How on earth can anyone afford a deluxe?

[GinnyFavers]

Is there room at FW for them to put up more cabins???

Over at the Ft. Wilderness forum, there's two rumors right now - one, that DVC is coming in way/form to the Fort, and two, that yes they are about to expand the campground.

We'll see! I'm just hoping everyone with more money than me gets tired of Disney and goes home and stops competing me out of my favorite places to stay.

 

[Southernswthrt1]

I have stayed at POFQ and thought it was quite nice. I've ALWAYS wanted to stay at Poly, but just can't seem to justify the cost. Could I afford it? Probably. This is our first vacation in 4 years, so I watched for codes this December...could have booked the package at Poly, but chose to hold out for room-only instead...Poly wasn't available

But that's OK! We got SSR 1 BR for about the same price as Poly would have been with the code - Jacuzzi - separate shower - separate bedroom. I think I can live with that! One of these days, I'll stay at Poly (only with a code, of course).

To the original poster, if you truly want to stay deluxe, follow all the great advice you've received in this thread. You must also be willing to devote a lot of time to planning in advance to find the deals (search the websites others have linked). This may seem monotonous and boring to some, but for me, it's half the fun. I, personally, would not stay at a Value Resort, because I have no children and I value peace and quiet on my vacation. For other people, it's the way to go. It's just not for me.

The question of "worth" and "value" is very subjective. With that said, DH and I always want the most bang for our buck. We both very hard workers with college degrees and we are FAR from rich. My sister (who doesn't have a college degree) makes more than three times what I make! But hey...that's life. I choose not to live my life being envious of others who have more money than me. I'm happy with what I have. For some people, saving money makes their decision "worth" it or not. For others, splurging is in order for the occasion. To each his own...

Disney has lots of choices for everyone in all price ranges. I can assure you that everyone has a great time, no matter where they stay. After all, it is the happiest place on earth.

 

[boomhauer]

I think the bottom line for us was, we knew it was going to be really expensive, so we figured, we'll give ourselves plenty of time to pay it off so it wasn't as hard. We went back and forth and I just said, to heck with it. You only live once. Why not?

 

[MrsJ Henry]

You know it really does come down to how people want to spend their money. I have friends that carry coach bags. No WAY I would ever spend that kind of money on a bag. Also some of the cars that people drive. I would never buy something that cost that much money. We could go on and on... But everyone has the things that they want to splurge on and the things that they would never want to spend big bucks on. It's what makes the world go round I guess.
My father thinks we are nuts to stay in Deluxe. (Even with our discounts)He and my mom stayed value and loved it. They would tell you it's just a room... who cares... it's clean and that's all I need. Well my DH and I want the whole experience.
Once again..... Just different strokes for different folks!

 

[mommyxiii]

Please don't dis those of us who stay in Deluxe Resorts. We are a family of 5 and for a long time, the Deluxe Resorts were the only rooms that slept five because of the day bed. We also felt that the extra money spent was worth it for the atmosphere and location. We loved being right on the monorail (CR & GF) or being able to walk to Epcot or MGM (BW). I know that the rooms are not exactly what you would expect from a 5 Star hotel, but there is something magical about a Disney Deluxe Resort.

Kathy

 

[princess&princemommy]

When successfull retired grandpa is paying

 

[jmkrat]

I think the bottom line for us was, we knew it was going to be really expensive, so we figured, we'll give ourselves plenty of time to pay it off so it wasn't as hard. We went back and forth and I just said, to heck with it. You only live once. Why not?

Exactly how I feel.

 

[Disney grandma]

We stayed at the Poly this past September with the 40% off code. With our 6 day base ticket, 7 night stay and the dining plan, our cost was just over $2400.00. We could have stayed in a moderate or value but we felt this was such a great deal and didn't mind spending more to stay at the Poly. If we wouldn't have gotten the dining plan we would have saved over $500 more, which I think we will do next time because there is just so much food and now they have done away with the tip portion of the meal. Our daughter and her family also stayed and with 2 adults, 1 child and 1 under 3 it was just over $2800.00 including park tickets and dining plan. The convenience of the monorail and the relaxation of the resort was worth it. I wish everyone could stay where they would want without worrying about the cost. We definitely aren't wealthy but decided the extra money we spend on our yearly vacation was worth it. Of course, we would never be able to pay $5000 just for the room. You have to research and wait for discounts and be able to "grab" them when they come out.

 

[TnTWalter]

• Some people are loaded and have money coming out of their ears so $5K for room only no problem.
  
• Some people are frugal in other areas of their lives [drive used cars, give up luxuries [highlights, manicures, massages, etc.] so they are able to pile up cash for luxury trips.
  
• Others perhaps check out codes and discount forum here....so that they go when there's a deal [pin code, value season, free dining, etc.]
  
• Some people just charge it and worry later....
  
• Some probably do a combination of the above.

As I'm sure you learned, this is one of those hot-button topics.....perhaps re-phrasing your question would have worked a little better......

"I'm having a hard time finding a room at the Poly for X days in March [spring break], with a theme park view for under $5k [room only cost]? Any suggestions to bring the price down?"

Perhaps that might have been less confrontational in tone [I'm sure you did not mean to "stir the pot" so to speak]. It's a learning curve on these boards. But we're really a nice bunch.

I learned so much from being on these boards and you can see from my siggy where I'm staying in 11 days.

Trish

 

[ScottNBecky]

We cant that is why we bought into DVC or stay at POP

 

[Along4theRide]

Quote:
Originally Posted by boomhauer
I think the bottom line for us was, we knew it was going to be really expensive, so we figured, we'll give ourselves plenty of time to pay it off so it wasn't as hard. We went back and forth and I just said, to heck with it. You only live once. Why not?

Exactly how I feel.

Exactly how I feel.

Us too!! We wanted to "live it up" the first time we went. Heck it was suppose to be a once in a lifetime trip...yeah, like that's gonna happen. We already have another trip planned!! Anyway, We stayed at WL for 7 days and LOVED it. We put ALL of our tax return money into paying off the balance. We made some cut back on a few areas (Christmas and birthdays), but it was soo worth it!!

 

[DWjunkie]

and my final word of advice? please do not ask (try to just read about it and stay out of the fray!) about refillable mugs or pool hopping. you just don't want to know.

 

[aviva5675]

Admittedly, I didn't read all 9 pages of this thread, but here's my 2c anyway...

If it's your first trip, stay on property no matter where you end up. The perks and immersion into the whole Disney thing are worth it. I have only been a few times, but couldn't justify a Deluxe. Our first trip we did stay at Wilderness (okay technically a Deluxe), and it was great. Wilderness and AK are "less" than the other deluxes, so maybe you can swing one of those. We thought WL was beautiful.

Our last trip we (me DH and DD14) stayed at POFQ- and were quite happy with it. The room felt as large as the one at WL and I enjoyed the small size of the resort. Yes, the food options are more limited, but the whole of DW is there to choose from if you are willing to go elsewhere to eat sometimes.

I tried to make our first trip as great as possible, nicer resort, saved alot to eat really well, etc, as I thought it would be our--only-- trip. And now we've been back once and plan to again! So- just stay where you feel you can afford comfortably. Check the board and allears.net for deals and info, stay off season, research park times and plans and...have fun!

 

[dislurker4toolong]

This is a very good question when ever we go to WDW we stay onsite at a deluxe but again we save alot and only go every other year are next trip will just be dd and i and we are debating just staying at a mod compared to the resort we always stay at AKL another part of us says goes deluxe since we love all the ammenties and love Bomas the Mara and Jikos and also the staff. Are one thing is we SAVE SAVE SAVE also we pay for our food in advance by going on the ddp we are planing on doing the new deluxe one so we can eat at 2 TS or one Signature a day we try to have our trip paid for in advance and thats how we can afford it since we only go every other year

 

[barney4liz]

This thread has inspired me to book a savannah view room at AKL for a short stay in August 2008 and hope for a Fla. resident code! I've always wanted to stay there.

 

[polkadotminnie]

I had waited many years and finally booked POLY a few years ago for $225 a night for 2 nights during a split stay with CSR. It was a big disappointment for us. I was actually happier at CSR. It seemed like a much bettter deal and the CM's we encountered were nicer to us.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

We'll be staying at a Deluxe for the first time in Sept. 08. We are only going for 4 days that trip so it's very short and I wanted to spend less time commuting to MK and Epcot.

I had budgeted for a moderate but at the last minute decided to change to a Deluxe when I realized we probably won't be able to take many more WDW trips during the school year since my son is getting close to High School. I have AAA so I booked a room only with an AAA discount.

I figure since I have a year to save for it and it's a short trip we could do it.

I'm also watching for any other discount codes so here's hoping for a 40% off room only discount!

 

[heaven2dc]

I also suggest renting points from a DVC owner rather than pay the higher room prices. I paid rack prices for 3 one-bedroom villas back in 1997 at Boardwalk Villas and we were extremely pleased (I think it was around $300/night/room). I had an inheritance that helped; otherwise I couldn't have afforded it but was able to treat 12 family members to a fully paid trip of a lifetime and never regretted it!

I wish I knew then about renting points because now I can rent that same 1-bedroom villa for less than you would pay for a moderate hotel - I'll never pay rack prices again.

(Actually I'm looking to rent points from someone for a mini trip in November for 3 nights and I'm not having much luck - either the rooms are sold out or no one is responding. My son is sending me on a mini vacation next month and I'm afraid I won't get a room at either BWV or BCV and may have to "settle" for either POP or All Stars resorts - which are great, I'm sure but once you've stayed at the Boardwalk, it's hard not to be disappointed.)

 

[libinatorsmom]

We are staying at BC which is a dulx resort... we are doing a std room and requesting a view... You need to remember there are many hotels and resorts to choose from... I dont know when you are going but that can be a factor as our vacation for 8 nights at the BC with the DULX Dinning Plan and our Park hooper tickets is right at $5000 for the trip... We are making other sacrifices in our lives to make this DREAM trip become a reality... its purely if you can afford it do it... if you cant dont...

 

[sherry8253]

We afford a deluxe by going during value season when rates are cheaper; booking with AP rate (we are not picky and stay at the best priced deluxe with an AP rate); packing my lunch during the year instead of eating in the cafeteria; making coffee at home & taking a thermos to work instead of buying cups of coffee; don't buy soda from the machine at work, cooking and eating at home (dining out is a treat & it is healthier to eat at home too); buying most of our clothing & shoes on sale, using grocery store coupons, etc. By simply packing lunch and not buying coffee or soda from the machine at work, I save at least $30 a week. When you multiply that by 50, it almost becomes the difference between a moderate & deluxe with an AP rate during value season. By being thrifty all year, we can afford to stay at a deluxe. My DH-to-be and I are also in our mid 50's and have no kids at home. So that helps too. People I work with occasionally comment on the cost of staying at a deluxe at Disney so I usually tell them if they cut out their cigarettes, the expensive cafeteria meals, the $2+ dollar cups of coffee, several $1.25 sodas a day, and eating out every weekend they could afford a deluxe room at Disney too.