Disney Resorts: Pros & Cons of Each

[PlutosRHM55]

Alright, so I'm hopefully going to be going back to Disney for my sixteenth birthday. Its going to be one of those shorter trips, but I'm looking forward to it, if it happens. If it doesn't happen, I'll hopefully be going to California and Disneyland. I'm starting to plan now since its just over a year away. I've gone through each Disney Resort, except all DVC ones and ones I've been to. Here is my top ten for next year, a picture and blurbs on little things I liked and took note of:

1. Polynesian Resort

Seriously I think this resort and I are destined to be together. First I get plopped there by the monorail, then a bus driver after getting off the monorail at a different spot. It was just crazy. And one of the friends who I would invite to Disney likes this resort. I looked at the rooms and the place as a whole and it looks great. Reminds me of AKL. The only problem, it is a deluxe, popular and costly, though its one of the lesser costs of the deluxes. I've fallen in love with this place. The price range is from $445- $810

2. Port Orleans Resort Riverside

I think this is the one I'm mostly likely going to. It isn't big like the other deluxe resorts among this list, but I love the atmosphere. While the French Quarter is a lot lower on the list, I really would like to try out Riverside. It looks so pretty and the rooms seemed a bit more spacious than the French Quarter. I also thought it looked nicer than some other deluxe resorts. It doesn't cost much, it is very nice and I like it a lot. The price range is from $175- $220.

3. Coronado Springs Resort

This was the first one where I felt I could go on this trip. It is a moderate and not very costly, but the resort is gorgeous and I love the rooms. I think it offers as much as some of the deluxes. The only problem I found was I heard the wait for buses is terrible and I don't like that. It still looks like a fun resort, but based on that, I'm not sure if I would be able to enjoy the parks as much as I'd like to. The price range is from $180- $230.

4. Yacht Club Resort

Another Deluxe within the list. Yeah, I'm starting to push it now. I really do like this one and I don't think the price matches its quality. The resort is gorgeous, not too over the top and modern, which I like. I also love its directly on the water, so it would be nice to be there on off-time. Also, the price is one of the lower pricings for deluxe resorts. The price range is from $385- $770.

5. Contemporary Resort

I think you saw this coming. Yet another resort, I stopped at on my adventures on the monorail. I believe its destiny with this one as well, though the Poly beats it. I think this had my favorite rooms. I love the modern flair they have, its amazing. It is an iconic Disney resort and beautiful in every way. It is also within walking distance of Magic Kingdom. Though, I didn't like how some parts of it felt like you were in some creepy alleyways and such, but my admiration of the resort will be on the off-times, so I just really like it. The only problem is, it is one of the most costly resorts in Disney. The price range is from $330- $1,090.

6. Port Orleans Resort French Quarter

Now, we come to the other end of Port Orleans, the French Quarter. It is a bit different in styling and I wasn't a huge fan. I think the Victorian styled rooms in Disney just don't work with me. It also didn't seem a lot for a moderate, while it definitely was a moderate, some seemed a lot nicer. And its the price range as some of my favorite mods, it is very likely I won't go here. The price range is from $175- $220.

7. POP Century Resort

This is the only value that made the list. I've already stayed at one value and thought it was ok, but it was definitely an experience walking around. I've heard so many good things about POP and heard it is favorites of people who have been to some amazing Deluxe resorts. If they rate it over those, it must be good. If I can't weasel my way with some of the mods, this will definitely be last resort, though I love the resort theming. The price range is from $105- $135.

8. Wilderness Lodge Resort

Now this is another resort where I feel a similarity to AKL, my favorite resort. The interior is almost exactly the same while the exterior seems a bit more grand, but its been there longer. I love the Wilderness feel it has. It looks so nice. Though it isn't a top deluxe, I definitely think it looked like tons of fun, but this one is very obscure to me and I'm not sure if its close to any parks I'd like to go to. The price range is $310- $415.

9. Boardwalk Inn Resort

We're almost at the end of the list. Be patient people! So, yet another obscure resort. I haven't heard much talk of it. I looked it over and it seems very nice. It also is near the Disney BoardWalk, which I've yet to go see. It looks like something to do in my off-time instead of traveling to Downtown Disney or something else. I like a very different experience, but still it isn't a huge favorite of mine. The price range is from $395- $755.

10. Grand Floridian Resort

I'm guessing a majority of people are all gasping. I know, I know, probably the grandest resort in all of Disney and I rank it ten on my list. Well, it costs so much, the most expensive resort in Disney. Though, I would love to walk through it. The exterior is my favorite in all of Disney and maybe I'm having a mis-perception of the room. But I'm most likely not going here based on the price, but I'll still have it up in case my mom is "Alright, we'll spoil you this in time. We were probably getting you a car anyway." LOL. The price range is from $485- $2,070.

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So those are all the resorts that I've decided on. I don't know too much about them and online pictures and notes can be deceiving, so if you can give me a pros and cons overview, thank you. Just tell me if it would be good for a small group (like 4 or 5), a good experience overall, a lot to do in off-time, worth the money and anything else. I just need another teen's perspective on this. I am only doing this here, pre PTR because I want a lot to write up and need opinions from teens than a mixed group, so I'll post here than there (three TRs? Yeah I'm crazy)

 

[I Am What I Am]

Well for the Poly it is ridiculously expensive. I also don't like their pool. It's okay, nothing spectacular and once a kid pooped in the pool. (I was there when it happened)

Coronado is beautiful and you have several options for food depending on what you want but it is VERY spread out (though if you're lucky, you can find a shorter way to the lobby or pool.) The bus wait IS horrendous for reasons I don't know; though you are almost always guaranteed to have a seat. If you stay here, and are close enough, I recommend waiting at bus stop 1 as it is the last stop.

Contemporary is nice, but a bit too "modern" for my taste. I LOVE Chef Mickey's though and you can see Wishes from there so that's a plus.

Riverside- This one gets my vote. It's beautiful. It's not too spread out and just all lovely. They also have a boat to DTD which is great.

Wilderness Lodge- This one is really nice inside. They have a geyser and the pool is nice, nothing "OMG SO FABULOUS" but nice all the same. You can also see the old Discovery Island from there which is rather creepy and cool at the same time. And it is only a short boat ride from MK, which is nice. The boats though are really small and it gets kinda creepy at night.
I don't really know enough about the others to cast my votes.

 

[umichigan10]

Coronado Springs- is like the convention capital of Disney.

Pop Century- I've heard good things, but if you've got the money go with Poly, Contemporary, GF, or Y&BC.

Poly- heard its good, although it's a pain to stay at if you get bad weather bc of the seperate longhouses

Yacht and Beach- I've stayed at Boardwalk, and usually Y/BC, Boardwalk, and Swan/Dolphin all share buses. But the convenience to Epcot/HS is uncanny

Contemporary- staying at the DVC this August but I know that its very convenient to MK. Epcot

Hope the feedback helps, sorry I don't have more info for some of the resorts

 

[♫♥MickeyManda♥♫]

YC & BC: These resorts are beautiful and the walking distance to Epcot is the best part! The pool is nice, and probably one of the best on property. However it's kinda odd-shaped and the entrances can get confusing. The quick service is also reaaaaally limited. But it's still a great resort. I loved the atomsphere.

WL: All-time favorite. There is nothing to complain about. Enough said

 

[Mickeysgirl34]

Poly - Simply Beautiful! It reminds me of the hotel we stayed at in San Diego. And I love the Lilo & Stitch character breakfast! <3

Pop Century - I've stayed there many times and it never gets old! <3 The food court has more better choices than the other Value resorts But it's the last bus stop on the bus list XD Not a fun walk there,lol.

Contemporary - We're staying there this year! The rooms look wonderful and the monorail goes straight into the hotel and you can just walk to Magic Kingdom :'D I love Chef Mickey's! It's the best!

Yacht Club & Beach - I've heard it's pretty good and you can walk to Epcot.

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Well for the Poly it is ridiculously expensive. I also don't like their pool. It's okay, nothing spectacular and once a kid pooped in the pool. (I was there when it happened)

Coronado is beautiful and you have several options for food depending on what you want but it is VERY spread out (though if you're lucky, you can find a shorter way to the lobby or pool.) The bus wait IS horrendous for reasons I don't know; though you are almost always guaranteed to have a seat. If you stay here, and are close enough, I recommend waiting at bus stop 1 as it is the last stop.

Contemporary is nice, but a bit too "modern" for my taste. I LOVE Chef Mickey's though and you can see Wishes from there so that's a plus.

Riverside- This one gets my vote. It's beautiful. It's not too spread out and just all lovely. They also have a boat to DTD which is great.

Wilderness Lodge- This one is really nice inside. They have a geyser and the pool is nice, nothing "OMG SO FABULOUS" but nice all the same. You can also see the old Discovery Island from there which is rather creepy and cool at the same time. And it is only a short boat ride from MK, which is nice. The boats though are really small and it gets kinda creepy at night.
I don't really know enough about the others to cast my votes.

I definitely want to stay at Riverside now. My mom has never been to DTD and I really want to show her around so its great that there is a boat ride.

 

[Taylor_moonwalker]

Poly-AMAZING hotel i loved the rooms and how it was kinda spread out and my building was a short walk to the tranportation n ticket center so it was easy to get to Epcot. i also loved the art gallery there. i didn't buy anything but hopefully i can save up enough money to buy this cool stingray with a purple n blue paint job wall piece .

Yacht Club- i dont know much about it but i know that beach club is awesome! and since they share alot of things, the only thing that would be different is the room theming.

Pop Century- my favorite value resort EVER! it has awesome theming, awesome food court, and one of the best arcades i've been to on property. my mom and i stay there almost every trip

Contemperary- i LOVED staying there. i love how it has modern theming but it still feels like Disney. i loved the Magic Kingdom View as well . watching the fireworks from my deck was totally awesome .

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Coronado Springs- is like the convention capital of Disney.

Pop Century- I've heard good things, but if you've got the money go with Poly, Contemporary, GF, or Y&BC.

Poly- heard its good, although it's a pain to stay at if you get bad weather bc of the seperate longhouses

Yacht and Beach- I've stayed at Boardwalk, and usually Y/BC, Boardwalk, and Swan/Dolphin all share buses. But the convenience to Epcot/HS is uncanny

Contemporary- staying at the DVC this August but I know that its very convenient to MK. Epcot

Hope the feedback helps, sorry I don't have more info for some of the resorts

No wonder buses rarely come to Coronado Springs. I don't really care about bad weather, I love running in the rain Thanks for all the tips!

 

[PlutosRHM55]

YC & BC: These resorts are beautiful and the walking distance to Epcot is the best part! The pool is nice, and probably one of the best on property. However it's kinda odd-shaped and the entrances can get confusing. The quick service is also reaaaaally limited. But it's still a great resort. I loved the atomsphere.

WL: All-time favorite. There is nothing to complain about. Enough said

Everyone is always talking about how great the Beach Club is. We were caught between BC and AKL my first trip. I turned Beach Club down because I didn't like the room stylings and AKL had really nice rooms. Now, I've looked at them again and I think if we picked maybe the villas it would have been nicer.

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Poly - Simply Beautiful! It reminds me of the hotel we stayed at in San Diego. And I love the Lilo & Stitch character breakfast! <3

Pop Century - I've stayed there many times and it never gets old! <3 The food court has more better choices than the other Value resorts But it's the last bus stop on the bus list XD Not a fun walk there,lol.

Contemporary - We're staying there this year! The rooms look wonderful and the monorail goes straight into the hotel and you can just walk to Magic Kingdom :'D I love Chef Mickey's! It's the best!

Yacht Club & Beach - I've heard it's pretty good and you can walk to Epcot.

I really want to stay at the Polynesian. I've never met Lilo in the parks, so it would be fun to see if we can get an ADR.

POP does seem to be very popular and a lot of people always say to stay away from the All Stars and just go there. If I can't go to any of the others, Pop Century will be my savior.

Contemporary I probably won't be going to, but it just looks so great. Definitely tell me how it is there so I can take note of it.

Oooo... walk to Epcot... that sounds nice. I really like the Yacht Club. Definitely there over Beach.

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Poly-AMAZING hotel i loved the rooms and how it was kinda spread out and my building was a short walk to the tranportation n ticket center so it was easy to get to Epcot. i also loved the art gallery there. i didn't buy anything but hopefully i can save up enough money to buy this cool stingray with a purple n blue paint job wall piece .

Yacht Club- i dont know much about it but i know that beach club is awesome! and since they share alot of things, the only thing that would be different is the room theming.

Pop Century- my favorite value resort EVER! it has awesome theming, awesome food court, and one of the best arcades i've been to on property. my mom and i stay there almost every trip

Contemperary- i LOVED staying there. i love how it has modern theming but it still feels like Disney. i loved the Magic Kingdom View as well . watching the fireworks from my deck was totally awesome .

Oh the Polynesian just seems like the perfect resort for me. It just reminds me so much of AKL and it is bigger and much closer to my favorite park

Yeah, that's why I'd rather not stay at the Beach Club and go to the Yacht Club. The standard room has a Victorian theming which I see all the time at my Aunt's house. If her house was clean, I'd probably have a different perspective of the Beach Club.

Oh, I definitely will be going to POP if I can't go anywhere else. It seems to be a lot of people's favorites over some of the deluxes and moderates which must mean it is that good.

It would be so great to stay at Contemporary. Being able to watch Wishes from your room. Oh, the place just seems like my type of place.

 

[Monorail Fan:)]

Pop Century- It has awesome theming, food court, and arcade. The pools are fantastic and they have delivery pizza. However, the rooms are smaller and there is quite a walk to go wjere you want to go.

Contemporary- This is my second home. The rooms are ultra-modern and gorgeous. The 4th floor (main floor) has two nice shops, a huge arcade, the food court, and Chef Mickey's and the monorail station. I could live on the 4th floor as I watch the monorail go by and imagining all the people on the way to MK. Cpntemporary has many water sports and a decent pool. A major con is the poor food court, so I recommend getting an ADR or eating in thr parks.

Beach Club- This is a nice resort and has one of my favorite restaurants, Beaches and Cream. You can walk right to EPCOT and have a nice water view. Rooms are nice, as well.

Riverside- The architecture is beautiful here and has one of the best food courts on property. You are a boat ride away from DTD. Rooms are average.

Wilderness Lodge- This is a wonderful place to stay, especially in the winter. The lobby towers above you and you can sit and people watch all you want. The eateries are very nice and the rooms are great. If you need to go anywhere in the MK area, you need to take a boat.

I highly recommend staying in the MK resort areas, specifically on the monorail loop. I have never stayed at Poly or Grand Flo, but have heard great things about both. Hope this helps.

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Pop Century- It has awesome theming, food court, and arcade. The pools are fantastic and they have delivery pizza. However, the rooms are smaller and there is quite a walk to go wjere you want to go.

Contemporary- This is my second home. The rooms are ultra-modern and gorgeous. The 4th floor (main floor) has two nice shops, a huge arcade, the food court, and Chef Mickey's and the monorail station. I could live on the 4th floor as I watch the monorail go by and imagining all the people on the way to MK. Cpntemporary has many water sports and a decent pool. A major con is the poor food court, so I recommend getting an ADR or eating in thr parks.

Beach Club- This is a nice resort and has one of my favorite restaurants, Beaches and Cream. You can walk right to EPCOT and have a nice water view. Rooms are nice, as well.

Riverside- The architecture is beautiful here and has one of the best food courts on property. You are a boat ride away from DTD. Rooms are average.

Wilderness Lodge- This is a wonderful place to stay, especially in the winter. The lobby towers above you and you can sit and people watch all you want. The eateries are very nice and the rooms are great. If you need to go anywhere in the MK area, you need to take a boat.

I highly recommend staying in the MK resort areas, specifically on the monorail loop. I have never stayed at Poly or Grand Flo, but have heard great things about both. Hope this helps.

Pop Century does sound like a good place. I'm not a fan of smaller rooms but depending on how many people are coming they are fine. I also don't mind the long distance walks, I was very far away from the entrance when I stayed at All Star Music. You get used to it

Beaches and Cream sounds like a really nice restaurant I may make an ADR there. I'm not a fan of the styling of the rooms at Beach Club that's why I liked the Yacht Club, since the Victorian-styling isn't for me.

Riverside looks like my best bet right now. The rooms looked really nice to me. I don't know maybe I have different taste than you. And I'd love a boat to DTD! I need to show my mom that place.

The Lobby reminds me so much of Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is so big. The AKL lobby, I wasn't at Jambo House, was smaller but I think the different pieces molding it together are similar. It looks like a nice place though it hasn't jumped out at me. And I think a boat to the MK area sounds fine with me. NO BUSES! WOOT WOOT!

Yeah, those hotels look amazing especially the Contemporary. I'm hoping there may be a way to stay at them. Taking no buses to Magic Kingdom or Epcot is a plus for me.

 

[Monorail Fan:)]

Have you narrowed it down anymore, Timmy?

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Nope, I'm going to try to eliminate two by looking at reviews on AllEars. After that, I will do a top six by checking which package of Hotel, Parks and Money for ADRS is best.

 

[♫♥MickeyManda♥♫]

Everyone is always talking about how great the Beach Club is. We were caught between BC and AKL my first trip. I turned Beach Club down because I didn't like the room stylings and AKL had really nice rooms. Now, I've looked at them again and I think if we picked maybe the villas it would have been nicer.

BC is wonderful, but I don't see why people obsess over it. It isn't any better than the other deluxes, but you'll still have a great time if you choose it.

I still think you should go for WL though

 

[I Am What I Am]

I like BC the best because it has the best pool in WDW. It is seriously fantastic.

Also, from some BC rooms you can watch and hear Illuminations from the balcony.


I still vote for Riverside.

 

[*♥Chip&Dale♥*]

oh i love coronado, carribean beach and old key west! Coronado and carribean have really nice atmoshpheres and the rooms are really big for a moderate! Old key west is superr nice! i love it there! u shood defininatly look into that! good luck

 

[grandfloluver]

Poly-Pretty good resort, but is always crowded when I go by it. I've never stayed here, though. The monorail station is the most crowded of the three monorail resorts. Yet, since they have their beach, you can watch the fireworks at the MK from there, and I think some of the rooms have a view of that too.

Contemporary-I have stayed here before and liked it pretty well. The view of the MK is great, but I didn't like their pool. It was ok, but not my favorite. It is very convient with it's location and that is a huge plus to me! The shopping there is great, too, for a resort.

Grand Flo-I am biased towards this resort, since it is my home resort. It is pretty relaxed despite the steep price. I absolutely love it! There are two pools, and they are both fantastic. And, it's just one monorail stop away from the MK!

Wilderness Lodge-I like the laid back felling of this resort. I've never stayed here, but it really does seem nice. The lobby is pretty peaceful, but not as much as the Grand. Whispering Canyon Cafe is pretty awesome, too!

I am a MK girl, so I chose the MK resorts to review!

 

[Monorail Fan:)]

oh i love coronado, carribean beach and old key west! Coronado and carribean have really nice atmoshpheres and the rooms are really big for a moderate! Old key west is superr nice! i love it there! u shood defininatly look into that! good luck

Old Key West is a DVC resort. If you are not a member of DVC, you can't stay there.