What Are the Differences Between Walt Disney World Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts?

One of the first questions new clients ask when beginning to plan their Walt Disney World vacation is: 

 “What’s the difference between Value, Moderate, and Deluxe resorts—and which one should we choose?”

The short answer? There is no one-size-fits-all option.

 The longer (and more helpful) answer comes from experience—both as a travel agent that specializes in Disney and a mom who has stayed in all three categories at different stages of my family’s Disney adventures. 

Let’s break down Value, Moderate, and Deluxe resorts, what each offers, and what to think about when picking the right one for your family. I’ll sprinkle in a few of my favorites, but the focus is on helping you figure out which category fits your trip, not just which resort looks the prettiest.

Disney Value Resorts: Fun, Budget-Friendly, and Park-Focused

Best for: Short trips, families who plan to be in the parks most of the day, and those on a budget

Value resorts are where Disney magic meets affordability. Think bright, over-the-top theming, fun pools, and lots of kid appeal, all without breaking the bank.

What you get:

• Smaller rooms (perfect for shorter stays)

• Food courts and pool bars—no table-service dining

• Bus-only transportation (though Pop Century & Art of Animation have Skyliner access!)

• Big, colorful pools

Vacation Specialist Pro Tip: Pop Century is our go-to for short trips. We love the Skyliner—it makes getting around with strollers so much easier. The rooms are cozy, but they can feel tight for a week, and dining options are limited. Still, for families focused on the parks, Value resorts are hard to beat.

Disney Moderate Resorts: The Sweet Spot

Best for: Families who want a balance of comfort, convenience, and price

Moderate resorts step things up a bit. They’re bigger, quieter, and offer more dining options and amenities than Value resorts, but without the Deluxe price tag.

What you get:

• Larger rooms (often with a 5th sleeper option, great as kids get older)

• Feature pools with slides and quieter areas

• Table-service restaurants, lounges, and pool bars

• Bus transportation plus some Skyliner or boat access

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Vacation Specialist Tip: Caribbean Beach Resort is where we stayed on our first Disney trip with my kids at ages 3 and 6. I loved how quiet the pools were and the laid-back vibe of the resort, though it was a little big to walk around after long park days. For families who want more comfort than a Value resort but aren’t ready for Deluxe, Moderates are a perfect middle ground.

Disney Deluxe Resorts: The Ultimate Disney Experience

Best for: Families who want convenience, luxury, and easy access to the parks

Deluxe resorts are where Disney pulls out all the stops. These resorts are closer to the parks, offer signature dining, larger rooms, and tons of amenities—everything designed to make your Disney vacation feel seamless and special.

What you get:

• Walkability or monorail/boat access to parks

• Large rooms with more space for families

• Multiple dining options, lounges, and resort pools with slides or unique features

• Vibe and theming that make the resort itself feel like part of the magic

  
  

Vacation Specialist Tip: Polynesian Village Resort is our go-to Deluxe. On our most recent trip with kids ages 9 and 11, being close to Magic Kingdom made park hopping a breeze. We loved all the food options and the relaxed, immersive vibe. Deluxe resorts are perfect when you want the ultimate Disney experience, with convenience, comfort, and extras that make your trip feel truly special.

How to Choose the Right Category

Here’s how I usually help families decide:

• Short trips or other vacations planned that year: Value or Moderate

• Bucket List Disney Vacation: Deluxe

• Room size, transportation, and amenities matter: Moderate or Deluxe

• Budget is the biggest factor: Value

And here’s a little secret from my experience: first-time Disney families usually start with Value resorts. By the second or third trip, many move up to Moderate or Deluxe once they understand how much transportation, room size, and convenience affect their trip.

Vacation Specialist Tip: Traveling with a large crew? You can find family suites that sleep up to 6 guests at the Value resorts- Art of Animation & All Star Music.

Traveling with everyone? 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom villas can be found a certain Deluxe resorts.

No matter which Disney resort category you choose, planning a trip that fits your family’s style, needs, and priorities can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. At Allonsy Travel, we take care of all the details—from selecting the perfect resort and booking your park tickets to helping you navigate dining, transportation, and everything in between. Our goal is to make your Disney vacation stress-free, enjoyable, and truly magical, so you can focus on making memories with your family.

When you’re ready to start planning your next Disney adventure, click the link below to get in touch with us and we’ll help you turn your dream vacation into a reality.

Request a Vacation Proposal

Hi! I am Katie Peters, a family travel expert, professional travel agent since 2023, and a mom of two who loves making vacations stress-free and magical. With personal experience traveling to destinations like Walt Disney World with kids of all ages, I specialize in helping busy families plan unforgettable trips. Whether it’s a theme park adventure, a relaxing cruise, or a bucket-list destination, I take care of the details so you can focus on making memories. Let’s plan your next adventure together!

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