Mod vs. Deluxe not on monorail

[meliss1214]

I am trying to plan an early March 2014 trip. My daughter will have just turned 5 when we go. We have always stayed in moderate hotels, but it is getting a little old. I am trying to see if we can splurge and stay in a deluxe, but am having trouble seeing the advantages of upgrading to a deluxe if it isn't on the monorail (besides the cost savings and change of scenery). I did the college program in 99, so am fairly familiar with all of the resorts...I just can't think of many reasons to spend the extra money if not on the monorail. Thoughts???

 

[Mousemommy1]

I am trying to plan an early March 2014 trip. My daughter will have just turned 5 when we go. We have always stayed in moderate hotels, but it is getting a little old. I am trying to see if we can splurge and stay in a deluxe, but am having trouble seeing the advantages of upgrading to a deluxe if it isn't on the monorail (besides the cost savings and change of scenery). I did the college program in 99, so am fairly familiar with all of the resorts...I just can't think of many reasons to spend the extra money if not on the monorail. Thoughts???

Personally, the Epcot resorts are far more attractive to me than being on the monorail. Having two parks within walking distance is priceless. Even with the monorail, you have to wait for it and load on with tons of people. And then if it breaks down....

I'd rather rely on my own legs as transportation.

 

[johnsonet]

Being on the monorail is fun but it is not the only game in town.
Look at the different deluxes and their themes and amenities. If there is one that looks like it's worth the splurge to you, then I say go for it.
Look at Value Season with general public discounts (or AP if you have them) and give a Deluxe a try

AKL is an incredible resort

 

[Dis703]

I am trying to plan an early March 2014 trip. My daughter will have just turned 5 when we go. We have always stayed in moderate hotels, but it is getting a little old. I am trying to see if we can splurge and stay in a deluxe, but am having trouble seeing the advantages of upgrading to a deluxe if it isn't on the monorail (besides the cost savings and change of scenery). I did the college program in 99, so am fairly familiar with all of the resorts...I just can't think of many reasons to spend the extra money if not on the monorail. Thoughts???

The monorail resorts actually don't appeal to me all that much. The Epcot resorts however I think are an awesome location to stay. To walk right into Epcot, walk or boat to Hollywood Studios and have the extra dining options around the Boardwalk (as well as hopping into Epcot if you have park hoppers) and the nighttime entertainment are all very appealing to me. We are doing our first deluxe stay next week and chose the Beach Club for all of the above reasons.

 

[Anna114]

Our first deluxe upgrade was the Wilderness Lodge. In the middle of deluxe and a mod. It was still in the MK area and only a boat ride away. If you are a commando type family (rope drop to closing) then I don't see the benefit of upgrading. If you are going to spend time at a resort then to me it's worth the upgrade. It might be worth considering AKL or WL. Not quite as costly but more of a deluxe feel to it.

 

[mickeynut1]

I am trying to plan an early March 2014 trip. My daughter will have just turned 5 when we go. We have always stayed in moderate hotels, but it is getting a little old. I am trying to see if we can splurge and stay in a deluxe, but am having trouble seeing the advantages of upgrading to a deluxe if it isn't on the monorail (besides the cost savings and change of scenery). I did the college program in 99, so am fairly familiar with all of the resorts...I just can't think of many reasons to spend the extra money if not on the monorail. Thoughts???

We have stayed on the monorail, in the Epcot area, and at WL and AKL. All of them have their advantages as far as transportation (except AKL, which is all buses) depending on which park(s) you will be going to the most. I, personally, think the monorail resorts are worth it if you will be going to MK more than the other parks. With that said, WL is a also a good choice and although it's not on the monorail, it's still convenient as it's just a quick boat ride away. The Epcot resorts are great for going to Epcot and DHS, but is not worth it, IMO, if MK is your primary park.

 

[melifeld]

We have almost always stayed at mods (stayed at values twice). We decided to go deluxe this time for a couple of reasons. First, we are usually park commandos and go from RD to close when we have gone during January. Since we are going in July this year, we decided that we would take afternoon breaks and spend more time at the resort than usual. This alone made it worthwhile to go deluxe this time.

Secondly, after the discounts came out it wasn't that much more to stay at AKL than at POR. We decided it was worth it to spend the extra money for a resort we have always been interested in trying.

I think you just have to look at the options and the price difference, taking into consideration how much time you will actually spend at the resort, and then decide for yourself if it is worth it to you.

Either way, have a great time!

 

[pamkat1820]

I think it's totally the upgrade is worth it. Our first stay was at AKL it was great. We stayed at POR our last stay. We picked it because of the boat to DTD. We liked having an option of a boat ride over the buses.

Personal I prefer any type of transportation over a bus with kids and a stroller. The monorail is great but you still have to wait load on like sardines. With the Epcot resorts you can walk to 2 parks at your own pace. I like that option best. And if your tired you can take the boat.

 

[Atchley]

I think the most reasonable upgrade from mod to deluxe will be either AKL or WL. We went to WL and absolutely fell in love.
Look at the prices. Deluxe resorts and Mod resorts have different seasons as far as pricing goes. When we first made the jump WL was just starting value season and the mods were still on regular season. For a week the price difference was just $159.00. (now that was in 2008) I would price them out to find the difference.
WARNING: Once you go to a deluxe, it is very hard to go back to anything else and before you know it, you'll be purchasing DVC! (we just can't get enough Disney)

 

[720L]

The monorail resorts actually don't appeal to me all that much. The Epcot resorts however I think are an awesome location to stay. To walk right into Epcot, walk or boat to Hollywood Studios and have the extra dining options around the Boardwalk (as well as hopping into Epcot if you have park hoppers) and the nighttime entertainment are all very appealing to me. We are doing our first deluxe stay next week and chose the Beach Club for all of the above reasons.

Agree. You will LOVE BC!! The beds are heavenly, the walk to Epcot/Boardwalk/HS is great.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I am trying to plan an early March 2014 trip. My daughter will have just turned 5 when we go. We have always stayed in moderate hotels, but it is getting a little old. I am trying to see if we can splurge and stay in a deluxe, but am having trouble seeing the advantages of upgrading to a deluxe if it isn't on the monorail (besides the cost savings and change of scenery). I did the college program in 99, so am fairly familiar with all of the resorts...I just can't think of many reasons to spend the extra money if not on the monorail. Thoughts???

We love the Epcot resorts and the ease of walking into two parks much more than being able to ride a monorail to one park. You could always try the Swan or Dolphin if you want to keep costs down and still experience the convenience of not having to take a bus to two parks.

Whether the extra cost is worth it to you is personal and no one else can decide for you. But it is definitely worth it to us.

 

[bzdzmom]

March may not be too cool for the pool!

My kids have great memories of Stormalong Bay at Yacht and Beach.

I have to admit Port Orleans is very quiet, but we adore the feelings you get in the deluxe resorts.

Planning/dreaming is usually as much fun as going ...

 

[wdwfan1]

We go every March and it is usually warm enough to use the pools. Have a great time.

 

[meliss1214]

Thanks for all of the feedback! I think I am going to try BC. Our main park is MK since I have a will-be 5 year old, but I really like the idea of coming back a little early and being able to so easily go have dinner at Epcot. There are several countries that I have not been able to try because we typically only devote 1 day there. Plus, the BW gives us a ton of options for things to do on a planned day off in the middle of our trip. Thanks again for all of the advice, you all really helped me make my decision!

 

[girlb4amirror]

I agree with others that the Epcot area resorts are worth it. I've stayed at Poly, WL, and BC, and BC is my favorite so far. We loved being able to walk to Epcot, take a relaxing boat ride to DHS, and walk to the Boardwalk (yummy pizza take out window that's on the dining plan!) The BC pool is amazing! The only thing I was disappointed in was the CS, but there are other options within walking distance.

We actually went to Epcot 3 times since it was so close. I loved spending time in the UK pavilion. We met Mary Poppins, Tigger and Pooh, and Alice in Wonderland there with hardly any wait. So there are definitely things for your DD to enjoy.

 

[Clare Voince]

For me, the reason I'd always pick a Deluxe over a moderate is the interior hallways. I feel so much safer, and feel like there's much more privacy. Plus, your view isn't through a walkway, and you have a private balcony (in most cases).

 

[chasgoose]

For me, the reason I'd always pick a Deluxe over a moderate is the interior hallways. I feel so much safer, and feel like there's much more privacy. Plus, your view isn't through a walkway, and you have a private balcony (in most cases).

This! I feel pretty safe at Disney but something chafes at being asked to pay $150+ for what is basically a motel (albeit the nicest motel in the world).

 

[clapton]

Love BC and the boardwalk area for the atmosphere especially at night. Love the quick walk to Epcot and the dining choices. Have a great trip !