First Visit Together

[daniellen94]

We are planning on coming to Disney World the week before Christmas. This will be my husband and I's first trip together and each other's first trip since we were little. Although it's hard to decide for sure where we will be staying due to no deals being out yet, I'm trying to determine the best strategy.

Value resort= longer stay, more money to spend on extras
Mod= shorter stay

What would you recommend? We never stay in fancy hotels when we go anywhere. Usually just Hilton Garden Inns, Residence Inns, that kind of thing.

 

[CastlesandDreams]

I would consider a Hilton Garden Inn and Residence Inn in the moderate category.

I would book a standard room at the Art of Animation- the value resort is brand new- just opened this month. The room is very basic and small, but if you are just looking for a place to crash at night, it will do just fine.

However, if Disney has a promotion, it may be worth it to upgrade to a moderate and that is easy to do. The deals with the mods (and deluxes) tend to be better, making the price difference between a value and a mod small. (For the mods, I like Port Orleans French Quarter- it was just renovated last year and now has QUEEN beds).

 

[Mariep26]

I would always opt for the longer stay but that is because we are pretty far away so I like to maximize each trip. I would start with value and if a discount comes up that lets you get a longer trip in a moderate at a value type price, jump on it!!

 

[minnie mum]

I agree- go for the value resort (I'd pick AoA or Pop) and the longer stay. If (and it's a big if since this is the week before Christmas) a deal comes along then you can call and upgrade to a mod.

 

[SRiley1985]

We are planning on coming to Disney World the week before Christmas. This will be my husband and I's first trip together and each other's first trip since we were little. Although it's hard to decide for sure where we will be staying due to no deals being out yet, I'm trying to determine the best strategy.

Value resort= longer stay, more money to spend on extras
Mod= shorter stay

What would you recommend? We never stay in fancy hotels when we go anywhere. Usually just Hilton Garden Inns, Residence Inns, that kind of thing.

Value resorts are more like a Motel 6. Pricing out your vacation staying at a value standard room for 5 nights with 6 day regular park tickets(no Hopper) is $1131.24. Staying at Port Orleans Riverside for the same is $1545.04. For me, it is well worth the extra $400, especially if you are using your resort for somewhere other than sleeping. POR is super romantic The landscaping is beautiful and their food court has really good variety. Plus you have to boat to DTD. I just had a bad experience the time I stayed at ASMu(crazy atmosphere, terrible mousekeeping), it turned me off from values.

 

[DizneyLizzy]

The first time I took my husband to Disney, we stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter. It was perfect because it wasn't too pricey but it was small, quiet, and beautifully themed. It also had a relatively adult atmosphere - there were times when we were on buses or boats that were completely child free. I don't know if kids are all that into the theme of POFQ, so it has more appeal to adults. We had a great time, and it was a great re-introduction to Disney for my husband (who hadn't been since he was a child).

That being said, if you can swing it, or if a good deal comes out, I would also highly recommend one of the Epcot resorts. Since our stay at POFQ we have also stayed at Beach Club which is perfect bc of its proximity to World Showcase.

Have a wonderful time!!

 

[Forever Fairy]

You said the week before Christmas? Know that the closer you get to Christmas, the busier the parks and resorts will be. If you don't mind the crowds - stay longer. Otherwise, I'd opt for the shorter trip to make sure you're home and set up for the Holiday's.

Also, I think POFQ or POR would be good options. Not as kid packed as the Values but still a great option.