Deluxe for two nights - which one?

[dizzyr]

We are booked at CBR for 8 nights in January and I'm thinking if there is a decent room only special I may do a split stay and do the last two nights at a Deluxe. Right off the bat the ones that appeal to me are Poly and Beach Club - Poly for the theming and beach club for the pool. I'd like to hear opinions from people who have stayed there though. Here's a bit about us:

- 4 people me, dh, and two dd's 13 & 10 (birthday on arrival day!)
- The girls and I LOVE the pool and could happily play all day - dh not so much although he's usually content to sit in the shade and read a book, play a game or people watch while we are playing in the water.
- We love people watching, exploring and can generally be entertained anywhere
- we won't have Park Hoppers so if one of the benefits is to easily do two parks in a day we wouldn't care about that. In fact if I'm putting out the big bucks we probably wouldn't even go to the parks at all and would do a full on resort day.
- we like to eat but we aren't "foodies" so if it's a signature dining experience that's the draw we won't care about that
- we prefer more casual to stuffy - we are not fancy AT ALL! (barely own anything that could be considered dressy)
- we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge last time and loved it but want to try a new place
- would like a place where there are free activities we could take advantage of (I wish we had time at ALK to do all the things they offered)

and go...........................

 

[LisaCM614]

I could spend all day floating in the lazy river at the Beach Club! The Storm Along Bay pools are so fun, the atmosphere at the Beach Club is so relaxed I think it will be a great fit for your family. You don't need to go to the parks and there are a few great casual places to eat. Our favorite evening activity when staying in the Epcot Resort Area is to stroll the Boardwalk - people watch, enjoy the entertainers, shop and eat Boardwalk food. Yes - good ol' fried mac n cheese bites or sausage and pepper grinders, stop for an ice cream or get treats at the candy shop. The kids love the Boardwalk pizza window too. If you're feeling adventurous you can rent a surrey bike and ride around Crescent Lake - very fun and wow what a great leg workout! Roasting marshmallows on the beach and stopping to watch a movie on the beach are fun activiites too. The Beach Club has all of these great nooks to explore (the Solarium) where you feel like you have a special place at Disney all to yourself! The Captain's Grille has a good breakfast buffet that seems to be an undiscovered gem as it is so quiet there in the morning. We have had fun dinners at ESPN Club and the Big River Grille and Brewing Works. One last thing - you can see high fireworks from Wishes and Illuminations if you find yourself out and about at the right time walking around Crescent Lake. Enjoy making your decision!

 

[mickeynut1]

We are booked at CBR for 8 nights in January and I'm thinking if there is a decent room only special I may do a split stay and do the last two nights at a Deluxe. Right off the bat the ones that appeal to me are Poly and Beach Club - Poly for the theming and beach club for the pool. I'd like to hear opinions from people who have stayed there though. Here's a bit about us:

- 4 people me, dh, and two dd's 13 & 10 (birthday on arrival day!)
- The girls and I LOVE the pool and could happily play all day - dh not so much although he's usually content to sit in the shade and read a book, play a game or people watch while we are playing in the water.
- We love people watching, exploring and can generally be entertained anywhere
- we won't have Park Hoppers so if one of the benefits is to easily do two parks in a day we wouldn't care about that. In fact if I'm putting out the big bucks we probably wouldn't even go to the parks at all and would do a full on resort day.
- we like to eat but we aren't "foodies" so if it's a signature dining experience that's the draw we won't care about that
- we prefer more casual to stuffy - we are not fancy AT ALL! (barely own anything that could be considered dressy)
- we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge last time and loved it but want to try a new place
- would like a place where there are free activities we could take advantage of (I wish we had time at ALK to do all the things they offered)

and go...........................

We've stayed at both and while we did enjoy trying to the BC, the Poly is our favorite of the two and would be my choice without hesitation. We thought SAB was nice, but the Poly pool is our favorite pool on property and we prefer it to SAB. We also like the MK area more than the Epcot area and find that there is a better variety of dining options (at least for us) around the monorail and at the WL than at the Epcot resorts (we also find the CS options at the Epcot resorts to be very limited). The Poly rooms are quite a bit larger than those at the BC and all Poly rooms come with a daybed (which is only a request at the BC). With all of that said, I'm glad we tried the BC, but the monorail resorts is where we prefer to be (especially when the Poly is one of the choices). Good luck.

 

[addiln]

I am a big fan of staying at the MK resorts. I love the fact that MK is just a short walk, monorail, or boat trip over. I also really like the food options at these resorts the best. I can just sit around the pool at the GF all day and relax. Also being able to watch the fireworks from my room or at least the resort is another added benefit.

 

[dizzyr]

I could spend all day floating in the lazy river at the Beach Club! The Storm Along Bay pools are so fun, the atmosphere at the Beach Club is so relaxed I think it will be a great fit for your family. You don't need to go to the parks and there are a few great casual places to eat. Our favorite evening activity when staying in the Epcot Resort Area is to stroll the Boardwalk - people watch, enjoy the entertainers, shop and eat Boardwalk food. Yes - good ol' fried mac n cheese bites or sausage and pepper grinders, stop for an ice cream or get treats at the candy shop. The kids love the Boardwalk pizza window too. If you're feeling adventurous you can rent a surrey bike and ride around Crescent Lake - very fun and wow what a great leg workout! Roasting marshmallows on the beach and stopping to watch a movie on the beach are fun activiites too. The Beach Club has all of these great nooks to explore (the Solarium) where you feel like you have a special place at Disney all to yourself! The Captain's Grille has a good breakfast buffet that seems to be an undiscovered gem as it is so quiet there in the morning. We have had fun dinners at ESPN Club and the Big River Grille and Brewing Works. One last thing - you can see high fireworks from Wishes and Illuminations if you find yourself out and about at the right time walking around Crescent Lake. Enjoy making your decision!

Wow you have just described a perfect day for our family! Are all the Epcot resorts along the Boardwalk? That would bump it up in my mind - I thought it was only part of one resort.

We've stayed at both and while we did enjoy trying to the BC, the Poly is our favorite of the two and would be my choice without hesitation. We thought SAB was nice, but the Poly pool is our favorite pool on property and we prefer it to SAB. We also like the MK area more than the Epcot area and find that there is a better variety of dining options (at least for us) around the monorail and at the WL than at the Epcot resorts (we also find the CS options at the Epcot resorts to be very limited). The Poly rooms are quite a bit larger than those at the BC and all Poly rooms come with a daybed (which is only a request at the BC). With all of that said, I'm glad we tried the BC, but the monorail resorts is where we prefer to be (especially when the Poly is one of the choices). Good luck.

What is it that you love about the Poly pool? I do love the theming of the resort so much - we went to Ohana in 2013 and I instantly fell in love.

I am a big fan of staying at the MK resorts. I love the fact that MK is just a short walk, monorail, or boat trip over. I also really like the food options at these resorts the best. I can just sit around the pool at the GF all day and relax. Also being able to watch the fireworks from my room or at least the resort is another added benefit.

If we were doing it for our entire stay and I would for sure choose a MK resort but if it's only 2 days I will most likely not do any park time or will only do the one park close by so the location isn't as much of a factor. The GF always struck me as fancy - but I really know nothing about it (the whole I can never afford it don't temp myself to look kind of thing!) what's the pool like there? What activities do they have for kids?

 

[gluestickgirl]

We're doing the same - the bulk of our stay at CBR, and 2 nights at the end that are currently booked at Beach Club. Our boys are 14, 12 and 8 are are in love with the idea of hitting Stormalong Bay. BUT - depending on discounts and what's available, our #2 and #3 choices are the Poly and Wilderness Lodge. It's definitely a give and take - I'd prefer the Poly for the dining and proximity to MK, but I know the boys would love the pool at Beach Club and we've planned low key park days for the days we'd be there so they can enjoy it.

 

[addiln]

I enjoyed the pool. It was relaxing and plenty big enough for the amount of people that were there. We were not with any kids that trip so I am not really sure at the activities for them. Last July we stay at Kidani and loved that resort as well. Walking up and having a coffee as I watched the animals outside my room was awesome. The pool was alright but a bit crowded when we were there. They did have things going on for the kids but we did not attend any other the things offered since they just wanted to hang at the pool. I felt like this resort was more laid back and a place that I could hang out for the day. The only issue I really had with it was how spread out it was. It seemed like everything was at the far end of the resort. We had a 5th floor room all the way at the other side of the resort compared to where the pool was.

 

[LisaCM614]

Wow you have just described a perfect day for our family! Are all the Epcot resorts along the Boardwalk? That would bump it up in my mind - I thought it was only part of one resort.

all of the Epcot Resorts are around Crescent Lake and there is a boardwalk or path that connects them all. It is really lovely to walk around. You can get to the Boardwalk from the Beach Club in about 10 minutes if you are strolling - faster if you are my husband - Mr Walk with a Purpose!
If you leave the Beach Club you'll walk by the path to International Gateway in about 5 minutes and then another 5 minutes you are at the ESPN Club end of the Boardwalk - then it is up to you how long you enjoy it.

We love it.

 

[sbelyo]

Grand Floridian is my favorite. I'm not sure if I can explain it but it's a slight notch above the other deluxe resorts. The Poly is nice too, as well as the Wilderness Lodge. The WL Club level was pretty awesome as well

 

[twocat]

January weather can be rather dicey as far as using the pools go. At that time of year, I would pick a resort NOT based on the pool. If the weather is warm, great! If not you won't be disappointed.

 

[dizzyr]

We're doing the same - the bulk of our stay at CBR, and 2 nights at the end that are currently booked at Beach Club. Our boys are 14, 12 and 8 are are in love with the idea of hitting Stormalong Bay. BUT - depending on discounts and what's available, our #2 and #3 choices are the Poly and Wilderness Lodge. It's definitely a give and take - I'd prefer the Poly for the dining and proximity to MK, but I know the boys would love the pool at Beach Club and we've planned low key park days for the days we'd be there so they can enjoy it.

When are you going? WL would be one of my choices but a bunch of people on our FB group going at the same time as me just got switched to different resorts because of the refurb at WL so that one is out.

I enjoyed the pool. It was relaxing and plenty big enough for the amount of people that were there. We were not with any kids that trip so I am not really sure at the activities for them. Last July we stay at Kidani and loved that resort as well. Walking up and having a coffee as I watched the animals outside my room was awesome. The pool was alright but a bit crowded when we were there. They did have things going on for the kids but we did not attend any other the things offered since they just wanted to hang at the pool. I felt like this resort was more laid back and a place that I could hang out for the day. The only issue I really had with it was how spread out it was. It seemed like everything was at the far end of the resort. We had a 5th floor room all the way at the other side of the resort compared to where the pool was.

We loved AKL and I really wish we had had more time to explore - this time we will definitely be taking the time out to enjoy the resort.

all of the Epcot Resorts are around Crescent Lake and there is a boardwalk or path that connects them all. It is really lovely to walk around. You can get to the Boardwalk from the Beach Club in about 10 minutes if you are strolling - faster if you are my husband - Mr Walk with a Purpose!
If you leave the Beach Club you'll walk by the path to International Gateway in about 5 minutes and then another 5 minutes you are at the ESPN Club end of the Boardwalk - then it is up to you how long you enjoy it.

We love it.

I think I'm sold on it. I also didn't realize Cape May was at BC and we're going there on the Thursday because they have clams and that would be the day we'd be switching resorts so it works out perfect.

Grand Floridian is my favorite. I'm not sure if I can explain it but it's a slight notch above the other deluxe resorts. The Poly is nice too, as well as the Wilderness Lodge. The WL Club level was pretty awesome as well

I was just looking at photos of the GF and it sure looks pretty.

January weather can be rather dicey as far as using the pools go. At that time of year, I would pick a resort NOT based on the pool. If the weather is warm, great! If not you won't be disappointed.

I have a pretty high tolerance for the cold so unless it's pouring rain we'll use the pool. I think it's because I'm from Western Canada and swim in the ocean in spring and fall - crazy I know! I still haven't worked up to a polar bear swim yet but maybe this year I'll be brave enough. I say I'm going to do it every year but never do.

 

[QuiltLover]

We love Beach Club!!! The pool area is fabulous. You are close to EPCOT and can take a boat to DHS. You could take the boat for fun if you wanted and not go to any parks. Have a great time! My husband and I made reservations at BC for Sept 2016 after EBPC Disney cruise. We so excited and it's still a year away!

 

[mickeynut1]

What is it that you love about the Poly pool? I do love the theming of the resort so much - we went to Ohana in 2013 and I instantly fell in love.

I think the pool overall is great, but my favorite thing about it is that it backs up to the beach and you have a distant view of the castle, which is great for watching the fireworks while you swim . We have stayed at all but 3 of the deluxes (YC, BWI, CR) and while we've loved them all, the Poly just wins us over as the favorite as we love everything about it .

I was just looking at photos of the GF and it sure looks pretty.

The GF is beautiful! We have stayed there as well and even though the Poly is (and probably always will be) our favorite, the GF runs a very close second. The theme is totally different, but has a nice overall feeling. The grounds are beautiful, the pools are nice, and the dining options are great. The GF is usually my second choice after the Poly .

 

[dizzyr]

We love Beach Club!!! The pool area is fabulous. You are close to EPCOT and can take a boat to DHS. You could take the boat for fun if you wanted and not go to any parks. Have a great time! My husband and I made reservations at BC for Sept 2016 after EBPC Disney cruise. We so excited and it's still a year away!

When we went on our cruise (Nov 2013) I booked it in July of 2012 - that was a crazy long wait!!

I think the pool overall is great, but my favorite thing about it is that it backs up to the beach and you have a distant view of the castle, which is great for watching the fireworks while you swim .

Now that would be a little slice of heaven!

 

[mickeynut1]

Now that would be a little slice of heaven!

It is awesome!

 

[gluestickgirl]

When are you going? WL would be one of my choices but a bunch of people on our FB group going at the same time as me just got switched to different resorts because of the refurb at WL so that one is out.

We are going in March - and we're keeping an eye on the refurb news, but there's been nothing that has deterred us so far. =)

 

[Sytrace]

We have stayed at both the Yacht Club and Poly and found them both to be fantastic choices for a deluxe hotel experience.
Beach club renovations will be completed by the middle of this month and the Poly will have ongoing construction until early 2016.

We stayed at Poly this past January while they were renovating the main pool and were finishing the bungalows. Some of the walkways were closed and re routed and there was construction machinery in view of the room we were in (Club level in the Hawaii) BUT it was still a beautiful hotel and the views of the MK are fantastic.
The main pool has since reopened, and work on the bungalows are completed, but there is still a lot of construction happening. You may want to skip the Poly for this reason.

We recently were at the Yacht club and really enjoyed the SAB (this was our 4th time at this hotel) and love walking around the Lake. We also enjoy being so close to EPCOT! We stayed club level there too and had a great view of the lagoon and pool.

Have a fantastic time

 

[canadiandisneynut]

BLT! Walking distance to Magic is everything for us

 

[hookedonears]

We've stayed at several deluxe resorts, the Poly, WL, GF and the BC. The Poly by far is our favorite for multiple reasons. The most relaxing in a place that's nothing but hectic. The Monorail; the easy walk and access to the TTC for the EPCOT Monorail; large rooms; Electrical Parade; MK fireworks; the lush tropical atmosphere around the pool and the easy monorail ride to and walk back from the best dining at the GF - Narcoossees and Citricos. The Poly is just a notch above the rest in my opinion.

 

[Ceryssa]

I haven't stayed at the Poly. But for us, the Epcot resort area wins hands down. SAB is awesome, but the Boardwalk area and proximity to Epcot (our favorite) and HS puts it over the top.