Where to stay with Mom?

[maryisme]

Hi everyone,
I'd like the opinions of you all seasoned dis'ers please. I am taking my mom on the wonder in February. This would be her first cruise. She is 70 years old and in good health. We are arriving in Orlando at 1:30 pm the day before our cruise. I normally would book a cheap room by the airport and just veg out but because this is Mom's first time really traveling I want to treat her to something a bit more special.

Do you think we have enough time to head to Disney? I'd love for her to experience one of the deluxe resorts. We could also head out to the space coast and book something there but the beauty and magic of a disney resort is something that I really want to share with her. I just don't want it to be to stressful for her. I want her to be able to relax in comfort if she chooses and just soak in her surroundings. I was thinking of something near the Swan/Dolphin or the Boardwalk Inn (one of those resorts along that lake).

I just don't know. This is the first time we are traveling together since I was a child. She has done so much for me. She never wants anything for herself - constantly giving - I just want to give her something special. Coming with us will be my dd (7) - a girls only trip .

Any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[outahere]

What about one of the DVC properties? We toured the Boardwalk Villas a couple of years ago and thought they were really nice. February is a pretty busy time fo year, so if you want to stay at any of the deluxe resorts, I would suggest getting reservations now.

 

[mmouse37]

The Yacht and Beach Club are wonderful deluxe resorts at Disney. If you wanted to do a park, you can take the water taxi over to EPCOT or MGM from there and it is a great location. You can even watch the evening EPCOT fireworks from the beach in the front of the hotels.

Both have a nautical feel and would be perfect for pre-cruse.
Your other option might be the Radisson at the Port. It is a very nice property and if the weather cooperates would be lovely to sit by the pool and veg.

MJ

 

[disboo]

If you can afford one of the monorail properties, I would recommend one of them. We were lucky enough to stay at the CR (through SOG) earlier this month, and my 80 year old Dad joined us the last day prior to getting on the Wonder. We ate at Citrico's at the GF - fabulous although expensive. We walked around the GF, took the monorail all around the resorts, and just generally enjoyed the evening together. It was fun!

 

[kasar]

If money's no object it's a no brainer - Grand Floridian. I think this would be the perfect spot for 3 generations of "girls". It's truly magical.

The Boardwalk is where we plan to stay next time we go because it seems really fun and exciting, plus you can easily walk to Epcot for dinner at night. I've also heard awesome things about the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Being with you and your daughter will be special in itself but I completely understand your desire for a little extra to start off your wonderful trip. Good luck.

 

[maryisme]

I really appreciated all the great suggestions. I am usually a very decisive planner, especially when it comes to my vacation. I've stayed at the Boardwalk and loved it so that is a possibility.The Grand Floridian is also lovely and being on the monorail, well, its great. I know my Mom would be happy even if I stuck her in a motel 6..lol. I was also thinking of the Animal Kingdom Lodge Savannah view. I think that resort is so over the top but I've never stayed there. Still deciding here.

Thanks again.

Mary

 

[disboo]

I was the one who suggested a monorail resort, but I have to tell you that my current favorite resort is AKL = and there is plenty to do there, too. The artifacts around the lobby and hallways are excellent, with brief but informative labels. There is storytelling by the outside fire pit. The lobby is fun to explore or sit around in (and people watch!), the two sit down restaurants are wonderful, and then, of course, therea re the animals . . .

We had a savannah view room last January, and we loved it, especially at dusk.

Have fun!

 

[natt]

How active is your mother? I totally understand your wanting to give her the best, but keep in mind her activity level for one nights stay! You can still stay at a WDW resort and just enjoy the resort offerings (deluxe would be the better way to go!) Myself, having kids and still seeing those $signs, I can't see trying to cram in a days worth of theme parks! JMO

 

[maryisme]

Disboo,
Thanks for the feedback on AKL. I've never stayed there but it sure looks wonderful. When you stayed in the Savannah View room were you able to see many animals? Was it worth it vs. the standard view? I really am leaning towards that resort. Thanks for taking the time to respond .

natt,
My mom is in pretty good health and can walk around for quite a bit before becoming tired. I wasn't planning on taking her into any of the parks. I wanted a resort with a wonderful theme and luxury amenities. I want her to relax, have a fantastic dinner and maybe do some people watching.

Thanks for all your great responses. I really appreciate it.

Mary

 

[reveric]

I'm going to throw my hat into the ring and vote for the Grand Floridian also. The ambiance is out of this world. From the elderly southern gentleman who greets you at the entrance (he charmed the pants off my 70 year old mother in law when we stayed there! She was wearing one of those big old hats and he kept raving over it..."That brings back wonderful memories, ma'am!") to the live music that floats over the lobby...it's just like stepping into another world!

Even if you didn't go to the parks it would be fun to hop on the monorail in the evening and go visit the Polynesian and Contemporary.

The great thing about Disney though is that you really can't go wrong! Good luck choosing and let us know how it turns out!

 

[Michelle]

Keep in mind the park hours in February are limited, and if you are arriving at 1:30 you probably won't be at your hotel until 2:30 or so. If want to enjoy a park that day the best choice would be EPCOT as it is always open until 9:00, so I would vote for one of the Epcot Resorts area hotels. I think your mom would enjoy Epcot as well, and you have the beautiful Boardwalk area with wonderful restaurants for dinner.

Epcot is just a short boat ride away from any of the Epcot area resorts. Definitely would be my choice.