If you’re planning a stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Villas, you’ve likely come across the choice between a Deluxe Studio and a Resort Studio. Both offer fabulous accommodations and access to the resort’s quintessential charm, but each has distinct features that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you’re a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member or a Grand Floridian fan, understanding the key differences between these two options will help you choose the perfect room for your Disney getaway.
Similarities Between Deluxe Studios and Resort Studios
Before we dive into what sets these two studios apart, let’s look at what they have in common:
- Point Costs: Both room categories start at 16 DVC points per night, depending on the season and view selection.
- Capacity: Both studios can sleep up to five guests, making them great for families or groups of friends.
- Amenities and Location: Both are located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Villas and share access to the resort’s top-notch amenities, including pools, transportation options, shopping, and dining.
Whether you’re in a Deluxe Studio or a Resort Studio, you’ll be immersed in the timeless elegance and convenience of Disney’s premier resort.
Resort Studio Overview
The Resort Studios are located in Big Pine Key, a building originally part of the Grand Floridian hotel that was converted into DVC accommodations. These rooms are essentially identical to the original hotel rooms, with a layout and features designed to suit those who prioritize comfort and simplicity.
Key Features of Resort Studios:
- Room Layout:
- Two queen beds and a single daybed, offering plenty of sleeping space.
- A beverage center with a coffee maker. While microwaves were not part of the original setup, many rooms now include them or have them available upon request.
- One bathroom.
- View Categories:
- Resort View, overlooking the resort grounds.
- Preferred View, offering picturesque sights of the Seven Seas Lagoon.
- Theme Park View, an incredible vantage point for admiring Disney’s nightly fireworks at Magic Kingdom (with the highest point cost in both studio categories).
- Location:
- Located within Big Pine Key, behind the resort’s main building.
- Centrally placed near the Courtyard Pool and close to many resort amenities. However, note that there isn’t a covered walkway to the main lobby.
Resort Studios are ideal for those who love the traditional hotel layout and appreciate easy access to the heart of the Grand Floridian’s offerings.
Deluxe Studio Overview
The Deluxe Studios are part of the original Villas building and offer a design that aligns more closely with typical DVC accommodations. These studios focus on maximizing functionality and including more in-room amenities.
Key Features of Deluxe Studios:
- Room Layout:
- One queen bed and two Murphy beds (a queen-size fold-down Murphy bed that is also a couch when folded up and a single pull-down Murphy).
- A full kitchenette with a sink, mini fridge, microwave, toaster, and coffee maker.
- A split bathroom layout featuring a walk-in shower and a tub/shower combo. This setup allows two people to get ready simultaneously, making mornings much smoother for families.
- View Categories:
- Resort View, overlooking the resort grounds.
- Preferred View, offering serene views of the Seven Seas Lagoon.
- Location:
- Situated in the original Villas building, between the Beaches Pool and the Wedding Pavilion.
- Features a covered walking path to the main lobby area and is conveniently close to the walking path to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
- Includes its own parking lot and porte cochere, often making it quieter and more private than Resort Studios.
If you’re looking for a more apartment-style setup with extra amenities for dining and a little more functional space, Deluxe Studios might be the best fit for your group.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Resort Studio | Deluxe Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Bed Configuration | 2 queen beds, 1 daybed | 1 queen bed, 1 queen Murphy bed, 1 single Murphy bed |
| Kitchen Amenities | Beverage center + coffee maker (Microwaves often available) | Full kitchenette (sink, mini fridge, microwave, toaster, coffee maker) |
| Bathroom | One full bathroom | Split bathroom (walk-in shower and tub/shower combo) |
| View Options | Resort View, Preferred View, Theme Park View | Resort View, Preferred View |
| Location | Big Pine Key, near Courtyard Pool, behind the main lobby | Original Villas building, with a covered path to the main lobby and quieter surroundings |
Each studio has its unique advantages that cater to different needs!
Which Should You Choose?
If you value a traditional hotel room feel with plenty of sleeping space and proximity to resort amenities, the Resort Studio in Big Pine Key is a fantastic choice. The addition of the Theme Park View option is a major draw for those who want to maximize their Magic Kingdom experience.
On the other hand, if you want more functional in-room amenities like a kitchenette, a split bathroom, and a quieter atmosphere, the Deluxe Studio in the Villas building is your best bet.
Both options provide access to the luxurious setting of Disney’s Grand Floridian and all the magic it has to offer.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a Resort Studio and a Deluxe Studio at Disney’s Grand Floridian Villas ultimately depends on your personal preferences and vacation priorities. Derek DeBoer, our seasoned DVC Resale Market agent, favors the Resort Studios for their polished layout, two queen beds, and central location. Meanwhile, others, like Paul and I, prefer the Deluxe Studios for their split bathroom design, extra amenities, and quieter vibe.
Which studio do you prefer? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or start planning your next magical stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Villas!
Stay tuned to DVCFan.com for the latest on all things Disney Vacation Club. Join in the conversation in the DVC Fan Facebook Group. For exclusive content, check out our Patreon at patreon.com/dvcfan.
Greg Edens
January 17, 2025Fantastic content Amy. Booking a stay at the GF in the near future and really couldn’t clearly understand the difference. We’re with Derek. Close to hub and hope for a TPV Resort studio.
Tim Holt
January 17, 2025Sorry Amy, but I’m Team Derek all the way in this one! Much prefer the deluxe studio over the resort studio.