We have been to Disney a bunch of times...and for a while got Disney'd out and now typically go every 3 years, but for 10 days at a time. This time in August we are spending 7 nights most likely in a GV at SSR with my ILs. While SSR is not my favorite resort, we won't be paying for those nights so I am so not complaining! We will have 2 or 3 nights available to stay anywhere we want. We would like to stay those in a deluxe but would consider a mod, under the right circumstances. Since we will be in a villa and taking advantage of the facilities to cook, concierge would be wonderful! There are 5 of us, me & DH and 3 DDs 13,10 & 6 We have stayed at the following: SSR, OKW, BWV, POLY, VWL/WL, PORriverside, and ASSp We are curious and considering the following: YC/BC, Contemporary (MK View?), Poly (again-we were there last time it was fantastic stayed CL), AKL, WL YC/BC would be great for the kids b/c of the pool and the location next to Epcot (the adults' favorite resort) is fab Contemporary with MK view would be great too AKL and WL are a bit of an issue b/c of the room capacity issue So curious, WWYD??? (I think I have answered my own question but want to see answers anyway) Anything I am not considering?
Based on your comments, I'd recommend the Beach Club. We stayed there this past August and loved it! The pool is great and certainly something to experience at least once. We also stayed CL and were happy with the service. We are HUGE fans of WL though so I don't think we're likely to go back to the BC unless there was some crazy deal... With 3 of us, we don't really have to worry about "room capacity". I'm sure you'll have fun wherever you stay!
I would definitely do the Contemporary with the Magic Kingdom view. I have never personally stayed there but it is definitely on my Disney to-do! If you have the opportunity, and the ability, I don't know that'd I would be able to give that up.
I would recommend the BC, because after 7 days with my IL's, I know I would want to relax for 3 days at Stormalong Bay. But in all seriousness, my DW loved this place and didn't even want to go to the parks when we stayed here. The dining options that open up for you here are great, and what I love is that you can take a boat to 2 parks.
I fulfilled a lifelong dream and treated my family to the Contemporary MK view 2 years ago and was so disappointed. I had coveted that resort since I first saw it as a kid. It looked so cool with the monorail going right through it. I had been inside a bunch of times because we have always eaten at Chef Mickey's on just about every trip, but I really disliked staying there. It was so cold and "business-feeling." While I did like the view of MK it also came with a view of a parking lot because of the design. It was clean and nice enough, but felt so stuffy and cold. I found the staff to be snooty. I don't know that they were, but it comparison to the warm, friendly staff at all the other resorts they really came across as professional, but lacking personality. I also enjoy the grounds at the Disney resorts and the Contemporary was all concrete. I think that sums it up overall...it just didn't feel like a "resort," but instead a "hotel." In contrast the Beach Club really feels like a vacation. The pool can't be beat and the ability to stroll around the Boardwalk and into Epcot was lovely. My only complaint was that casual food choices were limited. Have fun planning!
We've stayed at all of your choices except CR (have stayed at BC but not YC). My choice would be the Poly as that's our favorite resort, but if you want to try something different, I'd go with the BC or YC. We loved the BC and as you said, SAB is nice and it's great being so close to Epcot. The rooms are smaller at YC/BC than at the CR and Poly, but for 2 or 3 nights, I think a YC/BC room would be fine for the 5 of you. Good luck, although I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.
My vote would be BC. We stayed there for the first time in May and we have never spent so much time at a resort pool before. The stormalong bay is amazing. Your kids won't want to leave. I didn't either! And the proximity to EPCOT can't be beat. It is so close and it's so nice to leave at night and be able to walk right to the resort.
