Deluxe Resorts A Little Out Of Control?

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I agree that the deluxe rates are out of control. But then I usually look for discounts before I'll book one. I'm so happy to be DVC now since that means I can get at least one deluxe resort long weekend stay during the year.

 

[dmband]

I think pretty much everything at Disney is overpriced, but I keep falling into the trap lol

The value family suites are the most overpriced imo
Two preferred rooms at POR were $3600 while one family suite at AOA was 5400 (discounts applied of course)

 

[jenmsmith]

While I'm not going to say Deluxe Disney resorts are inexpensive in any way, I was surprised when I priced out our March vacation. Our kids have been asking to go to Arizona, so I've looked at many resorts there. All were at least $500 a night. And those weren't necessarily all-encompassing resort experience. This is the most expensive time of the year there, and the same rooms were half-price in the fall. So, instead of paying those prices, we will go to the Poly this spring and spend less per night with our AP discount than any of those Arizona resorts. We'll look again into Arizona for the fall.

DVC isn't as appealing to us, as for our family of 5, we prefer two actual beds in the rooms instead of the one bed and pull-out in a studio.

 

[cruisingtwins]

The deluxe resorts now have a lot more competition then in the past to contend with. I'd never thought I'd say that any Four Seasons resort would be a recommendation in the price department, or a bargain, however that is the case now, and the last time I checked it was a five star resort. All deluxes are four.

Many now choose to stay off site at resorts like this which has shed a light on the incredibly high prices. However until the demand changes or wains ar Disney properties, you'll won't see much of a change.

I'm pretty sure the deluxes are 3 but they don't advertise that because no one would pay 1000$ for a 3 star hotel.

 

[megs1313]

I tend to agree that the rack rates for deluxe resorts are out of control.

 

[cruiser21]

While I'm not going to say Deluxe Disney resorts are inexpensive in any way, I was surprised when I priced out our March vacation. Our kids have been asking to go to Arizona, so I've looked at many resorts there. All were at least $500 a night. And those weren't necessarily all-encompassing resort experience. This is the most expensive time of the year there, and the same rooms were half-price in the fall. So, instead of paying those prices, we will go to the Poly this spring and spend less per night with our AP discount than any of those Arizona resorts. We'll look again into Arizona for the fall.

DVC isn't as appealing to us, as for our family of 5, we prefer two actual beds in the rooms instead of the one bed and pull-out in a studio.

It's peak season and spring training in Arizona. In the summer those 5 star resorts will be under 100 a night. Try the Fall in Az nice weather and better rates.

 

[ellie05]

I'm pretty sure the deluxes are 3 but they don't advertise that because no one would pay 1000$ for a 3 star hotel.

No the Disney deluxes go from4/4.5 stars depending on the resort still the prices are ridiculous vs real world. 4 star hotels usually go for at least 20% less than a 5 star. Yet Disney demands more than 5 star prices and well it is not what they deliver. Specially now that the four season and the Ritz is there hopefully they will figure their stuff out.

 

[portocall]

I agree with OP that the Deluxe rooms have outpaced the value/moderate categories in price increases. Probably because there are in general two kinds of Disney visitors. Those who are willing to shell out for the location/indoor hallway/perceived prestige/whatever it is and those who are not. I am in the will not category. I can afford deluxe but I don't want to. I hold no ill will towards those that choose to. But as long as they choose to, the rates will continue to climb. Disney will increase prices until they hit the wall. They haven't found the wall yet. Sure, most people don't pay rack rate, however 30%, 40% off $500-$600 vs the same percentage off $300-$389 it was just seven years ago still is a pretty hefty rate increase. (Don't pay rack rate has been a long term mantra of Disney vacationing).

Meanwhile, the room I just priced out at a value resort is exactly $1 more per night than it was the last time we stayed at that particular resort back in 2003. Theme park admission on the other hand....

 

[hakepb]

I agree with OP that the Deluxe rooms have outpaced the value/moderate categories in price increases. Probably because there are in general two kinds of Disney visitors. Those who are willing to shell out for the location/indoor hallway/perceived prestige/whatever it is and those who are not. I am in the will not category. I can afford deluxe but I don't want to. I hold no ill will towards those that choose to. But as long as they choose to, the rates will continue to climb. Disney will increase prices until they hit the wall. They haven't found the wall yet. Sure, most people don't pay rack rate, however 30%, 40% off $500-$600 vs the same percentage off $300-$389 it was just seven years ago still is a pretty hefty rate increase. (Don't pay rack rate has been a long term mantra of Disney vacationing).

Meanwhile, the room I just priced out at a value resort is exactly $1 more per night than it was the last time we stayed at that particular resort back in 2003. Theme park admission on the other hand....

Nice!

I'd love to be paying what I was offered in 2005!

 

[portocall]

Wow. I would not mind paying those prices either!! I paid a bit more than that in 2003. Of course, high season and rack rate that time. Makes me cringe.  I've learned some lessons since then. Thank goodness.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Dh and I have a lot of disposable income at this point in life, but honestly we don't feel the deluxes are worth the price.

Our new alternative is The Swan most of the time. I will do an epcot resort, usually BC/YC but only with an ap discount and only the standard room if available. I also won't even book it for our whole stay, just split it with the Swan to save money.

My dh travels alot for business and thinks the disney deluxe resorts are way overpriced.

My cousin laughs at us for staying deluxe, He only does values at Disney and tells us when he goes to Hawaii he gets oceanfront rooms for less than an ap discount at a deluxe.

 

[SullyD13]

Personally, I agree that the deluxe resorts are extremely overpriced. My fiance and I are going December of next year for 12 nights. We are staying at Yacht Club w/ Garden View. I’m 27, he’s 29, we have no kids, have decent jobs, and we are still sacrificing each month in order to save for our trip (and we aren't even staying in the most expensive resort or room). I can’t even imagine having kids and trying to do it because I know how much more expensive it would make the trip (I have so much respect for Disney parents!!).


That being said...I am completely aware that I am CHOOSING to pay a small fortune. My fiance has the attitude of “the hotel is just where you sleep at night” and I am the complete opposite. The atmosphere, the resort, the room, it’s all part of the vacation for me. I want to be in the hustle and bustle and in the action of being right next to the parks, I want to be able to walk directly into a park or take a boat ride over, I want to be near the Signature restaurants, etc. So even though I am aware of how ridiculously expensive it is, I still am willing to pay because to me it’s worth the money and sacrifice. That being said, if it was up to my fiance we would be staying at a Value resort for sure….


But maybe my “go big or go home” mindset is because, for us, going to Disney World is a novelty. We live near Disneyland and we go often and I can tell you we would NEVER pay to stay at one of the Disney resorts there. We never think it’s worth the money. So it just shows it’s all relative.


I rambled, sorry! But my point is YES it is outrageously expensive and YES I still pay. I am aware of the contradiction!

 

[Muddy Rivers]

No reason to pay rack rates. Just use the travel agent that many on these boards use and you can get 55% off at the Deluxe properties. Last time I went in 2014 the Poly was $189 per night. I just got a quote for next August and the price was very low again. Less than half of what Disney was charging for the same room.

I am hesitant to use a Travel Agent that is unknown to me. I'm not sure what the rules are, but if it is possible, could you please tell me who you used? I would certainly appreciate it. If it is not allowed, I understand.

 

[NewmanFamily6]

I think the rack rates are ridiculous for the Deluxe resorts and ludicrous during holiday seasons. That is why we don't typically stay in them. I look forward to buying back into DVC because for large families it really is the best way to go. We had to sell ours a couple years ago when I started graduate school but now that I am done and working we will be buying back in.

 

[Donna3271]

I am hesitant to use a Travel Agent that is unknown to me. I'm not sure what the rules are, but if it is possible, could you please tell me who you used? I would certainly appreciate it. If it is not allowed, I understand.

I don't think it is allowed to say, but I am using them for the Marathon this year. We are staying at the Poly... WAAAY CHEAP!!! I use them all the time. They are fantastic!

So many agencies have "exclusives". There is NO REASON to pay rack rate. I am using them for Star Wars 1/2 in April as well.

 

[Donna3271]

Personally, I agree that the deluxe resorts are extremely overpriced. My fiance and I are going December of next year for 12 nights. We are staying at Yacht Club w/ Garden View. I’m 27, he’s 29, we have no kids, have decent jobs, and we are still sacrificing each month in order to save for our trip (and we aren't even staying in the most expensive resort or room). I can’t even imagine having kids and trying to do it because I know how much more expensive it would make the trip (I have so much respect for Disney parents!!).


That being said...I am completely aware that I am CHOOSING to pay a small fortune. My fiance has the attitude of “the hotel is just where you sleep at night” and I am the complete opposite. The atmosphere, the resort, the room, it’s all part of the vacation for me. I want to be in the hustle and bustle and in the action of being right next to the parks, I want to be able to walk directly into a park or take a boat ride over, I want to be near the Signature restaurants, etc. So even though I am aware of how ridiculously expensive it is, I still am willing to pay because to me it’s worth the money and sacrifice. That being said, if it was up to my fiance we would be staying at a Value resort for sure….


But maybe my “go big or go home” mindset is because, for us, going to Disney World is a novelty. We live near Disneyland and we go often and I can tell you we would NEVER pay to stay at one of the Disney resorts there. We never think it’s worth the money. So it just shows it’s all relative.


I rambled, sorry! But my point is YES it is outrageously expensive and YES I still pay. I am aware of the contradiction!

Sully,
I agree about being in the "action". We always stay on the monorail. My kids always are so thrilled to see the castle lit up from the resort.

As I posted above, we always use an agency with "exclusive" discounts.

 

[desertbloom]

Although I would love to stay at BC, I can't justify paying $400 a night with a discount for what is really not a 4-5* resort. I've paid less at the Wynn, Cosmo and Caesar's and they provide many more amenities. Same with most of the signature Disney restaurants. I have payed similar prices to eat at exceptional Michelin star rated restaurants. I expect a certain level of service/amenities once I pass the $350 a night mark. So for us, we are happy to stick with the moderates. I feel immersed in the Disney bubble, the grounds are beautiful, and I don't feel like I am getting fleeced.

 

[cruiser21]

This same kind of discussion goes on a the cruise boards. Is Disney Cruise line worth the premium over Royal, Norwegian, Carnival etc. For some people it is for some it's not. Of course with cruising destinations and ports makes a difference with WDW the destination is the same. I booked the Beach Club, but it's our first time back in 4 years and we won't be back for a while. I don't like the values or mods so I guess for me it's worth it, but not something I plan on doing very often. I'd rather be on a ship and I don't need to cruise DCL exclusively. Value is very subjective so you have to decide what works for you.

 

[MimiOfTwo]

I agree they are overpriced but I just booked 7 nights at the Poly for our 2017 trip. Maybe when the kids are out of the stroller I'll go back to moderates but for now I'll pay for convenience.

 

[ShelbyWagon]

They are definitely pricey. I usually try to rent DVC points so I can still stay where I want while staying within a moderate budget. Sometimes the AP discounts are just as good as renting for a short trip so I'll book through Disney.

However, on our last birthday trip, we decided to explore Savannah, GA instead of going to Disney. I found a hotel on the lower end of what I normally spend for a Disney Deluxe and WOW what a difference! We were upgraded upon check in to a suite with a full kitchen and balcony. We were offered a glass of wine while waiting for bell services to bring our bags up to the room. The service was just phenomenal and the amenities were top notch. I just found it interesting how much further my money went outside of the World. Won't stop me from going back but I'm definitely more aware of the Disney Upcharge (TM)