I need help bad!!!!

[gill]

My family is coming to Disney in October 2003 and I want to know the best place to stay. This is our first time so I really want it to be special. I am a govt. employee and can get a room at the Swan or Dolphin at a discounted rate. I know this is a first class hotel but is it the best. I have seen some comments on here about it not seeming like a Disney resort etc. So what I am asking is for some help in making our decision. Thanks

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

While we've never stayed there I've seen so many great reviews that I don't think you can go wrong. Plus I think the hotel is in a great position being so close to the Boardwalk and reasonable walking distance from MGM and Epcot. We walked around Swan & Dolphin on our last trip and it wasn't appealing to us but again - there is such a fan base for them that they must be doing something right!

One other thought - can you get a gov't rate at one of the Disney hotels? Don't know - just something to keep in mind.

 

[vbfamily]

I would stay in one of the Disney hotels. I know Swan/Dolphin are technically "on-stie" but I don't think you get the same magic feeling you do when you're staying at a true Disney hotel.

You may be able to get a discount code for that time-go to mousesavers.com for more information.

Are you traveling with children?

Do you want to stay at a value, moderate or deluxe?

What kind of theming do you like?

If you answer these questions, I and many others should be able to give you a ton of information.

 

[gill]

I am traveling with my wife and 11 yr old daughter. Looking for something in the moderate to deluxe range. The main thing is that it is our first time and I want it to be a unforgettable experience. Thanks for the input.

 

[denman007]

I would recommend the BC/YC, especially If you want the Boardwalk atmosphere.

 

[TeenaS]

For the most memorable unforgetable first time experience, I would definitely go with one of the monorail resorts and I personally like the Grand Floridian the best. You can usually get some good codes for rates in October. Read about them at www.mousesavers.com. We go every October (and December and March, etc.) and love staying at the GF.

No matter which resort you pick, someone will have had a bad experience there. Nothing is perfect. However, I've stayed at the GF 8 times in the last 2 years and it was just as wonderful each of those times as it was when I stayed there the second month it was open.

Your daughter will love it. Mine was 6 the first time she stayed there (when it opened) and it is still her very favorite. Back then we would take one of those little sprite boats out every morning and of course there is the afternoon tea too. It's a very very magical place!

 

[vbfamily]

The first time with an 11 year old I would suggest:

1. Wilderness Lodge-Deluxe-great prices with codes, close to MK by boat. You can also enjoy FW.

2. Polynesian-On the Monorail-great for families.

3. Animal Kingdom Lodge/Beach Club/Grand Floridian

What park do you think you will go to the most?

What kind of theme do you like?

 

[gill]

I have never been so I really don't know which park we will be at the most. We are going to be there for a week. Thanks

 

[dgaston]

Welcome to the DIS. These boards are an excellent place to learn about WDW. I would also suggest Deb Wills' www.wdwig.com and Mary's www.mousesavers.com as others have mentioned.

I would further suggest that you order the disney planning video. I think you can find it online at www.disney.com. That will give you an idea of the different parks, water parks, and the wide range of accomodations available.

There are also several guide books. I like Passporter, and your library may have others.

Happy planning!

 

[vbfamily]

I've been rethinking my post that said not to stay at GF. I just didn't know if your 11 yr old would like it. I have heard on these boards that it is not stuffy like we thought it would be.

Decide what park you really want to see. If you are going to all of them it doesn't matter where you stay.

I would stay at a Deluxe if it is in your price range.

Check out the Disney website.

Keep an eye out for discount codes.

Make a list of the resorts you want to stay at-look at the uniqueness of each, ask your wife and daughter what theming they like and make that part of your decision.

Stay where you can afford to stay.

Decide what is important to you-to be near a certain park, to be on the monorail, a certain theme, a certain pool.

If you are going to concentrate on MK-do WL or GF

If you are going to concentrate on Epcot/MGM I would do Beach Club or Boardwalk

If you really want to go to the Animal Kingdom-stay at AKL-I have heard that transportation to the other parks is very efficient.

You really will have fun no matter where you stay-you'll be at Disney!!

 

[susy]

If cost is an issue, but you really want to stay deluxe, may I recommend the Animal Kingdom Lodge?? Is it one of the "cheaper" deluxes, but soooo beautiful and practically new.

We stayed there Labor Day Weekend, when the resort was full, but it never felt crowded and the buses were great! It's an easy place to stay at for a first timer ,since you take only buses to all theme parks, water parks and Downtown Disney. All of the bus stops are out in front of the hotel and there is only one stop and you do not share with another resort. Very easy to get around.

I've also stayed at CBR (a moderate)- very nice, but very spread out.

See wdwig.com for resort faq, maps and photos.

They also have all the menus and an explanation on how to get your PS's.

Good luck! Happy planning!

 

[eeyore0062]

Here are my choices:
1) The Polynesian--- convenient, beautiful, nice restaurants, great pool, well themed!
2) The Beach Club--- convenient, great pool, nice restaurants!

 

[dreamflight99]

As far as a DELUXE resort...at the Gov't. rate--you just can not top the Dolphin/Swan (IMOHO). No other Disney-owned DELUXE can compete with the rates offered at these Starwood resorts. I stay at the Dolphin for a month or more each summer, and can assure you...the DISNEY MAGIC is alive and well within the walls of these two resorts! The location and theming are hard to top. ALSO, the BEST part of these resorts is the association with the premier frequent guest program in the industry, aptly titled: "Starwood preferred guest" program. You can actually accumulate valuable "points" while staying ON PROPERTY @ WDW! These points can be used for everything from rental cars and airlines to free nights (Yes..at the Dolphin/Swan and hundreds of other properties) and even free dining certificates! Please, visit www.starwoodpreferredguest.com to sign up for your membership. Certain levels of membership also entitle you to different FREE perks, upgrades and amenities in the resorts. No Disney-owned resort can offer such a value, and incentive!

 

[Real Loser]

Gill,

We stayed ( 9 nights) at the Swan this past March on the government rate. The location cannot be beat. The boats to Epcot and the Studios coupled with the ability to walk to the boardwalk and Epcot make it as special as it is. That being said, our experience with the hotel itself was not the best. The rooms were much smaller than we got during our two deluxe stays and we had a few serious housekeeping issues. We also had neighbors ( MOM< DAD< 2 little boys) and we could hear everything that went on in that room, incliding the bathroom.The resort fee brings the rate up. The restaurants are marginal for the price. Go to Deb Wils site (www.wdwig.com) to peruse menus before you make your choice. The price of food at the hotel can drive the cost of your stay up.

We have stayed in the Poly (7 nights @ $247/night) and the GF ( 5 nights @ 266/night ??????I do not remember!). The POly was our first onsite experience. It is a nice hotel. The rooms are nice and big. We had a pool view. It was fun to see the castle change colors. It was great for our daughter to snuggle with her Dad on a hammock and watch the electric water pagent go by. Did we get what we paid for. Geez---- it cost alot of money and we didn't spend that much time in our room. The GF? Ditto. It is pretty, warm and inviting, but It cost alot of money and we did not spend that much time in our room. And the pool is not themes like at the moderates, the swan/dophin or now, the Poly.

Then there is Port Orleans Riverside. After a couple of trips in deluxes and a pricey experience at the HIlton in Downtown Disney( five nights @175.night), I decided to book our family of three into Port Orleans Riverside( 9 nights @128/night). Oh how I fretted! All the way down in the plane I silently fretted. "They have been to the deluxes. This hotel we are going to is costing me less than half! They are going to hate it. Oh why did I try to save this money?" Guess what. I was completely wrong. WE loved the alligaotr bayou section of Port Orleans Riverside. Loved it. We loved the food court. We loved the grounds. We loved the pool. We loved the ability to take the boat to Downtown Disney. it was a wonderful experience. The rooms are smaller, but suited us just fine. ( By the way, we are Mom, Dad and now 9 year old girl.)

Next Friday we are off for 9 nights at Coronado Springs. ( 9 nights @ $79. night, AP rate) I am getting better at this. With the Ap's from the last trip and the price at the hotel, this trip will cost us significantly less money. That is a good thing, I think one of the keys to going and enjoying is NOT fretting about the money. It is wonderful to go down and eat where you want to eat and do what you want to do without worrying the the Visa or checking account are going to max out. That is what being mindful of the cost fo the room allows me to do. To me the differences between the deluxes , the moderates and the S & D are not so pronounced that the extra money is worth paying. Go for location, menus and what looks pretty to you.

Another good alternative for you is an All Start with a code , 2 adjoining rooms together. they will guarantee you adjoining rooms. The eleven year old gets her own tv and bathroom and is safe with an open door.

Whatever you do have fun.

 

[Real Loser]

Gill,

We stayed ( 9 nights) at the Swan this past March on the government rate. The location cannot be beat. The boats to Epcot and the Studios coupled with the ability to walk to the boardwalk and Epcot make it as special as it is. That being said, our experience with the hotel itself was not the best. The rooms were much smaller than we got during our two deluxe stays and we had a few serious housekeeping issues. We also had neighbors ( MOM< DAD< 2 little boys) and we could hear everything that went on in that room, incliding the bathroom.The resort fee brings the rate up. The restaurants are marginal for the price. Go to Deb Wils site (www.wdwig.com) to peruse menus before you make your choice. The price of food at the hotel can drive the cost of your stay up.

We have stayed in the Poly (7 nights @ $247/night) and the GF ( 5 nights @ 266/night ??????I do not remember!). The POly was our first onsite experience. It is a nice hotel. The rooms are nice and big. We had a pool view. It was fun to see the castle change colors. It was great for our daughter to snuggle with her Dad on a hammock and watch the electric water pagent go by. Did we get what we paid for. Geez---- it cost alot of money and we didn't spend that much time in our room. The GF? Ditto. It is pretty, warm and inviting, but It cost alot of money and we did not spend that much time in our room. And the pool is not themes like at the moderates, the swan/dophin or now, the Poly.

Then there is Port Orleans Riverside. After a couple of trips in deluxes and a pricey experience at the HIlton in Downtown Disney( five nights @175.night), I decided to book our family of three into Port Orleans Riverside( 9 nights @128/night). Oh how I fretted! All the way down in the plane I silently fretted. "They have been to the deluxes. This hotel we are going to is costing me less than half! They are going to hate it. Oh why did I try to save this money?" Guess what. I was completely wrong. WE loved the alligaotr bayou section of Port Orleans Riverside. Loved it. We loved the food court. We loved the grounds. We loved the pool. We loved the ability to take the boat to Downtown Disney. it was a wonderful experience. The rooms are smaller, but suited us just fine. ( By the way, we are Mom, Dad and now 9 year old girl.)

Next Friday we are off for 9 nights at Coronado Springs. ( 9 nights @ $79. night, AP rate) I am getting better at this. With the Ap's from the last trip and the price at the hotel, this trip will cost us significantly less money. That is a good thing, I think one of the keys to going and enjoying is NOT fretting about the money. It is wonderful to go down and eat where you want to eat and do what you want to do without worrying the the Visa or checking account are going to max out. That is what being mindful of the cost fo the room allows me to do. To me the differences between the deluxes , the moderates and the S & D are not so pronounced that the extra money is worth paying. Go for location, menus and what looks pretty to you.

Another good alternative for you is an All Stars with a code , 2 adjoining rooms together. they will guarantee you adjoining rooms. The eleven year old gets her own tv and bathroom and is safe with an open door.

Whatever you do have fun.

 

[jgates]

Well, my first choice is Swan/Dolphin........I'm right there in line behind DF99 for a room there!

But you have to make your own pro/con list and evaluate it.

Price
Location
Food choices

At S/D you can check different room types too with gov't rates- you may get a nice rate on a Jr Suite etc for a little more comfort & privacy with your 11 year old. We stayed in a standard size room (Club Level) and the size ran about the same as a normal hotel room and we were quite comfy for our 10 nites. If I were doing DF's monthly stay schedule I would be looking at a larger room like she does! If we had the issues with noisy neighbors for more than a nite I would request a room change (I have dealt with that too many times for one night at other motels/hotels - no more!)

We stayed 2 years ago at Courtyard DTD - decent rate - pretty content overall. This year we stayed at the Swan with a discounted rate on Club level. There was NO comparison. Swan ALL THE WAY!!!! Location, atmosphere, travel time etc. Swan wins - hands down!

My (at that time 9 - nearly 10 year old) DD LOVED the Swan. The only place she wanted to stay at more was the Dolphin!!!

What did we miss out on versus a Disney resort?

1. Character wake-up call.
2. Charging at the parks to your hotel room.
3. Mickey soaps.
4. There may be more but I don't know for sure what!

I don't think that was much!!! I can live without all of those. I felt so much like I was at a Dis resort even though I wasn't!

What did we get at the Swan?
1. Fantastic location (see more #6,7,etc below)
2. Wonderful atmosphere
3. 24 hour food at Tubbis (at Dolphin)
4. Great value at our discounted rate
5. Practically front-door parking
6. Walk to mini-golf
7. quick to Boardwalk
8. quick to Epcot
9. quick to MGM
10. Convenient laundry facilities (at Dolphin)
11. All the Starwood stuff DF mentioned!
12. That place is the 'smallest' 'Big' resort - if you know what I mean! It is so quiet and close to everything!
13. Friendly employees - wonderful attitudes
14. A bunch more if I had more time!

So - again - look at all your choices - read the boards - evaluate left, right and up and down. It is your personal choice. If we all liked the same thing there would be one motel on site!

Whatever you pick you will love it!