How do Disney Deluxe compare to 'real world' 5 star hotels?

[JellyEllieBean]

Wow, what a lovely family you have. I’ve stayed in the Contemporary and only visited Grand Floridian and I wouldn’t say that the service is the same as 5* (in fact I’d probably say I received better service at Royal Pacific universal hotel) and the Disney hotels are an attraction in themselves so invite a lot of other visitors. looking at the photos of the Four Seasons it looks gorgeous, the pool and grounds look very luxurious. Check out the reviews of the hotel regarding parks transport, maybe you could hire the Minnie vans if they’re willing to pay for those.

[Guest]

I mainly stay in five star hotels and no a Disney resort is not like a Mandarin Oriental. However I would not trade the benefits of onsite with a posher hotel.

Overall though, as they are paying, I would stay completely out of the decision making process. They have whittled it down to two and I am sure they are more than capable of coming up with the final choice.

[DisneyFoodie]

We went with my in laws last year and the difficult thing was they are used to staying in very expensive country hotels for mini breaks. We stayed at the GF and they upgraded their room to theme park view (in fairness it was lovely, a king size corner room with 2 balconies).
Generally we found that they were quite happy with the amenities (non club level); what they couldn’t get their heads round was the lack of service. Having to queue at the front desk to do anything at all, also my FIL requested something quite easy for the fitness centre pretty much every day while we were there and never got it.
So imho it’s that it they need preparing for - not the room or the facilities but the lack of personal attention in a huge hotel with a high turnover that is full to capacity a lot of the time. I would get them to read some stories like this and some negative reviews on tripadvisor to prepare them before you go.

[pluto99]

before anyone says its only to sleep in i think the rooms could be better and especially the bathrooms, we have been toying with beach/yacht club nd tbh am struggling to see the money in them

[sha9]

Originally Posted by pluto99

before anyone says its only to sleep in i think the rooms could be better and especially the bathrooms, we have been toying with beach/yacht club nd tbh am struggling to see the money in them

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As I said, Disney hotel are expensive because of the location. There is no offsite 4 star hotel where you can walk to Magic Kingdom or Epcot.

[Guest]

Originally Posted by pluto99

before anyone says its only to sleep in i think the rooms could be better and especially the bathrooms, we have been toying with beach/yacht club nd tbh am struggling to see the money in them

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I never understand those "only to sleep in" comments either. I don't fall asleep the minute I get into my room and nor do I leave it the minute I wake up.

But I have no trouble understanding why somebody would book the YC / BC. It is not because it is the poshest hotel in the world, it is because they are very nice hotels in a great location with great onsite benefits.

[tinytots]

We stayed at Disney Beach Club for the first time last year, we normally stay at 5 star/4.5 off site or wherever else we travel. We were a little disappointed with the quality of the rooms, particularly the bathrooms compared to say the Waldorf or the Hyatt Regency but then you could not beat the BC for location, theming and proximity to Epcot/ HS. I think you have a tough job as they sound very discerning travellers and used to luxury. Good luck with the planning.

[DisneyFoodie]

Originally Posted by pluto99

before anyone says its only to sleep in i think the rooms could be better and especially the bathrooms, we have been toying with beach/yacht club nd tbh am struggling to see the money in them

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I agree with this - although I think the yacht club now has showers instead of baths which I much prefer.

I also can never get over Disney’s standard room set up of 2 double/queen beds. Surely this suits almost nobody? As a couple, we have a massive spare bed where something useful like a kitchenette could go. For larger families I would think an arrangement with bunk beds or a little annex or even a dividing curtain and twin beds plus a double would suit most families better. I know that some couples do share a room with another couple but I can’t think of anything worse on holiday. Maybe it’s a cultural thing but it boggles my mind every time.

[Dr.JumbaJookiba]

Originally Posted by DisneyFoodie

As a couple, we have a massive spare bed where something useful like a kitchenette could go.

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Sounds like a DVC studio would suit you better then, failing that, request a king bed room.

[DisneyFoodie]

Originally Posted by Dr.JumbaJookiba

Sounds like a DVC studio would suit you better then, failing that, request a king bed room.

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Thanks - a studio doesn’t work for us because we like staying in some of the resorts that don’t have DVC - and also we want to book further out and with free dining. We sometimes request a king bed but i’d rather have a nice view 👍

My point really was I don’t understand the two doubles/queens layout as it seems like they would represent a less-than-ideal compromise for almost all family groups, including ours.