Girls trip.. in December. Which hotel?

[MeridaMerida]

One of my best college girlfriends and myself are thinking of planning a girls weekend to Disney for 3 nights in early Dec. before the crowds come for the holidays. The dates I am looking into are Dec 6-9 (wed-sat). We are in our 30's.

A few things:
- Prob won't swim in December, but might use hot tub at resort
- Foodies, into all foods. She's from NYC so she is spoiled with good food.
- Wine and cocktail lovers
- My friend's favorite park is Animal Kingdom, mine is Magic Kingdom but I've never been to AK
- I ran a quick search and everything is available except Wilderness Lodge is sold out those dates
- Considering doing the deluxe dining plan. I would usually be traveling with my toddlers and husband so it's probably one of the few chances I have to try a lot of the sit down restaurants
- Would prefer a relaxing hotel, preferably a deluxe

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would consider BWI or YC. You will be in wine, cocktail and food paradise with all of the restaurants at the EP resorts and in EP WS within walking distance.

 

[NYCgrrl]

I like the idea of Epcot hotels since they are so close to where in my opinion the overall best food in DWD is: Epcot and DS.
Still your park preferences scream for the monorail hotels.

We normally stay at Poly with the traveling kids but since this is an adult trip and you only want hot tub access.......I'd opt for either the GF or Contemporary. You can walk to MK from the Contemporary and take a relatively short bus ride to AK. The ride from GF will only be a few moments whether via boat to MK or the bus to AK and there tends to be less children during the school year thus it's a bit calmer.

The man and I have chosen BWI for our adult trip this coming fall because the pool isn't as child friendly and we'll be steps away from one of our fav restaurants on the Broadwalk, Flying Fish.

You are going to have to make a decision as to what is more important to you: close to park or places you might like to eat at so I can only tell you how I came to make our hotel choice.

 

[TyphoonLegume]

Lots to run with here!

I know this sounds crazy... but I would consider Saratoga Springs. For adult trips, especially food related with potentially multiple evenings at different resort areas... the proximity of walking distance to Disney Springs, with all of the new restaurants and bars, as well as a travel hub for every resort on property... lends itself to a surprising, and often overlooked option for such occasions. There's even a spa if you're feeling fancy!

I know Saratoga is a tough sell for many though... and keep in mind that if you book a studio/1 bedroom... one of you is sleeping on a pull out or sharing a King bed. It's also quite lacking in the 'breakfast' department... especially when on the dinning plan and seeking table service options. So while the evening options/locations may be ideal... you may find yourself transferring buses or forking out for a 'Minnie Van' for morning options.

With the Deluxe Dinning Plan... I'd consider dinner at California Grill, with a monorail bar crawl and Trader Sams stop mixed in one night. Another night with Flying Fish and some Epcot Resort area bar hoping with a stop at AbracadaBar... don't skip the Swan and Dolphin either... pleasant surprises! Jiko is always a favorite if you're looking to round things out! Don't forget a good portion of resorts will also have their Christmas decorations up as well to tour!

Factor that in with multiple dinning/bar options at Disney Springs for 'pre' or 'post' game hop... and you gals are having more fun than 85% of people at the Magic Kingdom.

 

[rwdavis2]

The Deluxe plan is a lot of food. I mean a lot. If you all are not big eaters you may save money by paying out of pocket. The plans are not designed to save you money.

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

Yacht Club. Best pool, several hot tubs, walking distance to Boardwalk and Epcot restaurants and has a few good restaurants on site.

 

[NYCgrrl]

The Deluxe plan is a lot of food. I mean a lot. If you all are not big eaters you may save money by paying out of pocket. The plans are not designed to save you money.

Should you not be used to balancing a meal that consists of an appetizer, entree, and dessert..you're right- heck of a lot of food.
While on the deluxe dining plan we eat the same way we do at home. A vegetable centric appetizer as opposed to chicken wings, something pizza based, quiche or anything bread based, followed by a heavier main course, and if we chose to eat the proffered dessert it's often a lighter ice cream or egg based ending sweetie. The way I see it making and eating a menu requires forethought and we do well at getting our money's worth from a DxDP. Also don't have a problem leisurely enjoying a meal and it's company for 2 odd hours of my life which might help us from feeling bloated although we are missing "time at the parks".

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I was thinking you might like the Dolphin.

 

[greentea]

Just want to go out on a limb a bit and suggest AKL.

AKL is relaxing, has beautiful theming, and has 3 great restaurants. Jiko is especially great, and has an extensive South African wine list.

Sure, you'll have to take the buses everywhere, but like you said, no toddlers with you, and I've never had trouble with the buses.

Otherwise, I'd recommend an Epcot area resort for the food possibilities. I've only stayed at Beach Club, but we really enjoyed it and being so close to Epcot is great. Do you have specific restaurants you plan to try?

 

[Twilight Sparkle]

Just want to go out on a limb a bit and suggest AKL.

AKL is relaxing, has beautiful theming, and has 3 great restaurants. Jiko is especially great, and has an extensive South African wine list.

Sure, you'll have to take the buses everywhere, but like you said, no toddlers with you, and I've never had trouble with the buses.

Otherwise, I'd recommend an Epcot area resort for the food possibilities. I've only stayed at Beach Club, but we really enjoyed it and being so close to Epcot is great. Do you have specific restaurants you plan to try?

I agree with the above - especially since your friend's favorite park is AK. I think she'll love AKL. The lobby is always gorgeous, but I bet it's even prettier in December.

There are indoor and outdoor fire pits to gather around in the evenings, and Victoria Falls is a nice - and popular - bar.

Edited to add: Also, since you two are foodies, you might want to take advantage of the free culinary tour for Boma and Jiko. You get to talk to a cultural guide and sample food.

 

[piratepride]

AKL is beautiful! That would be my choice.

 

[sjrec]

I love AKL-we’re spending a week there in April, but for your type of trip I would recommend the Epcot resorts. So many good restaurants and nice bars and if you’re there in December the decorations should be beautiful.
If you prefer the spending the day at MK, what about the Grand Floridian? Lots of options to use those dining plan credits.
Sounds like a fun trip!

 

[DLgal]

I was thinking you might like the Dolphin.

I was going to suggest the same thing. Much better (truly signature) restaurants onsite, great bars, a Mandara Spa, etc.

My sister and I stayed at the Dolphin last girls trip and I would stay there again no question.