Best resort to take an adult for their first time?

[You Fools!]

So my little boo thing wants to plan a vacation for us to WDW, as he has never been. He's letting me plan the whole thing since it's not my first rodeo. I want to pick an onsite resort that will feel very "Disney" and is still romantic for couples. I'm thinking Poly, GF, AKL savanna view or BW Garden Suite; heavily leaning towards Poly. Any recommendations for couples activities as well are appreciated. I would love any input!

 

[gryphon3261]

Grand Floridian, if you can stomach the cost, is my absolute favourite as a person who has only travelled with adults the last few trips (including, on my last trip, someone who had also never been to Disney who ADORED the resort!) We did stay at Poly two trips ago, and while the theming was wonderful my overall impression was that it was much more family and kid-heavy. It's Disney, so you're never going to get away from kids being everywhere, but the vibe of GF was soooo much more peaceful. We stayed at the Villas at the Grand Floridian and that building in particular was incredibly tranquil and pretty with all newly renovated rooms. Post-renovation, those rooms (which have tasteful Mary Poppins touches) also do feel truly luxurious, whereas from pictures my impression is that the Poly's new Moana rooms don't meld theming with luxury quite as effectively. (I could be wrong!)

You can't go wrong with any of those resorts you listed, in my opinion, but my vote is for GF for the monorail, walking access to MK, awesome romantic restaurant options, beautiful rooms, and more peaceful vibe.

 

[StevieB81]

If you stay at a monorail resort, or even if you don't, I'd recommend a monorail crawl. 1-2 apps and 1-2 drinks at reach spot. My wife and I did this our last trip:
- Trader Sam's, hit up Tambu Lounge while waiting to get in
- Enchanted Rose
- Steak House 71 lounge, then the Outer Rim for just drinks
We took our time and used it as a late lunch/early dinner. We took 6-7 hours, but it can be done much quicker than that.

Pool time (and pool bar time) can be very relaxing and fun for a couple.

Jelly Rolls on the Boardwalk is pretty fun. Check out Abracadabar, too. There is also Atlantic Dance Hall, but we haven't been. We also like Belle Vue Lounge.
You could get a couples massage at a spa.

World Showcase. Disney Springs.
Golf?
Really, anything you can do at WDW can be done as a couple and you'll have a great time. As far as resort, there is construction at all the ones listed except AKL, if that matters. AKL is a destination resort, IMO and there is a ton to see and do if you're going to have some decent amount of resort time. Which you should, if staying deluxe. But, for a first timer, nothing is going to beat staying on the monorail.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Since you are adults an EP area resort might appeal more. 2 parks via walking path or boat instead of 1 and ability to hop into EP for dinner. BWI is finishing up renovations so the garden cottages will be newly remodeled.

Do be aware- Poly has the Tower under construction and rumor mill says GF Lobby remodel will start early 2024.

I’d also consider a split stay of an EP & a MK resort to get the best of both of those worlds. You are “homeless” between check in and check out but Disney moves your luggage and it should arrive by 5pm-ish to your new hotel.

 

[Genie+]

We’re planning to have adult family join us too (in Dec, Poly DVC). I don’t want to tire them too much so after 2 full park days we’re taking a day off. That day will be a late start at Poly. Maybe pools and hot tubs. Trader Sams. Maybe Ohana. Definitely renting the pontoon to drive ourselves around 7 Seas Lagoon! Ending the day watching MK’s Christmas fireworks.

Cool to book horseback rides at Ft Wilderness too. Maybe doing Savor the Savannah at AK.

 

[Marthasor]

For a first trip - Poly. It's one of the original WDW hotels and really showcases Disney's prowess for immersive theming. GF is lovely and YC/BC are some of my faves, but they do not scream Disney, to me. Second choice would be GF, but the lobby is already in refurbed (not sure when your trip is planned). I would definitely stay on the monorail for a first trip.

As PP mentioned, Poly tower is under construction, so I would definitely try to book a Poly villa studio or splurge and book Poly CL which would be really great for a first trip, IMHO - great food/beverages and you can see the castle, fireworks and electric light parade from the lounge - both of those room categories would keep you away from the construction. Definitely check out Trader Sam's and consider going to GF for dinner - Narcoosee's is fantastic. Cali Grill at CR is also great as is Topolino's at RIV. I would definitely consider checking out the lounges and activities on the Boardwalk as well - Flying Fish is great and Abracadabar is fun. At Poly, we love renting pontoon boats and leisurely boating around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon.

 

[JM_97]

If you can afford it, Poly. It's a classic Disney resort and will truly keep you surrounded by the Disney bubble.

 

[jtopp]

Off of your list, go with Poly. Excellent choices, but to me the Poly is best. To me, you might want to check out some of the DVC properties. We do OKW for couples trips.

 

[CarolynFH]

heavily leaning towards Poly.

The very first trip we took without the kids was supposed to be at POFQ. Lo and behold, DH booked us a lagoon view room at the Poly. That was probably the most romantic trip we ever took!

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

How much time do you expect to spend at the MK vs. Epcot or HS? I have never taken an adults only trip, but on the rare occasions I have time away from the kids, I tend to like to wander around World Showcase. In my family DD (10) is the only one who prefers MK, and even for me it's a 1-2 day park, whereas I could do Epcot every day. HS is definitely a 2 day park at this point.

We're a DVC family so that this for what it's worth, but my votes would be as follows:
Riviera - I would have normally said BC to be able to walk into Epcot but it's so beautiful and peaceful over there, and the skyliner is super convenient and easy.

Wilderness Lodge - it may also be a reflection of the state of my life, but I LOVE sitting by the water and watching the lake. Keep in mind though that transportation to MK can be slow (if a boat isn't there right away and/or there are a lot of people trying to get into the parks) and it's kind of far away from the rest of Disney. But I don't rope drop anymore so for me it doesn't matter. I don't know if it would be my choice for a first trip, but I really do love it over there.

AK Savannah View - a friend of mine went on his honeymoon to Disney and said that this was his favorite place that he stayed. My mom is completely obsessed with Jambo House at Christmastime, and DH/my one date a year is almost always at Jiko. But the downside is that it's far away from everything, so it isn't the best choice if you want a park-heavy trip.

Grand Floridian - I think it's a prettier resort than Polynesian, and the pools aren't going to be quite such a zoo. We're settling into a routine where we will stay here most trips on a split stay because of the convenience to MK (and AK is bus from everywhere anyway), but TBH I am not really a fan of the monorail and especially hate taking it over to Epcot.

Now if money were no object I might say Poly Bungalows, but that's going from super expensive to insane territory.

 

[rosiebean]

I love Poly (and am staying there in August), but...it's very busy and filled with kids. The lobby isn't really relaxing, nor are the restaurants or lounges. I LOVE Trader Sams, but it's not a 'me and my boo' place (unless you and your boo are heavily into crowds and 'antics'). Even strolling around the grounds at night, well, with the families/kids/visitors, the vibe can be quite energetic rather than relaxing or romantic.

That said, if you stay at Poly and get, say, a DVC studio lagoon view (away from construction) or stay club level, it can be really romantic and serene. You can also use Poly as your home base and go to other resorts for more upscale, quieter, adult places to eat.

Otherwise, I'd say GF is the best place for a more adult/romantic intro to WDW. But with heavy refurb coming up, nope. And I love the Epcot area hotels, but they don't scream 'Disney' to me. YC and BWI are more adult/romantic though. And AK is very quiet/peaceful/romantic while also being very VERY Disney (it's just a hike to the parks).

All of that said, lol, which park will you spend the most time in do you think? It it's MK, I'd pick Poly and plan on doing the monorail loop for meals/drinks. If it's going to be Epcot, I'd probably spring for a BW Garden Suite.

 

[Authorciara]

If you stay at a monorail resort, or even if you don't, I'd recommend a monorail crawl. 1-2 apps and 1-2 drinks at reach spot. My wife and I did this our last trip:
- Trader Sam's, hit up Tambu Lounge while waiting to get in
- Enchanted Rose
- Steak House 71 lounge, then the Outer Rim for just drinks
We took our time and used it as a late lunch/early dinner. We took 6-7 hours, but it can be done much quicker than that.

Pool time (and pool bar time) can be very relaxing and fun for a couple.

Jelly Rolls on the Boardwalk is pretty fun. Check out Abracadabar, too. There is also Atlantic Dance Hall, but we haven't been. We also like Belle Vue Lounge.
You could get a couples massage at a spa.

World Showcase. Disney Springs.
Golf?
Really, anything you can do at WDW can be done as a couple and you'll have a great time. As far as resort, there is construction at all the ones listed except AKL, if that matters. AKL is a destination resort, IMO and there is a ton to see and do if you're going to have some decent amount of resort time. Which you should, if staying deluxe. But, for a first timer, nothing is going to beat staying on the monorail.

I second the monorail crawl. That would be great.

 

[gottalovepluto]

That said, if you stay at Poly and get, say, a DVC studio lagoon view (away from construction) or stay club level, it can be really romantic and serene.

Yes on Poly DVC but hard no on Poly CL. Poly CL was the most crazy, kid free for all CL I’d experienced, it would literally be the last CL I would recommend for a couples trip. And I wasn’t unique, it does have a bit of a rep for that.

 

[sponica]

If there wasn't a construction pit next door, TPV poly is amazing (although a hike for those heavy Lapu Lapus). There was nothing more amazing than walking out to the patio and watching the fireworks and the light pageant with a drink in hand.

I'm not a fan of high energy places, but it didn't bother me at the Poly. It's one of my absolute favorite places.

 

[ktink]

I talked DH into going last January, just the 2 of us. We stayed at BWI & had a BW view. This has been our favorite resort so far, even over GF. The atmosphere on the BW is just great. You're so close to Epcot & all of the dining choices there. It was the perfect choice for us.