Why Deluxe Resorts

[WaltD4Me]

Very well said!

We are not rich by any means. My DH is in the military and I am a SAHM. We live in one of the most expensive places in this country to live (Orange County, CA). We drive modest cars (Hondas), we live in an apartment (paid for by the government, thank goodness). We don't go to expensive restaurants often, we don't buy "label" clothes. We shop primarily at Costco and Target, etc.

When we go to Disney, we stay in a deluxe hotel, concierge. There is no other option for me, I'm afraid. When I am on VACATION, I want to feel pampered. I want to relax. I don't want to deal with long lines, stress, an endless waits. I want a comfortable bed. I want a large room. I want to feel like I am NOT at home.

When I look at the budget for our upcoming trip in May 2009, I think "I could buy a car for that much". BUT, the truth is, we are able to save the money to splurge PRECISELY because we live modestly. There are a million things I *could* do with the money, but I don't want expensive clothes, expensive cars, and nice dinners out. I want an AWESOME WDW vacation experience. So, that's what we choose.

We currently have 2 Garden View Concierge rooms booked for the Poly in May 2009 for 8 nights. You can figure out how much that is going to cost , BUT I have the next 14 months to save up the money, and I'll be able to do it easily.

Also excellent points.

I have a friend who often comments about my Disney trips, saying Disney is sooooooooooooooo expensive, how can I afford to go every year, sometimes twice a year?

Welllllllllllllllllllllllll, I don't buy Lancome and Clinque makeup like she does, I dye my own hair for $10, instead of shelling out $100 at a salon like she does. I shop TJ Maxx instead of Nordstrom's. ect, ect.... it's all about choices.

Know what? I really wish someone who camps at Fort Wilderness for the price of the $30 tent rental would post and beg people to explain how/why people afford to stay at a Value Resort!

 

[G8r4evr]

These posts always crack me up....

"How can people afford a deluxe?"

"Why would anyone pay that much for a deluxe?"...ect....

No offense to the OP, specifically, but I always wonder if people who ask these kinds of questions also drive around asking how/why does someone buy a Lexus when a Ford Taurus is so much cheaper? When shopping at the mall do they stop women carrying a Dooney & Burke or Coach purse and ask them why they just didn't buy a Liz Claiborne purse?

Everyone has their own perception of value, their own perception of what is worth paying for, ect...not just with Disney, but pretty much with everything in life. We all make choices about what is important/worth it.

We actually have the Poly booked for October (with the 40% off code) and I'm seriously thinking about switching to a moderate. Not because I don't think the Poly is worth it, but because with the money we would save by switching, we can do some other extras. Maybe the Pirate Cruise for the kids, a couple nicer sit-down/character meals, that kind of thing.

IMO, the difference is you can actually take that Dooney and Bourke or Lexus home with you and use it for years to come.

I cant justify paying the deluxe rates because once my trip is over, its over. I cant take the monorail home with me, nor can I take the toilet paper (legally) or interior corridors home. JMO of course. To each his own though. I dont sit around wondering why people pay the deluxe prices, but instead, I envy them, because I have yet to justify the cost to benefit ratio..and believe me, I really want to.

 

[Magalex]

I think someone pointed this out but the month/season would really determine if I stay value or even deluxe(haven't yet but saving). My DS 1st trip in 2005 was in April(cooler temps) we had a blast at POP(no problems). Now we go during the beginning of June. Like the values(food courts, themes) but for the summer season I don't like that the bus stop area is not under cover. If Disney added covers over the bus stops would it make it a moderate. Also add a frig(Holiday Inns have them). Also don't like that a lot of school groups are now taking over the values more then past years. Because we have to visit in June now I will try to avoid the values even tho I am interested in Music the cons outweigh the pros. I guess I just have to save more to survive June at WDW. We did have a great time at CBR this past June Looking forward to maybe staying at WL in 2009!

 

[MUFFYCAT]

IMO, the difference is you can actually take that Dooney and Bourke or Lexus home with you and use it for years to come.

I cant justify paying the deluxe rates because once my trip is over, its over. I cant take the monorail home with me, nor can I take the toilet paper (legally) or interior corridors home. JMO of course. To each his own though. I dont sit around wondering why people pay the deluxe prices, but instead, I envy them, because I have yet to justify the cost to benefit ratio..and believe me, I really want to.

To me the memories last more then any car, expensive bag etc..
When I think of my own childhood, the yearly vacations bring a bigger smile then thinking of what car, or expensive items my parents owned.

 

[G8r4evr]

To me the memories last more then any car, expensive bag etc..
When I think of my own childhood, the yearly vacations bring a bigger smile then thinking of what car, or expensive items my parents owned.

Absolutely, the memories do last forever. But for my family, we can create the very same memories at CBR as we would at CR or the GF.
Sure, a view of the castle would be nice...but I cant take it home with me, so I cant justify paying $1000+ more for a distant view of it....I reeely wish I could though


When I think back to my childhood vacations, we did always stay at the nicer hotels, but what I truly remember is the time I spent with my family, not the size or extravagance of the pool, whether or not we had inside corridors, or if the onsite restaurant was 2 or 4 stars.

 

[maxiesmom]

For me, location is the biggest draw of the deluxe resorts. I love being able to stroll to the MK (from the Contemporary), walk into the World Showcase (Beach Club), or watch Wishes from the beach (Poly).

Unfortunately, I do have a hard time justifying spending the kind of money they charge per night for what is really a hotel room. Pretty spiffy rooms on gorgeous property, but hotel rooms none the less. So I limit my deluxe resort stays to a few at a time, along with a few days at a different resort. Or rent points, which is much cheaper.

 

[joenan88]

i love the posts about the deluxe trips being 7-10000 dollars. We are flying continental first class from cleveland, staying at the contemporary for 6 days and have the deluxe dining plan and park hopper tickets. We are looking at 4-5 thousand for everything.

It is worth it every bit to me and makes the trip relaxing for me

The OP is 2 adults and 3 kids...I am also 2 adults and 3 kids and I am spending over $7200.00 for The CR in a MK view, Deluxe meal plan, park hoppers and airfare from NY..that $7200.00 does not include spending money or tips.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Absolutely, the memories do last forever. But for my family, we can create the very same memories at CBR as we would at CR or the GF.
Sure, a view of the castle would be nice...but I cant take it home with me, so I cant justify paying $1000+ more for a distant view of it....I reeely wish I could though


When I think back to my childhood vacations, we did always stay at the nicer hotels, but what I truly remember is the time I spent with my family, not the size or extravagance of the pool, whether or not we had inside corridors, or if the onsite restaurant was 2 or 4 stars.

With all due respect, I don't think you do experience the exact same memories at CBR and CR. Just like you wouldn't have the exact same memories staying off property or at CBR...again I'm sure many, many people don't understand spending the extra for CBR over an off property hotel.
Again, it's about perception and choices

And as for childhood trips, my parents took me on some wonderful childhood vacations and I most definitely remember them because of the time we spent together, but when I was in junior high we went to Disney and we stayed at the Poly and honestly I have to say, part of the reason I remember that trip so well and fondly was because we stayed at the Poly. I have vivid memories of the great time we had in the pool, I can still even remember the room, walking around the grounds with my dad, the excitement of walking out to the monorail in the mornings to go to the parks, ect... I'm sure I would still remember this trip fondly if we had stayed at a Holiday Inn too, but the Poly did add to the memories and experience for sure.

 

[jeanninepl]

The Poly is a huge part of my childhood memories. I just remember the fun my brothers and I had at the pool and on the beach playing volleyball. When we stayed at the CR two years ago we visited the Poly when we had dinner at Ohana. My mom actually started to cry when we walked the grounds.

Again, your family will remember their vacation whereever you stay because that is right for YOUR family. We have wonderful Poly memories from my childhood and I intend to create the same for my own kids. That is how I justify the cost.

 

[LSchrow]

i think it just boils down to 2 things:
~ i want to
~ i can

 

[kldmom2000]

I also feel the need to point out upon scanning through most of these posts is that people keep commenting on how expensive Disney hotels are.....

Yes, they are expensive... but have you looked at any other resorts to vacation in other than Disney?

I live close to Cape Cod. The majority of the hotels there are quite worn and aged and they are soooooooooooooooooooooo expensive in the summer.... crazy expensive! They cost as much (if not more) than the WL or AKL!!! Personally, I think the AKL and WL are FAR nicer and of course much more fun There is one on the Cape that is famous for their indoor pool/waterpark and we tried it one night going in with "Disney" standards since they were charging us about $275 OFF season....it was GROSS! Ewww! I will NEVER stay there again. The hotel needs a refurbishment very badly.... the pool was "ok" though it was so crowded you couldn't get a seat let alone actually move in the pool! The rooms were just awful....

When checking prices for hotels in NH, same thing... hotels that are not that "nice" and they are charging more than a Disney moderate or less expensive Disney Deluxe?!?!?!?

So-my point is, comparitively speaking, Disney Deluxe hotels are a great deal if you're trying to decide whether to vacation in NH, Cape Cod, or Disney!!! You definitely DO get your $$$'s worth IMO!

Of course again, I stand by my original post on page 1 in that I NEVER pay rack rate... I always use the AAA discount, free dining, or another code to save $$$$.... I will only stay Deluxe (and if DH has his way, only the YC or BC )

 

[livie1205]

The OP is 2 adults and 3 kids...I am also 2 adults and 3 kids and I am spending over $7200.00 for The CR in a MK view, Deluxe meal plan, park hoppers and airfare from NY..that $7200.00 does not include spending money or tips.

we are also 2 adults 3 kids
to stay deluxe does not mean you have to stay at poly and have a mk view, we are staying at AKL CLUB LEVEL (could have got poly gv for same cost) and AKL is a great deluxe resort....we are staying 5 nights,tix, and ddp for a total of 1800.00.This does not include any airfair because we drive.There are ways for people to stay at a wdw deluxe resort without spending 4,5 or 6,000 you have to look for deals and do alot of planning...but that is why people come to sites like this one.look for codes,stay value season ect...i could have got poly for same price garden view room (and prob upgraded to mk view) but i chose AKL so i could do club level as a treat.I have stayed at poly,gf,CR and AKL and AKL is my #1 and it just happens to be the cheapest to stay at....

 

[LilGMom]

Our first resort stay was at a moderate and we loved the theming, amenities and CS areas and quickly got spoiled. Then we made the mistake of staying at WL and it was all over for the moderates.

For us the resort is a big part of the overall feeling of the vacation. We have always traveled during the off season or as far off as we can, look for either FL resident or AP discounts on the rooms and drive from NW FL to WDW. The most we ever intentionally paid for a room was $175ish (with tax). I say intentionally because we switched to WL after having a very bad experience at one of the moderates that was not being fixed to our satisfacation and we ended up checking into WL during peak season - had it been the day before it would have been value season and this was also when the price that you checked in on was the price you paid for your entire stay. We also love the rooms opening into an interior hall, the restaurants, and with WL the proximity to MK. We'll be staying at AKL in May for a week for under $1200 so it doesn't have to run $5000 and up to stay at a deluxe for a week.

Like a PP said when you price out hotels in other touristy type areas they aren't really that much more expensive. I live in a beach touristy area and the hotels on the beaches can run $200 and up and there is no theme park to go to... just sand and water and they aren't nearly as nice.

All personal preference. If we were going to stress about how much our hotel was costing us we'd pick something more economical or not go.

 

[time4Mickey]

We don't spend alot of money on entertainment throughout the year. So I don't worry as much about what I spend. We go to DW about every 2 years(would go more often if my husband would let me). I have stayed at moderates, loved POR. Once we had little children we opted for a deluxe. That way we could take breaks in the middle of the day easier. We loved the Poly and WL. We spent more time at the resorts and relaxed. I consider the time spent on the buses that we could be at the parks. I just don't want to spend an hour a day on a bus or in line. We will be checking out the value suites on our next trip for the first night. Who knows maybe we will love it there.

 

[G8r4evr]

With all due respect, I don't think you do experience the exact same memories at CBR and CR. Just like you wouldn't have the exact same memories staying off property or at CBR...again I'm sure many, many people don't understand spending the extra for CBR over an off property hotel.
Again, it's about perception and choices

And as for childhood trips, my parents took me on some wonderful childhood vacations and I most definitely remember them because of the time we spent together, but when I was in junior high we went to Disney and we stayed at the Poly and honestly I have to say, part of the reason I remember that trip so well and fondly was because we stayed at the Poly. I have vivid memories of the great time we had in the pool, I can still even remember the room, walking around the grounds with my dad, the excitement of walking out to the monorail in the mornings to go to the parks, ect... I'm sure I would still remember this trip fondly if we had stayed at a Holiday Inn too, but the Poly did add to the memories and experience for sure.

No disrespect taken No, you do not have the exact same experience at the Poly as you would at CBR, but that doesnt make it any less special. I dont feel like I was deprived by not staying at the Poly or CR and we were able to create amazing memories when we stayed offsite as well. I guess for me, its all about the company, as opposed to what hotel I wake up in.

 

[ak1024]

We used to stay at mostly moderate resorts and at a value a couple of times. I didn't think the resort mattered at all. That changed after our first stay at a deluxe which was AKL. I was in love with the bigger room, queen size beds, larger bathroom, balcony, the pool and valet parking. Since then we have tried the Wilderness Lodge and the Polynesian along with more stays at AKL. Honestly, I have a great time at Disney anywhere I stay but after many, many trips, I am looking for more than a place to sleep. We enjoy the pools, recreational offerings and the all around resort as much as the parks. We bought into DVC a couple of weeks ago because we decided that we always want that type of vacation in the future.

It is like others have said, it is all based on what you want and what your family enjoys. I have so many Disney memories and for me the resorts are a big part of them.

 

[joenan88]

Quote:
Originally Posted by joenan88
The OP is 2 adults and 3 kids...I am also 2 adults and 3 kids and I am spending over $7200.00 for The CR in a MK view, Deluxe meal plan, park hoppers and airfare from NY..that $7200.00 does not include spending money or tips.

we are also 2 adults 3 kids
to stay deluxe does not mean you have to stay at poly and have a mk view, we are staying at AKL CLUB LEVEL (could have got poly gv for same cost) and AKL is a great deluxe resort....we are staying 5 nights,tix, and ddp for a total of 1800.00.This does not include any airfair because we drive.There are ways for people to stay at a wdw deluxe resort without spending 4,5 or 6,000 you have to look for deals and do alot of planning...but that is why people come to sites like this one.look for codes,stay value season ect...i could have got poly for same price garden view room (and prob upgraded to mk view) but i chose AKL so i could do club level as a treat.I have stayed at poly,gf,CR and AKL and AKL is my #1 and it just happens to be the cheapest to stay at....

I was responding to a poster who stated that the OP was ridiculous to think that a deluxe vacation was going to cost $7000-$10,000..the poster was traveling as two adults and I was pointing out that if you travel with a family of five it can cost that much..I wasn't complaining..I was simply pointing out that a vacation can cost that much...you took my quote out of context...read the whole text before dissecting it!

 

[marivaid]

we are staying at AKL CLUB LEVEL (could have got poly gv for same cost) and AKL is a great deluxe resort....we are staying 5 nights,tix, and ddp for a total of 1800.00.

You got an amazing deal !!
So you're only paying, what, $200 a night for Club Level ?
May I ask how you got such a great rate ? $200 a night (with tax) is what we paid for a Standard room with AP discount back in October.

 

[livie1205]

I was responding to a poster who stated that the OP was ridiculous to think that a deluxe vacation was going to cost $7000-$10,000..the poster was traveling as two adults and I was pointing out that if you travel with a family of five it can cost that much..I wasn't complaining..I was simply pointing out that a vacation can cost that much...you took my quote out of context...read the whole text before dissecting it!

i was NOT saying anything against YOU ...i only used the quote because i was showing i was also talking about 2 adults and 3 kids also...I dont know you therefor I dont care about dissecting anything...sorry you took it that way...ANYWAY to the next poster yes I got a great deal 201.00 a night for club level in december...I cant wait!

 

[luvthemouse71]

In September, I'll be at the Polynesian Resort..this is my first stay in a deluxe and I'm very excited. I love that the monorail is there, the theming is cool and I've heard the customer service is great.

I usually stay in moderates(POR and POFQ) but I had my Dad pick the resort. I deliberately left off the categories so he wouldn't feel obligated to pick something cheap(I'm treating him)and he picked the Poly... Guess I know now where I get my expensive tastes! It's about $4000 for the 2 of us for a 7-8 day stay with hopper passes and dining plan. I think it'll be worth it though.

I honestly would find it difficult to stay in a value at this point. I'm hoping the Poly won't turn me into a deluxe snob but who knows....