What's the Difference Between a Deluxe and a Value Resort?

[Mom2six]

I'm just curious about the differences between the two. I'm considering booking at AoA. I know that they don't have a pool slide and the rooms are probably a little smaller. Other than that, what is the difference? Are the beds and linens not as comfortable, or the service not as good?

 

[RedfromNL]

So far I've been to a deluxe (WL) and moderate (POFQ) and I'd say there is no difference in how the CM'rs treat you. You will get good service.

Biggest differences are in the sizes: values are a lot bigger and the amount of amenities on-site.

For instance a deluxe has a sit-down restaurant (or 2) plus a QS one. A value has a food-court.

On the official disneysite you can compare hotels quite easily: you just select resorts, choose some and click compare. Then you can see quickly what one resort has that the other doesn't. I found that a real useful tool in choosing the first time I went to WDW.

And you can see if what teh have or don't have matters to you

 

[FantasiaMagic]

Like PP said:
Service = same
deluxe always as at least one sit down/nice restaraunt and values hav a foodcourt (many deluxe have character meals also)

deluxe have pools with slides - values do not
deluxe can fit more ppl and have suites (some up to 12) - only ASmu/AoA have rooms that will fit up to 6 ppl

*I see your thinking of AoA - I think thats a great choice!! and like I said the nemo/cars/lion king suites can fit up to 6 and they also have 2 bathrooms!!

and overall deluxe just has a nicer look - but values are great too with their fun theming!

make sure you go on the WDW website for more info - you'll see what I mean

Enjoy wherever you stay!!

 

[deakam]

queen size beds....closets....valet parking....slides at the pool....hot tubs....lounges....bigger rooms...2 sinks...private balconies....Magic Kingdom deluxe have mono rail or boat service to the magic Kingdom and Epcot deluxe are within walking distance to Epcot and a short boat ride to MGM. So location is excellent.

 

[Kimberle]

AoA is actually a value plus resort. (New category) It has double beds. The furnishings aren't as "lux" as deluxe resorts. There are no pool towels at the pool. No sit down restaurant. Bus is the only form of transportation. It's not as close to the parks as most of the deluxes.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Rooms are smaller - I think the average sized value room is 280 sq. ft. and most deluxes are 380 sq. ft. or more. Inside corridors (less "motel" feeling", room service, many deluxe resorts have other types of transportation than just the busses - monorial, water taxi, ability to walk to a park. Queen beds v. double beds, sit down restaurants, pool slides, turndown service etc.

 

[shburks]

Deluxes often have different types of rooms, too--rooms with bunk beds, for example, and often have better views--castle, lake, savannah, etc. (or at least the opportunity for better views!).

We've only stayed at Value and Deluxe (Wilderness). We like them each for different reasons. We don't really eat sit-down meals at our resort, so that wasn't a huge benefit for us but we do eat breakfast and like the options for breakfast better at the value resorts--lots of better options, I think.

Theming is the other thing that jumps out at me. Values are a bit over the top! Loud, big, bright--nothing wrong with it but just bold! Deluxes have great theming, too, but much more subtle...maybe classy would be the correct word!

Deluxes also have more convenient locations to the parks.

Smaller rooms and less amenities in the value rooms...no coffeemaker, no privacy curtain in some values. All double beds in value resorts, too.

As far as treatment/customer service, it's Disney and it's great wherever you stay. We also don't have an issue with linens at either type of place.

Oh...and deluxes usually have different toiletries. They have shampoo, conditioner, soaps whereas value has a shampoo/conditioner combo that I hate!

 

[TJA]

Biggest difference that matters to my family is location/service to parks. Many of the deluxes have walking paths to some parks, monorail service, or boat service.....versus the values only having bus service. It's quite a lot easier to get back and forth at most deluxes, especially with larger strollers and young kids. Also, the views from many of the deluxes offer views of firework shows at the parks and/or the water parade, again this is handy when you have young kids and want to avoid the crowds at the parks. The deluxes also offer club levels, turn-down service, sit-down restaurants, as a few examples.

 

[Mom2six]

Thanks all for the reply! Sometimes it is hard to tell from a website the little things that people have observed staying at either category.

 

[Mom2six]

Theming is the other thing that jumps out at me. Values are a bit over the top! Loud, big, bright--nothing wrong with it but just bold! Deluxes have great theming, too, but much more subtle...maybe classy would be the correct word!

I agree with the theming distinction. I like the more subtle look personally, but my 4 year old and 6 year old are definintely fans of the bold look! Finding Nemo and Cars are my son's favorite movies (for the past 2 years), and Ariel is my daughter's favorite princess. Since seeing the AoA pictures, I'm wondering if I am making a mistake not staying there when we go in September. I don't know that I like the set-up of the suite and I would need two suites. The LM rooms won't be open yet unfortunately.

 

[longrf01]

For my family and I:

1. Location, location, location. Closer to parks. Epcot area resorts have the advantage of being near both Epcot and DHS. The location makes us more inclined to do the afternoon nap which improves our vacation overall.
2. Toned down theming. The values seem cheesy to my DS5.
3. Service - Disney service is good, but I have noticed a SLIGHT difference. During a stay at Poly I had a problem with my electric razor. Dennis at the concierge (not club level) sent a runner to Target to get one and it was charged to my room. While staying at POR I asked if they had a runner service like this and they said they had never heard of such a thing.

The points mentioned by others are valid (better toiletries, more space, in room dining, sit down restaurant) but aren't as important to MY family (DS5, DD9, Mrs. longrf01, and I), but your mileage may vary.

 

[Elinor Dashwood]

I agree with the theming distinction. I like the more subtle look personally, but my 4 year old and 6 year old are definintely fans of the bold look! Finding Nemo and Cars are my son's favorite movies (for the past 2 years), and Ariel is my daughter's favorite princess. Since seeing the AoA pictures, I'm wondering if I am making a mistake not staying there when we go in September. I don't know that I like the set-up of the suite and I would need two suites. The LM rooms won't be open yet unfortunately.

Personally, I like the deluxes but my kids have fallen in love with the AoA and are begging to stay there! Even my husband is excited and curious, I am too. This will be our first stay at a value resort but it looks too cute to pass up. If we don't like it, hey we saved a bunch of money and can go deluxe next trip. I'm looking forward to the AoA though, Nemo and Little Mermaid are two of our favorite movies.

 

[momof3ds]

AOA suites have a queen sized bed in the bedroom and the covered bus stop. My understanding is that this is the only value resort that has those.

 

[AWilliams]

Personally, I like the deluxes but my kids have fallen in love with the AoA and are begging to stay there! Even my husband is excited and curious, I am too. This will be our first stay at a value resort but it looks too cute to pass up. If we don't like it, hey we saved a bunch of money and can go deluxe next trip. I'm looking forward to the AoA though, Nemo and Little Mermaid are two of our favorite movies.

This sounds just like my family! We are going from three+ years of stays in deluxe club level to a value. It sounds crazy, but the girls are so excited for the "Nemo" hotel. We'll give it a try and probably be back at the Poly next year!!

I was wondering about our luggage? I think I read that we can borrow a cart to carry our stuff to our room. Does anyone have experience with this? Is there any other luggage services? We are arriving in a towncar with a grocery stop, so we are going to have too much to be able carry ourselves (at least in one trip).

Thanks!

 

[Elinor Dashwood]

This sounds just like my family! We are going from three+ years of stays in deluxe club level to a value. It sounds crazy, but the girls are so excited for the "Nemo" hotel. We'll give it a try and probably be back at the Poly next year!!

I was wondering about our luggage? I think I read that we can borrow a cart to carry our stuff to our room. Does anyone have experience with this? Is there any other luggage services? We are arriving in a towncar with a grocery stop, so we are going to have too much to be able carry ourselves (at least in one trip).

Thanks!

Wow, you do sound exactly like us, lol! My kids are wild over Nemo and the looks of the whole resort. We've always normally stayed at the monorail deluxe resorts so this will be new territory. I showed them the cute little clip of the underwater music in the Big Blue pool and they literally squealed. So we're going to try AoA but I have a feeling we'll end up back at the Poly at some point as well next trip.

I'm curious to know about the carts too. We'll have lots of stuff as well.

 

[Sue M]

Another great site for resort photos & videos is all ears.net.

 

[mouselovenfamily]

I think there is a major difference in the hotels. Service is not one one of them. I feel like Disney has really service everywhere.

However Deluxe vs Value...it ends there for me. In deluxe common areas are much nicer, amenities are better, toiletries are better (even toilet paper, no joke!), with your coffee, you have real mugs not throw away cups. Furniture is also better. So many little things it's hard to think of them all.

 

[godoftheWorld]

Have you ever stayed in an unbelievable resort that was breath taking in every way. They kind of place that you still tell your friends about years later?
Have you ever stayed at motel 6?
That's the difference.......

 

[minnie mum]

I'm just curious about the differences between the two. I'm considering booking at AoA. I know that they don't have a pool slide and the rooms are probably a little smaller. Other than that, what is the difference? Are the beds and linens not as comfortable, or the service not as good?

About $200 per night MINIMUM. That's all I need to know. Unfortunately for us, budget has to come first.

 

[2SillyBoys]

Wow, you do sound exactly like us, lol! My kids are wild over Nemo and the looks of the whole resort. We've always normally stayed at the monorail deluxe resorts so this will be new territory. I showed them the cute little clip of the underwater music in the Big Blue pool and they literally squealed. So we're going to try AoA but I have a feeling we'll end up back at the Poly at some point as well next trip.

I'm curious to know about the carts too. We'll have lots of stuff as well.

I read at allears.net that there are "bell hop" services at AoA. By this I assume they use the carts to get your belongings to you room (of course tipping is involved). I'm also trying out AoA but think deluxe resorts are where we'll end up next time. I just like the feel of the deluxes not sure how I feel about lack of a balcony to enjoy. Kids of course are sooo excited for the pool and their favorite movie themes.