Disney resort categories are generally broken down into value, moderate, and deluxe levels, but there is a fourth category that might be the perfect fit for your next Disney vacation! These lesser-known resort rooms are called Disney deluxe villas. Often guests overlook the villas as they assume one must be a member of the Disney Vacation Club (Disney’s version of a timeshare) in order to stay in these accommodations. However, anyone can book these rooms!
Accommodations
There are currently twelve resorts that offer villa accommodations at Walt Disney World. The sizes range from deluxe studios to 3 bedroom grand villas. See here for a complete list of Disney Vacation Villas. While all villas are at deluxe level properties, the size and style of these villa accommodations vary widely among resort properties. In terms of bed space, studio rooms sleep anywhere from 2-5 guests and sleeping space tends to increase with the size of the villa. Many villas have fold-out sofa beds or pull-down style beds for additional sleeping space. Be sure to ask about bed size and space when booking a villa. Old Key West has the largest square footage so guests planning reunions or trips where they’ll spend lots of time in their villa love that added space! Disney’s Saratoga Springs also offers a unique option – Treehouse Villas!
Resort Activities
Disney deluxe villas offer more entertainment activities than other resorts and most even have what is called a Community Hall. This central room is a place where you can go to borrow movies, make crafts, play games, rent equipment, etc. Often the Community Hall becomes one of the highlights of a vacation for a day spent painting a ceramic piece or relaxing with a trivia game. These resorts have a sense of relaxation as many guests spend a bit more time enjoying the upgraded amenities, pools, and activities. This makes for a less frenzied and more restful trip without sacrificing the magic!
Amenities
One major difference between villas and standard hotel rooms are the amenities. All villas have access to laundry facilities. Guests staying in studio villas can utilize the onsite laundry facilities – sometimes in multiple locations. Guests staying in 1, 2, or 3 bedroom villas all have a washer and dryer in the unit. This is a huge plus for families! Studios also have a small kitchenette which includes a microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and mini cooler while the larger villas all have fully equipped kitchens with full size appliances. Many guests choose to prepare meals and even holiday feasts in the villas! Often people have groceries delivered directly to the resorts.
Click here for more information regarding grocery delivery service and options.
View
Disney deluxe villas usually have a small balcony or patio connected for additional space. When choosing your villa, be sure to inquire about what view you would like as it makes a big difference in the experience and pricing. This is especially important at resorts like the Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House and Kidani Village Villas. A savanna view villa at these resorts can be a great upgrade and add so much extra to your experience! Properties such as Disney’s Riviera Resort has a preferred view where you can see the Skyliner against the sky and some of the villas at Disney’s Polynesian offer a view of Cinderella Castle itself!
Location
Last but certainly not least, is the location of the deluxe villa properties. The majority of deluxe villa properties are adjacent to and/or on the same property as many deluxe resorts, while three of them are completely independent of a sister resort – Disney’s Riviera, Disney’s Old Key West, and Disney’s Saratoga Springs resorts. These three are unique in that while they are not located right next to one of them major theme parks, they offer easy access transportation such as the Skyliner from Riviera to Epcot or Hollywood Studios or the boat from Old Key West or Saratoga Springs over to Disney Springs!
The other deluxe villas are located in close proximity to either Magic Kingdom, Epcot, or Animal Kingdom. Around the Magic Kingdom, you’ll find Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Spa & Resort, and two properties at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge- Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins. Just outside the back entrance to Epcot you’ll find Disney’s Beach Club Villas and Disney’s Boardwalk Villas.
And overlooking those gorgeous savannas I mentioned are villas at both Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Jambo House and Kidani Village. You may find that you’re drawn to a particular park on a certain trip so the closer you are, the more convenient! Families with young children love the Magic Kingdom area resorts. Did you know you can walk to the Magic Kingdom from Bay Lake Tower? Or hop on a monorail or boat from the others in that area (Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek – boat only). If you are planning a trip to one of Epcot’s festivals, that easy access to International Gateway from the Beach Club or Boardwalk Villas is such a luxury – just steps away! The Skyliner will get you there in just minutes too from Riviera!
Interested in a Deluxe Villa?
Is a Disney Vacation Villa right for your next vacation? Contact one of the agents at The Magic for Less Travel for a no-obligation quote and to help you find the perfect accommodations for your upcoming trip.
