I've found the experts!

[HINative]

Here's the scenario... I'm planning to take my Mom and brother to WDW for the first time in early December - and thought that concierge service would be such a treat!

Question: Which deluxe resort would you recommend? I had thought the GF to be right on the monorail and minimize walking for my mom (who will be 79 when we travel) - but no luck with room availability for the first week in December.

So... I'm glad I found the experts - which concierge service resort would YOU recommend?

Thanks for your help!

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

You may want to try one of the Epcot resorts (Boardwalk area). They are close to Epcot and the Studios with a boat that will take you to those parks. Buses from there will take you to the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. You could also take taxis if you want to skip the buses. Taxis are fairly reasonable and easy to get as they are at all the Disney hotels. All the Epcot area resorts are deluxe hotels. The Yacht Club is a beatutiful resort and is much quieter than the Beach Club which attracts more families. The Boardwalk is also a very good choice. The Swan and Dolphin are also in the same area but are not Disney resorts. Check out info for all this and more at allearsnet.com.

 

[ADisneygirl]

Hi HINative!

That is so nice that you will be taking your Mom and brother for their first visit to Disney! If you can't get GF, I recommend the BWI or YC. The Epcot area resorts are all very nice. BWI is my family's favorite. YC/BC are a few steps closer to the back entrance to Epcot than BWI. Of course, there are boat launches to take you to the World Showcase gate or to MGM. Have you looked at any photos of these resorts? You will have an easier time deciding when you know what style resort appeals to you most.



Happy planning!

 

[WIDisneyFan]

My vote would be for the Polynesian - but to be fair I am a bit biased as we were there last August and are returning a week from today As with the GF and CR it is right on the monorail, and has boat access to the MK.

For us (my wife and I) the Polynesian is a wonderful relaxing magical experience that is so much of what Disney is for us. Have a great trip and feel free to ask questions if you have any - I hope to post a trip report when I am back in a few weeks

 

[jennymouse]

I recommend the Epcot resort area too. Either the Yacht & Beach Clubs or Boardwalk Inn. I took my 80 year old father in February and we enjoyed going to Epcot in the evenings and being able to walk back to the resort instead of dealing with the buses was great. I would also recommend getting your mother a scooter for the entire trip so save on walking. You can go to the DISabilities board to find out which companies you can rent them from. You can rent them each day in the parks but it is more expensive and she'd still have to walk a long way just getting to the parks.

 

[Kaye]

My vote is for the Polynesian, but you do live in Hawaii, so probably not as vacationy as it is for us in NW Indiana. We just prefer the transportation. The monorail is comfortable and quick to MK and to Epcot.

We stayed at the Boardwalk concierge last trip--loved the staff, but the walk to your room at the end of the day can be LONG. One set of elevators per floor. The boats are nice, but slow. You can walk to Epcot much quicker than the boat can get you there, but it might be a bit of a walk for some 79 year olds. The boats stop at the Yacht & Beach club, Swan & Dolphin as well as the Boardwalk. They all are great, it just depends what is most important to you.

Personally, as far as the "magic" goes, which I think is key for a first trip, the Poly can't be beat. There is just something about sitting in a hammock on the beach at night, watching the fireworks explode over Cinderella's castle.

 

[dmonroe]

We love the Epcot resort area too! We've stayed in a Garden Suite at BWI, which we loved, and in a 2 bedroom at BCV. This December we'll be staying in a 1 bedroom at BWV. The Garden Suite came with conceirge service. We really enjoyed it; but it was quite a hike from our room to the lounge--the garden suites are in a different area of the resort. We love being able to walk to/from Epcot and MGM. I would definitely look into getting a scooter for your mom. It's amazing how much walking you do in WDW!

 

[steveanddonna]

To us, the Polynesian is the best location, transportation-wise. You have the monorail & the boat for MK, and a short walk to TTC for Epcot monorail and various buses, as well as the bus stop in front of the GCH. The location of the Hawaii building (concierge building) is also very convenient. My aunts, 80 & 83 at the time of the trip, absolutely loved staying at the Poly when we took them in 2000. The atmosphere is so laid back and relaxed, a nice change from the pace of the parks. The Epcot resorts tend to be a little more "active" and bustling. However, since you do live in Honolulu, you might want a different atmosphere for vacation! If you have your heart set on GF, keep calling - cancellations happen all the time and you just might get lucky!