Help choosing our summer staycation resort please!

[lissiesmum]

In July, it will be myself, my teenage daughter, and her best friend traveling to WDW for four full days for a Staycation. We definitely want to stay in a deluxe, and will be looking for a resort with a good club level. We will be doing one day at the MK, and spending the rest at the resort. I am flip flopping daily between AKL, the Poly, Boardwalk Inn, WL, and the Grand Floridian.
Which would be a good resort for those hot, humid days when you don't want to leave until the sun starts to go down? When it rains every day for a few hours and you're looking for something to do? And importantly, which one has great club level food and service? If you could please give specific details, I would greatly consider your help. Because we are actually spending so much time at the resort, this is crazy hard for me to choose! Thanks so much for your help

 

[hereforthechurros]

I think I’d go AKL. Two separate pool areas, fantastic dining, and since you’re not park hopping around you don’t need to worry about being close to the action like a monorail resort. I looove Poly but it’s kinda nutty and the pool is pretty jammed. Not exactly chill. But really, you can’t go wrong with any of them.

 

[lissiesmum]

I think I’d go AKL. Two separate pool areas, fantastic dining, and since you’re not park hopping around you don’t need to worry about being close to the action like a monorail resort. I looove Poly but it’s kinda nutty and the pool is pretty jammed. Not exactly chill. But really, you can’t go wrong with any of them.

We've stayed at AKL twice and I love the serenity there My main concern is if my teenagers will get bored without places to walk and explore...which is why I love the Poly, but I agree it can be quite chaotic at times!

 

[fly girl]

My first choice isn't on your list, Yacht Club. They have a very nice Club Level and you'd have Stormalong Bay which is the best resort pool on property.

My very close second choice would be Boardwalk Inn. I really like their Club Level, and although people don't like the "clown" pool I really like it!

Epcot area resorts are my favorite! Lots of stuff to do including renting Surrey bike, mini golf at Fantasia Gardens, and the Boardwalk coming to life at night!

 

[Haley R]

I also would pick yacht club as my first choice even though it isn’t on your list

 

[kaytieeldr]

Um, sorry, but isn't a staycation when you stay home and do vacation stuff?

 

[Wood Nymph]

I recommend the Poly for your trip with teenage girls. I think they will have a lot of fun at the resort and with the monorail. The rooms are big, too, so someone can sleep in the daybed if they want their own sleeping space. The Poly is a little more casual than the GF, too.

 

[sponica]

If I'm not going to parks, I'd do AKL. I would find it torturous to be so close to the parks AND NOT GO to them

 

[Marionnette]

Hmm...

AKL - arguably the most unique of all Disney resorts. But, the club lounge is not on the same floor as the hotel rooms, which makes it rather inconvenient.

Poly - great staff, beautiful grounds. You have your pick of theme park or garden views. The drawback is that you have a 1 in 3 chance of not getting a balcony.

GF - top of the line lounges, more formal atmosphere. I found the GF staff to be the most “formal” in their approach to customer care. Two different levels of club access. Would be a first pick for a couples trip but not with teens.

I haven’t done BWI or WL club level. Both resorts are fun but I would choose WL over BWI because I like the pools there a lot more.

 

[Lindsey17]

I can't speak to club level as I've never stayed, but if you're going to MK I would probably vote for either GF or Poly since it's easier to get there, plus it's also easier to then visit 3 other resorts for even more dining options.

 

[SG131]

I would say either AKL or Yacht Club. I haven't stayed CL at AKL so I can't comment on that. Both have great pools and some good dining choices nearby. I personally would pick Yacht club, because it has a beach area and all the boardwalk activities, but I'm not as interested in the animals.

 

[Farro]

My stay-cation consists of do I lay in the living room in pjs all day, or maybe get dressed and go to Target. Then come back and put on pjs.

 

[marjorieeeee]

I pick Wilderness Lodge. Easy access to MK. Beautiful CL lounge. Everything under one roof in case of adverse weather.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would do GF or BWI. GF has a great CL and is close to MK. Poly is lovely but there is no shade at the pool. BWI has a ton of stuff within walking distance to entertain teens. The pools at AKL and WL are too small for teens IMHO and there is very little to entertain them there for any length of time. I would look at BC/YC as well - great pool for teens.

 

[ClapYourHands]

The pools at AKL and WL are too small for teens IMHO

Isn't the Uzima Springs pool at AKL the largest at WDW?

 

[SteveH]

There are a couple past episodes from the DIS team that talk about this, you might want to check out;
BEST Places to Have a Walt Disney World Staycation | Best and Worst | 09/12/18

Best "Resort Only" DVC Property | The DVC Show | 05/13/19

 

[snappy]

I really like Poly in the summer. Look into booking a cabana for the day at the Oasis pool. It will get you lots of comfortable seating in the shade. The pool is shallow and chill. We use a car service with a grocery stop and pick up snacks, water and drinks so we brought food and drinks from our room in a nearby building, and ordered a lapulapu from the pool bar. You can book half or whole days.

We also liked watching the MK fireworks from the beach. You can monorail to visit CR and GF.

I think BWI is also a good choice. There’s a lot of activity on the Boardwalk that might interest the teens. Y’all could also easily walk over towards Epcot and utilize the skyliners to check it out and even visit the skyliner resorts. I also like the quiet pool at BWI. I imagine both CL’s are fine, and will allow you to bring food down to the pool area as well. We go to parks daily but usually just for 3 hours or less. Resort time is much more relaxing especially when the weather is warm and the parks crowded and crazy. During winter trips we tend to linger a bit longer in the parks to enjoy holiday decorations and events.

Your trip sounds wonderful! Enjoy!

 

[tkalbanese]

Poly is our all-time favorite but our girls are 6 and under. When I imagine them getting older, I see the Grand Floridian being our pick! The pool is still very nice but it has a more grown up, quieter atmosphere compared to the Poly.

 

[stranger706]

Definitely a monorail resort and of the 3 I would pick the Polynesian for a staycation.

 

[lissiesmum]

Thank you all for your replies I am still thinking about it, and you have given me lots to think about! Much appreciated