When we go the the Royal Plaza, we are usually very happy if we can get a rate between $50 and 60, including the resort fee. So your rate is a hair more than we typically aim for, but a tower room at the Royal Plaza would be a good value at this rate.
The pool area is fine for sitting out-- neat, tidy, plenty of chairs. It is in the hotel's courtyard, so certain parts are in the shade during various times of the day, but there was always sun somewhere, as I recall. The pool area is mostly paved and it is tastefully done, but nothing special. The pool at Port Orleans Riverside, for example, would be much nicer as regards landscaping and theming.
As regards comparison to a moderate Disney resort, I have only stayed at Port Orleans Riverside (which I like very much) and Caribbean Beach (which I don't like). I have been to Coronado Springs a few times to eat.
The room itself will be larger and have more amenities (big in-room safe, coffee maker with good coffee, deluxe bathroom, nice sitting area) at the Royal Plaza and the feel will be non-Disney upscale. The rest of the hotel will not be as "themed," by which I mean the landscaping, decor, restauarants, etc will not go together as well in the Royal Plaza as in any Disney Resort. There are also more dining options at the Disney Moderates-- usually a food court or self serve place and a sit down restaurant. But the restaurant at the Royal Plaza is good and will be somewhat cheaper. The Disney Resorts actually are resorts and will have a variety of other activities to do-- you would be able to rent bikes, boats, or fishing poles at the Disney Moderates, for example, but not at the Royal Plaza. The grounds are also more extensive at the Disney Resort than the Royal Plaza. But you will not have to schlepp far from your car or room to get around the Royal Plaza-- everything is convienent compared with the more spread-out Disney reosrts.
The Disney Transportation system is more efficent than the DTD Transport system, and Disney's busses drop you off at the front gate of the MK whereas DTD busses take you to the TTC. But the location of the Royal Plaza is as convienent, in my opnion, as that of any of the Disney Resorts. Service is probably equal.
I have a relative who is a cast member and I can usually get a room at a Disney resort for about 40% off what others are paying. But I still have not stayed at a Disney resort in 3-4 years! If I could get Port Orleans Riverside for the same price as the Royal Plaza, I'd probably take it (but as I write this I am recalling the long walk from my room to the pool, restaurants, or hotel lobby-- a real drag!). Otherwise, give me the Royal Plaza!
I hope this helps-- it is so hard to advise folks because everyone's tastes and interest differ. We don't use either DTD or Disney-owned transport, would prefer a sit-down restaurant to a food court, and don't like the spread-out nature of the Disney Moderates. So the Royal Plaza works well for us and it is cheaper to boot!
Beatnik
I can get the HRP for about $66 a night including tax for Easter week in the king tower room...Is this a good deal? Search is down
so I am at a loss...
