Advice on accomodations for the first timer

[tsblackwood]

We are going to WDW in March 2008 for the first time and right now we are not sure which route we should go regarding accomodations. We will be staying for 5 nights and have 4 days to visit the park. The value resorts seem like a deal but I'm a little hesitant to book based on where they are located within the park. We are considering a deluxe villa so that we would have a kitchenette and not have to dine out every meal. We have 2 boys (5 and 3 years.) Is there one resort preferable to another when travelling with young kids to WDW? Any advice about accomodations would be so helpful.

Thanks!

 

[Honeymooner04]

You really cannot go wrong if you stay on site. All of the Disney resorts are nice, even the values. Being a DVC member we really enjoy staying in a villa because of the kitchenette but I'm perfectly happy staying at any Disney resort. I would just look at all the resorts online and pick the one that has the features you most prefer. Some have better, more elaborately themed pools, some have walking trails, others have activities they are all very different. You might want to read the Unofficial Guide to Disney World as it has a lot of information on the different resorts and might help you make your decision based on your families taste, budget, etc. I'm a Disney regular and I still consult that book for ideas. Have fun planning your vacation!

 

[CastleCreations]

The only thing to take into consideration, is your budget. For me, I'm a florida resident and can stay at a value for about $60 a night. But a room at the Poly, will cost about 300 a night. So even though they are closer, they might be a budget breaker.
Since Disney has it's own transportation, that's free, you can get to the parks from any Disney hotel.
If I knew that this was going to be the trip of a lifetime, I would go big, and choose a better hotel. If you think you might come back in the future, then I would stay at a value just to get your feet wet.
The value hotels have a lot of offer as well, and if you get an in room fridge, and keep some milk and juice in there, just add muffins, cereal, nutrigrain bars, or some fruit and you have an instant breakfast.

 

[Aliceacc]

If I knew that this was going to be the trip of a lifetime, I would go big, and choose a better hotel. If you think you might come back in the future, then I would stay at a value just to get your feet wet.

Excellent point.

Our trip next August is going to break the bank. That's OK, we're saving already and we're not going to get back there anytime soon. So we're staying at the Contemporary (in the cheapest room we can get) with an AAA discount, and we'll find a way to save up the money.

Have you considered Fort Wilderness? You'll still be a boatride away from the Magic Kingdom (right someone? I haven't been there.) I don't think it's as expensive as the other MK resorts.

For us, with kids 10, 8 and 5, convenience is key.

edited to add: take a look at the fact sheets here:http://www.allears.net/acc/faq_hot.htm

 

[princess06]

I'm kind of having the same problem deciding where to stay. This will be our second trip--stayed at Caribbean Beach first time and loved it! This time I want to do 4 days at Disney and a 4 day cruise. My hubby is already bulking at the price. We were quoted staying at a mod and a verandah on the ship. Should I book them separate? Stay at a value and spring for the verandah? Or stay at the nicer hotel and get an inside stat room? We have never cruised before. We have been so many places and I think planning a Disney trip is the hardest!!