Since this was a relatively unplanned, last minute trip, Lauren and are left with few options for our upcoming trip. Even as travel agents, we often agonize over where to stay and what the best value is. We found ourselves in the same position a lot of clients do; moderate vs. value.
Here's the scoop:
Who: 2 adults...no kids or husbands this time
When: Middle of November
Why: 1st EVER Girls Getaway
How long: Just 4 nights
Our dilemma is this...we've spoiled ourselves. We are so used to staying Deluxe or Moderate that the idea of a value resort is a little scary. Mind you we've stayed value plenty of times...in fact our first ever couples trip was at Disney's Pop Century!
Let's go through our Pro's and Con's of Moderate vs. Value!
1) Location, Location, Location! Personally I love the location of all the moderates. Coronado Springs is about as far out as you get and you are still relatively close to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. The value resorts are somewhat split with the All Star Resorts being very close to Animal Kingdom and Pop Century and Art of Animation being a bit more centrally located but closer to Downtown Disney
2) Size of the rooms! With the exception of the family suites at All Star Music and Art of Animation, the value resorts are going to have rooms that are on average around 260 sq ft. The Moderate resorts are going to be a bit more generous at 315 sq ft. Also keep in mind that 3 of the 4 moderate resorts have been upgraded with Queen Beds (Caribbean Beach has not).
3) Amenities at the value resorts are going to be scarce. They offer the basics; a food court, several swimming pools and usually a pool bar. There are a few things the moderates have that the values don't have including a Table Service restaurant, awesome themed pools with slides, and usually at least one bar. Some offer even more like Rix Lounge at Coroando Springs that offers drinks and food, or the River Roost Lounge at Port Orleans Riverside with the amazing entertainer, Ye Haa Bob Jackson!
4) When you arrive at a value resort, there is no doubt you are at Disney! Everything is bright, loud and over the top! The colors are vibrant and the characters and icons tower above you. Not so much at the moderate resorts. Their themeing is much more subdued and delicate. You won't find giant character or neon colors.
For our trip we definitely lean more toward a moderate resort. Even though there is just two of, we love the idea of having Queen Beds. We also love the "Grown Up" feel the moderates have over the values. Although when it comes down to it, you really can't beat the price of a value and with the schedule we have, we'll mostly be using the resort for sleep! You'll have to stay tuned to see what resort we pick!
1) Location, Location, Location! Personally I love the location of all the moderates. Coronado Springs is about as far out as you get and you are still relatively close to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. The value resorts are somewhat split with the All Star Resorts being very close to Animal Kingdom and Pop Century and Art of Animation being a bit more centrally located but closer to Downtown Disney
2) Size of the rooms! With the exception of the family suites at All Star Music and Art of Animation, the value resorts are going to have rooms that are on average around 260 sq ft. The Moderate resorts are going to be a bit more generous at 315 sq ft. Also keep in mind that 3 of the 4 moderate resorts have been upgraded with Queen Beds (Caribbean Beach has not).
3) Amenities at the value resorts are going to be scarce. They offer the basics; a food court, several swimming pools and usually a pool bar. There are a few things the moderates have that the values don't have including a Table Service restaurant, awesome themed pools with slides, and usually at least one bar. Some offer even more like Rix Lounge at Coroando Springs that offers drinks and food, or the River Roost Lounge at Port Orleans Riverside with the amazing entertainer, Ye Haa Bob Jackson!
4) When you arrive at a value resort, there is no doubt you are at Disney! Everything is bright, loud and over the top! The colors are vibrant and the characters and icons tower above you. Not so much at the moderate resorts. Their themeing is much more subdued and delicate. You won't find giant character or neon colors.
For our trip we definitely lean more toward a moderate resort. Even though there is just two of, we love the idea of having Queen Beds. We also love the "Grown Up" feel the moderates have over the values. Although when it comes down to it, you really can't beat the price of a value and with the schedule we have, we'll mostly be using the resort for sleep! You'll have to stay tuned to see what resort we pick!
I would go with moderate too. If only for the fact that on a girls weekend, a moderate would maybe have less families and kids around. Not that I dislike having them around, but it is nice when you want a more grown-up getaway.
ReplyDeleteAnything to celebrate? Or just a trip for the girls ( I noticed that I wasn't invited)? I'd definitely go moderate or even deluxe if I could get a reasonable rate.
ReplyDeleteHave a great time!!
Nothing in particular :) Just a long overdo girls trip with lots of picture taking and cupcake eating!
ReplyDelete