Need help choosing a resort, PLEASE!

[thesoldtrain]

Okay, pregnancy is definately making me hormonal and crazy! LOL, I cannot seem to make up my mind on ANYTHING lately (or at least I keep changing my mind all of the time!) Anyway, our 2nd trip to WDW is in June, for 10 nights. First, we decided on CSR, but then thought maybe we would need more space at POP with 2 rooms. Then, AP rates came out and we decided on WL. Now I am questioning and wondering which of these to do.

It will be myself (5 mos pregnant when we go), DH, DD 6, DD2 (still in crib), and sister 15. We are looking for a nice resort (I will probably be spending more time there than last trip), covenience for food and parks, transportation, etc. I thought WL would be good for all that, but we live in the mountains and I don't know....will the theme be just like home? We would like something different (our home is all woodsy themed, etc.). We stayed at AKL last time (LOVED IT!) but would we feel like we should have tried something different? Thought CSR sounded good, but then a lot of posters have kind of downplayed the moderate resorts, so I am at a sort of loss. Any advice?

Thanks....I hope to make a decision to STICK with!

 

[tiggersmom2]

Hey

I love the AKL and the WL BUT....I classify these two in the same category as the Mods....before anyone flames me....this is just my opinion, so take it with a grain of salt!

My favorite Mod is the POR b/c of the setting (I love the Huck Finn/Tom Sawyer appeal of Alligator Bayou). I also love the pituresque landscaping and the paths for my DS2's stroller. CSR is also a favorite.....great walkways for the stroller and peppermarket can't be beat!

 

[tinknsnow]

I haven't stayed at CSR but I have stayed at the WL three times. It is fantastic for my family. We have three kids six and under, so we spend most of our time at the MK rather than the other parks. The WL has a boat that makes it very easy to get your young kids there (you can stroll onboard with the child in the stroller rather than fold up a stroller for a bus ride). I just don't enjoy the buses with my kids since they are little and get impatient... while they never complain on the boat.

You can also take a boat (which is smaller so you do have to fold the stroller) to the Contemporary to eat or ride the monorail.

You can also take the big boat (or walk or bike) to Ft Wilderness campground. There are some animals there (pigs, goats, peacocks) and pony rides.

We love the ambience of the WL-- it's very serene and magical. When you walk through those doors and enter the lobby for the first time, you will probably be impressed! It's beautiful. Not "woodsy" or campground-y (lol) to me even though it is a "lodge" feeling. We have stayed from anywhere from 7-10 nights at a time and there is so much to do-- we've never been bored. The pool is lovely-- there is a 2nd pool as well, and a kiddie pool. The kids will love the waterfall and bridge with "babbling brook" in the lobby. There is a great Hidden Mickey hunt around the lodge as well. The geyser erupts every hour and my kids NEVER get tired of watching (though mommy does ) The food choices are pretty good (though I def. prefer the AKL's restaurants). The general store is nice-- huge selection.

The CMs have always been so wonderful to my kids-- especially with pin trading. We have always been so pleased with the service there, including Mousekeeping.

We are trying the Poly next trip but I know we'll be back to the WL (our WDW home).

If you have any specific questions, ask away!

 

[racheltyler]

Wondering if one room at WL would be kinda tight for all of you, especially with a crib. I know at AKL with 4 of us, plus a crib, we were tripping around the room alot. We had to keep folding up the crib to be able to move around. Maybe the two rooms is something to consider. CSR is wonderful - would 2 rooms there be possible for you? Although if convenience to MK is important, WL would be your best bet to stroll the stroller right onto boat. Oh, decisions!!!!

We keep debating on renting DVC points for a 1-BR to get a good value and be able to spread out in the room. Not sure if this is something you could consider with the info. on these boards.

 

[Loves2Travel]

Check out the Swan and Dolphin, great rates, great location, wonderful beds!

 

[bjakmom]

Just my $.02, but if I were staying with 2 adults, a 6yo, a 2yo and a 15 yo for 10 nights, I would definitely enjoy my stay more with 2 rooms/2 bathrooms and a little room to breathe (and a door to shut while the baby naps/sleeps) - that is a long time for me to be in such close quarters with those I love - especially when I'm a bit 'hormonal' !

I am recently-spoiled with deluxe/DVC rooms, but I have also stayed at several mods and would definitely 'step down' to them (CBR, CSR, POR, etc - all perfectly lovely resorts) if it meant I could afford 2 rooms instead of 1. I would visit the deluxe resorts for meals and to 'play' during my stay. Have fun whatever you choose !!!

PS: when are you going? - if you try for Swan/Dolphin be sure to check out the possible discounts - I got a great rate there with an AP code from mousesavers.com!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

We love the CR. The rooms are big and how can you not love seeing the monorail going through the middle of the resort? If you're budget doesn't allow a tower room, the garden rooms are the same and less $. You can walk to MK and be back in a flash to your room, one stop down on the monorail. (Plenty of magic there, though lots of people may not think so...)

No matter where you decide to stay, don't worry too much about things you read here. Although the varied opinions are great, with 75 thousand people''s opinions you'll always get pros and cons of every resort. Research where you want to stay, make a decision, then have a great trip.

For great photos of the different resorts check out www.yourmagicaljourneys.com.

 

[Samsma]

I would check out the cost of renting points from a DVC member. With a little one, you can't beat the separate bedroom for naps and the washer and dryer convenience. If you stayed at the BWV or BCV then maybe the 15 year old could watch DD6 on the Boardwalk or SAB while the rest of you had a little nap! The kitchen is very nice for a quick bowl of cereal in the morning instead of spending that $30 or $40 for donuts at the park.

 

[thelobstershanty]

Have you thought about the cabins at FW? The cabins are a nice size with a full kitchen, lr with a murphy bed, br with a double bed and bunk beds, a large outdoor deck and barbeque grill. FW is a great resort for families with little ones because there are many activities right at the resort that little ones love: a nightly campfire and movies with Chip & Dale, a beach for sand play, a fantastic viewing location for the nightly electrical water parade, pony rides, a petting zoo, carriage rides, playgrounds, bike baths and it's very convenient to the MK.

 

[vbarry]

We just got back from WL. We are from Illinois and agree about your thoughts on the theme. The WL is beautiful, but what we are used to. We can drive to Wisconsin to stay in a log cabin on a lake. It just did not have the feel I was looking for in February.

Have you thought about the Poly. Large rooms with an extra day bed. We checked the resort out and will be staying at the Poly next time.

Good luck.

Also- the room at WL are small. You may need your space!! I had a seventh month old and a 4 year old and felt very cramped.