What's the most relaxing resort?

[ptrbryant]

In May, our family stayed at WL for our first trip to WDW...we loved it! We really appreciated the peaceful "away from it all" feeling of WL after busy--and hot!--days at the parks. However, we found that we spent more time at MGM and EPCOT than at MK. Does anyone have any opinions on which resorts near those parks would be relaxing and more on the quiet side?
Thanks!
Karla B.

[macs4us]

We stayed in a 1 bedroom villa at the BWV for 8 nights on our second trip to WDW - we had fallen in love with Epcot, and wanted to be close. Our room faced the canal between the Boardwalk and Swan/Dolphin, and was very quiet and relaxing. I would bet that the new Beach Club Villas would be that way too. Of course, if you have a car and don't mind driving 5 minutes to Epcot/MGM, my pick for relaxing is a 1 bedroom at Old Key West - they are huge, and very quiet.

[Babymoon]

We stayed at Caribbean Beach Resort last February and I have never been so relaxed.

Those hammocks by the water are pure therapy! Of course, the Goombay Smash in my hand as I rocked helped too! ;)

[mouseclick1]

I have no problem relaxing at any of the resorts!:D I would say that OKW and AKL have the most relaxing atmosphere of any WDW resort where I haved stayed. Neither of them are Epcot resorts, though. I do love the Boardwalk (we are DVC owners there), but it is a busier place than OKW and AKL. Good luck with your decision!

[daannzzz]

The Yacht Club has a nice calm feel to it....well if you stay away from Stormalong bay. The quiet pool here is tucked back behind the resort near the Dolphin and there was hardley anyone there.

[josierac]

Out of the Epcot resorts, I would have to pick the Boardwalk Inn as being the most quiet of them all.

[Kitty 34]

IMHO, the Dolphin, west wing side. I know it's a big resort but we very seldom would see anyone in our hallways or sharing nearby balconies. My DH and sons enjoyed swimming laps in the Lap Pool because most of the time, they were the only ones in it....this was in the later evening.:cool:

[ducklite]

BWI and AKL, hands down. We didn't want to leave AKL for the parks, we were just so drawn in by the atmosphere there.

Anne

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Nothing like sitting out on a balcony at the Grand Floridian or Polynesian and watch the little waves out on the lagoon. :)

[TigrLvsPooh]

I agree with Josierac... the BWI is the most relaxing and quiet of all the Epcot resorts. Ask for a room facing the inner courtyard (garden view). ;) You'll be able to see the rose gardens, quiet pool, and World Showcase. :)

[ptrbryant]

Thanks for all the great advice!Now I've got a short list to investigate before our next trip...hopefully in Feb 2003!
Thanks again!
Karla

[eeyore0062]

Wow, that would really depend on what you consider relaxing!

If you consider sitting by a fire, sipping a coffee drink relaxing, then you would probably like WL.

If the South Pacific Islands with Tiki Torch lined lanes and a moonlit beach are your idea of relaxing, then try the Poly.

If you are apt to enjoy the finer things in life, and the genteel turn of the century atmosphere, then I would suggest the Grand Floridian.

If you like the idea of a New England seaside escape, then of course the Yacht and Beach Club may be to your fancy.

If you like hopping right downstairs for entertainment, and then escaping upstairs to your room, try the Boardwalk.

If you think watching the animals from your balcony is your idea of bliss, then AKL may be your cup of tea.

If waking up to the site of Cinderella's Castle is the way to go, and you like door to door monorail service, then go with the Contemporary.

If your budget cannot handle the above, and you don't want to do a lot of walking, but have a great ambience, stay at PO-FQ.

If the genteel ways of the old south turn you on, then PO-R is the place for you.

If Lazy days basking in the sun on the beach in a hammock and moonlit swims in the pool right next to a wonderful pool bar sounds delightful, then go for the Caribbean Beach Resort.

It really does depend on your mood, and your preferences. Others cannot really tell you what you will enjoy and what you want. You just have to go with your gut instinct and pick one.

Have a great time, whichever you choose!

[DeeP]

Well if you mean quiet and secluded by saying relaxing then I would say without a doubt it would be OKW. OKW is very laid back, very quiet, very secluded. It is not real close to anything but DTD but it is a very quiet resort and the 1 BR are very large and beautiful.

[Greg K.]

Well, during one of our trips to the Grand Floridian, as I was strolling along the beach with my wife, and watching the waves lap the shore, and pondering whether I should stop by the bar to order a pina colada or slip into my trunks to soak in the hot tub or just sit on the swings for a spell and watch the ducks waddle around, I remarked: "You know, I could come here for a week and never go into the parks and have a terrific, relaxing vacation."

She looked at me like I had lost my mind.

Oh, the relaxation part? THAT she could understand.

But not going into the parks? Madness. Sheer madness.

[mom23guys2]

For us it's AKL. We always do all of our park visits on the first part of our trip then just relax at AKL. The animals create the entertainment.

[Deb & Bill]

I agree with OKW. Especially the one or two bedroom unit, with the whirlpool tub in the bathroom. Soak in the tub with the jets on, the kids in the living room watching TV. Or sitting on the porch watching the golfers and ducks out on the golf course. But it's not near Epcot or Disney Studios.

[Cinderella]

WL is my favourite relaxing resort too - I love it. Not directly in the Epcot area but, not too far away is OKW. That is a very relaxing resort - perhaps even more so than WL and it is also lovely.

If you wanted to be closer to Epcot and MGM, we found the BC also to be lovely and relaxing - although not so much as WL is. Have fun choosing.

[Halle]

I'll never tell...then everyone would stay there!!! Haha!!!

[Simba's Mom]

I agree with OKW. WL seemed relaxing during the day, but very loud (I guess we're light sleepers) at night.

[ptrbryant]

Thanks again for all the suggestions! I think I'm leaning towards (if we don't do WL again) either OKW or BC. I like the location of BC better, but like the idea of the roomier OKW. Oh, well, sometimes the planning is half the fun!
Thanks again!
Karla

[imbe@aol.com]

I think that for an "away from it all" feeling .. truly away .. AKL is probably the best. It's location is a bit remote, and you just get so drawn in by the gorgeous atmosphere! Other than that, the GF is always a retreat for me too!

[Bim-muv-fab]

Have stayed at WL and GF and both are very relaxing in different ways. We loved the little reading spots throughout the WL and would often take advantage of them during the evenings. The WL didn't seem as busy to me.

We also loved listening to the waves lap onto the shore at the GF from our room in Boca Chica.

[kylara]

I haven't stayed there in ages, but the campground was very relaxing and a great place to walk around. I stayed there when it was the old homes, and must admit, the new cabins look much nicer.

[ead79]

I stayed at the Board Walk Inn and found it to have a very relaxing, very laid back feeling. It was a great place to escape. Also, we were lucky enough to get a free upgrade to a room with a view of the quiet pool. It was such a neat view if you want a relaxing atmosphere. :D