Please help me select hotel quickly

[ftmyersgirl]

Ok You helped me decide to stay on premise instead of off premise

Now I can't decide on which hotel

First I thought Contemporary because it was on the monorail

Thank I saw all these other wonderful themed hotels and now I am confused

have to reserve soon

We are four adults

one child one year old

it is his first birthday

We want to celebrate but obviously it is more for us than him

location to magic kingdon and other evening activities is a priortity
also a beautfiul hotel where a one year old can enjoy himself.

Please help

 

[HM]

I think your choice of the Contemporary is right-on. You've got great access to the Magic Kingdom and a large airy room that will be comfortable for 4 adults and a toddler. There is a nice children's wading pool and the beach right there to play on. One of the best character meals right in the resort (Chef Mickey's). Go for it. -HM

 

[jaysue]

You may want to consider Polynesian also - has a great view to MK like CR but also has fast TTC access if you want to get to Epcot by Monorail directly

Either way you cannot go wrong

We stayed at the WL which is fabulous but a little harder for commute due to it being a Boat to MK as opposed to Monorail

Good Luck

Thanks
Jason

 

[daannzzz]

It is hard to reccomend without knowing what your budget is. I personaly don't consider the Contemporary as exciting or fun or beautiful as most of the other Disney hotels. It does have large comfortable rooms and is close to the MK though.
The Polynesian was much more my style in the MK area. With 4 adults and one child you might want to try a Deluxe room at The Wilderness lodge. It has a bedroom with two queen bedsa nd a living room with a pullout sofa. There are TV's in both the rooms and the vanity area is accessable from either room.
As far as proximity to more evening entertainment you would be better off at an Epcot resort. The Yacht or Beach Club would be good.

 

[Sunshine2U]

I have to agree with dannzz - go for Epcot resorts. Lots of fun things to do for the adults for the inevitable case where one adult must stay in the room with child - others can find entertainment a stroll away. Your child will more appreciate the Magic Kingdom resorts as she gets a little older. I have had to wait until my children are teens to get to enjoy the Epcot resort area. 18 days, but who's counting.

 

[disneydew]

I agree with the Epcot resort area, especially now that you can get Swan/Dolphin rooms sooo cheap. Lots for adults to do in that area. I'm going to be staying at the Swan in May. Can't wait.

 

[kdibattista]

Animal Kingdom Lodge!!!!!

It's our new favorite hotel - we won't stay anywhere else!!!

 

[Jen D]

If you want the monorail, do the Poly.

If you're flexible, try Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[Lisa BC]

I agree with the others, the little guy is so young, it won't really matter to him yet if you spend your time near Epcot or near Magic Kingdom. And there's so much more to do within walking distance of Epcot, an important thought with a stroller.

Great rates at the Swan & Dolphin right now... $139 a night. So you could easily get two rooms....which means you'd have two bathrooms. The "heavenly beds" are just wonderful! (I tried them out this last weekend.... the absolute best hotel bed I've ever slept on, I think they are called Sheraton sweet sleepers at the Dolphin.) They also offer 24 hour room service which may be convenient for you too.

Others on this board will tell you that BC/YC and the Boardwalk are also nice. I think you'll have a great time at any of the resorts, pick the resort you'll be spending the majority of your time, and then the hotel choice can be based on your location preference.

 

[ftmyersgirl]

Your are all my new best friends. Such a quick response!

I have now nixed the Contemporary.

I am having trouble posting or doing research on this site today.

If you stay at the AKL, can you drive to the parks and park your car? Is there a fee?

Since I am a Florida resident and hopefully using the Florida codes, I could get two rooms in the Epcot Area. Which one? I have have already been told that the yacht and beach club have the best pool area yet so many people on this board like the boardwalk inn. Which one is more upscale?

From the pictures I have seen so far, Grand Floridian looks the most upscale. Can someone give me the link to the site with the hotel room pictures? I prefer recommendations though because pictures can be so deceiving.

Which is the best place to book for a character birthday celebration?

 

[Tikiman]

At first I would have agreed that the Contemporary would be a good choice (and I still think it is) but the link below will show you why I think the Polynesian would be easier to get around and may be more fun.

I love the AKL but not very easy to get around. We are so use to the Polynesian transportation.


http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/poly9.html

http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/poly10.html

Aloha

Steve

 

[deecee99]

Gotta agree with Steve - Poly is great, in a great location. Epcot resorts are more walkable, I like being on the monorail, and next door to TTC.

I'm sure you'll choose the right place for you and your gang.

-diane

 

[susy]

We stayed at AKL and it was VERY easy to get around. Just one bus stop-no sharing-that's it-doesn't get much easier. If you have a light weight and easy to fold up stroller, it's no problem. I agree about the Epcot resorts, though. Your baby is still so young, he won't care. Great FL Resident code- AEG. I don't know when you are going, though.

I would try t get the Beach Club ,as it is the closest to Epcot and has the best pool on property. Epcot is so relaxing at night and you have the Boardwalk and MGM right there. have fun!

Interesting... when I called the the other day to get my mom a room, the Poly was cheaper than the Epcot resorts. I think the Poly was $199.

One more note- you will be charged $25 per extra (over2)adults, per night. That will add $50 per night to your rate. I would get two rooms -request connecting-in that case.

 

[ftmyersgirl]

I spent most of yesterday on the internet and phone trying to get a two bedroom villa in the beach club or the boardwalk. No luck.

Several things I learned, the Florida rates may be used for these resorts if they villas are available.

I learned about a Disney Resort in Hilton Head, which is where we were going to be for our daughter's anniversary in April, so we decided to book it for the few days we were there. I posted to try to get information about this place but forgot where I posted it.

The Florida rates apply to all the resorts but they were a little higher than posted on this thread. I think it is because they tell you wha the tax is.

I am thinking that it is more cost effective to buy the points from the home away from home villas because they were charging, even with the discount, over 500 a night for the rooms.

At any rate, thank you for your advise. Still have not decided.

The one thing I did get to do was back the Chef Mickey's for a late breakfast at the Contemporary for my grandson's birthday.

I can't believe how ardous this is.
Without your collective knowledge could spend a lifetime doing this.

 

[dgaston]

Definitely consider renting points from a DVC member for the home away from home properties. That could be a substantial savings even over the code rates.

 

[ftmyersgirl]

How do you "rent" the vacation villa points?

 

[mshinrockford]

We're planning to stay at the SWAN in May but were not able to get the $139 rate. Doesn't this only apply to nurses/teachers/military persons? My rate through AAA was $179 + tax + service fee. Did I miss something???

 

[jaysue]

http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=29

Go to the above link for the DVC Rent/Trade forum

Good Luck!

Thanks
Jason

 

[jamsmom]

Just my 2 cents worth, but I LOVE the AKL!!!

 

[Gillian]

Did you check for availability at the villas at wilderness lodge? I've never stayed there, but it is beautiful & people seem to love it! They also have 2 br villas.