Going Home to Disney

[RealDisneyFan]

Hey Gang,

I'm among the biggest Disney fans to walk the earth. And after a two year, agonizing hiatus, I am finally getting ready to return to Walt Disney World.

I would love to hear some thoughts on what y'all think the best resorts are.

And more importantly, I would like to know if anyone has heard of promotions or Annual Passholder discounts for the end of January of beginning of February.

I've visited Ft Wilderness repeatedly, the Carribean Beach resort several times, Port Orleans a time or two, The All Star Sports and All Star Movies a few times and the Wilderness Lodge... oh, and the Polynesian Village. So, I've tried to make the rounds. But I would love to hear your thoughts.

As a matter of fact, it seems when I was there last, the Disney Institute had closed for a little while. And with it, the Tree House Apartments. Does anyone know if those might have re-0pened? The Treehouse Apartments sat right next to the water way which connects Port Orleans and Riverside with Downtown Disney.

Y'all chat me up, will ya? I've been missing my second home!!!

 

[BCV23]

How exciting to be planning a trip. There are codes out for the general public as well as for passholders for that period.

The Disney Institute never reopened. Instead many of the villas were torn down and the area is being developed as a Disney Vacation Club resort called Saratoga Springs. I think 4 of the buildings for that resort are presently opened. They consist of studios, 1, 2 &3 bedroom villas.

The Treehouse Villas are still standing but are not open for visitors. There are different rumors about what will happen to the Treehouses.

As far as best, you will see so many different opinions. What sort of experience or atmosphere are you looking for? Price range?

Have fun planning and welcome to the DIS.

 

[ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!]

where do you want to be close to? what kind of a theme do you want?

ohhhh theres so much to do and so little time!

planning the vacation is just as fun as actually going there

what are you in hte mood for? end of jan/beginning of feb is still a bit chilly but nice

whatever it is, youre going to have a lot of fun!

 

[RealDisneyFan]

I've been working on meeting some financial goals. And gloriously, I'm proud to report that I will make my goals.

I said that to say, "That's why I'm going down there... to Celebrate"!

Beyond that, I don't know how to comment on the atmosphere I'm looking for. And on the cost? $100 to $200 per night maybe. But if you know what's available, I would love to learn.

Thanks for the thoughts.... Oh, and that's sad about the Treehouses.

 

[RealDisneyFan]

You know? The answer to your primary question has alot to do with the state of Disney transportation these days.

I hate to criticize Disney. But I remember when the Bus system was so dependable. If you walked out to your stop, you were on your way to the park of your choice in under 15 min.

They have obviously trimmed down the fleet in recent years and combined routes to include multiple hotels. So a trip from Wilderness Lodge to MGM means stopping a Polynesian and Grand Floridian before going on to the park. Plus there are fewer busses on any given route.

So, in an attempt to answer the question. The Seven Seas lagoon area comes to mind, because I can catch the monorail to the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT. And I can catch a boat from EPCOT to MGM.

Or the Boardwalk comes to mind for the same reason, walking distance to EPCOT, where I could catch a monorail to MK and also could take the boat from the hotel to MGM.

All of these leave Animal Kingdom at a distance, hmm...

Port Orleans comes back to mind too, because I like taking the pontoon boats to Pleasure Island. But that doesn't face the transportation issues to the normal parks. Plus, the boats don't run late enough for those of us who "really" kick up our heels.

Does that give y'all a place from which to give me some good advice?

 

[ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!]

I'd say its a tossup between Polynesian and Contemporary for the MK resorts. I love the Polynesian and we're doing the CR next year.

As for Epcot Resorts, for me right now, its ALL about the Boardwalk Inn. It has so much to do right there, and you're right. A quick walk to/through Epcot will get you to the monorail for MK and a boat ride to MGM. Plus all the wonderful things the Boardwalk has to offer.

So my vote, for you, goes for the Boardwalk, my current favorite Disney resort.

p.s. 200 ft waterslide.

 

[debaudrn]

I'm a DVC member since 1996 and the Boardwalk Villas are my favorites for all of the above reasons. You can also now walk to MGM too. Bus to MK and AK.
Debbie

 

[Harambe]

Try AKL for a totally different experience. Similar to the WL, but done in an African theme. It is gorgeous, the Mara food court is good, and the animals are so cool!

 

[hightown]

You're thread title caught my eye since we're going 'home' in 6 days!

Just my thoughts, the MK monrail and Epcot resorts will be over $200 a night even with a discount. WL or AKL with a discount would be under and they are nice.

WL, I don't like the transporation too much. Yes the boat is nice for MK. However, I don't like the bus at all to other parks. It shares with Ft Wilderness or sometimes the monorail resorts and it's far way from the other parks. I'd stay there again but not my first choice.

AKL is far away from MK. Closer to AK and MGM parks I think than WL. The big plus is that it does not share buses with other parks and the buses are so packed with people standing. With no other stops, I think their buses are faster in the long run. I didn't think I'd like AKL two years ago but after staying there last year, I can't wait to go back!

We were just at POP Century, my first value and I have to say I was impressed. When leaving the resort for the parks, usually the bus was already there and we'd have to run. Prompt pick up from the parks too. The only down side is that there are alot of people and there were always folks standing. It's a nice resort too. Food court nice and central to everything. Not as spread out as CBR. Although next time, I would pay the extra for the preferred buidling.

Anyway, Contrats! on meeting your goals!!! And enjoy your trip!