Best resort for teens?

[perd]

My kids are 17, 14 and 12-1/2. Any suggestions on a resort that might appeal to them? Would you let kids their ages go off on their own at all, or do you think it's not safe to do that at DW?

 

[Terk-1]

I would recommend Caribbean Beach, since there seems to be quite a bit to do around the resort. If you are looking at a deluxe resort, then I would suggest either the Beach Club (close to EPCOT & the Boardwalk) or the Wilderness Lodge.

 

[perd]

The problem with CBR is that there are five of them, so we'd have to have two rooms, so it is just as well to stay at a deluxe resort. Have considered AKL and Wilderness Lodge because they are new. We are pretty picky about things be nice and cleaned. Can't stand shabby, run down hotel rooms. Also considering Beach Club. I've heard stories about some of the resorts being dirty or run down, and I don't want to run into something like that after paying so much.

 

[perd]

Duh - I mean five of US. What an idiot!

 

[Rhonda]

My son likes the Dolphin - it's close to everything (Epcot, MGM, Boardwalk) and it has a really cool pool!

We started letting him go off on his own (with a friend) around age 15. With strict instructions where and where not to go of course. And, we always had cell phones on so he could get ahold of us & vice versa.

 

[RyMickey]

If you're looking at the deluxe hotels (being that they sleep 5), I'd go with the Yacht or the Beach Club. The pool (which the two hotels share) is like a waterpark in itself. Plus, they could walk over to the Boardwalk to the ESPN Club, or even walk into EPCOT or MGM Studios via the walkways that the hotels have.

As for being "safe" at Disney: If your kids know the place, it is definitely fine for them to go off by themselves. I was 14 when I started to take my younger brothers around for a little bit during the daytime. If it's their first trip, though, it's mighty easy to get lost inside a park.

RyMickey

 

[soccer mom]

We let our teenagers go to DQ by themselves while we shopped and went to the show so we were all in DD at least, and I had my cell phone with me. Everything else we did together. In fact when I tried to get out of going to BB, they wouldn't let me, even if I was just going to sit and read all day.

It's not that they weren't old enough to be on their own (19, 15, 13), but our lives are so busy throughout the year that family vacations are a time for us to do things together. They're not complaining about being with us or each other so I'm going to take advantage of that!

 

[hercamore]

My kids loved the AKL (l8 and 20). What a surprise. I thought my son would be so bored, but they want to go back!.

They loved the animals, the pool, and whole ambience of Africa. Very relaxing.

I think the deluse rooms sleep 5 2 bunks, a queen and a daybed.

They liked this hotel better than DL.

Herc.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

The Contemporary! From the awesome color scheme in the rooms, to the arcade, to the water sports, everything about the Contemporary is great!

 

[mikesmom]

My son is 19, but has been going to WDW and staying onsite since age 15. His favorite hands down is the Boardwalk area. Always something going on, an easy walk into Epcot or MGM and also easy to get to MK (walk thru Epcot, catch the monorail and go to MK).

As the previous poster said, if you have been before and they are familiar, it is a pretty good place for them to go off alone. Yeah, it's a family vacation, but it does seem like teens almost NEED some time off by themselves. If yours are not familiar with the parks, you might try splitting up for an hour or two and then meeting back at a designated spot. Or, just letting them explore the resort and Boardwalk area. If you pick that area, there is a choice of YC/BC, Boardwalk or the Swan/Dolphin. If you're particular about your rooms and you have 5, you might look into a 2 bdrm at Boardwalk or YC/BC. They are part of DVC and it's just like having your own apartment at WDW

 

[RobinLyn]

I have to agree with RyMickey, Yacht Club or Beach Club. If you stay at either one of these great resorts, you get to use Stormalong Bay and Epcot is within walking distance. The Boardwalk is also in walking distance which would be great for teens. Staying at the Boadwalk would be my second choice with our teens (I think it will be more peaceful at the YC/BC at night). We purchased 2-way radios to stay in touch with our boys, ages 13 and 16. I also like them to have a cell phone only because it makes me feel better. We are staying at the YC in August..seems so far away right now!

RobinLyn

 

[cindala]

We have 2 teen DD's, 17 and 15, and they love the YC. The location is close to everything, and you can't beat Stormalong Bay. The Boardwalk area, MGM and Epcot are within easy walking distance, and there is the arcade at ESPN and the games on the Boardwalk.

There are also ice cream shoppes at the Dolphin and the YC/BC, and Seaside Sweets at the Boardwalk.

Also, miniature golf is within walking distance. IMHO, this is the best area of WDW for teens!

 

[Kitty 34]

My boys were 12 and 14 when we stayed at the Dolphin last year and they absolutely LOVED the place!!! They loved the pool, the arcade, the boats, and the Boppin' Brownie Sundaes at the Dolphin Fountain restaurant!!!

We will be back this June!!!!

 

[schwaa]

I'm going to make a suggestion for a moderate, specifically Port Orleans Riverside. And here's why:

1. You can have two rooms, which means two bathrooms. You guys will get ready in the morning much more quickly with two bathrooms.

2. You can let them go off by themselves at the resort and they can go far way from the room, feel independent but still be at the resort. Plus they can walk down to French Quarter and have a whole other resort to explore. That means 2 arcades.

3. There are a total of 6 pools at Riverside and 1 pool at French Quarter. There are 5 quiet pools at Riverside. The main pool has a slide, and there is also a slide at French Quarter (it comes out of the mouth of a dragon or lizard).

4. There is a food court at Riverside (and one at French Quarter) This could save a lot of money on meals with 3 teen boys. Plus, the food court at Riverside is really, really good.

Good luck deciding.

 

[perd]

But is Port Orleans Riverside well kept up? I thought I had read something before about it being run down and seedy, and that's why I'd decided against it. I wanted some place nice, very clean, very well maintained.

I agree that two bathroms would be a big help, especially since two of my teens are girls!

 

[josierac]

Perd, you might want to take a look at the rooms and see what appeals to you in color and decor.

Here are some site
www.ourlaughingplace.com
www.wdwig.com

Also the WL and AKL will only sleep 5 in a deluxe room.
I like the setup of the deluxe room at WL better than AKL.
The WL has 2 queen beds and in a seperate room a sleeper queen sofa. The room comes with a mini fridge and the rooms are seperated with french doors.

I also think the Boardwalk/Epcot resorts work well as there are activities at night on the Boardwalk and it's a nice place to just stroll around at night without being too far from the resort.

 

[Pony Girl]

My sister is 17 and absolutely loves the decor at the CBR, but her absolute favorite resort is the Boardwalk.

 

[MinnieMe2]

Hi, Perd!

We stayed at the Beach Club with our teens, and they really loved it. The Boardwalk is a very happenin' place, lots of people, lots of lights and activity. They can walk to Epcot or MGM from there, too, and the pool is wonderful.

We are now DVC members and our home is VWL. The kids also enjoy staying there. The buses are great, and they like to go one or two stops to GF or the Poly, walk around a bit, and hop on the monorail. Or take the ferry to MK.

You have a lot of good options. And as far as letting the kids go off by themselves, I'm perfectly comfortable with it as long as at least two of them stay together. No one-sies. But they probably wouldn't enjoy being all by themselves anyway.

Good luck. All the choices can make planning a major headache, but it'll all be worth it in the end...

 

[perd]

I really appreciate all the input here! I am heavily leaning toward the Beach Club, but have started to think I may look into Beach Club Villas. They will be practically brand new, which I love. Anyone have any input about whether the location of the villas will be just as good or almost as good as the actually Beach Club or Yacht Club?

The price may be something that stops me dead in my tracks but I'm on The Laughing Place right now checking prices (thanks to the person who posted that) and it is saying $1445 for Beach Club Villas for five nights if we check in by 10/02. That's not bad at all...

 

[perd]

Well never mind, that $1445 was for a studio in the value season and it shows August through November as regular season, not value - think that's cause they are new? But then a one bedroom is $2125 for five nights. You think a one bedroom is big enough for five people?