It's hard to justify that $1800 when you've been happy staying at POFQ! And it really is up to you on whether you want to skip a year to pay for the difference or not. I admit that once I tried a deluxe, I did not want to 'go back' BUT the moderates are GREAT! If it was a choice in going to Disney for a moderate or not going at all, I would definitely go with a moderate resort.
And the reason I will pay the extra money are the following reasons:
- Bathroom that is behind a door. I don't like the sinks that are out and about in the moderates. I know that some places have added a curtain and that is good, but it won't muffle the sound of a hair dryer like a door. And there are deluxes that have the sinks outside the toilet/shower area so I check first on that! I don't like the Beach Club because of that.
- Rooms are larger. Especially at the Poly, that huge room is great! We like the extra daybed in addition to the two queen beds. And then you still have a table and chairs and another cushy chair. Lots of room to spread out.
- Rooms are accessible from inside hallways. While it is not necessarily true, I do 'feel' safer in these types of rooms.
- Transportation. The deluxes offer some unique types of transportation. I know there are exceptions (like Port Orleans boat to DTD or Animal Kingdom only have buses) but the resorts I like to stay at are either walking distance to a park, on the monorail, or have a boat ride.
- Dining options. I do NOT like to go to different hotels for meals if I have to take a minimum of 2 buses to get there. I prefer my resort to have lots of great dining options including table service. And many of the deluxe resorts are in walking distance or monorail distance to another resort so their restaurants are also easily accessible.
- Extras. Movie on the beach, health clubs/spas, dinner shows, etc.
- Pools. The pools have slides, towels at the pools, and nice theming. I know that many of the moderates also have these things too!
So - is that worth $1800 for you? Only you can decide! Good luck!