Suggested resort?

[slbeaute]

OK I know it's almost a whole year before we go, but I am already sort of planning. We will be taking our daughter for the first time. She will be 22 months around the time we go. I was just wondering what hotel those of you with young children would recommend. We don't rent a car, so we will have to rely on Disney transportation. Also, I can get the Dolphin for the teacher rate of $129 a night. Anyone stay there with a toddler? I am open to any suggestions except the really expensive resorts! Thanks for any help!

 

[Kimberle]

We've stayed at 2, CR & WL.

I would not recommend the CR as it does not have a kiddie pool. Unless you would not be spending any time in the pool area or your child is an early swimmer. (We stayed when dd was 2.5 and did not use the pool area.)

I would highly recommend the WL. They have a wonderful kiddie pool. It is 1 foot deep. My dd, now 4.5, spent alot of time playing there. It also did not get to crowded.

Both resorts are very easy to get around with a stroller. You can wheel the stroller right on the monorail and the MK boat. There is another boat (small) that only travels between CR, WL & FW.

FW is a great place to explore with a young child. There is a nice little petting zoo and pony rides ($3, child must wear closed toe shoes). Trails End is there as well, for a great, inexpensive b/fast, lunch or dinner.

 

[CEDmom]

I'd also recommend WL. We stayed there in May when DD was 3 1/2. She loved the kiddie pool and playing on the beach. They allow wading in the water but not actual swimming. The boat transportation was great. The MK boat was big enough to just push her stroller on w/o getting her out. From MK it was easy to get the monorail. Also, FW is a quick boat ride away and they have a petting zoo. If you watch for codes you can probably get a rate comparable to the Dolphin one.

 

[Kuffam]

My daughter was that age when we first went. We stayed at the CBR which was nice. I however would recommend staying in a suite with a kitchenette or a cabin. My daughter drinks a lot of milk (and she was lactose intolerant) and we kept having to get ice for our cooler. Plus we don't like going out to eat all the time so it's nice to eat breakfast or late dinner in our room.

If you want a great deal on a cottage. Tropical Palms funresort (which is off suite) runs $79- 110 a night. They sleep 4 adults and four children. And have a fully equiped kitchen

 

[jasmine206]

We've stayed at WL and loved it, CR and loved the monorail aspect, Boardwalk and loved the boat transportation, and the Poly and loved both the monorail and the launch. Previous trips included DDs 2 and 4 - they are now 5 and 7 and we just got back (also now have DS 4 months). If money is no object, a monorail resport is the way to go and the Poly has a nice pool and great beach for fireworks viewing. Can't beat the location for proximity to the MK. If money is a consideration, the Dolphin is on the friendship boat route between for MGM and EPCOT. You can also walk to the Boardwalk, which is always fun, lots to do there. You would have to drive or take bus transportation to the MK and AK. With a teacher rate, the Dolphin may be the way to go for you. We just got back from the Boardwalk VIllas and thought it would be nuce to stay at the Swan or Dolphin because they are so close and are included in the boat routes. Good luck with your planning!

 

[jodifla]

Since you have time, you could check out renting points from a DVC member and staying there. (Look over on the DVC rent/trade boards/) Even the studios have mini kitchens, and all except Old Key West have a couch instead of the second bed. If it's just the three of you, it makes for a comfortable stay. We stayed there with our then 1-year-old in January.

Also note that DVC has accommodations at the Wilderness Lodge. So you'd get all the great things previous posters noted, plus the little kitchen.