Help us pick a resort (newbie)

[IceSkatingPrincess]

Sounds like Beach Club would be a good fit.

 

[GPC0321]

If you can swing Beach Club, go for it! That's where I want to stay some day! LOL! Lovely resort, amazing pool, and close to Star Wars (aka Hollywood Studios).

If a mod is more do-able, I'd suggest Coronado (which is where I'll be soon!) It's a very nice resort, has a great pool, is the most centrally located (very quick bus ride to HS), and is quiet after a day in the parks.

 

[Babsy]

We are just starting to look at all things Disney World. Overwhelming, and yet underwhelming on the official website as far as information on each resort goes. (That's my last complaint).

We are a family of 4...looking to go in a year when our boys will be 6 and 7 1/2. Our younger son has some developmental delays. Our older one does not, but he does have some issues with over-stimulation...(why the heck are we going? oh yeah...they and my husband...LOVE star wars...)...

So my concerns with where to stay include - easy enough to get to/from attractions and resort, simple food options for kids (pizza, grill cheese, snacks) so a kid friendly restaurant where we can all enjoy our dinner. I like the idea of a really fun pool. My husband would rather "go all out" and I don't think that's necessary. One thing I've read about the budget level is the lines for busses and smaller rooms - true? So maybe we go middle of the road? But will those meet my other concerns? Do we choose meals/restaurants based on which resort will be at each day and not worry about hotel restaurants? TIA

Value resorts are pretty basic with rooms at 260 sq ft, motel style (outside walkways). Inside you will find two full beds for sleeping. the bathroom has tub and toilet in a small room. Just outside is a sink and a clothes rod/safe/shelf. There are small fridges in the rooms, but no coffee maker or microwave. there is bus transportation with roped off queues. No shade. Dining consists of a food court only. There is a gift shop with some basic food items and sundries. Pools are nice, but no slide. Dining consists of a food court. Theming consists of large icons attached to railings of buildings. These resorts can tend to be a bit loud if large groups of young people are staying there during your stay. Young children often enjoy staying in these resorts. They are the least expensive option for staying in WDW.

Moderate resorts have a similar motel style with outer buildings housing the rooms and a (usually) central main building contain checkin, gift shop and dining options. Most have a table service restaurant (except POFQ) as well as a food court. Theming is more subdued, with better landscaping a main themed pool (with slide) and extra 'quiet' pools (except POFQ). Rooms are larger (314 sq ft) with more comfortable queen sized beds and higher quality linens, towels and toiletries. Rooms have a coffee perk with free pods supplied daily, small fridge, safe, dresser and bathroom much like at the value resorts. Multiple bus stops put all rooms near a bus stop for convenient pick up/drop off. However that means multiple stops while on the bus (except at POFQ, which is a smaller resort and has only one bus stop). Each moderate has its own unique advantages to recommend it. POR and POFQ, for example, have a boat to Disney Springs. POFQ is also relatively small and is highly favoured by many for that reason. Fort Wilderness has campgrounds and cabins and is also included in this category.

Deluxe resorts offer the best to be had on site. They are usually located particularly close to at least one major theme park. All except the AKL offers additional modes of transportation as well as buses. However, all do require using a bus to some theme parks. Room sizes vary from about 340 sq ft in WL and AKL to about 440 sq ft at the GF. These are hotel style with interior corridors and most rooms feature balconies. Varying room types are available including suites and club level (some food included and often a good location). Multiple dining options are offered as well as a quick service venue, but no food court as is found in the value and moderate resorts. The main pools are usually extravagantly themed and even the quiet pools are very nice (except CR). Lobbies are often extraordinary.

ALL resorts and resort categories have easy access between the resort and the theme parks. If you don't mind buses, the advantages of staying at any particular resort over another based upon transportation is subject to highly subjective opinions. Some reports based on data seem to indicate that times involved are not really a lot different and any differences may well be not any individual's experience. It is Public transportation and can be variable from one day to another. I have had good and bad transportation at all of the resorts. I find some to be a bit better than others, but that is only my opinion based upon my experiences, which may significantly differ from another person's.

If over stimulation is an issue for one of your sons, I would look at a moderate or a deluxe. they are a little less 'in your face' with the "disney' theming and might give a calmer respite from the theme parks. If budget is a concern stay at a value but ask for a quiet area facing away from the pools. If staying in a moderate I would either look at POFQ or book a preferred location for convenience. If looking at deluxe, then the Beach Club /Yacht Club or the Boardwalk would be good options because you can walk to Epcot and DHS or ride the boat. YC/BC has a large sprawling pool area that many love, but some find difficult to keep track of children there. The BWI has a clown pool that is a bit intimidating if you are bothered by clowns.

There is also the option of the Swan or Dolphin. They are not Disney owned, but can offer a deluxe hotel experience in the Epcot/DHS area for a lower price. This is especially true if you qualify for one of their many discounts.

With the information that you posted, I would recommend the Yacht Club for you. It is in the right area, is a calm resort, has access to a great pool, has nice rooms that almost all have balconies or patios and are reasonably large and comfortable.

Good luck choosing!

 

[mickeysimba]

We are just starting to look at all things Disney World. Overwhelming, and yet underwhelming on the official website as far as information on each resort goes. (That's my last complaint).

We are a family of 4...looking to go in a year when our boys will be 6 and 7 1/2. Our younger son has some developmental delays. Our older one does not, but he does have some issues with over-stimulation...(why the heck are we going? oh yeah...they and my husband...LOVE star wars...)...

So my concerns with where to stay include - easy enough to get to/from attractions and resort, simple food options for kids (pizza, grill cheese, snacks) so a kid friendly restaurant where we can all enjoy our dinner. I like the idea of a really fun pool. My husband would rather "go all out" and I don't think that's necessary. One thing I've read about the budget level is the lines for busses and smaller rooms - true? So maybe we go middle of the road? But will those meet my other concerns? Do we choose meals/restaurants based on which resort will be at each day and not worry about hotel restaurants? TIA

I am sure you have gotten great advice, but I think a family suite at the Art of Animation is great. My friend whose son has sensory issues loved the smaller Cars themed pool which is mellow in a addition to the huge resort pool. The food court is good, too.

The other option is the Epcot Resort area. Everyone loves the pool at the Beach Club, and there are several great restaurants within walking distance at the nearby hotels. We like the Bech Club and the Swan best in that area for the expensive anymore budget option.