Which would you choose???

[TigrLvsPooh]

My Mom has offered to come along with us on our trip and be a nanny! :) We have a 2 year old and an infant so having her would be great... we could ride the adult rides while she watches the kids... and also go OUT at night! ;)

Now... if you were taking your Mom along which would you choose? This trip is really short notice (less than a month to plan) so these are our only options. ;)

2 connecting rooms at CBR (dh and I in one room, Mom and kids in the other room)

1 room at AKL (dh and I in one queen bed, Mom and our 2 year old in the other queen bed, baby in crib)

1 room at WL (same sleeping arrangement as AKL)

Studio at OKW (same as AKL and WL, 2 queens)

Contemporary garden wing (same again, 2 queens)

[TigrLvsPooh]

Just wanted to add... we get along really great with my Mom so having her in our room would be no big deal. ;) Heck, her and my dh stayed with me in the hospital when my kids were born! :D

I'm leaning towards 2 rooms at CBR.... but I've never stayed at any of the other resorts I listed so they would be really cool to try out. ;)

[Blondie]

As much as I dislike the Contemporary and it's decor, that's what I voted for BECAUSE of the monorail.

Having kids as young as yours, you'll find the ease of monorail transporation most helpful, you can just wheel them on and off in their strollers.

With the buses, you have to take them out and fold it up to board.

Second choice would be Wilderness Lodge.

[TigrLvsPooh]

Good point about the monorail with the double stroller! ;) Last time we took the kids we stayed at the GF and it was soooo nice.

Another thing I just remembered, the CR room will have 2 queens and a daybed!!! ;)

[schwaa]

My first instinct was to vote for CBR - 2 rooms so that you could have your own room.

But I would take advantage of the other resorts since you can afford them.

I voted for AKL but first a question: is it a standard room or a savannah room? It actually doesn't matter. When you and DH go out at night, there is a lot to entertain the 2 year old at the resort. Even if you haev a standard view room, grandma could take the baby in the stroller and the 2 year old down to the arusha rock and watch the animals. I'm sure the 2 year old would love that. Plus they do the storytelling everynight, so that would be good for the 2 year old too.

THe monorail would be convenient at the CR, but would you really walk up to the monorail in the tower or just walk over ot the MK from your room? It's probably quicker just to walk. Anyway, you still have to get on a bus to get to MGM and AK.

Also, the thing I like about the AKL, is it is a deluxe resort with two sit down restaurants, but it also has a food court like at the moderates. Sometimes it just more convenient to grab a quick and inexpensive meal for dinner.

[antnee]

I am curious to see AKL

[MAC3]

I voted for the CR only because of the proximity to MK seeing as your children are young they will probably enjoy MK the best so mom can bring them there herself no problem if you and DH want to do another park say epcot that your children might find (boring).

Just 1 mom's opinion,
Enjoy !! What a bonus to have the sitter included in the vacation.
Lisa

[TigrLvsPooh]

Here's the square footage for the choices:

CBR - 340 sq. ft. each (680 sq. ft. total space for 2 rooms)

AKL - 344 sq. ft. with 2 queen beds (no daybed)

WL - 340 sq. ft. with 2 queen beds (no daybed)

OKW studio - 376 sq. ft. with 2 queen beds (no daybed)

CR wing room - 422 sq. ft. with 2 queen beds and a daybed



Thanks for all the votes so far! :) DH really thinks the Contemporary would be the best choice... we can walk to MK, monorail to Epcot, big room with a daybed for our 2 year old, etc.

I am still leaning toward 2 rooms at CBR. More space and 2 bathrooms. BUT we would have to take the bus more often... which is usually no big deal but we have a huge double stroller.

AKL sounds so fun too! :) We have never seen it. I don't think my Mom would mind sleeping with my 2 year old.... so it would work.

Keep the votes coming!!! You guys are really helping us. :) :)

[CaliforniaDreaming]

The Contemporary! I stayed there last trip, and was amazed at how much I liked it!!! It was really nice to stay at "Walt's Resort". The rooms are very large, and the daybed is comfortable!!! :)

[Laurabearz]

I voted for CR too. With kids your age.... nothing like hopping n the monorail and arriving at the MK!

Have fun! Nothing like planing a Disney trip!

[goofyfordisney]

Ok...I voted for the CBR--but now I'm thinking I should have voted for CR!!

The monorail really would be a great thing...especially if your kids and mom want to head back to the pool or for a nap.

I say...CR!!!

Have fun!:)

Sue:)

P.S. You have a great Mom! (And hubby for that matter!!) I don't think I could convince my hubby to have my mom sleep in the same room as us!! LOL:D

[dove]

I voted for the 2 rooms at CBR. I was in your situation a few years ago. My mom came with us when my boys were 3 & 7. My mom is very close with us and it was no big deal for all of us to be in the same room. But, if I had it to do over I think the extra bathroom and the extra room would have been a lot better.

[princess angel]

at first I thought CBR, for the 2 rooms! but since you say it's not a big deal to have Mom in the room, I voted for CR wing.
I think for convenience sake its the best bet! plus the rooms are the largest!
at the WL and AKL you'll be on as many buses as from CBR (except ofcourse the boat to MK from WL)
and all of you in the WL or AKL would be very tight!!!

it would be so nice to stay on the monorail!!! I say definately the CR!!! :)

Laura :)

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Laura, when will you be trying the Contemporary? ;)

:D Cali

[eeyore0062]

I would definitely go with the 2 separate rooms, especially since the size of the rooms at the CBR are the exact same size as those at WL and AKL--- and that is a tight fit for 3 adults and 2 kids!!! With the 2 rooms at CBR, you will have 4 double beds in all, 2 tubs and 4 sinks. The resort is very kid friendly, and if at all possible, for convenience sake, request Martinique, bldg 25...it is the most central to the food court, and main pool. Also, there is some really nice playground equipment down on the beach. The quiet pools are great, as well!

2nd choice would be one room at CR. The rooms are much bigger than those at WL and AKL, and so is the bathroom. It is also very convenient to the MK, which may be nice, as well.

[TigrLvsPooh]

You guys are awesome!!! :)

The more I think about everything the more I want to try AKL. :D It sounds like a beautiful resort and my 2 year old is OBSESSED with animals. DH still wants the Contemporary, but I've just never liked it much. Seems so cold and blah.

Keep the votes and comments coming!!!! :) :)

[TigrLvsPooh]

Keep the votes coming!! We still haven't decided what to do. :)


:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[MinnieGi]

I voted for CR b/c of the big room and monorail access. However 2 rooms at CBR was a close second b/c of the amount of room and 2 bathrooms.

I would not do WL or AKL. The rooms are a quite small feeling and I think the dark color scheme makes them feel even smaller. Although the rest of these resorts are awesome the rooms with 3 adults and 2 kids would be TIGHT! We stayed at WL in NOv. and had 2 adults and one toddler and we felt tight!!!!!!!!!! I can't imagine more people in there.

Have fun with your last minute trip!

[KCritter]

I voted for OKW because you have a refrigerator and microwave in your room. It comes in very handy. Also, the studios are a little larger than a regular hotel room. The decor is lovely, very light and airy, plus the balconies have great views.

[josierac]

Erika,
my vote is for something that isn't on your list.

A deluxe room at the WL. They come with 2 queen beds and a pull out sofa in the living room. There is a door between the bedroom and living room and it also comes with al fridge with an ice maker, coffee maker and iron and ironing boards already in the room. Here is the floor plan http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/waltdisneyworld/resorts/rooms/roomindex?id=WILDRoomLayout2Room

Also the boat ride to the MK is great. There is also a playground on the beach area for the kids. I like the fact that everything is in one building too.

The contemporary is probably great because of the location but I can't get myself to stay there because of the decor of the rooms. I don't think I would be comfortable somewhere where I hated the colors.

If not then I would choose CBR

[Patio]

I would choose AKL. It's gorgeous there plus your 2 yr old will love the animals. The zero-entry pool is nice for young ones. You will need to ride the buses everywhere, but you will at CBR too. AKL has the interior corridors so your Mom can take the kids for a walk in the hotel while you and DH go out. Also, your Mom can sit on the balcony if the kids are asleep. I would feel better leaving my Mom alone at AKL than say, CBR. Have a great time whichever you decide.:)

[TigrLvsPooh]

josierac - The deluxe room at WL isn't available for our dates. :(

Something new popped up today!! We might be able to get a one bedroom villa at OKW (renting points). If that works out then it will be perfect!! :D We'll have tons more room and I've always wanted to stay in a villa!!! :)

If that falls through then I think we're going to book AKL.

Keep the votes coming though... we still haven't figured it out! Every 2 seconds we have a different plan!! LOL ;)

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Definetly go for the villa if you can get it!!!

However, I would not try to put 3 adults and 2 kids in a room at AKL or WL. They are just TOO small. I visited a friend who was staying at the AKL in a savanna view room when I was there over the holidays, and the room (with 2 queens) was very small and dark. I'd have to say go with 2 rooms at CBR, then. (or, my choice, the Contemporary Garden Wing).

Have you made reservations yet? If not, I'd definetly call CRO and get a room, just to make sure you have one!

[wdw4us2]

I voted for CR. The rooms are bigger and offer more sleeping options as well as the fact you have elevators and inside corridors (as opposed to CBR). It's much easier to get to MK and Epcot with the monorail instead of having to open and close your stroller on the buses. Just my opinion, but I have stayed at all of the resorts you mentioned and I think CR is your best bet. Have a great time!:D

Lisa

[TigrLvsPooh]

We have a reservation at AKL.... so at least we have something in case the OKW villa doesn't work. Hopefully we'll know something for sure by tomorrow. :)

[mjenni27]

Without a doubt I would go with the two rooms. Doesn't matter how well you and your DH get along with mom, having a separate room to go to after the night out with each other is much better from a romantic angle:o

[PlutoPal]

Go with the Wilderness Lodge! A really nice resort!

[kimmar067]

...2 rooms at CBR. I am sort of in your predicament now - 2 separate rooms or a jr suite. The issue isn't so much the PRIVACY, but rather, the amount of bathrooms!!! My DH takes FOREVER to get ready in the AM (good thing he doesn't have to put on makeup -lol!!!) It will be more peaceful and relaxing at night with 2 separate rooms and 2 separate TV's.....

[goofyfordisney]

Just wondering...

What did you choose to do anyway??

goofyfordisney:)

[PieInYourEye]

I vote Contemporary for that ever-so-convenient monorail.

[TigrLvsPooh]

Still haven't decided! :D Right now, if my Mom goes, we will probably get 2 rooms at CBR. If she doesn't go then we're staying at AKL. Also I've been over at the DVC rent/trade board trying to rent points for a one bedroom villa at OKW... that would probably be the best option if my Mom does come with us and we can get a good deal on points. ;)

I'll let you guys know what we decide. Nothing like waiting until the last minute??? :p

[Gary M]

You might check the Wilderness Lodge Villas.