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Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
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JennP
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 3986 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
It's hard for me to figure out what I'm doing because we're not exactly sure of the combination of people yet - maybe grandma, maybe not, plus a few other factors - but I want to get an idea of the differences between the moderates and deluxes.
I am thinking a long weekend in early February (before winter break, to escape the crowds and high prices.)
Important: comfortable beds, decent sized room, and a fridge
Not as important: pool, fine dining, although we will probably want to do a character meal.
I know being on the monorail would be nice especially with DS being just under 3. However, aren't only the most expensive deluxes on it anyway? Please correct me if I'm wrong. AKL looks great because I think my son (ok, and I!) would love the animals but I'm not sure if it's worth the price tag since we'd have to take the bus.
Then again, we haven't completely ruled out renting a car anyway. Is parking at the parks free when you stay at a Disney resort?
I have been to Europe a bunch of times and I swear planning that is easier.
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Posted 6/19/12 8:14 AM  |
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Kelly9904
Mommy to 2 amazing little boys
Member since 5/05 9306 total posts
Name:
Kelly
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Re: Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
We stayed at the carribean(mod) in 2009 and then the boardwalk(del) in 2010.
I liked both. The thing I liked more at the carribean was it has a food court which was great. We had DS who was 22m at the time and would often do bfast out, then go to the parks, then come back have lunch at the food court then put DS down for a nap. The rooms were fine, the pool was cute with a pirate ship. We rented a car so didn't use the Disney transportation.
The boardwalk had larger rooms, it was walking distance to Epcot, and the boardwalk entertainment was a nice touch. But really I can't say it was so great I would never stay elsewhere or even that it was so much better than the carribean.
It is free parking at the parks if you stay at the hotels. I will never not rent a car when we go, its not that much more and i like the freedom.
I would love to stay at a monorail hotel, but honestly they are just so much more, I don't think I could justify it for us.
Gl.
Eta, both had good beds and a fridge, at the carribean we had adjoining rooms with ils which was nice.
Message edited 6/19/2012 8:49:46 AM.
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| Posted 6/19/12 8:48 AM |
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Mouse Tales Travel
LIFamilies Business
Member since 7/08 417 total posts
Name:
Melissa Salinas
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Re: Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
Deluxe Resorts are going to give you premium locations, bigger rooms (for the most part), better theming, unique restaurants, and such.
Some Moderates are great, others not so much. All but Caribbean Beach have queen size beds now that the refurbishment at Port Orleans - Riverside is almost complete. Some Moderates require you to take an internal bus or have 4-5 stops before you leave the resort for the parks.
All Disney resort rooms now have mini fridges.
Posted by JennP
I have been to Europe a bunch of times and I swear planning that is easier.
If you like the thrill of planning, and some people definitely do, then going it alone is great. If not, why not use the FREE services of a travel agent that specializes in Disney?
- Kimberly Hill
Mouse Tales® Travel
LIFamilies Vendor
Creating Magical Vacations for LIFamilies since 2008
Message edited 6/19/2012 8:57:36 AM.
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| Posted 6/19/12 8:56 AM |
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phoenix913
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 3034 total posts
Name:
V
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Re: Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
I've stayed at a bunch of disney resorts, polynesian, beach club, port orleans, and coronado springs. I think they are all really nice and I would happily stay in any of them again. For me, what's more important than moderate vs. deluxe is the location, theming and the restaurants at the resort.
For instance when we went on our babymoon we wanted lots of dining options and not too much time on the bus, so that time we chose beach club. We had easy access to the epcot restaurants, as well as everything at boardwalk, beach club, and yacht club.
But when we went for the marathon we wanted to be near the monorail for easy access to the race so we did polynesian.
I would try to figure out which parks you will be at most and try to pick a resort near that first. Then look to see if there places you want to eat at that resort. Finally decide which theming appeals to you.
Also, if you'd have to stretch financially to do a deluxe and it's something that worries you, I wouldn't do it. IMO, they are not that much better that they are worth causing financial stress.
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| Posted 6/19/12 10:30 AM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
Okay -
The big differences -
Mods - smaller rooms than the deluxes (around 314 sq ft)
exterior corridors more like a motel in that respect.
Most only sleep 4 - but for example the alligator bayou section at POR have a small trundle bed so it could sleep 5 if one is a smaller child.
The other option if you are 5 are the cabins at Ft Wilderness lodge.
Mods tend to be more spread out resorts esp CBR which is huge so a car is helpful but not necessary.
POFQ is much smaller and compact - you can use the amenities at POR which is nice - but small enough to comfortably use the buses etc.
Some buildings don't have elevators at some of the mods.
I'm pretty sure that all of the mods but CBR now have queens but there was a time they were all or mostly doubles. Maybe someone could confirm that for me.
Deluxes
Indoor corridors (although you might have to walk to another building but once inside your rooms don't open to the outside.
Most deluxes but not all have balconies or patios (garden wing at Contemp and some 2nd floor rooms at Poly for example don't have balconies). But most do have something.
AK and WL regular rooms are 340 sq ft the deluxe rooms (non Villas) are around 380 sq ft)
Compared to say the Polynesian which have some of the largest rooms at around 409 sq ft.
Some sleep 4 but for example the deluxe rooms at the AKL and the regular rooms at places like the Poly have a day bed so they can accommodate 5.
Okay...
Here is my take - the mods are great if you are on a budget and you can get a decent room and decent pools. The bus service from friends who have stayed at them are decent - but nothing beats a car if that is your preference.
AKL and WL are the 2 cheapest of the deluxes - they are the smallest rooms as well. I personally LOVE the AKL!! It is a really unique place. Having a savannah room is fabulous - being able to sit with a glass or wine or cup of coffee and watch the animals right off your balcony is great - but there are plenty of public viewing areas that you can see the animals you don't have to spring for that feature unless you think you will use it a LOT. Fun hotel, nice amenities, Boma is a great buffet. It is a hotel you can say that you can't stay in anything else like it anywhere in the US.
Now the poly is a great hotel - but the price tag IMO is partially because of the convenience of the monorail. We stayed our last 2 trips there. Mainly because the 1st time DD#1 was 15 months and trip 2 DD#2 turned 1 on the trip and DD#1 was almost 3. NOTHING beats being able to walk to the TTC and hop directly onto the EPCOT monorail, wheeling your sleeping children onto either the resort monorail back to the poly OR the ferry to the TTC a short walk back to the hotel - where you don't have to wake your sleeping child OR fold your stroller. Now that my girls are potty trained and older - while I love the Poly I could definitely see us picking the AKL, WL or POR for the princess rooms now. If you have the budget then the Poly is wonderful. As far as the other 3 monorails resorts it is a lot of personal preference and your personal tastes. While I like the GF I stayed at the hotel it was modeled after in CA so it isn't as unique to me. Plus while it is a beautiful hotel for ME personally I find the transportation a bit more of a pain. I have friends who love the GF and who don't - so it is really a matter of your personal tastes. I like to stay in a hotel that is a bit different. The Contemp to me is very sterile and doesn't feel very disney (aside from the monorail going through it and chef mickey's). I have a friend who stayed there twice and loves it. I haven't stayed at BLT so I can't comment - but from photos it is a bit sterile like the Contemp to me. BUT the BIG draw of those two - is that you can WALK to the MK. Which is a great perk. You can take the monorail or walk a short 3 min walk to the MK entrance (we did it one night after Chef Mickey's). That is a big plus. But like GF you have to take the monorail to the TTC, then change to the EPCOT monorail and take buses to both AK and HS.
DH and I rented a car the 1st 2 times we stayed at the AKL and the 1st time we stayed at the Poly. Our last trip we went only with WDW transportation. I will be honest. If you can get a good price on a rental and stay off of a monorail resort it is a toss up - nice perk but not necessary. Keep in mind you will have to lug a car seat - so 1 major downside. MCO is very easy to rent from you get a luggage cart and can wheel your bags to the parking structure next to the terminal depending on who you rent from. We have gotten good rates from national in the past through mousesavers - but we go with the cheapest option after a lot of research and checking prices. You will have to lug your bags to the car, lug a car seat with you etc. The plus - you have the option of taking the bus OR driving in your car and going at your own pace.
You should know there is free parking at the resorts - while the deluxes have a valet option - which you do not have to use. The down side is some of the self parking can be a distance from your room/main building depending on the time of year/time of day, shear luck. We found that at the AKL we used the car to get to and from the airport, used it to get to OTHER hotels to eat, but used the buses to get to and from the parks SOME of the time. You can park for free at the parks IF you stay on property. But the downside with small kids is that you might park far and will need to take a tram. The trams are a pain (figured that our DD's 1st trip) because you get out of your car, pack your stroller and your kid into the stroller, walk to the tram THEN have to unpack, fold up your stroller and get on, then repack again. Honestly for that hassel you are probably better to take the buses because they let you off right near the park entrances.
I will say for us - a BIG draw to no car last trip was NOT having to lug car seats with us, NOT having to chase the kids while spending time at baggage claim then fighting to get your bags, lug them to the rental car etc. It was SOOOO nice to put luggage tags on our bags in NY, get off the plane, take a bathroom break, head straight for Magical Express. Get onto a bus and JUST relax (yes there were lines but it was less stressful for us). Then we returned from the parks to find out bags just sitting in our room waiting for us. When you have a young kid or kids that is a huge plus for me. When it was just DH and I it was much less stressful to get the bags, get the rental car etc - but with the kids trying to get the carseat into the unknown car, the bags etc ME was such a welcome break. Same with returning - you just give the airport check in desk at your hotel your bags, go to the ME area at the specified time (usually around 3 hours before your flight) and just get on the bus, get off and go through security. Much easier when you have a little one.
Sorry that is a lot of info - but I think it is important to know all the variables when you are trying to make the decision.
Etd to add all deluxes and mods have fridges - and I think I read recently that the values were getting tiny ones as well.
Another thing to check out is a family suite at the new art of animation or at one of the values if you have a larger party.
Message edited 6/19/2012 11:04:36 AM.
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| Posted 6/19/12 10:58 AM |
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JennP
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 3986 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
Thank you so much for the info and honest opinions!
Special thanks to Lillykat for the wealth of info.
Lots to think about!
Follow up questions:
1. Do the deluxes generally not have food courts? That could help make the decision because I would like a quick bite to be available wherever we stay. I don't want to be limited to table service type places.
2. How do you get the good discounts? I got the free DVD and I thought there might be a discount code in there but there was nothing. I priced out AKL for the weekend I want to go in February and  . I thought I could do better than the prices I saw. I've heard of 30% off rack.
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| Posted 6/20/12 12:26 PM |
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Mill188
LIF Adult
Member since 3/09 3073 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
All of the Deluxes do have quick service food options. The only one I find to be a bit of a pain is the Boardwalk because you have to go out to the Boardwalk to the Bakery.
Sorry I can't help with the discounts.
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| Posted 6/20/12 2:22 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
The choices for the quick service food at the deluxes I think is much slimmer than at the values and mods. That was my gripe when staying at the Yacht Club....we like to grab something quick, and have picky eaters.
Right now there is a public discount code that is good for mid August to the I think November. It's on their website under special offers.
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| Posted 6/20/12 3:48 PM |
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Kelly9904
Mommy to 2 amazing little boys
Member since 5/05 9306 total posts
Name:
Kelly
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Re: Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
Posted by BargainMama
The choices for the quick service food at the deluxes I think is much slimmer than at the values and mods. That was my gripe when staying at the Yacht Club....we like to grab something quick, and have picky eaters.
THis.
When we were at the carribean, there was a big food court. for breakfast we could get eggs, with breakfast meats, mickey shaped waffles, pancakes, yogurt, fruit, and there was an area that had muffins and donuts and such.
For lunch we could get pizza, hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, etc...there were 4(i believe) different windows to order from (all different types of food)and then the "mini mart" type place that had snacks, donuts, muffins, etc.
The boardwalk the only place was the bakery which was always packed, had a small selection, and changed daily. I fell in love with a chicken salad I had the first day and couldnt get it again during our trip.
for a group, I prefer the large food court area, because it makes 1 meal a day super easy. Especially if you want to do something quick. THe 2nd time we went we had 10 people and one day we actually drove to the caribbean to use their food court and another day we drove to the poly and ate at their QS dining.
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| Posted 6/20/12 4:06 PM |
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Mill188
LIF Adult
Member since 3/09 3073 total posts
Name:
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Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
IMO, the Boardwalk has the worst quick service dining - but you do have the booths along the Boardwalk, so I guess it makes up for it in a way. All other Deluxes, have a QS area with everything listed above.
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| Posted 6/20/12 4:34 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
Posted by JennP
Thank you so much for the info and honest opinions!
Special thanks to Lillykat for the wealth of info.
Lots to think about!
Follow up questions:
1. Do the deluxes generally not have food courts? That could help make the decision because I would like a quick bite to be available wherever we stay. I don't want to be limited to table service type places.
2. How do you get the good discounts? I got the free DVD and I thought there might be a discount code in there but there was nothing. I priced out AKL for the weekend I want to go in February and . I thought I could do better than the prices I saw. I've heard of 30% off rack.
1) Yes the deluxes DO have a food court. You can go to http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm You can go to the resorts area and look at the various counter services to get a better idea. Captain Cooks and Mara were fine for our needs. So yes they DO have counter service options but they are more limited than the values and the moderates because they have fewer sit down options. The moderates and the values have large counter service places with multiple areas that have different options. So you might have a pasta area, stir fry area, burger/grill area. Just to give you an idea. They are more spread out and from what I remember you go from one section to another - whereas the deluxe ones you pretty much go to a computer and one small area and pick up your food.
2) Mousetravels would know more than me or Jennifer - BUT I do not believe that the 2013 packages have been released yet so there are definitely no codes available at this time for 2013. As far as private codes. They don't come IN the trip planning DVD. From what I have read - people report being successful in getting them by 1) ordering the free DVD which you did, 2) registering on the WDW site and pricing out a bunch of trips, saving them, coming back in deleting some and pricing more etc. It never works for me but many of my friends have gotten lucky. My parents get codes to my email on a regular basis it drives me crazy because I CAN"T use them. If you go to mousesavers.com you can see historically when the public codes have been released, the dates they were available for and what was offered to get an idea if your travel dates will be included and what you might be looking at getting if you don't get a private code.
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| Posted 6/20/12 6:50 PM |
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Mouse Tales Travel
LIFamilies Business
Member since 7/08 417 total posts
Name:
Melissa Salinas
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Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
2013 prices haven't been released yet and everything points to it being soon! We have about 60 families waiting for news and another 35 or so that are already booked for 2012 and making payments, waiting to be switched to their official 2013 days.
Disney's gotten much tougher with their room discounts - it used to be X% off across the board in each category, now different views in the same resort can have up to a 35% off difference!
- Kimberly
who's at WDW right now and would like a Mickey bar but doesn't want to walk down and get it. ;)
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| Posted 6/20/12 11:07 PM |
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MrsH
LIF Adolescent
Member since 3/07 766 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
I too ordered the DVD and then when I called to book my trip I just asked if there was a pin code attached to my name. There was and I got a discount on my dining plan and an upgrade to my room I think. If I didn't ask, I wouldn't have gotten anything. I called Disney direct to book everything and asked at that time about the pin code.
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| Posted 6/22/12 6:10 PM |
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lynnd126
LIF Adult
Member since 3/11 2630 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
Posted by Lillykat
Okay -
The big differences -
Mods - smaller rooms than the deluxes (around 314 sq ft)
exterior corridors more like a motel in that respect.
Most only sleep 4 - but for example the alligator bayou section at POR have a small trundle bed so it could sleep 5 if one is a smaller child.
The other option if you are 5 are the cabins at Ft Wilderness lodge.
Mods tend to be more spread out resorts esp CBR which is huge so a car is helpful but not necessary.
POFQ is much smaller and compact - you can use the amenities at POR which is nice - but small enough to comfortably use the buses etc.
Some buildings don't have elevators at some of the mods.
I'm pretty sure that all of the mods but CBR now have queens but there was a time they were all or mostly doubles. Maybe someone could confirm that for me.
Deluxes
Indoor corridors (although you might have to walk to another building but once inside your rooms don't open to the outside.
Most deluxes but not all have balconies or patios (garden wing at Contemp and some 2nd floor rooms at Poly for example don't have balconies). But most do have something.
AK and WL regular rooms are 340 sq ft the deluxe rooms (non Villas) are around 380 sq ft)
Compared to say the Polynesian which have some of the largest rooms at around 409 sq ft.
Some sleep 4 but for example the deluxe rooms at the AKL and the regular rooms at places like the Poly have a day bed so they can accommodate 5.
Okay...
Here is my take - the mods are great if you are on a budget and you can get a decent room and decent pools. The bus service from friends who have stayed at them are decent - but nothing beats a car if that is your preference.
AKL and WL are the 2 cheapest of the deluxes - they are the smallest rooms as well. I personally LOVE the AKL!! It is a really unique place. Having a savannah room is fabulous - being able to sit with a glass or wine or cup of coffee and watch the animals right off your balcony is great - but there are plenty of public viewing areas that you can see the animals you don't have to spring for that feature unless you think you will use it a LOT. Fun hotel, nice amenities, Boma is a great buffet. It is a hotel you can say that you can't stay in anything else like it anywhere in the US.
Now the poly is a great hotel - but the price tag IMO is partially because of the convenience of the monorail. We stayed our last 2 trips there. Mainly because the 1st time DD#1 was 15 months and trip 2 DD#2 turned 1 on the trip and DD#1 was almost 3. NOTHING beats being able to walk to the TTC and hop directly onto the EPCOT monorail, wheeling your sleeping children onto either the resort monorail back to the poly OR the ferry to the TTC a short walk back to the hotel - where you don't have to wake your sleeping child OR fold your stroller. Now that my girls are potty trained and older - while I love the Poly I could definitely see us picking the AKL, WL or POR for the princess rooms now. If you have the budget then the Poly is wonderful. As far as the other 3 monorails resorts it is a lot of personal preference and your personal tastes. While I like the GF I stayed at the hotel it was modeled after in CA so it isn't as unique to me. Plus while it is a beautiful hotel for ME personally I find the transportation a bit more of a pain. I have friends who love the GF and who don't - so it is really a matter of your personal tastes. I like to stay in a hotel that is a bit different. The Contemp to me is very sterile and doesn't feel very disney (aside from the monorail going through it and chef mickey's). I have a friend who stayed there twice and loves it. I haven't stayed at BLT so I can't comment - but from photos it is a bit sterile like the Contemp to me. BUT the BIG draw of those two - is that you can WALK to the MK. Which is a great perk. You can take the monorail or walk a short 3 min walk to the MK entrance (we did it one night after Chef Mickey's). That is a big plus. But like GF you have to take the monorail to the TTC, then change to the EPCOT monorail and take buses to both AK and HS.
DH and I rented a car the 1st 2 times we stayed at the AKL and the 1st time we stayed at the Poly. Our last trip we went only with WDW transportation. I will be honest. If you can get a good price on a rental and stay off of a monorail resort it is a toss up - nice perk but not necessary. Keep in mind you will have to lug a car seat - so 1 major downside. MCO is very easy to rent from you get a luggage cart and can wheel your bags to the parking structure next to the terminal depending on who you rent from. We have gotten good rates from national in the past through mousesavers - but we go with the cheapest option after a lot of research and checking prices. You will have to lug your bags to the car, lug a car seat with you etc. The plus - you have the option of taking the bus OR driving in your car and going at your own pace.
You should know there is free parking at the resorts - while the deluxes have a valet option - which you do not have to use. The down side is some of the self parking can be a distance from your room/main building depending on the time of year/time of day, shear luck. We found that at the AKL we used the car to get to and from the airport, used it to get to OTHER hotels to eat, but used the buses to get to and from the parks SOME of the time. You can park for free at the parks IF you stay on property. But the downside with small kids is that you might park far and will need to take a tram. The trams are a pain (figured that our DD's 1st trip) because you get out of your car, pack your stroller and your kid into the stroller, walk to the tram THEN have to unpack, fold up your stroller and get on, then repack again. Honestly for that hassel you are probably better to take the buses because they let you off right near the park entrances.
I will say for us - a BIG draw to no car last trip was NOT having to lug car seats with us, NOT having to chase the kids while spending time at baggage claim then fighting to get your bags, lug them to the rental car etc. It was SOOOO nice to put luggage tags on our bags in NY, get off the plane, take a bathroom break, head straight for Magical Express. Get onto a bus and JUST relax (yes there were lines but it was less stressful for us). Then we returned from the parks to find out bags just sitting in our room waiting for us. When you have a young kid or kids that is a huge plus for me. When it was just DH and I it was much less stressful to get the bags, get the rental car etc - but with the kids trying to get the carseat into the unknown car, the bags etc ME was such a welcome break. Same with returning - you just give the airport check in desk at your hotel your bags, go to the ME area at the specified time (usually around 3 hours before your flight) and just get on the bus, get off and go through security. Much easier when you have a little one.
Sorry that is a lot of info - but I think it is important to know all the variables when you are trying to make the decision.
Etd to add all deluxes and mods have fridges - and I think I read recently that the values were getting tiny ones as well.
Another thing to check out is a family suite at the new art of animation or at one of the values if you have a larger party.
What do you think of renting a car from the on site wdw rental- I believe national and Alamo ate the two companies that are there. We were thinking of taking the magic express to and from the airport so we don't have to worry about baggage etc and then dh picking up the car once we got to the resort. It also works well (I think haha) bc we are leaving for a cruise at the end so we can take the Disney bus right to the terminal. The car seat thing stinks though. I have two in seats and the rental fee is $120 for the week.
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| Posted 6/22/12 6:23 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
Posted by lynnd126
What do you think of renting a car from the on site wdw rental- I believe national and Alamo ate the two companies that are there. We were thinking of taking the magic express to and from the airport so we don't have to worry about baggage etc and then dh picking up the car once we got to the resort. It also works well (I think haha) bc we are leaving for a cruise at the end so we can take the Disney bus right to the terminal. The car seat thing stinks though. I have two in seats and the rental fee is $120 for the week.
Well - not sure what hours the car care center are open but I would try for one there 1st and then at the Dolphin. The car care center has I think both National AND Alamo (national is owned by Alamo) and they have a shuttle that will pick you up at your hotel and bring you to the car care center. I think you can call and they come within 30 mins or you can arrange in advance for them to come. Then there is the Dolphin which is pretty easy to hop a bus from the parks or downtown disney to get there. I personally would never rent a car seat. Too many stories of old seats, not having the proper seat (had a friend rent when they got to the car rental place they had NO MORE convertibles and gave them a booster for her 1 year old.) The big issue for me is that 1) you don't know the condition of the seat, 2) if it has been in an accident, 3) if a sick kid had it before you - also using harsh chemicals to clean them will wear out the straps and make them less safe or 4) if it is installed properly. They don't install the seats for you - and people have said they don't give you instructions so you have to guess if you have it in the proper location for that particular car and if you installed it correctly (they won't install it for you because they don't want to accept liability). My big issue though is you don't know if the seat was in a rear end collision or ANY collision for that matter - I could see them not replacing them.
Best bet would probably be if you don't want to rent at the terminal - to go with the car care center as you can arrange to go at a convenient time for you - and you don't have to lug the car seats AND your family - your DH could just go and pick it up during nap time or early morning before you go out and you can install the seats later.
The issue that I foresee though - will you check your seats straight through with your bags so they arrive in your hotel room (who knows how much they will be thrown around and banged around) or will you carry your seats and use them on the plane or gate check them and lug them to ME then put them under the bus with your carry on bags?
I would price it all out. Not sure if the on site option would be cheaper than renting at MCO itself. When we rented I used mousesavers.com for codes (you can mix and match - so read there - and make sure you check if you are eligible for things like BJs, Costco, Entertainment book etc codes. I played around a LOT when we rented and sometimes started with one company like Alamo but always ended up with National because about 30 days out the price would often beat the rest - but sometimes it is sooner or later. I would book early - you can always change as a better rate comes out - but sometimes the farther out is cheaper than a closer date - so it pays to play around and only change when you get a better price.
If you want to take the cruise transportation I would definitely price out both on site and MCO locations because you can rent at MCO and return to an onsite location it might cost more but you don't have to return to the same location you rented from. But as I said there is usually a fee to do that - BUT depending if one is considerably cheaper than the other it might be worth it.
Another option would be to rent for only a portion of the time you are there. But that might defeat the purpose for you.
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| Posted 6/22/12 8:05 PM |
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Faithx2
All good things in 2016!!
Member since 8/05 20181 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
If you can swing the deluxe, do it!!!! AKL is amazing  Best stay at Disney so far for us!!
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| Posted 6/25/12 8:13 PM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
Wow. You've gotten a lot of info so far. You can see that EVERYONE has a different opinion on EVERYTHING Disney!
ALL resorts are going to have a fridge. They're all going to have quick service dining, they're all going to give you perks like free parking, extra magic hours, Magical Express, and package delivery.
The things people usually go for a Deluxe resort for are:
-Location!!!!
-Special Themes (like Animal Kingdom Lodge or Wilderness Lodge)
-Fine or character dining onsite (which you said you don't care much about)
- Amazing theme pools.
I've said it before on these threads but DH and I have had AMAZING vacations at Deluxe, Moderate, and Value resorts. We love all of them. I can go on and on about Pop Century and Port Orleans FQ the same way I can go on and on about Beach Club or the Contemporary.
Why do we like Deluxe?
LOCATION! For us, it's ALL about location! We don't have kids, so we don't care about space as much. We spend ALL of our time at the parks, so even when it's 90 degrees out and we're staying at the resort with the most amazing pool on property, we will likely not make it to the pool, and we dine ALL over the place, so the other factors aren't as big for us.
Our favorite Deluxe resorts (so far, for us), are Beach Club and the Contemporary. WHY? Because any time we can WALK to a park and avoid ANY transportation hassle, we're in love. In March, I was hungry so DH WALKED from our room, got me a falafel from Morocco, and came back with it all within 20 minutes. At any other resort, he'd be lucky to be at the gate in 20 minutes. In October we're staying at CR, and we're dreaming of great it's going to be to WALK home from the Halloween party and avoid the rush at the buses, and to take the monorail and boat to our dining reservations!
I think this is probably going to be the biggest factor for you, too. When you have little ones, it's important to be able to get back to take naps, and if you're closer, that becomes easier and takes less time out of your day. Also, at most Deluxe resorts, you have at least one park you can get to without folding up a stroller and waiting in a bus line.
The tradeoff factor here is Animal Kingdom Lodge. AKL is the most remote Deluxe resort. It's absolutely beautiful. Even though it's a relatively new resort, it is the most returned-to resort on property. it has incredible pools, awesome dining, and lots of animals that can be seen form a Savannah View room or from the lobby. However, you're busing it EVERYWHERE, including Animal Kingdom. your son will get to see lots of Animals at Ak regardless or resort, and many of the animal experiences at AKL are open to anyone who walks up to them. They don't check to see if you are staying at the resort, so you can always go there for a meal at Boma (YUM!) and enjoy the animals there. it depends on how much time you really plan to spend enjoying the animals and resorts vs. the parks. Since you don't care about pools and dining, I'm thinking you are more interested in the parks. Don't be surprised if you little one is most enamored with the pool slide and the mororail though!
Anyway, IMO, the biggest factor for me with a Deluxe is going to be location. THAT's what makes it worth the extra money. That having been said, they're all great.
I have never gone to WDW with a car. We always use Disney transport. Some people swear by it, and I know it can be a big help with a child, BUT bear in mind it doesn't always save you lines and hassle. for example, if you are driving to MK, you have to take the boat or monorail to Magic Kingdom from the parking lot, going back it's the same thing, and then you may wait in line for a shuttle to your car (these lots are huge), so it's not as if you just park and walk up to the gates. I'm not trying to talk you out of it. Lots of people LOVE having cars, but I want to be realistic about the benefits of having a car. If I had to choose between a monorail hotel and relying on Disney transportation, and having a car at another hotel, I'd choose the monorail every time.
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| Posted 6/27/12 12:13 PM |
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JennP
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 3986 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
Thanks Jennifer!
Yes, I would say parks and character greetings are the priorities.
You hadn't been on for a while - I hope you were doing something fun!
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| Posted 6/27/12 9:57 PM |
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GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
Posted by JenniferEver
I have never gone to WDW with a car. We always use Disney transport. Some people swear by it, and I know it can be a big help with a child, BUT bear in mind it doesn't always save you lines and hassle. for example, if you are driving to MK, you have to take the boat or monorail to Magic Kingdom from the parking lot, going back it's the same thing, and then you may wait in line for a shuttle to your car (these lots are huge), so it's not as if you just park and walk up to the gates. I'm not trying to talk you out of it. Lots of people LOVE having cars, but I want to be realistic about the benefits of having a car. If I had to choose between a monorail hotel and relying on Disney transportation, and having a car at another hotel, I'd choose the monorail every time.
When I found THIS out, is when I decided to go with a deluxe. lol sounds like a pain!
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| Posted 6/28/12 6:43 AM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Disney - I see lots about mods v values, but mods v deluxe?
Posted by JennP
Thanks Jennifer!
Yes, I would say parks and character greetings are the priorities.
You hadn't been on for a while - I hope you were doing something fun!
I was! We were on our anniversary trip!!!     
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| Posted 6/28/12 8:44 AM |
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