Help a newbie - best deluxe hotel for adults?

[Kims Aunt]

I'm planning on booking on Grand Floridian but, would love opinions about other deluxe hotels on the Disney property. I haven't been to Disney for almost - 30 years.

I know LOTS of changes have taken place and will continue reading the board for tips and such but, right now, just trying to select the best hotel. Will be visiting in May, 2008.

Thanks!

 

[DLBDS]

It depends on which park you want to be closest to and what kinda of hotel theming appeals to you. What do you like and what are your preferences?

 

[Kims Aunt]

It depends on which park you want to be closest to and what kinda of hotel theming appeals to you. What do you like and what are your preferences?

Well, that's a good question, as I've said, it's been over 30 years. From what I've researched so far, I believe EPCOT will be high on the list and I'm sure I'll repeat it several times. And, I know Grand Floridian has monorail service to EPCOT so that's a huge plus.

I'll go to the Magic Kingdom at least once, even if it's to try to recapture some childhood memories.

Animal Kingdom is a yes with a possible repeat. I'm a sucker for animals so
I'm not ruling out Animal Kingdom Lodge.

MGM - I'm not sure what to expect here, I know it's a working studio but, I'm not sure I'll go more than once.

Water parks - maybe once or twice but, the resort hotel will probably serve just as well since no kids are involved.

Did I forget anything?

 

[DLBDS]

You may want to check out the Epcot resorts too as far as theming goes. I haven't been to any of them so I can't offer any advice. The GF is nice but seems very 'stuffy' to me. I find it's not a casual, comfortable place. It DOES have the monorail though which is convenient. It won't take you directly to Epcot however. You'll have to get off at the TTC and change to the Epcot monorail. Have you been to this website..... www.allearsnet.com ? (Not sure how informed you are. ) GREAT website. You can also find all restaurant menus there.

 

[MissMet]

I would suggest the Boardwalk Inn. That is my favorite resort. If you know you will be spending a lot of time in Epcot, it's definitely a great resort. It's walking distance or a boat ride to Epcot & it's got great night life. It's also a boat ride or walking distance to MGM. You should also look into Yacht & Beach Club as well. They are even closer to Epcot, but to me BWI has a better feel. GF is nice, very romantic & very convenient to MK but to get anywhere else it's a long bus ride. You can get to Epcot via the monorail, but realize that you will wait for the monorail at GF, then get off at TTC & wait for the monorail, then have a 15 minute or so monorail ride to Epcot. IMO, GF, CR & Poly are only convenient to MK.

IMO, for the style vacation it sounds you will be taking I would definitely suggest one of the Epcot resorts where you're in the middle of everything, except MK.

 

[skipperkim]

I agree that if you planned most of your time at Epcot that being at one of the Epcot hotel is a better location. YBC is actually the closest to Epcot and has the best pool on property. You can catch the monorail at Epcot to MK, via TTC. It's a boat ride away to MGM. The only time you'll need a bus is to go to AK.

 

[princessesrule4]

You may want to check out the Epcot resorts too as far as theming goes. I haven't been to any of them so I can't offer any advice. The GF is nice but seems very 'stuffy' to me. I find it's not a casual, comfortable place. It DOES have the monorail though which is convenient. It won't take you directly to Epcot however. You'll have to get off at the TTC and change to the Epcot monorail. Have you been to this website..... www.allearsnet.com ? (Not sure how informed you are. ) GREAT website. You can also find all restaurant menus there.

The GF is a great choice! We don't think it is stuffy at all! As evidenced by all the people relaxing on the sofas and chairs in the lobby listening to the music!
We have stayed there 8 times over the past 4 years and it is our absolute favorite!

If you want to do a split stay with the GF since you want to spend more time at Epcot, you might also try the Yacht Club or Boardwalk Inn which are both in walking distance to Epcot and a short boat ride to MGM.
Have a great trip!!

 

[minnie61650]

The Swan or Dolphin are my choices!


The Swan/Dolphin often has great rates that cost about as much as a Disney Moderate.

They are real 4 star hotels.

Deluxe but not as expensive as Disney's deluxe resorts.



The heavenly beds are ...well heavenly.

The Grotto pool and hot tubs are fun and relaxing.

Plus Epcot and MGM are just a short boat ride or walk away!

From Epcot hop on the monorail and head on over to the MK!


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a175/minnie61650/swan100.jpg

Heavenly beds

Grotto pool

Grotto pool slide

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a175/minnie61650/dolp5.jpg

hot tub

Disney Friendship to Epcot or MGM

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a175/minnie61650/swan25.jpg

Walkway to MGM

*note photos are from allearsnet

Have fun at Disney wherever you choose to stay!

 

[Cool-Beans]

GF is a lovely place to stay. The grounds are beautiful, the rooms are relaxing, plenty of restaurant choices, the pool is nice...and there isn't a prettier resort, from the outside, I don't think. ...and they really do have the staff people in those costumes you see on TV.

But, the "best" resort is the one with the theme you like and the location you want. On the monorail, I'd pick either GF or Poly. Off the monorail, I'd pick AKL or Beach Club. ...but that's me.

 

[DLBDS]

The GF is a great choice! We don't think it is stuffy at all! As evidenced by all the people relaxing on the sofas and chairs in the lobby listening to the music!
We have stayed there 8 times over the past 4 years and it is our absolute favorite!

If you want to do a split stay with the GF since you want to spend more time at Epcot, you might also try the Yacht Club or Boardwalk Inn which are both in walking distance to Epcot and a short boat ride to MGM.
Have a great trip!!

I'm just giving MY opinion of the GF. Like I said, it "seems very 'stuffy' to ME". I just don't feel I can relax and kick back in that kind of setting. The WL is much more to my liking. I just wanted to point that out to the OP in case they were of the same vein as me. If not, then they're like you and will the GF. To each his own. It's really great that the resorts are all different. There's something there for everyone. Maybe the OP will find that the BWI is THE resort for them and won't give the GF another thought. Good luck, Kims Aunt! Where ever you choose.....You're gonna have a blast with the planning!

 

[Cool-Beans]

Well, that's a good question, as I've said, it's been over 30 years. From what I've researched so far, I believe EPCOT will be high on the list and I'm sure I'll repeat it several times. And, I know Grand Floridian has monorail service to EPCOT so that's a huge plus.

Not so much. You have to wait at the GF for the monorail, then take that several stops to the Ticket and Transportation Center. At the TTC, you have to get off the monorial, walk down a long ramp and up another and wait for the monorail to Epcot. When you get to Epcot, you walk down again.

And if you're leaving Epcot after Illuminations, the wait for the monorail can be a long one.

Just food for thought.

Whatever you pick, have a great trip!!!

...and I don't think the GF is "stuffy." It's a hotel, for Pete's sake...hard to be "stuffy." But then, I'm able to relax pretty much anywhere.

 

[princessesrule4]

I'm just giving MY opinion of the GF. Like I said, it "seems very 'stuffy' to ME". I just don't feel I can relax and kick back in that kind of setting. The WL is much more to my liking. I just wanted to point that out to the OP in case they were of the same vein as me. If not, then they're like you and will the GF. To each his own. It's really great that the resorts are all different. There's something there for everyone. Maybe the OP will find that the BWI is THE resort for them and won't give the GF another thought. Good luck, Kims Aunt! Where ever you choose.....You're gonna have a blast with the planning!

The OP asked for opinions about other Deluxe resorts. You replied that you thought the GF was stuffy, but it looks like you haven't stayed there. So, I wanted her to hear from someone like me who has stayed there multiple times. Then , I gave her my opinion on other Deluxe recommendations, which is what she asked. And I agree, there are definitely enough choices to please everyone!

 

[Doc CW]

GF is our families favorite. It has easy transportation to and from the MK and EPCOT through the monorail and the buses had relatively short lines when we waited at them, it was quiet and definitely relaxing plus the food court had really good food. I hope you find what your looking for and you have a great trip.

 

[laura12581]

We stayed at the Beach Club and the Boardwalk Inn on our last visit and being big EPCOT fans ourselves, we really enjoyed walking to EPCOt from these 2 resorts. I liked the BWI a little better, but DH preferred the BC! They are also a little cheaper than the GF, from what I can tell. We had a very disappointing experience, mainly with 2 specific CMs being the cause at the GF on our honeymoon and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, but I know plenty of others had a great experience there. Have a great trip!
Laura

 

[dlcharbonneau]

AKL is a wonderful resort and there are great dining options there as well I would highly recommend for an adult vacation as the theming (although not to everyone's taste ) is very well done.

You can't go wrong with any deluxe resort IMHO

 

[VAgal76]

If you're going to concentrate your time at Epcot then maybe a resort there will suit you best. I actually enjoyed BWI a bit more than YC/BC. YC/BC has Stormalong Bay which is nice. However, it's not nearly as enjoyable when it's packed. BWI has a quiet pool you can retreat to. You can walk to Epcot or MGM from either of these properties. BC is closest to Epcot but the walk from BWI wasn't bad at all. BWI doesn't have a restaurant inside the hotel, but Flying Fish and others are just right outside. Think of it as not having interior entrances. They are onsite just not accessible from the lobby.

Don't get me wrong. GF and AKL are my absolute favorites. I didn't think GF was stuffy at all. in fact, I found the CMs very friendly and helpful like those at AKL. JMO

While there is quite a following for S/D resorts you won't be able to take advantage of Magical Express. I don't know if you'd planned on using that service or not.

Of course, you could always split your stay. They provide luggage transfer service. You need only to call bell services and let them know you're transferring. They take care of the rest. So you could stay at GF for part of your stay and concentrate of MK then switch to the Epcot area.

 

[Marilyn Mc]

GF was very quiet and peaceful, dare I say "boring"? The BWI has more action for adults. I enjoyed scheduling dinners at World Showcase and being a walk away. I do really love the GF, but I feel there is more going on at the BWI.

 

[hddanis]

If you're looking to spend more time at EPCOT, I'd consider an EPCOT area resort. Yes you can get to EPCOT via monorail from GF, BUT you have to take the monorail around to the TTC and then transfer to the EPCOT monorail. That could take awhile.

 

[Kims Aunt]

Wow! I wasn't expecting so many responses so soon!! Thanks to all for taking time out of your days to respond.

So tell me about the Beach and Yatch hotels, I have done a bit of research on them but, if I were to select one of them over the Grand Floridian, I'm not sure which is the "better" of the two (do I dare say or ask that question)?

Also, do most of you feel the meal programs are worth the cost?

 

[grumpy.uncle]

In the Epcot area, the Beach Club is probably the most casual resort. Tends to attract the most families. The Yacht Club strikes me as a little more formal, quieter, and geared to adults. The Boardwalk falls somewhere in between the other two. If you plan on spending alot of time at your resort pool, then the pool at BC/YC is the best. It's called Stormalong Bay and is the best themed resort pool of any of the resorts IMO. If you want to have lots to do at your resort, than you may prefer the BW. There's always action down on the boardwalk. BW does not have any restaurants inside the resort, you have to go downstairs and out on the boardwalk to reach the restaurants. BC/YC restaurants are mainly inside the resorts. If you do choose to stay in one of the Epcot area resorts, you may want to request a water view. At the BW it is called a Boardwalk view. I love sitting out on my balcony watching the action near the water. No matter which of these resorts that you choose, you can't go wrong. They are all beautiful and each has it's own nautical theme. I love just staying in this area even when I don't choose to go to the parks. As far as the meal plan goes, if you are planning on eating in restaurants for 3 meals a day, then it's a great deal. If you are planning to go to sit down restaurants for dinner, you may want to book ADR's (advance dining reservations). Depending on the size of your party and when you are going, ADR's can save you lots of time and headaches. Good luck with your planning!