Need help with picking new resort!

[dmonroe]

Ok! I think it's time we move on from the Epcot Resort Area. We really love it, but we're beginning to feel like we're missing something by not trying another resort/area.

Our next trip probably won't be until May 2006 (unless I can talk dh into October 2005!) We will have ds (6--who will be turning 7 on the trip in May) and ds (almost 2 at time of trip), dh and me. Dh and ds #1 want a cool pool where ever we stay. Soooooo, I've got it narrowed down to this:

If we decide on just a hotel room:
Poly LVC or GR RPC--we've never stayed in a monorail resort or in the MK resort area. Which would an almost 7 yo boy like best? Mom is really leaning towards GF!

Or, if we want more space:
Deluxe room at WL or rent DVC points for either VWL or SSR.

So many choices! It's a good thing I start planning early! I don't think I could go wrong with any of these places--I would just like some opinions on each of them. One thing I would really like to do at least once (although it's not the most economical way!) is book a package with the silver or gold add on. I just think it would be so wonderful to have meals "taken care" of before we travel! If we decide to do that, renting points will be out I guess!

Oh well! Opinions please! TIA-Dana

 

[barb45]

I like the GF and WL. Although the Wilderness pool is way more cool as far as I'm concerned. You can take the boat to the Magic Kingdom from there. It depends on what you want more - the monorail or the cool pool. The atmosphere at the Grand Floridian is really nice for the adults but the theming at the Wilderness Lodge is really great for everyone. Just my opinion - lets here what the others have to say.

 

[Scoootch]

Personnally, I'd rent the points and stay at either of the DVC's you mentioned - if the pool is important, you may even want to look into OKW as the new pool slide is almost finished and it costs less points to stay there with more spacious villas. But that's all a matter of taste too. Anyway, you can't beat having the extra space,king bed,jacuzzi tub & laundry room as well as a full kitchen - if you decide to go with staying conceirge at a monorail resort, my first choice would be GF. We've always had awesome stays at the GF and it just feels a tad less crowded (even though it probably isn't lol) - both are great resorts but GF would be my personnal first choice

Best of luck deciding. Decisions decisions ...

 

[webray]

I see you are looking to stay concierge...you want something special that you all will love, and the most outstanding concierge on disney property..then choose to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge..request a savannah view and you won't be disappointed. AKL pool is excellent.

GF..main building concierge..a major letdown.

Poly is nice..but, I don't believe they have a hot tub.

 

[nhpooh]

I would go with the WL, pool cool and the Lodge is wonderful. The boat to the MK is great and the kids will love it. Never stayed at the Poly but it seems great and the view is nice too.

 

[CheezDoodle]

WL is a lovely resort and has a great pool. The boat service is great and it's fun to see the ruins of River Country and Discovery Island. BTW the slide at the pool is great!

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

I would pick the Poly first because of its great location especially with children. I am an Epcot resort addict. I have stayed at other resorts but always stay at an Epcot resort for at least part of the stay. I have stayed at the Wilderness Lodge( nice resort but the rooms are too small for me..DVC there though would be good choice). I also find that resort to be a little remote. I did not think the transportation was the best at this resort. I stayed at the GF though and loved it. Great resort and location. The Poly is next for me. I almost stayed there the week after Christmas this year but the price of $624 a night for a lagoon view room and the fact that I heard it is jammed on New Years Eve made me book the Dolphin again ( I really like this hotel). I do want to try the Poly soon but will try to stay there when it isn't high season. Good luck

 

[PolyHereWeCome]

You are certainly right that there are so many good choices. I'm sure you will hear lots of different preferences. As for us, we know a thing or two about 7 year olds -- we have 7 year old boy/girl twins -- and based on the location, atmosphere, pool, and amenities, we will be staying Poly. concierge (GV).

Great luck & fun planning!!

 

[Aisling]

AKL pool is excellent.

We loved the AKL pool, especially at night.

 

[dmonroe]

Keep the opinions coming! I think we've pretty much narrowed it down to the Poly or GF.

 

[swilphil]

I think a 7 year old boy would like the Contemporary best, Poly second. I know CR isn't one of your choices, but after doing the Epcot area resorts the ability to walk to MK might be appealing. The close proximity will allow you to bring the 2 year old back for nap more easily. You could do a tower concierage room at CR to make it extra special, and CR has the largest rooms, I believe. We've also been staying at Epcot area resorts, and I have booked CR for our next trip.

With the new Magic Your Way packages, you can get the dining add on for a very good price, and then even add on some special events for more.

 

[Scoootch]

Poly is nice..but, I don't believe they have a hot tub.

That's correct No hot tub at the Poly

 

[Laura]

I have stayed at the Polynesian, but not the GF. I like the Polynesian because of the landscaping and the relaxed atmosphere. The GF's theme seems a lot more like the Epcot resorts than the Polynesian (I mean YC, BC and BW, not Swan/Dolphin), so the Polynesian would make for a bigger change. As for location, obviously the resorts are equal. I think I've read in others' reviews that kids love the Polynesian more than GF. And the volcano pool looks awesome!

Either resort is a great choice!

 

[micmacmissy]

We have stayed at both Poly and GF--we just got back last week from GF concierge suite--definitely THAT is the way to go.

We did not stay in the main building (lobby so crowded and noisy!), but our kids loved the pools at the GF--good water slide, zero entry for the baby, and our kids liked hopping on the MK boat for a ride. Our kids also enjoyed the hot tub (it was COLD there last week!) The GF also has an arcade and take-out food place which the kids liked--they also liked browsing in the main building and gift shops.

The Poly is nice too, you can't go wrong either way, but now that we've stayed at the GF I don't think we could ever stay anywhere else!

PS--someone mentioned the CR??? I couldn't get over what a DUMP it was when we went last week--looked like a prison, so ugly and dingy and dark cement all around--plus low ceilings, AWFUL geometric carpet, it was terrible!. When we explored the hotel we couldn't get over how ugly it was.

 

[dmonroe]

I think you might have swayed me to GF! I have been looking at the suites as well; but it's hard to figure out how much they are, and where they are. If you don't mind me asking, how much per night, and which building? Also, what kind of view did you have? TIA-Dana

 

[micmacmissy]

Hi Dana,

We stayed in the Sugar Loaf building, and we had a 2 bdrm suite (sleeps 8 people). It was about the size of 3 regular rooms put together and had 3 full bathrooms. We had 5 adults and 4 kids in our party and never felt crowded. I am not sure where the other suites at GF are, or how many they have. I did a lot of research before booking and I did learn that discount codes NEVER apply to suites, and they can NEVER be had at a discount.

The 2 bdrm suite we stayed in was $1,600 a night (and yes, this was during value season, I think it is over $1,900 a night during regular season and even more during holiday!!!) We spent so much because this was our first xmas without my mom, and my dad wanted to treat the whole family and go in grand style.

I'm sure the 1 bedroom suites are a lot cheaper, but I have no idea how much. I booked through the CRO and they gave me all the rates by phone, they were very helpful. Hope that helps--let me know if you have more questions!

 

[dmonroe]

Wow! I would love to be able to do a 2 bedroom suite, but by dh would probably have a stroke! Actually a one bedroom would work well for us, as long as it had a sofa bed! I'll have to get started on my research! Thanks for the info-Dana