Best Upscale Disney Resort

[cjsm&d]

Not quite. The (standard) rooms at the Poly and Contemporary are larger than the standard rooms at the other deluxes.

This is true (Rooms in Sq ft)

Contemporary- 422
Polynesian- 411
Grand Floridian- 400
Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club- 380
Animal Kingdom- 344
Wilderness Lodge- 340

Since the waldorf is what you are gaging by, the closest is the Grand Floridian. A couple of great restaurants, close access to MK, and arguaby the best spa. The only negative is there will be construction going on for awhile on property.

The next would be Yacht Club (And is my favorite WDW Deluxe). Club level with with a view of the lake is wonderful. Walking distance to EPCOT, boat to HS, walk or boat to Boardwalk, and quick access to 4 of the best restaurants in all of WDW.

One other option is the Swan (Westin). Though not owned by WDW, it is on property next to the Boardwalk, a quick walk to Yacht Club. An alcove room with a balconey and view is pretty special. You also get the benefit of all the WDW transportaion and extra hours.

 

[TheRatPack]

I have a question to add if that's okay....how much do these standard rooms usually run with a discount? I guess an easier way to answer it would be what is the cheapest you've ever been able to get a standard at one of these deluxes? We'd LOVE to stay Contemporary or Boardwalk one day....but as a larger family we usually book Value. Still, maybe we could do a split stay and check in at one of the Deluxe for the experience

 

[rcraw45425]

Well, a garden view wing room at the CR is running $425 a week night with a AAA discount for October 3. That's a price with tax. Rack rate for a tower room with Bay Lake view (identical room, just in the tower) is $495 plus tax. Sometimes you can get a room only discount, usually running around 30% on deluxe rooms. AAA is usually available giving anywhere from 10%-20% depending on time of year. Not always available for all resorts though. When I switched our arrival day room only reservation from the new Art of Animation Little Mermaid rooms, I asked about AKL. No AAA discount. I was actually able to get the AAA rate for the wing room bringing it down to close to what the AKL room was without the discount.

 

[wdwrich]

I have a question to add if that's okay....how much do these standard rooms usually run with a discount? I guess an easier way to answer it would be what is the cheapest you've ever been able to get a standard at one of these deluxes? We'd LOVE to stay Contemporary or Boardwalk one day....but as a larger family we usually book Value. Still, maybe we could do a split stay and check in at one of the Deluxe for the experience

Sign up for the newsletter at mousesavers.com. That way, you'll get regular updates on available discounts and may find one that will let you experience a deluxe resort one day.

 

[buzlite]

to the op
I was in the same position as you first deciding if I should stay onsite or at the waldorf. What I ended up choosing was staying onsite due to the ease of travelling to the parks and back and having a variety of disney dining experiences close by. However you are giving up a lot too. Such as 5 star service and not needing reservations for restaurants at the waldorf. I ended up choosing bay lake tower because we had a larger group however I would recommend club level at the tower at the contemporary or royal palm club at the grand floridian if the construction is finished. I stayed at the grand and it was beautiful. Although their was still a lacking of service compared to other 5 stars and quality. The rooms were horribly dated.
A great comparison of disney hotels is surprisingly vegas hotels. Would you rather stay at a megaresort like bellagio. You have access to everything but you might just become a number to your hotel. Or stay little out of the way at the four seasons but be treated exceptionally well.

 

[buzznina]

I agree with other posts that mentions not to compare the Waldorf to Disney Deluxes. If I had to pick one, it would be GF and their rooms are still 48 Sq. Ft smaller than Waldorf's. But you are also getting the transportation and location to MK with the cost.

 

[Fratthouse]

As most people have probably said, it totally depends on your personal preferences. All of the deluxe resorts have their advantages and disadvantages. We've stayed at the Grand Floridian and the Contemporary, and have walked around the Polynesian and Wilderness Lodge.

We LOVED the Contemporary - it had a very modern, sleek feel to the room, we had a great view of the castle from our balcony, and it was a quick walk to the Magic Kingdom. The room was very spacious and felt like it had been recently renovated. And the monorail runs through the hotel lobby, which is just cool.

The Grand Floridian is supposed to be the most elite (and it is very, very nice), but it wasn't my favorite. It had a very "Victorian" feel to it - which wasn't really my thing, and might not be the most exciting for your teenage son? Again, some people would say this is the nicest, so it's really just about your personal taste and preferences.

In walking around the Polynesian and Wilderness Lodge, we thought both the lobbies and pools looked amazing! The Poly is very "tropical island-ish" and the WL is like a hunting lodge in the northwest. Would love to stay at both, but we ultimately decided on the Poly for our next trip because it is on the monorail, so it will be easier / quicker to get to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

In my opinion, I think any of the deluxe hotels could be a great experience, so it comes down to what parks do you want to be closest to, what decor / theme appeals to you most, and if price factors in to the equation at all. Good luck - I don't think you will regret your decision to stay on-site!

 

[FantasiaMagic]

I would say the poly or BC. They are both great resorts. The poly is on the monrail and the BC is in walking distance to epcot hs the boardwalk the yaht club and the swan and dolphin.

Have a great time in the world!

 

[TJA]

Most upscale would be
> Grand Floridian in the magic kingdom area.
> Yacht Club or Boardwalk Inn in the epcot area.

Go with the resort which is in the park area you prefer. You can walk right into the Epcot countries from the Yacht Club and Boardwalk Inn, which is an awesome perk.

Our family favorites are the Polynesian and the Beach Club. Both are family oriented but yet nice deluxe resorts.

No matter which of these resorts you choose, I'd stay on the club level for the ultimate experience.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Disney resorts won't be as deluxe or as good a value as the Waldorf.

However staying at Disney resorts can be magical! Because of the age of your son I would suggest the Yacht Club - an Epcot/Boardwalk/Hollywood Studios location. A second would be the Boardwalk Inn (again for location) and then the Grand Floridian or Contemporary (large rooms at the Contemporary) (both monorail resorts). You can see photos of all the resorts on allears.net.

For an extraordinary - nothing else like it kind of experience I might consider the Animal Kingdom Lodge (or even club level or a suite or villa for more room - standard rooms are the smallest of the deluxe resorts) - just nothing quite like it in my mind! It is extremely unique!

I think with Disney - what makes it magical are the themes of the hotels - so I might look at all of them and see what suits your family the most. Onsite hotels are more of a Disney resort "experience" and each resort has a unique ambiance. Enjoying the ambiance is part of the perk of staying onsite.

 

[blue gatorade]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but if I had the chance to stay at a Disney Deluxe hotel or the Waldorf Astoria, I would hands down choose the WA.

We stayed there for a work conference in 2010 and I remember it as one of the best hotels I've ever been to. The room was beautiful, bed and linens were extremely comfortable, the room had a nice seating area and the bathroom was spacious.

I love staying on Disney property to take advantage of EMH, but to us it's not a complete necessity. Also, transportation shouldn't be a concern because the WA (atleast in 2010) has a bus service to the parks and DTD. If that isn't convenient, you can always get a taxi or rent a car.

If you truly want an upscale vacation, choose the WA. If you want an all-out Disney experience and are ok with Disney's version of "upscale" then staying on property would probably be the best option for your family.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[legaleagal]

Thanks everyone.... I really appreciate everyone's responses!

What so many of you have stated is kind of what I was thinking based on the pictures, that the nicest upscale onsite Disney resorts don't really compare to a hotel like the WA.

We will be there the week of Thanksgiving, the first half at Disney and then Universal where we are staying onsite. As far as a resort goes, I just want something nice to come back to after the long days at the park, since our son is 13 now, we likely won't be coming back to our room to nap or swim (might swim in the evening). Also we will have a rental car as we are flying into Tampa (slightly cheaper than Orlando and we figured we would need a car anyway to get from Disney to Universal). The parks we will go to are Magic Kingdom, Epcot and probably Hollywood Studios. Still trying to decide between the WA and onsite.... WA is so close to Epcot yet I love the idea of the extra magic hours. We have been to Disney several times but never stayed onsite.

Thinking maybe the Contemprary because some said it was more modern?? But then the Boardwalk is close to Epcot.... Also someone said the Yacht Club would be good given my sons age??

Thanks again!

 

[BabsBunny]

If you want modern (and new) and don't mind paying more, how about a 1 bedroom villa at Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary? You would have a separate bedroom with it's own bathroom, a livingroom area (couch bed) for your son, and a kitchen, as well as another bathroom off of the kitchen?

You could also get a 1 bedroom villa at either Boardwalk or Beach Club, but while they have a more charming decor, they are older resorts.

Good luck!

 

[tww369]

I'm staying at BLT for the first time here soon. My DVC home resort is WLV but, I did a walk through tour for when DVC was selling them and like the place. But since I haven't actually tried it yet I'll stick with my current favorites WLV and BWV following close behind.

 

[minijeanie]

I think you will be happier on the BW side. You can walk or boat to either Epcot Or Studios.

My vote is for the dolphin. I love the rooms there and beds are really comfy. Many people say that the dolphin doesn't have that disney feel but I disagree. You are in the midst of it all and the pricing is much more better than yacht, beach or boardwalk.

Pools at Dolphin are wonderful as well.

 

[OKW Lover]

For us it would be a tossup between the Poly and Beach Club. We like the relaxed feel we get from both of those resorts.

BC has also been a favorite because of its close proximity to Epcot's World Showcase where we seem to spend most of our time these days. The Poly is great as a romantic spot at night and so close to the MK.

Not that we don't like the other places though. I will say that I feel out of place at the GF. The Contemporary just feels too cold and impersonal to me.

I didn't include AKL or WL in this category even though Disney calls them Deluxe resorts (and even though they are wonderful in their own right) simply because their rooms are so much smaller.

 

[1Jackpot]

I think many will say that the Grand Floridian is the most upscale resort. I've stayed there and, while it is beautiful AND upscale, I was not a fan of other snobby guests staying there. I didn't feel relaxed AT ALL.

The Polynesian is our home away from home, but we also LOVE the Yacht Club as well. Both are beautiful resorts and have a great, relaxed atmosphere. The pools are both awesome, along with the restaurant choices.

Have fun deciding!

 

[Winka]

If the freshness of the room matters too I'd look into the most recently renovated (or built) Deluxes, I think Wilderness Lodge is almost done with their refurb and I myself would lean towards the new Bay Lake Towers(1 Bedroom).

And I'd definitely do either of those over a Waldorf-you can do a Waldorf anywhere, anytime. Your son will love being on Disney property.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Thanks everyone.... I really appreciate everyone's responses!

What so many of you have stated is kind of what I was thinking based on the pictures, that the nicest upscale onsite Disney resorts don't really compare to a hotel like the WA.

We will be there the week of Thanksgiving, the first half at Disney and then Universal where we are staying onsite. As far as a resort goes, I just want something nice to come back to after the long days at the park, since our son is 13 now, we likely won't be coming back to our room to nap or swim (might swim in the evening). Also we will have a rental car as we are flying into Tampa (slightly cheaper than Orlando and we figured we would need a car anyway to get from Disney to Universal). The parks we will go to are Magic Kingdom, Epcot and probably Hollywood Studios. Still trying to decide between the WA and onsite.... WA is so close to Epcot yet I love the idea of the extra magic hours. We have been to Disney several times but never stayed onsite.

Thinking maybe the Contemprary because some said it was more modern?? But then the Boardwalk is close to Epcot.... Also someone said the Yacht Club would be good given my sons age??

Thanks again!

I was thinking since your son is 13 he might want to spend more time at Hollywood Studios and Epcot - hence the suggestion to stay at the Yacht Club.

But I do think the rooms at the Contemporary are larger and modern - were refurbished not too long ago if I recall - and monorail transportation (but alas not as convenient to HS). So many options!

Anyway - have a great trip whichever hotel or resort you choose.

 

[elaw]

What would be considered the nicest Disney resort? It will be myself, hubby and our 13 year old son so would want 2 queen size beds. Also the largest room sizes? I was all set to book at the Waldorf Astoria but started thinking about a resort onsite to take advantage of the extra park hours.

I think the Grand Floridian and Poly are supposed to be nice??? If you suggest other resorts can you spell them out, never stayed onsite and get confused by all the initials

Thanks!

IMO ... the GF RPC is probably the most "Upscale" at WDW. The Epcot resorts are pretty upscale as well.