How do you justify cost of Deluxe?

[auntie k]

We are staying one night at WDW after a cruise. We currently have Pop Century reserved. We are wanting to rest during the day so we can attend MNSSHP that evening.

Since it's only one night, I would love to stay at the Grand Floridian (or any monorail hotel)...but I just don't think I can justify $300. How do others justify the cost?

I've given up hoping for a discount in October.

Any input? What makes you choose a deluxe?

 

[ironz]

The theming and "luxury" feel is fun and worth it...as well as the location of the monorail resorts.

Discounts help, for sure. So that is definitely something to track down if available.

My sis and I are compromising on our next trip...we'll do 4 nights at Pop, and then one night at Poly...sort of like what you are thinking.

 

[grimley1968]

I don't really "justify" the cost, as there really is no justification, IMO. I just decide I want to pay the extra to stay in a monorail resort. I chose that this trip by staying at the Poly, instead of WL. Significantly more expensive, but we really needed the quick transportation options to EPCOT and MK. But the monorail is not a necessary thing, so it's hard to use that as justification. But we wanted it, so we're paying for it. Nothing wrong with that. And there's nothing wrong if you wanted a little more luxury for one night, and spend the extra $$$ to get it.

 

[ziggystardust]

We stayed at a Deluxe(WL) last trip b/c we had never done it before. Once we saw it we decided it was a must do. We were able to get a direct mail pin code so we saved quite a bit but honestly we would have stayed there either way.

We took full advantage of the hotel though. We rented boats, ate at Artist Pointe, took the boat to MK often, took a carriage ride. We did everything we could and wouldn't hesitate to go back.

 

[HayGan]

We are going with the Poly for 2 reasons: monorail & it has always been my dream to stay there. We are doing a split stay with the Hilton DTD (3 nights) and Poly (4 nights). Since we got such a great deal on the Hilton I feel like we can spend a little more on the Poly. With 2 little ones who want to spend most of their time in the MK, the monorail is a must for us!

Next year we might stay at the Poly as well as our tix will already have been paid for (we are getting 10 day no exp MYW premium plus tix this year ) We are considering staying at a mod or WL though (depends on how much we love the Poly )

 

[opal]

We almost never book a deluxe at full price. But on the few occasions that we have it is mainly because of the location. We are big Epcot fans so whenever possible we will book into one of the Epcot resorts, especially when it is a short trip. The time we save by being able to walk to Epcot, MGM, the Boardwalk and Fantasia Gardens has value and increases the enjoyment of our trip. In addition, we have lots of dining choices inside and outside the parks, as you would also at a Monorail hotel. However, on the few trips that we have been able to stay longer than a week, we have always dropped down to a moderate. In my mind, I guess I justify the cost of extra days by offsetting it with a less expensive hotel. If the extra cost of a deluxe is not a hardship, I would go for it, especially since it is only one night. Have a great trip!

 

[antmaril]

I can't really justify the cost. I try to get a discount (at the very least AAA) and watch for any deals or codes. We are staying at BWI for three nights in January and its $284 per night (our son is 19, so three adults). Without question, it's a lot of money, but I like the location and I'm willing to pay for it. We don't stay too many nights, so it is affordable for us. We are also staying two nights at Portofino Bay, which is even more $$. If I were staying a week or more, I would probably split my stay between deluxe and moderate.

 

[NCombs]

It's not really something I think about in terms of justifying a specific cost. For one, we have a family of 5 so that limits our choices somewhat as we do not want 2 rooms. Amenities and atmosphere are important to us. So, this is how we end up at a deluxe. There are limits of course to what we want to spend. We haven't done concierge or more expensive views but that is just our choice. I think these kinds of options are great. We also are in a position to be able to afford these kinds of stays every once in a while, it's not something we do every year, but when we do, we want to do it in a way that we would enjoy the most.

Good luck with your decision. Have a great time.

 

[LoveWDW]

Our favorite parks are Epcot and MGM, so it makes sense for us to stay where we have the easiest access. We enjoy walking to Epcot and back at least twice a day. I have back problems and sometimes need to retreat to my room and lie down. So easy access to Epcot is an important factor.

 

[snoopy5386]

let's see last year we had a castmembers rate at the Beach Club and we split the cost 5 ways so it wasn't so bad, and that pretty much hooked me. This year we are staying at the Poly and my justification is this is our last trip before we have kids (#1 is in the oven as we speak) and I become a stay at home mom so our income goes down my 50%. So that is the reason for us.

 

[Hatzie]

This is our first trip to Disney and we felt if we are going to go we need to do it right. I don't mind paying the price as long as I enjoy the stay and the service is good. A friend at work said it was his favorite.

This is not to say that the other resorts are not good, I'mn sure with Disney's reputation they are, I just like to be comfortable.

 

[DisneyDotty]

I agree with Grimley. We just pay it--actually, we've always paid rack rate--and don't look back. We believe vacations are for enjoyment and pampering--and we only take them when we can afford them. So enjoy it when you can!

 

[minnie61650]

I don't justify the cost.
I am 55 year old and travel several times a year. I often stay at 4 star hotels.
So the deluxe resorts do not have anything special for me.
Staying at the All Stars is like being in the heart of Disney and that is where I want to be.
If you really want to see the the Grand Floridian without the price perhaps you could reserve a lunch or dinner at one of their fine restaurants.
That way you could relax and enjoy a nice meal while taking in the atmosphereof the GF.

I have visited WDW more than a dozen times with the 1st time in Oct. 1971. It was brand new. I've stayed at FW, Disney Inn, a few the of Hotels on hotel Blvd., CBR and the towers at the Contemporary. I got to see the MK from my balcony at the Contemporary and I'm happy I got to experience it once. I just prefer the All Star Resorts.
The theaming is pure Disney.
My last 4 visits have been at The All Stars and this fall when we take dd,dsil, and our grandson age 3 we are staying at the All Stars Music. I thought about AKL and even though we can well afford AKL I just wanted Alex to experience the Disney Magic at the All Stars on his first visit.
Where else can one find Donald Duck or Mickey Mouse at the pool?
Enjoy your stay at Disney and have a wonderful time on your cruise!
Linda

 

[erikthewise]

How do you justify it? Easy! Listen to an experienced pro:

"It's only for one night."
"It's only money."
"Life is too short not to enjoy it as much as you can."
"GF will be even more expensive next year."
"When will we have a better chance to try GF?"
"It will be so nice not to have to take a bus to and from MNSSHP."
"It's such a small amount compared to the cost of our cruise."
"The rooms in Pop Century are sooooo small."

Actually $300/night is pretty good for GF!

 

[VWLMember]

My justification process-

I am worth it!

Process complete!

 

[cinderlexa's mom]

I don't know if this makes sense to anyone else but, I work hard and when it's finally vacation time--I want a room that's at least as nice as my home...It wouldn't seem like vacation if my resort room was not as nice as my bedroom

That said, except for the themeing, I do believe that the deluxe resorts are overpriced compared to what you can get off property...

 

[auntie k]

erikthewise - I see how you got your name!! LOL!!


It's really not in our budget, but I will keep watching for a discount...you never know when to expect Pixie Dust!!!!

And it would be a once in a lifetime thing for us - we usually have kids and stay longer...this one night for the hubby and I is a rare thing for WDW trip!

And did I mention we have been married 10 years and this is our FIRST, yes, FIRST vacation without kids?

And the crazy thing is, our kids are young adults so you would think we could vacation alone, but we take our nephew on vacation. I just haven't been able to do WDW without him - I would feel guilty. But this time we are doing the DCL - and it's just for the two of us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Luv2trav]

2 small children with strollers and pack n play + Monorail = justification

 

[MUFFYCAT]

I believe vacations are very important,we go to WDW once a year.
I want to live nicer for a week than I do at home!

 

[Chicago526]

To me, it's not a question of "justify". It's a question of overall budget and the goals of my vacation.

If I'm going to do a ton of "extra" stuff" like ride photos, park tours, souvie shopping, boat or other equipment rental, recreational activities (parasailing, fishing etc.) spa treatments and fine dining, then I might stay at a moderate (I'd never stay at a value, just my opinion) instead of a deluxe so I could afford those things. If I plan on doing only a few or no "extra things" then I'd stay at a deluxe, because I have more money for it. If I want to stay at a deluxe AND do a ton of "extra stuff" then I save up more money to do so. (notice how NONE of these options are shorten the trip! )

So, I look at it backwards, I guess. I have $X,XXX.xx to spend and X amount of vacation days. What can I get for the money? (and this goes for ALL vacations not just WDW). Then I book and plan until all the money is gone! If that means I can afford a delxue and still do everything I want, I stay deluxe. If I can't then I either cut down the amount of extra stuff OR I downgrade to a moderate OR I save more money and increase the budget so I can "have it all".

At the end of the day, it's YOUR vacation. If the $300 a night is within your budget, and you want to stay at the GF, then do so. If you can't afford it, or would rather spend the money doing a character meal or a dinner show, then do that instead.

At least, that's how I feel.