How hard is it going from Villas to Values?

[BWV2001]

We are a dvc family of 5 who have never stayed at a Disney value resort. We currently have reservations for AKL and I'm really excited about this reservation, since we've only stayed at BWV and BCV on points (both of which we love). Here's my dilemma...if they offer free dining for our October trip, I don't know if I can resist. I currently have no park passes, so will need to purchase those regardless. If free dining is offered, my plan would be to cancel my existing DVC reservation (and bank points) and get 2 rooms at a value resort. Would this be a huge downer for my family who is used to villa-type accommodations? Kids are 17, 13 and 7. And which value would you recommend? Thanks for your advice.

 

[jpolak]

Before DVC we always stayed at values. I was of the thought "how much time do you actually spend in the room? I would think depending on the room type you usually stay in at DVC will determine how much of a downer it actually is. Studio not so much, 2 bedroom major downer. The value resorts rooms are all pretty much the same except for the theme. I know allstars has those family suites though. You might want to go up to a moderate. We loved Port Orleans French Quarter. Good luck.

 

[dzorn]

I bought my DVC during a free dining trip. Nope I would not want to go back to a value.

Denise in MI

 

[Brian Noble]

.if they offer free dining for our October trip, I don't know if I can resist.

These days, Value rooms typically only get QSDP "free". You'd need to step up to a Moderate---and, really, two Moderates. At that point, you are looking at $375 a night for the two rooms. For four adults and one kid, that *might* be okay, but only *if* you'd be paying for the dining plan anyway (about $196 per night for you). But, you're still spending over $175 a night on hotels. Plus, they're hotels. I did not get into timeshare to stay in hotel rooms.

 

[Silver Queen]

We generally don't spend much time in our room but we would probably not be happy in a value. We're adults who sometimes travel with our adult children and grandchild. One of the aspects of a DVC villa that we enjoy is the landscaping and flowers. From what I understand the values have more "hardscaping" than landscaping. That probably wouldn't be an issue with teenagers. A moderate might be a compromise if you'd like a little more of a natural environment.

 

[CMOORE185]

I have trouble staying in a DVC studio let alone a value room. I purchased enough points to stay in at least a 1 bedroom minimum. The accommodations are part of the ambience of Disney to me.

 

[Disneychix]

Last year we did a split stay POP/SSR. We (well DH and my mom) decided we no longer enjoy Values. We have since purchased DVC (stayed on rented points last year) and look forward to not dealing with Values anymore!
The beds=too small (doubles!)
The wall=too thin (could hear pipes/toilets/random noises)
The Busses=far and full

I never thought I would care about a hotel room but really there is no comparison. I would go for a MOD again though. CSR and POFQ now have queen beds so that is a plus.

 

[DE_Chris]

Since buying into DVC, I find it difficult to stay at any regular hotel/motel, WDW or not. I don't think any amount of free fast food would compensate for being shoe-horned into a Value room.

Chris from DE

 

[rcgal2]

Before DVC I always stayed at a moderate, about 2 years ago I needed a quick "Disney Fix" but didn't have any points left so I booked Pop Century. I can honestly say I really enjoyed it there. It's fun for the kids & has a great food court. Of all the value resorts though, Pop is the only one I would book.

 

[sweetdana]

100% go With that being said for the extra 400$ or so go with a Mod. You will miss things like coffee pot, hot tub, fridge, the bed size, and a couple other little things in the values. I have stayed days before/after point trips and the little things like waiting in the sun make a big diff.

I would never turn down a trip at Disney World, and I would go if it meant 10 days at POP.. Then 10 days at POP it is!

I try to rent points too sometimes, it seems about the same price as most discounts. (maybe not the free dining one though.) I book extra trips with FD, or AP disc on a reg bases, as I only have 160 points and what ever transfers I get. I love FQ, POR and one day will try the Poly. The boats to DTD make it kind-a special like SSR.

HAVE FUN!

 

[hakepb]

I stayed in values before DVC and enjoyed them. I still miss the variety in the food courts, and being able to buy an ice cream cone after the parks..
I always enjoyed the values landscaping (Disney landscaping is much better than any off-site I stayed at)
It was fun seeing the daily stuffed animal arrangements from daily mousekeeping.
I still recommend values to families on a budget.

If I saw enough benefit to using my points on something else, I might consider a value to get more time at WDW. But I would really miss my private balcony and space and locations, and I'd have to do more commando in parks and the kids would not get a pool slide....

 

[BWV2001]

Thanks, all, for the replies. I pretty much got the responses I expected. I'd love to stay in a moderate, just not sure we'd all be really comfortable at POR, which is the only one that would let us all stay in 1 room. We did this about 5 years ago at CSR (when DS was 2) and the room was a little tight with the crib, but definitely seemed worthwhile for the free dining. Just can't decide if I really could part with my Kidani 1 BR.

 

[Kidanifan08]

Since joining in October 2008, we have done 3 trips to DVC resorts (all in 2BR) and 3 trips to values or moderates. The problem with the values and moderates are that you cannot just sit down and relax. There is stuff stacked all over the place and only one small bathroom. I have never done a DVC studio, but I have to believe it is better than either of those options (I'll find out next month). It would be difficult to go back to moderate, value or probably even deluxe at this point. With that said, if I had a specific reason for saving points and I wanted to go another time in the same year, I would probably concede to a stay in a value or moderate. My 5 yo insists that he would like to stay at one of the All-Stars sometime, so I may be out-voted, anway! I guess I wouldn't mind trying Art of Animation at some point.

 

[MinnieGi]

Just did it - VIllas to VALUE!! NOT GOOD!!

Now to be fair we did have a fun time but that was b/c we were on a group trip with DD's dance studio to dance in MK parade and DHS. Anyway this was our families first ever trip to a value and will likely be our last!! We all missed our DVC sooooo much!!

Missed the kitchen with fridge (we don't often cook, but fill the fridge with snacks and drinks)

Kids missed the water slides at resort pools.

Far walk to the ONE and ONLY refillable mug station

Missed the separate sleeping accommodations for mom and dad and kids missed the separate sleep couch and chair.

Missed the two bathrooms like at BLT and Kidani for a one bedroom

Missed the two TV's and DVD player.

Missed the balcony.

Missed all the space to put my stuff!!!!

Missed the pool towels - was shocked they don't have a pool towel cart by the pools at values!

And number one - Missed the washer/dryer!!!! Didn't realize how much I utilize them when on vacation or how easy it is to just throw something in that just got stained etc. or to freshen up towels!! Had to do the pay laundry and of course neither change machine in either laundry room would work so had to walk up to front to get change and we were of course all the way in the back.

All in all vacation was just not as relaxing at the Values when you are used to villas!!

So just warning ya, free dining might be nice, but I'd rather have my villa ANY DAY!!

 

[disneyfreak2127]

Unfortunately, DVC has made hotel snobs of my family! Since our purchase at BCV in 2003 we have only stayed in 1 or 2 bdrm's when at WDW. Now when we are away locally in our state of Indiana, my kids often ask why the rooms are so small. They even think hotels like Embassy Suites are not enough room. God help them if I put them in a regular room, they might revolt.

No... really, they would be fine. They just appreciate our DVC more when we head to Florida!

 

[Sammie]

For me personally enough to stay home.

 

[rentayenta]

We are a dvc family of 5 who have never stayed at a Disney value resort. We currently have reservations for AKL and I'm really excited about this reservation, since we've only stayed at BWV and BCV on points (both of which we love). Here's my dilemma...if they offer free dining for our October trip, I don't know if I can resist. I currently have no park passes, so will need to purchase those regardless. If free dining is offered, my plan would be to cancel my existing DVC reservation (and bank points) and get 2 rooms at a value resort. Would this be a huge downer for my family who is used to villa-type accommodations? Kids are 17, 13 and 7. And which value would you recommend? Thanks for your advice.

Not knowing your family other than the fact that you enjoy DVC like we do....and also having children of similar ages 14, 12, and 10....It would be very difficult for us. I suggest you really look at the math; is the dining really free? Does it force you to eat in a way you normally wouldn't like skipping appetizers and everyone having their own dessert with every meal? Does the DDP give you new options for restaurants?

Personally, it would be a huge downer for us. You will lose all that living space, kitchen, and washer/dryer even with 2 standard rooms. No fridge, no microwave, no counter space.....I'd really do the DDP math and see how *free* it really is.

 

[Brian Noble]

not sure we'd all be really comfortable at POR, which is the only one that would let us all stay in 1 room

I would not stay in a single hotel room with my family of four on a bet.

 

[bobbiwoz]

There was no DVC when we raised our sons, and I would definitely try the 2 room stay if you get a good deal.

In '01 we brought some honorary nieces to WDW. We stayed in adjoining rooms at AS Movies, and when we saw the icons and rooms through their eyes, we appreciated the whole package. DH and I had had what we considered a terrible stay at one of the values, but never again will I disparage those resorts. I imagine POR would even be better than a value! Whatever you can afford, go for it!

Bobbi

 

[Castillo Mom]

All I can say about staying at a value is . Just kidding!

Seriously though, we've never stayed at a value so I have no point of reference but then again I've never wanted to stay value. We have only one trip as DVC members under our belt but only stayed at deluxe resorts prior to that. Not only do I not want to give up the space, it's also about the amenities that we wouldn't get at values. But YMMV so do what's best for your family.