Best Conference Resort for Small (20 person) Course

[pregnantw4thprincess]

Hello all!

My husband and I are in the process of setting up a two day course in SAFe® (Scaled Agile Framework Enterprise) on Disney property. Our current choices are Coronado Springs, Yacht Club, or Grand Floridian. I have not stayed at any of these resorts, nor have I been able to find many pictures of the conference rooms themselves online. I am leaning towards Yacht Club (Stormalong Bay, am I right?), but just wondering if anyone has any input...especially if you have attended a conference on Disney property before.

This course is sort of a BETA for a "traincation" program for our company...if it goes well, we will be putting this class on our schedule bi-monthly, so I would love input on the other conference resort properties as well. So hard to make such a big choice having never stayed at any of the conference resorts before!

Thanks in advance for all your help!

 

[pregnantw4thprincess]

No one has been to a conference at any of these resorts?

 

[kwdw]

I've been to a conference at Coronado Springs about 5 years ago now. I really like Coronado as a moderate resort. Now - it is going to have a bunch of construction the next few years - so I don't know how that will impact the guest experience. While I'm not sure, I think it's the biggest conference center of your three options. Given yours is small - there could be another conference going on at the same time. I like it's three "neighborhoods" - has a great pool. Is family friendly. Good food court. It's isolated - and has just one restaurant - the bar by the lake is a nice area to hang out though!

I think the biggest thing you need to think about is who is attending the conference and how much can they afford to pay for a guest room? GF and YC are deluxe resorts with significant higher costs on the guest rooms. In my profession - attending a conference there would be out of reach for us. Who are your clientele and what do they want to pay/experience?

YC - is on the Boardwalk, walking distance to EPCOT - and I think appeals to a more adult only type crowd. It's not as kid-centered. To me, it feels more subdued, adult. So - if this is going to be a bunch of middle-aged men travelling in for a day or two - without wives or family - they will probably like the feel and location.

GF - has a more "girly" feel to the resort - Victorian or Southern Charm type feel. It's access to MK is awesome - I personally am not the best one to judge about this - I just don't like the look of the resort.

 

[Marthasor]

I've only been to a conference at CR, but I've stayed in all of the resorts mentioned. I voted for YC. During conference breaks, it offers such a nice spot to walk around and a ton of dining options. Attendees can also simply walk to EP or DHS during their free time or spend the evening on the Boardwalk.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I voted for BC/YC as we have stayed there but not for a conference. Its convenient.

The only real conference that my dh and our family actually attended was at the Swan/Dolphin. Well dh attended, the rest of us went to the parks.

I dont know what the rates there are compared to a true Disney hotel.

 

[ironz]

I've attended conferences at all of them except Coronado Springs, and with the addition of the Swan or Dolphin.
I love the Boardwalk the most. I don't recall the setup at YC. Any of the Epcot area resorts have a great location with easy access to 2 parks. Contemporary was a good location to visit MK, though it seemed like a little hike to get to the conference center. GF is nice, and as of this past January, they were under refurbishment, so should be all new inside (I'm likely attending a conference there in the fall, so it is slated to be done by then).

I agree with a PP to see what kind of rates there are and if it something the company/employees (whoever is paying for it) can afford. The conference rates are usually a better discount that the room-only discounts.
Another thing to think about is what are the food/restaurant choices at each resort.

 

[pregnantw4thprincess]

Thank you all for your input! I meant to respond earlier but have been up to my eyeballs in work all day long

I think the biggest thing you need to think about is who is attending the conference and how much can they afford to pay for a guest room? GF and YC are deluxe resorts with significant higher costs on the guest rooms. In my profession - attending a conference there would be out of reach for us. Who are your clientele and what do they want to pay/experience? The rooms at YC at our reduced rate are very comparable to moderate prices...that was definitely a concern. GF is more (while still a great discount), which rule that one out for us unfortunately
YC - is on the Boardwalk, walking distance to EPCOT - and I think appeals to a more adult only type crowd. It's not as kid-centered. To me, it feels more subdued, adult. So - if this is going to be a bunch of middle-aged men travelling in for a day or two - without wives or family - they will probably like the feel and location. I am hoping wives and family will be on board! My goal is to make it a "Train-cation", where people bring their families a day or two early, spend some family time, then hit a character meal or the parks in the evenings after the course (hubs scheduled it 8-4 so it doesn't take up half the evening)...and maybe spend a day or two after with the family! That's what we are doing

I agree with a PP to see what kind of rates there are and if it something the company/employees (whoever is paying for it) can afford. The conference rates are usually a better discount that the room-only discounts. I was shocked at the discounts! Like jaw droppingly shocked! I want hubs to have all of our courses there! All Disney all day, am I right? LOL Unfortunately we live in NH, so...maybe not aaaaaaalllllll our classes LOL

 

[pregnantw4thprincess]

Thank you all for your input! I meant to respond earlier but have been up to my eyeballs in work all day long

Duh...forgot to say...we went with YACHT CLUB!!