Which hotel price area is best? (Value, Moderate, Deluxe)

[Missing_Aria]

We stayed at AKL last President’s Day weekend and a huge group of tween dancers, like 3 bus loads came and stayed. It was the first time I have encountered that at a Deluxe. They were well behaved, but their sheer numbers in the lobby were overwhelming.

Oh sorry, I can see how my post came across that I meant lots of kids at deluxe. I meant vs value resorts. I tend to see more kids at those. I imagine deluxe has the same or fewer kids as moderate depending on when you go. But I wouldn't know for sure.

 

[Much-Pixie-Dust]

Oh sorry, I can see how my post came across that I meant lots of kids at deluxe. I meant vs value resorts. I tend to see more kids at those. I imagine deluxe has the same or fewer kids as moderate depending on when you go. But I wouldn't know for sure.

Normally groups like that don’t stay at Deluxes. Families, yes, but school groups, dance teams, etc, no. I was quite surprised to see them staying there.

 

[Master Yoda]

If you’re going to vastly overpay for either...yes.

The restaurants and typically quick access to at least one park makes more sense in my mind...

You mean those restaurants that anyone with a pulse has equal access to as those staying at the resort and a transportation system described by some as "inefficient as you can get"?

Call me crazy but I will save the $300, still eat at Kona and drop the $15 on an Uber.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

You mean those restaurants that anyone with a pulse has equal access to as those staying at the resort and a transportation system described by some as "inefficient as you can get"?

Call me crazy but I will save the $300, still eat at Kona and drop the $15 on an Uber.

Why not go to the cowboy western section of music then?

Or the knights inn Kissimmee?

 

[crawale]

Do you normally stay in Deluxes? Are they worth the price?
Do you normally say in Moderates? Is the theming still there?
Do you normally stay in Values? Is it too tacky?
I’d love to hear what people’s experiences are at the different price-range hotels.

Since they now admit dogs I would never stay at the Yacht Club but have several times. The Beach Club is by far the nicest because of the pool - we have stayed there since it opened. Now the grandsons are older we also stay at the Boardwalk for the easy access to Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
If we plan to arrive late afternoon or later we spend the first night at the cheapest resort available since we are just there to sleep. You do get what you pay for in a Deluxe. It seems the bus stops are always closer than those to the Value resorts. Exception is Saratoga Springs - the worst hotel we ever stayed in - staff don't seem to care - couldn't even explain where our room was.
At one time or other we have stayed at every hotel - of the Value I would pick AofA for the theming, of the Moderates Port Orleans (French Quarter because Riverside allows dogs), and of course the Epcot hotels for the Deluxe.

 

[Master Yoda]

Why not go to the cowboy western section of music then?

Depending on the trip, we often do just that.

If we are on a burn the candle at both ends, spend 20 hours a day in the parks kind of trip then we often go the value route as all we need is a bed and a shower.

 

[Wngo905]

I have stayed everywhere form the value resorts to DVC and Club Level at the Deluxe resorts and everything in between.

IMHO the most bang for your buck is at the moderates.

This is where is changes from a hotel to a resort. Moderates provide many of the same amenities and the immersive theming of a Deluxe at a much lower cost.

Same with me, except for Club level. I agree on the moderates.
If I may add, I think moderates are the level you are "immersed" in the theming. While the Values are themed, you don't "Feel" like you are in the movies, sports, music, or the decades; however, in the moderates you DO feel like you are in Caribbean beach, Mexico, French Quarter, or the Bayous of Louisiana. Same goes for the immersion of all the Deluxe resorts.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Depending on the trip, we often do just that.

If we are on a burn the candle at both ends, spend 20 hours a day in the parks kind of trip then we often go the value route as all we need is a bed and a shower.

Ok...I get that.

But you have to set boundaries for the debate...or we keep spinning “but...but...but...” back and forth.

My opinion is the moderates generate the least for the price. That’s with extensive work and management experience at deluxe and moderate level.

It is what it is...

 

[Master Yoda]

Ok...I get that.

But you have to set boundaries for the debate...or we keep spinning “but...but...but...” back and forth.

My opinion is the moderates generate the least for the price. That’s with extensive work and management experience at deluxe and moderate level.

It is what it is...

But I am not working or managing the resort...I am staying there, and from that perspective I feel that I get more bang for my buck at the moderate level and it comes down to one simple reason....an amenity unused is a useless amenity.

What I like about the moderate resorts is often only duplicated at the deluxe resorts and not really improved upon enough to make the increase in cost justified. I get everything I want at half the price.

Sure staying at the Contemporary and being a 10 minute walk from MK is great, but I can be there in 45 minutes tops from any other resort on property. That 35 minutes is simply not worth $300+ to me. The same holds true for onsite restaurants. Being waking distance from one is just not worth the upcharge. Guarantee that I can eat there without an ADR and it will peak my interest.

Club level is great...no way I would ever pay for it.

Larger rooms are nice, but again not necessary. I am not having party in my resort room so I am just dandy as long as I can move around without tripping over my luggage.

I don't need or want a gym.

I can park my car just fine on my own.

and so on....

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I think so much depends on your lodging preferences. What's an issue for one person is not a big deal for another. So, I don't think of it as being a deluxe snob...you just have things in a certain kind of room that make you more comfortable. While there are factors in lodging selection that can be viewed as more unique to WDW (from location to theme preferences), some of this really just boils down to what makes you comfortable in a hotel room...especially after a day of walking around.

I always see the "it's just a place to sleep and shower" argument, but we can't sleep comfortably in a double bed, so that rules out most of the values. We've also had poor quality beds when we've tried the mods (although, my parents have said beds were upgraded in refurbished rooms), so it makes it hard to want to stay at one since a bad bed will also ruin the sleep factor. We also aren't light packers and like some space, so a small room can make us pretty miserable. Heck, just the cramped shower/toilet set up in the mods was a source of issues when we stayed at POR (there goes the shower part) and when you add in a lot of luggage (even a stroller if your family needs one) and even the standard rooms at AKL and WL can feel very tight.

For future trips, we're considering everything from adjoining rooms (Pop or CBR), a family suite (AoA), a cabin at FW (golf cart has me thinking twice) or a deluxe villa just to meet some of our hotel room preferences and convenience wishes.

 

[wannabeBelle]

Larger rooms are nice, but again not necessary. I am not having party in my resort room so I am just dandy as long as I can move around without tripping over my luggage.

QUOTE]
What do you mean no party?? We always bring the fun!!! Some sweet tea, Melody and I and the party is ON!!! Marie

 

[Chars0704]

We stayed at WL during our first visit as a family (I went as a child with my parents but stayed off property) & I feel so spoiled by it. We ended up booking again for next year while our daughter is still free at WL again. we liked going back to the pool in the day and loved how close it is to MK. Plus we plan on doing Mickey’s backyard BBQ again and it was a breeze to get there.

So maybe I made myself a deluxe snob?

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

But I am not working or managing the resort...I am staying there, and from that perspective I feel that I get more bang for my buck at the moderate level and it comes down to one simple reason....an amenity unused is a useless amenity.

What I like about the moderate resorts is often only duplicated at the deluxe resorts and not really improved upon enough to make the increase in cost justified. I get everything I want at half the price.

Sure staying at the Contemporary and being a 10 minute walk from MK is great, but I can be there in 45 minutes tops from any other resort on property. That 35 minutes is simply not worth $300+ to me. The same holds true for onsite restaurants. Being waking distance from one is just not worth the upcharge. Guarantee that I can eat there without an ADR and it will peak my interest.

Club level is great...no way I would ever pay for it.

Larger rooms are nice, but again not necessary. I am not having party in my resort room so I am just dandy as long as I can move around without tripping over my luggage.

I don't need or want a gym.

I can park my car just fine on my own.

and so on....

It’s all “relative”. Opinions vary.

The thing I differ greatly on is that the moderates are the template for the values...and they were built prior. To put it succinctly: those are MOTO lodges...which is why the $300 nights don’t play.

The deluxes...despite their flaws...have a much higher level of design/quality of construction. That’s just the historical record.

I also differ on “club level”...or maybe we don’t disagree...that is the biggest hoax in Hotel history.

Lol...and If you say “I don’t need a gym”...that’s a warning sign from your cardiologist that you probably need one - or will shortly

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

We stayed at WL during our first visit as a family (I went as a child with my parents but stayed off property) & I feel so spoiled by it. We ended up booking again for next year while our daughter is still free at WL again. we liked going back to the pool in the day and loved how close it is to MK. Plus we plan on doing Mickey’s backyard BBQ again and it was a breeze to get there.

So maybe I made myself a deluxe snob?

It depends on the type of person you are...the deluxes have the “wow” factor If you’re into that...but the actual behind the scenes services are standard across the board. That’s how disney runs it’s lodging unit.

But If you like the more prime vistas and the additional amenities (for a fee) that comes with the upper price range...then yes, you are likely spoilt

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Same with me, except for Club level. I agree on the moderates.
If I may add, I think moderates are the level you are "immersed" in the theming. While the Values are themed, you don't "Feel" like you are in the movies, sports, music, or the decades; however, in the moderates you DO feel like you are in Caribbean beach, Mexico, French Quarter, or the Bayous of Louisiana. Same goes for the immersion of all the Deluxe resorts.

Really?

You feel like you’re in Mexico at Coronado? Or Jamaica at Caribbean?

...I’ve never seen a goat tied to a mailbox next to the entrance of a “five star” all inclusive at Caribbean...just saying

 

[ThatMouse]

The categories are worth it if you are paying (includes taxes & all fees):
Value ~$100 / night
Moderate ~$150 / night
Deluxe ~ $250 / night

If you are paying more, then you should start looking at alternatives, and no DVC is not the answer.

 

[Missing_Aria]

But I am not working or managing the resort...I am staying there, and from that perspective I feel that I get more bang for my buck at the moderate level and it comes down to one simple reason....an amenity unused is a useless amenity.

What I like about the moderate resorts is often only duplicated at the deluxe resorts and not really improved upon enough to make the increase in cost justified. I get everything I want at half the price.

Sure staying at the Contemporary and being a 10 minute walk from MK is great, but I can be there in 45 minutes tops from any other resort on property. That 35 minutes is simply not worth $300+ to me. The same holds true for onsite restaurants. Being waking distance from one is just not worth the upcharge. Guarantee that I can eat there without an ADR and it will peak my interest.

Club level is great...no way I would ever pay for it.

Larger rooms are nice, but again not necessary. I am not having party in my resort room so I am just dandy as long as I can move around without tripping over my luggage.

I don't need or want a gym.

I can park my car just fine on my own.

and so on....

It’s all “relative”. Opinions vary.

The thing I differ greatly on is that the moderates are the template for the values...and they were built prior. To put it succinctly: those are MOTO lodges...which is why the $300 nights don’t play.

The deluxes...despite their flaws...have a much higher level of design/quality of construction. That’s just the historical record.

I also differ on “club level”...or maybe we don’t disagree...that is the biggest hoax in Hotel history.

Lol...and If you say “I don’t need a gym”...that’s a warning sign from your cardiologist that you probably need one - or will shortly

People people! You're both pretty!

 

[surfsupdon]

The Value Resorts are the worst value, in my opinion. For that price point, a lot of amenities are missing. I am talking larger rooms, water slides, hot tubs, fitness centers, a restaurant, and more. I will say that the new Pop Century rooms are a vast improvement, however.

I see value in both the Moderates and the Deluxes.

 

[Kristopher Rannells]

Deluxe all the way here, but whether or not it's worth it depends on your preferences. For my family the atmosphere at the deluxe resorts, close proximity to at least one park, multiple transportation options and usually great dining options are worth it. Poly is our favorite followed by BC/YC. We like the WL too, but the other two have transportation options to multiple parks that can't be beat (limited reliability on buses!)

 

[ppet]

I have stayed at all three levels of the resorts. Like someone said earlier it depends on the "style" of trip. For a short commando run at the parts a value (bed and shower) are all that I need. For longer stays My DW and I like to stay at POFQ. Although for trips around the holidays the theming at the deluxe are really great. Christmas at WL is one of my favorites. When we had younger children they always wanted the value resorts because of the cartoonish theming.