help me decide on $300 budget

[dredick]

With around a $300 per night budget, i'm having a hard time picking a resort for my 40th birthday. traveling with DH, DS16 & DS13. I had thought POR Royal Guest...But maybe too girly for my teen sons? The family suites look really young? I can afford standard view rooms at Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge...but then we really just get a parking lot view. What to do?

 

[DWillowBay]

There are very nice family suites at All Star Music. They are less expensive and more adult in there presentation than those at AoA. We stayed there 2 years ago and it was great. Sofa and chair in the living room convert to beds. There is a kitchenette and a private bedroom for you and DH. Worth consideration.

 

[DanInMN]

POR Garden View or Preferred. Go off-season, get free-dining. Beautiful resort, nice pools, have fun!

 

[Ladcassidy]

Not sure when you are trying to go, but we got a 1br at VWL for not much more than that last February, using a PIN.

 

[Karlzmom]

Something to consider is that AKL reclassified some of its former Savanna view rooms as standard view based on "non-optimal" views. [Read, people complained they didn't get enough of a view for the money], so a Standard view room *may* be better than a parking lot. I chuckled every morning drinking my coffee with the giraffes from my standard view balcony.

Also, have you looked at renting DVC points? Seems like you could get a pretty sweet resort experience at that price point.....

 

[mickeynut1]

With around a $300 per night budget, i'm having a hard time picking a resort for my 40th birthday. traveling with DH, DS16 & DS13. I had thought POR Royal Guest...But maybe too girly for my teen sons? The family suites look really young? I can afford standard view rooms at Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge...but then we really just get a parking lot view. What to do?

If it were me, I'd go with either WL or AKL. We have stayed at both and IMO, both are great deluxe resorts for the money. Good luck deciding, although I'm sure you will have a great trip no matter which resort you choose.

 

[HopperFan]

Of the ones you listed, I would choose AKL or WL, we have stayed at both and am sure you will love them. We have had bunkbed rooms at both, not sure the size of your boys but would give them their own beds.

Stayed in POR Royal last year and loved them. I think your boys will like the resort, but the room may be too princess-y mostly because of the artwork, but overall it's just a more classy room.

Another thought might be Coronado Springs. When my DS hit teens this became and still is his favorite hotel. I love it as well, the rooms seem much more luxurious than other moderates. A new addition I've read about is the Business Class which gives you access to a CL lounge and extras. It should still be within your budget to add this level. And the beds are queens so easier to share.

 

[dredick]

We will be going in March for my 40th birthday. I have stayed at the suites at ASM when the boys were younger. I liked the room, but the buses are so crowded. I do like the bunk bed idea at WL. However, if I could get a descent standard room at AKL that would be amazing. Does nobody like POR? Maybe I should rule that out first. Thanks!

 

[dredick]

Of the ones you listed, I would choose AKL or WL, we have stayed at both and am sure you will love them. We have had bunkbed rooms at both, not sure the size of your boys but would give them their own beds.

Stayed in POR Royal last year and loved them. I think your boys will like the resort, but the room may be too princess-y mostly because of the artwork, but overall it's just a more classy room.

Another thought might be Coronado Springs. When my DS hit teens this became and still is his favorite hotel. I love it as well, the rooms seem much more luxurious than other moderates. A new addition I've read about is the Business Class which gives you access to a CL lounge and extras. It should still be within your budget to add this level. And the beds are queens so easier to share.

I do think there is a major princess vibe to POR. Last time we stayed there was in AB. I may need to look at CSR. Thanks

 

[AliceIn]

I picked the family suite, it's nice to have the queen bed and private bath for the master bedroom. For a birthday that extra privacy is nice. We stayed at the AoA in a Cars suite last year, and the room was really nice.

 

[kappyfamily]

I also would rent DVC points. We did thru David's vacation rentals, awesome experience, got a great 2 bedroom suite at BLT. A one bedroom would work perfect your group. Have a great trip.

 

[Simba's Girl]

I think you all would get a kick out of AKL-even if you get a "parking lot" view. There is so much more to see at that resort than just in the room anyway and if you got a savannah view that would be just a bonus.

 

[TxRabbit]

I've stayed at AKL, WL, and RR at POR. You can't go wrong with any of these choices...you just have to know what is most important to you and your family for your vacation.

The RR at POR are not girly at all IMO. I went with DS12 and DH and we were RR only because that was the only room available during our desired time. I didn't mind it, but I wasn't looking for it. I really enjoyed the room! I would say that the room has more of a masculine vibe than anything, actually. Deep navy colors and gold. One of the main perks of POR is the boat to DTD. I don't know what your thoughts on dinner are, but DTD has some great restaurant choices and the boat ride to DTD is very enjoyable. The atmosphere of POR is very leisurely and calming. And if you like to drive yourself to the parks, then the proximity of your car at this resort is a big perk.

AKL and WL are beautiful resorts. Some big perks for both would be the bunk bed option for the rooms AND the balcony. We haven't stayed deluxe for the past 2 visits, but on previous visits, we really enjoyed an evening nightcap on our balcony. DS (younger than yours) would go to bed and we would get some alone adult time on the balcony.

Transportation at WL is a perk IMO. I love being able to take something other than a bus. WL has the boat to MK, but this same boat services CR, so it's easy to get to CR. But it is also easy to get to GF and Poly by boat transfer at MK. This opens up many dining options that are relatively easy to get to. I didn't enjoy the pool at WL. Granted, when we were there, it was a major heat wave and the pool was VERY crowded...like almost standing room only in the pool itself, but this highlighted how small the pool was by comparison to other resorts. I was so surprised that the pool was so small.

The isolation of AKL can be perk, if you want to feel like you are getting away from the parks when you are at your resort home. AKL was the first resort we stayed at and so it has a special place in my heart for those memories. Pool view isn't much more than standard view; if you are in the first wing, there is a handy dandy door that makes walking to and from the bus depot much much shorter.

Like I said...think about your plans. My family is on a mission to stay at all the different resorts. We pick the resort that seems best suited to our current situaton (finances) as well as our plans. We haven't repeated a resort yet. Disney does such a great job with their theming and atmospheres that, if you can appreciate each for what it is, then you can have a great time no matter what the amenities at the resort are. As weird as it is, but it's the main rule in real estate...location, location, location...how does the resort fit into your plans? The one that helps you achieve your plans with the least fuss is the best resort to pick.

 

[Wood Nymph]

The transportation at WL makes it the number one choice for me. We loved that resort and the boats to ML, CR and FW made it extra nice. I wouldn't worry too much about the view. Bunk beds would be really nice but I know they cost a bit more. Free upgrades sometimes happen, too.

 

[dredick]

All great points! Thank you all so much for taking time to answer! I am really swinging towards the deluxe. Mainly because they are one of few we have not stayed at in the past. We have visited both deluxe hotels in the past. (really all lol). The theme and Jiko may swing me to AKL. I love WL lobby, but the rest was not so well themed to me. However, the boat to MK is a plus. Pools do not matter. We are not public pool fans. As for DVC, we actually owned for a while. I am a fan of maid service Plus, on the odd chance there is a discount or something for March, I would rather buy the room+ticket package now and change later.

 

[flamark]

WL would be my choice but I know that at 6'1" my 16 yr old DS won't fit on the bunk bed completely. Your boys may be shorter and the BB may be ok for them.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

You mentioned WL....
We have always booked and then later applied a discount. You could get a woods or even courtyard view for under $300/night, including 12.5% tax (based on current rates).

I love WL cuz it gives you the feel of being a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of WDW the minute you walk into the majestic lobby. DS(17) "refuses " to stay anywhere else. It is a pretty relaxing place which is very important to us.

Check out the WL thread, look at pics, decide what is important to you and Enjoy your planning!

 

[dredick]

You mentioned WL....
We have always booked and then later applied a discount. You could get a woods or even courtyard view for under $300/night, including 12.5% tax (based on current rates).

I love WL cuz it gives you the feel of being a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of WDW the minute you walk into the majestic lobby. DS(17) "refuses " to stay anywhere else. It is a pretty relaxing place which is very important to us.

Check out the WL thread, look at pics, decide what is important to you and Enjoy your planning!

Thanks! i'm going to check it out now. Wilderness is winning in the Poll so it must be great!

 

[auralia]

Rent dvc points. A five night stay the week before thanksgiving is 82 points so that is 984$ for that week. You can go to the dvc rent and trade board for more information.

 

[GrumpyBelle]

I would choose one of the deluxes. We have stayed at both WL and AKV. You cant go wrong either way.