Where to stay for a honeymoon?

[Malley74]

is the honeymoon package worth it? I was thinking Grand Floridian but I am not sure I want to spend that much... is it worth it? I was thinking of PO-FQ or the Swan since my fiance is a teacher. Thanks!

PS I want something really romantic

 

[jsginmd]

POFQ is very nice and was quiet when we were there the week after Labor Day. Can't really comment on the Swan as I've never been, but I've seen other people on these boards who really like it.

Since it's your honeymoon, why not do it up right (if your budget can handle it, it is a big expense)? When else will you have this chance?

We stayed at the Boardwalk Inn on our honeymoon. It had just opened, we liked the theme and it had the great location going for it. Since the Inn portion is away from the pool, it was very quiet. I don't think we saw another person on our floor the whole week we were there. We'd stay there again.

AKL is great and has a "mysterious" and romantic quality. The Polynesian has this too. GF is very Victorian which doesn't do much for me personally.

My suggestion? Pick the theme you think you'd like best and do that.

Personally, if I had to pick again for my honeymoon, it would be AKL or the Polynesian. We would like to stay at each resort, but AKL is the first that had us wanting to return before seeing the others.

Can't really comment on the honeymoon package. Will you take advantage of all that's included? If not, you might be better off going a la carte.

Congratulations and good luck!

 

[disney queen]

don't forget the wilderness lodge. it is wonderful.

 

[jsginmd]

I agree. WL is a beautiful resort.

Be sure to check out mousesavers.com for discount codes. You might be able to cut yourself a better deal with those codes than the honeymoon package (although codes might not yet be available for when you are going).

 

[Scoootch]

Why not do both the GF and PO?!

We stayed at WDW for our honeymoon in Sept.97' (before joining DVC)and did the 1st 2nights at the GF and the next 7 nights at PO-Riverside (formerly Dixie Landings).

It was wonderful!! We got to splurge a little and go to the GF -- which by the way -- they upgraded us to a suite when they found out we were on our honeymoon-- and PO-R was wonderful too. We got to have the best of both worlds!

Both PO-R and FQ are both very pretty resorts. We flew down (we used to live in N.J.) and didn't have a car, they made transferring from the GF to PO-R very easy. No problems at all.

Congratulations!! Have fun planning!!

 

[Demosthenes]

If you're like most honeymooners, you'll probably sped a lot of time at the resort enjoying the...view . Part of what I loved about my honeymoon was having room to relax and a balcony to enjoy the view as I sat with my new bride overlooking the "world." I always go for a water view room, but on a Honeymoon, I would definately make that a priority. The Poly Concierge, lagoon view is the most romantic spot in WDW, especially at night as you watch the fireworks pop over Cinderella's Castle. Spend the extra cash, stay where it will be the most memorable. You only do a honeymoon once, so do it right! Of course, I wouldn't advocate going into debt for a honeymoon, and if money is a real concern, go for the Swan or Dolphin for great rooms at great rates. I may be screamed at by some of the women on this site, but we spent over $20,000 on our wedding, and just over $3000 on our honeymoon, if I had it to do over agin, I'd switch that. The wedding was great, but it lasted about 6 hours with the reception, the honeymoon lasted 1 week.

 

[caroline12]

Stay at the Grande Floridian it is my favorite and the best hotel in my opinion!

 

[Roo Jones]

Hi there! POFQ is a cute, quiet resort (or at least it was when we went there). Hotel rooms are nice, about in line with most Holiday Inns and the like that I've seen. View from the window was really not any special deal for us-- however there are rooms that overlook the river, and I'm sure those are lovely (but FAR walk from bus stop and food areas). I thought the atmosphere was a nice, quiet romantic little area, but what do I know.
We've also stayed at CBR which is now my favorite moderate. Its more crowded, more kids and families, but hey this is Disney world, right? Same Holiday Inn-ish rooms, a slight touch bigger and lots cheerier and colorful.
My fiancee and I took a look at the Polynesian for the first time earlier this year, and fell in love with it. We're hoping to stay there for our honeymoon next year, providing we can get a good discounted rate. IMHO, theres not a more romantic place on property. Grand Floridian is nice, but just not "us".
As for the Honeymoon package: I didn't think it was worth the money for us, but its a personal preferance. My best advice is take a good look at what's offered, and see if you think you will use it. I'm leaning towards the "Silver" plan for our trip, because I think we're going to do a lot more sit down meals and "special" stuff on this trip. You can be romantic without choosing ANY of the plans: contact Gifts of a Lifetime, or have flowers delivered in the room, maybe w/ some champange.
Anyhow, I hope all my nonsense ramblings helped you some! Have a fabulous, magical honeymoon!

 

[Wilma Flintstone]

I'm a woman, and I have to agree that the honeymoon certainly stands out in my mind more than my wedding.

That said, in 1981, my new husband and I stayed in a lagoon-view 3rd floor Poly room, with the castle, Space Mt., and Contemporary as our view. Each night we would see the Electric Water Pageant from either our balcony or the beach, and fireworks over the Castle several times that week.

I would stay at a resort that intrigues me with its theming. Noteworthy resorts are: the Poly, Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk Inn & Villas, Yacht & Beach Club. The Contemporary is far from my favorite in terms of theming and freshness, but you simply cannot beat the Magic Kingdom view from a Tower room. The Animal Kingdom Lodge looks beautiful (I visited one day), but it felt too remote to me and not enough "Disney" magic. But, as a newlywed, you may PREFER that.

If you can squeeze those few extra $$$, I would definitely stay at a "deluxe" resort. Trust me, it is worth it.

Now--start making wonderful memories

All the best, Wilma

 

[princess angel]

Demosthenes, I am a woman and I totally agree with you! We spent a fortune on our wedding, and the honeymoon was way better than the wedding reception!
We spent our honeymoon at WDW also! First we spent 3 nights at Vero Beach, and then off to the Grand floridian for 11 nights! It was wonderful!

If I were you, I'd stay at a deluxe resort, a balcony is great, very romantic! Pick a resort that the theming most intrigues you! The Polynesian lagoon view is very romantic, and so is the GF.
The epcot resorts are wonderful too! great location!

The Honeymoon package is nice, but for the price, the Silver plan is a way better deal, and you get more!

Have a great Honeymoon!!

Laura

 

[hallie]

Since you can get the teachers rate at the Swan, I'd go there!! It's a great location, you have the Boardwalk right there with great restaurants and there's Jelly Rolls and a dualing piano bar both for adults only! Plus there's all the restaurants at the Yacht and Beach club too! You can walk or take a boat to MGM or Epcot, stroll around the lake at night, through the Y&B, over to the Boardwalk or even rent a Surry bike. I think it's the most beautiful, fun, romantic resort area at WDW!

We honeymooned at the POFQ, we had a great time. We chose a moderate so we could stay 2 weeks instead of 1 week, it was worth it!! But if we could've stayed at the Swan back then for the teachers rate, I would've chose it in a heartbeat!!

 

[Lou-Ann]

I would have given anything to have had a place like the Wilderness Lodge for my honeymoon. It is quiet, romantic, serene. I have seen several bridal couples over there for their pictures due to the awsome themeing. The Honeymoon suite is gorgeous. We toured it last September while we were guests at the Lodge. We are heading back for the Holiday season and kind of pretending it is another honeymoon...we never had one.long story....We have been married 25 yrs.......
I am certain whereever you choose it will be special. You will be with your honey and you will be at Disney.This is a win/win. Good luck to you.

 

[Elmo888]

I would go with the WL or YC. I've seen GF (haven't stayed), and it isn't for me. And I do agree with the others - go with a theme that appeals to you. If you get the Travel Channel, check their website for a show called Great Hotels. AKL, BC and YC, and GF have been featured. Also, check http://www.wdwig.com/ for pics.

The theming of the WL is great and the lobby is spectacular in my opinion. Check the prices on these, but the WL has honeymoon suites. They aren't exactly suites, but they have king beds and a HUGE jacuzzi tub (for two). There are only 4, and they are secluded. Ask for one on the MK side. When we went (1997), they weren't priced much more than the average WL room.

I also like the YC theming, but it isn't as WOW as WL. It is very tasteful. And I love the location of the YC (same as BC, BWI, Dolphin and Swan) where you can walk to the back (World Showcase) of Epcot. This is a great location for adults, and we spent every evening in the World Showcase. It is a great place to snack and get drinks (beer and wine) and stroll. They usually have a late fireworks show.

I would skip the packages. It is usually less expensive if you price things separately. I would splurge on the hotel and then save money by bringing snacks (we carried small snacks into the parks in a backpack) and drinks (including wine and beer if they appeal to you) to tide you over between meals. (We did this on our honeymoon.)

You can also save money by purchasing a hopper pass instead of the "length of stay" pass that comes in the package. For example, we didn't go to the parks at all on our first day. We arrived around 4 pm and we spent the evening at the Boardwalk (ESPN Club - it was football playoff season!) which is free. So why would you pay for a park pass for that day? We didn't go to parks on our last day either, since our plane left around noon. On top of that, you can get a hopper pass, and if you don't use a day or two, they don't expire, so you can use them next time (and if you honeymoon at WDW, there will be a next time!). Length of stay passes expire on your last day.

I hope that helps! Enjoy your honeymoon!