Newbie Extended Fam Trip -- what resort?

[hillview]

I've never been to WDW before. We want to take the family for a once in a life time sort of trip -- MIL isn't getting any younger.

DH and I are taking our 2.5 year old and our 5 month old to WDW. We are also taking my MIL (84) and SIL (50) and BIL (45) -- my DH's sister and brother. I am not clear on where best to stay. We had thought the Animal Kingdom Lodge would be ideal but it isn't on the monorail so worried that this wouldn't be so great (on and off bus with 2 kids in a stroller). Price isn't a major factor for us. I would like to have some sort of suite for DH/me and the 2 kids (or 2 adjoining rooms). MIL, SIL and BIL can either be in 2 rooms or a suite.

Any suggestions?
TIA!
/hillary

 

[jcpuppy.com]

I would recommend a DVC 2 bedroom beach club is a great choice due to the pool or for easier Mk access try VWL

www.allearsnet.com

 

[Disney grandma]

If you aren't on a tight budget, then I would say the Polynesian or Grand Floridian. The rooms at the Poly are huge and the access of the monorail and the wonderful restaurants on site would be ideal for the two "little" ones and the two "older ones" as well. AKL would also be nice but as you said you would have to carry on the stroller. AKL does have its own direct bus service so it is very nice but the rooms wouldn't be as large unless you had connecting rooms with the children. The atmosphere at AKL is so relaxing but with your family I think a monorail resort would be more enjoyable for everyone.

 

[chrismom3]

With 2 little one's, you probably will be spending alot of time at Magic Kingdom, so I definately would suggest staying at a monorail resort. I remember when my 7 year old was in a stroller - it was so nice to just roll the stroller onto the monorail and sit (most of the time). With the buses you need to take your children out and fold the stroller - alot of trouble!
I would prefer the Grand Floridian or the Polynesian. Both are wonderful hotels with great pools. The Contemporary is nice also but I don't feel it has enough shady areas near the pool. You still need to take a bus to MGM and Animal Kingdom park from these hotels, but if MK is your "main park", the monorail is the way to go.

If you do decide on the Animal Kingdom Lodge - it is a very nice hotel and has my all-time favorite restaurant "Boma" there. However, it is a little far removed from everything (except AK park) and getting to the MK by bus can take a good 25 minutes.

Have fun.

 

[Doc CW]

The GF has pretty big rooms and a great food court and its on the monorail. If your not on a tight budget GF is definitely the place to stay.