Value vs. Moderate vs. Deluxe

[wallawallakids]

Are they really THAT different? What are the main benefits to upgrading from a Value to a Moderate? And from a moderate to a deluxe? Hubby and I have this conversation constantly. I am a penny pincher....he likes to spend. Yes, we can "afford" to stay in a deluxe..but is that really the best use of our money?
So I am asking you all on the Dis. What is the really value? Is it just perceived value in Deluxes? Is the all about location? Theming? What do you really get in a moderate over a Value that makes it worth the extra cash? And also with a deluxe over a moderate?
I guess I feel like there is such a jump in cost associated with each different "tier". Without being there it is hard to understand what the real difference is. And I am never really sure the cost is justified. Opinions?

 

[trekker93]

We have stayed both off site and on site in values and mod's. but we really prefer POP Century over all of them for the theming, the buses, the food court, store and above all, the fun atmosphere! And it is half the cost of most other choices. We do not spend time at the resort much - we get up for rope drop many mornings and head out to the parks. We do go back around 1 if it is really hot and enjoy the pool or other thing. We would rather use the money saved to buy doo dads and many other things, like the dining plan or other things. (like renting a boat or balloon ride, etc.)

 

[minnie mum]

We can all give you our own particular reasons for picking one resort over another. But each choice is unique for that person. We all have our own opinions over perceived value. But our opinion isn't going to mean diddly squat (ooooh I've always wanted to say that) to you if our value system isn't the same as yours.

I would suggest that you take the time to check the different resort threads (there's one for each resort). Look at the descriptions of each resort, the amenities offered at each resort. Look at the resort photos. Look at the reviews.

Of course there are differences between the different levels of resorts. That is why there is such a price differential. How much these differences will matter in your choice of resort is up to your family's priorities and values.

 

[Hitchhiking Ghost]

I am having that same internal debat, going from a moderate, most likely POR-AB to the Poly and am wondering if doubling the price is worth it.

I'd say the first question you have to ask yourself, are you (or your family) the type that bolts the rooms first thing in the morning and then don't return until the parks close? Or do you consider your resort stay part of your vacation time (make use of the pools etc). If your resort is simply a place to lay your head until you leave again the next day, then nothing really justifies the additional costs.

I guess for me it's this (please keep in mind, only my opinion).

Upgrade to Moderate:
-Get a nicer food court and sit down dining options
- I think a little less crowded/noisy
-grounds are more spread out and themed better
-larger rooms (not quite certain of this)
-opportunity for adult entertainment (ie River Roost at POR)

Upgrade to Deluxe:
-more fine dining opportunities
-nicer pools (making an assumption here based on what I've seen)
-better locations (3 are on monorail) (3 right between DHS & Epcot)
-bigger and nicer rooms
-better overall theming
-concierge services if desired
-better accomodates families of more than 4 people


We generally go for 7-8 nights, so I have a huge internal debate about whether we should spend an additional $1600 or so to stay at the Poly (or maybe a bit less for WL) or do our traditional stay at POR-AB (family of 5, so limited where we can stay). I wish I could say that money isn't a factor, but it definitely plays a part. I know that I want to do at least one Deluxe trip with the entire family (kids are 5-6-9), just not sure if this is the right time for it. A lot for me will depend on what discounts I can get, if any.

Looking forward to seeing what others percieve the differences to be.

 

[wallawallakids]

I am having that same internal debat, going from a moderate, most likely POR-AB to the Poly and am wondering if doubling the price is worth it.

I'd say the first question you have to ask yourself, are you (or your family) the type that bolts the rooms first thing in the morning and then don't return until the parks close? Or do you consider your resort stay part of your vacation time (make use of the pools etc). If your resort is simply a place to lay your head until you leave again the next day, then nothing really justifies the additional costs.

I guess for me it's this (please keep in mind, only my opinion).

Upgrade to Moderate:
-Get a nicer food court and sit down dining options
- I think a little less crowded/noisy
-grounds are more spread out and themed better
-larger rooms (not quite certain of this)
-opportunity for adult entertainment (ie River Roost at POR)

Upgrade to Deluxe:
-more fine dining opportunities
-nicer pools (making an assumption here based on what I've seen)
-better locations (3 are on monorail) (3 right between DHS & Epcot)
-bigger and nicer rooms
-better overall theming
-concierge services if desired
-better accomodates families of more than 4 people


We generally go for 7-8 nights, so I have a huge internal debate about whether we should spend an additional $1600 or so to stay at the Poly (or maybe a bit less for WL) or do our traditional stay at POR-AB (family of 5, so limited where we can stay). I wish I could say that money isn't a factor, but it definitely plays a part. I know that I want to do at least one Deluxe trip with the entire family (kids are 5-6-9), just not sure if this is the right time for it. A lot for me will depend on what discounts I can get, if any.

Looking forward to seeing what others percieve the differences to be.

Thank you for your opinion. This is exactly how I feel and I wanted to see how others felt who have been there. We are also a larger family. With 4 kids, I feel like our options are somewhat limited. Right now we have a deluxe room at WL booked because it sleeps 6. It kills me to look at the price. Hubby thinks it is worth it to try out once and then go back to values when AoA opens up. I feel like that difference in price could be used for so many other things on this trip. He thinks he will enjoy the amenities while I know we won't really be spending all that much time in the room. I go back and forth on feeling like the price is justified and wanting to change it to two rooms at the Pop. My point wasn't to upset anyone in my post, I was just hoping for honest comparisons. Thank you for yours.

 

[saskdw]

Was someone upset? LOL!

As stated above the value is different for each family. We have always stayed at Mods over Values for the following reasons:

Larger rooms
Queen beds at CSR

Nicer decor and grounds IMO

More spread out. Even when full it doesn't feel full, still seems like you have your own space. Some don't like the size of the Mods, but most of the Mod regulars do.

Nicer pools and slides.

Better food courts IMO.

CSR has a Night club/lounge and 2 outdoor bars.

CSR has Spa and Fitness club.

In general the Values are to congested and noisy for us, but if I had 3 excited young kids that I wanted to turn loose I might think differently.

The Deluxes are all very nice. They do improve slightly on some of the things above, but not enough to justify the price jump for us. The single biggest thing some of the Deluxes offer that I appreciate is the location.

 

[minnie mum]

Well having a family of 6 really does make a big difference, since none of the mods can accommodate you. But AoA has moved their opening dates forward now and all of the suites will be open by the time you get there, so a suite at AoA may be a consideration for you now.

Having said that, you really have to look at the amenities in the rooms/suites and see how they 'fit' with your family. Size of the room with 4 little ones running around is important. A good sized food court may be more important to you than a TS restaurant on premises. A basic pool may be OK, rather than one with slides. If you won't be at the resort very much, then perhaps the ambiance in the lobby is no big deal right now.

Transportation may or may not be a factor: bus to MK vs boat.

I think you and your DH might want to revisit the idea of AoA for this trip. Especially if you are cringing at the cost of WL and not really seeing a lot of value in the extra amenities for you at this time. WL will still be there the next time you want to visit, and maybe you'll be more comfortable with upgrading at that time.

DH and I (and our children) have been going for over 35 years now. We've stayed at all three levels, but never upgraded to deluxe until the kids were grown and we were visiting just as a couple again. And even after that we've gone back to mods for visits where we were spending most of our time in the parks (like when we visit in the winter months). We have different priorities for different visits, and our resort choices reflect this. HTH

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

With the exception of the Animal Kingdom Lodge all the other Deluxe Resorts offer more transportation options to the parks they are located by.

The Magic Kingdom Resorts such as the Contemporary/Polynesian/Grand Floridian have Monorail access to the Magic Kingdom. Plus the Contemporary also has a walkway and the Polynesian/Grand Floridian share a Boat to there. Finally the Wilderness Lodge also has their own Boat which goes there.

The Epcot Resorts which is the Boardwalk Inn/Yacht Club/Beach Club have Boats which goes to the Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Plus they also have walkways that go to both set of parks.

 

[CamoMama]

Have you thought about the cabins at Ft Wilderness? They sleep 6, with bunk beds and have a full kitchen and are not all that expensive. The full kitchen would be a big deal for me, that way we could have a hot breakfast in the room before going to the parks.

The reasons I prefer the mods:

HOT TUB
better pool theming
queen beds in all mods except for CBR
larger resorts feel less crowded

 

[shaynar]

For me I like the deluxes because of the balconies. Dh and I can sit outside at night when the kids are asleep and not be stuck inside a dark room at 8 pm.

 

[mamabug70]

I am new to the boards, but a Disney veteran. I have stayed off property several times, at the Pop Century, POR, POFQ twice, the Boardwalk, AKL -Jambo and AKL villas Kidani. We stayed at AKL -Kidani in November for 9 nights. We booked the one bedroom with a savannah view. It was very neat to wake up and look at the animals every morning. I convinced my penny pinching husband that it was a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. We went this past January and stayed at POFQ for 5 nights. We had a great time both trips. Didn't spend much time in the room on either trip. My advice is this, do it once. Then you will know if you think it's worth it. We are going again in October and I am debating over the POFQ, Polynesian, and Contemporary. We will probably do POFQ because I don't think I can convince my husband we need another once-in-a-lifetime trip. Also, we go during the free dining. This helps to convince him that since we are eating free, it makes the deluxe rooms that much cheaper. Whatever you decide, I hope you have a fantastic vacation!

 

[CTH3]

All the factors stated above are true, but in the end I think it mostly comes down to a pretty simple concept.

If you see WDW as essentially a collection of theme parks and the hotel as essentially a cool Disneyfied place to sleep and eat while you visit the theme parks, the values are undoubtedly all you need.

If you see WDW as a resort that is conveniently attached to four really great theme parks, and you intend to do the sorts of things one does at a resort (including spending time doing nothing, kicking back and relaxing on the beach, by the pool, in a bar, or even *gasp* in your room), a moderate or a deluxe can make that sort of vacation significantly more pleasant.

 

[canopynut66]

Are they really THAT different? What are the main benefits to upgrading from a Value to a Moderate? And from a moderate to a deluxe? Hubby and I have this conversation constantly. I am a penny pincher....he likes to spend. Yes, we can "afford" to stay in a deluxe..but is that really the best use of our money?
So I am asking you all on the Dis. What is the really value? Is it just perceived value in Deluxes? Is the all about location? Theming? What do you really get in a moderate over a Value that makes it worth the extra cash? And also with a deluxe over a moderate?
I guess I feel like there is such a jump in cost associated with each different "tier". Without being there it is hard to understand what the real difference is. And I am never really sure the cost is justified. Opinions?

It is nice if one can do them all just to try them. we started out in deluxe 63 trips ago and of those we liked Poly the best then we went to moderates and tired them all and liked POR the best. then we went to All Stars and stayed in sports/movies and music liking music the best...then some one suggested POP and we have been there since. the bus service is best so far of any Disney property.. this fall will be 63rd trip and the 6th to POP and we really like it. IF we need more room we get two rooms connecting which is cheaper than a suite and we have no desire to even make coffee on vacation let alone cook or microwave. we have always had great service and we in the rooms at night. we rarely in room in the day time or lay around the resort. we do WDW all day every day and admit we are addicted to collecting so by staying at value we just add to our addictions of "stuff". when free dining is offered in a value you only get the QS so we upgrade to MYWD to get the TS meal a day as we do like character dining and better places to eat. This is what works for us and hope your family has a great time where ever you go.

 

[Sue M]

For us, we prefer the mods or deluxe to the values.
Mods-
All now have queen beds.
Beautiful landscapping
Larger rooms
2 sinks (except CSR)
More subtle theming vs the giant Icons of the Values
Nicer (IMO) food courts- or quieter
Main pool with slide, hot tubs, and many quiet pools (except FQ).
Entertainment & boat to DTD at POR & FQ.
CSR has a spa
Coffee pots & fridges

Deluxe
again- bigger rooms
Beautiful theming,
Amazing lobbies
Indoor halls
Balconies
Better or more dining options for TS
Nicer rooms/ammenities
More transportation options & closer to some parks with the MK resort area, and the Epcot Resort area.
AKL unique with savannas



Allears.net has loads of pics of all the WDW resorts, so you can see what each resort looks like. Look under Accomodations.

A good compromise for you and hubby would be a Moderate. Our fav is POR in the mansion section. It's a great resort with extras like the boat to DTD, Horse & Carriage rides, Evening Entertainment in River Roost, a great food court, and stunning grounds. It's a treat to just stroll thru the resort, along the river.

 

[wdwlver]

We like interior hallways and balconies, just to sit and watch the World go by so it's deluxe for us......

 

[bnk1120]

I would prefer POP over a mod. To me, the difference between the two is not enough to pay more. That said, I have kind of become a deluxe snob. I love to spend time at the resort and enjoy the pool, food options and locations of the deluxes. Life is short, go for the deluxe

 

[wallawallakids]

Thank you. This has been very interesting to me. I am still going back and forth but it is great to hear the differences and others opinions about them. I think transportation is going to be the biggest issue for us because we like the parks and that is why we are there. Spending time at the hotel just isn't a top priority. Unfortunately the deluxe resorts that are really close are way out of our budget considering our 6 people factor. So that really only leaves AKL and WL for deluxe and neither of those are really close. Doesn't seem like the Mods or Values are that close either? Is there a spot that shows you time for travel from each resort? I am wondering if hubby and I should try to meet in the middle with a Moderate? Hmm....

 

[DW2010]

One day, we may try to Deluxe. For now, we'll stick to values most likely because our DD is young and the theming is much more suited for her. We stayed at POP and thought it was well worth it. Plus, we had a really big discount due to a FL resident promotion and ended up paying like $50 a night!

 

[raven69david]

We have done each class and find the "magic" in each one of them. To us, we love the larger rooms, better dining facilities and interior halls as our preferred resort is AKL.

 

[akclayton]

Thank you. This has been very interesting to me. I am still going back and forth but it is great to hear the differences and others opinions about them. I think transportation is going to be the biggest issue for us because we like the parks and that is why we are there. Spending time at the hotel just isn't a top priority. Unfortunately the deluxe resorts that are really close are way out of our budget considering our 6 people factor. So that really only leaves AKL and WL for deluxe and neither of those are really close. Doesn't seem like the Mods or Values are that close either? Is there a spot that shows you time for travel from each resort? I am wondering if hubby and I should try to meet in the middle with a Moderate? Hmm....

Which park are you planning on spending most of your days at? How old are your kids? I'd say get a resort that is in the closer vicinity of where you are going to be spending most of your days. We stay at the WL and really enjoy it. We take the boat over to MK. When we aren't in a hurry we'll take the boat to Contemporary, hop on the monorail to TTC and then hop on the monorail to EPCOT. The buses seem to run pretty frequently to all the parks. We haven't had a problem waiting. The buses usually aren't full either. The Roaring Forks (CS) has a good variety of food and is decent. If you will spend most of your time at MK, stay here or look in to getting a cabin at FW as someone else suggested. BWI may be a good choice for you. You can get get to both EPCOT and DH by boat or walkway. I'd look into the theme of each hotel and what it has to offer and see which appeals most to your family and just go with it.