Upgrading from Value to Moderate Resort

[diavolobella]

I'm booked at the All Star Music resort over Memorial Day weekend, and am pondering the thought of upgrading to a Moderate resort. The main reason is because it's a romantic getaway with my sweetie, and while the Values are nice, the theming is more kid-oriented. I think I'd like more adult, romantic theming, more things to do at the resort, less crowding, and a bit more quiet. If there are any couples who have stayed at both a Value and a Moderate and prefer the Moderates, or people who have upgraded close to their travel dates, could you answer a couple of questions?

Did you have any trouble upgrading this close to your travel dates (we arrive May 23, depart May 27)?

On average how much more did it cost you per night?

Did you feel it was worth the extra money, and why? Is the experience really significantly different?

Which Moderate would you recommend for a romantic getaway for two?

Thanks!

 

[SuzieN]

I haven't stayed at a moderate or done an upgrade but I'd like to reccommend POFQ as a romantic resort for the 2 of you. It is a cozy and charming resort with beautiful cobblestone "streets" and gaslamps along the sidewalks. It's about a 10 minute walk to POR where you can take a carriage ride. It also has a lovely boat ride to DTD where you and your sweetie can sample some of the night life! Really really love this resort!

 

[geokeim]

I have to be careful what I say and how I say it, because the value resort fans are SO sensitive. But IMHO, you would do well to upgrade if quiet and romance is what you seek.
We enjoy the dolphin (see link above) and while it's not a "disney" resort officially, you do get Magic hours and the transportation is great (escpecially to MGM & Epcot) It usually runs about $50-90 more per night than the values, and the it's a great place.
Try booking directly over the phone, and asking for a AAA or entertainment book rate. Explain your situation. I have found them to be most accommodating and to value your business.
It's worth a shot.
Good luck & enjoy your trip.

 

[msmayor]

While my last stays at a value resort were quite a while ago, I can't imagine anything even remotely 'romantic' about them.

I would definitely upgrade.

 

[diavolobella]

Thanks for your input. After looking into it further, it's not do-able. The cost is more than I thought it might be, plus the extra fees for making a change this late in the game are also not worth the effort. Maybe next time.

I'm sure we will still have a romantic vacation - after all when we are together it's always romantic. We have some very nice dining arrangements made too, so that will give us some special moments, I'm sure.

 

[Tomso]

As long as you upgrade to another Disney property, there should be no fee involved. I upgraded from CBR to AKL, and there was no fee charged.

 

[Disneychix]

Thanks for your input. After looking into it further, it's not do-able. The cost is more than I thought it might be, plus the extra fees for making a change this late in the game are also not worth the effort. Maybe next time.

I'm sure we will still have a romantic vacation - after all when we are together it's always romantic. We have some very nice dining arrangements made too, so that will give us some special moments, I'm sure.

WHen you get there ask for a King size room if available. DH and I stayed at the POP last year for our anny. Pulling up to the resort we kept asking eachother when the "surprise" would happen and we would really be going to the WL or Dolphin. We just couldn't imagine staying at the POP with no kids. I faxed a request for a king bed room 2 weeks in advance. We weren't initially given this room but I made DH ask again at check-in. We were given a king-bed room and it turned out great! The single bed gave us more floor space in the room and we really enjoyed the big bed.
It'll be a great vacation! HAve fun!

 

[Lilolvr]

Which Moderate would you recommend for a romantic getaway for two?

CSR! It's a very romantic resort. It's the only mod that has a spa (fitness center and salon too) so you can get a massage as well. It also has live entertainment at the new Rix Lounge and is 21 and over after 9pm.

The buses are very good as is the pool and pool bar.

 

[Buzz2001]

Another vote for CSR! Very romantic! Check out my CSR website below for pics and info.

 

[nikki'smom]

Definitely CSR! Can beat the pool/slide, the fact that the transportation is not shared with another resort and atmosphere is spectacular! The food options are great too!!

 

[EnnEss]

My girlfriend and I upgraded last year. It cost about 500 dollars for the 9 or 10 days we went. We felt it was worth it. We went to CBR for the beach theme and it did not dissapoint. CBR was just amazing. The themed pool is down right now though, so there are only the other 6 pools available.

We avoided the CSR as the guidebook we had said it was good but more "button down" than the other mods due to the target audience of conventioners. Also the tips at the food court and more expensive food (I know its supposed to be better but sometimes I just want CS) thing was a real turn off considering we were already upgrading we didn't want our food to cost more the entire trip as well.

We booked POFQ this year because we've walked through it before, and its so nice. It probably is the most "romantic" of the three resorts. Lots of greenery and nice walkways for sure. The boat at either PO is a big plus. I haven't been to CSR, but another guidebook (i have 2) said it has very little in the way of trees/greenery compared to the other mods because its going for a mexican theme? That was another turn off.

It was kind of tight upgrading last year, but it was well worth it.

 

[Avonlady1001]

My DH & I went for our honeymoon. We originally had AS-sports booked (the trip was a gift). When we got there, we had a king sized handicapped room, which basically meant there was no tub & when I showered the water went all over the bathroom. I called the desk and asked for a new room & was told there wasn't one. I asked to switch hotels...I wasn't feeling any romance at AS-Sports. We moved to POR and had a beautiful honeymoon. There was no fee to change, we gave no notice, we were just very unhappy there.

We've stayed at the values since & have no problem with them, but for a romantic getaway I would def recommend upgrading. It was well worth it.

 

[daisyduck123]

Did you feel it was worth the extra money, and why? Is the experience really significantly different?

IMO, definitely worth the extra money. Think of shopping at a Walmart on a Saturday morning (wild & crazy) vs. shopping at a nice department store (nice, quiet, peaceful).

I'm sorry, but that's the only comparison I can think of at the moment.

Our first three trips, we stayed at POP & loved it. We thought it was great. Then, DH wanted to try a moderate and we never went back to a value. We never realized what a difference there could be.

 

[daisyduck123]

As long as you upgrade to another Disney property, there should be no fee involved. I upgraded from CBR to AKL, and there was no fee charged.

Yes, there should be. Going from a moderate to a Deluxe involves a price increase....unless you've been sprinkled with some pixie-dust!! If they were free, EVERYONE would ask for an upgrade.

 

[EnnEss]

Yes, there should be. Going from a moderate to a Deluxe involves a price increase....unless you've been sprinkled with some pixie-dust!! If they were free, EVERYONE would ask for an upgrade.

The pp meant a fee to change resorts. If you upgrade there is no fee, if you downgrade there is a 50 dollar fee. This is if you're past the 45 day point of your MYW package. They didn't mean the cost of the package/room. They were referrring to the OP saying she would have to pay fees, they don't make it clear when you call you can upgrade for no fee.

 

[daisyduck123]

The pp meant a fee to change resorts. If you upgrade there is no fee, if you downgrade there is a 50 dollar fee. This is if you're past the 45 day point of your MYW package. They didn't mean the cost of the package/room. They were referrring to the OP saying she would have to pay fees, they don't make it clear when you call you can upgrade for no fee.

Got it...thank you
That makes sense

 

[diavolobella]

It was the cost of the upgrade itself that was prohibitive for me. They wanted over $750 to upgrade me from ASM to CSR for four nights. That's insanity. That's close to $200 a night to make a one step upgrade. I can't justify it - not on my income. I love my sweetie, but I'm already paying for this entire vacation, and I can only do what I can do. He won't care either way - he's never been to Disney.

It does say on the WDW site that if you make changes to your reservation there are fees. It doesn't say the charges don't apply for an upgrade. In fact, it says they do because it states you have to pay the change fee in addition to any increase in rate. Here's the exact quote:

"For a change made 44 days or less prior to arrival or that results in a rate change, there is an additional change fee of $50 per package plus any change fees assessed by hotels or other suppliers.

For changes, the change fees must be paid in addition to any increase in rate resulting from the change."

It also says:

Changes affecting outbound flights or first night's accommodations must be made at least 6 business days prior to arrival. All existing documents must be returned to Walt Disney Travel Co., Inc. via overnight delivery service and revised documents will be delivered express at an additional cost of $10.

 

[G&J's Mom]

WOW, that is an insane increase. I don't blame you for not wanting to pay that.

I always thought that if you were "upgrading" that they did not charge the change fee. Maybe I am just making this up. Can anyone confirm or deny that?

Have a great trip!!

Denise

 

[Avonlady1001]

I change my answer then.....IT IS NOT WORTH THAT!!!! You can have a romantic vacation at All Stars. It is what you make it.

You guys will have a great time!

 

[diavolobella]

Thanks! I know we'll have a fun time anyway, and I'm sure we can find some romantic moments. I've booked us some very nice dining, so we can enjoy that, and of course fireworks at the MK are always romantic.

Anywhere I go with him is always the most romantic place on Earth.