The more I research, the more undecided I become!

[homa24]

Hi, this is my first post. I've been perusing this board for a week or so as well as a number of sites reviewing resorts at WDW and I just can't decide what to go with!

Here's my situation I am trying to plan a week-long trip to Walt Disney World to celebrate my sister's graduation from law school and also her taking of the nevada state bar (end of July/beginning of August is when we'll take the trip). . .I've read pages and pages of review sites on the subject of on-site hotels but a lot of info is contradictory. Some people say Hotel X is the best and then other people review that they weren't happy with their stay, etc. etc. This really has to be perfect for my sister, there will be 4 of us travelling: Myself (age 20, 21 at the time of the trip), my older sister (age 24), my younger sister (17), and my mom. What I've been looking at is the Boarwalk Inn and paying extra for Concierge level service but then someone told me Animal Kingdom was the only way to go. I guess that since I live in Vegas its very hard for me to compare hotels and such located elsewhere because of the high standards and low prices here. I don't mind the expense if only I could be certain the trip would be 100% magical. So. . .does anyone have any info from their personal experiences at the park that might help? Also, I've been researching where to get the best pricing so if there are any strategies there that'd be great (I have AAA and also we qualify for the nurse's discount because my mom is a nurse but I don't yet know how big of a discount that yields). And about the parks themselves. . .any favourite rides/attractions? I've never been to WDW before though I've been to Disneyland several times. Our favourite rides in DL are the thunder mtn. railroad and splash mtn. but we also just love walking around and window shopping so Epcot sounds really cool. The dates I've been researching mainly are from August 1st to August 7 (we want to spend a week there). I guess I am worrying because I'm always the one who plans these things so I'm held responsible for whether or not things go well! Thank you very much in advance for any advice to help focus my efforts, I appreciate it!

 

[jeankeri]

I feel your stress! I was left to plan our familiy's trip last year and I really went all out to ensure a magical experience! It was just that- my DH was so impressed by the whole thing I now have a vacation account and we are planning to return in 2005!
We stayed at the Polynesian, which I choose because it is on the MK monorail and my kids were into Lilo & Stitch and the theming of the resort was perfect for them. I did second guess that a few times after seeing the Boardwalk's pool, (and Stormalong Bay at YC/BC, and the Contempory with the monorail passing through, and AK with the savannah view rooms...). There are so many places, and they all have something going for them. Staying at the Polynesian was perfect for us and we had a perfect experience. I have read others haven't. Our experience was great. For our next trip we are planning to split our stay between the Dolphin and Polynesian. The Dolphin was picked because it has that great nurse's discount (there and the Swan if that's a discount you are interested in). While there we will go to Epcot and MGM- take advantage of the quicker commute. Walking or taking the ferry sounds great! Considering the ages you are travelling with I think your chioce is a good one. The one reason I would not personally go with the AKL is that there isn't anything else close by- there's the AK, but everything else is a car or bus ride away. Feels less a part of WDW to me, but for others I'm sure that's part of the charm. You will do great planning! I'm sure you'll hear back from some Boardwalk fans soon-

 

[BambiTamby]

First of all, homa24.....

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Second....with the nurse's discount from the Swan or Dolphin resorts, you'll be in a deluxe resort in the middle of the magic, next to Epcot and the Studios, for a very nice price!

These boards are a wealth of information.
But, you'll have to sift thru all of it like we all do.
Stick around and have fun here on the DIS planning your trip!

 

[leighe]

I understand your situation totally! Sometimes there are so many opinions it makes asking for advice worse instead of better. The good thing is that all the Disney resorts are great so you can't really mess up. I would choose whichever resort just sticks out in your mind the most - the one you can't stop thinking about. I know this is a little dramatic (but I usually am anyway) but it's kind of like wedding dress shopping. I tried on so many beautiful dresses, but there was just that one that I kept going back to! DH would gag if he knew I said that!

 

[Mouseteacher]

I have stayed at the BWI, Swan and Dolphin. I love them all. There location is terrific particularly for your age levels. You can walk to Epcot and MGM. There are many restaurants to choose from within walking distance. The nurse's rate at the Swan is $149 (because of the completed renovations) and the Dolphin is $139. I pay the same rate as a nurse - I get the teacher's rate.

I am hooked on the S/D resorts. The rate is great for a deluxe resort!

Have fun planning and choosing - you can't go wrong!

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

I've never stayed at a deluxe so I can't help with that, but just wanted to tell you that my family and I will be there that same week! We will arrive July 31 and leave on Aug. 7. Be sure to wear your lime green ribbon! And welcome to the DIS!

 

[mmeb144]

Check out the Unofficial Guide to WDW. It rates the different hotels on and off the property. Take what the guide says with a grain of salt, though. They do tend to come down hard on everything Disney.

I just came home from a very magical stay at the Wilderness Lodge. It's close to the Magic Kingdom. We didn't have any transportation problems, we got where we wanted to go relatively quickly. The hotel is themed on Lodges in the Northwest. You can find pictures of the different hotels at Deb Will's site: allearsnet.com
She also has excellent planning advice.

Marie

 

[homa24]

Wow, I can't believe how quick everyone was to respond! Thank you for making me feel welcomed. KM, what does the green ribbon signfy? My main hesitation about the Swan or Dolphin is that I've had terrible experiences with the service/rooms at Westin/Starwood hotels in the past and I am not sure I want to risk it even with the steep discount. It seems a lot of people agree with the "you can't go wrong" perspective so maybe the most important decision (offsite or onsite) has already been made? In any case, thank you once again, I feel calmer already (and maybe a little excited even though it is months away!).

- Homa

 

[TooBoyz4us]

Homa,

I agree, trying to decide on a specific resort is maddening!

My advice would be to really consider what is important to you in a resort hotel.If concierge is what you'd like,
Concierge services can only be booked at the Deluxe hotels........

Maybe consider which park you would spend the most time at.You mentioned Epcot, so if thats the case, a MK resort on the monorail line would have you there in a jiffy.

Another thing to consider is theming.Is there a specific theme that really appeals to you (or your sister) more than others?

If you haven't ordered the planning video/DVD from the WDW website, do so. It is a great planning tool and allows to you see the different resorts.

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

If you wear a lime green ribbon, or tie one to your stroller, or hat or whatever, it identifies you as a DISer!

 

[dpic]

Welcome homa24! First, you are correct--no matter which resort you mention some will love it, some will dislike it. No matter how good the service at a particular resort, some will have had problems. To help you make the best decision, stay away from personal opinions at this stage. So, my advice is categorize the resort options then prioritize the options to best fit your tastes to give you the best avenue for success.

All the resorts are consistent within class (deluxe, mods, and value); each class offers the same level of services along with the same types of comfort and convenience. There is no "best" within each class. So, your first task is to decide your budget. Since you mentioned Concierge service, it sounds like a deluxe is your choice of resort class.

Next, I would consider the resort’s theme. To help you find a resort consistent with your sense of taste, I'd check out Laughingplace.com (along with this great site, of course). Check the resort tab at the top of the page, then check on the "view review and pictures" then check a resort, and click "go." Here, they have many, many photos of all the resorts. They also have virtual tours of the resorts. I have found this site to be very helpful in finding a resort to fit with my tastes.

Next, I would consider the location, the types of transportation the resort offers, what kind of recreation, the restaurants, and services a resort offers. You mentioned shopping, and since you chose a Boardwalk resort near Epcot, this may be your best bet.

For my personal opinion a deluxe is my first priority followed by themeing, then location. So, I prefer Wilderness Lodge--a deluxe, with a National Park lodge theme, close to the Magic Kingdom (within a nice little boat ride).

 

[Minniesotaluvsmickey]

So many desions can be very overwhelming! I don't think you can go wrong at any resort. I chose mine by who I was traveling with. Last year I traveled with my 50 something Aunt so I chose a smaller, quieter resort (POFQ). This time it's all about my 12 yr. old so we chose CSR for the pool. Pick the theme that is most appealing to you and go with it!
I would consintrate on the things you do while you're there. Make some plans for special meals such as Hoop-dee-Do Musical Review or the Aloha luau show. Plan a night out at Pleasure Island. You'll love eating your way around the world at EPCOT! It's so cool to get to sample things from all the countries!
There are many rides that are don't misses! You know the ones from Disney Land so you'll revisit them if you want. Be sure to check out the Tower of Terror, Rock-in Roller Coaster, Test Track, all the 3-D shows are great, and Alien Encounter.
Don't over look the shows most are amazing especially Fantasmic!!!
Relax, you'll have a great time!

 

[yecats]

Hi Homa and welcome.

Tough decision but it is certainly not the most critical in life. Don't drive yourself nuts with the decision. All of the deluxes are beautiful resorts to stay in and even though I personally have never stayed concierge, I am more than sure that you will have an absolutely fabulous time no matter where you stay.

My best advice to you is after doing your studying write a small list of your two tops choices and write down the good and bad about each and then pick the one your gut tells you to go with. No matter what, it won't be a bad choice. Once you make the choice, stick to it and don't let buyers remorse make you question your decision. Trust yourself and everyone will have a great time.

Make the hotel decision and then go onto the next phase of the planning. Leave some personal time for everyone to enjoy themselves. Some people like to shop, others like to enjoy the rides and some just like to eat ice cream and people watch. Just remember that you can make a lunch or dinner reservation and have everyone meet at a central location 30 minutes before the reservation. This allows everyone some down time to enjoy without having to feel that they have to ride a ride they may not like because everyone is doing it. Just a suggestion.

Lastly, I didn't think that I was going to enjoy a day at one of the waterparks. Boy was I wrong. I planned 1/2 a day at Typhoon Lagoon and now know that next trip I will be there from 10 am til 4:00 pm on at least one day. Definately spend some time at one of the parks even if it is just for a few hours. You may be pleasantly suprised.

Everything else, take it as it comes and you'll have a great time. Last suggestion, avoid the MK on Fridays and Saturdays and split some of your days in the parks. For instance, Epcot is open late all the time. So say it's a Tuesday, you can go to MK in the a.m., leave and go back to your room for an afternoon siesta, then in late afternoon go to Epcot. Epcot works for any night of the week. This also applies to DTD and Pleasure Island.

Good luck and pick a hotel already.

 

[missypie]

A couple of things:

1. If you haven't already, go onto allearsnet.com and look under "Accomodations" for photographs of the interiors of the rooms (and the pools). I bet that one or more of the interiors will suit your fancy more than others.

2. Book now, even if you think you might change your mind. Believe it or not, some views (e.g. standard) for some resorts are booked for certain dates in the summer already.

 

[nigel-bigel]

You have gotten a lot of excellent advice here!

I think the one that sticks out the best to me is that within a resort category - value, mods or deluxe - there is no difference in the quality of the service or condition of the property.

All CMs are going to have an off day now and then. However, they all receive intensive training in "the Disney Way" and the service is pretty consistently excellent.

The same applies to hotel rooms. Disney is diligent about maintenance and cleanliness. But unless a property is brand new, every property will have a couple of rooms that have seen more wear than others.

I have been reading these boards for years, and I have never noticed consistent specific complaints about a property. You really can't go wrong with which ever you choose.

Pick a location, then pick a theme, and go for it!

Good luck, and let us know what you decide!

Nicole