Help - WDW Newbie - which hotel?

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

I have never been to WDW before and am in the beginning stages of planning our first trip. Cast would be me, hubby, 12DD, 8DS. I am thinking of May 2009, so I have plenty of time to do lots of research.

My first question is where to stay? We will obviously be spending almost no time at the resort, unless we pit stop in the afternoon at the pool. So, we don't need a lot of frills.

Since I know very little about the transportation system, I figure this may be a deciding factor as well. I want to stay somewhere convenient/easy to go from park to park (since we'll want to see all that we can).

This may be the only time we get to WDW (at least for quite some time) so I want to do things right but do not want to overspend on a hotel we won't spend too much time in.

Thanks for any information you can give me. I know we'll need to do at least a week and since I do not want to take the kids out of school that long, we will be going the end of May. Is that a good time?

Thanks for any help or advice!

 

[spiceycat]

Pop Century!

it is a value resort.

now some people say the transportation is horrible. my experience has been the opposite.

great transportation to the parks - buses.

the lines will look long - but believe me that move fast.

Pop probably has the best transportation of any of the resorts. My opinon!

here are some pictures
http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/Pop_Century/index.htm

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Thank you very much for your post. One vote for Pop! I appreciate the link to the photos.

When talking about the transportation - about how long does it normally take to get from your hotel to a park?

 

[Taja]

Where you stay really depends on your budget! Once you nail that, you can determine if you'll be staying at a value, moderate or deluxe resort.

All the resorts are located in different places. For example, once you're on the bus at PC, it will take about 10 minutes to reach EPCOT or DHS (formerly Disney-MGM studios). About 20 to 25 minutes to MK and a shade less to AK. The buses from resort to parks run about every 20 minutes, so wait time will depend on whether you just missed a bus or are lucky enough to arrive at the stop about the same time as the bus does!

You can check out the various WDW resorts using the link at the top of this page.

 

[skipperkim]

I suppose it depends on what amenities you want in a resort. Myself, I want a fridge in the room and a hot tub. So values are out. I enjoy POFQ for those reasons and more. They have a boat ride to DTD which is awesome. There's also the fact that you are first on and going to the parks and first off coming from the parks. It's a very small resort, so everything is close. Nothing more than a 5 min walk. It also has its own bus stop at MK in the evening, a huge plus.

http://allearsnet.com/acc/g_po.htm

This should help you with your transportation questions:

http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/twiz.aspx

 

[SGMCO]

Something to think about also is what will the sleeping arrangements be
because the Values and MODs have 2 full size beds. I have read that you can
get a Cot to go in the room and have read of people packing a twin sized
airmattress. POR has a small trundle bed that is already in the room. If you stay at a Deluxe there are Queen sized beds and some have a Daybed that pulls out but then the cost goes up for accommedations.
Some of the Values have Family Suites which have plenty of room for everyone,
plus a small kitchenette at a cheaper price than Deluxe resorts.

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Thank you all so much for the feedback. I am not sure if it's all sinking in or not - it seems like there are far too many choices.

I just want to get the most out of our first trip but do not want the large pricetag. I know those things may not go well together. But I would much rather spend my money in the parks than on a great room I won't spend much time in. Does that make sense?

Now to go and resaerch how expensive the POFQ is? The pictures sure look nice. Thanks for the links and especially for the link to the transportation.

One question though, if we are visiting a different resort, can we take their transportation (boats) at some point or are we restricted to only use the buses from Pop if we stay there? Sorry if that is a silly question.

 

[Aliceacc]

Hi and welcome!!!

I'm fairly new to this as well, since this is my first trip since 1990, and the first with the kids.

OK: on resorts: why not go to http://www.allears.net/acc/faq_hot.htm and look at the fact sheets on each of the hotels? Basically, Disney resorts are broken down into 3 categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Regardless of which you choose, you can get Disney Magical Express (free bus to and from the airport, luggage delivered straight to your room in a few hours), access to the meal plan, transportation to any of the parks, and access to the park during special "EMH" hours. My best friend is there now, at POP (a value) with her 3 college aged daughters. We're going to stay at the Contemporary in August-- a Deluxe. (But I can envision my 5 year old's meltdown and the ability to walk back to the hotel sold it for me.)

If you haven't already joined AAA, I think you'll find it can save you a LOT on your lodgings. We're saving either 10% or 15% (sorry, I forget which) which made the Contemporary almost fit into our budget.

While you sort through all this, I have an assignment for your kids to do over the New Years holiday. (Can you tell I teach High School???) Have them take a look at the restaurant menus at www.allears.net to see whether there are any restaurants you'll want. From what I understand, it's very hard to just walk into the most popular restaurants without an "ADR" (advance dining reservation) so you'll want to make them whether or not you choose to be on the meal plan.

That's probably enough info for now. But let me know if I can be of further help. I've learned a lot in a relatively short time, and this is my newest hobby!

OOPS, wait.. you said 2009. OK, your kids can have the night off; there's no rush. Sorry!!

 

[cmonroe]

M_I_C_K_E_Y,

Most people start off at one of two places when choosing a resort.
The first is the price. The second is theming, etc.

You might want to narrow your choices down by how much you are willing to spend per night. Now,

you've already stated, that the room isn't that important to you, but you might want to consider that

it can get really hot in May in Florida, so you might not worry about the room as much as the

convenience of the pools, etc.

If price isn't an object for you, then you might want to consider the theming that you would like to

stay in. There's the Polynesian, or the All-stars (music, movies, sports), the elegance of the Grand

Floridian, or the Yacht Club. The adventurous Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Next to consider is the transporation. There are basically two types on the property. Bus

transportation (unless you rent a car or take a boat) and the Monorail. Now only three of the resorts

currently have direct access to Monorail. The Polynesian, The Grand Floridian, and the Contemporary.

All three are deluxe resorts and do have a higher price tag. But most consider the Monorail more

convenient than the bus access. That allows you to take the Monorail to the Magic Kingdom, or to the

Transportation and Ticket Center where you switch Monorails to head to Epcot.

Keep in mind, that if visiting Animal Kingdom, you will need to take a bus there, regardless of the

resort you stay at, and the same almost applies to Disney Studios. (aka MGM). With MGM it is mainly

bus access, but you can take the boat from the International Gateway in Epcot, or from an Epcot area

hotel, like the boardwalk, etc.

Well, hopefully that is enough to start you off.

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Thank you both (Aliceacc and cmonroe) for all the info.

So, of course Contemporary was sounding quite interesting until I saw the price tag. I guess I am pretty cheap when it comes to rooms. So I guess I am leaning more towards the bottom two levels of resorts. Will I be missing much if I go cheap (like Pop)?

I would love to stay in the best hotel there but sadly am used to spending 2-3K for a whole week trip to Disneyland and the price of going to WDW is such an increase for me after adding in airfare, hotel, tickets and of course all the junk we'll need at the parks on a daily basis. We live for the 'junk'!

So again, will I truely be missing much if we go cheap? I would love two queen beds but after looking around, am I right, that you can only get that in the expensive places?

I feel like if I can narrow down the place we'll stay the rest should all be easier. Nobody has mentioned Caribbean Beach yet. I see this is the same price as POFQ. Any ideas on this? I think I would like the beachy feel to it but am not sure if the kids would enjoy POP more?

I just want the most convenient (in transportation) resort for my money! Not a lot of walking (for the kids) but a good Disney experience.

Oh, and yes I am a AAA member!

 

[Aliceacc]

Have you considered the All Star Music Suites? I mention it because you have a boy and a girl; this way they wouldn't have to share a bed. (my kids are young enough that it wouldn't be an issue. I don't know about yours.) From what I understand, they've converted two rooms into one suite. It would be more expensive than a single room, but I bet it would pay off in terms of space. Still, they're Values, so I think they're probably reasonable.

(And remember: when I was looking at resorts, I had to book for 5. That meant a double room or suite or something... a regular room at a Value simply wasn't an option for me either way.)

My inlaws stayed at Carribean Beach several years ago and loved it. Why not hunt throught the threads here? I bet you find something on it.... here you go: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1668583

 

[M-I-C-K-E-Y]

Hi,

I'd recommend a moderate resort - especially if you're looking for a more affordable lodging option. We are personally very found of Port Orleans - Riverside. You'll find that some like Riverside while others prefer French Quarter. Personally, we didn't care for the theming and grounds at French Quarter, but - once again - it's definitely a personal preference situation...

Emjoy the planning phase!

 

[MisunderstoodLilo]

If it's a place to sleep and shower, then a Value Resort will be just fine. If you can swing the price of a Moderate Resort, you'll get a sit down restaurant on top of the food court and a better themed pool. The room size from Value to Moderate is minimal.

Have fun!

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Hi,

I'd recommend a moderate resort - especially if you're looking for a more affordable lodging option. We are personally very found of Port Orleans - Riverside. You'll find that some like Riverside while others prefer French Quarter. Personally, we didn't care for the theming and grounds at French Quarter, but - once again - it's definitely a personal preference situation...

Emjoy the planning phase!

I so had to take a second look at your screen name - very funny!
Almost thought I was speaking to myself - ha ha

 

[LSchrow]

also consider the swan & dolphin resorts.
they are located in the EPCOT area (near the BoardWalk & Yacht & Beach Clubs). as with the BW, BC & YC, you can walk both to EPCOT (very short walk ), or take the ferry. bus transportation take you to MK, AK, etc. also, the boardwalk (a short walk across the bridge) has quite a bit going on in the evenings: hair braiding, magician, fire eater, surrey bike rentals, arcade games (basketball, water gun, etc)
they frequently offer excellent rates to nurses, teachers, & gov't workers (a friend, who is a firefighter, stayed there at a great discount in oct ~ about the same price as a moderate but a deluxe resort in an awesome location).
however, they are not Disney owned, so certain ammenities are not available: Magical Express (the free trans from airport), Disney Dining Plan (which you might not have used anyway), etc. there is also a daily parking fee at the resort. (i have not stayed there, but there is a lot of info on the boards about them ~ most ppl that do stay there seem very pleased )
the transportation (bus, ferry, monorail) is still free.
if you can get a discount there, the location is incredible!!

hth

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

The Swan and Dolphin look like a beautiful resort! The price tag is a little high for what I am after though. Thanks for the idea.

 

[sz9144]

we stayed one summer at the all star music and loved it! we had a preferred location and felt it so easy to jump on a bus to the parks, or jump into the pool! we were in our room so little that we didn't miss any amenities.

 

[LSchrow]

The Swan and Dolphin look like a beautiful resort! The price tag is a little high for what I am after though. Thanks for the idea.

happy to help
but don't rule them out entirely....they also offer military, AAA, & AARP discounts, sometimes as low as $149 (& i've seen/heard of even less).
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1284880

if i didn't own DVC (& wasn't madly in love with the BW lol), we would seriously consider them.
another option is renting DVC points (check out the FAQ's on the DVC rent/trade board first)...sun-thurs in a studio would run about $100-130, weekends higher (& there is NO tax on top of that, as you have in a reg resort room).
good thing you have a lot of time ~ there are a lot of options!!
good luck with your decision

 

[Rylee]

Thank you both (Aliceacc and cmonroe) for all the info.

So, of course Contemporary was sounding quite interesting until I saw the price tag. I guess I am pretty cheap when it comes to rooms. So I guess I am leaning more towards the bottom two levels of resorts. Will I be missing much if I go cheap (like Pop)?

I would love to stay in the best hotel there but sadly am used to spending 2-3K for a whole week trip to Disneyland and the price of going to WDW is such an increase for me after adding in airfare, hotel, tickets and of course all the junk we'll need at the parks on a daily basis. We live for the 'junk'!

So again, will I truely be missing much if we go cheap? I would love two queen beds but after looking around, am I right, that you can only get that in the expensive places?

I feel like if I can narrow down the place we'll stay the rest should all be easier. Nobody has mentioned Caribbean Beach yet. I see this is the same price as POFQ. Any ideas on this? I think I would like the beachy feel to it but am not sure if the kids would enjoy POP more?

I just want the most convenient (in transportation) resort for my money! Not a lot of walking (for the kids) but a good Disney experience.

Oh, and yes I am a AAA member!

You won't be missing anything by staying in a value!

I have 5 children, and when we all vacation together, (the older two sometimes have college and work conflicts) we book 2 rooms at a value. We stay at a deluxe when there is only 5 of us.

Anyway, the values are fine, including the transportation! We have stay at All Stars Movies a couple of times, we like the Disney characters for the little guys, and we have never had any problems.

 

[debbiedana]

We just love Pop Century and for my needs, I'll be staying there until my husband gives in to my DVC request (which will be never) or we decide to do another blowout trip and I get to stay at the Boardwalk.

Pop's transportation is EXCELLENT. I have rarely waited more than 5-7 minutes for a bus. My only waits longer than that have been for DTD, and that was expected.

Consider, though, the type of pool, including hot tub, that would best suit your family. Also, there is only a food court at a Value. You may want a sit down restaurant on site. Do you need a fridge? Do you travel with tons of 'stuff' that you will need space for?

Make sure you really assess what your family NEEDS for the trip. For my family, we never really NEED anything more than Pop Century.