Where to stay with a non- park-loving DH

[mom22boys]

DH has agreed to go to WDW in May 2008! Yeah!!!! Our DSs love it and DH is "willing" to go to make them happy. DH enjoys WDW but he isn't into the parks all that much. In his opinion MK is a park to stay in for no longer than three hours. Too many people and too many lines for him to stay there much longer than that. He loves WS at Epcot and he enjoys AK. Anyway, my goal is to pick a resort that helps DH enjoy his vacation as much as possible. DSs and I will be happy anywhere as long as we are at WDW!!!

Here are my goals in choosing a resort:

-a calm, relaxing environment

-a nice pool, that isn't too crowded (yeah, I know, right I am talking about WDW )

-good transportation

-food choices close to the resort for on those days when we are trying to take it easy

Much thanks! Can't wait to hear your responses!



Oldest DS wanted to insert a wink.

 

[AKLRULZ]

Here are my goals in choosing a resort:

-a calm, relaxing environment

-a nice pool, that isn't too crowded (yeah, I know, right I am talking about WDW )

-good transportation

-food choices close to the resort for on those days when we are trying to take it easy

You just described the Yacht & Beach Club! (Even though SAB can get crowded, all Disney pools can and there is a nice quiet pool that doesn't get so crowded.)

Have fun!

 

[laura001]

I would have to agree with the Yacht and Beach Club also, having the Boardwalk area available to you is a great idea.

If you were looking for a moderate, I would choose Coronado Springs, the pool is great, restaurants, both counter and seated are great also.

 

[BigGreen73]

Here are my 2 cents on this. My DW and I have been going to WDW in May for the past three years. We will be going again in May 2008 and will be staying at Pop Century.

MK for us is a full day adventure for us (usually 12-14 hrs ). During the time we go in May, the crowds are very manageable as you only really notice the masses during parades and FW, the line waits are usually 10-45 mins on average, and the weather is great.

When we stayed at Pop this past May, we stayed in the 60's building overlooking the lake, it was very quiet with a beautiful view. I will be requesting a room here again next trip. As for the pools, the Hippy Dippy is usually the busiest, but the other two can be very quiet at times.

I don't know if you have gone in May before, but maybe that time of year will change your DH's tune regarding MK. Who knows.

Have fun.

 

[abner1776]

While I have not stayed at all of the resorts, the WL would seem to satisfy his needs. Quiet and serene would be words I would use to describe the WL and the pool is not too crazy. Plus if the pool is too loud, he can walk over to the pool at the villas which is far quieter.
There are nice restaurants at the WL and many places to just sit, read and contemplate. He can even take a tour of the Disney vacation club resort if he gets totally bored.
He can also hop onto the boats and visit CR, FW and even MK not to mention having a nice ride around the lake. At CR he can catch the monorail and enjoy the ride.

 

[rcraw45425]

Another vote for the EPCOT resort area. The EPCOT resort area offers tons of things to do, dining choices, a cool pool at Y&B, mini golf across the street at Fantasia Gardens. DH could hop on a bus to DTD and explore, get a golf tee time and hit the links, you name it. We actually spent one of our longest vacations at YC spring break last year. Took a break mid week from the parks and hit DTD, played fantasia gardens, broke up the trip a little. I think that you'll be pleased there. Of the two resorts (Y&B) I recommend Yacht club as the rooms have full balconies or patios. Some Beach club rooms have mere step outs.

 

[Pluto1976]

Given the requirements you mentioned I would choose either CBR or AKL. CBR seems to have the best food court all-around in my opinion and it's got a great island theme.

AKL is nice too and the pool area is so big it's seems easy to find a nice little spot to relax for the day. My DF and I definitely enjoyed ourselves there last June and did not goto any parks during our short-stay.

Both resorts have excellent transportation to and from the parks.

 

[Harvest02]

DH has agreed to go to WDW in May 2008! Yeah!!!! Our DSs love it and DH is "willing" to go to make them happy. DH enjoys WDW but he isn't into the parks all that much. In his opinion MK is a park to stay in for no longer than three hours. Too many people and too many lines for him to stay there much longer than that. He loves WS at Epcot and he enjoys AK. Anyway, my goal is to pick a resort that helps DH enjoy his vacation as much as possible. DSs and I will be happy anywhere as long as we are at WDW!!!

Here are my goals in choosing a resort:

-a calm, relaxing environment

-a nice pool, that isn't too crowded (yeah, I know, right I am talking about WDW )

-good transportation

-food choices close to the resort for on those days when we are trying to take it easy

Much thanks! Can't wait to hear your responses!



Oldest DS wanted to insert a wink.

I know what you mean! My DH is not a Disney fan, but goes to make our DS happy(as well as to make me happy). We stayed at AS Movies last June, but for our upcoming trip in October, I did a couple things different: I chose POR because he LOVES New Orleans(where we have been), and I also chose to go in October since when we went last year it was HOT!! Although, I hear October can be too. Doesn't sound like the crowds are quite as bad though. So, we will see how it goes this time around! Maybe I will convert him to a Disney fan as well!

 

[Magic2000]

I suggest checking out the Boardwalk Inn. We stayed there last summer and really had a great time!!! Our room, with full balcony, overlooked the Eiffel Tower at Epcot and of course, we could see the fireworks!! My DD absolutely LOVED the pool!!!!! Its an easy stroll over to Epcot if yall (he) wants to just walk over for a few hours. Also, the Boardwalk itself, with ESPN club - he could watch some games on TV. You may want to take the boys to one of the parks and there would be plenty for your DH to do in the Epcot area!

Have a great trip!!!!!

 

[hoosll]

This resort is perfect if you want to be IN the World but AWAY from the congestion. It is a very compact resort with great pools and spas. A quiet beach, wonderful boats to MK and Cont

We always request a king bed!

 

[helenabear]

I'll also suggest the Epcot area. Y&BC have a very busy main pool, but the quiet ones aren't too bad. Same with BW. Swan & Dolphin usually have a very quiet pool and are very close to all the eateries of Epcot area.

You could always pick an MK resort and he would be able to hop around from one place to another for food, but they do feel a lot more secluded from each other and not quite as serene.

Not sure about moderates though. CBR is far too spread out and my friend who stayed there during the day while waiting on her DH to come out of meetings said she thought the resort was too big to manage and too cut off from anything else food wise. She didn't care for the food court.

CSR is okay, but again all you have is the food court for during the day. POR/FQ both at least give you closer access to DtD to eat but have similar issues as the rest of the moderates. Very limted food choices.

 

[spiceycat]

you described OKW - except for the food choices and if you get near the HH that is taken care of too.

if you get a studio you have a kitchennett, a 1-bedroom and up has a full kitchen. Not talking about cooking and making meals. Order meals (from grocery stores) already prepared - you are just heating them up. Everything has a microwave.

Epcot area is too busy for me.

It isn't rare at OKW for you and your family to be the only ones in the pool. except the main pool - avoid that one. okay let you child go there for the slide - but otherwise pretend it doesn't exist.

 

[Lilolvr]

CSR is a great moderate choice. The pool is great and very relaxing. The pool less crowded because it is a convention resort too.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

You might also want to check out SSR. You will be isolated from the parks, yet be able to walk over to DTD for the nightlife and restaurants. Several pools to choose from, Spa and Golf.

 

[SunnieGrl]

I also have to recommend the Epcot resorts. My DH loves the Yacht Club. My DH isn't a big park fan so he spent his days at the ESPN bar watching football.

 

[grannyminnie]

I've got one of those (non-Disneyloving H) and I go without him...I take my sister, and he doesn't care!!

 

[snowbunny]

I suggest checking out the Boardwalk Inn. We stayed there last summer and really had a great time!!! Our room, with full balcony, overlooked the Eiffel Tower at Epcot and of course, we could see the fireworks!! My DD absolutely LOVED the pool!!!!! Its an easy stroll over to Epcot if yall (he) wants to just walk over for a few hours. Also, the Boardwalk itself, with ESPN club - he could watch some games on TV. You may want to take the boys to one of the parks and there would be plenty for your DH to do in the Epcot area!

Agree 100% - Boardwalk Inn or Boardwalk Villas
Some people think the Epcot resorts are "busy" but IMO it's very relaxing to stroll on the boardwalk, which is only really busy at night after the fireworks. There are lots of quiet spots at the BWI and villas to just sit on the porch in a rocking chair if you want to, as well. The theming is seashore - fun but not over the top Mickey.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

My vote would be the Poly...It dosen't feel as crowded to me, and feels very serene and relaxing. Plus, with the monorail, you have such easy access to lots of dining options. It also gives DH the option to come and go from the parks much easier.

It really depends on what type of vaca. he would choose if you were NOT going to WDW. If he likes the tropics, then Poly or Old Key west, if he likes mountains and outdoors, then WL, if he likes an east coast beach feel, then consider BC or BW.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Saratoga Springs Resort - right on the golf course, walking distance to DTD, nice pools, spa/health club on the property. And a king sized bed in the master bedroom, plus a TV in the bedroom.

 

[mom22boys]

Thanks everyone!

I am surprised at the number of Epcot area resort suggestions. I always pictured that area to be full of "hustle and bustle." YC, BC, and BWI are all beautiful resorts. I will have to look into those more.

WL is also a great suggestion. I know our DSs would love the bunkbeds!

I am surprised the Poly hasn't gotten much attention.

Any more advice????

Much thanks!