Worth it to pay $600 more...

[mrsannb]

We're thinking of Caribbean Beach. We've been staying at value resorts, so I think we'll like it just fine.
For $600 more we could do Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge.
I'm thinking it's probably not worth it, but convince me one way or the other.

 

[mr.mike]

Although I haven't stay at the WL i would go for it. The rooms should be bigger and the theme of the resort is nice. But I would do for the easy boat access to the MK. I hate taking the bus.

 

[madalex]

If you are questioning the affordability, it will probably not be worth it to you.

 

[VAgal76]

Noticeable differences: CB is pretty spread out while WL & AKL are more compact. Deluxe has interior hallways and Queen size beds versus doubles at mod. Deluxe offers room service (if you do that sort of thing ). WL & AKL have the on-site kids clubs and signature dining restaurants. Activities for kids and adults at AKL are great (story telling around the firepit for example).

WL - direct boat service to MK.
AKL - direct bus service period. No sharing and no multiple stops.

How much time do you spend at your resort? If you answer is "just to shower, change and an ocassional nap" then save your money and enjoy CBR. No sense in paying that much extra if you won't be at the resort to enjoy the amenities and activities. However, if you're like us and tend to hang out at our resort as much as the parks then I'd say go for it.

 

[VAgal76]

If you are questioning the affordability, it will probably not be worth it to you.

I don't believe the poster is questioning if they can afford it, but more if it would be worth it for their situation. Granted OP didn't give much in details like if they kids and if they spend a lot of time at their resort or park.

 

[love~disney]

If you are going to spend a lot of time at the resort then it is worth it.

 

[G8r4evr]

Are you asking if WL or AKL is worht $600 more than CBR or the values? Also, how long is your trip and what room/views are you comparing?

 

[stacy6552]

Yes. I dont see the cost/benefit in upgrading from value to moderate. However, the jump to deluxe is worth every penny.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Well, for me its not worth it. I just had this same dilemma myself, then waited too long and could only get All Star Music lol! But I came to the decsion that if it was $600 more to stay at the Poly or CR over CBR then I would go with that. But the WL rooms are not that much if any bigger than CBR's and I love the tropical theming of CBR. We had nine wonderful nights there and its my favorite resort outside my DVC. To me its a theming thing, I live in Colorado, so that northwest woods theme feels too much like home! You can't make a wrong choice, the WL is lovely, close to the MK and I rarely hear anything but happy reviews of it. But CBR was wonderful and to me $600 is still $600 for rooms that aren't that much bigger. They do have queen beds and a balcony however, so if those are things that really matter to you then that $600 would be well spent. We are short so doubles are fine and the balcony thing isn't worth that much more for me. Good luck with your choice!

 

[mrsannb]

Sorry if I didn't give a lot of details, most of them are in my sig. We're going May 4-9 with all 3 kids (5,2, 4 months). We stay at the resort enough that we don't want a value. Queen beds would be a good thing.
WL or AKL would be about $600 more than a moderate. These are just the standard rooms.

 

[SeaSpray]

I think the $600 would be worth it, taking into consideration the ages of your children I think either the WL or AKL would be great; the WL is just a pleasant boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom which would make me choose it over the AKL, but the AKL even though it only has bus transportation, has very efficient buses! I've stayed at both and would definitely stay at them again.

I hope you have a great time, whichever you choose.

 

[srgibbs]

Go for it while you still have a 2yo. When the 2yo hits 3 you won't have that option to get a standard room at WL or anything even close to a standard price. It's a beautiful resort and with 3 small kids the boat to MK alone makes up for price.

 

[jeast]

I say yes. The moderates aren't much better than the values, to me. But the deluxes are very different. Definitely a different experience.

 

[kileybeth]

go deluxe while you can! with young kids the extra is so so worth it. Being near the MK is wonderful although I do love AKL. We can stay in neither with 4 kids. And soon even deluxe monorail resorts will be off limits for us (youngest turns 3 ) so enjoy now!

also the mods are so so spread out and lots of walking. (except POFQ which could be a good option)

And since AKL and WL are both a little less expensive yet still have deluxe amenities it is the best of both worlds!

 

[Troy08]

Going in May I would splurge the 600.00 and stay at the WL, considering the ages of your kids. If you going at a slower time of the year, or a cooler one, then the CBR would be fine. I have stayed at both and actually thought the rooms at CBR were larger, they aren;t really, they just felt that way.

The close proximity to the MK and the nice quiet relaxing boat ride to the Mk are all pluses.

 

[yankeepenny]

just think about the 600 dollars.

is money really important to you?
are you thrifty?
are you comfortable spending it , knowing you can get something for less?

do you not care about 600?

have you been planning a long time, and will it be a while before you go back?
will you and your partner be making the decision to spend the difference together?

 

[mrsannb]

Lots to consider here. My dh will probably end up making the decision.
It doesn't sound like we can go wrong though. WL would make some of the trip planning easier with the ADRs that I have. Off to check out the WL thread...

 

[mrsannb]

Wait...the pool is closed at CBR? That's not good for us!

 

[mpbs]

I think it's worth it! Ihave stayed at all 3 hotels, and there all very nice, but I do prefer the Deluxe. I like it that the rooms are larger, the pools are nicer (slides) and I like the option of eating at a full service restaurant. The value and moderate hotels were great when my sons were younger, but they are now teenagers and we need the extra room. The BWI and Poly rooms are huge. IMO if you can afford why not!

 

[mrsannb]

Ok, I think we've decided on a deluxe...just need a good price now...