Deluxe vs. Moderate for Honeymoon????

[married@wdw]

Just noticed you said September, so I did some checking and number crunching. A one-bedroom at Old Key West for 10-days, checking in on a Saturday and out on a Tuesday would be 232 points. Points go for about $10/per point, so that's $2320. In on a Sunday, out on a Wednesday would be fewer (Fridays and Saturdays are more points) would be 208 points or $2080.

Other DVCs would be slightly higher (maybe 3-20 points, depending on where you want to stay) as they cost more points, but if someone could get you a standard view at the Boardwalk, price difference would be negligable (sp?) -- I think it's only 3 points difference.

Compare that to 10 days at Wilderness Lodge (I did the dates from September 10-20) for $2219, Boardwalk Inn for $3278, Poly for $3389.60 or Grand Floridian for $3891.40 . Even the moderates (based on CSR for those same dates) were $1494.20.

The big difference being you've got the jacuzzi and kitchen, as well as a separate living room and bedroom areas. You can really relax in the room and enjoy downtime at the hotel -- spread out. And while I wouldn't pay $2000 more to go from a moderate to a deluxe, I would definitely pay $600 more to go from a moderate to a DVC one-bedroom (and it would still save you $1400 to do a bunch of other romantic things!).

If I had the points, I'd rent them to you myself, but I'm tapped out. But there are a bunch of people posting on the DVC rent/trade board and if you post with what you want, I bet someone will absolutely help you out with a great room!

Can you tell I love this Disney vacation planning stuff! I hope this helps! Good luck with your planning.

 

[DiznEeyore]

My best friend and her new dh honeymooned at POFQ. They had a king room and they *loved* it. She said it was very romantic, secluded, everything they hoped for.

Whatever you choose, have a magical honeymoon!

 

[leighe]

I would suggest AKL. It is a deluxe resort but costs less. It is my favorite of all the Disney hotels I have stayed in. DH and I thought it was very romantic - you feel so secluded there - like you are in another world.

That being said, DH and I also really enjoyed our 1 year anniversary trip to CBR. We thought that resort was romantic and private also. We loved the tropical theming and the landscaping. The quiet pools were nice also.

Congratulations and best wishes!

 

[scrump]

Although the moderate resorts at WDW are MUCH nicer than where we stayed off property, you might be disappointed if you choose that option. I was kicking myself for "going cheap" on our anniversary. Your honeymoon is a special one-time thing and if ever there was a time to splurge, this is it. I believe that it is worth it and that you'd regret not doing it. Although some out there will disagree with me for saying it, that was my experience.

I went on my honeymoon (not Disney) and stayed at a Luxury hotel, and felt exactly as this poster stated. In our right minds, and for any other normal trip, we wouldn't have stayed at this hotel, but it was our honeymoon, so I was in a different mindset.

It sounds like you want to do the extras, so the Moderates are the way to go. It just depends on what kind of memories you want to make. I've never done the cruise or V&As and those are honeymoon-worthy events as well. I just wanted to add my own personal experience to the pot.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You will love whatever you end up doing!!!!!!

 

[Tinkerbelle32]

I think the splitting your stay is a good idea! What about the first two nights of your honeymoon at a delux(Grand Flor., Poly, etc) Then stay the rest of your trip at a moderate. This would give you the ultimate romance you are seeking(for your wedding night) and then left over money as well.. Kill two birds with one stone. Hope this has helped!

 

[meuseman]

DW2B & I are honeymooning in Oct. We originally wanted GF, but noticed we could stay at POFQ for $2,000 less POFQ is a very romantic moderate resort. We stayed there last May, loved the atmosphere and that is why we chose it again (well that and the money we were saving, but its a great choice too!!). We booked ours through AAA and saved $400 with them. With the money we are saving($2400) by not staying @ GF we are doing the Chef's Table @ V&A, as well as some other "nice extras" we otherwise wouldn't have afforded. As others have said on this thread, they were hardly in their room. I think it really boils down to individual taste, no matter what you chose you'll be with the most magical person in your life @ the most magical place.....You just can't lose!!

Good luck to you!!

I agree 100% with the above post....DH and I stayed at deluxes on our honeymoon and loved all of them but returned in January and stayed at POFQ and LOVED it We're going back in June and can't wait POFQ is a really romantic resort and I think it would be perfect for your honeymoon....congratulations and have a wonderful time

Edited...Oops, I posted under my DH's name (kpm76)

 

[M's_girl]

Nine years ago we stayed at what was then Dixie Landings and have never regretted it. We were able to then go to V&A and found it well worth it.

That began our "every other year" trek back. We became DVC members and this last December were able to take my entire family and stay at a Grand Villa at BWV. We still did one night with just the two of us at V&A.

Enjoy your time together. Take a camera and have lots of people take pictures of just the two of you.

 

[Princess Mommy]

WOW!
I just looked up prices for my younger brother (I am a Travel Agent) who is getting married and he & his new wife would like to go to WDW for their honeymoon and were having the same concern!
Are you or your future spouse a nurse? In the military? A teacher? If so you are given GREAT discounts in the Swan & Dolphin Resorts. If you are in the military you are also eligible to stay in The Shades of Green Resort that is located right across the street from the Poly!
Splitting your stay is also a great option as is possibly spluring on 1 of you buying an annual pass to obtain AP discounts on your room & the opportunity to buy the DDE card. And quite honestly you might consider buying them b/c if you are staying 10 days it will certainly be cost effective for both of you!
*secret* and a GREAT way to spend your 1st anniversary next year!

 

[lclark0621]

We got married & honeymooned in Disney back in 97. We split our honeymoon stay 3 times.

We started in the GF, then moved to the POFQ and finished up in the Contemporary.

You will not regret the moderate hotels for your honeymoon. We had just as nice a time in the POFQ as we did in the Contemporary or even the GF.

I would rather stay in the moderates and have money to spend on things in the parks, then stay in the deluxes and scrimp on things we want to do.

If you really want the deluxe hotel for your honeymoon, why not split stays? Start off somewhere like the POFQ (which I think is a very romantic resort) & then move to a Deluxe for your last few nights. Then you get to spend a little on somethings & still get to have part of your honeymoon in the deluxe.

 

[princess-rn]

We spent our honey moon in WDW in 2000. We opted to stay at a moderate resort (POFQ) and spend the xtra $$ on a dinner at Victoria and Alberts. It was the BEST decision. Our room at POFQ was nice...big comfy king size bed. We were not in the room a whole lot..so it just made more sense to stay at a mod and enjoy our money in other ways. I HIGHLY recommend V&A. That was our splurge and WELL worth it.

 

[princess-rn]

WOW!
I just looked up prices for my younger brother (I am a Travel Agent) who is getting married and he & his new wife would like to go to WDW for their honeymoon and were having the same concern!
Are you or your future spouse a nurse? In the military? A teacher? If so you are given GREAT discounts in the Swan & Dolphin Resorts. If you are in the military you are also eligible to stay in The Shades of Green Resort that is located right across the street from the Poly!
Splitting your stay is also a great option as is possibly spluring on 1 of you buying an annual pass to obtain AP discounts on your room & the opportunity to buy the DDE card. And quite honestly you might consider buying them b/c if you are staying 10 days it will certainly be cost effective for both of you!
*secret* and a GREAT way to spend your 1st anniversary next year!

I'm a nurse!!! What kind of discount are we talking for Swan and Dolphin???

 

[waltsdouble]

How many honeymoons do plan on having? Do it right.

 

[tinkerrn]

Thanks for all your advise!!! WDW is such a magical place that the memories we make there will remain with us forever. We are both nurses and that can be very stressful and crazy at times. I am sure other nurses on the board will agree Just being able to be in WDW and staying at the resort for 10 days will be relaxing We like the idea of the deluxes; but besides the enclosed hallways, balconies, more table service restaurants, and closer location to the parks, what else do they have that the moderates lack? I have been looking at POFQ and CSR and they seems very romantic. I really appreciate all the advise, especially those who have honeymooned there before. Also like to thank those who gave me the idea to check out renting points. Currently looking into this! THANKS!!!!

 

[AndyMcV]

Hi tinkerrn

I'd add another vote for the Swan or Dolphin resort. We stayed there in June 2003 and are going back this May 29th to June 9th staying at the Dolphin. It's a really nice deluxe resort right beside the YC/BC, Boardwalk and Epcot. In 2003 we stayed at the Swan club level for $179 and this June we'll be staying at the Dolphin in a lake view room for $169. With the location of the hotel, the awesome Grotto pool they have and the fact that it's a deluxe resort, I would definitely look at staying there.

As said above as well if you're a teacher, government worker, millitary personell you can get further discounts.

Check out the Allears Swan/Dolphin Discounts Page

Also check out these links for more info....
Disney Site - WDW Swan Hotel
WDW Swan FAQ
WDW Dolphin Photos SlideShow

Disney Site - WDW Dolphin Hotel
WDW Dolphin FAQ
WDW Dolphin Photos SlideShow

Some of the room photos have not been updated to the "new" and really nice look but you'll get the idea.

 

[princess-rn]

My husband and I are both nurses too! We feel the same way about WDW. Our honeymoon was the best "vacation" we had ever had up until that point. We made memories that we will never forget. I'm glad to see you are considering POFQ. I had wanted to stay at the GF for our honeymoon..but just couldn't see spending all that $$ on a room when we wouldn't be there that long. My husband (who is from New Orleans, by the way) saw pics from POFQ and suggested we stay there. It's since been our favorite resort. It's very quite and small and really romantic. The rooms are just beautiful and the staff is very accommadating. While we have never stayed in any other disney resort, we have visited quite a few of them and I STILL booked POFQ for our trip this year. It just doesn't get any better. On our last stay (in October) we had room 5226. It was on the back of building 5 overlooking the river. BEAUTIFUL super quite location (and a corner room). When you do make your ressies..tell them it's your honeymoon.

That's the major tip I will give you..Tell EVERYONE you guys are on your honeymoon. (Wear the bride and groom ears) we got TONS of congrats and TONS of free stuff everywhere we went.
I still say splurge on the V&A dinner too. It's the most romantic dinner we've ever had...and talk about great service!!! WOW!!!
Congrats and I hope you guys have a GREAT time!!! You'll NEVER forget your disneymoon!!!

 

[HeatherPage]

Basically it all boils down to do you want to be budgeting and penny pinching your entire trip. Inevitably, extra expenses always come up on a trip you may not have been planning for. I'd go for a moderate so you can have a fabulous time with the extras you mentioned, meals, drinks (if you partake), clubs, etc. Sure staying at a deluxe is great but if you don't have much money to spend on the other things, it can put quite a damper on your honeymoon.

 

[Princess Mommy]

I'm a nurse!!! What kind of discount are we talking for Swan and Dolphin???

I can tell you at best available rate in July for a week would run almost $1400, you'll save $400 with the teacher/nurse/military discount.

 

[waltsdouble]

Boardwalk Inn cottages, hands down. More than just a room, the Boardwalk out your front door, fireworks next door as well as in doors, enjoy.

 

[leighe]

If you can get the nurses discount then I think the Swan or Dolphin would be great options. My sister and I stayed at the Dolphin for a girls only trip before Christmas and just loved it. I'm a teacher and our rate was really good - $139 maybe? The Heavenly beds are to die for and I am sure would be especially appreciated during a honeymoon. Room service is also fabulous.

 

[pouncingpluto]

I think this partly depends on how much time you've spent at WDW before.

If you haven't been there before, then I could see you really not spending much time at all in the room.

We've been pretty frequently, and at this point the hotel has become more important, because we're not trying to do everything in every park. We just hit our favorites in the parks... maybe try some new restaurants or some sort of special event or tour we've never been to... and we want to really enjoy the amenities of our hotel and spend time relaxing there.

All of which is to say... a few years ago, maybe we would have chosen a longer vacation at a moderate. But these days, we'd take a little shorter vacation at a deluxe.