I need help picking a resort! Never stayed on property!

[Orionreplay]

Art of Animation! We love it. Car Suites all the way. Skyliner within spitting distance.

 

[tstein12]

I would definitely not stay at any of the resorts with 5 people if you are choosing to stay in a studio. I would pick AoA suites. Have not stayed here though so not sure how much my input means.

If you can stay in a 1BDR - (rent points) - then Beach Club is and always is my first choice (own here).

Good luck, let us know which one you choose

I agree with this! AoA would give you the most room. However, as mentioned, you may want to look into renting DVC points in order to get at least a 1 bedroom - more bang for your buck this way.

 

[skippytx]

Our first trip to WDW we stayed at an AoA family suite. It was very nice, but i didn't like how much time we spent traveling. We also take mid day breaks, and it felt like I spent 1/3 of my entire vacation either waiting for, riding, or walking to/from the bus. I didn't like it.

My advice, is rent a 1 bedroom DVC room at Bay Lake Tower. Walking distance to MK which makes it easier to pop back and forth to MK for naps or at the end of the night. Plus you get a full kitchen for easy breakfasts/snacks, and in room laundry.

We did that for our second WDW trip back in 2016, and we were sold and eventually bought into DVC at Bay Lake Tower ourselves.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

It definitely depends on what your priorities are and what your kids are interested in. If proximity to the parks ans minimizing commute is #1 then either boulder ridge or beach club. If your kids are into animals and you are ok with a bus ride, then AKL is a good choice, especially if you are looking to spend some down time at the resort. They have amazing kids activities throughout the day. If you like an "all Disney , all the time" theme and are content to use skyliner, then AoA. The other thing i would consider is how much pool time you want. If you will do a couple of pool days, beach club hands down.

At your older kids ages DD loved AKV. She enjoyed the activities, proximity to the animals, and we really enjoy the pool at Kidani villas. While not as nice at the beach club pool it has a very "tropical oasis" feel, and an amazing splash pad.

 

[Pooh2]

We loved our stay at Beach Club but as a party of two adults, Epcot worldshowcase was where we spent most of our time.
When we stayed at Shades of Green, we loved the walk to the monorail at the Polynesian and quick access to Magic Kingdom.

 

[SwanVT2]

Bc's slide is one where kids had to cross the sidewalk to access which means you can't always have an eye on all 3 kids unless you go with them..plus the blind spots.mentioned. My 3 year old was not terribly impressed by the sandy area and was actually happier in the BCV quiet pool where we could float around with her. I think being in a studio would be really cramped. AOA sounds more appealing for your situation although I have never stayed there. If shades of greens has great reviews stay there and get 2 queen beds! We aren't military so not an option for us.

 

[BellaBeast787]

Usually I would always tell someone Animal Kingdom Lodge because it’s truly that amazing. You can always see the animals walking around the resort and don’t necessarily need a savanna view. However for the same price you should definitely do the beach club for the pool alone! Stormalong Bay is any kids dream and location for the accessibility to the parks.

 

[Beachmom0317]

I would do boulder ridge for easy access to magic kingdom. You can also take the resort ferry from there to the contemporary and that puts you right at the monorail! Plus the decor in early December is amazing and so perfect for Christmas! Second choice would be AoA. The space will be amazing and the transportation again has lots of perks since the skyliner is right there! I know people love beach club for their pool- and that would be my recommendation except for the fact that December can be hit or miss with pool weather. Maybe your kids are like mine and will swim in 60 degrees, but for me personally that’s too cold lol!

 

[Beachmom0317]

Another thing to consider is shades of green is so close to the Poly which is AMAZING. The view of cinderellas castle in December all lit up in Christmas lights makes watching fireworks so wonderful there. Also- this may be a stretch but you can walk from the poly to grand Floridian....which will soon have a walkway to magic kingdom. I also believe the food at shades of green isn’t as overpriced as regular Disney resorts.


As far as renting DVC points goes...we are DVC owners and LOVE DVC rooms- but the first week of December is peak time for DVC due to its low point per night season. You’ll probably be looking at a 1 bedroom as studios are likely booked at this point (you can book 11m in advance). So if you go this route I’d look for an owner able to rent points ASAP. There’s a board here on the Dis with helpful info!

 

[ashejen]

I don't have the experience staying at any other resort, but want to add my +1 for SOG. The rooms are huge, fridges in all of them, reasonably priced food (sports bar, coffee / snack bar and restaurants), great pools and a small Exchange on-site. We love being so close to the Poly and bus service is good for HS and AK (plus disney springs).

 

[Lumpy1106]

AoA is a 1br (2 bath), the others are all studios - are they not? That being the case, AoA, no contest. We stayed there on our last trip (pre-Skyliner) and loved it. Barely used the pool (didn't like it anyway - too crowded) but the bedroom, small kitchen, 2'nd bathroom and comfortable sleeping for 6 was VERY nice.

 

[constanze]

We haven't stayed at Beach Club---but we did at YC---That pool was priceless when my kids were that age!--And the proximity to two parks isn't too shabby either

 

[Leigh L]

I don't have the experience staying at any other resort, but want to add my +1 for SOG. The rooms are huge, fridges in all of them, reasonably priced food (sports bar, coffee / snack bar and restaurants), great pools and a small Exchange on-site. We love being so close to the Poly and bus service is good for HS and AK (plus disney springs).

We love SOG too!
The only one on the list I've stayed at is AoA. We stayed 2 nights last summer in the Lion King suites, and we loved that too (that was a lucky upgrade from LM). This year we tried to stay there again, but the AoA price with the military discount was still way higher than SOG. The only one we found moderate or deluxe that was lower or even close to SOG was CSR.

@ChristopherFamily I'd probably give any of the resorts you list a try at the right price . What did you end up choosing?