Resort with the biggest bang for your buck?

[pgianna]

In my humble opinion, I would say its the swan dolphin. You get to stay at a deluxe for the cost of a modedrate. They always have deals/discounts for 179 per night, try getting that rate at another disney deluxe hotel.

 

[HiHoOffWeGo]

You and others are probably right if you are willing to pay for parking and go without a dinning plan. If you need DP then were back to a mod?

 

[monami7]

POR have queen beds now.

 

[kerriemiller]

I loved reading this. Really good to hear what people think. DH and I are planning our next trip for 2 DDs that will be 3 and 5 when we go the next time.

 

[TaraPA]

Hands down Swan or Dolphin IF you don't need the DDP, and staying in a Disney themed room isn't top priority. You can't beat the location, the ammenities or pool for the price. The staff is top notch. The food offerings there can't be matched at any Disney Resort. They have $179 rooms almost all year (sometimes $229 during peak). You do have to pay for parking there, so figure that in the cost as well. Join their rewards program & earn free nights.

While we love the Disney Deluxe resorts, we stay at S/D at least once a year for the great value. We have never missed the Disney theming when staying there.

 

[el_tigre]

You and others are probably right if you are willing to pay for parking and go without a dinning plan. If you need DP then were back to a mod?

Hmmm, well, for my trip to the Dolphin this summer, despite having to pay a resort fee and for parking, I'm still paying less than what Disney is currently asking for their moderate resorts. True, no DP, but I'm not sure missing out on that equates to saving as much as it would alter where I would eat on my trip.

Now for the S&D. Not a lot what they ask for and you pay for parking and no diner plan. May be a nice place but where is BFB?

When compared to a moderate, I'm paying less and I get a better bed, better pool, bigger and better variety in dining options, the ability to walk to two theme parks, etc. To me, that's a pretty good bang for the buck.

 

[jujube]

You and others are probably right if you are willing to pay for parking and go without a dinning plan. If you need DP then were back to a mod?

The dining plan does not save us money. The only reason we get it is for convenience.
The parking fee is minimal and anytine we go to a nice hotel with a car, we pay for parking so it's no big deal.

 

[Day-Day]

Does the parking fee at the Swan/Dolphin also cover parking lots at the parks?

 

[jujube]

Does the parking fee at the Swan/Dolphin also cover parking lots at the parks?

Yes, you get free parking at the parks.

 

[2010_Bride]

I have thought about this before and I believe POR gives the most bang for the buck. Of course POR has a mid price point but closer to value price then deluxe. Then of course POR has it all really. A good size store ,a large arcade, a large food court. A mid range restraunt and lounge. The best grounds at Disney along with a nice main pool and quiet pools spread out. Then of course a fishing hole, kids play area, boat and bike rentals.Horse carraige rides and a boat to DTD.Then you add Piano Bob and I think POR is dollar per dollar the best Disney resort.

THIS

 

[graueMaus]

I have thought about this before and I believe POR gives the most bang for the buck. Of course POR has a mid price point but closer to value price then deluxe. Then of course POR has it all really. A good size store ,a large arcade, a large food court. A mid range restraunt and lounge. The best grounds at Disney along with a nice main pool and quiet pools spread out. Then of course a fishing hole, kids play area, boat and bike rentals.Horse carraige rides and a boat to DTD.Then you add Piano Bob and I think POR is dollar per dollar the best Disney resort.

I cannot agree more with this opinion, and for a family of 5 it is one of the few options available for the the most bang for the buck. Also it allows two sort of experiences in accommodations: Alligator Bayou or the Mansions. We have tried both and loved them. You could also consider POFQ an extension of this as you can use the amenities at this close resort as well. I am just disappointed that the TS at POR is now only open for dinner as they had awesome breakfast. Even though we own DVC we have gone back to POR just to enjoy the resort (and esp Piano Bob) as an extension to our DVC stay.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Right now if you are a Costco member you can book a 6 night stay with a 4 day park hopper ticket.
$100 Resort Credit
Kids Eat Free at Select Hotel Restaurants
And a rental car.
6 Nights from $920* a person if booked for arrival in late Aug. Other dates are available for a higher price.

I price a stay for Aug 16-22 and the total is $1823.00

If you purchase one 4 day hopper ticket alone it would cost $300. for two people.

Has to be booked by Apr 2.