Where to Stay for Honeymoon??

[drizzt117]

Hey Everyone,

I am planning my DFs and mine honeymoon for late June 2004. We were planning on staying a total of 8 nights at WDW, splitting 4 with the Poly LV concierge and 4 with the GF main building concierge, with 3 nights in the middle on a Disney cruise. However, with the reviews I've read in the past few months about the GF, we are rethinking that part of the trip. Where would you stay for the other 4 nights? Thanks.

Thomas

 

[DisneyLisa]

I'd stick with your original plans and give the GF a try. We loved our stay there and although I have read some negative reports about the GF lately, I've read negatives about all the resorts since I started reading the DIS in 2000. Try it now...who knows whether you'll ever have the chance to try the GF again...we never know what the future holds.

It's a lovely resort and the grounds alone are so "romantic". I think it's the perfect place to spend the last few days of your honeymoon.

Congratulations on your forthcoming marriage and happy planning .

 

[ktglads]

I would go with an Epcot resort. You are staying at the Poly so you will be very close to MK for 4 days. If you stay at Boardwalk or another Epcot resort, you will be very close to Epcot and MGM for the other 4 days. Plus, you will have the Boardwalk to entertain you there as well. No matter what you choose, it sounds like a really good honeymoon!

 

[Scoootch]

I'd definetly vote for the GF!

My dh and I stayed there for our first 2 nights(before moving over to DL) of our honeymoon in 97' and were upgraded to a suite!! It was so wonderful, I can hardly begin to tell you! And so romantic. We took a bottle of champagne they had sent to the room down to the marina (right in front of where Gasparilla Grill is) and had the perfect view of the fireworks over the castle and it is to this day one of our most cherrished memories of our honeymoon!

I'd recommend the GF to anyone!!

 

[Hollymom1229]

I would definitely go with AKL. There is no getting around the fact that this resort is just plain romantic. Dark and cozy with great views. My Fi and I loved this place last September.

 

[indigo]

We honeymooned at AKL last Oct and really enjoyed it there. We never had a problem with the lighting. We found the bus service excellent. The Cast Members were all great and proud to work at the AKL. And the animals outside your window is a most excellent bonus. My only complaint was the cost of room service. Spring for Concierge if you can and just walk down the hall for food.

 

[LT Hambone]

...Old Key West?

My wife and I spent our 10 days there while on our honeymoon, and we had a blast! We were originally going to stay in a Grand Floridian Honeymoon Suite, but for various reasons we switched to Old Key West and never regretted the decision. Plus, we saved almost $200 a night!

Our room was a one bedroom villa in building 55 all the way in the back. We were next to a quiet pool, very close to the bus stop, and we could (and did!) walk to Downtown Disney. Here’s a quick pro and con review -

Pros

1. Large, large, large room! This is one of the biggest rooms on site, measuring over 1,000 square feet! Compare that to a moderate resort where you only get 314 square feet!
2. Park in front of your door! No need to slog your way through a general parking lot, then walk to the other side of the building – you get out of your car, and in a few steps, you’re in the front door!
3. Nice screened-in patio with a fan, with table and chairs! Depending on your building, you could have a view of the golf course or canal.
4. Two-person Jacuzzi in the master bath – very romantic!
5. Washer and dryer are included, and if you get the right mouse-keeper, unlimited laundry detergent!
6. Fully stocked kitchen – eat some or all of your meals in your room! Keep snacks and cold beverages handy for mid-day snacks or late night munchies. Of course, there is a dish washer, so dirty all of the dishes!
7. Two TVs in two separate rooms. Does a member of the family need to take a nap? No problem – send them to the bedroom, close the door, and watch TV in the other room without disturbing them!
8. A TV with a VCR, if you need to watch a movie (which can be rented in the main building).
9. A very quiet, low-key resort.
   [/list=1]
   
   Cons
   1. Average theming – nothing spectacular, but coherent.
   2. Because the resort is sprawling, most buildings are a long hike to the main building for provisions, front desk, food, etc. But there are numerous bus stops and three extra pools strategically placed around the resort so you don’t have to walk very far for those services.
   3. A stand-alone resort – you can walk or boat to Downtown Disney, but that’s all. You’ll need to use either the bus or your own car to go anywhere else.
   4. Can be expensive – prices range for a 1-bedroom from $340 to $510 depending on the time of the year. This is almost $200 more than a moderate, BUT, you get a whole lot for the money.
   5. Receives a one mug rating on the Mug Man Resort Rating Scale.
      [/list=1]
      
      Overall, this is a great place to stay. You get an awful lot for the money – more room, more amenities, more room, and some peace and quiet. Our honeymoon here was outstanding! We were able to have some very quiet, private, and romantic moments during our stay. And did I also mention how big these rooms are?
      
      Just a thought!

 

[Tikiman]

We started our honeymoon in 2001 at the YC and finished up with a week at the Polynesian. It could not have been better. My second choice whould have been the AKL but I see it as more adventurous that romantic. The YC was a nice mix of Epcot resort and MK resort.

If you want to read our Honeymoon trip repsrt with photos visit the link:

http://www.tikiman2001.homestead.com/Trip2001.html

 

[D&R love Disney]

A garden suite at the Board Walk Inn. A beautiful room with a 2 person jacuzzi, king size bed and either a balcony or enclosed patio. You may be able to get an AP rate if you are lucky.

 

[Peanut]

PLEASE vote if you truly have an opinion on this. I am interested in this question as well!

 

[princesstommi]

We honeymooned at the AKL, and I LOVED it! We also did the 3-night Wonder cruise.

AKL might be a nice change of pace, after/before staying at the Poly. Completly different surroundings. From being in the middle of everything (on the monorail) to being in a secluded resort. KWIM?

I loved how secluded AKL was. It was just refreshing. We went from the hustle and bustle of the parks to an amazing resort. We had a savannah view room...and the whole resort was spectacular. I would love to stay there again.

Have a wonderful trip, where ever you decide to stay.

 

[Gillian]

One more option - BWV or BCV 1 bedroom villa! You don't get the service of conceierge, but you'll have a king size bed & a whirlpool. Plus it's in the epcot area so if you split your stay with GF or Poly, you'll get to experience 2 areas of the World.

I've read so many negative reports of the GF main building concierge lately, even from people who've stayed there many times before, that I'd probably stay away too. It's so much money, and it just doesn't seem worth it if they mess up your dining arrangements, don't follow through on paid for special items, or book your car service incorrectly.