Will we be disappointed if...

[lovebeingmama]

We stay at a "lower" hotel than last time?

Last time, we stayed at Wilderness Lodge and loved it. We especially loved the convenience of being close to MK and pushing our double stroller onto the boat. But the kids were 2 and 4 at the time, and they travel much better now (haven't used a stroller in over a year, for example. They would be 4 and 6 when we go again)

If we went and stayed at a moderate or value resort, are we going to regret it? Did we spoil ourselves the first time? We are trying to go this May, but cost is a bigger factor this time.

[curbsideprophet]

We stayed at BLT last time. We are planning a short extended weekend trip right now and our current plan is to stay at AoA suite.

I was a little hesitant about a value but the things I have read said it is more like a moderate than a value. I am concerned about relying on buses but they seem to be pretty good as far as buses go. However I think DD will love the theming and the pool. I also like being able to get two bathrooms for a reasonable price.

[littlemermaid]

The first time we went we stayed at the Polynesian. We went back last year and stayed at the Art of Animation. I really enjoyed the A of A. The buses were really timely and even when there were long lines it seemed like they would dispatch numerous buses to show up back to back. We had a suite at the A of A and I loved having 2 full baths. It made getting ready in the morning and cleaning up after swimming so much easier.

[lala]

For me I would have a hard time giving up the transportation perks, especially. Plus we usually rent a DVC studio, so free laundry & a kitchenette is nice - as is the larger room & balcony. BUT, if I found a good enough deal, I'd certainly try a moderate or value. I've found that renting a DVC studio isn't always much more money than a moderate (depends on the room) so we haven't done it. I think we will be trying a FW cabin or AoA suite at some point but I do think it will be a bit of an adjustment. I might do it if we drive down and have a car vs. all busses.

[egeiger]

I think its fine, unless you spend a lot of time at the resort. Pay attention to refurb information though and conveniences. We stayed at Carribean Beach once, and didn't enjoy it as much as the value resorts, because we had no elevator access, and an old non-updated room.

[pagas]

We have stayed at the Poly, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Port Orleans and Coronado Springs. I really didn't find too big of difference between the moderates and deluxes, room wise. None of the WDW hotels are super fancy and the premium for the deluxe is very high. It's worth it with really young kids for ease of access to the hotel, but beyond that, I don't think they are worth the premium. We need at least a queen bed, so values or Caribbean Beach don't work for us. We rent a car because it is so cheap and gives you more flexibility. I really don't like the buses. Friends of ours just got back and they raved about using Uber to get around, so we may try that next time around.

[dcrunnergirl52]

We stayed at BLT in a one-bedroom suite the first time, and then in January in a suite at AoA. We didn't mind the buses at all. In fact, while we loved walking to MK and taking the monorail from BLT, every time we had to take a bus from BLT, it was so crowded and made so many stops vs. our AOA bus that didn't stop at any other resorts. There were times that we were the only ones on the bus.

I'd definitely stay at AoA again, especially if you got a good deal. I didn't miss the luxury of BLT b/c the theming more than made up for it (and I'm an admitted hotel snob so that says a lot).

[cinco]

We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge in the past and were still very pleased with AoA this past time. The kids are getting older and more expensive so it made more sense to save money on the room. I probably won't bother with a deluxe again. We don't spend much time in the room, and transportation isn't an issue since we drive.

[pinkpeony6210]

We stayed at POR the first time we went, and All-Star Music the second time we went. There were little things that I missed about staying at a moderate, but it didn't make or break the trip. We spent very little time at the resort anyway.

[Deleted]

Port Orleans riverside is GORGEOUS...by far our fav moderate resort

art of animation is pretty cute and has a sweet zero entry pool...

if you spend a LOT of time at the resort, you may want to go deluxe, but if you mostly sleep and swim there, then those would be my picks for mod and value resorts

[lovebeingmama]

Thanks, everyone! My H seems to think that if we don't stay at the deluxe resorts, it will be awful. But I have pointed out that we don't spend much time at the resort anyway. I think if we actually get the chance to go this year, it will need to be at the less expensive place. Otherwise, I don't think we can afford to swing it this year.

[lovebeingmama]

Mar 3, 2016 8:36:19 GMT -5 pagas said:

We have stayed at the Poly, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Port Orleans and Coronado Springs. I really didn't find too big of difference between the moderates and deluxes, room wise. None of the WDW hotels are super fancy and the premium for the deluxe is very high. It's worth it with really young kids for ease of access to the hotel, but beyond that, I don't think they are worth the premium. We need at least a queen bed, so values or Caribbean Beach don't work for us. We rent a car because it is so cheap and gives you more flexibility. I really don't like the buses. Friends of ours just got back and they raved about using Uber to get around, so we may try that next time around.

The Uber idea might really sell my H on the idea of a cheaper hotel!

[stephm0188]

We've stayed at every level and had good and bad experiences at each. Pick what fits your budget and have a great time!