Moderate vs. Value

[babywewe]

My question is.... is there a huge difference between value and moderate resorts.... Is the extra $700 worth the upgrade from value to moderate?!

A little Background.

We dont spend a lot of time in our room. We spend a little time a the pool.
We (the BF and I, in our late 20's) stayed a value resort last year. My real problem with it was the bus was always crowded (more so than the bus's for other resorts) and we had a room VERY far from the mail lobby, food, and transportation. The food court was always really nuts and we found it easier to wait and eat in one of the parks. If I did stay in a value again I would get a perfered room so I would be closer.

 

[tacomaranch]

For me it is an easy Yes! Spend the extra and have a mini fridge, coffee maker and nice surroundings. I have never been to a value but have made ressies twice and both times have changed to a mod. Get a discount pin and enjoy the landscaping of a mod. They have grass and pathways, not concrete and huge icons in your face. Also, the rooms are more tastefully done, rather than the screaming colours.

This is JMO and others may love a value. Again, I have never been.

 

[robinb]

Here is a list of advantages/disadvantages that I came up with for each level:

Advantage of Value over Moderates and Deluxes
* Price.
* Food Courts for quick meals.
* Pop Century has its own bus.
* All Stars resorts share busses, but there is usually very little wait on either end.

Disadvantage of Values
* Small rooms.
* Double or King sized beds only.
* Large groups can sometimes be rowdy.
* No pool slide or hot tub.
* external corridors.
* Pizza delivery only.

Advantage of Moderate over Values
* Nicer feature pools with slides and hot tubs.
* Bigger rooms.
* Free refrigerators.
* Sit-down restaurants (all but POFQ).
* Real bars in main area plus pool bar, not just pool bar (except POP).
* Nicer food court, it's not just one big room.
* No giant icons.

Disadvantages of Moderates
* Double or King sized beds only.
* Can be spread out and most need an internal bus system.
* External corridors.
* Pizza delivery only.

Advantage of Deluxe over Moderates and Values
* Bigger rooms yet. Many can sleep 5 people.
* Queen or King sized beds.
* Some have bunk beds or day beds available.
* Large variety of sit-down restaurants.
* Nicer feature pools, many with zero entry.
* Internal corridors.
* All have sliding glass doors and most have balconies or patios.
* Most have special proximity to parks: monorail/boat to MK, walk/boat to
Epcot/MGM.
* Room service.
* Valet parking.

Disadvantage of Deluxes
* Epcot deluxes do not have snack shops for a quick meal, except the Beach Club Marketplace.
* Price.
* Busses are often shared, especially the Epcot resorts. The ride can take a long time.
* Self parking can be difficult, especially at the monorail hotels.

 

[Sandi]

We stayed at Pop Century, our first Value resort, earlier this month. Previously, we'd been true Moderate lovers and had done a few Deluxes as well. I was really impressed with Pop and will stay there again. It was just fabulous for what we wanted this time. We decided to do a Value resort and get the dining plan and 7 day park hoppers with the pluses for free (which wasn't a huge deal since it was too cold to go to the water parks, but I digress).

Housekeeping was marvelous, the CMs at check in an concierge were very efficient and helpful, the food court was terrific (we only went during low times). We were in the 1950's section and just loved it. We also participated in a refrigerator swap, so we had the use of a frige for our stay.

The bus service was the absolute best I'd ever experienced at any Disney resort. The longest we waited was about 15 minutes at Epcot after Illuminations. Usually, the bus arrived within 5 minutes or it was at the stop and we ran to catch it. We were amazed. (Of course, the bus stops are some of the furthest away from the themepark entrances. But we knew that going in.)

Were I planning a trip where I'd be hanging out at the resort all the time, I think I would lean more toward a moderate. If, however, you're just sleeping there and maybe grabbing a breakfast or snack, I would definitely give Pop Century top consideration.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[MALE*RN*777]

What does $700 mean to you. Well to us it means alot. We used our All Star Sports Room to sleep and that was pretty much it. I rather spend my money on extra goodies. This is just my thoughts but sometimes I think of it like the internet. No matter how fast the speed is you want it to go faster. Is a 5 min extra wait in line, sitting close to someone on the bus, or a little longer walk not worth $700. You will have the crowds, lines, wait for food in the park as well. If you decide on the value do me a favor and send me a little of that $700. Again, its all about what you think it is worth. Another thought is that if you have no kids or financial issues at this time in your life. Go for the fancy resorts because it might be you only chance.

 

[lynn46356]

I love, love, Pop. We were in the 70's section, bldg. 6, and it was such a short walk to classic hall and the bus stop. Our only room request was nonsmoking. We'v stayed at POR and POFQ along with BC twice. BC was wonderful as far as the pool was concerned. But its a lont of extra $$ for the pool. As for the two mods we've stayed at, the only difference I can see is the pool slide/hot tub. While we were on vacation we got to go to BB and that took care of the pool slide for a fun afternoon. $700 is a lot of money. Are you planning on the dining plan? That might cover the cost of that. I suppose it really depends on how much time you actually spend in your room during the day. We spend none. It's for sleeping only. That $700 would also cover nearly half of another Disney vacation for our family of three for 6 days. Have fun planning!!!!!! Lynn

 

[EnnEss]

Im struggling with the same question. Pop Century is 539 for 7 nights (room only) and CBR is 1039. Realistically, the 500 more means I spend less on various things at home leading up to the vacation, not a great deal of financial hardships (no kids etc to worry about). I realize this will not always be the case in the future so I'm kind of leaning towards the moderate at the moment.

It's still a tough question. I don't want to go and feel I wasted the money, I'm not in a financial position to do that . Please let me know what you decide.

 

[Disney Anna]

I have stayed at Deluxe (WL), Mod (POR) and Value (All-Star Music). My next trip in 2 days I will be staying at Pop for the first time.

I have no kids and am completely financially secure. Yet, I am financially frugal.

My thought processes: Deluxe visits I have saved for more special occassions or when I'm sharing costs with a friend. I love WL and would love to try Poly someday. But, even with money not being a consideration, I simply have not been able to justify the difference in price btn WL and Poly. I'm sure I will stay someday - on a special occassion.

Port Orleans Resort is again when I'm going with a friend. I love the Riverside. A beautiful resort.

Values have been for solo trips or when I'm just sneaking an extra cheapie trip in for something to do. You just can't beat the price. These resorts are very enjoyable. And, if you want some of the extra amenities, just visit the deluxes. (Now I'm not talking about pool hopping so don't get mad). I'm just saying they are nice places to eat lunch/dinner, get a coffee, or shop.

 

[Wenda]

I have stayed in Deluxe, Mod and Value and because of the difference in price the Value is always my first choice. The others are because Value is not available when we want to go.

Yes, the mods are great - but the only minus for us about the Value's is when large groups move in a take over the resort -
Last time at *** it was adult softball teams cleaning out the ice machines to fill the trash cans and cool their beer. then when drunk spent the night banging on doors and screaming at each other in front of their rooms. Luckily it was out last night.

POR and CSR were both mainly adults and very quiet when we were there.

That being said, I am planning another trip and am thinking about POP. We don't spend a lot of time at the resort and we do like the food courts better then the food offerings at the deluxe resorts. I am not sure I would stay at *** again unless it was the only resort available - both times we were there we had to put up with unruly sports teams (unruly adults, not kids) We loved ASM

 

[LadyGracey]

If I'm not going to spend time at my resort (those "commando" trips where you spend 16 hours in the MK, for example), then I'd rather save the $$ and stay at a value. I'll spend the savings on souvenirs, or a nice dinner or two at Epcot. I like All-Star Music (it seems to be the quietest and often has the shortest bus lines of the values). All the values have nice basic pools for the kids, too.

That being said: moderates give you a little more space, a fridge for snacks, pools with slides, and better food courts. I love Coronado Springs--it's one step above the other mods, has more amenities, and the bus service is fantastic. I usually don't spring for a moderate or deluxe unless I'm looking for a slower paced trip, or I get a really good discount.

Hope this helps you make a decision! Have fun!

 

[babywewe]

Wow! So much info.... great pros and cons!

MALE*RN*777 - You are right... I never thought of it that way. What does $700 mean to me. A LOT right now.

EnnEss - I'm in the same boat... I dont have kids and no financial worries. However, I'm in graduate school and I dont have much of an income. Soon, but not yet.

However, I do have some money tucked away. I saved money when I was working full time knowing i'd be a poor graduate student for two years.
I'll have to think about this some more. I also most feel like it should be all or nothing. Maybe I'll price some of the lower end delux hotels.

 

[simonkodousek]

This is going to be a long post I see...

Here is a list of advantages/disadvantages that I came up with for each level:

Advantage of Value over Moderates and Deluxes
* Price.
* Food Courts for quick meals.
* Pop Century has its own bus.
* All Stars resorts share busses, but there is usually very little wait on either end.

Disadvantage of Values
* Small rooms.
* Double or King sized beds only.
* Large groups can sometimes be rowdy.
* No pool slide or hot tub.
* external corridors.
* Pizza delivery only.

Advantage of Moderate over Values
* Nicer feature pools with slides and hot tubs.
* Bigger rooms.
* Free refrigerators.
* Sit-down restaurants (all but POFQ).
* Real bars in main area plus pool bar, not just pool bar (except POP).
* Nicer food court, it's not just one big room.
* No giant icons.

Disadvantages of Moderates
* Double or King sized beds only.
* Can be spread out and most need an internal bus system.
* External corridors.
* Pizza delivery only.

Advantage of Deluxe over Moderates and Values
* Bigger rooms yet. Many can sleep 5 people.
* Queen or King sized beds.
* Some have bunk beds or day beds available.
* Large variety of sit-down restaurants.
* Nicer feature pools, many with zero entry.
* Internal corridors.
* All have sliding glass doors and most have balconies or patios.
* Most have special proximity to parks: monorail/boat to MK, walk/boat to
Epcot/MGM.
* Room service.
* Valet parking.

Disadvantage of Deluxes
* Epcot deluxes do not have snack shops for a quick meal, except the Beach Club Marketplace.
* Price.
* Busses are often shared, especially the Epcot resorts. The ride can take a long time.
* Self parking can be difficult, especially at the monorail hotels.

That's just about right.

However, if you don't spend much time in your room, the values are the way to go.

Personally I would go with moderates... they have a fridge, etc. Things that keep you very happy. Also, they are more close together than the values. Most also seem more secluded.

See the website below for more information...

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/resorts/resortmain.htm

Well, there ya' go!

-Simon