Help me decide/understand the difference.....

[Krisshay13]

So, DH & I are taking a non-Disney cruise, out of Port C 1st of March 2020. Decided to fly in to spend 3 nights before & 1 night after at Disney. Cruise is booked, flights are booked...….on to hotel.
I have been several times over the past few years (mainly with the grands) and have always stayed in POP or an All-Star ...…..my main reason is the price....since we are only there to sleep. And of course, the kids love those hotels & I really like the remodeled rooms (when I get them). I'll be there in 4 weeks at ASMo….w/my DGD.
Fast forward next spring...…..it's just me & DH, 1st time w/no grands. Family & Friends keep telling me to book at least a moderate. I decided on POFQ...but, they are sold out. So, Riverside is what I'm looking at now.
My hesitation is the difference in price...…..an All Star will run around $450 compared to Riverside around $850. I just keep thinking of the nice meals we could use $400 towards...LOL.
Is a moderate that much nicer to be at??? OMG, I can't decide.
TIA, Christie

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

Moderates really are nicer, but if you feel you would be happier at a value and using the difference towards nice meals, that's the way you should go. I would be pretty content with that plan.

Check out Coronado.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If an adults only trip means you spend more time at the resort and less at the parks, go for at least moderate (deluxe would probably be better though). Moderate resorts will have a table service restaurant as well as a food court to choose from.

 

[Gehrig1B]

Personally we decided to stay at a Deluxe about 5 years ago and will never go back. We do have a Moderate for a short stay next month just because it is on the Skyliner. If you can afford a nicer resort I think you will greatly appreciate 2 things, 1) the amenities (of course) and 2) the proximity to the parks. So nice to have the freedom to walk or boat to MK/Epcot/DHS. It completely changes the way you visit the parks. Riverside will give you the added amenities of a restaurant, bar, and boat to Disney Springs... worth the extra money in my book.

 

[Starport Seven-Five]

Personally, the moderates don't do much for me. I would do the first 3 nights at an All Star and the last night at a Deluxe instead of staying 4 nights at a moderate.

 

[Krisshay13]

thanks for all the replies...….each one makes sense but, still staying confused...LOL.
honestly, if I could afford a Deluxe, I know I would never change........but, to pay for a Deluxe would mean less trips. I have looked at going the route of DVC points but, am too late for this trip.

The idea of 3 nights at All Star then 1 at Deluxe might just work....Also, that 1 last night, we are not planning on a park so, we would be hanging out at the hotel. I'll look at that!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

thanks for all the replies...….each one makes sense but, still staying confused...LOL.
honestly, if I could afford a Deluxe, I know I would never change........but, to pay for a Deluxe would mean less trips. I have looked at going the route of DVC points but, am too late for this trip.

The idea of 3 nights at All Star then 1 at Deluxe might just work....Also, that 1 last night, we are not planning on a park so, we would be hanging out at the hotel. I'll look at that!!

You will also be homeless between 11AM and 3PM.

 

[dansdad]

You will also be homeless between 11AM and 3PM.

That last night is a stand alone night after OP's cruise. During a split stay yes you are technically homeless on switch day.

 

[Krisshay13]

yes, it's a stand alone night. We fly out 9:30am the next morning...so, not even that much time for the 1 day.

 

[clayfolks]

You might look at some of the DVC points rental places to see if they have an actual reservation that you could rent for your dates. I’ve been surprised by some of the availability.

 

[Krisshay13]

You might look at some of the DVC points rental places to see if they have an actual reservation that you could rent for your dates. I’ve been surprised by some of the availability.

I actually keep checking the different sites......and will keep watching to see if anything comes up. I normally book through UT but, wherever I book, I will do with a option to cancel if a last minute DVC comes available.

 

[Nancyg56]

I think that everyone has a personal reason for staying at any given resort, and how you use the resort is usually the driving factor. When you travel with the grands, knowing they love the theme of the values, and knowing that the money saved would be better used on other purchases, the value makes sense. If you use the resort to sleep but spend the rest of your time in the parks, a value makes sense. Why spend money on amenities you do not plan to use?

My family uses the resort as a part of the vacation, so the additional money spent is worth it to us. We choose a moderate or Deluxe based on what amentities we will use.

Look at your touring plans and determine i on an adult trip your touring will change. If so, perhaps book CSR. It is generally among the least expensive moderates and has the most adult vibe, IMO, ither that the Gran Destino Tower at CBR. ( I have not stayed there but the reviews seem really positive. I am not sure of the price point)

 

[Krisshay13]

I think that's what I'm missing...…..will we use the resort as part of the vacation?
Most of our trips have been 4 days or shorter so, we don't spend time at the resort.
I need to go back & research what each hotel offers & try to make a decision around if we will take advantage of that on this trip.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts!!

 

[Disneylvr1971]

While the moderates are nice to try, for me and DH, if we can take more vacation or spend more on extra's a value it is. We have stayed at all levels. As a matter of fact, this weekend booked Pop as we got a good discount in April/May, otherwise we wouldn't be going.

 

[nkereina]

Agree with PPs. Since you're staying 3 nights pre-cruise, will you be relaxing more at the resort? Using the pool and/or hot tub? Visiting Disney Springs? Or will you be trying to maximize your park time, packing in as much as possible.

If parks are not your focus, I think the upgrading to POR is worth your while. Great pools, larger resort so it doesn't feel as crowded, hot tub, great food court, boat to Disney Springs. But if all your time will be spent in the parks, I would just stay at the All Stars.

 

[Krisshay13]

We have 2 full days before so, those will be in the parks. But, the day we get back, we will spend at the resort & DSprings.
I've decided to write some pros & cons down w/the prices & leave it up to DH.
I'm done with it....LOL I love the planning but, I swear it's easier when I have the grands to please. I know how to do that!!

Really, the most important thing is I will be back at Disney!!!
Thanks everyone!!!!

 

[Babsy]

AS resorts are great with children. AS resorts are fun and cute with animation or 'teenage kid' style themes, but are essentially motels. They do provide all the basics for a comfortable stay, but little in the way of extras. Adults only trips can fine staying at these resorts, however, stepping up to a mod or a deluxe with give a more luxurious 'feel' to the stay.
IMO, unless I were planning to be in the theme parks for the large portion of the day(s), I would choose to stay somewhere else on an adults only trip. At a moderate: Small details work together to give a more restful, more pampered resort stay. At a deluxe: many more amenities and services enhance your vacation. It is easily possible to enjoy these hotels without entering the theme parks at all.

POR pros:

beautiful landscaping
boat to DS
walkway along the river to POFQ (beignets)
multiple 'quiet' pools
hot tub
water slide at themed pool
two themes - mansions and alligator bayou
Table service restaurant
great food court
Surrey bike rentals
horse and carriage rides
catch and release fishing
larger rooms than values
corner rooms have 2 windows (brighter)
evening entertainment, "Yee Haa Bob"
Royal rooms - at extra cost, but nicely themed
bus stops have seating and shelter

POR cons:

large sprawling resort - some rooms distant from main areas
4 bus stops - bothers some people
outside walkways, exterior entrances


POR is nicer than the AS resorts. Is it enough nicer to be worth the extra $$$? for only an additional $400 over 4 nights, my vote (FWIW) would be yes. Even when spending most of my time in the parks, I enjoy the ambiance more at the moderate resorts. Theming and ambiance do matter to me. Plus, as you plan to visit DS, the boat ride there will be a fun way to get there. Much nicer than the buses!
(FYI: We do stay at Value resorts on times, such as when it is needed for budget purposes (for either ourselves or someone travelling with us).)

If staying for one night after a cruise and NOT going into theme parks, I would definitely consider a moderate or even a deluxe.

Good deluxe options for one night: Either the AKL or the WL are beautiful resorts with slightly lower price points than the other deluxe resorts. Be sure to check out prices for AKL standard view rooms. Staying at a deluxe will get you interior corridors, balconies, larger rooms, more amenities, multiple dining options, nicer landscaping and elaborate resort lobbies with seating. At AKL you also have animal viewing at your resort. AT the WL you have a boat to FW and the CR, which then gives you monorail access to the three monorail resorts with additional dining options, etc.

If spending most of your time in the theme parks for the three days prior to the cruise, I would probably consider staying at a value or a moderate resort.

Sounds like a fun trip! Enjoy!

 

[SillySallySews]

A moderate has never interested me because based on pictures of the rooms they really just look like higher priced versions of the value resorts. But so many people love Riverside and FQ that maybe I’m missing something? We went from values to club level at deluxe resorts and never looked back. We spend a lot of downtime relaxing at our resort. We love having the lounge and all the amenities offered. The comfort of the rooms and especially the beds are leaps and bounds above the values. I never thought we would be able to afford a deluxe, much less club level, until I actually started looking into it. Yes it is pricey, all of Disney is these days, but not out of reach and to us totally worth it.

 

[KMarston]

If you’re not using DME, or dining plan, try pricing out the Dolphin. We stayed one night using Marriott points before our Yacht Club stay and really loved it! Seems to me the price is closer to the moderates for a deluxe hotel. The food options were all great, a short walk to the Boardwalk at night for Jelly Rolls. We were almost sad to leave! We met some awesome couples there as well that we enjoyed talking with.

 

[Krisshay13]

AS resorts are great with children. AS resorts are fun and cute with animation or 'teenage kid' style themes, but are essentially motels. They do provide all the basics for a comfortable stay, but little in the way of extras. Adults only trips can fine staying at these resorts, however, stepping up to a mod or a deluxe with give a more luxurious 'feel' to the stay.
IMO, unless I were planning to be in the theme parks for the large portion of the day(s), I would choose to stay somewhere else on an adults only trip. At a moderate: Small details work together to give a more restful, more pampered resort stay. At a deluxe: many more amenities and services enhance your vacation. It is easily possible to enjoy these hotels without entering the theme parks at all.

POR pros:

beautiful landscaping
boat to DS
walkway along the river to POFQ (beignets)
multiple 'quiet' pools
hot tub
water slide at themed pool
two themes - mansions and alligator bayou
Table service restaurant
great food court
Surrey bike rentals
horse and carriage rides
catch and release fishing
larger rooms than values
corner rooms have 2 windows (brighter)
evening entertainment, "Yee Haa Bob"
Royal rooms - at extra cost, but nicely themed
bus stops have seating and shelter

POR cons:

large sprawling resort - some rooms distant from main areas
4 bus stops - bothers some people
outside walkways, exterior entrances


POR is nicer than the AS resorts. Is it enough nicer to be worth the extra $$$? for only an additional $400 over 4 nights, my vote (FWIW) would be yes. Even when spending most of my time in the parks, I enjoy the ambiance more at the moderate resorts. Theming and ambiance do matter to me. Plus, as you plan to visit DS, the boat ride there will be a fun way to get there. Much nicer than the buses!
(FYI: We do stay at Value resorts on times, such as when it is needed for budget purposes (for either ourselves or someone travelling with us).)

If staying for one night after a cruise and NOT going into theme parks, I would definitely consider a moderate or even a deluxe.

Good deluxe options for one night: Either the AKL or the WL are beautiful resorts with slightly lower price points than the other deluxe resorts. Be sure to check out prices for AKL standard view rooms. Staying at a deluxe will get you interior corridors, balconies, larger rooms, more amenities, multiple dining options, nicer landscaping and elaborate resort lobbies with seating. At AKL you also have animal viewing at your resort. AT the WL you have a boat to FW and the CR, which then gives you monorail access to the three monorail resorts with additional dining options, etc.

If spending most of your time in the theme parks for the three days prior to the cruise, I would probably consider staying at a value or a moderate resort.

Sounds like a fun trip! Enjoy!

wow, thanks for the detailed reply. Some great info....I'm printing off to use on my list to DH.