Help me pick my resort

[LSUfan4444]

Okay, me (35m), wife (31f) and daughter (2)

The wife and I go about twice a year for week or shorter trips and have alays stayed in value or moderate resorts. The daughter went once last January (when she was one), is going next week with my wife and in-laws (staying at Bay Lake) and we are taking her in March.

We currently are booked 3/3 through 3/7 with free dining at Caribbean Beach (never stayed there before). I am considering bumping up our package to a deluxe resort, but don't know which one to chose.

First, not saying money is no object (like not staying int he castle), but just about any room is within consideration that would accomodate two adults and a child.

If there is a specific room at GF or Contemporary that might be better for Wishes viewing, or a rom at Beach Club where you can see Illuminations confused3), etc.

We have ADR's at:

Breakfast @ Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Dinner @ Mama Melrose
Breakfast @ Crystal Palace
Breakfast @ Chef Mickey's
Dinner @ Tony's Town Square

We are only doing Animal Kingdom the day we arrive and the morning we leave, but are planning two 1/2 days each at EP, HS and MK.

Now, after getting all that info out, my questions is. If we stay at the Yacht / Beach Club, is there any room better than any other? This is a nice option for us because my wife and I love Epcot and HS, so if the baby isn't feeling it, one of us can stay back in the room and the other can just walk to HS or Epcot for a while.

Whats the best way to get from Yacht / Beach Club to MK? Bus, or walk through Epcot and take monoral?

What about Grand Floridian? Also an option because of it's proximity to MK (one day we start our day there and one night we end it there), so it would be convenient. Is there any room or section that is significantly better than any other?

Kinda don't want to do Contemporary since the wife will be staying at Bay Lake in January.

Would like Animal Kingdom with the balcony that overlooks am feedinds, but it's just so far away from where we'll spend most of our time.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks in advance and sorry for dropping so much info.

 

[bowbat]

Okay, I know you said you'd rather not do Contemporary since your wife is staying at BLT in January, but it's really what I'd recommend.

First, being able to walk to MK is fantastic, especially with a little one. You can get a TPV room there and have an amazing view of MK & the fireworks, so you can still enjoy Disney even after you leave the parks (and your little one is asleep). Plus, it's easy access for half of your ADRs.

We haven't yet stayed at YC/BC (although I plan on it!), but we did recently stay at BWI. We had a view of the Eiffel Tower & Illuminations from our room, which was lovely but not guaranteed (you can't book a TPV room like you can at MK resorts -- all you can do is request a room with view of the fireworks and hope for the best). We definitely enjoyed the easy walk to Epcot & boat ride to HS, and found the bus service to MK quick & easy (they shared with Swan/Dolphin).

 

[Alabama Minnie]

You cannot beat the convenience of the Boardwalk for Epcot/DHS. We have stayed at BWI and the Dolphin and both were great. If you are driving from LA (and wouldn't need ME) you might want to check the rates at the Dolphin/Swan too. Sometimes they are as cheap as staying at a moderate.
Our favorite monorail resort is the POLY. Never stayed at GF, just too much $$ to justify. Didn't care for CR atmosphere.
Sorry but forgot you were doing free dining. You can't get that at Swan and Dolphin but I would do the math and see if a room discount was a better deal.

 

[ls3015]

I will tell you, that if you have a chance and are able to get into the Grand, go for it, do it what ever it takes, get in there, chance of a life time, may never be able to again, so why not!

 

[LSUfan4444]

My only concerns with Polynesian and GF is we are basically spending one day in MK, one day in Epcot and one day in HS. I'm just wondering if being on (or near) the boardwalk would be easier for the family. Price is all just about equal.

 

[jaceraden]

If you are just doing half days at the parks, my pick would be BC and ramp it up to club level. Here's why:

We just came back from BC club level with our 2 and 4 year olds. It was fanfreakingtastic. Yup. Having the option to walk to to parks plus being at Beach Club is hard to beat. It's just such a great atmosphere. We found ourselves drawn to EPCOT every day. Also, club level was convenient - and I'm not a club level person in real life. Drinks and snacks (and continental breakfast) as you pass by the lounge doesn't sound like much but we loved it for our little ones.

I would suggest going to MK for rope drop - the two times we did this, we took the bus there without problem. It actually wasn't even full. The added bonus was that we were able to walk on all of the rides (some multiple times) and then get home for nap/swim, etc. There is also something really relaxing about taking the monorail back to Epcot and then strolling through the Countries on the way back to BC. It does take longer than if you bussed but it's nice to do if you have the time. The walk to Hollywood Studios is not for everyone but it is scenic and much less hustle and bustle than using transportation in my opinion.

Lagoon view Club level at BC gives you a lovely look at the pool. Also, I'd suggest putting in a request for a full balcony. It's nice for chilling out at night.

That's my pick! I would (and plan to) do it all again.

 

[LSUfan4444]

If you are just doing half days at the parks, my pick would be BC and ramp it up to club level. Here's why:

We just came back from BC club level with our 2 and 4 year olds. It was fanfreakingtastic. Yup. Having the option to walk to to parks plus being at Beach Club is hard to beat. It's just such a great atmosphere. We found ourselves drawn to EPCOT every day. Also, club level was convenient - and I'm not a club level person in real life. Drinks and snacks (and continental breakfast) as you pass by the lounge doesn't sound like much but we loved it for our little ones.

I would suggest going to MK for rope drop - the two times we did this, we took the bus there without problem. It actually wasn't even full. The added bonus was that we were able to walk on all of the rides (some multiple times) and then get home for nap/swim, etc. There is also something really relaxing about taking the monorail back to Epcot and then strolling through the Countries on the way back to BC. It does take longer than if you bussed but it's nice to do if you have the time. The walk to Hollywood Studios is not for everyone but it is scenic and much less hustle and bustle than using transportation in my opinion.

Lagoon view Club level at BC gives you a lovely look at the pool. Also, I'd suggest putting in a request for a full balcony. It's nice for chilling out at night.

That's my pick! I would (and plan to) do it all again.

Thanks, that actually sounds perfect. My wife and I don't mind doing alot of walking (both runners) and we'll have our jogging stroller for our two year old. Appreciate the input.

 

[padawans]

Thanks, that actually sounds perfect. My wife and I don't mind doing alot of walking (both runners) and we'll have our jogging stroller for our two year old. Appreciate the input.

I would do poly(monorail to both mk and epcot) or an epcot resort. BW,YC or BC are all nice. The walk from BW to Dhs is shorter. I am a runner also I didn't mind the walk, but it does take about 25 minutes from bc so allow some time. If you plan on running while your there I think Wl and the epcot resorts have the best running trails. The busses are horrible from the epcot resorts, but since you will only use them once it should be ok.

 

[GoHerbie]

I 'd say almost anything would be an upgrade over carib beach. We checked out of there yesterday and won't be returning. Some people like it, so maybe you have to see for yourself. For future trips well be going back to POR.

 

[TwistGrl101]

Beach Club all the way!!!!!

 

[jimandami]

Would definitely recommend BC/YC for your family! We absolutely love the resort and that entire Epcot area is just a great place to be. It is so nice to be able to walk to Epcot and DHS, the Boardwalk for snacks/entertainment, and SAB is great for little ones. We never really had a problem with the bus service from those resorts, except they share with one another and that can be a pain but its not that big a deal. For MK, we usually just walk through Epcot and hop on the monorail, which the kids love to ride anyway, so you really only need a bus to AK.

 

[Tigger1]

I would go for the epcot resorts since your daughter is only 2. Once she is older I would suggest Mk resorts to include Wilderness lodge and Animal Kingdom resort.

Can you switch rooms and still have free dining? I would ask about this before they cancel your other reservation.

If you go for Concierge room you might want to cancel some of the the breakfast and go to dinners since you will have concierge for breakfast unless you want your eggs, meat and potatoes for breakfast.

Also, look into DVC while you are at DW. If you are going to Disney as often in the future it might work nicely for you. I have been a member for 13 years and still planning trips with my children and now including grandchildren and spouse's. Its just great. We love Animal Kingdom except for the buses. BWV, BC, BLT, OKW, WL, SP and soon to be Grand Floridian are all DVC options.

 

[ls3015]

Grand Floridian, I heard if staying there you don't have to wait in lines, and you get front row seats.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

If you want to watch Wishes from your room then I would recommend the Tower - Magic Kingdom View at the Contemporary since they are the closest resort to the Magic Kingdom.

 

[autismgoesdisney]

Personally, at 2 my kids would enjoy any resort! A value would suite them perfectly LOL!

So I would go with what you and your wife want! I haven't stayed deluxe but if I could afford to, I would choose a MK view room! I'm not sure which hotels offer this but if Poly did that would be my first choice, CR would be my second and GF would be my third.

Have a great trip! You have one lucky two year old

 

[nurse.darcy]

Here is something to think about. . .half of your ADR's are at Magic Kingdom. Contemporary Resort with an MK view would be magical. Also. . .Transport to the other resorts is easy peasy. . .Monorail to Epcot, bus to AK and DHS. However, my favorite stays have always been at BWI. So centrally located to everything. My dream resort (and I have actually gotten to stay there) is AKL. Why? It is relaxing, beautiful and you never feel as if you have to leave your room. True that it is all bus service and it is a bit far away from things but it is gorgeous. . .really depends on your taste. Go with your gut. Your child is young and won't remember. Do what you two want.

 

[ls3015]

Grand Floridian, after staying there, there is no other resort choice, That's why it has the name of Grand. Have you ever seen the size of the lobby?

 

[Scarlett81]

Okay, me (35m), wife (31f) and daughter (2)

The wife and I go about twice a year for week or shorter trips and have alays stayed in value or moderate resorts. The daughter went once last January (when she was one), is going next week with my wife and in-laws (staying at Bay Lake) and we are taking her in March.

We currently are booked 3/3 through 3/7 with free dining at Caribbean Beach (never stayed there before). I am considering bumping up our package to a deluxe resort, but don't know which one to chose.

First, not saying money is no object (like not staying int he castle), but just about any room is within consideration that would accomodate two adults and a child.

If there is a specific room at GF or Contemporary that might be better for Wishes viewing, or a rom at Beach Club where you can see Illuminations confused3), etc.

We have ADR's at:

Breakfast @ Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Dinner @ Mama Melrose
Breakfast @ Crystal Palace
Breakfast @ Chef Mickey's
Dinner @ Tony's Town Square

We are only doing Animal Kingdom the day we arrive and the morning we leave, but are planning two 1/2 days each at EP, HS and MK.

Now, after getting all that info out, my questions is. If we stay at the Yacht / Beach Club, is there any room better than any other? This is a nice option for us because my wife and I love Epcot and HS, so if the baby isn't feeling it, one of us can stay back in the room and the other can just walk to HS or Epcot for a while.

Whats the best way to get from Yacht / Beach Club to MK? Bus, or walk through Epcot and take monoral?

What about Grand Floridian? Also an option because of it's proximity to MK (one day we start our day there and one night we end it there), so it would be convenient. Is there any room or section that is significantly better than any other?

Kinda don't want to do Contemporary since the wife will be staying at Bay Lake in January.

Would like Animal Kingdom with the balcony that overlooks am feedinds, but it's just so far away from where we'll spend most of our time.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks in advance and sorry for dropping so much info.

I would not do AKL. I want to do that hotel eventually but I don't think its a good suggestion when you have kids so young. You are folding and unfolding the stroller 1,000 times a day, bc your only option is buses. Of course at any hotel you stay you'll have to do that at some point, but at AKL its the only option. When you travel with little ones, to me its worth it to pay for convenience.
My other suggestion is get a room with a balcony. That way when you put the baby down, you can sit out there and have some nice quiet time-its also a great place to relax and have coffee before the kids are awake.
I would suggest Beach Club or Grand Floridian. To me, BC hands down has the best pool-a huge area called storm along bay. There are plenty of very shallow or splashy areas for the baby to play in, as opposed to just one big pool. For BC, almost all views are nice. I wouldn't per se pay for a view there, but the views of the lake are lovely. I'd rather pay for a larger room or club level room, which is really nice with kids. When your daughter is asleep one of you can stay in the room and the other can go to the club lounge for wine or dessert, or when you wake up go up there for an early coffee. Its really nice. They also have a very nice Jr suite at BC, with a large walk out patio.
Walking into epcot from there in 5 mins is wonderful.
At the GF, I don't think you can go wrong with any room. The best thing about that hotel is that it is 5 minutes to get into MK. Its amazing. We stayed in a standard sized room, but it was club level and we got a theme park view room. You may think your daughter is too young to appreciate it, but that is completely not true. My 4 yo and my 6 month old loved it. We would do an afternoon of MK, then leave before the crowds left at 30 mins before wishes fireworks were scheduled...take the boat over to the GF, grab wine in the club lounge, and sit on the balcony for wishes. The view is better than when you are in the park. Our 6 mo LOVED it. That was hands down the most memorable part of the trip. You pay for it...but its wonderful.

Don't know if I helped at all...but gave you some food for thought. Happy planning.

 

[Marthasor]

Okay, me (35m), wife (31f) and daughter (2)

The wife and I go about twice a year for week or shorter trips and have alays stayed in value or moderate resorts. The daughter went once last January (when she was one), is going next week with my wife and in-laws (staying at Bay Lake) and we are taking her in March.

We currently are booked 3/3 through 3/7 with free dining at Caribbean Beach (never stayed there before). I am considering bumping up our package to a deluxe resort, but don't know which one to chose.

First, not saying money is no object (like not staying int he castle), but just about any room is within consideration that would accomodate two adults and a child.

If there is a specific room at GF or Contemporary that might be better for Wishes viewing, or a rom at Beach Club where you can see Illuminations confused3), etc.

We have ADR's at:

Breakfast @ Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Dinner @ Mama Melrose
Breakfast @ Crystal Palace
Breakfast @ Chef Mickey's
Dinner @ Tony's Town Square

We are only doing Animal Kingdom the day we arrive and the morning we leave, but are planning two 1/2 days each at EP, HS and MK.

Now, after getting all that info out, my questions is. If we stay at the Yacht / Beach Club, is there any room better than any other? This is a nice option for us because my wife and I love Epcot and HS, so if the baby isn't feeling it, one of us can stay back in the room and the other can just walk to HS or Epcot for a while.

Whats the best way to get from Yacht / Beach Club to MK? Bus, or walk through Epcot and take monoral?

What about Grand Floridian? Also an option because of it's proximity to MK (one day we start our day there and one night we end it there), so it would be convenient. Is there any room or section that is significantly better than any other?

Kinda don't want to do Contemporary since the wife will be staying at Bay Lake in January.

Would like Animal Kingdom with the balcony that overlooks am feedinds, but it's just so far away from where we'll spend most of our time.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks in advance and sorry for dropping so much info.

If you stay at GF, I would choose Main Building Theme Park View for a view of Wishes. However, based on the description of your family and your love of EP and DHS, I would HIGHLY recommend BC or YC.

We have stayed at both GF and BC and while GF is beautiful and has a lot of amenities, if your baby isn't feeling well or needs to go to sleep early, you and your wife will be stuck taking turns walking around GF or possibly taking the monorail over to MK. By staying at BC or YC, as you mentioned, you are steps away from EP and the BW entertainment and a boat ride to DHS. We took my DS (then 3) to BC in August and this is exactly what we did. If we were touring the parks and he got tired or was about to meltdown, one of us could simply take him back to the hotel or when he went to sleep early, we were just steps away from strolling around EP. We LOVED it!

If you do stay at BC or YC, the best way to get to MK is the bus. We stayed Garden View at BC - no view of Illuminations, but we really liked it!