Best resort when you're not going to the parks

[CruisingGoddess]

DH and I (no kids) will be staying at WDW for 1 night after a Disney cruise. We plan to go to Downtown Disney and the Boardwalk but don't plan to go to the parks because we want to relax. Which resort do you think we should stay at? Good dining and nice pool are pluses.

What else can we do without park tickets?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Fantasmiss]

Akl!

 

[Fantasmiss]

Akl!

Oops, pressed "send" a little early.... Well, besides the animals at AKL, I'd definitely go to DTD, although I know it's obvious. Although Iove the parks so much, I can't imagine going to WDW and not go to the parks..... I'm sure you'll have a great time though!!

 

[Sammie]

For Downtown Disney I recommend Saratoga Springs, you can walk right over or take the boat. Also you could enjoy the Spa while there.

For Boardwalk then either the Boardwalk Inn, the Villas or Yacht and Beach.

 

[kddisney502]

2nd AKL (see the animals) or Poly (the beach)

You could play mini golf. There are 2 courses on disney property but winter summerland has better theming and direct bus access using disney transportation.

 

[Mamu]

I would also pick AKL.

 

[aubriee]

Another vote for AKL.

I'll be there in just a little over a month. I originally had a reservation for POFQ, but this past Monday my almost 79 y/o mom decided she'd like to join me. Since I know she'll want alot of downtime at the resort, I switched us over to AKL. (Really I was considering switching over there anyway and she just gave me a good excuse, but don't tell her that).

 

[BlovesC]

AKL is my favorite resort in ANY situation, and I love spending time there!

But BC is also fantastic for non-park vacations. We stayed in May, never went into a park, and LOVED it so much we booked a stay for September as well. We're only planning on popping into a park once or twice for meals, but that's it. With the lovely atmosphere, Stormalong Bay, the beach, and the boardwalk right across the water, you can have a fantastic time without stepping foot inside a park!

 

[Pakey]

1. AKL
2. BWI
3. BC

In that order.

 

[1Jackpot]

I would stay at either Saratoga Springs or Old Key West. Both are beautiful resorts. I'm not an animal lover, so AKL does nothing for me, but if you are, that would a fine choice as well.

Have a great trip!

 

[CruisingGoddess]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I'll start looking up prices on these resorts!

 

[Singinglizzie]

I'd also go with AKL! The pool slide at kidani is great, plus there are kids activities at both Jambo and Kidani where you can earn these great beads which make great soveniers. If you can work it out, I'd also recommend purchasing the Dine with an animal specialist at Sanaa for lunch that - you need to do this in advance, under the WDW website under dining events. You'll get a great overview of what's involved with the care and upkeep of animals. Plus the African artwork located all over the resort is top notch. You can't go wrong with AKL, IMHO. Have fun choosing.

 

[pigletto]

I came in here to vote AKL as well. My only hesitation for you is that if you want to go to the Boardwalk you'd be right there if you stayed at BWI. But really it's only a bus ride away so it's not a big deal.

 

[CruisingGoddess]

After all the great comments about AKL, we are leaning towards staying there. I need help picking which room to get. Here's my choices:

Animal Kingdom Lodge: Arusha View
Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo or Kidani: Savannah View Studio +$11.56

Which room would you recommend? It seems like Kidani is a bit "far" from the action? We certainly don't need the extra space of a studio but for $11.56 more, it sure doesn't hurt but I want to make sure there are no disadvantages with doing a villa.

Thanks in advance!

 

[TJA]

I can't answer your questions re AKL, but I just wanted to give my vote to stay at an Epcot resort. That is where I would choose w/o kids along. For adults, I'd go with either YC or BWI. Besides being a beautiful area to walk around, you can enjoy the boardwalk activities, lots of good dining options, Espn Club for a drink/snacks, dance club for later on, Beaches & Cream for ice cream treat, walk to mini golf, rent surrey bike for a pretty ride around the water, movies on the beach at night, watch Illuminations from several different spots. I'm sure I missed some other things to do, but there is quite a lot to do to keep busy. If pools are really important to you guys, the YC would probably have the edge over BWI pool. It's very large and has lots of areas to sunbathe. And the boardwalk is just a short few minutes walk away.

 

[Sammie]

After all the great comments about AKL, we are leaning towards staying there. I need help picking which room to get. Here's my choices:

Animal Kingdom Lodge: Arusha View
Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo or Kidani: Savannah View Studio +$11.56

Which room would you recommend? It seems like Kidani is a bit "far" from the action? We certainly don't need the extra space of a studio but for $11.56 more, it sure doesn't hurt but I want to make sure there are no disadvantages with doing a villa.

Thanks in advance!

I would pick Jambo House, larger pool, more restaurants and a quick service which Kidani does not have.

As to room or studio it just depends, the studio will have one queen bed and a sofa sleeper and have a kitchenette.

 

[Denamac]

We have stayed at both Jambo and Kidani, and I have to say we LOVE Jambo! We stayed on DVC points so it was considered Villas but its just the 5th floor of Jambo House. We have Savannah View and it was awesome! My vote is for Jambo House Savannah View. Have a great time!

 

[pigletto]

We rented DVC points and chose Jambo. We were very happy with our choice to be in the area with all of the restaurants and preferred the store and the pool at Jambo. There are others who prefer things about Kidani though.
If going back, I would chose Jambo again. It was lovely.

 

[cjsm&d]

AKL is beautiful and for 1 night would be great. Dinner at Jiko or Boma and the Savannah.

But if you really plan on going to DTD and Boardwalk, then the EPCOT resorts (BC/YC/BWI) are a good choice.

 

[MMS1125]

I'd stay at an Epcot resort too if you plan on visiting the Boardwalk. If you want to swim then I'd stay at the BC or YC.