Yes, I would stay in a value even if I could afford a deluxe.
I have stayed at all levels of Disney resorts, and had great vacations at all of them. Yes, of course it’s great to stay deluxe but sometimes the savings of staying moderate or value is more important. Whether it’s for more vacations, or more add ons and upgrades, or for things other than vacation, sometimes I just need to be practical. I spend a minimum of 44 nights per year on property. The difference between a value and a deluxe can easily be a few thousand dollars over that period, depending on what discounts I can get. For the last two years I have stayed value only so I could build my bank account back up after buying a car. Now I am starting to put some moderate stays back in the mix, and next year will be mixing the deluxe stays in as well. Do I feel like I missed anything by staying value? No. I had a lot of fun. I would have regretted being financially irresponsible much more had I spent the difference instead of saving it.
Sometimes it’s not about can I afford it but should I be spending this money in this way. Yes, I could have stayed deluxe and had big car payments for a long time. Or I could stay value and now the car is paid for and I can spend more on travel again.
I do think, especially as someone who has stayed at all levels for long trips, that it is very important to keep your expectations realistic. Of course, bad neighbors in any hotel can often make or break your trip ( our worst neighbors were at CR several years ago, so deluxe are not immune). But if you know that you must have 24 hour room service, or a private balcony, or a TS restaurant at your resort to have a good vacation, then a value is probably going to disappoint you. If you simply prefer those things, but they aren’t a deal breaker, your chances of liking your value stay are greater. They aren’t for everyone, but then, neither are the deluxe.
