What perks do the resort hotels have that the value resorts don't?

[lustergirl]

Well, first of all, there are plenty of deluxe resorts at WDW that have nothing whatsoever to do with the monorail. The only resorts that would access the monorail would be the Polynesian, GF, CR/BLT. And I'm not sure that's a plus anymore with all the issues the monorail has been having. You can also use a boat between the MK and GF and Polynesian. You are able to walk to MK from the CR/BLT.
At BWI, YC/BC, you can walk to both Epcot and DHS, as well as use the boats.
AKL and WL are both considered lesser deluxes because there really isn't quick access to a park. At WL you can take a boat or a bus to MK. At AKL, you take a bus everywhere. But both these resorts are a bit lower priced than the other deluxe resorts.
Deluxe resorts have nicer linens, and yes, better toilet paper! They have larger rooms. They have nicer, more over the top pools/slides. The theming tends to be more 'grown-up'. The halls are all inside the resort, vs doors opening right to the outside as in moderates and values. And they have at least one table service restaurant.
Moderates are nicer than values,, but not quite as nice as the deluxes. They have exterior 'hall's' to get to the rooms. There are pool slides but they are smaller. There 'may' be table service but sometimes not. The rooms are smaller.
The values are bright and in your face. The rooms are a bit smaller than a moderate resort. The beds are doubles, not queens. There are no pool slides or hot tubs. No table service, just the food court. The theming is much more kid oriented.

Now, I love the deluxes..but I don't pay for them. I own DVC at both BWV and BLT. That is the only way I will stay at a deluxe. I just don't think they're worth the cost oop. The moderates are nice, but not nice enough to get me to stay there again. So, that leaves me at the values. I love both Pop and AoA. The one thing I don't like at AoA? The LM rooms are the only regular rooms..everything else is a family suite! There are seldom more than 2 or 3 of us..so no need for a suite!!!

Basically the big difference is location.

Great post!! I would like to stay at AOA as well but have no need for a suite and then regular rooms are way out in far away land

 

[Patience]

We stayed at Pop Century in 2011 and found it clean but a little too basic for our tastes. The grounds were nicely landscaped and fun but the feel of the room is important to me too. The room felt very plain and basic and was very small. We are staying at POR in a royal room and I hope I will like the theming of the room. I know the grounds at POR are gorgeous. I prefer not having the outside corridors as they do remind me of a motel but I don't want to pay the prices for the deluxe resorts. Next time we go to Disney (probably in 2015), I am going to look at renting points but I am concerned about the fact that you can't change dates if you need to when you rent points. I am also going to consider the Swan.

 

[nugov2]

This is true. I'm happy to not have the handicap of high standards. I get to enjoy disney more often.

The same comparison can be made about value vs off site. Why would you pay all that money to stay at a motel when you can be offsite in a beautiful home that is just as close to the parks with private pool, resort pool WITH slide and has transportation to the parks for a lot less. Then you could go even more, but you choose not too b/c that is what's important for your family. All the choices are available because everyone has different wants/needs.

 

[nugov2]

I also disagree that it is just a place to lay your head. Even if I'm in the park all day and don't use the pool....I better have a comfy room to come back to so I can feel rested for the next day. I cannot sleep in a small hard bed. I would want the bigger bed. Plus maybe if you stayed at a resort with a nicer pool you would want to be there vs. just in the parks. I am too lazy to quote the two posts, but I saw a poster in this thread who stated they are never at the resort so always go value in one post, but then commented they were going to check out a mod for the pool for their next stay so see the amenities can be worth an upgrade.

 

[Aliceacc]

Also, we USE the resort. We go in July/August. We're one of those families that are there for rope drop, tour like crazy till lunch, then go back to the resort for the afternoon.My kids are total water rats; they've been in our backyard pool all summer. So those Deluxe pools (can you SAY "StormAlong Bay"? ) aren't wasted on us. In fact, when I first began looking at resorts in 2008, a good pool was the second thing on my list (right after "room for 5.") Likewise, location matters to us, because those afternoons in the pool are a lot longer if we're nearer a park or two.

Again, different strokes for different folks. We save for quite a while for our Disney vacations, but for us the Deluxe resorts make the most sense.

 

[Mrsjvb]

Offsite? From where? I thought all the hotels surrounding WDW were resort hotels. I don't want to stay too far from the fun. Decisions decisions.

not even remotely. Bonnet Creek is one such with a true off site, you do have to factor in transit time to get to the TTC to make your way to the parks. many off site hotels will offer a LIMITED shuttle service(once an hour maybe) to TTC. plus they do operate rather similarly to the ones surrounding DL.... share buses with many hotels, may be a fee, etc.

Oh and there are three locations ON site that are not Disney owned and operated: Swan, Dolphin and Shades of Green. they have SOME of the amenities as onsite( EMH) but not all( cannot use DME, cannot charge to your resort bill, etc) anybody can use S&D, only Military personnel and certain gov't employees can use SoG.

Another thing: DTD does NOT offer direct bus access to any park. they only go to the Resorts and TTC. I wanna say there is boat access? to the TTC as well. it is also much further away from the Parks than at DL.

 

[Bellestreak]

Hi op, I just wanted to point out, in case it helps your decision making process, that the GC at DL and the Wilderness Lodge at WDW are very very similar hotels. The theming and feel are very close to one another. The WL is one of the less expensive deluxes too, so it may feel like home

 

[blackmamba10000]

People want to stay in a DW hotel to be constantly surrounded by Magic. I've stayed at a couple off site hotels and one was really really nice, and provided a free transportation shuttle. But, I have to say, some of the "magic" was lost on me those trips we took. Nothing beats coming back at night and still being surrounded by Disney characters, details, and theme.

When you compare Value and Deluxe, you still get most of the same amenities, just a little better bedding, more details, more themeing, more on site restaurants etc. and, in my opinion, one of the biggest perks, location, location, location.

Personally, I think all of DW's hotels have a lot to offer and sometimes, it's not about price. I know plenty of people who swear by Pop Century, who could afford to stay at any of the Deluxes. Sometimes it's about the time you'll be spending at your hotel, how big your party is, and even who is traveling with you.

 

[Simba77]

Since you're a DL vet, let me try this analogy.

Deluxe is staying at Grand Californian or Disneyland Hotel, while value would be like staying at a distant Good Neighbor Hotel (too far from the park to walk) just with a tad more theming.

As someone who's been to DL many times, I find this is a bit misleading.

The Disney value hotels at WDW are an experience to me. You are immersed in the Disney "lifestyle," for lack of a better term. At DLR, the neighbor hotels (essentially in the city of Anaheim) provide nothing of that kind of Disney "escape" that the WDW values present. I hate that this might sound mean, but being at an off-property hotel in the Anaheim area is like being at any other hotel in any city (even Orlando). In other words, it's just not very magical.

The theming at WDW value resorts is just one of the many things that makes them better than an "off property" hotel. The food courts, shops, landscaping, pools, etc (while nothing spectacular), along with the CMs, are still a significant cut above anything you'll find at a cheaper, off-property hotel. The Disney magic (the thing that keeps me coming back) surrounds you @ the WDW value hotels. No "budget" off-property hotel can replicate that for me. It's not just the more whimsical theming, it's the whole package.

Of course this is all just my opinion! The WDW value hotels are a world of difference (no pun intended) when compared to an off-property hotel at either DLR or WDW. No, you can't walk from a Value to one of the parks, but that's the least of what's important to me about staying on-property at WDW. The parks are so far apart, anyway, that it doesn't matter where you say, using some form of transportation is necessary - usually for 3 of the 4 other parks you're not near.

As for Value vs. Deluxe, the "perks" of the Deluxe resorts are virtually non-existent once you leave the room (once you're at any of the parks or Downtown Disney, for example). However, the rooms, the amenities, the atmosphere... that's why the Deluxe resorts are Deluxe. If I could afford them, I'd stay there. They're gorgeous, they have some great table service restaurants, and they have a more exotic feel. Stepping foot there feels more like a legitimate, "fancy" vacation. But I'd rather spend 2 weeks at Pop Century than 5 days at a Deluxe, because that's basically the trade off for me. As much as I'd love to try the Polynesian, for example, with as much time as I spend at the parks, it doesn't make sense for me to pay an extra $400 a night for the Poly vs. Pop.

 

[jaykorf001]

Offsite? From where? I thought all the hotels surrounding WDW were resort hotels. I don't want to stay too far from the fun. Decisions decisions.

The Swan and Dolphin are near Epcot but not Disney owned. I believe the Waldorf is very close or on Disney property. By the time you go, there will also be a Four Seasons in the Golden Oak area -- this is either on or adjoining Disney property. There are a lot of close offsite options. There are also very spirited onsite vs offsite debates. You have plenty of time to research and do what's best for you. In my instance, I figured out quickly I'd only stay at a deluxe. However, I think they're over priced so I'm definitely open to options offsite for a long trip. When you're talking that kind of money it's smart to do your research.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...Another thing: DTD does NOT offer direct bus access to any park. they only go to the Resorts and TTC. I wanna say there is boat access? to the TTC as well. it is also much further away from the Parks than at DL.

Boat access at DTD only goes to SSR, OKW, POR and POFQ.

Boat access at TTC only goes to MK.

 

[Alesia]

Another thing: DTD does NOT offer direct bus access to any park. they only go to the Resorts and TTC. I wanna say there is boat access? to the TTC as well. it is also much further away from the Parks than at DL.

There is no bus service between DTD and the TTC. There is bus service between DTD and resorts - that's it. There are only boats between DTD and the DTD area resorts.

 

[wysteria]

We probably will spend quite a bit of time at our resort. My son went swimming everyday when we stayed at POP. He loved it! This time at POR he will have a waterslide! Also my mom is coming and she cannot go full steam ahead for the entire day, she needs to have rest periods. So staying in a "nicer" looking resort will matter for her as well. And of course the Hot Tub! Will be great for her and me to relax after a day at the parks while my dad and husband chase my son around the pool.

 

[nugov2]

People want to stay in a DW hotel to be constantly surrounded by Magic. I've stayed at a couple off site hotels and one was really really nice, and provided a free transportation shuttle. But, I have to say, some of the "magic" was lost on me those trips we took. Nothing beats coming back at night and still being surrounded by Disney characters, details, and theme.

When you compare Value and Deluxe, you still get most of the same amenities, just a little better bedding, more details, more themeing, more on site restaurants etc. and, in my opinion, one of the biggest perks, location, location, location.

Personally, I think all of DW's hotels have a lot to offer and sometimes, it's not about price. I know plenty of people who swear by Pop Century, who could afford to stay at any of the Deluxes. Sometimes it's about the time you'll be spending at your hotel, how big your party is, and even who is traveling with you.

I agree with you on some points, but just want to point out to the OP that you can stay off site and still be immersed in Disney magic. I have stayed on site, but our last trip we stayed at an off site house that was themed in Disney. Every room was a different theme and it was great. My kids felt the magic(though we may have created a monster b/c my dd said why would anyone stay in a hotel when they can have a whole house). We were just as close to the parks as the values. So off site we got Deluxe accommodations with value location/price. Also theming is in the eye of the beholder. I love the look and theme of the Deluxes, but find nothing appealing about the look feel of the value. I visited AOA on our last trip and it wasn't for me(now I didn't go into the rooms obviously). I just don't like the loud in your face decorations and I for sure like a hotel that has ts too. I know it is liked by a lot though, so that will all be your particular needs. I too know people who swear by the values who could afford deluxe. Just be sure to look at all the options. There are a ton out there and what is good for this trip may not be what you want next trip

 

[jbuey22]

The same comparison can be made about value vs off site. Why would you pay all that money to stay at a motel when you can be offsite in a beautiful home that is just as close to the parks with private pool, resort pool WITH slide and has transportation to the parks for a lot less. Then you could go even more, but you choose not too b/c that is what's important for your family. All the choices are available because everyone has different wants/needs.

I have been following this thread, but haven't chimed in since my original reply about the 2 Mods with the water taxi to DTD. (which I still think is a Major perk that most of the Deluxes don't even have)
But I want to chime in about the offsite HOUSES. I am sure that they are probably cheaper than most of the Deluxes, BUT I would really think that the Disney Magic is lost and I mean WAY Lost staying in a house. Even an offsite Hotel/Motel has more magic, because of the patrons. Just having other people surrounding you that basically have the same interests as you (visiting Disney) with kids and all the fun stuff, That contributes to the magic. If you just came home daily to a lone house with neighbors that live there daily and go to work daily and stuff, you just lose something.

Its like Me living at my home here in IL and going every day to the Six Flags . Wake up early go to Six Flags, eat at a few nice places, then going back home to do it again tomorrow. It just don't seem right. IN MY OPINION (totally my opinion btw).

When staying at a Disney Resort, of any price range, you are surrounded by tons of Disney Freaks just like you and for me that ADDS to the enjoyment and the Magic. To see a kid (not even your own) running to the bus stop and racing his dad or mom because he is so excited......well I love that. I remember when my kids were very young and EVERYTHING was magic. I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world, and I don't think it would have been the same if we would have gone home daily to a House. I am not a Disney employee and I have nothing to gain by advertising any Disney Resort. But when anybody is debating on a Value vs Moderate vs Deluxe, or possibly and offsite motel, in my opinion, it don't matter, just stay on Disney property in a Disney Resort. Especially if you have younger kids. It will add to the Magic and create the Magic for them. Disney Magic is real I believe in it and so does my entire family! There is something that happens when you wake up in the morning, roll out of bed, and step out of the room to head over to the Buses. When every CM greets you with a Magical Good morning and wants to help you have fun, you cannot bottle that and ship it to a house off property.

So I guess what I am saying is the perks that differ from resort to resort are all in the eye of the beholder, but the Magic can only be found when staying on property. Getting in a car that is parked in a driveway and having to drive every day to one of the parks or more, just seems like enough of a pain in the ... to lose the magic and the enjoyment.

All my opinions, Stay at Disney and live the Magic

and Believe!!!

 

[LuvGoldens]

When staying at a Disney Resort, of any price range, you are surrounded by tons of Disney Freaks just like you and for me that ADDS to the enjoyment and the Magic. To see a kid (not even your own) running to the bus stop and racing his dad or mom because he is so excited......well I love that. I remember when my kids were very young and EVERYTHING was magic. I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world, and I don't think it would have been the same if we would have gone home daily to a House. I am not a Disney employee and I have nothing to gain by advertising any Disney Resort. But when anybody is debating on a Value vs Moderate vs Deluxe, or possibly and offsite motel, in my opinion, it don't matter, just stay on Disney property in a Disney Resort. Especially if you have younger kids. It will add to the Magic and create the Magic for them. Disney Magic is real I believe in it and so does my entire family! There is something that happens when you wake up in the morning, roll out of bed, and step out of the room to head over to the Buses. When every CM greets you with a Magical Good morning and wants to help you have fun, you cannot bottle that and ship it to a house off property.

So I guess what I am saying is the perks that differ from resort to resort are all in the eye of the beholder, but the Magic can only be found when staying on property. Getting in a car that is parked in a driveway and having to drive every day to one of the parks or more, just seems like enough of a pain in the ... to lose the magic and the enjoyment.

All my opinions, Stay at Disney and live the Magic

and Believe!!!

Well said

 

[Simba77]

I have been following this thread, but haven't chimed in since my original reply about the 2 Mods with the water taxi to DTD. (which I still think is a Major perk that most of the Deluxes don't even have)
But I want to chime in about the offsite HOUSES. I am sure that they are probably cheaper than most of the Deluxes, BUT I would really think that the Disney Magic is lost and I mean WAY Lost staying in a house. Even an offsite Hotel/Motel has more magic, because of the patrons. Just having other people surrounding you that basically have the same interests as you (visiting Disney) with kids and all the fun stuff, That contributes to the magic. If you just came home daily to a lone house with neighbors that live there daily and go to work daily and stuff, you just lose something.

Its like Me living at my home here in IL and going every day to the Six Flags . Wake up early go to Six Flags, eat at a few nice places, then going back home to do it again tomorrow. It just don't seem right. IN MY OPINION (totally my opinion btw).

When staying at a Disney Resort, of any price range, you are surrounded by tons of Disney Freaks just like you and for me that ADDS to the enjoyment and the Magic. To see a kid (not even your own) running to the bus stop and racing his dad or mom because he is so excited......well I love that. I remember when my kids were very young and EVERYTHING was magic. I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world, and I don't think it would have been the same if we would have gone home daily to a House. I am not a Disney employee and I have nothing to gain by advertising any Disney Resort. But when anybody is debating on a Value vs Moderate vs Deluxe, or possibly and offsite motel, in my opinion, it don't matter, just stay on Disney property in a Disney Resort. Especially if you have younger kids. It will add to the Magic and create the Magic for them. Disney Magic is real I believe in it and so does my entire family! There is something that happens when you wake up in the morning, roll out of bed, and step out of the room to head over to the Buses. When every CM greets you with a Magical Good morning and wants to help you have fun, you cannot bottle that and ship it to a house off property.

So I guess what I am saying is the perks that differ from resort to resort are all in the eye of the beholder, but the Magic can only be found when staying on property. Getting in a car that is parked in a driveway and having to drive every day to one of the parks or more, just seems like enough of a pain in the ... to lose the magic and the enjoyment.

All my opinions, Stay at Disney and live the Magic

and Believe!!!

You said it all - I enjoy all of that, and I don't even have kids!

I understand some people not being in love with the "larger than life" theming at the value resorts. It's not for everyone. I'm not that sophisticated, so it's fun for me. The value resorts (like Pop - my favorite), aren't about the theming, though, as much as the experience. jbuey22 has done a good job of putting it into words.

Staying off-site, even in a room that's "themed" to Disney, isn't the same (for me). When I'm at POP or any other on-site resort, I feel like I'm living in Disney World. It's a different world that I've moved to and I know that for my vacation, I'll be 100% inside that fantasy.

There's nothing that quite compares to having Disney CMs greet you everywhere. Things as simple as having a food court and refillable mugs right there. Things like sleeping and waking up inside Disney World, having Resort TV channels with 24/7 Disney parks propaganda, walking to the bus and having Disney take you to the parks. One of the reasons I don't rent a car on site, even though it might be faster and more convenient, is because I don't want that extra "real world" hassle to deal with. Parking your car and driving in traffic and paying attention to road signs is something I'd rather not have to deal with. Taking a bus from your hotel is something that only Disney can do for me - it takes a load off my mind. And 99% of the time, the driver is smiling and happy to see you. It's like they're happy to make you happy. It adds to the magic, it really does.

Once I step on Disney property, I know that for as long as I'm there, I know I'm going to be taken care of. But again, the biggest thing is just feeling like you're living a 24/7 Disney life. Maybe that's not for everyone, maybe for some that seems like it's too much, but it's what I like. Staying off site, to me, feels like being an outsider. I feel like I'm missing out on something. The on-site resorts are an extension of the theme parks. I feel like I'm still getting treated to something special - magical - when I'm staying with Disney. At the end of a long day at the parks, I'm tired but I don't want it to end. Walking back through that air-conditioned lobby @ POP, seeing it every night before heading back through the beautifully lit landscaping, I'm still in the magic.

I drink the kool-aid. I drink it hard. Sometimes being a giddy fool is more fun than being pragmatic.

 

[katiee37]

One thing I've noticed about deluxes is that for the parks they use bus transportation for, it usually isn't ideal. At BC, you're sharing with YC, Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin. That's five large resorts sharing one tiny bus, with everyone wanting to get to MK for rope drop. Have fun. Boat, walking, and monorail access I guess makes up for the buses, but take that into consideration. If you're spending more of your time at Epcot or in HS, then perhaps one morning on the MK or AK bus is doable. But if you want to stay deluxe and spend most of your time in MK, try a monorail

With the exception of the All-Stars, POP and AoA as values don't share buses with another resort, which cuts transportation and loading time. Sometimes the All-Stars get split up at park closing too. Disney does try to make up for the fact that the resorts that have to rely solely on buses aren't completely out of luck.

Every resort has its own feel to it and I'm sure anyone can find their home away from home. Have a magical trip!

 

[Pakey]

One thing I've noticed about deluxes is that for the parks they use bus transportation for, it usually isn't ideal. At BC, you're sharing with YC, Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin. That's five large resorts sharing one tiny bus, with everyone wanting to get to MK for rope drop. Have fun. Boat, walking, and monorail access I guess makes up for the buses, but take that into consideration. If you're spending more of your time at Epcot or in HS, then perhaps one morning on the MK or AK bus is doable. But if you want to stay deluxe and spend most of your time in MK, try a monorail

With the exception of the All-Stars, POP and AoA as values don't share buses with another resort, which cuts transportation and loading time. Sometimes the All-Stars get split up at park closing too. Disney does try to make up for the fact that the resorts that have to rely solely on buses aren't completely out of luck.

Every resort has its own feel to it and I'm sure anyone can find their home away from home. Have a magical trip!

They only share all 5 resorts for DTD and very slow seasons. Most of the time it is YC and BC sharing and BW, Swan Dolphin sharing. These resorts have less rooms so there isn't more people trying to access than there is at the much larger resorts that don't share.

 

[Aliceacc]

We stayed at the Beach Club last summer, and we're rope drop people.

We never had any sort of bus issues at all. In fact, each of the 5 of us had a seat on the bus every morning... I don't recall ANYONE standing in the mornings. Likewise, boat transportation to DHS was wonderful.

Maybe Katiee's experiences were different in 2009 because of time of year or some other factor. But the week that spanned the end of July and the beginning of August last year, the Beach Club busses were phenemonal!!

In addition, each of the All Stars resorts and AoA have over 1900 rooms (and POP has over 2800!); the Beach Club only 583. So it would, of course, make sense that the All Stars each get their own bus and that two or three Deluxes share. (source: http://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/hotels/number-rooms )