Newbie

[katz99]

Hi All
I am new here so please forgive any stupid questions. I have sailed the cruise and found out so much helpful information from the folks over there. So I know I am in the right place here.
I have read many many of the posts here and am embarrassed to say that I am so overwhelmed by all the information my head is spinning.
I am trying to plan a week long vaction for myself and 2 DD 13 and 11 for the summer of 2004. We are very active and fun people and cannot decide on which place to stay for our trip. Is there any one place that you would recommend over the others for a fun loving laughing always up for a good time family? I know opinions will vary but for the ages of my kids where would they be most comfortable? Any opinions or suggestions will be more than appreciated.

 

[dcgrumpy]

Are you looking for value, moderate or deluxe?

 

[>>^..^<<]

If you have very young kids it might be best to be on the monorail for easy access to Magic Kingdom.

If your kids are older it might be fun to be in the EPCOT area with walking distance to MGM & EPCOT....

Animal Kingdom Lodge is something else ~ you can watch Giraffes and Zebra grazing from your savanna view balcony.

All star sports, movies & music are very kid friendly with larger than life theming throughout the resort...

Give us the ages of your kids and your budget and we can be of more help.

>>^..^<<

 

[uncle al]

Well. I see you have older kids. Although the MK resorts (Poly, Contemporary, Grand Floridian & Wilderness Lodge) are great, they are probably a little removed from the parks where you will be spending the majority of your time (if your kids are like mine) and that is Epcot & MGM. That is not to say that we don't spend time at MK - but our favorite attractions are at MGM & Epcot. So we prefer the Epcot resorts.

Let's assume best case scenario - you want a deluxe resort. My pick, hands down is the Beach Club. Your kids will love you & you will love yourself. The pool is the best on property (a fact hardly disputed by anyone). You can't beat the acces to Epcot & MGM. It is a short walk to Epcot (about 5-7 minutes). There are boats to MGM which take about 20-25 minutes (or you can walk in about 18 minutes or less, if you step lively- no running mind you, just walk with purpose). The Boardwalk is a short walk (about 5 minutes on the other side of the lagoon). Of course, there is the Yacht Club (right adjacent to / connected to Beach Club) it is a little different atmosphere than the Beach Club - but very nice nonetheless. The Boardwalk Inn is a truly nice hotel - just the pool isn't as cool as Yacht/Beach. You will be equally as happy there.

Now, you didn't hear me say it but the Swan & Dolphin are also "Epcot Resorts" (actually I refer to them as hotels not resorts) and will give you the same close proximity to Epcot & MGM (personally I just don't think they offer the same WDW magic, so I steer clear of them). The rates there are significantly less expensive than the previously mentioned resorts. Plus the pools aren't as cool (in my opinion).

I can't help with a Moderate or Value choice. If you choose to stay at a Deluxe MK Resort both the Wilderness Lodge & Animal Kingdom Lodge are very nice & the rates are generally less than the other deluxe resorts, but you don't sacrifice the "deluxe". The pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge is very nice. My only beef with Animal Kingdom Lodge is that I felt a bit isolated - probably because we usually stay at Beach Club & fell like we are in the center of the universe.

Here is the bottom line: You have already conquered the toughest decision: "on site or off site". You have choosen wisely- on-site. Ask questions & research before you decide - I am ceratin that you will have a great trip! If you have any specific questions - you should not hesitate to post again.

 

[timC]

Let me pick up where uncle al left off. I agree completely with his picks.

Wilderness Lodge is an inexpensive delux (if that makes any sense). It's a wonderful resort, but perhaps a little tucked away. It's got a very nice pool, and you've got access to a great marina, where you can rent boats, bikes, etc. Also, it's an easy/short boat ride to MK. Your close to Fort Wilderness where there's lot's of fun stuff to do as well.

For moderates, I've stayed at CBR and CS... Of the two, we enjoyed CS more. It's newer, and felt that way. The pool is cool, and BB is right there... But if you want to go anywhere, you'll need to bus it or drive.

Can't help you with value resort. Never been.

 

[Disneymoon04]

Previous posters gave great advice and you'll probably get even more if you offer us what price range and which resort you think you'll visit most!

Also, just wanted to say:

Hi

and

to the DIS!

 

[katz99]

Thank you all that replied so very much. Your input has been a great help. I think that at the moment I am leaning toward one of the Moderate resorts as I would rather spend extra $$$ having fun. The value resorts sound just fine but also sound extremely congested. Any other suggestions are more than welcome. Thank you

 

[swilphil]

For your price range, check into the Swan/Dolphin. It's a deluxe resort at a moderate price. We just stayed at the Dolphin for $129/night and we found it had plenty of 'magic' for us. The location is wonderful, as previously stated. You don't have to take buses everywhere and we thought the grotto pool was great.