Hmmm.... I've been thinking about 2014...

[MinnieMommy07]

I really doubt that we'll be able to make it in 2013... I have to finish school... and these next few years time and money won't really exist. I am however going to look on the bright side of the next two years and start planning for our 2014 trip. It's going to be me, hubby, and by then my daughter will be 7.

We just came back from Disney in May... we stayed at All Star Movies and absolutely loved it there. We loved knowing that we were in Disneyworld. And we loved having palm trees around us... so beautiful to relax in the pool and watch the palm trees! Besides that, we loved that the resort was somewhat compact and easy to navigate. The main building was near to our (Dalmations) room so we could do things quickly when we needed to. We loved the food court. It's very quick and easy to use. We also loved be able to walk around and get some great Disney photos....

For our 2014 trip, I'd like to find somewhere that makes it easy to remember you're in Disney, palm trees, great pool, great photo opportunities, easy to navigate, and easy to the parks. Even though we were close to lobby for conventional purposes, it was great having a resort that went on and on into the next two resorts... It was so much fun exploring. It was very nice at the ASMovies that you didn't need to go through the lobby all soaking wet after swimming to get to your room... of course we have our cover ups... but still it's just weird to me for some reason... I'd also appreciate a resort where you can quickly grab some sandwiches and dine in or carry out to the room or poolside. We also liked bringing breakfast in the room some days- so that too. I think we really relied heavily on our resort mugs to get powerade and coffee- especially during pool time- so it'd be great that the pool is close to a refill station that carries powerade... I'm starting to ask for to much arent' I?

From what I've been looking at... I think I'd like to try either the Grand Floridian or the Polynesian. I think both are quite beautiful in their own way. I also see that they both come very close to what I appreciate in a resort. I really like the fact that you can totally find yourself exploring here too. I always was intrigued by the Chip and Dale Campfire and Sing Along.

What are your thoughts? I'm thinking maybe 8-10 days tops. So far the Poly is the front runner.. My daughter (and mom and dad) LOVED Adventureland and this really pays homage to that. I'd like to try the Lilo and Stitch character meal...and catch the spirt of Aloha show... I'm not sure what characters are at the Grand Floridian Park Fare.... anyone know? When I go to a resort I kind of like to check out all of it.... anything else I'm missing or should know/ consider???? Thanks!

 

[mhconley]

Interesting... Seems I am not the only person looking at the Poly in 2014.

We're planning our first Disney Cruise in 2013 after DS turns 10.

We'll likely do 4-5 nights in late Spring 2014 and I want to stay at the Poly.

When we went in 2002 Pooh and friends were at 1900 Park Fare. I think the only thing to remember is 8-10 nights at Poly will be very expensive; as long as you know that and save, save, save you'll be fine... Have fun planning.

Martin

 

[MMS1125]

I'm not sure what characters are at the Grand Floridian Park Fare.... anyone know?

Breakfast was Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, Mad Hatter..there was somebody else there too and I can't remember who

Dinner was Cinderella, Prince Charming, Evil Stepmother and Stepsisters

I personally would still choose the Poly and just monorail to the GF for dinner or breakfast at 1900 Park Fare

 

[MinnieMommy07]

Good stuff.... thanks guys! I agree 8-10 nights is crazy expensive... I was thinking of maybe splitting the stay with ASmovies or maybe AKL? I don't know... I'm not at the budget point- it's my graduation gift... so I'm not sure if I'll be flat broke or in a good job?

I'm not sure if I'm intrigued by the Park Fare... but we'll see! I do like the Poly just a little bit more at this point... but GF is in the midst of their big changeover... we'll have to see how that goes I suppose. I'd just wish that room refurbs would be confirmed soon. There's alot about Poly rooms being a bit musty.

It really is exciting planning!

 

[4forCrusin]

Have never stayed at the Poly, but it would be great for the monorail service. We have stayed twice at Wilderness Lodge and once at Beach Club. Last year, my kids (10 & 7) LOVED the pool and pirate ship slide at Beach Club! Another nice thing about it was being able to walk into Epcot's back entrance all the time. We were able to connect to all parks very easily from there via monorail, bus, or boat (to HS).

However, my boys and husband said that they liked the atmosphere of Wilderness Lodge better. Wilderness Lodge also has a good pool and is very unique; with totem poles, a hot spring that runs from the lobby into the pool, and it's own gyser! The only downside (maybe) is that you are not on the monorail, so you either have to take a bus or boat to the parks. You can board the boat at the pier at Wilderness Lodge and it goes to Ft. Wilderness, Contemporary, then Magic Kingdom. The kids got a kick out of it. One more ride!

The other plus of these two Deluxe resorts is that they are cheaper than the Poly and Grand Floridian. We had dinner at 1900 Park Fare last time & will never do again. The food (a buffet) was mediocre at best and Cinderella & Prince Charming were too absorbed in their own conversation to notice the kids! In fact, Cinderella even turned her back on me and said, "I'll be coming to your table!" when I tried to ask her a question. I also felt rushed to eat and leave there. All my boys felt like GF was too formal. Nice place to go see, but wouldn't want to stay there.

On the flip side, Ohana in the Poly was much better than I expected. We did wait to be seated quite a while there even though we had ADRs. But the meal was excellent and we timed it just right to watch the fireworks from MK while we ate. Beautiful! The pool looks pretty cool... a volcano! You may have noticed that pools are also a big consideration for us!

It just comes down to what fits your taste and your budget. BTW, if you haven't done it already, get the Park Hopper option. Didn't think it would make a difference, but it allowed us to spend the day in one or more parks and then have dinner in another. I loved being able to visit different resorts and see the varied designs! Can't wait to go again! But this year is our 1st Disney cruise on the Fantasy to the E. Carribean. Livin' the dream!!