What would you choose??? HELP!

[TigrLvsPooh]

We are having a horrible time making up our minds for our next trip to WDW, and I could really use some help.

We are a family of 4, two adults and two children ages 1 and 3.

We're trying to choose a deluxe resort. Last time we stayed at the GF, but we want something different this time. I really love the YC, but dh wants the Contemporary. Then we thought we might go with AKL, since we've never stayed there... and also we've discussed trying WL and Poly, since we've never stayed there either. Then we'll talk about the BWI, we love that area, and the hotel is beautiful... then we'll talk about going back to the GF. HELP!!!

Someone please make up our minds!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

CR is my choice. It's what I would choose for myself/family if money were no object. I can't even decide between CBR and an AllStars!! Lucky you. Have fun.

 

[cinmell]

I really love the Contemporary Tower. The view is amazing. It's convenient to be on the monorail and it's a great location b/c you can walk to the MK in under ten minutes. Walking from the MK back to the Contemporary after parades/fireworks beats waiting for the monorail or buses.

We stayed at the Grand Floridian in September and I missed the Contemporary. That's why we are going back in May and we're going to stay in the Towerclub. We've stayed in the towerclub once before and it was nice to have breakfast items and snacks right outside your door. I think it's a fun place to stay and they have some great restaurants too. It's fun to come out of your room door and hear the singing and music from Chef Mickey's. We never heard any noise from the concourse, Chef Mickey's or the monorail while in our room. The rooms were quiet and bright. I found them to be a little roomier than the other resorts we've stayed in.

We like to take the boat from the CR to WL and Fort Wilderness to check them out and go to dinner. Ft. Wilderness has a little playground you kids may like if you decide to take the boat over. Have fun on your vacation wherever you decide to stay!

 

[BounceyOne]

Towers!! everyone should stay there atleast once in a lifetime!

 

[princess angel]

Hi Erika,

I voted for CR Tower also
Only because I think with your two little ones it is a great convenience. Plus the rooms are huge, and the view must be great from both sides.

I also like the idea of the BWI, since you havent stayed there yet and seem to be intrigued by it. And the plus of being on the Boardwalk, well that speaks for itself

Happy deciding!

Laura

 

[tampafan]

I month ago I would have said the Polynesian. We absolutely love that resort. Being at the Polynesian really does transport you full tilt into both Pacific Island beauty and Disney magic. It has great rooms, a wonderful pool/beach area, great restaurants (O'hana and the Luau). Also, nothing compares to the MK fireworks from the beach at the Poly and the monorail is sooo convenient.

However, we stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for a weekend in December when we went to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. I admit that we were only staying there because it was available and at a good rate. We thought it was too far out of the way and since Animal Kingdom is our least favorite of the parks....well, you know. Let me tell you, however, that we were so impressed that we will definately return and would recommend it to anyone. The rooms are fantastic. We have two children (boy - 6 and girl - 3) and the queen bed/bunkbed option was fantastic. Also, the savannah view is spectacular. And, I must say that Boma is absolutely our favorite restaurant of any resort restaurant. Also, it seems there is always something going on in the lobby - like storytelling and drum playing. The atmosphere is equal to the Polynesian.

We also love the Contemporary because it is so close to MK and being on the monrail is so convenient. Also, Chef Mickey's is great! We have never stayed at BWI,YC, or BC, but we love the Swan and Dolphin and being so close to Epcot and MGM is awesome.

Truthfully, any hotel you stay at will be great and you will have a good time.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hi Laura!

Actually we have stayed at the BWI before, sorry my rambling post was hard to read. The only deluxe resorts we haven't tried at Poly, CR, WL, and AKL.

Looks like the Contemporary is in the lead! DH is excited!

 

[glewis1123]

Considering that you have 2 young ones - I'd go with the Poly.

You're going to have a stroller and the transportation options can't be beat - monorail or boat to MK - a short walk to the TTC for the monorail to Epcot - bus to AK & DD & MGM.

 

[Planogirl]

I picked the Polynesian mainly because it's my personal favorite resort. It's also nice to be able to use the monorail to get to MK and to walk over to the Epcot monorail too. But truthfully any monorail resort is nice when you have little kids IMO.

Good luck with your choice!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I've eaten at the Poly several times, but I've never seen a guest room. I admit, the comments I've read here have kept me from booking it. I'm really picky about my room being fresh and new. I think that's why I love the YC.

Keep the votes coming you guys!! You are really helping us a lot!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Those of you who are voting for WL and AKL I'd love to hear why, and any other info you think would help! Thanks!

 

[plutospup]

We really enjoy WL, especially w/ DD5. There are many children's activities at WL, and also at nearby FW. The boat ride to MK is relaxing, and overall gets you to MK within a reasonable amount of time (about same time or faster than monorail from CR). Staying at WL has lots of Disney Magic, but it doesn't feel like your in the middle of the Magic Kingdom(it's more relaxing), but yet your only a few minutes away from all of the excitement! The pool, hot tubs, beach, boats, EWP, nature trails, restaurants, and of course CM's make this a great place! ...and to think 3 yrs ago I didn't want to stay here because I thought it was too 'woodsy'.

 

[PlutoPal]

That's a really hard one, thats why i picked DRAW STRAWS!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

WOW! The 4 deluxe resorts I haven't stayed at are all in the lead! (Poly, CR, WL, and AKL) I guess I don't know what I'm missing. DH is still leaning toward the CR, but I'm still not sure. Keep the votes coming!!!!

 

[eeyore0062]

With kids the ages of yours, I would think that something on the monorail would be the most convenient. I would choose, either the Poly LV or the Contemporary-tower. The Contemporary is probably your most convenient choice, just because it is the 1st monorail stop on the way back from the MK, and I am sure you will be spending a huge portion of your time there.

As for the Epcot resorts, we tend to think of most of them as more adult oriented... not to say they don't welcome kids, but I think the kids are more excited to stay near the MK.

We stayed at the WL, and had issues with the transporation, and with kids, that can be a headache.

Remember, that with AKL you will be at the mercy of the busses for everything, and it is the least convenient resort on property.

My vote is with your husband... the Contemporary tower!

 

[pewing]

Originally posted by TigrLvsPooh
Those of you who are voting for WL and AKL I'd love to hear why, and any other info you think would help! Thanks!

Too many reasons to list! The theme is fabulous. Our two boys (6 and 8) loved it. We spent some rainy time just exploring the lodge and the beautiful lobby. The restaurants are wonderful. Boma is a MUST! We are 'outdoors' people and we loved our savannah view (animals every time we looked!) and the great observation areas. The buses worked great for us. We waited about 5-10 minutes each time. The CM's were super and the room was always perfect. We had the queen/bunk beds and that was great. The pool looked awesome...although it rained most of the week we were there. I would definately reccomend it to anyone...

Good luck deciding. We had dinner at WL and it seems nice as well. We stayed at the Poly in 2000 and also enjoyed that a lot, but we are hooked on AKL!

 

[susy]

Erika,

If you want something really different and NEW- try AKL!!! It was our first (and only, so far) deluxe at WDW!!!!


With little ones I would request to be near the pool/food court area.


We stayed here Labor Day Weekend. The resort was full , but never felt crowded (not even the pool).
We have a DS (age 5-was 4 then), so we had an umbrella stroller for him and it was no problem using the buses. They were never full- even on a busy weekend! The transportation here is top-notch! One stop-no sharing-buses were plentiful! Longest ride was 15 minutes to MK- I timed it. Epcot and MGM were about 7-8 minutes and AK was 5 minutes. We took breaks every day and it was very convenient.

Very nice rooms- comfortable beds

The pool is awesome. Nice zero-depth, which is nice for moms with little ones. They had lots of games and activities for the kids.
Jiko and Boma were both great, with good choices for kids. Our DS stayed at Simba's one night and loved it. Mara had GREAT pizza!

Best feature- you can get this place at a much lower rate than some of the other deluxes! You might even want to try concierge!

 

[susy]

Erika,

If you want something really different and NEW- try AKL!!! It was our first (and only, so far) deluxe at WDW!!!!


With little ones I would request to be near the pool/food court area.


We stayed here Labor Day Weekend. The resort was full , but never felt crowded (not even the pool).
We have a DS (age 5-was 4 then), so we had an umbrella stroller for him and it was no problem using the buses. They were never full- even on a busy weekend! The transportation here is top-notch! One stop-no sharing-buses were plentiful! Longest ride was 15 minutes to MK- I timed it. Epcot and MGM were about 7-8 minutes and AK was 5 minutes. We took breaks every day and it was very convenient.

Very nice rooms- comfortable beds

The pool is awesome. Nice zero-depth, which is nice for moms with little ones. They had lots of games and activities for the kids.
Jiko and Boma were both great, with good choices for kids. Our DS stayed at Simba's one night and loved it. Mara had GREAT pizza!

Best feature- you can get this place at a much lower rate than some of the other deluxes! You might even want to try concierge!

 

[2hansons]

Three times for emphasis. Though we are by no means experts, I have read LOTS of travel books and MANY postings. I made phone calls directly to several resorts an

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I'm really curious to try AKL. I've heard so many good things about the resort and the concierge. It's such a hard decision. Thanks so much you guys for all your votes and comments!! I'll let you know what we decide.