Hello Magic Travel

Let the Magic Begin!

deluxe resort

Walt Disney World Resort Categories Explained

There are over 25 resorts on Walt Disney World property & while I haven’t stayed at every resort (yet- wink, wink), I have stayed at several different resorts. There are four resort categories; value, moderate, deluxe, and deluxe villa resorts. The basic differences in the categories are cost, amenities, and room size. Below, I have included a description of each category along with the resorts within that category.

Value Resorts

Value resorts are the least expensive of the four. Their standard rooms are around 260 square feet & sleep up to four guests plus a baby in a crib. You can choose between two double beds or one king bed. Two of the value resorts (Disney’s Art of Animation Resort & Disney’s All-Star Music Resort) do offer family suites that are around 520 square feet and sleep up to 6 plus a baby & have two bathrooms. The dining options at value resorts usually include a food court and poolside bar. Value resorts typically have bright colors and the themes are geared more towards kids. Rooms are accessed from the outside, except for the family suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, they are accessed via an interior hallway.

  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort-
    The Lion King themed area
  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort-
    The Little Mermaid themed area

Moderate Resorts

Moderate resort rooms are a little larger, around 314 square feet. The standard rooms at most moderate resorts offer two queen size beds or one king bed and can sleep four guests plus a baby in a crib. Some rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans- Riverside can sleep up to 5 plus a baby, there are also some suite options at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort can sleep up to 6 plus a baby. Moderate resort dining options include a food court, pool bar, and at least one table service restaurant. They’re a little less themed towards children and have more neutral color schemes (they are still very kid-friendly; a couple of resorts actually offer princess & pirate-themed rooms!). Rooms are accessed from the outside.

Deluxe Resorts

Deluxe resorts have a variety of room types and sizes. The smallest rooms sleep 4 plus a baby and are around 344 square feet, but you can also find suites that are more than 1,000 square feet that sleep many more. The dining options at each deluxe resort include a food court, poolside bar & several table service restaurants. Room service is typically available and there is at least one indoor bar or lounge. Many deluxe resorts offer character dining experiences. Guest rooms are accessed via an interior hallway and many have a balcony or patio area. They are all beautifully themed, and in my opinion, are a little quieter than the value and moderate resorts.


  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort
  • Image- Jeffrey Zeldman
    Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Deluxe Villa Resorts

Deluxe Villa Resorts are the most expensive to stay in. They have studio villas, one-bedroom, two-bedroom & three-bedroom villas.  The villas range in size from under 400 square feet to over 2,000 square feet, depending on the resort. The largest villa available is the three-bedroom grand villa at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas. It can accommodate 12 guests plus a baby. The studio villas have one bathroom, but you can find up to four bathrooms in a three-bedroom villa. Dining options are similar to the options available at deluxe resorts. Depending on the resort, rooms can be accessed from the outside or from an interior hallway.

  • Image- Loren Javier
    Disney’s Beach Club Villas
  • View of the Savannah
    Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge- Kidani Village

In my opinion, you can’t go wrong staying at any one of the Disney Resorts. It really just depends on your budget, your family needs & what amenities you’re looking for in a resort. No matter what Disney Resort you decide to stay in, you’ll get to take advantage of the added benefits of staying on Disney property. Check out some of the extra benefits Disney Resort guests are able to enjoy…

(Note: These are the benefits that were available before the COVID-19 changes were implemented. It’s still unclear what changes will be permanent).