Help Meeeee!

[KingQueennaPrincess]

I am here begging for help.

I have never been to Disney World. No one in my family has ever been to Disney World. And now, I am planning a trip to Disney World for my DD's 5th birthday party in November 2014.

My question is this: what resort is best for my situation?

My husband and I are saving a good deal of money for this trip specifically, so money is not an object so much. I am looking for proximity to the Magic Kingdom, which is the most important for my DD, being the princess that she is. I am considering Polynesian resort, as well as looking at Contemporary, but I am woefully lost as to which would be best. Even though these are the ones I've looked at, I'm open to whatever is recommended.

I don't have a clue about what is the best. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[alisha123]

I would suggest the beach club villa's. they are amazing and you have a beach right there, plus the Disney boardwalk is a beautiful place to stroll and hang out, they are really nice and modern, plus you can walk to Epcot. They are my pick any day!

 

[LisaTC]

If you're want to stay close to MK with a little girl and her special day, you'll likely to love the Poly. The only thing is, I think there is tentative construction for the Poly...maybe somebody else can better address that. Any of the MK resorts would be great. Even the Wilderness Lodge would be nice, it is a boat ride from MK. You can check out Tikiman's site - all about the Polynesian. Just Google tikiman!

 

[mrsarbogast]

I don't know a lot about the deluxe resorts but we are also going in November for my dd's 5th birthday trip. I booked a royal room at POR for us I think any little princess would love it.

 

[Ladcassidy]

We stayed in a 1BR at VWL for our DDs 5th birthday last year. Perfect location for easy back-and-forth trips to MK by boat and bus (for our early morning birthday breakfast with the princesses).

 

[RachelTori]

I am here begging for help.

I have never been to Disney World. No one in my family has ever been to Disney World. And now, I am planning a trip to Disney World for my DD's 5th birthday party in November 2014.

My question is this: what resort is best for my situation?

My husband and I are saving a good deal of money for this trip specifically, so money is not an object so much. I am looking for proximity to the Magic Kingdom, which is the most important for my DD, being the princess that she is. I am considering Polynesian resort, as well as looking at Contemporary, but I am woefully lost as to which would be best. Even though these are the ones I've looked at, I'm open to whatever is recommended.

I don't have a clue about what is the best. Anyone have any suggestions?

For proximity to MK, I would say the Contemporary. You can walk it or take the monorail. Contemporary and Polynesian both have large rooms (by Disney standards!). You could also get a studio or 1-bedroom at BLT - either through DRC or by renting points from a DVC member. If you do your research, you could save a lot of money by renting points.

Wilderness Lodge is also a resort you might consider. Smaller rooms, no monorail, but easy access to MK (via boat or bus) and the atmosphere there is wonderful! A studio or 1-bedroom in Wilderness Lodge Villas is also an option you might consider.

Good luck with your research and I wish you a magical vacation!

 

[alisha123]

Yes there was some construction going on around the poly not to mention its so old and outdated looking. It needs a refurb for sure IMO

 

[Momofonelittlemickey]

I love the Poly!

It has a classic Disney feel-- and an amazingly wonderful theme.

The location is perfect, and the rooms are an excellent size. We particularly enjoy the Tokelau longhouse.

I'm not a fan of the Wilderness-- being from the Midwest, it doesn't feel like vacation.
The contemporary isn't "Disney" enough for me!'

 

[kerri0616]

Everyone who posts here has different favorites, so you'll never get a consensus! But that's why Disney makes so many different people happy...they have something for everyone!! I would advise you to just continue your research. Look at pictures of the resorts and rooms. Check out the different food offerings at each. It sounds like you want to be close to MK for your first trip with a princess, and that's a wonderful choice!

Personally, we've stayed at Poly and WL (which I consider an MK resort ) and both have so much to offer! If you stay at either, you will have a hard time staying somewhere else next time...and trust me, there will be a next time! We are in the minority, but we preferred WL based solely on theme. Just love the architecture! It felt like home to us.

I envy you taking your daughter for a First Visit! Nothing else comes close!!! My boys are 14 and 17 now and I still have memories of their little faces seeing Wishes for the first time! Have fun doing the research...that's why most of us are here on these boards--we love the research almost as much as the actual trip.

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

I love the Poly!

It has a classic Disney feel-- and an amazingly wonderful theme.

The location is perfect, and the rooms are an excellent size. We particularly enjoy the Tokelau longhouse.

I'm not a fan of the Wilderness-- being from the Midwest, it doesn't feel like vacation.
The contemporary isn't "Disney" enough for me!'

This exactly! The Poly is our fave! It's so lush, beautiful and peaceful. And watching Wishes (fireworks over Magic Kingdom) from the Poly beach is amazing. We're also from the Midwest and don't care for the Wilderness at all. I agree that the Contemporary's (CR) theme doesn't say "Disney" to us. However, the ability to walk to CR from the Magic Kingdom is a HUGE benefit!

 

[DVCmom4]

I personally love the Poly but I suggest going on YouTube and look up the different resorts that you are thinking about. You can even search the rooms. I find it to be very helpful!

No matter where you choose I'm sure she will have a truly magical time, and if she is anything like my dd she'll be talking you into DVC too!!

 

[wdwmom0f3]

I don't know a lot about the deluxe resorts but we are also going in November for my dd's 5th birthday trip. I booked a royal room at POR for us I think any little princess would love it.

This is what I would suggest also!! The Poly is beautiful, but so is Riverside. My kids love it there and the boat ride to Down Town Disney is fun, the horse and buggy rides are fun too. Riverside has a great food court too.

You said that your daughter is like a little princess right? Check this out!!



º 3:07º 3:07
www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2mYDjZ5OUk
Jan 6, 2013 - Uploaded by AllEarsNet
Port Orleans Riverside is a resort themed to the Mississippi-bayou area of the Old South ...

We will be staying in a Royal Room this thanksgiving and I can't wait!! While I would love to stay at the Poly, it is very expensive. Riverside is the closest thing we have found to a deluxe without the BIG price. I had rather use that money on other fun things when you are there.

Since you are new to Disney and you asked for a little help, check out BBB also for your daughter. Dinner at the castle after a special makeover would be any little girls dream come true.


º 2:19º 2:19
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa0OOzzHT94
Jan 16, 2013 - Uploaded by ltremonti1
12/08/12 - Ella's first time at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique inside Disney World's Magic ...

Another place she may love to eat would be at the Grand Floridian at 1900 Park Fare. Dinner with Cinderella, the Prince and her two (hilarious) step sisters as well as her step mother. It's a fun place for little girls!!

 

[MomofIndigo]

We are taking DD for her 5th birthday too but in January and are looking to upgrade to the princess room at Port Orleans Riverside. She loves princesses right now and we think staying in a room that was decorated by a princess would be perfect. It is not an MK resort but it isnt that far either.

Happy searching! I know your DD will be so thrilled and happy.

 

[davale4]

For my DD's 9th b-day, we surprised her. We stayed at the GF RPC and celebrated with a special activity each day. We did the Perfectly Princess Tea Party, which was an awesome experience, and the Wonderland Tea Party. Both were very different. If she likes princesses, she will really enjoy them. You can still do the activities if you want to stay somewhere else. We are just biased with the GF . We did many other activities that week, but those were so convenient for us since we were there already.

 

[Ofinn]

If you want to be close to MK than I would book a MK resort. I'm sure POR is ok, and the royal rooms are nice, but it not a deluxe resort. It is also a long bus ride to the MK, and it is huge, and very spread out.

I love the Poly, but if the construction is an issue I would consider the Grand Floridian. The Contemporary is within walking distance, but the décor is something that doesn't appeal to everyone.

 

[mickey2minnie1]

We took our DD for her first trip and stayed at the Poly. She looooved it and felt so lucky to be there. She woke up each morning and saw Cinderella's castle. While we watched the fireworks she played in the sand too. The pool is zero entry and she could run in and out with us right there. Captain Cooks had Mickey waffles and the Kona had Mickey ravioli. The monorail was her choice of transportation to the MK. There is no where she wants to stay now. We have been back three times since. The Poly is her Disney home.

 

[Aliceacc]

I vote the Poly.

The atmosphere is amazing!! You're transported to a different place, far from the frenetic energy of the parks. The peaceful music playing in the background, the flowers that are EVERYWHERE, the volcano pool... pure bliss!!

Then add in the monorail access to the Magic Kingdom. And the fact that you can walk to the TTC for monorail access to Epcot, and it's a wonderful choice for your family!!!

 

[clapton]

CR doesn't always appeal to everyone because of its modern theme, but to say it doesn't feel "Disney enough" is again an opinion. We have stayed at the CR many times and it was the first resort we stayed at when my children were younger, so for us it is Disney! So do your research and pick one that appeals to you, whatever you choose you will have a wonderful time. Enjoy!

 

[Cadyrose]

For my DD's 9th b-day, we surprised her. We stayed at the GF RPC and celebrated with a special activity each day. We did the Perfectly Princess Tea Party, which was an awesome experience, and the Wonderland Tea Party. Both were very different. If she likes princesses, she will really enjoy them. You can still do the activities if you want to stay somewhere else. We are just biased with the GF . We did many other activities that week, but those were so convenient for us since we were there already.

I was going to say the same except we didn't do club level.

The GF has the new Alice splash pad and 1900 Park Fair has 2 different character meals. Breakfast is Alice, Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins and dinner is Cinderella, Prince Charming and the Tremaines (who are fabulous!). We didn't do it but I have heard that 5 is the perfect age for the tea party with Sleeping Beauty.

The first time we went to 1900 (staying at WL) I was among those who thought it might be snooty...but staying there made me a GF convert! It truly is a beautiful resort. We found it quite relaxing and the service can't be beat.

But like someone else said, you will find a different opinion on here from everyone. I love deluxe but with a daughter, I also think that the royal rooms at POR and even the Little Mermaid rooms would be fantastic for that age. I would look at the different resorts and see what would be priority to you...location, theme, amenities....

 

[LisaTC]

We are taking DD for her 5th birthday too but in January and are looking to upgrade to the princess room at Port Orleans Riverside. She loves princesses right now and we think staying in a room that was decorated by a princess would be perfect. It is not an MK resort but it isnt that far either. Happy searching! I know your DD will be so thrilled and happy.

We always stay at Riverside and this last time we were in a Royal Riverfront room. The resort is large, but you aren't using it all. The grounds are probably the most beautiful at WDW. The main areas are close together and the bus rides to MK were fast. 10 minutes. If, for some reason, you were to change your mind about a MK resort, POR royal rooms are great for the little princesses. You can get a carriage ride around the resort. The Boat to DTD is convenient.

It sounds like you are wanting a MK area resort, so the Poly or GF should fit the bill. I definitely recommend making a reservation for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for your daughter. She will have a memorable experience. Make a reservation for breakfast at Cinderella's castle. I say breakfast because if you can snag an early ADR - 8:10 you can walk into the park before it is open. Can't beat it. The Storybook Princess Breakfast at Akershus in Epcot is awesome as well--lots of princesses. The picture you get from that meal is with Belle (you'll get one with Cinderella at the Castle) You'll knock her socks off!

For a fun, non princess evening meal head on over to Hood De doo Revue in Fort Wilderness. She can wear her best girl cowboy gear. Its BBQ/cowboy food and lots of silly, slapstick humor with get interaction with the kiddos!