Christmas hotel choice

[MinnieSummer]

We are going to WDW for Christmas again this year and want to stay at a deluxe hotel, concierge level. (Love those Disney Credit Card points) We've stayed at WL and AKL for Christmas before but never concierge. We've narrowed our choices down to AKL, GF, BW and maybe the Poly. I'm looking for great hotel decorations, a room large enough for my Christmas tree (4 1/2 foot), a day bed, and decent food in the concierge lounge. My husband wants a relaxing environment and my daughter (6) wants kid friendly with a great pool (even though she knows it will probably be toooooooo cold to swim). Any suggestions?

 

[Sammie]

Either the Grand Floridian or the Boardwalk, would be my choices. The deluxe concierge rooms at the BW Inn are really nice.

The decorations at the Grand Floridian, are to me some of the best offered.

 

[cheerbop]

My Question Since You Have Been There Before Is What Did You Think Of Akl And Wl While You Were There...deciding Between The 2 And Stuck...and I See Wl Is Getting Booked..all Woods Views Are Gone And More...so, What Would You Suggest?

Also, I Just Read A Recent Thread From Someone Who Just Returned Stating That All Concierge Now Has Dramatically Reduced It's Food Offering..which Disappoints Me! We Were At Poly Conc Last Time And Loved It!

 

[MinnieSummer]

My family LOVES AKL. The building itself is breathtaking and so authentic that it really is like being in another country. The views -- if you like animals -- are so incredible that you can sit and watch for hours without even going to the parks (my parents actually spent an entire day just sitting outside at the viewing point and had as much fun as we did in the parks) andmy daughter really couldn't believe that she was looking at a giraffe early one morning that had stopped just outside our balcony. The pool is HUGE and perfect for families. There are plenty of chairs and lounges and they have activities for the children during the day. And then you also have a great buffet restaurant, signature dining and the regular food court options. A relaxing bar just off the lobby for the adults is a great place to unwind and the children bedtime stories were fun.

We also liked WL but found the pool to be way to small -- spent an hour looking for an emty chair and finally gave up and sat on the sidewalk and you couldn't really swim because of it's size and the crowd. The food choices were good thought. Artist Point is a wonderful restaurant and Whispering Canyon is a lot of fun for the whole family. The close proximity to Fort Wilderness allows easy visits to the petting farm, and night time sing a longs.

SOOOO If I had to choose I would obviously go with AKL but if it wasn't available WL would be OK it just isn't my first choice.

As for the lack of food -- I've heard this too and am concerned as that's one of the things that is going into our decision to stay concierge. Possibly eliminating breakfast and dinner by utilizing the food in the lounge was a financial balancing point. None of us eat big meals in the evening and usually only eat cereal for breakfast so eliminating that cost would help to offset the cost of concierge. Oh well, if anyone hears more please let me know.

SORRY THIS IS SOOOOOOO LONG

 

[disneydreamer98]

The Grand Floridian absolutely have the most beautiful Christmas decorations or all the properties!!!! If I had the choice to stay anywhere for Christmas it would definitely be there!!!!