Where to stay for GD?

[Sphyrna]

So I plan to book my resort for Gay Days by the end of the week (since the current promotions have to booked by March 27). I'm trying to decide on which resort to book. I've been trying to make my rounds and try the different resorts. So far I've stayed at Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club, and the Poly. I'm interested in staying at AKL but it's so far from everything. I loved the Boardwalk area!! Didn't care too much for the Beach Club but its location was awesome!! I loved being able to walk/take the boat to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

I'm seriously thinking about taking a second trip this winter. I'd love to see the parks decorated for the holidays. With that in mind I thought about trying a moderate. POFQ seems to be my top pick for that. Then I read that Rosie is staying there so now I'm afraid!

Since I liked the Boardwalk area so much I thought about the Boardwalk Inn. However, my sister didn't seem too impressed when she stayed there. Yacht Club seems nice but is similar to Beach Club, where I've already stayed. I also thought about the Swan/Dolphin but now don't think there are rooms available. Another option would be a studio at Old Key West. I like the look of that resort. Or possibly CBR.

What do you guys think? I'm almost set on POFQ but thought I'd get your opinions first.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

I've never stayed at a moderate, but have heard that the POFQ is wonderful.

I love the BC so any recommendation I'd make would probably be suspect! LOL. I can tell you to skip the BW unless it's the only option.

I love OKW but it's my home resort so I'm a bit biased.

What about Bay Lake Towers? I'll bet you know the barkeep there!

 

[OrlandoMike]

I'm pretty sure the BLT is booked.

My favorite areas are the Monorail resorts, and the EPCOT resorts. All of them have so much to offer a quick walk or monorail ride away!

If you are planning a second trip, then stay where you can afford! POFQ is my favorite Mod. And yes, there are a few people from these boards staying there, so it could be....ummmmm........fun?

 

[Sphyrna]

When I did a search at work today there were some studios available at BLT. But I'm not sure. To me, it's part of the Contemporary, and I've already stayed there. Plus to me it just doesn't feel Disney. I mean I love the contemporary look. One of those rooms would be a great place to live. But to me there's nothing magical about it. I still have a couple days to decide but I'm 90% sure it will be POFQ.

 

[Sphyrna]

I'm really thinking it's going to be POFQ. My original plan was to stay with my local friend for 1/2 the week then check in at a Disney resort. But the email I got from him was very nonchalant and ambivalent. After what happened with him last year I'm starting to think maybe I won't count on him at all this year. So I thought I'd do my trip just from Tues-Mon but since I'm off that entire weekend for Memorial Day it'd seem like a waste. So now I'm pricing rooms for the full week. Given that increase I'll probably go moderate to save some $.

 

[ConcKahuna]

You should look into the Swan and Dolphin. You wouldn't be able to use DME, but they are deluxe quality for moderate price.

 

[Sphyrna]

You should look into the Swan and Dolphin. You wouldn't be able to use DME, but they are deluxe quality for moderate price.

I had thought about the Swan & Dolphin, especially since I should be able to get an educational discount. But nothing available in either now

 

[Sphyrna]

Another day, another idea. Actually, two! Boy I really started planning sooner! Listening to the podcast last night and hearing them talk about Universal gave me idea #1. I could get a resort around Universal for the first 1/2 of the week and do Universal/IOA. My hope is that since The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be opening June 18, maybe they'll be doing a soft opening while I'm there. I remember going to Universal before IOA opened and my sis and I got in on the soft opening of IOA. It was so awesome going through the park with hardly anyone there! I'm not sure if I'd stay at a Universal resort or just outside. We stayed at the DoubleTree right across the street before (back when it was the Radisson Twin Towers) and really enjoyed it.

My sister gave me idea #2. Since I'd like to stay at AKL but don't like how far out it is, I could do a split stay. Stay the first 1/2 of the week at AKL and the second 1/2 at POFQ. I do like the idea of spending the entire week at Disney. I can actually relax by the pool and do other things I normally don't get a chance to do. I can also do the attractions at the parks earlier in the week so that Gay Days weekend I can just enjoy the atmosphere. (I'm definitely not going on Soarin or Mission Space or Test Track after drink around the world!! )

Guess I better hurry and decide before the current promotions end. At the least I think I'm going to book POFQ now and decide what to do the first 1/2 of the week later.

 

[Sphyrna]

I'm now officially booked!! I played around with the reservations some more online then finally called them to book. I decided to do a split stay. I'm staying at AKL 5/29 - 6/2 then POFQ from 6/2 - 6/7. I went with the room only discount for both rooms. At first I calculated the cheapest option would be the room only discount for AKL and the gift card promotion for POFQ. The gift card promotion requires park tickets as well, so I planned to get a 9 day ticket for my entire stay. But the wonderful agent I spoke with on the phone pointed out that I wouldn't be able to get the tix until I checked in to POFQ. So that shot that idea.

I still haven't decided if I'm going to do Universal and IOA. But I figured I can always just go there from Disney. I'm really liking the idea of spending more time at Disney which will mean more time relaxing!!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

AKL is our favorite. We're there June 4 - 19.
We are doing one night at Hard Rock, just to get the Express Pass for US/IOA. I am not sure how much (if any) of the Harry Potter stuff will be open, but we have never been to US/IOA so it will all be new to us anyway!

 

[Sphyrna]

I've visited AKL when going there to dine and really love the look of the resort. My sister is a DVC member and they have it as their home resort. Her first stay there she spent an entire day out on the balcony watching the animals. Only thing I don't like is it's out there, away from everything. I'm curious to see how much longer it takes to get to the parks and stuff.

I haven't been to Universal/IOA in a few years. I'd like to do the Simpson's ride and HRRR in addition to Harry Potter if it's open. And the Hulk is one of my favorite roller coasters. I hope you enjoy your visit!

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

The distance really is no big deal.

We love Kidani Village and will be returning again in April! It is a resort where you really can spend untold amounts of time just enjoying the resort (and the pool area).

You'll have a great time!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I've visited AKL when going there to dine and really love the look of the resort. My sister is a DVC member and they have it as their home resort. Her first stay there she spent an entire day out on the balcony watching the animals. Only thing I don't like is it's out there, away from everything. I'm curious to see how much longer it takes to get to the parks and stuff.

I haven't been to Universal/IOA in a few years. I'd like to do the Simpson's ride and HRRR in addition to Harry Potter if it's open. And the Hulk is one of my favorite roller coasters. I hope you enjoy your visit!

It's our home resort, too. Last year we only had savanna view part of the time, and I'm not sure what we'll get this year. Last year we started in a savanna sudio and moved to concierge, this year we start in a pool view room and then move to a 1 bedroom villa. But the villa is a "value" so the view is luck of the draw. The distance to the parks doesn't bother us. I guess maybe we are just used to it since we hardly ever stay anywhere else.

I think DS will really enjoy US/IOA. He went to Six Flags during Spring Break and rode a bunch of the big thrill rides, so I think he is ready!

 

[OrlandoMike]

I think DS will really enjoy US/IOA. He went to Six Flags during Spring Break and rode a bunch of the big thrill rides, so I think he is ready!

Let me know when you are ready for Cedar Point, I will forward my spreadsheets!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Let me know when you are ready for Cedar Point, I will forward my spreadsheets!

Um, should I admit I don't even know what state Cedar Point is in?

 

[OrlandoMike]

Um, should I admit I don't even know what state Cedar Point is in?

Ohio! "America's Roller Coast"!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Ohio! "America's Roller Coast"!

I have to say I don't think of Ohio as a "must do" destination. I have an idea! YOU take DS to Cedar Point!

 

[chwgmjay]

LOL... don't tempt him.

 

[Sphyrna]

Ahhh, the memories of CP! Now THAT'S the place for thrill rides!! Anyone who likes roller coasters HAS to go to CP at least once!! I've been there so many times!! But sadly, I haven't been there much recently. I really should plan a trip there soon. I remember the last time there I was actually really nervous riding some of the new rides (and even the old ones). I used to love looking out over the side of the car as it climbs that first big hill. Last time it made me so nervous!!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

LOL... don't tempt him.

Mike and DS would have a BLAST. I think it is a fabulous plan!