Help me pick a resort!

[zacharyt25]

Hi all! Just looking for some advice/recommendations.....

I had a trip booked for late August (just my boyfriend and I)- we were going to stay at POR and then got moved to CBR. We were planning on going up until last week, when we decided to make it tentative due to the high case numbers in Florida. Now with the even bigger numbers over the weekend, we decided to officially postpone our trip I'm not super happy about it but it's the right decision for us right now. But, being the avid planner I am, I'm excited to plan a whole new trip now! We're looking to go in either November (for my birthday) or May (for our 2 year anniversary)... I'm a little torn on the dates because I would love to go sooner, but I feel like if we are gonna wait to go, May might be the move as I would assume fireworks and things like that would (hopefully!) be back by then.

We also decided to ball out since we are postponing and are looking to stay at a deluxe resort. I've been to Disney many times and have usually stayed moderate (POFQ, CS) and the occasional stay at the Swan. Now, we're looking at either Polynesian, Beach Club, Boardwalk, or the Riviera. It's just the two of us and I've never stayed at any of these (though I've been inside a few of them) and I'm torn between which one to choose. If anyone has stayed at these and has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated! I love the Epcot resort area so that's why I have beach club and boardwalk on the board, but the big draw at beach club seems to be stormalong bay, which we don't really have an interest in and also leads me to believe it would be packed with families with young children. Can anyone speak to this? I know disney is always a family destination, but I'm not sure I want that while I'm trying to relax by the pool. Boardwalk seems awesome but the rooms look a little drab to me.

EDIT: we're 24 and 23, if that helps haha. Also would be BF's first trip to Disney World!

 

[CynBeth]

I would do the Poly. There is the tropical feel and you have the electrical water pageant at night. Depending on the room you might be able to see MK fireworks. And, getting to ride the monorail is such an experience for a first timer. You can also walk to the TTC and take it to Epcot as well. And, it is easy to get to the other MK resorts by monorail or boat if you want to have meals there.

 

[zacharyt25]

I would do the Poly. There is the tropical feel and you have the electrical water pageant at night. Depending on the room you might be able to see MK fireworks. And, getting to ride the monorail is such an experience for a first timer. You can also walk to the TTC and take it to Epcot as well. And, it is easy to get to the other MK resorts by monorail or boat if you want to have meals there.

This is my top choice too- but then Epcot is my favorite park so getting to walk there or take the skyliner would be a dream. Hmmmm

 

[andy_dangg]

If you’re looking for something a little newer than Boardwalk, I think Rivera would be a great choice. You’re a direct Skyliner ride from Epcot, and if you walk to the Caribbean Beach hub it’s a direct ride to DHS as well. I haven’t visited, but from what I gather the vibe seems to have more adults than some of the other resorts.

The Swan and Dolphin would also be a great choice if you’d rather be within walking distance—nice rooms and a great pool.

 

[zacharyt25]

If you’re looking for something a little newer than Boardwalk, I think Rivera would be a great choice. You’re a direct Skyliner ride from Epcot, and if you walk to the Caribbean Beach hub it’s a direct ride to DHS as well. I haven’t visited, but from what I gather the vibe seems to have more adults than some of the other resorts.

The Swan and Dolphin would also be a great choice if you’d rather be within walking distance—nice rooms and a great pool.

I do love the swan, but we usually stay there since it's my mothers favorite- for me, it's missing that extra Disney touch (but I'm a crazy Disney person so I know for a fact this is just me not wanting to stay there because it's not technically Disney owned). I'm liking what I see at the Riviera!!!! Looks super luxurious and relaxing which I'm all about

 

[andy_dangg]

I do love the swan, but we usually stay there since it's my mothers favorite- for me, it's missing that extra Disney touch (but I'm a crazy Disney person so I know for a fact this is just me not wanting to stay there because it's not technically Disney owned). I'm liking what I see at the Riviera!!!! Looks super luxurious and relaxing which I'm all about

I definitely understand! I loooove staying in a themed environment, so I really love the Disney owned resorts. In that case, I think Riviera would definitely be good bet, although Boardwalk might be fun with at nighttime atmosphere. The DVC studios at Boardwalk Villas look a little more modern than the rooms at the Inn, IMO (but not as nice as Riviera).

 

[DisneyAlum91]

Beach Club is great for being near Boardwalk & World Showcase but if you aren't interested in the pool go to the Polynesian and truly have a get away experience. It is one of those resorts were you just feel the ambiance and live it. I would stay there every time if I had the money. Captain Cooks is the best fast service resort location and they have a sushi bar too. If you can afford it, with current discounts WDW is running, get a lagoon view and it will blow your mind looking out over Seven Seas Lagoon at night seeing the castle. Room service will even deliver a full Ohana dinner to your room. With the monorail to access or the option to take a boat over to Magic Kingdom, which I love, you get classic & unique transportation options. You have to each rent a Sea Raycer for how long you want and go anywhere on the lagoon & Bay Lake that you want.

 

[AlwaysPlanningforDisney]

Boardwalk or Yacht Club (instead of Beach Club - they share the pool!). The Yacht Club seems to have less kids than Beach Club for some reason (maybe because Yacht Club doesn't have DVC?). I love being able to walk to both EPCOT and HS. Or take the boat. The Boardwalk evening activities are fun to walk through on the Boardwalk and you can enjoy it from either resort.

 

[zacharyt25]

Update: Did a ton of video watching/research with my BF and we landed on a tower studio at the Riviera! Gonna call tomorrow and officially change our reservation over for May 2021- thanks for all the advice!!

 

[jpolak]

Riviera looks beautiful. I think you’ll be very happy there