Walt Disney World room rates can vary greatly depending on availability, but on average, Disney resort nightly prices generally fall into these categories: Deluxe resorts range from $500 to $1,200, Moderate resorts from $330 to $470, and Value resorts from $200 to $300.
While this may appear to offer options at various price points, there’s a noticeable difference in value across these tiers. Unless I’m able to get a Moderate Resort discount, I typically choose either a Value resort or go all out for a Deluxe. Although Moderate resorts provide some extras, such as a couple of bars, a hot tub, and more intricate theming beyond oversized Disney characters, the price increase doesn’t seem justified.
Deluxe resorts, although expensive, offer clear advantages like prime locations, superior transportation options, immersive theming, and top-notch dining and bar experiences. In contrast, Moderate resorts still feature motel-style doors that open to the outside, and in Florida’s heat, this can be less than ideal. Additionally, at places like Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Coronado Springs, room buildings are often spread out even farther from the lobby than those at Value resorts, so depending on your room location, you could end up walking nearly three-quarters of a mile to reach the lobby.
Most Deluxe resorts, with the exception of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, are located close to the theme parks, a convenience not shared by Value or Moderate resorts. When I am staying at a Value resort, I can justify this, but when I am spending more money to be at a Moderate, it seems frustrating. With about the same transportation options, this proximity becomes even more glaring. Some may point out that Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has Skyliner access, which is true, but so do Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation resorts. In that regard, Value resorts actually come out slightly ahead.
What could be improved? Expanding the Skyliner to serve more Moderate resorts could enhance transportation options. Additionally, upgrading the rooms and amenities would help bridge the gap. Adding more exciting features to the pools, for example, could bring them closer to the quality found at Deluxe resorts, without necessarily surpassing them.
Another consideration is adding Extra Evening Hours for the moderate resorts. Currently, only Deluxe Resorts get the occasional Extra Evening Hours, and I’m not even arguing that Moderate Resorts should get them as often as the Deluxe Resorts, but every once in a while, like maybe once during a week-long period to give vacationers at the moderates the chance to at least experience that special amenity.
Disney Moderate Resorts disappoint guests because they fall short of justifying the higher cost compared to Value Resorts and don’t come close to the luxury of Deluxe Resorts. All of this is to say that Disney has currently put many vacationers and me in the position of utilizing their hotel and enjoying the actual resort, or just using their hotel as a bed while they spend the rest of the time in the parks. Disney Moderate Resorts disappoint guests because they aren’t quite nice enough to justify paying more than the Value Resorts and are in no way close to the Deluxe resorts. The middle option between the two just doesn’t make much sense to me, but maybe that’s just me.
