Deluxe Resorts... Which Give You the Best “Disney” Feeling

[DisneyJColeMom]

Im perfectly fine with being slapped in the face with over-the-top theming. I love Hidden Mickeys, easter eggs, characters represented literally or abstractly. I love the theming of the Wilderness Lodge & Animal Kingdom Lodge (based on photos bc Ive never been). I also love theme park/firework views from the resort, but cant say Im willing to splurge on expensive room upgrades. So where else would I enjoy staying?

 

[rongarbutt]

Wilderness Lodge is probably my favorite resort. Great dining options, pool, and a quick relaxing boat ride to Magic Kingdom. Not to mention the place is just stunning. It is also one of the least expensive deluxe resorts. But if you want the over the top, slap in the face theming, the best place to find that is the value resorts. We like Pop Century the best. Since we stayed there last, they have added access to the skyliner, which is an easy way to get to EP/HS.

 

[_19disnA]

Most of the 'where should I stay' threads are a matter of budget and personal preference. Not sure there is any one Disney resort that would appeal to everyone.

 

[DisneyJColeMom]

Most of the 'where should I stay' threads are a matter of budget and personal preference. Not sure there is any one Disney resort that would appeal to everyone.

Whats your personal preference? Which Disney Resort makes you happy?

 

[SarahC97]

I like immersive theming at a resort, even if it's not "in your face" Disney. Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom definitely go above and beyond with the theming, as does the Polynesian. I've really enjoyed Beach Club and Boardwalk in that respect, too.

 

[crazylady]

Poly is the most Disney to me but my favorite is Boardwalk.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

Such a personal preference, for me it's Poly because it's original Disney and that's nostalgic to me however my husband loves Boardwalk, and if you ask my kids it's Animal Kingdom one day and Contemporary the next. I think my main criteria for loving a deluxe is proximity to parks/location in conjunction with unique theming. Having to not take a bus to every park is a wonderful benefit and even though Saratoga Springs, AKL and OKW are deluxe, their transport options are nothing over and above a moderate. I really think much of this question could be answered based on personal preference, priority of what's important to you/your family and budget.

 

[DisneyJColeMom]

I enjoy hearing peoples thoughts about the different resorts! I like to read what grabs people about different resorts, even if its not something that might grab me! You never know when your eyes get opened to something new, or you appreciate a different perspective!

 

[DSLRuser]

yacht and beach club

 

[DisneyJColeMom]

yacht and beach club

I need to give these resorts another look! People are always recommending them! Do you think its worth staying there if Stormalong Bay is not open?

 

[SarahC97]

I need to give these resorts another look! People are always recommending them! Do you think its worth staying there if Stormalong Bay is not open?

The rooms are really nice and the location is awesome, especially with the Skyliner to get to DHS now. But the rooms are expensive, so if you're a family that utilizes a pool at a resort, I don't know if I'd pay for YC/BC when Stormalong wasn't open since that's a big amenity unless I got a really good deal $$.

 

[Wiltony]

We like Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower. Not because of the theming, but because it is, to us, is in the "heart" of Disney and is their first, and thus a "classic."

Bay Lake to the East, reflecting the morning sunrise, the Lagoon to the west, and Magic Kingdom, right there to the northwest. The large, open atrium with the Mary Blair mural, the monorail coming through the building, the Contempo cafe and Chef Mickey's, along with the shops and bustle of visitors -- and of course, the California Grill up on the rooftop.

The place is freaking heaven to us!

 

[Magicinmy50s]

If we are talking Deluxe I am a sucker for the Monorail loop hotels, specifically the Polynesian and the Contemporary. They were two of the original resorts and I appreciate the nostalgia of those things. The Monorail for me just give that extra feeling of Disney Parks to it for me.
I love the Poly feel ... give me a little bit of Jungle Cruise (I know I am stretching a little with that one ) and some Tiki room , lets just say that Adventure Land kinda vibe and the property just has that Ohana vibe going, and then walking out the back door and looking across the lagoon and seeing the Castle .
The contemporary just holds a special place in my heart. Every time I walk up on it or see it in a picture I just think Magic Kingdom, of course there is that monorail again. It can Be a bit less costly as the Poly , and I get to walk Back and forth from the Magic Kingdom as much as I want without fighting the bus ... or ... if I want that Monorail experience ... right inside my main building.
i have stayed at Beach Club but once , and do enjoy its proximity to EPCOT, but, the monorail deluxe SJSU’s are home for me. No, I have never stayed at the Grand Floridian ... have eaten there, have explored there, just never took the plunge on price to stay there.

 

[DLgal]

Beach Club.

 

[Marthasor]

If you want in-your-face, immersive theming, aside from WL and AKL, Poly is the way to go, IMHO. I love the EP resorts, but the theming is a bit more subtle. CR feels like an airport hangar and, while I enjoy GF, the theming is very Victorian, which is lovely if you enjoy that vibe. If you like WL and AKL, I would go Poly.

 

[nkereina]

When I think of "in your face Disney", I think of Art of Animation where Disney intellectual property is plastered all over the place. You won't find that at any deluxe resort. PPs have covered the ones I would also consider to be the most immersive, with Wilderness Lodge probably topping my list. With the Polynesian, I wouldn't say I feel like I'm in the South Pacific when I'm there BUT having line of sight to the monorail and ferry boats in the lake at Poly reminds you that you're on vacation at Disney, so its immersive in that sense.

I also love Beach Club. The theme doesn't necessarily transport me and make me feel like I'm elsewhere, but it has the most "vacation" vibe of all the resorts we've visited. Something about the pastel colors, light and airy theme, popular pool - it just gives me a fun "we're on vacation!" mentality that helps me relax and keeps me in the Disney "bubble".

 

[DisneyJColeMom]

If you want in-your-face, immersive theming, aside from WL and AKL, Poly is the way to go, IMHO. I love the EP resorts, but the theming is a bit more subtle. CR feels like an airport hangar and, while I enjoy GF, the theming is very Victorian, which is lovely if you enjoy that vibe. If you like WL and AKL, I would go Poly.

A thought occurred to me, we are going to be spending the last 3 nights of our trip at Universal for Harry Potter World. We are booked at Royal Pacific, which Ive stayed at before even though it was years ago, and loved. Is it weird to stay at Poly for first part of my trip, then head over to Royal Pacific. Is that “a lot of the same”? Anyone ever do that?

 

[nkereina]

A thought occurred to me, we are going to be spending the last 3 nights of our trip at Universal for Harry Potter World. We are booked at Royal Pacific, which Ive stayed at before even though it was years ago, and loved. Is it weird to stay at Poly for first part of my trip, then head over to Royal Pacific. Is that “a lot of the same”? Anyone ever do that?

IMO, Poly has the dark wood, totem pole Menehune type of South Pacific theme. Royal Pacific has more of the marble, floral, Asian type of South Pacific theme. Does that make sense? lol People would consider them both South Pacific in theme, but I find them to have different looks and feel. IMO, the theme at Royal Pacific isn't all that prevalent so I wouldn't let it deter me from staying at both.

 

[DisneyJColeMom]

IMO, Poly has the dark wood, totem pole Menehune type of South Pacific theme. Royal Pacific has more of the marble, floral, Asian type of South Pacific theme. Does that make sense? lol People would consider them both South Pacific in theme, but I find them to have different looks and feel. IMO, the theme at Royal Pacific isn't all that prevalent so I wouldn't let it deter me from staying at both.

Thanks! That DOES make sense to me LOL. I was so eager to stay at WL, and Poly seems to be interesting me. I guess I was thinking since I have the opportunity to stay at 2 places, that I can experience different vibes.

 

[ChanaC]

I feel like Contemporary has the most "classic" Disney theme, with the monorail, Chef Mickeys, and all the Disney gift shops right there in the lobby. Plus, of course, the views. But I do agree with the user who says it feels like an airport terminal.

Personally, I feel like Grand Floridian has the most Disney feel. It feels like an extension of Main Street USA, and of course you get great views of the castle from it. In fact, it kind of feels like stepping into a fancy castle. Maybe it's just because I was in love with it since I was a kid, but it feels like it has the most Disney magic to me personally.