Are some resorts too summerish?

[TexasErin]

Not sure if summerish is a word, but does anyone else think it would be better to stay at Poly or CBR in the summer and WL in a cold month, like December?
Seems like a lot of resorts have a tropical feel that would seem out of place during the winter. Or is it just me?

 

[DisneyObsessed]

To me, in the middle of this harsh, freezing cold winter, I want anything "summer" I can get.

 

[eeyore0062]

No, I don' think so. Many people vacation in WDW and Florida in the winter months to get that taste of summer during the long cold winter, and Disney has provided them with resorts like CBR, CSR and the Poly to help them with that.

On the other hand if a guest doesn't want to stay in those types of resorts, like you, they have the choice of other resorts that don't have such a "summer-y" tropical feel, for instance the WL, the Contemporary, PO-FQ and Po-R.

That is the beauty of the WDW resorts.... there is something there for everyone's taste and budget!

 

[TexasErin]

Maybe I should have phrased it differently. I don't mean I don't like the beach or tropical feel. I have just been thinking about our vacation plans for December and even though I'd love to try the Poly, I think I'll hold off until we go at a different time of the year.
I'd love to try all of the resorts eventually.

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

We stayed at WL last December and really did love it's woodsy cozy feel. On one day when it was raining we used our refillable mugs to get some cocoa (tip - use coffee creamer in the cocoa to make richer), found some rocking chairs by the lobby, and relaxed. Later we found an unoccupied couch by one of the smaller fireplaces. The trees the atmosphere were great. We did eat at the Poly and I found the Christmas decs. to be much more subtle and not really my style. It wasn't as over the top as WL. We also walked around the GF and BW and loved their decorations but b/w the two I liked BW better. I thought they were cheerier. All the resorts decorate to keep in the theme but the Poly just didn't seem like Christmas to me. So if that is what you're going for I'd try someplace else. This year we're trying the YC - I can't wait to see what they do!

 

[Pig Pen]

I had this same dilemma! We are going in May and DH insisted on WLV. Well, after a long cold winter (and it has been darn cold) I wanted a tropical feel, not a mountain feel, so I booked 3 add'l days at CBR.

So I will get my taste of the tropics at the beginning of the trip and he will have his woodsy vacation. I hear May is quite hot so I may welcome the coolness of WLV !

 

[TNMomof3]

I know exactly what you mean Erin. We normally go in the warmer months, and I want to be somewhere that feels more tropical. I'm planning on going in December for a few days, and I'm thinking Wilderness Lodge all the way. I see a lot of that type of decor in the mountains of Tennessee, so it doesn't seem too appealing to me in the summer, but I think it'll be great for December. This summer...it is Beach Club and Polynesian. I know not everyone feels that way, but that's the way we like to do it. Then again I'd stay at AKL any time.

 

[Sleepy]

When I think of summer and winter resorts I refer to the way the resorts are set up. I would think of WL as winter resort because it is all one building such as Contemporary. I think of Poly as summer because the rooms are in different buildings separate from the lobby. I don't like going to Florida in the winter months. I have done it once. It was early March and it was very cold and raining. The last thing I want after a cold wet day in the parks is to walk through more cold wet weather to reach my room. Guess everyone has a different idea of what summer/winter resorts is.

 

[vicb]

The year we "escaped" to the Poly was surreal. We left Mich. barely between two big snowstorms and windchills -20f at 7 a.m. by 1 p.m. we were eating lunch outdoors at the Poly (dodging birds!). I also remember sitting on the Poly beach (cold beer in hand) asking DH "Why do we live in Mich?" So no WL for me in the winter. We also loved BWI and plan to go back there but nothing will ever beat that escape to the Poly!

 

[tnkrbell]

Yes I would say some resorts are more "summery" then others.

 

[susy]

Because I live in south FL, our winter consists of a few cold fronts (this one has been bad) and that 's it. It would have to be very warm for me to swim in winter - I would not swim in 60-70 degree weather.

I do see the resorts as wintery and summery. We did stay at AKL in August, though and loved it. I would say that AKL can go either way.

We have plans for WL in Nov, but I can also see GF as very "Christmasy".

I would like to stay at BC in the spring/summer , so I can use Stormalong bay.

For me:
CBR
Poly
YC
BC are definitely summery

WL is wintery


The rest:
Contemp
GF
BWI
CSR
POR and PQ can go either way, as well as the AS.

Although, the surf's up section at ASSp would be a great alternative for someone looking for a summery feel in a value resort- lots of color and a beachy feel.

 

[PlutoPal]

No way! The resorts at WDW are perfectly decorated, painted, etc etc. 150 days till i go!

 

[Gabrielle]

After a long cold winter, I love the summery resorts - to me these are CS and CBR. But, if I'm going during summer, I like to escape from the heat in the shady resorts; e.g., WL, FW, POR.

 

[dahess]

Yeah, I think it's just you I would take a WDW Hotel any day of the year!

 

[rae519]

TexasErin -
We stayed at the Polynesian (Tahiti House) from December 12-15 - to get anywhere for food, entertainment or transportation, you must walk.
The walk isn't bad unless you are dealing with cold temperatures and torrential rain (as we were) that flooded the sidewalks and soaked us to the bone - then it's just plain miserable.
We ended up with strep and URI's and paid a visit to the Disney Wonder's Medical Clinic when we boarded.
The Polynesian is lovely, food at the restaurants is excellent and the entire atmosphere is very lush and tropical - but not in the cold rain!

Rae

 

[TexasErin]

Thanks everyone for your responses.
Rae519- sorry you became ill during your trip- what a horrible thing to have happen on your vacation. I think I will take your advice and stay somewhere where everything is in one building when we go in December.
Sleepy- I agree with you about the feel of the resort also being as to whether or not it is in one building, although I had not thought about that before.
Susy- I agree with your breakdown. I am considering WL, Contemporary, or AKL.
Vicb- I agree that escaping from the frigid temperature would be wonderful. However living in East Texas, we don't get that much snow (maybe an inch or two every 5 years- ) Would love to get more than we do.
TNMomof3- That is exactly what I am thinking. Maybe in the summer we'll try Poly or BCV or maybe even CSR.
Pig Pen- I hope you enjoy VWL- please post after you get back. I would love to hear more about this resort.
CrzyforPiglet- Your post definitely makes me want to stay at WL- the hot chocolate by the fireplace sounds fabulous!

 

[Gillian]

One building is the way to go if the weather might be bad!

We also stayed at the Poly during a major rainstorm (typical of summer/early fall) and it was awful! Running though puddles just to get to dinner? Not my idea of fun! Being at the AKL during the same trip was much, much better because everything is connected. Oh, and the Beach Club was kind of miserable in the rain, because to get to Epcot or MGM you either have to walk to the boat (out on a little pier where everyone then huddled in the lighthouse) or walk to the parks. It was bad in the summer, but I think it would be terrible in the winter!

 

[DisneyFan79]

Well, being from the south, I am certainly ready to escape to a more summery atmosphere. I chose the CBR for May and the WL for winter. I think I will enjoy the winter atmosphere at the WL with all the Christmas Decorations. It could be fairly warm in May so the CBR was a good choice. Enjoy!!

 

[rae519]

TexasErin and others,

The convenience and indoor comfort of being at Contemporary or the Grand Floridian outweighs the lovely tropical paradise of the Polynesian IF there is torrential rain and cold temperatures. You can always take the monorail to the Poly to sightsee the GCH and dine at one of the wonderful restaurants there.

It's going to be a very long time before we go back, we are more partial to cruises (especially my 7 year old son - who kept saying, "When are we going to the boat?")

No more rain, cold or viruses during Disney vacations!!
Rae

 

[PamOKW]

I go with the reverse idea, too. In the summer, the WL or AKL might appeal with their dark cool settings and in the winter I want to feel the heat of Florida.

Actually, I want to be tropical whatever time of year I get to Florida. That's why I like to visit WL and I do appreciate the theming but it's not for me....I prefer my resorts heavy on the palm trees.