This is just WAY TO HARD to pick.

[MinnieMommy07]

Our first trip to Disney was magical- and we stayed at ASMovies. We were preferred- dalmations first floor... when we opened our door or window we saw Perdita looking right back at us. It was awesome. Awesome big pool, food court was great, busses were great even when it was packed. It was such great, colorful Disney atmosphere that we'll never forget. And everything was very close to our room. Most mornings I'd actually bring all of our breakfasts back from the food court and sometimes I'd bring dinner and I handled all those trays pretty well!

Well it's almost time to book the next trip. It's for next year and I CAN'T decide where to stay. It was just so great having all of the conveniences at ASMovies that when I compare it to my choices I'm having an issue.

I want to stay deluxe because I'd like a nicer room than at the values and I'd like a balcony of some kind. I don't care if it's SRO or not. I'd also love to have a gorgeous view whether it's of a lake, a park or just a really cool view of the monorail or something...

So I am really juggling CR (which I admit is really low on the list because it's just boring looking but it's on there because it is so "convenience oriented", BC which looks amazing but has it's quick service cons, BWI has it's benefits... but ewww- Clown Pool. I just don't know how to balance this out... GF is nice but I wonder how long until the construction is done. WL is too pine-treey for everyone but I'd love to visit cuz it's so pretty. POLY seems a bit pricey for it's atmosphere but you can convince me otherwise.

I'd love some ideas about MK area and EP/DHS resorts that you've had great experiences with. So far it seems I'm running with BC. I love the pool and the rooms are pretty. I suppose I could run to the Marketplace for pastries in the morning and we'd figure out dinner somehow....

Experiences?

 

[jaceraden]

BC is awesome! I don't think you'll be disappointed no matter what you choose though.

What about ordering some breakfast groceries to keep in the room for when you're on the go?

 

[jsgrand0]

Well, unfortunately, I have no experience with Deluxe resorts...will probably never stay in one, as I could not convince myself it is worth the cost, but if money was NO option, I would probably pick Polynesian. But I agree, it is VERY pricey! Of the others you listed, Beach Club is beautiful. Of course, I haven't stayed there, but we eat at Yachtsman when we go to WDW, and we loved being out by the beach club pool at night, and walking down on the docks, BEAUTIFUL surroundings!Especially with the boardwalk close by. It is also very convenient to most areas! SO, it really seems to fit the bill!

Sorry I couldn't give you more first-hand information! I know you will love wherever you choose!

 

[Smile&Nod]

I own DVC at BC and have stayed there in regular rooms prior to owning - it is by far one of my favorite resorts - the access to Epcot and the Boardwalk is great - your concern about quick service dining options - yes, it doesn't have a large food court, but we've gotten several items from the small counter in the BC shop and absolutely love their pizza! You also have Beaches and Cream and they do sell assorted frozen, refrigerated and fresh items so it would be easy to have breakfast in your room.

To top it off, you cannot beat Stormalong Bay!

All that being said if you want the convenience of being closer to the MK then I'd go with the Poly - you can watch fireeworks from the beach rather than among the crowds, you can walk over to TTC for the Epcot monorail and from I hear the volcano pool is nice as well!

Good luck deciding!

 

[Kae]

The WL is so awesome. I will give a few pluses: All in the one building, boat to MK, the relaxing lobby and we think it has one of the better food courts for a deluxe.
kae

 

[fla4fun]

So I am really juggling CR (which I admit is really low on the list because it's just boring looking but it's on there because it is so "convenience oriented", BC which looks amazing but has it's quick service cons, BWI has it's benefits... but ewww- Clown Pool. I just don't know how to balance this out... GF is nice but I wonder how long until the construction is done. WL is too pine-treey for everyone but I'd love to visit cuz it's so pretty. POLY seems a bit pricey for it's atmosphere but you can convince me otherwise.

Experiences?

1. CR - in my opinion CR has the most comfortable beds on property, hands down! If you haven't been inside the tower to explore, it's full of Disney touches. People look at CR and think it doesn't have a theme - but the theme is a streamlined resort of the future. I love the wing myself, but if you want a balcony, the tower is the place to be.

2. BC - I agree there are some QS challenges there, but when I stay at BC I spend a lot of time dining QS at Epcot, so it's never been a problem. If you want a balcony, be aware that some rooms have full size and some rooms have a standing room for one balcony, and full size are by request only - you can't guarantee one. Personally, if the balcony is important, and you want SAB access, I would try the YC instead.

3. BWI - yes, the feature pool has a clown face, but at least you won't have that view from your room (the villa rooms overlook the clown pool). There are also two great quiet pools. Personally, I find as much of a challenge with QS dining here as I do at YC/BC - not a lot of options, although I do like the pizza window.

4. WL - I'm a little confused about your statement here - it's beautiful but too piney? Well, it is meant to be a log cabin, so there is a high level of wood in evidence, but it is a beautiful property. It's actually one of my favorites and my first choice for spending a long, park free, weekend on property. There are great dining choices here at all levels. The rooms are slightly smaller than most deluxes (similar size to AKL) and don't have a daybed if that is important to you. Great balconies though.

5. Poly is nice. The landscaping is lush, the rooms are comfortable, and great dining opportunities abound. But again, balcony issues. Not all the rooms have balconies and they are by request - no guarantees.

6. I would agree with letting the dust settle on the GF construction before staying there. GF is my least favorite of the monorail resorts, in part because of the parking issues (self parking is all the way across the street). But with all the construction they are doing, it may be much improved once everything is completed.

I've actually stayed at all the resorts you mentioned, and had a good time at all of them. My advice would be to make a list of the things you must have at your resort to have a great vacation. For example, if a full balcony is a must, then don't book resorts where they are by request. If dining options are a must, don't select a resort with only one restaurant. Once you've got your amenity list ready, it should be come pretty easy to choose the resort that best meets the requirements for your family.

 

[MinnieMommy07]

Sorry by too piney, I meant that the family wants that Florida feel... lot's of palm trees! I am really glad to have received your information everyone!

I know that I shouldn't expect the same vacation at each resort and I should say that for our most important amenities ( and a full balcony isn't important just one that I can open the sliding door to let in the atmosphere- I don't like going on them... ) I'd just say that coffee, juice and a little something for breakfast... and then having a choice of something nice when we want to stay in for the night like a pizza or something is cool!

I really think the BC is probably the best for us at this point.... BTW where are the refillable mug stations?

 

[WLfamily]

Well picking a resort is always difficult. We've only stayed at Wilderness Lodge and I can highly recommend it. It's tucked away all by itself like a hidden gem, but so close to MK. Take the boat over to MK or to CR and hop the monorail. The views are spectacular! Two full service restaurants and Roaring Forks for CS and snacks. I don't think you would find it too "pine-treey". It's pure relaxation.
Now that being said, we've decided to try a new resort this year and we're heading to Beach Club! . I won't lie and tell you I'm not a little concerned with the lack of snack/CS options, but I think the pros outweigh the cons. The location, and that pool!
Anyway you choose it's going to be a win! Don't let the stress choosing ruin the fun of choosing. Sit down as a family and make a list of what's important to each person and narrow it down from there. Have fun and good luck!

 

[SmallWorld71]

Our first trip to Disney was magical- and we stayed at ASMovies. We were preferred- dalmations first floor... when we opened our door or window we saw Perdita looking right back at us. It was awesome. Awesome big pool, food court was great, busses were great even when it was packed. It was such great, colorful Disney atmosphere that we'll never forget. And everything was very close to our room. Most mornings I'd actually bring all of our breakfasts back from the food court and sometimes I'd bring dinner and I handled all those trays pretty well!

Well it's almost time to book the next trip. It's for next year and I CAN'T decide where to stay. It was just so great having all of the conveniences at ASMovies that when I compare it to my choices I'm having an issue.

I want to stay deluxe because I'd like a nicer room than at the values and I'd like a balcony of some kind. I don't care if it's SRO or not. I'd also love to have a gorgeous view whether it's of a lake, a park or just a really cool view of the monorail or something...

So I am really juggling CR (which I admit is really low on the list because it's just boring looking but it's on there because it is so "convenience oriented", BC which looks amazing but has it's quick service cons, BWI has it's benefits... but ewww- Clown Pool. I just don't know how to balance this out... GF is nice but I wonder how long until the construction is done. WL is too pine-treey for everyone but I'd love to visit cuz it's so pretty. POLY seems a bit pricey for it's atmosphere but you can convince me otherwise.

I'd love some ideas about MK area and EP/DHS resorts that you've had great experiences with. So far it seems I'm running with BC. I love the pool and the rooms are pretty. I suppose I could run to the Marketplace for pastries in the morning and we'd figure out dinner somehow....

Experiences?

If $ is an issue, based on the things you liked about Movies, POFQ or even POR royal rooms might be a good choice for you.

The only deluxe I've stayed at are BWI and Beach Club and we LOVED the location and loved both resorts. I would recommend either over value any day of the week if you can afford it, but keep a few things in mind:
1) There is no food court. YES, there are food options, but if you are looking for a Movies style food court, you won't find it at these 2 resorts.
2) Transportation - your transport to Epcot and DHS will improve considerably, but it will take you longer to AK and probably MK as well due to sharing with other resorts.
3) They are relatively large and some rooms are more flung out/ away from the pool etc.... It definitely took us longer to get back to our room from the bus stop/ boat at deluxe than at value.

 

[eeyoresmom]

Beach Club is great ( do not book the DVC units because most have terrible views),unless you have young kids. Stormalong Bay is a nightmare for little ones unless you have one adult per kiddo. There is a lazy river with a strong current( I have difficulty in it!) And the site lines are terrible.You cannot just stand on the edge and watch them,there are too many twists and turns and things to block the view. Also, to use the slide, kids have to leave the pool area and cross the main pedestrian walkway. It really is a great pool complex, more like a mini water park, but I would stay somewhere else with young kids.

 

[eeyoresmom]

Have you thought of PO or CBR?They might be a better fit than the deluxes for you. Our family loves the food court and pool complex at POR.AKL would also be a good choice.Really awesome views,pool complex and has a true food court!

 

[fla4fun]

Sorry by too piney, I meant that the family wants that Florida feel... lot's of palm trees! I am really glad to have received your information everyone!

I know that I shouldn't expect the same vacation at each resort and I should say that for our most important amenities ( and a full balcony isn't important just one that I can open the sliding door to let in the atmosphere- I don't like going on them... ) I'd just say that coffee, juice and a little something for breakfast... and then having a choice of something nice when we want to stay in for the night like a pizza or something is cool!

I really think the BC is probably the best for us at this point.... BTW where are the refillable mug stations?

The standing balconies have regular doors, not sliding ones, but they are certainly adequate for bringing in a little fresh air and atmosphere.

At BC, the mugs can be refilled in the Marketplace store. They have groceries in there and a few quick service options like flatbreads and sandwiches. All of the deluxe resorts you mentioned have room service menus and pizza is typically available very late (at least 11pm or midnight) and most deluxes have some sort of light sandwiches available in the overnight hours from room service. WL is a little different because they do not serve lunch from room service, just breakfast and dinner (unless something has changed very recently). I usually have some cereal bars or doughnuts or something in the room so I can have breakfast while I'm getting ready.

 

[MinnieMommy07]

I really appreciate all of your Disney wisdom, everyone! I truly am struggling with making a great decision.

As far as resorts go, it gets harder because my favorite choices are definitely not my families favorite choices. Like WL. I'd stay there any day of the week because I know how beautiful and meaningful it is and meant to commemorate Mr. Disney and the DL resort in CA. I think it is just that lack of being in a different place that turns off my hubby (We have lots of pine trees and log cabins here) and my daughter (5) thinks it looks like it's for boys.

AKL is also a very beautiful resort and when I joined the DIS, it was pretty much my goal to stay there, but when I compare it to other resorts, I always find myself more interested elsewhere. I think I seem to crave a larger canvas... where I know that I can stay where I am and enjoy or have that option to get out and start exploring. I liked that about the All Stars. You could just stay in your section for convenience and relaxation or you could start walking around and checking out new and different things at the other All Stars. I also like that about the Epcot area. You can stay put in the resort or just start venturing off and finding all kinds of stuff to do. The Bay Lake resorts are kindof like that where you can take the boat ride or monorail around really easy to check everything out if you choose. AKL makes me feel that I'm in for the day because if you want to see anything different, it's a bus ride a transfer and a bus ride to get there.

I have thought about POR. In fact I have thought about it many times because it is a really neat looking resort but as soon as I sell my hubby on it, he points out that the Mansions are too far from everything... pool, foodcourt, and he doesn't like Alligator Bayou---come on! Too picky! I think POR is adorable!

So what do they like? They like Beach Club, they like Boardwalk, the only thing hubby likes about CR is the lake view rooms up in the tower. When you tell him the prices of these resorts he likes All Star Movies again!

The other day, he looked at the S and D with me and we are starting to move in that direction even though he said he'd miss the Magic Express... it's just a bus ride, dude. We can get a personal driver everyday for that price difference. So we'll have to see where this goes. I'm pretty set on Epcot area right now.

 

[eeyoresmom]

Hmmmm. Funny how people look at things so differently. My two teen girls hate the Epcot resorts because thay feel like they are "closed in" there. PO has lots of places to explore around the resorts, between the resorts, along the river, etc. But then again, if you want a resort with a lot to get out and see, you will have the risk of getting a room far from amenities. If you loved AS, I would book there again. Can't beat the price for sure!