Returning to WDW after 10 years!

[EllinK]

Previously we stayed at AKL and Boardwalk and liked them both. Would love recommendations on where to stay. Also, we know we want to see the Navi river but what other theme park attractions should be on our list? Restaurants too!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Since you haven't been in a decade I'd start with a peak at prices before falling in love with a hotel, they have... changed...

 

[EllinK]

Since you haven't been in a decade I'd start with a peak at prices before falling in love with a hotel, they have... changed...

Good idea! But after so long, I think we're open on price.

 

[Cindra]

Oh, where to start .... Happy to hear you'll be back to WDW after 10 years, but, yes, a lot has changed. First question on resorts. Are you looking to book the hotel rooms through Walt Disney site and/or are you considering having a reservation made for you through the Rent/Trade DVC boards? Recommendations may be different based on whether you are considering only one of

 

[EllinK]

Oh, where to start .... Happy to hear you'll be back to WDW after 10 years, but, yes, a lot has changed. First question on resorts. Are you looking to book the hotel rooms through Walt Disney site and/or are you considering having a reservation made for you through the Rent/Trade DVC boards? Recommendations may be different based on whether you are considering only one of

Planning to book direct or through Costco. Just for the record, we have done annual DCL trips and visits to DL, just haven't made it to FL.

 

[Cindra]

How many days? Which parks will be visited? Any days resort-focused? number of people and age range?

 

[EllinK]

2 adults 50+, 3 days. Don't love the MK because I like DL more. Enjoy the other parks though.

 

[Dave006]

2 adults 50+, 3 days. Don't love the MK because I like DL more. Enjoy the other parks though.

When are you planning to visit since many resorts have maintenance work ongoing currently, and in to 2027?

Dave

 

[EllinK]

When are you planning to visit since many resorts have maintenance work ongoing currently, and in to 2027?

Dave

Sept 2027

 

[Dave006]

Sept 2027

The deluxe resorts should be done with any major resort work with the exception of the Complementary resort that work is thru late 2027.

Dave

 

[gottalovepluto]

2 adults 50+, 3 days. Don't love the MK because I like DL more. Enjoy the other parks though.

I’d look for an EP area resort. Boat or walking access to 2 out of 3 parks is clutch, especially if you’re used to DL’s 2 min esplanade park hop. Beach and Boardwalk are closest to EP in that order. Beach is a more laid back vibe to me with interior access to dining that Boardwalk lacks (FL Summer = storms). Yacht is the linked sister resort to Beach. More adult vibe than Beach’s family vibe due to Beach having a vacation club section and Yacht having a convention section.

If you aren’t Disney committed Swolphin can have good options but they have conventions which can skew or completely nix the value proposition. If you see an acceptable REFUNDABLE rate at Swolphin book it and then look at other options while holding it. Swolphin prices are dynamic so you can rebook lower rates if you book refundable.

 

[gottalovepluto]

The deluxe resorts should be done with any major resort work with the exception of the Complementary resort that work is thru late 2027.

Dave

I am HERE for the Complementary resort!

 

[DaisyDuck001]

I am HERE for the Complementary resort!

Me, too!

 

[hardcorestitch]

I am HERE for the Complementary resort!

*Contemporary

 

[clappyclaps]

How are you from a rides perspective? Is there anything you can't/won't ride?

Before going in 2024 my last visit was in 2017, and attractions-wise Cosmic Rewind and Tron were big standouts for me so would definitely recommend if you can handle them!

 

[cruising spud]

A suggestion-get the book, The Unofficial Guide to Disney World. It helps you brush up on all of the latest Disney World changes.

 

[EllinK]

How are you from a rides perspective? Is there anything you can't/won't ride?

Before going in 2024 my last visit was in 2017, and attractions-wise Cosmic Rewind and Tron were big standouts for me so would definitely recommend if you can handle them!

Not sure. I may have to watch some videos. How is Pandora land?

 

[4Ds4Diz]

If you have limited time, don't wait in a long stand by line for Navi River. Probably the lamest ride Disney created. They didn't put much effort into this ride. Its like a filler ride for the Pandora land.

We stood in stand by a few years back. Waited an hour, watching the lightning lane fly by. Rode the ride for the first time, it was a very boring ride. Disney had so much potential here to make an additional great ride to this land. Unfortunately they missed the mark by a large margin!

 

[Cindra]

Suggestions based on your group size, # days, time of year here are some thoughts (assumes things remain the same as they have been in terms of special event timing)

1. I wouldn't spend $'s on any of the Magic Kingdom resorts since it doesn't sound like you will go to MK.
2. Prior post comments about Epcot area resorts is good if it fits the budget. The Food & Wine Festival should be in full swing in September which is a favorite for my travel party of two/50+ (the food part is enough even if the wine/beverage part isn't appealing - if you aren't familiar search for it and see sample menus from past events). Boardwalk and Beach Club are both very close to the back entrance to Epcot which is well worth it if you want to take advantage of all that Epcot has to offer during Food & Wine. Easy access back and forth from room to Park for rests, pool time, change of clothes, ride out an afternoon storm, etc. Caribbean Beach is a more cost friendly option that provides access to Epcot (and Hollywood Studios if that is on your list) via the Skyliner which drops off right at the back entrance to Epcot
3. None of the Animal Kingdom resorts offer the same convenience to the park so I would only select those if the price and/or atmosphere appeal to you.
4. If you were to go any of the value resorts expect more travel time/bus crowds, etc.

If you don't plan to spend all day at any of the parks you chose to go to, I would suggest doing Pandora land later in the day (check park hours - September is low season and AK typically closes earliest of all the parks). Pandora land is better in the dark. As noted, hopefully you can ride the Navi River ride without much wait. If you don't plan to spend all three days in parks a nice option is to head over to the Magic Kingdom Resort area. If you like to walk, there are walking paths from TTC through Polynesian/Tower and over to Grand Floridia. The area at and just outside of Wailulu is a great place to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from outside of the park.

 

[clappyclaps]

If you have limited time, don't wait in a long stand by line for Navi River. Probably the lamest ride Disney created. They didn't put much effort into this ride. Its like a filler ride for the Pandora land.

We stood in stand by a few years back. Waited an hour, watching the lightning lane fly by. Rode the ride for the first time, it was a very boring ride. Disney had so much potential here to make an additional great ride to this land. Unfortunately they missed the mark by a large margin!

Would totally agree on this. First time I ever went on this I had an old school free fastpass (or whatever they were called back then) so skipped the queue, but I would not have been impressed waiting for hours. Genuinely one of the worst rides in WDW as there's nothing to it.

Flight of Passage is good though, although you may want to look it up to make sure you can handle it (as not everyone can).