Is deluxe worth it? Why? Why not?

[IndianSummer]

We're considering staying at Boardwalk Inn on our next trip but I'm not sure if it's worth the upgrade. We're a family of five and have stayed in two rooms at Pop and at the cabins at FW. We do prefer having a bit more space than just one room, a place for dh and I to be alone when the kids are in bed or watching tv. I don't think we'd like POR riverside for this reason.

One reason we like Boardwalk Inn is the waterslide, which my kids would love, and as far a deluxe resorts, it's not too expensive. But is it worth it just for those reasons when we could go to waterparks for a fraction of the price? What are some other perks of staying at this level?

 

[RMulieri]

It's a matter of personal opinion.Some people feel it is not worth it for a place you are only going to sleep and bathe..We are a family that spends alot of downtime on our trips so we like to spend it in a deluxe resort.We also work hard all year to make it happen.That said, BW is a very beautiful resort and worth the expense( though we prefer Beach Club).

 

[pixarmom]

Definitely a very individual decision, but for us, the answer is absolutely yes!

We're a family of five and we're usually just fine without a ton of space - especially at Disney when we're in the parks a fair amount of the time. We choose a deluxe resort over two rooms or cabins easily.

Growing up, I stayed at Poly and then in college, I started staying at BC with my parents. When I started paying my own way, it was off-site, then values, then mods, then deluxe - and we've been staying exclusively deluxe for the past eight years . . . until last week!

Since we weren't traveling with our entire family of five, we tried 3 nights POFQ and 1 night YC. The difference was so much more obvious, staying in both a mod and a deluxe in the same week. I can tell you that to us, it's a huge difference. When our 5-year-old needs a break (doesn't nap, but needs a bit of down time) - our deluxe rooms are not only a more comfortable space for us, but we really enjoy the balcony or patio. Walking to Epcot and DHS (or boating) from the Epcot deluxe resorts just can't be beat and provides a welcome break from taking the bus everywhere (especially in the evening!) The overall atmosphere just feels different to me - much more relaxing at the end of the day. Then there are other factors, like the interior corridors, the lobby, the bath products, the linens, and the dining options (we prefer BC Marketplace over a food court atmosphere and like being close to so many great TS locations.) In many ways, it's like a different vacation.

We're also very on-the-go but I still feel like deluxe prices are worth it (not necessarily peak season rack rate, but with the discounts that Disney constantly releases.) After my experience last week, I can say absolutely - even if we aren't in the room for long periods of time - it's worth the additional cost. We initially planned to try a night at POR AB next year before transferring to Poly, but then decided against it given my experience last week.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

All that Pixarmom said!

For us it is definitely worth it. Our favorite resort if BC/YC and they have lots of drawer and closet space which is really important to me. I just cannot live out of a suitcase.

The transportation ease of the deluxes is definitely worth it to us. Being to walk or take the water taxi to both EPCOT and DHS is a godsend. We like being able to have room service if we need it. One year we all got a stomach viris (boo hoo) at Disney and believe me being able to just call and order chicken noodle soup saved us.

We also feel more secure with indoor corridors - we really don't like the "motel feeling" of outdoor corridors. Of course BC/YC has Stormalong Bay and you can spend a lot of time just at the resort.

Every family is different but for us it's well worth the extra money.

 

[mickeynut1]

As the others have said, it's an individual decision as to whether or not the deluxes are "worth" it. For us, it definitely is. Our first onsite stay was at CBR and we loved it. The following year we tried the BC and it's been deluxes ever since. Our favorite is the Poly for the close proximity to MK, the pool, and the relaxing tropical atmosphere; but with that said, we have not disliked any resort and would happily return to any one of them. The BWI is one we have not tried, but is on our list for a future trip. You can't beat being able to walk to Epcot and DHS and it's nice having nightly entertainment on the boardwalk. Good luck deciding, but I'm sure you won't regret it should you decide to go with BWI as it's a beautiful resort.

 

[Minnie-Mickey]

We also got the stomach bug at Disney. After being forced to stay in the room for days on end, I can say it is worth it. I used to be a non believer. It is the small things that make it better. Even being stuck, I was able to sit on the balcony watch the activity. (OKW with DD sick ). I have stayed at the values and I have to say I would not have been enjoyable. At OKW, even though we took turns leaving the room, we had a great time. One trip we were also split between a value and deluxe, like the poster said above, there is a difference with everything.

 

[chocolateMinnie]

We are huge fans of CSR however the pluses of most deluxes is their location and their food choices. The loss of the CSR buffet breakfast at Maya Grill drove us to travel too much for breakfast on our last trip.

The rooms are lovely at deluxe but its not really a factor for us as we spend so little time in our rooms.

 

[jedi jen]

We love the deluxe. My main reason for first going to a deluxe was convenience. We go in the summers and not having to deal as much with the buses helps minimize the waiting in lines factor that comes with Disney. We have stayed at CR and Poly. Walking to MK can't be beat in my opinion, and CR garden rooms are some of the cheapest deluxe rooms you can get. Now, we like the deluxes for all the great amenities....pool slides, activities, food options, ease of getting around (don't have to take a car to the food court), mid-day breaks.

We are trying a split stay this summer with CR and the Dolphin. I found some really good prices on the Dolphin, great pool and location. I am excited about my first stay in the Epcot area.

DBF and I stayed at Pop last November (my first time in a value) and we had a great time. I am sure whatever you choose, you will have a great vacay.

 

[Pakey]

IMO the only real perk at a Disney Deluxe is location. These are not luxury resorts but you pay luxury resort prices. So it depends on whether or not you think location is worth the premium price you pay.

 

[rznhal]

For us it's worth it....my husband is still on the fence about Disney, so the deluxe gave him a break from the crowds. We also love the indoor corridors, balconies, bus stops, etc. we decided we would rather go less often and stay deluxe....that's a huge endorsement coming from a Disney addict

Happy planning!!!!

 

[tinkbyday]

For us, it's the only option for a variety of reasons, most importantly:

- Location, Location, Locaton
- Indoor corridors
- Theming
- Transportation choices (walking.boating vs bus)
- Dining options

The last one especially for the BWI/YC/BC area - we love to eat at the various countries in WS and having the ability to walk over for dinner is an excellent benefit.

 

[teesott]

If you asked me this a few years ago, I would have said no. You only sleep and shower in your room. I had stayed at all moderates at that point. Then we used the buy 4 get 3 nights free promo in '08 and stayed at AKL... There was no turning back! Honestly, if we got an awesome deal somewhere else, I would take it but DH would not be happy. We like have both QS and FS dining options, lines at the bus stops are shorter, the hotels exude quality... We cannot go again until next year but we will defiantely be staying at the Poly this time!

 

[sven1277]

I have to agree 100% with what the majority of posters are saying. We usually stay at SSR or OKW. Two trips ago, we were trying to save some $ and booked at PO riverside. I thought the amenities were fine, but the room was too small for our family of 5. We just got back from a trip last week, we stayed at SSR the first 5 nights, then BC the remaining 13 nights. Definately nice to have the extra space again. This was our first stay in the Epcot resort area and really liked the convenience of Epcot and DHS. Especially with the youngest being 2 and having a double stroller.

 

[Kim1964]

I think whether it's worth it depends on how you vacation. If you are at the parks from opening to close and spend little time at the resort, it's probably not worth it. We are half day park people, arriving at rope drop and leaving around 1:00 or so. We spend a lot of time at the resort. The upgraded pools and the balconies are worth the cost to us to stay in deluxes. The fact that my favorite hotel (YC) is within walking distance of my favorite park (Epcot) is a bonus.

 

[Atchley]

We stayed value once at ASMo. The next year we stayed at CBR. Talk about a difference! We would never go back to value. The next year we stayed at WL and fell in love! We would not hesitate to go back to a moderate, in fact, we are staying at CBR for three days before we head to VWL for a week.
There is just something that is much more relaxing at the deluxes. (We stayed in a two bedroom at BLT last year. Talk about spoiled-it had more full baths than our house!) I love the TS dining options, transportation (buses at values are horrible!) and just the overall atmosphere at them. That may be why we purchased DVC. So we can always stay deluxe.
In my opinion, deluxe is worth it, but it is a personal choice.

 

[LovinPooh]

So if transportation is a great perk for a deluxe, I am curious how AKL rates on the deluxe scale then... I have noticed AKL and WL seem to be on the same $scale. But WL has the boat to MK doesnt it? I ask cause we have always been mod people, next year I want to go deluxe. Something about getting up in the morning and sitting on my balcony when they are sleeping. The indoor corridors..., the themeing in all the deluxes is beautiful. But DH is still on the fence with the 'wouldnt you rather spend the $ in the parks than on a room'.

 

[AliceIn]

For me, a deluxe is worth it if I'm traveling with just my husband. My kids are 11, 8, and 6 -- they don't allow us to do much relaxing and quiet enjoyment of a space. We went with the AoA suites for our upcoming trip. It will be nice to have the separate room and bathroom for the grown-ups, plus the mini-kitchen is a really nice perk.

I'd like to go on our 15th anniversary without the kids and stay at YC -- we'd definitely enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and upscale amenities.

 

[Mousemommy1]

We stayed value once at ASMo. The next year we stayed at CBR. Talk about a difference! We would never go back to value. The next year we stayed at WL and fell in love! We would not hesitate to go back to a moderate, in fact, we are staying at CBR for three days before we head to VWL for a week.
There is just something that is much more relaxing at the deluxes. (We stayed in a two bedroom at BLT last year. Talk about spoiled-it had more full baths than our house!) I love the TS dining options, transportation (buses at values are horrible!) and just the overall atmosphere at them. That may be why we purchased DVC. So we can always stay deluxe.
In my opinion, deluxe is worth it, but it is a personal choice.

Good to hear this perspective, as we are coming from all values in the past, and CBR last year. I am looking forward to our first deluxe stay (WL) in July to see if we can appreciate a noticeable difference.

 

[Card Painter]

For the monorail resorts (deluxe), the time you save by not waiting for the tedious bus rides to the parks is invaluable. Walking from the Boardwalk to Epcot, which supposedly takes only 5 minutes, will help you make the most out of your vacation time. Time is money, and benefits of the deluxe resorts' locations far outweigh the cost difference...

 

[luvthemouse71]

This is such a subjective thing. It depends on if you are there for the first time, your touring style, your finances etc.

We've been 9 times. We use the amenities at the resort, and are not commando style park people. So, Deluxe is well worth it to us.

YMMV