12 days to decide (before TP request email is sent) on a room and I'm stumped!!

[Dug720]

HELP!

I’m at the 43-day mark from my February trip, so I’m 12 days away from no more changes to my resort stay (I don’t like to make changes after the email has been sent).

I’ve made so many changes on this one… It’s kind of ridiculous at this point. Just me, solo adult. Plan to hit all parks with AK at least twice and the others at least once (arrival day - may be a park or hang at the resort and Springs).

Currently: Kidani Standard View Studio
Pros: I LOVE Animal Kingdom and would love to just be able to explore the Lodges and grounds on down-time.
Cons: The food situation. Only having Sanaa - and the gluten-free options there being limited - is tough. (I’m pretty sure pool bars can’t do gluten-free foods/)

Possible other locations in order from lowest to highest prices: (yes, SSR is right in there price-wise, but I can stay at a golf condo complex at pretty much any beach, and the horse theme doesn’t do it for me) - these are all do-able financially:

Caribbean Beach King (with this one I could add on Memory Maker)
Pros: CBR has a special place in my heart; King room almost guarantees a corner; could walk over to Riviera for more food options
Cons: Skyliner - yes, this is a con for me as I prefer to enter Epcot by the main entrance. I’ve done IG before when I had breakfast at Garden Grill and was staying at Pop and it just felt weird to me all day not having gone in the main entrance.

CSR Gran Destino Tower Room (I’d probably add on Memory Maker here too)
Pros: the rooms and the tower look gorgeous; I’ve heard great things about Three Bridges and staying there would make it easier
Cons: no Food Court (or grab and go only if it is operating, which is not super allergy-friendly); I feel like I’ve bounced to here on this reservation more than any and feel like my TA (who has the patience of Job) will just roll her eyes

Yacht Club Garden/Woods or Water View
Pros: Never stayed there before and I do like the Nautical Theme
Cons: I’m not a pool person so the “mystique” of SAB is lost on me; my “thing” about IG not feeling like I’m really in Epcot; not sure about QS options here

Riviera Standard View Studio (this one is a bit of a stretch but could be done)
Pros: resort looks beautiful; multiple food options
Cons: price-wise a bit of a stretch; see above for Skyliner/not feeling like IG is the real Epcot entrance

At one point recently, I was booked at CCV, but I am only slightly more into that theme than the horse/golf course theme at SSR - Geyser Point or not.
SOOOOOOOOO confused!! I’ll be happy when I hit the 30 day mark and the request has been emailed!! Also on the "meh" on the theme list are Grand Floridian (it just looks STUFFY) and Contemporary (looks too conferency). I (like most people) haven't traveled since my cruise in Feb just before everything shut down, so I'd rather splurge a little on a Mod or Deluxe or Villa than stay at Pop or AoA.

Thoughts?

 

[Carol_]

I vote CBR or Riviera. If Port Orleans were open, I’d vote that.

 

[disneytraveltales]

I love AKL so I vote staying with your current option

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

HELP!

I’m at the 43-day mark from my February trip, so I’m 12 days away from no more changes to my resort stay (I don’t like to make changes after the email has been sent).

I’ve made so many changes on this one… It’s kind of ridiculous at this point. Just me, solo adult. Plan to hit all parks with AK at least twice and the others at least once (arrival day - may be a park or hang at the resort and Springs).

Currently: Kidani Standard View Studio
Pros: I LOVE Animal Kingdom and would love to just be able to explore the Lodges and grounds on down-time.
Cons: The food situation. Only having Sanaa - and the gluten-free options there being limited - is tough. (I’m pretty sure pool bars can’t do gluten-free foods/)

Given your love for Animal Kingdom and desire to explore the resorts, I'd probably stick with AKL.

Given your plan to visit all the parks and Disney Springs, I think the amount of meals you'll be eating at your resort will be somewhat limited.

 

[princesscinderella]

I’d keep AKL and sanaa has so many gluten free options, it’s one of the easiest gf places on property. They even have the bread service gluten free. We also eat gluten free and it’s a never miss for us. I’d see if you can get a savanna view it’s to nice relaxing on the balcony in your pjs watching the animals.

 

[Disneylover99]

Caribbean Beach King (with this one I could add on Memory Maker)
Pros: CBR has a special place in my heart; King room almost guarantees a corner; could walk over to Riviera for more food options
Cons: Skyliner - yes, this is a con for me as I prefer to enter Epcot by the main entrance. I’ve done IG before when I had breakfast at Garden Grill and was staying at Pop and it just felt weird to me all day not having gone in the main entrance.

If not wanting to go through the IG at Epcot is your only con of staying at CBR, just Uber to Epcot from CBR on your one day there, so you can go through the main entrance.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

I would stay at AKL if deciding for myself, but given what you are saying and your allergy situation CBR might be your best bet. Just UBER to Epcot and hit the front gate.

 

[figmentfinesse]

Definitely find out which rooms are secretly Savannah view and request one of those if you decide to stick with your current resort. If you were to switch, I’d probably say pick CSR tower.

 

[Ross Kratter]

If you're not going to stick with Kidani, which is a great option, then I'd go with Riviera or Gran Destino Tower.

 

[leebee]

Just to mix it up a little, I know you said SSR doesn't necessarily "do" it for you, but the preferred view rooms and The Paddock have just gone through a refurb. Brand new everything, inside and out, and you can walk to Disney Springs. There's something to be said for that!

(Disclaimer: We leave Sunday for 3 nights at AKL/Jambo and 4 nights at SSR. AKL is my FAVORITE resort, and although SSR never "did" it for me, I love the thought of walking to DS for late evening snacks and a nightcap!)

 

[DCLMP]

Just to mix it up a little, I know you said SSR doesn't necessarily "do" it for you, but the preferred view rooms and The Paddock have just gone through a refurb. Brand new everything, inside and out, and you can walk to Disney Springs. There's something to be said for that!

(Disclaimer: We leave Sunday for 3 nights at AKL/Jambo and 4 nights at SSR. AKL is my FAVORITE resort, and although SSR never "did" it for me, I love the thought of walking to DS for late evening snacks and a nightcap!)

Does booking a preferred room guarantee you a refurbished room?

 

[luvdmouse]

Last Christmas we stayed in Gran Destino Tower. It was beautiful and new. But, after staying at so many other Disney resorts, my family felt it did not feel Disney. My kids are all in their 20’s so it was fine but again, not what I would pick again for Disney trip.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I would stay at AKL. Having only DVC open is a big plus to me. I would love to stay there when it isn't chaotic like it was when we were there July 2019. So much to see at Jambo. Or is Jambo still all closed up? I have no idea what's going on there.

 

[Dug720]

Does booking a preferred room guarantee you a refurbished room?

I think so. But the horse theme does nothing for me either.

 

[keishashadow]

Currently: Kidani Standard View Studio
Pros: I LOVE Animal Kingdom and would love to just be able to explore the Lodges and grounds on down-time.

We have DVC there, jambo is always our personal first choice

Since u have a studio, could get simple groceries for breakfast/lunch ordered.

The bus to Disney springs for meals another option

 

[StarlitNight05]

Not sure about the GF options at Kidani currently, but I'd lean toward staying there and do as the PP said and have a few things to prepare in room. You seem really excited about the grounds at Kidani and I think it'd be an amazing resort for wandering/relaxation. It may be a great opportunity to enjoy a less crowded resort too since it's only DVC at the moment.

If you don't feel comfortable with that (I'm the Queen of being indecisive, so I know your pain), I think YC may be a good alternate option. I know there is less availability of open options on the boardwalk, but you would have access to Swan/Dolphin restaurants and still be within walking distance of Epcot (and HS).

 

[Dug720]

Thanks all! I’ve made a decision!!
You have to wait until I’m there to find out!

 

[DCLMP]

I think so. But the horse theme does nothing for me either.

The ability to walk to Disney Springs is tempting.

 

[StarlitNight05]

Thanks all! I’ve made a decision!!
You have to wait until I’m there to find out!

I hope you have a great time! Can't wait to hear how it went and what you chose.

 

[leebee]

Does booking a preferred room guarantee you a refurbished room?

Yes, from what I've seen and read, the preferred locations are completely refurbished, and most of The Paddock is finished, too. I'm hoping for The Paddock when we arrive on 1/9. The ability to walk to DS has won me over... just wish the boats were running.