PLEASE help us decide where to stay!

[youngaussienurse]

Hi everyone
My twin sister and I are coming over from Australia in October. We have been to WDW twice before. The first time we stayed at the contemporary in a tower room, with magic kingdom view (pre rehab) and loved it. We came back May 07 and stayed 12th floor atrium club at the Contemporary. This was good, as being able to get the concierge to plan for you when you are so far away before the trip was invaluable. Loved the rooms and the view and the convenience of being on the monorail. Internet access was a big plus as we could converse with our parents at home in Australia each day via email. The food offerings were ok....nothing special, but the drinks and free alcohol were great.....it was nice to get a glass of wine at night and watch the fireworks. The concierge staff were not that helpful while we were there, they just kept to themselves at the desk really. Although they had decorated our room beautifully with balloons and chocolates and mickey confetti and free graduation mickey ears (we were celebrating finishing our Masters Degree) and signed photos etc.....that was really MAGICAL!!!
Anyway, I am undecided for this trip whether to stay there again or try somewhere different. I really like EPCOT and MGM so wouldn't mind that area I.e the beach or yacht club concierge?? Swan and Dolphin look ok, but it puts me off that you don't get Magical express and a few other perks, as I want the trip to run as smooth as possible after flying 21 hrs to WDW!! Sorry such a LONG question, but I am really undecided. Should I stick with Contemporary (even though it's quite expensive) because I know it is good and have the convienience of the monorail, internet access, and a nice concierge lounge? Or should I try yacht or Beach club concierge (which is just as expensive)? I would HATE to get there and be unhappy with my decision if I didn't like the yacht or beach club or even boardwalk. Any recommendations? When we went to beaches and cream last year, we did like the boardwalk area. So what should I do, stick with Comtemporary or try somewhere else??????? Thanks in advance...sorry again this question is so long

 

[Disneys Billpayer]

I love The Contemporary, however I alos have had great experiences at most of the Disney hotels. If you want a nice mid priced stay, try Port Orleans riverside. If you don't mind the seclusion and bus rides go for the AKL. If you can swing a savanah view room it's pretty cool. I have also enjoyed the Poly very much as well. I say if you are adventurous try something new, usually with Disney you are glad you did.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

I'd probably try the BWI or the YC/BC.

They are both fun resorts. The BC is our favorite and we will be staying there for the 3rd straight time this October.

 

[guynhawaii]

Aloha,

You need to search your inner self and decide what are your priorities and then match your priorities with your budget.

Also consider a split stay. CR currently has a lot of construction in progress between it and MK.

My family and I enjoyed a split stay between CSR ($$), GF (wife likes victorian) and AKL (I like animals).

 

[Sharkmeister]

G'day from another aussie who is going around in circles with planning. Sorry I don't have any suggestions for you as this will be our first trip, but I was wondering who you go through to book your trip.

 

[youngaussienurse]

Hi Sharkmeister.....good to see another Aussie on the boards!!! We live in the Melbourne suburbs, and we go to our local travel agent (flight centre and now it is travelscene). We have a WONDERFUL travel agent who we have gone through for our last 2 WDW trips. Both trips have been fantastic and magical and smooth sailing with no problems. We flew Air New Zealand last year and went premium economy, because I have recently had back surgery and needed to be able to raise my legs. It was WONDERFUL and I highly recommend ANZ both economy and premium. Went with United airlines first trip and they were terrible!! We have only ever stayed at the Contemporary resort which is just so convienient. It is expensive, but we figure that if we are coming all the way over from Australia, we don't want to be wasting our time waiting for busses etc. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions as we are WDW freaks and know more than the travel agent hehehe!!!!!

 

[Sharkmeister]

Thanks youngaussienurse. I just tried to send you a pm, but it didn't work. Thanks for the info on the flight. Haven't even gotten around to thinking of that yet. There are just so many options within WDW itself. I do have few questions though, will try again later.

 

[Hopefully]

I have never stayed at the CR, so I can't comment on that.
We love the Epcot Resorts area. It is our favorite area in the World. It has location, location, location.
Our favorite park is Epcot. It is great to be able to walk to the International Gateway at Epcot within 5 or 10 minutes, depending on your room.
You have all of the restaurants of the YC/BC, the Swan and Dolphin as well as the Boardwalk at your fingertips. We have Park Hoppers and usually end our day at one of the WS International Restaurants. We love this and there are so many choices. No where else do you have this variety of dining choices so close at hand.
We have both walked to the Studios and taken the boat. If it is not too hot, we enjoy the walk, it is very pleasant.
SAB is the best pool on Disney property. It really is like a mini water park included with your room.
We have never had a problem with the buses at the YC/BC although you will share with each other at least, sometimes others in the Epcot Resort area. The buses to the MK were quick and efficient and it is a bit longer to the AK.
When we had dinner reservations at Jiko in October, I budgeted for a taxi rather than travel resort to resort on the busses. It was well worth it and still way cheaper than renting a car. It was under $20. (I forget exactly how much.)
I think one of the decision points for me would be which park to I think I will spend the most time at. I would choose to stay near that park. If the MK is your choice maybe you want to consider the Poly or the GF for a change. We stayed at the Poly last year and loved it. The rooms are large and newly redecorated. The grounds are beautiful. The pool is nice, but it does get crowded. And as you know, the convenience of the Monorail can't be beat. We walked to the TTC to catch the Epcot Monorail from the Poly.
One consideration for you too is that if you choose to stay anywhere but the CR you will not have free Internet Access. You will have access for a fee in the other resorts, but you will need your own computer.
Good Luck whatever you decide.

 

[G8r4evr]

If CR Magic Kingdom view is in the budget, that is the route I would go...unless of course, trying something new is a priority.

If so, I would go with BWI.....talk about a great location theme park wise and the entire BW area is a great place to be at night.

Just depends on what your priorities are.

 

[pisces219]

i have stayed at the BWI, YCR, and CR(pre-reno). i have loved all of them. i thought i heard somewhere that at the BWI on the conceirge level there is a special roof top viewing area for the epcot fireworks. i love staying in the epcot resort area because my hubby and i enjoyed taking a walk over the epcot and walk around the countries in the evening or to jump on a ride or two. there is a back entrance into the international area of epcot from the BW area. the boat ride to MGM is quick and nice. i love staying in the epcot resort area. to us to seems to be the best location. close to the parks, easy to get to lots of restaurants, a few shops and some evening entertianment(jellyrolls is fun). it's a nice area to walk around, to sit and relax. the pool at the YCR is awesome too. i would highly recommend the BWI or the YCR. however the CR looks like they just did some really nice renovations,