Hi there - this will be a broad request, so I apologize in advance. We live in AZ, so I'm very familiar with DL, but WDW is not my forte. I'm reading through as many historical posts as I can to educate myself, but time is running short.
We are considering booking 7-10 days in Orlando over fall break for WDW and a few other activities. We honeymooned there in 2004 and were back in 2008 (with 2 yr old DS at the time). DS is now 9, we have some Disney credit card points accumulated... and most importantly, DH41 is battling stage 4 cancer. We will certainly have to book refundable/
trip insurance just in case, but we love WDW so much and would like to share it with DS given he does not remember our last trip there.
DH works for Hyatt, so we have never stayed on property before, but is something I've wanted to do for a long time. We would still stay at the Grand Cypress for 3 nights of our trip, but are hoping to stay 3-4 nights on property while we enjoy the parks. We would likely not spend too much time enjoying the resorts, although I'm sure we'd do a few smaller things (short pool time, etc.). We will do some character meals and at minimum dinner at Contemporary (not sure I can convince DH to book Victoria & Albert's again like on honeymoon. hahahaha)
Medical bills make money tight, but priorities certainly change a bit when you are faced with possibly your last family vacation together. (I don't say this for pity... just stating fact for perspective). Anyhoo... where would YOU choose to stay? Of equal importance are convenience/least amount of stress (my anxiety trigger tends to be short these days) and the Disney Magic. Given we typically stay at 4-5 star Hyatt resorts, we do like more upscale hotels. Here are where I'm considering, although please feel free to chime in with something else.
My thought is theme park view is probably a huge perk, but....?
Contemporary - Theme Park View ($3288 package)
Polynesian Standard ($2871 package)
Polynesian Theme Park View ($3636)
Grand Floridian Outer Building Garden View ($3163)
Grand Floridian OUter Building Lagoon View ($3347)
Grand Floridian Outer Building Garden Deluxe ($3552)
Grand Floridian OUter Building Theme Park View ($3842)
Grand Floridian Outer Building - CLUB Access/Standard Room ($3859)
Grand Floridian Main Building - Club ACCESS ($4660)
Animal Kingdom Savannah (this one is tempting, but I think I prefer to be closer to MK) $2987
Thanks everyone for your patience with my very general request! I'm early in my searching, but I know we don't have tons of time left as things will book quick.
~Stacey
I am so sorry to hear of your husbands condition. I do agree with others that the monorail resorts are the best choices for you to consider. the monorail is a great way to get around with a
scooter, which will be an asset for your DH.
Choosing a resort among the three monorail resorts can really almost come down to your preference for theme. Does DH or your son have a strong preference when they look at pictures online? The atmosphere is quite different at each one. All three have certain features in common that are useful to know. Room size is very similar for standard rooms at all three resorts - approximately 400 sq ft - so you will be fine as far as room size and comfort at any of them. Also, most rooms come with 2 queens and a daybed. You can get some rooms with king beds though. King beds are a bookable category in some cases (such as in RPC CL at the GF). The daybed is quite comfortable (if you want a King bed) for DS to sleep on. Two queens would mean that you would not have to make up the daybed for sleeping though as everyone would have a real bed.
All three are deluxe category resorts and have excellent table service as well as quick service dining options plus all the usual deluxe category amenities. The three resorts are linked by the monorail for easy access to the amenities offered at all three, regardless of where you stay.
Here are some differences that you may want to consider:
CR
Everything is under one roof, including monorail access
monorail access involves using a separate small elevator, if using a scooter
access to the MK is via a walking path or monorail
you are the first stop coming from the MK, but have to stop at the TTC, POLY and GF going to the MK
access to Epcot is via monorail with a change at the TTC to the Epcot monorail line
TPV rooms, especially on the upper floors have spectacular views of the entire MK area (the best, IMO)
watching fireworks from the balcony of a TPV room is awesome here!!! (again, the best IMO)
access to DHS and AK is by bus
all rooms in the tower have balconies
theming is fairly sterile/plain, but is exciting and lively
pool area, while nice enough, is very simple and plain, but rarely crowded
POLY
access to everything outside your room requires going outside in the elements
second floor rooms will not have a balcony or patio
theming is lush and very relaxing with lots of foliage, tiki torches lit along paths at night, lovely music
rooms are a bit darker than at the other two resorts
Pools are lovely, but often crowded, especially the volcano pool
you can watch the MK fireworks from the volcano pool
Poly beach is a favourite place to watch MK fireworks due to the viewing angle being directly across from the Castle
You can walk to the TTC and avoid the change of monorails when going to Epcot
you have a shared boat to the MK (with the GF)
access to MK and Epcot via direct monorail
access to DHS and AK via bus
you can get O'hanas food delivered to your room as room service
very romantic
GF
the flagship hotel in WDW and it shows!
incredible lobby and public areas
LOTS of flowers everywhere
elegant, peaceful Victorian atmosphere/theme
if you want everything (almost) under one roof you need to stay RPC CL (main building)
great shopping and dining options
first stop when you get on the monorail is the MK
first stop on the return from the MK via boat
two beautiful pools
RPC CL is the best in WDW, with really good food offerings and lots of space - very nice place to relax
live music in the lobby via pianist in the lobby or a band playing above
toiletries in the rooms are better than those offered anywhere else on property (IMO)
standard rooms are the largest on property
outer building CL has the same food offerings as in the main building, but the lounge itself is cramped and busy - just a spot to grab a quick bite
TPV rooms have nice views of the MK across the lake, but many are near the boat dock where noise from horns may be bothersome
all rooms have balconies
no rooms have bad views, although a few have slightly less desirable views
I hope that this will help you choose the resort that will suit your needs the best. We love all three pretty much equally and vacillate when trying to identify our favourite. I would probably recommend RPC at the GF as the very best of your options listed, but it is also the most expensive. If you want to go with a lower budget choice, I would be choosing between the outer building garden view or the CR TPV, depending upon your personal preferences of theme or if you really want to watch fireworks from your room.
Good luck choosing! There really isn't a wrong choice here.
I hope that you have a truly magical vacation!
