Is there really THAT big of a difference between Value and Moderate @ Disney?

We're looking to book a trip for April possibly tonight. But I've been getting very mixed info. Some people say don't ever go to the value hotel as the rooms are very small and arent very nice.

While other people have been telling me don't bother doing anything more expensive than value since we won't be spending much time in there.

Experiences??
*If we did the moderate we would stay at Coronado Springs or the value would be the All Star Sports.

Re: Is there really THAT big of a difference between Value and Moderate @ Disney?

Honestly - all of the Disney hotels are nice. However, if I had to pick one over the other, I would go for the moderate.

The reason isn't really the room size, it's more the crowd. When Disney is running a free meal plan or a free parks pass promotion, the value resorts tend to fill up very quickly and to capacity. Therefore, the wait times for buses (especially at park closing) can be EXTREMELY long.

The moderate or deluxe hotels tend to be a little less crowded - especially during peak season.

However, Disney is Disney and if the difference in price means a lot to you, then go for the cheaper hotel.

Re: Is there really THAT big of a difference between Value and Moderate @ Disney?

The differences are things like this:

Values have one main bus stop with no shelter, Moderates have several covered bus stops around property so you won't have to make a hike to one.

Values only have a food court, Moderates have a food court and sit down restaurant.

The moderate's main pool has a slide and hot tub, values do not.

Values do not have fridges (you have to pay $10 per day to have one), only one sink. Moderates have fridges two sinks with a modesty curtain.

It's still Disney, so you should receive good service and get the perks that come with staying at a Disney resort. I think it comes down to how much you plan to be at the resort. If you are going to parks from dawn til dusk, the resort doesn't matter as much if you plan to have afternoon breaks & things like that.

Message edited 9/17/2010 9:30:59 PM.

Re: Is there really THAT big of a difference between Value and Moderate @ Disney?

I think people above have put it pretty accurately. I don't think there is anything wrong with a value and if if I was considering a budget trip I would stay there. I think something you should consider is how much time do you plan to stay at the resort - do you plan to come back mid afternoon, nap or swim? If so I would go with a moderate.

The complaints I hear about the values is that the rooms are small, less amenities than the moderates, NOISE is a big one- the values get a lot of the groups that come to disney (cheerleaders, little league etc) - so depending on the time of year you go (not sure about what is going on in April) I have read many stories on Disboards of out of control loud children running around at night or excessive noise early mornings. Not to say that can't happen at the moderates since both places have outside corridors - but the groups don't stay at the mods - so you would just have families making noise versus a cheerleading group.

The other item that I noticed is that AAA (at least last I checked) gave the moderates 3 star ratings - and the values only get 2 stars.

I know people who LOVES the values and people who HATE the values. I think a lot of it is what you expect out of the trip/hotel and what you are used to. Most of the people I know who like them are looking for low cost hotel, quick easy meals (they have a large food court) and just a bed to crash in at night (they spend all day in the parks so the hotel is not as important).

If you want more room - but want to stay at the values you might want to consider their new family suites - They include all new furniture, two full baths and a kitchenette with microwave, 4.3 cubic feet cube refrigerator, sink, coffee pot and limited cabinet space.

Re: Is there really THAT big of a difference between Value and Moderate @ Disney?

We stayed at a value last time and loved it. We would do it again.
This time we are staying at a deluxe so I am thinking the room will be larger and more ammenities.

Re: Is there really THAT big of a difference between Value and Moderate @ Disney?

The main complaints I heard on the value rooms were Noisy, Small and sometimes dirty.

So do your research on disboards.com on reviews for the best of the values.

I would probably stay at a moderate over a value personally because of the pools.

Re: Is there really THAT big of a difference between Value and Moderate @ Disney?

we have stayed in both and not to sound like a snob, but we will never stay in a value resort again.

I'd rather spend the extra money for a bigger room.