Best resort for just hanging around?

[GEM]

My husband and I are planning a short four or five night trip in mid-October. I will be about five months pregnant at the time. Since we have been many times before, we just want this to be a relaxing kind of trip. Afterall, it will be our last trip without any kids along! We plan to do visit the Food and Wine Festival and we want to go to the Halloween Party (which we LOVE). Other than that, we mostly just want to relax around the resort - enjoy the pool, have some nice meals, etc. I would love to hear suggestions about what you all think would be the best resort for that sort of thing. We don't want to stay anywhere we have stayed before - even though we absolutely fell in love with the Wilderness Lodge when we were there in December. If you look at my signature, you can see where we have stayed before. I am kind of leaning toward one of the Epcot resorts - but which one? I am also considering the Animal Kingdom Lodge because it seems like there would be lots to see and do there. Any suggestions?

 

[Tiffany]

If you are looking to relax at a resort then the AKL is the place for you. As long as you like animals of course I cannot put into words the feelings my husband and I got watching zebra and wilderbeast walk by. There are many places around the resort to view the animanls including the pool area. The pool area is large and the pool itself is great. The AKL has two nice sit down places to eat if you like different types of foods Boma and Jiko. We found it hard to tear ourselves away from the AKL to go to the parks.

 

[Steffi]

I'm a resort novice, so I have no suggestions...just wanted to congratulate you. What happy news Any chance that he/she will be a Valentine's baby??

 

[Mary Ellen]

We stayed at the ALK for a few days at the beginning of our last trip - we didn't even go to any parks those days! The resort is wonderful and there was plenty to see and do there - the pool is gorgeous. Since AKL had the same architect as WL, it has a similar 'feel' - but African.

However, since you want to spend time at the F&W festival, BWI/BWV are another great adult choice. In addition to the food at Epcot, you'll have easy access to the restaurants at all the Epcot resorts. I imagine you'll want to save the BC for a few years until you can bring the little one.

 

[Simba's Mom]

This is the only resort where I completely lost my desire to leave and go to the parks. There's so much to see and do there. DH wouldn't have believed any place could do that to this Disney Nut if he hadn't seen it.

 

[susy]

We will be at AKL for the first time Labor Day Weekend. We are also looking to relax around the resort. They have lots of activites going on and we have PS's for Jiko and Boma for both breakfast and dinner.

You may want to do AKL this trip to get it out of the way.With a baby (stroller and all), you may not make it back to this resort for quite a while , since you may want to do the monorail resorts and BC, while your child is little (just a thought).

I think it will be very relaxing and romantic for your last trip as "just a couple".

 

[tampafan]

We love CBR for hanging out and relaxing, but the best resort for hanging out, imho is the Polynesian. However, if you are going to spend most of your time at Epcot, then I would suggest the Swan.

 

[eeyore0062]

I have to agree, if I were going and had time to just kick back and relax, I would definitely choose AKL. Make sure to get a Savannah view, though to make the most of your time on the balcony. The pool looks really nice, as well. And since you aren't worried about the parks, the fact that AKL is somewhat remote shouldn't bother you. If you liked WL, you should LOVE AKL!

 

[Tina26]

This year will be a relaxing visit for us too. We will only be doing Typhoon Lagoon 2days and Sea World 1day. The rest of our visit will be spent on our PS, hanging out at the pool, and enjoying the resort (AKL). I can't wait!!!!!

 

[GEM]

Wow! Looks like AKL is the way to go. We visited the resort for dinner one night on our trip in December and we loved it. We didn't get too spend too much time looking around, though. The Beach Club is really the only other place that seemed to be calling my name, but maybe it would be better to hold off on that until we have a kid to enjoy the pool with us! I think I'll do some more checking into AKL. We do love the Swan, the Poly, and the Wilderness Lodge (our absolute favorite) - but we are sort of on a mission to try all the different resorts. Thanks, everybody!

 

[cathyz]

Never having been to AKL, I can't really comment on that. I'm sure it's a great resort, but...

YC/BC would definitely be my vote for a romantic getaway with DH. We absolutely LOVE EPCOT and dining at all of the countries. With 2 DS's this is next to impossible - picky, picky, picky!. That's something for you to consider. It's such a nice leisurely walk to EPCOT from there. And the international gateway entrance is fabulous! It's so nice not to have to enter EPCOT through the front entrance...IMHO...It's always so crowded and not nearly as peaceful and pretty. Also, I would think that Stormalong Bay would be more enjoyable for a couple. Most of the "activities", once again IMHO, are for older children (5+) - except for the sandy area. For me, it is almost impossible to relax at a pool with children, no matter how nice it is! A dip in the hot tub, a nice relaxing float around in an innertube, sipping a frozen cocktail (even non-alchohol) would be so nice for 2. Dinner at the Yachtsman Steakhouse, a stroll over to EPCOT or the BW...Oh, gosh it sounds like heaven to me!!!

Whatever you decide, though, I'm sure will be great. What a special time for the 2 of you to share. You'll probably cry when you see MK now through the eyes of "parents to be" . Gives me goose bumps just to think of it! Best of luck!

Cathy

 

[GenePA]

I would think the EPCOT resorts would be the best for a nice leisurely getaway and I am partial to the BWI/BWV. The BWV are my absolute favorite and just the idea that you are a short walk (boat ride) away from the Food & Wine Festival is a huge plus. In addition, just strolling along the Boardwalk or just people watching along the Boardwalk, is a great way to pass the time.

Just a short 32 days and it's back to our home-away-from-home at the BWV....woo-hoo!

 

[gabylin]

Last year my brother and I went to visit AKL. I was so amazed by the whole ambiance of the hotel that I had to book 3 days there this year. I never felt so relaxed and away from it all as I did over there. It will be our last 3 days so I plan on lots of down time. Good luck with your decision (and congrats on your new arrival!)

 

[llachance]

My daughter and I were there for the 3 days preceeding out recent 7 day "Magical" cruise (July 3-6). The closest we got to a pard was going to Downtown Disney for some souveniers! Didn't miss the parks - loved the pool, loved Boma and Jiko for dinner. Was on the Ostrich Savannah and the only animal we didn't see from our room were zebras..........almost hated to leave to go on our 2nd cruise!

 

[mikesmom]

For the Food & Wine Fest,I agree the Epcot resorts are the best! And pretty nice to hang around, anyway - we've done just that at BWV.

BUT, if you haven't made reservations yet, that area may not be a choice you have. That area is extremely popular during the Food & Wine Fest. I know for a fact that it's sold out pretty much (except for the odd single night) at the DVC level. I expect this close to October the cash rooms may also be pretty close to capacity.

In that case, AKL would be the way to go!

 

[CamColt]

Its not one of your choices, but DH & I just did a day at WDW with no parks and no kids. We stayed at the Polynesian. We really enjoy it there and found it very relaxing. You can read about it on the trip report boards.

 

[shelly3girls]

We have never stayed at the AKL, but we love the Grand Floridian. We love the relaxing environment and there are wonderful restaurants with mostly adults. That would be my vote for a romantic weekend.

 

[GEM]

Thanks for all the advice. We have stayed at the Poly and loved it, but like I said, we want something new. I just called and there are plenty of rooms available for the AKL, Beach Club, and Boardwalk Inn for the dates we want. I think we have decided to go with the AKL. The African theme just appeals to us so much more than the Grand Floridian or Beach Club themes, etc. As I said, we did visit the AKL for dinner on our last trip and loved it. Also, we really loved Boma and can't wait to try Jiko, as well! We both enjoy African art and culture alot. We even have a "safari" theme in our living room and we honeymooned in North Africa - Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia. So, it looks like our decision is made. Now, if only we can get a code rate for October!

 

[imbe@aol.com]

Originally posted by GEM
My husband and I are planning a short four or five night trip in mid-October. I will be about five months pregnant at the time. Since we have been many times before, we just want this to be a relaxing kind of trip. Afterall, it will be our last trip without any kids along! We plan to do visit the Food and Wine Festival and we want to go to the Halloween Party (which we LOVE). Other than that, we mostly just want to relax around the resort - enjoy the pool, have some nice meals, etc. I would love to hear suggestions about what you all think would be the best resort for that sort of thing. We don't want to stay anywhere we have stayed before - even though we absolutely fell in love with the Wilderness Lodge when we were there in December. If you look at my signature, you can see where we have stayed before. I am kind of leaning toward one of the Epcot resorts - but which one? I am also considering the Animal Kingdom Lodge because it seems like there would be lots to see and do there. Any suggestions?

Personally, I like the GF best for just relaxing.... but that wasn't on your list for consideration! LOL So I would have to say AKL -- it's really beautiful, and they've got a wonderful pool area that's terrific for lounging. There's a nice little thatched roof bar (you can get a virgin drink!), and Mara's close by for a snack. They've also got a nice spa.... plenty to do for a long w/e!

 

[PamNC]

The YC or BC. You'll be able to walk over to enjoy the Food & Wine Festival. This is our favorite resort and we love World Showcase so the closeness to it is really a plus.

And, there is much to do around the Boardwalk area. We stay every year and enjoy the resort as much, if not more, than the parks. We like to walk over and play minature golf at Fantasia. We love to stroll around the boardwalk. The Boardwalk Bakery is the best. There are lots of nice restaurants within walking distance. I don't think you can beat it for a relaxing vacation.

And, you're pregnant so not sure if you want to swim, but Stormalong Bay is the best pool on property.

have fun wherever you end up.

pamNC