Back after a long time away....need help deciding.

[zdad59]

Glad to back on DisBoards. Spent a lot of fun time and even participated in the stuffed pet adoption activities several years ago.

Background: I'm retired. In my early 60s. Wifey still works but beginning to wind down. We love travel. Used to do Disney at least every other year until a couple years ago. Last time we were there was an impromptu trip for NYE 2018. An amazing trip. We also love cruising but won't get back to that until vaccination is common and cruise lines can demonstrate they got things all figured out.

Decisions: We have decided that we want to head back to WDW in the September timeframe. We will be vaccinated by then and we are getting reports that Disney is doing a good job handling the issues surrounding the pandemic. Masks are not an issue for us. Just a part of the wardrobe now. SO.....WHERE DO WE STAY ???? We love Wilderness Lodge. Have stayed at and enjoyed the value resorts too. We did our honeymoon 40 years ago at the Polynesian. We are looking to do ~7 days starting around 13 September. I laid out 4 options for mama. They are:

• Art of Animation - Value stay. Save lots of $$ for a 4Q21 cruise too !
• Caribbean Beach Resort - A small step up. Skyliner access. Never stayed there before.
• Wilderness Lodge Studio Villa - Our comfortable place. A tad pricy but no issue.
• Polynesian - Nice refurb there. MK Fireworks from the beach. Monorail access. Relive the Honeymoon. Pricy but doable.

I've always enjoyed the banter and opinions on this site, so let me know your thoughts. We're even open for other ideas if you have them, although we are definitely in park hotel people.

 

[Sandiz08]

I would do Carribean since you've tried the others and a little bit of an island feel, much like the cruise destinations you are currently missing out on.

 

[butterscotchcollins]

I voted other and am suggesting Yacht Club Gorgeous resort, walking distance to 2 parks, you can take the Skyliner to Riviera for drinks, and the pool area is fabulous. We did our accidental honeymoon here and it was very chill and romantic! Assuming things stay as they are now and fireworks aren't back at MK that may be a consideration against Poly or MK area resorts.

 

[DisneyLifePapioNe]

I say Poly out of what you’ve mentioned, because it obviously is a place of nostalgia to you, also I think the updates sound great so why not be one of the first to enjoy the new offerings, I think they are supposed to be done around that time frame.

 

[MiraclesTakeTime]

I chose Poly because it's a throwback to your honeymoon.

 

[Dug720]

I chose Poly for your nostalgic reasons there. (I'm headed there for my 50th birthday in July - slated in the first day they are taking room reservations. I'm hoping that they feel confident in their time frame for that since they're taking the Contemporary Tower out of service for refurbs as well - I am not sure where I'll stay if they have to move me as I have less than zero desire to stay in the too-rich-for-my-blood stuffy looking Grand.)

 

[VeronicaZS]

Other - Dolphin or Swan. Much nicer resort at a reasonable price.

 

[Ninja Mom]

I voted Caribbean Beach. You can take the Gondolas to Epcot or DHS. It's got a relaxing feel and it's new to you. Go there for the adventure! It's a sweet resort and since you are going in September you can take advantage of the lovely pools and tropical beverages.

A key point is that you will have the gondolas to get to two parks. No waiting for buses for 2 out of 4 parks. That will really help with the hot weather.

Make sure you let the reservations agent know that you are going for a second honeymoon. Perhaps plan a special meal at one of the signature restaurants. Find out what your sweetie likes and surprise her with something special that she likes at that dinner. Perhaps it could be Disney themed to commemorate the trip.

Another thing that could be fun is setting up a Disney portrait session with one of their photographers. I'm not sure if they are still doing that but if they are that would be a wonderful way to get a professional portrait taken in a special place at WDW that would last a lifetime. If you go this route be sure and tell your wife so that she can plan her outfit.

This is going to be a special trip for the two of you. I really think that Caribbean Beach has the vibe that will plus this trip and make it really special. Good luck with your planning and have a fantastic
vacation!

~NM

 

[RanDIZ]

Go all out. Split stay WL and POLY. How can you go wrong?

 

[Wood Nymph]

I voted for Wilderness Lodge because it is the only one of your choices that gives you the convenience of having everything under one roof. The other three resorts have rooms spread out among multiple buildings, which you will discover can be very annoying when it is pouring down rain, like it does everyday in September.

But I echo other posters when recommending the Yacht Club. It is cheaper than the Poly and a new resort for you to try. The convenience of being able to walk into Epcot for food and drinks is one of the best things about staying in an Epcot resort. We love both the WL and BC/YC and frequently stay at both of them.

 

[Olaf Myfrenzargay]

Rent DVC points for Poly. Ample availability right now, even 2 months out and for a standard room, under 475 during the week From what I saw. Downside is you have to pay upfront so a bit of a gamble given current situation.

 

[Shellyred8]

I'm going to throw Pop Century out for consideration. I really liked their refurbed rooms. I like the option for a cruise with the savings from staying at a value!.

 

[Heather07438]

For lower budget AoA vs CBR - I vote CBR.
CBR is the hub so no need to transfer when going to HS or EP. Also it is a lovely resort greatly improved by the recent refurbishment and you're nice and close to visit the brand new gorgeous Riviera and enjoy the food options there.

For higher budget Poly vs WLV - I vote Poly.
If you're gonna splurge, Poly sounds like it would be extra special to revisit as a couple. We stayed our first time here recently and loved everything about it.

Whittled down to CBR vs Poly - hmmmm...
I'd look at my budget and see what would be gained or sacrificed from either resort. If you stay at CBR you might have extra funds for more fancy dinners or experiences, or with Poly maybe dial those down but have a magnificent time enjoying all the magic that resort offers. I'm leaning toward Poly overall.

Hope that helps Have a wonderful 40th Anniversary!

 

[kylenne]

I know I'm one of the resident Poly obsessives around here but even setting that aside I voted Poly for y'all considering the nostalgia factor, the milestone, and brand new refurbed rooms. Whatever you decide, congratulations and I hope you have a lovely trip.

 

[Mazz519]

We love the WLV... it our favorite place especially at Christmas time

 

[zdad59]

Thanks all for your votes and replies. We have narrowed it down to the Polynesian and CBR. Mama has thrown the wrench into the works that she wants two days at Universal as well. (She does love Harry Potter). So it's going to be 5-6 nights at WDW and 1-2 nights at Universal. I have to decide Universal first or last. I'm thinking Universal first as I view WDW as a more relaxing visit. Get the crazy park out of the way first.

Anybody here remember the "Focker Watch" days? We had fun carrying Flora around with us the time we did it.

 

[JoshF]

No brainer - re-live the honeymoon. YOLO!

 

[daae3]

I voted CBR....I’ve stayed and it’s huge so spring for the preferred room so you are closer to quick service/shops. It has an internal bus system so if you decide to save for another fabulous vacation...you won’t miss out...plus skyliner for easy access to Epcot and DHS is nice for a grown up trip. I‘d hold off on Poly cause my favorites there are closed right now (Trader Sams)

 

[butterscotchcollins]

Then I'm voting CBR for the Skyliner access and park proximity, unless you're planning to spend most of your time at MK. And you can always do a split stay if you can't decide

I also vote do Universal first - you'll be spoiled by Disney's compliance otherwise.

 

[zdad59]

THANKS ALL for your inputs. I went ahead and booked something from the "other" column today. 5 days at Beach Club !! We figured it is something different and new and we love the proximity to EPCOT and DHS. We also added two days at Universal Port Royal Resort to START the vacation.

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS !!!