My Opinion of Each Resort

[msteddom]

On my recent Disney trip I had the opportunity to look at all of the Disney resorts. Here is an excerpt for my still-in-progress trip report on my reactions to each resort. My friend Melissa joined me at the end of my resort hopping day, so some of her opinions are included as well. Keep in mind that these opinions were only based on what I saw in the lobby and on the grounds. I am sure that if I stayed there and got the full experience that I might feel differently. I would liek to eventually stay at each and every Disney resort. Okay so here it goes:


Boardwalk Inn: I loved the lively feel of the Boardwalk, but I didn’t really get a chance to look at the resort itself. Just based on it’s a great location alone I want to stay there.

Animal Kingdom Lodge: The theme was great, and I love the idea of the Savannahs, even though I didn’t see any animals while I was there. I liked this resort, but I did not love it. The lobby was quite dark. It also seemed a bit isolated from the rest of the parks. For the same amount of money I would rather stay at the Wilderness Lodge. I know this resort has a loyal following, and I can see why, but it just didn’t click with me.

Coronado Springs: I really liked the theme of this resort too. It would place it as my second favorite moderate behind POR. I also think that the Dig Site is the best pool at any of the moderates. The one thing that bothered me about CS was just how spread out it was. I didn’t get the same feeling about POR, but that just might have been because we had a good room location. I will definitely stay here someday.

Swan/Dolphin: I didn’t spend a lot of time here, but I did like what I saw. The location can’t be beat, and combine that with the teacher discount that I will be eligible for soon, and these hotels will be the best deal on the property for me.

Yacht Club/Beach Club: Again, you’ve got to love the location. I was surprised to see that Storm Along Bay was so out in the open. I thought it would be behind the resort. I’m not sure if that would bother me or not. I hate feeling like I’m on display, especially in a bathing suit. Between the two resorts I think I prefer the Yacht Club, the more formal look just appeals to me more.

Wilderness Lodge: If you haven’t already figured it out, the WL was my favorite. I loved the grandness of it all. The scenery was perfect, and the music was the perfect touch to tie it all together. I’m already day dreaming about booking my next trip there.

The Contemporary: This was probably my least favorite of the resorts. The modern look of it just didn’t appeal to me at all. Having the monorail and all of the dining options right there does make it convenient, but it just doesn’t work for me.

The Polynesian: I can see why so many people like this place. It is very pretty and well themed. Melissa and I both agreed that it looked like something out of the Brady Bunch Goes to Hawaii. The kitsch was fun. I thought the pool at the Poly was the best of any of the ones that I saw. The zero depth entry is a plus, and the view across the lake to the Magic Kingdom was spectacular. The one drawback to this resort was that none of the menus of the on- site restaurants appealed to me at all.

The Grand Floridian: I can see why this is Disney’s flagship resort. It is stunning. I didn’t like it as much as I thought I would though, which was surprising. It is beautiful and in a great location. The atmosphere just seemed a little stiff and cold to me though. Without a doubt it was Melissa’s favorite though. I would like to stay here if I can ever afford it to really experience the GF.

The All Stars: I didn’t make it to the All Stars today, but I did see them later in the trip, so I’ll throw in what I thought. We stopped at AS Movies to get a feel for them. My initial impression o the resort was not good. The lobby just looked like a giant box. I saw no Disney charm in it whatsoever. But once I walked inside and looked around the grounds my opinion softened a bit. Everything is oversized and plastic looking, which does not appeal to me, but I can see how small children would be delighted by it. There was also a fun energy to the place that I enjoyed. This is my least favorite of all the Disney properties, but if it cam down to staying at the All Stars and staying off site, I would choose th All Stars in a heartbeat. I have a feeling though that when it opens that Pop Century is going to be more my style.

 

[spiceycat]

okay what about

CBR, OKW, cabins at FW, POR???

 

[msteddom]

Hmmm, not sure if I should get defensive or not, but thanks for pointing our my omissions. I stayed at POR, so my opinions there were inluded elsewhere inthe report I'm writing, we also looked at CBR earlier in the trip, so I've included my opinions on it in the approprite section of the report. I did not get a chance to look at the FW cabins or OKW.

CBR- This was my least favorite of the mods. Since I don't like the beach in general CBR judt did not appeal to me. Go figure. It was also very spread out and it look a bit run down, which was suprising becasue I had heard that it was recently refurbished. Melissa was quite taken with it though, and I'm pretty sure she preffered it to POR where we were staying.


POR- Loved it, loved it. loved it. This was my favorite of all the mods. I thought the scerry was great and the theme was extremely well done. Our room was in Parterre Place in a great location. I did prefer the mansion section to AB.

 

[yecats]

My opinions pretty much concur with yours with a few small exceptions. I too intend to stay at every disney resort eventually.

CBR - beautiful grounds, very large grounds. Can't stand the colors in the rooms, they would set off my migraines.

AS - not my cup of tea. I think that they are appropriately themed for the youngsters though. There are several places offsite that I would stay at before staying here again.

PORS - just stayed here and had a great time. I prefer the mansions to (I was in Magnolia Terrace).