Regulars to Vegas... 1st time to WDW...can you help me out?

[Jenny-momof3]

We are in the beginning stages of planning our first trip to Disney

We regularly go to Vegas. We usually stay at the Wynn or Bellagio. Those are the most elaborate hotels out there. But we can get them for a fraction of the price for what we will pay at Disney resorts. I'm a bit worried that my dh isn't going to enjoy a value or Mod. resort.

Anyone regularly go to Vegas and Disney? Any suggestions?

 

[Phedre]

If you are used to Bellagio, I think you are probably not going to enjoy Values/Mods. They are themed cute but they are cheaper for a reason I would definitely suggest to try to stay at one of the Deluxe resorts If you go in the slower times, you should be able to find better pricing on rooms.

 

[jamaunt]

I agree. You're not going to get the same prices for a room at WDW that you got in Vegas. I'd definitely stay away from the Values. The moderates do not have enclosed hallways either so if you're looking for that, you'll have to stay at a Deluxe. We're trying the Swan for the first time this summer. There are discounts to be had at the Swan/Dolphin if you're a teacher, in the military, a government employee or an annual passholder(may be others). AP rates do come out for most(though not all) of the year for all the resorts on Disney property. AAA rates can help reduce the cost also. I love Vegas but love WDW more.

 

[ransom]

Another vote for the deluxes!

The moderates and values are, as the previous poster suggested, elaborately themed motels. Room entrances are from outdoor corridors rather than interior hallways, for example.

If you want refined elegance, about your only choice on-property is the Grand Floridian. If you want a convention-style hotel, the Contemporary will do nicely (although that's not all it is). Yacht Club and Beach Club both have a somewhat high-end hotel feel as well. I've never been inside of the Boardwalk, so can't give you an opinion on that one.

But, to us, being in an elaborately themed deluxe resort is part of what makes a Disney trip a Disney trip. So, I'd suggest looking closely at the more strongly themed deluxes, such as the Polynesian, the Wilderness Lodge, and the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The rooms are smaller at Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge, but the theming is particularly strong at both of them . . . and they're the least expensive of the deluxe resorts.

Another option is to stay in one of the timeshare "Disney Vacation Club" properties that are attached to one of the deluxe resorts. You get the theming and amenities of the deluxes, but you also have the option of getting a one- or two-bedroom villa, complete with kitchen. When timeshare owners aren't filling them up, you can get a room through Disney or by renting points from one of the owners.

The good thing is, no matter which deluxe you choose, you'll be staying at a very magical Disney hotel!

 

[mhf]

We adored Caesar's Tower room (and the bath!!!!) MGM and Paris were good but I wasn't a fan of NYNY. Have not stayed at Venetian but my parents said it was marvelous and mom is hard to please when traveling. SHE is the one that likes Grand Flordian the best, even over Animal Kingdom.

We stayed at POFQ and it was fine but not an elaborate nor huge room. The theming is more cute and cuddly as opposed to IN YOUR FACE LUXURY like Vegas. I was expecting clean, comfy, and that's what I got. SO you might have to set your expectations properly.

What about off site? (the horror! the horror!)

hope this helps compare,
Melissa

 

[themudd4]

I will go against the rest and say that you might be able to pull off a Mod.
View some of the other threads out on here and check out the pictures and that may help you make up your mind.
And not all deluxes are equal either. We have priced them all and from the money side of the situation I think WL had some of the lowest rates...but then again AKL has interior rooms at a huge discount...so that may be an option.

I understand you are use to the higher scale end of the Vegas life...but what about these resorts is a major importance to you personally...use that to help you select!

Because we travel with our kids we love the values and Mods. Matter of fact I was planning on staying at Poly this trip and my kids & DH wanted to go back to a value...with the money I was saving I didn't have a really good arguement.

 

[Oofies]

IMHO it depends if you want your hotel to physically be nicer than the Vegas hotels.

To me the atmosphere at disney improves everthing. The people you see and stand beside in line are happy in a very different way than the people in Vegas. No matter where you stay there are early risers when you get coffee at 5am (and they are waking up, not staying up) who will smile and greet you. THERE IS SUNLIGHT and plenty that encourages you to stay OUTDOORS, unlike Vegas.

I think AKL would be a very different atmosphere from Vegas and is a great place to stay. If you want to stay 'over the top elegant' then GF.

HAVE A GREAT TIME (just posting about it makes me dis sick- I can't wait for April!)