Help Me Pick a WDW Resort for the Holidays

[henrylovespooh]

We (DH, me, DD and DS - both preschoolers) are going late November/early December 2006 and I am trying to pick where to stay. DH is leaning toward AKL because our son loves animals and after eating at Boma last Spring, we fell in love with the place. But he also wants to consider staying on the Monorail route because we spend a lot of time at MK and Epcot. I like the theming of the Boardwalk resorts but don't know anything about them.

This will likely be our last long trip in awhile because our son will be starting school in 2007 and our daughter the year after. For that reason, and also because it will be our first trip to WDW during the holiday season, I would like it to be special. Resorts with nice holiday decorations and feel would be preferred. No resort is ruled out.

And, since both DD and DS will be over four years old, we would also like a place with child care options so DH and I can finally have a dinner alone in the World, even if it's just a quick meal in our hotel.

Thanks for any suggestions you have.

 

[Merandab4]

I would say Grand Floridian Hands Down! Especially if this is going to be your last trip for a while.
The themeing is beautiful, and at Christmas time it is sure to be even more festive with that giant gingerbread house and all. Also it is on the monorail line which makes it convenient to MK and Epcot!
The grand floridian also has several childrens activities including the pirate cruise, the princess tea party, and the grand adventures in cooking. i also believe they have a child care club as well. If not, I know that the Poly does, it's called the neverland club and is just a monorail ride or walk away.

 

[lovesdumbo]

I would say the Poly is a great resort with 2 young children - giving you great access to both MK via boat or monorail and direct access to the direct Epcot monorail. The pool is great! And I've read great reports for the Neverland Club. And the Grand Floridian is just a short walk or monorail ride away.

Have you considered concierge? We find it so convenient with young children and they are schedule to have the new rooms in concierge open 10/11/05 so you'ld get the new look if you choose concierge.

I haven't been to AKL or Poly during Christmas but think you'ld find the level of decorations at both resorts simular. The GF would have more Christmas decor with a life size Ginger Bread House.

And...I wouldn't give up on Disney just because your children will be starting school. I just got back from a whirlwind 3 night trip with my DS and found the weather more tolerable than expected and very LOW crowds. I would definately go the last week of August again.

 

[Manon]

Some say that Wilderness Lodge is the most decorated for X-Mas!

But I've never been there! Hope to see it this X-Mas

 

[Stitch 03]

The GF is definitely the place to go. The best hotel on property*, it is very well decorated at christmas, and is on the monorail route. To make it real special, and expensive, try a room in the main building.

Another possibility is to do a split stay. Start at the AKL the move to the GF to finish your trip.

If you want to consider an Epcot resort then try the Yacht Club.

*There are a variety of opinions regarding what is the best resort. I label this one as the best because it is considered to be Disney's flag ship resort.

 

[henrylovespooh]

Thanks for the ideas! I was thinking of a split stay as well - AKL and then maybe the Poly.

Lovesdumbo - oh, this will not be our last trip - Heavens no! It's just that we've been going once a year since the kids were born, and after they start school we might go every other year or so and maybe for a shorter stay, and probably not around the holidays again.