Help needed on which hotel to book

[pauldents]

Hi,

We are staying at the Hard Rock 27/9-11/10 with length of stay passes included for USF, IOA and City Walk. But, a few weeks back we found out we are expecting our first baby ! As a result of this my wife won't be able to do much in IOA and USF and we didn't really want to cancel because we love the hotel and don't mind relaxing by the pool - but not for 14 days !

Because she can't do the big rides, i thought a 3 day stay at one of the Disney resorts would be a great idea and visit more suitable parks whilst we are there. We have not done AK yet and we would probably go back to EPCOT/MGM.

The only problem i have is, which hotel do i choose ?

We like the sound of AKL and Bev's photos looked great, but i have read comments about being isolated ?

We also like the look of the YC/BC and BWI. The location for these is great (Boardwalk) and the pool over at the YC/BC ( Stormalomg bay?) looks fantastic.

So, having narrowed our choices down to YC/BC, BWI and AKL, here are the prices i got from expedia. (per room per night)

AKL - Waterview - $170.00, Savannah View-$179.00, Deluxe pool-$225.00, Deluxe Savannah-$229

YC - Waterview $239, Concierge Lagoon View $329

BC - being refurbished.

BWI - Waterview $249.00, Concierge $299

A Poly lagoon view room works out at $249.00

Any help with choosing one of the above hotels (and rooms) will be greatly appreciated.

Regards

Paul.

 

[neilybealy]

just wanted to say congrats paul

can't help you with the hotel stuff as i've never stayed onsite

 

[BevS97]

depending on how pregnant your wife will be, she may find she is tiring easily. For me, that would make the monorail a huge plus.

I loved the AKL, and for the price, I think it's a fab place - but if you could afford a room at the poly, then I think I would go there for the monorail.

Although, if you won't be visiting MK (This time - next time with the baby, you will never be away from the place!) , then maybe an Epcot resort with the boat transport would be a good option.

We just found the boats took awhile to arrive, whereas the monorails seemed pretty frequent.


Bev

 

[PoohBears#1fan]

Firstly I wanted to say a huge congratulations to you on your news

We chose to buy DVC at the Beach Club Villas, mainly because i'm 6 months pregnant and it looks such a great place to chill out when you're can't do the parks commando style every day. (for us with a teeny, for you with your wife being pg) So that one would definately get a vote from me. I've also read pretty much everything I can find out about the resort and am yet to read anything bad. You also can't use SAB unless you're staying at BCV, BC or YC.

I must say though, a Savannah room at AKL is very high on our list of places to stay as well, I've read some great reports of people sitting on the balconies watching the animals - definately appeals.

So my pool vote would go to the Beach/Yatch Club, but my room view vote would go to AKL.

There are lots of opinions written on these resorts on the Vacation Club board if you wan't some info from people who have stayed there also.

Have fun choosing

 

[Mazzy]

Congratulations to you and your wife Paul!

Number one choice from your list would be the Lagoon View at the Polynesian. This Resort has boat, bus and monorail transportation so you can get to all the parks easily. You will also have a beach just outside your door, with hammocks and chairs to relax on, great views of the Lake and possibly Magic Kingdom, and a wonderful pool.

I may be biased as this is my choice for our last few nights of our stay, but it may be just over our budget unless there are some great codes out. I am also considering AKL, which is affordable but am not quite sure whether it is for me, as I do like a view of the water from my room.

I can't go without mentioning the Dolphin, which has fond memories for us! This is right across the way from the Yacht and Beach Club, and Boardwalk. They offer great rates if you happen to be a UK Government employee, a teacher or have a Disney Club Card. If you haven't seen the hotel, they have a website on www.swandolphin.com.

Good Luck in your decision!

 

[pauldents]

Hi,

First off, i would just like to say a big thanks for the very helpful replies and your opinions on these resorts.

My wife will be 18 weeks gone at the start of our hoilday. She is currently just over 15 weeks and the morning sickness has gone, although she is still tired a lot, but this is getting less.

After reading your replies, I REALLY like the sound of the the sound of the Poly now ! but have a couple more questions :-

What areas can you access from the monorail ? Does it go anywhere near the Boardwalk ? We would like to go to the boardwalk in the evenings.

Is it worth paying the extra $50.00 for a Concierge lagoon view at $299 ?

Thanks in advance

Paul

 

[vernon]

Congrats Paul
IMHO the Y+B club is my favourite of Disney hotels, if you're planning to spend time round the hotel pool plus the convenience of the restaurants in walking distance,I'd opt for this one.
BUT If you want a relaxing time (sitting on your balcony watching the savannah) AKL has a great pool of it's own and has wonderful decor, I'd be REALLY tempted to go for the delux savannah view. For a short stay, you have the choice of the excellent buffet at Boma's or the full service restaurant, the access to 25+ restaurants in walking distance maynot be sure an important factor. I think on reflection , as it's just 3 days your looking at, I'd go for the delux room with a savannah view, IMHO more than 4 days of having the animals just below your room would lose some of the "wow factor" where as 3 days would be just about perfect. IMHO AKL isn't THAT far out that it makes it a pain to catch the busses to.

 

[BevS97]

What areas can you access from the monorail ?

the monorail goes to MK and Epcot, and provides access to the Poly, Contemporary and Grand Floridian.

Does it go anywhere near the Boardwalk ? We would like to go to the boardwalk in the evenings.

No - it goes to the front of Epcot, and the Boardwalk is at the rear of Epcot - there is a seperate gate at the back of Epcot which allows you to get in/out at the Boardwalk.

Is it worth paying the extra $50.00 for a Concierge lagoon view at $299 ?

It depends if you have the money to spend. I personally couldn't spend that much on a hotel room, but I have heard nothing but wonderful things about Concierge.

Have you checked Mousesavers? She has some codes on there which are good for arrivals after 3 October 2003 which you might be able to use.

Bev

 

[KayleeUK]

Just wanted to say Congratulations to you both

Kaylee

 

[BONZO]

Is it worth paying the extra $50.00 for a Concierge lagoon view at $299 ?

Go for it! - It's only money! - LOL

 

[neilybealy]

LOL