Best resort for resort-only trip?

[PoohBearFamily]

We are a family of six with four kids under 7 yrs. Looking to have a 6-7 night resort stay at one of the WDW resorts. We may do one or two day in the parks (MK and/or AK, likely), but mostly looking to relax in the magic. What do you all recommend as a resort for pools/activities/fireworks views,/walkability to restaurants? Thanks!

 

[loves to dive]

If it were me and I wasn't going to the parks, I would stay off site. The WDW resorts are way to expensive to stay in without park days. Maybe the Wyndom Bonnet Creek which is actually on property or even a condo.

 

[DisneyDillyDally]

Wilderness lodge or Animal Kingdom lodge if you’ve got the budget!

 

[ML_LovesDisney]

I would pick Animal Kingdom Lodge. We loved being at the resort this past trip

 

[PoohBearFamily]

If it were me and I wasn't going to the parks, I would stay off site. The WDW resorts are way to expensive to stay in without park days. Maybe the Wyndom Bonnet Creek which is actually on property or even a condo.

I'll check out Wyndham Bonnet Creek. Thank you!

 

[PoohBearFamily]

Wilderness lodge or Animal Kingdom lodge if you’ve got the budget!

Thanks I'll look into those!

 

[PoohBearFamily]

I would pick Animal Kingdom Lodge. We loved being at the resort this past trip

It looks really nice! Will check it out

 

[SleeplessInTO]

I vote Boardwalk or Polynesian. Normally I’d suggest Beach Club but I don’t find Stormalong Bay little kid-friendly.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is also a great choice but I picked the two above based on your desire to see fireworks.

 

[CarolynFH]

I'll check out Wyndham Bonnet Creek. Thank you!

Also look at Wyndham Reunion. Farther out but has 3-BR villas and a water park.

 

[kc51570]

Reunion resort has tons of options-the hotel tower, 1-3br villas, and large private homes with private pools. Check out Vrbo and type in Reunion, FL for the private homes-a few may be Disney/Universal themed by their owners. It‘s only 1, maybe 2 exits from Disney.

 

[flav]

Animal Kingdom Lodge is great and fantastic for a resort only stay but it is far from fireworks or anything else.

I would likely choose a resort from which I can travel easily to other resorts.

Like anything on the Skyliner

• Pop Century or Art of Animation for the huge Disney icons
• Caribbean Beach for a vacation feel
• I love Beach Club but not being able to go to Epcot for dining would make it hard for me

Or on the Lagoon accessible by boat and/or Monorail

• Polynesian is my favourite but expensive
• Wilderness Lodge is nice although a bit more remote

Or on the river to boat to Disney Springs

• Port Orleans would be my choice in that area
• Saratoga Springs would be less themed but you could walk to Disney Springs

 

[PoohBearFamily]

I vote Boardwalk or Polynesian. Normally I’d suggest Beach Club but I don’t find Stormalong Bay little kid-friendly.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is also a great choice but I picked the two above based on your desire to see fireworks.

Oh I didn't even consider Boardwalk. It looks so pretty!

 

[PoohBearFamily]

Also look at Wyndham Reunion. Farther out but has 3-BR villas and a water park.

Ok I'll check that out too!

 

[PoohBearFamily]

Reunion resort has tons of options-the hotel tower, 1-3br villas, and large private homes with private pools. Check out Vrbo and type in Reunion, FL for the private homes-a few may be Disney/Universal themed by their owners. It‘s only 1, maybe 2 exits from Disney.

I'll look into that, thanks!

 

[PoohBearFamily]

Animal Kingdom Lodge is great and fantastic for a resort only stay but it is far from fireworks or anything else.

I would likely choose a resort from which I can travel easily to other resorts.

Like anything on the Skyliner

• Pop Century or Art of Animation for the huge Disney icons
• Caribbean Beach for a vacation feel
• I love Beach Club but not being able to go to Epcot for dining would make it hard for me

Or on the Lagoon accessible by boat and/or Monorail

• Polynesian is my favourite but expensive
• Wilderness Lodge is nice although a bit more remote

Or on the river to boat to Disney Springs

• Port Orleans would be my choice in that area
• Saratoga Springs would be less themed but you could walk to Disney Springs

Art of Animation looks really fun. So does Port Orleans!

When you say travel to other resorts, do you mean that you can use amenities at other resorts or that you can dine on property?

 

[rwdavis2]

If it were me and I wasn't going to the parks, I would stay off site. The WDW resorts are way to expensive to stay in without park days. Maybe the Wyndom Bonnet Creek which is actually on property or even a condo.

I agree. IMHO, there are nicer hotels in Orlando at lower prices. Namely Universal. One can still go onsite for meals and Disney Springs.

 

[_19disnA]

Part of the reason Disney hotels charge a premium is proximity to the parks. However, none of their hotels is closest to every park. Orlando is such a large tourist destination due to both Universal & Disney that you will be able to find a number of excellent places to stay for far less then Disney charges.

 

[PoohBearFamily]

I agree. IMHO, there are nicer hotels in Orlando at lower prices. Namely Universal. One can still go onsite for meals and Disney Springs.

Ok I'll look into Universal!

 

[PoohBearFamily]

Part of the reason Disney hotels charge a premium is proximity to the parks. However, none of their hotels is closest to every park. Orlando is such a large tourist destination due to both Universal & Disney that you will be able to find a number of excellent places to stay for far less then Disney charges.

Good to know. Thank you!

 

[Aela]

Art of Animation looks really fun. So does Port Orleans!

When you say travel to other resorts, do you mean that you can use amenities at other resorts or that you can dine on property?

You can not use the amenities (pools), but you can dine on property and experience the general Disney vibe.

I would consider looking at Swan/Dolphin. They have multiple pools, and are walking distance to the boardwalk and skyliner, which allows you to visit and eat at multiple Disney resorts. Plus it is really (walking) close to one of the Disney mini golf locations, as well as having the swan paddle boats included at no cost. They are Marriott rewards properties if you happen to be a member as well.