Should we - can we - switch and save $700?

[robinb]

I'm sure the moderate resorts are very nice...however, they are not deluxe and there is a difference. MUCH better transportation, better theming, better restaurants, and better pools (especially at WL). Stick with your first choice. You won't be thinking about $700 when you look back on your trip and realize what a great time you had. Instead, you'll be thinking about how to plan your next Disney trip at a deluxe resort.

I beg to differ. I have stayed at all levels of WDW resorts (all resorts except for 3!). Transportation is NOT better: the buses from a Deluxe resort (the transportation to 2-3 of the other parks that are not nearby) are terrible. Theming is NOT better: I think that POR, CBR and POFQ are beautifully themed and I find the Epcot resorts to be pretty dull. Lastly, the pools are NOT better: CSR's pool is better than most Deluxe pools (including the WL!) and the pool at POFQ is great for little swimmers. You are right on the restaurants, though .

IMO, she'll have a great time where ever she stays and that $700 can go into the kitty to pay for the next trip. *oops* just read that maybe she can't change. I'm sending pixie dust that a manager will be able to make it happen!

 

[MichiganDVC]

I beg to differ. I have stayed at all levels of WDW resorts (all resorts except for 3!). Transportation is NOT better: the buses from a Deluxe resort (the transportation to 2-3 of the other parks that are not nearby) are terrible. But no different than taking buses from any resort. The buses still drop everyone off at the same place at each park. And, since there are significantly less rooms at Deluxe resorts than at mods (2000 rooms at CSR, CBR and POR compared to 850 at Poly, and 1450 at Yacht Club/Beach Club/BCV combined!
Theming is NOT better: I think that POR, CBR and POFQ are beautifully themed and I find the Epcot resorts to be pretty dull. This is clearly a matter of taste. Personally, I like more upscale accommodations, interior corridors, and other amenities found at places like Beach Club and WL. Lastly, the pools are NOT better: CSR's pool is better than most Deluxe pools (including the WL!) and the pool at POFQ is great for little swimmers. Regardless of decor or theming of the pool, at CSR there are going to be 2000 rooms worth of people that could access that pool, versus a total of 850 at WL that could use the pool. Of course, not all rooms are full and not everyone is at the pool at the same time, but you're dealing with significantly less people for every amenity at a deluxe resort. You are right on the restaurants, though .


IMO, she'll have a great time where ever she stays and that $700 can go into the kitty to pay for the next trip. *oops* just read that maybe she can't change. I'm sending pixie dust that a manager will be able to make it happen!

Deluxe is still preferred, IMHO http://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/beach.gif

 

[robinb]

MichiganDVC, try not to respond inside the quote. It makes it extra hard to respond to you.

But no different than taking buses from any resort. The buses still drop everyone off at the same place at each park. And, since there are significantly less rooms at Deluxe resorts than at mods (2000 rooms at CSR, CBR and POR compared to 850 at Poly, and 1450 at Yacht Club/Beach Club/BCV combined!

No, it's a LOT different. Disney runs many more buses to the values and mods v/s the deluxe reports which all have to share one bus per area. In addition, if you're staying at Boardwalk, you often have to visit ALL the other Epcot resorts before you can be on your way and then when you return it's the same thing! Buses will often skip a stop at the mods if they are full because there is another bus right behind it and the buses at the values just keep on coming. How many times have you stood in line for a BW/YC/BC/Swolphin bus while wave after wave of buses pick up for Pop?

Theming is NOT better: I think that POR, CBR and POFQ are beautifully themed and I find the Epcot resorts to be pretty dull. This is clearly a matter of taste. Personally, I like more upscale accommodations, interior corridors, and other amenities found at places like Beach Club and WL.

That's not "theme". That's level of service and accommodations. "Theme" is how the Boardwalk looks like a resort on the NJ Boardwalk and Port Orleans French Quarter looks like New Orleans.

Lastly, the pools are NOT better: CSR's pool is better than most Deluxe pools (including the WL!) and the pool at POFQ is great for little swimmers. Regardless of decor or theming of the pool, at CSR there are going to be 2000 rooms worth of people that could access that pool, versus a total of 850 at WL that could use the pool. Of course, not all rooms are full and not everyone is at the pool at the same time, but you're dealing with significantly less people for every amenity at a deluxe resort.

I have never felt crowded at a moderate or value pool . I have always been able to find a chair or two, even in the busiest times of the year.

Deluxe is still preferred, IMHO.

Totally your choice, but it seems that you are looking down on the "little people" who can't afford to stay deluxe (all those hoards of riff-raff on the buses and in the pools).

 

[MinnieTink]

OP Have a wonderful vacation! And enjoy WL! It is one of our favorites!

 

[KatMark]

Although I am in the minority and not a fan of WL, I wouldn't even consider changing unless you are sure something was available. FD has limited rooms and if a room isn't available for the FD plan that was offered, you wouldn't be able to switch.

 

[MichiganDVC]

MichiganDVC, try not to respond inside the quote. It makes it extra hard to respond to you.

No, it's a LOT different. Disney runs many more buses to the values and mods v/s the deluxe reports which all have to share one bus per area. In addition, if you're staying at Boardwalk, you often have to visit ALL the other Epcot resorts before you can be on your way and then when you return it's the same thing! Buses will often skip a stop at the mods if they are full because there is another bus right behind it and the buses at the values just keep on coming. How many times have you stood in line for a BW/YC/BC/Swolphin bus while wave after wave of buses pick up for Pop?

That's not "theme". That's level of service and accommodations. "Theme" is how the Boardwalk looks like a resort on the NJ Boardwalk and Port Orleans French Quarter looks like New Orleans.

I have never felt crowded at a moderate or value pool . I have always been able to find a chair or two, even in the busiest times of the year.

Totally your choice, but it seems that you are looking down on the "little people" who can't afford to stay deluxe (all those hoards of riff-raff on the buses and in the pools).

Hmmm....don't remember mentioning anything about "little people," but that's awesome that this is what's on your mind. Anyway, its called Deluxe for a reason. If you would prefer to stay someplace else, so be it. Please keep mind that it was you who first refuted my post. I'm just trying to help the OP understand why, in MY opinion, the WL might be nicer than CSR.

 

[robinb]

Anyway, its called Deluxe for a reason.

Yes ... Disney marketing .

 

[MichiganDVC]

Yes ... Disney marketing .

You do realize, of course, that DVC properties are all deluxe resorts. And you, being a DVC member, chose to buy a 50-year timeshare at deluxe resorts, yet they're not as good as moderates?!

Still, the OP is wondering about WL. So to reiterate my opinion in brief:

1. The transportation options at WL are very good. Boat option to MK, (which cannot be overlooked for its convenience,) and the bus to EPCOT only had to pick up FW and it was very quick and painless. As for bus to HS and AK, I do not have first hand experience in this matter.

2. The theming is awesome with the impressively giant, yet cozy lobby with the fireplaces and creek that flows through it and rocking chairs, etc... Even when its busy, it doesn't feel busy. Its a great place to just sit and relax. Plus, outside you get the beach (with boat rentals for Bay Lake), the geyser, and the great pool - all themed like the Pacific Northwest, which is going to be great while staying in the August heat! Another nice thing about WL is that everything is in one building and relatively close to one another...unlike other resorts such as Saratoga Springs or CSR where the buildings are pretty spread out.

3. Plus, outside you get the beach (with boat rentals for Bay Lake), the geyser, and the great pool - all themed like the Pacific Northwest, which is going to be great while staying in the August heat!

As you can tell, I'm pretty excited to be going there myself!! 25 more days.....!!!

 

[robinb]

You do realize, of course, that DVC properties are all deluxe resorts.

No! Really ?!?! Thanks for setting me straight . What a relief to know I don't have to rub elbows with those folks at the Moderates or Values unless I really want to.

ETA: All kidding aside, I hope that you and the OP have a nice stay at the WL. It is a lovely resort and most of the villas have a very relaxing view of the trees.