Help me choose a resort!

[calismic]

I am taking my daughter (5yo) to Disney December 1st - 4th for a "mommy daughter" only trip! I have stayed in pretty much every resort, but my god I just cannot decide where I want to be this time. I'm waiting patiently for the newest discounts to be released, but I'm really not opposed to any of the resorts, value, deluxe, I'm open to anything. Help me choose!

So the details; our flight lands at 9:35am the 1st. We have tickets to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. I'd like a resort that puts a lot of effort into their Holiday Decorations. I've already done the Grand Floridian for the holidays, and while its absolutely beautiful, its also a zoo 24/7 because of the Gingerbread house. So I'm thinking, too much hassle for a short trip. Since we'll be hanging at the hotel on day 1 until the party, we're gonna need some entertainment. Day 2 is Epcot and and Neil Patrick Harris Candlelight, day 3 will be a split between Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Day 4 we embark on a Disney Cruise. So as you can see we're jam packed. Great transportation is a MUST! This is one of the first times I'll be without a car, so I'd prefer a location that the bus doesn't stop at 30 hotels.

So far I've considered Boardwalk, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Riverside, and POP. I hear rumor Pop Warner arrives the first week of December so I want to be as far away from them as possible. Pop Century wasn't on their list last year, but I'm afraid that won't stop them from being there. Boardwalk I figure we can walk to Epcot or Hollywood Studios. Plus there's plenty to do. But then Animal Kingdom....well they have animals, and what 5 year old doesn't love animals?! Port Orleans I just love the atmosphere, and POP is cheap and convenient. But again, I'm open to anything. Give me ideas, help me out here guys! =)

 

[jimandami]

You didn't list it, but I would actually consider the Beach Club. The gingerbread carousel is absolutely adorable, there is a great pool and atmosphere, and you can walk or boat to two of the parks. I definitely wouldn't do Pop because Pop Warner kids will likely be there, and could possibly overflow to POR. Although we do love AKL, but I would do BC in this case.

 

[JennyDrake]

I've been at the same resort at Pop Warner for at least 7 years and have never had an issue.

Transportation can be ANYTHING at ANY resort at ANY time. There is no resort with "good" transportation, nor is there a resort with "bad" transportation.

If you are obsessed with transportation TIMES to/from your resort to parks, I would not go with AKL; I think a Crescent Lake resort sounds the most ideal for you.

 

[LisaCM614]

I believe Pop Warner week is 12/6 - 12/11. I know this because my son plays Pop Warner football and we were so close to getting to WDW last year our hope is we'll make it this year!

I think an Epcot area resort is a great pick given your schedule. BWI is my favorite. I would not pick BC/YC in December because the pool would be torture for the kids. Meaning I don't want to go to the pool when it is chilly and they will! At BWI it is a nice pool with a great slide but isn't featured so predominately in the resort I can easily not walk by it while that is not possible at BC with SAB location.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I am taking my daughter (5yo) to Disney December 1st - 4th for a "mommy daughter" only trip! I have stayed in pretty much every resort, but my god I just cannot decide where I want to be this time. I'm waiting patiently for the newest discounts to be released, but I'm really not opposed to any of the resorts, value, deluxe, I'm open to anything. Help me choose!

So the details; our flight lands at 9:35am the 1st. We have tickets to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. I'd like a resort that puts a lot of effort into their Holiday Decorations. I've already done the Grand Floridian for the holidays, and while its absolutely beautiful, its also a zoo 24/7 because of the Gingerbread house. So I'm thinking, too much hassle for a short trip. Since we'll be hanging at the hotel on day 1 until the party, we're gonna need some entertainment. Day 2 is Epcot and and Neil Patrick Harris Candlelight, day 3 will be a split between Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Day 4 we embark on a Disney Cruise. So as you can see we're jam packed. Great transportation is a MUST! This is one of the first times I'll be without a car, so I'd prefer a location that the bus doesn't stop at 30 hotels.

So far I've considered Boardwalk, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Riverside, and POP. I hear rumor Pop Warner arrives the first week of December so I want to be as far away from them as possible. Pop Century wasn't on their list last year, but I'm afraid that won't stop them from being there. Boardwalk I figure we can walk to Epcot or Hollywood Studios. Plus there's plenty to do. But then Animal Kingdom....well they have animals, and what 5 year old doesn't love animals?! Port Orleans I just love the atmosphere, and POP is cheap and convenient. But again, I'm open to anything. Give me ideas, help me out here guys! =)

My first idea was the GF until I saw you shoot that down They really do have amazing holiday decorations, perfect transportation to MVMCP, beautiful "girly" theme to the resort, you could do the afternoon TEA , a spa appointment together, she'll love the Alice splash playground, the list goes on and on, but I guess that's out.
Next idea would be the BC. They have great decorations, love their life-size carousel made of chocolate plus you can walk over to the YC and see their decorations easily too.
To me the BWI isn't a top choice for a 5 year old. AKL isn't convenient to the things you'll be doing. What about the WL? We stayed there last December and it was beautiful. Here are my pictures: https://erika_murphy.silvrback.com/disney-s-wilderness-lodge Such a cozy and traditional holiday feel. My kids really enjoyed it.

 

[calismic]

My first idea was the GF until I saw you shoot that down They really do have amazing holiday decorations, perfect transportation to MVMCP, beautiful "girly" theme to the resort, you could do the afternoon TEA , a spa appointment together, she'll love the Alice splash playground, the list goes on and on, but I guess that's out.
Next idea would be the BC. They have great decorations, love their life-size carousel made of chocolate plus you can walk over to the YC and see their decorations easily too.
To me the BWI isn't a top choice for a 5 year old. AKL isn't convenient to the things you'll be doing. What about the WL? We stayed there last December and it was beautiful. Here are my pictures: https://erika_murphy.silvrback.com/disney-s-wilderness-lodge Such a cozy and traditional holiday feel. My kids really enjoyed it.

See this is why I love other points of view. I totally forgot that GF had the afternoon tea and the splash area. Will definitely have to add it back to the list. I would love WL but unfortunately they have no reservations open for our dates. BC I didn't think of because I didn't associate the beach with Christmas.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

See this is why I love other points of view. I totally forgot that GF had the afternoon tea and the splash area. Will definitely have to add it back to the list. I would love WL but unfortunately they have no reservations open for our dates. BC I didn't think of because I didn't associate the beach with Christmas.

You can see pics of the carousel in that link I posted. It's pretty cool. Not your traditional Christmas theme but still neat. To me when I think of little girls the GF instantly pops in to my mind. I am hoping one of my boys gives me a granddaughter so I can take her there for the ultimate girly WDW trip.

 

[jimandami]

I believe Pop Warner week is 12/6 - 12/11. I know this because my son plays Pop Warner football and we were so close to getting to WDW last year our hope is we'll make it this year!

I think an Epcot area resort is a great pick given your schedule. BWI is my favorite. I would not pick BC/YC in December because the pool would be torture for the kids. Meaning I don't want to go to the pool when it is chilly and they will! At BWI it is a nice pool with a great slide but isn't featured so predominately in the resort I can easily not walk by it while that is not possible at BC with SAB location.

We stayed at BC the first week of December 2 years ago and we swam every day....it was in the low to mid 80s!