Given these priorities, which resort would you recommend?

[onetrickpony]

Hello. Been lurking for a few days, and this my first post. Please be kind.

We are planning a trip for early March 2013 to celebrate my birthday, our wedding anniversary, and DH's return from deployment. Yay! DH and I have previously stayed at AKL (as a couple) and CBR (with our then 7-month-old DS). There were things that we liked and disliked about both properties but we would stay at either of them again. However, we'd like to try a different resort just for a new experience. I have done a lot of research on the properties, and my head is swimming from all of the details that I'm trying to sort out.

So. I thought that I'd come to the experts for help! Guessing that the best way to go about this is to share our list of priorities and see which resorts you think rank highest in comparison. Of course, some variables are subjective. And that's OK. All opinions welcome.

(Oh, in case it matters, our DS will be 19 months on this trip. He is the reason for a lot of these priorities.)

Priorities (not in order of importance)
- watch Wishes from our room, unobstructed
- some form of non-bus transport to at least one park (walk/monorail/boat)
- interior corridors
- zero-entry pool
- splash pad
- playground
- king bed option
- good QS food options (loved the ones at CBR)
- "magical" theming (I want to feel transported to another time and place when I'm at DW. DH wants to one day stay at CR, but the aesthetics there don't excite me. It looks like a Disneyfied Hilton to me--sorry, CR fans! So although this isn't a deal-breaker for me, CR would not be my first choice.)
- proximity to all parks (i.e., more centrally located like POR/POFQ vs on the outskirts like AKL)
- size/layout of room (larger is obviously better; being able to separate ourselves from DS's sleeping area after he goes to bed would be a big plus)

Our budget is not unlimited but pretty open. So don't hold back.

Oh, and the only deal-breakers are the no-entry pool and a splash pad. Must have both.

ETA 08/30/12: I did want to throw this out there: Doesn't Epcot do fireworks? Are they nightly? Are there resorts from which you can watch these fireworks while in your room? If yes, that might open up our choices ...

 

[Planogirl]

The Polynesian Resort seems to hit on most of your requirements. None of the resorts will be exactly perfect though.

 

[MMS1125]

to help you narrow down here's the resorts with a zero entry pool. That will eliminate a lot of your other choices if that's a priority
Caribbean Beach Resort
The Polynesian
The Grand Floridian
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Saratoga Springs Resort
Yacht Club/Beach Club have a sandy bottom wading area/pool that I consider zero entry but some don't
BLT

I THINK that's all but I may have missed one


Based on those I'd go with the Poly

Can watch Wishes
Zero Entry Pool
Splash Pad
Monorail and Boat
playground
interior corridors
king bed

You might also want to see about a 1BR Villa somewhere. Maybe BLT or Beach Club? They have a sand bottom pool that would be great for your son and give you and your DH a separate sleeping area. That would be my first option if my budget could swing it.

 

[DisneyMomto3Boys]

Either the Poly or Grand Floridian. Both would be fantastic! I will say, in my experience that the deluxe resorts don't have the best QS food options, but it'll suffice.

 

[reiella]

From what you describe, I'd say Polynesian. It hits pretty much all of your goals, Grand Floridian may also be up your alley, all depending on what you mean by another time.

If central is more important than Wishes, then I'd suggest going with an Epcot resort, but YC/BC may not fit your entry pool needs.

 

[mickeynut1]

I agree that the Poly would be a good choice . It has a great zero entry pool that backs up to the beach with a view of the castle in the distance. For transportation, it's just 2 monorail stops to MK and is within walking distance to the TTC where you can catch the Epcot monorail. We love Captain Cooks for quick CS meals or snacks, but you could also hop on the monorail to go to the GF or CR for dining. Good luck deciding and happy planning .

 

[goofy4tink]

The Polynesian meets pretty much all your needs. There are only so many rooms that you can watch Wishes right from though. When we stayed at the Polynesian, we were in Tokelau....couldn't see the fireworks from the room, but we just walked out the end of the bldg and watched from right there.

A one bedroom villa, theme park view,at BLT, would be pretty much perfect. You might want to see what it would cost there, by renting DVC points. That really keeps the cost down. Watch Wishes from your balcony. Your ds could sleep in the living room area, the master bedroom has a king bed. QS is pretty good over in the main tower of the CR. The pool is nice. And you can walk to MK and monorail over to the TTC to get the Epcot monorail!!

 

[rcraw45425]

The Polynesian meets pretty much all your needs. There are only so many rooms that you can watch Wishes right from though. When we stayed at the Polynesian, we were in Tokelau....couldn't see the fireworks from the room, but we just walked out the end of the bldg and watched from right there.

A one bedroom villa, theme park view, would be pretty much perfect. You might want to see what it would cost there, by renting DVC points. That really keeps the cost down. Watch Wishes from your balcony. Your ds could sleep in the living room area, the master bedroom has a king bed. QS is pretty good over in the main tower of the CR. The pool is nice. And you can walk to MK and monorail over to the TTC to get the Epcot monorail!!

I believe that the second part of this message refers to the Bay Lake Tower at the COntemporary, just to clarify

 

[Cherinva]

I would go with the Poly for reasons others have stated....it seems to meet most of you wishes.....BTW...I've stayed there and loved it.

 

[Belleofthehouse]

I am with the majority...Poly fits the bill for you and your family. All of your priorities are met and the resort is BEAUTIFUL!

Have a great trip!!!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

I believe that the second part of this message refers to the Bay Lake Tower at the COntemporary, just to clarify

Thanks for the catch.

As far as some things not being met at the Polynesian....there are no king beds at the Poly, unless you book a suite. And and the rooms with theme park views are not as numerous as the other room view catagories. The other thing that bothers me about the Polynesian is that you have to walk outside to get to the main bldg and food court. If it's raining, you're going to get wet. At BLT, yes, you go outside, but it's a raised walkeway (about 4th floor level) and it's covered, with the sides covered at some areas along the way. You just don't get wet walking over to the CR to eat.

 

[onetrickpony]

I only have a minute and will respond more fully later, but thank you so much for all of the responses! Sounds like the Poly is in the lead.

I did want to throw this out there: Doesn't Epcot do fireworks? Are they nightly? Are there resorts from which you can watch these fireworks while in your room? If yes, that might open up our choices ...

 

[Redheaded Sunshine]

I would recommend Poly based on what you want. The only thing I didn't care much for at Poly was the QS food, not because of the food, the area was just really really cramped. But they have Dole Whip, so that's a bonus!

Word of warning, if you want to watch Wishes in your room, you'll have to get a theme park view room, which is considerably more than regular. That said, when we stayed there, we were in Tokelau (sp??) and we could walk to the end of the hall and watch it from the patio/stairwell there. They also have a nightly water parade that my DS absolutely LOVES.

And depended on DS's age at the time of trip, the Neverland Club is there which I HIGHLY recommend for a parent's night out and kids night in, mine LOVED it and can't wait to visit their "club" again. *I just re-read the original post and I think DS will be too young for Neverland Club*

 

[meredith1]

We stayed at CR when we took our then, 3 year old daughter. We had a Magic Kingdom view. We loved sitting out on the Balcony in our pj's, drink in hand, and watching wishes at the end of our day. The rooms are big and they have a very nice day bed that is very comfy. We turned out all the lights, put the TV on low and played on our computers when we put her down.

I was really worried about being in the same room with her because she has never slept with us but, it was fine-more than fine.

This next trip we are taking the kids (three of them, a five yr old and twins that will be 3.5 at the time of travel) and my parents. I originally booked a two bedroom suite at GF but, just changed the ressie to include two Deluxe Queen rooms with daybeds in the main building, club level w/ a Magic Kingdom view. I'm so pumped. The GF would also fulfill your desire for the pool (they have two of them). On a side note, when I changed my ressie from the two bedroom suite to two Deluxe Rooms for five nights, it took the cost down automatically almost 3000.00. Wowzers.

The Poly is also on the monorail but, it's just so dark to me. Lots of people love, love it though.

I wasn't crazy about the CR BUT, the MK view was awesome as was the five minute walk at the end of the day-you didn't have to wait in another line just to get back to your resort.

For us, a MK resort on the monorail is essential with having such little kids.

 

[meredith1]

We stayed at CR when we took our then, 3 year old daughter. We had a Magic Kingdom view. We loved sitting out on the Balcony in our pj's, drink in hand, and watching wishes at the end of our day. The rooms are big and they have a very nice day bed that is very comfy. We turned out all the lights, put the TV on low and played on our computers when we put her down.

I was really worried about being in the same room with her because she has never slept with us but, it was fine-more than fine.

This next trip we are taking all the kids (three of them, and twins that will be 3.5) and my parents. I originally booked a two bedroom suite at GF but, just changed the ressie to include two Deluxe Queen rooms with daybeds in the main building, club level w/ a Magic Kingdom view. I'm so pumped. The GF would also fulfill your desire for the pool (they have two of them).

The Poly is also on the monorail but, it's just so dark to me. Lots of people love, love it though.

I wasn't crazy about the CR BUT, the MK view was awesome as was the five minute walk at the end of the day-you didn't have to wait in another line just to get back to your resort.

For us, a MK resort on the monorail is essential with having such little kids.

 

[rcraw45425]

We stayed at CR when we took our then, 3 year old daughter. We had a Magic Kingdom view. We loved sitting out on the Balcony in our pj's, drink in hand, and watching wishes at the end of our day. The rooms are big and they have a very nice day bed that is very comfy. We turned out all the lights, put the TV on low and played on our computers when we put her down.

I was really worried about being in the same room with her because she has never slept with us but, it was fine-more than fine.

This next trip we are taking the kids (three of them, a five yr old and twins that will be 3.5 at the time of travel) and my parents. I originally booked a two bedroom suite at GF but, just changed the ressie to include two Deluxe Queen rooms with daybeds in the main building, club level w/ a Magic Kingdom view. I'm so pumped. The GF would also fulfill your desire for the pool (they have two of them). On a side note, when I changed my ressie from the two bedroom suite to two Deluxe Rooms for five nights, it took the cost down automatically almost 3000.00. Wowzers.

The Poly is also on the monorail but, it's just so dark to me. Lots of people love, love it though.

I wasn't crazy about the CR BUT, the MK view was awesome as was the five minute walk at the end of the day-you didn't have to wait in another line just to get back to your resort.

For us, a MK resort on the monorail is essential with having such little kids.

we are CR fans for the reasons mentioned above. Love the GF but dont know when you plan to stay there. Be advised that there is major construction going on at GF with the addition of DVC. Some amenities like the quiet pool may be closed.

 

[*Fantasia*]

It sounds like the Polynesian is what you're looking for.

 

[twinboysmom]

I would choose the CR or BLT. To me, the view of wishes from the tower of the CR is hands down the best (and I believe it better than the Poly, my opinion). BLT would offer you a separate sleeping area from your son (if you reserved a ne bedroom unit) and it has the aero entry pool you are looking for. BLT and CR also give you the option to walk to the MK (much quicker than the monorail) which to me is awesome. If you prefer to walk inside to the restaurants and such, CR and BLT provide that. Poly has many buildings and if the weather is bad and you want a bite to eat or when you come back from a park and it's rainy, you must walk outside. The poly also does not have balconies for all rooms (unsure if all theme park view rooms guarantee a balcony) but if you book a theme park viewin the cr or BLT you will get a balcony. And there are no king beds at the poly (except a suite).

You mentioned the atmosphere at the CR looking Hiltonesque. I can see that but after staying there, it is much prettier than I imagined. It is also very magical to see the monorail going through the resort.

You asked about seeing the Epcot fireworks from the Epcot area resorts. To my knowledge, there is a chance you might get a room with a view of the fireworks but none of the resorts have that as a bootable category. We stayed at the BW and could see the fireworks from the balcony (not a perfect view) and it was nothing in comparison to the views the monorail resorts provide of the MK fireworks. Also, with a toddler I woukd stay at a monorail resort over an Epcot resort. You will send a lot of time at MK and our experiences the bus service to the MK from the Epcot resorts has been terrible, every time.

 

[reiella]

You asked about seeing the Epcot fireworks from the Epcot area resorts. To my knowledge, there is a chance you might get a room with a view of the fireworks but none of the resorts have that as a bootable category. We stayed at the BW and could see the fireworks from the balcony (not a perfect view) and it was nothing in comparison to the views the monorail resorts provide of the MK fireworks. Also, with a toddler I woukd stay at a monorail resort over an Epcot resort. You will send a lot of time at MK and our experiences the bus service to the MK from the Epcot resorts has been terrible, every time.

Quite, and to add, the Epcot show is more of a laser + firework show, so it's really doesn't lend itself well to being seen away from the World Showcase.

Fun sidenote, we have actually been able to see [parts, very little] of MVMCP Wishes from Epcot around Illuminations time before. Not enough to enjoy them just enough to go "oh hey look".

 

[heidijanesmith]

The Poly would be my choice for you, hands down. Check out the tikiman's website for more Poly info, maps and pics.