first time to WDW questions

[PrincessKell]

Ok so I won't unleash the beast just yet. AS we are planning for NEXT Christmas to go to WDW. But I live in California and have never been to the World. There is a lot more to chose from on where to stay. so that is my first question..

For a family of three. Myself, husband and my daughter who will be almost 11 by then. We have never been. What would you suggest for a first timer?

She loves everything Disney so if there is more Disney themed hotels that would probably work for her.

Thanks!

 

[SDS33]

If you are looking for a resort that is aimed more towards a child with bright colors and large Disney icons then I would suggest Pop Century Resort or maybe even All-Star Movies Resort. I have stayed at Pop-Century and my children loved it. They are also considered a value resort and are the cheapest on Disney property. Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[PrincessKell]

Thank you! I had heard some about Pop so I was looking into that.

 

[BYC]

This would be easier to answer if we knew if money mattered. For value, I love POP! But, if I had money, I would go with a deluxe. My favorite is Animal Kingdom Lodge, but many other like the monorail resorts. I also love Wilderness Lodge.

 

[JennMouse32]

Thank you! I had heard some about Pop so I was looking into that.

i have stayed at the pop twice so far, and twice more planned.. i love it there.. its fun for the kids, and full of nostalgic things for the adults.. its great.. my sis and i LOVE it so much.. and the tie-dye cheesecake is amazing!! a must try!!


they have daily events they do at certain times of the day.. like a twister game, the chicken dance..etc.. its great fun!!

 

[PrincessKell]

This would be easier to answer if we knew if money mattered. For value, I love POP! But, if I had money, I would go with a deluxe. My favorite is Animal Kingdom Lodge, but many other like the monorail resorts. I also love Wilderness Lodge.

We are not on a tight budget. I think I am open to spend this time since its our first time there and probably not be able to go back for a while. We are going to Disneyland in March for Cheer. But WDW is few and far between I think. so I am willing to put out some cash.

 

[bethclayton]

If money is not an issue, I would suggest first looking at pics and descriptions of the deluxe resorts and seeing which ones appeal to you most visually. When you have narrowed it down to a few, then maybe we can be more helpful in determining specifically which one(s) might best suit your family. Another thing to cosider is where you think you want the easiest access to. If you see yourself mostly at the MK, then you might want a monorail resort (Contemporary, Polynesian, or Grand Floridian). If you will be at Epcot and Hollywood Studios the most, perhaps Beach Club, Yacht Club or Boardwalk Inn would be best. Animal Kingdom Lodge is closest to Animal Kingdom. If you think you will be all over the place, then maybe you should just pick the themeing you like best and not worry so much about location.

Good luck. I love the planning process!

 

[PrincessKell]

I know that we will want to do it all! haha who wouldn't on their first time.

Would you say we would probably need a rental car to get around to all the parks? or are there shuttles we can take?

 

[PrincessKell]

I know that we will want to do it all! haha who wouldn't on their first time.

Would you say we would probably need a rental car to get around to all the parks? or are there shuttles we can take?

 

[Lillian Gracey]

There are shuttles you can take that are free, but if you want to rent a car, you can. You can also take the Magical Express to and from WDW and it's free!

 

[Jedi]

there are buses/boats.monorails to get you where you need to be (or some resorts are close enough to walk)

 

[minnie mum]

A rental car is not a requirement. Every Disney resort has bus service to all of the parks. The monorail resorts also offer monorail service to Magic Kingdom and Epcot (with a transfer at the TTC). Some deluxe resorts will also offer boat service to the closest park.

Some guests prefer the convenience of a car, especially if they don't like waiting and riding the buses with a crowd of people. We've never bothered with the added expense of a car while at WDW (in fact when we drive down, we leave it in the resort parking lot for the whole week). But this is a very individual decision.

 

[bethclayton]

In 5 trips we have never rented a car and never plan to. Disney trasportation is not perfect but neither is renting a car.

 

[NLD]

This is a really broad question...

Agree that you should start by just looking at pictures on the Disney site. You might find that the theme of certain resorts appeal to you more than others.

You can narrow it down from there.

There is Disney transportation to all the parks (all four theme parks, the water parks, and Downtown Disney) no matter which Disney resort you stay at.

 

[asdfghjkl13]

Let me recommend the Epcot resort area. The location cannot be beaten! Here you can walk to Epcot and Hollywood Studios or take a water taxi (free of charge). My favorite in this area is the Beach Club... it is, in my opinion, the most kid-friendly of the Epcot resorts and has an amazing pool area. Good luck!

 

[trac96]

I agree that any of the values are themed perfect for an 11 year old who loves disney and it's still adult friendly as well. I have not stayed at the pop but hear mostly good about it. we have been to disney more times than I can count and have never rented a car either. the disney transportation as stated above is not always the best but it get's you anywhere you need to be for free. plus if you need to go somewhere that it won't take you there's always a taxi. plus don't forget if you get a car you will have to pay for parking so that's an extra expense plus the gas. i'm sure you will get all the info you need from this board to help you decide. have fun and have a great trip.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Which is usually only once a year....I want something more up scale than a motel like atmosphere....we go to WDW to get that accomadations...we stay deluxe...nothing better in theming and ambiance and they are hotel structures...inside corridors with restaurants.....

We have been basing our resort choices over the years on location...where we like being and what park we will frequent the most....we're MK people, could spend our entire stay there....so our choices are all deluxe there....high priced on the monorail loop and one in the same area but alot cheaper but still deluxe with a pleasant boat ride to the MK....we like being on the lakes....Water pageant nightly.....

MK loop has the Poly, CR, and GF all on the monorail circuit and Wilderness Lodge off on the boat circuit....we prefer WL over the others.....but the choice is yours...

As for using a rental car....we've done 45 trips to WDW and never used a rental car..even when we've driven to WDW, the car sat in the lot....ample transportation provided in a timely manner...buses at the resort, generally every 20 minutes, boats, monorails....we never waste vacation money on a rental when disney provides transportation for free and let them deal with the roads and traffic......

Best bet, get the vacation DVD they offer for free and scan all the resorts...have the room rate sheet printed out form any web site.....see how close which resorts are adjunct to the parks you want to visit a few times and the amenities you like (motel vs hotel) and go from there.....

Generally food is decent across the property, resort food from food courts (value and moderates) to full restaurant (deluxes) so no matter where you pick, you'll be able to eat..it's all in what you want and like....

Since we're veterans, picking a resort is real easy, like I stated above, location, location, location.....