Wondering what a preferred room is at Disney World and if it’s worth it? We’ll tell you everything you need to know about this common room type at Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
Disney World Resort hotels offer a wealth of options. You can stay in a Value, Moderate or Deluxe Resort or Deluxe Villa. And each resort category offers different room types to choose from. One of these is a Preferred Room, which usually costs extra and means you’ll be close to amenities (like the main building, transportation, or a neat spot near the pool).
But is this upgrade really worth the extra money? Personally, I say no – and here’s why.
Disney World Preferred Rooms: Are They Worth It?
Location at Value Resorts
One of the biggest selling points for a Preferred room over a Standard room is definitely location. Being closer to key areas like the main building, transportation hubs, or top-notch amenities can be a huge advantage, but there are some cases where I advise saving money.
Let’s talk about Disney’s Value Resorts, including the All-Star Resorts, Pop Century, and Art of Animation. It’s usually just a few steps up from a non-preferred room. Instead of spending the money on a preferred room, why not save it for some tasty snacks or must-have souvenirs?
Additionally, many guests have pointed out that booking a Preferred Room with a “pool view” (especially at a value resort where soundproofing isn’t exactly top-notch) can result in some pretty noisy nights. If you’re hoping for a peaceful night’s sleep, you might want to reconsider.
Standard room vs. preferred room
If you’re hoping a Preferred room will offer more space or a different layout, think again. Whether you choose a Preferred or Standard room, you’ll get the same square footage, especially after recent upgrades. The beds are the same size, and you’ll find the same number of bathrooms, sinks, TVs, dressers—you name it.
The money you spend on a preferred room at a value resort is purely for the location and view and is (in my opinion) not worth the extra money.
Deluxe Resort Preferred Room
Now, if you want to treat yourself to a deluxe resort like Animal Kingdom Lodge, you might be tempted to upgrade to a Preferred room if you have a little extra money to spare. This is one of the few cases where I think it might be worth it.
Deluxe Studio with Preferred View at Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Unlike the value resorts, where you only have to walk a few more steps to get to your room, staying in a deluxe room can mean a walk of up to a quarter mile from the bus stop. After a long day at the parks, that can feel more like five miles. But it’s all a matter of personal preference. If taking a few extra steps can save you a few hundred dollars a night, that might be the push you need to book a standard room instead.
Deluxe Resort Preferred rooms have better views, unlike Value Resorts
Additionally, the view in a Preferred Room at a Deluxe resort can be a major upgrade compared to what you get at a Value resort, but it comes at a price. Take the Animal Kingdom Lodge, for example, the Savannah room is a real treat. Waking up and seeing and hearing the wild animals right outside your balcony is a once in a lifetime experience.
But here’s the catch: If you plan on spending most of your time at the theme parks and only using the resort for overnight accommodation, you have to ask yourself: Is it really worth the extra $200 to $400 per night (or even more, depending on when you travel)?
Preferred Rooms at Magic Kingdom Resort…still not worth it
Although resorts in the Magic Kingdom, such as the Contemporary, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge and Grand Floridian, offer Preferred Rooms, I still don’t think it’s worth the expense. Take the Contemporary, for example. The standard rooms in the iconic A-frame main building already offer fantastic views of Bay Lake or the Magic Kingdom and all have a balcony. And let’s be honest: the price per night for a standard room is pretty high.
As for the cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, there are options like “Preferred/Water View” cabins. But here’s the thing: While the view may be better, that doesn’t really change what you see from the room. Some guests even argue that being closer to the main road is more valuable than which loop your cabin is in, as it can save you time walking to the bus stops and other key locations around the resort.
How about a Disney Preferred Room with a “Fireworks View”?
Of course, for the resorts that offer a preferred “fireworks view” room, watching the fireworks from the comfort of your own room sounds great. But that’s the point – even if you book a standard room at one of these resorts, you can still experience the fireworks without having to join the crowds on Main Street. Just take a short walk from your room to the beach (especially if you’re staying at the Polynesian or Grand Floridian), and you’re set. (They even play the soundtrack!)
And here’s a little insider tip: Even if you’re not staying at one of these resorts, you can still enjoy the fireworks. Just hop on the monorail from the Magic Kingdom and ride to one of these prime viewing spots. Is a Disney Preferred Room really worth it just for the fireworks? Personally, I say no.
WDW Resorts
