Cheapest deluxe resort????

[mrFDNY]

Hi all,
First let me thank you all for any and all help in advance!

I am looking to stay in a deluxe resort for my next trip. Not sure on exact dates, but middle or end of august is most likely. in the past i have stayed in several different values and moderates resorts. We would only require a standard room, nothing fancy. Since most likely we will be at the parks most of the time. There will be 3 of us, Me, Dw and DS( 70) I have heard that some deluxe resorts are cheaper than others and not sure what exactly to look for. Just looking for ideas on prices.

What deluxe resort have you stayed at, if any and what was your favorite?? Why would you stay or not stay there again??


Mr. FDNY

 

[J and R's mom]

I believe that the WL and AKL are the cheapest of the deluxe resorts. I have not stayed at the AKL but LOVE the WL.

You can also start watching the Codes and Rates (click this link or look at the top of the list on the "Resorts" board), for discount codes that come out a few months prior to your stay. Most folks recommend making your reservations at rack rates and then calling back and having CRO apply the code once it becomes available. That way you know you have a room.

I have visted the AKL once and it's not our feel, but many love it there. The ready access to viewing the animals is a nice perk, especially for the little ones. The pool is quite nice as well.

The WL is one of our favorites (BWV being the other). Nice pool, boat to MK, boat over to CR, boat (or nature trail) to Ft. Wilderness.

Another option (since you're planning well enough in advance) is to rent points from a DVC member (you can use this link for the DIS DVC Rent/Trade board. You can rent a studio at either AKV or VWL possibly cheaper than rack rate (or code rate) and get more space and a kitchentte (that extra sink, fridge, toaster and microwave can really come in handy).

Good luck!

 

[disneyfan55]

Yes, these are the 2 cheapest. We were lucky to get an annual pass rate of $114 for a courtyard/pool view at WL in the summer of 2003. It was a wonderful resort. We love the National Parks and have stayed in many of the resorts in them and the WL is so like them. Once in the resort, it's almost hard to believe you are in central FL!!

 

[sraiford]

Just changed my resort from AKL to CR because I got a great rate of $208 a night Now we can just walk over for MVMCP YIPEE

 

[Pakey]

I have stayed at most of the deluxe resorts except for WL and Poly. I did not try those because I don't like the theming there (too many vacations to Hawaii and on snow ski trips I guess). I've also stayed at several of the DVC resort villas. DH and I did stay once at a moderate to try it out. DH thought it was fine but I prefer to stay deluxe or DVC.

I think there are pros/cons and personal preferences for everyone. My personal favorite is the Yacht Club. I liked the location, theming and that it was quieter than any of the other hotels we have tried. DH and I spend most time at Epcot so the location is worth it to us. Plus the pool there is great.

I think that if you plan to spend most of your time in the parks, you should select something that is convenient for what you plan. If you spend a lot of time at Epcot, pick one of the resorts within walking distance. If you do MK, select something on the monorail loop or WL since it's just a boatride away. If you want to look at animals from your balcony, pick AKL savannah view. All resorts offer something; you have to decide which offers you the most.

 

[klmall]

We have stayed at the Poly and Contemporary and really prefer CR tower now for it's convenience and large rooms.

We tried the AKL on a postcard code in 2002 but that was our worst on-site stay ever and will never return there to stay or eat for any reason. If they could ever enlarge the room sizes at the Wilderness Lodge it would be our first choice for its decor, resort size, atmosphere and quiet. Both our stays there were nearly perfect but we felt so cramped the thought of going back even as a couple sounds too claustrophophic!

If you can afford it or get a great code and you like a spread out resort try the Poly; it's wonderful! Some people hate the Contemporary for it's 'cold' atmosphere but we like it's huge rooms and centralized, convenient food and transportation plus you can't beat the tower magic kingdom views.

We are definitely not EPCOT resort area people so can't speak for them!

Good luck!

 

[ccigliano]

I vote WL for the price, theming, ammenities, dining and proximity to MK. I am assuming you meant your son was 7 not 70 so the MK will probably be one of your more frequented parks anyway. I would recommend going toward the end of August, keeping in mind that everyone except for kids in the Northeast are back to school as so park attendance is much lower the last two week of Aug to the first week of September.

 

[A_NY_Outlaw]

I basically asked the same question in another thread I posted earlier. I am curious to what people think as well. As we are in the same planning stages for a return trip next year. We stayed in the AKL in 2005 and we upgraded to a room with a savannah view.....what a great experience to wake up in the morning to giraffe outside your window.

Be prepared to pay a hefty price for a premium room though- we sprung since it was our honeymoon.

 

[belsam]

Although not technically Disney Deluxe hotels, the Swan and Dolphin definitely qualify as deluxe choices at reasonable prices. The bedding is much higher quality than any Disney Deluxe, the location is hard to beat, and there are many discounts available.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

AKL and WL are the cheapest because their rooms are smaller than the other deluxe hotels. Here is my order of preferece of deluxes. Mind you we are trying WL for the first time this trip so I cant count it in:

1. AKL number one favorite hotel with either view pool or savannah both were nice. Doesnt share buses. Great layout of pool, CS, hottubs.

2. BWV great location and great service we loved this and it is our second favorite by just a hair to AKL

3. Dolphin great location and price didnt like the conventioner feel but still a great hotel. Not disney owned so no dining plan

4. BC we didnt really care for this resort. Very pricey and way to many out of control kids. We thought we would love it and didnt. I just never got that WOW feeling from the moment we arrived for some reason.

 

[klofan]

I'm gonna vote for AKL. The theming and atmosphere are really great. I also loved the Mara (quick service food). Its even great with a parking lot view because you can still view the animals anyway. I was gonna do a split stay there, but I didn't feel like moving this trip. Anyway, hope your trip is great!

 

[disneydance]

My vote if for AKL i just love the theming and it is one of the cheapest deluxe resorts the lobby is such welcoming and then the rooms are so magical w/ a savvanah view