Hi Meghan! You sound like my kind of girl! As far as I'm concerned, the posher the hotel, the better the vacation! While I've occasionally stayed in the value and moderate resorts, as well as in off-site hotels, I personally find my Disney trips more fun when I stay in a deluxe resort. Since they are more expensive, I choose to take shorter vacations and stay in luxury instead of a longer trip in a more basic room. I also keep an eye on the
Special Offers page of the Disney website, where I can usually find a discount for rooms in the deluxe resorts. Staying in a fancy, plush hotel is a big part of the vacation fun for me, but I know other people who travel to Disney primarily for the parks and just want to stay somewhere economical since they're hardly in their rooms. It's really a matter of personal preference.
The Polynesian is one of the more expensive deluxe resorts, so if you're looking to reduce your cost, you might want to consider the Animal Kingdom Lodge or The Wilderness Lodge, both of which offer the same deluxe resort amenities but at lower prices. If you want to save even more, consider the moderate Port Orleans French Quarter. The rooms there have been recently refurbished and now offer queen-sized beds and flat panel televisions. Also, beginning in February 2012 guests at Port Orleans Riverside can stay in new
Royal Guest Rooms that are fit for a princess! These rooms will definitely have a more luxurious feel, but the rates will be a tad higher than other moderate rooms.
Wherever you stay, I hope your vacation is magical! Come visit me again at the Moms Panel if you have more questions! I'd love to help!