Resort With The Most To Do

[Mom2six]

We're still debating which resort we want - meaning we can't agree! So we have some criteria to consider. We are going to be there a bit longer next time and have a few more resort/down days. I want a resort with some activities besides the pool.

Our top contenders are AKL, BLT, Treehouse Villas, and BC but we are open to suggestions! We've ruled out GF and the value resorts (we're doing part of the trip at AoA already). The pool at Poly looks sort of small and very crowded.

I've gotten some great feedback on these resorts overall but I want to be able to present to everyone a list of things we could do at each resort to help solidify our choices. Thanks so much!

 

[heidijanesmith]

We're still debating which resort we want - meaning we can't agree! So we have some criteria to consider. We are going to be there a bit longer next time and have a few more resort/down days. I want a resort with some activities besides the pool.

Our top contenders are AKL, BLT, Treehouse Villas, and BC but we are open to suggestions! We've ruled out GF and the value resorts (we're doing part of the trip at AoA already). The pool at Poly looks sort of small and very crowded.

I've gotten some great feedback on these resorts overall but I want to be able to present to everyone a list of things we could do at each resort to help solidify our choices. Thanks so much!

We liked AKL for our first trip, you can explore the grounds, pool and lobby to do, but that's about it. We were very commando that trip and was glad that we didn't have too much off time. My parents enjoyed their savanah view room, as they did spend quite a bit of time on the balcony looking at the animals. It's been a while since we have been there, so maybe someone else here on the DIS will know of other options available.

We enjoyed our YC stay this summer as there was so much to do on our off day. There are lots of watercrafts to rent, surry bikes from the boardwalk, SAB pool and exploring the Boardwalk area.

Our favorite stay has been at the Poly, while the main pool is crowded, it was fun. We enjoyed the quiet pool more, plenty of space and chairs. We liked being able to take the Monorail to the other MK resorts. The kids went para-sailing at CR, big hit of the trip! The Poly's rooms are huge and the resort is well landscaped and themed. We loved the transportation options there and walking to the TTC was easy and quick.

 

[cwt580]

I think anything on the water ....... CR,WL,POLY,GF. just adds another dimension that you cant get anywhere else. Rent a boat, waterski,parasailing, access to mono,resorts,etc by boat., sunsets on the beach,morning sunrise fog lifting,

These options being deluxes also give you some of the best ammenities available.

For me the most awesome rooms.....Tower at CR. big modern rooms,historic,engineering,ORIGINAL,......

would someday love to get a themepark view room for a couple nights. The highest floor i could get.....

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

AKL has a lot of activities especially for kids so I don't know if you will have kids with you.

For the adults there are cultural chats, watching the animals and caretakers, some special safaris and tours (especially if you are staying club level), night vision goggles, health club, pool, some movie nights, some cooking classes and demonstrations.

If you stayed in the MK area you would have boating, fishing on Bay Lake nearby as well as para-sailing and golf.

 

[Fantasmiss]

Another vote for AKL.

 

[minnie mum]

If you pull up a resort on the WDW website, click on the "Recreation" and the "Amenities and Services" tabs (on the left side of the resort's main page). These will list all of the activities available at that resort.

 

[NJRRK]

Have you considered a cabin at FW?

FW has more activities than any other resort.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

AKL is great and does have a lot of activities (watching the animals is amazing) but there is a major lack of nightlife. We prefer the Boardwalk area (YC/BC/BWI) if we aren't in the parks because they have a ton of entertainment options. YC/BC has the amazing pool (mini water park) that is great during the day, plus the Boardwalk has tons of cool stuff to check out at night... shops, restaurants, carnival games, magicians, jugglers, surrey bike rentals, boat rentals, night clubs, and one of our family's favorites: Karaoke at the Swan! Plus you can also watch Illuminations from the bridge between the Beach Club and Boardwalk Inn, chow down on the Kitchen Sink at Beaches n Cream... Oh, and how could I forget to mention my husband's favorite, the ESPN club! I really don't think you can run out of fun things to do in that area. Since you aren't spending all your days in the parks this is the place I'd recommend. I think you might get a bit bored at AKL if you have a ton of non-park days. Unless you are super into animals.

 

[nessz79]

Have you considered a cabin at FW?

FW has more activities than any other resort.

Agreed. Alternatively, you could stay at the WL and take the path over to FW to supplement the activities you have at WL.

At FW, you can:

*rent a golf cart and ride around
*rent bikes
*rent a canoe/kayak
*rent other watercraft
*ride a horse
*take a wagon ride
*do the Chip & Dale campfire w/ movie and S'mores
*pools
*ride the boat to MK or other resorts

At both resorts you can:

*ride the boat to MK or other resorts
*ride bikes
*swim in the pool

 

[tinkerbellybutton]

We stayed at the YC in August and had a wonderful time at the resort during some of our "down time". Between the amazing pool area, the daily pool parties, campfire and smores, movie under the stars, and the entire epcot resort area we never had a shortage of things to do. You can rent surrey bikes, I believe there is a marina where you could rent sea raycers, or larger boats. There is an arcade for the kids, several places to eat all in walking distance. You can watch the fireworks from Epcot from several outdoor areas. Mini golf is nearby.

We truly feel that if you plucked Epcot and it's 5 surrounding resorts and dropped them in some location other than Orlando, Florida it would thrive as a stand alone resort. Being in the Epcot area, and at the YC felt like a vacation within our vacation. I wouldn't hesitate to book there again for a WDW trip with lots of time away from the parks.

 

[FreitasFarm]

Hi there - I have to say that AKL is by far my absolute favorite hotel - of all time! I've stayed at many of the resorts including WL, PO-R, CS, and all of the values.

The reason I love the Animal Kingdom Lodge is because it is the one resort where you feel like you're in another country. The art work and architecture is breathtaking. I am a huge animal lover so a savannah view is amazing. The last time I stayed there in 2005, I think we spent half a day just sitting on our balcony watching the animals. The restaurants are great too - if you are adventurous. I can't say enough good things about Jiko. If you are an animal lover, or if you are going with anyone who is an animal lover, this resort cannot be beat!

The only down side to staying here is that transportation to everywhere is by bus. If you don't mind the wait time on buses or if you have your own car then it's not bad.

 

[Mom2six]

Wow, thank you everyone for your great replies. What I am getting is that there are a lot of fun resorts!

 

[Mom2six]

The reason I love the Animal Kingdom Lodge is because it is the one resort where you feel like you're in another country. The art work and architecture is breathtaking.

That is one of the things that I think I would really love about it! Plus, I like the kids to be exposed to different things. DH doesn't want aggravation when it comes to transportation or food...so...I don't know.

 

[Mom2six]

We stayed at the YC in August and had a wonderful time at the resort during some of our "down time". Between the amazing pool area, the daily pool parties, campfire and smores, movie under the stars, and the entire epcot resort area we never had a shortage of things to do. You can rent surrey bikes, I believe there is a marina where you could rent sea raycers, or larger boats. There is an arcade for the kids, several places to eat all in walking distance. You can watch the fireworks from Epcot from several outdoor areas. Mini golf is nearby.

We truly feel that if you plucked Epcot and it's 5 surrounding resorts and dropped them in some location other than Orlando, Florida it would thrive as a stand alone resort. Being in the Epcot area, and at the YC felt like a vacation within our vacation. I wouldn't hesitate to book there again for a WDW trip with lots of time away from the parks.

It does seem like there is a lot to do! I didn't know they had a campfire and smores, and I think being able to see the fireworks would be nice.

 

[Mom2six]

Agreed. Alternatively, you could stay at the WL and take the path over to FW to supplement the activities you have at WL.

At FW, you can:

*rent a golf cart and ride around
*rent bikes
*rent a canoe/kayak
*rent other watercraft
*ride a horse
*take a wagon ride
*do the Chip & Dale campfire w/ movie and S'mores
*pools
*ride the boat to MK or other resorts

At both resorts you can:

*ride the boat to MK or other resorts
*ride bikes
*swim in the pool

I had not considered it, but it does seem like there is a lot to do. We did treehouse villas this last trip and loved being surrounded by the trees.

 

[Mom2six]

I think anything on the water ....... CR,WL,POLY,GF. just adds another dimension that you cant get anywhere else. Rent a boat, waterski,parasailing, access to mono,resorts,etc by boat., sunsets on the beach,morning sunrise fog lifting,

These options being deluxes also give you some of the best ammenities available.

For me the most awesome rooms.....Tower at CR. big modern rooms,historic,engineering,ORIGINAL,......

would someday love to get a themepark view room for a couple nights. The highest floor i could get.....

BLT does sound enticing! I would love to be able to watch the fireworks every night before bed.

 

[sharadoc]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nessz79

Agreed. Alternatively, you could stay at the WL and take the path over to FW to supplement the activities you have at WL.

At FW, you can:

*rent a golf cart and ride around
*rent bikes
*rent a canoe/kayak
*rent other watercraft
*ride a horse
*take a wagon ride
*do the Chip & Dale campfire w/ movie and S'mores
*pools
*ride the boat to MK or other resorts

At both resorts you can:

*ride the boat to MK or other resorts
*ride bikes
*swim in the pool

I had not considered it, but it does seem like there is a lot to do. We did treehouse villas this last trip and loved being surrounded by the trees.

here's another vote for the Fort. The recreation area has shuffleboard, daily games and crafts and a snack bar for QS meals. You can watch the Electrical Water Pageant every night on the beach and Wishes with music "hopefully" playing over the speakers. there's horseback riding, canoeing, cane pole fishing and bass fishing excursions. Play checkers on the porch of Crockett's Tavern.....

So much to do there that it's common to meet someone staying there and never setting foot in a park.


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