Resorts for Older Teens

[princessvacg]

I was hoping to get some information on what moderate resorts are the best the for older teens. I have the french quarter booked for July, but after reading some of these boards, I am not so sure if this would be the right one for my 17 year old daughter and her friend. We stayed at the beach club last summer, however, we have to book 2 rooms this year, I can not see paying $3,000.00 + just for the hotel. We will be there for 6 nights in July. Any suggestions?

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I think the moderate resorts are pretty much all the same... just different themes. The nice thing about POR/POFQ is the boat to DTD. The girls might like to do that in the evenings?? CSR might also be a good choice since it's so large... they might feel there is more to do and see. Personally I think you'll be fine at any of them.

 

[princessvacg]

Thanks, I was actually thinking about switching to the CBR but I did like the idea that they could go to Downtown Disney at night. I also thought about the Swan or Dolphin because my husband is a high school coach so we can get the teacher rate there. I am just not sure if it would have the same "Disney Feel?"

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I love the Swan and Dolphin! It's true they do lack some of the Disney items (Mickey soaps, etc) but I think the location makes up for it. You are soooo close to MGM and Epcot. And the girls would LOVE to walk around the boardwalk at night.

If you can swing it financially I would switch.

 

[sue1013]

Instead of POFQ I would suggest POR only because of the quiet pools. My teen and friend preferred the quiet pool over the main pool due to crowding.

 

[TnKrBeLlA012]

I think I would book CSR to me I think that PQFQ/POR are both BORING gloomy hotels!

 

[momtotwinglesx4]

especially since you qualify for the teacher's rate. My almost-16 yr. old daughter loved being able to hang out on her own in the World Showcase at Epcot. She loved exploring the different countries and "boy scouting" lol! Of course, she had strict orders (and enough sense) to just look, but not touch! We had MANY conversations about the dangers of actually leaving with someone. I also gave her my cell phone so we could keep in touch, and very clear plans for where and when to meet up with us.

She also loved Downtown Disney, especially hanging out at Virgin Megastore. She LOVES to read, so she especially enjoyed the large bookstore upstairs at Virgin. Lots of comfortable seating for people to just sit and read or people-watch. She preferred spending time there rather than even going to the parks with her little siblings and us.

I think it depends on what your teen likes to do.

 

[finnie48]

Hi princessvacg,

And welcome to these boards. Have to agree with tigrLvsPooh with the Idea of the Swan/Dolphin. The location is just great with Epcot and the Studios a boatride or walk away, and the choice of restaurants is fantastic. Plus the nightly entertainment on the Boardwalk But you should know all that having stayed at the BC.
All the disney info can be had at either the S/D, and the magic is all aound once you leave the hotel, and just knowing we are in WDW is enough magic & Disney feel for my wife and I. Have a great trip! Peg & Bob

 

[#1hockeymom]

Yet another vote for the Swan/Dolphin!
We went there last June with DD17 and DS. Upon entering the Swan her first words were "now this is more like it!" She loved hanging out at the fabulous grotto pool, and having the boardwalk just steps away.

Happy planning,
Debbie

 

[princessvacg]

Thanks to all!! I think I am switching to the Swan. My daughter wants to stay there too. Yes she knows the look but do not touch policy!! She loves the boardwalk. It is actually less expensive to book 2 rooms at the swan than 2 rooms at the POFQ. My sister-in-law was just here and her and my brother are going with us. They are staying at the Swan because of the teacher rate. (Yes, she is a teacher.) We would kind of like to be together. I think we will be happy there!! Great excessibility to everything and we love epcot and mgm.

 

[Dismom63]

Just sticking in my two cents... As a teacher (got the great rate) and mother of 2 teens we are headed to the Dolphin this Easter. As you can see, we have also stayed at POR (as it is now called) several times and liked it.
My kids are excited about heading out on their own (a little) and the location of the Dolphin is perfect for that, plus it has all the deluxe "touches" that I have grown to like in a hotel as I get a tad older .

Mickey on the phone isn't cutting compared to a heavenly bed!

Have a great time whatever you decide!

Dismom

 

[princessvacg]

I totally agree. My seven year old only cares about the parks and the pool so I am more concerned about the teens. I personally am spoiled and love the deluxe resorts so I am swaying heavily towards the Swan. I have until tommorrow to make my decision. I should have signed up for this board last year. It took me 4 months to make a decision on which hotel to stay at. I appreciate all of the opinions. It definitly helps!! By the way, how do you set the timer??

 

[princessvacg]

I totally agree. My seven year old only cares about the parks and the pool so I am more concerned about the teens. I personally am spoiled and love the deluxe resorts so I am swaying heavily towards the Swan. I have until tommorrow to make my decision. I should have signed up for this board last year. It took me 4 months to make a decision on which hotel to stay at. I appreciate all of the opinions. It definitly helps!! By the way, how do you set the timer??

 

[Blueeyes101817]

im 19 and im going in may and staying at the caribbean beach resort..everyone says ill like it..good luck

 

[dts718]

Okay, so what do you guys think about staying at the swan if you have a 15 yr. old girl and a 3 1/2 and 1 1/2 year old. Right now we're booked at CBR but we've been thinking about switching to Swan if we can get a good rate, due to the prime location. (plus the swan and dolphin have great pools). Hope you don't mind that i'm interupting the original thread!
Thanks

 

[princessvacg]

Absolutely not! I have a little one too. Would love to hear what is available for him.

 

[mom_rules]

Here's what we're doing-DH, myself and DS (16) YC concierge
DD and her GF - Asmu

Can't beat the price!

 

[christinelee]

I just returned from the Dolphin on Feb 21st. I had booked the Swan using the RN discount. When we arrived on Mon the 16th I was informed that they had overbooked the resort and I would be sent to the Dolphin I did not want to go there as I knew it hadn't been totally renovated, but I was told my only option was a smoking room with a king size bed, since there was three of us this wasn't an option for us. We went to the parks, returned around 5 and checked in at the Dolphin. We were on the 5th floor in a renovated room. The hallsways were disgusting, walls and carpets badly in need of repair. The room was ok, supposedly we were upgraded to a "much better room". It overlooked the lagoon, grotto pool and TOT.
The Buffeteria was good, the Fountain was good and the location was great, but............... I felt this hotel definitely catered to conventioneers. Two days we returned to the park to sit by the pool. 2 pools were closed off and the pool bar was closed , this at 4pm!!!!!!! They were having convention functions poolside. I would not return there, especially if I had young children. My son was 13, 4th trip to Disney, has always loved where we stayed before, but hated the Dolphin, it is not kid friendly. Spend the extra money and stay at the BW or YC/BC, we will next time!!!