easy access to MK with little kids?

[JJsmama]

We went to WDW in November and stayed at the ASmovies. We have two little ones and found we needed a break from the craziness of the parks in the day, but we found the looong bus trips to and from the hotel kept us from returning to the room during the day for a rest. (My husband actually needs a rest the most to keep him in good spirits.)

We're thinking of doing the Contemporary next time even though it is much more pricey. How about the Polynesian and Wildreness Lodge? Is it quick and easy to get there--or no? Is the Contemp. as fun for the kids as the other, newer resorts.

Husband also hated being so far from nicer restaurants at the All Stars and having to take a bus again at night, so we did the food court, which got old.

Any advice? Thank you.

 

[Selket]

I haven't stayed in most of the hotels but I've visited them and certainly it seems the Contemporary can't be beat for location to the MK since you can walk from the hotel to the park. If you plan on spending most of your time there perhaps that is best? A garden wing room is cheaper than the tower. Seems the monorail access would give you more dining options - you could eat at the other monorail hotels or over at the MK. I believe the rooms are bigger at the monorail resorts too which would be nice!

I've stayed at the AKL with a 5 yr old and 20 month old and it was fine for us. There is so much to do right there at the hotel you might not want to leave! If your children are old enough to enjoy the animals that might be an option. They also have a zero entry pool which is great for little ones. Bus service is direct to and from all the parks. My 5 yr old could have just stayed at the hotel all day and been happy

 

[Kimberle]

Hi, we've stayed at CR & WL with our dd.

I would recommend the WL over CR for small children. WL has a much more "relaxing" feel and there is a kiddie pool! There is no kiddie pool at CR. My dd just loved "swimming" in the kiddie pool.

The transportation is excellent from both resorts. We loved taking the boat over to MK from WL.

WL has 2 boat "lines". The larger (can roll your stroller on), goes WL/FW/MK. The smaller one (must fold stroller) goes WL/CR/FW. We stayed at WL and ate at CR several times. We also ate at Trail End in FW. You can also easily eat at GF and Poly. (Boat to CR, mono to GF or Poly, or direct bus to TTC and walk to Poly.)

What is very nice for young kids (easily accessable from both CR & WL), is the little petting zoo & pony rides at FW. They are just a very short walk from the boat. The rides are $3 and require a closed toe shoe.

We loved the CR, too. I'd just recommend it for older kids who can swim. (Unless you're not planning on swimming with your young children.)

 

[erikthewise]

While you can't walk from the Polynesian, there are four (count 'em!) transportation options to MK.
-- Resort monorail from the Great Ceremonial House
-- Shuttle boat from the Polynesian dock
-- Express monorail from the TTC (5 min walk from the Polynesian)
-- Ferry boat from the TTC

From some longhouses (Tahiti and Rapa Nui), walking to the TTC is shorter than walking to the resort monorail.

 

[Blondie]

I think your best bet is to stay at one of the Magic Kingdom resort hotels; Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge or the Contemporary.

If price is a factor, the WL is usually a bit cheaper than the other mentioned resorts. The rooms are bit smaller too, but it makes up for it in the theming of the resort! While not on the monorail line, you can easily sail over to the MK via boat. It's a pretty quick ride over and very relaxing.

Have fun planning!

 

[Cruisin' Krause's]

We've been to AKL twice with the little ones (5 and 3) and have had good luck with buses (getting back and forth), still managing to get back for a rest early afternoon nd back to the parks for closing (a must for Illuminations, for instance).

If you'd like to try WL, don't forget to try with DVC points rental - could save you some cash.

Just a thought. Good luck with the choice.

 

[swilphil]

We stayed at the Dolphin with two toddlers. Even though it's super convenient to Epcot and MGM, we found the bus service to and from MK to be excellent. Staying at the Dolphin was much cheaper than the MK resorts, and it's still a deluxe hotel.

Sherri