How do you choose?!?!

[TexasMinnie82]

OKay, So we just returned from our first trip to Disney World.....and cannot wait to go again. We are planning our next trip for Dec. 2009.

Our first trip we took with our extended family (a total of 21 people). My aunt did most of the planning and she decided which resort we stayed at. We stayed at ASMo. It was a very nice resort. And worked well with all the people we had.

Our Dec. trip will only be 6 people. My family of 4 and my dad and his wife. We know we can do a moderate and possibly a deluxe. But how do you choose where to stay? It is kind of stressing me out.

Is it worth it to spend the extra money on a mod or deluxe? My husband was basing it on the resort pool slide, but I reminded him we will be going in Dec. so we probably won't swim anyway.

I like POP for a value. My husband likes CSR for a mod. It does look nice and from the research I have done it sounds like it has good transportation. I am not really into it because it looks exactly like where we live. The buildings are nice, but we live in the dry west texas desert, and that's what the landscape at CSR looks like. There are just too many deluxes to choose from. WL is cool. We ate at Whispering Canyon Cafe and said we definetly want to stay there some time. Contemporary looks really cool to me. And I like that monorail goes through it. And then there are the resorts that have the boat launches!!

I know everyone has their favorites and different tastes, but how do you decide which one you stay at?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thanks!!

 

[j-jhall]

OKay, So we just returned from our first trip to Disney World.....and cannot wait to go again. We are planning our next trip for Dec. 2009.

Our first trip we took with our extended family (a total of 21 people). My aunt did most of the planning and she decided which resort we stayed at. We stayed at ASMo. It was a very nice resort. And worked well with all the people we had.

Our Dec. trip will only be 6 people. My family of 4 and my dad and his wife. We know we can do a moderate and possibly a deluxe. But how do you choose where to stay? It is kind of stressing me out.

Is it worth it to spend the extra money on a mod or deluxe? My husband was basing it on the resort pool slide, but I reminded him we will be going in Dec. so we probably won't swim anyway.

I like POP for a value. My husband likes CSR for a mod. It does look nice and from the research I have done it sounds like it has good transportation. I am not really into it because it looks exactly like where we live. The buildings are nice, but we live in the dry west texas desert, and that's what the landscape at CSR looks like. There are just too many deluxes to choose from. WL is cool. We ate at Whispering Canyon Cafe and said we definetly want to stay there some time. Contemporary looks really cool to me. And I like that monorail goes through it. And then there are the resorts that have the boat launches!!

I know everyone has their favorites and different tastes, but how do you decide which one you stay at?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thanks!!

We have stayed at POR and CB. We have also visited most of the Deluxe resorts as well. I like staying at the moderates just because the money that we save that would have been spent on a deluxe can be used for golf, spa treatments, knick knacks, etc. POR has become our favorite due to the fact of it's size, which is a turn-off for some. It is so scenic and enjoyable to walk around.

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[MatterhornMiss]

I hope to someday be able to say I've stayed at each resort. Ever since staying at the Poly, I've been slightly ruined, however. Staying at a deluxe resort usually means you have easy access to one or more parks, which really makes a big difference. At the Poly, you can walk to the TTC to easily catch transportation pretty much anywhere, besides being able to take the monorail or a boat to the MK. At BC/YC/BW you can walk/take a boat to Epcot and MGM. Mods and Deluxes also have more elaborately themed pools with water slides which is always fun for the young and young at heart. The number of people in your party may also have an influence--most of the Deluxe resorts (except WL and AKL) sleep five in a standard room. Villas can sleep up to 12 (if you're willing to pay for it). Ft. Wilderness cabins can take up to 6. Price is, of course, also factor, comparing rooms and views, etc. I had originally looked to stay at the Contemporary this fall, but wanted to stay in the tower. Then I realized I could stay at the GF for about the same price.

 

[hoosiergirl7]

I'm still up in the air as to whether or not I would ever stay at a value because the lack of a fridge. I know one can be rented, but that's only if it's available.

We stayed at our first Deluxe in April and although it was nice, I'm not sure I'll stay at the resort again. A deluxe on our MUST do list is Poly. Not sure when that will happen...

We are looking at staying at CBR for our next trip because the new pool will be opened and I love the theming. You might look into it for your trip.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Our prime reason is location.location...location. We've been to WDW 40 times and have done almost all deluxe. We figure since we're on vacation, why not splurge, we don't do nothing when we're at home. When our daughter was on the CP, she worked in EPCOT so we tried out the Yacht and the Beach, fine resorts when interested in EPCOT and DHS. That was years ago, most of our stays revolve around the MK, we like the lakes and lagoon and prefer to be close to the MK, having stayed at all the resorts in the loop, we ruled them out due to the high cost the last few years. To have the best of both worlds, location and cheaper price, our last 10 trips have been at the Wilderness Lodge, we get the best bang for our buck whether its AAA or AP discount. We enjoy the boat to the MK, boat to FW and CR. Gives us alot of maneuvering room in the evening to visit other resort restaurants and lounges without spending alot time traveling.

We know what our cost is going to be, do not like mods or values whatever the savings and like WL being under one roof. Location is prime, favorite park is the MK, usually has the latest hours and like I said, a boat, or even a bus ride away. We boat to the CR and monorail to the TTC and switch monorails to go to EPCOT, that what we base our resorts on.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

There are several factors that go into deciding which resort we want to stay at. First of all we're a family of 5 (really more but most of the time it's just me, DH and our 3 youngest travelling). That alone limits our choices. Seconf factor is transportation. Dh loves to be able to take the monorail or the boats to the parks, he's not so fond of buses. We also like having a sit down restaurant and character meals on property. DH likes to have a lounge on property also.

So far we have stayed at (and loved) GF, the Poly, and YC. We are brancing out a little and trying BC in July, BWI in October and WL in February.

Of course I change my mind a million times before we go so that could all change. I was actually on the phone a few weeks ago trying to change BC to YC (couldn't get an AP rate at YC) and checking to see if we should switch from the Poly to the GF (no rooms availalbe at all).

 

[Kae]

I also would like to try every resort. For us cost is a big factor, I set a budget & go from there. We enjoyed our stay at pop last trip. Another factor sometimes is what park you think you are going to spend the most time at-location.

Kae

 

[let'sgo]

See what your budget will allow first. Then go from there. It seems as though there are pluses and minuses to any resort, and you'll find someone who loves it, and someone that doesn't. Just see what appeals to you, and give it a try. I don't think you can really go wrong.

I've stayed POR, CSR, CBR, and Poly, and they were all nice, although my favorite is POR, with CSR a close second. Like some of the previous posters, I always like to stay at a different resort to get a different flavor and make the vacation seem a little different. It's so much fun.

So pick one, then go and have a great time!

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I have a hard time deciding which resort to stay at that is why I am a member of the DidIchoosetherightDisneyresortophobia Club. I change my mind many times after I make the initial reservation.

Personally, if you are going in December and want to be emerged in the Christmas feeling, Wilderness Lodge is the best place. It is a Deluxe, but at the less expensive end of the Deluxe Spectrum and it just feels like home. I was finally happy when I changed to Wilderness Lodge for our upcoming December trip, because of that homey feeling. We love WL anyway, but it really is beautiful at Christmas.

Suzanne

 

[skipperkim]

My favorite mod is POFQ. It's small, has a boat to DTD and it's own bus stop at MK in the evening. It's like New Orleans, hence the name FQ-French Quarter. It's so beautiful there.

I'm hoping to stay at AKL this Dec even though I'm currently at CSR. AKL is really nice has a large food court, most deluxes do not have a large food court. WL is beautiful for Christmas and so is GF. But my best suggestion is to check out the Christmas pictures at allearsnet.com for each resort. Also, get some input from the other members of the group where they want to stay. You might also decide if you'll be in one park more than another and pick your resort by location. Order each of them the planning DVD. Prices for 2009 won't be released until Aug this year. Happy planning.

 

[mmmears]

Our choices are based on what we care about most:

-- location and ease of transportation to the parks we want to spend the most time at (we dont like the busses)

-- pool & slide -- even for our December trip, because we really like to swim and nap in the afternoon.

-- an appealing theme / look for the resort

-- cost

It's easier to narrow it down to a geographical area -- like MK resorts, Epcot resorts, etc. and then choose. Unless one resort really appeals to you (we want to stay at AKL for part of our next trip even though it's not close to anything much because we really love the decor and the animals).

Relax. Dont stress this decision -- it can be fun to choose if you dont stress. All the resorts are special in the own way.

 

[SGMCO]

We've only stayed at MODs and have really enjoyed them.
MODs are Quiet and have Beautiful landscaping (great for coming
back from a long day at the parks). All Mods have Hot Tubs,
a fridge (comes with room-no extra charge). If I were you I
would probably stay at a Mod that looks different than where you live,
That would truely make it a Get Away.
We really loved POR and POFQ because we live in Colorado.
We also loved the Boat ride to DTD. POR have a wonderful TS
Resterant and CS resterant.
You may even like CBR for the Tropical Theme--any of these are
worth a try.

 

[TerrytownGrl]

I like POP for a value. My husband likes CSR for a mod. It does look nice and from the research I have done it sounds like it has good transportation. I am not really into it because it looks exactly like where we live. The buildings are nice, but we live in the dry west texas desert, and that's what the landscape at CSR looks like. There are just too many deluxes to choose from. WL is cool. We ate at Whispering Canyon Cafe and said we definetly want to stay there some time. Contemporary looks really cool to me. And I like that monorail goes through it. And then there are the resorts that have the boat launches!!


I know what you mean! We live in the New Orleans area and went last June with my dd's dance school for a Magic Music Days performance. We did not get to choose the hotel. Imagine my surprise when it was announced that we would be staying at POFQ! At first I was disappointed, as I feared it would be like vacationing in our own backyard.

And after we arrived, I told my dh that this is what our city would have looked like had Walt Disney been the city planner.

But despite the eerie familiarity, we really enjoyed the POFQ and could recommend it if you are looking for a mod. It is compact, has a great pool with slide, the themeing is well done (jazz/dixieland music plays throughout the resort) the food court is good, it has only one bus stop and rarely did we share a bus with POR.

Good luck with your planning!

 

[nurse.darcy]

How do I pick a resort. . .hmmmmmm, eeeeny, meeeeeny, miiiiiny, mo. . .no serious. . .I stayed at ASMu because my then SO would not spend more than 100 a night so I decided that the ASMu looked the best. In May I stayed at Pop because there were a group of DISers staying there. In August I am splitting my stay between POR and BWI. I fell in love with BWI during May but I also want to try ALL the hotels with the exception of GF. . .(theming doesn't appeal to me) and I may never go back to a value. . .(cause I am not with my SO anymore). I am hoping to do AKL in December. This is one place I REALLY love the look of. . .we shall see if I can get a good 30% off on bounceback. . .then I will be all over it. . .

 

[RNMOM]

I like to pick a resort based on being away somewhere different. I have a fav at the Wilderness Lodge. Hands down our favorite. It is the least expensive deluxe and really quiet and lovely. Just breathtakingly beautiful.

We have stayed at BC, Boardwalk, both okay but not worth the $ IMHO. We have stayed at POFQ and liked it a lot. Nice and intimate. We stayed at Caribean Beach and liked it a lot even though I didn't think I would. We stayed at CSR and didn't like it much at all.

Our last trip was at the Dolphin with a nurse rate and our next trip in Oct. is planned for 4 days at POR and 3 at the Dolphin.

Just look at your budget and go with your instincts. If you live in a climate like CSR, maybe try something different. That's what vacations are for.

 

[slug]

OKay, So we just returned from our first trip to Disney World.....and cannot wait to go again. We are planning our next trip for Dec. 2009.

Our first trip we took with our extended family (a total of 21 people). My aunt did most of the planning and she decided which resort we stayed at. We stayed at ASMo. It was a very nice resort. And worked well with all the people we had.

Our Dec. trip will only be 6 people. My family of 4 and my dad and his wife. We know we can do a moderate and possibly a deluxe. But how do you choose where to stay? It is kind of stressing me out.

Is it worth it to spend the extra money on a mod or deluxe? My husband was basing it on the resort pool slide, but I reminded him we will be going in Dec. so we probably won't swim anyway.

I like POP for a value. My husband likes CSR for a mod. It does look nice and from the research I have done it sounds like it has good transportation. I am not really into it because it looks exactly like where we live. The buildings are nice, but we live in the dry west texas desert, and that's what the landscape at CSR looks like. There are just too many deluxes to choose from. WL is cool. We ate at Whispering Canyon Cafe and said we definetly want to stay there some time. Contemporary looks really cool to me. And I like that monorail goes through it. And then there are the resorts that have the boat launches!!

I know everyone has their favorites and different tastes, but how do you decide which one you stay at?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thanks!!

We kind of do one of two things: Either stay at the CR / GF / Poly or stay at one of the All Stars. I stayed at a Moderate once but I feel like the Mods aren't that much better than the AS and also the I don't think they can compete with the deluxes at all. So we either go all out or we go for most affordable. Last year we did one trip to the CR MK view and one trip to the ASMo. Next trip is back to the CR.

Either way, we have just as good a time. The CR is MUCH more convienient obviously and you can't really beat the view and some of the other benefits. But the AS is pretty fun too and costs about 1/4 of what the CR costs which is a different type of benefit.