Best Disney Deluxe Resorts for a First Disney World Trip
Every first visit to Walt Disney World Resort comes with lots of fun and lots of feelings. Your resort hotel can add a lot to your stay. Deluxe resort property guests are eligible to attend extended evening theme park hour opportunities when offered. How do you decide where to stay with so many great options though? These are the best Disney Deluxe resorts for a first Disney World trip based on location, transportation options, dining offerings and overall theme.
The Best Disney Deluxe Resorts for First Timers
Grand Floridian
Location | As a Magic Kingdom area resort guest, you can’t get any closer to the park. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is located right next to Disney World’s first theme park. This provides the opportunity to book theme park view rooms and see fireworks from your hotel. Getting to the park is a breeze when you’re this close.
Transportation options | This monorail loop resort is just one stop away from Magic Kingdom. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is an excellent location for first time visitors due to its proximity to not only Magic Kingdom but also the Transportation and Ticket Center. There, Grand Floridian guests are just one monorail transfer away from Epcot. There is also a walking path and boat to Magic Kingdom along with bus transportation to the rest of the parks and Disney Springs.
Dining offerings | The Grand Floridian is one of the resorts with the most dining options available and the fanciest as well. The finest of diners will delight at Victoria & Albert’s which has had a MICHELIN star since 2024. Families will love 1900 Park Fare which is a character buffet centered around wishing.
Overall theme | The turn of the century is celebrated in this modern representation of Victorian elegance.
Perfect for: Visitors who want to be close to Magic Kingdom in an elegant setting.
Beach Club
Location | Disney’s Beach Club Resort sits right next to Epcot and near Hollywood Studios.
Transportation options | Beach Club is connected to Epcot by a walking path or quick boat ride. Guests can enter through the park’s International Gateway entrance in World Showcase. Beach Club is also close to Hollywood Studios and connects to that park by boat or Skyliner. Other parks are accessible by bus.
Dining offerings | This resort has Cape May Cafe, which hosts a seaside inspired character breakfast, and Beaches n Cream, a diner style restaurant. Aside from these popular Disney World dining spots, many more are within walking distance or accessible by boat or Skyliner at surrounding resorts.
Overall theme | You’ll find a coastal feel through the property that extends to the impressive pool and water play area. Stormalong Bay is the highlight of this resort with winding waters and in ground hot tubs tucked in lushly landscaped niches.
Perfect for: Visitors who want to be closest to World Showcase or spend time at a pool with a small lazy river, sandy floor and shipwreck water slide.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Location | This resort is right next to the Animal Kingdom theme park.
Transportation options | Bus transportation takes guests to all four theme parks and Disney Springs.
Dining offerings | Dining at Animal Kingdom Lodge is a wild adventure. The buffet Boma offers a wide range of flavors from other continents but also familiar favorites. Sanaa showcases the highlight of this resort property with savanna views.
Overall theme | Animal Kingdom Lodge pays incredible attention to detail in its African inspired architecture and culture. This fully developed theme drapes every inch of the stories high lobby. There are two exciting pools at Animal Kingdom Lodge, each with their own water slide. Close up and distant animal encounters are available with a flamingo enclosure next to the pool at Jambo House, giraffe and zebra spotting from many hotel rooms and more.
Perfect for: Disney World first timers who love animals and The Lion King will feel right at home here. Animal Kingdom Lodge is secluded and quiet. It’s far from firework booms and boat sounds you might hear at other resorts. Visitors looking for a relaxed retreat filled with natural textures will love Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Find The Best Rates on The Best Disney Deluxe Resorts
All of these recommendations are part of Disney Vacation Club, Disney’s point-based timeshare.
When members don’t use their points, they can choose to rent them out instead of saving them. With DVC Rental Store, you can stay at many of these Disney Deluxe Resorts for less than booking directly through Disney.
Browse DVC rental availability to compare resorts, room types, and travel dates, and find the stay that works best for your first Disney World trip.
Ready to book your Deluxe stay? Browse ready-to-book Confirmed Reservations, or Request a Free Quote with your preffered resort and travel dates. Our team will help connect you with a DVC Member who has the points needed to book your stay.
