Are the Deluxe Resorts Really Worth the Money.

[girt25]

When I am at Disney I want my resort to remind me I at Disney.

I don't want to come back to my resort and have the resort look like I am in another part of the country or the world.

Woah, I totally disagree that the deluxe resorts feel less Disney then the values. Just as I don't think world showcase in epcot is any less Disney then fantasyland in MK and I think a lot of people (certainly not all) will agree with me. I'm sure there are people out there who would choose a value or mod over a deluxe resort without price being a consideration, but to say only the values remind your of disney... oh boy... I definitely don't equate Disney with only giant icons in gaudy colors. As much as that's part of the fun, so is beautiful landscaping, all of the cultures represented in Epcot, and Animal kingdom, the excitement of the boardwalk, the serenity of the yc, the tropics of the poly, the adventure of the AKL, and the...shininess of the Contemporary.

The point is... Disney is many things, and just about every on-site resort reflects that, not just the values.

 

[girt25]

Now to the topic of discussion.

If you're asking the question, especially if it's your first time,then I'd say it's not worth it to you. Every Disney resort is wonderful in it's own way, and if you haven't stayed in one of the deluxe resort then you certainly won't miss it. On the other hand, if you do go with a deluxe, you may be putting too much pressure on the resort to blow you away, it might, and it might not. Save yourself the money, go visit them while you're there, and if one of them hits you the right way, book there the next trip.

 

[PrincessHeart]

The Deluxe hotels have several advantages that IMHO are worth the extra cost. First, queen sized beds. Second, balconies so that you can got out in the morning or evening and not wake-up your kids. Third, doors that open to hallways like a hotel not a motel. I just don't want to stay at something that is not as nice as my home. That said, it will be cost prohibitive. We only go every other year because we like to stay at Deluxe resorts. That's our choice.

 

[minnie61650]

Woah, I totally disagree that the deluxe resorts feel less Disney then the values. Just as I don't think world showcase in epcot is any less Disney then fantasyland in MK and I think a lot of people (certainly not all) will agree with me. I'm sure there are people out there who would choose a value or mod over a deluxe resort without price being a consideration, but to say only the values remind your of disney... oh boy... I definitely don't equate Disney with only giant icons in gaudy colors. As much as that's part of the fun, so is beautiful landscaping, all of the cultures represented in Epcot, and Animal kingdom, the excitement of the boardwalk, the serenity of the yc, the tropics of the poly, the adventure of the AKL, and the...shininess of the Contemporary.

The point is... Disney is many things, and just about every on-site resort reflects that, not just the values.

I agree Disney is many things to many people and when I said I like the theming at the values I do.

Others like the themes at Disney's at the other resorts.

I don't hate the themes of the other resorts.

All Star Music with the Donald Duck pool reminds me of the Disney Comics I use to read as a child. Donald was my favorite character.

I enjoy spending time at the values and watching the little ones eyes light up when they see their favorite Disney Characters larger than life.

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I confess :

That sadly yes ,I use to think I would NEVER stay at the All Stars.

That was pre 2001.
In 2001 I went on a budget trip with my sis to Disney and since she was staying at the All Stars I decided DH and I should stay there also so as not to hurt my sisters's feelings. I heard the stories of the tiny rooms and the "tacky" decor.

Once I was at the All Stars and saw those huge icons and Donald Duck at the pool I knew I found the Disney hotel that I wanted to stay at again and again.
To me staying at the All Stars is like stepping into a Disney Movie Fantasyland. It is
an extension of the theme parks. It is Disney Magic!
At least that is the way I feel about them.

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When I think of a Disney Resort. I think of The All Stars.

I have been visiting since 1971 when it was brand new.
Most people would think I would equate the Poly or The Contemporary with Disney.
Not Me! The Poly and Contemporary may be nice resorts but I just prefer the All Stars.
I love the giant icons at the All Stars. The huge Coke cups with the straws in them at All Star Sports, the Giant Buzz and Woody and the Mickey pool at All Star Movies, and the pool with Donald at All Star Music. I feel like I stepped into a Disney Movie Fantasyland when I am at the All Stars.
Now that is Disney!
When we pull up to All Stars and I see those giant icons I get the biggest smile on my face. I know I am at Disney!


Have fun at Disney everyone!

 

[CarolA]

Or you could compare Disney Deluxe prices to the Ritz or the Waldorf in New York City (I think NYC is more of a destination than Birmingham) or an island resort such as some i've stayed at in Tahiti and Fiji; and the price doesn't seem so bad after all.

Just did some comparisons for a random day in July

Ritz NY $575
Waldford NY $549
Grand Floridian $455

Hotels that I would consider more comparable

Peabody Orlando $347
Ritz Orlando $289

Hmmm...... For about $100 more I get a room in NYC (Known to be one of the highest cost hotel cities amoung business travelers) with a higher independent ranking,... All that did was confirm my feeling that Disney is trying to rip me off.

 

[Timmay14]

I have stayed at Port Orleans Riverside and Yatch Club.
Yatch Club is sensational due to its excellent location. I dont think i would spend a lot of money to stay at the Grand Floridian as you are a long way from MGM, EPCOT and Animal Kingdom. Yatch Club was so close, could walk to EPCOT or MGM, quite a way from Magic Kingdon though. If you want to see and do lots, i would suggest anything in the boardwalk area, Yatch, Beach, Swan, Dolphin, Boardwalk etc. You will be able to see and do a lot more than if you stayed at POR or WL.

Thats Just my opinion, let me know what you think

Tim

 

[CoolPool]

Just did some comparisons for a random day in July

Ritz NY $575
Waldford NY $549
Grand Floridian $455

Hotels that I would consider more comparable

Peabody Orlando $347
Ritz Orlando $289

Hmmm...... For about $100 more I get a room in NYC (Known to be one of the highest cost hotel cities amoung business travelers) with a higher independent ranking,... All that did was confirm my feeling that Disney is trying to rip me off.

When the Ritz Orlando gets a monorail direct to the MK or Epcot or AK (well never mind about MGM) then I'll be happy to stay there and pay $289. I've stayed a few Ritzes, Ritzi, Ritzies, in my day (Cancun and Laguna to name two), and I agree they are the bees knees but Orlando? Naw. Its not worth it at $289 because there are no intangibles. Its just a really nice hotel in a so-so place in Florida. Not even on the coast. JMHO, best wishes...

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

When the Ritz Orlando gets a monorail direct to the MK or Epcot or AK (well never mind about MGM) then I'll be happy to stay there and pay $289. I've stayed a few Ritzes, Ritzi, Ritzies, in my day (Cancun and Laguna to name two), and I agree they are the bees knees but Orlando? Naw. Its not worth it at $289 because there are no intangibles. Its just a really nice hotel in a so-so place in Florida. Not even on the coast. JMHO, best wishes...

I just love this... You can add to the list the Ritz does not have a view of giraffe or zebra from the balcony either. That is why we pay those rates for a beloved Savannah View.

 

[CarolA]

I just love this... You can add to the list the Ritz does not have a view of giraffe or zebra from the balcony either. That is why we pay those rates for a beloved Savannah View.

I agree with this. I have said that AKL is the only deluxe I think offers a true unique experience.

I don't think there is much unique about the monorail. I don't especially enjoy being crammed on there with bunches of other folks especially with those children who think the monorail = PLAYGROUND. Parents who would NEVER let thier kids get up on a bus will routinely allow them to CLIMB over the center area of the monorail. ANd "holding" for clearance" is not exactly a service oriented statement.

The views are nice and as long as you know you are paying for LOCATION then it's fine. IMHO the Mods give almost as good a location at a much more resonable price. So if I am not doing AKL Savannah view then it's a moderate.


Why are we willing to give Disney a "pass" on service and amenities? Where do you draw the line? Do we say it's OK for Disney parks to be on the same par as your local Six Flags? Disney is suppose to be "the best" and to "plus" your experience. Therefore why shouldn't thier hotels meet those same standards? For that matter why shouldn't they EXCEED those standards? Disney has indicated they want to expand thier hotels outside of thier natural base (the parks). I think they will find that it's not that easy. When you put the service and standards in NY City for example the competion is right on thier door with NO "monorail' or park view....I think unless Disney UPS their current standard they will be found dramatically lacking.

I think the Four Seasons opening is going to be eye opening for Disney....

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

I have no experience at the Mods or Values, but I have stayed at the WL and I am booked for CR in Dec. I have to say that we loved the WL and we are very seriously looking forward to CR. We were very comfortable in the WL, the space is an issue for us. There are 4 of us and we do go back to the room in the afternoon for a rest and swim. So, the extra that it costs us to have the convenience of the closeness to the MK is priceless to us.

 

[Sammie]

I think it is great that some really like seeing giraffe from their balcony, personally it does not appeal to me.

However I can sit on the beach at the Polynesian or Grand Floridian and never get tired of watching the castle change colors, or hear the sounds of the train coming and going from the Main Street station. To me that is priceless.

Everyone has to decide what appeals to them and how much it is worth and regardless of whether others agree.

 

[CoolPool]

Well I guess when I entered this conversation, I came in with my prejudices. I'm willing to agree that Disney shouldn't get a pass. They should have the capacity to have fluffier towels, bathrobes, nicer pool chairs, better lighting than they often do, but here's what I was thinking might be a little different too about running a Disney deluxe resort. There are a lot more CHILDREN around. I'm thinking about many deluxe resorts I've stayed in and none come to mind with the sheer number of children being accomodated by Disney. At least in my house, children = wear and tear and safety concerns above and beyond the usual. That might play into some of their choices. I also think the resort pricing must be the point at which costs are recovered for transportation (buses, monorail, boats, etc). Most resorts don't have the infrastructure costs of Disney. And insurance - kids, parents, elderly, different physical disabilities being accomodated - whew - that must be more than is typical given the broad swath of their clientele. There are probably a hundred things I'm not including right now. I just think that I'm willing to bite for the deluxe because I do perceive it offers the appropriate value.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

You get a lot of bang for the buck with the moderate resorts, all 3 beautiful and the pools at some even better than some of the deluxe resorts, they are NOT like Courtyard or similar as another poster states, not at all, the moderates are resort like, just gorgeous, with beautiful grounds to walk on, etc., etc. That being said, why don't you try a split? Split between a moderate and a deluxe going into the moderate first of course. The values are like a hotel, don't have a resort feel but are definitely Disney like with bright characters, etc., we did NOT care for them ourselves tho.