Honeymoon May '06... Need advice!

[kittymasi]

Alright. I've been haunting these threads since April, when DH and I decided to go on our belated honeymoon next year at WDW. He and I have been once before with his parents, who live in one of those lovely retirement communities about one hour from WDW, and we were there for a week's visit. We fell in love, completely, totally, and cannot imagine spending our honeymoon anywhere else! Besides, we both work 24/7, and we DESPERATELY need this vacation! So! we are booked at the Poly for 13 nights in mid May of 2006, and were totally psyched about it. Now the problem.

My husband has not been able to work as much this summer as he had hoped, and now there's NO way we can afford the Poly for all 13 nights, with the BRP being the way it is, and discounts not being as steep in years past... we were going to buy annual passes and hope for a good discount (as well as give us the excuse to go down more often), but now we are looking at just booking the resort we can afford. That narrows our choices, but heck, they're all good ones!!

So! We are looking at the Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Riverside, and the Dolphin. DH would like to stay in the Dolphin of WL, and I would prefer POR or AK. It's important to both of us to have good transportation, a nice romantic atmosphere, and LOTS of that good ol' Disney Magic!!!

Which one would all of you well traversed, mature, WONDERFUL DISers recommend? We don't mind kids, but DO mind gratuitous noise.

PS - I know I'll like all of them... I know it's silly, but I don't want to stay at the Dolphin because everyone says its so much more "adult", and a break away from the Disney hubbub. I LIKE the Disney hubbub! But I want DH to be happy..... and maybe all of you can change my mind? Talk to me!

Thanks all!

We're going to WDW in 208 Days!!!

 

[becky1960]

You said good transportation was important, and WL probably has the best of your choices We have stayed at Wl (several times) POR, AKL, but not at Swan/Dolphin, I have always wanted to stay at Swan/Dolphin.
I think Wl is a good choice and I think you will like it. You can visit AkL and Boma's is a great resturant. Wl to me has a Romantic feel but then again we have always wanted a Log Home. Be sure to mention "Honeymoon" Disney seems to have a soft spot for this and will possibly upgrade. Goodluck

 

[sleepydog25]

I agree with Becky that WL would be a great choice. You definitely get that magical Disney feeling there, but you don't get the "gratuitous" noise. WL is a fairly quiet resort, comparatively speaking. Moreover, the transportation to the parks has always worked quite well for us. Buses routinely run about every 15-20 minutes to each park, albeit usually stopping somewhere along the way, and then there's the boat that goes to MK with a stop usually at FW. Unless you are the type who has to spend very little time on a bus or boat, then the trans issue at WL would be moot.

The theming is terrific: very cozy, very relaxed. You have Roaring Forks snack bar which has typical counter service fare which we thought was actually better (and is definitely cheaper) than the food at Whispering Canyon Cafe. WCC is a mixed bag. We've been twice and haven't had a real good experience either time, though many swear by it. It can be a very boisterous experience, so be prepared for that if you go. Artist Point, on the other hand, is a very romantic restaurtant with a superb menu, topnotch service, and wonderful ambience. Perfect for a honeymooning couple. You do have a lot of choices, but I think you'd be very pleased with WL. aw:

 

[spiceycat]

for 13 days do both.

start at pOR then go to WL.

however I would go rent points from a DVC member and do OKW then VWL

or VWL then BWV. cheaper to rent points from a DVC member than to pay Disney prices.

 

[Tikiman]

Why not just go for less than 13 days? I have done 2 week vacations and it gets a little long for me personally but 10 or 11 days seems to be just right. A week is too short because you lose the first and last day as full days because of travel. Just another option. If you don’t shorten your stay and still go to the Polynesian than I would say WL just because of the location even though I like the feel of the AKL better. I would not suggest the Dolphin and I will leave it at that because I know the people that love the Dolphin will be all over me.

 

[tlev]

I agree with Tikiman, I would just shorten my trip a couple of days and stay at the Poly, there is no more romantic and "Disney Feeling" resort on property. Since you have both been to WDW before, you'll find that you don't need to spend as much time in the parks and the hotel becomes even more important. When we went this past Sept. for our first ann. we spent a ton of time just laying around the resort and taking it easy.

We went to the WL for dinner our last trip and thought it was great. Beautiful grounds and the boat to the MK is nice, (not as nice as the monorail though). However, we are not a fan of the busses and with the WS at EPCOT being one of our favorite places, being able to walk to the TTC from the Poly was big to us.

We also walked through the Swan/Dolphin when we were at the YC and they did not impress us at all. There just wasn't that "Disney Feel" to them, although they do have some great restaurants and have a great location.

 

[kittymasi]

Well, we are TECHNICALLY only spending 8 days at the parks... DH has never been to Universal, and is just dying to try it. I, personally, could take or leave it. It's just another theme park to me, but since he's set on going, we are devoting a few days to those parks. And I am determined to have at least 2 days at Epcot, MGM, and MK respectively, and have at least one day for AK and one day for a water park (or two)... so you see, the two weeks is rather necessary for us if we want the full experience. No, I am not going commando... eheh.. you know what I mean. But I really want to have a good fortnight AWAY from the madness that is our world.
Alas, Tikiman, I SO have enjoyed your website, and reading all of your advice to those of us who sigh and daydream about the Polynesian. Even if we decide to stay at WL or another resort, we are definitely dining at 'Ohana and the Kona at least once each.
tlev, I was afraid of that, re: Dolphin/Swan! I WANT to be immersed in the Disney magic, not to hide from it, as some Dolphin/Swan fans seem to desire.
I wish I could find a way to pull of the Poly.. I just don't see it being in our budget this time around. I mean... $369 a night in reg season, + tax, even with a discount with AP's is still very high. At least for me. Maybe for our anniversary!
What about POR? DH is afraid it is too strong of a "southern" theme for him. He's a Massachusetts boy.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

I would split your stay between two-maybe Dolphin first and then AKL?

 

[Tikiman]

Kittymasi,

Consider this. I am not the type to get up early and go until I drop at the parks but there are ways to see it all (or at lease what you want to see) in 8 days without going commando (by the way that has another meaning ). One suggestion is you don’t need a whole day at a water park in my opinion. We hit it before it opens and go until about half the day or so and than we are off to a park. Also since AK closes earlier you can go there in the morning and go to another park later. Even when we went to Universal we made it to a park when we got back. The Polynesian plays a big part in us being able to hop around so easily. We can be in Epcot from our room in a little more than 15 minutes and even faster to the MK. Another good loop is take the bus to MGM one day and when you are done boat on over to Epcot and do some things and than hop on the monorail home. With the MK so close we even found we would shoot in for a ride or two before dinner. Also we were not fighting the crowds all the time to see the fireworks. If you happen to be going during the longer hours than even better.

I am not suggesting you would have less fun staying somewhere else for longer but in my opinion you would save more time, relax more and of coarse I believe you would enjoy the Polynesian more by spending less time there. Just consider all opinions and than see how you feel. I am sure you will make the right decision.

 

[Tikiman]

One last thing. Here is a link to an old trip report of our honeymoon at the Yacht Club and at the Polynesian. This was actually before my web page was what it is now (just a collection of photos) and no one at the Polynesian knew about my web page anyway. It will show you how much stuff we did while we were there and we never tried to do more than was comfortable. It might just give you a feel for the two areas. Remember some of the info in there is old also.

http://www.tikiman2001.net/Tripjul2001.html

 

[Forever a Princess]

We just stayed at the POR. This resort is so romantic. We enoyed walking the trails hand in hand.

We did walk over to POFQ for breakfast. This resort is also so beautiful and romantic.

Wonderful for honemooners to stroll over the grounds and/or take a carriage ride.

How about splitting your stay?

Best of both worlds and saves a ton of dough.

 

[Lisa P.]

DH has never been to Universal, and ... we are devoting a few days to those parks. ...two weeks is rather necessary for us if we want the full experience. ...I WANT to be immersed in the Disney magic... I wish I could find a way to pull of the Poly... What about POR? DH is afraid it is too strong of a "southern" theme for him. He's a Massachusetts boy.

I'd encourage you to consider spending a couple of days at a Universal hotel. The FOTL privileges would add to your stay there and you'd probably find that DH loved this! Plus, the rates at the Royal Pacific are much lower than your quoted Poly rate. Check out the Universal Hotels forum here for more details. While it's not Disney, it definitely has its advantages and a strong following!

Whether you do that or not, consider spending 5-7 nights at a less expensive resort, then finish with 5-7 nights at the Poly. This would bring down your overall cost while giving you what you really want. We don't really relax and feel free and refreshed while knowing that we're overspending. Getting back from a lovely trip without debt is wonderful.

Most people say they wish they'd had more time to enjoy the resorts. If you plan to visit all those parks, you may realize later that you didn't really need to spend the entire trip in the most expensive hotel rooms. Just a thought.

POR definitely has less theme attraction than my DH wanted. He really liked the themes at WL, YC and Poly. But POR just seemed like a regular, non-themed, "green" landscaping motel to both of us. As for "southern" - I don't think so. The POFQ has a much, much more southern theme - much more romance and charm altogether, IMHO.

at least 2 days at Epcot, MGM, and MK respectively, and have at least one day for AK... Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Riverside, and the Dolphin. DH would like to stay in the Dolphin of WL, and I would prefer POR or AK. It's important to both of us to have good transportation, a nice romantic atmosphere, and LOTS of that good ol' Disney Magic!!! ... We don't mind kids, but DO mind gratuitous noise.

IMHO, this is how I'd rate these hotels.

For transportation with your planned time at the parks:
1. tie between Poly & Dolphin
2. tie between Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge
3. Port Orleans Riverside.

For a romantic atmosphere and Disney theme immersion:
1. tie between Poly, Wilderness Lodge & Animal Kingdom Lodge
2. Port Orleans Riverside
3. Dolphin

For lack of excessive noise:
1. Dolphin (especially nice poolside)
2. tie between Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge
3. Poly (luau can be loud - for 2 weeks? - seems to have many visitors)
4. Port Orleans Riverside (definitely more kids, may have teen travel groups)

HTH! We always say, "Remember to nurture that marriage!" Have a fun trip!

 

[MrsTink04]

Just my 2 cents, but we stayed at POFQ and it was beautiful and romantic!!! It was not totally "southern" - I am a Southerner and I found that it was very different from anywhere I had stayed. Kind of a slow, easy feeling. Plus, It has the boats to DTD! It is also smaller and easier to get a bus @ POFQ.

 

[kittymasi]

Lisa P.... Wow, thanks for the great long post. I thought about staying a couple of days at a Universal hotel, but we are hoping to plan our days at Universal in the middle of the 2 weeks, so we are cushioned nicely by the Disney magic! I didn't really want to haul out of our Disney resort for four days, and haul all the way back. I really appreciated the time you took to rate my choices! I think I would totally agree with them, and of course, if a miracle happens and my husband finds his work picks up quite a bit, then we will stay at the Polynesian. I would be tickled pink in that case!!! But if not, Wilderness Lodge will probably be my next choice. I have heard so many people talk about splitting stays, and maybe I'll find a way to split between POR and Poly. I just was sooooo set on the Polynesian. Darn you, Tikiman! It's all your fault. You and your purty website.

 

[Tikiman]

Hey why just buy some palm trees at Home Depot and bring them to POR???

 

[ead79]

I’ve stayed at all the resorts you listed, so here are my thoughts on each. I hope they help!

Wilderness Lodge—the WL has a very cozy, laid back atmosphere and is a great value. The lobby is particularly breathtaking with the huge stone fireplace. This resort is extremely popular with families, though we didn’t have any major noise problems when we stayed there. In my personal opinion, the room décor is a little bit less elaborate (since it’s arts and crafts style décor) than at some of the other resorts. I’m not saying it’s ugly, just less elaborate. The food options here are nice too. The Whispering Canyon Café is very fun and loud (not that it would affect room noise), and they also have Roaring Forks counter service. The signature dining restaurant at the WL is Artist Point, and it’s our very favorite restaurant on Disney property. Yum! It’s a great place for a special meal no matter where you’re staying. All transportation here is by bus or boat (to the MK). It has very elaborate, woodsy theming.

Animal Kingdom Lodge—the AKL is truly a uniquely themed resort. It’s our second favorite resort on property, so I’m a little biased. Again, the lobby is amazing (the same architect designed both the WL and AKL). If you are able to budget for a savannah view room, the view is wonderful. While you won’t see animals all day every day, I have always seen many during my stays at the AKL. The AKL has elaborate theming in both the lobby and the rooms—it’s African tribal style. Food options here include a counter service restaurant (The Mara), and Boma and Jiko. Boma is a buffet filled with unique food choices. It’s wonderful, especially for breakfast. I’ve never eaten at Jiko (we’re very picky eaters, and the menu is a little bit too daring for us), but I’ve heard wonderful things about it. All transportation here is by bus, with AK being the shortest ride away. It does have it’s own dedicated bus though (it doesn’t share with other resorts), so that helps speed the process. This resort seems to be popular with both families and adults.

Port Orleans Riverside—we stayed here for our first stay in a moderate resort. I was more than pleasantly surprised by how well done the theme is. The rooms have recently been redone and are very nice. If you stay here, be sure to pay extra for a king bed room since the regular rooms at the moderate resorts have doubles instead of queens like the deluxes. The grounds of POR are beautifully landscaped—really gorgeous! We found the bus service here to be quite efficient as well (since it’s such a large resort, they have multiple bus stops within the resort). The food options are a bit more limited than at the deluxe resorts. They have a large food court (we found the food here to be much better than at most food courts) and a sit-down restaurant as well (we didn’t eat there, but I hear they have very good breakfast). POR also has multiple pools if that’s important to you. Our room was a corner room and was extremely quiet. If you’re looking for a good value, POR is excellent. Of course, this resort is popular with families, but I don’t think you would likely encounter much noise except at the pools.

Dolphin—I stayed here this past January. Like you, I was concerned that it wouldn’t seem very “Disney-like.” Let me tell you my thoughts on that issue first. Let me be 100% honest: I didn’t get quite as much of the “Disney resort” feeling from the Dolphin as from Disney’s resorts. There is no Mickey soap or Mickey wake up call. It just seems a tiny bit less “Disney” to me. However, there is no lack of service or quality. It still felt like we were at WDW, and it didn’t feel “off-site,” just a tiny bit less Disney-ish than their resorts if that makes any sense. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here, so much so that we applied for the Starwood Preferred Guest Amex so we could earn points toward future free stays at the Swan/Dolphin. These resorts are truly a great value, as you can typically get excellent discounts. Be sure to check out http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/sd_discounts.htm for info on the available discounts. We absolutely LOVED the heavenly beds. They are wonderfully comfortable. Also, our room seemed very spacious. They have new décor designed by Michael Graves that is very modern, yet relaxing and “friendly.” The toiletries are also very nice (they have oatmeal soap). Our stay here was very short, so we didn’t get to try any of the Dolphin’s restaurants, but there is no shortage of dining between the Swan/Dolphin and the other Epcot area resorts. One of the best benefits of the Dolphin is the convenience. You can walk (it’s a very short walk) to Epcot or to Disney-MGM Studios (that’s a longer walk), or you can take a Friendship boat to either park. Transportation to the other parks is by Disney bus. This resort is popular with both vacationers and business travelers, so you’re likely to see more adults here.