Best resort to help convert a hater?

[nimkip]

Hi Guys,

I've been working on getting one of my best friends to come with me to WDW for the better part of six years. He's never been before and staunchly refused for the usual list of reasons (it's tacky, it's fake, it's for babies, etc). Despite numerous attempts to explain to him what's actually there, he insists it's just boat rides through story book scenes.

ANYWAY. I've finally worn him down, and in an effort to prove to me that there's nothing for grown ups to do there, he'll be joining us for a week. I know we've got one chance to convert him to a believer, so we need to do it right. I want to give him the most immersive experience possible to really help him get lost in the Disney magic. So guys, what resort do you think will best allow us do that?

I've already tried probing him to see what his preferences might be, but since he's sure all the resorts will be equally cheesy (complete with Mickey Mouse race car beds), he doesn't care. We're DVC members, so we're open to any resort or room type.

As a side question, I can tell you he's a huge Star Wars and Marvel fan. Unfortunately, we won't be there for Star Wars Weekends, but are there any other experiences or events we should be looking into?

Thanks!

 

[CaptainEO71]

Boardwalk! Esp if you're DVC, get a studio facing the BW. We've stayed at almost all the WDW resorts & to me that is the one that makes me feel uber relaxed. It reminds me of a beach vacation anywhere - its not over-the-top Disney themed that will scare him away. Plus the close proximity to Epcot & DHS might convert him!

 

[bluejasmine]

I bet AKLV would be neat for him, he's probably never seen anything like that before!!

Maybe HS should be his first park for Star Tours and the thrill rides..

ASMU/POR Dec 16-22, 2012 & BWI Sept 8-15, 2013

 

[asc]

AKL Jambo House. Pool/savana view room.

 

[robinb]

I think you will need someplace "grown-up" and since you are DVC members many resorts fit the bill. I would choose BWV or BCV because if the proximity to the parks or VWL for the woodsy elegance. SSR and OKW are both OK, but rather isolated, BLT is a bit cheesy and too close to the MK and AKV can be seen as pretty fake. FWIW, I would not encourage you to try to soak him in the "magic" since he thinks that the magic is all fake (and it is ) and that will just prove his point. Pick a nice, elegant resort and let the "magic" seep in.

 

[disnut8]

Yacht Club. I found that to be the most "grown up" of all the resorts. Plus, it's close enough to walk or boat to two theme parks. And you might never have to even go near Magic Kingdom.

 

[aVASTGrl]

Yacht Club. I found that to be the most "grown up" of all the resorts. Plus, it's close enough to walk or boat to two theme parks. And you might never have to even go near Magic Kingdom.

Absolutely agree. Disney theming is at a minimum here, and I felt like it was the most "luxurious" Disney resort I've seen. Also, it's the only Disney resort to make Travel + Leisures 100 best hotels for 2013, alongside the Orlando Ritz. That speaks volumes about the hotels' comfort level. Any of the Boardwalk-area hotels or DVCs would probably be most to your friend's liking, because of the location.

 

[buzznina]

For a resort I would suggest one of the EPCOT resorts or AKL Jambo. As for him enjoying the parks, that may be more difficult, because if he likes more rollercoaster type rides he will probably be a bit disappointed. I would suggest you go to allears and show him the resorts and photos, to see if that may help. Either way good luck.

 

[Mountain Mania]

I would also say Yacht Club, elegant and usually a more mature crowd than other resorts with the benefit of being in close proximity to Epcot and DHS. As well as Board Walk area for a variance on the evening entertainment.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Take a look at the Wilderness Lodge. Walking into the majestic lobby, he would NEVER believe MK was just a short boat ride away! He also may like the more masculine theme.

The Wilderness Lodge resort thread has fabulous photos!

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[disd55]

I have stayed at the Beach Club, Boardwalk and Wilderness Lodge and ANY of those resorts would work fine in converting him into a disney believer. My family tends to pick resorts that are gorgeous but not cheesy like the Value Resorts. Our personal favorite was the Boardwalk.

 

[pixarmom]

As you can see from my signature, we've stayed at many Disney resorts. My husband is not a hater (repeat APs and many trips demonstrate that!) But he's definitely a Disney resister. So we need to make sure his resort experience is the best it can be. First, that means no values or mods when he's with us. He does like WL - primarily for the lobby and territory lounge. Once he saw how much more convenient the Epcot area resorts are, he lost interest in WL relatively quickly. His favorite is BWI CL. The location is really important for a resister, who needs easy access to all the great dining options in Epcot and the Epcot resort area. The ability to walk to two parks is huge. The theming isn't too strong. The CL CMs are friendly, but very genuine. I know OP is DVC, so this might not be an option, but CL is absolutely key to our resister's enjoyment. CL makes everything easy and provides a great retreat from the parks. And while I love YC, my husband is so sold on BWI CL that he'd only go with YC if BWI wasn't available.

 

[nkereina]

My choices would be WL, AKL, YC or BWI. WL and AKL have the detail that wows people, YC has an amazing pool (although if there are lots of kids around that might not bode well with your friend), and BWI has a nice evening scene. My fiance was a Disney skeptic before our first trip (and incidentally, also loves Star Wars and Marvel!) and he loved the Boardwalk - especially ESPN Club. He also loved WL.

 

[lovin'fl]

BWV or BLT for location and theme...AKV for theme. I would suggest SSR so you can walk over to Downtown Disney but the theme-ing at SSR is rather bland. If you have a ton of non-restriction points, you could use them for the Disney Collection to get the Poly.

 

[TaraPA]

As you can see from my signature, we've stayed at many Disney resorts. My husband is not a hater (repeat APs and many trips demonstrate that!) But he's definitely a Disney resister. So we need to make sure his resort experience is the best it can be. First, that means no values or mods when he's with us. He does like WL - primarily for the lobby and territory lounge. Once he saw how much more convenient the Epcot area resorts are, he lost interest in WL relatively quickly. His favorite is BWI CL. The location is really important for a resister, who needs easy access to all the great dining options in Epcot and the Epcot resort area. The ability to walk to two parks is huge. The theming isn't too strong. The CL CMs are friendly, but very genuine. I know OP is DVC, so this might not be an option, but CL is absolutely key to our resister's enjoyment. CL makes everything easy and provides a great retreat from the parks. And while I love YC, my husband is so sold on BWI CL that he'd only go with YC if BWI wasn't available.

A Disney RESISTER... I LOVE IT! DH is exactly the same! Your above post is spot on for our family when traveling with him. I take many trips without him, but would also recommend BWI or BWV for your friend's trip. If he really doesn't fall in love with the parks he has the Boardwalk area to fall back on. Use your DVC points for BW view studio or villa & he will be hooked, guaranteed.