Planning split stay for Jan - BC and ?????

[jlnten17]

We will be traveling in January with our 1yr old and 4yr old. This will be our 4th visit since last January so we will probably spend a lot more time at the resorts and have decided to do a split stay to check out something new. The first 3 days we intend to stay at BC (wanted an Epcot resort and due to YC renovation and desire to hopefully use Stormalong bay this is pretty set). The last 4 days we want to stay at a MK resort. We have tried AKL (great lobby rooms seemed way too small) on our first visit then found The Polynesian and have spent the rest of our time there. I'm a bit hesitant to try something new because I love The Poly so much. Would anyone recommend GF, CR or WL over a return visit to The Poly? Or should we split the 4 days and do 2 Poly and 2 elsewhere? I had considered the cabins at FW or a Villa for more room but the room configuration doesn't really work for us as we prefer 2 queens 1 kid 1 adult per bed.

 

[Shellyb84]

We will be traveling in January with our 1yr old and 4yr old. This will be our 4th visit since last January so we will probably spend a lot more time at the resorts and have decided to do a split stay to check out something new. The first 3 days we intend to stay at BC (wanted an Epcot resort and due to YC renovation and desire to hopefully use Stormalong bay this is pretty set). The last 4 days we want to stay at a MK resort. We have tried AKL (great lobby rooms seemed way too small) on our first visit then found The Polynesian and have spent the rest of our time there. I'm a bit hesitant to try something new because I love The Poly so much. Would anyone recommend GF, CR or WL over a return visit to The Poly? Or should we split the 4 days and do 2 Poly and 2 elsewhere? I had considered the cabins at FW or a Villa for more room but the room configuration doesn't really work for us as we prefer 2 queens 1 kid 1 adult per bed.

We recently spent 3 nights at GF and it was AMAZING. The Poly is great too but it's just completely different. The service at GF was above and beyond what we expected. We have stayed at both the Poly and BC also. BC is still our favorite, but I would definitely try GF. Personally I would not do a 3 way split.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I would try the CR or GF. We did a BC/Poly split and while I relaly liked the Poly it didn't WOW me like the BC did.

 

[mickeynut1]

We love the Poly as it's our favorite overall, but the GF runs a close second. With that said, I would try the GF for something new. We also love the WL (haven't stayed at the CR), but the rooms are the same size as AKL, so I'd stick with a monorail resort if you want a larger room. Good luck and happy planning .

 

[Mousemommy1]

I think a split between an Epcot and MK resort sounds glorious. Best of both worlds.

I would most certainly recommend the GF. We loved everything about our stay there this year.

The CR we won't be rushing back to...we were just kind of meh about it, although the walk to MK can't be beat!

 

[LSLS]

When I was little I was obsessed with the Contemporary because of the Monorail going through it. If they love monorails/trains, that could be worth wild to them. Honestly you can't go wrong at any of the three though.

 

[wdwrich]

Another vote for CR. Poly used to be our favorite, but since the remodel of the main building, it just doesn't have the same feeling to us.
CR is great for families with small children. The monorail gliding thru is awesome, and the ability to walk to/from MK just can't be beat.

 

[pixarmom]

We frequently do split stays and our "something new" is the first resort. We like ending split stays with a resort we already know we love. I'm not sure I'd do two new resorts in one trip, unless we have APs that year and are visiting frequently. So I'd go with the BC/Poly split.

We've stayed at Poly, CR and GF and Poly is our clear favorite - not only for theming but for atmosphere and convenience. I know you're staying in January, but if you hit a warm spell, access to the Poly pools with little ones can't be beat! We absolutely enjoyed our GF and CR stays, but always end up back at Poly when staying on the monorail.

 

[Disneypapa]

I would choose the CR. Many like the flexibility or option of walking to the MK, if desired. I am not a fan of split stays, but can understand the interest in seeing and staying at different resorts to check them out and see if you can find a new favorite.

 

[sharadoc]

We love the Contemporary with a Theme Park View. You can hear the train and the ferry, see Space Mountain (beautiful at night) and Wishes from your balcony, see the monorail, and have the option of walking to MK. It's wonderful!

 

[Mousetopia]

We will be traveling in January with our 1yr old and 4yr old. This will be our 4th visit since last January so we will probably spend a lot more time at the resorts and have decided to do a split stay to check out something new. The first 3 days we intend to stay at BC (wanted an Epcot resort and due to YC renovation and desire to hopefully use Stormalong bay this is pretty set). The last 4 days we want to stay at a MK resort. We have tried AKL (great lobby rooms seemed way too small) on our first visit then found The Polynesian and have spent the rest of our time there. I'm a bit hesitant to try something new because I love The Poly so much. Would anyone recommend GF, CR or WL over a return visit to The Poly? Or should we split the 4 days and do 2 Poly and 2 elsewhere? I had considered the cabins at FW or a Villa for more room but the room configuration doesn't really work for us as we prefer 2 queens 1 kid 1 adult per bed.

I would not suggest a 3 resort split..way to much important vacation $$ time spent packing and moving. Even with them moving luggage for you. I do enjoy 2 though!

 

[Wood Nymph]

We will be traveling in January with our 1yr old and 4yr old. This will be our 4th visit since last January so we will probably spend a lot more time at the resorts and have decided to do a split stay to check out something new. The first 3 days we intend to stay at BC (wanted an Epcot resort and due to YC renovation and desire to hopefully use Stormalong bay this is pretty set). The last 4 days we want to stay at a MK resort. We have tried AKL (great lobby rooms seemed way too small) on our first visit then found The Polynesian and have spent the rest of our time there. I'm a bit hesitant to try something new because I love The Poly so much. Would anyone recommend GF, CR or WL over a return visit to The Poly? Or should we split the 4 days and do 2 Poly and 2 elsewhere? I had considered the cabins at FW or a Villa for more room but the room configuration doesn't really work for us as we prefer 2 queens 1 kid 1 adult per bed.

I would return to the Poly. You love it and it will be familiar to you, especially with young children. You won't have to learn a new layout. And the Poly rooms are huge and have a daybed. so your 4 year old could have their own bed.

 

[CynBeth]

I would just do the BC and 1 MK resort. Even though I love Poly since you have been there I would try CR.

 

[kboo]

I am planning almost the same thing for a few nights before and after our cruise in August, so lurking here for ideas too. We are going to stay at an Epcot resort (BC over BW since we've stayed at BWV before), and then ... ? not sure - possibly an MK resort or AKL.

For you, I would definitely recommend an MK resort. I've stayed at BLT and CR and also GF - you can't go wrong with either one! I did like the CR decor and the fact that you can get to MK by walking - with the littles, we'd just stick them in the stroller and hoof it, and it made dinners in the park (BOG! CRT!) reasonably easy to get to and from. GF - I LOVED the atmosphere. It was so peaceful and beautiful and we really enjoyed our time there.I thought it would be too old-fashioned-fancy for my tastes, but after a week there, I am thinking it may be my favorite resort. DD1 (4 at the time) was walking through the resort in an Aurora princess dress and the pianist just started playing the Sleeping Beauty Waltz when she walked by, and she ended up waltzing in the lobby with DH for a bit. That moment alone made our stay feel so special. Also, we got a really good rate with Orbitz.

I think WL with a toddler/baby might be hard if you were planning to spend time at MK, since the boats aren't fast, you have to fold up the stroller, and it's a bit of a hike. And if you're taking a bus, then it defeats the purpose (a little) of being at an MK resort. If the younger one would walk, it would be easier.

 

[kandb]

I would do the BC and GF. You already tried the Poly and don't think you will be disappointed with the GF. It is really beautiful and exquisite. Definetely would not do 3 resorts, too much packing and moving.

 

[mickey2minnie1]

Another vote for the Poly. So great with kids. You can watch Wishes from the pool and beach area, food is great, and they have the BEST smaller kids Waterpark too right next to main pool. They will never want to leave, lol. It is also romantic and relaxing.

I ask my kids each time where they want to stay and it never changes. We love it!

Good luck!

 

[yaksack]

Try a hotel you have never been to.

 

[yaksack]

We have never stayed at the GF or Poly, but loved the CR.

 

[jlnten17]

So many great options. I am going to leave it up to fate a bit and see what is available when AP discounts are announced. As of right now we booked 3 days BC pool view 3 days GF garden

 

[TJA]

So many great options. I am going to leave it up to fate a bit and see what is available when AP discounts are announced. As of right now we booked 3 days BC pool view 3 days GF garden

I think this is a good split. We were like you -- already knew we loved the Poly. Last year, we finally tried GF and now love that almost as much as the Poly. So I think you'll be just fine with that split! I hope you have good luck with the AP discounts -- we're hoping to stay at GF during Easter and cringing at the thought of not having much of a discount.