Husband loves golf, hates disney; I love disney, hate golf, which resort?

[ARAITHEL]

I have it down to two resorts I am thinking of for my husband and I this May. He loves golf, I hate it. I love disney, he's not a fan. We are attempting to combine both of the things we like in one vacation. My husband has been to WDW 2x. Once as a boy and once in 2009 with our DD. I've been to Disney for the last 6 years in a row, so I don't have to do disney commando style and see everything. This is a leisure trip. We will do some time at the parks each day, but I don't look for us to spend all day there. I have reservations booked for the ADRs and will book the tee times soon.(at least two rounds) , My question is this: Should I keep my CSR (I've never stayed here before) business class reservation or transfer my reservation to Saratoga Springs so my DH can be closer to the golf course? The price difference is basically a wash. The Hess station would be close for his beer, so that is good too at Saratoga. I'd like to do the club level at CSR, but don't know if it's worth it. I'm not a huge fan of the bus, and I'm also trying to make the disney experience as painless as possible for my very non-disney husband. The last time we went with my DD, we stayed at CBR. I hated the busses. He said he'd never go back to Disney until he had grand children, and has let me indulge this year. I want to make sure he doesn't regret going back! Please help!

 

[Newsies]

If you think switching hotels is going to appease the both of you, I say go for it! Who knows, maybe he'll enjoy himself so much he'll convert into another Disney addict like us

Hope your trip is great!

 

[Sue M]

I'd go for either Saratoga or OKW, both are on golf courses. I don't think CSR is the full CL like the deluxe resorts, so dont know if it would be worth it.

 

[Collin WK]

Saratogas property is beautiful and the golf course is basically on the resort. In addition, I have played magnolia by the Grand Floridian and it is an impressive course with an incredible clubhouse, but in my own opinion, the lake buena vista course at saratoga is incredible and there driving range is second to none that I have ever been at. It's beautiful and includes a water based aspect that is found in very few ranges. In my opinion, as a golfer myself, that has been on the property of both it is worth the switch. Saratoga is much more luxurious in my opinion, but its almost all preference in theming. The golf is great and I'm sure your husband would love the change. Fair warning, all disney courses are very difficult, but great. Have fun. You can actually do a ride along too if you want. Have fun.

 

[TeamSy]

I think switching is also a good idea, however, keep in mind that if you hated the buses previously than you still most likely will. Although you can walk to DTD from SSR, your only other option to get somewhere is to take a bus (unless you plan on renting a car, which IMO seems silly since you're paying for the onsite transportation).

May I make another suggestion? Have you thought about offsite? There are a ton of offsite hotels where a golf course is literally right outside your door, just by walking down to the lobby. The Marriott World Center comes to mind. It's affordable, has an onsite golf course, which is fabulous, amazing pools and fantastic restaurants (all of which to possible please your husband). It's also located literally a few miles from Disney's main gate. They offer bus service (which is what you'd be getting at either of the hotels you're currently at), but has more for your husband.

 

[bumbershoot]

I would switch to SSR or OKW, and I would rent a car. If you "hated" busses (and I agree with you!), why subject yourself to one? Get a rental car and be happy.

 

[ARAITHEL]

Thank you all for your kind responses. I guess I should clarify: I hated the busses at CBR. Seemed like it took as long to get out of the resort as it did to get to the parks. I'm fine with the busses as a general rule, I just didn't like them at that one resort. Might have been a CBR thing and not a bus one too. I would never stay at CBR again.

I think I will switch my reservation to SSR. We are "horse" people too, as we raise Angus cattle and use horses on the ranch every day. I love the theme of SSR and have always wanted to stay there.

Staying offsite has always been a thought for me; however, I like to have everything paid for when we leave. Offsite doesn't have the DDP, which I love, and all of the passes etc all rolled up into a tight, neat package.

Thank you all again for taking time out of your day to help me decide! Now the countdown begins!

 

[Missytara]

SSR and if you stay near the main building, you are near everything. Loved my stay there. The guys walk right from the golf course to the Turf Club patio and have lunch; I think I stayed and had lunch there everyday and only did the parks in the morning and the evening - solo trip. You cannot go wrong with your "wish list" with SSR.

 

[thisismyusername]

Just a word of caution: I haven't stayed at CBR, but SSR also has lots of internal stops. It's a lovely resort and has beautiful rooms and grounds--the only thing I dislike about it is how big it is and the numerous bus stops.

 

[bwang123]

If you are staying on Disney property, you get free transportation (by cab) to any of the Disney golf courses. Tip is included but we tipped anyway. We stayed at AKV and played Magnolia. The cab was outside in a minute and transported us and our clubs with no issues. He even stopped at the gas station near the MK entrance for us so we could pick up some items.

 

[nkereina]

Agree with SSR or OKW. If it's cost prohibitive, look into renting DVC points.

IMHO, the business class rooms at CSR are not worth it. They do not provide the same amenities as club level at a deluxe has. The biggest benefit of the business class rooms at CSR are their location in Cabanas 9B, as it's close to the main pool AND El Centro. The preferred rooms at CSR, which cost less than business class, are close to El Centro but a walk to the main pool. Cabanas 9B is also close to bus stop 1, but it is the last bus stop for pick up and drop off which meant standing room only many times in our experience. The lounge itself in business class is open briefly in the morning and again around dinner time - their hours coincided with times we'd be in the parks, so it wasn't good for our schedule. The offerings themselves weren't worth the cost either. And lastly, there's no CM to assist with things like reservations, etc like their is in traditional club level. The extent of the amenities is truly location, lounge, and I think maybe bathrobes in the room? IMO, the money is better spent at a deluxe or save the money and go preferred at CSR.

 

[BenandMorgsMom]

Two words....Saratoga or Old Key West...We golf and stay at both of these resorts. It's like not quite being at Disney, if that is what you prefer, and yet still benefiting from all the amenities.

 

[buzznina]

Personally I do not think any CL is "Worth it" but that is JMO I would pick the buses at CSR over SSR, I think they are much better. I am sure you know, but just in case you did not, the Disney golf courses have free transportation by taxi/shuttle to all their courses and will pickup and drop you back off at your resort.

 

[drusba]

In making the decision in relation to golf, be aware: there are three 18 hole courses , Palm and Magnolia, both at the Shades of Green resort, and Lake Buena Vista which runs through both SSR and OKW. I personally would not be in favor of staying at SSR or even OKW (which are both very spread out and have multiple bus stops) just to be close to the one course unless you plan to do only Lake Buena Vista, including because, although being close to the club house of Lake Buaena Vista can be requested at SSR, it is not guaranteed and you can end up a very long walk from the club house. The resorts have free car/taxi service to and from the resorts to the golf courses and thus being right on the course is not necessary, and, in fact, that leans towards being at a resort where the rooms and the lobby are in the same place if you intend to do more than just Lake Beuna Vista, since the cab comes right to the front of the resort.

Tee times can now be made 60 days or less out. Singles are automatically hooked up with others. I have found lately that you can get times you want even a day out except possibly on weekends and holidays and thus you do not have to stress over reserving exactly 60 days out. Also be aware of temproary blockage when you are a single. The tee times each have four possible slots. Until a tee time has at least a twosome, they do not allow a single to be placed in the time until you are very close to the date. For example, if you try to reserve 60 days out and are told there no times between 7 and 9 a.m., do not believe those times are unopened. All that is going on is that those times still have four openings and they are waiting for at least a twosome to take those times before adding any singles.

 

[staceyrhood]

If you wanted to look into off site by chance or for a future stay I would highly recommend Reunion Resort, 3 of the best courses around, and it is beautiful!

 

[Minnesota!]

Thank you all for your kind responses. I guess I should clarify: I hated the busses at CBR. Seemed like it took as long to get out of the resort as it did to get to the parks. I'm fine with the busses as a general rule, I just didn't like them at that one resort. Might have been a CBR thing and not a bus one too. I would never stay at CBR again.

I think I will switch my reservation to SSR. We are "horse" people too, as we raise Angus cattle and use horses on the ranch every day. I love the theme of SSR and have always wanted to stay there.

Staying offsite has always been a thought for me; however, I like to have everything paid for when we leave. Offsite doesn't have the DDP, which I love, and all of the passes etc all rolled up into a tight, neat package.

Thank you all again for taking time out of your day to help me decide! Now the countdown begins!

FWIW, I think the busses at CSR are some of the worst around (worse than CBR, from our many stays at both...) I cannot imagine that SSR/OKW are worse.

I am really interested in SSR for our next resort-only vacation. Looks beautiful and serene! Enjoy!

 

[FantasiaMagic]

I love SSR. I have stayed there twice. It is a beautiful resort and has so much to offer. It also does not SCREAM Disney, so that could help! Having the golf course there is awesome, and they also have a spa. The two main pools with slides, near the Springs section and the Paddock are amazing! I love them! The food is great and the boat to DTD is very convenient as well! I would switch, I don't think you'll be sorry!

 

[ARAITHEL]

I switched to SSR yesterday. I love the theme. The boat to DTD and the close proximity to POR for the build-your-own-pasta QS and the piano bar is a good perk also. Hubs said I could go to the spa too! My gut tells me that I will love SSR!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Both SSR and OKW have courses right on the grounds. When my brother comes with us, he likes to golf a few days while we are there too. His favorite courses are the Palm and Magnolia courses which are closest to POLY and GF.

 

[Toolulu22]

I am interested to hear how you (your hubby) liked this arrangement! My situation is the same, my better half loves the golf more than Disney, I love the courses but am there for the theme parks! We considered doing what you are, so as to be near DTD - but I am not a fan of that course. Because of the location, it tends to be super crowded, especially in the afternoon. Instead, we decided to stay near the Palms and Magnolia courses, which we LOVE. I don't know if we are just lucky, but whenever we've gone out in the morning as a twosome, it's felt like we have had the course to ourselves. Slow and quiet! Plus, it's never rained on us in the morning!!!! Up here, we have the monorail/boats/buses to get around theme parks and its a really quick drive over to the course from our hotel. They will hold your clubs if you are playing multiple days, I believe all the Disney courses do this. Have fun!! Take a spin out with your hubby one day, the courses are beautiful and relaxing!