Walt Disney World has some wonderful deluxe resorts, most famously Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, but they come with a high price tag. But there are actually plenty of Disney World resorts that offer the same deluxe feeling without the deluxe price tag.
Here are all the best Disney resort hotels, including some off-site options, that give you the same deluxe feeling without the same price tag! Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including our new rope drop strategy for Disneyland and the key dates to avoid at Disney World this year.
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1. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort- Gran Destino Tower
The first resort hotel on our list is Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, specifically the Gran Destino Tower. The tower opened in 2019 as an expansion to the resort and offers the same high level of dining options and amenities as a deluxe-level resort. You don’t feel like you are staying in a moderate resort when you stay in the Gran Destino Tower, as it really elevates the experience. Aside from the upscale lobby, it also offers suites and Club Level offerings plus a rooftop lounge.
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However, pricing for the rooms in the tower is higher than the other areas of the resort, so keep that in mind. But pricing is still far less than most deluxe-level resorts, and you are getting a similar experience. The Gran Destino Tower is also home to the popular wine tasting experience, which makes it one of our favorite stops for a resort bar crawl experience.
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2. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Another great example is the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels. While these hotels are operated by Marriott, not Disney, they offer many of the same perks and amenities that put them much closer to the Deluxe experience than many official Disney World hotels.
The Swan and Dolphin are both within walking distance, along with boat transportation to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They feature multiple upscale restaurants, lounges, large resort-style pools, and full-service hotel rooms. They also offer access to Extended Evening Theme Park Hours, which puts them distinctly in a similar category of deluxe Disney World hotels. And then there’s Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, which really pushes the concept even further towards a luxury hotel.
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3. Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside, specifically the Magnolia Bend, has a very upscale and sprawling Southern resort aesthetic. The white-column mansions, landscaping, plus the Sassagoula River give it a more expensive-feeling atmosphere. Disney even describes this area of the resort as having “stately white-column mansions.”
This moderate-level resort is also home to the popular Royal Rooms, which have an elevated, Princess Tiana-themed aesthetic. These rooms were the focus of a bit of controversy as their redesign made the theming more subtle rather than “campy.” But this new theme actually fits in more with a deluxe-level resort aesthetic with elevated design.
4. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Cabins
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Cabins offer an interesting wildcard for our list. While these are technically considered deluxe, Disney fans often point ot these cabins as offering a different kind of premium experience. The private cabin, wooded setting, and close boat transportation to Magic Kingdom offer a different deluxe experience.
The cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness are often brought up in Disney fan communities as a strong alternative for someone wanting a more upscale-feeling experience without a traditional deluxe option. These cabins will often be lower priced than many rooms at other deluxe resorts, so this also provides a lower-cost alternative.
5. Disney’s Port Orleans- French Quarter
While Disney’s Port Orleans- French Quarter doesn’t necessarily feel deluxe in its amenities, it’s often described as having a small, intimate, and boutique-like style. The compact layout of French Quarter is a major advantage compared with many of the other giant-sized Moderate resorts.
The boutique-like style of this resort elevates it, with its easy-to-walk layout making it feel more luxurious, with shorter walks to the resort amenities and transportation. It’s also home to the popular Mickey-shaped beignets and the popular Scat Club Lounge.
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You don’t have to book a Disney deluxe resort to get a more upscale Disney World experience. From the elevated Gran Destino Tower to the boutique feel of Port Orleans- French Quarter, several resorts offer some of the features guests often associate with a deluxe experience.
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