Question about what to expect at a Deluxe Resort

[Timon-n-Pumbaa Fan]

We have stayed at two values and two moderates, but never a deluxe. What should I expect to be different at the Poly?

I am a bit embarrassed to even ask, but I don't want to get there and embarrass myself in real life either. I don't want to get there and them think that the Clampetts have arrived at Disney. Thanks!

 

[cara loves the poly]

You will love the Poly, it's great!! Very laid back.

 

[JanB]

Difference between Moderates/Values and Deluxes? The simple answer is "available services and amenities". You won't find spas, workout facilities, etc, at the Moderates. (With the exception of Coronado Springs, which I understand was built to be a Deluxe but didn't ultimately meet Disney's Deluxe standard.)

If you are driving, then one difference will be the parking. I don't know that that is necessarily because it is a Deluxe -- but the Deluxes are more hotel-like. There will be one large parking lot, and you pretty much always walk in through the lobby. Certainly you can walk around and enter at different places. But the point I'm making is that you don't find a parking place close to your room. So, if you're driving, then you can either use Valet parking (a nice service and very un-Clampett-like!), or just know that it will be a bit of a walk to your car. If you use Valet parking, I believe that there is a per-day charge for that. And you will want to be prepared to tip a couple of dollars anytime you pick up your car.

If you are a family that typically carries/rolls your own luggage to your room, then you might want to be prepared to allow Bell Services to do that for you at a Deluxe. It certainly is not required. We usually take care of our own since we are all grown, and we have one rolling bag per person. But if you have a lot of bags, then you will look like the Clampetts without the car as you go to your room!

Whenever you make use of the Valet or Bell Services or the Concierge or anyone else who gives a specific service, just be sure to have some Ones on hand for tips.

Is that the type of thing that you want to know?

Just know that you do NOT have to have these people to do the things for you --- it's perfectly fine to take care of yourself --- but they are there as a service and to make things easier.

 

[SeaSpray]

First of all, congrats on booking the Polynesian! It's my family's favorite WDW resort! Don't worry about feeling like the Clampetts, like Cara said, the Polynesian is a very relaxed and laid back resort, you feel very comfortable once you step inside the lobby, and everyone that I've ever encountered there has been VERY friendly and helpful.

JanB gave you some great tips and advice about some of the differences you'll find at a deluxe resort, so I'll add just a few:

The main thing that I personally love about the Polynesian resort is that even when you're at your resort you still feel as though you're still in the middle of the "Disney magic". You can SEE the castle from the volcano pool, and from the beaches, and from many of the rooms. The theming is done very well. You have the boat AND monorail transportation to the MK, and the TTC is right next door to the Polynesian (there's even a path through the Polynesian which leads right to the TTC!), and you can get the monorail over to Epct.

There's nothing like being at the MK and looking over and knowing that your resort is RIGHT THERE, just a quick anf fun boat or monoral ride away.

You will get more toiletries at a deluxe resort than you'll get at a value or moderate. For example, the moderates have a combination shampoo/conditioner, while the deluxe resorts have a separate shampoo and conditioner, as well as lotion and shower gel. They've recently upgraded the brand and quality of the toiletries, so now I don't pack any of my own shampoo or conditioner anymore, since the new quality is very good.

If you have any specific questions, please post them. And have a wonderful time at the Polynesian!

 

[simonkodousek]

Hello,

I would have to say the main differences between staying at a deluxe resort versus a moderate is the resort's overall size (buildings, rooms, gardens/courtyards, etc.) and the level of services.

While a moderate is more spread out with a long walk to your room (depending on where you stay), deluxes are more compact, requiring only a short walk to your room. Moderate resorts tend to have smaller rooms, however some of the deluxes have small rooms also (Wilderness Lodge in particular).

As for the level of services, it is really a hit-and-miss deal. I mean, while you may be paying $100 more per night at a deluxe, the cast members could be very rude, unhelpful, etc. You might get great service at some times, but IMHO it is really hit-and-miss.

Enjoy your stay at the Polynesian! We'll be there in only 8 days!

~Simon

 

[Timon-n-Pumbaa Fan]

Thanks for all of the replies. I am pleased to find, that pretty much, every concern that I had has been addressed. I feel confident now that we can pull off a Clampett free vacation.

 

[Bob NC]

Disney "Deluxe" isn't like a normal Deluxe resort. Where folks may feel uncomfortable, or like the Clampetts, at a REAL deluxe resort, that doesn't apply here.

Disney Deluxe resorts more closely resemble Disney Moderate resorts that any kind of resemblance to a true Deluxe Resort in the real world.

 

[CoolPool]

These hotels are not 5 diamond resorts (for example, The Wynn in Las Vegas) but they are a step up from other Disney resorts. If you feel comfortable at Disney, then Disney Deluxe will not feel hautie-tautie.