Where do I stay?

[thetruecindy]

I am going to Disney Nov.25-Dec.1st with DD-7 and DS-5 and DH. Can't decide where to stay. This will be my children's first trip. Beach Club\Yacht Club or Poly and why?

 

[GoofyBaby]

First of all, to the DISboards! Glad to have you aboard! Both resorts are fine choices, however I think your choice will depend on a few factors:

1. Which park do you want to be closest to or which park do you think you'll visit the most?
2. Do you want to have easy monorail access to the MK and Epcot?
3. Do you prefer the polynesian theme or a New England/nautical theme?

Myself, I chose the Polynesian for my May trip because the Magic Kingdom is my favorite park, I LOVE the polynesian theming and I wanted to have easy access to the monorail.

Hope this helps!

 

[thetruecindy]

Thank you for welcoming me. I'm glad to be aboard. I actually am a Disney Bride but haven't been back since I got married in 1997. Here's my thoughts on your questions.

I don't know which park I want to be closest too. I'm told that in late Nov/early Dec that MK closes early and Epcot is usually open late (don't know if that's true or not, but if it is then it would probably be wiser to stay near Epcot). I don't care about the monorail deal. What I do care about is my kids ability to tolerate how long it will take to get to the parks. I'm planning on visiting MK, Epcot, AK, and MGM while I'm there (hopefully). The theme itself doesn't really matter either. I don't think we'll be spending that much time at the resort. That is why I'm at a loss.

 

[hvivona]

We stayed there last year and that's where we'll be this year. It a fast walk or boat ride to MGM & Epcot and the buses to MK & AK are pretty short rides. We also like that we are there on the board walk were there is a ton of stuff to do. Last year we rented one of those 6 person bike trollies to ride around the boardwalk. You can also rent water riding things, small boats. There is a great bakery across the way which is perfect for a quick snack or breakfast. And there are some awesome restuarants within walking distance. The ESPN center is also there and a dueling piano bar. Plus, it has an AWESOME pool! Hope this helps.

 

[GoofyBaby]

Thank you for welcoming me. I'm glad to be aboard. I actually am a Disney Bride but haven't been back since I got married in 1997. Here's my thoughts on your questions.

I don't know which park I want to be closest too. I'm told that in late Nov/early Dec that MK closes early and Epcot is usually open late (don't know if that's true or not, but if it is then it would probably be wiser to stay near Epcot). I don't care about the monorail deal. What I do care about is my kids ability to tolerate how long it will take to get to the parks. I'm planning on visiting MK, Epcot, AK, and MGM while I'm there (hopefully). The theme itself doesn't really matter either. I don't think we'll be spending that much time at the resort. That is why I'm at a loss.

MK does close earlier in November (usually 7 or 8). Epcot's Future World is open 9-7 and World Showcase is open 11-9. So there is a plus for Y&BC. And you can walk to Epcot instead of getting on a bus.

Here is a site you can browse to check different travel times between the parks and resorts - hopefully this will be of help to you: WDW Transportation Transit Times

Another point to consider - if you don't plan on spending any time at the resort except to sleep, why not consider a value resort? You would save considerable money (value resorts are around $82 per night compared to the Y&BC, which will run you $319 per night in late Nov.). From what I've read in other threads the Pop Century Resort (a value resort) has its own bus that will take you directly to the parks - no stopping at other resorts along the way, so that will reduce transit time. Just a thought. . .

 

[mericletwins]

I am going to Disney Nov.25-Dec.1st with DD-7 and DS-5 and DH. Can't decide where to stay. This will be my children's first trip. Beach Club\Yacht Club or Poly and why?

BC/YC becauseof the pool!

 

[byoung]

Welcome to the DIS!!! As close to the MK as you can.

 

[TinkerKim]

We stayed at POR because of the trundle bed and taking 3 kids with us. We werent in the room much anyway. We got up early, ate and left for the parks and didnt come back until late. We basically showered and slept there. We are booked to stay at the same place this time. Bus rides werent long for either of the 4 parks and the kids enjoyed the boat ride to Downtown Disney.

 

[BroganMc]

I'd vote for the Polynesian over the Yacht/Beach Club. Why?

1) Your kids are much more Magic Kingdom age at 5 & 7 than EPCOT. EPCOT has some stuff for kids but it is far more an adult or at least Middle School age appeal. You'll probably be living at MK and that means bussing back and forth to MK.
2) The Poly is right next to the TTC, which means it is just as easy to hop a monorail to MK as it is one to EPCOT. And you'll have two locations to pick up busses for MGM and AK.
3) The Poly is directly across from MK, which gives you the best view of the fireworks. They pipe the fireworks music to speakers on the beach as well. And don't forget, in Nov/Dec they have the Christmas Party at MK. On those nights the park closes at 6pm with the regular fireworks, then they show the special fireworks at 9:30. You'll get a good view of both without having to be there.
4) The Electrical Water Parade is only viewable on the Seven Seas Lagoon. It is a favorite of guests who stay at those resorts and even worth a viewing for dinner guests. I've scheduled 3 dinners so I could see it: from the Grand Floridian, Polynesian and Contemporary. Your kids will love it.

Now, if money is more of an issue than close proximity, I'd go with a value resort like POP Century. It is my 5 yr niece's favorite outside of Contemporary. The over the top decor is a big kid pleaser. Bus service is good despite the crowds.

 

[Sarah W]

We stayed in Pop Century the last time we were there. It was great because it was cheap and close. We basically just showered and slept there and I couldn't see spending more $$ for a nicer place since we were spending so little time there. It was still a nice place.

 

[kimberh]

There is a lot to do on the Boardwalk. The properties are really decorated for Christmas and then you can walk over and tour Boardwalk Villas and see their Christmas Decorations. It was on the Travel Channel that the Chocolate Decorations in the lobby take 3 months to make. You will be between two parks, Epcot and MGM Studios. Epcot has so much this time of year. The Father Christmas's from all the countries are there. At MGM it's decorated to the nines, on the back lot. There is a boat that will take you to both or you can walk, with Epcot being the shorter walk.
Beach Club/Yacht Club are deluxe resorts. Pop Century is not a comparison to them, it is a value resort. It depends on your budget, but you did not ask about Pop. One of the really nice things about Polynesian is the Magic Kingdom view rooms that you can get and the Monorail. One of the best pools on Disney property is at BC/YC and some will say the best. It is strictly for those resort guests.

 

[thetruecindy]

Thanks everyone for your input. It was very helpful! I've decided to go with the Poly because of it's close proximity to MK. I think it will be easier with my 2 little ones. Now...... Any suggestions for which longhouse I should request?? Since the kids are little I want to minimize walking. I would also like to stay in a refurbished room. Let me know your thoughts......
Thanks again......

 

[mill4023]

I've never stayed at the Poly, but with kids your age, I think you made a good choice. They will enjoy Epcot and the other parks, but I think they'll definitely want to spend the most time at MK.

Check out the resorts forum for a lot more resort-specific info.
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=12