1st trip back to WDW in 5 years...where to stay?

[Southernswthrt1]

My DH and I will be returning to WDW for the first time since 2002, and it will be our first vacation in over 4 years. So needless to say, I want it to be very special. We plan on spending 4 nights at WDW and 4 nights at Universal. We have no children, so we are looking for a quiet place. We will probably be there from December 8 through 16 of this year, due to Pop Warner week. I'm waiting to see what discounts come out to make my final decisions.

My DH and I do consider ourselves to be "picky" about our accomodations, and I do want to get the "most bang for my buck." I've always wanted to stay at Poly, but recent threads have made me reconsider.

I have a few questions about where to stay:

1. We haven't decided whether we will go Moderate or Deluxe. The only moderates I would consider are POR and CSR. We're leaning towards Deluxe - Poly, WL, AKL...maybe even BC or YC

2. We may consider a split stay at WDW resorts instead of moving over to Universal. Is it worth moving off of Disney property to visit Universal during this time of year (early to mid December)? I know that Universal Resort guests have special ride privileges. I would like to hear from guests who've visited Universal while staying on Disney Property...would you do it again?

3. We would like a quiet resort. Can anyone suggest a particular resort and room location for a nice, relaxing vacation for two adults with no children?

Reading all these threads and reviews on other websites can be overwhelming. I've been stressing over where to stay and would like to get some advice from all the experts out there. We did stay at POFQ in Dec 2002. Though it was adequate for our quick trip, I am hoping for something a little nicer this time. Thanks in advance for the tips and suggestions!

 

[Cool-Beans]

to the DIS!!

My DH and I will be returning to WDW for the first time since 2002, and it will be our first vacation in over 4 years. So needless to say, I want it to be very special. We plan on spending 4 nights at WDW and 4 nights at Universal. We have no children, so we are looking for a quiet place. We will probably be there from December 8 through 16 of this year, due to Pop Warner week. I'm waiting to see what discounts come out to make my final decisions.

My DH and I do consider ourselves to be "picky" about our accomodations, and I do want to get the "most bang for my buck." I've always wanted to stay at Poly, but recent threads have made me reconsider.

I have a few questions about where to stay:

1. We haven't decided whether we will go Moderate or Deluxe. The only moderates I would consider are POR and CSR. We're leaning towards Deluxe - Poly, WL, AKL...maybe even BC or YC

If you've always wanted to stay at the Poly, stay there. There isn't anything wrong with it that isn't wrong with all the WDW resorts. It just isn't the greatest thing in the whole world, that's all (which I've been saying it for years and can't figure out why others have decided to join me, but the more the merrier.) Go.

2. We may consider a split stay at WDW resorts instead of moving over to Universal. Is it worth moving off of Disney property to visit Universal during this time of year (early to mid December)? I know that Universal Resort guests have special ride privileges. I would like to hear from guests who've visited Universal while staying on Disney Property...would you do it again?

Yes, it is worth it. You get the FOTL thing. And the Uni resorts are every bit as pretty as the WDW ones. In fact, their cheapo resort is just as pretty as any. They don't make it all gaudy. I always try to schedule my Uni days together so that I can go stay there. Yes, it always sucks to change hotels - and I'd never do it if I were staying at WDW the whole time - but it is worth it to go stay at Uni.

If you don't want to switch hotels, it still isn't too bad. I think I allowed about 30-45 minutes, but I valet parked the car. It may take longer if you park in their garage. I never have, so don't know. But I'd absolutely go over there. The parks are just as good as Disney's.

3. We would like a quiet resort. Can anyone suggest a particular resort and room location for a nice, relaxing vacation for two adults with no children?

Not really. There are going to be kids wherever you go, no way around it. And rude people.

If you want a quieter room, try requesting one far away from the elevator.

 

[Southernswthrt1]

Thanks for the welcome and the comments. Is there any particular resort you might suggest?

I think DH would absolutely love AKL, but I don't think that's an option with the construction there right now.

 

[OhioTony]

If you are going to Universal , you should consider staying at one of their resorts for the duration of your Uni-Trip. The "Front of the Line" benifits are well worth it..Also you recieve these benifits the day of check out as well!

 

[hoosll]

Love WL - you really feel like you are somewhere special, also hot tubs which Poly lacks.

 

[ashleypmo]

We love POR Riverside, Mansion section. The grounds are very lush & serene. The Sassagoula River runs right through the resort, and is flanked by beautiful weeping willows and rustic bridges. Of all the moderates, to me PORRiverside feels the least like a hotel and the most like the real destination it's supposed to represent.

I'd highly suggest you check out the allears.net website and view the slideshows of the different moderate & deluxe resorts. At the top of the website, click "accomodations," then scroll down the left side of the screen to select the different resorts, & click on "slideshow." They show very detailed photos of all the properties.

 

[DisneyJenn18]

Hello!! Welcome to the DIS

I have heard really great things about AKL and Wilderness lodge, they both sound fantastic! I have been inside the WL and it was really neat, and seemed like a very good place to stay for the price compared to some of the other deluxe resorts at WDW.
Good luck in your decision!

 

[Doc CW]

to the Dis.

I would reccomend the AKL it is quiet and relaxing, but with the construction going on you may not be able to book there and if you cant I would reccomend that you stay at WL it is a relaxing place with hot tubs and a nice pool, plus a boat to MK. Good luck with finding a resort and I hope you have a great trip.

 

[dlcharbonneau]

AKL or WL would be my choice - great theming in both

 

[Cool-Beans]

Thanks for the welcome and the comments. Is there any particular resort you might suggest?

I think DH would absolutely love AKL, but I don't think that's an option with the construction there right now.

My favorite Deluxe resorts are the AKL, the Polynesian, the Grand Floridian and the Beach Club. My favorite mod is Coronado Springs.

I like Wilderness Lodge a lot. It is majestic and warm. I just like to feel like I'm somewhere different when I select a hotel...and the foliage at WL isn't all that much than I have here in Ohio. It just feels so much like home that I'm kind of "Ho, hum" about some things there. I dunno.

The AKL is almost a clone of WL with a different theme. But I adore it. It is different with its African theme and not everyone likes that! I do, though. I think it carries its theme into every little detail better than others, too. The staff there isn't outshined by any other Disney hotel, and is sometimes much better, IMO. If you want to feel like you're somewhere else, there just isn't a better place, I don't think. It gets criticized for being "too dark" and it is a darker resort with its deep, dark wood and all. There is a thing in the room that says the little paintings in the furniture (small) were hand-done (I think by Africans). I dunno if it is true, but I liked thinking about it. If you want funky, but still calm and relaxing, it'll do. But if you want bright and peppy, it is not the place for you.

I always get a savannah view, but I'd stay there without the animals as the animals mean zip to me. "Little tan thing with horns, Big brown thing with horns, skinny grey thing with horns, Ooh! A zebra!, small brown thing with horns..." There is a chart of the animals in the room, I've never consulted it. If the AKL were on the monorail, I'm not sure I'd ever stay at the Poly or GF again and that's the truth.

The Poly (google "Tikiman") and GF are praised all over the DIS, you're sure to read lots about them. The Beach Club isn't as well liked, but I like it. Almost the opposite of AKL, it is bright and airy. Light colors. Very laid-back, I'm On Vacation - Beachy feel, really. The furniture is white wood (\with dark tops and you get Mickey lifeguard lamps adding that special Disney touch.

If you can luck out into a view of the Boardwalk...well that's awesome. It is even prettier than it looks on TV (which can be said of much of Disney). I'd sure as heck rather stay at the Beach Club and look out at the Boardwalk than the other way around. Plus, it is a short walk to Epcot's World Showcase. I spend a lot of time there. If you do, too, you might like not having to drive to Epcot and walk through Future World.

The downside of the Beach Club is that you're kind of stuck for lunch. You can get a burger from Beaches and Cream if you're willing to wait a long time or take it to go, but there really isn't a good lunch place, IMO.

So, that's my opinion on all that. But, I really think that people should choose the theme they are most excited about and go with it. I despise the Contemporary and wish Disney would just implode it, but many people love it there!! To each his own. There's a lot there for whatever your tastes may be.

I have heard that the Hard Rock rooms could use some improvement. I did two days at Portofino Bay, not enough time to really get an impression, but it was very relaxing. The Uni hotels are every bit as good as Disney's, that's for sure.

Have a great trip!!!

 

[kjs1976]

If you've stayed at POFQ and want something nicer, then you need to do a deluxe. POFQ is my fav resort for affordability and ammenities, so by your comments it seems your looking to step up. With that in mind, AKL is wonderful. We loved it when we stayed there and you'll enjoy it. I thihnk if you want to go the fancier route, then BC/YC would be right down your alley.

 

[KatiebugsMom]

Well in answer to your question about doing WDW and Universal. DH and I have done it both ways. Visit US while staying at WDW which usually is just a one day US thing and we have done a split stay doing 7 nights at WDW then 3 at US. If you are wanting to spend more then a one day trip over to US then I would do a split stay. It is more of a pain to travel over there from WDW and park and etc. DH and I had a lovely time at the Hard Rock Hotel and enjoyed being able to walk over to the parks. We went in early February so crowds were low but also the US parks closed earlier.

 

[Atchley]

I notice that it seems you weren't interested in CBR. It is a lovely resort. Very tropical feeling. You can check out my pictures below if you are interested.
Have a great trip.

 

[Southernswthrt1]

Since we live in New Orleans, POR and POFQ don't provide the "escape" from the norm we are looking for in our vacation. I really want to feel like I'm somewhere else.

I've been do WDW about 8 times...we went every summer as a child. We always stayed off site in Kissimmee. Most recently I've stayed at the Double Tree Suites in Downtown Disney in 2000 and POFQ in 2002 (first time with DH). This was my very first time visiting during Christmas. It was awesome. We got a great deal at POFQ and I chose it over POR because of its small size. All in all, we were satisfied with our accomodations. It was my first time on property, so I was thrilled. The first night, they put us in a room with horrible plumbing (very, very loud) between the walls. They moved us to another room with no problem. Since we really didn't spend much time in the room, it didn't matter.

This time, we are looking for something a little more luxurious. Some place with beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere. I know DH would love AKL, and I think he'd also like WL, but my dream has always been Poly. I just have a hard time justifying the cost, and I think I'd be heartbroken if we had a parking lot view!

 

[Southernswthrt1]

Enjoyed looking at your pictures, Atchley. What is your opinion of the transportation at CBR? I've heard that it's a very large resort and the transportation leaves a lot to be desired. One of the reasons we didn't stay there before was that it was so spread out and far away from everything. The POR/FQ have the boat ride to DD, which was a big part of our decision to stay there before.

 

[Gary M]

A woods view room on the 4th or 5th floor at the WL is my choice for a quiet room. Ask for a north wing location(facing MK). You can sit on the balcony and enjoy some of the fireworks at MK in the evening. We had room 5032 a couple of years ago and had a good view of the castle through the trees. The trees block the view from most rooms. These north wing rooms overlook the otter pond. This last Feb. I saw the otters.

The walk from WL to FW is a nice stroll on a paved path. The boats take you to CR, FW and MK.

I have also stayed at GF, Poly, AKL, BWI. YC and POR, but the WL is my favorite.

 

[alldiz]

I would definately stay at WL....

At holiday time the lodge is extra special...
You will feel immersed in the holiday feel....

Dosen't feel the same in the "tropic feel" of the poly...

WL is VERY romantic.....Lots of nooks and crannies
to explore and "hang out"

Great pool area....geyser....waterfall...

You can hop a boat to the contemporary.....to monorail..

I would stay away from the resorts with construction.

Enjoy
Kerri

 

[hmp2z]

We found there were too many children at the WL, the Poly, the AKL, and the BC for us. We tend to prefer the quieter resorts like BWI, GF, or YC.

If you want to go at a time that's quieter, I wouldn't recommend the Pop Warner time. We've noticed that the weekend after MLK weekend seems to have fewer children than other times of year. We saw families with children outnumbered by adult couples during that time period.

Cheers!
Heather W

 

[Southernswthrt1]

From what I've read, Pop Warner is the week before Dec 8-16. Do you think the week after Pop Warner will work? I really want to go during Christmas time, but we also want to avoid the major crowds.

 

[jade1]

Easy, rent a studio at BWV with a Boardwalk View or BCV's for around $120 a night including tax for 5 weekday nights. As adults you would love to do the DP which you would qualify for as a renter of DVC and simply walk to EPCOT for countless dining options as well as the BW area. Stroll home after Illuminations or Fantasmic while everyone else does a mad rush to wait for a bus-cant beat it. Then do a 3 day US stay at HRH or something with FOTL (3 days is more than enough over there IMHO).