I’ll Take the Deluxe Please

By: Missy RyanJune 27, 2017I have enjoyed several resorts while traveling to Walt Disney World. I make it a point to try different places to stay at with each visit. If there is one I favor over another I may try a different room or upgrade to something like a new view or club level. Overall, I have always been pleased with my stay while traveling and being a resort guest. The grounds are always clean and up to par on safety. Cast members are all equally friendly and eager to help make your stay more magical. Each resort has a pool, area to eat, and daily activities, however that is where amenities start to differ. While value and moderate are wonderful and great places for families to make memories, there is so much more to be found at a deluxe resort. If your budget allows for a deluxe resort stay, I highly recommend that you give it a try.While everything is beautiful and full of Mickey’s Magic, I must say the deluxe are by far the most amazing. These resorts are so much more than merely just a place to sleep each night.Here are 10 tips and secrets for staying at a WDW Deluxe Resort;10. Use the Children’s Activity CentersDid you know that there are centers located on the resort grounds that will allow children from ages 3-12 to attend? They cost about $15.00 per hour and require a 2 hour minimum. These centers have activities such as games, arts and crafts that involve ceramics and other fun hands on activities. Cast members are trained and the environment is safe and geared towards each age level. You may even book a night out and they will provide dinner. Some clubs are located directly in the building like Beach Club, where others may be in another building on property such as at the Polynesian. All and all these are great opportunities for families to utilize and have an adult night while vacationing.9. Daily ActivitiesThere are several activities planned throughout the day, that you can even plan a day to play at the resort. Resorts such as Animal Kingdom Lodge offers tons of children’s activities ranging from cake decorating, making giraffe food, drawing in the lobby. Each time an activity is complete your child will earn a bead. These make activities enjoyable as the earn and learn.The Grand Floridian is known for having cast members meet and greet guests. You may have opportunities to encounter musical performances, story tellers and other fun off the cuff entertainment.8. To bus or not to busMost of the deluxe resorts offer other transportation other than the typical shuttles. For example if you are staying at one of the 3 resorts on the monorail, you guessed it, you get to take the monorail to Magic Kingdom (or Epcot)! There are also options at other resorts such as the ferry boats or boat launch. These alternative modes of transportation make it all that more exciting. They are an experience and ride in itself!7. Eat well, live well.The dining you will find at a deluxe resort will most likely be some of the best dining you will find on property. The great part is you have access to it daily and can go before a park day, middle of a park day or end your day with a great meal and have less travel. Dining is another fun factor in your overall experience, so it is nice to have such fun and delicious options at your fingertips. California Grill, Ohana, Boma, Sanaa, Cape May, and Chef Mickey’s are just a few places your taste buds will thank you for.6. Spoil yourself; there are enough crowns for everyone.Disney does need to be just about the parks. Treat yourself to a day of pampering. Many of the deluxe resorts have spa services. Some may be a full spa while others offer massages and other services. Cast members are fully trained and do a great job of making you feel extra special. Just like dining, these special services can be booked 180 days in advance!5. Check out the trailsThere are many places to run, walk and get your daily exercise on property. Yet, nothing beats the amazing views and peaceful surroundings. It is true that you are walking a lot during your scheduled park days, but there is something about enjoying the beautiful back drop around you that makes it more special and relaxing.4. Rent some funDepending on which fabulous resort you are staying at, some offer some amazing recreational opportunities. You may be able to rent boats, jet skis, horse and buggy rides, bicycles, and more. There are so many hidden options that several guests do not even know to ask about.3. Take a tour and learn some moreResorts have history and many will offer a free tour explaining a little behind the scenes. If you are looking for something more interesting try to the night time Safari at Animal Kingdom. You will be invited to wear night vision googles as you admire the night activity of each animal. Or sign up to feed a flamingo. Want to learn to hula? Polynesian offers lessons! These unique experiences are exclusive to the particular resort you are staying at, so be sure to check your resorts events calendar.2. Plan a Pool Day!!!Honestly I cannot say this enough. Take a day to relax and enjoy yourselves without the hustle and bustle of the parks. The pools are fantastic! Take Beach Club for example. There are 7 different sections of the pool. A lazy river, a water slide that is in equal in size to a water park slide, a lagoon area for little ones, and the best part of all…heated sand!! These pools are exclusive to resort guests only. You may not enter a pool section unless you have a magic band that is linked to that specific resort. Other pools such as the Poly have zero entry for little ones, which makes it wonderful for parents. The views from this pool include the castle at Magic Kingdom and the fireworks in the evening. Deluxe resorts also all have water slides which really boost up the pools awesomeness. Some pools even have rental cabanas where you can eat, rest and relax. It truly is a wonderful way to break up your week and recharge.1. Club LevelWhat better way to upgrade your vacation then to spend it on the best floor offered. Club level is usually one of the higher floors in your resort building. Only members of that floor may enter. Your magic band is typically your key and will allow you to go to club level from the elevator. While staying club level you are spoiled with morning snacks, tea, coffee, mid-day treats, after noon happy hour with wine, beer and hor d'oeuvres, endless candy bowls and fruit. There is a lounge and small area with TV for children. Club level also offers small touches such as turn down bed service (a special chocolate on your pillow), newspaper, and a concierge to help with any added questions. Club level is one of my favorite experiences hands down. My kids absolutely love it and wish it could be part of all their vacations.All in all your experience at the deluxe resorts will be one vacation you will always reflect on. From the small details all the way to the big, nothing will compare to the memories you will create.If you would like to know more about deluxe resorts or any resort on WDW property, please email me at missyr@wishesfamilytravel.comYou may also follow me on Facebook at Wishes Family Travel – Missy RyanI look forward to helping you plan your next magical vacation!