Location, location, location

[kelliann74]

Planning a vacation for Summer 09.
Summer 06 we stayed at POP...it was fine but I hated how far from the parks it was. In 2000 I stayed at BWI and it was perfect as far as location but it was paid for by my grandfather so money was not an issue (for me)
So, my question is this...which resort has the BEST location as far as ease of getting to parks? We have 3 small children and want to easily be able to get back to room and nap.
We really couldn't care less about quality of room/pools/etc. Good location is #1 priority.
I could feesibly save enough money for BWI but if there is a cheaper one with an equally good location then I want to know about it!
TIA

 

[Magic2000]

Swan and Dolphin are great hotels - in a great location!!! You may also want to check out Wilderness Lodge. These hotels are a little less expensive. Of course, the monorail hotels are great too!!!

 

[blessedby3]

For location I would definately choose a monorail hotel. We have stayed at the CR and LOVED it. We had a tower room overlooking the MK. The ease of the monorail makes it wonderful. Plus, if its raining they drop you right inside of the hotel and you only have to take a ride up the elevator. My second favorite would have to be the WL. We have stayed there also and took the boats over to the MK. Loved the theming there, but you can only have 4 in a room unless one of your kids is under 3 and its not quite as convienent as the monorail resorts.

 

[Mrs D]

Maybe look into renting a DVC from a member, that would save you some $$ then you could choose from villas of Wildreness lodge or Boardwalk villas.

 

[Aliceacc]

If you have 3 small kids, you probably mean mostly "The Magic Kingdom" when you say "the parks."

If the finances will allow, I would go for a garden view room at the Contemporary. You can WALK a tired cranky toddler back from the MK regardless of crowds. They also sleep 5, so there should be plenty of room!

 

[kelliann74]

Thanks so much for the replies and thanks Aliceacc for mentioning the fact that we probably want close to MK. I forgot that when I stayed at BWI I was a single gal with no kiddies...so Epcot and MGM were great to be next to but my kids will definitely want more of MK than the others. Hmmm...so maybe a monorail resort will be the best. Although we will have our car so that is always an option too. So many decisions!!!

 

[TaraPA]

Another vote for Swan or Dolphin - there's a lot of fun evening activies on the Boardwalk for kids too!

 

[Aliceacc]

Thanks so much for the replies and thanks Aliceacc for mentioning the fact that we probably want close to MK. I forgot that when I stayed at BWI I was a single gal with no kiddies...so Epcot and MGM were great to be next to but my kids will definitely want more of MK than the others. Hmmm...so maybe a monorail resort will be the best. Although we will have our car so that is always an option too. So many decisions!!!

But just think... WALKING a tired, cranky child back to his or her room after the fireworks in 15 minutes, no matter how many people are trying to exit the park.

THAT was the primary reason I originally booked the CR. I'm THRILLED to be staying at the Poly (we got a 40% off PIN, and there were no more coded rooms left at the CR), but that's the one perk I'll miss.

 

[kelliann74]

Yet another good point about the walking!! Only one will definetly be in a stroller. 8 & 4-year olds will walk but i could just picture the meltdowns to the room. So, CR might be the winner for now. Of course i will change my mind 47 times before booking

 

[dalamarthedark]

It all depends on which park you want to be closer too, MK or Epcot. Staying at the Boardwalk or Yacht and Beach club resorts would make you within walking distance of Epcot and MGM, but its a hot walk, since there is very little shade. And with little kids, I can envision several meltdowns. From a place like the Contemporary, you can take the monorail to the TTC, and then to Epcot or MK. I would recommend both Contemporary and the Y&B Club areas.

 

[Hubbleo]

With 3 small children I'll assume most of your time will be in the Magic Kingdom. We stayed at the Poly two years ago and it can't be beat for convenience. The Grand Floridian or Contemporary would be just as good. The graden wing at the Contemporary would wbe cheaper but I didn't care for them when I stayed there many years ago. My friend swears by the Wilderness Lodge which would be less expensive too and just a boat ride from the MK.

 

[mousescrapper]

We just stayed at the POLY this June, mainly for the primary reason of being on the monorail and so close to the TTC for other direct transportation.

I have 4 kids the youngest being 18 mo for this trip and 1 w/ special needs.

It was beyond wonderful to be on the monorail...to bad now it would cost even more w/ the next trip we'll no longer have 1 under 3.

If you can swing the $399 in reg season (untill prices go up) do it. It really is worth it.

Otherwise, I really enjoyed POR, it is buses everywhere, but nice resort kinda in the middle.