Best Deluxe resort for kids

[StrollPatrolMom]

Hi everyone.

This board is a sickness, and as such I've started toying with the idea of a BIG return trip in Oct of 08. I really think the new premium dining would work well for our family, and its the last time we'd be able to go with my son as a freebie...our friends who we're going with next month actually were talking about the same thing...so I was pricing out deluxe resorts today, most interested in Wilderness Lodge for the atmosphere...BUT..we'd also be interested in proximity to the parks as well as access to fine dining (we'd probably do a signature dining most evenings)...for some reason Contemporary was coming up quite a bit more than the others thoughts?

also, whats the chance of AAA on a deluxe or a discount code?

 

[Ratpack]

WL is great for kids. Our kids prefer it even over the Poly. It has a great theme as you are aware of. The pool with slide is a kids favorite. Our younger DD likes the large kiddie pool. It is also nice to have everything under one roof in case it rains. There is boats and bikes to rent and they have plenty of pool games during the day. There is also a craft time for the kids every afternoon from like 2pm to 4pm. The Poly would be my second choice.

And since you are looking at Oct '08, I see no reason that you shouldn't be able to get at least a AAA discount on the rooms.

 

[maxiesmom]

With children that young, I would say stay at the Poly. You are just a short monorail or boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom, which is great if someone needs a nap in the middle of the day. Plus the Volcano pool has a zero entry end, which is good for the little-ones too. And it is sooo nice to be able to sit on the beach and watch Wishes! No fighting the crowds trying to get out of the park.

 

[AmyAllan&Eve]

StrollPatrolMom,

It tickles me that someone else has caught the bug, too. It's probably the best kind of bug to have, so we are fortunate there

I stayed at the WL last summer with a 2 year old and loved it.

However, if I could have afforded the Contemporary or Polynesian, I would have preferred it. The monorail that runs through both resorts is so unbelievably convenient that it's worth its weight in gold. And there may be a few more amenities (like larger rooms) that come with these two resorts.

The Contemporary has the prettiest furnishings of any resort on property IMHO. And I love that Chef Mickey's is right there, too.

The Polynesian is my favorite theme for a resort. When I go to Disney, I want to feel like I am somewhere tropical and exotic, and that's exactly how I feel when I visit.

If costs were equal, my choice for those three resorts would be as follows:
1. Polynesian
2. Contemporary
3. Wilderness Lodge

And all of the resorts would make for a wonderful vacation.

 

[simonkodousek]

We loved the Wilderness Lodge a few years back. We thought it was the best resort in WDW until we stayed at the Polynesian. This is by far the nicest resort I have ever stayed at despite some rude staff members. This would be a great choice for kids. IMO, the Contemporary is too sterile in terms of theme. I took a quick walk around and it felt like I was in a gigantic version of the Marriott. So, for me the list would go...

1) Polynesian
2) Wilderness Lodge
3) Contemporary

PS: Where-ever you stay, make sure to check out the Whispering Canyon Cafe! IMO, one of the best restaurants in WDW.

 

[AmyAllan&Eve]

I second what simonkodousek said about the WL's Whispering Canyon Restaurant, and I also feel the same way about the Polynesian Resort's Kona Cafe! Both restaurants are absolutely incredible.

I also agree that the CR could be seen as being somewhat sterile in the lobby. When I visit, I always imagine that I am transported to the future (perhaps a space station??? think the Jetsons???). However, when I look at the pictures of the rooms where you will be staying, I fall in love:

http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/contnew4.jpg

http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/contnew5.jpg

I think the rooms are BEAUTIFUL! And they are huge. Bigger than most other resorts. So much space and luxury

 

[frank_mas]

We just stayed at the Poly after two trips to the WL. We LOVED the WL, but me, my wife, and our son (8) all agree that the next trip will be back to the Poly. The convience factor alone makes it amazing. I would argue it is THE best resort on property in terms of access to parks, thanks to the ability to walk to the TTC.

And our son loved the volcano slide. He had a blast on the slide at the WL, but he liked the Poly slide more.

We aren't fans of the Contempory, simply because it seems too sterile, as someone else has said.

Plus, for a resort on the monorail... I think it would stink that to go to the MK via the TTC, Poly and GF.

Anyway, I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter what you pick!