Where To Stay? Please Help!

[Jeremy B.]

For the last three spring breaks my wife, daughter (7) and son (3.5, the half is very important at that age), have been to the world and have stayed off site. The first two years we stayed at Cypress Pointe, and last year we stayed at Windsor Palms. The first year we went my daughter got to go to MK on her 5th b-day. We are wanting to do the same for our son when he turns 5 in December '08. We are going to skip this coming spring break '08, and just wait until his 5th b-day. His b-day is 12/22, and most likely our trip would involve us going down around the 18th, and coming home on the 23rd.

We feel like we do not need a condo this time around, as our son is getting older, and staying in a regular hotel room would most likely be just fine for us as long as there was a refrigerator, and possibly an area to do laundry. This leads me to wanting to stay on site this time around since we have never experienced that before. We are not opposed to spending the money on a Deluxe either, however the more we can save, the better! Also, with it being Xmas time, we want to experience the World in all it's holiday glory.

Given all the above information I would love to hear some feedback and input on places on-site to stay, and why? Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[stitchlover]

If you are wanting a fridge then you have to start with at least a moderate. We stayed at POFQ this past March with DD who is 11 and she really liked it. It is the smallest moderate resort and never feels crowded. The laundry facility there is fine, I didn't have any trouble doing a load or two.
I can't really give you any info on a Deluxe because we haven't stayed in one yet! That is the '08 trip!

 

[AllyGirl_79]

Hmmm...

I'd echo the previous poster. If you want a fridge, the moderates are the place to start. I'd recommend either of the Port Orleans resorts... POFQ is small and easy to get around. POR has a theme that would probably really appeal to your little guy - particularly the Alligator Bayou section. Also, in that area of the resort, there's a trundle bed in the room. Always fun for kids. You can take the boat to DTD, which is a nice thing, too. And the moderate price tag is a bit easier on the wallet. Also note that before Christmas, you'd probably get part of your vacation during value season, which is a nice bonus.

For the deluxes, WL or AKL have a lot of bang for the buck. Great decorations and theme for the WL at Christmas. AKL is also a fabulous place if your kids like animals. You'd have a slightly bigger room at either WL or AKL than at a moderate, a fridge, and some extra benefits like sit down restaurants. At WL, you also have the boat to the MK, which is probably a big plus with kids. You might also consider one of the monorail hotels for convenience, the extra daybed, and bigger rooms. I love the Poly, personally, for the grounds and ambiance. But the CR has the monorail through the center and Chef Mickeys. GF is supposed to be lovely for Christmas, too. Epcot hotels are great for transportation, but, at the end of the day, at Christmas time and with kids, I'd probably pick the WL. It's beautifully decorated, close to the MK, and a little less than the monorail hotels.

I've never done laundry at the world, but you might want to look into the villas, as various room categories offer laundry facilities and a kitchenette. If a villa was available at WL or AKL that met your needs, you might have the best of both worlds.

Happy planning!

 

[Jeremy B.]

Thanks for the input guys. We would love to stay at the Contemporary, however how much construction is going to be going on, if any, around Xmas '08?

 

[disneydance]

I would reccomend either Cornado Spring Resort which is a moderate

Or

To celebrate his birthday like no other stay at the AKL where he can see animals right outside his window!!!!

 

[cabanafrau]

We're diehard Polynesian fans in our family, but I'm really not going to let that bias my recommendation to you. If you've never stayed onsite, why not start out w/ a moderate, knowing that Disney does things right & you'll absolutely fall in love w/ someplace a little easier on the pocketbook? Learn from our experience, we started out @ the Poly many moons ago & now no one wants to go unless it's Poly & Poly all the way.

If you're looking for an immersion in Christmas decorations, GF & WL do some of the more elaborate set-ups I know about, but I'm sure others could inform you better than I on that score. The Poly isn't particularly strong in the Christmas decorating area, but that's never high on our priorities.

For convenience of getting around, I definitely feel the Poly is king, as you can walk to the TTC easily & we spend lots of time @ MK. If you're big Epcot fans, one of the resorts accessible to the International Gateway might suit you better.

Hope this helps even a bit & definitely wish you a fabulous trip w/ lots of magic!

 

[MissionMouse]

Statistically the PR and WL are the two resorts to book out around Christmas time period. WL is known for being one of the lower cost deluxe with boat service to the MK. It also provides the typical Rocky Mountain Lodge feel based upon the architecture of the Old Faithfull Inn and Glacier Park Lodge with Christmas decorations.

The other one I would recommend would be the GF for its Chirstmas decorations couple with monorail and yacht service. I would recommend any of the monorail resorts except if major construction is underway.

 

[Mickiethepooh]

Going at Christmas I would stay at Wilderness Lodge, or Grand FLoridian or Port Orleans Riverside. The Beach club would also be nice.

 

[blackmonmama]

You are a wise parent to stay on site. You could also do a suite at all star music. They have little kitchens and then you'd have a room to close off after he goes to sleep. It may not beposh, but fun for a little one.

If you go for a mod, I'd suggest a PO, deluxe prob. AK or Poly.

 

[dellholler]

all star suites are adequate - all we needed the hotel for was sleeping, showering and swimming.
you could also look into a fridge swap within your hotel complex to get a fridge for free

 

[goofy4tink]

The Polynesian would be my first choice if money is not a big deal. Second would be WL...cheaper than Polynesian but pretty incredible decorations.
If you want to save a bit more, go with POFQ. I love POR, but FQ is smaller and easier to navigate. You would most likely be fine with either.
Then, if you really want to save some money, go with POP. You can rent a small fridge for about $10 a day. There are several laundry areas by the pools.
The theming is a hoot..lots of oversized icons all over the place. Not a deluxe by any stretch by it's a fun, colorful resort.

 

[tink70]

My vote would be for Coronado Springs, the kids love the pool and the atmosphere is beautiful.
I also like the poly, but the new rates are scary.
I think for the price, CSR is WONDERFUL.
ps- Check out Buzz's webpage, he may even add a post about CSR.
His photos show how nice it is.
If I find his website I will post a link.

 

[Lilolvr]

CSR gets my vote!!

 

[Buzz2001]

CSR!! Check out my CSR website below for pics and info.

Here are some CSR x-mas pics!!

 

[hannahryan]

We've stayed offsite and at most of the value and moderates. Most recently we tried deluxe (BWV and the POLY). My whole family is now 100% sold on the Polynesian. The relaxing atmosphere combined with the magical location is priceless. That being said, WL would be another amazing choice...especially at Christmas Time.

 

[TeddyToo]

If money is an issue and quality is important click the Swan and Dolphin header. They are offering rooms for $159 during that time frame versus the full rack rate at WDW hotels yet you get all of the WDW perks except magical express and charging to the room. It is a Boardwalk hotel and the bus ride to Magic Kingdom was fine. You can rent refridgerators for the room for a few dollars and the Dolphin has laudry facilities. Their pool is great and access to Epcot and MGM studios can't be beat. Hope this helps!