Value or Moderate

[Joy4Ron]

I am in the process of planning a trip for August... I know I'm late to the game. Just found out I have to take off the 1st week of August (Plant Shutdown). So we decided to make a trip to WDW.
I'm just not sure where to stay. I have stayed at POP and ASMo. I really enjoyed both, but all of the moderates look so cool to me.
I stayed 2 nights at ASMo, and 4 at POP, so my experience is limited. We are looking at 6 or 7 nights this time. My precious experience has been that I don't spend enough time at the resort for it to really make much difference, but this trip will be much longer than we have done before.
I know you all have your favorites, and I would love to hear that, but I also would like thoughts on how much time you spend at your resort, and if you think toe cost difference is worth it.
Also if I stay value, it will be at ASMU or ASSp. I like variety. I have a long term ambition of visiting them all, but I'm moving pretty slow.

 

[Flrancho]

I prefer the moderates over the value pretty much any day. Even not staying at your resort a lot, some of them offer some nice activities (POR and POFQ) have nighttime entertainment that you can go to after your done with the parks) and the moderates also have sit-down restaurants if you want to treat yourself to a nicer meal while your at your resort.

We usually do spend a little bit of time at our resort, but I think, even spending more time at the parks, the moderate resort is still worth it.

 

[KatMark]

Personally, we're not fans of the values (we stayed at All-Star Sports for three nights and eagerly and anxiously switched to the Coronado; we've been at the Coronado ever since).

I find the moderates to be more relaxing, more things to do, slides at the pool, fridge and coffee maker in the room, etc.

I would look at the themes of all four moderates if you are considering and go from there.

 

[Joy4Ron]

Hi KatMark. We're don't live too far from each other.
I have a DS(9) and DD(17) who will want to spend most of our time in the parks, so I'm kind of wondering if I would really benefit from paying the extra bit more to stay at the Moderate.
I would actually like to stay at CSR. It has always been my first choice, but budget usually trumps. I did just see some recent pics of CSR that really made me want to stay there. Actually both CBR and CSR are appealing.

 

[KatMark]

Hi KatMark. We're don't live too far from each other.
I have a DS(9) and DD(17) who will want to spend most of our time in the parks, so I'm kind of wondering if I would really benefit from paying the extra bit more to stay at the Moderate.
I would actually like to stay at CSR. It has always been my first choice, but budget usually trumps. I did just see some recent pics of CSR that really made me want to stay there. Actually both CBR and CSR are appealing.

If you aren't going to spend any time at the resort, then I would stick with a value. The last time our kids went with us (they are both in college), we stayed at CSR because they both are athletes and used the fitness center and enjoyed playing volleyball. But we always go back to the resort for an afternoon break so, for us, the moderate works best.

We've been so South Beloit for either baseball or wrestling in the past -- I don't remember which -- they run together after awhile.

 

[Dizfan4life]

I am one that won't stay at values, but my friend LOVES them and that is the only way she goes. For me.. the room is just TOO small for our family and all of the stuff I lug with me on vacation! We hotel hopped to Pop Century and the food court was just too noisy and busy for me. Our most recent trip to CBR the food court was nice and quiet and never really busy! PLUS.. I like the perks of having access to a hot tub after a long day in the park and the values don't have them!

 

[tndisneyfan]

We used to always stay at POP the past few trips have stayed at mod & deluxes. To me it just depends how much time you spend in the room. If you are commando touring I would stay with a value. if not I think the upgrade to a mod is worth it. CSR is my favorite, the queen size beds make it worth the money.

 

[disneyfan55]

We have stayed in all all resorts types. I found the Values (ASMu and sports) really nice. They don't have the extras like the deluxe and mods do, but they were both CLEAN, the CMs very nice and helpful, and just fun. We stayed at WL (actually my fav. in atmosphere/theme) in Feb and the room was somewhat dirty(nuts on floor and in drawers and we had a 22 mo. old with us) the CMs weren't helpful or didn't do like they said (we needed a pack and play one took over 24 hr. to get and it was on res and we did talk about the 2 we needed at reg.-never got the second) Anyway, We did enjoy the 2 values very much-and usually enjoy all resorts. The deluxe this past trip was our least enjoyable trip. HOnestly, we book on the value we get for the money spent. The values were booked since the booking requirements were to pay rack rate to get the special. We booked WL since we really liked it and got a great rate! THat is a factor in our booking of a resort as well but really we should have good service and clean rooms in all!!! No problem with the values in that regard, in fact the best recently!!

 

[Joy4Ron]

"If you are commando touring I would stay with a value."
We have always been a commando type family at WDW, but this year is going to be 6 or 7 days, and I'm sure that will change our perspective a little bit.
That is why I'm wrestling over the idea of moving up. I like the idea of having an easy day, goofing off at the pool a bit and then heading out to the parks, but I keep thinking, "Is it worth $400?" Maybe I'm cheap. When I see $400 I think... we could have an extra day at one of the Values.
I guess I'm too wishy-washy!
But like I said, the pics that I saw of renovations at CSR, and the idea of queen beds is really appealing (not as small as I used to be)

 

[maxiesmom]

"If you are commando touring I would stay with a value."
We have always been a commando type family at WDW, but this year is going to be 6 or 7 days, and I'm sure that will change our perspective a little bit.
That is why I'm wrestling over the idea of moving up. I like the idea of having an easy day, goofing off at the pool a bit and then heading out to the parks, but I keep thinking, "Is it worth $400?" Maybe I'm cheap. When I see $400 I think... we could have an extra day at one of the Values.
I guess I'm too wishy-washy!
But like I said, the pics that I saw of renovations at CSR, and the idea of queen beds is really appealing (not as small as I used to be)

If you plan on hanging out at the resort, the definately go for a Moderate. You will then have a hot tub and a nicer pool area to relax at. Plus the Moderate resorts all have a more relaxed vibe than the Values.

I do love the Value resorts too, but the Moderates are just nicer for hanging out at.

 

[mickeystoontown]

If you plan on spending a down day at the resort, then I'd go for a moderate simply because the rooms are larger and the moderates offer type of recreation not offered at the values.

Also, we like having a fridge in our room and those are provided at the moderate resorts at no extra cost.

I think it all boils down to what theme appeals to you most. The Coronado has a Southwest theme. The Port Orleans resorts have a Louisiana/Southern theme. The Caribbean Beach has a tropical/beach theme. The rooms at both the Coronado and Caribbean Beach have been redone recently.

I have tons of pictures of the CBR and lots of information about the resort in my trip report. You can click on the link below to take a look around. Or, if you want me to post them here, just let me know.

 

[autigger]

My family's first trip was at ASMo and the next year at POP. For the third trip, we wanted to try a moderate and chose POFQ and we loved it. We also spend almost all of our time in the parks.

Although we enjoyed both POP and ASMo very much, we found POFQ to be better and “easier” for our family in many ways: the busses were closer and less crowded; the food court was closer and less crowded; and the pool was closer and less crowded.

Everyone’s tastes are different, but family very much appreciated the fact that FOFQ is much smaller and more compact. We never had a long walk and never had a long wait. Pop is exciting and fun, but the crowds at the food court and the queue lines for buses were more difficult to manage for my wife and me with our little ones.

 

[Lori77]

I agree with the other posters. It all depends on what you want your vacation to be. I've stayed at both and it really depends on what is important to you.

Given the age of your kids, more room would be worth it as values are significantly smaller. In the moderates- one person can be in the shower and two people can get ready by the sink area since there are double sinks. This saved us some time on busy days.

Also, moderates are more relaxing and they often have extras like bike or boat rentals, plus POR has boat transportation to DTD, which is nice. Generally speaking, the pools are better and there are hot tubs.

I don't agree that the food courts are better in the moderates (with the exception of CSR). I think POP is best.

I have stayed at ASMu, which is bright and cheery, but their food court and shop were disappointing. The main pool was just basic, nothing fantastic. I have not stayed at ASSp, because I do not prefer the theme.

Have you asked your kids if they have a preference? They may be able to give some insight on what they would like, which can help!

 

[Joy4Ron]

Lori,
My kids are simply excited about going. I know they would love the nicer resort. Some of it really comes down to me trying ot get the most for my buck...
You made a great point form me, and one I had not thought of, and that is the double sinks. My DD and DW are both amazing and beautiful , but do take longer to get ready than DS and I. Two sinks would be a HUGE plus- unless I invest a fortune in baseball caps AND convice them to wear them every day we are there. HA!!!

Do all of the Moderates have double sinks?

 

[KatMark]

Lori,
My kids are simply excited about going. I know they would love the nicer resort. Some of it really comes down to me trying ot get the most for my buck...
You made a great point form me, and one I had not thought of, and that is the double sinks. My DD and DW are both amazing and beautiful , but do take longer to get ready than DS and I. Two sinks would be a HUGE plus- unless I invest a fortune in baseball caps AND convice them to wear them every day we are there. HA!!!

Do all of the Moderates have double sinks?

No, the Coronado does not (but they have a wide counter). Also, the moderates have a curtain between the bathroom and bedroom except for the Coronado (they have two sliding wood doors).

 

[GrammyJudy]

dID YOU SEE THE NEW DISCOUNT CODE? mAYBE THAT WILL MAKE YOUR DECISION EASIER.

 

[Joy4Ron]

NO, which discount code is that? Did it just come out?

 

[mickeystoontown]

NO, which discount code is that? Did it just come out?

Yep, there's a new special % off room rates on the Special Offers page on the www.disneyworld.com site.

 

[disneyfan55]

Yep, there's a new special % off room rates on the Special Offers page on the www.disneyworld.com site.

This only decreased the percentage off each room type and extened the book through date. But at least it's something,

 

[mickeystoontown]

This only decreased the percentage off each room type and extened the book through date. But at least it's something,

Yep, it's a decrease from what was previously offered but if the original poster has no discount, it's certainly better than nothin'.