Are the Deluxe Reosrts worth the extra $$$?

[NorweJenNY]

I'm sorry if you were having trouble figuring out how much it would cost to upgrade to WL. That kind of stinks when you get your hopes up for a good deal. Wherever you end up you will have fun though!

If you're the kind of people who don't spend much time at the resort, then, you're fine sticking with POP. POP is my favorite value resort. I like how it stands more on its own as opposed to the three All-Stars that are all close together. It's nice that the food court and the bus stops are so close because you can fill up your mugs on the way in and on the way out... and it's convenient if you need a meal or a snack. If you tend to eat CS meals a lot, that food court has tons of options.

I don't know if you're doing free dining or not... that might affect my decision regarding whether or not to attempt a split stay because you wouldn't want to purchase two separate free dining deals with the extra tickets to buy.

If you really want to try WL though, I'd suggest looking into other possibilities - might there be a room-only discount offered to the general public that would help you get a nice rate? It's generally more cost-effective to do free dining deals at values or moderates because you're paying full price for lodging. Use a different code if you're trying for a deluxe. I'd consider calling back and seeing if there's another option, or simply another person answering the phone who might just happen to find something different! Ask about different types of rooms at WL - standard, woods view, etc. Just be prepared to go ahead and make the switch right away if you get a good quote for a price difference!

Even if it is a split stay, you can do free dining at POP and room-only at WL, and the room discount for WL might be enough that it covers the cost of the meals you'd want to do then anyway. WL is a nice place! I've done WL twice, both times it was for just one night at the end of our trip. It was nice - we checked in early and enjoyed the atmosphere a bit, then took the boat ride from WL to the front of MK (I love how close it takes you, and the ride itself is a fun experience.) We'd enjoy the day at MK, then take the boat back to WL for dinner (love Whispering Canyon). And then there's no traveling needed after dinner (when you're tired from a full day) because you're at your resort! One of those trips, we did a late night swim, and I took some time to sit in the hot tub while gazing at the magnificent lodge all lit up at night - so gorgeous!

And finally, you can try renting DVC points to stay in a WL villa, for all or part of your stay. That's how our family has gotten to enjoy a lot of the deluxe resorts even though we're on a tighter budget than most families who stay at such places.

Whatever you decide, once you make your final decision, find the wonderful things about the resort (or resorts) where you'll be! Browse the boards for fans of where you're staying - they'll give you lots of things to look forward to. Dwell on the good stuff! You're going to Disney World, so that shouldn't be too difficult!

 

[maryj11]

so first she told me it was $1257 to change to the WL and so I told her to go ahead. So then she comes back and tells me my balance is $2065. Since my orignial trip is paid in full, I couldnt figure it out. So then she checked again and the $2065 is the right price so now its a no go for the WL. I'm sure we will love the POP but for one second I had my hopes high!

I would go with a moderate, I know it wouldnt be that much more. I have stayed at 2 of the values and 2 of the moderates and the WL. I will never go back to a value unless I have to pinch pennies

 

[maryj11]

I'm sorry if you were having trouble figuring out how much it would cost to upgrade to WL. That kind of stinks when you get your hopes up for a good deal. Wherever you end up you will have fun though!

If you're the kind of people who don't spend much time at the resort, then, you're fine sticking with POP. POP is my favorite value resort. I like how it stands more on its own as opposed to the three All-Stars that are all close together. It's nice that the food court and the bus stops are so close because you can fill up your mugs on the way in and on the way out... and it's convenient if you need a meal or a snack. If you tend to eat CS meals a lot, that food court has tons of options.

I don't know if you're doing free dining or not... that might affect my decision regarding whether or not to attempt a split stay because you wouldn't want to purchase two separate free dining deals with the extra tickets to buy.

If you really want to try WL though, I'd suggest looking into other possibilities - might there be a room-only discount offered to the general public that would help you get a nice rate? It's generally more cost-effective to do free dining deals at values or moderates because you're paying full price for lodging. Use a different code if you're trying for a deluxe. I'd consider calling back and seeing if there's another option, or simply another person answering the phone who might just happen to find something different! Ask about different types of rooms at WL - standard, woods view, etc. Just be prepared to go ahead and make the switch right away if you get a good quote for a price difference!

Even if it is a split stay, you can do free dining at POP and room-only at WL, and the room discount for WL might be enough that it covers the cost of the meals you'd want to do then anyway. WL is a nice place! I've done WL twice, both times it was for just one night at the end of our trip. It was nice - we checked in early and enjoyed the atmosphere a bit, then took the boat ride from WL to the front of MK (I love how close it takes you, and the ride itself is a fun experience.) We'd enjoy the day at MK, then take the boat back to WL for dinner (love Whispering Canyon). And then there's no traveling needed after dinner (when you're tired from a full day) because you're at your resort! One of those trips, we did a late night swim, and I took some time to sit in the hot tub while gazing at the magnificent lodge all lit up at night - so gorgeous!

And finally, you can try renting DVC points to stay in a WL villa, for all or part of your stay. That's how our family has gotten to enjoy a lot of the deluxe resorts even though we're on a tighter budget than most families who stay at such places.

Whatever you decide, once you make your final decision, find the wonderful things about the resort (or resorts) where you'll be! Browse the boards for fans of where you're staying - they'll give you lots of things to look forward to. Dwell on the good stuff! You're going to Disney World, so that shouldn't be too difficult!

Yes they do have a room only discount going on. If you go the Disney World site and up at the right top corner click specials on the drop down menu and it will take you to them. I tried Poly with free dining and room only discount. The room only discount was about 200.00 less, even after adding the dining and park passes.

 

[Sinderelly]

We just did a split stay last May 3 nights Pop and 4 nights BC Club Level. We liked Pop better so I would have to say no it's no worth the money. Teh teming at Pop was more appealing and our room was close to the food court and pool. Everything seemed so far away at BC, I said if I stay deluxe again I want to be on the monorail so we are staying at BLT (renting points) in Oct. I can't wait to try a monorail resort

 

[rentayenta]

We currently have plans to stay at Pop Century for 9 nights in September. I have always wanted to stay at the Wilderness Lodge but it is almost $1600 more to stay there compared to Pop. Is it worth the extra money? I don't think I want to switch half way through, seems like a hassle.

I don't think I'd do a Value/Deluxe spilt unless I did the Value first. We went from AKV to POR last trip and it was painful. I wasn't a Deluxe believer until we purchased DVC. I've only stayed DVC Deluxe, not hotel Deluxe and I can tell you it's totally worth it. The pools are amazing, they have pool parties, community halls, a TS and CS. The service seems more individualized and the rooms so comfortable. More to see, more to do.

 

[kathy884]

It really depends on your vacation budget and what you are looking for in a vacation. A deluxe resort for me usually means a shorter trip. Sometimes that's something I would prefer to go for, sometimes not.

I don't know about you, but I know our family has an annual vacation budget that we typically stay within. If a trip I'm want to do somewhere else is fairly expensive, my Orlando trip has often turned in to an inexpensive budget mini trip (still a blast, though). If other travel is going to be fairly inexpensive, I'm more inclined to do some splurges in Orlando -- special tours / fancier resort etc.

My general opinon is that the Deluxe properties are lovely and really fun to stay in, but usually not worth it to me because of budget constaints.

 

[hmillerbarilla]

did anyone else say this, or when you got the quote from the CM you said "courtyard view". Why don't you price out standard view? It is a lot less money (there is even a woods view inbetween those two) and we had standard view in May of 2010 and loved it. Sure, I saw a couple dumpsters, but we also saw the monorail and bay lake and the contemporary.

I'd try calling again and see what you can get. The WL is a huge upgrade compared to POP (for us at least.)

 

[Amy&Dan]

I would go with a moderate, I know it wouldnt be that much more. I have stayed at 2 of the values and 2 of the moderates and the WL. I will never go back to a value unless I have to pinch pennies

My thoughts exactly. We have stayed at all levels, including DVC one and two bedrooms and for us, each trip has been wonderful. After all that "staying around" and even owning DVC for a few years, we have concluded moderates work best for us. They are the perfect balance of a resort experience with affordablity (by Disney standards).

Our favorites are POR and CSR but we have stayed at and enjoyed all of them. Right now POR is being refurbbed but POFQ and CSR already have the queen beds and rooms at CBR are the exact same size as the ones at WL and its very centrally located with a lovely beach and tropical theme.

So maybe check out allearsnet and the various FAQ threads on this board to research the four moderates. Thank goodness there is a happy medium between deluxe and value!

You can also go to www.portorleans.org for everything you need to know (including lots of pictures) on POR and POFQ.

If you stay with Pop, its a wonderful resort we enjoy very much. We have had four great stays there.

 

[nrpofp]

For me its deluxe or nothing so I would have to say yes. The rooms at the mod and values are tiny, no balconies, no healthclub, no signature restaurants. and no location. Those are things I need for a vacation. If I can't afford disney deluxe then we will go to my second favorite place Hawaii. Its a personel descision if you are happy with less amenities, and taking a bus then its probably not worth the money. The money they charge for mod and values you could stay at an offsite deluxe. For me deluxe is about location and its worth the money. If I can't afford it there is the waldorf which is about the same price as a disney mod.

 

[HJV]

Ive stayed at all 3 levels. I liked the All Star Movies & Music. I wasn't as into going from value to moderate as while the theme was more defined, I didn't find much better in the quality of the accommodations. Now the Deluxe I love and don't know if I could go back. Its almost worth it for the proximity to the parks to me, but between the restaurants.

I totally agree. The moderate didn't seem worth the extra dollars, but I've only stayed at a few. The deluxe are worth it if your going to spend time at the resort. If your going to be at the park all day, every day the value are fine.

idoeyes1, have you checked out Dave's DVC rentals? You can get a basic room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for a pretty reasonable rate. And the resort is going to be much nicer than the POP (not saying the POP isn't nice, for the price I really do think its great place) but you can add the dinning plan and everything through him. I'm not sure about the WL. But if you have already booked, you could have him check and then cancel your reservation, if possible. I tried to get the Boardwalk through him and it was booked so he returned the inital fee right away.

Anyway, have fun!

 

[lurkernj]

For me it depends on who is going and what kind of trip is planned. If I'm going to be in the parks all day and barely at the resort, it would be a waste to pay for a deluxe, a value is just fine. If DH comes with me, it has to be a more relaxed trip (naps/time by the pool), then I would get a mod or deluxe as we would use the amenities. Haven't actually stayed deluxe yet, but we're going to do an adults only trip next year and are thinking yacht/beach club.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

We have been lucky and have always been able to stay at a deluxe resort over the years. When our kids were little having the queen beds and the large bathrooms made a difference. Now that our kids have grown we actually enjoy the deluxe resorts even more. We go to the parks in the morning and evening, but are guilty of spending the afternoons at the resort, whether lounging by the pool or in the room. Having the extra space, multiple dining choices, as well as the ammenities make a difference for us.

I agree with so many of the previous posters, it's all in how you spend your vacation and what your expectations from a resort are.

 

[wdwlver]

We stay deluxe because the resort is a big part of our trip. Kids love the pools with the water slides, love having nice ts restaurants at resort, love not having to take a bus to all four parks, we stay in the Epcot resorts, so we're only on a bus for MK and AK. DH and I cannot do a double bed, and we love having a glass of wine on balcony after the kiddos go to bed and watching the World go by......

 

[saradela]

In 2010 I was at Wilderness Lodge, but I am getting back to POP.

Probably the beds are the only advantage that I can see. Wilderness Lodge is beatifull, but I never had the time to enjoy the resort. I was busy with the parks. Got up a 6 am , came back for a quick nap, and then more parks. I didnt have the time to go once to the restaurant, or to the gym , or to the pool. At night, usually we came back on the boat, but I didnt like it, There were Thousands of mosquitoes on it. I prefer bus, so the only thing that I really liked, was the sound of crickets at night (I have to buy me one of those machines for my House)

 

[lacy1101]

We were at pop we just upgrade to CBR last night. We also go for 10 days. I have a hard time getting myself to pay the deluxe prices. In all honesty for us to upgrade from pop to AKL would have been 1400.00 more for 9 nights that was way more than I wanted to spend. So for 500.00 more we are going with a moderate. Sort of middle of the road. But I wouldn't hesitate to stay at pop again. It really is a fun resort. Have you thought about a moderate?

I love POP and I love CBR! You will enjoy it there. (Now you gotta "upgrade" your ticker and signature!)

Out of 8 trips, we have stayed twice in a moderate (both times CBR) and the rest of the time we have stayed at a value. We will be at POP in September with our 16yo daughter and three of her friends, but in November, we are returning with another couple and will be staying at Wilderness Lodge - our first deluxe stay! I'm anxious to see how I like it.

 

[JKB DIS]

Yes, it is worth the extra money. The rooms are bigger, the beds are bigger and the pools are nicer! We just returned from a 6 night stay at the POP. The room was small, clean, and very noisy. On at least 2 occasions I was up until after 2:00 am listening to the noise from the baby pool. It is just not for us. My ds (16) and dd(13) made the comment on the last day that they would rather wait longer between trips to save up to stay at Beach Club. We have stayed deluxe, moderate, and now value, and I can honestly say I will be paying the extra money for a deluxe or I will not be going.

 

[gcferg]

All that really matters is that you will be at Disney! We have stayed at Value, Moderate, and Deluxe and we prefer the Deluxe. We usually rent through DVC members and can typically get a deluxe stay for the same price as a moderate, sometimes better depending on the time of year. We will continue to do this until I can convince my DW we should just become DVC members. We won't do value anymore and usually only moderate if we can get the DP for free.

Of course since you are already paid up for the value resort the DVC points rental won't work. With a points rental you are paying the DVC member not Disney and wouldn't be able to transfer what you already paid. You might look into that option on your next trip.

If you can upgrade to a moderate I would do that. They are nice, have better pools, and the wait times for buses are typically a lot less than value resorts when you leave the park.

 

[ppony]

If the resort itself, be it the theming, offerings, restaurants, location, etc... is a good part of your vacation, then it's worth it. It is to us. Enough so that we bought DVC because we cannot stay any other way and it's going to afford us staying at that level for decades to come. Otherwise we might not be able to because affording the trip is a lot of saving. Because for us, when we go on a vacation, it's every 2-4 years, so where we stay is a vital component. Not everyone vacations the same way though. Only you know you and what you find important.

 

[bookgirl]

it depends on what you need from your resort


in the greater sense of the word,,,,Disney DELUXE hotel does not always equate with any other high dollar hotel in the rest of the world, in Disney Deluxe means closer to a park, transport other than a bus, and a sit down resturant, and usually rooms that do not open to the outside

in my case my mom does not want a room that opens to the outside, my stepdad wants a hot tub and since we're mainly doing Epcot we're staying at BC while she is at the world with me for the closeness to the park. She's content with BC so it's worth it to me to pay a whole lot and for her to be happy.

(we stayed at a value last time and she still refers to it as the motel six, and though she's not happy to pay so much for a room without a seprate sinks and bathroom combined but she'll be okay)

I'm switching to POFQ after they leave because I don't care if my room is an outer corridor, and I'll live without a treadmill (repeat after me exercise on vacation is NOT a perk), I'm going to be doing other parks then Epcot, and honestly I don't need a TS resturant, so for me alone, without a HEFTY discount it wasn't worth it to do the rest of my vacation at BC this time.

I actually didn't mind the value but POFQ had a few things that appealed to me so I chose there. I never just use price to determine what makes a hotel desirable. I want to do FandW next year, you bet I'll be booking BC/YC for the short walk

 

[trekker93]

We think it is overvalued for what they give you. The rooms are much nicer but is it really worth $100's of dollars more a night? Also, some deluxe resorts have a worse bus situation than the values. A Value like Pop, has buses show up about every 15-20 minutes with only a 20 minute ride to the major parks. Whereas at AKL the buses are 30 minutes apart with longer than 30 minute rides. However, , having the animals there is a huge advantage for those who love them.