Value Or Moderate???????????

[disneyfan2267]

I WILL BE GOING TO WDW THE LAST WEEK OF AUGUST BUT I CAN'T DECIDE ON A VALUE OR A MODERATE RESORT , I'M TRAVELING WITH 2 TODDLERS AND I KNOW THEY WILL LOVE THE THEMING OF THE VALUE RESORTS. I ALSO WANT TO BE NEAR THE PARKS, WHICH RESORT IS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO ALL THE PARKS IN THE VALUE/MODERATE CATEGORY OR HAS THE SHORTEST BUS RIDE? ALSO HOW'S THE WEATHER AND THE CROWDS DURING THE LAST WEEK OF AUGUST.

 

[goofykc]

The croweds will not be that bad the last week of August, but the weather will be hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms most likley. Do not worry about the rain as the storms will only last a short time and then the sun will be back out. Certain resorts ar closer to certian parks. I the moderate catagory Cornado is closer to Animal Kingdom, Riverside (dixie landings) is closer to Downtown, but CBR is more located closer to Epcot and MGM. As far as values the allstars are closer to Animal Kingdom and I not sure about POP ( I will be staying there in MAy during a quick weekend trip). All of the resorts are a quick bus ride away. So I would pick what resort you like best and go from there.

Hope this helps

Goofy kc

Dixie Landings 98 01
Cbr 00
Swan 01
Dolphin 01 02 03
Allstars 02
Beach club 03
POp 04 (may)
Animal KIngdom Lodage Dec. 04

 

[WhenUwishUponAstar]

I'd call and book the value and then ask for an invitational upgrade to a moderate.
If they have it available they will give you the moderate for
the value price.

If they don't have it available you can always watch for
codes or upgrade later if you change your mind.

 

[bigbabyblues]

I'm not sure of the locations either, but we chose a value (Movies) this time over a moderate (CB is our moderate choice) because of the theming; my now 3-yo saw the Toy Story rooms, and that was the end of the discussion for us. This trip is for the kids, so we're going to stay there for him. There are no slides at the pools for the values, but it's not an issue for us.

Good luck, and have a great trip!

~Steph

 

[HopperFan]

...we did not enjoy the value resorts. The rooms were not as nice or well kept as moderates. Also very noisy there, even in our room we were aware of people around us, kids took longer to go to sleep. We felt we got what we paid for and when I go to WDW I want alittle more magic. The theme is fun to look at when you get there but then that was the end of it. The pool was boring for my kids - no slides. The food court - we walked in and walked out - then drove to the moderate to eat. Was like a school cafeteria, noise and all. I have been taking my kids since they were 4 mos old and the moderates are just as much fun for them. They get plenty of "theme" in the parks.

Everyone has the locations right. The one I would say is most centrally located is PO. We like the Riverside (Dixie Landings) side, Alligator Bayou. Kids loved it. Large playground, good slide for them in pool, quiet pools tucked by rooms for that evening swim, lots of rentals, boat to DTD. Lush landscaping keeps noise down. Buses can be alittle crowded (probably not end of Aug because school is in session in south) if you don't time it right....although we never complained....but I heard values are worse. You are just south of MK so it isn't a bad commute! In a car it is a 4 minute drive !

Just my opinion

 

[disneyfan2267]

thanks to everyone for providing such great information! How common is it to ask for an invitational upgrade and what are the chances of getting one?

 

[susy]

I would do Pop Century- the only value or mod with only one bus stop-get on and head to the park. Toddlers won't care about a pool slide and one kiddie pool is as fun as another to them. Bring your own lightweight strollers as you will want to wheel them around the resort. Having toddlers means sitting at the edge of the kiddie pool. I just don't see you relaxing in a hot tub.

 

[floridagirrl2]

I'd also like to hear more about the invitational upgrads--thanks!

 

[DNBois]

Me too - would love more info on those invitational upgrades!!! I am going to post a thread and see what people say

 

[mom1in99]

We went last year the last week in August and it wasn't too bad. We went kidless, though. We stayed at Music. I liked it. I didn't think the noise was bad at all. We requested a standard room (the preferred rooms are closer to the pool, thus noisier). We are heading back the last week in June and staying again at Music. This time the kids are going. The worst part is hauling strollers on the buses if its busy. Since we are driving down, we will probably drive to the parks on most days. But the buses were not that bad. It's my understanding that the difference in the size of the moderate vs the value is not worth the money. But if the moderates have their own buses and you aren't driving down, that may be worth the extra money! The All Stars make multiple stops (different value resorts) and that can be time consuming and crowded.

 

[WhenUwishUponAstar]

I heard about these a couple of years ago.......

Let me start by saying this only works when booking directly with disney and if you get someone new hang up and call back cuz most likely they haven't heard of it.

OK from what I understand Disney puts a few rooms aside for the chance to invite someone of a lesser disney property the chance to experience the "upgraded" property for the lesser price. For the same reason they upgrade room assignments....to get you hooked.

This only works if you acutally book the hotel etc etc then ask if there are any available.

Don't forget it always helps to chat the reservationist up, a lot of this is to their disgression but if it's available It's my understanding they must offer it.

Also, don't count on getting these during peak seasons.

I always inquire about it when i call but since I usually stay at the WL there isn't anywhere to go from there, but I did get Concierge floor.

never hurts to ask