Help me convince my SIL to stay at a MOD Resort

[dawnedwards]

Hello

My family and I are planning our 3rd trip to WDW. We have gone 2x in the last year and are planning to go again next April.

This time my husband's sister and her family are planning on coming too. She has two kids who will be 2 and 6 at the time of the trip.

We have stayed at CSR and AKL and loved both.

I have tried really hard to do my research prior to each trip. I am addicted to this board and have read the official guide, the unoffical guide, passporter etc. to inform my decisions.

So far we have chosed to not stay at a Value Resort for a number of reasons including, but not limited to:
1) The lines for the value buses from the parks almost always seem 3-4x as long as the other resorts. (Not surprising with the # of rooms there)
2) We like having a bit more room in our guest rooms
3) We do the dining plan and like having a table service restaurant at the resort
4) We are worried that after staying at a MOD and a Deluxe that we would be disappointed with a value resort.

My problem is that my SIL who has done no research had mentioned that they were thinking about staying at a Value resort and how do I explain my 2 years of research planning and faithful disboard surfing to my SIL who hasn't done any research and isn't likely too.
Or am I just being ridiculous and should stay at one of the Value Resorts.

 

[skipperkim]

Hello

My family and I are planning our 3rd trip to WDW. We have gone 2x in the last year and are planning to go again next April.

This time my husband's sister and her family are planning on coming too. She has two kids who will be 2 and 6 at the time of the trip.

We have stayed at CSR and AKL and loved both.

I have tried really hard to do my research prior to each trip. I am addicted to this board and have read the official guide, the unoffical guide, passporter etc. to inform my decisions.

So far we have chosed to not stay at a Value Resort for a number of reasons including, but not limited to:
1) The lines for the value buses from the parks almost always seem 3-4x as long as the other resorts. (Not surprising with the # of rooms there)
2) We like having a bit more room in our guest rooms
3) We do the dining plan and like having a table service restaurant at the resort
4) We are worried that after staying at a MOD and a Deluxe that we would be disappointed with a value resort.

My problem is that my SIL who has done no research had mentioned that they were thinking about staying at a Value resort and how do I explain my 2 years of research planning and faithful disboard surfing to my SIL who hasn't done any research and isn't likely too.
Or am I just being ridiculous and should stay at one of the Value Resorts.

If she is looking only at price, it may be hard to convince her other wise. But my 5 reasons I don't like values:

1. No hot tub
2. No fridge in room
3. Two sinks, well CSR fails this
4. Coffee pot in room
5. Covered bus ques at the resorts

The true compromise here, let her stay where she wants. Then you stay where you want. Sounds like you might want some sil free time.

 

[minnie61650]

Hello

My family and I are planning our 3rd trip to WDW. We have gone 2x in the last year and are planning to go again next April.

This time my husband's sister and her family are planning on coming too. She has two kids who will be 2 and 6 at the time of the trip.

We have stayed at CSR and AKL and loved both.

I have tried really hard to do my research prior to each trip. I am addicted to this board and have read the official guide, the unoffical guide, passporter etc. to inform my decisions.

So far we have chosed to not stay at a Value Resort for a number of reasons including, but not limited to:
1) The lines for the value buses from the parks almost always seem 3-4x as long as the other resorts. (Not surprising with the # of rooms there)
2) We like having a bit more room in our guest rooms
3) We do the dining plan and like having a table service restaurant at the resort
4) We are worried that after staying at a MOD and a Deluxe that we would be disappointed with a value resort.

My problem is that my SIL who has done no research had mentioned that they were thinking about staying at a Value resort and how do I explain my 2 years of research planning and faithful disboard surfing to my SIL who hasn't done any research and isn't likely too.
Or am I just being ridiculous and should stay at one of the Value Resorts.

I used to think I would NEVER stay at the All Stars.

That was pre 2001.
Then in 2001 we went on a trip with my sis to Disney and since she was staying at the All Stars ( because they suited her budget better than the other resorts) I decided DH and I should stay there also so as not to hurt my sisters's feelings. I was worried about staying there. I had heard the stories of the tiny rooms and the "tacky" decor.

Once I was at the All Stars and I saw the nice landscaping around the grounds and Donald Duck at the pool I began to relax a little. There was always plenty of lounge chairs to relax by pool. The buses were a lot better at All Star Music than they had been during my stays at the CR and CBR.
I loved watching the little ones having so much fun with Donald spraying them from his pistols when they were swimming.
Tome staying at the All Stars is like stepping into a Disney Movie Fantasyland. It is
an extension of the theme parks. It is Disney Magic!
At least that is the way I feel about them.

1. the lines for the values may be long but the bus generally come much more frequently. In fact I feel the bus service at All Star Music is among the best on property.

2. Room size:

To me there is not much room size difference between a mod and a value.

Here is the layout of a mod.
The bathroom is about the same size as the All Stars but some of the mods have 2 sinks instead of one.

POR room lay out

here is the All Star room layout'

All Star room layout

All Star room layout

The mod has 54 square feet more than the value.
That means if both the mod and the value room were 27 feet long than the mod would be 2 feet wider. Just enough room for a double sink instead of a single. Since the room is about 2 feet wider the mod will has about 2 extra feet between the foot of the bed and the TV and while that will give guests a little more passing room the extra room does not really help with storage.

3. Even when I have stayed at the Disney mods and deluxes I rarely ate at my home resort. I enjoy dining at the different restaurants in the parks and at the other resorts.

4. If you go not expecting much you be presently surprised.
If you decide to try a value think of it as a new adventure. If you are not happy with your stay you will know to never go back but you may end enjoying it and think of all the money you are saving.

Have fun at Disney wherever you choose to stay!

 

[dawnedwards]

Thanks for the input both of you. Luckily prices aren't even out yet for 2008 so we have a bit of time to decide. Anyone else with thoughts.

 

[casey49781]

stay at pop century, they have there own buses and we never waited long at all, i just returned dec 06, my kids are already asking when can they go back they loved it the food court was busy but haste makes waste get there early or later, we had a blast

 

[minnie61650]

All Star Music is my favorite resort. It tends to be the quietest of all the values.


All Star Music is undergoing a refurbishment of all of the rooms and is slated to be completed by June 2007.

The Calypso and Jazz buildings are completed and the last I heard they are working on the Broadway Buildings.

Here is a website with photos of the newly refurbished rooms at All Star Music.

Look at the Jazz Inn section with new posted:

http://allearsnet.com/acc/g_asmu.htm



Please see my info thread For the resons why I enjoy All Star Music so much.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18641909#post18641909

Have fun at Disney!

 

[PA Princess]

For many years we only did deluxe, but in the last two years we have become mod converts. Our last trip we did a split stay and spent two nights at ASMu...we figured it would give us a taste of the values to know if we would be happy at that level resort.

I really wanted to love it, but the truth is that we did not and we will probably not stay value if our budget can handle a mod.

We have 4 kids and my mom travels with us...so a party of 7 with 2 rooms. We really missed that two feet of extra space. If it is only two people in the room this probably matters less, but navigating the room at ASMu just seemed squishy. Also for me the room just had more of a motel feel...stucco type walls, the furnishings, etc. We moved from ASMu to POFQ and the quality difference in furnishings was pretty severe.

Last drawback for us was that the foodcourt, giftshop, and main pools were busy and crowded...made us feel like we were still in the parks. This is understandable with the size of the value resorts, and we did find the quiet pool at ASMu to be absolutely a delight, but we really like relaxing at the resort, and with 4 kids in tow it sure helps if the resort is a relaxing place

 

[lovesdumbo]

I enjoy both value and moderate resorts. I found the bus service at Pop to be outstanding. The line was long at park closing but they sent 2 or 3 buses at a time and the line moved very quickly. I like the compact layout of the values. Even the farthest room isn't that far. The farthest rooms at the mods can be quite a hike. I really enjoy Pop. It is a really fun place but my DH would hate it there. He likes a relaxing atmosphere at the resort.

 

[minnie61650]

...... Also for me the room just had more of a motel feel...stucco type walls, the furnishings, etc. We moved from ASMu to POFQ and the quality difference in furnishings was pretty severe..........

Were you in a refubished room at All Star Music?
I like the fact that one of the walls is blue ab=nd the others tan instead of all like colored walls. It gives itan interior decorated feel. The furnishings are a bit nicer than the old style rooms.

Curved shower rod in bathroom

* Note : Photos from allearsnet

 

[juligrl]

stay at pop century, they have there own buses and we never waited long at all, i just returned dec 06, my kids are already asking when can they go back they loved it the food court was busy but haste makes waste get there early or later, we had a blast

I have to agree with this. I've only ever stayed at Mod, Value or Campground and I've loved them all. Unless you are planning a resort only day I wouldn't worry too much about the ammenities your resort may not have (hot tubs are germ brews, do you really want to know what was in that fridge before you got there?, you can get coffee and other drinks at the food court in your refillable mug and how much time do you really spend waiting for busses anyhow...). Also, consider what your primary activity at your hotel is - sleeping right (okay maybe some swimming too). Do you really need to twist her arm into spending more on a room that's mostly going to be used for sleeping?

Plus, you said her kids are young? Theming is really kind of lost on them anyhow - why spring for that now? They really are awed by all the larger than life characters (and pop icons at POP) they know and love.

Also, it may be in your best interest to not pressure your sil into spending more than she is comfortable with on her vacation. Stretching for a vacation, even a Disney vacation, can make it a thoroughly unenjoyable experience.

 

[ElizabethB]

Show your SIL pictures of the moderate resorts/rooms and the value resorts/rooms. She may come to her own conclusion that the moderates are nicer. Add in the dining situation at the moderates vs. values, slides at the moderate pools, gorgeous landscaping at the moderates and the boat to Downtown Disney from POR.

 

[Buzz2001]

CSR! Best pool, food, and transportation! CSR offers some deluxe amenities like a spa, salon, fitness center and full menu room service. You won;t find a better location to eat on the DDP than the Pepper Market. You can get prime rib or rib eye steak and it only counts as a CS credit. Check out my CSR website below.

CORONADO SPRINGS RESORT QUICK INFO

RECENT JUST BACK THREADS

 

[Kira G.]

I have stayed at both POP and ASMo with my family and enjoyed both stays very much.

However, after a stay last year at CSR it would be hard to go back to a value. The grounds were so peaceful, quiet and beautiful! I just relaxed each time that I arrived back at the hotel. If peaceful surroundings are important to you, or if you plan to spend any time at the resort, I would really push for a MOD.

My kids really did love the value resorts, and I would return if I needed to. Unlike most people on the DIS, I actually preferred ASMo to POP. But after our last trip my husband said "when are we going to get to stay at a REAL hotel?" We're staying at POR next month and we'll see if that qualifies!

 

[disphoto]

I prefer the peaceful surroundings of the mods also. I love POR and have stayed there several times. If I were to choose a value, I would go with POP. We spend time in our hotel. If you have young ones that need naps, you will be there more. I think the overall outside noise is lower at POR than the value. I have stayed at ASMo also.

 

[JennyDrake]

I have stayed at all the values and two of the moderates. The biggest differences for me:

1. The moderates overall have a lower noise level. I would not call any of the values "loud", but then I always request a room a bit out of the mainstream. But there is a constant awareness that there ARE other people around. This may or may not be a factor in your case.

2. I LIKE an uncrowded pool with a deep end. I like deep ends because adults can swim away from small, screaming children playing water games--if they so choose. I also prefer that my body not be rubbed against by another semi naked body whilst in the pool.

With that said, I will continue to frequent the values when an AP rate at the moderates is out of reach. ASMusic is probably my favorite with great landscaping and more adults. Still, Pop's food court is hard to pass up....

 

[I Love Pluto]

I personally like the values more than the mods. Why? The mods are so spread out that you feel you are never close to anything. At a value - I can pay for a preferred room and get one close to the main building and food court. (A preferred room at a mod tends to get expensive).

Pop is our absolute favorite. It seems to have everything.

 

[mericletwins]

You should pick the place where you want to stay and let her do the same. You really don't need to stay at the same resort. We have vacationed with groups before. Sometimes all at the same resort, sometimes not. Is it easier if at the same resort? Slightly, but since no one waited for another part of the group to be ready for the day (that would lead to frustration) and we just met up at the parks, it didn't matter to much that we were in different resorts. Having cell phones makes meeting up very easy! Where staying in the same resort is very nice, is if you like to use the pool a bit. That way you can all meet at the pool. If you are staying at different resorts you can't do that, since pool hopping to a different resort is against the rules.

We like the mods because the pools are better (w/ a slide) and the rooms are a bit larger. I felt claustraphobic when we went to visit SIL at ASMo. That 50 square feet or so made a difference to me.

 

[m-i-c-cakeywhy]

once we were booked for WL and then my SIL decided they would come along too and switched all our plans so we could get a block of rooms in a different hotel....
all I can say is don't do it.
If you have your heart set on a mod. then go there, because for me, I still feel, 7 years later, it was a bad decision and was the one aspect of an otherwise great trip that I regretted.
Disney, for me, is as much about the feel and magic of the resort as it is the parks...

 

[guelde96]

We stay at values now because it is what our children enjoy. When they get older we will move to mod or deluxe. I agree with a previous poster who said the values definetly bring Disney magic back to the resort. Right now I want my children to feel the magic as much as possible. The value resorts are very kid friendly. We have looked at all the pics and the kids still pick the Values. We can stay in adult friendly hotels anywhere. Disney caters to the children so well.

 

[MEK]

We moved from ASMu to POFQ and the quality difference in furnishings was pretty severe.

Last drawback for us was that the foodcourt, giftshop, and main pools were busy and crowded...made us feel like we were still in the parks. This is understandable with the size of the value resorts, and we did find the quiet pool at ASMu to be absolutely a delight, but we really like relaxing at the resort, and with 4 kids in tow it sure helps if the resort is a relaxing place

I have to agree with this. If you family can afford the mod, I think it gives a better quality stay. The grounds and quiet pools are very relaxing. The pools, food court, bus lines, and gift shop at POP were very crowded.

That being said, when I travel with just my kids (DH doesn't go on every trip), I will stay value. The rooms are fine and the landscaping is still nice. I deal with the increased crowds to save a little $.

For two families of 4, I think your "hectic" factor would be decreased if you pick a relaxing mod resort.