Adult Trip Resort Recommendations

[ApolloFX]

We have an upcoming adults trip for the week after Thanksgiving, I had Coronado Springs booked but I’m having second thoughts. My options are BWI, Port Orleans Riverside, Animal Kingdom Lodge or Saratoga Springs. I’d appreciate your recommendation based on the list. Interested in BWI due to being able to walk to two parks but concerned because it looks very dated.

 

[Her Dotness]

I'd be wary of BWI because exactly when the lobby refurb and other construction there will get going is uncertain. Probably not that soon, and Disney does barricade construction areas nicely. Could be various inconveniences at BWI well into 2023 resulting from the extensive refurb at inn and villas.

We had a May '23 villa stay booked but decided to switch resorts for that reason.

Cash stays at Saratoga may vanish quickly, so I wouldn't count on one even though you've seen a recent listing. Saratoga is huge but quickly books by DVC Members around major holidays. That's particularly so heading into early December. Lotta DVCers like to go that cheaper time for holiday season decorations and events which begin at Thanksgiving as you may know.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Since the budget can afford BWI, I’d do it. Yes, it’s definitely more dated than CSR. A refurb was announced months ago but they have yet to start construction on hotel rooms so who knows when that will commence? I love having access to EP via IG. A lot less walking to the restaurants at night and no bussing at the end of the evening, you catch a boat or walk back to BWI. Bonus boat access to DHS!

AKL is beautiful but feels far away from everything besides AK. I have not stayed POR but I did POFQ and I felt it was a downgrade from CSR so I would not switch to either. I can’t speak to SSR.

 

[stinkpickle]

The Epcot area resorts are always nice for adult only trips.

 

[DaniPoppins]

If you plan on spending time at Disney Springs (which is always fun for an adults-only trip!), I would recommend Saratoga Springs. Request the Congress Park section and you can walk to DS in just a few minutes!

 

[RoseGold]

The deluxes might have the late hours in play, which completely changes this conversation, especially for adults. I'd start there.

 

[SLThomas318]

Depends on your park plans... are you spending a lot of time at Epcot/Hollywood? Doing park open to park close every day? Being able to walk to Epcot/Hollywood is awesome from BWI. The boardwalk area is also very lively and the AbracadaBar is great and open late. The rooms are in need of some love, but if you aren't spending much time in your room then it will be fine. Saratoga and Animal Kingdom (the hotel side, not the DVC side) rooms were recently refurbished so will be fresh. Saratoga is great if you are spending a lot of time at Disney Springs. Animal Kingdom Lodge is a beautiful resort too and really makes you feel like you are not in Orlando, FL. Since it's just adults it would be pretty easy to just uber to make up for any transportation issues, but again depends on your park plans.

 

[TheHulamuffins]

I think Animal Kingdom Lodge would be excellent for an adult trip. We have been there many times in the late December-early January time frame with a group that is entirely adult. It is true that the lodge is far from many of the parks, but with a group of adults, patience during travel to the parks is much less of an issue. You could drive or take an Uber/Lyft. In fact, we take the Disney buses part of the time.

 

[ApolloFX]

Thank you so much everyone, my head is still kind of spinning. Leaning towards BWI or SS, maybe AKL. Rooms at SS look pretty nice. Not sure if I would spring for a savannah view room at AKL.

We are staying 9 days and my plan was to split the parks pretty evenly for the most part.

Does the boardwalk or the springs have more adult oriented restaurants or bars?

The deluxes might have the late hours in play, which completely changes this conversation, especially for adults. I'd start there.

Thanks! Forgive me but is there somewhere I can find that info? I agree it would be nice to take advantage of the hours and might make my decision for me.

 

[mrsswat]

Had a studio room at SS in June and the room was GORGEOUS! bus transportation to all of the parks was fine.

 

[Marthasor]

We have an upcoming adults trip for the week after Thanksgiving, I had Coronado Springs booked but I’m having second thoughts. My options are BWI, Port Orleans Riverside, Animal Kingdom Lodge or Saratoga Springs. I’d appreciate your recommendation based on the list. Interested in BWI due to being able to walk to two parks but concerned because it looks very dated.

I'm not sure which room you have booked at CSR, but we stayed in the Tower last year (adults-only trip) and I absolutely loved it - gorgeous resort with a ton of food options.

Though I love the location, I'm not a huge BWI fan. Have you considered the Swan? It's right next to BWI and though it lacks a Disney-vibe, it's a great hotel in virtually the same location as BWI at, typically, a substantial savings. POR is lovely as is SSR. AKL is also very nice, but I don't think I would stay there for a long trip - it's really not convenient to anything other than AK.

Thank you so much everyone, my head is still kind of spinning. Leaning towards BWI or SS, maybe AKL. Rooms at SS look pretty nice. Not sure if I would spring for a savannah view room at AKL.

We are staying 9 days and my plan was to split the parks pretty evenly for the most part.

Does the boardwalk or the springs have more adult oriented restaurants or bars?



Thanks! Forgive me but is there somewhere I can find that info? I agree it would be nice to take advantage of the hours and might make my decision for me.

Yes, both the Boardwalk and DS have more adult-oriented restaurants and bars. At Boardwalk, you have access to all restaurants, lounges/bars at BWI, BC/YC, Swan/Dolphin and Swan Reserve. I've found most restaurants at DS are more adult-oriented, IMHO.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Does the boardwalk or the springs have more adult oriented restaurants or bars?

Springs. By a mile. Just SO many options!

Have you considered a split stay? Disney will transfer luggage for you. You could get the advantage of easy EP access for some of it and easy Disney Springs for the rest with a BWI/SSR split and that makes sure you get a fully cleaned room partway through the trip.

 

[RoseGold]

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/extended-evening/

 

[WhoDatDisney]

Boardwalk as you can walk to 2 parks and Caribbean Beach if you get room near skyline.

We did an adults trip last year and was nice to take the skyliner back instead of waiting for bus

 

[matt and beth]

Same as an earlier question. Honestly, we’ve stayed at both this year. Boardwalk is amazing and it’s not that dated. Everyone’s all crazy with that nonsense and hopping on a bandwagon. It’s amazing! Coronado we stayed during marathon weekend. No complaints but a huge sprawling site. Not a yuppie as BW IMO. Absolutely great dining options. 3 bridges and Toledo.

 

[KristaZ]

BWI, without question. Walking to two parks is always a no-brainer for me. I hate the sprawling resorts with multiple bus stops, so CSR, POR, and SS are all no-go's for me because of that alone. BWI does have slightly outdated rooms - but the location can't be beat.

 

[CeeCee101]

Thank you so much everyone, my head is still kind of spinning. Leaning towards BWI or SS, maybe AKL. Rooms at SS look pretty nice. Not sure if I would spring for a savannah view room at AKL.

We are staying 9 days and my plan was to split the parks pretty evenly for the most part.

Does the boardwalk or the springs have more adult oriented restaurants or bars?



Thanks! Forgive me but is there somewhere I can find that info? I agree it would be nice to take advantage of the hours and might make my decision for me.

If you’re doing 9 days have you thought about a split stay? Disney will move your luggage. When we have done adult trips in the past (and upcoming next month) for any length of time we love split stays. We’re doing Epcot area and then MK area this trip. Not everyone likes split stays but we love them, different vibes, feels like a whole new vaca.

 

[Specter]

Just to play devil's advocate, DW and I have stayed at CSR multiple times both with kids and adults only and really enjoyed it. We are doing AKL for our trip next month but that includes DD and my SIL and her family, too, so we wanted to do the bigger experience resort all together. But DW and I have already determined that we will 100% go back and stay in a tower room. Last visit check-in had moved into the tower and it was just a beautiful space. But while the older rooms could use a little TLC, they are still nice and the resort is great.

 

[emilyann704]

I went to Coronado Springs (not Tower) solo in May and was really impressed, especially for the price. Multiple restaurants and bars, great pool, pretty grounds. I'm sure the Deluxe options are even nicer but with the difference in cost factored in it's hands down Coronado for me all the time.

 

[Wendysofftoneverland]

I think Coronado Springs is fine for an adult trip, but I enjoyed our Saratoga Springs stay more. Port Orleans is a beautiful resort, but after weather shut down the boats and we had to take a bus back, my vote goes to walking distance. Plus, the Riverside kiddie pool is very basic, like at CSR, so it seemed like more kids were crowded into the POR pool than the SSR ones.