what hotel would you recommend for a on site first timer?

[julieannbabe]

hey guys,

i have been to disney before but i have never stayed on site.

i am planning/hoping to go next june and stay on site - which hotel would you each recommend and why?

i will have a 15 year old brother with me.

and i do love a nice swimming pool!

thanks,

xjx

 

[rcraw45425]

Hmmm, June, teenaged brother, nice pool, probably the Polynesian if you can swing it financially. Monorail convenience, great pool theme, good food, large rooms/bathrooms, rooms sleep five too.

 

[julieannbabe]

thank you.

any other ideas?

i will go and check the poly out now.

is it megabucks? that is a five star hotel, right?

xjx

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

I love the Poly, too!

If you're looking for something a little cheaper, you might check out Port Orleans Riverside or Port Orleans French Quarter. They're a bit cheaper, but still full of Disney atmosphere!

My best suggestion is to check out the resort pictures at wdwinfo.com and allearsnet.com, and just see which one seems the most "you". I don't think there really is a bad choice in the bunch!

(and by the way, I'm jealous, I've always wanted to live in London!)

 

[vanyel]

I love the POLY and agree it's a great place for a 1st timer but the pool isn't great for a teen. There's also no hot tub if that's important. It is on the monorail which is great!

Check out the Wilderness Lodge for the pool. It's also not as expensive as the POLY but it's still a deluxe.

A good idea is to have some idea of your budget. If your budget is large, a deluxe will be great. If you have some limitations monetarily, you might want to check out the moderates. They're not as expensive yet still very nice. They aren't on the monorail but there is still bus transportation. For a 15yr old & his sister, I'd lean toward Coronado Springs Resort. Great pool! In my opinion, best of the moderates.

And, if you're on a tight budget, there are value resorts that still have that disney magic on a smaller budget.

Choosing a theme you like is important also. WDW has practically every theme available and you should look at pictures at www.allearsnet.com to find a theme you like.

Hope I didn't confuse things for you. There's a theme for every taste, and a budget for "almost" every wallet!

 

[julieannbabe]

I love the Poly, too!

If you're looking for something a little cheaper, you might check out Port Orleans Riverside or Port Orleans French Quarter. They're a bit cheaper, but still full of Disney atmosphere!

My best suggestion is to check out the resort pictures at wdwinfo.com and allearsnet.com, and just see which one seems the most "you". I don't think there really is a bad choice in the bunch!

(and by the way, I'm jealous, I've always wanted to live in London!)

i love your kat!

i tell you what - we can do a swap - i love the States - so you can come live there and i'll come over there!

the poly - might be out of my range as it is a five star - i usually can onyl afford a three satr hotel but i want to treat myself to a four star - i will go check out the hotels that you have suggested.

xjx

 

[julieannbabe]

I love the POLY and agree it's a great place for a 1st timer but the pool isn't great for a teen. There's also no hot tub if that's important. It is on the monorail which is great!

Check out the Wilderness Lodge for the pool. It's also not as expensive as the POLY but it's still a deluxe.

A good idea is to have some idea of your budget. If your budget is large, a deluxe will be great. If you have some limitations monetarily, you might want to check out the moderates. They're not as expensive yet still very nice. They aren't on the monorail but there is still bus transportation. For a 15yr old & his sister, I'd lean toward Coronado Springs Resort. Great pool! In my opinion, best of the moderates.

And, if you're on a tight budget, there are value resorts that still have that disney magic on a smaller budget.

Choosing a theme you like is important also. WDW has practically every theme available and you should look at pictures at www.allearsnet.com to find a theme you like.

Hope I didn't confuse things for you. There's a theme for every taste, and a budget for "almost" every wallet!

thanks - my budget isn't going to be huge but i want to treat myself - i like the look of the coronado springs.

okay - i will try to narrow it down which four stars have a jacuzi and a nice pool and maybe a 'pretend' beach?

xjx

 

[Bobbysdog]

Jacuzzi, Nice Pool, "Pretend Beach"?...
You just did a great job of describing Stormalong Bay, the mini-water park at the Yacht/Beach Clubs. It's a little less pricey than the Polynesian, and while it's not on the Monorail, you can walk right into Epcot from your hotel room. You and your brother would have a great time there, and be able to walk around the Boardwalk from there. Lots of things to see and do there, and you and your brother would probably love the ESPN club if you're into sports!

 

[swilphil]

I would pick Beach Club also or the Swan/Dolphin, which often has special rates that are lower than the Disney-owned deluxes. Swan/Dolphin is on Disney property, but not owned by Disney so they run different specials. It's still within walking distance of Epcot and MGM and also has a nice pool and "pretend" beach. The neighboring Boardwalk has some fun evening activities.

 

[MonkeyPants]

If you're looking for something a little cheaper, you might check out Port Orleans Riverside or Port Orleans French Quarter. They're a bit cheaper, but still full of Disney atmosphere!

yeah for a mod priced resort I loved Dixie Landings stayed 2 or 3 times (now called Port Orleans Riverside [I hate that they changed the name] The layout is beautiful (as most Disney resorts are) and it was full of atmosphere

 

[mrcricket]

I vote for the Beach Club and POFQ. We stayed at the Beach Club a few years ago and really enjoyed the pool and location to Epcot, MGM and the Boardwalk. But if price is an issue, look at POFQ. I'm staying there in November and though I haven't stayed there before I have several friends who swear by it. As do many people on these boards. I can't wait to try it.
Good luck with your choice. For a first stay on site, I don't believe you can go wrong with any of the Disney resorts. But I would try for a moderate or deluxe before the values, because they are just a bit more magical—in my opinion.

 

[rcraw45425]

Smack me in the head! I forgot SAB, the greatest pool onsite. We stayed at the YC this February and the pool looks awesome (UNdergong renovations plus 50 degree air temps kept my kids out ) IT's a wonderful property. The slide looks great!