Hotel help

[EeyoreLady]

My fiance and I are going down to Disney at the end of January, 2011 for a few days. This is the first time that we are coming down without any of the kids/grandkids. We've always rented a house outside of Disney and just driven in everyday. This time we want to stay right in Disney or close by (someplace with good shuttle service to the parks). Since we've never stayed in Disney any advice on value and/or moderate resorts would be great. Which do you like the best? Least? Plus which hotels nearby are worth staying at? Thanks! I love the planning part but sure wish Disney would release their prices for next year, waiting till August for their rates is driving me loopy.

 

[ItsDisney]

Welcome to the Boards. Congrats on your first trip to WDW without the kids. There are so many choices of hotels to stay at. I have to say once you stay on site/ on property you will never rent that house again. lolo Every hotel is different with a theme. We have stayed in so many. It all depends on your taste. You could stay at Animal Kingdom and see all the animals. If you like log cabin feel than Wilderness Lodge is for you. If you feel like a kid and want to stay in a tree fort, than the Tree Houses are for you. Beach feel....Yacht and Beach Club. Like the feel of the Boardwalk in Atlantic City than stay at the Boardwalk. So many choices... I guess that is the fun of Disney and planning. Good luck planning. I know you will soon get so many messages about this subject. Just pick a place that makes it feel like home.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

Just want to let you know that you can gestimate the rates now for next year. Check out the difference seasons and prices and add about 3% that is the usual price increase. I know its not exact but maybe that will tide you over till August. I know I can't wait to get final plans made and know what everything is going to cost so I can be prepared as early as I can.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

forgot to add:

Also check out the resorts board for some great FAQ and picture thread, might help make up your mind.

Find it here

 

[buzyanne]

Definately review the resort boards. Corando Springs CSR and Port Orleans Riverside POR are favorites for my husband and myself when we travel alone or even with the kids. They are beautiful and peaceful settings. I love the Mansions at POR and CSR is beautiful everywhere. POR has 2 areas. A Louisanna bioux? and the Mansions. It has a nice pool and hot tub and good resturant and a bar with show several time a week (good even for families).
There are nice paths to walk.

CSR has beachs and hammocks, lakes and bridges lovely walks, long walks, a nice resturant, newly redone rooms. we will be staying at CSR this year and I can't wait.

 

[StitchBuddy]

For a moderate the French Quarter of Port Orleans is what I would recommend. My husaband and I have stayed in all the moderates and this seems to be the best for a couple. It is small and the bus service is excellent. It feels like one of the deluxe resorts for a moderate price. I hope you have a great time!!!

 

[LisaxMarie]

I definetly think you should stay in Disney rather than out.. Don't get me wrong, there are great places outside Disney but usually the nicer places outside of Disney are best for bigger groups. Also, nobody has transportation to Disney as good as Disneys. From what I've experinced staying at multiple off-site resorts is that there is a charge, and its not as easy to get there and back. Meaning, usually you need to request and call, and the buses don't run as frequently. Disney's buses run about every 15-20 minutes. During the time you are going which is off season, the transportation will be a breeze in Disney and I think it will be even more hard when staying offsite.

As for resorts, I would say my favorirte Value resort is Pop Centuary. They have a very nice atmosphere, you don't really have to walk to far to get anywhere, and they have the best food court in my opinion! You won't be dissapointed. However, for a couple such as yourselves be aware that there are a lot of little kids running around, and there it no hot tub. Hopefully, you wouldn't be spending that much time at the resort, and you'd take advantage of everything WDW has to offer. Just guessing on top of my head the rate could be from maybe 85-120 a night. I haven't ever stayed in late January but I have always been offered additional night add ons for low rates because right after the first week in January it is one of the quitest times of the year.

My favorite Moderate resort as said above is Port Orleans Riverside. I love the theme of this resort, and it isn't as crowded and hectic as a Value and I have always found it very tranquil and relaxing. I think for a couple this would be perfect. It also has a very nice pool, with a hottub, and a great good court. Unlike the Value resorts, there is another mean of transportation besides the buses. This resort offers a boat (or water taxi as they call it) to Downtown Disney. The rate here, I'm unsure of because the last time I actually stayed at this resort it was called Dixie Landing. I'm going to take a guess and say it could be anywhere from 150-220.

As for a close offsite place, I suggest Orange Lake Country Club. I love this resort. It is HUGE and there is so much to do. They have 3 large pools and many quite pools. They also offer studios, 1 bdr, 2bdrs and 3bdrs. While I love this resort, I really think you should stay in Disney! Off season is the best!

 

[Metro West]

 

[Disn3y]

 

[disneydreamer90]

like everyone has said, there is so much to choose from that there is something for everybody!

for value resorts, they are all basically the same. pop century however i have found has the thinnest walls of all and can be quite noisy. it is the newest but the loudest!

the moderate resorts are all fantastic. I have had amazing times at CSR so its always been my favorite. There is the giant lake and hammocks to relax by and the mexican theme is done very well. POFQ is super fun and has the beignets at their QSR which are just as good as you can get in New Orleans! They have carriage rides and a long lake walk that takes you to PORS. CB has a nice beach but the pool area leaves me wanting more. The cabins at the campground are also considered moderate. I love them but they are big for two people. But Ive always enjoyed myself while staying at the campground and love all the activities.

Deluxe resorts are pricey but worth the price. AKL is spectacular and an awesome experience to wake up and walk to your balcony and see giraffes. Its like a mini zoo but much more relaxed. The rooms are decorated very well and then lobby is fantastic. If you have ever wanted to go to Africa I would recommend staying here!
Y&BC have the best pool on disney property. it also has a beach and different sunrooms that i always enjoy lounging in for awhile.
BW is fun but you can just go walk along the boardwalk without staying at the hotel so you can skip this one.
Contemporary is a little hokey as it was meant to be the "future" but now is pretty outdated. it is nice to be so close to magic kingdom and right next to the ticket and transportation center to get to epcot. california grill is a must eat for couple dining.
GF is gorgeous but ive never really understood the hype. dont get me wrong, its beautifully designed but ive always enjoyed staying somewhere else and visiting GF for a few hours walking around and sitting in the lobby.
Polynesian is so much fun and there is so much to do and see. The resort's grounds are lined with beautiful flowers and the view of the castle from its beach is breathtaking. The restaurants there are very good and once again very close to MK!

Happy planning and make sure to post a TR!!!

 

[Leasha_Loves_Disney]

when my family first startd going to WDW we stayed at the cabbins at fort wilderness. More reccently we have stayed at the POR and have LOVED it. Even though it's one of the largest resorts room wise, I never would have guessed that while saying there. The resort is gorgeous, lovely grounds to stroll on at night and early morning. You can also enjoy the nice qiuet pools and plenty of bus stops, one of my favorite parts is the music that they play on the buses... so relaxing. They also have a boat that you an hop on and take to DTD. We love it so much we probably won't stay anywhere else. happy planning to you!!!

 

[sam_001]

welcome to the boards i will be there at the same time i have stayed at all the value resort my pick pop,movies are the best. sports and music never again.i found my home at the animal kingdom loge