dream resort?

[caribbeanme]

Hey everyone!

I posted this on another bulletin board, so it may be repetitive to some of you
I got some great advice about starting my plans for May 2004, but am kind of stuck. I haven't been to WDW in 13 years, so I'm clueless as to lodging options.
If money was no object, and you could stay anywhere, where would you stay? A bit about who's going. It'll be my mom, my 18 yr old sister, and me (late 20s--aagh!)
The object of the trip is to celebrate my sister's graduation, but I guess it's more than that. My dad passed away recently-- he had been really sick for about twelve years, and during that time my mom basically became his caregiver. My sister has had to be more independent than she would have, and she kind of teeters and totters between being a kid and more of an adult than any of my peers. It has been hard for many years.
My mom refuses to spend money on herself. And now that she anticipates her baby leaving the fold..well, you can imagine.
My sister and I want to make the transition better for her, and we want to become kids again as a family. But because my mom is so adamant about spending money on herself, we kind of have to dupe her into thinking it's for someone else. My sis and I considered trips elsewhere, but they just seemed too..formal. My mom loves Disney World--she's a kid and super goofy, and she got a scary gleam in her eye when I mentioned the possibility, particularly because I mentioned the Epcot garden show. And my sister thinks it would be cool to return (she still thinks it's hilarious that she tackled Tokyo Minnie at age five and that she showed up in other people's pictures because she refused to let go for ten minutes).
To that end, I'm putting away money every month so as to make this trip a big ol' mom (and sis) pampering party. By May, I should have enough put away to splurge on a deluxe hotel, maybe an add on dream maker package (silver), and definitely some nice dinners.
If you were me, what would you do? Where would you stay? (thinking on the monorail)

Thanks a bunch. I know you probably get this all the time, but WDW is more intimidating than it used to be..things have changed so much!

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the strictest law sometimes becomes the severest injustice. -benjamin franklin

 

[CalGal]

The way I look at it, you have to first decide if you would prefer an Epcot resort or Magic Kingdom resort.

Unless you expect to be spending the bulk of your time at MK, I would go for one of the wonderful Epcot resorts. The resorts are stunning and offer great dining options and a central location including a pleasant stroll to Epcot. My personal favorite is the BWI. It's a relatively small resort. Some of the standard rooms have great views of the Epcot fireworks. And I just loved being on the Boardwalk. I also like the Yacht Club, especially if you can get a water view room with a view of Epcot. The pool at Y&B is more appealing to adults. I haven't stayed at the BC, but I've read mixed reviews. And while S&D sound nice, they aren't true Disney, so I say BWI or YC.

 

[Cinderella37]

I just have to comment on what a wonderful daughter your mother has. I think it's delightful that you're doing this for your family. That being said, I would have to agree that the Boardwalk Inn would be a wondeful location for you. The hotel is beautiful and you can't beat the dining options that are a short walking distance away.

You may also consider the Grand Floridian for its lovely Victorian charm and wonderful restaurants. My fiance and I have always stayed at the GF, but decided that it's time for a change. The hotel has a beautiful spa and serves a great tea - all the ingredients for the perfect girl getaway!

Have a great time and good luck with planning. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions about the GF or BWI.

 

[ASFCurly]

It really depends on the theming you like, I have always loved the Contemporary and was thrilled when we got a free upgrade to the Tower on my first trip, but you might not necessarily like the Contemporary, the Grand Floridian is more formal feeling, and the Poly, well, they all really describe themselves, what you should really do is look at pictures and decide which theme you like best. You can look at pics of deluxe hotels here or here hope you enjoy the trip

 

[Lisha7]

For my two cents I love the Beach Club (less formal than the YC). I have stayed at both. With the Epcot resorts you get the best of all dining (between WS and the other four resorts surrounding you), you can walk to epcot (through the international gateway into WS) or boat to MGM. And of course there is Storm Along Bay, the best pool in the "World".

I would also like to say that you are being a very fine daughter in doing this, and that if you can afford the silver plan, your mother has to eat what ever she wants or she is "wasting money". We all know moms hate to do that!

 

[PTarbay]

The Polynesian or Beach Club depending on whether you like the Epcot resorts or Magic Kingdom better.Instead of the Silver plan I would go concierge.You really feel so special and pampered.Both resorts are so nice and really beautiful and relaxing but so much fun.The Beach Club is quieter than the Boardwalk but right across the way from it with very easy access. and just a few minutes from Epcot.I love arriving at the Poly being greeted with Aloha and a lei and hopping on the cart being driven to the Concierge.
Have a wonderful trip.

 

[Laura]

For me, I have always dreamed of staying at the Contemporary. Ever since I first rode the monorail through it on my very first WDW trip at 6 years of age, I've wanted to stay there.

But since this trip is for your mom (you are such a great daughter, by the way), what do you think she would like? You mentioned thinking of the monorail resorts -- any of them would be terrific. The GF is very pretty and formal (people love to use it for their weddings), and the Polynesian is lush and tropical with hibiscus flowers all over. The Contemporary is quite unique, actually, and I've seen pics of the rooms' decor -- it's colorful and modern.

If I were to tell you what I think you should do, I would tell you to stay at the Polynesian. It's relaxing, the staff is friendly and the rooms and grounds are beautiful. My family stayed there in 1986 and we loved it. I know, it's a long time ago, but my sister stayed there for her honeymoon in 2000 and she still loved it!

(By the way, I totally agree with Lisha7 about telling your mother to eat whatever she wants!)

 

[franw]

WDW can be a very healing place for families. I won't bother you with my story but I can tell you from personal experience that it is the best place in the world to go and laugh and have fun. Don't stress yourself out worrying about the "perfect" place to stay. WDW has changed a lot since you were there last and I don't think you can make a bad choice. The Boardwalk Inn is beautiful as is the Yacht Club and Beach Club. The setting along the Boardwalk area is just so beautiful and it feels like you are staying at a huge area with Epcot at one end and MGM at the other. The Poly and Grand Floridian are also beautiful places. The GF has a more elegant, formal feeling and the Poly is far more tropical and relaxed. Lots of folks love the Contemporary and Animal Kingdom but others feel that they don't feel like Disney enough. I don't know if you want a whole different feeling than where you live, if so I would try the Wilderness Lodge. But as far as walk out your door and there is lots of stuff to do and see right there -- I would choose a resort along the Boardwalk area. It sounds like you and your family will have a good time no matter what. I hope this trip brings you much earned and needed rejuvenation and happiness.

 

[caribbeanme]

Great advice! I'll go ahead and check out the Epcot resorts and the Polynesian, and I may even split my stay between two resorts--they all look so great!

Thank you for the compliments, too! My mom is great, so I figure that she deserves this and more.

 

[swilphil]

From the description you gave of your family, I would lean toward Boardwalk Inn, but Beach Club is also nice. If those resorts are too expensive, look into Swan or Dolphin. They are right by the other Epcot resorts, but they offer some great discounts and they are Deluxe hotels.

 

[Janet2k]

Caribbeanme, please check out the videos that Dreams Unlimited Travel (the owners of the Dis website) has posted for each of the WDW resorts (Value, Moderate, Deluxe, Home-Away-From-Home): click here for DU's WDW Resorts webpage (you'll find links to streaming video on each of the individual webpages). I know that whenever I am planning a WDW vacation, the first place I go is there. I love watching the videos and seeing what each resort has to offer.

Since you are interested in the Silver Plan vacation package, here is a link to a thread on the Dis regarding that package: click here for Silver Plan (2003) thread.

Have fun planning your vacation. I'm sure that whatever you decide to do, it will be magical.