Why to care...inside corridor or outside door?

[PattnFmly]

I read all the time about people preferring a hotel with an "inside corridor" rather than an outside door. I get it if you are staying off the highway maybe not sure of the area and don't want someone jimmying open your door in the middle of the night, but at WDW? I just don't understand why either one would be preferable? Can anyone explain it to me? I figure if someone's gonna break in, they're gonna break in. The corridor isn't going to stop them. What am I missing?

 

[Colleen27]

For me, it isn't primarily a security issue. It would be, if I was staying some place along the turnpike on one of my just me and the kids road trips, but not at Disney. At Disney, I've just come to prefer inside corridors for better bad-weather access to the food court and other hotel amenities rather than for security reasons. That's been the biggest "spoiled by deluxes" factor for me now that we've stayed at the BC and WL, and even a multi-building deluxe has less appeal for me because I do like knowing that running out for food or mug refills doesn't require braving the elements. And I'm really glad I went with that impulse, because we've had some less-than-great weather this week that didn't impact our park plans, but would have made mug refills and hanging out in the lobby pretty unattractive if we were at another resort (we considered the Poly but settled on WL.

 

[KatMark]

I don't really lean either way when deciding on a resort. If I thought about all the times we have stayed in hotels with either an indoor or an outdoor corridor, I'd probably say I prefer the outdoor corridor as I can step outside for fresh air if I want it or to just look around (and not all indoor corridor hotels have balconies or patios with their rooms).

 

[Manda]

With a little one, I also worry about him managing to walk out the room door. If he's going to manage to sneak out the door while I'm in the shower or something (yes, I know there are locks), I feel better about him being locked into the hallway then just wandering out into the parking lot.

 

[MAKHayes-DisneyDiva]

To me, an inside corridor means that when I look out the window or open the curtain, someone won't walk past and see me. It is about privacy and enjoying the view. Last year, we paid for a water view room at CSR, which was dumb because it has an outdoor corridor. We couldn't open the drapes and look at the water without being on display to all who happened by.

 

[CampbellScot]

I suppose you are missing the differences between Deluxe resorts vs. Moderate and Value resorts. It's not just about an inside corridor...but as to that issue...I personally don't enjoy the "motel 6" feel of the outside door. I also do not like feeling like I'm in a fishbowl. I like being able to get food without having to make a mad dash through the rain or sweltering heat. I also feel more in control of my immediate environment when there is a buffer between my door and the outside world.

For my family, The Wilderness Lodge meets all my criteria for that "I'm on vacation" feeling!

 

[jwfla422]

I read all the time about people preferring a hotel with an "inside corridor" rather than an outside door. I get it if you are staying off the highway maybe not sure of the area and don't want someone jimmying open your door in the middle of the night, but at WDW? I just don't understand why either one would be preferable? Can anyone explain it to me? I figure if someone's gonna break in, they're gonna break in. The corridor isn't going to stop them. What am I missing?

I used to feel that way until we stayed at SSR. The hallways are outside corridors there however they are primarily covered and some areas in the buildings almost feel like they are interior corridors and are totally protected from any "weather". The corridors are well lit all night. I was a bit concerned staying on the first floor last trip but then felt more at ease because our room was set pretty far back in the building and the other side faced the pool. I also noticed security personnel driving around on golf carts.

It was so nice to not have to climb any steps or use the elevator especially when unloading. There was also very little hallway noise because of where our room was situated.

Never had any problems with people trying to get into any room we've ever stayed in at WDW in the middle of the night.

At SSR there are no windows on the catwalks so no one can look into your room. But at most of the moderates and values there will be a window by the door that passer-bys can look into if the drapes are open.

Even though no place is 100% secure I'd feel much safer knowing there is much more security at WDW. Not sure you can say this about the roadside motels.

 

[stellablue]

I don't mind an outdoor corridor at all, but I'd prefer the indoor corridor if I had my choice. I'm not sure why I prefer it-privacy maybe? I feel more hidden and "tucked in" with the indoor. If I want fresh air, I'd rather go out on a private balcony.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I prefer interior corridors just because it means you are more centrally located in the resort. I love resorts that are one building like WL, AKL, and the Swan/Dolphin. I am losing my desire to stay at moderates and values anymore because I am tired of always having a room in a seperate building that is a decent walk from the central part of ther resort. I hate feeling so disconnected off in the remote corners of the resort! I hate being near nothing - no food court/pool/ bus stop, which is usually the case (for me anyways) when I am in the mods and values.

I admit the interior corridors are a more "upscale" experience, which I enjoy and find are worth paying more for.

 

[Kaler131]

I prefer interior corridors just because it means you are more centrally located in the resort. I love resorts that are one building like WL, AKL, and the Swan/Dolphin. I am losing my desire to stay at moderates and values anymore because I am tired of always having a room in a seperate building that is a decent walk from the central part of ther resort. I hate feeling so disconnected off in the remote corners of the resort! I hate being near nothing - no food court/pool/ bus stop, which is usually the case (for me anyways) when I am in the mods and values.

I admit the interior corridors are a more "upscale" experience, which I enjoy and find are worth paying more for.

Good point!

 

[pearlieq]

I strongly prefer inside corridors, for the following reasons:

1.) Privacy. I don't have my only window facing a hallway.
2.) Shelter from weather.
3.) Bugs--no dodging bugs if I open my door.
4.) Security. Less proximity to passers-by and people wandering in.
5.) Noise. Interior corridors are usually more insulated from traffic, service carts, etc.
6.) "Motel 6 feel". Exterior corridors suggest a cheap, no-frills motel to me. I realize not everyone shares this impression--it's a personal preference for me.
7.) Light. Exterior lighting is usually very bright and can seep in through the peephole and cracks in the door. Interior lighting is usually more subdued.

 

[stellablue]

I strongly prefer inside corridors, for the following reasons:

1.) Privacy. I don't have my only window facing a hallway.
2.) Shelter from weather.
3.) Bugs--no dodging bugs if I open my door.
4.) Security. Less proximity to passers-by and people wandering in.
5.) Noise. Interior corridors are usually more insulated from traffic, service carts, etc.
6.) "Motel 6 feel". Exterior corridors suggest a cheap, no-frills motel to me. I realize not everyone shares this impression--it's a personal preference for me.
7.) Light. Exterior lighting is usually very bright and can seep in through the peephole and cracks in the door. Interior lighting is usually more subdued.

Yes to all of this!!
Exactly what I was thinking, but was having a brain fog in my earlier post!

 

[NMAmy]

To me, an inside corridor means that when I look out the window or open the curtain, someone won't walk past and see me. It is about privacy and enjoying the view. Last year, we paid for a water view room at CSR, which was dumb because it has an outdoor corridor. We couldn't open the drapes and look at the water without being on display to all who happened by.

I feel the same way. I also hate having to troop past all my neighbors using the outside corridor as a balcony.

 

[bdcp]

Indoor corridor hotels tend to be Hotels and not Motels. As someone else said, amenities are indoors. Interior corridors tend to be places that have room service and larger rooms. They are definitely quieter and more secure.

 

[PattnFmly]

Thanks for the replies. A few things I wouldn't have thought of. Guess personal vacation preference really plays in it. We do more camping than hotel-ing (except for at WDW) and when you step outside the trailer you are outside, so just more used to outside corridor type I guess.

 

[eliza61]

Just a personal preference. It just feels a bit more luxurious to me.

 

[PA Princess]

Well, just for an opposite opinion...we actually prefer outdoor corridors. I used to think I preferred the indoor, and it was a reason I always stayed deluxe. Then along came baby #4 and we needed 2 rooms and the cost of that in a deluxe for a week long trip in June was crazy, so we opted for a mod. No one was more suprised than us at how much we loved the mod and one of the reasons was the outdoor corridors - surprise!

I thought the outdoor corridors would give more of a motel feel, but I have never felt that way...isn't the same feel at all with your door feet from a parking lot. Even if you have a parking lot view, the hotels are so well themed that it feels more like a condo or apartment and not a motel.

The biggest reason I prefer the outdoor corridors is noise. Inside hallways are always so stinkin' noisy! The sound just seems to echo all around and nothing like an echo to attract kids to make noise. We have traveled with babies and nappers for most of our trips and it has been far more peaceful at the mods. Plus, it always stressed me out trying to keep my own kids quiet in those enclosed hallways. I never hear the noise outside in a mod - never.

I think the worst set up are the deluxe properties with the indoor corridors and the separate buildings! I really disliked this at the Polly! I do enjoy the hotel feel of all in one like the WL and it is nice to be able to reach all amenities without stepping outside.