Where would you suggest? First trip for bf.

[~EverAfter~]

I've been thinking I would like to surprise my bf with a trip to Disney in the fall of 2014. Still a long time from now but never too early to start saving. He has never been. I've been and stayed at Pop, ASMo, POFQ and CBR. I know he would hate the values but probably wouldn't mind a moderate. I would like to try somewhere new. I've looked at some of the deluxes... mainly contemporary and beach and yacht club. What would you suggest for a first timer? Is it worth the $$$ to upgrade? It's only going to be the two of us. Thanks guys.

 

[VAfamily1998]

I am taking my brother (ok, I know it's not quite the same relationship as boyfriend--but still an adult male...) for his first time next month. We are staying at the YC.
I chose this because

1. I knew I wanted a Deluxe
2. I've stayed at BWI before and LOVED the location, so BC/YC/BWI were already at the top of my list
3. I'm using a military discount and when I called to make the reservation, YC was the first one the CM offered me


Really, the location is awesome for an all adults group, I think...if we had young kids one of the monorail resorts might be better for access to MK--but my brother's biggest priority is riding on Tower of Terror--so I'm glad we will be close enough to go on our arrival evening, even though he won't be there 'till about 6 pm.
Also, we'll have great access to lots of dining options with the Boardwalk, and Epcot just a few minutes walk away.

 

[helpmejenny]

I agree, it is never too late to start planning. Well if you are thinking of a deluxe my choice would be the Beach Club, only because I have always wanted to stay there myself. As far as a mod goes, I would go with PORS. It is so beautiful there. I love the resort. It just has a great vibe. But who are we kidding...any resort on property is going to be great, it's Disney. I'm just happy to be there. I would pitch a tent on Discovery Island just to be on property.

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Another Deluxe to consider would be the Wilderness Lodge. My wife and I stayed there with just the two of us on our honeymoon and loved it. I liked having the option of taking the boat to MK, FW, or the Contemporary, and we really enjoyed taking walks through the woods. It is also the cheapest Deluxe resort, which helped us out a lot.

But who are we kidding...any resort on property is going to be great, it's Disney. I'm just happy to be there. I would pitch a tent on Discovery Island just to be on property.

I couldn't agree more!

 

[papamouse1]

I've been thinking I would like to surprise my bf with a trip to Disney in the fall of 2014. Still a long time from now but never too early to start saving. He has never been. I've been and stayed at Pop, ASMo, POFQ and CBR. I know he would hate the values but probably wouldn't mind a moderate. I would like to try somewhere new. I've looked at some of the deluxes... mainly contemporary and beach and yacht club. What would you suggest for a first timer? Is it worth the $$$ to upgrade? It's only going to be the two of us. Thanks guys.

You mind me asking, how old are you two? And what kind of vacation do you want... be in the action or rest and relax?

I would say if you want to be in the middle of the action, YC (little more quiet) and BC are amazing! You have the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk, Epcot, and DHS right there within walking distance... plus the best pool on property.

If you would like a little more quiet and romantic experience, then GrandCalifornian's advice on WL is spot on... BUT I would actually prefer AKL over WL. The ambiance and atmosphere is best on property IMHO.

If you can get a reasonable price, I personally think any of these is worth the price

 

[MMS1125]

I'd probably go with the Yacht Club. The boardwalk area is great for young adults and at the YC you are guaranteed a balcony or a patio if on the first floor vs taking a gamble getting one at Beach Club.

I'd also consider the Poly if you have the budget. The atmosphere is so nice for couples and the transportation is great with the monorail. I realize it's quite a bit more $$ than YC or BC but it's so beautiful and if you plan on being in the room for any extended amt of time it would be relaxing

 

[MMS1125]

I also 2nd (3rd ) the WL!

 

[catra121]

I did this same thing for my boyfriend and took him on his first real Disney trip in 2004. I chose POR for our visit and here are the reasons why:

1. Budget (couldn't afford deluxe).

2. My boyfriend is pretty laid back, likes fishing, nothing fancy for him. POR seemed to fit the bill perfectly. I'm happy anywhere in Disney and I wanted to make sure HE was comfortable.

So I think you need to look at your budget and think about where HE would be most comfortable and what vacation style is going to work best for him. If you think you will be spending more time at the resort and pool...then it will most likely be worth it to spring for a deluxe where you can also have a couple of really nice dinners. If you plan to be always out and at the parks all the time then think about where you plan to spend most of your time and try to get a resort in that area. Pick a theme of resort that will make your boyfriend comfortable and it should all be good.

 

[lynnpoker]

My wife and I stayed at POR for our first trip together and my first trip back since a teenager...we stayed in the mansions and for a first time couple heading down I would strongly recommend it. By staying in a moderate and a smaller one such as POR you avoid the larger values resorts and if you enjoy the experience and trip you give your self something to look forward to if you upgrade for a future trip. The boat ride to Downtown Disney was great from the resort, exploring POFQ via the walk/bikes/ride had us planning our next trip back at FQ. We love both the quite and main pools, and considered POR & POFQ our home away from home. If you are looking for a little more action, the boardwalk and staying at YC or BC would be an excellent choice, as our children get older and/or if we head down by with out the kids we would consider the Boardwalk area....it is never to early to start planning and looking forward to all there is to enjoy I hope you have a great trip no matter where you stay, it is almost impossible not to have a great time

 

[Karabee]

I took my bf for the first time last fall and we stayed at WL. I would not stay there again for a number of reasons, however one of them being that it was so loud. Every afternoon there was singing and dancing and games for the kids which meant the least relaxing pool I've been to on Disney property. I know most of them have something, but this was extreme. There is also not a casual sit down restaurant on property aside from WCC which I personally find to be too much craziness. Just didn't have much of a "romantic" feel to it. In the end he had wished we picked Poly or AKL - but thank goodness he still had a good time!
I find OKW to be more of a "vacation feel", anywhere on the Boardwalk has great location and AKL is like being in a different world.
That being said, the Moderates are also great. I would pay for the upgrade from the Values, especially for a first trip. Often in the fall you can find some great deals too, so this shouldn't be too much for your budget. POR is wonderful because of the theme, nice sized rooms and also the boat to DTD. POFQ is right there with POR, so if you want a smaller resort it's perfect. I personally did not care for CBR - very spread out and rooms need some updating.

 

[tambam500]

I would say YC or BC if you are old enough to enjoy epcot for dinner and drinking. You said you were planning for fall so that would be the best place to stay if you are going during the epcot food and wine festival. You can walk in through the international gateway right where all the food and wine action is. Another plus is you have the entertainment on the boardwalk and jellyrolls(late night piano bar).

If you aren't old enough or don't care for the food and wine fest i would go with WL. I love it there too...esp the boat to the MK and contemporary. You have many more dining choices there than the AKL where you would be required to eat in park or travel a great deal to enjoy the other resorts.

 

[~EverAfter~]

Wow you guys have given me a lot to think about!! Great insight. We are on the go kind of vacationers., but at the end of the day like a quiet room to retreat to. I'm in my late twenties and he's in his thirties so we are definitely old enough to enjoy the adult beverage side of things haha. So that's another aspect to consider that I hadn't thought of with YC/BC.

Now I feel like I want to go sooner! But I don't think that's in the cards for right now. I'll just keep dreaming about it for now.