Originally Posted by
SurferStitch
Actually, that wasn't my point, so yes, you did miss it. You can stop picking my posts apart now, and get back on track.
So, back to the OP's question about cost competitiveness...
While WDW resorts cost more than most off-site hotels, you DO get a lot more for your money. No, it might not be a washing machine, or an extra couch, or a kitchen (which I wouldn't be caught dead in on vacation anyway), but it is elaborate and lavish theming, friendly and magical service (at least in our experiences - except for POR), and convenience, convenience, convenience. We also feel so much more relaxed knowing we can just hop a bus or monorail back to the resort so we can prepare for dinners where you should dress nicely, or just relax between parks. No driving back and forth to a hotel several miles away.
I mean, we've never paid more than $89 a night for Pop (one time we paid $59 per night). No parking fees, no gas, no rental car. That factors in to overall value in my eyes.
When we stay deluxe (even a standard room), we do get more than at a value (especially at the Flo). Everything, like marble floors, lush floral arrangements, live band and pianist, exquisite stores, lush gardens, amazing restaurants, upgraded bedding, every lotion and potion at your disposal, robes, super thick towels, gorgeous and classy decor in the room, and yes, even a phone in the bathroom. Even the CM's at the desk and in the stores seem friendlier there! And, EVERY room we've had at the Flo (and at the Poly the one time we stayed there) were much nicer and fancier than almost every other hotel we've stayed at throughout the country. I can only think of one time were we had a comparable room elsewhere, but we paid about the same price anyway as we would have in WDW.
WDW sets the standard in accommodations in the Orlando area. Everyone else competes to get your business. If WDW doesn't have to lower their prices, why should they? All of the other off-site hotels will just follow suit anyway.
But, I'm glad they pull tourists away from staying at WDW.... just means we're able to get the hotel we want and ALWAYS with a discount of some sort. Works for me!