Please help me pick a resort

[PamNC]

Oh my - I feel clueless as to where to start here. I'm an old-timer on these boards. But, I haven't been on in about 2 years. Also haven't been to Disney in two years. Won't bore you with details, but long story short. Got divorced. Nuff' said. Ex an I were addicts - honeymooned there and went every year for 14 years at least once, sometimes twice a year.

A little info about boyfriend that may help: 1) Already said this one...from South Africa, 2) trained as a chef 3) 54 years old, 4) is a planner

Have a new wonderful man in my life and we went on our first vacation together this year - to Key West. Marvelous time, but I am ready to introduce him to Disney and hopefully get him hooked as well. Thing is, he is different from ex (thank GOD) in that he's not from this country...been here 20 years, but being from South Africa, it's not in his "culture." You guys know what I mean. He's been once, only to MK and Epcot and liked it...and he's open to it. I showed him a planning video and he seemed somewhat excited.

Now, it's convincing and planning time.

I would like to stay at a deluxe. I've stayed at BC, YC, CR, Poly, GF, and WL. wouldn't mind a vacation club (rent points maybe) because he is "frugal" and likes to prepare some meals in.

Can you help me pick by voting on a resort? Also, I am working on figuring out the best way to do this budget-wise since I no longer have an AP. Do I get one AP and get the rate (is it worth it now?), book a package, package with dining, use the PIN code for 20/30/40, or do the DVC?

I used to be the one giving out all the answers/opinions, but now I am clueless and would love the current experts' advice. I'm trying to decide on time frame to go, and I'm thinking maybe Food & Wine?

Let me know what you think.....all ideas appreciated.

PamNC

 

[sjw4870]

Not sure if I can address all your questions - but I can a few.

I think since your boyfriend is a chef, he might enjoy going during food and wine festival.

With the AP, the rates come out closer to when you'd actually go. When I had an AP I used to go in December, but the AP rates usually didn't come out until August. You can book a package, then cancel it if it ends up working out better (I think APs have a 5 day out cancel; packages are more like 45 days out).

Resort suggestions are tough w/o knowing your price range.

For deluxes, I just love the Polynesian because I love the atmosphere and the monorail.

In the moderate range, I love Coronado Springs. It too has such a nice atmosphere, especially at night.

 

[ears2u]

MAYBE,
Animal Kingdom Lodges new Kidani Village so he can cook for you?? Additionally, he can show/tell you about S Africa as you show him around WDW. I think there is a good chance he would enjoy both Boma and the upscale (Cooking Place) restaurant and its fine S African wines.

Lots of opportunities to share his history and love of cuisine.

 

[toodycat]

I would pick something iconically American and rent a villa so he can do some cooking. I think that would put you at the Beach Club, the Boardwalk, Bay Lake Tower or Saratoga Springs.

If you've already been to regular Key West, I wouldn't do OKW.

Have a wonderful time.

 

[Dianatlol]

Honestly I got a better deal from my TA, then any deal I could have gotten elsewhere and I looked!
Why not CBR?

 

[Karpkg]

MAYBE,
Animal Kingdom Lodges new Kidani Village so he can cook for you?? Additionally, he can show/tell you about S Africa as you show him around WDW. I think there is a good chance he would enjoy both Boma and the upscale (Cooking Place) restaurant and its fine S African wines.

Lots of opportunities to share his history and love of cuisine.

I vote this one for these reasons also.

 

[kaffinito]

I agree with toodycat, somewhere American in flavor might just be enough to get him hooked. Since you might go during Food and Wine, I would shoot for the Boardwalk or Beach Club villas, but they will probably be diffidence to get renting points.

Getting a discounted room through CRO might work out better for you. Oh, and the 1 bedrooms have full kitchens, but the studios don't. They also have nice jacuzzi tubs.

 

[fla4fun]

I find it amusing that everyone is assuming he wants to do a lot of cooking on vacation! With the F&W Festival right next door, I'd be sampling all the different foods in the park instead of staying in cooking.

Seriously, I would second something in the Epcot resorts area. My first choice would probably be the Yacht Club. YC has a more adult vibe to it that might appeal, while still allowing you the use of the best resort pool on property. You will have a full balcony (that you might not have at BC) and staying in the Epcot resorts area not only gives you easy access to Epcot and DHS, but you have lots of restaurant choices at the various resorts.

I've stayed in both BCV and BWV, in studios and one bedrooms. Although you do have a full kitchen in a one bedroom, for someone who has trained as a chef, they may find it small and not necessarily stocked with all the utensils he may want to use. I like the one bedroom units for the jacuzzi tub, tiled shower, and washer/dryer - but not necessarily for the kitchen (although that full size fridge comes in handy for beverages). The kitchenette in the studio is good enough for quick snacks, allowing you to enjoy the restaurants for meals.

 

[mmmears]

I agree with the posters who recommend the Epcot area resorts -- they are lovely and have great access to Epcot and DHS, plus wonderful dining options. Also, IMO they have a more "adult" feel to them, especially the BW and the YC.

Another option is letting him see some photos and asking him which "theme" appeals to him the most. There are so many nice choices out there, but many people seem drawn to one resort or the other based on the decor and theming.

Good luck with your choice!

 

[ddoconnell]

As a DVC member I would recommend the any of the villas...the 1 bedrooms are great! One suggestion is to make your ressies soon though...we booked a grand villa earlier this week for October and things are filling up fast since it is the food and wine festival. A resort that has not been mentioned is SSR which has a more grown up vibe and is a really unique resort...

Good luck on your search

 

[PamNC]

Thanks ya'll!!! I've thought about all these things so you're confirming it all for me. I love the idea of the AKL because he is from South Africa....but I also see the point of making it all American for him. At the very LEAST a visit to AKL is a must. The one thing about AKL I'm hesitant about is the location...kind of removed from everything. We'll probably drive and have our own car though.

He actually would like to cook - although the one reply cracked me up. Why do you assume he wants to cook on vacation. I don't think we could pay for the one bedroom, it would probably have to be a studio.

I'm leaning towards YC/BC at the moment. Love the idea of booking it as a package and then if AP rates come out...then change. I checked and the AP's are $489 now. WOW.

What I'm trying to decide here is if I can afford to do this as a surprise birthday trip for him. And pay for it myself and of course he would pay for "stuff" when we get there. He paid for the entire Key West vacation and it was during my birthday...so it was my present.

His birthday is 9/16. That's Food & Wine time I think. I would, however, also like to see MNSSHP - does it overlap with F&W?

I think the only way I can do this is run the numbers, get advice from you guys and just do it. Do they still have the 5 days cancellation policy?

Any more ideas - send em' on. Now I'll check the package rates and see what I come up with and then compare it with maybe renting points at DVC.

Thanks again!

PamNC