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

[magicmouse2]

My DH said he preferred ASMO to POR. I definitely liked POR better. The grounds were much nicer, though the rooms were not as brighly colored and as new as ASMO. This trip we are staying in a 2 bed villa at OKW and the GF - First time in luxury accomodations-to celebrate b.day & wediing anniversary. We stayed in an offsite villa last year and DH loved all that room and privacy. Hopefully I can persuade him to buy into DVC Next year I have booked POR for April. Hopefully the renovations will be over by then.

 

[antkim]

I'm having this same dilemma myself! Dh just agreed to go back to WDW in Dec.2004 and I'm already planning!! We always stayed at ASMo until last year. The same thing happened to us as with a previous poster. We decided to stay at CBR which was an upgrade for us. They were doing renovations on the resort during our planned trip so we decided to take the upgrade to the deluxes! We stayed 4 nights at AKL and 4 nights at the Poly. What an incredible experience!! Talk about being spoiled! Anyways, when Dh and I started talking about the next trip he said he really wanted to stay at the Poly again. I was more than thrilled although I knew it would be much more expensive this time around without the incredible discount we had last year. Well I started pricing the different properties. I have a friend that works for CRO and he is extending his discount to us-UNBELIEVABLE! Which again makes the Poly much more affordable for us...BUT when I told Dh how much we could get ASMo for he decided that he would rather spend almost 1000.00 less and stay there. Very understandable,right? I love AsMo and it is my Dh's favorite of the resorts we have stayed at. So why do I feel a little disappointed? Because I was spoiled rotten last year!!! I'm trying to convince Dh to split our stay between the 2. 4 nights at ASMo, 3 nights at Poly. So far no go!LOL He really wants to just plant ourselves in one resort this trip and not have to worry about packing/unpacking etc. Again understandable! I know I have 1 1/2 years to work on him about that but if he doesn't end up seeing things the same way I will be happy just being at WDW.
Have you considered splitting your stay? I didn't find it that bad at all. It was actually exciting going to a different resort for 1/2 the stay. Almost like a whole new vacation! That's where Dh and my personalities differ! He is much more laid back than I am and the packing thing was more of a hassle for him than me.
That's my story!!
Kim

 

[crazelion]

I think you should sit down with the family and decide together on which resort to stay at. You may be suprise that they do not won't to stay at a dexule resort.

You could not pay me mom to stay Animal Kingdom and Wildress Resort because it not our taste. We is perfectly happy with the All-Star Resorts.

Just order the vacation video and have them pick a resort that way and then everyone will be happy. Because they had choice and help with the decsion.

My favorite Resort is All-Star Sports.

 

[paladin]

My husband and I have always stayed at Deluxes (WL, BC, BWV) (he now only wants the Epcot area), but last year I had the opportunity to take several trips on my own and stayed at the All Stars. I was pleasantly surprised; though certainly not Deluxe, they do have their own charm and, most importantly, I was able to take 4 trips - certainly not something I would have been able to do if staying at a Deluxe.

 

[maryhenry]

Last year we stayed at WL and loved it, mostly for the convenience of the transportation - we had our 4 year old DD with us and had to hit the MK once a day to get her (and my DH's) fix of Splash Mountain. I have stayed with friends at Port Orleans twice, years before, and loved it. And actually, there are things I liked better, i.e. the pool and the food court, both which are better for kids. But after being at WL and as easy as it was to get to the MK, I don't think I can go back to moderate.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I have gone back and forth between POR, then the BC, POR, and then WL, POR and then The Swan with the gov't discount. I love them all !! I intensely dislike the outside decor of The All Stars, but if it meant that I could not afford to stay on Disney property, I would take The All Stars.

Please keep in mind that I do NOT have any children, and my DH does not like to travel much anymore, so I go alone.

For me the overall Disney magic includes the parks, my room, and the rest of my resort. My room is not just a place to sleep.
My room also ties in with the magic of it all.

While I don't really NEED deluxe, I want it to be cozy and QUIET.

This coming December I will split my stay between The Swan and a one-bedroom Boardwalk Villa. I will *THEN* be in great danger of
spoiling myself with the villa with the dishwasher, washer & dryer, and that wonderful jacuzzi tub.

 

[CamColt]

Originally posted by magicmouse2
My DH said he preferred ASMO to POR. I definitely liked POR better.

I agree with your DH. After staying at ASMO I would have a hard time going back to a moderate, LOL! No problem going to a deluxe of course, but we didnt see much advantage to the moderates over the values for our needs.

 

[caitycaity]

we've stayed at all three levels. basically what it comes down to for us is this: if we could afford to, we'd stay at deluxes all the time.

since we can't afford it though, we're happy to stay at whatever level we can afford to get our disney fix.

 

[PamNC]

and posed the same question not too long ago. We started out 9 years ago at the value resorts. Then we moved up to moderates after a few years. Okay, then we moved up to Deluxe...that was in 1999. Haven't gone back since and I am here to admit that I can't go back. If I can't stay at a Deluxe, I won't go. Now...I also won't pay rack rates for a deluxe. We usually get a nice code (which don't seem to exist anymore) but this year we're staying at the Swan for $99 a night (LABOR rate).

We spend a lot of time relaxing at the resort and deluxes are great for that. Plus, we like the convenience...for instance we like YC/BC and the Epcot Resort area. It's so much easier to walk or boat over to MGM & walk to Epcot. No buses, no fuss. Deluxe resorts have easier access!

PamNC

 

[Laurabearz]

Each resort has it's own flavor...... Why not just set up the goal of trying all the resorts, and mix in value, mods and Deluxes depending on the trip. That way everythin gis always new and fresh.

BTW I agree with some of the other DVC owners..... dont rent a 1 or 2 bedroom and expect to go back studio.

 

[billybaruch1]

Originally posted by DrTomorrow
In one way, billybaruch1 is right (psychotic, but right)

I resemble that remark. Ha!

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by 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)

I used to feel the same way until I stayed at a deluxe. When I stayed at mods or offsite I always said it didn't matter as we only slept in the room. We were always at the parks. But then I went deluxe and found myself staying more at the resort then at the parks. I love the deluxes because of the theming, little luxuries, wonderful pools, easy access to parks, more restaurant choices, room service, etc. Things you do not get at the mods or less but worth every penny once you experience it. We stay at the Poly and probably spend half our time at the pool or just enjoying the resort itself. I think you only sleep at the mods, values, or offsite because there isn't anything else to do there and the parks are more tempting. When you are in a deluxe you find that being there may be just enough.

 

[Tigger Woods]

Originally posted by skiwee1
I love the deluxes because of the theming, little luxuries, wonderful pools, easy access to parks, more restaurant choices, room service, etc. Things you do not get at the mods or less but worth every penny once you experience it.

You took the words right out of my mouth!

 

[dbail2]

We enjoy the convenience of staying either at an Epcot resort or along the monorail system. It is just so much easier to get to the parks and back for a rest or dip in the pool at midday break.

 

[HappyMommy2]

From the OP

Wow, I am thrilled by all the terrific responses so far! Thank you all so very much. That gives me a lot to think about.

Billybaruch1, LOL!! And thanks for the wise words.

To whoever suggested Shades of Green, I heartily thank you--for some reason I hadn't thought of that. That will definitely be my first choice, if DH approves, and if it's not feasible for our dates I'll see what kind of rates I can get on a Deluxe. If we just can't stomach the Deluxe rates we'll go for the All Stars or maybe CSR, enjoying the Disney magic at a more reasonable cost!

Thank you again. If anyone has anything to add please do and I will check back.

 

[mckryan]

HappyMommy - that was me that suggested SoG. It's such a great perk that we have available that I hate not using it. There is a price list on the SoG site I listed so you know how much the room is, according to rank. The overflow rates are good, too, better than booking with WDW directly. Those aren't posted, but be sure to ask about them if SoG is sold out for the time you are looking at. Please post back and let us know what you do!

Christa

 

[robinb]

I have stayed at All Star Music, All Star Sports, CBR, the Polynesian, the Contemporary, the Swan, AKL,OKW, BVW, BCV and VWL. I have stayed in tiny All Star rooms and giant 2 BR Villas at OKW. I love every one of the resorts I have stayed at except All Star Music (I don't like the theme). I have never paid more than $120 per night for a room (except the thousands of $$ spent on DVC!).

I personally don't think you will be spolied by staying at a Deluxe. Are the pools nicer at a Deluxe? Yes. Do they have pool slides and hot tubs? Yes. Do they have expensive sit-down restaurants? Yes. Do they have room service? Yes. Are they closer to the parks? Yes.

But ....

Do they have food courts? No. Do they have affordable food? Only if you count burgers and the like from the snack shops. Even then, Boardwalk and Y&BC don't have snack shops. Do they have bus after bus after bus picking up guests from the parks? No. Do they have convenient parking? No.

I really don't use Personally, I have never ordered room service. I can drive to the CR for the California Grill or AKL for Boma's. I do it anyway since most times the PSs are gone if you wait until the last minute to eat in your own hotel ... being a guest there gets you nothing. The only possible sticking point for me is the slides and hot tubs at the pools. Even so, my DD would be happy as long as she was in the water .

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by robinb
I have stayed at All Star Music, All Star Sports, CBR, the Polynesian, the Contemporary, the Swan, AKL,OKW, BVW, BCV and VWL. I have stayed in tiny All Star rooms and giant 2 BR Villas at OKW. I love every one of the resorts I have stayed at except All Star Music (I don't like the theme). I have never paid more than $120 per night for a room (except the thousands of $$ spent on DVC!).

I personally don't think you will be spolied by staying at a Deluxe. Are the pools nicer at a Deluxe? Yes. Do they have pool slides and hot tubs? Yes. Do they have expensive sit-down restaurants? Yes. Do they have room service? Yes. Are they closer to the parks? Yes.

But ....

Do they have food courts? No. Do they have affordable food? Only if you count burgers and the like from the snack shops. Even then, Boardwalk and Y&BC don't have snack shops. Do they have bus after bus after bus picking up guests from the parks? No. Do they have convenient parking? No.

I really don't use Personally, I have never ordered room service. I can drive to the CR for the California Grill or AKL for Boma's. I do it anyway since most times the PSs are gone if you wait until the last minute to eat in your own hotel ... being a guest there gets you nothing. The only possible sticking point for me is the slides and hot tubs at the pools. Even so, my DD would be happy as long as she was in the water .

I consider Captain Cooks a food court in a way. The food is no more expensive then when we stayed at the CBR. There might not be as many choices but I found it better tasting then some of the stuff they tried to pass off as food at the CBR. The Poly parking is great for us. We always stay in Raratonga which is right across from the lot. An easy walk and much shorter then any lobby you may be stuck going to if staying in a mod. I know the lobby at the CBR needed a bus ride to get to. As far as buses, you generally don't need them as much with the deluxes because thankfully you have some other options like boats and monorails. I'll take those any day over a bus. Being a guest at a deluxe gets you a lot more then staying at a mod or value. I do think one can get spoiled at a deluxe. I didn't think you could but after one trip in a deluxe I know better! If I only could afford to stay at a value or mod then of course I would so long as I am onsite but I sure would miss the perks that only a resort guest gets.

 

[HappyMommy2]

Originally posted by mckryan
HappyMommy - that was me that suggested SoG. It's such a great perk that we have available that I hate not using it. There is a price list on the SoG site I listed so you know how much the room is, according to rank. The overflow rates are good, too, better than booking with WDW directly. Those aren't posted, but be sure to ask about them if SoG is sold out for the time you are looking at. Please post back and let us know what you do!

Christa

Thanks for that, Christa.

 

[mckryan]

My DH has been gone most of the last 2 years, and when he finally got home in June, we were able to take our WDW trip. I've only had to cancel it 3 times! I hope you have a great celebration trip when your husband gets home, too.

Christa