DVC Snob at a Value?

[TenThousandVolts]

I love the values and my very FAVORITE is ASMovies. Your DD will love it. Go in with low expectations and you will be pleasantly surprised.

 

[CarolA]

Your DD will love ASMo. When my DS now 11 first went to Disney at 4, this was the resort he choose. He loved Buzz Lightyear. We drove that trip so he had two stuffed animals with him - Big Dog and Lucky. (Big Dog was a large Dalmatian and Lucky was from 101 Dalmatians). Mousekeeping were awesome. We would come home from the parks and Big Dog and Lucky were in the window one day, one day they were sitting in a chair watching TV with the clicker in their laps. Every day we would look forward to see where we would find Big Dog and Lucky. One night just before he fell asleep - we heard him whisper - "I always knew you were real."

Value resort - maybe - priceless memories - definitely.

Janis

That is too CUTE!!! How sweet!

 

[xipetotec]

I must admit, i have become quite the DVC snob since joining over 5 years ago. Ever since joining we have been making our rounds to each DVC and since joining, have NOT stayed stayed at any other WDW resort. So....here's the situation: My husband is planning on doing an 'all boys' trip during the last week of August. During that time, i am thinking about taking my DD (2.5 years old) to Disney (why should he have all of the fun?). As we already have our DVC points allocated and we want to go on the 'cheap', i have reserved a room at the ASMovies. What am i in for? What should I expect? I realize that i'm basically going from a 5-star to a 1-star but help me out. Are there fridge's in all of the rooms? or do you still have to pay to get one? Is it true that if we go to the pool, we need to bring our room towels down? What else should I know?

thanks in advance

Well in 2006 I went to WDW with JUST DW ( left kids behind with gramma and grampa ) and we stayed at ASMo. Frankly, we had an awesome time. The resort was clean, whimsical with its big movie icons.

But yes, the food is in a food court, the pools are sort of just plain large pools with lots of families and they are pretty far out from the parks ( Well not as far as Animal Kingdom Lodge mind you! ). We found the rooms fine and the gift shop is well a gift shop ...

But really... do you spend that much time at the room? We hardly looked at the food court except for a couple of quick breakfasts because we had ADRs in lots of other places. I love our Beach Club, but I would stay at ASMo in a heartbeat if I had a chance tomorrow.

 

[Disney_Villain]

We consider ourselves "DVC Snobs" as well.

What a downgrade, going from DVC resorts to a Value resort! Yeek! Do yourself a BIG favour and consider a Moderate instead. The Values are full of ill-behaved, oversized families (and teenage school groups) on threadbare budgets. You will not like the experience.

 

[Chellymouse]

We're snobs too! We stayed at the values when we were first married because that was the only way we could go to WDW, but it was always crowded, the pools were horribly crowded with many unruly children and adults and forget the food court! Total mob scene! We upgraded to the mods (POR-FQ) and absolutely love the resort, but we're tired of being cramped in a hotel room for 9-12 days. It was past time for DVC. We're so bad that we're not even trying a studio! 1-2 BR all the way! I know it's terrible, but when you've gone to WDW so many times, as many of us have, it's time for some creature comforts!

 

[WALTSAGOD]

Hmm Peabody for $75 or POP for $79! That's a no brainer!

Gotta love priceline, got the Hyatt Metro Center in Washington DC for $100/nt. Rack rate is $400

No brainer is right,.. I'd take the value every time. There is just nothing like being on the grounds, at least to us.

If you are true park commandos, waking up early and hitting the parks all day, then returning to the room to sleep only. The values are great.

If, on the other hand, you want to order room service, enjoy the pool,and explore the resort grounds, you will be a very unhappy camper; Motel 6 with a Disney theme.

 

[MEK]

I must admit, i have become quite the DVC snob since joining over 5 years ago. Ever since joining we have been making our rounds to each DVC and since joining, have NOT stayed stayed at any other WDW resort. So....here's the situation: My husband is planning on doing an 'all boys' trip during the last week of August. During that time, i am thinking about taking my DD (2.5 years old) to Disney (why should he have all of the fun?). As we already have our DVC points allocated and we want to go on the 'cheap', i have reserved a room at the ASMovies. What am i in for? What should I expect? I realize that i'm basically going from a 5-star to a 1-star but help me out. Are there fridge's in all of the rooms? or do you still have to pay to get one? Is it true that if we go to the pool, we need to bring our room towels down? What else should I know?

thanks in advance

I've stayed POP and AllStars the last week of August and I think AS will feel less crowded than POP because it is smaller. The bus lines are not quite as long. Think of the trip this way - you are doing it FOR your daughter who might never have the opportunity to see those larger than life movies icons. Your daughter will love it. She sees no difference. You might actually enjoy it if you think of it as a different type of trip. Just change your expectations. Yes, you need your own towels and no, there is no refrigerator or coffee maker. But you daughter will probably love the mug experience.

Don't let the negative reviews hold you back. Everything new you try is an experience.

 

[thebigman79]

We like others bought DVC after staying at the values. We stayed at the ASMo and after spending a week with cheerleaders running amok on the place and having them sit on my lap on buses because they had no room...to getting sick on the food court....we were a buyer. I could stay at the moderates but I doubt I could stay at a value. If that makes me a snob...so be it!!!

 

[HGLightlyj]

I prefer DVC now also, but on occasion I have stayed at ASmovies and liked it fine. The rooms I stayed in were clean and did not appear worn, cute theming. I lucked out by staying in the preferred section close to the food court so it was a short walk. Nice selection of food in the food court, but as posted before, it is very crowded at meal times. Not a bad deal.

 

[n2mm]

We have stayed at all of the values and (moderates too) and have no problem going back. While we have a ton of points, we choose to stay at Pop for a week in August to save some of our points for our 6 trips planned for 2009. We got the 40% discount on Pop and I had a hard time walking away from a Disney room that is costing $49 a night (I booked 2 rooms so that we would have enough room for all). So we are off to Pop for 6 nights, then switch to the BCV for 3 nights (2 bedroom). We are doing a frig swap, so that is covered. It will be nice to have room service and fresh towels, plus we enjoy the food court at Pop. I thought of switching to moderates, but that $49 a night just can't be beat. We often will stay at Pop for our arrival night when we come in on Saturday. While we spend 6 weeks a year in a DVC resort, we have no problem checking into Pop if it gives us 7 weeks in Disney!

BTW--OP, as for the towel, just find a housekeeping cart and ask the housekeeper for extra towels, it's never been a problem. Actually when you get in your room call for extra pillows too (you'll need them)--we also get an extra blanket and bedrails.

 

[Goofy's apprentice]

I am of the 'this is a different type of trip' opinion. We have stayed at POP for a few days and had a great time. Do I like DVC better? Of course, but the value resorts can be a lot of fun. If it is just the two of you, you will find the food court very convenient. If I was on my own with a toddler I would appreciate the fact that food is available quickly and with little trouble and that the resort is clean and wellkept. When staying at POP we were amazed at how clean the common areas were given the amount of people passing through each day.

Last March we made the decision to save points and stay other that DVC for the weekend. I suggested POP, but the rest of the party thought that at $100 they could do better. We did find something cheaper, but it was definitely not better. POP is clean and Disney attention to detail and having everything available for parents is a definite benefit.

To minimize the noise, you should request a pool not directly by the major themed pools. My recollection is that the big pool opens early and closes late. It is always busy and noisy. Definitely themed for children to hoot and holler not for adults to relax.

 

[jodifla]

The only value I stayed in was POP. and it was only one night. It was like staying at a nice Motel 6.

For one night, with just my son, it was fine. You'll probably be OK with just your daughter.

I'd only stay at a value again if I was flying in late and heading over to DVC in the morning....

 

[Starr W.]

No brainer is right,.. I'd take the value every time. There is just nothing like being on the grounds, at least to us.

If you are true park commandos, waking up early and hitting the parks all day, then returning to the room to sleep only. The values are great.

If, on the other hand, you want to order room service, enjoy the pool,and explore the resort grounds, you will be a very unhappy camper; Motel 6 with a Disney theme.

I think Starbox was referring to that night before DVC check in. For that amount I would be over at the Peabody.

If I'm on site I'll be in my DVC unit.

 

[starbox]

I think Starbox was referring to that night before DVC check in. For that amount I would be over at the Peabody.

If I'm on site I'll be in my DVC unit.

Yup - Priceline made me a snob far before DVC. I just can't pay the inflated prices for a value at Disney (values are never less than about 100$ a night during the months I can travel). It's great being onsite when I'm in a nice DVC room - but I get plenty of onsite love with all the DVC stays. Maybe I'm just getting old - but I need a comfy bed , quiet, a resort-atmosphere, and quality amenities if I am paying actual cash $$$ for a room on vacation.

 

[Robo-Daddy 3000]

We are staying at a value for the first time in August. We start with 2 nights at ASSports followed by 5 nights at SSR and then one last night back at ASSports. The annual pass rate for the AllStars for the weekend was too good to pass up at $64 per night.

 

[photobob]

1.I'd much rather stay at a DVC Resort than a value.
2.I'd much rather go to Disney than stay at home.
3. Should I stay in a value? See number 2.

 

[bookswin]

1. I'd stay at Pop over the other Values.
2. Considerably smaller rooms than you are used to with DVC.
3. Thinner walls.
4. Rowdier clientele.
5. Pool and food court and laundry area can be really crowded.

It's like a way-themed-up 3-decker Holiday Inn.

My family doesn't mind it, but I can see how some would. The $49-69 room-nights are mighty attractive if you qualify.

The over-the-top theming is fantastic for kids. How cool is a 30-foot tall yo-yo or Coke cup or Buzz Lightyear? They'd rather sleep in the tub at a Value than in a penthouse at the Ritz; you'll rarely seem them more enchanted. So you have to decide what comes first: your kid or your own extra comfort.

 

[Dina]

We bought DVC while staying at ASMovies, but My kids still ask to stay at the Buzz Lightyear hotel!!!

 

[WALTSAGOD]

Yea, my kids think that the big X and O football field at the AS IS a deluxe resort!!

 

[karrit2000]

What are you in for? How about Daily Maid Service? How about a close by food court that stays open late? How about some nicely themed pools? On the other hand sometimes people use those pools into the wee hours of the morning which can get annoying if you room faces them. Honestly if I didn't own DVC most of my stays would be in the Values unless I got a really great deal on a moderate. I don't spend much time in the room anyway so I just consider it a place to sleep, shower & change my clothes. Yes the DVC units are roomier but sometimes it is really nice not to have to figure out how many or which towel you should be using each day. I miss the daily maid service when staying at DVC but I'm not about to pay for the pleasure. I've stayed at POP, ASMo & ASMu a number of times over the years even after purchasing DVC. Sometimes you just don't have enough points to cover all your trips and I consider them a great alternative with + & - that I can live with. And when you get a good deal for one of those stays it makes it worth it.