Deluxe to Mod - what did you miss?

[Heather07438]

Do you rent DVC thru an owner or somewhere like David’s DVC?

I've rented twice through owners. In 2018 around Easter we rented 8 days AKL Savannah View for $230/nite.

Recently we rented a trip for Jan 2021 thru an owner on the boards, a weekend at the Poly $380/nt & 6 nights at BC for $280/nt. We always rent a car so DVC also saves us $20-$25/nt on parking. Because we're arriving during runDisney and leaving during MLK weekend, David's was unable to fulfill the request due to high demand and lack of points in their inventory.

I'd try a broker again for easier weeks/resorts. Any room/date in high demand is unlikely though, so that's when I'd definitely recommend trying to rent directly with an owner. Best way to do that is find a reputable owner (for the resort you want) a couple weeks before your 11 month window. I think it's best to secure the points right before the window opens.

 

[revdon64]

This is all about personal preferences. Personally, I love POFQ for its small footprint and usually exclusive busses. I've stayed deluxe when it was just DW and I for a 25th anniversary trip, but with a normal party of 6 we just can't afford it. I don't care about people glancing in when I have the curtains open or that there are fewer restaurant choices/amenities/etc. Honestly, if I'm on property, I'm happy.

 

[rangerxenos]

Ah, I think I've seen you mention the switch before, just didn't realize that was you. Yeah, AoA is one I don't really get. It's a 'value' resort, but often times I see rates there that are in the same range as some of the deluxes. Our stay at the YC was cheaper than staying at AoA the year we did that trip.

We had a CM discount, and it was my cheapest option for our dates; since I'm footing the resort bill this trip (traveling with my niece and a friend, but I offered to pay for the room) I'm trying to stay within a set budget. Figured I could deal with AoA since it was on the skyliner, but was worried that it was going to be too over the top for my taste. When POFQ opened up, I grabbed it and managed to save a few hundred besides, a win/win, and I finally get to check it out to see if I like it as much as other people do.

 

[JoJoGirl]

One big difference between the Mods and Deluxes is the AC/heating system. Most of the Mod rooms use an under-the-window unit that cycles on and off to maintain temp, where the Deluxes have a thermostatically controlled unit more like central air/heat.

The system at the Deluxes is SO much quieter. The window units at the Mods can be very noisy, especially when they cycle on and off during the night. The temp also fluctuates from warm to cold as they cycle on an off, and it can be difficult to find the right setting for your comfort.

To me, being woken up repeatedly during the night by the noise and temperature swings is the deal-breaker. I do love and take advantage of a balcony and signature dining, but could live without it if the price was right (especially on solo trips). Good sleep, however, is priceless!

 

[Afabena]

If you pay out of pocket for the dining plan, then yes, I agree you can usually eat cheaper. We've managed to align all 5 of our trips so far with a free dining plan offer, and with those, the dining plan offer typically works out as the cheaper overall, vs other discounts available at the time. As such, we do the dining plan. And like most people, we often have a ton of snack credits left at the end of the trip. I'll just hit the store the last night, and blow the rest on things that will transport and keep, like the trail mix.

Yes we did the same thing. We didn’t really use any the first 2 days not realizing and by day 3 we had the realization that we had to really start using them. It was hot that trip so we were happy to have ice cream multiple times a day and my DH loved the caramel apples in the Contemporary. On our last day we went to the candy store on Main Street and stocked up on anything with a long expiration date. Besides the snacks though I felt like one TS a day was too much for us. I found myself antsy waiting for the food because I wanted to get back out into the parks.

 

[bakerworld]

Once we moved to deluxe it was hard to go back to the moderates. Items missed were the balconies, the bed comfort and the elimination of extended bus travel. The moderates are spread out - the ones we've stayed - so even their food courts are a walk. We don't really mind the walking but I do mind having to board a bus for every destination.

 

[Disneychick75]

We stayed at POR on our last trip, but we usually stay deluxe. We loved POR, but there were two things we missed - interior hallways and proximity to the parks.

We had one of those little lizards (I’m not sure what the proper name is) get into our room when we were at POR and honestly I vowed I’d never stay at a mod after that. Thinking about it now, I guess we could get one in our deluxe room, too, by way of the balcony/patio, but I just felt like they were all over at POR.

We usually stay at the Yacht or Beach Club and we just love the ability to walk to Epcot and DHS. We never have a car with us so we are totally dependent on Disney transportation and we like having options other than the busses.

There was a thread on the Dis several years ago about a snake a Disser found in the curtains of their room at the Contemporary. It was on an upper floor. There were pictures. A snake was also found on the 2nd floor at the Beach Club. It's Florida.

One big difference between the Mods and Deluxes is the AC/heating system. Most of the Mod rooms use an under-the-window unit that cycles on and off to maintain temp, where the Deluxes have a thermostatically controlled unit more like central air/heat.

The system at the Deluxes is SO much quieter. The window units at the Mods can be very noisy, especially when they cycle on and off during the night. The temp also fluctuates from warm to cold as they cycle on an off, and it can be difficult to find the right setting for your comfort.

To me, being woken up repeatedly during the night by the noise and temperature swings is the deal-breaker. I do love and take advantage of a balcony and signature dining, but could live without it if the price was right (especially on solo trips). Good sleep, however, is priceless!

OP, we did not miss anything when we stayed at CSR. Loved the resort!

The AC at the deluxe and DVC resorts are a turn off for me because unless you know the "code" or call maintenance, it switches off when it senses no movement. Nothing like returning from a hot day in the parks to a very warm room. The in the wall units at CSR allowed me to set it so that it did not run all day but did not turn itself off either.

Another thing I dislike about the deluxe resorts are the interior hallways. We've always been awakened early, sometimes very early, in the morning by families who must not realize how their voices carry. If we stay deluxe on our next trip, we're bringing a white noise machine.

Both the mods and deluxes have plusses and minuses.

Have not stayed in a Value resort but that is something I am considering Art of Animation because we have young grandchildren who might get a kick out of the decor.

 

[Kaadk]

Yes we did the same thing. We didn’t really use any the first 2 days not realizing and by day 3 we had the realization that we had to really start using them. It was hot that trip so we were happy to have ice cream multiple times a day and my DH loved the caramel apples in the Contemporary. On our last day we went to the candy store on Main Street and stocked up on anything with a long expiration date. Besides the snacks though I felt like one TS a day was too much for us. I found myself antsy waiting for the food because I wanted to get back out into the parks.

Another option is to use them up on breakfasts. The Beignets at POFQ is a particular favourite of mine, but grabbing a banana, a milk and bowl of cereal uses up a couple as well, vs burning a QS on a platter.

 

[rangerxenos]

One big difference between the Mods and Deluxes is the AC/heating system. Most of the Mod rooms use an under-the-window unit that cycles on and off to maintain temp, where the Deluxes have a thermostatically controlled unit more like central air/heat.

The system at the Deluxes is SO much quieter. The window units at the Mods can be very noisy, especially when they cycle on and off during the night. The temp also fluctuates from warm to cold as they cycle on an off, and it can be difficult to find the right setting for your comfort.

To me, being woken up repeatedly during the night by the noise and temperature swings is the deal-breaker. I do love and take advantage of a balcony and signature dining, but could live without it if the price was right (especially on solo trips). Good sleep, however, is priceless!

Yep, this is why I usually travel with earplugs, it's not just Disney with those cycling on and off units!

 

[Sue M]

I've rented twice through owners. In 2018 around Easter we rented 8 days AKL Savannah View for $230/nite.

Recently we rented a trip for Jan 2021 thru an owner on the boards, a weekend at the Poly $380/nt & 6 nights at BC for $280/nt. We always rent a car so DVC also saves us $20-$25/nt on parking. Because we're arriving during runDisney and leaving during MLK weekend, David's was unable to fulfill the request due to high demand and lack of points in their inventory.

I'd try a broker again for easier weeks/resorts. Any room/date in high demand is unlikely though, so that's when I'd definitely recommend trying to rent directly with an owner. Best way to do that is find a reputable owner (for the resort you want) a couple weeks before your 11 month window. I think it's best to secure the points right before the window opens.

I’m a bit afraid to rent directly. I’ve heard of people being scammed. Don’t know how to determine if someone’s reputable.

 

[happymommy]

Granted, I’ve never stayed at a moderate, but always used to only stay deluxe (or the Swan or Dolphin) when on site. Once I tried the Pop Century, I actually loved it. I don’t see a ton of difference between value or mod; I loved the food court options as well as room service (it is limited, but really reasonable when we get back and are too tired to go pick up food). The prices now for deluxe for what you receive I think are kind of crazy, so I’m not looking to go back to one. The refurbished rooms at values (never stayed yet) look quite nice.

 

[Heather07438]

I’m a bit afraid to rent directly. I’ve heard of people being scammed. Don’t know how to determine if someone’s reputable.

It's true that people have gotten scammed, though very rare for the amount of activity that goes on (and usually there are red flags). Good precautions start by choosing someone with a DVC rental or transfer history (check their activity and posted threads), some owners will even provide references. 2nd, you can check the owner's name by running a search at the Florida Comptroller's Office web site: https://or.occompt.com/recorder/web/login.jsp There you'll be able to see if they actually own a contract at said resort and how many points.

Once the owner makes a reservation for you, they can email you the confirmation from Disney and you will be able to see your name listed on the reservation (along with the rest of your party) and use the confirmation number to set up in your MDE. That's when most owners expect some payment, often half. Then usually around 30 days before the trip the balance is due. Contracts help set guidelines for both parties, and they vary.

It takes a leap of faith but it's not quite as risky as it feels. Still, many prefer using a broker because they don't want to be nervous. The way I see it- it's highly unlikely that a DVC owner who has a history on these boards, actually owns a resort contract and has already made the reservation for me is going to try to scam after payment(s). It really wouldn't be worth the hassle for them over a relatively small amount of money. There is great info offered on the DVC Rental thread https://www.disboards.com/threads/r...nt-trade-policies-updated-09-01-2019.3734006/ Another great site is ***********.com

 

[Sue M]

It's true that people have gotten scammed, though very rare for the amount of activity that goes on (and usually there are red flags). Good precautions start by choosing someone with a DVC rental or transfer history (check their activity and posted threads), some owners will even provide references. 2nd, you can check the owner's name by running a search at the Florida Comptroller's Office web site: https://or.occompt.com/recorder/web/login.jsp There you'll be able to see if they actually own a contract at said resort and how many points.

Once the owner makes a reservation for you, they can email you the confirmation from Disney and you will be able to see your name listed on the reservation (along with the rest of your party) and use the confirmation number to set up in your MDE. That's when most owners expect some payment, often half. Then usually around 30 days before the trip the balance is due. Contracts help set guidelines for both parties, and they vary.

It takes a leap of faith but it's not quite as risky as it feels. Still, many prefer using a broker because they don't want to be nervous. The way I see it- it's highly unlikely that a DVC owner who has a history on these boards, actually owns a resort contract and has already made the reservation for me is going to try to scam after payment(s). It really wouldn't be worth the hassle for them over a relatively small amount of money. There is great info offered on the DVC Rental thread https://www.disboards.com/threads/r...nt-trade-policies-updated-09-01-2019.3734006/ Another great site is ***********.com

Good info, thanks.

 

[Afabena]

Another option is to use them up on breakfasts. The Beignets at POFQ is a particular favourite of mine, but grabbing a banana, a milk and bowl of cereal uses up a couple as well, vs burning a QS on a platter.

Thanks good to know for next time. I had plans to use them in the morning for a bagel or something similar but we ended up having most breakfasts in our room in the morning. I probably didn’t need the dining plan with a full kitchen but live and learn!

 

[Afabena]

Dixie Landings is now POR. POFQ used to simply be called Port Orleans.

Ah thanks! I stayed at POR 3 times way back and visited POFQ (I cant believe they still have the same slide )

It seems like a lot of people on these boards like POFQ because it is more compact, and POP! POP has quite the following!

 

[Afabena]

Once we moved to deluxe it was hard to go back to the moderates. Items missed were the balconies, the bed comfort and the elimination of extended bus travel. The moderates are spread out - the ones we've stayed - so even their food courts are a walk. We don't really mind the walking but I do mind having to board a bus for every destination.

The internal buses is what scares me a bit. I don’t know if I would want to deal with that. I really enjoyed the balcony on our last trip and the fact that the pool and any dining or shopping was a short walk away. I feel like you spend so much time walking in the parks that at the hotel I don’t want to have to walk far for the pool or dining.

 

[Afabena]

Have you ever considered a points rental? For our upcoming trip, our studio at AKV was a little less than a moderate for the same dates. There are definitely some limitations and drawbacks to it, but its the only way we stay deluxe. I just cannot bring myself to pay what they are asking for a deluxe room.

Was going to suggest renting also. This is what I did on my last trip and I was able to book a 2 bedroom at BLT for the cost of a regular room at the contemporary for the same time frame. In 2021 I will not need a 2 bedroom and the point allocations have gone up for the fall so renting is more expensive. Everyone says a studio at BLT is teeny tiny for 4 and with the point increase I figure I would look at other options.