Need help picking Christmas Resort!

[MarkMichaels]

We're planning on going for Christmas this year, but we can't decide on a resort. With these facts, which resort would you choose and why-

Onsite is a must
Kids love to swim (although this may not be an issue in December, but Poly slide is their favorite)
Previous stays at Poly and WL, we weren't huge fans of WL, it was nice, but we just had more fun at the Polynesian.
We will be a group of 6, ages ranging 6 - 60.
We were considering a moderate, but they all look pretty cool and we can't decide.
We also thought about a boardwalk hotel for a change, and then again, I can hear the Luau calling my name.
We will have rental cars.

Even though we really love our stays at the Polynesian (thanks Tikiman!!!!!) it might be nice to try something different that is the perfect combination of fun and beauty at Christmas.

Any thoughts?

 

[jamsmom]

I was at AKL Dec 30, 2001-Jan 6, 2002 and I LOVE AKL!!!! The decorations were beautiful. I have stayed at AKL twice and will be there again June 1-5. It is amazingly themed.

 

[disneyhou]

Did you stay at WL during Christmas or Thanksgiving? The tree in the middle of the lobby is over 6 storey's tall, and beautifully decorated. Also, the hotel's theme of a NW forest lodge is perfect for Christmas.

 

[TreeOfLife]

Let me share what we decided to do: We'll stay at the AKL from Dec 18 - 24th. Towards the end particularly, we have to take advantage of ee mornings and dinner packages to enjoy several shows.

But on the 25th, 26th and 27th we're staying at the Hard Rock hotel. With front of the line privileges you can't go wrong at a atime when the parks are filled to capacity, and you get to see everything as if the crowds weren't even there.

We feel good about breaking down our plan like this, maybe it can help.

 

[jdads2]

I don't mean to sound dumb...isn't the hard Rock at Universal?

 

[candleonwater]

If this Christmas is anything like this past Christmas... don't worry about swimming!

Since you've done the Poly... I would try something different... definitely the Boardwalk area if you want to go deluxe (we currently have ressies for Beach Club... our favorite!). For Moderates... I loved the POFQ... loved the size, and the fact that if we wanted to do something different... we could take a boat to POR or Downtown Disney.

 

[followme2disney]

I can appreciate wanting to try something new, but...I was at the Poly this past Dec 20-26 and the monorail made our trip extra easy during this busy time of year.

 

[MarkMichaels]

Just wanted to thank everyone for their input.

We stayed at WL in Feb a couple years ago, never been at Christmas. And while I agree that HRH with its FOL priveledges are great, were going there next month and want to spend Christmas just at Disney.

I've been leaning towards Beach Club or CBR, both look great. My Father in Law does not do well on long walks, how far is the walk to Epcot from Beach Club?

One way or another, we'll find a way to swim in Florida, as long as the water is 80+ it only has to be 75 or so outside to swim.

Thanks again.

 

[robinb]

Originally posted by MarkMichaels
I've been leaning towards Beach Club or CBR, both look great. My Father in Law does not do well on long walks, how far is the walk to Epcot from Beach Club?

For a moderate, might I suggest Port Orleans-French Quarter? Unlike CBR it's a very compact resort. Everything is close.

The walk to Epcot from the BC is not far for someone who is able to walk. Your FIL might do well with his own ECV scooter that he can take in and out of the parks with him. You can have one delivered to your resort for about $35 per day and he can take it on the bus, the monorail and most of the boats.

 

[candleonwater]

The walk from BC to EPCOT wasn't too bad. My mother needs an ECV in the parks, but fortunately is able to make it over to EPCOT. And you can rent the ECV's at the back entrance.

 

[robinb]

Originally posted by candleonwater
The walk from BC to EPCOT wasn't too bad. My mother needs an ECV in the parks, but fortunately is able to make it over to EPCOT. And you can rent the ECV's at the back entrance.

Yes, but the rental cost per day at the parks is about the same as renting one to be delivered for your entire stay in and out of the parks . Plus, if you rent one from Disney and you park hop you are not guaranteed an ECV at the next park you go to.

 

[TreeOfLife]

I don't mean to sound dumb...isn't the hard Rock at Universal?

It still is!
I meant to share our strategy during the holidays, staying onsite.

 

[eeyore0062]

Well, depending on your taste, I would either choose, Grand Floridian (absolutely breathtaking at Christmas) and has a new pool with a new slide, WL (but you said you weren't impressed--- it is not my favorite, either), or Beach or Yacht Club, which also is nicely decorated and has Stormalong Bay--- which would likely appeal to the kids. It also is within easy walking distance of Epcot, and has a boat to Epcot and MGM.

As for a moderate, I would recommend PO-FQ or PO-R in the Christmas season. You will have access to the amenities of both, being that they are sister resorts, which gives your the option of 2 themed pools, one that has just been refurbished and has a new slide. You will also have the boat to Downtown Disney, as well as the water taxi between the 2 resorts. There will be 2 game rooms, 2 food courts (PO-FQ has recently been refurbished) a sitdown restaurant, and 2 lounges (one with entertainment). Personally, considering the ages, I would opt for PO-FQ, as it is more compact and easier to navigate, as well as having only one bus stop, which allows you to be 1st on and off to and from the parks.

Whatever you decide, have a great time!

 

[ead79]

Let's see...the WL and the GF are probably the most elaborately decorated, and the AKL has a huge, elaborate tree too. The YC has very cute, understated decorations that really go well with the theming of the resort. The Poly's decorations are pretty, but they stand out less than at other resorts. As far as the pool goes, Stormalong Bay at the YC/BC is probably the coolest pool on WDW property. The GF also has a new zero entry pool that I believe has a slide. I would probably recommend the YC or the BC for the awesome pool area (Disney heats its pools in the winter).