Grand Floridian to Art of Animation...will I be disappointed?

[Disneypro1]

I have to ask...whats the issue with rooms that exit to the outside? POFQ for example or POP. I never thought of that as a bad thing. its kinda nice to open the door to the World.
POFQ is just the most beautiful resort..the grounds especially. It could not be done with hallways.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Thanks for everyone’s advice. Ended up switching to wilderness lodge. You only live once!

GReat choice. Enjoy!!

 

[Lacoccinelle]

I have to ask...whats the issue with rooms that exit to the outside? POFQ for example or POP. I never thought of that as a bad thing. its kinda nice to open the door to the World.
POFQ is just the most beautiful resort..the grounds especially. It could not be done with hallways.

I agree that it does add to POFQ and the resort is beautiful. I didn’t like the rooms much or the layout. I also personally really do not like when the door opens to the outside. Bugs and chameleons get in (yes, this has happened many times to me in various hotels) as the cleaning crew props the door open to clean. It is 100% my issue and my opinion, but that is why I don’t like it.

I also prefer the communal space in the hotels like WL, AKL, Contemporary, Poly, GF. The other hotels, including Beach and Yacht have a smaller area to people watch that is indoors. When we go in the summer, I prefer my coffee with air conditioning. Clearly, I am not a nature girl

OP- Wilderness is our favorite resort. Hope your stay is amazing. Get Magic Bars and ask if you can be the flag family when you show up.

 

[have2getaway]

Thanks for everyone’s advice. Ended up switching to wilderness lodge. You only live once!

So excited for you! Enjoy your trip!

 

[sndral]

Just FYI AoA has indoor hallways.

Well, I learned something new - I’d seen photos of the exterior walkways of the regular rooms (little Mermaid?) but it seems the several family suite buildings have interior hallways!

Thanks for everyone’s advice. Ended up switching to wilderness lodge. You only live once!

WL is an excellent choice at Christmas, the Christmas tree is awesome. I always try to swing by the WL when I’m there for the holidays and grab one of the rocking chairs by the massive stone fireplace to just soak in that tree. Do take time to go out the IG on your Epcot day and visit the BC’s lobby, the life sized chocolate carousel is worth seeing. Likewise, stop by the lobby at the GF to check out their tree and gingerbread house as well.

 

[DebbieB]

I am a DVC Member and have stayed mostly Deluxe. Stayed at AOA twice and liked it as part of a split stay. Did a Cars Family Suite one time and Little Mermaid last year. Little Mermaid is a long walk but the rooms are OK for 2 people or an adult and 2 kids. Bus transportation was good. Liked the food court.

Little Mermaid is all exterior hallways, family suites are interior (but no balconies).

 

[ariane37]

Thanks for everyone’s advice. Ended up switching to wilderness lodge. You only live once!

My absolute favorite and it's even more beautiful than usual during the holidays Enjoy!

 

[rajahfan7]

I usually stay deluxe. Tried AoA on the last trip. My dd (11) said it was her favorite hotel. Amazing theming, just all around beautiful. That being said I wish I’d had a balcony and indoor hallways to food/lobby. Since it’s very family friendly there were some inconsiderate loud families leaving at 7/7:30 am to get to parks. I found that annoying. The dining hall while big annoyed me too. Just too many kids lol

 

[disney075]

I did the exact trip you are planning last December. I have only ever stayed at deluxe resorts for 15+ trips but my mom and I wanted to go for 3 days to do Christmas. We got in late Thursday night and left Sunday afternoon. We stayed at Pop and actually ended up loving it. We got so much done during our weekend. We did disney springs, MVMCP, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and a Poly breakfast. We spent a decent amount of time at the resort too. We had a refurbished room so it was very nice. The food at the food court for breakfast was enjoyable and we enjoyed the pool bar and walking around in the mornings. It sounds like this is what you're trying to do and I highly recommend it!

 

[hedberg1661]

Personally I think this will be a major let down given what you have experienced in the past. Christmastime at the Deluxe Resorts is the most magical time of year IMO and I couldn't imagine jumping from GF to AoA.