Can't Decide...HELP!!!

[NJ2Boardwalk]

Hi all!!
Here we are again planning for our next vacation. Our flights and dates and ticket arrangments are made, what we can't figure out is where to stay!! We are going August 19-26, as we did last year. We would like to stay at a Deluxe or DVC but we are really torn as to which one to pick. Our deluxe considerations are Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian, Contemporary, Animal Kingdom Lodge, or Beach Club/Yacht Club. Our DVC considerations are Beach Club Villas, Old Key West, Wilderness Lodge Villas, Saratoga Springs, and Animal Kingdom Villas. We pretty much are considering everything except for Boardwalk (been there many times, looking for a new taste) and Grand Floridian (would consider, not on our tops). We have pros and cons to every resort, and just can't seem to decide. So i want you to convince me why to stay at the resort you choose.
Thanks!!
P.S.-We have been to Disney many times and we don't have a restriction as to price.
P.P.S.-Our family consists of me, my DH, DD14, DD13

 

[stitchlover]

I vote for Animal Kingdom Lodge. Have never stayed there...plan to do so in '09. That's my vote.

 

[abner1776]

If you want a change from Boardwalk, then either AKV or VWL would be my choice. I own DVC at VWL so I am a bit partial but it is a wonderful resort.

 

[LowesChevy]

Ooh so many choices. I really love the Polynesian-close to MK, on the monorail, the grounds and ambiance are beautiful, watching fireworks on the beach. Has the tropical-south seas feel, along with being close to the TTC-you can walk here to catch the monorail to Epcot. Kona Cafe is really good for breakfast and lunch.

The Yacht & Beach Club are both nice, the themes are both lovely if you like a nautical and beach feeling. Yacht Club seems a bit more formal than Beach Club.

Old Key West has some of the largest villas as it was built before the newer villas. The newer villas like Beach Club, Wilderness Lodge and SSR are all similar in layout. I do not know much about the AKV or Lodge, they are beautiful, but not appealing to me. Again you get that beachy, bright sunny feeling here. Rooms are bright pastel blue, green, and yellows.

SSR and the Contemporary themes are plain to me. They are nice places, but the themes are not thrilling.

So I guess I love the resorts with a tropical and beach house kinda feel, palm trees make me happy Just depends on how you want your vacation to feel when you get back to your room.

 

[lmhall2000]

I would do the Poly...bigger rooms for you and the teens..girls can get their hair wrapped and hang out at the pool...they can hop on monorail and be at the parks easily...I've stayed at Contemporary, Poly, AKL, Old Key West, and we really all liked the Poly best...

Tara

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I would go with YC/BC with teenagers. They will love SAB and it's great to be able to walk over to EPCOT and the Boardwalk!

 

[serendipity]

Based on your children's ages I pick the AKL.

The teenagers will love being able to go out at the resort at night with the night time goggles to see the animals, and I'm sure will appreciate the new and different food.

While all the other resorts are beautiful, I think that AKL brings such a difference that will truly make a memorable experience from a teenager perspective.

 

[LSchrow]

with the ages of your children, i would vote for AKL/AKV for more resort time & proximity to AK.
SSR is a stunning resort with great transportation options. request congress park, & it's a beautiful, short stroll to DTD.
or BC/YC/BCV for the proximity to EPCOT/DHS/BW (BC can be very noisy with a lot of little ones, YC is more "adult", all 3 have SAB access. our kids loved YC best of the three, btw).
with the ages, i wouldn't go for a MK resort tho.
just mho

 

[mericletwins]

Hi all!!
Here we are again planning for our next vacation. Our flights and dates and ticket arrangments are made, what we can't figure out is where to stay!! . So i want you to convince me why to stay at the resort you choose.
Thanks!!
P.S.-We have been to Disney many times and we don't have a restriction as to price.
P.P.S.-Our family consists of me, my DH, DD14, DD13

Are you planning on doing the DDP and do you spend time at your resort? What are your favorite parks to visit and do your teens go off without you?

 

[NJ2Boardwalk]

Are you planning on doing the DDP and do you spend time at your resort? What are your favorite parks to visit and do your teens go off without you?

Actually, we were thinking about the possibilty of doing the deluxe dining plan. Anyone do it yet?? Is it worth it?? We usually spend 2+ days at MK and Epcot, we reserve 1 day each for DHS and AK. We also do the water parks. Our girls wouldn't go to the parks on their own, but sometimes venture out (while in the parks) to ride some of their favorites for the umpteenth time. As i said in the first post, there is plusses and minuses to both we just can't seem to narrow it down. BTW, we have rented points from DIS'rs before and would gladly do it again, if we could just choose a resort!!

 

[Reginak]

I am guessing that you are having this problem: you love the BW so much that you have left the YC/BC/BCV in the mix. They are wonderful; and having stayed at both, I can honestly say they are special in different ways. However, if you are truly looking for something different, I would take them off the list. Don't go to the BW area except for dinner. If you really want someplace new then try one of the other names on your list and a couple of trips down the road, stay at either the YC, BC or BCV.
I would also pick one of the villas: the kitchen is great for snacks; but most importantly, when traveling with kids - the living room makes a great buffer zone. It has really made our vacations a lot more relaxing and enjoyable.
This sounds crazy and childlike, but it works for me: I would put all of the names in a bowl and draw one. When you pull one out, you will either be happy with the name or want to draw again. A lot of times you realize that the name you pull out may not be your favorite choice once you are faced with it, so you try again until you get one that you truly want. You will love anything that you try. I hope that this helps.


Regina

 

[fairytale]

I now don't feel so alone !!! I am having the exact same dilema.

Travelling from the UK with four children aged 6,5,3 and 1 and we are staying for three weeks!!! (cant wait)

I dont' know whether to opt for VWL for the space on site, BCV for the location ie being so close to Epcot and the choice of restaurants on offer also Beaches & Cream we love!!!. OKW for the DTD option, the list goes on.

I'm also concerned about the Transport situtation.

We had a bad experience at WVL back in 2005 when we waited 20 mins for a bus to then be packed in having to drop off and pick up at about three different hotels before we got back to AKL. Maybe it was just a one off.

Someone make my mind up for me please !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[CinderellyCinderelly]

I would say Poly if you plan to be to be at MK more, but a few years ago when I was in high school my family went and since we were all older we preferred Epcot, and stayed at YC. It was really nice but we are looking forward to trying Poly in March!

 

[TinkerKel]

I'd go with the Poly or Beach Club.
At the Poly, the pool is great, and you've got the beach there too. Plus, being on the monorail is the best, IMO. I also really love Kona Isle for a quick breakfast and great coffee.
As for the BC, I stayed there with my family for my 16th birthday (now many moons ago how the time flies!). Anyway, I have 2 sisters, who were 18 and 12 at the time - we all loved it! I think the pool there is the best on property, and we were big fans of Beaches and Cream on that stay.

 

[NJ2Boardwalk]

We finally decided on AKL Pool view with bunkbeds. Yes, we didn't go for the savannah view, but although my girls like animals, we didn't feel the need to spend the extra money to see them out our window. We were find with the observation spots. Hopefully we made the right choice!!! Thanks for your help.