Please help a dad with no patience in reading multiple threads

[bellebud]

some answers to the great questions. Sorry I should have been more detailed.

Daughter is 10 and son is 7 . Most of my life savings is going to a Disney Cruise that we're taking after the 3 night stay in DisneyWorld

I want someplace with a great pool for the kids because I'm guessing after 3 days park hopping in July we're gonna need it lol

Now knowing your kids ages, if you guys haven't been to Disney yet, I still recommend the Contemporary or Bay Lake Towers (at the contemp), theme park view. There's nothing like looking over Magic Kingdom at nighttime from your room. It's as *disney* as you can get! The Contemporary also has a great splash area for kids (not just toddlers). Last time we were there 2 years ago, dd was 10 and ds was 8, and they LOVED it. The pool is also great with fountains in it, and a good slide. I haven't been to BLT yet, so I can't specifically comment on the pool.

While Beach Club has the largest pool complex on property, much of it is for older kids, or you being "right" with your kids. The lazy river section is 8' deep (someone correct me if I'm wrong). The entrance to the awesome slide is literally outside of the pool complex, on the boardwalk. You couldn't sit and relax and watch your kids in the pool while they go on the slide. The shallow part of the pool is really great, with a sandy bottom, but it's very, very shallow, so really for smaller kids. I loved Storm-along-bay (the Beach Club pool complex) when mine were little enough to only stay in the shallow sandy bottom section of the pool (when they were 5-ish). We then avoided that complex for a few years and enjoyed other resorts. We'll go back soon, now that the kids are older and can go together out of the complex to the entrance for the pool slide (out of my sight). I may be neurotic... I'm sure some people would let their kids go younger than I let mine... so you may be fine with it. It is really a beautiful pool complex, but very large and deep in areas.

I think your kids will love that Chef Mickeys is in the Contemporary lobby, and that the monorail goes right through the building. It's just a fun, lively building.

Good luck deciding!

 

[BlovesC]

Contemporary Resort, Theme Park View tower room or Animal Kingdom Lodge savannah view room!

 

[sharadoc]

Another vote for Contemporary Theme Park view room. The monorail going through the building, Chef Mickey's right there, a fun Mickey-head shaped pool with daily fun and activities. You can watch Wishes from your balcony and see the nightly Electrical Water Pageant on the other side of the building on the Bay. You can hop a boat to Fort Wilderness for the Chip and Dale campfire, horseback riding, canoeing, and a petting zoo.

We did it for a few nights, and it was great, the kids loved it.

Have a great time! Oh, and bring your patience to the park LOL.

 

[Googelibear]

For me, the ultimate "spoilage" is the Grand Floridian. You have only 3 days, you want to be close to some of the best restaurants, which are located on the premises and are easily reached with the monorail.
Go for concierge/club level and have them fix you an itinerary for your family. Then you don't have to worry about abbreviation and all that other nonsense

I hope you have a magical trip of a lifetime!!

 

[Kimberle]

some answers to the great questions. Sorry I should have been more detailed.

Daughter is 10 and son is 7 . Most of my life savings is going to a Disney Cruise that we're taking after the 3 night stay in DisneyWorld

I want someplace with a great pool for the kids because I'm guessing after 3 days park hopping in July we're gonna need it lol

If you're going to spend a lot of time in the pool, Beach Club/YC has the best pool on property. It is within walking distance of Epcot. You'll have to take a bus to MK. If you want to spend a lot of time at MK, CR is wonderful. You can walk to the MK. CR is very modern, and just not some people's style. AKL is very unique. Where else can you wake up with giraffe's, etc outside your window. The pool is very nice. But, if you want a lot of park time, it's a bit of a distance.

 

[dmoore718]

I'd go with Beach Club. awesome pool, walk to Epcot, boat to Hollywood studios. great restaurants.

 

[jojomoore]

Hi,

We have never stayed at one of the MK resorts, but we have stayed at OKW, AKV, and BCV. We stayed in the villas at the Beach Club but i did see the Beach Club Resort rooms as i was passing by and they looked pretty and peaceful. My favorite of all three was the Beach Club Resort. Its practically in the back door of Epcot and you can walk there within just a few minutes or take the ferry from the boat dock. You can take a boat to HS. The pool, Storm-along bay is large and fun. There is an ice cream shop called Beaches and Cream that is alot of fun. There is a character meal restuarant called Cape May with a breakfast buffet or seafood buffet at night. It takes advanced dining reservations (ADRs).Some rooms of the Beach Club do not have balconies. Its sister resort is the Yatch Club. All rooms have balconies at YC and share amenities with BC.We really enjoyed pool bar at night before bed. Bus rides to MK and AK tend to be a little longer because YC/BC frequently share buses with Swan and Dolphin and Boardwalk Inn.


MY children and husbands favorite was Animal Kingdom Villas - Kindani. Very luxurious rooms. Opened in 2009. Savanah view rooms have balconies with views of Animals. Very nice pool with pool bar. Bus service was efficient. AKL and AKV offers animal activities throughout the day and night for children and families to enjoy. Check out aklresort.com. Boma breakfast buffet is in AKL next door. ADR's required. However, one morning we walked up and got a reservation without a problem. AKV guests can use all amenities at AKL - pool, etc.

Both of the above resorts are peaceful beyond belief. Its hard to feel the peacefulness until you are there in person. The atmosphere at both of these resorts are amazing. The Contemporary Resort appears to be the most modern clean line sleek decor of any disney property. But i prefer grand arcitecture and theme to modern.

If i were to decide to stay at a MK resort it would most likely be the Grand Floridian or WLodge. I think higher priced rooms is the major reason that i have never chosen to stay at MK resort. Convenience to MK is wonderful and atmosphere around the lake is very magical with views at night of fireworks at Mk from beaches of MK resorts.

I believe there is a spa at AK and there is one at GF - last i checked the one at GF was temporarily closed due to construction of dvc villas. Im not sure when it is due to reopen.

Many resorts have club level with a lounge with food offering. This is a separate booking category that is available for purchase when you make your room reservation. AKL, GF, WL, POLY, BC, BWI and YC offer these.

Staying on Disney Property is a magical experience that is hard to put into words but it keeps us going back year after year. I would definately recommend staying on property for a short stay.

I know budget is not a concern. But i would check from time to time for special offers on disneyworldresorts.com to see if a special offer becomes available for your time frame. Sometimes this can free up extra funds to stay longer or to do a special activity or dining experience.

 

[Stitch'sCousin]

some answers to the great questions. Sorry I should have been more detailed.

Daughter is 10 and son is 7 . Most of my life savings is going to a Disney Cruise that we're taking after the 3 night stay in DisneyWorld

I want someplace with a great pool for the kids because I'm guessing after 3 days park hopping in July we're gonna need it lol

Try Poly Club Level for the 3 night stay. You have the lounge to get great stuff to eat and drink, including beer and wine, during the day. Plus the Poly is great for access to the Magic Kingdom and Epot by monorail. You can come back to the resort very easily to have a break midday to swim in the volcano pool too.

 

[Sammie]

Pretty much agree with everyone else. Any of the monorail resorts are very special, my favorite is the Grand Floridian.

Yacht and Beach if your kids love to swim. It has its own mini water park.

Animal Kingdom lodge savannah view, if they are into animals.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Coming from San Diego, my guess is that you've probably been to Disneyland a time or two. Frankly, I wouldn't do a monorail resort. There's too much that you can see at both parks. And in most cases, it's better at Disneyland. (I would say the one exception is Splash Mountain - everything else is better at Disneyland)

If you want a great pool, I'd go with the Yacht Club or the Beach Club. You're withing walking distance of Epcot and can take a boat to Hollywood Studios. You can still, of course, visit Magic Kingdom, but I think you'll get more out of the other three parks than you would out of being close to the Magic Kingdom.

If budget is no concern, maybe you want to upgrade to a water view room or a club level room.

Have a great trip!!

 

[Couchy]

Beach club without a doubt. Storm along bay is amazing. Kids and adults can enjoy this incredible pool area. Lots of restaurant.choices. Walk to two parks. Boardwalk entertainment, movies on the beach!

 

[Nancyg56]

some answers to the great questions. Sorry I should have been more detailed.

Daughter is 10 and son is 7 . Most of my life savings is going to a Disney Cruise that we're taking after the 3 night stay in DisneyWorld

I want someplace with a great pool for the kids because I'm guessing after 3 days park hopping in July we're gonna need it lol

Okay, now I can answer. My granddaughter loved the Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) Savannah view!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If money is no object stay club level and relax on the balcony with your glass of wine and enjoy watching your kids enjoy the animals. The lodge is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!! The pool is a large zero entry pool and is landscaped beautifully. My Kady, 4 at the time) told us she wanted to live there.

My family's favorite is the Polynesian (Poly). It is on the monorail line and has a relaxed island feel. The grounds are beautiful lush and tranquil. There is a beach that faces the Magic Kingdom (MK) along with two nice restaurants. There is a fun character breakfast at 'Ohana that features Lilo and Stitch. FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am not a fan of the pool and there is no hot tub. I think the pool is way too small, and the slide is one big scary thing for this chicken! There are several lovely quiet pools but what kid whats that? I am the only one in my family who still whines about that pool.

We are staying at the Beach Club (BC) this year for my 10 year old DGD. The express reason is the pool. Stormalong Bay (SAB) is a three acre sand bottom pool with multiple beaches, a lazy river, a slide that is crazy to look at. Movies on the beach, a Beachie character breakfast at Cape May and walking distance to Epcot make it a winner in my opinion. I have no first hand knowledge but based on your needs it sounds it may be one of your choices.

I know a lot of people like the Contemporary Resort and it has been years since I stayed there but I cannot get past thinking it looks like a giant toaster. My kids were young when we stayed there and they really liked the monorail running through, that was cool! You can see the fireworks from there as well so something to think about.


So my suggestions are AKL, the Poly and the BC. Let us know what you decide or if there are other considerations.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I'd suggest either the Polynesian or the BC/YC.

It's a matter of personal preference but I'd go with the the Poly over the Contemporary just because I like the theming more at the Poly. The Poly has both boat and monorail access to the MK and it's a short walk to the Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC) where you can get the monorail to Epcot. The pool is nice (my DD loves the Volcano slide) but it can get crowded during peak times. And it's really nice to be able to sit on the beach and watch Wishes at night.

If you are looking for a great pool, you can't go wrong with the Beach Club or Yacht Club. Stormalong Bay is awesome. Plus you can walk to Epcot and take a boat to DHS. You can also walk to DHS but it's a bit longer.

 

[gilsan]

Try Poly Club Level for the 3 night stay. You have the lounge to get great stuff to eat and drink, including beer and wine, during the day. Plus the Poly is great for access to the Magic Kingdom and Epot by monorail. You can come back to the resort very easily to have a break midday to swim in the volcano pool too.

I agree with above, if money is no object. The ability to easily travel to 2 parks is worth it. I have only stayed in a standard room at Poly and loved it. Poly is one of the only resorts that sounds like the concierge is worth the money.

If you are looking for a cheaper choice. Wilderness lodge is very nice, and the Beach club has a great pool and is walking distance to Epcot and DHS, or you can take a boat.

Another tip I would give is just read the first few posts in a resort thread they have all the information about the resort. Reading through the whole thread would be overwhelming.

 

[autismgoesdisney]

I will give my opinion if you take me along

I haven't stayed deluxe yet, so my opinion doesn't matter, but as a dreamer of deluxe I will say:

1. Castle view at CR
2. Savannah view at AKL
3. Poly because why not?

Have a great time!

 

[DisneyNDecember]

Ok it took me 3 hours to figure out what'd DD, DW, etc is. It took me another hour to get through the grand Floridian thread. I'm shot. Just looking for some quick advice from you kind people of the most awesomeness place to stay for 3 nights. I don't want budget. Ive worked 7 months of double shifts to be spoiled in luxury with the kids

Can you extend it to 7 days/6 nights? 3 is really not enough.
I would choose the Contemporary with the Magic Kingdom view, or the lagoon view in the tower. You can walk out to the stairs/fire escape area on the lagoon tower side & watch the nightly fireworks with music just as easy as on the Magic Kingdom side & save a HUGE chunk of change. The rooms are huge & the fact you can literally WALK to the MK is huge !! We only stayed once with a 40% PIN & I wish I would get another one !!!

 

[Nancyg56]

Can you extend it to 7 days/6 nights? 3 is really not enough.
I would choose the Contemporary with the Magic Kingdom view, or the lagoon view in the tower. You can walk out to the stairs/fire escape area on the lagoon tower side & watch the nightly fireworks with music just as easy as on the Magic Kingdom side & save a HUGE chunk of change. The rooms are huge & the fact you can literally WALK to the MK is huge !! We only stayed once with a 40% PIN & I wish I would get another one !!!

The OP is including a Disney Cruise in this vacation. Otherwise I would totally agree that a few more days would be wonderful!

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Grand Floridian for relaxing magical ambiance in the heart of the action - - or Animal Kingdom Lodge for exotic one of a kind experience, animal viewing in an out of the way, restful setting-.

 

[Phatoomch]

Ok it took me 3 hours to figure out what'd DD, DW, etc is. It took me another hour to get through the grand Floridian thread. I'm shot. Just looking for some quick advice from you kind people of the most awesomeness place to stay for 3 nights. I don't want budget. Ive worked 7 months of double shifts to be spoiled in luxury with the kids

Love your opening post .... I always say, a trip to Disney seems so simple UNTIL you find this place!

As you are only there for 3 days, definitely a monorail resort as it will make some of your park trips a lot easier. For instance, you could do Animal Kingdom during the day, go back swim at the resort then it would be a quick trip to Magic Kingdom on the monorail for the evening.

Of the 3 monorail resorts I would pick Contemporary. They are all beautiful but the Contemporary will have that 'awesome' factor for your kids because of the monorail. My daughter (11yrs) doesn't care much for any of the deluxes (she says they look boring, would much rather stay at a themed value) except the Contemporary - she doesn't care what the rooms look like, she just wants to stay in the building the monorail goes through

Good luck choosing and keep us updated!

 

[mousefan73]

Its depends on who you want to spoil.. My kids could care less about the Grand Floridian. I know my son, also 7 would die to stay at the contemporary because he just can't get over the train going through it, and It feels Disney like. ( in the theming more than GF).

I think kids would also get a kick out of Animal Kingdom if you had the animal view.

My personal dream would also be a club level, with Magic Kingom view from the Contemporary. For me that is "Disney". Ever since being a kids the image in my head for Disneyworld is the princess castle and of Epcot and the futureistic hotel with the traiin going though it.

I havent been at the Animal Kingdom or Poly but If I was really into Hawiiam theming, I'd go to Hawai, If I was really into Animals, I'd go to Africa, Just my own Opinion. For me, I'd want a Disney experience (Contemporary), If I am paying premium to be at Disney.


Unfortunately we cant afford it,, so on our trip in Sept,, we are going to visit New Orleans, I mean Port Orleans