Hotel Advice - Dream Disney Trip for Mom

[PollyMroz]

I'm planning a dream Disney trip for my mom and would love some help on hotels. My mom took my sister and I to Disney when we were kids a couple of times but we could never afford to stay at a Disney hotel, and each time we went we could only afford to go for 1 day, so she has only ever been to Magic Kingdom. I've been lucky enough to go a few times as an adult and am now in a position to take her and my sister on the dream Disney vacation. We're planning on going for 7 nights and I plan on getting the park hopper tickets. I think we'll spend most time at Epcot and Magic Kingdom, so I'm between the Grand Floridian and the Riviera Resort (but also open to other suggestions). I don't if a split stay makes sense for the amount of time we'll be staying, so would love to hear from others who may have done that. I think we'll do 2 or 3 resort days between park days. I'd love any recommendations!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

The Riviera is beautiful. Can you rent points for it? That might make it a bit less expensive. Also, with your itinerary, I would say maybe Yacht/Beach club for the pool??? Walkable to Epcot and easy to bus to for MK. Or the Poly.

 

[MICKIMINI]

Based on your post I would go for Poly Tower. We toured a month ago and it will be absolutely gorgeous We stayed in a longhouse which I would easily recommend for two baths (one toilet) and a large villa. We find Grand Flo a bit cold and stuffy.

The other MK option would be strongly for BRV at Wilderness. It is a small resort and very private feeling but a boat ride from MK and recently renovated. It is a totally stunning resort that is hard to believe until you have been there!

EPCOT would be Riviera since it is a new resort. Topolino's for breakfast and for dinner are a favorite for our family. We do both. WDW resorts that are tired, really feel like a downer especially at the prices. We also spent time at AKV Jambo house a month ago and though it had been a favorite, our 1 BR villa was tired and worn down. Bummer. It's not the first time at a DVC villa.

Reservations through WDW are more easily cancelled (make sure you under the terms) and I would recommend buying tickets separately.

I'm DVC and have rented many times to others (disclosure - not renting now!) and have had nothing but great experiences. Knowing what the terms are is essential. Renting through an agency is totally different from renting privately. Private rentals are usually less expensive but may have more strict terms, but not always. Different owners approach things differently and being clear on expectations and terms is crucial. Some allow modifications and some don't. Don't rush into DVC rentals before you read up on it and disboards is a great place to do that.

51 year WDW veteran and 30 year DVC veteran.

Enjoy the trip!!

 

[yaksack]

Watch some youtube videos about the hotels and see what she likes best.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

The Riviera is too expensive for not being very near a park (it’s as close to Epcot/HS as Caribbean which is a moderate) and IMO there are so many better resorts. If you’re looking for being near Epcot/HS (within walking distance), Boardwalk or Beachclub are great, or even the Swan or Dolphin which have deluxe perks but will be much cheaper. Grand Floridian is nice too and has monorail access, but I prefer the Poly, just because I like it better but also because you can walk to the TTC and take the monorail directly to Epcot without having to transfer. But anywhere you pick will be great.