Are the value resorts at Disney fine? Is it worth it to pay more for the deluxe resorts?

[Anonymous]

I have never been there and I'm going crazy trying to figure out where to stay. We need to sleep 5 people-one a large 10 year old who needs his own sleeping space (won't fit in the pull-down cot style so the moderate hotels that sleep 5 people are out). We could stay in the Beach/Yacht hotel, the Contemporary garden rooms (the deluxe hotels have a full-size pull out couch) or the Art of Animation family suite OR rent two adjoining value rooms. I just don't know -- never having been there -- if the deluxe hotels are worth the huge price increase. We will be renting a car regardless so we won't be 100% reliant on teh Disney transportation although it would be nice to be able to walk to the parks or use the train/buses.

[Anonymous]

Have you looked at Wyndham Bonnet Creek? You could get a two bedroom suite.

[Anonymous]

I prefer the value. In the past we stayed at the value. The art of anamation is new and supposed to be much nicer than most. We stayed at port orleans last fall and the complex was really run down, small room and food was terrible at best. I will only stay value or go off property as we always rent a car. Disney is so spread out that except the free of sight parking, it isn't worth staying there if you get a nicer hotel outside.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you looked at Wyndham Bonnet Creek? You could get a two bedroom suite.

So much cheaper, nicer accommodations and diving is easy and faster then waiting for the buses.

[Anonymous]

I've been to Disney 3 times. The first time, I stayed in a "deluxe" hotel, and thought it was very nice, but I also spent pretty much every moment aware of how much it was costing me. The next visit we had a government discount at the Swan, and it was about 1/2 the price. It was just as nice. The 3rd year we stayed at All Star Sports, and it was fine. There were a few little things I missed, like the water slide which my kids had enjoyed, or being able to take the water taxi in, but they were very minor things and the difference in price was huge.

If I had money to burn, I could see going back to the Swan again, but I don't think I'd ever be able to justify paying the cost of the deluxe hotels again.

I also think that with 5 people, especially if your kids aren't tiny, the benefits of 2 rooms and 2 bathrooms far outweigh the water slide and the water taxi. If you'd really like a water slide you can take a portion of the money you safe and buy water park tickets, an extra day to spend playing there, plus a few extra nice dinners in the fancy hotels.

[Anonymous]

OP-yeah, I did look at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek but...every summer we rent a beach house and I feel like this lady:
http://www.theonion.com/articles/mom-spends-beach-vacation-assuming-all-household-d,33431/

I really wanted a more hotel-like vacation. I know my oldest two would love the pool at the Beach Club, but we could also just do the water park. I think they will also offer free dining when we go (mid November) so that would be a savings, too.
I really wish I was a more decisive person.

[Anonymous]

I was featured in an Onion article and never even knew it!

[Anonymous]

We stayed at Art of Animation and I will admit that even I loved it. My kids were in HEAVEN. It was perfectly nice and seemed sufficiently convenient. Very very kid and family oriented. Family suite worked well for our crowd: 2 adults, an 8 yr old, 6 yr old, 4 yr old and 2 yr old (in Disney-provided PNP). Two bathrooms, tiny kitchenette (TINY fridge plus small microwave), table that seats 4. We did fine and would do it again.

[Anonymous]

We'll be staying at Art of Animation in two weeks! I'll report back.

Pictures on the site look great, but of course they kind of have to. DS is obsessed with "Cars," so it was an easy choice.

[Anonymous]

OP-would you mind bumping this thread up with a quick review when you get back? I'm sure I won't have decided by then (sigh). I think the suites there seem like a little more space vs. renting two of the little mermaid rooms, agree?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you looked at Wyndham Bonnet Creek? You could get a two bedroom suite.

So much cheaper, nicer accommodations and diving is easy and faster then waiting for the buses.

+1

[Anonymous]

We stayed at Art of Animation family suite and thought it was fine. We rode buses mostly and it was fine, but if you're staying on property you can also park in the main lot for free. We did that our last morning before heading out and it was smooth and easy, especially if you head over for the 'Magic Hour' where they open the park an hour early for resort guests.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP-would you mind bumping this thread up with a quick review when you get back? I'm sure I won't have decided by then (sigh). I think the suites there seem like a little more space vs. renting two of the little mermaid rooms, agree?

PP. Will do! We got a suite, as did my parents and brother. Worth it for more space and kitchenette. We're a "separate rooms for the kids" kind of family.

[Anonymous]

I am sitting in a room at Pop Century right this minute and it is just fine. Clean, neat, big enough, the kids can't wait to play in the arcade, pool would be great if it weren't so cold, bus is quick to the parks, there are all kinds of food available right here from moules and frites to cheeseburgers and beer. We are spending most of our time out at the parks so a luxury room would be a waste. Maybe if we were not with kids I'd want more luxury, but then again if we weren't with kids I would not be at Disney!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I prefer the value. In the past we stayed at the value. The art of anamation is new and supposed to be much nicer than most. We stayed at port orleans last fall and the complex was really run down, small room and food was terrible at best. I will only stay value or go off property as we always rent a car. Disney is so spread out that except the free of sight parking, it isn't worth staying there if you get a nicer hotel outside.

Along those lines there is a Residence Inn (Lake Buena Vista) that has 2 BR suites within about 10 minutes drive from the parks. Each BR has a queen bed and the living room area has a sofa couch. Each BR has a bathroom so you have two bathrooms for the group and it has a fully functional kitchenette. We haven't stayed at that one in particular, but we love the RI chain of hotels. We've stayed in them often in many cities around the country.