About 120 days out from our trip, I thought I'd add a supplement review of the hotels that we visited during our last trip. Unfortunately, I can only speak about the deluxe resorts, as we only briefly saw the Caribbean Beach (on our way in with the Magical Express), and didn't see many of the others. So here they are, in descending order:
11) Saratoga Springs. To be fair, we didn't thoroughly explore the grounds. But living in the Capital Region of New York and teaching last year at Skidmore College, it's hard to stomach a place that looks nothing like Sarotoga does or ever did. Plus, I think it'd be incredibly difficult to duplicate the way Broadway smells and the manner in which horse culture infuses the town's charm (not to mention, you simply can't re-create the track, which you have to go to to fully appreciate).
10) Contemporary Resort. You know, I used to love this hotel.... it was my favorite as a child. Some of that charm still remains, particularly with the monorail still running through the lobby (this certainly led to it being my childhood favorite). But other things are gone, including the fabulous arcade. The best restaurant in Disney is there, to be sure, but anyone can eat there, and with all the construction going on, there doesn't seem to be much updating accompanying it. I've heard the rooms are huge, the views can't be beat, and it's a 5 minute walk to the Magic Kingdom, but that's not enough to pull it out of the basement for me.
8&9) Dolphin and Swan. It's really only because they're not Disney hotels and thus are missing something. I actually like them, the location is tremendous, and the pool is really great. In fact, in the future it's a likely landing spot for us, because I get a pretty substantial educator discount there.
7) Wilderness Resort. It's gorgeous, to be sure, and the setting is really great. But much as I find the boat ride charming, I don't know that I would want to wait for said boats (which seem to run sporadically) or else take buses everywhere. With the breakfast options not thrilling me, it wouldn't be among my top choices, particularly with rates similar to the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
6) Grand Floridian. Here's where it gets hard. I could see myself choosing the Grand Floridian for special occasions, as it truly is spectacular. The lobby is incredible, the restaurants are among the best, and it's definitely the most romantic of the resorts. It's just that I feel like it doesn't fit in precisely with what I want a Disney vacation to be..... you know, where fun is romance in that oddly sublime way. The Grand Floridian is a different type of fun, for a different destination.
5) Animal Kingdom Lodge. If this sat on a monorail line, it would probably be number one. But it's not on anything but a bus line, and a horrifically unreliable one at that. Even getting to the Animal Kingdom seems problematic. But here's the good...... it is gorgeous, impeccably laid out, has the best lobby of any of the Disney hotels, offers the savanah and thus the opportunity for truly unique experiences, has a very pretty pool area, and has Boma (particularly for breakfast, but also as a good dinner choice) and Jiko, which is one of my favorite restaurants on the property.
4) Boardwalk. This is a tough one, because if you have a room facing the actual boardwalk, I think it could be a truly great experience. Even without one, it's a great place. I like the pool area, absolutely love the lobby and the adjoining areas (I wish more of the penny arcade machines worked), am charmed by the outdoor seating areas, and of course love the location. Flying Fish is right downstairs, as is Big River for quality beers.
3) Polynesian. I really like the Polynesian, even if I wish the birds still flew about the lobby. It's still quite pretty, it's charming to spend time in because it retains that old-style Disney feel, and the pool was once the best in Disney and still ranks high. But here's what sets it apart. First, Kona is there for breakfast multiple mornings. And second, and more importantly, it has the best logistical location in Disney. With the Magic Kingdom monorail running outside the lobby and the Epcot monorail a short walk away, one of the best things about Disney is at your disposal.
1&2) Yacht and Beach Club. I like the Yacht Club better, as it is more my speed, but aside from some wear and tear in places in the Beach Club, both places are really nice. The location is wonderful.... save for the Animal Kingdom, you don't really have to take a bus to any of the major parks, the Boardwalk is across the lagoon, and there is the much under-appreciated walk along the canal to MGM. Between Yachstman, Flying Fish and World Showcase, the nearby restaurants are tremendous, and breakfast options are also good. Art is really great. And then there is the pool, which is stunning. Short of Grand Waimea, I don't know of any better. If it stayed open two hours later, I wouldn't have anything negative to say about it. So all told, I have to give the nod to Yacht and Beach as my favorite resorts at Disney.
Just kidding, the greens have improved. DH would love to keep it in the fairway, but sometimes ends up needing a camel (desert) 
Oh, I'm entertaining myself today.
