We just came back from WDW last week and stayed at CC. While there, we visited every single open house available (including OKW, which just opened up). This was our first trip as DVC owners. We have previously visited most of these resorts, but was pretty rushed during those times since we wanted to do everything at the parks. This time, we took a more relaxed approach. We honestly didn't sent out to see every resort, but we pretty much did as we visited the parks or had dinner reservations. We didn't see any rooms in Boulder Ridge since they didn't have any rooms available for viewing.
I don' t have them ranked, but more likely sorted into tiers. Frankly, we liked almost every resort, as each had something unique to offer.
Tier 6: (Sorry, no interest generally. Would have to be the last resort)
Bay Lake Tower - Seemed like a W hotel or a boutique modern hotel theming. Just not our thing. Also, this may have colored our review, but the Wave was just "meh."
Tier 5: (May give it a try?)
Boulder Ridge - I'll admit, this probably would've been in Tier 1 or Tier 2 before our stay. I've visited Boulder Ridge several years ago, but it's proximity to the main lodge was a lot further than I remembered. Yes, it's just a short walk, but if you have to do something (e.g., talk to the receptionist), it seems a lot further. For whatever reason, it felt a bit more disconnected. Since we like Copper Creek more, it's hard to say that we would want to stay here. Perhaps after the 2022 remodel, things will change. E.g., the nicer room will compensate for the additional walking.
Tier 4: (We'd give it a try)
Grand Floridian - Theming was just odd. Seemed like a mish-mash of everything. Also, amount of theming was much weaker than Riviera. Would still like to stay there, but wouldn't be our top resort.
Polynesian - This probably would've ranked in Tier 1 or Tier 2 before our stay. We happened to visit the bungalows at night. The place is really, really, really, poorly lit at night. It's also really confusing as to how to get around. The boat horns are also loud. I'm sure it'll be quieter inside. We've visited the resort before, but yeah, it was a little bit less likeable than what we had remembered from our first visit.
Tier 3: Epcot/Relaxation Tier (Close to Epcot, or if you just want to relax)
Saratoga Springs* - Love the spread out, private feeling with each unit. Also, love that it is within walking distance or boat distance to Disney Springs. The rehab also made the room look really nice. Prior to this past trip, this would've been in Tier 1, but only because there would've been 3 or 4 resorts in Tier 1. In addition, if we had a car, we could park really close by. I will say, one negative, was that the QS food was really "bleh". This is also our home resort. Definitely not disappointed in the purchase, though I guess I would've considered buying the number 1 resort below if I had to do it all over again.
Old Key West - same as Saratoga Springs. One thing I didn't like was that the TV was close to the ground (at least in the 1 BR).
Beach Club - Love the walking distance to Epcot. It would be great to spend a day at any of the other 3 parks, and then have dinner at Epcot. Obviously wasn't doable since park hopping was restricted, but it would be nice once it resumes.
Boardwalk** - Everything that was said about Beach Club, but also love the fact that there is no creepy clown slide anymore.
Riviera Resort - Ok. I expected to dislike the resort. This resort definitely exceeded my expectations in terms of theming. It doesn't hurt that everything is brand spanking new. The gondolas also were a lot cooler (well it was December and it does ride pretty high in the air) and a lot smoother than I expected. This is one that would've been Tier 4 or 5 before the visit.
Tier 2 (Not the number 1, but pretty darn close):
Animal Kingdom Lodge - We saw giraffes in the 3BR Grand Villa. Game Over. Loved the theming of the hotel. Granted, we had a car, so it didn't seem that bad to get places. Would totally do a hotel only stay here. One downside is the long walk on the corridors. That was really eye opening. However, if we could park near an elevator, that wouldn't be a problem. This would've been in Tier 1 before the trip, but that's because we probably would've had 3 or 4 resorts in Tier 1.
Tier 1 (Yup, the top resort):
Copper Creek* - We found out that of all 4 parks, we wanted to spend the most time at Magic Kingdom. The boat ride was easy. We also had a car and took it to the rest of the parks. Also, love the Wilderness Lodge theming. Really didn't mind being in a studio in the "smaller rooms." Incidentally we thought it had a lot more space than your traditional hotel room (maybe it's because we stayed in some really small ones in our previous road trips in the year). Didn't mind the lack of view, either, as we didn't really spend much time outside on the balcony. This is definitely on the list of resorts to purchase next.
* = Have Stayed
** = Stayed at hotel location.
If I had to do it over again, I think I would've bought at Copper Creek first instead of Saratoga Springs, though Saratoga Springs would've been on the purchase list anyways. I don't think I would've known how much we would like Copper Creek (even with a first floor room). Frankly, we would've also considered buying Boulder Ridge, which would've been a mistake. In addition, we also found that we liked just about every resort and would stay at every single resort, aside from maybe one or two.
