Help me chose a DVC resort! LETSSS GOOOOO

[Goldilocks07]

I'm trying to pick a resort, and I'm just going to go with whatever YOU all decide, because my Disney brain hurts from thinking about it.
Here are the specs:
Just myself and my daughter (10), we've been before. Stayed at the Poly, AKL, WL, BC, BW, Saratoga
Headed there Wednesday Sept 15-20th, 2021
We can stay in a studio or even better, a 1-bedroom (prefer this)
She wants to focus on MK and AK. We may attempt HS but not interested in the fight to go there. We've done it a few times, and failed. Crowds, insane. Put a damper on our day to be honest, and I'm pretty darn good at navigating parks.
We will likely use the pool, since it will be hot as Hades in September. So a good pool is important.

I would consider ALL DVC properties, but I'm leaning towards (in no particular order)
1. Animal Kingdom Lodge (love! but it will stink if the store/restaurants aren't open by then, and who knows what will happen)
2. Boardwalk (we love it here but have stayed the past 2 times pretty recently)
3. Bay Lake Tower (LOVE this, but don't like the pool, or the pool food. gross)
4. Poly (love It here too, but only studios available and I'm assuming we won't be able to grab a room there anyway with the refurb completed)
5. Beach Club (we just stayed there on the last trip, plus I doubt I can get in there bc they are always booked)
6. Saratoga (don't care for it)
7. Old Key West (don't know a thing about it, never been)
8. Riviera (will use sooo many points)
9. Grand Floridian (will also use sooo many points, plus I don't love the feel of the place- but open to hear your opinions!)
10. Wilderness Lodge/Boulder/Copper Creek (we love this resort, I was just hoping for a location we could walk from- but in no way a dealbreaker)

PLEASE HELP and let me know why. Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
My burning eyes from staring at the screen

 

[HiStitch626]

What's actually available for your dates? Your decision may already be made for you.

 

[Marionnette]

I'm trying to pick a resort, and I'm just going to go with whatever YOU all decide, because my Disney brain hurts from thinking about it.
Here are the specs:
Just myself and my daughter (10), we've been before. Stayed at the Poly, AKL, WL, BC, BW, Saratoga
Headed there Wednesday Sept 15-20th, 2021
We can stay in a studio or even better, a 1-bedroom (prefer this)
She wants to focus on MK and AK. We may attempt HS but not interested in the fight to go there. We've done it a few times, and failed. Crowds, insane. Put a damper on our day to be honest, and I'm pretty darn good at navigating parks.
We will likely use the pool, since it will be hot as Hades in September. So a good pool is important.

I would consider ALL DVC properties, but I'm leaning towards (in no particular order)
1. Animal Kingdom Lodge (love! but it will stink if the store/restaurants aren't open by then, and who knows what will happen)
2. Boardwalk (we love it here but have stayed the past 2 times pretty recently)
3. Bay Lake Tower (LOVE this, but don't like the pool, or the pool food. gross)
4. Poly (love It here too, but only studios available and I'm assuming we won't be able to grab a room there anyway with the refurb completed)
5. Beach Club (we just stayed there on the last trip, plus I doubt I can get in there bc they are always booked)
6. Saratoga (don't care for it)
7. Old Key West (don't know a thing about it, never been)
8. Riviera (will use sooo many points)
9. Grand Floridian (will also use sooo many points, plus I don't love the feel of the place- but open to hear your opinions!)
10. Wilderness Lodge/Boulder/Copper Creek (we love this resort, I was just hoping for a location we could walk from- but in no way a dealbreaker)

PLEASE HELP and let me know why. Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
My burning eyes from staring at the screen

Are you open to doing a split stay? If not then I think your list just got a lot shorter.

 

[RoseGold]

Yea, this decision is looking pretty simple with current availability. Flip a coin

 

[Zach197]

Split stay poly and AKL if your focus is those two parks.

 

[Goldilocks07]

Exactly. Flip a coin.

I like the split stay idea- the only issue, is I always feel rushed, like I can't unpack and feel like "I'm home". BUT, not a bad idea!

 

[Sandisw]

Exactly. Flip a coin.

I like the split stay idea- the only issue, is I always feel rushed, like I can't unpack and feel like "I'm home". BUT, not a bad idea!

When I did a split stay with my family, I packed for each part so we could unpack one or two of the bags for the first resort. We left the other ones packed and in the closet. Some things were even duplicates from the dollar store.

Then, as we used things, they went back in to the empty suitcases so the morning of the move it was no big issue!!!

 

[DeeBee3]

I would strongly recommend a split stay. AKL and either Grand Floridian or BLT. Can't beat walking to MK and I look forward to using the new path from GF to MK.

Also agree with above - availability may determine your choice.

 

[Mazz519]

Our favorite resort is the Wilderness lodge followed by the Boardwalk Villas...... WL is just great my kids love taking the boat to the MK and BW is so close to Epcot and HS its also right in the middle of everything.

 

[Donna M]

I just looked at availability, and the only place that has all your days is SSR.

 

[Wedgeout]

You indicated “LOVE” for BLT. May not like “the pool” but there are two. Since don’t like the pool food. Don’t do pool time when hungry! Perfect location for your travel plans.

 

[LSchrow]

Personally, i would pick whichever has the least amount of moving. The possibility of being "homeless" for up to 5+ hours every time you move, is exhausting, imho.
One night followed by the remaining 4 nights might not be as bad, but you will still be limited to the very slim availability,

 

[Goldilocks07]

I just looked at availability, and the only place that has all your days is SSR.

I know. I'll likely have to waitlist. There's nothing fully available. This is why it's a tougher decision, because I'm kind of waiting and hoping for ONE reservation. I can waitlist up to two. So, two chances.

 

[Goldilocks07]

You indicated “LOVE” for BLT. May not like “the pool” but there are two. Since don’t like the pool food. Don’t do pool time when hungry! Perfect location for your travel plans.

I have only been to the BLT pool. I didn't know I could go to the Contemporary pool? LOL and you are right. I just won't go during hunger hours. Usually I go all the way inside to Contempo Cafe and just pick up food and bring it back. But even that menu has gone downhill the past couple years.

 

[Wedgeout]

All pools. BLT pool is exclusive but as Disney prints it: “You can also escape to the 2 pools at the adjacent Disney’s Contemporary Resort”

 

[Deb & Bill]

Five nights might be hard to book as a waitlist. Just book SSR and keep checking the website.

 

[Goldilocks07]

We did indeed book SSR for this week (September), and are going to enjoy the resort. I've only been one night 7 years ago- so we are going to take it all in and enjoy ourselves. Plus walking to Disney Springs is a huge perk.

Side note, I waitlisted a studio, savannah view room November 11-14th, AND GOT IT. This is very exciting!! I love that resort and haven't been in years and years, and honestly, I don't care if the restaurants don't open. I'll take my chances. A lot can change in 5 months. Hopefully, for the better.

 

[oyalkut]

I'm trying to pick a resort, and I'm just going to go with whatever YOU all decide, because my Disney brain hurts from thinking about it.
Here are the specs:
Just myself and my daughter (10), we've been before. Stayed at the Poly, AKL, WL, BC, BW, Saratoga
Headed there Wednesday Sept 15-20th, 2021
We can stay in a studio or even better, a 1-bedroom (prefer this)
She wants to focus on MK and AK. We may attempt HS but not interested in the fight to go there. We've done it a few times, and failed. Crowds, insane. Put a damper on our day to be honest, and I'm pretty darn good at navigating parks.
We will likely use the pool, since it will be hot as Hades in September. So a good pool is important.

I would consider ALL DVC properties, but I'm leaning towards (in no particular order)
1. Animal Kingdom Lodge (love! but it will stink if the store/restaurants aren't open by then, and who knows what will happen)
2. Boardwalk (we love it here but have stayed the past 2 times pretty recently)
3. Bay Lake Tower (LOVE this, but don't like the pool, or the pool food. gross)
4. Poly (love It here too, but only studios available and I'm assuming we won't be able to grab a room there anyway with the refurb completed)
5. Beach Club (we just stayed there on the last trip, plus I doubt I can get in there bc they are always booked)
6. Saratoga (don't care for it)
7. Old Key West (don't know a thing about it, never been)
8. Riviera (will use sooo many points)
9. Grand Floridian (will also use sooo many points, plus I don't love the feel of the place- but open to hear your opinions!)
10. Wilderness Lodge/Boulder/Copper Creek (we love this resort, I was just hoping for a location we could walk from- but in no way a dealbreaker)

PLEASE HELP and let me know why. Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
My burning eyes from staring at the screen

I would vote for Bay Lake Tower. You could always use Contemporary pool if you like that better than BLT, and a 5 minute walk to MK can’t be beat. All monorail restaurants are within easy reach, etc, etc

 

[sndral]

We did indeed book SSR for this week (September), and are going to enjoy the resort. I've only been one night 7 years ago- so we are going to take it all in and enjoy ourselves. Plus walking to Disney Springs is a huge perk.

Side note, I waitlisted a studio, savannah view room November 11-14th, AND GOT IT. This is very exciting!! I love that resort and haven't been in years and years, and honestly, I don't care if the restaurants don't open. I'll take my chances. A lot can change in 5 months. Hopefully, for the better.

QS Mara is open for limited breakfast & dinner at Jambo. Sanaa is open at Kidani. I think the pool bars are open for food at both. I’m hoping everything will be open when I’m there just a month after you

 

[Happy2BMommy0812]

I’d vote Riviera because of the skyliner and, well, we love it. But, likely impossible to get.....