Where do we stay?!?

[NikkiMcLeod]

First timer to WDW!

We are going to a Lightning game on the Thursday 10th January then making our way over to the WDW area, and wanting to stay there till checking out time Sunday 13th; our flight back to Scotland is at 1745, so ideally looking for transportation to Tampa airport.

There seems to be SO many places to stay, I am so bamboozled by them all!

We are travelling with our 3 year old and the Magic Kingdom will probably be our main stop, though we are open to suggestions as we did Disneyland in California in October and went on a lot of the rides there that are similiar to the MK.

Any suggestions on where we can stay?

 

[TJA]

Well since you are only in WDW for a few days and MK will be your main park, then I recommend an MK resort -- there are 3 resorts on the monorail, which will get you directly to MK on the monorail (you won't have to fold your stroller, just roll it right on the monorail). Those 3 resorts are Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian. There is 1 final MK resort that is not on the monorail loop but you can get to MK via boat or bus. This resort is Wilderness Lodge. I'd suggest doing some research on those 4 resorts to see which appeals to you most. If cost is an issue, then WL is the least expensive because it's not on the monorail loop, but it's a very nice resort themed like a cozy lodge. Here are a few details/opinions about each resort:

GF: very pretty, more upscale than the other resorts, princess character meals, beach and pool. We have not stayed at GF, but we have eaten meals and toured there, so my thoughts and opinions are based on that.

Poly: hawaiian & relaxed theme, character breakfast, fun family-style dinner with entertainment, rooms in separate buildings and one main building, located next to TTC so you can monorail directly to Epcot, great pool and beach. We have stayed at Poly 2x in the last 3 years.

CR: modern contemporary theme, monorail goes through the resort, has Chef Mickeys which is a favorite character meal, has California Grill which is a great restaurant on the top of the resort where you can view Wishes, walking path back and forth to MK. Only downfall is this resort is not really "pretty" or pleasing to the eye, but it has a magical feel to it being located right next to MK. We have stayed at CR 2x in the last 3 years.

WL: rustic, lodgey, woodsy feel to this resort, grounds are stunning, theme is great, nice restaurants, main building and rooms all in one building, nice pool, can boat to MK (so you can roll your stroller right on the boat), good price. We stayed at WL 5 years ago, pre-kids, and will be trying it again next spring.

Hope this helps a bit. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask.

 

[NikkiMcLeod]

Thanks for that, it seems that the Contemporary is the only one that has rooms available so we may be going for that one, hubby wants to find something cheaper but cheaper usually isnt the best!

 

[Rylee]

While the monorail resorts offer convenient travel to MK, they are among the most expensive. If you are looking to save a little, look into some of the other Disney resorts, the travel times are not that bad.

Your child would probably enjoy some of the shows and attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studio, and the animals at AK.

 

[TJA]

Thanks for that, it seems that the Contemporary is the only one that has rooms available so we may be going for that one, hubby wants to find something cheaper but cheaper usually isnt the best!

If CR is priced too high and the others aren't available, you could look at AKL standard rooms for the best price. The savanah rooms are priced higher, but you can see animals from your balcony which is pretty cool. If AKL doesn't work, then there are moderate resorts, but I can't offer much opinion for those resorts. Check out the different resorts on the Disney site -- value resorts, moderate resorts, and deluxe resorts and ask us if you have any questions on them.