Disney World Resorts....is the "deluxe" worth the added expense?

Question

We are looking at two places. Both sleep 5 which is important unless we leave one child behind : )
I vote for the Moderate Port Orleans Alligator Bayou starting at $145.00 and hubby prefers the Polynesian Deluxe resort starting at $329 which also has access to the monorails. I hear the busing can be more of a pain and involves waiting.
I think that cheaper rooms is the way to go because we will spend most of our time in the park with boys 8, 10, and 13. He says lets spend it and enjoy the extra's. Have any of you stayed at either resort. Any input?
Also what about the food packages that can go with the resort? A savings or not??
This is our first trip so we could use the advice!
Thank you!

Answer 1

Polynesian is actually my favorite resort on property at Disney. It is a great resort, looks really nice, lots of things to do, etc.

You are going to see quite a price difference in the two because you are going from a moderate resort to one of Disney's top price deluxes (the only one that is higher in cost is Grand Floridian)

The biggest benefit is what you already mentioned and that is the monorail. With the monorail you can get to all the monorail hotels, as well as EPCOT, Magic Kingdom and the ticket and transportation center. You also have the boat as another option for Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom. The buses can be a little time consuming, most people average 30 minutes to get where they are going. The monorail takes minutes to get where you are going, so it is much nicer.

With Riverside you only have the boat transportation to Downtown Disney and French Quarter. But, it is a big benefit compared to the other moderate resorts. The boat really doesn't save you much time over the buses, but it is a little more enjoyable than the bus.

You also have more options for dining at the Polynesian, which is nice if you don't really feel like eating at a park every night. But, with the monorail you can hop on and you have a lot more choices as far as dining.

The other benefit is the larger room. Since your kids are a little older, I'm sure it would be nice to have a little more space. The trundle bed is usually a little small for most kids. One person I talked to said they wouldn't put a child on there unless they were around 5 or so, Disney cuts off the age limit at 9. They aren't very big, so they probably wouldn't be the most comfortable. But, I'm not sure how picky your boys may be as far as room and things.

I always stay at deluxe resorts, for me it is well worth the money. They are very nice, relaxing resorts, with a lot of little extras that make it well worth it, but that is my situation. Another option to consider would be to do either two rooms at a value resort, one room in the All Star Music Family suite or a Wilderness Cabin. Each of these options would give you more space and more than likely save you money over Polynesian. It all just depends how much you really want to spend.


Is the dining plan worth it? Absolutely. The dining plan is a great deal and saves most people 40% or more on their dining. Since you do have two older kids, it will make the plan a little bit more costly since they go at adult rate. For your 8 year old it is only $10.99 a day. For the adults it is $38.99 per day. If you want to have some really nice meals, but save money, this is the way to go. Plus, everything is paid for and ready to go, so you don't have to worry about it when you are there.

On the dining plan, if you use it properly, you will be able to eat at some of the nicest restuarants at Disney and get a ton of food at each place. The only thing that isn't included is alcohol. When I use the plan I usually spend more than the cost of my plan just on my table-service meal, meaning my counter-service and snack are all free for the day, plus I save a little on my main meal and the 19% tip is included.

I could go on and on about the dining plan. It is the first plan Disney has offerred that is affordable to most everyone and is well worth it. I never go without the dining plan, I like it a lot.

You can go to Disney and spend less money on dining, but you won't be able to get nearly as nice of meals as you can on the plan. If you want to eat mainly hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken nuggets, you won't spend as much on your food (except for kids) but you will almost pay as much as you would for the dining plan and the meals aren't nearly as nice.

I'm not sure of when you are wanting to go. But, if you are planning to go in September, Disney has free dining out, so that would give you a pretty nice savings. Also, if you are planning to go around September or sooner, don't wait too long to book, especially your dining. A lot of things are already sold out. If there is something you really want to get you should try to book it as soon as you can.

I've included a link to one of the best sites I have found so far in regards to the dining plan. A lot of info and it helps you plan out your meals a little better.

Please e-mail me if you have questions, I go to Disney all the time and I love to help!

Answer 2

I've stayed at both of these Resorts. I stayed at Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside at Alligator Bayou back in 1997 when it was the Dixie Landings Resort. The past two Augusts I've stayed at Disney's Polynesian Resort. The first summer I stayed in a Lagoon View Room in the Aotearoa Longhouse and the second summer I stayed in a Magic Kingdom View Room in the Hawaii Concierge Longhouse. Disney's Polynesian Resort is definitely my favorite of all the Resorts at Walt Disney World. In my opinion, it's definitely worth the extra money. It's a gorgeous Resort and it's one of the two original Resorts at Walt Disney World. As you know, it's a Monorail Resort, and that's a big plus. It's the fastest, most reliable form of transportation and the AC always works. And then, of course, you have your typical bus transportation, there's a water launch to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Contemporary Resort, and the Magic Kingdom, there's a walkway to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and then there's another walkway to the Transportation & Ticket Center where you can get on the Monorail to EPCOT. The other thing I love about this Resort is the rooms. They've all been recently refurbished. The bathrooms have been redone, the rooms have new furniture, and they have new large plasma screen TVs. Oh, and the beds at this Resort are so comfortable! I loved having rooms with views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom. Every evening I'd go out onto the patio and watch the Electrical Water Pageant and the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom. It's an amazing view and a perfect way to end each night. Even if you're out at the parks late it's still nice to just sit out on the patio and watch Cinderella Castle change colors all night. Besides all that, this Resort has plenty of other benefits. The Great Ceremonial House has plenty of shops and restaurants. The Kona Cafe is my favorite restaurant at the Resort and one of my favorite restaurants at all of Walt Disney World. For breakfast, try the Tonga Toast. It's what the restaurant's known for. Banana-stuffed French toast. I don't even care for bananas, but I loved it. Also, for lunch, the wok-seared duck pot stickers are the best! I have them two or three times each time I go to Walt Disney World. Then there's the arcade, the marina, and the two fabulous pools.

Now, Disney's Port Orlean Resort Riverside was alright, but it's nothing compared to Disney's Polynesian Resort. I was 10 when I stayed at Disney's Port Olreans Resort and I don't remember much of it. I remember that I liked the pool, I hated the rooms, and it seemed to take forever to walk to Alligator Bayou. The paths seemed very long and windy.

If I had the choice like you, I'd definitely stay at Disney's Polynesian Resort. The whole family will love it. I think it's the best Resort on property. I'll only stay at Disney's Polynesian Resort from now on.

Hope I could help! Have a magical time! ºoº

Answer 3

Well...I will say that the Polynesian is VERY beautiful! We did the breakfast with Lilo & Stitch when we were at WDW in December, and the lobby just took my breath away! The All Star Music resort even has family suites that sleep 5-6 people now. Our adult daughters stayed there in December and they loved it!

The buses usually run about every 20 minutes, regardless of the hotel. Yes, it's a bit of a pain to wait - but it's WDW.... you're going to spend time waiting regardless of what you do.

We've stayed at all of the value resorts, Dixie Landings (which is now Port Orleans Riverside), Caribbean Beach resort, and Coronado Springs. We're going back in October and this time we're going to stay at the Animal Kingdom lodge. Honestly, it doesn't matter which resort you stay in, you can still use the facilities (pools, dining, & such) at ANY of the resorts. You also get the Extra Magic hours no matter what resort you stay in. Since this is your first trip, if you don't plan to spend much time in your room, I'd recommend saving your money and staying at the value resorts. Also, if you plan to take photos, buy your film / digital chips BEFORE you get to WDW.

I also HIGHLY recommend the Magic Your Way package with the park hopper & dining options! You really DO save with the dining option! We get the one that offers 1 snack, 1 quick service meal, and 1 table service meal per person per day. (You can book your table service reservations 180 days in advance, and you can use the table service meals for character meals if your boys might be interested in dinner with Mickey or breakfast with Donald, etc.)

Hope this helped! HAVE FUN!

Answer 4

We go FREQUENTLY. The nicer rooms are the same as the cheaper rooms. Only the lobbies are different.

You have to stand in line for the Monorail. You have to stand in line for the busses. EITHER way, the wait is not that long.

I rode both busses and the monorail. Both were air conditioned, comfortable, and fine! No pain.

And YES, you will use the rooms to sleep only! The food packages are great. You get a credit card, and you simply use the card for meals. Depends upon what package you get.

Parks open at 9, so eat and be at the bus by at least 8:30. Sooner is better. To be in front when the parks open.
Crowds get their in BIG NUMBERS around 10.

Personally I like the Sports motels that Disney offers. Again, just a room, and a moderate lobby. Spend more money on other things.

Answer 5

For me personally if you are going to stay at a Moderate resort I would also look at Coronado Springs or Caribbean Beach, for my money the foodcourts are better and I like the theming more so than Port Orleans.

As far as moderate versus Deluxe I am curious how many nights are you staying? Also to consider is Magic Kingdom the one theme park you will visit most often? Even if you stay at Polynesian you will still be busing it over to the other parks. Personally since it is your first trip I would splurge if it is a 3-4 night decision, for a whole week I would do the moderate and spend more on mickey souvenirs and the like!

And I do recommend the Dining Plan, be sure to do some research on how to MAXIMIZE the dining plan as it is important which restaurants you use your points at! Check disboards for some hints and tips!!

Answer 6

If you have never been then it is worth it. This time of year it is the low season so crowds will not be an issue. As for the shows they have several of each one so you don't have to wait hours between them. All of the shows you mentioned are good to see. If you had to miss one, I would probably say unless you are going with kids you can miss Haunted Lighthouse. Not that it's bad, but I felt it was mainly ment for the Teen and Under age group. For Rides they do not have many rides there. They have a raft ride(forgot the name) that is not one you will want to go on in the winter. The other major one is Journey to Atlantis which is a combination Log Flume, Roller coaster. You also can get wet on this one but not as much as the rafts. The other one is Wild Artic, it is a motion simulator ride, but they also have a stationary version if you don't want the motion. If the Skytower is open that gives a great view of San Diego bay, and try to hit this at dusk.

Answer 7

It is definetly worth it! You get the best quality experience and amenities. Here are a few of the additional amenities you get from staying at a Deluxe Resort:

- Excellent Dining Options (Full Service and Quick Service)
- Closest proximity to Parks
- Best Transportation Options (Monorail, Water Launch, etc.)
- High Quality In-room Amenities (Bedding, Decor, etc.)
- Special Resort-Exclusive Attractions & Unique Pools
- Highest Quality Disney Experience!

Have Fun!

Answer 8

I'd say your husband is right and the added amenities are a time and energy saver if nothing else. But you really should at getting a Disney Vacation Package and see if you cant get what you both want with a package. Check out my listed source for more information and a Free Guide To A Disney World Vacation.

Answer 9

I would go for a cheaper room. My husband and I stayed at Port Orleans Riverside, which is a little bit nicer, but only cuz it was our honeymoon. We never had any problems with buses. We would wait only a few minutes, always got right on-didnt have to wait in big lines.
I would save your money, and spend it on other things-souveneirs that you can keep forever, rather than a hotel room you'll only be in to sleep and shower.

Answer 10

Some of the non deluxe hotels still located in the park are worth a try. I stayed at one a few times near downtown disney and it was very nice and had free bus transport to and from all parks, so you can still get around pretty easily without staying at the deluxe resorts, thou they are pretty beautiful, not sure if its worth the extra money. I took a tour of the animal kingdom resort and it was awesome, but very expensive, didnt end up staying there.haha.