First time WDW trip, many questions

[HollyK1527!]

Hello, I am taking my son to DW next June 2022, he will be 4. We are tagging along with my sister and her family. They have booked the Polynesian Hotel for 8 nights, but my budget is slightly lower than theirs. I was planning on something more like the Caribbean 300ish a night.
Will I be able to hang out and visit with them at hotel they are staying at? Can I go to their pool and vise verse?

another question, what hotel would be most convenient, keeping in mind I’d like to pay 300ish a night, I am a little flexible with the budget and also keeping in mind my son will be 4. I only plan on one park a day, no park hoping. Also if possible I would like to be near my sisters hotel, the Poly if possible.
Any answers or tips are welcomed, I am new to this

 

[EmilyGahr]

Hi there!

In terms of visiting other hotels, that's definitely okay and encouraged! However, typically using the pool at a hotel you're not staying at is not allowed. Here's a post I found in "Pool Hopping" thread here on Disboards:

"Some of my family/friends are staying at a different resort, or offsite. Can they come to my resort and swim with my family?
Possibly. Disney policy states that only registered resort guests may use the pool, but IF the pool isn't too crowded, and IF you ask, the lifeguards have been known to make exceptions for visiting family and friends.
Of course, the fewer guests you want to bring into the pool area, the more likely the lifeguards will say 'yes'. If you want grandma and grandpa to join you, it probably won't be a problem. If you show up with 4 uncles, 3 aunts, and 14 assorted cousins.....well, expect the lifeguards to suggest you visit a water park instead. Do ask; it's much better to have the lifeguard's permission ahead of time than to subject your family and/or friends to the embarrassment of being asked to leave. Be aware that the lifeguards have final say in the matter. If the lifeguards feel that there are an unsafe number of people in the pool area, it's not going to matter if the front desk or the nice lady on the phone at Reservations said you could have guests."

The best hotel I can think of to recommend is the Wilderness Lodge - it's definitely more affordable than the Poly, and it's very close to the Poly! The theming is great for a four year old. Its around $500 per night typically in June, but maybe you can snag a discount once they are released for next year! You could also look into renting DVC points for the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge to save even more! The Caribbean Beach resort is a great resort, but it is HUGE and very spread out. Most of the moderate resorts are like that. I think upgrading to a more affordable Deluxe resort is totally worth it!

 

[Orion Nebula]

In terms of visiting other hotels, that's definitely okay and encouraged! However, typically using the pool at a hotel you're not staying at is not allowed. Here's a post I found in "Pool Hopping" thread here on Disboards:

Not saying people should risk it but how many people have actually been questioned on resort grounds? Perhaps it's a deluxe thing? I know at the moderates I can freely walk around, in and out of the pool etc and no one asks anything.

 

[Schneewittchen37]

In theory, you will be able to visit other resorts, just like any other Disney guest, but you won't be able to use their pool according to the rules. And they won't be able to use your pool, again rules. Not sure what the rules are about visiting each others rooms. I've never done that. But hanging out on the grounds, dining, etc. should be fine.

Has the larger family group talked about going to the water parks?

$300 is rack rate for CBR. It's very likely that you'll be able to get a discount. Right now, for early summer 2021 stays, you can get 15-30% off your room rate. So for June, you're looking at a rate more like $270/night at CBR. Read this to find out more about historical discounts - https://www.mousesavers.com/historical-information-on-walt-disney-world-resort-discounts/

The value and moderate hotels aren't that close to the Poly.

The hotels that are close are going to be deluxes and villas. As a previous poster suggested, Wilderness Lodge is close-ish and less expensive than the Poly (or Grand Floridian or the Contemporary.) But it's still well above $300.

If you're interested in an old-school vibe Disney vacation, Fort Wilderness cabins may work for you. Rack rate for both Wilderness Lodge and the cabins at Fort Wilderness is about the same right now - $465/night. The Lodge might see a 30% discount at some point. Maybe the cabins will get a 20 or 25% discount. No telling.

If you're willing to book a trip and take on the risk of no refunds/cancellations and you really do want a good price and to be close to family. Look at renting DVC points from a DVC owner. If you book 11+ months in advance, you can get a studio at Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary or Boulder Ridge at Wilderness Lodge for about $330ish a night. That's an awesome deal. But risky of course....

Knocking a hole in your plan. With a 4 year old, you really might want to have more than 1 park day. Little kids do enjoy things besides Magic Kingdom. Even as itty bitty little people, my kids liked Epcot and Animal Kingdom.

 

[Schneewittchen37]

This very useful map kind of shows where everything is - https://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/propertymap.htm

 

[HollyK1527!]

Hi there!

In terms of visiting other hotels, that's definitely okay and encouraged! However, typically using the pool at a hotel you're not staying at is not allowed. Here's a post I found in "Pool Hopping" thread here on Disboards:

"Some of my family/friends are staying at a different resort, or offsite. Can they come to my resort and swim with my family?
Possibly. Disney policy states that only registered resort guests may use the pool, but IF the pool isn't too crowded, and IF you ask, the lifeguards have been known to make exceptions for visiting family and friends.
Of course, the fewer guests you want to bring into the pool area, the more likely the lifeguards will say 'yes'. If you want grandma and grandpa to join you, it probably won't be a problem. If you show up with 4 uncles, 3 aunts, and 14 assorted cousins.....well, expect the lifeguards to suggest you visit a water park instead. Do ask; it's much better to have the lifeguard's permission ahead of time than to subject your family and/or friends to the embarrassment of being asked to leave. Be aware that the lifeguards have final say in the matter. If the lifeguards feel that there are an unsafe number of people in the pool area, it's not going to matter if the front desk or the nice lady on the phone at Reservations said you could have guests."

The best hotel I can think of to recommend is the Wilderness Lodge - it's definitely more affordable than the Poly, and it's very close to the Poly! The theming is great for a four year old. Its around $500 per night typically in June, but maybe you can snag a discount once they are released for next year! You could also look into renting DVC points for the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge to save even more! The Caribbean Beach resort is a great resort, but it is HUGE and very spread out. Most of the moderate resorts are like that. I think upgrading to a more affordable Deluxe resort is totally worth it!

Hello, I appreciate the response! It’s just my son and I who are going in addition to meeting up with my sister and her family. I would say I’d be kind of disappointed if I couldn’t sit with them by the pool, I’m a little nervous that wouldn’t work out ya know. Unfortunately I cannot afford the near 800 a night price tag at the Poly, I’m just a single income here. I am counting on time apart, since my son is young and my sisters kids are 11and 14, but majority of time we would like to all be together during the park visits and dining/pool time.
I did see the wilderness lodge that was more reasonable, I live in CA and have stayed at the one at DL so I was hoping for something different, but that just may be the best option. Do you know if it is walking distance to the Poly?

 

[EmilyGahr]

Hello, I appreciate the response! It’s just my son and I who are going in addition to meeting up with my sister and her family. I would say I’d be kind of disappointed if I couldn’t sit with them by the pool, I’m a little nervous that wouldn’t work out ya know. Unfortunately I cannot afford the near 800 a night price tag at the Poly, I’m just a single income here. I am counting on time apart, since my son is young and my sisters kids are 11and 14, but majority of time we would like to all be together during the park visits and dining/pool time.
I did see the wilderness lodge that was more reasonable, I live in CA and have stayed at the one at DL so I was hoping for something different, but that just may be the best option. Do you know if it is walking distance to the Poly?

The distance may be walkable, but I definitely wouldn't recommend it. You could, however, take a quick boat ride to the Contemporary or Magic Kingdom and hop on the Monorail to the Poly!

 

[Schneewittchen37]

The distance may be walkable, but I definitely wouldn't recommend it. You could, however, take a quick boat ride to the Contemporary or Magic Kingdom and hop on the Monorail to the Poly!

The resorts are less than a mile apart, but there's a parkway in between them. And the TTC is kind of in the mix as well.

If all the covid restrictions are done and all the transportation services start running again, the quickest route is probably launch boat to Contemporary, then monorail to Poly. Or if the new bridge is open, a very long walk from the Contemporary to the Poly.

 

[Schneewittchen37]

And FYI. The Poly monorail station is closed right now for construction.

 

[Marthasor]

In the Magic Kingdom resort area, your most budget-friendly options will be a standard room at Wilderness Lodge or a studio at either Copper Creek or Boulder Ridge (both located at the Wilderness Lodge resort). None of those are within walking distance of Poly. You would need to boat to MK (or Contemporary resort if boats are running there at that time) and then take the monorail to Poly (if the Poly station is open at that time). A garden wing room at the Contemporary is also an option (and would price out less than Poly), but, again, you would need to make sure the Poly station is open during your stay. If you are willing to utilize uber or Lyft, transportation becomes a little more convenient between resorts. As PP mentioned, you could look into renting DVC points for a studio at Poly, but the terms and conditions for point rental are quite strict, so just make sure you read through the cancellation policy prior to committing.

 

[redrosesix]

Hello, I am taking my son to DW next June 2022, he will be 4. We are tagging along with my sister and her family. They have booked the Polynesian Hotel for 8 nights, but my budget is slightly lower than theirs. I was planning on something more like the Caribbean 300ish a night.
Will I be able to hang out and visit with them at hotel they are staying at? Can I go to their pool and vise verse?

another question, what hotel would be most convenient, keeping in mind I’d like to pay 300ish a night, I am a little flexible with the budget and also keeping in mind my son will be 4. I only plan on one park a day, no park hoping. Also if possible I would like to be near my sisters hotel, the Poly if possible.
Any answers or tips are welcomed, I am new to this

I think it's great that you know what your budget is, and if you stick to it you'll enjoy your trip more. Keep in mind that Disney resorts are big and even if your hotel was relatively close to the Poly it would still be a hike to get there. That said, there aren't really any less expensive hotels in that area unless you opt to go camping in Fort Wilderness and even then you would be taking a taxi back and forth.

If CBR is affordable for you, that's great -- they have pirate themed rooms which your little boy might love. CBR is on the Skyliner and having these additional transportation options is going to make it easier for you with a little one (who is going to have fun no matter which resort you choose, and is going to be tired at the end of every day so you may be carrying him back asleep).

I'll say it first because you're going to hear it a lot -- you'll probably want to take a midday break instead of doing all day at the parks. Days can seem very long, especially in summer in Florida, and it's good to get out of the heat for a while and get a swim or a nap in.

 

[chasgeese]

I think it's great that you know what your budget is, and if you stick to it you'll enjoy your trip more. Keep in mind that Disney resorts are big and even if your hotel was relatively close to the Poly it would still be a hike to get there. That said, there aren't really any less expensive hotels in that area unless you opt to go camping in Fort Wilderness and even then you would be taking a taxi back and forth.

If CBR is affordable for you, that's great -- they have pirate themed rooms which your little boy might love. CBR is on the Skyliner and having these additional transportation options is going to make it easier for you with a little one (who is going to have fun no matter which resort you choose, and is going to be tired at the end of every day so you may be carrying him back asleep).

I'll say it first because you're going to hear it a lot -- you'll probably want to take a midday break instead of doing all day at the parks. Days can seem very long, especially in summer in Florida, and it's good to get out of the heat for a while and get a swim or a nap in.

A word of warning on the Pirate rooms at CBR is that they are among the furthest rooms on property from the pool, the main building, and the Skyliner and they are typically the most expensive. They are fun, but once the novelty wears off that walk could be annoying, especially with a 4 year old.

I think your case might be a good one for renting points, but make sure you are aware of all the terms and are prepared for no refunds should you have to cancel. I think it’s possible to get a studio at WL or BLT (next to the Contemporary) in the mid $300s. I think Poly villas are more in the $400-$500 range.

 

[redrosesix]

A word of warning on the Pirate rooms at CBR is that they are among the furthest rooms on property from the pool, the main building, and the Skyliner and they are typically the most expensive. They are fun, but once the novelty wears off that walk could be annoying, especially with a 4 year old.

I think your case might be a good one for renting points, but make sure you are aware of all the terms and are prepared for no refunds should you have to cancel. I think it’s possible to get a studio at WL or BLT (next to the Contemporary) in the mid $300s. I think Poly villas are more in the $400-$500 range.

tbh if I were her I would take a 4 year old to AoA or Movies and use the money saved for a massage and a bunch of clothes, but I guess there was something she liked about CBR

 

[CheshKAT]

I totally agree with PP. You could save a ton of $$ going to any Value Resort and you could easily afford to Uber/Lyft it to the Poly for quick visits.

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

I haven't seen it explicitly mentioned, but you should know there is no easy way without your own transportation, or at least using a taxi service, to get between hotels. The majority of these hotels are quite far from each other and there aren't walking paths as WDW roads are mostly highway type roads. I think WDW is much larger than you are envisioning. If this trip is really meant for you all to do stuff together including meals, parks, and pooltime, it really is a no-brainer to stay at the same resort. If you can't swing a single room at the Poly, have you all thought about going in together and getting a room that fits all of you?

 

[kylenne]

Not saying people should risk it but how many people have actually been questioned on resort grounds? Perhaps it's a deluxe thing? I know at the moderates I can freely walk around, in and out of the pool etc and no one asks anything.

Pools at most Deluxes including the Poly are gated and require magic band entry. Stormalong Bay is stricter and has a CM stationed at the entrance who scans your band to make sure you are a guest of BC/YC, and they give you a wristband to wear like at the holiday parties.

DVC members are the only ones allowed to pool hop “legally” and then only between certain resorts. That’s not to say people don’t try it anyway, especially at the Poly. It’s obnoxious.

 

[maryj11]

In June you should be able to get a 30% discount. This year you can anyway, usually they do. I know right now Caribbean Beach for a standard room is around 250.00 with the discount. Wilderness Lodge which is closer to the Poly is about 300.00 a night with the 30% discount. If I were you I would book Wilderness Lodge. I believe right now a standard room there is 414.00 without a discount. You can usually get a discount.

 

[Heather07438]

This may seem like a bit advanced WDW planning but since you have a decent amount of time before the trip to become familiar, it may be worth the effort checking out how to rent Bay Lake Tower points to stay at the Contemporary.

Expect to pay somewhere between $16-$20 a point and that would be around $300 a night in June. You'd be one monorail stop from your family at the Poly and walking distance into Magic Kingdom. Weekdays in early June at $16 a point are $256/nite. Renting DVC points has no surprise costs- all taxes, fees and parking are included.

Have a magical trip wherever you decide

 

[MICKIMINI]

Hello, I appreciate the response! It’s just my son and I who are going in addition to meeting up with my sister and her family. I would say I’d be kind of disappointed if I couldn’t sit with them by the pool, I’m a little nervous that wouldn’t work out ya know. Unfortunately I cannot afford the near 800 a night price tag at the Poly, I’m just a single income here. I am counting on time apart, since my son is young and my sisters kids are 11and 14, but majority of time we would like to all be together during the park visits and dining/pool time.
I did see the wilderness lodge that was more reasonable, I live in CA and have stayed at the one at DL so I was hoping for something different, but that just may be the best option. Do you know if it is walking distance to the Poly?

You can not walk between the Poly and Wilderness. The roads are really highways. WDW is 40 square miles!

 

[Blondie58]

I think Carribean is very nice but I think for you and one little one Pop might be a consideration. Pop is a better price point than Carribean. Pop is on the gondola too. I had my first stay at Pop in May 2019 and loved it. I was trying to stay around $1,500 for the week and made it. This was for room, food and two special tours. I used flight points, an annual pass and had Magic Express transportation. Fantastic trip at a great price. Have a wonderful time.