Where to stay w/2 teens? Deluxe or no?

[EastCoaster]

Haven't been to Disney since '72! Now I've got 2 teens (girl 13, boy 16) of my own, and hubby. Have TONS of questions, but my first is where to stay? We're going Easter break (I know, I know) Sat - Wed (4 nights, 5 days). Studied Deluxe Resorts for days and am starting to worry spending that much might make me too critical of the place every time I think of what I'm spending. Then again it's probably the only time we go as a family to Disney and I still want it to be great.

I'm now thinking about Caribbean Beach, as has many pools, not over-Mickied, food court, island theme. Here's my first set of questions, and appreciate any help.

Is CB okay for teens? Should we rent car (busy season, but is it more hassle to drive & park than to deals with busses?) Is CB the sort of place we could "hang out" at, or is it basically just a place to sleep & maybe get a quick bite. (We're more night owls and LOVE the LATE Extra Hours!) Anyone want to argue for us spending the extra $1200 and staying at maybe the Poly? Thanks.

 

[YoHo]

If this is a once in a lifetime trip, then stay at a Deluxe (I'll always stump for the poly)

The Deluxes are the only resorts that are true Disney through and through. If you still think it's a bit too much, then I recommend the Port Orleans resorts as they are as close to Deluxe in feel and sheer Disney magic as is possible.

 

[shades]

I don't think you will fit in a moderate or value hotel unless your teens are comfortable sharing a double bed.

I've done a lot of research on the size of the rooms at all of the Disney hotels and I'm sure some people who have stayed in them will come along and give you more details about the rooms - but, there isn't any room for a roll-a-way bed in the moderate/value rooms. The poly hotel has a flip over sofa bed - makes into a nice twin - according to what I've read. Somebody should be along soon to clarify.....

**We always rent a car - it is easier for us. We like being able to come & go as we want to/from the parks as well as being able to go offsite and eat some cheap meals

 

[luvfigment]

CBR is nice I haven't been there in a while but you can also consider Port Orleanes Riverside. That is where my sister and I stayed all through our teens (I was 14, 16, and 18 she was 17, 19, 21)and we enjoyed it a lot there. You can also get a trundle bed to pull out at night at POR. It does get tight with the bed out but if you only pull it out at night you'll be fine.

If you want to be able to hang out the Boardwalk/Yacht and Beach Club area is nice with the Boardwalk near by. It basically depends on if you do want to pay that $1200 extra for a Deluxe. If you want to consider the AKL also they have a great pool and it is open late/"doesn't close".

I know that I have not given you a definite answer but only you know your family best and what you all like. I grew up staying in Moderates and enjoyed all of them. My personal opinion is you need to decided if you want to spend the extra money.

 

[EastCoaster]

Thanks for replying so quickly!

I take to heart all of your comments and think I also hear what you're NOT saying. I figure I have a few more days before making a final decision, so I will try to consider everything. (This is so fun!!)

We plan on bringing a blow-up mattress for my son, and sounds like the room may be a bit small for that. So much to think about!

 

[luvfigment]

Just keep in mind even in some of the Deluxe Rooms it may be tight with a blow up mattress. I don't really remember my trip to the Poly as I was like 4 but I just went to AKL this summer and it would be tight with a blow up mattress in there but you can try to request a bunk bed room. The Yacht Club had a more room but it also more to stay there than the Poly.

No matter where you decide to stay chances are you will only have the mattress out for sleeping so how much does space matter? I think no matter where you chose you will have a great time. Keep us updated!

 

[momtofour]

Have you thought about the Fort Wilderness Cabins? My family of six stays there often and I have 2 teenagers. A little more room and a small kitchen. I was able to book one for March 2006 with an AP rate for about $186.00 per night. Check them out!!

 

[SeaSpray]

We have 2 teens, boys ages 17 and 14, and we've stayed at CBR, the Grand Floridian, the Polynesian, and the Wilderness Lodge.

There is *definitely* enough room for a fold-up bed in the rooms at CBR. They are the largest of all the moderate resort rooms. I've stayed in a room at CBR, and IN one of the fold-up beds, and it was fine. The housekeeper makes up the bed for you each day, just like she does for the other beds.

Now having said that, our family is most comfortable at the Polynesian because the rooms are very large there, and each DS can have their own bed.

At the Wilderness Lodge this past summer we were in a room with a queen bed, and bunkbeds, and while my sons had no problem with the size of the bunkbeds themselves, there was *very* little head room between the top and bottom bunk. My older DS basically had to bend down (he was on the bottom bed) and roll into bed. lol In the morning he had to be careful not to sit up too fast or else he would've hit his head on the top bed! lol However, neither of them complained about this, but it is something that families with older teens should be aware of.

We LOVED CBR and we absolutely LOVE the Polynesian. It is our family's favorite Disney resort.

We never rent a car for our Disney World trips because we always stay on property and do not want the hassle of driving while on vacation. This is a personal preference and I know that a lot of people like to have a car of their own. We've always had excellent service with Disney transportation, whether bus, boat, or monorail

I think CBR *is* a resort you can hang out at, and enjoy some down time from the parks. Not sure about the night life though! The last time we stayed there, the boys were 13 and 10, so we didn't stay out very late on that trip. The grounds at CBR are beautiful at night, so even if you just wanted to swim or walk the promenade around the lake, that could be fun too.

Regarding your concern about worrying over the additional cost of a deluxe resort, my advice is this: If you think you truly will be critical of the resort and be upset if you don't get what you think your money's worth should be, then you will probably be happy at a moderate, like the CBR But, if you decide on a deluxe resort, then go into your vacation with an open mind and make sure you enjoy yourselves!

By the way, I have pictures from all of our Disney trips on my web site, including pictures from CBR, the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and the Wilderness Lodge, not to mention the parks and restaurants! The link is below, click on it, then scroll down to the various links to our Disney trips. Enjoy, and have a great vacation, wherever you decide to stay

 

[lovewdwdvc]

It might be too late but if I were you, I would check out one of the DVC's. They are big enough (even the studio) for an air mattress and are deluxe resorts.

SSR - my husband's favorite for DTD.

BCV and BWV - teenager's favorite for the location

VWL - might be my favorite

OKW- my BIL and SIL's favorite because the accomodations are huge.

We cannot help with a rental because we have used all of our points for this year and next year, but if you PM me I can help explain the process.

Start with the rent/trade board here.

 

[LiteBrite]

There is room in the Moderates for a single size air mattress. We did this once when my brought my daughter's boyfriend with us. We did have to rearrange the room furniture a little bit (the bench went under the clothes rod in the sink/dressing area, and the table and chairs moved to where the bench had been, and the air mattress fit nicely in the spot against the wall previous occupied by the table and chairs). Mousekeeping even made it up with sheets and a blanket without us even asking them to.

 

[jackmac]

I would definately go with a DVC 1 bedroom. I would choose eithor the Boardwalk villa's or the Beach Club Villa's. The Boardwalk area has plenty for the kids to do at night and it is safe enough for them to have some freedom. You can walk to Epcot and MGM or take a boat. There is always activity around the Boardwalk at night. If your children are sports nuts, ESPN is there for casual dinners and watching games.

The villa's can be rented through Disney or you could rent points on the rent trade board. I would also not rent a car if staying at a Boardwalk resort. The money you save by taking Disney Magical Express will help offset the additional cost of the room.

A 1 bedroom villa consists of a full kitchen (it's amazing how much you save by having breakfast in the villa), a dining area, a living room with a pull out couch, a king sized master bedroom, a jacuzzi tub / vanity room, walk in closet and a bath / shower room. It would give you much more room than a room at a moderate. If you or your children are into working out, it also has a free gym. All in all a great alternative.

 

[DIS4MYGIRLS]

FYI - AKL has rooms with bunk beds.... but my vote is for the Beach Club .. with the pool the kids will never be in the room other then to sleep .. and I am almost positive you can get an air mattress in the room .. I am a DVC member and we stay at the villas, in the studio it would be difficult but at the Beach Club in a regular room I think you can do it. Have a great time..... correction DD17 feels we would be able to fit an air mattress in the Studio as well...

 

[Cmbar]

Bet you didn't expect all of us to give our advice on how to spend your money

If you are going during Spring break you gotta go Poly just for the sheer fact that you will be right next to the MK. If your late nighters then you would love to stay out at the MK and ride all the rides and you will be happy when you look at the LONG lines on the monorail or for the buses - you can just keep walking right to your resort. Since you are going to Disney at Peak I would choose the most convienience, you will be so tired of waiting in line that you will love the convenience of a resort that has other options than a crowded bus ride home. This is what you will be most happy about. I know it has been a while since you went to Disney, but it gets REAL crowded during Easter break. Now if you are the kind of family that would prefer to go to the boardwalk area and would love to do Epcot or MGM at night, then I would pick one of those resorts. Renting DVC is a great option since you will spend close to half of what you will spend going through Disney, even though it is the highest point time for DVC during the time you go. I also agree that you can fit an air mattress in the Studio's. I would never spend twice as much for a one bedroom if I could fit into a studio. That being said, the one bedrooms will give you more room, but you have to decide if it is worth the money. I would not rent a car because you really don't need it. I would put that money toward the most convienient resort since you are going during Easter break.

Just my two cents!

 

[catbertdave99]

I'm now thinking about Caribbean Beach, as has many pools, not over-Mickied, food court, island theme. Here's my first set of questions, and appreciate any help.

Is CB okay for teens? Should we rent car (busy season, but is it more hassle to drive & park than to deals with busses?) Is CB the sort of place we could "hang out" at, or is it basically just a place to sleep & maybe get a quick bite. (We're more night owls and LOVE the LATE Extra Hours!) Anyone want to argue for us spending the extra $1200 and staying at maybe the Poly? Thanks.

Your kids will love CBR! My DS14 and DS11 loved it and insist that we go back to CBR and nowhere else -- and that's after staying at WL and AKL before.

They loved the beaches, the hammocks, the SeaRaycer boats on the lake, the food court, the walk around the lake and across to the island, and you're right -- it's a lot less money. There's lots to do just "hanging out" at CBR -- the main pool isn't huge, but they liked the fact that each village has its own quiet pool as well -- they actually went there more.

We didn't have a car, and really didn't miss it. We took the buses everywhere, and found the bus service to be great! Never had to wait too long, and this was in April, when it was fairly busy.

I think the thing we found best about CBR is that when we returned there from the parks, it was like returning to another vacation within our vacation -- not just going back to a hotel. The theming is great, and we just loved it.

Make sure you check out the FAQ's that Safetymom keeps going -- theyll both give you lots of info. Here are the links:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=568915
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=655543

Happy planning!

 

[LiteBrite]

Bet you didn't expect all of us to give our advice on how to spend your money

If you are going during Spring break you gotta go Poly just for the sheer fact that you will be right next to the MK. If your late nighters then you would love to stay out at the MK and ride all the rides and you will be happy when you look at the LONG lines on the monorail or for the buses - you can just keep walking right to your resort.

Just to clarify, you can't walk to the Poly from the MK. I'm guessing that Cmbar meant you could keep walking to the boat launch that goes to the Poly, which probably will have shorter lines than the monorail or buses.

 

[ducklite]

Best bet hands down is the Beach Club. Every room has two queens and a day bed which is a full size twin. So the boys don't need to sleep in the same bed. Storm Along Bay, the pool, is a miniwater park, and PERFECT for teens. It's walking distance to MGM and Epcot. It's also a short walk to the Boardwalk entertainment area.

My second choice would be the Polynesian. The rooms are a bit larger, and have the same bedding configuration as the BC, but IMHO don't have as many nearby dining options and with teens, you might end up spending less time at the MK and more at Epcto and MGM.

Anne

 

[clkelley]

Let me offer something totally different. Have you considered two rooms at a Value?? You, the adults, can request a King Room connecting to two doubles. Mom and Dad get a King-Sized bed, and each of the kids gets their own bed. Also, then you have two bathrooms.

My boys LOVE All-Stars. Especially All-Star Sports. There are lots of other teens hanging out at the pools and on the football field. Lots of teens in the arcade too. As a matter of fact, the boys spent an entire day over at Wide World of Sports with some other kids they met watching them in a softball tournament.

We stayed at Port Orleans, French Quarter, once and the boys were bored. Hardly any teens, and a teeny arcade. (Carribbean Beach may have a different atmosphere).

Edited to add, my boys were 9/10, 14/15, 15/16 for the All-Stars trips. They were 16/17 for the POFQ trip. They are now 18 & 19.

Carol

 

[tndisneyfan]

Just another suggestion to add to your list. Have you thought about getting 2 connecting rooms at a Mod. or value resort. That way each kid would have their own bed and you would gain an extra bathroom. It would also give you and DH some privacy and alone time.

 

[oots]

my vote is for the poly-the rooms are very large and the day beds are quite adeqaute-we were there a few weeks ago -myself-wife & three teenagers-we did not feel crowded and the monorail access cannot be beat. you could also stay at the contemporary for about $50-$75 less per nite than the poly-but I love the theme etc at the poly.

 

[T-i-double-g-err]

Just to clarify, you can't walk to the Poly from the MK. I'm guessing that Cmbar meant you could keep walking to the boat launch that goes to the Poly, which probably will have shorter lines than the monorail or buses.

I'd agree that it's a bit of a long walk to make it to the Poly on foot. The CR would be much more doable walk. During our last stay at the Poly, we enjoyed using the launch. The kids particularly enjoyed when we were able to time it so that we were on the launch during the fireworks display...

We've stayed at the Poly our last two trip and found the rooms to be great. No teens in our group, but our younger DD is a restless sleeper and flails and kicks in her sleep. Our older DD opted for the day bed in the room. Everyone was quite happy with the arrangement.