I do not want to be adversarial, but I have to be clear:
Have you ever stayed at SSR or OKW? I've never parked right in front of my door when staying at either. Yes, the parking lots are intermingled with the buildings, but that does not mean that there is a "valet-like" space available for every guest. I've even had to park in distant lots late in the evening; more like a motel experience than a deluxe hotel.
Yes, this is true, but it is INCLUDED in a deluxe priced resort, which is the comparison here. I paid for deluxe accomodations; CRO realizes this which is why daily housekeeping is included for reservations made through them. I knew I would not get this amenity when I purchased, but when we talk about deluxe accomodations, this is clearly an un-deluxe element to our DVC ownership.
Are you serious about Artist's Point? That is, at best, a coffee shop. Yes, I mentioned the Yachtsman, but I've been to California Grill (twice) and it was not in the same class, except in price. I'm not a fan of Jiko, though, I will admit it is a quality restaurant, and I have never been to Flying Fish so I will give you that one, too. So with 7 DVC resorts we have agreed on 3 nice restaurants ... not exactly a great number. Even if I agreed with your choices, there were only 5 ... again not great odds. Let's see, The Grand Floridian has 3 all on its' own: Victoria and Albert's, Narcoosee's, and Citrico's! That is the difference between Disney Deluxe and DVC non-deluxe reality.
I disagree; Pop and the All-Stars are the highest themed resorts, but that has nothing to do with being deluxe. As a matter of fact, uber-theming (while something I personally like) is not the sign of a deluxe resort. In my opinion, theming is not a deluxe factor; it neither makes a resort deluxe, nor does it prevent a resort from being deluxe.
I specifically said that while not important to me, that I agreed they existed. I guess I was not clear in my implication that they are a deluxe feature. I stand by my opinion that they are not overly used, but it is an element that they have. They all have pool, too, but then again so does Pop ... and most Motel 6's. Pretty meaningless as a deluxe feature, but I agree many people like them.
I specifically said concierge service, not concierge lounges. I am referring specifically to the aid that any deluxe hotel provides to their guests in obtaining dinner reservations, theater tickets, local transportation, etc. This kind of service is standard at a deluxe hotel, but only available if you pay for the additional "concierge level" which is currently only available at AKV-Jambo House. I will grant that this is true for all Disney hotels, however, it is a deluxe feature that is for all intents and purposes unavailable to DVC Members at their "deluxe" resorts.
Turn down service and free wireless internet is the norm at deluxe hotels. I do not only stay at The Ritz; I have had turn down at The Grand Californian, The Grand Floridian, and Hyatt hotels, as well as getting free wireless internet at Marriott, Hyatt, Omni, and their subsidiary hotels. And while I do belong to the Marriott's member program, I have gotten this type of treatment regardless.
-- Whether or not one can park directly in front of their door is really not the issue. The fact is you will walk less to your door at SSR and OKW than you would if the resort did have valet parking. Thus, it would be ridiculous to have valet parking at these resorts.
-- Yes, housekeeping is included in a deluxe resort, BUT, so is the price. This is a wash.
-- Yes, I'm serious about Artist Point. A coffee shop?? You've got to be joking.. This restaurant has won awards in the past. (Don't ask me which, but the plaque is hanging at the restaurant).
Regardless whether or not YOU like the restaurant, it is indeed considered a Disney signature restaurant.
Not sure what your point is about the restaurants at GF. Yes, those are quality places. I didn't say the *only* good restaurants at WDW were at the DVC Resorts.
-- Please tell me you're kidding about the All Stars..
Anyway, does the theming make a resort deluxe??
Well, that depends. For me the answer is yes. One reason is the money it takes to create and build such a place.
More importantly, If I get totally immersed in the experience, that is my idea of deluxe.
-- Well, I work out often even while on vacation. Fitness rooms everywhere, not just at Disney, are crowded certain times during the day and empty certain times of day.
-- In recent years I have noticed a concierge desk at WDW hotels for non club level guests. I have never used this service, so I'm not sure exactly what service they provide.
Regardless, non Disney hotels generally offer nothing extra unless you are staying on a concierge floor.
Maybe I'm missing your point on this one.
-- Free wireless at Marriott... Nice. They are usually the tightest of the tight.
Anyway, these services are largely hit or miss. Quite often I get these services because I have the frequent stay programs. Sometime I can even sweet talk a free breakfast out of them..
MG
