-service dining available
- Feature pool with water slide
- Exterior room entry (mostly)
- More relaxed theming
Deluxe Resorts
- Highest price point
- Multiple dining options, including signature restaurants
- Interior corridors (mostly)
- Close to parks
- Balconies/patios (Mostly)
Deluxe Villas
- Studios to 3-bedroom villas
- Full kitchens (in most)
- In-unit laundry
- Ideal for larger families
More than Just Booking a Room
One of the biggest advantages I bring to my clients is firsthand experience. I have personally visited every single Walt Disney World Resort — across all four categories — and I don’t just mean walking through the lobby. I’ve explored the grounds, dined at the restaurants, toured the rooms, and experienced the transportation options.
That firsthand knowledge makes a huge difference when it comes to helping families choose the right fit.
Because the truth is, choosing a Disney resort isn’t just about picking a price point. It’s about location, transportation preferences, room size, dining options, pool features, theming style, and how your family likes to vacation.
There are so many factors that go into this decision — and that’s exactly why working with an experienced advisor matters. My job is to listen to your priorities, understand your budget, and match you with the resort that will truly enhance your vacation, not just give you a place to sleep.
When we choose the right resort, it becomes part of the magic — not just the backdrop to it.
Are you ready to get started planning your next Disney World Resort stay? Schedule a complimentary consultation with Jessica to learn more.
