Newbie: Which Resort to Choose?

[Amy&Dan]

Oh wow, I just looked at those incredible holiday photos, Buzz, they really go all out! Thanks for sharing, their holiday decor is much more like the deluxe's, I have stayed at POFQ and CBR at Christmas and I love them both (esp. CBR) but I don't remember either one of them being that decorated. I know where I am staying next holiday trip to WDW!

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

I have stayed at both. I would have to say the Dolphin wins hands down due to location. It is not owned by Disney but is on property in a prime location. As long as you dont want to book the dining plan it is the way to go. I liked CSR but the Dolphin was truely a Deluxe resort. It has multiple pools, food choices, and is in walking distance to Epcot and MGM. It does share buses with YC/BC/BWI but it is in the middle of the stops. They had the best room service I have ever had for breakfast. The tennis courts were top notch and I think there was a mini golf place right there too. And some pirate ship parked out front. I dont remember all the details but it was a fantastic room with a view of illuminations. It was more beachy and less Disney themed but it worked. The beds were wonderful!!!! My husband still talks about them.

 

[Baltazar]

All good comments- thank you.

More on our reasoning... when we book trips, we like quiet, relaxing places that feel a bit plush even in our limited budget. We like the kids to have things to do but want to resort to suit all of us (ie. still feel grown-up and a bit a pampered) and help us feel relaxed as we're not commando-vacationers. We like to relax and wander around exploring; we plan to spend 9-10 days in Orlando so we can see a lot without constantly pushing ourselves. On past enjoyable vacations, one of our favorite things has been being able to walk out of our hotel room and find fun places to eat or people watch on walks. We walk a lot in our family.

I'd love to consider AKL but felt it was out of our price range. As we get closer, I suppose we could watch for codes if we book ourselves and purchase an AP to get a discount if it warranted the savings. Good idea- thank you.

Also, we may overlap with Pop Warner and aren't some of them at POR or POFQ? Those looked fine but that worried us and CSR just looked more relaxing. Well, we have plenty of time and can just book something for now and consider switching down the road, I suppose.

Again, thank you all.

The Boardwalk hotels can't be beat for walking around, seeing things, people and eating/drinking. It's in walking distance to EPCOT and a short boat ride to MGM. It can get rather expensive for the amount of time you'll be there.
[edit] You could also get the monorail at EPCOT and make your way to Magic Kingdom, Grand Floridian, Polynesian and Contemperary resorts.

 

[wideeyes]

I would pick based on the location so my choice would be the Dolphin, you are near to so much more dining options and close to epcot.

 

[goodferry]

I would pick Dophin hands down, unless you are considering the dining plan. Then I would look into Animal Kingdom Lodge/Wilderness Lodge

 

[kate&sarahsdad]

Another vote for CSR!

 

[gailanncreates]

Agree with prior post about DVC points and renting a villa if you all want to be together. We took our kids, at the time 6 and 4, and stayed at the WL. I didn't think I'd care that much for it, but we loved it. My in-laws went too, but stayed in a separate room. I can't say enough good things about it; my children now cannot imagine a WDW trip without it. Queen beds, great food, good bus service, and plenty to do anytime.