Help Me Choose a Disney Resport!

[corymattson]

Help! We're planning on taking a vacation to Orlando at the end of January and are trying to determine which Disney Hotel to stay at. We'll be bringing out 21 month old with us. (I know he's a little young for this, and probably won't remember much, but it's a kid friendly vacation to a warm climate!). Because of our small child we would like to stay at one of the Disney resorts that's connected by the Monorail (easy to come back for nap, or a snack, or a diaper change!). Which one of the following resorts do you recommend/not recommend and why?

Contemporary
Polynesian
Grand Floridian

Many thanks for your input!
Cory

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WDW '04 - ???
WDL '03 - Grand Californian
WDW '01 - Beach Club
WDW '00 - Port Orleans
WDW '99 - Boardwalk
WDW '98 - Port Orleans
WDW '97 - Port Orleans
WDW '96 - Yacht Club
WDW '95 - Off Disney Hotel
WDW '82 - Off Disney Hotel
WDW '76 - Contemporary

 

[PTarbay]

I have stayed at all 3 and IMHO the Polynesian is the most kid friendly of the 3 you mentioned.I would request a building close to the GCH.It is quieter than the Contemporary and the GF is more adult oriented.

 

[IloveDMB]

Just wanted to say WELCOME to the DIS, Cory.

 

[franw]

I would second the Polynesian suggestion. My son's family (2 & 4 y.o.) just got back from their trip and said that while they loved the Wilderness Lodge, the Poly is still their favorite for easy access to the MK. The GF is beautiful but not exactly where I would be comfortable with a toddler. The Contemporary is also very nice with large room but the Poly's rooms are almost as big and the grounds are more lush and tropical. My parents spent a few nights in the Poly during our big family reunion and the CMs were wonderful to them.

 

[goofy4tink]

I would suggest the Polynesian also. We were there last August and it was pretty terrific. We stayed in Tokelau building. Close to the quiet pool and only about 3 minute walk to GCH. It was nice getting the monorail or the boat to MK. Also nice was the path to TTC to get the monorail to Epcot!!! Yep, that would be my suggestion.

 

[t2simon]

I vote Poly too! Just went in October and stayed for the first time, and all I can say is "FABULOUS"! It was probably the most relaxing vacation to WDW I've ever had (and we were go, go go pretty much the entire time). DS is 4, and he loved it as well!

Stayed at the CR when DS was two, and while it was nice, the Poly is better. Big plus for CR is it is only a 10 min walk to MK.

And, you may be surprised at just how much he does remember! Up until our most current trip, DS was STILL talking about small details from the trip two years ago!!!!

Have a great time and enjoy the memories you will be making with your little one!

 

[BCV23]

Yet another vote for the Polynesian for all the above reasons. It is so relaxing...you'll feel like you're in another world when you return for naps or in the evening.

With a stroller it is very easy to the the ferry back from the MK if you're returning midday and it will be almost deserted at that time in our experience.

I do think all three are child friendly and you'll have a great time at any of them.

 

[stacy6552]

an almost 2 year old boy! COme on its all about the trains! You gotta get a tower room at the contemp!

 

[blessedby3]

I must agree with the previous poster. The Contemporary Resort is a great one for kids. We stayed there earlier this year for the first time and our 3 kids had a blast. The monorail through the resort was so much fun and the atmosphere of the CR says "kids" all over it. So much going on for little ones to look at and keep them busy. We felt right at home here. I agree that the Grand Floridian was not for us as a family of 5 with 3 young ones. They didnt feel as comfortable there. Have a great time whatever you decide.

 

[tobey sheahan]

what about the terrible bus station ? it was a set of steps in the middle of 2 streets-i dont even have little ones but was nervous for everyone else.i've read they are building a new one but am really surprised it took so many years for them to see the safety issue-none of the other resorts have a bus depot like that and it is a delux

 

[kaygela]

The Contemp is also great because it's a short 7 min walk to the MK.

 

[franw]

There was a new bus stop at the Poly when we were there a week ago. I remember being very upset with the old one as kids would dart into the traffic lanes and it wasn't designed for handicap guests. It looked like they were building another one also on the other side of the valet station. The new bus stop is right along the front and much, much safer.