Disney Deluxe vs "True" Deluxe

[Doc Goofy]

Surely this is not news to anyone. Those who can afford to spend $400.+ on a Disney Deluxe resort room have surely had the opportunity to travel and stay in many nice places...

Supply and demand, baby!

 

[J and R's mom]

....I thought it was clear Disney was milking us dry because it's Disney World and they know that they don't have to provide a superior experience since we (or someone like us) are gonna keep coming anyway.

...Disney is WORLD CLASS in running the parks. Personally I think we, as consumers, have let them get away with be "just ok" in running hotels by saying "it's Disney" or "it's all about the location...

The quotes above--accented by the quote below--explain why Disney gets away with it. Basically, people will pay (and make excuses for paying) outrageous prices for deluxe hotels at WDW simply b/c it's WDW. They excuse the lack of quality and service in the hotels because there are four theme parks to visit.

Sadly, I don't see the rates ever coming back down...which makes me happy to have my DVC where I know the points cannot increase outrageously over time.

You can't really compare "deluxe" hotels against the deluxe resorts at WDW, which are located within an all-inclusive vacation destination catering primarily to families. Besides, why do you feel the need to compare anyway? No one is forcing you to stay at a deluxe WDW resort. Stay off-site and get what you feel is your money's worth...

 

[DisneyRulz07]

Disney is WORLD CLASS in running the parks. Personally I think we, as consumers, have let them get away with be "just ok" in running hotels by saying "it's Disney" or "it's all about the location"

Well said. "BUT" There are several visitors to WDW that never really experience a true Deluxe Resort, so the Deluxe experience is the best they ever had. I can't blame them. I buy into the "Magic of Disney" as well. However I wont go Deluxe again.

 

[shellybaxter]

The quotes above--accented by the quote below--explain why Disney gets away with it. Basically, people will pay (and make excuses for paying) outrageous prices for deluxe hotels at WDW simply b/c it's WDW. They excuse the lack of quality and service in the hotels because there are four theme parks to visit.

Sadly, I don't see the rates ever coming back down...which makes me happy to have my DVC where I know the points cannot increase outrageously over time.

I pay for a deluxe hotel when I want to stay in a deluxe hotel and I make no excuses. I want to stay there, Disney charges XXX amount, so I pay XXX amount. No excuses, no apoligies, no comparision from me of other hotels I stay at in other parts of the world.

Carol suggests that she likes the Swan better than the Disney Deluxes. I'd never stay at the Swan - it doesn't feel like Disney. It feel like any other nice hotel in the rest of the world. Disney hotels feel special. I'm glad the Swan is an option for those who feel the values isn't there with Disney, but I'd rather pay for what I want and get it.

 

[PrincessV]

Carol, I'm pretty sure I've been in on some of these dicussions with you before. ITA, and have been pretty vocal about it to whoever will listen. My mother dated a rather wealthy doctor when I was growing up and we routinely stayed at the Park Plaza and Four Seasons in Toronto - that's my baseline for "deluxe" accomodations. And, while WDW generally provides better-than-average accomodations, "deluxe" it just is not. For me, the bare minimum change needed is better linens.

That said, I understand that it's all relative; had I never experienced better hotels, I guess I'd make a different comparison.

 

[Tara]

CarolA, I totally agree with you. I love Disney and would only stay on-site and in a deluxe resort, but I do think their prices are a bit out of line. There are only two places I've ever paid more for a hotel - the W Hotel (NYC) and the Dorchester (London). I would never pay rack rate for a WDW deluxe resort, or probably any WDW resort, for that matter. They are nice and beautifully themed and yes, they have fantastic theme parks adjacent to them. But in the same time it takes to get from the Grand Floridian to Epcot, I could walk out of the Dorchester, take the Tube and be at any number of unique and important historical or cultural sites.

And yes, my now 6-year-old has stayed at these hotels, too. One of our next (so far unplanned) vacations will be to either the Breakers or the Ritz Carlton in Key Biscayne and in our travels, we've found most places to be very child-friendly, even if they don't market themselves as such. Disney doesn't have a corner on that market and I don't think their family-friendly environment merits charging $500 or more per night.

Part of me thinks that we'll soon invest in DVC because of deluxe prices, but I don't like the location of the current DVC offerings and, frankly, I don't like dealing with cooking in my own home, so having a kitchen on vacation isn't really a plus for me.

Besides, why do you feel the need to compare anyway?

Don't most people make comparisons in their head about the value of services they are paying for? If you eat an average meal at an expensive restaurant, aren't you likely to think "wow, that wasn't any better than [insert cheaper restaurant here]"? That said, this topic comes up often and I assume that CarolA thought since she had a recent comparable experience, she would post about it. I doubt anyone would question her if she said the Disney resort was better...

All that said, I wonder how the newly refurbished Contemporary would compare...

And CarolA, 3 questions for you:
1. How much was valet parking at the Hermitage? I find WDW valet to be an excellent value compared to other resorts, particularly city hotels.

2. How does transportation factor in to any comparison you make? I would think this does give the edge to Disney given that some resorts do have free shuttles, but many do not and some will only take guests to certain places, like the airport.

3. Internet access...I think it's crazy that WDW doesn't have wireless access in all its rooms. I won't comment about the internet access fee charged because most high-end hotels charge a fee, but I'm curious about the Hermitage.

 

[merryweather20]

1. Valet. Hermitage greeted me immediately as did my last stay at the YC/BC. Tie there. However, the valet at the Hermitage asked my name which was then passed on to the bellman and the front desk so they were waiting for me. Advantage Hermitage. (Although I think this would be next to impossible at Disney so I don't really hold it against them)

This would be a strike against them from me. I hate it when people that I haven't introduced themselves call me by name

It just seems weird to me. This happens all the time when variable and invariably they will use Mrs. instead of a more appropriate Miss or Ms.

 

[ducklite]

I have to agree with you Carol. Other than a truly unique experience at AKL, and the location of the other resorts WDW doens't even come close to a true deluxe hotel.

We've gotten to the point that we'll ues our DVC points at WDW, but otherwise we'd rather just drive home every night--or take a car service if we want to drink. The prices for WDW "deluxes" have gotten out of control to the point that we're no longer willing to pay them. I can honestly say that even if we weren't living 30 minutes away, unless we were using DVC points, we'd stay offsite at the Ritz or Peabody--lower rates for a nicer room and much better service.

 

[cfknight]

I have been flamed several times for claiming "Disney Deluxe" is not really deluxe.

So this week I had the chance to stay in The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, TN.

http://www.preferredhotels.com/valu...velAgentId=09546386&src=tig2_googlemaps_BNAHH

Rack rate for a random day in Feb for a standard room $279 (My corporate rate $189 year round)

I compared it to the BC/YC experience

1. Valet. Hermitage greeted me immediately as did my last stay at the YC/BC. Tie there. However, the valet at the Hermitage asked my name which was then passed on to the bellman and the front desk so they were waiting for me. Advantage Hermitage. (Although I think this would be next to impossible at Disney so I don't really hold it against them)

2. Check In. Quick and professional at both places. Tie

3. Getting to the room. Hermitage, walked to elevator and introduced to Concerige on the way. YC/BC pointed in direction of elevator. Advantage Hermitage.

4. Room. YC/BC Standard room with view over portico. Two double beds etc. Hermitage. 475 square foot room. (I had a king bed at no extra charge) Advanatage Hermitage

5. Bathroom. YC/BC standard bath with double sinks outside of bath. Standard size towels. Hermitage. Marble bath with nice soaking tub, seperate shower, "toliet room" and FLAT SCREEN TV that swiveled around so you could watch in either the bath or at the sink. Double sink Large Frette bath sheets! Advantage Hermitage. (Actually YC/BC isn't even in the race)

6. Bed. YC/BC Linens and bed were really nothing special. Hermitage. Feather comfortors "pillow menu" with four types of pillows in the closet. Frette linens. (These cost a fortune and are SO NICE) Advantage. Hermitage

7. Location. YC/BC Disney. Hermitage Downtown Nashville. Advantage YC/BC (Although if you want to be in downtown Nashville it's a great location!)


8. Service. YC/BC Fine. But no special touches like the concergie going out of his way to hunt for a paper instead of just sending me to the gift shop. No automatic turndown. Hermitage. Excellent. Automatic turndown with adoreable little "Tennesee Tea Cake" cookies Advantage Hermitage.

9. Extras. YC/BC H20 lotions and bath stuff. Family Fun magazine Old style TV Hermitage Molton Brown stuff, five differnet magagzines, two VERY nice robes HD TV. Advantage Hermitage.


Rate for YC/BC standard room on the same day $440!!!

IMHO if Disney wants to charge those prices they need to meet the standard. While I realize some of it might be hard due to the "volume" the quality of the rooms should not be that far apart!

Interesting comparison. But you forgot one thing.
WHAT FAMILY WANTS TO VACATION IN TENNESSEE!!...LOL

 

[BrianD]

I honestly think that adding the Four Seasons to the resort will help bring some more competition and force the Disney deluxe resorts to improve.

As for the prices, Disney World is looking in every nook and cranny they can to raise prices, from the "premium" weekend night rates to charging extra for character meals during higher demand times. They will continue to do this as much as they possibly can. With Iger at the Disney helm now, the parks are getting a lot of needed work and attention and even some of the resorts now (with the recent refurbs at the Poly, GF, CR & WL), but they are also raising wherever they can.

I don't see the resorts ever lowering their rack rates, but if they push the price too far then people will stop coming and then they will be forced to offer better discounts like they did 4 or 5 years ago.

I admit, that I am a sucker for the Disney resorts, and especially the deluxes because of the convenience factor for my family. Plus the resort stay has become a significant part of our Disney vacation. But whereas before we used to be able to get a "lagoon view" or some other upgraded room for a pretty good rate, now we can barely manage a garden or standard view room with the deepest discount available. It has made me consider "Swan or Dolphin", but then it just looks like a regular hotel on the inside, and they've been jacking their rates up as well. I think if the price increases continue, we may be forced to just vacation to WDW less often.

And as for the Hermitage, if I'm ever looking to vacation in Nashville, not quite as cool as Disney World, then I will check it out. It looks like a very nice hotel.

 

[moviegirl11]

I think it would make more sense to compare an onsite deluxe to an offsite deluxe. With WDW, a big part of what you're paying for in terms of the resorts is distance and access to the resorts. Its all about location.

Given the choice between a WDW deluxe and the Tennesee hotel used as the example in this thread, I'd stay at the Disney resort because frankly, I have no interest in or reason to visit Tennesee anytime soon regardless of how tasty their tea cakes are.

I dont stay at the deluxes though because its just not in the budget but considering the extra amenities you get as compared to the moderate and value resorts, I still think its fair that they're considered "deluxe."

If you go to New York City, a "deluxe" room in a regular hotel will probably be about half the size as an average room in a hotel in a smaller city. The term "deluxe" is all relative to the location the hotel/resort is located.

 

[ducklite]

If you go to New York City, a "deluxe" room in a regular hotel will probably be about half the size as an average room in a hotel in a smaller city. The term "deluxe" is all relative to the location the hotel/resort is located.

I disagree. The last "deluxe" room I stayed in in NYC was at the Waldorf Astoria. The room was give or take a few quare feet the same size as a room at the GF, and in about the same condition. It cost less than a GF room. Service was about the same as at the GF. There were additional amenities with the Waldorf room, including nicer towels, a separate shower and tub, much higher quality bed linens and pillows, and immediate response to a maintenance (not housekeeping) issue.

 

[Tara]

(with the recent refurbs at the Poly, GF, CR & WL),

OT, I know, but is GF being refurbished???? This would be good news and much needed, IMO -- while I enjoy the themes they did for the last refurb (1999/2000?), they missed an opportunity to do something more luxurious as they did with the Contemporary just in terms of bed linens alone.

 

[ducklite]

OT, I know, but is GF being refurbished???? This would be good news and much needed, IMO -- while I enjoy the themes they did for the last refurb (1999/2000?), they missed an opportunity to do something more luxurious as they did with the Contemporary just in terms of bed linens alone.

Yes. I saw a recently refurbished room.

They have work desks as well as an entertainment center/armoire with a flat screen TV and the minifridge built-in. The bedding has been upgraded as well.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

I am so happy to see no flaming here - just exhange of opinions.

I have read on these boards that genuine Deluxe Hotels on WDW property are in the building planning/building stages - not Disney run properties. It may create uncomfortable comparisons for Disney and thier Deluxe Resorts.

We stayed at a simple Crown Plaza the night before we left for Alaska and our wedding/honeymoon this summer. The hotel was FABULOUS in comparison to our Beach Club stay last time.

Heck, 5 years ago you still had to ASK if you wanted something as simple as a coffee pot at the Beach Club. Yes, a small matter but spend a night on Crown Plaza bedding - or a Westin Heavenly Bed and you will understand. And these hotels are LESS than Disney Deluxe Resort prices - in VALUE season!

It's all personal preference and WDW resorts DO have the advantage of location.

Thank you, everyone, for allowing us to express our opinion -- even if it differs from yours. Thank you!

Cathy

 

[thepwa]

Every day during my last stay at the Beach Club, as I walked down the stairs to the lobby, I found Lilo and Stitch playing with the assembled mass of kids in the lobby. Games, hide and seek, etc. That, my friends, is Disney Magic. That, in addition to the location, is what makes a Disney Deluxe worth it.

I guarantee that those kids who got to play with Lilo and Stitch didn't care that the pillow that their head hit that night was not a feather down pillow.

Their parents may not have been as comfortable as they would have been in a Ritz that night, but I'll bet the memory of the thrill thier kids had that day was worth every penny.

 

[moviegirl11]

I disagree. The last "deluxe" room I stayed in in NYC was at the Waldorf Astoria. The room was give or take a few quare feet the same size as a room at the GF, and in about the same condition. It cost less than a GF room. Service was about the same as at the GF. There were additional amenities with the Waldorf room, including nicer towels, a separate shower and tub, much higher quality bed linens and pillows, and immediate response to a maintenance (not housekeeping) issue.

Ok but that was not my point. I wasn't comparing a NYC hotel to a Disney Hotel. I was comparing a NYC hotel to a hotel in a smaller city. For the amount of money you paid for a deluxe (meaning standard) room at the waldorf, you would be able to get a deluxe room at WDW. In that case, the locations are equally desirable. Though w/ NYC there are also a number of other hotels that provide the same or similar amenities for similar rates so the level of competition is much higher.

Anyway the point I was making is that by comparing a WDW resort OR a NYC hotel (both are about equal in terms of the touristy-ness) and a hotel in someplace like Tenessee, you're obviously going to get a lot more bang for your buck in terms of hotel amenities, level of service, etc. at the TN hotel - especially if you paid the same price as you would have for a WDW OR NYC deluxe hotel rate.

Deluxe is not a star rating as far as I know. Deluxe is simply the level of "luxury" one should expect to receive as compared to the other levels. WDW doesnt have to worry about being compared to a Tennessee hotel because that hotel is no where near their parks.

 

[ducklite]

Ok but that was not my point. I wasn't comparing a NYC hotel to a Disney Hotel. I was comparing a NYC hotel to a hotel in a smaller city.

I paid more for a room at the Short Hills Hilton than I've ever paid for a room at any WDW resort, or even a room in a NYC hotel. Short Hills NJ is not a large metropolis.

For the amount of money you paid for a deluxe (meaning standard) room at the waldorf, you would be able to get a deluxe room at WDW. In that case, the locations are equally desirable. Though w/ NYC there are also a number of other hotels that provide the same or similar amenities for similar rates so the level of competition is much higher.

There are a number of WDW deluxe resorts, so I'm not sure that you are comparring apples to apples.

Anyway the point I was making is that by comparing a WDW resort OR a NYC hotel (both are about equal in terms of the touristy-ness) and a hotel in someplace like Tenessee, you're obviously going to get a lot more bang for your buck in terms of hotel amenities, level of service, etc. at the TN hotel - especially if you paid the same price as you would have for a WDW OR NYC deluxe hotel rate.

See above comments about the Short Hills Hilton.

Deluxe is not a star rating as far as I know. Deluxe is simply the level of "luxury" one should expect to receive as compared to the other levels. WDW doesnt have to worry about being compared to a Tennessee hotel because that hotel is no where near their parks.

Unfortunately I have yet to find any level of true luxury associated with any WDW resort. I think that WDW could spend very little money and offer a much higher value for the dollars at it's "deluxe" resorts, but they choose not to for whatever reason. I think once the Four Seasons goes up, that might have to change.

 

[flipflop]

Just wondering how Storm Along Bay compared?

I agree that WDW deluxes don't in anyway resemble the accomodations one gets at a Four Seasons or Ritz but they do offer other advantages that other posters have already covered.

 

[ducklite]

Just wondering how Storm Along Bay compared?

I agree that WDW deluxes don't in anyway resemble the accomodations one gets at a Four Seasons or Ritz but they do offer other advantages that other posters have already covered.

Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas comes straight to mind. Offering more amenities overall in an equally "touristy" area, it also has a fantastic pool area that's actually larger and less crowded than SAB--no 6:00 am chair hogs either. 750 s/f suites cost half of what a standard view room at the BC runs.