Disney Hotel Question

[Joe Brig]

There have been lots of negative changes since you were there. No fireworks, masks needed, social distancing, limited restaurants open, annoying recording about the virus rules placed frequently. I'd wait another year.

 

[karen4546]

My family and I are planning our first trip to go to Disney in November. I haven't been in 30 years so have no idea where to stay. I'm torn on what hotel to book. I'd like to stay at a nice hotel near the park to avoid the long bus lines but can't decide if its worth the money. I'm debating between booking the Wilderness Lodge and Art of Animation.

Try to rent DVC points and get a 1 or 2br @ a deluxe resort. I would choose Boardwalk villas, Polynesian villa (studio) or Beach club villas for location but you can get a 2br standard view at Jambo House and odds are you will have a partial savannah view. Or, if your family is 4 or less then a studio could work or 1 bedroom.

You can rent from a broker or there are forums here and facebook where you can rent. You really will get more bang for your buck by renting points.

 

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

My family and I are planning our first trip to go to Disney in November. I haven't been in 30 years so have no idea where to stay. I'm torn on what hotel to book. I'd like to stay at a nice hotel near the park to avoid the long bus lines but can't decide if its worth the money. I'm debating between booking the Wilderness Lodge and Art of Animation.

We just spent a week at the Villas at Boulder Ridge at the Wilderness Lodge. Great pool for just villas guests (3 diff areas) beautiful view overlooking Bay Lake. Nice balcony. Huge room. Kitchenette. Perfect for hubby & I. Quick walk to bus stop or boat.

 

[e_yerger]

I think for a first timer trip, I would suggest a resort on the skyliner. This gives you two transportation options between parks, and there are also resorts in all 3 categories on the skyliner.

Value - Pop Century and Art of Animation options. At Pop Century, I would say any room category there is fine. Preferred will put you in the areas closest to the food court, main pool and skyliner stop. But the walk from the other rooms really aren't that bad. Pop Century also recently came out of an expansive renovation and all of their rooms have been refurbed. At Art of Animation, the pricing is tricky. They will show first a cheaper room rate, closer to that of Pop, but those are for The Little Mermaid rooms which are subpar to the newly renovated Pop rooms. If you did Art of Animation, you may be paying deluxe prices for their suites. Suite are great for families, as there are two separate rooms with two full bathrooms. Since you have a pre-teen, this may be good for your family

Moderate - Caribbean Beach Resort. There are a lot of room options at this resort, and unless your 11yo is a huge pirate fan, I would avoid the pirate rooms at all costs. They are far from all amenities and a long walk. I would suggest either a preferred room (close to the pool & check-in area where all food and shopping is), or if you can request a room in Jamaica (close to the skyliner station). Caribbean Beach is also very close walking distance to Riviera resort (all on the same lake, and walking paths connecting the resorts), so you could enjoy the dining and amenities that Riviera has to offer also.

Deluxe - Riviera Resort. I personally don't have any experience at this resort, but I have heard nothing but great things! It is a DVC only resort, so the rooms can be booked either directly through Disney paying cash, or you can rent your stay through someone who owns DVC or through a broker. There are some risks associated with that, so just do your homework! The resort can get pretty expensive if you book cash, so renting DVC may save you money. With it being a DVC resort, you can book suites with multiple rooms and full kitchens etc. I would suggest either a Standard Studio or 1Br for your family - a one bedroom is nice and will give you a similar vibe that an Art of Animation suite as your child will have a separate space from you & your partner.

I would personally choose either Pop Century or Caribbean Beach Resort.