Help me choose a resort for our next visit!

[WawaCoffee]

Edit: We booked a standard room at Wilderness Lodge! Thanks, all!

My girlfriend and I enjoyed our last trip (Jan 2019, we stayed at Port Orleans Riverside per the recommendations from this board) so much that, despite telling ourselves we would wait 2-3 years before returning, we are in the process of planning a trip for January 2020! Our last trip was very exhausting from rope-dropping every morning and staying in the parks until close, so we want this trip to be more about relaxation during the mornings/afternoons, followed by the parks at night for a few rides and dinner. We will be staying for 7 nights.

I've narrowed it down to the following resorts:

• Wilderness Lodge
• Polynesian Resort
• Old Key West Resort
• Yacht Club
• Contemporary Resort (garden wing)

What's most-important to us:

• Quietness/tranquility of the resort
• Quality of the fitness facility (for Polynesian, we would walk over to Grand Floridian)
• Things to do around the resort (i.e., walking trails, common areas to sit and relax)

Some things that we don't care about:

• Transportation to/from the parks. We used the bus service during our last visit and had no issue with it. The monorail at the Polynesian/Contemporary, for example, would be an awesome plus, but not a deciding factor.
• Pools- we won't be using them
• Activities for kids- no kids, just my girlfriend and I

If anybody could provide input as to which of these resorts would be best-suited for what we are looking for, it would be greatly appreciated!

 

[glocon]

Probably all of the resorts are pretty peaceful during the day when most people are at the parks. I’ve only stayed at the BC (sister to YC) on your list. I would go with whichever theme interests you the most, or which offers the most savings. The CSR also has a fitness facility- the only mod with one. Tho it’s a convention facility, it should also be more peaceful during the day when the conventions are being held. I saw on you tube that OKW has some free tours you can do at the resort. Let us know what you decide!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would choose YC with WL a close second. YC is very quiet and with its location on the Boardwalk, there is a ton of things to do in the area. WL is generally quiet though we’ve found the geyser and electric water pageant to be quite loud on occasion. If booking WL, I would request a room close to the lobby or even consider splurging a little and staying CL to try to keep the noise down. Poly is lovely but it’s quite chaotic, IMHO, and CR, while lovely, doesn’t really fit your criteria IMHO. I’ve never stayed at OKW so hopefully others will chi,e in on that resort

 

[philharmagic fan]

We've stayed at all but Yacht Club (we've stayed at Beach Club, so are familiar with the common facilities) and can't give advice on fitness facilities (haven't used them), but would definitely recommend Wilderness. There are lots of nooks and crannies to sit in the lobby, it's smaller than the others, and although transportation isn't high on your list, the boat ride to MK is nice and bus service is very good. There's also the boat that runs from WL/CL/FW, and there are lots of opportunities to walk around at FW. It's cheaper than the others (except possibly Key West), and I'd use the money I saved for an extra-priced activity (Fireworks dessert cruise, or Fort Wilderness Segway tour).

 

[cwestpvb]

With that list I would go with either YC or WL. I have stayed at YC, WL, and CR (Garden Wing), the Poly seems to outdated for the price and OKW is too far from things for me. Out of all of them, YC and WL are my favorite resorts on property. Both of them will provide the quiet and tranquil environment you are looking for, with YC feeling a bit more luxurious compared to WL. WL will feel much more immersive though since its isolation really makes it feel as if you are not in Florida. In this case, I'd give YC a little bit of a leg up since it has a decent fitness facility, has beautiful rooms, and is located next to so much. You'd have the BW to walk around, and can walk to both Epcot and Hollywood (which is a really nice walk along the water). I know you said transportation isn't too much of a factor, but the ability to quickly go back and forth between two parks is priceless and you'll quickly appreciate it! Plus the boardwalk loop is a good place to run in the morning if that interests you. The pool at YC is easily the best on property, and has plenty of areas around it and along the beach area to sit and relax. I never find myself bored at the YC. I do think WL is better for food though, since Geyser Point is one of my favorite QS restaurants and Whispering Canyon is such a fun place to eat.

If you do end up really considering the garden wing at CR, you will find it is much quieter than the main building. I just have a strong (and personal opinion) that the GF is the only monorail resort that is worth paying for since it feels like it is the only one actually worth the premium (the poly rooms are not worth the price imo). CR has nice rooms, but the rest of the resort feels a bit boring and dated.

This was a long response haha, but overall I think YC (and then WL) will fit you best and are actually worth paying the premium to stay at them.

 

[DisHmsklMom]

I would choose YC. So many restaurants are available within walking distance. It's also so nice to be able to walk back from Epcot at night to your resort. If you're lucky you might get a balcony room with a nice view. If you can swing club level I recommend it. It's a beautiful resort with great staff. We enjoy walking to and the Studios from the Epcot resorts.
If the gondolas are running there will be even more restaurants available with super easy access.

 

[pixiedustedme]

Out of the ones you listed, I would choose Yacht Club for its access to other activities. You'll probably like walking to and from Epcot and Hollywood Studios, and you can rent a surrey bike on the Boardwalk and ride it around Crescent Lake. It is also within walking distance of Fantasia Minigolf.

I would advise against the Poly, whose lobby is as busy as a train station.

This might not be on your radar, but have you considered a cabin at Fort Wilderness? That is a peaceful, away-from-it-all feeling resort yet just across the water from Magic Kingdom. Lots of activities available: hiking, renting bicycles, horseback riding, boating, archery, roasting marshmallows, etc.

 

[peabody58]

Any reason SSR is not listed? You'd have boat and walking access to DS (so much to do, so much fun especially at night), lots of great walking/jogging paths, good fitness center, elevators, good pools. If you get the Grandstand you are 1st on/off the bus loop. If you could swing a 1 BR you would be really spoiled. Either way, look into renting DVC points to save money. Lots of availability in parts of Jan, but you'll need to make a decision soon. Have fun!

 

[WawaCoffee]

This might not be on your radar, but have you considered a cabin at Fort Wilderness? That is a peaceful, away-from-it-all feeling resort yet just across the water from Magic Kingdom. Lots of activities available: hiking, renting bicycles, horseback riding, boating, archery, roasting marshmallows, etc.

We've definitely considered a cabin (it was our first thought), but we did some research and a lot of people complain about the noise level during marathon week.

 

[lmhall2000]

Decide if you and she would enjoy New England polish or Yosemite nature....sometimes I’m in a beach mood and others I’d rather be hiking the mountains....whichever vibe you like go for it!!! YC or WL...i

 

[fairygagamother]

Love the nooks & crannies at WL! But the rooms are smaller & darker. It’s been rumored that if you have a regular room booked, you can ask at check in to be upgraded to club level for about $100 per night.
Yacht is lovely &, as mentioned, is close to the boardwalk if you’re interested in nightlife or renting surreys. Also having access to Epcot is priceless to stroll around the countries & have a drink or meal.
Not on your list, but one that would fit much of your criteria is Animal Kingdom Lodge. Just a thought to add to your decision making!

 

[SwanVT2]

My girlfriend and I enjoyed our last trip (Jan 2019, we stayed at Port Orleans Riverside per the recommendations from this board) so much that, despite telling ourselves we would wait 2-3 years before returning, we are in the process of planning a trip for January 2020! Our last trip was very exhausting from rope-dropping every morning and staying in the parks until close, so we want this trip to be more about relaxation during the mornings/afternoons, followed by the parks at night for a few rides and dinner. We will be staying for 7 nights.

I've narrowed it down to the following resorts:

• Wilderness Lodge
• Polynesian Resort
• Old Key West Resort
• Yacht Club
• Contemporary Resort (garden wing)

What's most-important to us:

• Quietness/tranquility of the resort
• Quality of the fitness facility (for Polynesian, we would walk over to Grand Floridian)
• Things to do around the resort (i.e., walking trails, common areas to sit and relax)

Some things that we don't care about:

• Transportation to/from the parks. We used the bus service during our last visit and had no issue with it. The monorail at the Polynesian/Contemporary, for example, would be an awesome plus, but not a deciding factor.
• Pools- we won't be using them
• Activities for kids- no kids, just my girlfriend and I

If anybody could provide input as to which of these resorts would be best-suited for what we are looking for, it would be greatly appreciated!

I would pick SSR. Beautiful grounds. You can walk to DS for more.dining options. They have a more upscale food court. I enjoyed their daily activities like morning yoga. So peaceful. You can also.walk a trail to OKW for dinner!

 

[Wild4Walt]

I would do either Poly or WL.
I love that you can walk between the Poly and GF so you can enjoy dining at both. From Poly it's also easy to get to CR and WL which just widens how much you can enjoy. At both the Poly and WL you can also enjoy the Electric Water Pagent in the evenings.
WL is just beautiful and romantic and as one of the PP's said it's full of nooks to sit and enjoy the sites ( or a cocktail ).

 

[CynBeth]

I would also say WL.

 

[Minnie1222]

YC - water or garden view. Some of the standard-view rooms have the dreaded shared balcony.
WL - nature or courtyard view.

 

[Tammy A]

Where are you from? Although I loved the Wilderness Lodge, being from Minnesota, it reminds me of Minnesota so I prefer the Yacht Club out of the ones on your list. That stroll into Epcot, walking hand in hand with my boyfriend is one of my favorite memories. You are close to some of the best restaurants. I love how unique some of the Epcot restaurants are but there are even great places at the Yacht/Beach Club and also over at the Boardwalk. I also love the Poly but boy does it need a refurb!
I see that a couple of folks have asked you about the Animal Kingdom Lodge. That is truly the most romantic resort. That's just my opinion but wow! The Unofficial Guide of Walt Disney World reports that they get more positive feedback about Animal Kingdom Lodge than any other. I believe they also say something similar about Grand Floridian. The only draw for most people in reference to AKL is the remote location.
Just a thought, maybe even on your bucket list.

 

[nyy]

I would choose YC or WL for many of the reasons listed by PPs.
YC will give you access to everything at BC, Swan/Dolphin, BW, and the walk to EPCOT is super easy. We love the Crescent Lake area. YC seems quieter than the BC and there are also many places within the 2 resorts to find a peaceful spot to sit. The rooms were recently redone and look fantastic. You will find many places to watch EPCOT and HS fireworks, as well.
WL you will feel secluded and away from it all, but have short transportation rides to MK and CR. The lobby of WL is our favorite. There are also many quiet nooks to seek out on other floors. If you go with WL, do NOT pay for a Courtyard view if you will be at the resort in the afternoons. The noise from the afternoon pool parties drove us crazy. If you book a nature view and request a high floor, you might be able to see MK fireworks. WL will also be cheaper, but the rooms will be more in need of a refresh.

 

[NH-to-FL]

From your list I will add another vote for the YC. While we have not stayed at the YC, DW and I have made many trips to the Boardwalk Inn. From the first visit we fell in love with the Crescent Lake area. There is so much to do within walking distance but being able to stroll over to Epcot in the evenings is what made it extra special.

 

[MichelinMan]

I would go YC from that list, due to easy proximity to EPCOT, the Boardwalk for nice walks, and DHS. Although I would prefer Beach Club to YC, personally.

 

[Disneylovingmomof2]

I’d choose Poly over WL. I liked WL but the Polynesian felt more “Disney” to me. Loved watching HEA from the beach, there’s cool bars there, monorail access. Haven’t stayed at YC so can’t speak on that but the new rooms look nice!