Best resort for 1st timers?

[kristen0147]

We are going down in January with our best friends who have never been, and I would like for them to be blown away. We would be traveling with 5 kids ages 4, 5, 5, 6, & 7 I know that the kids would love just about anything, but I'm looking to impress the parents. Any input would be great!

 

[alecam]

I think that POFQ is a beautiful resort to start with. It won't break the bank for you, it is small and a little less overwhelming.
It is such a beautiful place, you can take a boat to DD, the bus stop is convenient for all rooms. I don't think you can go wrong.
Have fun wherever you decide to go

 

[DisneyShack]

If I wanted to impress people, I would stay at one of the deluxe resorts in this order:

Contemporary - classic Disney; get a tower room for that great view.
Grand Floridian - luxurious
Wilderness Lodge - awesome resort
Polynesian - neat pool and great location (just stayed there last month for the first time).

I think the Wilderness Lodge is a great choice because it is a little cheaper than the others but the architecture is awesome. We stayed there last May and had a great time. Our kids loved it!

I've only stayed at the POFQ for a moderate but have been to CSR. I also hear good things about POR. Let us know which one you choose.

 

[TwingleMum]

Monorail Resort - I would definately pick a monorail resort for the ease of transpotation to MK & Epcot. Plus my kids love,love,love the monorail itself. They think its an attraction in its own right. They love to ride up front and get a monorail drivers license. Of the monorail resorts I would probably pick the Poly. The pool is awesome and the rooms can be reasonable. The GF is the most expensive and the Cont isn't themed enough for a WOW!! First Impression (JMHO and I like and have stayed at CR and would again but we're talking first impressions )

My other suggestion would be YC/BC. It has a great location. The transportation is great. The best pool on property - Storm along Bay. If your going during pool weather I consider either of these resorts.

Have fun with your plans.

 

[Stitch Inside]

Originally posted by DisneyShack

I think the Wilderness Lodge is a great choice because it is a little cheaper than the others but the architecture is awesome. We stayed there last May and had a great time. Our kids loved it!

I concur. We fell in love with WL the first time we walked into the lobby. And if it is as cold this January as it was on our honeymoon back in '95, the fireplaces are nice to hang out by.

 

[Grumpy92]

My vote would be the Poly, WL or YC/BC.

 

[woody5]

Since you mention that you will be travelling with 5 children your choices are a bit more limited. If I assume that there will be four adults then there is 9 people total. If you stay at any moderate other than POR you would have to get three rooms. Each moderate has a room occupancy limit of 4 with the exception of the Bayou rooms at POR which has a trundle bed so they sleep five. This will be your least expensive option. Values are out also unless you want three rooms. The same holds true for AK and WL. You have to get three rooms or the family with three kids has to get a deluxe room which will hold five. These deluxe rooms are about the same price as the other deluxes. Any of the other deluxe hotels POLY, CR, GF, BC/YC, BWI will hold five. Of these the least expensive option is CR in a wing room. If everyone can afford a deluxe I would probably suggest the POLY for first timers and young children. If you want less expensive then POR and get the trundle bed. You will be tight but with small children it works. Good luck deciding.

 

[Epcotgal8]

Now this is a FUN dilemma to have! With the ages of all the kids I would pick the Poly. You'll probably spend a lot of time in the MK and and the ease of the monorail for transportation will be important for you when the kids (and yourselves) get tired. And if you're anything like me by the time January hits I'm ready for a tropical theme.

 

[Desnik]

If you really want to impress them then I would suggest a resort that would be a theme they appreciate. I now for our family we really do not like the decor of the Poly or CR. It does nothing for us so, if someone were trying to impress me with a resort that has decor I can't stand, then I wouldn't be impressed!LOL
You get what I'm saying. They are your best friends so you know what they like. For example the BWI and GF impressed us. It is the styling/decor we love and their location and ease of transportation to the parks with kids was great. I would assume that with kids those ages you will spend alot of time at MK. A monorail resort would be great! The POLY has almost always gotten great reviews here, so I would suggest that if they like that theme. Otherwise I would suggest the GF. Just the lobby is impressive! It is such a beautiful resort.
Good luck!