Best WDW resorts(hotel) to visit and why?

[KBryner1]

I was wondering if everyone could list some of their favorite Disney resort attractions - we are wanting to go around to some the hotels and see what they have to offer - does anyone have any intersting info to share? I am thinking of things like the geyser eruption at the Wilderness Lodge, or an awesome pool etc.
Thanks!
Kim in Dallas
24 days and counting

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Polynesian - you could go and watch the torch lighting or go at night and watch wishes from the beach. Grab a drink from the lounge in the GCH .

Animal Kingdom Lodge - you could watch the animals from the public viewing area in the lobby and grab a snack at the mara and check out the great gift shop

Grand Floridian - Go when the orchestra is playing in the afternoon. Inquire about the time ahead of time.

 

[JKanownik]

I loved the AK lodge. The lodge is great to look at and you can go outside and look at the Savannah. They usually have a CM out there to give you information about the animals. One neat thing DW and I discovered when we were there was the outside stairwell on the far left side (West?, it was left of the lobby if you were entering from the front). There were 5 giraffes within 50 feet of the stairs and we sat there watching them for awhile.

-DH

Edit by DW:

Kim-

Thanks for posting this great thread by the way! I love to get different ideas from people!

This is not a deluxe resort, but in my opinion is just as good. My suggestion would be to go to PO and take the boat to DTD! POR and POFQ are lovely resorts with great themes and beautiful landscapes. The boat to DTD is so relaxing and you can enjoy the amazing scenery on you way. Although we always stay in a value resort, DH and I do this everytime we are in WDW. It is a tradition that we absolutely have to make time for every trip. In fact, the pic in our sig was taken while we were on the boat to DTD!

-DW

 

[Susiesnowflake]

DW,
How long is the boat ride from PO to DTD? My in-laws stayed there and did this but couldn't remember. Thanks!

 

[JKanownik]

I would say it takes about 20-25 minutes.

 

[Tink03477]

Go to the Yacht & Beach Club. There's lots of stuff to check out over there. Plus go to Beaches & Cream for ice cream. Yummy. Stormalong Bay pool is really cool. Can't swim in it, but it's really nice to check out.

 

[KBryner1]

If you are not a DW resort guest - couldn't you still swim in the pools at the hotels? We usually only stay on property - but are going as a family reunion and renting a 7+ bedroom home. I do not remember gates or anything at the pools - I am sure it is proper to not swim - but are there signs etc. that say you can't??
Just wondering -
Kim

 

[Shelly Pierce]

No, you can't enter or swim at Storm Along Bay unless you are staying there...you need a wrist band. As it should be........

 

[cmwilson523]

If you are looking for an interesting resort to visit, try Disney's Wilderness Lodge. It is a beautiful hotel, and the details are very interesting.

They have a "Hidden Mickeys" hunt that you can do (ask at the front desk for a list of hints), and (I believe they still have) a free tour of the resort. They explain all sorts of details that were designed into the building, such as the significance of the layered rock around the fireplace, the meaning of the two huge totem poles, etc. If you don't wan to take the tour, you can still wander the halls around the lobby and up all 7 floors and see the educational information that they have put around.

Or, my favorite, just sit in the Morris chairs around the lobby - they are so comfortable that you can fall asleep in them!

Regarding Stormalong Bay at the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts: the reason that you can't swim there unless you are a guest of the resort is because it became so popular that they couldn't accomodate non-resort guests.

 

[goin2disneyagain]

Definetly go see AKL. The lobby is gorgeous. Of course observe the animals too. This is my favorite resort.

 

[TSTEWARTFAN]

I have to vote for WL & AKL too! Both are incredible hotels to explore. I was breathless when I walked into the WL for the first time. It is absolutely awe inspiring!!!!!! The huge columns, the sheer height of the lobby, the magnificient lighting, the stream running through the lobby, the cool totum pole, the fireplace......the list goes on......and, you dont want to forget the guyser outsidethat goes off every hour. DKs loved that!!! I can't say enough about the WL.

Although I have never stayed there DF and I loved the AKL too! The artwork throughout the hotel is wonderful to look at. Not to mention the huge work of art in the Lobby. It's BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! Much like the WL, you get goosebumps when you first walk into the hotel lobby area. They have a huge savannah observation area for you to relax and look at the animals.

Have fun!!

 

[luvindisneyworld]

You cannot swim in any pool except the resort you are staying at.Or there sister resort.Pool hopping is prohibbited at the Disney resorts.They ask for a room key for the Deluxe resorts and the Home away from home resorts.So your best bet would be go to a water park for the day and save yourself the possible embarassment of being told to leave the pool of one of the resorts.

Misty