Resort for surprise trip with 8 yr old & MIL

[kermit116]

We are trying to plan a surprise trip with our soon to be 8 year old niece next year. We're trying to make this sort of a "trip of a lifetime" for our niece, who will be on her first trip to WDW. We'd be going in January, and this would be a surprise trip for her. We'll be saving up for the next year to make this a really special trip. I'm trying to decide what resort we should aim for.

We will need two rooms (one for me and DH and one for MIL and niece) or possibly renting points and getting a two-bed room studio.

My favorite hotel is AKL, and I think our niece would like that because she'd be able to see animals she's never seen before. But, I'm also thinking of transportation and considering that it might be better to be at a monorail resort in case MIL (who will also be on her first trip to Disney) wants to take our niece out to the parks while we nap in the afternoon. I've been to CR, and while it was nice, I didn't really feel like it was necessarily worth the money the rooms cost. I think if we could get a discount of some sort I'd be more amenable to CR, but it's not my first choice in resorts. We've never been to the Poly (aside from walking around the grounds), but I think that'd be another hotel we'd all really like because it's on the monorail and because the style of the resort seems appealing.

So, obviously I can't get two-bedroom suites at all of these resorts, but I'm wondering what you all would recommend of these three resorts (or if you'd recommend something different). My main concern (aside from selecting something nice) is transportation for MIL if she wants to venture out on her own, as both her and our niece are from another country and really don't speak or read much English. For that reason alone, I'm thinking that a monorail resort will almost be a must because then at least they could get to MK easily if they want to go out on their own.

Trying to make this a really memorable trip for our niece, as this may be the only time she comes to the US for a number of years (and probably her only trip to Disney for quite a long time). Any advice would be great - thanks!

 

[VAfamily1998]

I voted for Poly...I think that or the contemporary would be the easiest transportation wise...and I like the theme of Poly more than Contemporary...

 

[mickeynut1]

I voted for the Poly as it's a beautiful resort and the location can't be beat. It's on the monorail for easy access to MK, it's within walking distance to the TTC for catching the Epcot monorail, the beach is great for watching the fireworks, the volcano pool is fun, and Captain Cooks is great for quick CS meals.

 

[MMS1125]

Another Poly vote

I'd also check out the WL. The boat to MK is nice and it's cheaper than a monorail resort

 

[cmdg]

What a lovely gift! Poly would be great, so would WL -- and a bit less expensive.

 

[CanadianPaco]

I voted for Poly...I think that or the contemporary would be the easiest transportation wise...and I like the theme of Poly more than Contemporary...

My thoughts exactly!

 

[jimandami]

We don't really love the CR either but last November, we rented points for a 2 bedroom at BLT and it was fabulous! We had tons of space, 3 bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a washer/dryer...not to mention 2 balconies! We had a lake view but you can also do theme park view for a little more. I have to think that a 2 bedroom would be cheaper than 2 rooms at the Poly or probably even WL. Transportation was also very convenient with the monorail and MK was a very quick, easy walk!

 

[reiella]

Transportation is a big thing, so I'd lean towards CR. AKL is wonderful and I'd prefer it myself, but transportation is a big hurdle. And you can always catch a meal at Sanaa for the savannah view.

 

[kermit116]

Thanks for all the great advice!

 

[amberpi]

I'd say CR in the atrium if they don't speak/read much English as it will be the easiest to get to the monorail.

The rooms at the CR are much nicer inside than the rooms at the Poly imho and the walk to the MK is also easy. If they want to go to Epcot, CR is the next stop on the monorail change too. Just a different perspective. Have a lovely trip!

 

[GrandCalifornian]

I would consider Wilderness Lodge. You have some similarity to AKL (although notable differences as well), and you have good transportation options. You can take a boat direct to MK, or to CR and then take the Monorail. There are also direct busses to all the parks, which the Monorail resorts do not have. You should also save money over the monorail resorts, as WL is usually one of the cheapest Deluxe hotels.

 

[GrumpyBelle]

I voted for AKL. IMO it has the most unique theme that makes it a little more "Disney" to me.

 

[hgeisler]

I'd say CR in the atrium if they don't speak/read much English as it will be the easiest to get to the monorail.

The rooms at the CR are much nicer inside than the rooms at the Poly imho and the walk to the MK is also easy. If they want to go to Epcot, CR is the next stop on the monorail change too. Just a different perspective. Have a lovely trip!

Agree with you. You could also look into the suites they have on the other side of CR.