All or nothing???

[ktink]

So I just upgraded from ASMu to WL but now I'm wondering if I've done the right thing. Reason being we can stay at ASMu go to water parks and buy DDP for less than we can stay at WL.


If we stay at WL then I will not hop or go to parks just because the nightly rate is ridiculous. So should I trade off a deluxe w/ no extras for a value with all the perks?? TIA

 

[vickalamode]

So I just upgraded from ASMu to WL but now I'm wondering if I've done the right thing. Reason being we can stay at ASMu go to water parks and buy DDP for less than we can stay at WL.


If we stay at WL then I will not hop or go to parks just because the nightly rate is ridiculous. So should I trade off a deluxe w/ no extras for a value with all the perks?? TIA

What is more important to you, the experience of your vacation as a whole or the experience of the resort? Personally if the cost of staying at a deluxe meant I couldn't enjoy water parks, DDP, or park hopping, I would rather stay at the value and enjoy those things. Have you considered a mod? If you stay at the WL and cost is a huge issue you might not be able to enjoy a lot of what Disney has to offer. I know that when I go to WDW, I'm going for the resort as a whole, not just the hotel I'm staying at

 

[Pakey]

We have always stayed deluxe because budget has not been an issue. One trip we stayed at a mod, at POFQ, because we went with a group and that was the choice they made for our hotel. Seriously, for the money, POFQ was a much better deal. If I had to choose between a deluxe and giving up those hoppers and staying at a mod and having all of those other features, I would take the mod every time. And I'm one of those vacationers who spend a lot of time at my resort but I would still choose the extra perks over a hotel room.

 

[ktink]

thanks vickalamode. It's not that the cost is an issue at all, it's just I can't make myself pay the prices of the deluxe resort. I really want to stay deluxe because I enjoy being pampered and feeling that I can sit back and relax. When we go on other vacations and spend $200+ a night we usually get a condo and have our own room. It's just hard for me to justify paying the $$$ when we'll be sharing one room and one restroom between the 4 of us.

The trade off is that we LOVE WDW and we're really looking forward to going but I don't want to spend $3000 or $4000 when I can get more for $2500, KWIM.

My question is for those who stay deluxe is the hotel really worth paying what Disney asks?

 

[ktink]

We have always stayed deluxe because budget has not been an issue. One trip we stayed at a mod, at POFQ, because we went with a group and that was the choice they made for our hotel. Seriously, for the money, POFQ was a much better deal. If I had to choose between a deluxe and giving up those hoppers and staying at a mod and having all of those other features, I would take the mod every time. And I'm one of those vacationers who spend a lot of time at my resort but I would still choose the extra perks over a hotel room.

Thanks Pakey! I really hate to bother everyone with questions like this but DH refuses to talk about it because he could care less where we stay. I just want to get the most for my money.

 

[Shmily1]

Came back from ASMu about 12 days ago... it was wonderful!!! The new rennovation was great. The beds slept good, and the decorations were wonderful!! We loved it there and will be staying there again in the very near future. Well, not the very next trip because that is in about 8 days and will be at POR. The time before it wsa BC, which we loved, but there is just something about the fun atmosphere of the values that I love!!!!

I'd go for the value!!!

 

[fishie]

Why does it *have* to be all or nothing? Why can't you go moderate, instead of either extreme? It's a little more room & comfort, but not so much money that it will crimp other activities. Just a thought . . . .

 

[Shell0616]

You sound like me! I upgraded from ASMu to POFQ and I have been second guessing myself ever since! As a single mom it is a lot of money for me but I saved some money on airfare so I upgraded and added 2 days.

We're not going until October so I have a long time to pay it off. We are doing the dining plan for 2 reasons. 1. I can pre-pay which is a lot easier for me than paying for food all at once. 2. We can order whatever we want without worrying about the cost.

You didn't mention when you are going or for how long. If its a short trip you might not want to pay for park hopping. That way you don't spend to much of your precious time traveling around. We are going for 6 nights. I have decided to to wait and see if we go to a water park and if we do I will pay out of pocket. It doesn't really save any money if you only go to the water parks once. Also, if for some reason the weather is cooler than normal we wouldn't go to the water parks anyway.

Anyway, I have wanted to upgrade from a budget for so long I think it will be worth it. Like the previous poster mentioned. Can you stay at a moderate? It might be a good compromise.

Good luck and whatever you decide I'm sure you will have a wonderful time!

Shellie

 

[ktink]

Why does it *have* to be all or nothing? Why can't you go moderate, instead of either extreme? It's a little more room & comfort, but not so much money that it will crimp other activities. Just a thought . . . .

That's a thought the reason I used value & deluxe because I could do it all for a few cents less than what our stay and base tickets are costing for the WL package.

Shellie, thanks for your post as well. We are going down 8/31 - 9/6/08. I'd like to stay longer but the kids will only miss 4 days of school this way. We enjoy going in September because the crowds are always great during this time even w/ free dining. DD6 really wants to stay at POFQ so that's a thought for sure.

 

[Tink415]

For me, staying deluxe is only worth it sometimes..depending on what kind of vacation we want, if we will have time to use the facilities at our hotel, the time of year, etc. All of the resort levels have pros and cons. We're going to buy whatever food we want DPP or not so that doesn't figure into it for me.
I could go without hoppers easily but we've had APs for the last few years. I think a short trip hoppers needed, long trip not necessary.

One summer we stayed 3 nights ASMo, and we in the parks contantly those 3 days. Then we moved to SSR and spent hardly any time at parks, instead we were in the pool, had a couple of spa visits, relaxed. That was a nice vacation! One year we spent 10 nights at WL for Christmas, the next year 10 nights at POR. I would choose POR for Christmas everytime, it was a much better value and less busy atmosphere...only CON was no fireworks from the balcony, and that isn't guaranteed at WL. We spent 10 nights at ASMo one Halloween that was also a great vacation!
Good luck deciding!

 

[hockeybabe]

One thing to mention is that the deluxe resorts have queen beds, where as the others have doubles. This can be a big factor for some people. Another is that the deluxes have central air, as does CSR, where as the others have the wall units, if that is something that affects you. Deluxes also have double sinks, and doors open to indoor hallways. These are some things that affect some people's decisions, but not everyones. We have stayed at both deluxe (WL) and moderate (CSR) and loved both. We would not be staying at the WL this upcoming trip if not for the discounts in room and tickets we got with the code they offered. CSR was great, we just love the WL a bit more, especially with the winter trip.

 

[Skroops]

Have you considered renting points from a DVC member? That was one way we have stayed deluxe for less. You could still stay at WL, just the WLVs'. You could also check into the Swan/Dolphin, they sometimes have discounts and promotions.
There are often ways to stay deluxe with a discount. Otherwise, the moderates are the best value, IMO.

 

[ktink]

Thanks again to everyone for all of your input. I do want this next vacation to not be so comando. We want to use the pool more and we don't park hop anyway. So for now I'm sticking w/ WL. I've always wanted to stay at a deluxe, mainly Poly but I'm too frugal w/ our money to be able to enjoy a stay there. So thanks again everyone.

 

[simonkodousek]

Congrats on the decision, you'll have a great trip no matter where you decide to stay! The WL is a great resort with nice amenities.

 

[Princess_Belle]

That's a thought the reason I used value & deluxe because I could do it all for a few cents less than what our stay and base tickets are costing for the WL package.

Shellie, thanks for your post as well. We are going down 8/31 - 9/6/08. I'd like to stay longer but the kids will only miss 4 days of school this way. We enjoy going in September because the crowds are always great during this time even w/ free dining. DD6 really wants to stay at POFQ so that's a thought for sure.

I see you are going from 8/31 - 9/6!!

Don't forget about the possibility for free dining! The bounceback that was offered to guest staying at the resorts last September offered free dining from 8/30 - 9/27! So hopefully you can add free dining to your package if/when it becomes available! Stay at the WL for now and hope for the best!!!

 

[attackwithnorth]

My personal opinion is that the resort is important, so much so for me and my family that we will NOT stay at POP or the AS resorts. Too much of the Disney resort experience is lost there. We will, however, compromise with a moderate resort if need be. POR and POFQ are great resorts. To me, nothing beats the Polynesian, but the experience as a whole is what you are paying for. Go for the mod and keep the perks.

 

[ashef]

The pool at POFQ is just great for little kids. We went when our kids were small and they were just enchanted. They've outgrown it now at 11 & 12, but I will always remember how deliriously happy they were sliding down the water slide of the magic dragon's tongue over and over and over.

 

[Dawn68PA]

I can totally relate. We have only done value resorts in the past. I decided this time, we are going deluxe at AKL to celebrate 20 years of marriage and turning 40. Justifying the money still isn't easy.

We live on a budget. Money will be tight. But once in a while it's ok to splurge.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it...