Deluxe tier Disney resort hotels have the absolute best amenities and restaurants. This is the category all Disney Vacation Club properties fall into. Many would agree Deluxe resorts also have the best theming, locations and transportation options. These features open up a world of delightful possibilities to plan into your next vacation. Whether you’re looking for something new to add to your trip itinerary or searching for reasons to book another a stay, you’ll find inspiration in this round up of top luxury experiences at Disney Vacation Club Resorts.
Top Luxury Experiences at Disney Vacation Club Resorts
In this post we’re focusing on some of the Disney Vacation Club properties at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Outside of the Disney World properties, Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort have exciting offerings of their own, unique to their locations. Especially the beach front properties! For the purposes of this roundup, we’re considering a luxury experience to be memorable and elevated dining, an ultra pampering offering or something out of the ordinary that’s worthy of a splurge.
Fireworks cruises
This first recommendation is available at more than one of the DVC resorts at Walt Disney World. Specifically, The Contemporary Marina, Polynesian Marina, Grand Floridian Marina and Wilderness Lodge Marina. Each fireworks cruise includes snacks, drinks and festive decorations, the latter upon request. Fireworks cruises start at $399 plus tax for a 25 foot boat and seat up to 10 Guests. You and your party will just love a private fireworks cruise on a pontoon boat with a driver on the Seven Seas Lagoon. From this body of water you can see Magic Kingdom nighttime shows. It’s exclusive, feels private and gives you a special experience that you won’t find many other places. They are magical and should be booked ahead of time. The best case scenario is to book before your trip but the resort’s concierge can let you know if there is day of or week of availability.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
Dine with Savanna Views at Sanaa
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge provides incredible views of animals from many different spaces throughout the resort. Located right on Sunset Savanna at Kidani Village, Sanaa has a menu featuring ‘African cooking with Indian flavors.’ Through floor to ceiling windows, guests can see an array of animals rarely spotted in the average day to day. Enjoy your meal as a giraffe, gazelle, ostrich, crane or another fantastic creature walks by. The food at Sanaa is something to write home about. The Indian-style bread service is a fan favorite. Naan bread is a accompanied by a large assortment of sauces like mango chutney and tomato date jam. The richly decorated interior makes this dining location one to admire. Warm earth tones and intricate visuals, from lighting fixtures to seating, give guests lots of details to soak in.
Signature Dining at Jiko
Enjoy a meal and a culinary show, thanks to the open kitchen at Jiko the Cooking Place. This restaurant is only open for dinner and features boutique African wines.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Firework Views from California Grill
Disney’s Contemporary Resort has luxurious views of Magic Kingdom Park that are sure to enchant anyone who visits. California Grill is magically placed on top of the resort on the fifteenth floor. This restaurant is renowned for its firework views but also for its incredible food. For those who are interested in a nice wine and something delicious last minute, there is a small bar that’s open based on availability. Guests delight in sushi, steaks and decadent desserts. For vegan, vegetarian and dairy-free diners, the plant based offerings at California Grill are always something to write home about. This special space is perfect for birthdays, date nights and other celebrations.
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Pool Days with Style at Stormalong Bay
We often say Disney’s Beach Club Resort’s Stormalong Bay is the best pool at Walt Disney World. For a luxurious pool day, look no further than a stay at Beach Club. You’ll feel pampered enjoying the sand bottom pool, small lazy river, pirate ship themed water slide and rentable cabanas. Quiet hot tub alcoves and waterfalls also add a little extra something here. Order lunch and tropical drinks right from your poolside lounger. You don’t find many pool areas this amazing at hotels. Sounds like a prime vacation day to me.
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Exquisite Dining on Disney’s Boardwalk
Disney’s Boardwalk area offers more than one opportunity to have a delicious night out. For upscale dining, the courses at Flying Fish are sure to be remembered. The bubbly chandeliers inside give off an oceanside vibe. Trattoria al Forno is another option in this area with decadent eats. This eatery has a cozy interior perfect for sharing a romantic Italian meal with a glass of red. Finish your night off with fireworks from Disney’s Boardwalk for extra magic.
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Magical Spa Days on the Seven Seas Lagoon
There a quite a few over the top offerings at this next resort. From award winning dining to luxe spa treatments, it has it all. The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa has been positioned as the flagship property of Walt Disney World Resort. Aside from it’s perfect location next to Magic Kingdom, the Grand, as many call it, has a lot to offer for those seeking luxury. The spa at the Grand Floridian makes relaxation convenient for guests. Just a few steps from the main DVC building at the resort, the spa sits like an all white beacon of peace. Monorails quietly zoom by on the track just outside the spa entrance. Once you’re inside, the transformation begins. The Grand Floridian has services for body, hair, nails and face and caters to individuals and couples.
Grand Dining Experiences
For decades, the Grand Floridian has dazzled guests with it’s dining options. Citricos is located on the second floor of the lobby and now features a subtle Mary Poppins Returns theme along with a sparkling fine dining menu. The arancini appetizer is a beloved, crispy treat.
Nearby Victoria and Albert’s is celebrated as one of the best restaurants in the state of Florida. This fine dining establishment truly offers a luxe night out with tailored meals and a live harpist.
Narcoossee’s is located right on the water across from Magic Kingdom with grand views of fireworks. The building feels as though its surrounded by water and provides a relaxing atmosphere that spotlights the beauty of Florida through its many windows.
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Say Aloha to a Delicious Atmosphere at ‘Ohana
The beloved ‘Ohana brings the taste of Hawaii right to your table. This family style restaurant is a Disney World vacation staple and a cherished tradition for many. ‘Ohana has a little bit of everything with views of Magic Kingdom fireworks accompanied by the music and then a live ukulele player that roams the venue. You can live it up tropical vacation style here with a drink in a pineapple. The food is beyond delicious with noodles you’ll be craving later and grilled goodness brought to the table. The meal closes with the show stopping ‘Ohana bread pudding. This warm gooeyness is topped with ice cream and caramel sauce.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Dine in the sky at Topolino’s Terrace
Disney’s Riviera Resort gets luxurious with sky high firework views and an elevated dining experience. Literally! Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera sits on the tenth floor and overlooks nearby Epcot. For breakfast, Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy appear in varied artist attire. The meal is themed to art and features a neat little paint bucket bread basket. Things get fancier for dinner. Topolino’s Terrace isn’t a character meal later in the day. Instead guests enjoy cuisine inspired by France and Italy with the beautiful background of Florida sunsets and firework filled night skies. This Signature Dining experience is one you’ll want to dress up for.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Indulge at Saratoga Springs Spa
Saratoga Springs has quite the spa! When it’s open and fully operating, the spa at Saratoga Springs is the nicest Disney spa at Walt Disney World Resort. The footprint is huge and the amenities are lovely. There are large, separate locker rooms for men and women that each feature their own wet rooms. Guests can enjoy heated tile chairs, a large whirlpool spa and a steam room on their visit. There’s also a co-ed relaxation room you’ll actually want to spend time in that’s spacious and includes comfortable seating. What makes this spa more luxurious than the others is how much space there actually is. This spa is much larger than the one at the Grand and all of the amenities are spread out, allowing a more private and quiet experience for those who visit.
Live Large at Disney Springs & Drawn to Life
For even more magic near Saratoga Springs, guests can walk or take boat transport to adjacent Disney Springs. It is super close and feels like an extension of the resort. There are many luxe and special dining experiences at Disney Springs. Enjoy delightful wine pairings at Wine Bar George or fine dining at Jaleo or Paddlefish. For an attraction splurge, try riding in an amphicar at The Boathouse. There’s also the new Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life. This imaginative circus arts show is broadway quality and makes for the ultimate night out. Drawn to Life is the first true collaboration between The Walt Disney Company and Cirque du Soleil. Buy your tickets and prepare to be dazzled. The incredible costumes and mind boggling stunts will have you raving about Drawn to Life!
DVC Resort Dining and Lounges
Walt Disney World is a treasure to explore and the stunning bar and lounge spaces are absolute gems. If you love getting dressed up and ordering a nice cocktail in a fabulous setting, DVC resorts have options for you. Enchanted Rose at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has a grown up, Beauty and the Beast theme. Enjoy one of four different spaces at this venue including a library-esque room with French feeling accessories and subtle characters from the film. Another pretty place for drinks and small plates is Victoria Falls Lounge which is off of the lobby at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This space is neatly tucked over Boma and feels moody in the best way with its dark decor. For a different shimmering lounge option, try the magic themed AbracadaBar at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort. See our DVC dining guides for more chic recommendations.
DVC Resale Experts Sells DVC Points
If you’re tempted to buy resale DVC points or add on to your Membership, you’re in the right place. DVC Resale Experts is a licensed real estate broker that specializes in selling DVC points. The Experts started as Disney Vacation Club Guides. Now, as licensed independent real estate agents, they continue to make magic for families, couples and individuals buying resale DVC. Through decades of experience our agents have gained valuable knowledge they now share with their clients. Take a look at our resale DVC listings to see current pricing and what’s available now. If you don’t see a property with a point value you’re interested in you can always joining the DVC Resale Experts Buyer Wish List. You’ll be contacted when the right contract becomes available.
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