Any Advise about Ritz-Carlton???

[tinkerrn]

Getting married in Sept. and have planned on going to WDW, however, the resorts are so expensive. Is it worth it? I have been looking at the Ritz, anyone stayed here? Any info would be helpful. As of right now, we are staying at the POLY and YC, but open minded. This is our honeymoon and want something special. Didn't think the GF was all that great, not my style.
TIA!

 

[spiceycat]

this is a lovely resort.

However you need a car to get to the parks.

are you planning on visiting WDW?

then I would stay at WDW especially with the new magical express.

if you didn't like GF - then how about a 1-bedroom at VWL, BWV or BCV - you can rent points thru DVC rental/trade board on this site and save you some money.

if you rent points through a DVC member - there is no housekeeping.

if you rent directly through Disney there is housekeeping - also much more expensive.

a 1-bedroom has a king in the bedroom, a sleeper sofa in the livingroom, small kitchen, bath has shower stall plus whirlpool tub. all dvc resorts have a balcony.

Now if you are not planning on visiting the parks -then the Ritz Carlton is a wonderful place to stay.

if you are planning on visiting US/IOA then staying at one of their hotels is nice.

Now if all these are too expensive.

then
www.hotelkingdom.com
cypress pointe is a nice resort - not great - it doesn't try to be great - but nice it is.

also the Sheraton Vistana on mousesavers is a code - not great but nice.

you can also sometimes find these on
www.skyauction.com

 

[stlrod]

We were there when Johnny Damon was married there on 12/31 and he and his bride seemed to have a great time (just wish I had my Cardinals cap.) It is incredible--stay there. I'm no celebrity but I was made to feel like one. Book a spa package and it brings down the room price. Book it for 2 nights back to back and you and your husband each get treatments and really nice robes. The fireside s'mores were great as well as the carriage ride. Can you tell I liked it? Rooms weren't the biggest but the service was perfect!!! Concieger lounge was also very nice. Use promo code "spa" or "pkg".

 

[stlrod]

P.S. I also did not care for GF. I don't mind paying a lot of money if I feel I'm getting a good value. Even w/ a discounted rate, I didn't feel that way with the GF. Ritz was a terrific "value" by contrast.

 

[CarolA]

P.S. I also did not care for GF. I don't mind paying a lot of money if I feel I'm getting a good value. Even w/ a discounted rate, I didn't feel that way with the GF. Ritz was a terrific "value" by contrast.

I agree! I have stayed at both the Ritz and the GF. There is no comparison. The Ritz far outclasses ANYTHING Disney has to offer.

I like the YC for the location, but if you aren't a big Epcot fan that may not appeal as much to you.

As far as service and feeling "special" I think the Ritz wins hands down.

 

[UKDEB]

I agree! I have stayed at both the Ritz and the GF. There is no comparison. The Ritz far outclasses ANYTHING Disney has to offer.

I like the YC for the location, but if you aren't a big Epcot fan that may not appeal as much to you.

As far as service and feeling "special" I think the Ritz wins hands down.

Another in complete agreement here. I have stayed at quite a few of the Disney Deluxes, including GF, and they are not a patch on the Ritz-Carlton. I would stay there again in a heartbeat. The place is very upmarket and the staff are incredibly friendly, helpful and professional.

Having said that, we often do choose to stay onsite at WDW for the convenience. Our favourite park is Epcot, so the BW or Y&B are best for us. Nothing like being able to wander back to your hotel room after IllumiNations!

 

[Reflection]

I also agree with the previous posters and comparisons of the Ritz Carlton to the Grand Floridian (or other WDW deluxe hotels). I've stayed at both the GF and the Ritz, and completely agree with CarolA that the Ritz outclasses the WDW deluxes. The Ritz Carlton club level, as well as the spa, are just absolutely wonderful!


ETA: When staying at WDW, I too like the EPCOT resort area and generally stay at the Boardwalk (villas side). From the Boardwalk, Yacht Club or Beach Club, it is an easy walk to EPCOT or nice boat ride to MGM. I've stayed at the Yacht Club (concierge level), and enjoyed it very much. IMO, though, there is no comparison between Ritz Carlton and Yacht Club concierge (Ritz wins hands down).

 

[Anthony1971]

I will not put down the Ritz in anyway
but if you are going to Dinsey
Disney resorts are where the theme is
If you like the parks but not that whimsical being a diffrent world feel then stay at the Ritz.
If you like theming the reservation you have will not disappoint you
the POLY is amazing and to me the nicest hotel on Disney property.
I now own Disney Vacation Club and truly miss the POLY but will be renting from time to time to go back.
The difference
The Ritz has luxurious rooms.
The Poly has amazing grounds with very nice rooms and a relaxing feel you will find at no other Disney resort.

 

[Conor's Mom]

Good Choices with the Yacht club & Polynesian. We stayed concierge at both over Thanksgiving 2004 . Our room veiws were great got to see the castle changing colors all nite from bed and the Poly's cong. lounge treats, soda,beer, wine & cordials are great. They had cont. breakfast and in the evening spring rolls, pulled pork sandwiches, cookies and little chocolate cups filled with different mouses, fruit tarts. They have ducks & rabbits running around the grounds, really cute. The Yacht club concierge loung was smaller but also quite good as was the view from our balcony. Have fun. Conor's Mom

 

[ResortsFrmrCM]

For your honeymoon,l I would definitely stay at the Ritz unless of course you are a Disney freak like me, and when I'm in Orlando its difficult to convince me not to stay at a Disney resort! As others have mentioned, I just love the Disney theming which you will miss at the Ritz. That being said, what did you not like about the GF? You mentioned its not your style...maybe you could give us an idea of what your style is then we could get a better idea of a good hotel for you. At any rate, best of luck planning your honeymoon...congrats!

 

[swincha]

honeymoon...the ritz!!! if you can swing it on concierge level... just heaven. I have never been to the one in orlando. st louis, kansas city. the ritz is the best and you will need transportation. yes do what the other people say get that spa package. get a two person massage. you will go to disney but plan to have plenty of romantic room time. no place better than the ritz to feel pampered. you can always go back to wdw and stay on property. you want romance, the best, the ritz. i love that place. they know you by name and it will even be more special for your honeymoon.