Help choosing resort for Feb

[BeckyEsq]

Interested in opinions . . . thinking of a trip in early Feb before the peak season starts on Feb 15 -- probably four nights (long weekend) -- two adults -- we loved POR for our honeymoon -- we'd like to do at least a moderate if not a deluxe, but not go crazy with the rate -- thinking about AKL or WL since rooms start at $199. I'm thinking pools aren't a big thng for that time of year since I doubt we'll be able to swim. WL seems to have more of a "wintery" atmosphere. Opinions?

 

[Pooh1219]

We're going to AKL from 2/11 through 2/18 and chose it, once again, because it's become our favorite resort. When booking, the CM said that we probably would be able to swim, but the air temp would most likely be in the 70's so we might be cold after getting out of the pool. Hopefully, we will be able to use the pool, as it's my favorite at WDW, but even if it's too cold to swim, we can sit around the pool with a drink and just enjoy the scenery. If you haven't been to AKL, I suggest trying it as we think it's just the best. The atmosphere is the greatest, and we really feel like we're on vacation here.

 

[Tiffany]

Interested in opinions . . . thinking of a trip in early Feb before the peak season starts on Feb 15 -- probably four nights (long weekend) -- two adults -- we loved POR for our honeymoon -- we'd like to do at least a moderate if not a deluxe, but not go crazy with the rate -- thinking about AKL or WL since rooms start at $199. I'm thinking pools aren't a big thng for that time of year since I doubt we'll be able to swim. WL seems to have more of a "wintery" atmosphere. Opinions?

My husband and I love the AKL. We will be be staying there for the sixth time this coming Jan 2006. It is beautiful and so relaxing. The smell in the AKL lobby is so relaxing. If the AKL fits in your budget then go for it.

 

[dck12ga]

Just FYI, I have heard that there is a cheerleading compitition Feb. 10-13 and they said that they stay at the All Star, Pop, Caribbean and POR. So if that influences your stay...

 

[johnsonet]

deleted

 

[jlovesee]

Ok someone needs to speak out for Wilderness Lodge. I have stayed at both WL and AK, and love Wilderness Lodge so much better. All Disney hotels are themed, but Wilderness Lodge really captures the theme beyond any of them I think, you walk in, and are welcomed by the soundtrack (Dances with wolves/Last of the Mohicans and some others), and the lobby if you could call it that is beyond magnificant. Plus many of the floors levels have little nooks, including lounges with fireplaces, desks, tables, and just beautiful little touches. (there is a stair well behind the main entrance, near Whispering Canyon that if you take it up, has many of this small points of interest)

I also think the Wilderness Lodge has better food options. I have eaten at Boma, Whispering Canyon, Artists Point, Roaring Forks and Mara (AK food court), and while Roaring Forks is a little on the small side, you just cannot beat Whispering Canyon and Artists Point, Boma was decent but just no comparisons. Also Artists Point is romantic we ate there on our 3 anniversary last year.

I also noticed you mentioned what hotel feels winter-like, and WL does a great job of that too, it always has that warm winter feeling, even though its 72 degrees! Its surrounded by large pines, and has a perfect national park lodge/arts and crafts styling to it. It also is trimmed in green and red, nice compliment to the holidays.

WL is not for everybody, thats true, but if simple yet timeless is something you like, then WL is the way to go.

Jennifer

 

[jlbower79]

I figured this is the best thread to ask this question... my husband and I are going to Disney World for the first time together (he's NEVER been, I have a few times a long time ago, 8 years ago) well... we are planning on staying on disney because it just seems so much more relaxing and nicer... my question is, we just don't have the money for anything above value... seeing as how all the values are, what's the word, "younger" people themed, which would you recommend... we are going the last week of Jan, and I heard they aren't that busy during that time of the season... right now we are thinking All Star Movies... since we both like movies more then sports and music... but I want some advice from ppl who have actually been there. My dream resort would the Animal Kingdom, it looks soooo cool! But it's a bit pricely for us. We will only be at the resort for rest time so anyplace (thats clean) will work for us.

Thanks!
Jaime

 

[EsmeraldaX]

We'll be at BWI during the second week of Feb. I can't wait. Of your choices, I've only stayed at AKL and loved it. I think it has a very warm feel to it.

You may be surprised. The weather can be weird in Feb. One day it can be chilly, the next 85 degrees.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I figured this is the best thread to ask this question... my husband and I are going to Disney World for the first time together (he's NEVER been, I have a few times a long time ago, 8 years ago) well... we are planning on staying on disney because it just seems so much more relaxing and nicer... my question is, we just don't have the money for anything above value... seeing as how all the values are, what's the word, "younger" people themed, which would you recommend... we are going the last week of Jan, and I heard they aren't that busy during that time of the season... right now we are thinking All Star Movies... since we both like movies more then sports and music... but I want some advice from ppl who have actually been there. My dream resort would the Animal Kingdom, it looks soooo cool! But it's a bit pricely for us. We will only be at the resort for rest time so anyplace (thats clean) will work for us.

Thanks!
Jaime

Jaime,

My boyfriend and I have stayed at Pop Century twice and loved it. We loved looking at all the 70's and 80's pop culture, reminding us of our childhoods.
I'd go back again. I think the Icons are kind of cool. I know some people don't like them. We also found Pop to be very quiet both times, and very clean. Bus service was okay as it was at any other hotel I stayed at. I was not crazy about the food court, but that was a minor issue for me.

I haven't stayed at the All Stars but of the 3, I think movies looks very Disney. I think the setup of the rooms and layout of the resort is very similiar to Pop.

 

[jlbower79]

I was thinking of Pop too but then I believe Pop is twice the size of the All Stars so I was afraid it would be too big and too busy... but I do thank you, I'm going to look into Pop now... I have at least a week before I want to book my "room only" somewhere... thanks again!

Jaime

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I was thinking of Pop too but then I believe Pop is twice the size of the All Stars so I was afraid it would be too big and too busy... but I do thank you, I'm going to look into Pop now... I have at least a week before I want to book my "room only" somewhere... thanks again!

Jaime

The other good thing about Pop is it has it's own bus.

I found when we stayed in the 80's wing it was a bit of a walk to the main lobby. But when we stayed in the 50's we were actually closer than some of the preferred rooms in the 60's.

 

[Tron72]

Ok someone needs to speak out for Wilderness Lodge. I have stayed at both WL and AK, and love Wilderness Lodge so much better. All Disney hotels are themed, but Wilderness Lodge really captures the theme beyond any of them I think, you walk in, and are welcomed by the soundtrack (Dances with wolves/Last of the Mohicans and some others), and the lobby if you could call it that is beyond magnificant. Plus many of the floors levels have little nooks, including lounges with fireplaces, desks, tables, and just beautiful little touches. (there is a stair well behind the main entrance, near Whispering Canyon that if you take it up, has many of this small points of interest)

WL is not for everybody, thats true, but if simple yet timeless is something you like, then WL is the way to go.

Jennifer

Tron 72 here, I will speak out for the WL, For me it is like my home away from home when traveling to the World that Walt Built. For me there is nothing like after having your bags taken and your car parked, walking through through those grand doors and stepping into the Grandness of the Lobby. There is the smells of the burnt wood from the fire place, the beautiful blend of the musical score that simply embraces you as you walk in. From the time you walk in to the time you leave you feel as if you are stepping back in time to a long gone era of American History.

Yes I have stayed at a few other Disney Resorts, as most know once you stay on the property, you never stay off. I have stayed at the Poly, AKL, POR, Cabins, but the WL with old faithful erupting every hour is my favorite of all times. What makes the AKL and WL the most attractive to stay is that it is all and i mean all under one roof there is not walking in the rain from your room to the the main house, or to the buses ect. But that is what is amazing about Disney World, there is a hotel and theme for everyone. As I have said I surely will never stay outside the World ever again. I mean if a Deluxe is not in my budget even with a discount, then I go to the moderates which are just as themed and it is all great there as well as it is all bases on Disney's great service.

I say no matter what hotel you enjoy the main fact is we are all there to enjoy the world that Walt built with a dream and love for families. God Bless Walt Disney.

Tron 72 going back home to the WL Feb 1-5 2006, got a great rate with the Passholder Best Rate Program.