So what does it look like to you?

["El Gran Magnifico"]

I've always been a "value for price" kinda guy. 10 Years ago my formula looked a bit like: $80 Value, $150 Moderate, $275 deluxe. If I found a property in that range - I felt there was value - and I'd book.

Here's where I am right now:

$135 Value
$260 Moderate
$405 Deluxe

Otherwise I look Non-Disney-On Property or offsite. How about you?

 

[daisyduckie]

I'm an on site kind of gal. I like being in the bubble and not having to worry about the outside world for a while.

 

[Raineman]

I will pay no more than what I have to pay for a moderate, and I have had enough experience with values to not want to stay there any more. Staying offsite is not something that I want to do.

 

[belledream]

I'll always stay onsite. Hotel is part of the Disney experience for me...I don't think I could bear going offsite.

As for pricing, we have flexibility on our side so I'd try to squeeze value out of traveling during slower seasons as opposed to putting a number on things. I guess it just makes me feel better that I'm paying less for the same thing during another time.

Comparing WDW to other places we've stayed like New York, California, and Hawaii, it's cheaper than a lot of the prices we've paid there. And I know, those are expensive places to use as comparision, but I have the most fun in good ol' Disney anyways.

 

[LUVofDIS]

We normally pay under two hundred a night for the Dolphin or the Swan, which is less than we pay for most hotels when we stay in various parts of Michigan. For values, we will pay between one hundred to one twenty and feel that is a good value. With all the amenities you receive, it seems these are a terrific return on value compared to other vacations we take, that is for our room. Tickets and such could be a little different discussion, the RV may be a little worse but still better than some other places we visit.
Now the Disney deluxe's are a hard sell for me unless we rent DVC points.

 

[OneofThree]

The extent of the premium I'm willing to pay to stay inside the bubble is a function of the attractiveness of that bubble. Lately (particularly given the crowds), the bubble isn't striking me as very peachy at all.

 

[HwdStudio]

We normally pay under two hundred a night for the Dolphin or the Swan, which is less than we pay for most hotels when we stay in various parts of Michigan. For values, we will pay between one hundred to one twenty and feel that is a good value. With all the amenities you receive, it seems these are a terrific return on value compared to other vacations we take, that is for our room. Tickets and such could be a little different discussion, the RV may be a little worse but still better than some other places we visit.
Now the Disney deluxe's are a hard sell for me unless we rent DVC points.

Unfortunately prices at the now Marriot Swan and Dolphin are about to skyrocket. These two hotel are still considered SPG but even now the info screens say welcome to Marriott. Along with the new tower the Swan and dolphin will be priced right along with BW, BC and YC then on top of that base rate there are report and parking fees. It’s a shame. I totally understand why it’s happening. I was an exec for SPG for many years and never could figure out the reason for their pricing. The stench of Marriott is in both lobbies now as well. I miss the old smell of the Dolphin. There are still hints of it but the wretched smell of Marriott is there and it’s obnoxious.

 

[BoarderPhreak]

We usually combine a WDW stay with visiting family in another part of the state... And losing the rental car ASAP is high on the list of things to do. In fact, it's a perk of staying at the Swan, one of our favored resorts (if we can get a room). There's a car rental return at the Dolphin. Drive in, give up the car - and stay on site.

But it depends on who has the best rates. More often, it's a Disney resort (we like Moderates at 20-30% off).

 

[larryz]

Disney will have to continue heavily discounting their park tickets and resort rates if they want my future business... and we're talking at least 5 years, so the SW:GE hubbub has time to die down.

Of course, by then, Eager Iger will be gone and someone else will be imposing their inappropriate management style on the parks and resorts...

 

[henwen]

Can rent a 10 point night (depending on season) at OKW studio (avg $16/pp) for $160! Can't beat that

I ran out of points last year and priced out the moderates - I was shocked how much they were going for... now gotta add parking charge too. I can get a 4-5 star hotel in my home town, New Orleans, for well under 200 bucks. So I opted to skip Disney (for that trip), and have a stay-cation.

 

[LUVofDIS]

Unfortunately prices at the now Marriot Swan and Dolphin are about to skyrocket. These two hotel are still considered SPG but even now the info screens say welcome to Marriott. Along with the new tower the Swan and dolphin will be priced right along with BW, BC and YC then on top of that base rate there are report and parking fees. It’s a shame. I totally understand why it’s happening. I was an exec for SPG for many years and never could figure out the reason for their pricing. The stench of Marriott is in both lobbies now as well. I miss the old smell of the Dolphin. There are still hints of it but the wretched smell of Marriott is there and it’s obnoxious.

I think of allthe beds we have tried in WDW, the Swan and Dolphin are the most comfortable. And for us, with the little time we spend in the room or resort, that is most important. But if the price does go up to the level of the other Disney deluxe resorts, we would have to relook at staying there. But it would have to probably be a DVC rental. I don't care how much money I make or have, $400+ for a room is something I just cant do. I feel the same about first class flying, the RV just isn't there for me.