I disagree. They have slightly influenced me to choose a deluxe over one of the mods. I always price out multiple options, including the Swan/Dolphin/Swan Reserve, the Universal hotels, and several offsite hotels I like.
I also tend to do split stays. One way to moderate cost is to spend one night at Flamingo Crossings (very clean, free breakfast). It is also easy to place a pickup order at the Target for sunscreen/drinks/snacks. I also like the QS called Lime.
The next morning, we transfer to a WDW hotel where we get the onsite perks. Now WDW hotels tend to run crazy $$$ on the weekends, but Mon-Thurs rates are lower PLUS you get the bonus hours at the S/DSR/deluxes. (Still crazy, but a little less crazy.)
It is all fuzzy math, but the FC hotels often go for about $150, whereas Swan runs around $250+, and WDW's deluxes sometimes run over $1000/night. (July 4-6- with the 30% discount- quick search, lowest price room AKL $390, BC $790, BWK $1045). I'm willing to swap hotels for a $250+ difference.
After or before WDW, I often transfer to Universal. The 3 Universal deluxe hotels come with EP, which is a much better perk than WDW offers. At slower times of year, I also sometimes opt for Universal's other hotels.
Stella Nova is a super hotel! The breakfast food there puts all WDW breakfasts to shame! I also loved the suite at Surfside. For the price, the suite rooms are super! I just wish it had a more exciting pool. Then again, boring pools are also a downside of the Flamingo Crossings hotels. WDW's mod and value resorts also offer fun variety.
Universal and WDW's hotel rates fluctuate a LOT! Resort hopping comes with a time trade-off, so it isn't always worthwhile. I've done many trips that were all Universal or all WDW, or Orlando/beyond Orlando combos. The xtra hours aren't a huge factor, but they are a factor.
