Let’s say you’re going on a YOLO trip to Disney World and you want to splurge BIG on the trip.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Obviously, that means staying in one of Disney World’s deluxe hotels (unless you’re lucky enough to win in the Cinderella Castle Suite). But which deluxe hotels are the ones worth the splurge and higher price tags? Well, we asked you, and you told us!
We asked you which hotel splurge was worth it, and it came down to three Disney World hotels. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge was one of three hotels at the top of many of our readers’ lists. We totally get it — that hotel is BEAUTIFUL PLUS it’s surrounded by a savannah where you can view animals.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Luther said the best splurge was on an “AKL Savanna View!!!” and that’s certainly a great room to stay in. DFB Reader Tara also agreed that a “AKL Savannah view” was worth it. But did you know that if you don’t want to pay extra for a savanna view, you can book a standard room and request a partial view? More often than not, you’ll get a view of the animals anyway for less!
Savanna
Kristen even had a preferred time to book a stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge: “Kidani Village and Animal Kingdom Lodge savannah view villas at Christmas.” Yes, this hotel is gorgeous during the holidays!
Valerie likes a specific room at Animal Kingdom Lodge: “Club level at Animal Kingdom Lodge.” We bet it is worth it!
Gingerbread giraffe during the holidays
Next up was Disney’s Riviera Resort, the newest deluxe hotel on the property. This resort is also on the Skyliner route, which makes it VERY convenient getting to and from Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Chellie thought one of the villas was absolutely worth the splurge: “For us it was a 1 bedroom at the Riviera!!”
DIsney’s Riveria Resort
Ken listed three resorts that were worth the splurge: “Animal kingdom, Riviera, Polynesian.” There’s the Riviera again, getting a lot of love. Did we mention that the Riviera also has one of our favorite character breakfasts at Topolino’s Terrace?
Mickey at Topolino’s Terrace character breakfast
Keith also counted the Riviera as one of the Disney World hotels worth the splurge: “Riviera suite or Kadani village savanna view suite.” And yes, there’s ANOTHER mention of Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Riviera Resort Lobby
So which hotel won the splurge category hands-down? Well, this one might surprise you. No, it’s NOT Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the priciest hotel in Disney World. It’s Disney’s Beach Club Resort! However, when we think about it, we understand why you love that resort so much. First, the pool there, Stormalong Bay, is probably one of the BEST pools on Disney World property. But you also can’t beat the location — it’s within walking distance of EPCOT, plus the EPCOT Skyliner station!
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Kim answered, “Beach Club/Yacht Club! After staying there this summer, I wouldn’t stay anywhere else. Loved the proximity and transportation options for Epcot and HS!” Like we said, the location is EVERYTHING. Plus you’re close to both Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, meaning your shopping and dining options are tripled!
Walking path from Beach Club to EPCOT
According to Tammy, if location is a priority, Beach Club is definitely worth the splurge. Of course, Animal Kingdom Lodge got another mention, though: “AKL for atmosphere, Beach Club for location.”
Lisa agreed, “Beach Club- proximity to the parks can’t be beat! Had fun nights on the Boardwalk and the best pool day!”
Beach Club Resort Pool
So many of you answered Beach Club, making it obvious you had a favorite splurge in Disney World. So if you haven’t stayed there yet and are having a splurge vacation, you might want to consider booking that resort!
Stay tuned to DFB for more!
Why You’ll Regret Staying At These Disney World Hotels in 2024
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So, this means 73% of people don’t think it’s worth the splurge???
On our last trip, we splurged on a balcony view of MK from The Contemporary and that was absolutely worth it. The only problem was that I didn’t get great sleep… I kept waking up all night long to look out at the castle and space mountain from my bed… I’d end smiling so much it was hard to drift back to sleep! It’s OK… I survived. (Hee-hee!)
For me, it’s Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. There’s just something about how it makes me feel when I walk into the lobby. It feels like home, calm, and relaxed, and when you mix in the ambient music, perfection. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is my vision of heaven. Disney is so good at making you feel like you are somewhere you’re not and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is one of the finest examples they have of this.
Also, since EPCOT is my favorite park, the Yacht Club and Beach Club are high on my list but can’t match the ambiance of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
AKL Kidani Village is also our favorite with the Polynesian next.
AKL Kidani Village is also our favorite with the Polynesian next.
Grand Floridian and The Polynesian are both worth every dollar to my family
The Polynesian is the absolute BEST as far as location, theming, pool, and so many transportation options! I also loved the food at O’hana and the amazing hideaway bar Trader Sam’s (It felt like I was at a show in the parks!). The nightly activities and watching the electrical lights show on the beach with the STUNNING sunsets…I can’t say enough how much I loved it! The extra hours at night are a good reason to splurge Deluxe as well!
Then 72% must say it is not?
Absolutely agree with Beach Club , we had a room with a balcony which was so lovely plus the location to Epcot and Hollywood Studios , the skyliner to all the other resorts and boardwalk on your doorstep created so many new magical memories and never ending dining options with Epcot and all the resorts to choose from