WHERE CAN WE STAY IF WE DON'T WANT TO SEE OR HEAR CONSTRUCTION? (Mid to Late August, Deluxe Only)

[Out and About]

We originally planned to book Boardwalk but were put off by recent posts about delays.

Currently booked at Grand Floridian but the more I read, the more concerned I get that the lobby will be a work in progress.

We have had terrible luck over the years with our on-site stays seeming to almost always involve a view of scaffolding and the sound of saws.
I know I can't avoid it in the parks, but please help me avoid it at our resort. What is my best option?

This will be a two week trip from mid to late August 2023. I honestly don't even care about the price if I can avoid construction and have a fully functioning resort (all amenities open).

Thanks in advance for your help.


P.S. I didn't include SSR, AKL, Riviera, or Gran Destino because we've never been drawn to any of those resorts. They aren't included in the poll but feel free to recommend them and to try to persuade me we can have fun there. Among the concerns I have about those choices is the fact that no parks are in walking distance or accessible by boat/monorail. I worry we would be bored. We tend to go in and out of the parks often, never staying more than a few hours. We do a lot of resort time. We take a lot of walks around the resort and any that connect. We like a lot of lounge/restaurant choices close by. We prefer to walk. We try to avoid buses. We aren't opposed to Minnie Vans if the drop off and pick up are convenient, but don't want to do it all day and everywhere. I don't think I can stomach the skyliner. Pool ambiance is important but secondary to avoiding construction.

Also- for this trip we will be an adult couple spending many days by ourselves, but we will be joining family (adults and small children) for some park time and some meals. Most are staying at Crescent Lake resorts (BC, BWV). One group is at CCV. I'm not sure that matters. Thx

 

[The Foolish Mortal]

If you don't want to hear or see any construction, I don't think there are any guarantees, especially this far out. Even if a place meets your criteria now, things could change by August. My best guess for a deluxe resort would be Riviera, but you appear to have already vetoed that. My next suggestion would be somewhere not even on your list: Four Seasons. But that might involve more transport than you prefer.

 

[kylenne]

I'm like you in the sense of likes to spend a lot of time in the resort and comes and goes from parks a lot. Honestly given your criteria I would say Yacht Club. You're within walking distance of two parks that are very easily hoppable and even if you get bored at BC/YC itself there's four other resorts also within walking distance (Swan/Dolphin/Swan Reserve/BWI) with all of their dining and the Boardwalk area itself. Pool ambience is fine. there is an adults only hot tub at SAB and if you get overwhelmed by all of the activity there, the quiet pools are VERY quiet at BC and YC. You would be able to meet up as you will with your other group members. Just be advised that the friendship boats will go down for weather so you'll want to plan accordingly.

I would not go with WL as even though it's near MK it feels more isolated. Going anywhere else involves getting on a boat or bus unlike the monorail or Crescent Lake resorts.

 

[Lewisc]

GF and POLY are out.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

Even though AKL is not on your list I find it very quiet and relaxing. Food is good, large pool, and fun activities for kids. So much to see and learn just walking around the resort and talking to the CMs.

 

[Out and About]

Thanks to everyone who has responded and/or voted. I appreciate your knowledge and opinions. I am continuing to ponder all options.

If anyone knows how I can edit my title to undo the obnoxious all caps, please advise. I was frustrated when I posted. I'm better now

 

[Anthony1971]

If you want walking to a lot of restaurants and a lot if grounds to walk around SSR is perfect can’t beat being close to DS. For a resort you can spend a long time at without being bored AKL there are a lot of activities besides the animals. WL also has a lot of area to walk and easy to spend hours sitting by a fireplace es on the DVC side also has easy access to the monorail resorts by takin the bus to MK or DS as it stops by the contemporary first also a nice boat ride to MK. The pools SSR has 3 theme pools all are good depending on the cat. if You book close to DS the main pool may be a bit of a walk. AK Jambo has a huge pool with plenty of lounge chairs also access to the pool at Kidani which is very nice but on the smaller side. WL has 2 decent pools one by the DVC side is a saltwater pool so much nicer to spend longer times in the water both pools 2 CS (one is a CS with a bar sit down option) a Good TS lounge all close together. AKL also has good dining walking Plenty to do by walking the halls or to Kidani. Out of all 3 SSR will have the shortest time on the buses with all theme parks around 10 minutes on the bus to anything. WL and AKL will be equal as far as MK and AK which can seem on the longer side but about the same for EPCOT and Studios. I will warn Miday WL and all other deluxe except AK and SSR will stop at other resorts going to the parks. Not sure about Rivera however. BW area resorts are nice for EPCOT and Studios access but there is just not much to do otherwise durning the day nighttime is better with the entertainment but it seems food options may have improved with the BW deli but otherwise CS is scarce and very limited with all resorts however there are a number of TS some have to go options. Good Luck.

 

[RoseGold]

My GF construction experience was my worst at Disney. It's even worse because GF has a known sound issue, it was terrible. If this is your criteria, GF is out.

Obv answer is Contemporary. They just did all the construction during Covid. Main building at least should be clear unless they decide to jackhammer out historic murals or something. Downside is sad pool situation.

BW is scheduled for DVC flip, and Yacht/BC/BLT desperately needs flip. Poly will be construction 100% with DVC opening "late 2024" and GF has a ton of construction with uncertain dates.

I'd consider Poly DVC. These rooms are all far from construction and were flipped in Covid and they're not impossible to waitlist. DVC BR was also recently flipped. I can make an argument for BLT, because no flip is announced, and the building has great sound insulation. But, the flip should be coming soon because of the shape it is in, and this isn't a risk I would take.

Oh, and don't count out Swan Reserve. Tons of stuff to walk to, easy access to the rest of your people. Great pools, there's even laundry. Brand new building = no construction.

 

[Childs1stTime2Disney]

My GF construction experience was my worst at Disney. It's even worse because GF has a known sound issue, it was terrible. If this is your criteria, GF is out.

Obv answer is Contemporary. They just did all the construction during Covid. Main building at least should be clear unless they decide to jackhammer out historic murals or something. Downside is sad pool situation.

BW is scheduled for DVC flip, and Yacht/BC/BLT desperately needs flip. Poly will be construction 100% with DVC opening "late 2024" and GF has a ton of construction with uncertain dates.

I'd consider Poly DVC. These rooms are all far from construction and were flipped in Covid and they're not impossible to waitlist. DVC BR was also recently flipped. I can make an argument for BLT, because no flip is announced, and the building has great sound insulation. But, the flip should be coming soon because of the shape it is in, and this isn't a risk I would take.

Oh, and don't count out Swan Reserve. Tons of stuff to walk to, easy access to the rest of your people. Great pools, there's even laundry. Brand new building = no construction.

Is the pool closed at the Contemporary? Are main tower rooms under construction?

 

[Out and About]

Is the pool closed at the Contemporary? Are main tower rooms under construction?

Yes. The pool is currently closed.
No. The tower rooms (including Garden Wing) were refurbished recently. That work has concluded.

 

[KateMW]

Riviera was great. No construction and the Skyliners are fun. There is construction all by the Poly and GF so I think that's out.

 

[LMO429]

This was our predicament as well we wanted to stay at the grand. but no way for the price and the construction we stayed at riviera and absolutely LOVED it!! Highly suggest renting a car on that property as well made for an even smoother trip. I say riviera or wilderness lodge

 

[Jacq7414]

we loved wilderness lodge when we stayed there. I actually liked it better than the Beach Club. So I’d say there

 

[Beachmom0317]

Wilderness Lodge is great, the DVC side of WL Is Copper Creek. The rooms in Boulder Ridge are getting renovated but that is all inside. Boulder Ridge entrance is a seperate building. Staying at the lodge allows you different dining options (storybook dining Artist point, geyser point, territory lounge, whispering canyon) and you can take the boat to MK and easily access the restaurants on the monorail. Even though those resorts have construction at least you won't be staying there!

 

[elvispursley]

I think by the time August rolls around, Boulder Ridge will be done with the refurb. BC delayed their refurb until the fall from what I gather, so I'd strongly recommend BC/YC for the proximity to HS/Epcot. I'd also imagine that the Contemporary would be done with whatever they're doing with the pool by August. Personally, we're scheduled for our trip in early Sept. to stay at YC (having originally booked SSR, then Poly, then finally sticking--fairly sure--with YC).

 

[Jnjtrio]

Boulder Ridge Wilderness Lodge room refurb is completed for all rooms.

 

[2vets]

When I go with DH (no kids), his vote is always YC. BC has some construction going on (villas), I think, as does BW, but it won’t impact YC. Renovated before covid. Very, very walkable to 2 parks, multiple resorts. CR is done, but walkability beyond MK is limited right now. For 2 adults with others staying in the YC area who like walking for transport, this is a no-brainer.

 

[DL1WDW2]

I hope you take the time to visit & explore the Grand Destino Resort.
For starters they have 3 bridges that connect and you will love relaxing and dining at the 3 Bridges Bar . They do not take reservations You will be placed on waitlist.
Entering the Grand Destino Tower you will find a grand lobby ! Wandering around at night is so relaxing . Be sure to take the elevator up to the Rooftop Bar .and those Tower rooms are very nice !
it’s just not convenient location and bus only . I guess it is considered aonvention resort.

I voted for BLT / Contemporary. I love the option to jump on monorail no matter the weather to go to so many places .And incredible views with sunrise on one side and sunset on the other.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Boulder Ridge Wilderness Lodge room refurb is completed for all rooms.

About time …

 

[Childs1stTime2Disney]

Boulder Ridge Wilderness Lodge room refurb is completed for all rooms.

Someone said they aren't complete yet? Is that inaccurate?