I know I'm entering delicate territory here, but when I look at the prices of the different resorts, I can't for the life of me understand why anyone would pay $300-$500 or more a night for some resorts! I'll preface by saying that I'm a budget-conscious mom---or you may even say cheap. I shop sales and discounts, cut coupons, and watch what I spend. That being said, we have been to Disney four times in seven years, so we're not against spending money on vacations! We've always stayed at a Value resort until the last time when we stayed at POFQ and loved it! We'll go back there in a heartbeat. So I spend less than $200 at POFQ for a lovely room, great service, fun pool, beautiful grounds, etc. Or I could spend $400 and stay at a Deluxe. Why???? Some of the arguments I've heard are.... Indoor corridors -- does that really matter? Better transportation -- never had an issue with buses at any of the resorts we've stayed. And we've never had a car. Nicer rooms -- thought POFQ room was lovely! Closer proximity to MK -- when we go we visit all the parks, so don't care if we're closer to one. Again, never an issue with transportation. Beautiful lobby/grounds/views/etc. -- Can get all that just by visiting! I guess if we were going to spend our whole vacation hanging out at the resort, we might be more worried about it. But we're there to visit the parks! Yes, we'll take breaks, swim in the pool, eat in the food court. But our rooms are basically places to sleep, shower, dress, and go. Unless money really were no object at all--which I can't imagine is the case for the vast majority of families--I can't justify spending the ridiculous amounts of money on the resorts. For that price, they should be throwing in breakfast (and lunch and dinner!) and providing me a private driver to get me where I want to go! Not to mention laundry services and a turn-down each night! So let me hear it! How do you justify spending that kind of money on a room? Do you spend all your time there? Is it just to say "been there, done that'? Is the difference really worth twice the cost? I'm honestly curious about this...
"But our rooms are basically places to sleep, shower, dress, and go."
We don't travel like this to Disney anymore. We used to go morning til closing, although taking a pool break for the kids. We found this exhausting!
We've taken many trips to Disney. Now, we like to take everything in..We go early in the a.m. Come back, take a rest, swim, spend time at the resort. Have a cocktail on our balcony.
We also like to stay at the Epcot resorts. Dinner in Epcot every night means just walking thru the International Gateway. We can also walk to DHS or take the boat. I love that. Now, I can't do much of the walking, so I'm trying it ECV style this time
Everyone has different ways of traveling.
That doesn't mean I'm not a coupon cutter, a sale ad shopper, & a discount I shall not miss.
When I ask my DH where he wants to go-It's Disney. When I ask him which hotel-he says by Epcot-kids too! I personally love GF!!
Yes, you can save a lot of money staying at a Mod or a Value, but your justification for not doing it is as strong as ours for making that choice. To me, that's one of the best things about Disney..There is something for everyone!
I love hearing ppl's trip reports..no matter where you stay, it's Disney! I personally could never stay off-site again!
I hope you enjoy your stay @ PoR..
I know I'm excited for my 1st stay @ BWI..