Where would you stay?

[kreckl]

Interested in hearing thoughts and ideas! We are considering everything, but here's our specifics:

-2 adults, 2 boys ages 13 and 14
-been to WDW several times in past 8 years- rope drop people but NOT commando. Generally early to parks, by mid afternoon back to resort, maybe out again later- never really late though maybe a night or two
-own at AKJ but may not use points this trip
-going last week of august- and due to this time being potentially VERY rainy and hot, lean towards deluxe as that gives us an option of exploring resort/lobby/shopping etc during bad weather and not being stuck in our room
-like lots of pool/hang out time so good big kid pool a plus
-open to, and usually do, split stays. Not sure this time?
-Have stayed at BLT, Poly, AK-J, BW ( family says no!), CSR, POR, and last trip YC.
-We LOVED YC/BC area, but monorail great-obviously!
-Have always wanted to try Dolphin but have always found better deals onsite. That, and ME which saves us a lot- we don't want to rent a car
-Obviously hoping for discount or FD, which seems like the way to go if thats and option.
-Also I love the idea of staying offsite and saving a tone of $$ - the whole condo scene intimidates me ( as far as not knowing where you will be/which building/having to drive/some units not in good shape/etc but are there amazing hotels??
Thanks- give me some thoughts!

 

[HopperFan]

You've stayed at many but I would say for moderates, CSR. Once my kids (boys and girl) hit the teen years CSR was the only resort they were interested in. Mostly for the pool and all the amenities at the pool. They also like all the food options there.

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[_auroraborealis_]

I'd say your kids are in the happy place for Stormalong Bay, and would look at BC/YC. When thinking through the other deluxes, WL is under construction. CR is nice enough, as I'm sure you're aware, but you might want to build in a waterpark day versus the slides there. Poly slide is probably not that exciting for that age range, and you don't care about a splash pad.

At the Moderate level, CSR has the best big kid waterslide/pool. The other mods skew to younger ages with their pool amenities.

I think the monorail is less of an advantage than it once was for you, between unreliability and the fact that you aren't rolling a stroller on or off.

 

[Babsy]

Well, you haven't stayed in the GF or BC yet, so I would do a split stay between those. Do a standard view BC then splurge and go GF RPC. If GF RPC is not in the budget, I would go with the CR TPV. I know that you have been to the BLT, but the CR tower might be fun. You have already been to the Poly, but it is the best of the best, if you want a repeat.

The Swan has recently been refurbished, so I would tend to choose it over the Dolphin at the moment. Although the Dolphin has a lot of great restaurants and facilities under one roof!

WL has construction woes. AKL you know.

Sorry, not much help, i'm afraid.

Good luck choosing. Disney deluxes are my favourite! I have to say that they are all great!

 

[ChasingLeslie]

Return to YC or CSR unless you are really fixed on staying on the monorail loop.

 

[mickeynut1]

Well, you haven't stayed in the GF or BC yet, so I would do a split stay between those. Do a standard view BC then splurge and go GF RPC. If GF RPC is not in the budget, I would go with the CR TPV. I know that you have been to the BLT, but the CR tower might be fun. You have already been to the Poly, but it is the best of the best, if you want a repeat.

I agree with everything here .

 

[Sue M]

It seems you want to stay in a resort with one building, but you've already stayed at YC. Maybe BC?
2 of the 3 monorail resorts are multiple buildings, Poly & GF. We love both of those, and the pools are very nice.
CR tower is under one roof, but haven't stayed there, just doesn't appeal to me much. But it has shops, and you don't have to get wet!!
One of my fav things to do when I stay at a monorail resort is watching Wishes & Electric Water parade from my resort.

 

[kreckl]

I'm not opposed to having multiple buildings in general, but our last early fall trip was a huge rain-fest. We were happy to have the option to just hang in the lobby or common room to do something and get out of our room. With 2 teen boys, this seems like a good idea. If we could use our points and get a 1BR I wouldn't feel so ( possibly) confined. The Poly has a good location but doesn't seem like a good choice for that reason. I wish AK had a more enticing slide! Whats GF-RPC??

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I'm not opposed to having multiple buildings in general, but our last early fall trip was a huge rain-fest. We were happy to have the option to just hang in the lobby or common room to do something and get out of our room. With 2 teen boys, this seems like a good idea. If we could use our points and get a 1BR I wouldn't feel so ( possibly) confined. The Poly has a good location but doesn't seem like a good choice for that reason. I wish AK had a more enticing slide! Whats GF-RPC??

GF-RPC - Grand Floridian Royal Palm Club

I would suggest BWV or BWI (which we LOVE), but I'm afraid the pool may not excite your kids like Stormalong Bay might. I would definitely consider BC.

 

[raddisneyfan]

If I were going in August (not my choice normally, but sometimes work conferences overrule), pool time would be at the top of my list. In which case, I would go with-----from most expensive to least----BC (or YC), AKL, Dolphin, CSR. Offsite, I would wholeheartedly recommend the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress--it is just a gorgeous place with a phenomenal pool area and waterfalls. I had the best room there, corner room, two full walls of window facing the pool area. Of course, with some offsites, you have to watch the extra charges--resort fees, parking fees, etc. Because of these, I wouldn't always say offsite is cheaper. Also offsite, Marriott World Center has a great pool area too and the Gaylord. Have a great time--hope it isn't too hot for ya!

 

[kreckl]

Thanks- will check out those offsite places. We went in August once and I swore never again, but my friend's son goes to school ( we homeschool) and its starts for him on the 29th....And actually, we've tried Sept and Oct and had bad weather ( Sept) and big crowds ( oct). April was perfect but cost so much more!

 

[Babsy]

I'm not opposed to having multiple buildings in general, but our last early fall trip was a huge rain-fest. We were happy to have the option to just hang in the lobby or common room to do something and get out of our room. With 2 teen boys, this seems like a good idea. If we could use our points and get a 1BR I wouldn't feel so ( possibly) confined. The Poly has a good location but doesn't seem like a good choice for that reason. I wish AK had a more enticing slide! Whats GF-RPC??

GF RPC is the club level that is in the main building at the Grand Floridian. Almost everything under one glorious roof! The lounge is wonderful here. Relaxing in the lounge with a snack while listening to the band play below is truly magical. Theme park views give a spectacular view of the fireworks (although a little distant). You do have to go outside to get to Gasparilla Grille or Narcoosees or the boat launch, but the monorail, shops, lobby and some restaurants are all there in the main building. It is a great experience, albeit a bit pricey.

Otherwise, the CR is the only all under one roof choice on the monorail. A Bay Lake view tower room would be the lowest price option, I believe.

 

[kreckl]

Sounds so nice! Not sure its in the budget but maybe there will be discounts....We don't mind walking to buses, if we are headed in or out and its raining we'll get wet anyway, more like if its been raining all day for several days we don't want to be stuck in a room. Can you tell I'm dreading August?

 

[happymommy]

I've been last week of August a few times - it's honestly my favorite time of the year! Yes, it's hot. It is hot at home too! The crowds are not there. One day last August, with DD, Soarin' was a walk on the entire day. I kid you not.

We stayed at a value resort for the first time ever. Loved it! Just her and I though.

Honestly, I would choose where you want to stay based on that not weather. We didn't have any downpours, like we have had in years past. We've stayed at the Swan and Dolphin both in August, as well as off site. I loved it all!

We got free QSDP. It was still too much food! Great deal!

Double beds may be too small for your teens.

Rain is usually afternoon. Doesn't last. Don't worry! I've done it many times! Just choose where you want to stay, and the weather is what it is.

 

[kreckl]

We thought that too- it won't rain continuously, right? Convinced my Mom to join us for a few days and she saw the Florida sun for one day. It was TERRIBLE! Seriously the water was over our shoes at Epcot and walked barefoot- nighttime shows cancelled, rented a car to drive an hour away in the hopes that weather would be better and couldn't see to drive safely several times. I have never in all my life experienced such rain as that. And due to the humidity, everything stayed soaked when there was a break...

 

[Donnainnj]

We have a great labor day deal that we can't name here, but if you Google you might find it. Runs August 14th on. We have done it two previous years. This year we are splitting Gf garden view and YC standard view. There are other resorts available.

We have also had great trips staying offsite in either a condo in Windsor Hills or Wyndham Bonnet Creek, or homes in Emerald Island. We usually pick that route over Easter when we can't justify Disney's rack holiday rate, or when we have gone with extended family. We have used vrbo.com, vacationcentralflorida.com and vacationupgrades.com. It is really nice to have so much room.