Advice-Resort Planning

[czy4WDW]

I need advice on where to stay at WDW. I've been there many times since I grew up in Alabama but this will be my husband and girls (ages 6 & 4) first. We're planning on going in May (around Mother's Day) for a week.

I would appreciate any and all opinions on the resorts. I've looked into Polynesian, Contemporary, & Port Orleans. My husband doesn't really care on the costs (if they aren't too outrageous).

We're definitely getting the Silver Plan and will also be going to Sea World one day.

Thanks

 

[jimmiej]

If $$$ weren't a big issue, I'd choose Yacht Club. Stormalong Bay, location, beauty of the resort makes this my dream choice. Animal Kingdom Lodge is a close second because of the theming & restaurants. I hope to see some good AP rates come the new year for our June '04 trip that might make one of these a possibility for us. Have fun choosing!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I can only comment on the Contemporary and the Poly as we have stayed at both. As far as the deluxes the Contemporary theming did nothing for our 3 ds. I have stayed in the main bldg. once but with the family we stayed in one of the wings. It was very inconvenient in that I had to go into the main bldg. to get breakfast and bring it back to the room. Not to mention a hike to the monorail and front bus stop when you are lugging 3 kids plus a handicapped mom no less. I did not inquire as to the childrens activites. Their good points are marina, boat transportation (good), character meal onsite (chef mickey), Fantastic game room (great if you are stuck in hotel during storms),

Poly (our favorite, can anyone tell), awesome volcano pool, great views of water paegent and mk fireworks from beach, 24 captain cooks snack place, awesome volcano pool with water slide, childrens activities (free, I might add) also I might add I heard the childrens activities at the AKL are getting better. At the Poly the childrens activities are video arcade challenge, free video games for 1 hour two days a week, torch lighting, hula lessons, pool games, arts and crafts and movies in the neverland club something like 12-3, (parent must accompany child). For fathers day when we were there once, they had a table set up in the gch and resort guest children were allowed to make cards for their dads., Marina with water sport access, good bus and boat and monorail transportation options. Good character breakfast at ohanas. etc. Need I say more. If you are rained in so to speak its fun to get on the monorail and resort hop. We let our older dss go to the contemporary to the game room. Its one of our family traditions. We just wait for the storm and give them a roll of quarters each.

 

[puffkin]

I would recommend the Poly because of overall theme. Also, the monorail will be nice since your kids will probably want to spend most of the time at the MK.

 

[>>^..^<<]

Hi.. with 6 & 4 year old little girls have you considered Animal Kingdom Lodge? I can imagine their little faces watching the Giraffes from the balcony

>>^..^<<

 

[TartanFan]

Of the resorts you've looked into, I've stayed in two - the Poly and Port Orleans (Riverside and French Quarter) and I think for a first trip for your girls I'd pick the Polynesian. The Poly puts you in the heart of the action with the monorail to MK and Epcot, has a wonderful pool for "down" days and a great theme (I agree with luvmarypoppins that the theming at the Contemporary doesn't do anything for us other than the monorail going thru and Chef Mickeys!) and just kinda encapsulates what the Magic experience is all about for a first-timer!

Having said all that, the Poly isn't my fave - that would go to AKL but IMHO it's not for a first timer coz it's a little removed from the "buzz".

If you don't want to spend too much, I hear great things about Caribbean Beach - I've not stayed there but have visited and it looked a fun place.

Whatever you choose, have a wonderful trip. I'd love to go with a "first-timer's" eyes again!

 

[Janet2k]

Czy4WDW, welcome to the Dis!

Everyone here has given you excellent advice. I want to point you to some videos of each of the WDW resorts. Any time I am trying to consider where to stay, I look at those videos as part of my decision-making process: click here for DU's main WDW resort webpage. Just look at each of the resorts' webpages that are found there and you will find links to streaming videos. Have fun planning!

 

[Pooh67_68]

I vote POR.

 

[wdwnutze]

Considering the ages of your kids, I would have to say the Polynesian. The monorail makes it very convenient to MK and Epcot, the pool is wonderful, the grounds are relaxing, you can watch the fireworks at night from the beach, Capn Cooks is open 24hrs making it very convenient for late night treats and the resort is very child friendly. It is our favorite resort.

 

[mep319]

DD6 LOVES AKL. At this point she can't imagine staying anywhere else. She gets up every morning, runs out to the balcony and watches the animals...transporation is great. Our DD doesn't even care about the monorail.... My vote is AKL savannah view!

 

[Tamickey]

Of those 3, I've only stayed at PO. They have a great pool the kids would love. It's a dragon/sea serpent theme with a super slide. We stayed before it was combined with Dixie, when it was really only the French Quarter. Choosing where to stay is tough. Usually we end up splitting our stay between 2 resorts. You may want to consider that too, it would work with a week stay. You do have to pack up, but the move is done for you while you go to the parks. Some people don't like doing this and others like me feel it kind of seems like 2 vacations put together.

 

[czy4WDW]

Thanks! You all have been a great help. I'm making the reservations as I'm typing this ---- my dh & I decided on the Polynesian and we're even upgrading to the Concierge Level - Garden View. I can't wait!!!! Yes, I will be updating my profile to include the countdown!

Thanks again!

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