Park hours and indoor pools

[phorsenuf]

We are going down in February and I'm getting ready to decide where to book. There are 5 of us. I know none of the Disney properties have indoor pools (why?) but I'm thinking of staying somewhere that has one. I'm very torn as we just don't like staying off property. I looked up Febs park hours, but they aren't posted yet. My thoughts are if the hours are shorter that time of year and could be cold, staying somewhere where there is alot to do onsite may be beneficial. Am I making any sense? LOL
Does any of the downtown disney hotels have indoor pools? What abuot Hi-Fi suites? If we stay on property what would be the best place with most activity in case park hours are short? There is myself, DH and 3 DSs. Thoughts....suggestions?????
Thanks!!

 

[Miffy]

I can't answer your off-site indoor pool question, but I'm sure someone will be along soon who will.

However, I do have a suggestion for an on-site resort with a lot of activities: Wilderness Lodge. There's tons of stuff to do both at WL and all over Ft. Wilderness. Biking, boating, golf-carting, horseback riding, pony rides (if your kids are young enough), petting zoo, stables, outdoor movie and campfire every night, plus lots more at WL itself. And I didn't even mention just walking around Ft. Wilderness, which is very pretty.

Our last 2 trips to WDW were in January, when it's colder and the park hours are shorter (btw, you can probably find info for historical park hours on wdwig.com), and we always stay on-site. Even tho parts of Epcot will close at 7, the World Showcase and some of the main attractions in front stay open until 9 every night. At least that's been our experience. I don't know how old your kids are or how much energy you all have, but we've found that even with the shorter hours, we get in lots of stuff at the parks and are plenty exhausted by the time we get back to the room!

And, of course, still on-site--Downtown Disney and Disney Quest, which are always open late, I believe.

The pools at all the WDW resorts are heated and we've been in them ourselves even in chilly January. Swimming is no problem--it's getting out into the cold that is! Depending on your and your kids' level of cold tolerance, you may be just fine swimming in an outdoor pool. This past January it was unbelievably cold at WDW (winter coat + mitten weather) and there were loads of people in the pools!

HTH -- miffy --

 

[Lewski709]

Stay on disney property, anyplace....you won't regret it. 60 or 70 degrees will feel like a heat wave, to us anyhow, in January. The pools are nice and warm. If your kids will swim in a pool with hose water, they will swim in January in a pool that is heated.

Wherever you stay, it will be great. I think your girls will be happy to be at Disney. I am sure you can find some indoor pools in Orlando, but probably not too many.

 

[luvgoofy]

If you are looking for a hotel with an indoor pool there is the Marriott Orlando World Center. They have an indoor pool as well as an indoor pool. It's a beautiful resort!

 

[spiceycat]

when are you going - the first of Feb yes the park is going to have shorter hours -

but President's week spring break starts - so most of the time the park hours are extended.

Spring break can be hit or miss - some weeks are not crowded other weeks are very, very crowded.

 

[phorsenuf]

Originally posted by spiceycat
when are you going - the first of Feb yes the park is going to have shorter hours -

but President's week spring break starts - so most of the time the park hours are extended.

Spring break can be hit or miss - some weeks are not crowded other weeks are very, very crowded.

We are going the 21st of Feb thru the 28th. I'm hoping it won't be toooooo busy, but I suppose compared to July 4th anything will look less crowded!! LOL

I'll look into the Marriot. Does anyone have any reviews or links. Thanks!

 

[zaxmom]

I think all (or most) of the Embassy Suites have indoor pools. I think there is one close to Downtown Disney, but not actually part of it. The Courtyard at Marriott Village also has one. Good luck!

 

[Lisa P.]

...indoor pools (why?) but I'm thinking of staying somewhere that has one.

Here's another thread asking about indoor pools.

My thoughts are if the hours are shorter that time of year and could be cold, staying somewhere where there is alot to do onsite may be beneficial.

Also consider looking at resorts which offer a modest onsite theater and/or a large clubhouse w/game room, fitness center, organized activities. Many of the larger timeshare resorts have these. The moderate and deluxe hotels at Disney offer some of them too - especially the DVC resorts which have a "community hall" with nintendo and other games.

Does any of the downtown disney hotels have indoor pools? What abuot Hi-Fi suites?

HIFS does not have an indoor pool. Don't know about the DD hotels.

If we stay on property what would be the best place with most activity in case park hours are short?

If it's within your budget, I think the Contemporary is a good choice. Huge game room and easy access to the monorail for exploring the other MK resorts a little bit without going out in the rain. The Swan or Dolphin have a long covered walkway between them, with some room to explore, plus it's so close to walk to the other Epcot resorts. The BoardWalk has a community hall with activities for guests staying there.