Hotel Help PLEASEEE

[Fowler]

Hey,

I am planning my first Disney Land trip for November of next year (2013), but I'm having trouble choosing a hotel!

I have narrowed it down to:
The Animal Kingdom Lodge
The Polynesian
The Wilderness Lodge

If anyone has any opinions on what one to choose and why, it would be much appreciated

I was told that the Animal Kingdom is the most out of the way. And I know the Polynesian is the most expensive, but I'm not too sure why - I know its in a great location, but the Wilderness lodge is in the same sort of place, so that just adds to the confusion!!

Thank you for your help

 

[Fowler]

I forgot to mention, it will be two of us going, both adults

 

[Brocktoon]

All three are great resorts, so It really comes down to preference. The Poly is most expensive because it is right on the monorail loop. The Wilderness Lodge is along Bay Lake in the same area, but you still need to take a short boat ride across to the Magic Kingdom or Contemporary to get to the monorail loop (Wilderness Lodge is across the lake from the monorail resorts). AKL is beautiful, but it can be considered out of the way as far as transportion around Disney Worl is concerned.

Personally I'd prefer Wilderness Lodge, as it's more relaxed and feels a bit away from the action. Especially at night when all is dark and quiet along Bay Lake. Yet, it's only a nice quick boat launch across to monorails and Magic Kingdom. If you prefer to be a bit more in the center of the action, then the Poly is the way to go.

AKL is very unique and gives you the oppurtunity to watch the animals while on property. But, you will have to rely on bus transport everywhere if you don't want to use your own car for transport.

 

[arthuruscg]

If it is 2 adults PORFQ.

 

[com_op_2000]

If you decide to go with WL or AKL, be sure to look at the DVC rental board. You can get a villa that is larger than a regular hotel room.

 

[DCTooTall]

Really it's a matter of preference, and what you are looking to get out of your trip.

As others have mentioned, if you are relying on Disney Transportation, AKL's location can make it less convenient than the other options you have.

Poly is nice, and it's on the monorail loop. It's a very nice, relaxed, romantic type atmosphere.

Wilderness Lodge is also very relaxed, and romantic in it's own way. It has a boat launch you can use to get to MK, but it'll use buses for most of it's transportation needs.


Another option that might work for you would be POR. It can be quite nice with it's own romantic atmosphere (and cheaper than the deluxe's you've been looking at.) There is also a nice carriage ride available around the property.


What are you looking for from your trip? Relying on Disney Transportation? Doing much in the way of resort hopping for ADRs? In some ways, poly might be the easiest for Resort hopping for ADR's with Disney transportation since you can either take the boat or monorail over to the MK to catch the needed bus to the other resort.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The layouts of both AKL and WL are very similar. Their main advantage is everything is in one building. Their main disadvantage is that transportation is by bus (plus MK by boat also from WL).

The rooms at the Poly are significantly larger than either the AKL or WL. In addition to being on the Monorail, you could walk to the TTC if you want to take the Ferry to MK or also to get the Epcot Monorail without having to change.

 

[ludari]

As others have mentioned they are all great resorts. My personal preference would be AKL. I really like the property and Boma Restaurant is one of my favorites. You will not go wrong selecting any of these resorts.

 

[kbeels]

If cost is not a factor, I'd say go with AKL and rent a car. You don't have to rely on buses and parking on property is free. This has worked out well for us, 2 adults. While the Savannah view rooms are our favorites, (Nothing quite like waking up to a giraffe outside your window) We have stayed in the pool view and standard rooms too and enjoyed them too. The attention to detail and theme are remarkable, take time to walk through the resort and enjoy the Artwork, The Boma buffet for breakfast is our favorite. Don't miss the flamingo pool.
You can always visit any of the other resorts for a meal or just to look around and pick one you'd like to try on another visit.

 

[nurse.darcy]

My favorite resort on property is AKL/AKV. Its rustic, quiet, romantic, and beautiful. It only has bus transportation everywhere on Disney property but that doesn't bother me. If you have a car, all the better. I am not a fan of the Poly but lots of people love it. Wilderness Lodge looks like all the hotels located in the national parks in California, where I am from, so no uniqueness there for me. Every resort has its perks. Personally, as an adult I like staying at BWI/BWV for the convenience factor. Go with your heart. . .it will lead you.

 

[Fowler]

Thank you all so much for your help!

Although I think AKL would be my first choice for what is actually there, I think it best to chose that on a different trip, seeing as this is my first time, I'd like to be in a central location with great transport, so I have booked into the Polynesian

 

[Lyndarella]

Maybe it depends on where you are from... Like Nurse Darcy said -- We live in Minnesota, and my husband always wants to stay at the Wilderness Lodge. Personally, I go to Florida to GET AWAY from all the pine trees!

 

[nurse.darcy]

Thank you all so much for your help!

Although I think AKL would be my first choice for what is actually there, I think it best to chose that on a different trip, seeing as this is my first time, I'd like to be in a central location with great transport, so I have booked into the Polynesian

You certainly cannot go wrong there. The Poly has a great beach to view the fireworks from and I absolutely love the food at Kona Cafe. Its a beautiful resort, just not one of my favorites. Everyone has their favorites, that is why you get so many opinions. You cannot go wrong for Transportation from the Poly, that is for sure.

 

[Djjsperry]

I would do beach club it's walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood studios yet we always take the boat. You can go to Epcot and take monorail to magic kingdom. Only have rouse uses for animal kingdom and water parks. Besides they have an awesome pool.

 

[Djjsperry]

I would do beach club it's walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood studios yet we always take the boat. You can go to Epcot and take monorail to magic kingdom. Only have rouse uses for animal kingdom and water parks. Besides they have an awesome pool.

Oops only need buses for animal kingdom. I hate autocorrect!

 

[JerseyChristy]

I would vote for The Polynesian. Wonderful atmosphere and view of the Magic Kingdom. Right on the monorail. Beach and lagoon. If I had the money, I would always stay at the the Poly

Christy