Disney Rookie needs advice on resorts for next trip!

[Nancyg56]

All three of the Epcot resorts are within walking distance to Epcot. My favorite is the Beach Club, but this is personal preference. The yacht club is nice, but different vibe. The Boardwalk Inn too.

The Boardwalk is lively in the evening, offering entertainment, lounges, shops and restaurants. All but the entertainment and some lounges are open during the day.

I suggest you head over to the specific resorts threads and check out the photos, read the posts. Keep in mind that the regular posters really love their resorts, so they are biased, but very knowledgeable and helpful.

You have time, so really do a little research. I agree that if after spending time looking at the pros and cons of the various resorts you are still drawn to the CR then put your budget there. Sometimes you just have to give in to a place your heart is set on.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

We love CSR. Spent two 6-day stays there last August and December. It's beautiful with awesome amenities (lots of food and drink amenities) and a great pool. The only caveat is the six-year room refurb just began (building by building), meaning the rooms will have that WDW lived-in look. But other than that, it's pretty magical. If not CSR, we would probably choose another moderate over stretching to afford a deluxe. The moderates have lots of room and big central water features perfect for romantic strolling that the deluxes just don't have in the same way. (Crescent Lake/Boardwalk at night is way too busy for that.)

Beware the construction at WL. I'd choose CR over WL because of that. CR also has a really high convenience factor.

 

[izzylovesmickey]

CSR is a really nice compromise with budget and amenities. Our stays have been all Deluxe except for a 1 night stay at ASMovies and a 5 night stay at CSR. We really, really liked CSR. My kids are college aged and enjoyed it there a lot. It is a beautiful resort, the rooms are being updated (and our's wasn't in what I would call in horribly run down shape), the bus was efficient with no really long waits on either end (we were there between Christmas and New Year's so it could have been really bad), the food court was fine and the main pool area is very nice. If you decide to look into the Epcot resorts, we love the Beach Club. Rooms were done in the last 2 years, it's a quick walk to Epcot, a longer walk (but doable) or boat ride to HS. We aren't big food court people so what is there is fine just not extensive but there are plenty of food options in short walking distance. SAB is great and the quiet pool is nice. There is a lot to do in the general area due to the 5 resorts being so close to each other and Epcot 5 minutes away. Just a word of caution (yes, voice of experience here) really weigh in your desire to stay at the Contemporary against any other resort you choose. You don't want to start your vacation wishing you were somewhere else and end up missing out on what the other resort has to offer.

 

[5DisneyNuts]

I agree with auroraborealis. If the CR is really someplace you want to be then you should see what historical discounts have been offered for your time frame and give it a shot. CR used to be our favorite. Renting points at BLT is a great idea too. IMO, we loved CR before they changed up the 4th floor, moving the food court there and adding the store in the middle of the floor. Now we find it too frenetic and very crowded (we also go at very busy times of the year now, so that makes a huge difference). The Outer Rim used to be a favorite place to have a relaxing cocktail, but now it is so small and has been reduced to a waiting room for Chef Mickeys. Sounds silly, but waiting for the elevators and fighting the crowds to get on became a real annoyance too. That said, the Bay Lake view balcony is one of my favorite places in all of WDW and you can't beat the monorail!

We liked CSR and POR too - and loved our stays at the WL. Each place has their own things to offer. I guess that is what makes WDW so special. We realized that we preferred resorts that have the rooms and lobby connected.

My recommendation for 2 adults would be the Boardwalk Inn. Lots of places to relax, including the Bellevue for a beverage. Restaurants along the boardwalk, Abracadabra lounge, ability to walk or boat to DHS and EPCOT, BC/YC, Swan and Dolphin, bike rentals, and with all the lights, simply beautiful at night. The BWI is more than the WL but less than CR and discounted rooms are usually available. A standard view room can give you a view of the "Eiffel Tower" at EPCOT and high fireworks from Illuminations on the balcony. The courtyard is very pretty.

Nancyg gave great advice to check out the pictures and resort threads. I hope you have a wonderful time with whatever you decide!

 

[crazylady]

Boardwalk is a great choice for an adult's only trip. It's wonderful to be able to walk to two resorts. The nightime entertament is fun. And to be able to be walking distance to Epcot for dinner options is perfect.

 

[rosiebean]

I agree with auroraborealis. If the CR is really someplace you want to be then you should see what historical discounts have been offered for your time frame and give it a shot.

I'll add my vote to this.

My first time going to WDW as an independent adult (about 10 years after my previous trip with my parents as a recent college graduate), I was going at a busy time of year and needed to stay for a week within a specific budget...and as I was lucky enough to score five nights at BCV (renting points seven months out...which was possible back then). But I needed to find a place to stay for two additional nights. I looked at all resorts and considered some never on my radar before (CSR) as well as some I'd always been interested in (Poly and POR). In the end, I went with Poly because it was my dream to stay there...and because I was so underwhelmed about CSR and was fine waiting for POR another trip. Really, I would have been disappointed anywhere else, because I'd have always wondered "what if?".

I've been often since then, and my preferences, likes, and dislikes have changed over time. I still really like the Poly, but it's not my absolute favorite now. After years of thinking the GF was too formal, it's now at the top of my list for places to stay. AKL is a close second, despite thinking that it was too far away from most parks in the past (now I realize I can use Uber or taxi and save bus time). I'd also like to stay at CSR after visiting a few times. I LOVE POR and the BC/YC complex. WL still does nothing for me (mainly because I find the rooms 'meh' and despite many visits, just don't find the lobby as impressive as other resorts). OKW, which I was once enamored with, isn't so intriguing now. And SSR, which I used to think 'no way' about, is close to the top of my list of places I want to stay next, thanks to their themed pools (my kids would LOVE them).

But I've never stayed at a resort that I was 'iffy' about. I didn't stay at CSR back when I first splurged for Poly...and even though I'd happily stay at CSR over Poly now, I know without a doubt that if I'd chosen CSR back then, I'd have regretted the decision.

So my advice? Look at detailed pics of resorts online, really think about how the room/resort theme and amenities connects with you...and go for the one that connects best with you (so long as it fits in your budget...obviously, don't stay at CR if you have to worry about your mortgage).

 

[mrzrich]

Are either of you a Nurse, a teacher, a first responder, or a government employee? I ask because the Swan and Dolphin often offer amazing deals to those groups. Sweet location right next to the Boardwalk, walk or boat between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. If you fall into one of those career categories, you can often get rates less than a moderate. Luxury resorts in the heart of WDW at a fraction of Disney Deluxe prices.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-resorts/swan-dolphin/

 

[MermaidMommy]

If you're wanting to stay at a deluxe on a budget, then, as PP's have mentioned, renting points can significantly reduce the cost. Of the hotels that have been mentioned, Contemporary (Bay Lake Towers), Wilderness Lodge (I forget its new name), Beach Club, and Boardwalk all have villas you can rent. You're in a good position to do it, since you're not going for quite a while and will be able to request 11 months out to get the best inventory. You can look at David's DVC Rentals, DVC Rental Store, or DVC-Rental (which are the big three brokers), to get an idea of price.

 

[PolyRob]

If Contemporary is something you have your heart set on, it would definitely be hard to stay somewhere else.

I too had always wanted to stay at the Contemporary, and I finally satisfied that craving with a split-stay with an Epcot resort during Food and Wine. It was perfect and I got the best of both worlds. Close proximity to the World Showcase on my Epcot days and then a simple stroll back to my room after Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Magic Kingdom. You mentioned that location is important, but different resorts are more convenient for different parks. If you love MK and want to be close, MK resorts are the best choice. If you plan on spending all of your time in HS or AK, a MK resort will provide no advantage since it is actually further for you to be bussed there.

I have not stayed at the other resorts you mentioned besides the Contemporary, but the only (minor) complaint I had about the stay there was the sinks in the bathrooms. They were completely bizarre! Huge surface, very shallow, and the water barely cleaned them. Besides that, it was great. Huge room, great beds, and some of my favorite dining and shopping.

You also mentioned budget was a concern. The Contemporary is definitely not cheap, especially if you want to stay in the main tower vs the garden wing. I will also note that since I had been looking to stay here, I have priced it many times and it typically receives one of the lowest discounts from Disney for deluxe resorts. For example, I have an upcoming stay at the Wilderness Lodge that is easily 35% off. Same dates in the Contemporary garden wing, standard view (cheapest booking there) is easily $160 more per night since it is only 15% discounted. I picked Wilderness Lodge partly because it is so easy to get to the Contemporary from it via boat (pending weather) and since they share a bus route.

 

[Nancyg56]

If Contemporary is something you have your heart set on, it would definitely be hard to stay somewhere else.

I too had always wanted to stay at the Contemporary, and I finally satisfied that craving with a split-stay with an Epcot resort during Food and Wine. It was perfect and I got the best of both worlds. Close proximity to the World Showcase on my Epcot days and then a simple stroll back to my room after Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Magic Kingdom. You mentioned that location is important, but different resorts are more convenient for different parks. If you love MK and want to be close, MK resorts are the best choice. If you plan on spending all of your time in HS or AK, a MK resort will provide no advantage since it is actually further for you to be bussed there.

I have not stayed at the other resorts you mentioned besides the Contemporary, but the only (minor) complaint I had about the stay there was the sinks in the bathrooms. They were completely bizarre! Huge surface, very shallow, and the water barely cleaned them. Besides that, it was great. Huge room, great beds, and some of my favorite dining and shopping.

You also mentioned budget was a concern. The Contemporary is definitely not cheap, especially if you want to stay in the main tower vs the garden wing. I will also note that since I had been looking to stay here, I have priced it many times and it typically receives one of the lowest discounts from Disney for deluxe resorts. For example, I have an upcoming stay at the Wilderness Lodge that is easily 35% off. Same dates in the Contemporary garden wing, standard view (cheapest booking there) is easily $160 more per night since it is only 15% discounted. I picked Wilderness Lodge partly because it is so easy to get to the Contemporary from it via boat (pending weather) and since they share a bus route.

Wilderness Lodge is seeing higher discounts because it is under construction. Most deluxe discounts have been 25% off lately unless you book a bounceback, which has been 30%. I like WL, but if a person wants CR, but will compromise for a different Deluxe, I am hesitant to sent that person there. While construction may not bother a lot of people, it can be disruptive. I am afraid that would really be a let down after having compromised on a dream resort.

 

[GabetrixDisney]

Wow. Again, I can't thank all you enough for responding. You have all truly been a big help and I greatly appreciate it.

Since Jan 2018 availability won't be available for some time and I can't see rack rates for a while I'm going to focus on coming up with a realistic budget! I'm also going to look into DVC points and how that all works.

I am a rookie but I have completely fell in love with Disney and now the dis board community. I can't wait to continue this journey!

Thanks again. Will update the thread when I have more questions/info

 

[Shellyred8]

We haven't stayed at the CR side, but we have stayed at BLT. I really enjoyed it there. The ability to walk to the MK was fantastic. I loved being able to watch the MK fireworks from the outdoor stairwells at CR. I also really enjoy the "concourse" area where the Contempo cafe is and many of the shops.

I agree with some of the other posters here: if your heart is set on CR and your budget allows, go for it!

Have a fantastic trip!

 

[Nancyg56]

Wow. Again, I can't thank all you enough for responding. You have all truly been a big help and I greatly appreciate it.

Since Jan 2018 availability won't be available for some time and I can't see rack rates for a while I'm going to focus on coming up with a realistic budget! I'm also going to look into DVC points and how that all works.

I am a rookie but I have completely fell in love with Disney and now the dis board community. I can't wait to continue this journey!

Thanks again. Will update the thread when I have more questions/info

I have never stayed DVC so I cannot speak to that, other than to say that I have heard the savings can be substantial. If you could make this compromise, stay in BLT, you might realize both of your goals: stay in the CR and keep yuou budget where you want it to be.