Waldorf, Shades of Green or OTHER??

[Carynba]

We are planning Trip #6 and we can't figure out where to stay. We like Shades of Green (and have the military connection to stay there) but we're also interested in the Waldorf Astoria Orlando. I'd LOVE to stay at Grand Floridian or Poly but can't afford to spend that, so I'm trying to figure out what to do. Another option, which we did last August, was to split our stay between Universal (just first 3 days) and Shades. Open to any suggestions. I should note that one thing we like about Shades is the room size, which is much larger than most Disney standard rooms. We're looking for August for 10 days.

 

[alohanole]

I like Shades of Green quite a bit myself and recently had to find an alternative. They were booked for Thanksgiving week, so I ultimately decided on Dolphin instead. Anyway, as to your question, I think the Waldorf would be a great choice, but it's approximately double the price of Shades. A quick look at military rates for August showed $249, plus a $45 resort fee. Is that difference in price worth it to you? I would also consider Swan/Dolphin if you haven't already, and also Hilton Bonnet Creek. There are so many choices, and it can be stressful just trying to choose one. Good luck on whatever you decide!

 

[Carynba]

I like Shades of Green quite a bit myself and recently had to find an alternative. They were booked for Thanksgiving week, so I ultimately decided on Dolphin instead. Anyway, as to your question, I think the Waldorf would be a great choice, but it's approximately double the price of Shades. A quick look at military rates for August showed $249, plus a $45 resort fee. Is that difference in price worth it to you? I would also consider Swan/Dolphin if you haven't already, and also Hilton Bonnet Creek. There are so many choices, and it can be stressful just trying to choose one. Good luck on whatever you decide!

Thank you! Actually, we can stay at the Waldorf in points (we have a lot of Hilton points) so it would- in a way- cost less than Shades. But Shades is very reasonable and spacious, and it's closer. What I really want is a Grand Floridian or Polynesian room for a fraction of the price. Thanks for the info about Swan/Dolphin!! I haven't really looked at those much. Yes, Hilton Bonnet Creek is actually right next to the Waldorf and we would have pool privileges at both.

 

[Anchored]

I have stayed at both and prefer Shades of Green. I like being able to walk to the Poly and being in the bubble quickly

Have you called Disney and asked for a military discount at the Grand Floridian or Poly? They are usually the best discount available.

 

[SharonZ]

Have you looked into renting DVC points?

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I haven't stayed at SOG, so I can't comment on it, however, we stayed at the Waldorf a few years ago and, while it was lovely, I felt very much outside the WDW bubble. Plus the shuttles to the parks were quite inconvenient, so, if staying there, I would either plan to drive (if you have a car) or consider uber/lyft to get around the resort. I will reiterate what another PP suggested - I would price out Swan/Dolphin. They are our go-to resorts when I can't get a decent discount at a WDW deluxe. We'll stay at either depending on price, but, keep in mind, Swan has queens in their standard rooms and Dolphin has doubles. Consider joining Marriott Bonvoy and start accumulating points and perks!

 

[Carynba]

I have stayed at both and prefer Shades of Green. I like being able to walk to the Poly and being in the bubble quickly

Have you called Disney and asked for a military discount at the Grand Floridian or Poly? They are usually the best discount available.

I did and they had NOTHING for Poly and a price that was still a bit too high for Grand F (although I was tempted.... My hubby was not).