Going back for a surprise trip. Resort ideas?

[simplymama]

We just got back from a Grand Floridian Sugar Loaf stay on Sunday and today I received the invite for the pass holder preview event to Star Wars. We've only done a crazy back to back trip once, 10 years ago, but I think we are going to pull the trigger and do this. Sadly my husband has an important meeting he can't miss which means for the first three nights I'll be solo with our 3 youngest kids and then he'll fly in for the last 3 nights and join us. Our college kids have to start school that week so they are out too.

We have never stayed at the Beach Club, but every time we do a Cape May Breakfast Buffet we say we will give it a try the next time. So this is the next time and I was hoping it would work, but when I went to book it I could only get a room for the last four nights there.

So to get to stay there means having to do a split stay, but now I am undecided about where to stay for the first two nights. I could go with the Grand Floridian since it's familiar and not having my husband along will be strange enough and I do like being close to the MK. The thing is we usually stay club level there, and that's not available either and maybe silly, but feels like it might be a bit of a let down there then and we were just there for 8 nights so might be fun to do something different. I've thought of the Poly, as they have club level available but the food offerings never seem that appealing to us so probably not worth the extra dollars.

I was thinking I could just do a garden view room there but then have always thought the French Quarter looks pretty, and it certainly is a bit cheaper, but then I am a bit nervous with the lack of interior hallways without my husband there.

Does that bother anybody else? Just looking for thoughts.

 

[reluctantredhead]

Lucky you...two trips in a short time period!!!

How old are your children who'll be going on your August trip? I ask because as much as my family loves split level stays (they are now the norm for us), I personally would be hesitant to do one without your husband's help if your 3 children were too young to help with the packing of suitcases and/or were young enough to need mid-day naps at the room. But only you know your circumstances...with my own D I wouldn't have been comfortable doing it on my own, but your kids might be older, self-reliant, and helpful, and then it would be no big deal (I will hope this is the case!).

Having said all that, I completely understand what you mean about missing CL at the GF, and I'm with you in that the food offerings at the Poly lounge have never seemed like they were a good fit for my family either. I think you will find the CL food offerings at the BC very kid and adult friendly, though...there seems to be a little of something for everyone there. Another idea would be to check the availability for the BWI during your time frame and see if you can do your whole stay there -- IMHO and the opinion of many on the DIS, BWI has the best CL of all the Disney resorts, and its pool is smaller and more manageable for watching little ones who aren't strong swimmers.

I also agree with you that if you're used to staying in the deluxes and their interior hallways, the FQ (although it is our favorite mod) may not be the best choice for the portion of your trip without your H.

Another idea would be to try for the new CL at Gran Testino tower at CSR -- it's been getting really good reviews so far here on the DIS.

Sorry if this was rambling...hope there is at least a tidbit here that might be helpful!

 

[simplymama]

Lucky you...two trips in a short time period!!!

How old are your children who'll be going on your August trip? I ask because as much as my family loves split level stays (they are now the norm for us), I personally would be hesitant to do one without your husband's help if your 3 children were too young to help with the packing of suitcases and/or were young enough to need mid-day naps at the room. But only you know your circumstances...with my own D I wouldn't have been comfortable doing it on my own, but your kids might be older, self-reliant, and helpful, and then it would be no big deal (I will hope this is the case!).

Having said all that, I completely understand what you mean about missing CL at the GF, and I'm with you in that the food offerings at the Poly lounge have never seemed like they were a good fit for my family either. I think you will find the CL food offerings at the BC very kid and adult friendly, though...there seems to be a little of something for everyone there. Another idea would be to check the availability for the BWI during your time frame and see if you can do your whole stay there -- IMHO and the opinion of many on the DIS, BWI has the best CL of all the Disney resorts, and its pool is smaller and more manageable for watching little ones who aren't strong swimmers.

I also agree with you that if you're used to staying in the deluxes and their interior hallways, the FQ (although it is our favorite mod) may not be the best choice for the portion of your trip without your H.

Another idea would be to try for the new CL at Gran Testino tower at CSR -- it's been getting really good reviews so far here on the DIS.

Sorry if this was rambling...hope there is at least a tidbit here that might be helpful!

Thanks for the good suggestions. We have done CL at BWI a couple of times and enjoyed it, but they are booked too:-(.

My kids are tween/young teens so they can lug and carry things..haha, but you are definitely right if they were younger, I'd not want to move resorts without help.

I'll have a look at the Coronado tower. I've been seeing it mentioned lots lately.