deluxe vs moderate

[MeganMango]

I want to stay in a deluxe for this upcoming trip but it just seems SO expensive. I don't really "need" the extra space as a solo traveler, I would love the nice pools but i'm reading that the moderates also have nice pools. I want to be close to the parks and not a 15 minute walk from the bus stop LOL, as that is my only thing I would love to have. I can't afford a monorail resort, sadly!!!

I'm looking for a resort with less "hussle and bussle" away from a resort that's directed at kids (say AoA which i've always wanted to stay at, but I don't want to stay at a resort that's geared towards kids, looking for something more relaxing). I also want to be close to transportation if possible. Indoor/outdoor hallways, I don't care which I have. Maybe a hot tub or gym would be nice...

I'm starting to wonder if I should not splurge for a deluxe (say Wilderness Lodge or AKL) because they're more pricey than what I'm used to. I know WL is closer to the parks and that's what's drawing me in. But at $286 per night, it's a bit steep. I'm used to staying at Value's, but my AP gets me great discounts.

Would a preferred room at PO Riverside be "better" for what I'm looking for? Or a Royal Room (I'm a child at heart) but how far are Royal Rooms from transportation? Or PO French Quarter (no preferred rooms left but I've heard this part of the resort is smaller)? I'm also worried about the "no lines" to get on the bus, kind of deal. How bad is this situation? Especially first thing in the morning when everyone wants to get on the magic kingdom bus? LOL


I plan on spending most of my days at the parks, but I do love easy access back for a quick power nap. Help me out here! I've never been so indecisive because I've ALWAYS done value resorts. But my annual pass does get me decent discounts now. So i'm at a serious loss!!!!!

 

[Shellyb84]

I think you would be happy at Coronado Springs. It's definitely got less hustle and bustle, it has a nice pool and a hot tub and gym. I've had good bus service there. I've never had an issue with not having lines to get on the buses at any resort.

An Epcot resort would be ideal if location is important. I love the ability to walk to 2 parks.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

There will be a lot of kids at any resort, including a deluxe. While I was at Poly last fall, most of the users of the "quiet" pool were not old enough to legally drive (or require an adult DDP).

All of the Mods have hot tubs. The only Mod with a gym is Coronado. Gyms are a deluxe amenity.

One thing I would warn you about is that the "access" and "quick transport!" of any given Deluxe is really dependent on what park. The three monorail resorts have quick access to MK, but GF and Contemporary both require platform changes to get to Epcot, and all three share buses with at least one other resort to HS and AK. The Epcot resorts can walk to DHS and Epcot, but, again, it's longer to MK and AK, and shared buses may be a factor. AK is all bus, and a quick hop to AK, long to MK and about average to Epcot and HS.

WL has the boat to MK, but uses shared buses to all other parks, and so if you're eyeing it for its "close to parks!" nature, I think you'll be disappointed while actually there. The MK-area resorts aren't closer to parks (plural), they're closer to MK. If you look at campus, MK and those resorts are actually as isolated in their way as AK is in its way. People just don't think of it that way because it's the original area.

Royal Rooms at POR are in Magnolia Bend. So they're across the bridge from the feature pool, and then the food court and etc. is across the bridge from there (http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/PortOrleansMap.jpg). POFQ is smaller, as you can also see on that map link.

 

[Shellyred8]

I would give WL a try, if your stay is in the next 6 months or so. They are still doing construction over there, so the prices are a little bit lower right now, especially if you can grab a good discount with your AP. If you aren't going to be in your room much, the construction stuff going on shouldn't be much of an issue for you. I love being able to take the boat to MK. I also like the relaxed, casual atmosphere.

If quick access to the parks is really important to you, it would depend on which parks you want to be closest too. BWV/BWI is our favorite resort for it's proximity to EP and HS. I love being able to walk to both parks.

 

[buzznina]

I would look at CSR, it is a more adult Mod resort and has a gym and a spa.

 

[need2travel]

How about the Boardwalk Inn on the Boardwalk? It's an Epcot resort so you can walk or boat to the International Gateway at the World Showcase (5-10min walk depending on pace) & you can also walk or boat to HS (10-15 min walk again depending on your pace). It's so easy to get back to the resort for a swim/nap from those 2 parks. It takes longer than the bus but we have also taken the monorail from the MK to Epcot & walked thru to get back to the resort. It's a convention resort so there are a few less kids & they have 2 quiet pools in addition to the scary clown pool. We like the quiet pool in the courtyard the best, it's so pretty there.

Your also have a ton of dining options within walking distance, the Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach, Swan & Dolphin & all of Epcot as well.

The BWI is a little less expensive than the monorail resorts, if you can swing it give it a try. Enjoy yourself!

 

[MushuHill]

Have you looked into renting DVC points? That would get you the room at the deluxe resort for the price of a moderate. You just have to plan ahead and you won't have daily mousekeeping.

 

[Average Joes]

Have you looked into renting DVC points? That would get you the room at the deluxe resort for the price of a moderate. You just have to plan ahead and you won't have daily mousekeeping.

This exactly. Planning ahead can mean trying to book 10 months in advance. It doesn't sound like your trip is that far out. Boardwalk is a good one for price and location but may not fit the other requirements you seek. 10 months from now in mid-November would be $1248 for a week tax in ($178/night) at David's rental.

Been to POR a couple times. I don't think the cost of a preferred room is worth it unless you want to go to the QS a lot. There are, I think, 4 bus stops that you could use so it is never a far walk to the bus. FQ is small so don't worry about a preferred room. I found the grounds of POR to be very nice and almost comparable to a deluxe.

 

[Beer Me]

That's a good rate for WL. You should do it if it doesn't break the bank.

There is a reason why people are willing to pay deluxe rates. You generally get what you pay for - or at Disney you get maybe 65% of what you pay for but it's all relative.

 

[patty57]

Any chance you are from one of the New England states, or Georgia? Swan & Dolphin have a special buy 2 get 1 free for Super Bowl states.

 

[nursejackie]

If you don't want kids and hustle and bustle then definitely do not stay at AofA. We only stayed one night and that was enough, believe me. It was loud and busy with long lines for DME and park buses. I haven't stayed at a moderate but I have often fancied POR as we eat there while on vacation and it looks very chilled out.

We rent DVC as it's the only way we can afford deluxe resorts.

 

[MrInfinity]

I normally recommend the Contemporary / Poly. But in your case... Solo traveler, time at the parks, I would do the Boardwalk. Swan as a backup if you want to keep cost down. There's just something about having so much in a densely packed area, especially for a solo traveler that wants to come and go. I would do things like take the bus to MK in the morning, spend a few hours there, then monorail down to Epcot and walk home.

If not there and the Deluxes are too expensive, then POR/POFQ but it sounds like you've done these before.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Note that to use the monorail from the Epcot-area resorts, you'll want Park Hopper, and it won't work before or after Epcot hours.

 

[maxiesmom]

Go with CSR. It has a more adult feel than the other moderate resorts. And a great plus is that at the parks it is always one of the closest bus stops to the gates.

 

[MeganMango]

Go with CSR. It has a more adult feel than the other moderate resorts. And a great plus is that at the parks it is always one of the closest bus stops to the gates.

CSR is full

 

[maxiesmom]

CSR is full

Boo. Have you checked on Travelocity?

 

[MeganMango]

Boo. Have you checked on Travelocity?

Great idea, just checked. They have it for $261 per night. Does that seem steep? I'm looking at the end of March.


My goal is to this spring stay at the contemporary. They have rates for about $370 a night over the spring with my annual pass discount. WIsh they had that price now! I'd pay that for the contemporary! LOL

 

[MeganMango]

Boo. Have you checked on Travelocity?

Found availability for $182 per night! Yes! This resort looks huge!

 

[maxiesmom]

Found availability for $182 per night! Yes! This resort looks huge!

Put in a request for Casitas 4. That will put you close to the front and right by the first bus stop. Tell them you want to be near the fitness center for good measure. It is right there at Casitas 4.

Fwiw, the only small moderate is POFQ. They are all fairly large.

 

[robinb]

Have you looked into renting DVC points? That would get you the room at the deluxe resort for the price of a moderate. You just have to plan ahead and you won't have daily mousekeeping.

I thought about that too and there is currently just a couple days here and there for her dates in a DVC studio.