First Time Resort?

[tonymac]

I'm new to the forum so forgive me if I'm posting this in the wrong place. I've just decided to surprise my wife and take her to WDW in February. We have four kids and although we've enjoyed our trips with them in the past to WDW, she has often expressed interest in going without the kiddies.

I've decided to take another couple along with us (our best friends) that have never been to WDW so it's going to be a great trip.

I'd like to ask for advice as far as which Disney resort to stay at. Money is a little tight (isn't it always?) but my in-laws are actually employees at WDW and can supposedly get us a great rate. (BTW, do anyone here know what that discount is? My in-laws were unsure.) Anyway, they are also going to get us into the parks for free during our 4-5 day stay.

I was thinking about AKL but it's a little pricey for us. We've stayed at the All Star resort before and I'm wanting something with a little more "bang". Any thoughts or recommendations for making this a memorable trip for my wife and friends?

Thanks in adance!

 

[MELSMICE]

Have you considered renting points at a DVC resort? Specifically the Boardwalk Villas or the Beach Club Villas, which are right on the Boardwalk - within walking distance to EPCOT & a boat ride or a walk to MGM.

If you're staying with the other couple you could get a 2BR with a kitchen. If not, you could get 2 studios, each has a kitchenette in it so it's convenient for breakfast and snacks.

Let me know if you want more info on renting points. We did it 2 years ago. It was a great experience & we loved DVC - so much so that we bought a resale when we returned home!!

 

[Danauk]

I would also recommend trying to rent DVC points and trying to stay at the Beach Club villas. We stayed there in the summer with 2 friends in a 2 bedroomed villa and loved it. The resort was excellent, the location great and the room superb. It was nice having so much space and also having a kitchen was very handy as we were able to prepare snacks for lunch and take a break from the parks at the same time.

 

[Grumpy92]

If you want to stay at a Deluxe. I would suggest the Poly or YC/BC. The Poly has a wonderful atmosphere. YC/BC have a wonderful location, the best area for restaurants, the best wdw pool and nighttime activities at nearby BW. AKL is a beautiful resort and the animals are great but a little out of the way from the rest of wdw. If you decide you want to go with a moderate I would definitely do POR.
This site has some wonderful photos.
http://www.bruceandkris.com/

Your IL's extra room discount will help alot. You also might want to think about one romantic or extra special dinner (luau, CG, Flying Fish, Le Cellier, Artist Point).

 

[tonymac]

After thinking about this a bit more I'm leaning towards POR. We actually stayed there on our honeymoon and it would be sort of romatic to stay there again, I think.

I do have a few questions though. How is the breakfast there? Also, I seem to recall always waiting on buses during our first visit 12 years ago. Is it hard to get to the parks from POR?

Thanks!