Where to stay?

[vargas17]

Next year will be our first trip to WDW. I have started to somewhat plan. My biggest question is where should we stay? It will be me, DH, DS who will be almost four by then, DD who will be almost 16 months, my mom, and sister. We plan on being there 6 nights, 7 days. What are some suggestions as to where we should stay. We are definately staying on site but don't know from there. Thanks!!

 

[simonkodousek]

What exactly are you looking for in a hotel? What are your travel dates and what is your budget for the room/night and tickets? Since you will be traveling with five people, I recommend getting a room at the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, or Contemporary. If you don't want to spend a small fortune to stay at the places I mentioned, you could try the Alligator Bayou section of Port Orleans Riverside.

You might want to check out the resort FAQ and information threads listed here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=236234

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask here or send me a private message (PM) via the "Send Private Message" button on my username.

I've stayed at both the Wilderness Lodge and Polynesian, and would be happy to answer questions about those or any other resorts.

~Simon

 

[Jrabbit910]

I think your headed in the right direction- staying onsite is a great thing... and asking on Dis for opinions is another plus... You will get many great idea's and tips!

The first thing you should consider is your budget. That will help you with choosing a hotel & when to go. Also, are you looking for a place w/ two rooms or are you looking to share a room w/ mom & sis?

 

[Aliceacc]

Hi and welcome!!!

Are you looking for one suite type thing or 2 separare (possibly adjoining) rooms?

I started this thread for other newbies... it may help you: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1715551

 

[simonkodousek]

Sorry, I forgot to mention...



Welcome to the DIS!!!​

 

[LoveToTravel2001]

We love CBR. What's nice with a little one is that there is a small area that is seperated by a curtain where a pack and play will fit, be dark and not make everyone else sit in the dark. It is very family oriented, with lots of places to go for a walk and several playground areas as well as a main pool - being redone and due to open in fall 08 - there are also smaller pools in each 'country', beaches for sand play - no swimming, and water sport rentals right there. If you pay the little extra for preferred location, it is a very short walk to the food court. Bus service is excellent, food court decent, staff are wonderful. It comes with a fridge vs. renting at a value. I don't think a deluxe is worth the extra money and not sure that you would fit six in a room anyway. Moderate, you can probably get two rooms, same price as one deluxe and have room to spread out.
Good Luck - you'll have a blast. Just Plan, Plan, Plan - especailly with a 4 year old. The was the year we first took our daughter and I'm so glad I planned like a nutcase - everything went smoothly.

 

[SunnieRN]

All Star Music is the only value hotel that has family suites. That is two rooms adjoined, but they are not like the standard idea of a suite. There is one bed in the bedroom and a fold out couch, and two fold out chairs in the other room. A small kitchette type area, with microwave and frig and paper goods.
Two bathrooms (the best perk in my opinion...
The furniture used as pullouts is the same furniture they use in the DVC rooms from my understanding and they are supposed to be quite comfortable!!
Have fun planning!!!!

 

[GoldenAfternoon]

You could also rent points from a DVC member and stay in a villa. My mom and I did this when we stayed at OKW last year. It was wonderful to have a kitchen, balcony and just so much more space in general. The resort was beautiful, as well! Good luck and have fun planning

 

[Crisgw]

What is your budget like for the trip?

 

[nikki'smom]

CSR! Great transportation and terrific main pool area.

 

[cheerforchelsea]

I would recommed 2 rooms at a value or moderate resort (be sure to request connecting rooms - and even then it is not a guarantee but we have always been able to get connecting rooms ) Gives you more room and for less money than 1 room at some of the deluxe resorts!!

 

[vargas17]

You could also rent points from a DVC member and stay in a villa. My mom and I did this when we stayed at OKW last year. It was wonderful to have a kitchen, balcony and just so much more space in general. The resort was beautiful, as well! Good luck and have fun planning

How do you go about doing that?

 

[checkwriter]

How do you go about doing that?

Now that's a whole new kettle of fish. DVC is a points-based timeshare system where you purchase a certain number of points that you can exchange for lodging. Higher-demand times of year cost more points than do lower-demand times of year.

DVC members frequently 'rent' their points for a certain year to non-DVC members who wish to use them. Here is a forum that talks all about this sort of thing:

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29

The advantage to renting DVC points is that you get access to DVC rooms -- many of which are suites or include kitchens -- at lower prices than what WDW would charge you outright.

Just make sure you read up on the pros and cons of doing this. It takes a bit of work to figure this stuff out.

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Another suggestion is getting a cabin at Fort Wilderness. There is plenty of room for your family, a kitchen and outdoor space. The resort is chock full of ammenities and loads of fun for the kids...what kid wouldn't adore chasing lizards around outside??? It is an MK resort, so the location is fabulous. They have campfire sing-alongs with Chip and Dale and outdoor movies, hayrides, horseback riding, watersports, games for the kids. Not to mention Hoop-dee-doo and Mickey's Backyard BBQ~just to name a few!

The cost is comparable to a deluxe...with more space!

 

[Buzz2001]

CSR is a good choice. Great pool, transportation and food. Check out my CSR website below for pics and info.

 

[kate&sarahsdad]

My kids love CSR! They love the main pool area and slide.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

If you don't mind all being in one room, and if it will fit your budget, I would recommend the Polynesian. With little ones the convenience of the monorail and boat to MK, and the monorail to EPCOT, is priceless. Your kids will love the zero entry pool, the beach, and being able to see the castle while they are swimming. It's also great to watch Wishes and the EWP from the beach or pool.

Happy planning and welcome to the DIS!