Resort recommendations for June trip

[JRLZ]

Hi all..We're bringing our 3 and 5 y/o boys to DW for the first time this June for 9 nights. As of now we have reservations at all 3 monorail resorts to mix it up and try them out (I haven't stayed at these in ~20+ years). 2 nts Poly, 4 nts GF, 3 nts Contemporary. We also have a separate itinerary held for 2 nights at Poly and 7 nights at Wilderness Lodge. We're trying to decide which is best for this trip. From what I've read it seems Wilderness might be the best resort for kids and great atmosphere, but I'm not sure it's worth staying off the monorail with 3 and 5 year olds.

We plan on spending 3-4 days at MK, 1-2 at AK, 1 Epcot, 1 HS.

I was able to get a pretty good deal at GF-studio garden ($392/nt + tax/fees) and Contemporary-Tower MK view ($476 + tax/fees). Also at Wilderness-Courtyard view ($320/nt + tax/fees). The first 2 nights at Poly-studio garden are set in stone as we did through David's DVC Rental.

9 nights with 3 and 5 y/o...
Poly+GF+Contemporary
or
Poly+Wilderness

For a little bit more $ is it worth staying on the monorail and right by all the MK action? Also if cost was the same for all which would be the best option? I'm not sure we'd love fancy(stuffy?) GF but for $392/nt it seemed like a bargain for that resort and location. Contemporary has the history and great location, monorail, etc... but doesn't seem as warm as Wilderness.

Appreciate the help!

 

[JRLZ]

Forgot to mention... Looks like Wilderness has small rooms compared to the other 3

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I picked Poly + WL. WL is like a destination in and of itself and is really conducive to younger children - smaller pool, smaller slide and great splash pad. You can also take the boat over to Ft. W to play on the playground, see the stables and take pony rides. Yes, the rooms are smaller than GF, CR and Poly. GF is gorgeous, but, yes, a bit "flowery" for boys if that matters to you. CR TPV will offer you a nice view of the fireworks plus walking to MK, but otherwise, feels like an airport hangar . . . The buses at WL aren't great, however, and typically share with Ft. W, though, with your money savings you could even consider using Minnie Vans a few times to get to the parks other than MK. I just think the theming at Poly and WL have more "boy" appeal than CR and GF.

 

[darrengs]

My 2 cents, don't pick mainly on monorail. It has been my experience that the monorail is the least reliable form of transportation. Even on the trip I am on right now, when I went to get on the monorail in the middle of the day it was not running.

 

[Hopefully]

There is NO WAY I would choose to do a 3 Resort split on my first trip with 2 young boys.
I advise the Poly Studio and WL choice

 

[piratepride]

I second the Poly/WL choice!

 

[ppjluvsdvc]

Sorry but I am not a real fan of split stays. You have to remember that you will probably be without a room for those days that you switch which may make napping/taking a break difficult. Definitely Poly & Wilderness Lodge. We like taking the boat to the Magic Kingdom from WL. It is a nice relaxing trip.

 

[danikoski]

I also would do Poly/WL. I love WL, and although no monorail, the boat is awesome. The bus to MK rarely shares with Ft. Wilderness. It's just WL in the morning/opening. I've only seen it share for MK in the mid afternoon, but we almost always take the boat at that time.

 

[JRLZ]

I heard busing from WL is tough... how long are the ferry lines?

 

[Disneylovingmomof2]

If you’re doing a split I would do it half MK resort and half Epcot resort. With young kids if you’re going to switch hotels you may as well make it worth it. A huge plus is being able to walk to a park. Why don’t you look at BC or BW for your HS/Epcot days?

 

[dansdad]

I heard busing from WL is tough...

That's not been our experience.

 

[Lmans77]

I've stayed at Poly, Contemp and WL. I know this isn't what you're asking but I vote Poly only, or Poly + Contemporary.

But if those are you're only options, I vote Poly + GF + Contemporary. Poly is my favorite and Contemporary being second. Yes, 3 splits is waay crazy with 2 young ones but it sounds super fun. Don't overpack though!!!

 

[JRLZ]

How does WL compare to the monorail resorts in terms of kids activities/kid friendly?

 

[Donaldswife]

How does WL compare to the monorail resorts in terms of kids activities/kid friendly?

WL is very kid friendly. We took my daughter when she was 4, 5, 7, 8 and even older. She loves that place still at 16 and had wonderful memories. Honestly, the monorail is nice and I LOVED poly, but it does go down frequently. We have always been happy with the bus service there, and the boat that goes to MK is very nice, as well the boat that goes to Contemporary and Ft. Wilderness. I think you will be happier with less moves.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I heard busing from WL is tough... how long are the ferry lines?

It's not tough. WL just typically shares with Ft. W so can be a little long (or longer than I'd like, LOL!). We solved that problem by taking Minnie Vans a lot.

We've never experienced long boat lines. In fact, the boats have been much better and more reliable than the monorail, IMHO. We gave up on monorail resorts a few years ago because it was so unreliable. WL is our go-to resort in the MK area.

How does WL compare to the monorail resorts in terms of kids activities/kid friendly?

It's super kid friendly! Great theme, fun activities! WCC is my DS's favorite restaurant in all of WDW. In terms of kid-friendly, I would say it's more kid-friendly than CR. CR feels like a gigantic convention resort to me.

 

[baler31]

There is NO WAY I would choose to do a 3 Resort split on my first trip with 2 young boys.
I advise the Poly Studio and WL choice

I will add to this and say if it were me I would try to add to the set in stone reservation. Split stays lose time and no need for an MK split stay on a first visit.

 

[CalifLynn]

I love split stays! I find it so boring to be at the same hotel for more than 3-4 nights. We did 3 resorts in 7 days last June (GF, YC, AKL) this year we are doing 3 nights Poly and 3 nights BWI. In your case I would go with Poly + WL just because of the ages of the children, I think WL would be more appealing.

 

[Disneylovingmomof2]

Poly is pure Disney magic, imo. Sitting on the beach, watching the fireworks, tiki torches. The smell, having Ohana right there, the dole whip.
I can’t imagine staying at WL and not thinking about Poly...if you’re going to split those two I’d do WL first.

 

[JRLZ]

Poly is pure Disney magic, imo. Sitting on the beach, watching the fireworks, tiki torches. The smell, having Ohana right there, the dole whip.
I can’t imagine staying at WL and not thinking about Poly...if you’re going to split those two I’d do WL first.

I’ve heard so many people say “it’s my favorite” about WL... just not the same Poly magic there for you though huh?

 

[Hopefully]

I’ve heard so many people say “it’s my favorite” about WL... just not the same Poly magic there for you though huh?

They are different. Some love one, some love the other. You will - and have- opinions for both. There is not one right answer. It seems you are getting lots of positive WL feedback, but You may not accept it. There is not one perfect resort for everyone.