Is there "no going back" once you've stayed at a Deluxe?

[HappyMommy2]

Hi!
We recently returned from our first WDW trip and are hooked! DH has asked me to start thinking about another WDW vacation for next year, to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary and DH's homecoming from military deployment. Those are big occasions to celebrate! We stayed at the All Stars last month and had an absolutely magical time there, but I think it would be extra-special to stay at a monorail resort (we have small kids and we're all huge MK and monorail fans) for our celebration trip next year. We could afford it this one time, but probably not again for a LONG time--and I don't want to wait too long to return to WDW!

I guess I'm wondering if we should just stay at a Value again next time so we don't get too spoiled!
Is it too hard to stay at a Deluxe and then on your next trip have to go back to something "less"?

Regardless, we found so much Disney magic at All Star Sports, I guess we can't go wrong.

 

[>>^..^<<]

I have stayed at deluxe and moderate resorts and could go to either one... but what is tough for me is saying concierge and then NOT staying concierge.... that is a killer.

>>^..^<<

 

[Kallison]

We LOVED the convenience of the Contemp when we stayed there, it was fabulous only used busses once. Sometimes they have reasonable wing room rates. This trip we are trying Beach Club. I think for us we will only do Deluxe from now on because we have three kids and don't have many other choices unless grandparents go along and they are getting tired of Disney or don't want to stay as long . I've never yet regretted what I've spent on a Disney vacation.

 

[cindy_k]

I didn't have any problem with Values until this last trip. After I had joined the Disney Vacation Club and started staying in Studio, 1 and 2 bedroom rooms.

When we tried All Star Music in April for two nights (Easter weekend and Points were to high) we couldn't wait to get out of there. We couldn't believe how small the room seemed to us. We had never had a problem with it before.

So my opinion is that if you stay in Deluxes A LOT and then try and try to do Value, Forget it, your ruined.

If you go for an occasional Deluxe but stay at values mostly, you should be fine. Deluxes will be a treat, not the norm.

You know I never realized that the All Stars didn't have towels available by the pools until this last time. I asked a Life Guard about it and she said too many people were keeping them.

I'm trying the Swan Club level at the end of the month ( I'm out of DVC points but my AP is still good. ). I can't wait to see how it compares.

Cindy in NY

 

[Lesley]

I just stayed at a value resort for the first time....and while it was okay (the room was clean, the service very good) it felt very cramped for our family of 4. My kids are only 8 and 3, so its not like it was 2 adults and 2 teenagers even. I swear the tub wasn't even a standard size and the beds seemed smaller than a double. We had to be careful to stash our shoes out of the way or we were tripping over them. I'll probably stay off site before staying at a value resort again

I came to love WDW resorts at the Moderates, though my first stay as a child was at the Contemporary (and the Polynesian scared me....I'm totally not kidding!). I really could stay at either a moderate or deluxe resort without a problem. The deluxe resorts generally are a little more convenient location wise....but essentially they're all fairly decent sized hotel rooms (some of the deluxe rooms are much larger, others about the same) and the resorts are relaxing and attractive. They all have pretty cool pools.

What spoiled us is DVC. Once you stay in a one bedroom or larger villa, you're totally spoiled. Whirlpool tub, washer/dryer, full kitchen.....all in the setting of a great resort. The studio's imo are a fair trade off for the deluxe rooms though you have the added advantage of a refrigerator and microwave. That said, though we prefer to stay at a DVC one bedroom, we don't always have the points to do it, and DVC on cash is very expensive. We do a little of everything on our trips....sometimes staying in our favorite accomodations and other times saving some points by getting a good rate at a moderate or deluxe resort, or staying in a studio.

I just don't honestly think WDW value resorts are much of a value....for similar rates I can stay in larger, more relaxing accomodations with more ammenities off site. The other WDW resorts are a much better value...you really do get more for your money.

 

[tar heel]

After staying at CBR, PO-R and Poly, we stayed at the YC for the first time in 2000 and were totally hooked. We spent our entire trip there the next two years. This summer, the YC rates were not as good as usual (and moderate and value were better) plus we now have to pay an extra adult fee for our oldest son, so we decided to stay elsewhere. Our main trip we spent six nights in two rooms at the All Stars and two nights in two rooms at CSR. Our quickie trip we stayed in a FW cabin. All three were much cheaper than one room at YC -- more than $100 per night in the case of the two All-Star rooms. Our verdict: The All Stars was just too big a cut from YC. Although two rooms and two bathrooms were nice, we probably won't be back to there. My dh didn't like it and my teens didn't go near the pools b/c they found them in no way superior to our neighborhood pool at home. We also may have just had bad luck, but we had some really bad transportation there -- and we always park our car and use Disney transportation. At FW, we loved the cabin but found location and transportation to be too big a pain -- again, spoiled by YC's wonderful location. CSR, on the other hand, is not nearly as big a step down, and we will probably stay there again. It has a very deluxe feel, a good pool, multiple bus stops and not too bad a location -- transportation to MGM and Epcot was fast. We also stayed at PO-R the same trip as YC once and were okay with it. So, in our case, I think we're okay with moderate but would prefer not to stay at value after being "spoiled" by deluxe.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[yecats]

We were lucky once to do a WL stay for a few days. I love that place and just dream of being able to go back but unfortunately, money is tight most of the time. Half of my stays on off of WDW property. Even though I have had good times off property, those trips are more commando in the parks than enjoy the resort sleeping at. However, when we can afford to stay on property we attempt for moderates and do stay at the hotel a bit more often. I did do the AS once and will not go back. I have no children (I like them) but not in large quantity. I have to admit I do dream about staying in the deluxes and everytime we go we have to visit the WL.

I would tell you to try something new for a special occasion. If the money is a bit much to stay at the Poly, GF or Cont., try WL. I think you'll love it. Another option to consider is to go during offseason if possible. You may want to consider renting DVC points. Studios in the off season (ie. at OKW) can go for $80 per night for a Sun. through Thursday stay (WL is $120 per night). Then last few days you can move to a different resort. If your looking to save a bit a money stay at the PORS. Rooms are a little larger than AS (you get an extra sink in bathroom area), grounds are beautiful, kids will love the main pool area and good food court. Additionally, there is a nice boat ride to DTD.

Find a resort that you and your husband would really enjoy staying at and just go with it. Have a great time.

 

[skiwee1]

I know I'm hooked on the deluxes! I have never stayed at the values but have at the CBR. I doubt I could go back to a mod after staying at the Poly. Gosh, I think I would have a hard time going back to the WL, which I consider on par with the mods, once I tried the Poly!

 

[jiminyfan]

WE started in the Deluxe hotels worked our way down to the Moderates and now do Values as well as AKL (I love this place as does my son).

Having a 4 year old he loves the AS, so we save loads of $$$ and go for two weeks or more for less than we would pay for 7 nights at a Deluxe.

If I get a great rate at AKL we take it, but for us the length of stay is most important. A room is a room (except for those animals outside)!

One day we may return to Deluxe only vacations, but now it is BANG for the BUCK for US,

This next trip will be for 19 DAYS!!! I cannot wait,

 

[mckryan]

Originally posted by HappyMommy2
Hi!
We recently returned from our first WDW trip and are hooked! DH has asked me to start thinking about another WDW vacation for next year, to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary and DH's homecoming from military deployment. Those are big occasions to celebrate! We stayed at the All Stars last month and had an absolutely magical time there, but I think it would be extra-special to stay at a monorail resort (we have small kids and we're all huge MK and monorail fans) for our celebration trip next year. We could afford it this one time, but probably not again for a LONG time--and I don't want to wait too long to return to WDW!

I guess I'm wondering if we should just stay at a Value again next time so we don't get too spoiled!
Is it too hard to stay at a Deluxe and then on your next trip have to go back to something "less"?

Regardless, we found so much Disney magic at All Star Sports, I guess we can't go wrong.

Why not stay at Shades of Green? You can walk from SoG to the Poly and catch the monorail. Right now, SoG's renovatins are not due to be finished until March, so they are booking people at the Contemporary. It's a great deal to get the CR with SoG rates! Who knows, maybe they still won't be done with SoG and you can stay at the CR. If not, you could also ask SoG about overbooking rates at CR or Poly. Also, you can buy your park tickets through SoG for a discount and no tax! www.shadesofgreen.org

 

[billybaruch1]

Disclaimer: never stayed at a Deluxe.

But I say the money you spend is not a determinant of the fun you have. I agree it might be "extra-special to stay at a monorail resort" but, then again, it might not. If DH is a military man, he is not rich (unless he found Saddam Hussein or his sons). You'll only be spoiled if you imagine you'll never go again to Disney except at a Deluxe. I'd rather save something for next time, if I were you. Enjoy your youth and save for later! It's only the old people who need service. They've saved their money.

The pool towels, the buses (which are even better at AS), the size of the rooms... the concierge service (translation:n.
5Fr, prob. ult. < VL *conservius < L conservus, fellow slave < com3, with + servus, slave6
1 a doorkeeper
2 a custodian or head porter, as of an apartment house or hotel)

jees, what difference do these things really make? You are at WDW! You're not buying into a time share property are you? Have the magic again you found before (before it's gone)

 

[rauchfamily3]

Originally posted by mckryan
Why not stay at Shades of Green? You can walk from SoG to the Poly and catch the monorail. Right now, SoG's renovatins are not due to be finished until March, so they are booking people at the Contemporary. It's a great deal to get the CR with SoG rates! Who knows, maybe they still won't be done with SoG and you can stay at the CR. If not, you could also ask SoG about overbooking rates at CR or Poly. Also, you can buy your park tickets through SoG for a discount and no tax! www.shadesofgreen.org

SoG is also booking at other resorts too.. GREAT rates! We got ASMu for less than 60 bucks a night, but they have awesome rates for ALL of the onsite hotels pretty much (even offsite ones too). They had AKL for around 130 a night!! I'd definately call them to book your room!!!

 

[DrTomorrow]

HappyMommy2,

If you can swing it, I'd go for the Polynesian. The monorail, ease of access for MK and EP, the pools, NeverLand club - all will be great for your little ones. And the atmosphere, the beaches, the island music playing throughout the resort, and the paths at night lit by the flickering of tiki torches will be nice for you and DH . DW and I are new empty nesters, and that's where were going for a romantical couples trip.

I think that you could go back to value afterwords; you might miss the extra room, dining options, and different transportation choices - but hey, staying anywhere at WDW is better than not going! I have heard that All Stars with two teens is a tight room squeeze. However, since this will be a special occasion, do it right; you never know what the future will bring.

In one way, billybaruch1 is right (psychotic, but right) - spending $$$ doesn't guarantee magic. However, when you wake up and see the Castle across the lagoon, catch a character breakfast at the Grand Ceremonial House and take the monorail to the MK - those are priceless memories you'll remember as you hit 15, 20, 25 years together.

 

[CamColt]

I am a big Poly fan, but Im also not rich. I have no problem staying at All Stars if it means going to WDW. Sometimes we try to tack on 1 night at the Poly at the end of the trip if we can. But if not, like this upcoming trip, then Im fine with it. We will still eat dinner there one night and at least get the feel for a while.

If you can afford to stay at a deluxe for your celebration trip, then by all means go for it. If it comes down to it, you can then decide what is more important to you and your family, going back to WDW sooner, or waiting to go when you can stay in a deluxe.

 

[Mamu]

I think this depends on your vacation. Deluxe Resort are wonderful, but if you are going to spend all you time at the parks, why spend double or triple just to sleep.

 

[arizonacolbys]

We started out by staying at the AS Movies & we really do love it there. For our Christmas trip we were supposed to stay at CBR (which was an upgrade for us) - & got switched to the Polynesian due to CBR rehab. We decided to split this stay with the WL for the great Christmas decorations.

Now, we are able to stay w/SOG & got to stay at the Contemporary in March & we loved it so much we are going back in January! My hubby & I have both said that we won't have a problem returning to the AS's - we really did have fun there. As a previous poster said - you can stay at the AS's at least twice as long as a deluxe. We find we are hardly ever in the room anyways.

We really love the Contemporary thru the SOG - we get it for almost the same price as the AS's & our favorite part is the monorail & being able to walk to the MK. Hope this helps!

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

If you check my sig we've stayed at all levels, back and forth, even did DVC this summer - whatever fits our needs and budget at the time. We're easy going and take each resort for what it is, I want to stay at them all! Last stay at ASMos was for my kids - DS hadn't been there and he was thrilled - loves toy story! Probably has to do with expectations also, I don't expect to get deluxe amenities at the All Stars and can be ok with that. I also realize I think the rooms are small there so if we go to AllStars again I'll get two rooms because that fits my needs. I do understand how people can be dissatisfied with less once they've experienced deluxes (I especially like their locations) - but if you're open to it and realistic - all Disney resorts have their own "magic".

Have a wonderful time.

Oh, but I haven't tried concierge yet - to give that up might be harder

 

[holcomb-mania]

Mamu nailed it.

We stayed at the Poly last Oct, and it was great. We loved the theming, the service, Neverland Club, and the pool. But the best part is the location. We arrived on Saturday, and on Tuesday I went out to the parking lot to see my car. Just cuz I missed it.

But my wife and I questioned the extra $$, even though we loved the place. We spent about 2-3 hrs per day in the room (awake, that is). And we spent only about an hour at the pool the entire time. That's a pretty steep hourly rate.

This Oct we are staying at CSR, and I feel pretty good about the choice because I keep hearing good things about it. The only place it isn't close to is MK; pretty much everything else is a quick drive/bus ride.

For the trip after this (whenever that is...'05???), we are looking at AKL, which is considered a deluxe. But I checked online for pricing, and staying 7 nights at AKL is $800 less than staying at Poly. That's a lot of Mickey Bars.

 

[beccasmom]

Speaking as a DVC member, I think it is very tough once you've been so spoiled. However, any trip to WDW is a cause for celebration, so plan for what is best for you and your group and enjoy......all the resorts have their advantages and disadvantages and even the deluxe ones experience glitches from time to time. Follow your instincts on this one. You really can't go wrong with any of the Disney resorts.

 

[missypie]

It's hard to go backwards. I gew up with very modest means ... if a motel had AC and a small pool and was clean, that was terrific. If we had stayed at one of the AS resorts we would have thought it was the coolest thing in the world.

Time has passed. I have a good job. The amount I am willing to spend on a hotel has crept upward and now when we stay at a cheaper place (e.g. we're on a driving trip and literally just need a place to sleep) I'M the one who turns up my nose at it...the rest of the family is fine.

Kids aren't necessarily impressed by the same things that impress adults. Last year we stayed at a very nice hotel that was decorated in the craftsman style and due to the lovely craftsman lampshades, the room was very dark...we had to take the lampshades off to read. In my kids' opinion, that was the worst hotel we have ever stayed at, even though IMO it was a nice place.

You just have to think about how you would feel ... is being at the parks the important thing, or will the whole trip be ruined if you aren't thrilled with your room?