1st time in a value...Should I be scared?

[DKampy]

I have stayed in most on site disney hotels. The only ones I have not visited yet is The Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Contemporary or any of the Value's. Our funds are limited this year, but my wife is determined to go. I'm sure it will be a cultured shock when compared to the other hotels. But will it really be all that horrible.

Also I was wondering of the value's which one should I try.

 

[Deadmanwalking]

I’ve noticed a rather odd logic from a good many poster on this subject. It appears that people claiming the value resorts are good because your not going to use them much anyways. As in you are simply going to sleep and swim at the hotel so why worry about it that much. Okay, I can accept that. But if you simply view a hotel as a place to sleep and swim, shouldn’t you look for the best place to sleep and swim?

The fact is the beds in the value resorts and even moderate resorts are not as good as what you find off-site for the same price (actually you can find equal beds for considerably less). The swimming is another item, if you really want to swim then I’m not sure the value resorts even come close to the off-site resorts. Not because they are bad pool, but because they are so crowded that you cant really swim in them.

A good many people visiting this forum are not die hard Disney fanatics, they are simply people looking for some reasonable guidance. To that end, some of the die hard fans might consider prefacing their responses with the fact that they put a considerable premium on being surrounded by Disney stuff 24 hours a day. I am willing to bet that some people can find just as much enjoyment by simply staying off-site and going to the parks each day as they could being surrounded by Disney 24/7.

I normally stay at the resorts for close connectivity to the parks. I’ve only stayed at values and moderates when doing so made it more economical for people we were visiting with. That said, I can see paying the premium prices for parks that give you really good connectivity like the GF, Poly and Contemporary. Staying at the other resorts is really no better than being off-site. A bus ride from the value is no better than a bus ride from the local Howard Johnson.

I’m willing to bet that a good number of people look at values because they have limited dollars available for their trip. Why would anyone advocate those people using more dollars than necessary for a cheap hotel with a Disney name when the money could be used for something else. If a family is on a budget, wouldn’t that family get more out of their trip if they stayed at a cheap off-site hotel and used the saving to take the kids to the Crystal Palace? In the big scheme of things, the hotel should probably be at the bottom of the list for people on a tight budget. There are a lot of more enjoyable things to spend money on at Disneyworld than a Disney tagged motel 6.

 

[kasey1988]

I have stayed at ASM and ASMO as well as CB, and find them equally enjoyable, the only benifit of the mod resort was having an on site sit down resturant. All of our party found the rooms just as clean as a mod, comfy as a mod, and the only diffrence was the pool didnt have a slide, we never found it crowded either. I dont see why you would want to spend hundreds of more dollers for a bed, if most people go to disney to enjoy the parks. The busses are a convenience for staying on site, the dining plan , and the EMH! I think youll be fineee at the value resort! Have fun!

 

[jesserin]

Just a couple of quick notes to add here:

1. The bus system at the All Stars - especially AS Sports, are great. After staying in the Deluxe resorts for years and experiencing the frustration of a busy morning, and lots of people waiting to board different buses - with no order, lines or set waiting areas, there was always too much shoving and pushing to get in line for your bus. That always bothered us. It was a wonderful suprise to stay at the All Star's for the first time, where there's markers for each park and dtd... you just get in line, and there's no worry or hassle about trying to keep your family together to board the buses.

2. The rooms are small, but well maintained. The Pop is (quite obviously) the newest and therefore tends to have the cleanest exterior and least warn carpets, bedspreads etc.

3. Whenever we go for 10 days - 2 weeks or so, we always choose a value. The bus system is great, the pools are alot of fun, and mostly - for the price, we can add 3 or 4 days in a value, for the same price as 1 night in a deluxe.

All in all, if you choose to stay in a value, you will have smaller accomodations with less meal options, however - Disney makes up for it by the themeing and layout/design of these resorts. It's alot of fun, not the least bit romantic, but certainly alot of fun.

 

[Dwarful]

Ok we have stayed at all 3 all stars, pop, old key west and now Coronado Springs Resort. The noise level in Coronado Springs Resort was out of this world. Everytime anyone in our building flushed the toilet you could hear it in every room. The walls were paper thin, also only had one sink per room, only 3 drawers in the room, same beds as in the values, same towels. One big pool that was a hike and half from where our rooms were located. We stayed at CSR because no other rooms were available for our discount when we booked. I would not return specifically to CSR instead of a value.
We have also stayed off site and won't be doing that again. If you stay onsite you have the option of adding on dining and for many families having that expense paid in advance is quite a relief. For us in a large group knowing the tips were included was a big break (saving at least $65-$100 per meal). Also, if you stay off site then add on the $10+ bucks per day for parking, plus the gas for the vehicle as well. We have never had bus issues at any of the resorts we have stayed at. Although we are early risers and late returners so the buses at All Stars had their own buses and were not sharing during those busy times.
The one other thing I didn't care for at CSR was the added 10% tip to the counter service meals. You line up get your food, get your seat, get your drink and then get to give 10% extra to some mystery person. Give me the value food courts for being more kid friendly. We had resort mugs so we never received any 'service' to warrant this added cost. Our group was too large to take it to go and search for seating elsewhere.

The important thing to remember is this : you are going to Disney, no matter where you stay you will be heading for Disney fun in the parks and that should put a smile on your face!

 

[PinMadness]

To go along with what most others are saying:

I have stayed at all 3 All-Star Resorts and Pop Century.

Out of the 4 Value Resorts, I really dig Pop Century. I've stayed there four times and have been pleased all four times. I'm really into Pop Culture and the feel of the resort was really neat.

I have a strong dislike for children (no offense to those that have children - I am sure yours are wonderful) and the amount of children present at the Value Resorts has never been an issue.

If you go with Pop Century, I would recommend paying for a Premium Room. For me, being close to the bus systems, food court, etc. is important. I have stayed in the 80's & 90's buildings at Pop and at the end of the day, they were quite a hike from the main building.

If Pop Century is taken, I would go for All-Star Movies next. In my opinion, it is the best themed All-Star Resort. Well, it's the most Disney-themed. If you're into that. Which I am. The other All-Star Resorts just don't feel as Disney to me.

 

[amykissangel]

I think it depends on what you are used to at your Deluxe and Moderate Resorts.

If you are used to:

Clean room
Fresh towels
Fun pool
Food court/pizza delivery
Great themes
Good Bus service (90% of the time)

Then you will be more than fine at a Value Resort.

If, however, you are used to:

Turn down service
Robes
Hottub
More than two pools
The Monorail
Room Service

Then you might have a bit of an adjustment period.

But I completely agree with a couple of the above posters:

The rooms are small, but clean; it's nothing like a Motel 6, but more like a Comfort Inn or Country Inn and Suites.

We, as a family of 5, have stayed in the All Star Resorts for as long as I can remember. We did Dixie Landings, the Swan, and a couple others, and we still love the All Stars.

Food courts have basic food-court food, and are open good hours.
All Star Sports is said to have the most complaints about noise and students running around.
Music is the best to stay at (simply in my opinion) because in the A.M., the busses will come from Sports (as Music is in the middle), AND busses will come specifically for Music. That way, after you fill up the Sports bus, you'll end up going straight to the parks. And if you're way spacious coming from music, all you have to do is stop at Movie and fill up the bus. It only takes an extra 5 min.

Music is also best for P.M. because all you have to do is sit through the drop off at Sports, and Music is next, vs. Movie, which is last on all routes.

The pools are themed and fun; yes, a bit crowded at certain times of year, but when we stayed at the Swan, the robes and mints and cookies were great, but the pool was ice cold and no fun.

I do disagree (respectfully ) with the above poster who mentioned that if you're simply sleeping and showering there, wouldn't you want to sleep and shower in a nicer place?

My Dad has traveled all over the world and slept in some of the nicest hotels there are. He likes space, he likes good food, and he likes cleanliness.

And yet, we stay at the Value Resorts. Why?

What Dad said my mom asked about the AllStars last week: "They're clean, they're cheap, we still get to use those extra hour things in the morning and night, it's not too noisy, the pools are pretty cool, you can get a good drink at the bar, and we're hardly ever there. Why would I want to pay $5,000 for a nice hotel that we're never at when I can pay half that and still be on property? And if I want good food, I go to Epcot and sit in France or England for a couple hours."

He's such a cutie

Hope that helps a little bit - have a great time!!

~Amy~

 

[MouseearsDeb]

Don't stay off-site! It's just not the same, no matter how nice the hotel is. If you're a big enough Disney fan to be on this site, you won't be happy anywhere else!

Sorry, but I don't agree. Being on this site has nothing to do with how big a fan of Disney I am. I utilize the resources available to make the best decisions for our trip. To be honest, the best time our family has had was at a rental home. And, since we can't afford Disney's version of a 3 bedroom condo, we'll stick with a rental unless Disney decides to offer a better deal.

 

[DisneyGirl11]

If you are going to be spending a lot of time in your resort, then you should stay at a moderate or deluxe resort. If you are basically just sleeping there and maybe staying in for a night or two, then a value resort is just fine. The rooms are a little small, but very nice and clean.:dazzle:

 

[Deadmanwalking]

If you are going to be spending a lot of time in your resort, then you should stay at a moderate or deluxe resort. If you are basically just sleeping there and maybe staying in for a night or two, then a value resort is just fine. The rooms are a little small, but very nice and clean.:dazzle:

If you are going to be spending a lot of time in the resort/room... why stay at disney at all. The only reason to stay at any disney resort is to go the parks... if you wanted to louse around in a hotel room there are better and cheaper ones all over the world.

 

[davewasbaloo]

If you are going to be spending a lot of time in the resort/room... why stay at disney at all. The only reason to stay at any disney resort is to go the parks... if you wanted to louse around in a hotel room there are better and cheaper ones all over the world.

I don't know, sitting on my balcony watching giraffes in the morning and then fireworks at night is pretty cool. I was happy spending the day at AKL without the parks, in fact we still didn't see and do it all. I couldn't see doing that in in the values (but if I need a shower and bed only, the values are fine).

In fact as I get older, I find the dining and themed hotels as attractive, if not more so than the parks. I love Epcot and DAK. But if I want a great park experience, I'd rather go to California. If I want an immersive themed vacation, I go to WDW.

 

[tecowdw]

In fact as I get older, I find the dining and themed hotels as attractive, if not more so than the parks. I love Epcot and DAK. But if I want a great park experience, I'd rather go to California. If I want an immersive themed vacation, I go to WDW.

I feel the same way about the Disney resorts. I could be perfectly happy doing resort activities and spending only a few hours a day in the parks. To me, the Disney resorts are so much more than just a hotel.

That's why it is such a personal issue. People like us get much more out of the resort than it just being a place to sleep and get ready. If I felt that way, I would NEVER spend hundreds of dollars for a room anywhere.

 

[ErickainPA]

I spent many vacations at ASM as a single person.

We got married and honeymooned at Wilderness Lodge.

We spent Christmas one year at Pop Century

Hubby had a conference and stayed at Disney Swan

They were all nice and of course you get what you pay for. We actually liked Pop Century a lot. If we were going with more than 2 children, we would stay at the ASM Suites.


Have fun no matter what you decide.

 

[davewasbaloo]

I spent many vacations at ASM as a single person.

We got married and honeymooned at Wilderness Lodge.

We spent Christmas one year at Pop Century

Hubby had a conference and stayed at Disney Swan

They were all nice and of course you get what you pay for. We actually liked Pop Century a lot. If we were going with more than 2 children, we would stay at the ASM Suites.


Have fun no matter what you decide.

Sound advice, it's all good. I don't see anything wrong with the values per se, my post above was to illustrate that for some us, we are quite happy to go to WDW and not set foot in the parks, or go for a few hours.

If I stay at a value, I would probably spend all my time at the parks away from the resort.

 

[imagineer99]

I think it's just a matter of experience. I've stayed at an all star twice--both times were only for a single night (our flight got in late and we didn't want to pay deluxe prices for just that one night). However, each time wasn't exactly comfortable. The rooms were filthy and smelled. And, those food courts could give anybody a migraine--never seen so many teenagers alone in one place before. The rooms are small and remind me of glorified motel. That's not to say they are disgusting, but they certainly aren't first class.

However, I'm sure that my experience isn't indicative for the entire resort and were just isolated incidents. I would be willing to stay there again--especially if the price is right. Although it is expensive, I do like to stay on property. Again, that is just personal preference.

 

[isitingood]

If you are going to be spending a lot of time in the resort/room... why stay at disney at all. The only reason to stay at any disney resort is to go the parks... if you wanted to louse around in a hotel room there are better and cheaper ones all over the world.

People play Golf also,I don't mind watching the fireworks from the deck at the GF or watching the the animals at the AKL.

 

[dreamscometrue]

We stayed at Pop November 06 having previously stayed at POFQ, POR, CBR and BW. We had issues with a blocked toilet and were moved rooms very quickly, but we won't be returning to a Value. It was the little things that added up to a big thing such as....

1 sink instead of 2
no ceiling fan
no tea/coffee making facilities
no chest of drawers
and we found the food court wasn't as nice as the moderates

maybe we have just been spoilt in the past!!

I wouldn't say that you are spoiled; it's just a matter of what you are used to and what you want from a resort. My first experiences at WDW were at ASM and POP and since we were in the room only from about 11pm until 7am each night, they were fine. I actually don't mind the kinetic (hectic) feel of lots going on and I do love the over the top theming very much. We stayed at WL last time, and although it was beautiful and had many more ameneties, my entire family agreed that we will never spend the money (3 times the cost) to do that again since we are only there to sleep each night. For a 10 night stay at Christmas, staying at POP over WL saves us about $2000. That easily pays for ANOTHER 10 night stay at POP or 9 nights at POR. (We may try a moderate next year just so we will have tried all 3 types of resorts.) It's simply a matter of priorities. It's just great that Disney has such a wide offering of resort types and price ranges so anyone can afford to stay on site if they so choose.

 

[MickeyJman06]

no.
it is not a staring landmark hotels
but i say go to POP century

75 post

 

[Nicole]

I've stayed in every level of WDW resort and have no problems staying at Pop. The cost savings over a deluxe are substansial, and frankly the two noisiest rooms I've ever been in were at the Beach Club and the Wilderness Lodge. At the BC we heard people talking in the hallways all night long - I guess they feel like if they are awake at 2 am they can have loud conversations outside my hotel room, and at the WL our room was just around the corner from the elevator and we heard it rumbling all night.

At Pop we always like to request a room overlooking Hourglass Lake (no extra charge) and it's amazingly quiet and private back there. We drive our own car and the parking lots are much more convenient at the Values and Moderates than at the Deluxes.

It's 100% a personal preference thing though. I think you can't really ask other people's advice on this one, because everyone has different expectations and tolerance levels.

 

[dreamscometrue]

I have to agree with those saying to look into off-site options - for the same money you can get a much nicer room, or for less money get a comparable one.

For me, it's not just about saving a few dollars on the room. Other factors that will always see us stay on site include:

1. Being immersed in Disney 24/7 which is what I want when I visit WDW
2. Not having to drive, park, etc. while I'm on vacation.
3. Extra Magic Hours
4. The Disney Dining Plan
5. Having our packages sent back to our resort as we are shopping
6. Safety-I have always felt much safer allowing my daughter to go to the pool, etc., than I would off site. My mother (in her 60's) is usually with us and she feels safe exploring the grounds, even at night.
7. Magical Express

Of course it is always about personal preference and how you choose to spend your time and money, but for me the 7 points noted above make staying on site a no brainer.

 

[Pippa]

I wouldn't say that you are spoiled; it's just a matter of what you are used to and what you want from a resort. My first experiences at WDW were at ASM and POP and since we were in the room only from about 11pm until 7am each night, they were fine. I actually don't mind the kinetic (hectic) feel of lots going on and I do love the over the top theming very much. We stayed at WL last time, and although it was beautiful and had many more ameneties, my entire family agreed that we will never spend the money (3 times the cost) to do that again since we are only there to sleep each night. For a 10 night stay at Christmas, staying at POP over WL saves us about $2000. That easily pays for ANOTHER 10 night stay at POP or 9 nights at POR. (We may try a moderate next year just so we will have tried all 3 types of resorts.) It's simply a matter of priorities. It's just great that Disney has such a wide offering of resort types and price ranges so anyone can afford to stay on site if they so choose.

Thank you!!!
There wasn't anything "wrong" with Pop, we just prefer POFQ.
Different Strokes........