Deluxe resort help

[alott27]

I am a Disney planning junkie, normally taking a year to plan our biannual trips, but I am hitting a road block this time trying to decide on a resort. Lat trip we did a split stay at AKL (where my kids wanted to stay) and Poly. My husband says only deluxe will do from here on out. This trip we are surprising the 10 and 11 year old boys, who have always been part of the planning, and we are adding an 18 month old (which changes everything.)

Here are my issues:
1. Disney with a toddler
2. environment
3. value (hoping for a discount) and convenience

My husband defers to me, just syaing he liked the places we stayed before. He liked the quiet of the AKL and the location of the Poly.

I would love all suggestions. We are going January 2013, but still trying to decide on dates and how the marathon will affect the parks.

 

[Mirax]

He, He, He, I have the same age range, I think we are going to stay at the Cabins, not a deluxe but a whole lot a room and a full kitchen. Not as expensive as the deluxe resorts as well.


I also have to say that my little guy who will be 18 months, when we travel, is currently a screamer, when he is bored. It's not colic, that is why I choose the cabins because they are so quiet and private.

 

[mickeynut1]

If it were me, I'd go with the Poly, GF, or CR. You can't beat the location and being the monorail. The Poly is our favorite, but we also love the GF. We haven't tried the CR, but are booked for our first stay later this year. The rooms at the monorail resorts are very spacious and all of them are pretty comparable in size, which makes it nice for a family of 5 .

 

[goofy4tink]

Do you want to try new resorts, or do you want to return to the tried and true ones?? If you want new, I would go with CR and BC. BC has Stormalong Bay. It is a pretty incredible pool area..kids love it. And you get to walk to both Epcot and DHS..or boat. The Epcot area is a ton of fun...lots to see and do at the other area resorts around the lake.
And the CR gives you the same area as the Polynesian, but the ability to walk to and from the MK. It's a fun resort...a true WDW classic. Taking the boat over to either WL or FtW is a lot of fun as well.

IF you want to stick with tried and true, then go with AKL and maybe BC. That would be a nice difference. You could start with BC and finish at AKL..nice and peaceful way to end your trip.

 

[DannysMom]

Look into Wilderness Lodge! It is sort of like AKL in style (same architect I think) and a great location, close to MK. You will only fit there while your youngest is PnP age though. They do have bunkbed rooms as a bookable category, which may give you a little extra floorspace for the PnP. GL with you decision and planning.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

We were at BWI in January during the marathon weekend/week following, that would be my suggestion. It was a wonderful resort and was very quiet, even with the conventions going on there. The only buses were to MK, AKL, DTD, and the waterparks. You have the boat and walking paths to Epcot and DHS and of course the Yacht and Beach Club resorts across the way.

I noticed that it would have been quite difficult to navigate the MK resorts during the marathon, they were very busy at those times, with people rushing to the monorail for each leg of the race and the Poly got really busy at breakfast.

I didn't notice that the marathoners really had an impact on the parks, as much as the Brazilian tour groups. Most of the times we experienced the marathoners was late afternoon and mostly at the TS restaurants. But even though other areas were busy, BWI was not. There were many times, we almost had the Boardwalk to ourselves.

 

[partypa]

I agree with Dannysmom, the Wilderness Lodge is Swell, so close to the Magic Kingdom but you feel miles away from the crowds and Park hustle. It is a beautiful and relaxing Resort. I am sure your boys would enjoy the Bunkbeds, not having to share a bed would be a treat

 

[padawans]

I would reccommend BW or BC. Your boys are old enough to really enjoy those pools. I think they are the 2 best pools for older children. BC would probably be better for your toddler since they have the sandy area to play in. Of course the Poly is also wonderful for its pool and location. My kids did not like the pool at Wl or Akl, but since you have stayed at Akl and liked it it is a nice less expensive option.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

My favorite Deluxe Resort is the Boardwalk Inn because I think they have the best theme/atmosphere, along with their walkways or Boat transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Plus in terms of distance they are closest of the Epcot Resorts when walking to and back from Hollywood Studios.

 

[disneyfreak2127]

I am going to put in a vote for Beach Club. While we own DVC at Beach Club Villas and have not actually stayed in a room at the Beach Club Hotel, we love the atmosphere here! SAB can't be beat. I have an 11 year old son and he says hands down SAB over BW Clown pool or WL pool also. He got really bored at BW pool. Lots to do at SAB!

Plus, the entire area and acess to DS and Epcot is amazing. We walk right into the International Gateway in about 5-6 minutes. The boats to DS are wonderfully relaxing. Mini golf is just a short walk away at Fantasia Gardens, too.

Give it a try...you won't be disappointed!

 

[alott27]

Thanks for the input. Since we have an toddler for this trip, I did not think I should do a split stay. Too much to move around. We are also going with inlaws and have considered a 2 br villa.

 

[autismgoesdisney]

If you have any interest in WL or even AKL again, I'd do it now. Before you know it, your baby will be 3 and those won't be an option anymore!