Help...CBR, AKL, CSR...Oy!

[baiqi]

Hi everyone. This is my first post. I've been lurking around trying to find info on resorts and thought that posting would be more efficient.

I'm planning our 2nd trip to WDW for late September. I can't decide where to stay. We have three kids who will be 4, 2, and 1 by then. We will be taking a stroller everywhere. I have been leaning toward CBR only because I think that my kids would love the sandy beaches -- I'm concerend, however, about the huge size of the resort and travel time on the busses. Here are my top questions:

1. What are the average travel times from CBR, AKL, and CSR to the different parks?
2. Is it a pain to take a stroller on/off the busses? Would it be worth the extra $$ to get a monorail resort instead?
3. What are your opinions on dining options at the different resorts (convenience and taste)?
4. Does anyone feel like talking me into some other resort? I'm open to new ideas.

Thanks for your expert advice! Have a groovy day.
(Stayed at Poly in 2003)

 

[Suzanne74]

Okay I would have to talk you into a monorail resort if I could. With 3 kids 4 and under, you will be taking lots of breaks and hoping off and on a monorail is crutial with that many young kids. Also, if you are getting the free dining plan, it will be easier to get to lots of various restaurants quickly. Theming at AKL is great and the animals are too but for kids that age - it isn't the right time for that yet, maybe another few years. We are staying at CSR next and have heard they have the best bus transportation, quick and not so crowded. They also have sandy beach areas and a huge sandbox right next to the baby pool and a BIG BIG playground. BUT, I would probably do either a Contemporary room for the cheapest monorail resort or if I wanted to spend a little less, I would stay at Wilderness Lodge first before AKL - less walking and traveling time in buses. Boat to MK is quick.

Even though you stayed at the Poly before, it probably would be the best all around resort for you. Close to TTC, monorail AND/OR boat to MK, zero degree entry pool, water fountains spray area, lagoon with lots of sand, very family friendly. But if you want something new, I understand

 

[safetymom]

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/Resorts/resort-distances.htm

CBR is our favorite.

 

[susy]

The Poly would be great for your kids ages. Remember, you can't go in the water at the "beaches". CBR has seven bus stops, CSR only has four. At CBR, it seemed to take YEARS just to get out of the resort!!!!! The Epcot resorts are a little cheaper than the Poly and you can walk to Epcot and take a boat to MGM. At the Bc, it was so nice to stroll over and back to epcot in the evenings. The pool at the beach club has a HUGE very shallow sandy beachy area -perfect for little ones. I vote for the Poly or Beach club.

 

[milmore104]

If your loking for a deluxe w/ a nice price I'd say AKL. We stayed there when my DD was 2 & 3. She LOVED it she never wants to stay anywhere else but at the hotel w/ the animals as she says. There are a lot of things to do there kids activities, the pool is zero entry and has a small slide for your little ones. As for the bus service it was the best we have ever had at any resort. I always bring my "SUV" stroller (It's HUGE). My DH had no trouble what so ever getting it on and off the buses. They were never crowdedso it was nice and easy. Have a Magical vacation

 

[Buzz2001]

THE PROS
No sharing bus service with other resorts
Centrally located with short rides to the parks
Largest hot tub on WDW property
Awesome main pool area with bar, snack bar, playground and kiddie pool
3 quiet pools
New shuttle service eliminates long walks to any of the villages
High speed internet service
WiFi available too
Free use of the gym
Spa
Fridge in the room
Coffeemaker in the room
Iron and ironing board
full room service menu
2 arcades
beautifully landscaped
central air, not a noisey wall unit

THE CONS
Full size beds (kings size beds are available)
one sink

IN THE MIDDLE
The Pepper Market is either a love it or hate it place. We love it but some folks just don't care for it.

Convention resort - some guests don't like seeing other guests at work. Doesn't bother us and helps keep the buses empty. GF, Cont, BW, Y & B Club are also convention resorts.

Check out my website below

 

[baiqi]

Thank you all for your fantastic advice. I knew you would set me straight...

Suzanne74 - You talked me into staying again in a monorail resort. You are right about the convenience and my three little ones. Plus, I hadn't considered the easy-access to restaurants. Thanks!

Everyone else, thanks also. I love the advice. Now my choices have changed dramatically! I've moved onto the Ploy or GF! Imagine that. It's going to be double the price, but DH says "Go for it!" Woo hoo!

A thousand thanks!
Happy travels to you all.