If you can book one night in any of deluxe resorts to enjoy the resort only

[HappyGrape]

If you can book any of the resorts for one night only, which one would you book? It will be for a pool day, without going to the parks.

Also on check in day, can you use the resort facilities even if your room isn't ready from earlier. Example, park the car or chill around the pool?

 

[Disneylover99]

Yes. On check in day, you can use the resort facilities, even if your room is not ready.

I'd book the Poly and hang out at the Oasis pool. I really like the hot tub at this pool and find the drink refill station convenient. I never find it too crowded. Bartenders are awesome!

 

[FSU Girl]

Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great hotel to spend the day at. There are a lot of viewing areas to watch the animals or you could get a savanna view room to watch them on your balcony. The hotel is really pretty and I enjoy spending time there. Since you're not going into the parks the distance wouldn't matter.

 

[Shellyb84]

For a pool day you can't go wrong with BC/YC.

 

[BriLovesDisney]

I would pick AKL Savanna View hands down. We had the luxury of staying there several years ago and fell in love with the resort. You can still see the animals on several observation decks if you don't get the Savanna View. I personally don't think the Savanna View is worth the price unless you plan to spend a lot of time in your room!

 

[bigeyedfish]

We chose to stay 2 nights at the end of our trip at AKL! We booked a standard view room because I don't anticipate spending a lot of time in the room itself (even with an entire resort day). Although I would have booked Pool View if it had been available!

 

[caribbeandream]

If you want an actual pool day then I would totally stay at the Poly! I actually did that in 2006. My husband had a conference at the Contemporary from Monday through Thursday and my son and I never even went to the parks until he had the day off on Friday. It's the one Disney hotel that makes you feel like you are on a tropical vacation. Love the whole theme, the pools, the beach resort feel, the beach, etc.

 

[TJA]

For just a resort/pool day, I'd go with either BC or the AKL. We've stayed at BC many times and one of the things I always loved about it was how many things there were to do without going to the parks. Examples: the pool (we spent entire days at the pool), boardwalk entertainment, renting surrey bikes, walking to mini golf. And there are so many places to eat without entering a park such as BC, YC, along the boardwalk, Swan, Dolphin.

At AKL, there aren't as many "things" to do within walking distance like at BC, but having the savanah is pretty incredible and special especially if you've never stayed there. Earlier this year we stayed there for 2 nights and can't wait to go back someday. Only glitch is we aren't wild about only having a bus/car to take to parks, so a resort/pool day like you describe is perfect for that resort!

 

[JerseyJanice]

I don't think you can go wrong at any Disney deluxe for a day and night of enjoying the pool and resort amenities.

I like all of the suggestions so far and add the Boardwalk resort for its night time offerings. You can watch Illuminations from the bridge near the International Gateway. ESPN and Jelly Rolls are open late, and there are live acts out on the Boardwalk itself.

 

[AllieBoo]

I would probably pick AKL because we've never stayed there before. It seems like it's so far out from the parks so we've just always been afraid to try it. We really like to stay on the monorail or at an Epcot area hotel. But, for just spending a resort day, that would be my pick.

 

[Alexsandra]

Poly: cool volcano pool, Trader Sam's at night and fireworks and water pagent from the beach

 

[smiths02]

If you have never been and your family will fit in a room, I would recommend AKL savannah view. It really is a destination in and of itself. There were also lots of activities when we went. Nice pool (It might not be my first choice because we are a family of 5 which makes it complicated)

Otherwise, I think it would be hard to go wrong.
We have really enjoyed Beach Club and Poly just for the resort itself. (Perhaps Beach Club more, surprisingly, since I am a Tiki Room/Dole Whip girl and always thought the Poly would be the best)
I really want to do the Grand. So, for our family, that is probably my next "enjoy the resort" pick if we can ever afford it. Afternoon tea sounds like so much fun.

 

[prazer]

I would choose the grand floridian...spoil yourself!

 

[Skywise]

Polynesian.

Unless you can swing the RPC club level at the GF - then that.

 

[Marbel]

If a great pool is most important, I'd go with BC, but if enjoying the resort itself is as important, I'd go with GF or AKL.

 

[Disney Mom 7272]

I would choose the Poly! Always wanted to stay there but haven’t gotten to yet!

 

[loves to dive]

Another vote for AKL. We have stayed there and loved it but tend to not book there most of the time because we love Epcot/HS and the Epcot resorts are just so convenient to those parks. If I was just staying at a resort and not going to a park, AKL would be it. The pool isn't the best on property but it's a pool and the resort itself is just beautiful. If a pool is all you are interested in, YC/BC is a good choice but I'd save the money and go to Swan/Dolphin. They have a great pool, two "quiet" pools, great cabana area on the Dolphin side and great food choice in both resorts and within walking distance of Boardwalk.

 

[SL6827]

I am actually planning a three night stay at the Beach Club with no parks for a resort stay with the pool and amenities.

 

[Disnsyncey]

YC/BC....it's my dream to go to that pool one day

 

[gillep]

The Yacht or Beach Club resorts for a pool day, Stormalong bay is fantastic and Hurricane Hannah's is a great pool bar. Beaches and Cream, Ample Hills, and the Crew's Cup Lounge are also close, as are multiple signature restaurants. It is also a short walk to The Boardwalk if you want to enjoy the entertainment there.

For a resort only stay that isn't pool focused, AKL hands down. The resort is beautiful, I love watching the animals, and the restaurants are some of the best on property. The pools at AKL are also my second favorite on property.