Early June - which hotel?

[Figment1990]

So my family is debating summer Disney vacations and we want the Disboarders opinions! We've never done disney in June. DH & I have done weekend trips in Aug & Sept and have survived the heat. We've even done July a LONG time ago and remember it being HOT but most of our trips have been from Oct thru Apr.

Given the higher temps, afternoon shower chances, and overall crowd levels, what resort would you pick for Jun 5-12 (this year) and why? Our debate has been about A/C buses & monorails (vs. boats or walking), does the walk to DHS in the heat from the Boardwalk negate the savings in entering near the World Showcase for dinner instead of walking through FW from the monorail/bus. And pools. I prefer a kiddie pool vs. zero entry for my DS(4) but not a dealbreaker I think. i'm interested to see if you guys have more pros and cons for us to consider about these hotels at this time of year. (We have ruled out the others for various reasons). We always return to the hotel in the afternoon.

1. Wilderness Lodge
2. Boardwalk
3. Polynesian

 

[ktlm]

Based on the statement that you return to the hotel every afternoon, my pick would be the Poly (assuming that you will be spending a good deal of time at MK and Epcot like we do). We have stayed at Poly, GF, WL, AKL, and POR and have found the Poly to have by far the best transportation because of its proximity to the TTC. Instead of going on the resort monorial line, we have always just walked over to the TTC and grabbed the express monorail to MK, or the monorail to Epcot. It is the fastest we have ever gotten to and from Epcot.


WL has a great boat ride to and from the MK and it feels cooler when you are on a boat on the water. Of course everything else is by bus. The busses aren't bad to and from there, but it is slower going to Epcot and back than if you stay at the Poly.

We've never stayed at the Epcot area resorts. I think the idea of being able to walk to 2 parks is great. We've done the first week in June several times, and it is usually hot- not miserably horrible hot like July or August, but still hot. I don't recall the walk to DHS having much shade, but we've never done it that time of year. The reason I would pick Poly over Boardwalk, is that with a 4 year old, my guess is that you would be spending a lot of time at MK.

There are lots of afternoon showers in June. They don't last long. I can remember thinking they felt good and sometimes not even using the poncho depending on how heavy it was raining. They never slowed us down. It does get a little steamy after though. That wouldn't influence my resort decision.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of those choices.

 

[scottmel]

That is the exact same timeframe we go every year. I love disney in June and I am NOT a hot weather person. i so enjoy the pool etc. We stayed at BWI and really loved it. Pool is nothing to write home about though and at your boy's age I don't think it is the best choice. Not very big and I remember it as being deep. For sure not zero entry. Poly we are staying at for the first time so I can't commet on that except to say on the Monorail, so that is perfect. Wilderness Lodge, I think their pool is better than BWI pool. Larger and not so congested.....I think I would pick the Poly or YC/BC for the Storm Along Bay which has a great kiddie pool on the "beach" feel

 

[KPetty725]

If those are your only three choices, go for the Polynesian. You'll probably be spending the most time at MK and that's the easiest park to get to from Poly. They have an awesome pool and great kids activities. Plus, you can also book the luau if they're still doing it. The kids love it and it's awesome when you're staying there and can just walk!

June is stinking hot, but if you skip the main afternoon heat with a nap back in the room (and maybe some ice cream!), you should survive. Just remember to bring lots and lots of sunscreen!! And hats!!

 

[Avery&Todd]

those are just about our dates too!!! this year, we've booked at the BC and we're super excited b/c its close to Epcot and DHS - we'll walk to Epcot but boat to DHS....

our first 2 trips we stayed at WL...

out of your 3 choices, I can only speak of WL - its a BEAUTIFUL hotel...and grounds!!

I have nothing against the other 2 but I just have no experience with them... we personally probably wont stay at the Poly b/c we like having the sink area outside of the shower/toilet area - that way 1 kid can brush teeth while the other is showering...

and DH is not too keen on the individual buildings...but that's fine...

BUT, if you're going to spend most of your time at MK, I would put WL or Poly as your first 2 choices - simply b/c they're super close- you boat from the WL to the MK or monorail/boat from the Poly to the MK..

then just decide what theme fits you better!!

Good luck!

 

[wiseguyslovethemouse]

Well, from what you said, my first choice would typically be the Poly. However, we went last June 11-17, and were sorely disappointed. (not our first time there either) We ended up switching to our tried and true favorite, BC, and were thrilled. Kind of a long story, but that's my two cents. I've always wanted to try the BW and I'm leaning towards WL for this Fall!!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Although I have never been in June, I feel your need to stay cool is important. I would choose the Poly. Your little one will be tired and the Poly is such a great place to relax. The pools are nice, there are lots of beach areas for digging and building, the pool drinks are AWESOME, and there are cabanas to rent if you so wish for extra shade a few afternoons. The rooms are very large for indoor relaxing and you can also hang out and read or people watch on the room balcony or patio. There are many wonderful TS restaurants on the monorail line thus limiting your time in the sun and heat(and rain). Also, Poly has a fabulous kids club that your little one would enjoy giving you the perfect excuse for a date night

I would also add that staying at the BC/YC/BW resorts is convenient for evening meals as the walk to the WS is not too daunting. The bigger issue for my family was in the morning. It was a long walk to the front area of Epcot in the mornings for rides. My youngest would get tired out first thing which was NOT a good start to the day. We found that we did alot more walking when we stayed at YC than at Poly which makes a big difference if you have little ones AND it is hot.

 

[Figment1990]

Hmmm... all VERY good points! So to summarize so far:

Poly:
+proximity to MK (and Epcot), cabanas, monorail restaurants, pool drinks
- most expensive, no kiddie pool, separate buildings, sink in bathroom (ITA, it's not my preferred set up either)

BWI:
+ proximity to Epcot restaurants, own kiddie pool and playground
- further from MK, main pool can get crowded, distance to future world

WL:
+ awesome atmosphere (I agree, btw), kiddie pool, all one building, proximity to MK
- buses to EP, DHS, AK

So follow-up questions for those who may have stayed at all or some of these:
1. How equivalent is the walking from a Poly longhouse (maybe Tokelau, or Samoa) to the TTC vs. walking from Boardwalk to Epcot international gateway (distance)?
2. Which do you think is longer - bus from WL to Epcot or boat from BWI to DHS?
3. Which do you think is longer - bus from WL to Epcot to Italy in the World Showcase OR walk from Poly longhouse to TTC + monorail to Epcot + walk to Italy OR bus from BWI to MK?

(To clarify: these are the three we have it narrowed down to for this trip and we have stayed at all of them but never in the heat of summer. We like them all of course they are all great!)