Need advice on resort choice

[cszuber]

Planning our trip for Nov. 2017 and need help narrowing down and selecting the right resort. I am all across the board on what I want and would like some perspective. We are going for my oldest son's 5th birthday and my youngest son will be one week shy of 2 years old. I'm torn between:

- Contemporary (easy access to monorail and Magic Kingdom)
- Poly (on monorail and have heard great things)
- Boardwalk Inn (looks fun and have read great things about the location)
- Wilderness lodge (a little less expensive and location seems to be good)
- POR-FQ or Coronado Springs (much cheaper and maybe I don't need all the stuff listed above?)

Technically we can afford any of the options but just because we can doesn't mean we should. I'd appreciate any guidance or perspective. Thanks!

 

[Rebecca Pocahontas]

Personally I love POR-FQ. Lots of open space and it never seems crowded. Also there is the boat ride to Disney Springs. POR is also sort close to almost everything, except for Animal Kingdom.

This is just my opinion about Boardwalk, but I absolutely hate their bus service. It is so slow and hard to find the bus station at the resort.

 

[Airship Ariadne]

Personally, we just could never see spending the money on Deluxe. But we didn't go when our daughter was as young...she was 7 on our first trip and able to make the full day, no resort downtime on our schedule, so being walking distance or monorail to a park was never a huge bonus.

We loved POR and are going to stay at POFQ next year. If we DID do a deluxe (beside Swan/Dolphin where we are staying on Starwood points) it would probably be Wilderness Lodge. But we perfer to use the money on meals, and other experiences...the resort is only for sleeping...and maybe pool time on check-in/checkout days.

 

[outlander]

You can't beat the monorail resorts for location to MK. Poly beach is a great place for the kids to play and you always have a view of the fireworks.
Wilderness lodge is a boat ride away from MK and you do feel like you are at a lodge in the wilderness!
Boardwalk is within walking distance to both HS and EP so you are very close to TWO parks
Coronado Springs is pretty spread out so it doesn't feel crowded and each area has a bus stop so you don't have to walk crazy far to catch a bus.

We almost stayed at POR this trip but changed at the last minute so I don't have experience with that one.

 

[megs1313]

Are you planning on swimming?

Will you have a car or will you be relying on disney transport?

Will you want to go back to the resort for naps/daytime breaks?

Will you use childcare facilities at all during your stay?

Which park is your favorite/will you be spending the most time at?

Do you plan on doing any table service meals at your resort?

Would you rather be in the action or tucked away quietly?

How important is the view from your room to you?

Of your list and with your kids ages, I would say:
1. Poly
2. WL
3. CR

But my answer could change based on your answers to the above questions...

 

[cassie58]

Is this your first trip? I think it depends on where you will spend the most time, if you plan to take afternoon nap/pool breaks, and whether you will be at the parks most of the time or have days off at the hotel. If you plan to spend a lot of time at MK, and take breaks, than monorail resorts are good choice, just pricey. Poly also has a walkway to Epcot monorail, and you can watch fireworks and Electrical Water Parade from the beach. Also has Ohana restaurant, with character brft and popular dinner.

Wilderness is also good with boat access to MK, cool lodge decor which might appeal to your son, you can get bunk beds, and it is next to Ft. Wilderness where you can do Chip & Dale Campfire Sing-a-Long/smore making and HoopDeeDoo Review. If you are going later in Nov. it is really pretty w/Christmas decorations.

We love Coronado Springs, which has a great pool and slide, and is close to Epcot, HS, and AK, but further from MK. For the price it us our 1st choice. (We love AKL but have only stayed with rented DVC pts.) It is pretty and relaxing, with hammocks along the beach around the lake. You have to judge if you will go back and forth to parks everyday and take breaks, since you will be folding strollers and riding on bus each time. (unless you will be using a car). Same for POR, except boat to DS.

I think if you are interested in Boardwalk area, I would consider Beach Club(also pricey) since it has probably the best pool complex on property, Stormalong Bay, and you can walk right into Epcot at the International Gateway. There is also a boat to HS, so convenient to both of those parks. It also has Cape May Cafe w/great character brft.

If you haven't already, I would look at the threads on here for each one. Most of them have great pics, info, maps, and room layouts that can be helpful in deciding. Also different discounts may be released as it gets closer, like room only or free dining, which might appeal to you, and make one a better choice. Happy Hunting!

 

[justme0729]

Poly!! Monorail to MK, Can walk to TTC for direct monorail to Epcot, fun looks, wishes from the beach, trader sams, etc. CR would also be convenient but I haven't stayed there. Love the Poly!!

 

[bryanb]

I'd love to stay on at a monorail resort soon. There's just something magical about being right on Bay Lake, with the gleaming castle just across the way. They're all pretty expensive, but judging by the very high occupancy rate, it seems like that hasn't diminished demand for them at all. I've only visited these properties, so I can't speak to whether you "should." I suppose it's a very personal decision, and if it were within my vacation budget, I think there's plenty of joy to be had from staying on the lake. I think you'll find it to be a memorable experience.

Otherwise, POFQ and Wilderness Lodge are both great choices. POFQ is charming, serves up unique atmosphere and food. Kids love the mardi gras beads and the lively cast members. There is reasonably efficient bus service here. And if you plan to go to Disney Springs, the boat ride is a relaxing, scenic way to get there.

Perhaps Wilderness Lodge is the best of all worlds. Immersive surroundings, comfortable design, deluxe amenities, great location on the water. And good resort food as well.

If you're planning to visit WDW again and again with your kids, and you don't choose a monorail resort this time, I would perhaps do it when they're older.

Ultimately, I don't think there's a "wrong" answer within your budget.

 

[cszuber]

Are you planning on swimming?

Will you have a car or will you be relying on disney transport?

Will you want to go back to the resort for naps/daytime breaks?

Will you use childcare facilities at all during your stay?

Which park is your favorite/will you be spending the most time at?

Do you plan on doing any table service meals at your resort?

Would you rather be in the action or tucked away quietly?

How important is the view from your room to you?

Of your list and with your kids ages, I would say:
1. Poly
2. WL
3. CR

But my answer could change based on your answers to the above questions...

Yes, will be swimming i'm sure.

No car, using magic express

Not sure, I've got one that doesn't nap and one that should nap but not sure how he'll be in a year. Could go either way.

Likely not bc the little one won't be old enough.

Probably MK since the kids are littler

Probably, haven't gotten that far yet.

In the action.

Not as important as convenience.

Thanks!

 

[gatour]

For non-Disney vacations where do you stay?

Four Seasons
Hiltons
Westin
Hampton Inns
Marriott's
Holiday Inns

????

No car, using magic express

Not sure, I've got one that doesn't nap and one that should nap but not sure how he'll be in a year. Could go either way.

Likely not bc the little one won't be old enough.

Probably MK since the kids are littler

Probably, haven't gotten that far yet.

In the action.

Not as important as convenience.

Thanks!

 

[JAMIESMITH]

The Poly has my heart, but I think any monorail resort or even WL would be best for your family. I've stayed at a moderate and an Epcot area resort and really missed he convenience of the monorail.

 

[DizDaD7]

Planning our trip for Nov. 2017 and need help narrowing down and selecting the right resort. I am all across the board on what I want and would like some perspective. We are going for my oldest son's 5th birthday and my youngest son will be one week shy of 2 years old. I'm torn between:

- Contemporary (easy access to monorail and Magic Kingdom)
- Poly (on monorail and have heard great things)
- Boardwalk Inn (looks fun and have read great things about the location)
- Wilderness lodge (a little less expensive and location seems to be good)
- POR-FQ or Coronado Springs (much cheaper and maybe I don't need all the stuff listed above?)

Technically we can afford any of the options but just because we can doesn't mean we should. I'd appreciate any guidance or perspective. Thanks!

If cost isn't a factor, than I'd suggest BLT/CR. You'll most likely have stroller/s. Don't underestimate the ease of a quick walk from the resort to MK....Or the simplicity of an on/off the monorail for MK, & also EPCOT.... What I mean is, No need to get the kids out of the stroller & no disassembly of the stroller. Pressure time saved & work for us Dads..

BWV/BCV would also be nice for the ease of the walk to both EPCOT & HS & the boat as well. But not sure how much time you'll be spending at those 2 parks..

If cost was a factor and you can add an extra day or 2 to your trip, then I'd easily go with a mod... CSR being my fav. & POR followed closely behind...
HTH, Have a great trip.

 

[cszuber]

For non-Disney vacations where do you stay?

Four Seasons
Hiltons
Westin
Hampton Inns
Marriott's
Holiday Inns

????

Good question. It really depends. It's usually just my husband and I, this will be our first family vacation. We usually get what we can with cc points and dont splurge too much because were out exploring. With the kids, i want convenience and ease without over spending. If it's worth it, we'll spend it. I do like the idea of activities onsite that we can enjoy in the evenings if we dont want to venture back to the park. I also don't care much about fancy amenities, but do like space to spread out.

 

[T00dles]

What about a split stay. Some time at poly or cr and some at bwv. You can plan your park days to minimize transport times.

And I disagree thast BW has bad bus service, I thought it was just fine. Better with the wait time monitors too

 

[kam1011]

You can afford all the options...
favor MK and being in the action...
want to spread out...

I'd rent a one bedroom villa at Bay Lake Tower (part of Contemporary)
It's my 2nd favorite after Boardwalk. Look into renting points to save some money.

 

[aprincessatlast]

We have done 3 of the ones you mentioned. POFQ, Contemporary and Poly. Our last visit at the Poly was amazing and kids loved the pools. That said they said they wanted to stay at the Contemporary again. My oldest boys were exactly 5 and 2 when we stayed there and the oldest still remembers it and the 2 year old says that it is a must next time. Hard to beat a monorail running through your hotel. Pools at the contemporary were fun for us but the theme is better at Poly. Also there really is nothing like walking back to your resort from Magic Kingdom. As adult though I still prefer the Beach club!

 

[Princess Minnie321]

We just got back and my kids were 5 and 3. I also debated poly, cr, and beach club. We could afford to stay there, but I just could not justify the cost. It was almost double the cost of POFQ. We booked there and then received and amazing discount to stay at AKL. One reason I picked POFQ is because they just built a kiddie splash pad with a small slide that my kids would have loved.

We took the monerail to CR and poly for meals and the convience is definitely there. It is a quick ride to poly and CR and the kids did not need to get out of the stroller so you would not have to wake a sleeping child. However, you need to decide if that is worth the extra money.

My experience is that we went to the park in the morning and stayed until the kids were tired, around 7-8pm and then headed back. I feel it would have been crazy to take a mid day break because with waiting for the bus and driving, the travel time could be around 30-40 minutes. We never waited more then 15 minutes for a bus, but we were also a 20 minute ride from our hotel to MK. My kids also do not nap. If they did, I would have tried having them nap in the stroller. This worked with my youngest when we were at a local amusement park.

We rented a city mini double and it folded easily. My DH did not have any problems carrying it onto the bus. There were several nights that our kids fell asleep on the bus and when this happened, DH quickly jumped off to open the stroller and then came back on and we each carried a sleeping child to the stroller. They were so tired they stayed asleep during the transfer.

 

[loves to dive]

I would go either WL or POR. We've been going since my son was just shy of 3 and I'm a single mom. At the time, the only on site resorts were the monorail resorts and Shades of Green (which wasn't military way back in the dark ages) so we didn't have a choice. Now, I don't like having to rely on the monorail to get to two parks, it is known to break down and have delays. WL has the boat that goes to MK and buses for the other parks. I had no problems with my small son on buses, but then I never took a stroller, if he was too tired for words by the end of the day I would rent one but he was a very active kid and hated them. With your non walking one, you probably don't have a choice but if you are used to folding one down I wouldn't think it would be an issue for the buses. We always stay at the Epcot resorts but that is just because Epcot and HS are our favorite parks. POR is a beautiful resort and not as big as some would make it out to be, there are bus stops at all the areas so it's pretty easy. I've stayed at CSR and for some reason it's my least favorite of the moderates (I've stayed at CSR, CBR and POR). I can't say why, I just didn't enjoy it as much as the others. Keep in mind your kids are so small they aren't really going to care that much, they are going to be tired and as long as they have a pool they will be happy.

 

[Hockeyfan17]

We have done POR and WL and enjoyed them both, but we really liked WL. The theming was great, and if MK is the park where you will spend most of your time, it is very convenient for transportation. We loved the boat ride there and back. In saying that, we are staying at the Poly for the first time next summer and are really looking forward to that as well. I really think how much you want to spend is really the key. It is more convenient for transportation being near MK if you will spend most of your time there though.

 

[TheBigErn]

This is a no brainer. My girls are now 20 and 18 and we've been going since they were 3 and 1 and have stayed at all of the places you're considering. The easy choice at that age and time of year is Wilderness Lodge in a bunk bed room. The kids will like the bunk beds and the resort looks great at Christmastime. If the youngest is too young for a bed, that's ok too. Still a great choice.