What resort would you pick?

[catyanna]

I am planning a short 3 night trip for my family in early March before we leave on a 5 day cruise. I am undicided on which resort to stay at. If you could stay at any of the Deluxe Resorts & money was not a problem ( DH's employer is footing the bill for 5 yrs of service), which resort would you chose & why. We want to stay club level so if you have info on that it would be great. We've stayed at GF CL & loved it but may want to try something new. What are your thoughts? Any & all opinions will be appreciated

 

[Tramp68]

I personally love AKV Jambo house with a Savannah view for short stays.

1. You can sit out on the porch and watch the animals in the morning over breakfast or at night as you relax.

2. The lobby at Jambo house is an adventure all by itself. Looking at the different displays and such.

3. If you have kids there is an amazing amount of stuff for them to do there. Crayon rubbings, crafts, etc.

4. There are talks in the small room by the DVC booth where native Africans talk about their home country. Learn a little without the large EPCOT crowds.

5. Night Vision goggles to view animals at dusk and then relax with a drink at the fire pit.

6. BOMA breakfast (or dinner) .... need I say more?

7. JIKO Dinner

I could keep going, but i think I made a good case...

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would highly recommend the Boardwalk Inn and one major reason is their Club Level Cast Members. I personally think they are the best set of people you will ever meet and they are one reason my family and I enjoy staying Club Level over there. Besides that they have a wonderfull lounge and great food offerings. Finally the theme and atmosphere of the Boardwalk is amazing and you can't beat having the boats/walkways to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

 

[Carlyluvsdisney]

I've never stayed CL but since you've stayed at the GF why not try one of the Epcot resorts? Unless maybe you and your family prefer the monorail resorts. The yacht club looks really nice but again I've never stayed there. Whatever you choose I hope you have a wonderful trip! And I see you live in SW FL as well.

 

[Karabee]

I have stayed at the Poly CL and it was nice, but I do agree that with kids AKL would be wonderful. I loved our stay there and there is so much to do for kids. I never found the resort to be "too far" from the parks like some people say. For me it's about being back at the hotel and having relaxation while still knowing you are in Disney. Enjoy!

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

Poly all the way! We were there last month and absolutely fell in love with it Prior to this trip, we had stayed at CSR, POR and WL. CSR was ok, POR was great and we didn't care at all for WL.

The Poly has completely ruined us for other resorts. We loved having the monorail (and ferry if we preferred it) and being able to walk to the TTC was a great option. Wishes from the beach? Almost better than watching from MK - no crowds AND lapu-lapus! The pool is great and the CMs were fabulous - so accomodating and friendly. Our room was so large in comparison to the others resorts we've stayed in. And while we think the food court at POR is the best on property, we were always able to find something at Captain Cooks. Their grown-up grilled cheese is AWESOME! And so are the Dole Whips...Yum.

 

[rcraw45425]

Seeing that you have two teens and a preschooler, I would recommend either an EPCOT resort like BWI or YC ar the Contemporary Resort. Your teens could go on their own from either location (good transportation) and you could walk the preschooler to MK or into EPCOT easily. We have two girls 14 & 16 now and last year let them go by themselves via monorail from the CR to MK and by bus to DHS.

 

[BuzzLiteyear]

I would have a difficult time choosing between AKV Savanna View or CR w/ an MK view. Viewing the animals from your balcony is a real treat. Viewing the MK fireworks from your balcony is pure magic.

 

[Cin]

Contemporary Resort with a Magic Kingdom view.

 

[larryz]

Contemporary Resort Tower with a Magic Kingdom view.

This.

 

[Mrsjvb]

I drool at AKL.

That being said.. sheesh only 5 years of service and he gets one helluva perk. DH just passed the 16 year mark, with diddly.

I'm jealous

 

[vettegirl]

Poly cl

 

[rusty4]

Seeing that you have two teens and a preschooler, I would recommend either an EPCOT resort like BWI or YC ar the Contemporary Resort. Your teens could go on their own from either location (good transportation) and you could walk the preschooler to MK or into EPCOT easily. We have two girls 14 & 16 now and last year let them go by themselves via monorail from the CR to MK and by bus to DHS.

I was going to suggest the same thing for the same reason. I think with having teenagers you would really enjoy the Epcot resorts.

 

[catyanna]

I drool at AKL.

That being said.. sheesh only 5 years of service and he gets one helluva perk. DH just passed the 16 year mark, with diddly.

I'm jealous

Yes, we are very blessed that he works for such an amazing company! He not only gets a family vacation for 5yrs but also for 10,15,& 20. Plus they pay for him to attend the University here to get his engineering degree. Not a bad place at all.

I am leaning towards AKL because my DS wants to see the animals. Do you know how the CL is there?

 

[catyanna]

I have to say, we had dinner at the Contemporary & overall I didn't like the feel of the resort so i think that one is out for us.

 

[rcraw45425]

Yes, we are very blessed that he works for such an amazing company! He not only gets a family vacation for 5yrs but also for 10,15,& 20. Plus they pay for him to attend the University here to get his engineering degree. Not a bad place at all.

I am leaning towards AKL because my DS wants to see the animals. Do you know how the CL is there?[/B][/FONT][/COLOR]

I may be wrong but I believe regular rooms at AKL only sleep 4, plus one under 3 in a crib. That will bump you up into having to book two rooms or a villa. Would they go for that?

 

[catyanna]

I may be wrong but I believe regular rooms at AKL only sleep 4, plus one under 3 in a crib. That will bump you up into having to book two rooms or a villa. Would they go for that?

As long as we spend $4000 or less we are good. They dont care what we do with it as long as it is for a VACATION! I checked on the # of people per room & I was able to find some at AKL that allow 5 ppl. I think they have a queen bed, a bunk bed, & a day bed.

 

[Alabama Minnie]

Another vote for BWI. The 17 and 15 yr. olds would probably enjoy the Boardwalk area too. The convenience of the location would be a big plus for just 3 days also IMO.

 

[rcraw45425]

That's cool, I just thought I remembered them doing away with their old "deluxe rooms" that had a seperate bedroom when they renovated. If they tell you that they can accomodate you that's great. My biggest dislike about AKL with teens is it's isolated, they woudl have to get on a bus and go somewhere. I personally get sick of hearing "there's nothing to do". We like the convenience of walking into a park. GOod luck and enjoy. Don't know if you're doing the Dream or another ship but have fun. We were on it over spring break and felt that they crammed way too many people on there!

 

[erinmsu98]

DH & I stayed at the Yacht Club last month and LOVED it! It felt very peaceful, the pool was great, and it's close to the Boardwalk if you want to venture over there. We like Epcot the best so the location was ideal for us. Plus it's close to HS and getting to the MK is pretty easy too. Have fun on your trip!!!