Litany of 2026 parks / resorts deals - is this unprecedented?

[easyrowrdw]

I sat in a DVC presentation last week for the $250 gift card. This was a massive selling point of their sales rep. I'm not saying there aren't incredibly smart people who buy into DVC and do their research, but there are also a ton of impulsive buyers who get in so they can 'save' staying at deluxe accomodations.

You almost certainly will save money using DVC vs rack or even discounted rates on deluxe rooms. You just have to be willing to pony up the cash and commit to Disney for a long time. The bigger rooms are a different question but it comes down to the point of comparison, what you’d do without DVC, and how you prefer to vacation.

For one and two bedrooms, there are certainly some extra perks in the rooms, but studios, which make up the majority of DVC rentals and availability, are little more than lightly-themed All Star rooms with better proximity to parks.

I would not describe them like that. Studios are larger than All Star rooms, have additional features in the rooms - including balconies - far more amenities at the resorts, and some have two bathrooms. And, yes, the proximity to the parks is better at most of the DVC resorts. They’re definitely not fancy rooms but lMO there is a noticeable difference between staying in a room at All Stars vs say Beach Club or Polynesian.

 

[Basil of Baker Street]

Who pays rack rates?

 

[bmr1591]

You almost certainly will save money using DVC vs rack or even discounted rates on deluxe rooms. You just have to be willing to pony up the cash and commit to Disney for a long time. The bigger rooms are a different question but it comes down to the point of comparison, what you’d do without DVC, and how you prefer to vacation.

I would not describe them like that. Studios are larger than All Star rooms, have additional features in the rooms - including balconies - far more amenities at the resorts, and some have two bathrooms. And, yes, the proximity to the parks is better at most of the DVC resorts. They’re definitely not fancy rooms but lMO there is a noticeable difference between staying in a room at All Stars vs say Beach Club or Polynesian.

I stayed at Poly for Marathon week in a studio and was thoroughly unimpressed. But I'm just looking for a place to lay my head.

 

[CoastalElite64]

The dollar continues to slip too. When does the great part begin exactly?

 

[easyrowrdw]

I stayed at Poly for Marathon week in a studio and was thoroughly unimpressed. But I'm just looking for a place to lay my head.

Right on. We feel differently about it. There's something for everyone at Disney.

 

[AidenRodriguez731]

In a nutshell:

5 nights at Universal Dockside (1/11-1/16)
4 day park tickets - USO, IOA, Epic
4 days of Express Pass

Two people: $2385

I'd like nothing more than to spend a week or two at WDW like we used to multiple times a year until 11/23 when our AP's expired. But it's become virtually impossible to enjoy with the increased level of cost sensitivity on a seemingly constant basis, everywhere you look. We can afford it, but the feeling that we are being shaken down at every turn has become overwhelming.

I don't see anything in the current special offerings for this coming summer that change my mind, because while it may be an overall few points discount on the cost, nothing there replaces any of the perks and benefits of years past.

In fact, I can't think of much that Universal has reduced or eliminated to the same level WDW has. If in fact they have, I suppose I haven't noticed because none of it has become a pinch point yet.

Just wanted point out that you can get 6 nights and 6 days at Disney with current deals for $2,200

 

[Laketravis]

Just wanted point out that you can get 6 nights and 6 days at Disney with current deals for $2,200

If I back out the 4 day Express Pass it comes to $1,585. And it sure was nice going during the cool weather and no rain.

But yeah, I see your point. Best I could do looking at a variety of Sunday to Saturday stays at All Star Sports with park hopper was $2330. Not too bad and probably don't need LL in the middle of July. My point wasn't focused solely on price.

 

[nickys]

Who pays rack rates?

International guests rarely get discounted room rates.
In the UK we get discounted tickets and free dining / dining vouchers, plus sometimes a gift card. That’s a typical year on year offer on packages, whether direct from Disney or via a UK travel agent.

So for us, the comparison was against the rack rates.

That said we bought for 2 reasons. Being able to stay onsite and privacy from the kids. When we realised we could afford the monthly loan cost we jumped at it.

 

[HauntedPirate]

For one and two bedrooms, there are certainly some extra perks in the rooms, but studios, which make up the majority of DVC rentals and availability, are little more than lightly-themed All Star rooms with better proximity to parks.

To describe DVC studio rooms as "...little more than lightly-themed All Star rooms..." is, quite frankly, stupid and uninformed. Never mind the fact that DVC studios are 100 sq ft larger than value rooms, as well.

 

[bmr1591]

To describe DVC studio rooms as "...little more than lightly-themed All Star rooms..." is, quite frankly, stupid and uninformed. Never mind the fact that DVC studios are 100 sq ft larger than value rooms, as well.

I mean, I literally stayed in both. It was nice having a walk in shower at the Poly, but they could have used that space for more room in the actual room and only had one bathroom and the room would have been better served.

 

[Horizons '83]

I mean, I literally stayed in both. It was nice having a walk in shower at the Poly, but they could have used that space for more room in the actual room and only had one bathroom and the room would have been better served.

I've stayed at All-Stars... its worth about 99 bucks a night. One added perk of staying there however is that you get to know your neighbors through the walls pretty well.

 

[bmr1591]

I've stayed at All-Stars... its worth about 99 bucks a night. One added perk of staying there however is that you get to know your neighbors through the walls pretty well.

Never had that issue in all my years there, but everyone’s experience is different.

 

[dlfan1313]

Who pays rack rates?

Everyone. Disney runs it's resorts on scambased pricing models. The "discount" rate is the rack rate.

 

[easyrowrdw]

I mean, I literally stayed in both. It was nice having a walk in shower at the Poly, but they could have used that space for more room in the actual room and only had one bathroom and the room would have been better served.

With a spouse and multiple children, the second shower and sink have been invaluable. We definitely miss it when we're staying elsewhere. When I'm traveling solo or without kids I certainly don't need it though.

Never had that issue in all my years there, but everyone’s experience is different.

I haven't either. I stayed a couple days at Sports over Christmas, for instance, and didn't have any issues.

 

[Horizons '83]

Never had that issue in all my years there, but everyone’s experience is different.

True, I also don't get the love for the Poly as a whole (for the price), but I understand that there are a number of people who see that resort as their favorite.

 

[JD80]

Everyone. Disney runs it's resorts on scambased pricing models. The "discount" rate is the rack rate.

I think you need a new hobby.

 

[Laketravis]

True, I also don't get the love for the Poly as a whole (for the price), but I understand that there are a number of people who see that resort as their favorite.

Stayed at the Poly on our first trip to WDW in 1972, I think our dad paid $26 a night. As kids, both my brother and I wished we were staying at the Contemporary. Fast forward 38 years and I booked a week at the Contemporary for my son's first trip. Main Tower, theme park view. Now it's both our favorite although I'd never pay the current rates to stay there again.

 

[HauntedPirate]

I mean, I literally stayed in both. It was nice having a walk in shower at the Poly, but they could have used that space for more room in the actual room and only had one bathroom and the room would have been better served.

Wow. You stayed in one DVC studio. Congrats. I’ve been a DVC owner for 20 years, and have stayed in nearly every resort on property over the course of my life. And you think this:

is “lightly-themed” and comparable to this:

Thanks for confirming what I already said.

So you’d rather stay at Port Orleans or Coronado? Better “value” and “theming” there?

 

[dlfan1313]

I think you need a new hobby.

My hobby is bringing truth to the people.

 

[bmr1591]

Wow. You stayed in one DVC studio. Congrats. I’ve been a DVC owner for 20 years, and have stayed in nearly every resort on property over the course of my life. And you think this:

View attachment 904520

is “lightly-themed” and comparable to this:

View attachment 904521

Thanks for confirming what I already said.

So you’d rather stay at Port Orleans or Coronado? Better “value” and “theming” there?

I see two beds that are the same size, a little extra room between them and the television (but not much), and carpet. The biggest difference is the walkout to the balcony, which I'll readily admit is very nice. Other than that, just a bit more themed (and not great theming since they took away the whimsy and went more sterile). Also, I've stayed at plenty of DVC studios. They're all pretty similar.