Have to drop 1 resort...don't know what one to drop!?

[flinkerfrosch]

So, you're going for 16 days, with a lot of those days not in the parks? Correct? If you're going to have down days anyway, why not stick with the 3 resorts plan and spend that addtl bit of time moving. You'll have a car, so your bags can stay in the car until your room is ready. Not having a room when you get to the resort, immediately, is the big 'con' for me when changing resorts. But, since you'll have a car, you will be able to have your clothes and swim suits handy. Pack up, drive to the next resort and get checked in. If the room isn't ready yet, change your clothes and go for a swim...relax by the pool. Or just head off to do whatever you want to do.
If you were going to be in the parks every day, all day? I would say to dump one resort (probably AKL) and only move once. But you are planning on down days.
I love AKL..it's one of my favorite resorts. If you want to relax at a resort and do nothing, then AKL is a terrific choice. BC allows you good access to both Epcot and DHS, while the Polynesian is wonderful for MK access.

I really don't think switching resorts every 5 days is a big deal. It takes about an hour and could possibly leave you room-less until the afternoon. If you're okay with not having a room for a few hours, then I say go for it.

yes, you are correct!
I agree with you 100%!!! Thats almost exactly what I have told my DH. It's my DH that doesn't want to move 3 times...
I don't really want to drop any of the 3 because I think the 3 have some amazing/different things to offer...
Having the car will come in very handy, and the days we move resorts, I had always planned that as a resort day!

I am still working on him, and "may" get my way, but I really wanted some help in my decision in case I didn't win this one!?

 

[flinkerfrosch]

If you have a rental car ........... that makes it very easy to split resort visits. With a rental car, you should really try to convince your hubby to split x 3.
On the day of check out , pack up your luggage in the trunk of th rental car. Then either stay at the resort and enjoy it, check in at the next resort (hopefully your room might be ready) and enjoy that resort for the day until the room is ready or go to a park, waterpark minigolf, tour other resorts etc. You will only be "homeless" for about 4 hours. You are like us, and we really never unpack........rarely do we use the dresser drawers, just the closet for hanging up our nice "go out to eat" outfits. We just live out of our suitcases, and usually have 1 combined "dirty clothes" bag.

My new vote (since you have a rental car). DONT drop anything........convince your hubby to try a split x 3. I bet when its all over he will admit to liking the experience.

Good luck with your decision !

Syndrome

Haha..sounds like we are a lot alike! Everything you have said is me as well! I do exactly what you do when travelling. I never unpack except the "nice" clothing. I am a neat freak, so it is never an issue...

I am still working on the DH..I really think I "may" win this one, but it is still so nice to hear everyone's opinions if I do end up having to drop 1 resort.

I also did plan on our move days that we would have a resort day, so we could relax and enjoy the pool etc...It wouldn't matter if our room was ready or not because we would be in the pool

 

[flinkerfrosch]

SAB is a nice pool complex, but since it is shared between 2 resorts, it can/does get crowded, IMO. Our favorite pool on property is the volcano pool at the Poly (even over SAB). We did enjoy SAB, but I think it's pretty spread out and is sometimes hard to keep track of little ones.



ITA .



We've stayed both pool and savanna view and while savanna view was nice, we liked the pool view just as much . One thing we loved about our pool view room was that it was very convenient to the lobby, gift shop, and elevator to go down to the pool and Mara. Savanna view rooms are great for watching the animals from your balcony, but they are quite a hike from the lobby, restaurants, etc. I wouldn't hesitate to book a pool over savanna view again .



If you won't be spending a lot of time at Epcot/DHS, I would drop BC. Transportation can be hit or miss from the Epcot resorts (via the buses), so if only a day or two would be spent at Epcot with most days at MK, I would go with AKL. BC also doesn't have CS like that of the other deluxe resorts. CS options are very limited, IMO, especially if you want a quick breakfast and are looking for things like eggs, waffles, etc. BC is a beautiful resort, but depending on what you're looking for, sometimes there are better options.

I have heard the Poly pool can get crowded as well, but I have no intention of dropping the Poly, and I am hoping in Oct it won't be too busy.

I am still trying to convince DH to keep all 3...

As for the BC...we were going to try Cape May Cafe for breakfast, and Beaches and Cream..I really want to try the Kitchen sink..YUMMY! Although, you aren't the 1st to say the CS selections are limited...

Its ironic because when we first planned out trip we were only staying 7 nights at WDW and we were staying at POR. Then I convinced DH to stay even longer (15 nights now) and I also swayed him to Deluxe..I am lucky we even get to stay at 2 out of the 3 Deluxe resorts, but when he initally agreed to 3, then said "I would rather do 2" I should have said "ok, np" but now I am so torn, and really shouldn't be because we are so lucky we would even get to experience 2 of them.

Either way, we are going to have a great time, and our boys will have a blast! I am really looking forward to this much needed family vacation

Thanks again for all your help

 

[mickeynut1]

I have heard the Poly pool can get crowded as well, but I have no intention of dropping the Poly, and I am hoping in Oct it won't be too busy.

I am still trying to convince DH to keep all 3...

As for the BC...we were going to try Cape May Cafe for breakfast, and Beaches and Cream..I really want to try the Kitchen sink..YUMMY! Although, you aren't the 1st to say the CS selections are limited...

Its ironic because when we first planned out trip we were only staying 7 nights at WDW and we were staying at POR. Then I convinced DH to stay even longer (15 nights now) and I also swayed him to Deluxe..I am lucky we even get to stay at 2 out of the 3 Deluxe resorts, but when he initally agreed to 3, then said "I would rather do 2" I should have said "ok, np" but now I am so torn, and really shouldn't be because we are so lucky we would even get to experience 2 of them.

Either way, we are going to have a great time, and our boys will have a blast! I am really looking forward to this much needed family vacation

Thanks again for all your help

A lot of people do feel the Poly gets too crowded, but you can't beat how the pool backs up to the beach with a distant view of the castle while swimming . I think all of the pools get crowded, some more than others, but they all have their crowded times. I think 3 resorts in 15 days is a great idea. It gives you enough time to enjoy each resort before moving on to the next one. We did a 2/4 split a couple of years ago and it just wasn't worth it for that short of a time, but you have a long enough trip that I don't think it would be bad at all moving. I hope you can convince your DH to stick with the 3 because you chose 3 great resorts . I do agree, though, that you will have a great trip no matter what .

 

[flinkerfrosch]

A lot of people do feel the Poly gets too crowded, but you can't beat how the pool backs up to the beach with a distant view of the castle while swimming . I think all of the pools get crowded, some more than others, but they all have their crowded times. I think 3 resorts in 15 days is a great idea. It gives you enough time to enjoy each resort before moving on to the next one. We did a 2/4 split a couple of years ago and it just wasn't worth it for that short of a time, but you have a long enough trip that I don't think it would be bad at all moving. I hope you can convince your DH to stick with the 3 because you chose 3 great resorts . I do agree, though, that you will have a great trip no matter what .

Thank_you

I will try and work my magic on my DH...LOL

 

[Belle'sFan]

You are spending a lot of time focusing on the resorts, but with two young kids you may find they want more times in the parks. I can't imagine being there 15 days and only going to Epcot once! The resorts are great and we enjoy resort time, but a Disney vacation with kids is all about the parks. On our planned pool day at the resort I told the kids no parks, we are going to relax and swim - to which my DD asked, " is that a rule?" It is tough to pick a resort, but we always go with just one, and once the fun starts, the last thing we would want to do is spend time switching. It all sounds fun beforehand, but once you're there it doesn't affect your fun at all if you stay at one deluxe or three. I would at least agree with your DJ and pick 2. Sounds like you will have more trips in the future, so why pack it all into one trip?

 

[Mama Who]

yes, you are correct!
I agree with you 100%!!! Thats almost exactly what I have told my DH. It's my DH that doesn't want to move 3 times...
I don't really want to drop any of the 3 because I think the 3 have some amazing/different things to offer...
Having the car will come in very handy, and the days we move resorts, I had always planned that as a resort day!

I am still working on him, and "may" get my way, but I really wanted some help in my decision in case I didn't win this one!?

Maybe offer a compromise? If he just doesn't want to do the packing and transfer twice, offer to handle the grunt work while he takes the kids to the pool or something, make good use of bell services and then go fetch him and the kids and take them to the new home. Make it so easy that all he does is ride in the car. It might be enough to sway him and you (for the cost of a couple hours) get your third resort. More work for you, but possibly worth it.

If you can't sway him, my opinion (having never stayed at any of the resorts) is to cling to BC with all your might. We are SO staying there when we make it to FL. I would choose AKL for the second because the Poly just doesn't appeal to me personally. It's a little much.

 

[kellyg403]

I have not stayed at BC but I have stayed at AKL with 2 6yos! There were a tone of activities for the kids. One night they were in the lobby making pictures with dyed ostrich egg shells. There is storytelling. The pool there was fabulous and they did games quite often. We go in Dec so there were not many at the pool, once there were only 3 families, but they had the games anyway. That was fun!

I hope you are able to stay at all three! That makes the choice much easier!

eta; we also spent quite a bit of time exploring the resort itself. There were so many interesting things to see.
Kelly

 

[flinkerfrosch]

I have not stayed at BC but I have stayed at AKL with 2 6yos! There were a tone of activities for the kids. One night they were in the lobby making pictures with dyed ostrich egg shells. There is storytelling. The pool there was fabulous and they did games quite often. We go in Dec so there were not many at the pool, once there were only 3 families, but they had the games anyway. That was fun!

I hope you are able to stay at all three! That makes the choice much easier!

eta; we also spent quite a bit of time exploring the resort itself. There were so many interesting things to see.
Kelly

I am so glad you loved AKL! I am so glad they have lots of activities to keep the kids busy

I do hope to stay at all 3, so time will tell...wish me luck

Thank-you

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Maybe offer a compromise? If he just doesn't want to do the packing and transfer twice, offer to handle the grunt work while he takes the kids to the pool or something, make good use of bell services and then go fetch him and the kids and take them to the new home. Make it so easy that all he does is ride in the car. It might be enough to sway him and you (for the cost of a couple hours) get your third resort. More work for you, but possibly worth it.

If you can't sway him, my opinion (having never stayed at any of the resorts) is to cling to BC with all your might. We are SO staying there when we make it to FL. I would choose AKL for the second because the Poly just doesn't appeal to me personally. It's a little much.

Yes, compromise is always good! And trust me, I do do it all...all the packing, all the organizing, everything...lol!

I still have some time to sway him..hehe

 

[Dannek]

I would personally drop the BC and stay at AKL.

The convenience of BC to Epcot and the Boardwalk is nice, and the pool is nice too. But you say you will be going somewhere after Disney where you will be able to have a lot of pool time, and imo the BC resort is just meh compared to the AKL, outside of it's pool and it's location.

The lobby at the AKL is breathtaking with it's high atrium, awesome theming, and floor to glass fascia in the back overlooking the Arusha Savannah. It's so detailed everywhere you look. It feels so warm and alive. The indoor fire pit and the balconies overlooking the savannah make it a hive of activity. The smell, the music, and the hand carved shields on each room door make it all very unique.

There is a ton of things to do at the AKL for kids. I posted the June activities sheet in two other threads that I didn't bookmark, but you can find one and see for yourself. There is a great zero entry pool with lush tropical landscaping surrounding it. The Mara CS restaurant is right off of the pool, and a child's pool and a hot tub are all there as well. The health club and arcade are right off of the pool area. Boma and Jiko are excellent restaurants with flavors that you won't find at other Disney resorts, as well as regular staple dishes that are available.

If your kids love animals, a savannah view room at the AKL is the only resort at which you can have that experience. The savannah "overlooks" from the common areas, the night vision goggles for viewing, the campfires, and the awesome CM's from Africa all make AKL my favorite themed resort. The Poly is also a fantastic themed resort, so you have it all covered.

You have only good choices here and you can't make a bad decision. Hopefully you can swing all three as flavor is the spice of life and each resort is worth staying at...

Good luck.

 

[disd55]

AKL is a stunning and very cool resort, but given the chance to stay at the other two amazing resorts, I would drop AKL. It doesn't compare to BC and Poly. It's also out of the way. BC is conveniently located by boat to Epcot and HS. It also has a pool that acts like a disney water park. Poly is just an amazing resort and you shouldn't even think about dropping it.

 

[goofy4tink]

yes, you are correct!
I agree with you 100%!!! Thats almost exactly what I have told my DH. It's my DH that doesn't want to move 3 times...
I don't really want to drop any of the 3 because I think the 3 have some amazing/different things to offer...
Having the car will come in very handy, and the days we move resorts, I had always planned that as a resort day!

I am still working on him, and "may" get my way, but I really wanted some help in my decision in case I didn't win this one!?

Good luck!! I know my dh doesn't like moving one time!! And I'm the queen of resort switchers!!! He's putting up with staying at Vero Beach for 4 days and then heading 'home' to BWV for the rest of the stay!!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

I would personally drop the BC and stay at AKL.

The convenience of BC to Epcot and the Boardwalk is nice, and the pool is nice too. But you say you will be going somewhere after Disney where you will be able to have a lot of pool time, and imo the BC resort is just meh compared to the AKL, outside of it's pool and it's location.

The lobby at the AKL is breathtaking with it's high atrium, awesome theming, and floor to glass fascia in the back overlooking the Arusha Savannah. It's so detailed everywhere you look. It feels so warm and alive. The indoor fire pit and the balconies overlooking the savannah make it a hive of activity. The smell, the music, and the hand carved shields on each room door make it all very unique.

There is a ton of things to do at the AKL for kids. I posted the June activities sheet in two other threads that I didn't bookmark, but you can find one and see for yourself. There is a great zero entry pool with lush tropical landscaping surrounding it. The Mara CS restaurant is right off of the pool, and a child's pool and a hot tub are all there as well. The health club and arcade are right off of the pool area. Boma and Jiko are excellent restaurants with flavors that you won't find at other Disney resorts, as well as regular staple dishes that are available.

If your kids love animals, a savannah view room at the AKL is the only resort at which you can have that experience. The savannah "overlooks" from the common areas, the night vision goggles for viewing, the campfires, and the awesome CM's from Africa all make AKL my favorite themed resort. The Poly is also a fantastic themed resort, so you have it all covered.

You have only good choices here and you can't make a bad decision. Hopefully you can swing all three as flavor is the spice of life and each resort is worth staying at...

Good luck.

I think you should write for Disney, especially AKL You have described AKL with such passion and flavor!
You have made me even more excited to stay there after reading your message.
I really appreciate your input, and knowledge!
I haven't given up on staying at the 3 resorts, but if it does come down to 2...you have certainly explained why AKL is a great contender!!

Thanks again

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Good luck!! I know my dh doesn't like moving one time!! And I'm the queen of resort switchers!!! He's putting up with staying at Vero Beach for 4 days and then heading 'home' to BWV for the rest of the stay!!

Thank-you!!

Yes, moving 3 times or even 1 doesn't always sound like fun, but in this case, I believe it would be awesome!!!

You sound like you have an amazing vacation planned as well! Have a great time

 

[flinkerfrosch]

AKL is a stunning and very cool resort, but given the chance to stay at the other two amazing resorts, I would drop AKL. It doesn't compare to BC and Poly. It's also out of the way. BC is conveniently located by boat to Epcot and HS. It also has a pool that acts like a disney water park. Poly is just an amazing resort and you shouldn't even think about dropping it.

Another BC lover BC is a very popular resort..is it because of the pool or the location? If BC was placed where AKL is, would you still pick BC? I'm just curious??

Poly I am not dropping for sure, so no worries there

 

[flinkerfrosch]

You are spending a lot of time focusing on the resorts, but with two young kids you may find they want more times in the parks. I can't imagine being there 15 days and only going to Epcot once! The resorts are great and we enjoy resort time, but a Disney vacation with kids is all about the parks. On our planned pool day at the resort I told the kids no parks, we are going to relax and swim - to which my DD asked, " is that a rule?" It is tough to pick a resort, but we always go with just one, and once the fun starts, the last thing we would want to do is spend time switching. It all sounds fun beforehand, but once you're there it doesn't affect your fun at all if you stay at one deluxe or three. I would at least agree with your DJ and pick 2. Sounds like you will have more trips in the future, so why pack it all into one trip?

You're right! I have been obsessing over the resorts A LOT, but that's because I am so picky as to where we stay.
You're also right that I don't know how my boys will react to the parks, but I do know they will love the resorts, pools etc just as much!
Last year we went to BC..we spent 4 nghts in one area, 5 nights in another, and 2 nights somewhere else..it didn't bother us one bit, and we had a blast! This is why I believe 5 nights at each resort will be great, but DH is not agreeing this time around...I just need to work on him a bit more.
I really appreciate your input, and also agree that 2 resorts will still be just as great!
We will be back to WDW after our trip in Oct, but probably not for 2 years.

***BC stands for British Columbia (not Beach Club)

 

[disd55]

Another BC lover BC is a very popular resort..is it because of the pool or the location? If BC was placed where AKL is, would you still pick BC? I'm just curious??

Poly I am not dropping for sure, so no worries there

Interesting question. Yes, I love BC. We have actually looked into AKL but more than location is the views. We are not the people who would like to wake up to animals on our balcony. We rather just have a nice lake or pool view. If you want animals, you go to AK. BC is popular because of the pool. The pool is treated as a mini water park, with specific closing times. The location is also good, plus all the restaurants such as Yachtsman Steakhouse and Cape May Cafe. OH and the Boardwalk is convenient.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Interesting question. Yes, I love BC. We have actually looked into AKL but more than location is the views. We are not the people who would like to wake up to animals on our balcony. We rather just have a nice lake or pool view. If you want animals, you go to AK. BC is popular because of the pool. The pool is treated as a mini water park, with specific closing times. The location is also good, plus all the restaurants such as Yachtsman Steakhouse and Cape May Cafe. OH and the Boardwalk is convenient.

Thank-you for your honest answer

I'm actually going to call Disney to find out what time the pool closes in Oct. I would hope it wouldn't be too early.

We do have an ADR at Cape May Cafe, and really want to experince Beaches and Cream..yum!!

I do agree that the Boardwalk would be an added bonus!!

 

[clapton]

BC is wonderful! Love the pool, the atmosphere, and the proximity to Epcot. But if you are primarily going to be at MK why not consider WL, GF or CR for your split stay?