"Just a place to sleep"....?

[3pletprincesses]

I think that for most frist timers, it is just a place to sleep. I think it's safe to say that we all tried to do EVERYTHING at Disney the first time we went but have since realized that its impossible LOL For people who go regularly, I would say it is a big part of vacation as we spend time at the resort on our off days and afternoons.

There was a time where I would stay at the Park with Dh from morning to night and hurt so bad the next day that we dreaded walking on our feet for another day. We would be tired, exausted and cranky like a child. We've since learned that Disney is part of our life and we will be back as soon as we can and it's not going anywhere and it's so much more enjoyable to vacation there. Yes we get home tired but not overly exausted like we once were.

 

[dzorn]

Well i've done no parks trip and the hotel better be great.

Denise in MI

 

[thebreards]

I think the room can be as big or as small as a part of the trip as you want. There are so many great perks at the Disney Hotels, but you can also spend your entire time at the parks.

My Advice is that if you want a little down time go for a nicer resort. But if you plan to spend every waking minute in the parks then opt for the one of the All Stars (which still have great swimming areas for the kids!)

 

[minnie mum]

For our family, if we are on vacation, then the hotel is much more than just a place to sleep. Our first two trips to WDW we stayed off site. But once we had stayed at a WDW hotel we realized how important the resort was to us. It really affected the whole feeling of the vacation. Not saying it has to be deluxe. We normally stay at a mod and have enjoyed them more than we have staying at a Sheraton or Marriot off site. It doesn't matter to us whether we're doing the parks commando style, or taking it easy with park free days. Just want that ambiance once I step foot in the resort.

Now if it's just an overnight stay on the road, or near an airport, or for business, then just about any old Ramada or Hampton Inn will do.

 

[PoohsFan1]

The resorts are definitely a big part of our trips, that is one of many reasons why we became DVC members. We love the themes of all the different resorts and the locations. We spend quite a bit of time at our resort either relaxing, swimming in the pool, or using any of the wonderful amenities that the resort has to offer.

 

[lin7]

Its a big part of my vacation experience, even though we don't get to enjoy the resort amenities as much as we should , too much time in the parks.

 

[mybestieismickey]

For us, the resort is a big part of the experience. We always stay on property and we always stay value. Would I like to stay at a mod or a deluxe? Sure. But it costs so dang much for us to just get to Florida, that I want to be there as long as possible while still being on property. That means a value resort. It's still clean, it still has a pool, it still has a food court, and I can still watch the Disney resort channel while I get dressed.

But I think our definition of down time is different than a lot of people. For DH, it's sleeping as late as he possibly can and maybe a trip to the pool or some other outside the park activity. For me, it's shopping at DTD and then the rest. It would be sleeping in if my stupid internal clock would let me. We don't need a waterslide, fine dining steps from our door, or valet parking. Do we like those things? Definitely. But until one of us wins the lottery or inherits a large amount of money from a long lost relative, it's not going to happen. But when it does, you can bet we'll be upgrading in a heartbeat

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Since we always stay at the Deluxe Resorts they have been apart of our trip.

 

[DLo]

If you had asked me a few years ago, I would have answered - just a place to sleep. Then I didn't know we would make it an annual thing so wanted to pack everything in. Now, having gone several times we don't feel like we have to cram everything in and spend more time at the resort. (before, we only had like an hour of pool time the whole trip : ) - i know - learned the hard way)

 

[mickeynut1]

For us, the resort is more than just a place to sleep as we spend alot of time at the pool and just enjoying the resort itself .

 

[Amy&Dan]

The resort is always a big part of a Disney trip for us. I'll add that this applies to all stays whether they are value or deluxe. We enjoy swimming and relaxing in the outdoor areas. The room is mostly to sleep but the resort as a whole, regardless of category will be a place we spend a lot of time.