Sell me on a Deluxe Resort

[maryj11]

I'm spoiled with wanting to stay deluxe. I have stayed at all levels but love the deluxe resorts. We stayed at Grand Floridian this past August and it is now my most favorite resort. I love that place! But we did get a really really good discount from a travel agency making GF 291.00 a night. They only offer that low rate in August though . If you can get a good discount or rent points I would go for it.

 

[herb102211]

DH and I love staying at the deluxe resorts, and usually do because we love the convenience of the Beach/Yacht Club to Epcot and DHS. However, I don't think we could justify spending $10k on one trip. Like the PP's said, have you looked into renting DVC points for the week? It would be significantly cheaper than booking a room through Disney (even with a discount). Also, I would calculate if you're saving money by buying the DDP. We've found that you may not be saving anything at all depending on where you are looking to eat.

 

[Tuffcookie]

Of course location is everything! That said, I would stay at the Swan/Dolphin in a heartbeat vs. being on "Disney Property" and having the dining plan.

TC

 

[calngavinsmom]

Hello there! I just want to caution you to make sure this upgrade is something you really want. We usually stay at POR( but have tried POFQ, CSR, ASMu and POP) One year we decided to go for it and try out deluxe. We chose Beach Club because EPCOT is our fav. and Stormalong Bay. Not a great experience for us. We went in November and it was too cold/rainy to enjoy the pool (although my kids did try). It was super easy to get to Epcot and Studios with the boat, but we did not have park hoppers, so getting anywhere else was a pain. We missed the beautiful landscaping of POR, the boat to DTD at POR and perhaps mostly the foodcourt at POR. The quick dining options are sorely lacking at BC/YC. I love to walk, and especially somewhere scenic, so I guess I am one of the few that actually enjoys not having indoor corridors....love hearing those bullfrogs in the ponds in the evening at POR So for my family it was not what we were expecting....we found out we actually prefer the moderate resorts......lesson learned

Good luck!

 

[kboo]

I've been a fan of the deluxe resorts since we have small children and sometimes it's just too much to wait for a bus with a stroller (that must be folded) during high traffic times. Sounds like your parents may have similar mobility issues, which I think might tip in favor of a deluxe. (This is also why I've been so hesitant with WL and AKL)

Also, as PPs have said, a deluxe is not worth it if you're just showering and sleeping but very well may be worth it if some of your group is going to be spending time at the resort. We've also stayed at the Dolphin, and would seriously consider it if they had Magical Express. Love the Epcot resorts for the proximity to the world showcase. It was so easy to pop over for dinner or an evening stroll/snack that even though our DD1 can do more rides etc at MK, we the adults like the Epcot resorts more. They're more peaceful than the contemporary, for sure. That said, it's going to be super crowded over Xmas week anyway.

It's been a dream of mine to go to WDW over Christmas; we've always stayed at deluxes but always at a deep discount (25-30%) or renting points, and in less than high season. I think you'll have fun no matter where you go, but given that you're 4 adults I might try to get a deluxe hotel room with 2 queens rather than a studio with a queen plus sofa bed.

 

[missbrooke06]

We stayed at YC this November and the location convenience was unbeatable for us. My husband tires from too much park time and it was so easy for me to walk with one or both kids to Epcot or DHS or even just the Boardwalk.

We went with my parents, brother, and SIL so they enjoyed Epcot more than the kids. We've agreed to try a monorail resort next time because of all the trips to MK (those bus trips do feel longer when you get used to the convenience of having a park entrance out your door) but I'll miss nightly walks to Epcot and the 4yo will miss SAB.