Decided to do Disney next yr as well.. planning advice needed!!

[foxxxy83]

When I booked our first WDW trip (which is only 2 wks away - woohoo!), wasn't planning on going back yr upon yr but more I chat to people and read about Florida (as a place) as well as about WDW, I've decided to book again for next yr. I generally have a grand a mth to myself after bills so wondered of anyone could recommend any of the Disney hotels?? I'm looking at a 14 night stay so that we have enough time to do the parks as well as time to just chill out. It's only for me and my son who will be 7 by that point but who I know will be classed as an adult as they don't do Single Parent prices over there (unfortunately my partner works in the Oil Industry in the Middle East and rarely gets time off at school hols). Any help would be much appreciated as they ALL look great in brochures! Thanks!

 

[2Tiggies]

Regarding your son, if you don't book a flight inclusive holiday he will not be classed as an adult and there will be no single adult supplement. Children under 12 fly as children and Disney regards children under 10 as children for tickets and dining and under 18 for accommodation. I'm a single parent with one child and learned very quickly not to book packages because they work out more expensive when you are the only adult with young kids

 

[foxxxy83]

OK, cool. Thanks for that tip! Any hotels you'd recommend??

 

[ChipnDaleRule]

If you book a moderate i would go for Port Orleans.People on here love it and you would get Quick service dining with that.If you wanted deluxe i would choose Yacht & Beach Club, its within walking distance of EPCOT and Hollywood studios, has the best pool of any resort (StormalongBay)and you would get the regular dining plan included

 

[foxxxy83]

AWESOME! Tbh DDP hasn't even entered my head yet! We're staying at Hilton Bonnet Creek this time so Disney property next time would be FAB. Just wondering as well, has anyone stayed over Christmas period?? I wondered if they did Christmas in a BIG way as I imagine they do being Disney?? Was originally thinking of going in Summer hols or October half term but am now wondering about going for Christmas period so my other half could be there... decisions, decisions!! Lol!

 

[Elise79]

I would avoid Christmas as I don't think your son would cope with the crowds. The parks close to capacity virtually everyday on the week between Christmas and New Year. Its just busy every where not just ride lines.

As Lee said US hotels book by the room regardless of number of adults/children.

Book a flights or fly drive separate from your hotel and it will be cheaper

If you book OKW or SSR the studios have kitchenette - if your son has food issues (I couldn't remember if you have mentioned anything ) it could help as you could have relaxing meal times.

Our favourite resorts are OKW and CSR. CSR will give you the QSDP free and OKW would give you the DDP free. However resorts are personal - lots of people love the Epcot resorts where we didn't. We loved the location but not the actual resorts

 

[orangetiggs]

Uk disney amd complete orlando book rooms without single supplements too so you dont have to book usa side.

Old key west is lovely

 

[foxxxy83]

Thanks! Had a look at booking with Complete Orlando previously but have had probs with booking through websites of lesser known companies and I hadn't heard of it at that time. Thanks for the advice!

 

[BlueGiraffe]

I can only speak from experience. I've stayed at ASMovies which was fun and lively, with lots of themed areas to see. And I've stayed at AKL, which I loved because of the theme and the animals. We've chosen CSR for next year.

I guess it depends what you're looking for, but all resorts have things for kids to do (it was just me and DH on those occasions, so I've not done resorts with children yet).

 

[foxxxy83]

OK thanks.. I'm thinking deluxe at the min coz we'll have already done Discovery Cove, Seaworld, Legoland etc so will be a LOT more focused on just doing WDW and chilling out meaning less to pay on attraction tickets

 

[2Tiggies]

OK thanks.. I'm thinking deluxe at the min coz we'll have already done Discovery Cove, Seaworld, Legoland etc so will be a LOT more focused on just doing WDW and chilling out meaning less to pay on attraction tickets

Just remember with Deluxe if you go with dining you will have the regular dining plan so you'll want to make reservations for most (or the important ones) well in advance and be prepared to stick to a stricter schedule than with a moderate where you get the QSDP. Of course this may suit you and your son perfectly giving opportunities for character meals, scheduled rest stops and other benefits. You just need to remember to factor in gratuity as that is not included except with a few select meals

 

[MrRomance]

My vote would go to SSR or OKW. Typically, they come at a discount compared to the other deluxe options and speak from experience SSR is very peaceful and calm but has DTD right on the doorstep.

I have stayed at POR & CBR in the moderate category, overall, I preferred CBR but reviews lately haven't been so hot and my stay was in 2008.

Personally, I think if you are going to stay on site and want a deluxe for the regular dining plan, SSR or OKW offer the best value.

 

[foxxxy83]

Awesome guys thanks! Plan as it stands is go out there for our hol and see what DTD is like before deciding where to book. Will book the Mon after we get back (first day my son is back in school and won't know a thing about it!) A few people seem to rate OKW but there doesn't seem to be enough in DTD (going off the map) that we would want to do/see but could be wrong as haven't been before. Thanks for all the advice and votes on where we should stay though! I knew I'd get some good suggestions!

 

[Elise79]

Awesome guys thanks! Plan as it stands is go out there for our hol and see what DTD is like before deciding where to book. Will book the Mon after we get back (first day my son is back in school and won't know a thing about it!) A few people seem to rate OKW but there doesn't seem to be enough in DTD (going off the map) that we would want to do/see but could be wrong as haven't been before. Thanks for all the advice and votes on where we should stay though! I knew I'd get some good suggestions!

OKW & SSR may be next door to DTD but they are also really well located to get to 3 of the 4 main parks.

Once you leave the resort it's under 10 mins to Epcot and under 15 mins to both MK & DHS.

With the discounts they are really good value compared to the rest of the deluxe resorts and with multiple pools are great for chill out time!

 

[foxxxy83]

OK, won't rule them out just yet then! Although that just gives me more decisions! Heehee!

 

[flortlebap]

I have done CSR, CBR, and POR (twice). CSR was beautiful and had a great pool and I loved the theming and the food court. I would definitely go there again as IMO they also have the nicest rooms on Disney property (ignoring the Contemporary lol).

POR has great grounds and a great food court but IMO I just think the rooms are a bit dated decor wise.

AKL is beautiful and had the best bus service. The on site dining is amazing - Boma is out of this world!

DH wants to do a deluxe next year and wants to do AKL again.

Anyway I would recommend all of the above but CBR just seems like hassle, unless you have boys that love pirates lol.

 

[foxxxy83]

See, my son loves EVERYTHING and we both have that very simplistic "Peter Pan" way of looking at things so am thinking somewhere top of the range may be less crowded as it costs more and will have more Disney magic than we could think possible.. am I right on that score or is it just my weird logic??

 

[Elise79]

See, my son loves EVERYTHING and we both have that very simplistic "Peter Pan" way of looking at things so am thinking somewhere top of the range may be less crowded as it costs more and will have more Disney magic than we could think possible.. am I right on that score or is it just my weird logic??

Actually, the deluxe resorts tend to be busier than the mods. They all have something that attracts people to come and look round. I also haven't found Disney magic at any of the resorts varies.

The moderates/OKW/SSR are probably the quietest resorts - little bit more spread out with multiple pools.

We have stayed at a few of the deluxes and honestly there was always a lot of people around the lobby and the main pools.

In comparison we had the Millers Road pool at OKW to ourselves a few afternoons on our trip and there was never more than about 3 families. Even the main pool wasn't crowded. It was the same when we used to stay at CSR. On the other hand I can't think of a single time we have been in a deluxe where I would say the pool was empty unless it has been cold.

 

[2Tiggies]

Very valid points made by Tracy!

Remember that the Deluxe resorts usually host sought after restaurants all of which participate on the dining plan so that also attracts a fairly continuous stream of visitors and if they are like us, they don't just eat and leave - they go for a wander around, take some photos, do some shopping ....

We stayed at a value one year when DD was 7 (I think) and I have to say I'm glad we did it. While I want a little more in terms of facilities around the resort now and location matters a little more to us, we had a blast and overall the theming at the value resorts is probably the most 'Disneyfied' you will find! It was perfect for DD's age and I'm glad we tried it once, and did it when we did.

I think you need to consider what you want from a resort first and then see which ones fit the bill and start narrowing down from there.

Make a list firstly of your needs, and things you really want and will not compromise on.

Then make a list of things that would be nice.

Shortlist the resorts, not based on the level they are at in terms of price, but in terms of what they offer best suited to you.

I personally am not swayed by the deluxe resorts. They look great and I'd love to stay at several but not for a full trip. THe moderate we love suits us because it checks the boxes for the things that matter to us most.

 

[foxxxy83]

OK cool.. guess with retrospect that all kinda makes sense. I'm sure we'll find the right one for us.. I just might have to do a Disney trip every year til we find it (or that's my excuse all thought out before I let the other half know! Heehee!)