MK, small kids, where to stay?

[jducka1]

We have never been to DW. We are coming for just two days in Feb. Want to stay at a resort -- preferably a deluxe -- and will go to MK for just one day (and spend the other day kicking around the resort). Our girls are 4 and 6. We are trying to decide between the AKL and the Contemporary -- we love the animal idea but don't want to spend a lot of time waiting for buses. Also like the idea of seeing the fireworks from MK. But AKL is obviously a nice place from a grownup standpoint.

I am not a huge Disney fan (I hope that's okay to admit), and definitely not a princess/Mickey person. I am a little bit finicky and would not be comfortable in a dirty or smelly resort (as some have described the contemporary) ... but I like the idea of walking rather than bussing to our chosen park, and it would be nice to see fireworks from our balcony.

What would be most fun for our kids? Are there other resorts we should look at, given this?

 

[Tigger&Belle]

How about the Polynesian? It has a nice atmosphere, fun pool if the weather is warm enough (water is heated), and it's a quick monorail ride from the MK.

I've stayed at the AKL and CR. The AKL is kind of far from the MK and the rooms are dark. I love the hotel, just don't know that I'd ever stay there again. The CR is very close to the MK, but may not be what you're looking for. We've stayed at the Poly a couple of times and really like it. How about trying the concierge? If you'll be around the resort for a day you could really take advantage of the food there.

Another place to consider is the Wilderness Lodge. It's also close to the MK (boat ride, if I remember correctly) and it's a nice resort to hang around at.

No, you must not admit that you are not a huge Disney fan!!!

T&B

 

[MJames41]

You also might try the Grand Floridian. It is a very, very nice resort.

Personally, we've never had a problem at the Contemporary (my son would stay there every time, all the time if he could). Still, as long as money isn't a problem, then Grand Floridian is Disney's flagship.

 

[mirlow]

I have never stayed at the CR, but we love the AKL We our spending the last day of our trip staying there and just hanging out at the resort. We are going to be doing just that in 14 days! There is so much to see and do at the resort. I especially love the zero-entry pool with my little ones. It gives me a nice break from constantly holding them in the water.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

My first choice would be The Wilderness Lodge, it's close to MK and a great Resort to just kick around at. Your girls would also love the Polynesian, this would be my second choice if your only visiting the MK.

Hope you have a Great Trip

 

[Steamboat Girlie]

Not to be stupid, but what is a "zero-entry pool" ?

 

[mirlow]

Think of a zero-entry pool the same as a beach. It gradually gets deeper. This is great for me because I have 3 kids at different swimming levels.
The GF and the Polynesian also have zero-entry pools

 

[Alison Wonderland]

Between the AKL and Contemporary, I'd choose the Contemporary. This is mainly due to the convenience factor of no bus and getting to walk or monorail to the MK. The day that you don't go to the park, you could ride a loop around the monorail to check out/ explore the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian. Also, at the Contemporary you could go to Chef Mickey's and have a character meal--your girls would love it.

 

[tiggersmom2]

I would opt for one of the monorail resorts (poly, contemporary, or GF) For location and convience they can't be beat!! And there is NO bus wait!

 

[Vanryan]

My family went to AKL the week it opened, with our 2 kids who were 31/2 and 51/2 (so very close in age to your kids.) They loved being at the hotel, and we had to fight them to leave and go to the park! The bus wait was never a big deal and at that age they were so happy to be on the bus. Watching the animals was so peaceful, and it seemed like we were a million miles away from the bustle of MK.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hmmmm.... if I were only going to the parks for one day then I'd probably stay at the Yacht Club. It has the best pool, and there are tons of dining options and things to do in the evening. The monorail resorts are great, but there isn't much to do at night in that area if you aren't going to the parks.

I would also recommend the Grand Floridian. It's got the best castle and fireworks views (IMO) and from reading your post I think you would enjoy it.

 

[Pig Pen]

If I were going to MK for one day and wanting to be on the monorail, and money is no object, I would stay at the Poly. I've never stayed at any of the monorail resorts, but have eaten dinner at several and the Poly seems to be adult enough for you, but has enough fun theming for a child. I think the contemporary and the GF would be a bit too stiff.

I have stayed at the Wilderness Lodge, and if you don't mind taking a boat back and forth rather than the monorail, this would be a good choice. The pool is great, you can take a boat or walking path over to the campground and visit the petting zoo and attend the campfire event.

 

[GoodFairies]

For your situation, I would choose the Polynesian.