I can't decide which resort, please help!! (kind of long)

[DisneyFan09]

Okay, I know my trip is quite a ways off, but I am an obsessive trip planner. If I could just decide which resort to stay at I think I could quit obsessing at least for a little while.

Here's a little background: My family went for the first time in 1999 and needless to say I got hooked, unfortunately the same can't be said for DH. Since '99 my dd's and I have been twice, without dh. After much whining and pleading I have convinced him to go in 2006 (Sept. 30 - Oct. 8) for our 15th anniversary (along with dd's 10 and 11)and this could be my last chance to make a believer out of him. I'm desperate to make this a fabulous trip.

I have stayed at CBR (hated it), Pop Century (pleasantly surprised), and Poly Concierge (need I say more!) and thought that this trip maybe we'd split a stay between Pop and Poly. But then I got to thinking that maybe packing and switching resorts mid-stay would be hectic for dh so maybe I'd do a mod. the whole time (PORFQ would be the only one I'd consider) or maybe even AKL or WL. I think he'd like AKL but I'm really worried about transportation and food choices (dh is very picky). I also think he'd like WL but I'm not crazy about the theming and I have heard that transportation can be an issue here too. I should just stick with what I know, but since I don't get to go very often I'd love to try something new. So you see, I am in a bit of a quandry and would love some input!!! Please help!!!

 

[ptrbryant]

He was a skeptic the whole time until he walked into the lobby at WL...now he as much as me keeps wanting more and more WDW trips (not to mention our DS8)! I, too, have heard about transportation being an issue. To be honest, we really like coming and going when we want, always rent a car and usually drive between parks/


.resorts and it's no big deal. We DO like the boat from WL to MK, though.
We're thinking of a possible split-stay between WL/VWL and maybe CBR. What was it that you hated about it? Did you stay before it was renovated?
Thanks!
KArla B.

(Sorry! Keyboard freezing!)

 

[Kimberle]

I can't answer abt AKL, I haven't stayed there.

We LOVED LOVED LOVED our stay at WL. We found the transportation excellent. We never had a long wait for a bus or boat. The rooms are a bit on the small side, but they are nicely set up. And you can get bunk beds for your kids. The pool areas are wonderful. I have pictures on my link below. One of our fav "features" about staying at WL, is the easy access to many different resturants. Besides Artist Point and Wispering Canyon, it is so easy to get to CR for CA Grill, Concourse Steakhouse, Chef Mickeys, and to FW for Trails End. Besides the large main boat (WL/FW/MK, any order), there is a small boat that runs WL/CR/FW (any order). It runs 7am - 10pm. During both our Sept trips, they had 2 small boats running all the time, one clockwise, one counter clockwise. It is also easy to get to Ohanna's and Kona at the Poly. Just take the 2 minute bus ride from WL to TTC and walk over. It's a short walk as I'm sure you know.

We've also stayed at CR, if you've any questions abt this resort.

Happy planning!

 

[Kimberle]

One more thing, be sure to check out the WL faq thread, part 4. Tons & tons of info on the first couple of pages.

 

[spiceycat]

what does he like?
golf - then OKW or the new SSR
woods/mountain - then WL or VWL
Hawaii - then Polyn
Carribean - the CBR
fishing/camping - FW cabins or you can camp here

you can rent points from a DVC member and stay at a DVC resort - they are OKW, SSR, BWV, BCV and VWL

hey I love Pop Century too - it is very cute for a value resort.

 

[DisneyFan09]

Karla - I have stayed at CBR twice, first time wasn't so bad because I had nothing else to compare it to but after the second time, I swore I'd never ever stay there again. Don't get me wrong, it is a beautiful resort and the rooms were very nice but it is sooooo spread out and there are so many bus stops that it felt like it took forever just to get out of the resort. Unless you pay extra for a preferred building there is the chance that you will get a very remote area like we did. I am not exaggerating when I say that it took 20 minutes to get to the food court so we only ended up refilling our mugs twice. There are internal buses that you can take to the food court but to me having to take a bus to the food court is a bit of a hassle and means that the resort is just too big. I for one do not want to spend 20 minutes walking just to get something to drink after spending all day walking at the parks. My children did not do well with that walk. Maybe mine is an isolated incident so please don't let my experience determine your decision.

 

[DisneyFan09]

what does he like?
golf - then OKW or the new SSR
woods/mountain - then WL or VWL
Hawaii - then Polyn
Carribean - the CBR
fishing/camping - FW cabins or you can camp here

you can rent points from a DVC member and stay at a DVC resort - they are OKW, SSR, BWV, BCV and VWL

hey I love Pop Century too - it is very cute for a value resort.

DH likes the couch and the clicker!!! He is a hunter though and that's why I thought about WL, but I really loved the Polynesian, and so did DD's.

I was very impressed with POP Century and would pick it any day over CBR especially for the price! Bus service was excellent and fast!! Theming was really cute and the lake was beautiful!!

 

[eeyore0062]

I am not a fan, but most men seem to be won over by WL--- very rustic and masculine. My husband likes the Poly--- pretty much universal appeal. I am always happy at PO-FQ, if money is an object.

I think you may be right... if hubby is already tentative, you may not want to be dragging him from resort to resort in one trip.

Make sure to plan some activities you know he will enjoy. If he likes Golfing, maybe he could go play golf while you and the girls go shopping, have a spa treatment, go to a park or relax by the pool. If he is into boats, perhaps he would like to rent a boat from one of the resorts on the Seven Seas Lagoon or at Downtown Disney, while you shop. If he likes to take it easy by the pool with a book, let him be.
Don't drag him on long shopping excursions, or tours of the other resorts, unless it is his idea The trick is, let HIM think that you are catering just to him and his likes. Doesn't mean you and the DD's can't go do something else at that time. Make sure to set time aside for just the 2 of you.... it is your aniversary, after all! Maybe a nice dinner for 2 at the Yachtsman while the girls eat at Beaches n' Creme? We had an awesome aniversary dinner at the Yachtsman last year! Get them long range walkie talkies so they can keep in touch, or if you think they are too young, book them at the Sandcastle Club at the Beach Club for a few hours. He may enjoy all of you eating lunch at the ESPN club.
I will paraphrase a quote I think is absolutely priceless from "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"..."The man is the head... always let him think that. The woman is the neck, and she can turn the head anyway she wants!

Good luck and I hope he comes back at least more of a Disney fan than he is now!

 

[DisneyFan09]

Kimberle - thanks for all of the info on WL. It does seem that those who have stayed there love it!! I'm just not sure I'm ready to take the plunge! One of the things I love about staying on-site is not having to drive from place to place so we will not rent a car. I'm assuming that WL shares a bus with the campground and if so does it take a long time to get out of the resort due to multiple stops? I don't know why, but that is one of my pet peeves!!!

I do like the fact that WL looks to be pretty compact which would make walking easier. I'm not against walking mind you but dh has Crohn's disease which when flared up does make walking a little difficult, so after walking all day in the parks it would be nice to not have so much to do at our resort.

Anyway, thanks everyone for the input!!!

 

[Kimberle]

Kimberle - thanks for all of the info on WL. It does seem that those who have stayed there love it!! I'm just not sure I'm ready to take the plunge! One of the things I love about staying on-site is not having to drive from place to place so we will not rent a car. I'm assuming that WL shares a bus with the campground and if so does it take a long time to get out of the resort due to multiple stops? I don't know why, but that is one of my pet peeves!!!

I do like the fact that WL looks to be pretty compact which would make walking easier. I'm not against walking mind you but dh has Crohn's disease which when flared up does make walking a little difficult, so after walking all day in the parks it would be nice to not have so much to do at our resort.

Anyway, thanks everyone for the input!!!

Sometimes WL shares with FW, sometimes with GF. All deluxes (except for AKL) share with at least one more resort. If it stops at FW, there is only 1 stop. Every single WL bus I've taken has only had 1 other stop besides WL. Also, in the am, WL was always the 1st stop, so'd you'd always get a seat.

Another point, WL is the smallest deluxe resort. You are never more than a 5 minute walk from anything. Even though it is shaped like a horseshoe, there are lots of side doors so you can cut accross. We were in the opposite wing from the food court, but it only took abt 3 minutes to walk over.

HTH's.

 

[ptrbryant]

My sister also has Crohn's disease. For your DH's piece of mind, I would definately stay in a Deluxe (or Value) so that he doesn't even have to think about walking alot at the resort. Also, since he's a hunter, I really do think he'd like the theme at Wilderness Lodge---honest!

Karla B.

 

[Keara'sMom]

We (myself, DH and DD8) just returned from a trip to WDW (1/9-12) and our first stay at the WL. We've also stayed at the Poly, and while we loved both, I'd strongly recommend the WL in your situation. We never waited long for transportation, and actually, the boat ride to MK kind of seemed like a ride in itself!

The buses to MGM and AK were fine--shared with GF once and the campground once, but it really didn't seem that we were on that long. Also, we took a water taxi to the CR and then the monorail to Epcot, which was great. Most importantly, the resort is relatively compact, and it's an easy walk within the hotel to the snack bar (to re-fill your mugs), restaurants, pool, and store. Good luck, and I'm sure you'll come up with the best option for you!

 

[DisneyFan09]

Eeyore0062 - Thank you for the advice!! I'm not expecting any miracles in turning dh into a Disney fan, but if I could just get him to not snarl at me everytime I mention the word Disney I would feel like I made a huge stride!!
I love the idea of a nice dinner for just the 2 of us, and will definitely try to think of something nice.


I'm really leaning toward my first choice of Pop/Poly with WL coming in a close second. If I can save enough, I'd love to do Poly for the whole trip. Another thing I think is appealing about WL is the fun stuff at the campground (petting zoo, horseback riding, etc.). And there's also dd's to consider, they were not with me during my Pop Century stay but they've seen pictures and are dying to stay there. Arrgh!!! Everytime I think I have made a decision something else pops into my head leaning me another direction. Oh well, I have plenty of time to decide, I just really wanted to get it narrowed down before I went totally nuts!!

 

[Jackie H.]

I will just give you my opinion of AKL (since everyone else's replies are about WL).

AKL was wonderful! The transporation wasn't really an issue to us because all the buses were dedicated to AKL only (they didn't go to other resorts). We never waited long for a bus either. Of course, everything is by bus - no monorail or walking or boats. I didn't think AKL was spread out - everything seemed near, but the bus stop is slightly downhill from the resort. Ok while your are headed out, but that means it is uphill coming back (my college degree at work! LOL) So that may enter into your thinking with your husband. AKL has a lot of activities, more than we found at the Poly. Lots of tours and programs and storytelling and night time animal watching etc. It really is a great resort.


The transportation can't be beat at the Poly! But you would really enjoy AKL. As far as food choices: well, Boma is wonderful, Jiko is fabulous and there is a small food court place. Mara, I think is the name. It is larger than the burger joint at the Poly but no where near as large as the food court as the All-Stars (which I am assuming Pop would be the same). But it offered plenty of choices for us. My kids and hubby liked it better than the tiny little place at Poly. That was my husband's only complaint about the Poly - not enough counter service choices.

I cannot compare it to WL, since we've never stayed there. We make a trip out there everytime we are at WDW. Like seemingly every other man, my husband loves the place. But he is happy just visiting and eating there.

Let me also say, I never wanted to change resorts for the same reason. I didn't think my hubby would like it and he isn't quite as affected by the WDW bug as I am. But we did it the last trip (from Dolphin to Poly) and it was so incredibly hassle free. Yes, you do have to pack up. But I think if you are moving between WDW resorts they will move your luggage for you. We were in our own car, so we didn't inquire into that. But on a trip years ago, we were offered the service when we spent one night in the Disney Institute before moving to the All Star Sports.

Are you sure he wouldn't like Poly? If you could get a conceirge room in the building facing the lake (is it Hawaii?) you are right next to the MK boat launch and a very short walk from the monorail to EPCOT.....But you know all that, don't you? Sorry, I just loved the Poly!

 

[DisneyFan09]

Sorry - I must've hit the button twice, this is a duplicate post and I don't know how to delete it.

Eeyore0062 - Thank you for the advice!! I'm not expecting any miracles in turning dh into a Disney fan, but if I could just get him to not snarl at me everytime I mention the word Disney I would feel like I made a huge stride!!
I love the idea of a nice dinner for just the 2 of us, and will definitely try to think of something nice.


I'm really leaning toward my first choice of Pop/Poly with WL coming in a close second. If I can save enough, I'd love to do Poly for the whole trip. Another thing I think is appealing about WL is the fun stuff at the campground (petting zoo, horseback riding, etc.). And there's also dd's to consider, they were not with me during my Pop Century stay but they've seen pictures and are dying to stay there. Arrgh!!! Everytime I think I have made a decision something else pops into my head leaning me another direction. Oh well, I have plenty of time to decide, I just really wanted to get it narrowed down before I went totally nuts!!

 

[MinnieM3]

I think you'd love WL. It's so beautiful and relaxing.
We switched hotels once, but never again..... too much trouble for my OCD personality!
MANY people have done it and have no problems, though.

 

[DisneyFan09]

Well, I'm leaning toward WL now!! DH made me promise to not drive him crazy with the planning of this trip and I'm trying to go at least one whole day without asking his opinion on something trip related so I had dd's ask him if he'd rather have a "log cabin in the woods vacation" or a "Hawaii vacation" and of course he said cabin in the woods!! I'm a bit nervous but I spent all afternoon on allears looking at pictures and it really does look nice, it's just not someplace that I've ever had a desire to stay at!

 

[Mama Twinkles]

DisneyFan09, I am certain you do not need a couple's therapist, let alone unbidden advice from a stranger on the Disboards, but I feel compelled to throw in two cents: It is understandable that you would like to win your husband over to the joys of WDW, as doing so would give you a partner in the passion and would validate your enthusiasm. But your DH sounds extremely unlikely to be won over. He did not enjoy his last trip there, is making a concession to you to go again, does not want to play any part in the planning, and "snarls" at you whenever you bring up WDW. The fact that you are "desperate" to win him over is concerning, as he sounds very hard to please (at least on this topic) and not even respectful of your love for the place. I don't want to presume that he is grumpy in general; perhaps his grumpitude is specific to WDW (much as I would feel if someone tried to persuade me to take a camel trip through the Sahara). But I think you'd be best off expecting him NOT to be won over, and deciding accordingly whether you want him to join you at all. If you still do, pick a place that you think he'd enjoy, but make sure it is one you yourself would love. It is sad that he may never share your passion, but that is NOT your fault or responsibility. He doesn't even sound as if he wants to try to like it, and you sound scared of his not doing so.

Please forgive the intrusion into your personal life, especially if I am off the mark. Just hoping to offer support.

 

[DisneyFan09]

Wow!! It blows my mind that someone I have never met has such insight!!
You are somewhat accurate and I do appreciate your two cents.

I hope I didn't paint a horrible picture of DH, he really is a kind loving man. But he has this intense dislike of Disney and as insane as it may sound I think he feels threatened or jealous. I do spend an awful lot of time on the internet doing nothing but reading these boards and I have to admit that this love of mine can be costly. He is an avid hunter and has gone on several hunting trips and this year he has two deer heads being mounted ! I hate his hunting and do not understand his love of this so-called sport but I support him in it and try to not let my negative feelings show. I just can't seem to convince him that his love of hunting and my love of Disney is very comparable. He's very hard headed, but just in this area.

When we went in 1999, it was with 8 other members of his family which was a little stressful and he was sick with a horrible cold the entire time. I have learned so much since that trip thanks to these wonderful boards and I just have to hope that if he has a good time he will at least support my obsession. I don't think I will convert him but as much as I hate to admit it, I can't really spend thousands of dollars on a vacation for me and dd's without his blessing !

So anyway, I'm getting a little long winded, this just happens to be a subject I could talk about for hours. I really should take him to see Dr. Phil, but I don't think he'd go, he's a little afraid of him and actually I'm afraid he'd think I was a bit unstable !

Thanks again for the support, I do appreciate it! I will not make a resort decision based soley on his opinion (dds' opinion matters waaay more than his!), I promise!!!

 

[aubriee]

I just got back 01/15/05 from doing a split stay at the WL and AKL. I fell in love with the WL just looking at the pictures of it, but decided to do a split stay so my GD could see the animals at the AKL. Both were great, but suprisingly my son and GD fell in love with the WL while I fell in love with the AKL. I bought an AP and it paid for itself wiith just the room discounts we got ($149.00 for a courtyard view at the WL and $151.00 for a savanna view at the AKL). We had no problems with transportation and never waited more than 10-12 minutes for any bus. We loved the boats at the WL to MK and Chef Mickey's. The boat did stop at the campground and the bus stopped at the GF, but it didn't take long. The AKL had their own buses. I made sure CRO had my room requests when I made the ressies and then when I checked in, I again asked the CM for the views I wanted. I got exactly what I asked for--fifth floor overlooking the lake with the pool in the foreground at the WL and fourth floor third building from the end looking into the Arusha savanna at the AKL. Both were perfect. From our balcony we could see and hear the electrical water pageant parade every night at 9:30 at the WL and at the AKL we could sip hot chocolate and watch zebras, giraffes, and wildebeasts. We went by the Poly a few times and sorry, but when I consider the views we had, I was not impressed. Changing resorts was not a problem. While my son and GD was swimming the night before, I simply packed us up and then the next morning added their swimsuits and night clothes, called bell sevices and they picked up our stuff and told us it would be at the AKL by 3:00pm. I tried to get my family to go to the park while I ran over the the AKL, but they wanted to go with me so we took a bus to the AK, then caught another bus to the AKL and checked in. Due to the fact that I wanted a particular view and the early time, our room was not ready yet, but she gave me our room keys and a number to call to get our room number. The room keys were already coded and as we entered the lobby that night we simply stopped by bell services and they immediately got our luggage and walked us up to our room. It was quick and easy. It was like having two vacations in one, as in one day we went from the Pacific Northwest to an African savanna. My adult son said he wanted to go back and spend a week just staying in the resorts as they're a vacation unto themselves.