Deluxe Benefits

[PoohHappens]

I am curious, I have never stayed at a Deluxe resort and would like to know why those of you that have do. What makes it so much better. It sometimes seems like a once you have you never go back kind of thing when I am reading posts. I know the pools are better, the rooms larger and more dinning options...but it sure seems like a lot of money for a hotel room. I would love to hear your thoughts. Like I said I have not stayed at any of them so lets hear it. (we are die hard park fans and spend very little time in our room, hmmmmm but maybe that's cause our room sucks --can I say that here?) In all honesty we have never been disappointed with any of our rooms. Except the off site one but we were broke and on our honeymoon, we didn't notice much or care we were just sooo happy to be together.

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Well I guess we qualify although we stayed at PORS in March for part of our trip. It was always one of our fav. moderates, and had not been to a mod in several years so wanted to give it a go. It was very nice, But the weather was ify that's why we stayed there then, thinking we would be in the parks more.

We started with the "deluxe" world with the AP rates for us. It finally became affordable. But we go for a very extended time (in my mind) about 18 nites twice a year. So that is a lot of walking and line waiting if we where at the park constantly. We pick the "deluxe" based on the extras not the room. The pool, the rental boats, activities, location, etc.. .. . We spend a lot of time around the resort, relaxing, enjoying the "disney" feel, and florida sun. We do spend about 6 hours a day at a park, somedays more, just how we feel.

Nothing against moderate resorts at all. Would definately stay there again without hesitation. They are fun, lots of options for things to do, and nice pools. We have never stayed value, but probably because we don't have kids. Maybe when I bring my nephew? We would love all star movies.

If it meant that we would not go to disney, of stay at a mod or value, I could definately stay at a value / mod/ or even the dreaded off site. (yikees).

Mky

 

[disneyag]

Deluxe hotels= interior hallways, queen beds, more sit down restaurants, valet parking, room service, larger rooms. That's why we stay there, but to some people it's not worth the extra $$$$. I guess you have to decide how much time you really spend in your room or at your hotel.

 

[goodferry]

Location, location, location! We hated the long bus rides back and forth to the MK, but from the Poly it's just a monorail ride away. That was the original reason we stayed. Now we are addicted. We love the larger rooms, the nicer restaurants, the better pools, just about everything. Could we ever go back to moderates, sure. Maybe once the kids are older, I would love to stay in POFQ some day, but with really little ones, it is so much easier to get back to the room for an afternoon nap when your resort is right there.
One other thing we found out about our vacationing style, we like to relax. We run our own business, and it is very stressful. When we go on vacation, we like to relax, not spend all our time in the parks. We stayed concierge last time, and I don't know if I could ever give that up! I like the feeling that someone else is taking care of us.

 

[goin2disneyagain]

For us it is just the nicer accommodations and larger rooms!!

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Deluxe resorts will have a higher amount of amenities and services available. While all Disney resorts will have excellent service, the Deluxe resorts take it a step further.

Rooms will be larger, have better views, queen beds with daybed options. They also feature interior corridors, and many rooms feature patios or balconies. Each resort will also have special touches. I can't speak for all of them, as I have not stayed or worked at the majority of them.

But if you're the type that just wants a nice room to sleep in, with Disney service and the Disney feel, then the Value resorts fill that niche just perfectly. If one wants compromise between the Deluxe and the Values, then the Moderates suit that need wonderfully.

 

[vhoffman]

The main reason we prefer the deluxes is the location. We've stayed at the Poly, Wilderness Lodge, and offsite. By far our best trip was at the Poly, mainly due to the convenience of the monorail. In my opinion, WL shouldn't be considered a deluxe--the rooms are so small and the location is just too far away. Off site is just out--I don't care what type of deal you get, its just isn't worth the hassle of driving, parking, etc. From now on, I will only consider a monorail resort. Yes, they're expensive, but it can make or break the trip. Just to get on the monorail and you're at MK in a few minutes (we have small children, so spend most of our time there) makes all the difference.

We don't get to travel as much as we'd like, seems something always comes up. I've finally decided that our travel time is precious and to spend the money to do it right. If I scrimp and try to save few bucks on a trip, it just goes for something else anyways. We had a 2 week trip all planned and paid for in June. Then, just this weekend, my husband had a heart attack! It was mild and caught in time before any major damage was done to his heart. He will be fine, but we certainly can't travel in a week. Well we've cancelled Hawaii (ALWAYS buy trip cancellation insurance, you never know what will happen!) but I'm busy planning the next trip. We just don't get to travel as much as we'd like, so we've learned to do it right when we do go.

 

[3lilprincesses]

for us, in addition to the great points others have already made, a factor in why we first chose deluxe, and will stay deluxe again on our next trip, is the fact that the rooms sleep 5 comfortably. disney doesn't make it too easy for a family of 5, which is crazy since it is such a family friendly vacation. our first trip we were clueless about DW (hadn't found DIS yet)! i was lead to believe by a friend that our only option was off site or deluxe, which i now know isn't the case. however, i still like the deluxe option for a family of 5. comfortable beds for 5 people with plenty of floor space still to get around, plus a balcony for me and DH after we put the kiddies in bed. we loved sitting out there drinking a glass of wine, looking at the beautiful view, hearing the sounds of MK, and talking about the magical day we just had. LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!

 

[Leota]

We spend a good amount of time at the resort relaxing so we like the extras that a deluxe offers.

Things we appreciate in particular:

~Location, Location, Location
~Room Size & Comfort
~Balcony / View
~Pool / Recreation
~Service
~Dining Options

 

[mistaroo]

plus a balcony for me and DH after we put the kiddies in bed. we loved sitting out there drinking a glass of wine, looking at the beautiful view, hearing the sounds of MK, and talking about the magical day we just had. LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!

Exactly That sums it up perfectly. The private balcony and view from the room is what does it for me.

 

[StuartMI]

For us its TRANSPORTATION.

I *hate* being bound to using DCL buses exclusively!

Being at the WL is *so* nice because you can easily take a boat, or get over to the TTC/Contemp and get on the Monorail.

 

[debloco]

Agree with everything already posted. Plus, when you do need to take a bus and you're staying at a deluxe hotel, those are the closest bus pick up locations to the parks. Ever notice how they rank the hotels according to price when it comes to bus stop locations? The deluxes are closest, followed by the moderates, followed by the values. Might not seem like a big deal, but after a long day in the park it sure seems like a loooonnnng walk to a value bus stop outside of EPCOT while the deluxe stops are just around the first corner.

 

[pixie dust 5]

It's a splurge, but we like to be pampered on vacation. We stayed at the Grand Floridian in April with a balcony facing the castle. You could have your breakfast on the balcony starring at the lagoon and castle and at night have a glass of wine watching the castle change colors (all night) and see the fireworks right from the room in your p.j.'s. From the minute you wake up you feel like your in the park. They also give you ( and the children ) these comfy white terry cloth robes to wear if you want, going back and forth to the pool or when you get out of the shower.Also, they have pool side dining. It's the room service menu delivered to you by the pool.Breakfast, lunch or dinner ( shrimp cocktail to hot dogs)We have also stayed at the YC and BCV. We love it there also! I would go to WDW if I had to sleep in the car, ( I think? ) it's just tough once you've up the bar. :

 

[Praise2Him]

We started out staying at Deluxes because we had 3 teens and it was cheaper (with AP's) than 2 Moderates. Now that the older 2 don't always come with us we are perfectly happy with a Moderate or even (gasp!) a Value! Of course, I'd love to stay in a Deluxe every time, but to be able to go more often, I'm willing to do whatever it takes, including camping or staying in a Value!

 

[swilphil]

I'm another one who stays deluxe for the location. We return to the room every afternoon and then go back to the parks in the evening. By staying deluxe (monorail or Epcot area), we also are able to make EMH without having to wake the kids up too early. We are able to get so much done because we spend considerably less time in travelling to and from the parks. We get just as much done in 4-5 days as we would in a week at a value resort.

 

[disneysnob]

I have to agree with all of the other posts. There's just something 'magical' about staying at a Deluxe Resort.
The larger rooms: $$
The queen size beds: $$
The convenience of being so close to the parks: priceless!

 

[PoohHappens]

Thank you everyone for all your input, I still can't afford it but if I ever can I deffinately will. One thing I recently noticed in reading a guide book is there appears to be fewer rooms at the deluxe hotels. With more ammenities and fewer guests I would guess it makes it seem less crowede and more like a vacation resort? Would this be true????

 

[Leota]

With more ammenities and fewer guests I would guess it makes it seem less crowede and more like a vacation resort? Would this be true????

To me it absolutely does. The resort is a destination & event in itself, where the values, especially, are merely a place to sleep. At least at the mods, you have more of that destination feeling - I could go to almost any of the Deluxe Resorts, never set foot in a Park & have a terrific vacation....

 

[DisneyHoneymooner84]

Have you checked into a AAA membership? We did our trip with AAA and it ranges about 500 + cheaper than booking through Disney. There is no hurt in asking and the membership is only 60.00 for the whole year. It is well worth your money to check it out.