Keeping anti-Disney husband happy at hotel

[LizEN]

My children and I would like to go to Disney World and to see the new Harry Potter at Universal one more time before they graduate high school. Looks like we will be going March 2015.

My husband is very done with Disney but would like to come along on the trip and just hang at the resort while we do the parks.

Though he really liked the Beach Club resort, he can't take the constant music that plays everywhere you go--even outdoors. So, I need to find a nice resort, within easy driving distance from the parks that does not have ambient music playing everywhere. A more adult, quiet crowd would probably work best for him too.

Suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[MOpGrad2013]

I think it is great your DH is willing to go along on the vacation, even without going to the parks.

When I've been searching for off-site accommodations, many of the resorts offer a special ambiance...palm trees, waterfalls, large swimming pools, golf and walking trails. What makes beach club relaxing to your hubby? Is it the waterfront? Does he like the pool setting?

If he wants more privacy, it might be a vacation townhouse with a private pool you would want to consider. We aren't crazy about public pools (unless the kids are with us) so having a pool out our back door worked for our vacation.

Our upcoming vacation is for multiple teens (17-19) to celebrate their accomplishments. We have chosen a hotel near DTD that has a shuttle service to the parks and DTD. They will be able to spend time shopping, visit the hotel pool, Disney Quest...Not what I want for my relaxation, but we made sure the hotel rooms are large enough with extra bedroom for the adults.

I haven't stayed at any of the Deluxe resorts, so I don't know the exact feeling you are seeking. I do know when we visit them, we enjoy the music and whatnot, but not so sure we would want to stay with it all the time.

 

[LizEN]

<> What makes beach club relaxing to your hubby? Is it the waterfront? Does he like the pool setting?

If he wants more privacy, it might be a vacation townhouse with a private pool you would want to consider. We aren't crazy about public pools (unless the kids are with us) so having a pool out our back door worked for our vacation. <>

Thanks, the townhouse suggestion is great. I hadn't thought about that.
As far as the Beach Club, he liked the beach theme of it, the size of the pool, the food and our room location. At that time, he was doing the parks with us, so the easy ride to Hollywood Studios and the walk to Epcot worked for him. Our room was actually closer to the Epcot entrance than to the hotel lobby!

Right now, he really needs some peace and quiet and down time. So something private could work well for him. Need to decide if that will work for me!

 

[TigerandBear]

Hi!

We're going in September. We is myself, my GF and my mum and dad. My girlfriend is the massive Disney fan of the group, and as time has passed I've been more and more sucked in, too!

My Mum and Dad are a little older (50's) and so aren't super excited for the parks, either. Don't get me wrong, they're looking forward to it, but we've built days into our plans where they can just relax and take it easy! So when we were planning, we were also looking into a place that would be suitable for what your husband is after.

We found the vacation villas to be perfect. Really great rates, private pool and jacuzzi, as well as mountains of space! Plus door-to-door villa to park is roughly 15-20 mins, depending on park, so my dad can drop us off for the day and we can save on parking!

Really good option, you should look into it!

 

[ArwenMarie]

I have seen it, but I haven't stayed there yet, but what maybe the JW Marriott Grande Lakes or the Lakeshore Reserve complex? I think there is a Ritz Carlton there too. Then while you guys are at the parks, he would have plenty to do, restaurants, coffee places, pools, etc. Good luck!

 

[bankr63]

Look at some of the great timeshare resorts in the area if Hubby wants more amenities than a villa. Marriot, Sheraton, and Hilton all have very large TS resorts that will provide him with plenty of options.

We own at Sheraton Vistana Resort which has 7 pools (a couple are usually pretty quiet) with no Disney Yellow Jackets to be found. There are several casual dining options if he doesn't want to muster up his own lunch and poolside bars with big screens if a game is on. That's my idea of heavenly decompression...

 

[greenclan67]

We really like Orange Lake. Huge property, lots of activities, rest, bars, beach area. Free shuttle everywhere in the resort. So if he doesn't have a vehicle he can go all over with it. Very close to Disney.

 

[staceyrhood]

Omni resort or reunion resort? Great pools and lots of golf!

 

[powellrj]

Have you thought about staying on-site at Universal? The hotels are a little more adult in theme and you get front of the line. I think they are nicer than WDW deluxe, but prices more like a WDW mod.

 

[DCbride]

Look into Omni Champions Gate. Just off I4 very easy driving. It is very adult and has a resort feel. I stayed there 3 times this year. Right now we are doing a split stay with Omni and Beach Club.

 

[Wild4Walt]

What about the Hyatt Grand Cypress - they have an excellent pool area.

 

[Elevationist]

If you're interested in doing a vacation home, you can do 3+ bedroom private homes with private pools.

www.homes4uu.com

As a travel agent, I've worked with them extensively. They're fantastic.

As far as resorts go, it will be closer to UOR and be more convenient on your Harry Potter days, but I can highly recommend the Crowne Plaza Orlando-Universal.

http://www.cporlando.com/

 

[Glenn]

Have you looked into the Swan or Dolphin? Modern hotel without constant Disney music. Wonderful location on the lake not far from Epcot or the movies. Espn there if hubby needs to see any games on the large screens with a burger and beer. The boardwalk at that end is nice to hang out on, see some of the street performers there.

 

[NinaBella]

I know I suggest Gaylord Palms a lot but it sounds perfect for your DH. There is an adult pool so he is guaranteed no kids. There is a very nice sports bar where he can sit, have a drink, and watch the game. There is plenty of relaxing by a waterfall. The steakhouse has a patio he can sit on and have a drink or light appetizer. He can get a morning coffee from starbuck and find a nice spot to sit and read the paper. If you get an atrium view he can sit on the balcony. He can move around indoors in the a/c or walk about outside. You can look at the convention schedule to see if there is anything else going on that week that would interest him.

When are you planning on going? I would at least research Gaylord Palms as an option as there is a lot for adults to do to relax.

 

[aidtrismommy]

The Swan or Dolphin. It would satisfy your needs and be on property with all the perks but it is not Disney-owned and the décor and ambiance should satisfy his needs. Win-Win.

 

[LizEN]

Thanks everyone. Great suggestions and a lot to investigate. I am much more hopeful now that we will find something that will work for the whole family!
--Liz

 

[lovin'fl]

We were just at Saratoga Springs in Congress Park section. It was very quiet and a quick shot over to DtD if he wants to go grab lunch. It is somewhat centrally located so not a bad drive to parks. The busing from there stinks though.

 

[2girlsmom]

You might also consider Caribe Royale, it's about 10 minutes from Disney driving time, right on World Drive (exit 67 from the 4). They have all suites, either 1 bedroom suites with king bed or 2 queens, or our fave, the 2 bedrooms, which have a king bed in the master, 2 queens in the second, but that's cause we have 2 teen girls, and space is a GOOD thing at this age! They have a great main pool with slide, waterfall, etc, and a smaller quiet pool back by the 2bed buildings, free parking, free shuttles, some decent to great restaurants. Plus I like having house keeping included in the cost of the suite.