Deluxe vs. Moderate

[DDLAMP]

Well, its that time of year again when I start planning our next Disney vacation. This time I was thinking about staying at a deluxe resort (wanted to reward ourselves for our last vacation.. we were in Disney Sept. 11th and had to cut our vacation short) but I don't know if I can justify the extra $$ even with a code or AP rate during value season which is when we go. Those of you who have stayed at a Deluxe.. what's the biggest selling point (besides the monorail at certain resorts)? Your input is greatly appreciated!!


DDLAMP

 

[ducklite]

We treat WDW more like a resort that happens to have theme parks attached than theme parks with hotels attached. So we tend to spend more time in the room than most. Because of this, the amenities at the resort and in the room are particularly important. (Turn down service with fresh towels twice a day, more than one full service restaurant, cocktail lounge, etc.)

But for the average WDW guest who tends to spend most of their days in a theme park, I would say the single biggest difference is the deluxes have queen beds instead of doubles. That's a huge point with us. We sleep in a king at hime, can manage in a queen with no problem, but there is no way taht we can get any sleep in a double.

The other difference is subjective. I "move in" when I check in. Clothes are unpacked into drawers or hung on hangers, and bags are stowed in the closet. I don't like having a "hang bar" but no closet. I think it makes the room look untidy. But again, we spend more time in the resort than many.

Anne

 

[rla5d]

One big difference is the physical size of the resorts. The moderates are all spread out in many buildings, with most services in a central location. So a late night run to the snack bar or gift shop may be a 10 minute walk outside. Often this is OK, but not ideal when it's raining or cold.
On the other hand, the deluxes are often a single building where you're never far from the central area/lobby, and you don't have to go outside to get there. Depends on the resort. We really appreciated this at WL! Deluxes also have more food choices and may have better transportation, again depending on the resort (monorail at those resorts, boat to MK and CR at WL).

 

[drewswife]

We decide on whether to go moderate or deluxe based on the time of year and weather. If we are going during the late spring or summer we stay deluxe so it is easier to get back to the hotel in the heat of the day to use the pool and rest. If we are going late fall or winter (we love week after Thanksgiving) when the parks generally close early and it is not pool weather we go moderate because we tend to stay at the parks all day and not head back to the hotel mid-afternoon.

Have a great trip.

 

[niks81]

You know....if you want the amenities of a deluxe for the price of a moderate you should consider renting points from a vacation club member. You could stay at either Boardwalk Villas, Villas at the Wilderness Lodge, Old Key west, or the new Beach Club Villas. I rented points for my upcoming trip in June and I'm really glad I did. You can stay in a studio unit that has a queen bed in it, as well as a wet bar, mini fridge, microwave, etc. for about the price of a moderate depending on when you go. Using Boardwalk as an example, it costs 13 points a night around June...points run about $10 a piece or so....rounds out to $130....and there is no tax. Granted, there isn't nightly turn down service and fresh towels twice a day (although I believe it can be requested for additional $$ ) You should hop over to the Disney Vacation Club Rent/Trade forum to check it out.

 

[Lewisc]

Most of the deluxe are closer to the parks with quicker transportation (walk, monorail or boat) so it's easy and quick to go back to your room. The deluxes are good if you plan to spend time in the resort. For the trips I want to save money and/or do parks from opening to closing I think the offsite resorts give you an even bigger value than Disney's moderate resorts. I personally prefer to go Deluxe or offsite. Driving to the parks is no worse than waiting for a bus.

 

[Bstanley]

Deluxes vs. Moderate (I consider AKL and WL as Deluxe-Moderates

Deluxes have the following:

Location/Convenience : Easy access to a park such as a walk to the MK (CR), a walk to EPCOT (YC/BC) or a Monorail to both (Poly).

Comfort/Amenities : Larger rooms (sleep 5 in comfort) with Queen sized beds, central AC/Htg instead of wall units (very quiet), 'Resort stuff' like spas, fancy restaurants, etc.

Special 'attractions' : A view of the MK (GF, Poly, CR) or a water park for a pool (YC/BC), etc.

 

[10drum]

We rotate every other year from deluxe to moderate. The deluxes have better location and they use to have better service. At a deluxe, when you'd drive up, they would be there to help you with everything, open your door, unload your car, escort you to the front desk, ect. . The last few times it hasn't been like that, but we really like the deluxes' locations. We are staying moderate this year just because we couldn't get a good rate at a deluxe (that we like),when we are able to go.

 

[jeannej]

I have stayed at both. I prefer the deluxes for their convience, service, and the room. I have nothing against the moderates per se. Had a great expereince at Coronado Springs. I just like the Contemporary better.

Jeannej

 

[DDLAMP]

Thanks everyone.. I never really thought about all the amenities being in one place.. Glad I posted Definitely going to a Deluxe.. now I just have to decide which one LOL


Thanks again for posting

DDLAMP

 

[TJA]

Hey, if you're like me you want to stay at a deluxe for a moderate price. I suggest staying at WL!! It is a fantastic resort with all the deluxe amenities. And it's one of the lowest priced deluxes.

We stayed at Dixie for 3 years in a row because we loved it so much. We finally took the plunge last year and stayed at WL. We are HOOKED and could probably never go back to a moderate.

Have fun with your decisions!