Why I don't want to stay in a Value Resort!!!

[DW2010]

I'm seriously laughing at some of these comments. We stayed at POP and it did not seem like a super 8 at all to us. We are only at the resort to sleep, shower and swim.

 

[DW2010]

Wow, some of you folks sure seem like snobs! I can understand spending the extra money if you are on a honeymoon or some other real special event, but for a regular vacation with the kids, The room, which I am in pretty much just to sleep, is not worth the extra cash to me. But, again, I am the kind of person that believes you are on vacation to see and experience things, Every second spent at the hotel is time wasted. I can sit in a room reading and watching TV at home. Same thing on a Cruise ship. Give me the interior room. I don't need a balcony. Every second I am awake I will be up on deck anyway.

Funny you mention Super 8's. Just like any hotel, I have seen good and bad ones, but have stayed in plenty of nice Super 8's. I saw someone mention Hilton, I have stayed in several of those, and have been very disappointed with all of them. Overpriced Super 8's.

Any hotel on the Disney property is going to be great. None of them charge by the hour or anything crazy like that. Save the money and spoil yourself with other things on your vacation.

I completely agree with you. And if I had thousands to spend on a vacation, I would most likely pick someplace other than Disney.

 

[KrazeeK120]

Wow, some of you folks sure seem like snobs! I can understand spending the extra money if you are on a honeymoon or some other real special event, but for a regular vacation with the kids, The room, which I am in pretty much just to sleep, is not worth the extra cash to me. But, again, I am the kind of person that believes you are on vacation to see and experience things, Every second spent at the hotel is time wasted. I can sit in a room reading and watching TV at home. Same thing on a Cruise ship. Give me the interior room. I don't need a balcony. Every second I am awake I will be up on deck anyway.

Funny you mention Super 8's. Just like any hotel, I have seen good and bad ones, but have stayed in plenty of nice Super 8's. I saw someone mention Hilton, I have stayed in several of those, and have been very disappointed with all of them. Overpriced Super 8's.

Any hotel on the Disney property is going to be great. None of them charge by the hour or anything crazy like that. Save the money and spoil yourself with other things on your vacation.

I agree that some of the people on this board seem like snobs!!

I am kind of the opposite of you though, when it comes to how I do my vacation. I like to get to the parks when they open to catch the headliner rides, and enjoy nighttime shows like Wishes and Illuminations. However...I can't go all day (even 1 day) for 12 hours straight in a park (and I'm not even 30 and don't have kids yet...guess I better shape up soon!!! LOL). Anyway, my point is, I enjoy coming back to the resort for a few hours and sitting outside or on the balcony and just relaxing. Therefore, the deluxe resorts appeal to me because of their proximity to one or more of the parks. In addition, the theming of the values doesn't really appeal to me. I would consider staying there with children, however.

As you can see by my signature, I don't get to Disney often. I would prefer to go fewer times and stay in a nicer place. But that's just my preference. And maybe my attitude will change when I have little ones in tow. Only time will tell!

 

[Amy&Dan]

I totally agree with op. I don't think I would go to WDW if I couldn't afford deluxe. The resort is a BIG part of our vacation. We normally stay at Hiltons when we travel. I have stayed at Super 8's on road trips. Sometimes that's all that is available out in the middle of nowhere, but I certainely would not vacation at one of them. My biggest problem with the values is the size of the room. We stayed at WL and I thought those rooms were super small.

Its comments like these, that turn these type of threads into heated discussions that start to sound like class warfare. If you will only go to WDW if you can stay in a deluxe, that is fine for you. But do not assume that everyone that stays in a value only stays there because "thats all they can afford" anymore than I kid myself into thinking deluxe guests are all more well to do than those of us that stay in values or mods. There are many factors that play into resort choice and many ways people choose to spend their money and vacation.

For the record, those of us that have stayed at values know that Super 8's and values are not the same. Super 8's don't have themed pools, food courts, transportation to parks or local attractions, transportation to and from the airport, and lots of other amenities the values offer.

I wouldn't vacation at a Super 8 either, in fact in all my travels, I have stayed at exactly one. But I have logged probably a total of 50 nights at least at WDW values and they have a lot to offer. When Disney builds it, whether its a value or a deluxe, they take that lodging to a level that no other chain does.

 

[dspud]

I agree that some of the people on this board seem like snobs!!

I am kind of the opposite of you though, when it comes to how I do my vacation. I like to get to the parks when they open to catch the headliner rides, and enjoy nighttime shows like Wishes and Illuminations. However...I can't go all day (even 1 day) for 12 hours straight in a park (and I'm not even 30 and don't have kids yet...guess I better shape up soon!!! LOL). Anyway, my point is, I enjoy coming back to the resort for a few hours and sitting outside or on the balcony and just relaxing. Therefore, the deluxe resorts appeal to me because of their proximity to one or more of the parks. In addition, the theming of the values doesn't really appeal to me. I would consider staying there with children, however.

As you can see by my signature, I don't get to Disney often. I would prefer to go fewer times and stay in a nicer place. But that's just my preference. And maybe my attitude will change when I have little ones in tow. Only time will tell!

Ha ha, yeah seems like every year i lose a little more energy, and I will barely be 30 when I hit Disney in June! But, the wife and I are just those people that go on vacation, rest all year, just to prepare for next years vacation! The little ones slow us down, for sure, but thats ok! We still have a great time. I am sure I would love a deluxe or moderate resort, but at the end of the day, I always think, why am I paying so much more to sleep, or relax, here?

I am not bragging, but my wife and I are very comfortable, enough so that I always pay for at least one niece or nephew to go on vacation with us. I guess I can stop taking them and upgrade to a better resort, but I love taking family members that otherwise would never have a chance to take a disney vacation (or any other vacation for that matter) to someplace special. (they are also a great little helper with my young daughter!) When I saw the comment from the other poster that said they wouldn't stay anywhere but a Deluxe resort, I just thought, wow, are they out of touch with the world we live in.... I know plenty of people that would probably stay in a cardboard box in the parking lot to spend a week at Disney World.

 

[jebobak]

I guess for me, it would come down to why I was going to Disney World to begin with...

Am I going because I enjoy Disney...the parks, the atmosphere, the experiences, the rides? If so, and you are worried about your budget, then stay at the Values. They are great places to sleep between visits to the parks, and you still get the deluxe hospitality, nice pools, etc. (definitely nowhere near a 'Motel 8' experience).

Or, am I going because I want a deluxe stay away from home, and the Disney stuff is just a bonus? If this is the case, then pay up for a deluxe and enjoy the resort.

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

We're strictly deluxe (and mostly CL). I've even tried to book a mod, but I just couldn't do it.

That being said, I intend to try AoA as part of a split-stay during its first year or so, but that's because I know the kids would like it (and I am bound and determined to experience all WDW hotels!). If you're just staying so you'll save money, you may end up resenting it.

I'm also really interested in the Royal Rooms...may have to split-stay those, too!

 

[bnk1120]

Go ahead and flame me, i love the deluxes! I enjoy spending a lot of time at the resort and am not a park commando. I have stayed at Pop 2x And really liked it. I thought the grounds, food court and busses were great. I loved the overall feel of the resort- very Disney. So much fun. I look forward to staying at the new AoA. But it will be a split stay with a deluxe for the 2nd part of the trip.

 

[jujube]

I say to each his/her own. When traveling, it's beat to keep an open mind. You miss a lot if you think something is beneath you. I have many friends who think Disney World is Hickville and would not be caught dead at the parks but we love it.

We've stayed at the mods and deluxe resorts. At the deluxe resorts we've always stayed club level. That said, we've only really had 2 great deluxe stays- the Grand Floridian Royal Palm Court and the Boardwalk Inn Innkeeper's Club. It's only at this level that Disney even approaches a true deluxe resort. The stays those 2 times were fun but not so much fun that I feel like I need to do it again.
Our hands down favorite Disney resort though is a mod, Coronado Springs. We haven't stayed in a value resort yet but we might one day. The AoA looks pretty interesting.
We're DVC members at the BWV but on weekends we often stay offsite-Swan/ Dolphin/Universal onsite resorts to save pts. One of those weekends, maybe in the Fall, we might give the AoA a try.

 

[sseem76]

It is people like the ones who started this thread and commented on it that I just dont like. They walk around with their noses in the air. Just cause you can spend $1300 more for a week. Dont put down the value resorts. I have stayed at ASMU all three times we have been down there. There is NO WAY that the value resorts are on the level of a super 8. They are GREAT resorts. It is just a place to sleep. You all are just messed up. It is Disney and it feels like Disney at the value resorts. Do me a favor people. GROW UP.

 

[fla4fun]

No one will ever know for sure who is staying at a value because that is all they can afford and who is staying at a value because they like it so much that although they can afford deluxe, they stay value. And it doesn't really matter! I've stayed at all levels of resort and had great trips at all of them. I book my resort based on what I want to get out of that particular trip. Some trips I want the ability to walk to a park, so that usually means deluxe. Sometimes I want to be a little farther away from the action, so that means mod or value. Sometimes I'm squeezing in an extra weekend trip because I worked a little OT at work, so that means stretching the cash at a value. Sometimes I need a little spoiling and want that great balcony view to relieve the stress of daily life, again, that usually means deluxe. In September, since it's the peak of hurricane season, I want to be able to prepare food in my room, should the worst happen and a storm comes through. That means DVC. I don't think of one level of resort as being better - I think of what is better for my needs on that particular trip. As much as I love FW, I wouldn't stay there in September because they evacuate during hurricanes. I wouldn't stay at AKL in December, because I spend 90% of my time at Epcot and DHS doing holiday things - it wouldn't be as convenient. I wouldn't stay at any resort with separate buildings during the summer rainy season, but I would during the fall and spring when the temps are lower and it's drier.

I've never felt less of a person when I stayed value, or more of a person when I stayed deluxe. They are all Disney resorts. It's OK to want to stay at a particular level because you prefer the amenities of that level - I know a lot of people who really love having a balcony, or the convenience of walking to a park, or want a hot tub to relax in after a long day of touring. It doesn't make you a bad person to like to vacation in the best way for your family. It's just that what works for your family doesn't work for everyone else the same way, so no one should judge what another family chooses to do on their vacation, especially where they stay.

 

[pgianna]

One thing i persomally prefer is having interior hallways.. For me that pretty much excludes the values and mods. That is my preference and I am willing to pay more for that and other amenities. But I must admit when I hear when people say its only a place to sleep, I just dont get that attitude, . But to each his own I guess.

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

Its comments like these, that turn these type of threads into heated discussions that start to sound like class warfare. If you will only go to WDW if you can stay in a deluxe, that is fine for you. But do not assume that everyone that stays in a value only stays there because "thats all they can afford" anymore than I kid myself into thinking deluxe guests are all more well to do than those of us that stay in values or mods. There are many factors that play into resort choice and many ways people choose to spend their money and vacation.

For the record, those of us that have stayed at values know that Super 8's and values are not the same. Super 8's don't have themed pools, food courts, transportation to parks or local attractions, transportation to and from the airport, and lots of other amenities the values offer.

I wouldn't vacation at a Super 8 either, in fact in all my travels, I have stayed at exactly one. But I have logged probably a total of 50 nights at least at WDW values and they have a lot to offer. When Disney builds it, whether its a value or a deluxe, they take that lodging to a level that no other chain does.

Great post

I find it interesting when threads like this about the value resorts come up. I also find it interesting when assumptions are made and perpetuated about things when someone hasn't experienced it for themselves. I can understand the theming, decor, and small room size at the value resorts (with the exception of the family suites) not being everyone's cup of tea; but I certainly wouldn't describe them as "concrete jungles" or a Motel 6. The photo advertisements that you will often see of the Disney value resorts in travel brochures and other memorabilia can be a bit deceiving because they will primarily show pictures of the buildings which I guess is to display the detail of the theming; but there is landscaping, trees, lush foliage, and nicely manicured courtyards at the value resorts; and Pop has a nice lake. I can also understand some people being reserved about staying at the All Star resorts during times when they are hosting large youth groups or teams; but while we were at All Star Music we were delighted by how quiet the resort seemed, the beautiful landscaping, the cleanliness of the resort grounds and facilities, how efficient the food court was run, and we had a good experience with the bus service too.

 

[Mousemommy1]

It really all comes down to different strokes for different folks. Every puts different values on different things, so you can make a decision based on what's important to you. I tend to agree with the it's just a room idea when it comes to Disney. Because, as I've stated before, the value rooms are clean and comfortable to sleep in...so yeah, at Disney that's all we typically need as we are in the parks from open to close, and the only time we are at the resort, our eyes are closed...why pay all the extra money for that???
The reason we are doing deluxe this trip is that its our 10 yr anniversary. it's summer in Florida (which we don't usually do), so this time, we are putting value in having more amenities in our resort because we plan on spending more time there.

Don't get me wrong..in the real world, just a place to sleep might take on a different meaning....I'm not staying at some roach motel in NYC b/c I'm gonna be out sightseeing all day....let's be honest, taking that gamble is far worse than staying value at Disney.

But, let's be honest....and I am the biggest Disney fan out there, but people....we are choosing to spend our vacations at an amusement park
Surrounded by grown people in costumes...I'm not knocking it, I obviously LOVE it....but translated again to the real world....MANY people feel that a Disney vacation is a waste of time and money (value or not).

We could afford deluxe every trip if we wanted, but we normally chose otherwise...not because it's better or worse, but because we are only paying for what we need, and not a bunch of extras that we are not going to use. That's how we live our daily life, and that's how we vacation at Disney. (except this time )

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

I am not sure what you mean by catching a bus to catch a bus. At all of the mods except PoFQ (which only has one bus stop), you just head to the bus stop closest to your room and get on the park bus you need. You may have a few stops within the resort before heading out to the park, but you don't catch a separate bus to then go to another stop for the park busses.

At first I wasn't sure what they meant by this either but what came to my mind was perhaps they were referring to the Fort Wilderness resort where there is both an internal bus system and a park bus system. Just my guess

 

[karice2]

I haven't ever stayed at a value but for me it is all about interior hallways. I like having them and at Disney, the deluxes have them. That is where I stay.

I also don't like sleeping on smallish beds. At home, I am in a king alone so it is really uncomfortable for me to sleep in a double or a queen. I have to do a queen when I come down with my mom but I don't really like it.

The values are very cool to look at but since I am mostly solo, I enjoy the more adult vibe of the deluxe resorts.

 

[pooh2001]

Values - I would think there are 2 reasons to stay there.

#1 PRICE - hey you want to be in the WDW transportation loop, able to send packages back to your resort, use EMH's, and charge to your room key, but you can not afford the moderate or deluxe resort prices - THEN value resorts are a nice option

#2 SLEEP - you are in the parks all day, you do not care what the pool looks like, you eat in the parks, you only need a place to sleep and shower. Why pay for amenities at a moderate or deluxe resort if you plan on not using them. THEN value resorts are a nice option.


Reason why not to use a value resort:
#1 SPACE & ROOM/RESORT DESIGN - you are not 2 people, or you are not 2 people with kids under 5 years old, you need more than 3 small drawers to hold your clothes, you want better bus service, you want a balcony, you want a TS at your resort, you want a pool with a slide, you want a spa or hot tub, you do not want to pay for a mini-fridge, or you will spend more than 8 hours in the resort room.

 

[goofy4tink]

I own DVC at both BLT and BWV. I have stayed at....CR, Polynesian, OKW, BCV, VWL, Kidani, Jambo House, POR (DxLs as well), ASMu, Pop, Swan, Dolphin...I have a pretty good idea what each resort has to offer.
Having said this....I love Pop. I stay there whenever I get a great deal or run out of DVC points to use...happens sometimes!!!!

Concrete jungles?? Hardly. These value resorts are fun, bright, full of excitement. I love my Pop stays.
Interior vs exterior??? Well...I do have to say that I actually feel safer when walking to my room at Pop than some rooms at DVC resorts. If you've ever had a room that is distant from the elevators you know what I mean. It can be a bit spooky later at night walking down those endless hallways!!!

And beds?? I use a king bed when at home. I have little to no trouble using a double or a queen at WDW. Our family seldoms shares a bed anywhere due to tallness.....we each like to have our own sleeping space. When the three of us travel together, if there are just two beds, dd and I share. I'm 5'8'' and she's 5'11''...dh is just a bit over 6'4''. So not tiny people. But even if we share a double bed it's not a huge deal. Or we bring an aero bed with us and use that.

There are times when I want a value resort. Other times I want my DVC villa!!! I have yet to feel like a second-class citizen when staying at a value. Well....when I'm there. Posting on these boards??? Yeah, there does seem to be that mentality. And I can well afford to stay deluxe....I choose otherwise.

 

[lurkernj]

We can afford to stay deluxe, but choose not to. It's hard to justify the cost difference when we aren't at the resort all that much to begin with.

We've stayed at Pop and absolutely loved it and wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. Loved the buses, food court, and larger than life atmosphere. I will definitely be staying at AoA one of these days too. If we weren't traveling with the in-laws this next trip, that's we're I'd be.

When traveling with the whole family (MIL/FIL too) like our next trip, it makes the most sense for us to stay moderate, so we'll be at POR, which we also enjoy.

If it's ever just DH and I, I would probably force myself to spend the extra on a deluxe since he enjoys a more relaxed pace on vacation and isn't such a disney nut like me, so I gotta make it more enticing for him.

 

[calismic]

Wow I jumped on this thread a bit late, but I must say I've never ever thought of the Values as a concrete jungle. I've stayed from Grand Floridian Club Level down to the All Stars and all have been fantastic. As many others have already stated in this thread, POP is absolutely the best and definitely gives that great Disney Vibe. My family generally chooses the hotel based on what type of vacation we are looking for. If we know we're going to be spending little time at the resort, we choose Value. If we're looking for a more relaxed environment and we want to get to the parks and back quickly, we choose Deluxe. Both have excellent rooms, just some have more space than others, and the amenities are more within reach.

Let me add, I have never had a bad experience at POP, however my last stay in Bay Lake Towers was so horrible that I will never return. The CM's at POP are amazing, the rooms are spotless, they have my FAVORITE quick service, and the theming is so much fun! We checked into BLT weeks after it had opened and our rooms already had broken fixtures, the noise level was atrocious, CM's do they even exist here?!?