Most "Disney-Magical" resort(not a value, though...)

[PeggyPup]

Alright, I've stayed at the Pop Century and have seen pics of the all star movies resort. That's pretty disney-themed, with the giant character statues and such.

But my question is, what NON value resort would you say surrounds you with the most disney magic? Explain.

Thanks.

 

[Tigger714]

Well I would have to say this question is very subjective. Disney Magic means something different to each person. For my family, Disney Magic is in the calibur of service and how comfortable we feel. We personally really, really like Wilderness Lodge. We find the resort small enough to be comfortable but large enough to offer all the amenities we would want. The atmosphere is in my opinion, total Disney. You truly feel like you've been transported somewhere different. The theming, ambience, it's all there.

 

[futreWDI]

i agree with the post above that it depends on what you feel "disney magic" truly is...

it seems that you might feel it's how many character imageas are around and colors if you compare it to values, which in all honesty are the only resorts that truly do this

i think it is quite magical that disney can theme resorts without using characters and such... it is sometimes a much needed break from the lights and sounds of the park

if you are trying to choose a place to stay, look at the the theming, i love AKL bacause of the architechture and even though they are connected, i would stay at yacht club any day before beach because i am not crazy of the beachhouse feel...

most of the resorts have hidden mickeys in either their decorations, bedding, wallpaper, but none really go overboard like a value.

 

[disneydance]

I agree it tottlay depends on you but for us the most magical of all is CR

 

[TJA]

If Disney Magic is described as Disney characters, the Castle, the Happiest Place on Earth, then I'd say the resort closest to all of that is the most magical -- thus, CR. You can easily walk to MK every day, you have Chef Mickey's right at CR, the monorail runs through CR, and you can watch Wishes each night from your balcony.

If Disney Magic is described as the most funfilled, relaxing vacation at WDW, then I'd say BC is the answer. We feel like we're in a different world when we stay at BC because of the zillions of things to do in that Epcot resort area. We do not necessarily feel we get a lot of "magic" from the whole MK and character experience, but we certainly do have an all-around wonderful vacation and this is our favorite resort at WDW. Poly is a close second.....

 

[chasgoose]

The values are the only hotels that explicitly reference Disney characters in the theming. The others have Disney touches, but no Toy Story themed buildings or anything like that. The themes at the moderates and the deluxes are meant to transport you to a different non-Disney place, while still having a slight Disney flair.

If you want the most OMG I am at Disney World hotel, I would probably have to say the CR as well. Although it lacks the immersive theming of some of the other resorts, the CR makes up for it by being the most "Disney" hotel. It has a monorail going through it, it has Chef Mickey's, it has the best views of the MK (or at the very least the MK views allow you to see more than just the tops of Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain, unlike the Poly and the GF), and it is within walking distance of the MK. It is also one of the original resorts.

If immersive (non-Disney related) theming is what you want, however, I would reccomend either the Poly, the WL, or the AKL. It might not be as "Disney" as the CR, but they have much more extensive, well-articulated themes than the CR if that is what you want.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

I can't believe I'm saying this but for 'pure' Disney Magic I'd have to go with the Contemporary Resort. The monorail goes 'through' the resort. That's about the crux of the issue right there.

While I love Disney, I need a little 'break' from it during the day so that's why I love the Polynesian the most. The Disney 'Magic' is there but the Polynesian theme tempers it.

 

[ccigliano]

I totally agree with all the posters that it is truly a matter of taste. For me - its the WL. Every year since it has opened I've booked a reservation at Christmastime and then one more sometime in between. Christmas 2005 was a nightmare for me as it was booked 7 months out and I had to stay at SSR (I am a DVCer). SSR is lovely but it ain't no WL. I was wailisted for 7 months and called several times a day prior to my trip and still no availability. I checked into SSR and continued to call several times a day to check availability and halfway through my trip I got lucky and was able to switch to WLV. I have since sold my OKW points to buy WLV points to be sure I can book my Christmas trip 11 months out. Others will tell you they love SSR, BCV, BWV etc. but you really need to decide based on your personal tastes. Good Luck.

 

[kinggoofy]

You are kidding me, right ? The OP was asking for peoples opinions...not a "PC" answer.

Anyways, to the OP, for us, We have 2 resorts that give us the "Disney Magic".

1. POR.

We just love the setting. The layout of the resort. The feeling of being in the "deep" south. At night, its a peaceful walk around the resort with my "better half" walking hand in hand. The boat ride to DTD. A nice 25 minute boat ride which is very relaxing. An evening or two with Piano Man Bob in the River Roost.

2. POLY

We are set to stay there for the FIRST time this August. It has always been DW's favorite place to visit when we are there. Everytime we are there, we stroll around, take a boat ride to the MK, just enjoy the setting.

We were there this past Memorial Day weekend. On Memorial Day Sunday, we went to the POLY, sat at the beach, had a few drinks and just watch the monorail going into the CR and then going out the otherside. It was so relaxing.

DW said to me at the time, our time just sitting there relaxing reminded here of the Corona commercials where the couple were sitting sitting on the beach gazing into the sky and ocean.

It was then I "REALLY" realized that it was time to splurge. We called CRO from my cell phone and switched our August trip to the POLY. I could just see how peaceful my DW was just laying by the beach at the POLY.

We will be celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary. This is our "gift" to each other.

So, for us, the Disney Magic feeling is POR and POLY.

KG

 

[Linda T.]

For my family, it is CBR. This was the first resort I took my daughters too, and they fell in love with the beautiful tropical themeing, the white sandy beaches with hammocks, and the friendly ducks. One year we switched to POR, and it was a disaster. I just kept hearing from them the whole trip that POR didn't feel like disney to them. So needless to say, we switched back to CBR, and now everyone feels the disney magic!

Linda T.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

June, 1979 - Offsite
June, 1995 - CBR
June, 1997 - CBR
June, 1999 - POR
June, 2003 - CBR
March, 2005 - Disneyland
June, 2005 - CBR

Next Trip - July 11 thru July 18 - CBR

 

[joelly2103]

I just don't get CR, can someone explain, what am I missing?

There are so many other resorts that have really nice themes, but the contemporary reminds me of an institution - with all those doors and walkways.

I get the convenience of the monorail.

Can someone tell me what is so great at CR?

 

[Dchef]

For me it would have to be the Wilderness Lodge. We didn't stay at the others, but we visited to see what we were missing and hands down we just love the Disney Feel of the Wilderness. It is almost hard to explain, but you really get the feeling you are somewhere else. Its comfortable like home with out being there, its magical like Disney without all the fuss as well. Its close but not too close and we really like that. The service we recieved there was over and beyond anything. The price for a Deluxe is the lowest and yet I never felt that at all.
We made Christmas Resy's and really thought hard about other resorts, but always came back to WL--especially at Christmas time--I hear its gorgeous. Another close secong would be the Contemporary or Poly since these were the "first"...When I was young we stayed in the Contemporary-those memories to me are VERY magical!! Good Luck. No matter what you decide, you'll find Magic everywhere and make some of your own.

 

[lisajl]

I just don't get CR, can someone explain, what am I missing?

There are so many other resorts that have really nice themes, but the contemporary reminds me of an institution - with all those doors and walkways.

I get the convenience of the monorail.

Can someone tell me what is so great at CR?

Was it the first hotel? Also could be the closeness of MK.
I don't know, never stayed there. We stayed offsite..gasp...and at POR.

Lisa

 

[Tiffanova]

I would say definitely the WL. Probably for its close proximity to the MK.

 

[RACHELSMOM1]

We have stayed at ASMu for 5 yrs, and stayed at POR in June - my hubby said that after staying at allstars for 5 yrs 3x a year, POR just did not feel like Disney.

 

[Dchef]

Was it the first hotel? Also could be the closeness of MK.
I don't know, never stayed there. We stayed offsite..gasp...and at POR.

Lisa

Both the Poly and Contemporary opened in October- 1971. I think the Contemporary opened just ahead of the Poly, but not by much. So I would say that the COntemporary was first. I remember my mother's reaction when we stayed there in Dec. 1971--We thought it was the grandest Hotel on earth I remember we had dinner in the dining room which was in the open lobby area. The monerail when right by our table and we were serenated (sp) by violinest at our dinner table--I will never forget that and the look on my parents face. Great memories there.

 

[vegadog2]

OKW gets my vote.my family has stayed at most of the resorts and okw remains our favorite.REASONS;well;you can park at the front door to your room,the pool has that great island feel,boat service to down town and great food.I really could go on but i'm sure get my point.We love the place.

 

[chasgoose]

I just don't get CR, can someone explain, what am I missing?

There are so many other resorts that have really nice themes, but the contemporary reminds me of an institution - with all those doors and walkways.

I get the convenience of the monorail.

Can someone tell me what is so great at CR?

IMHO, the CR currently has the nicest rooms on property. They are less tacky and more luxurious than the Poly's and they are nicer than the unrefurbed GF rooms. Also, if you have one in the tower MK view side, they have the best views on property too.

 

[Jedi_Galvatron]

I'm surprised that more people haven't said Boardwalk yet. It's beautifully themed, and has an actual "fully operational" boardwalk with carnival games, shops, bakerys, ice cream shops, ESPN club. It's an instant transport to another place and time. I love it.

 

[Dchef]

I'm surprised that more people haven't said Boardwalk yet. It's beautifully themed, and has an actual "fully operational" boardwalk with carnival games, shops, bakerys, ice cream shops, ESPN club. It's an instant transport to another place and time. I love it.

I have been to the Boardwalk and for me it's ...well, a boardwalk. I just didn't feel it had enough Disney Touches to suit my taste. I guess you could go one and on about this, but the OP wanted to know which resort had the most Disney Magical feel to to it.