Which Resort has the Best Bang for the Buck?

[mickeyluv'r]

I've booked enough at all resorts to again say, rates are highly variable, and it really depends what kind of deal you get.

Some years ago, I nabbed AKL for $125/night. (mods were@$100) Fantastic value!

Another year, we got BC CL for Five nights, @ just above 8nights at Pop (though w/free DDP).

More recently, during Easter week- value standard rooms were $200+ per night! While nice offsite rooms could be had in $150 range.
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As for value, it really depends WHAT one values.

WL, Poly, and AKL rooms have dark colors and dim lighting. The animals +theming make AKL unique. Another plus of AKL, is the compact layout. When it's a bit chilly, the pool is still a possibility, because it's protected from wind a bit, and the return walk to the resort is very short.

I once upon a time liked CSR, but we recently could not find anything we wanted to eat at dinner (PM). I say this as someone who LOVED the food at AoA.

All the resorts have pros and cons, I feel.

Transportaion options are also highly variable. If you value variety, speed, ease of use (w/scooter or stroller monorail is super easy), covered sitting areas, line-up queues, walking to parks, proximity of self-parking- it really depends.

The resorts also vary widely in the food offerings. not just within that resort, but what else is near?

 

[SirDuff]

Yes, but you're talking about what makes a resort your favorite. Amenities per dollar goes to CSR.

Not if you have no interest in many/most of those amenities.

 

[jezebel73]

I voted for Pop and here's why: I have stayed in various hotels in my lifetime and for under $100/night, none but Pop have offered multiple pools, clean rooms, fun decor, free entertainment, and an in-house restaurant. SO purely bang for the buck in that price range, this seems like a no brainer to me.

As far as a favorite, I would choose any moderate, just because I enjoy having more amenities and larger rooms. Again here, CSR would fit into the best value for money because of the added amenties of fitness center, spa, convention facilities, and many restaurant options.

In the end, though, every person or family has different wants and needs at different times. Figure out a budget and then choose within it based on those needs!

 

[saskdw]

Not if you have no interest in many/most of those amenities.

No, actually that doesn't change the answer to question asked.

 

[NYDisGuy]

Best bang for your buck is subjective. To me, it's boardwalk since you can walk/boat to two major theme parks, are surrounded by the property's best cuisine and bars, can walk to nightlife right outside your door, have one of the best views on property and have a great pool with slide and multiple hot tubs. To me nothing beats grabbing a pizza on the boardwalk while watching the performers or fireworks.

Others will say i'm crazy and it's way too much. Again, it's all about what YOU value.

 

[saskdw]

Best bang for your buck is subjective. To me, it's boardwalk since you can walk/boat to two major theme parks, are surrounded by the property's best cuisine and bars, can walk to nightlife right outside your door, have one of the best views on property and have a great pool with slide and multiple hot tubs. To me nothing beats grabbing a pizza on the boardwalk while watching the performers or fireworks.

Others will say i'm crazy and it's way too much. Again, it's all about what YOU value.

I actually agree with all your points about the Boardwalk. To me it is the prime location at WDW. Here is my problem:

For the 14 nights we are going in December with FD a Deluxe Studio (cheapest room at BWI) would cost us about $3,500 more than a Business Class room (Premier room at CSR) at CSR. And we are comparing the most expensive room at CSR to the cheapest room at any of the 3 Boardwalk resorts. We really like CSR, we use all the amenities. I also really like the Boardwalk area for all the reasons you listed.

But given how much we already enjoy CSR I can't reason that I would get $3,500 more enjoyment out of BWI. We can afford to stay Deluxe, but I'm not carefree enough with my money to come to that conclusion.

Thoughts?

 

[SirDuff]

No, actually that doesn't change the answer to question asked.

Actually, yes it does. If I'm not using a given amenity, having it there gives me no "bang", so I'm wasting my "buck". The question asked was about the best value - one doesn't count in things that one won't use when determining value.

A vegan, for example, is not going to get anything out of a restaurant that sells only meat - no matter how cheap that restaurant is selling the meat for. For them, any restaurant serving vegan food is always going to be value for them. At the "meat buffet" they are just throwing away their money.

 

[amg35]

I voted Beach Club because that's where we are staying and I must believe it to be true.

Also, the walk to Epcot just can't be beat. And the walk back to the hotel after a night of food/wine at Epcot is priceless.

 

[saskdw]

Actually, yes it does. If I'm not using a given amenity, having it there gives me no "bang", so I'm wasting my "buck". The question asked was about the best value - one doesn't count in things that one won't use when determining value.

A vegan, for example, is not going to get anything out of a restaurant that sells only meat - no matter how cheap that restaurant is selling the meat for. For them, any restaurant serving vegan food is always going to be value for them. At the "meat buffet" they are just throwing away their money.

Again....the question was not what is your favorite resort.

 

[SirDuff]

Again....the question was not what is your favorite resort.

Again…I know that. It was value for money - if I'm not using something it is not giving me value for my money. We'll just have to agree to disagree - if you are happy thinking that you are getting value for something you aren't using, that's fine. I'll consider what amenities I will use when I consider how much value something is.

In fact, my favourite resort isn't necessarily the one that I think is actually the best value for my money. In terms of actual amenities that I'd use, there are some resorts that are good value. However, the theming/ambience is not my favourite and I'm willing to pay more for the atmosphere (which I know doesn't actually give me value for my money).

 

[saskdw]

Again…I know that. It was value for money - if I'm not using something it is not giving me value for my money. We'll just have to agree to disagree - if you are happy thinking that you are getting value for something you aren't using, that's fine. I'll consider what amenities I will use when I consider how much value something is.

In fact, my favourite resort isn't necessarily the one that I think is actually the best value for my money. In terms of actual amenities that I'd use, there are some resorts that are good value. However, the theming/ambience is not my favourite and I'm willing to pay more for the atmosphere (which I know doesn't actually give me value for my money).

So what did you vote for and why?

 

[chocovrdmicears]

Rack Rate best bang for the buck - POP.

I love Deluxes - but as we have been reminded several times in this thread - the question isn't about what we love. Reality - no way is a Deluxe worth the Disney rack rate prices in terms of *value* in my eyes.

 

[NYDisGuy]

I actually agree with all your points about the Boardwalk. To me it is the prime location at WDW. Here is my problem:

For the 14 nights we are going in December with FD a Deluxe Studio (cheapest room at BWI) would cost us about $3,500 more than a Business Class room (Premier room at CSR) at CSR. And we are comparing the most expensive room at CSR to the cheapest room at any of the 3 Boardwalk resorts. We really like CSR, we use all the amenities. I also really like the Boardwalk area for all the reasons you listed.

But given how much we already enjoy CSR I can't reason that I would get $3,500 more enjoyment out of BWI. We can afford to stay Deluxe, but I'm not carefree enough with my money to come to that conclusion.

Thoughts?

I'm assuming you're talking about the king bed business class? Deluxe studio is in the villas, a standard room at the BWI will run you 392 rack vs 268 for CSR business class in August. In my opinion the 130 a night is worth it for the convenience alone. The food options, bars, nightlife, location etc is definitely worth it. And you rarely have to worry about transportation.

 

[saskdw]

I'm assuming you're talking about the king bed business class? Deluxe studio is in the villas, a standard room at the BWI will run you 392 rack vs 268 for CSR business class in August. In my opinion the 130 a night is worth it for the convenience alone. The food options, bars, nightlife, location etc is definitely worth it. And you rarely have to worry about transportation.

Standard Business Class. I'm going by the WDW website for our dates in December (12th-26th). Keep in mind the first week of our stay is "peak" rates and the second half is "holiday" rates. I said Deluxe Studio because it appeared to be the cheapest room at any of the 3 resorts or villas. For those dates the difference is about $3500, for 14 nights thats $250 a night. Those are the dates we always go so I have to use those numbers.

 

[asmit4]

Pardon my stupidity but what makes CSR 'a moderate with duluxish' stuff?

What does it offer that other mods don't?

 

[vikster1]

Pardon my stupidity but what makes CSR 'a moderate with duluxish' stuff?

What does it offer that other mods don't?

CSR has a gym/spa services and business class. The other mods don't offer that.

 

[Sue M]

I would never pay rack rate at any resort. But for value I'd have to say either of the POR resorts.
Beautiful grounds
Queen beds
Boat to DTD
Horse & carriage rides
Evening entertainment in the lounge
Cane fishing

I feel this resort had a little extra to offer, and love the whole atmosphere. When I'm not staying at a deluxe these are my go to resorts.

It's really subjective on which has the most bang, and there isn't any one right answer. It's what you are looking for in a resort.

 

[saskdw]

Pardon my stupidity but what makes CSR 'a moderate with duluxish' stuff?

What does it offer that other mods don't?

Fitness Center, Spa, Salon, Sauna, lap pool, night club style lounge, outdoor lounge by lagoon, lounge by pool, Business Class option (club level light), largest and nicest pool of Mods (nicer than some Deluxe pools), longer water slide, largest hot tub on WDW property, 2 sit down restaurants......

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

I actually agree with all your points about the Boardwalk. To me it is the prime location at WDW. Here is my problem:

For the 14 nights we are going in December with FD a Deluxe Studio (cheapest room at BWI) would cost us about $3,500 more than a Business Class room (Premier room at CSR) at CSR. And we are comparing the most expensive room at CSR to the cheapest room at any of the 3 Boardwalk resorts. We really like CSR, we use all the amenities. I also really like the Boardwalk area for all the reasons you listed.

But given how much we already enjoy CSR I can't reason that I would get $3,500 more enjoyment out of BWI. We can afford to stay Deluxe, but I'm not carefree enough with my money to come to that conclusion.

Thoughts?

I think I am with you. As much as I love the IDEA of a deluxe resort, I far prefer the reality of being able to afford two yearly trips to Disney World rather than just one. $3500 is a week-long vacation including food for our family (at a moderate resort, that is). I love quality, but I have a hard time loving it $3500 worth. Especially when I can do almost everything there is to do at any of the deluxe resorts (with the exception of swimming in the pool) when I pay moderate or even value prices.

 

[KELLY]

Rack Rate best bang for the buck - POP.

I love Deluxes - but as we have been reminded several times in this thread - the question isn't about what we love. Reality - no way is a Deluxe worth the Disney rack rate prices in terms of *value* in my eyes.

I agree. I have stayed at all levels but there is a reason we have stayed at pop with FD for the last 6 years. Granted our trips are a lot longer than the average person. But even a moderate for our upcoming trip is 1200.00 more. Some how that dining don't seem so free anymore. Now if I was going to upgrade the dining than that may be a different deal.