Best hotel when with an 18 month old?

[nicolette18]

We are trying to decide where to stay in Feburary. We will have our 18 month old with us and just can't decide which hotel would be the best option. Normally we stay at the deluxe resorts, but it really doesn't matter, we just want the hotel that would be of better interest with a little one.

Thanks

 

[LegoMom3]

If you're looking for something visually stimulating for him/her, with characters and bright colors, I'd recommend All Star Movies (Pop Century would be a good choice, too). If you're looking for convenience (naps and down time and such) then definitely a monorail resort. We've never stayed at a deluxe but when we took our first trip with the kiddos, our youngest was 2 and we stayed at ASMovies and all the kids just loved it.

 

[traci]

I'd pick a deluxe, and one with the monorail and a zero entry pool (wait, scratch the zero entry - isn't it too cold to swim in Feb w/ an 18 month old - I have no idea on Orlando weather that time of year). GF would be my vote though. It is relaxing after being at the busy parks, plus it's quick ride back from MK or Epcot via the monorail (you wont have to fold the stroller either).

Have fun deciding and enjoy your trip!!

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

I would say AKL my 18 month old loved the animals and the zero entry pool but with construction and possible nap problems I would say stick with a monorail or MK resort. I would pick WL , Poly or GF.

 

[Hoosier Mom]

We were at CBR last September with our 18 month old. We did just fine and CBR was lovely.

However, we were sure wishing we were at a monorail resort. Our backs were so tired. Our son was either being carried or in his stroller most of the time. The bus service was great, but it was a challenge if we noticed a bus was there waiting. We'd run to catch it. One of us would grab our son and the other would collapse the stroller.

Have fun on your trip!

 

[beth_cam]

I always disagree with the monorail suggestion. The monorail can be a hike from your room, it is only direct to Magic Kingdom,if you are at contemporary it is quicker and easier to walk to MK and depending on the line and your room location, may well be quicker when walking back. Epcot takes a monorail transfer, the other parks mean taking buses. So unless you are planning on spending your whole vacation in the Magic Kingdom and are staying at either Poly or Grand Floridian I just don't see the monorail being a big help. Will you have your own car? We always found it easier with strollers to use our own car. I do agree with Animal Kingdom Lodge since that has a lot of child appeal while still being adult and since you are used to Delux. We really liked ASMo but if you wont have a car the buses can get tiresome, although we found the mid day naptime returns to the hotel and back to the parks no problem. With a child so young I always think too that they are kind of happy with wherever you take them and are quite awed by all the different sites and sounds. You need to remember to plan for yourself as well....as I said I think AKL is a wonderful middle ground.

 

[KatiebugsMom]

I have to agree with the disagreement on a monorail resort. I just don't get the convenience of the monorail vs. buses and other modes of transportation WDW offers. A few times the monorail was more of a hassle to me.

With my DD at age 1yr we stayed at AS Music (all bus), at 17 mths Saratoga (all bus except to DTD) and at 22 mths at BWV.

I would have to argue the best was BWV. We had a 10-15 min leisure walk to either Epcot or MGM or could have taken the water taxi to each park. And the bus transportation to MK and AK was efficient, especially at night, not too long of lines even if you do share some buses with the Swan and Beach/Yacht Club.

I really enjoyed being at an Epcot resort for 10 days and you can't beat the pools at either BW or Beach Club.

 

[Jen32113]

I agree with the other poster about AKL. DH and I took DS a few months ago, he was 19 months old then. We would leave the balcony door open and let him go in and out (while supervised of course). He LOVED it! He would see an animal and look at me like "Oh my goodness! Do you see that?!!" It was great. We go there for him so if he is having a good time, then we are having a good time. We had the best time there with him and we will definately stay again.

 

[Brina]

with little ones I really liked the convenience of the CR. When they hit their limit at the park we put them into their strollers and started hiking back to the hotel. The walk is quiet and after the over stimulation of MK it was a nice opportunity for them to wind down. They almost always fell asleep in their strollers before we got to our room. Also, CR is less stimulating to small child than many of the other resorts, which is good.

I agree with the poster above about the advantages of using your own car. We mostly drove to of the parks rather than relying on bus transport with a stroller it was so much easier.

 

[spiceycat]

what park will the majority of your time be spend?

if the MK then either CR or Polyn.

if Epcot then Polyn or BC.

if Studios then BW or BC.

if AK then AKL.

that say with an 18 month old - I am betting on the MK.

in the moderate range
PO for the MK or Epcot
CBR for Epcot or Studios
CSR for Studios or AK

in the value range
POP for the Mk, Epcot or Studios
All Stars for Studios or AKL

Pop or All Star Movies will probably appeal to your child the most. but if you are use to deluxe you might not enjoy the crowds.

 

[blessedby3]

I love the convienence of the CR (monorail) as it is different from the others. You get off the monorail inside the main building and if you are staying in the tower you just get on the elevator and go up a few floors to your room and it is so quick. You also have the option of walking to the MK. I dont mind the transfer to the EPCOT monorail because you can still leave the child in the stroller without taking them out. It is much easier than folding the stroller up and getting on the busses or getting to your car in the parking lots. The Poly and GF are spread out and not as quick about getting to your room from the monorail, but the CR is a snap. We stayed there with our 3 kiddos and everyone loved it. We spend the majority of our days at the MK too.

 

[Tikicampers]

We took DS when he was 18mo. We stayed at ASMo. He loved it! I spent a whole afternoon with him just walking around looking at all the different characters. We were in the Dalmations building, and he was so excited to see the dogs. We were very happy with the bus service. I would hate to have to drive and park and do the whole tram thing.
DH and I don't tend to stay in deluxe hotels, but growning up my Dad worked for a very nice hotel chain, and I grew up staying in said hotels. I have not been disappointed in the All Stars.

 

[Missus Toad]

The Poly worked beautifully for us when our kids were about that age. The monorail is a godsend. The boats were lovely for relaxation and the buses... well, they're an option.

The resort itself is a lovely and convenient midday getaway for a nap or swim (although in Feb., maybe not so much for swimming!). Plus you've got the EWP and MK fireworks right outside your door. Nice to have a few different dining options as well, and of course all the Poly restaurants are very kid friendly.

I hate to go on about the Poly, as it only makes rooms harder for me to get, but having done the toddler thing more than once, I felt the need to help out and reply with MHO.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

As someone already posted, an 18 mth old would be happy at any one of Disney's resorts. I would pick the amenities & transportation that make it easier on Mom & Dad carrying diaper bag & stroller. You don't need to worry about room size any resort will be fine for 3. You can pick whichever one you want. I have only stayed at POR (pre-kids), this fall we're staying at the Poly because of the bigger rooms, proximity of MK, monorail for stroller ease, & beach area and the zero depth pool. CR was a close 2nd - no vacancies during our stay. BC looks nice as well - has boat transportation as well as walking & buses. I'm not much help but I don't think you can wrong whichever you choose. Do whats easier for you and your DH - your 18mth old will love it!

 

[nicolette18]

Thanks for the info, I think we are gonna go with AKL or the POLY, still trying to decide. I assume that we will be spending most of the time at MK as well.

Is there somewhere that I can get a list of the rides that he would be able to go on?

Thanks again!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Thanks for the info, I think we are gonna go with AKL or the POLY, still trying to decide. I assume that we will be spending most of the time at MK as well.

Is there somewhere that I can get a list of the rides that he would be able to go on?

Thanks again!

At allears.net under Theme Parks on the left hand side they have basic info and ride restrictions are listed. Also under the Planning section on the left hand side towards the bottom they have info & tips for traveling w/kids. I'd post the exact link if I knew how. Good luck!

 

[BrianD]

If you are deciding between AKL & Poly and are planning on spending most of your time at MK, then I strongly recommend going with the Poly.

I completely disagree with those that disagree with the monorail being convenient to the MK and Epcot. Especially if you are at the Poly. Then you wouldn't have to transfer monorails to go to Epcot. And from the MK, you are only two monorail stops away.

Take a look at a map, look at where MK is, and then look at the location of the Poly, & AKL. It's a no brainer.

Also, if you can swing it, book a theme park view room, because I'm guessing that if you have an 18 month old with you, there won't be a lot of late nights in the parks. So, this gives the adults the chance to sit out on the balcony and watch the fireworks while the little one sleeps in the room.

Also, the rooms at Poly are quite a bit roomier than at AKL.

 

[Minniemom97]

My youngest will be 20 months when we go in August. We are staying at AKL due to the bus service. Although it is further away from the parks, you don't share a bus with other resorts and their transporation is great. We have an older daughter so we won't be going to MK more than the other parks. In my opinion, the monorail resorts are great if you're spending more time at MK but I don't care for their bus transportation. We've stayed at Poly & WL and always shared buses.

That's my 2 cents worth!

Have a great trip!

 

[Amber74]

Thanks for the info, I think we are gonna go with AKL or the POLY, still trying to decide. I assume that we will be spending most of the time at MK as well.

Is there somewhere that I can get a list of the rides that he would be able to go on?

Thanks again!

On the Disneyworld website look at the box playing the video and click on "something for everyone" and then click preschoolers it will give you lots of information on this and you can also download magical beginnings park maps to each of the parks showing what little ones can ride only. They are really cute maps. Hope this helps.

 

[nicolette18]

Thanks again! It looks like he will be able to go on quite a few things at MK and not so much everywhere else.