Which deluxe resort is most family friendly?

[JJ&JSMOM]

I've been reading about all the deluxes and its really difficult to choose one since we've only been at the Poly. So I am a little nervous about choosing a different resort as I know what I'm getting w/the Poly and I like the Poly. Having said that I want to try a new deluxe as you don't know if you like something more unless you try it. So I decided to create this poll for you folks to vote on which deluxe resort do you believe would be more family friendly. If you have time after voting and you're familiar w/the Poly, I'd appreciate a quick comparison between the two. Ages of children will be at time of travel - 4,7&10. Thanks!

My concerns w/Beach Club is I've read food options (quick meals like breakfast)at the resort are lacking. We could just buy groceries like we have done in the past. Also SAB looks fun but concerned w/being able to watch every child - DH and I would have to split up which we had to do at the Poly anyways.

The Boardwalk seems more adult orientated but yet the Boardwalk area seems like it would be carnival like and the kids would like it. Also concerned w/noise levels.

Contemporary - not sure DH can get beyond its "ugliness" - his word not mine - no flames please. But it does offer good restaurants and monorail/walkway to MK.

GF- not sure about atmosphere here - we need to relax not be worried about appearances all the time. But it does have good restaurants, character meals, monorail, & nice pools. Most expensive option.

Thanks again.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Wow - I changed the title as I didn't think it was catcy enough as it showed zero. Dumby me didn't click on view poll results - 11 votes. Thanks for voting. Looks like BC is ahead - I had a feeling it would because of the pool and proximity to Epcot. Thanks again.

 

[goin2disneyagain]

I have to agree with your husband on the Contemporary. Grand Floridian is not stuffy, we were concerned about that when we stayed but found it not to be the case at all. I voted for Beach Club but Boardwalk and GF would be close 2nd's for me.

 

[phanomouse]

I voted BC but I have to respond to something different. Has your husband actually seen the rooms at the CR or is he just referring to the building? The newly renovated rooms at CR are probably the nicest on the property. I stay in a lot of hotels. If fact I usually spend half of any given month in a hotel room and not at home. A lot of that time is in WDW putting on conf's. I would prefer to stay at CR more than any other resort now that the rooms are updated. But when I go with my family my wife prefers either the BC or WL.

 

[kaysmommie]

I choose Beach club if your not going back to the Poly . We might try Beach club next trip too or GF if it's in the budget.

 

[MissionMouse]

... which deluxe resort do you believe would be more family friendly...

Can you share your perspective of the items that define a family friendly resort to you?

 

[MJMcBride]

I love the Boardwalk. I find it the most enjoyable of the those resorts. The location is key as is the fun stuff on the Boardwalk itself
http://www.mouseextra.com/2006/11/30/will-the-vault-open-for-song-of-the-south/#comments

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

We LOVE the BC!! The pool is awesome! Burgers & ice cream at Beaches & Cream are excellent. Character breakfast at Cape May Cafe is fun too - not as crowded as the more "popular" character breakfasts. It's easy to walk across to the Boardwalk for dinner and enjoying the entertainers. We stayed at the BWV last week (no availability at BC). On the last night we walked over to the BC for a gelato. We sat on the beach & the kids were playing in the sand. They were also showing a Disney movie on a large inflatable screen on the beach. They've also added ping pong tables out near the pool area.

Oh, and the quick walk to Epcot is wonderful. We also walked back from MGM after Fantasmic & we beat the boat back! It looks like a long walk, but it was really relaxing. But the boat is always an option for MGM and Epcot, if you'd like.

You're right that there aren't many counter service breakfast options. There are a few things at the market/gift shop. As I recall, there are some hot breakfast sandwiches. We usually just had a quick breakfast in the room & then had an early CS lunch in the parks.

If it helps, our kids were 8 & 5 when we stayed there last year. They loved it!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

I voted BC but I have to respond to something different. Has your husband actually seen the rooms at the CR or is he just referring to the building? The newly renovated rooms at CR are probably the nicest on the property. I stay in a lot of hotels. If fact I usually spend half of any given month in a hotel room and not at home. A lot of that time is in WDW putting on conf's. I would prefer to stay at CR more than any other resort now that the rooms are updated. But when I go with my family my wife prefers either the BC or WL.

Yes - well pics on here and deb's website - not in person. He thought they were ok. We were there a couple of weeks ago for dinner at CM and he didn't like the inside of it or the outside of it. Just concrete and hot sun he said. Now me personally - I like the new decor and the proximity to Mk and I think the kids would like the pool. A pool is a pool at my kids ages. But if DH is dead set against it - it won't happen and if it did I would never hear the end of it. I included it in the poll because when deciding whether to stay the the Poly or not he read a post on a poll I had posted that won him over to the Poly side (which he always referred to as a jungle but thinks its ok now) - so I'm just wondering if that would happen again.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Can you share your perspective of the items that define a family friendly resort to you?

Sure good question. A kid friendly staff would be good, activities & interesting things to do for the kids, nice pool w/slide - perhaps zero entry for younger ones, a fun atmosphere that kids would find attractive. Thats all I think of for right now.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

We LOVE the BC!! The pool is awesome! Burgers & ice cream at Beaches & Cream are excellent. Character breakfast at Cape May Cafe is fun too - not as crowded as the more "popular" character breakfasts. It's easy to walk across to the Boardwalk for dinner and enjoying the entertainers. We stayed at the BWV last week (no availability at BC). On the last night we walked over to the BC for a gelato. We sat on the beach & the kids were playing in the sand. They were also showing a Disney movie on a large inflatable screen on the beach. They've also added ping pong tables out near the pool area.

Oh, and the quick walk to Epcot is wonderful. We also walked back from MGM after Fantasmic & we beat the boat back! It looks like a long walk, but it was really relaxing. But the boat is always an option for MGM and Epcot, if you'd like.

You're right that there aren't many counter service breakfast options. There are a few things at the market/gift shop. As I recall, there are some hot breakfast sandwiches. We usually just had a quick breakfast in the room & then had an early CS lunch in the parks.

If it helps, our kids were 8 & 5 when we stayed there last year. They loved it!

Thanks for the info. I feel like theres a whole side of disney I haven't seen. We experienced the MK resort area and I think I'd like to experience the Epcot area - so many things to do. So many restaurants to try and new territory to explore. Sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks again.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

I love the Boardwalk. I find it the most enjoyable of the those resorts. The location is key as is the fun stuff on the Boardwalk itself
http://www.mouseextra.com/2006/11/30/will-the-vault-open-for-song-of-the-south/#comments

Thank you! I will definitely check this link out later after kiddos go to bed.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

I choose Beach club if your not going back to the Poly . We might try Beach club next trip too or GF if it's in the budget.

Hi kaysmommie,
I think we'll definitely choose BC if we don't go to the Poly. Seems like a whole different "world" to explore on that side of WDW. Loved the Poly though - as soon as we came home I was convinced I wouldn't stay anywhere else. But as time goes by I'm thinking I'd like to try somewhere new as we'll only go to disney every 2 or 3 years.

 

[Joan S.]

Hi, I voted for the BC and would like to address 2 of your concerns. The MARKETPLACE which is inside the BC store has quick breakfast items(lunch also) and if you go the YC side of the Main Pool there is a sand area right in the middle of the water that is a GREAT play area for younger children.It is also easier to get a seat/lounge on this side of the pool. We LOVE the BC and own at the BCVilllas. Also like to mention Beaches and Cream and Hurricane Hannahs Pool Bar both great for a quick meal(or DRINK )! Joan

 

[mericletwins]

I voted for the BC. You are right about all new areas to explore. The pool is great, lots of eating options. There is some quick service breakfast items at the Marketplace:

Breakfast 7 - 11 a.m.

Ham and Cheese Omelet Croissant $5.79
Cheese Omelet Croissant $4.79
Made to Order Yogurt Parfait $3.79
Fresh Baked Pastries $2.19 - $2.79

Cinnamon Bun $2.79
Chocolate Croissant $2.49
Croissant $2.29
Bagel $2.29
Assorted Muffins $2.29
Coffee Cake $2.19


Also, you can easily walk over to the bakery at the Boardwalk Bakery:

Breakfast
6:30 -11 a.m.
Egg and Bacon Panini - $5.79
Egg and Tomato Panini $5.79
Assorted Muffins - $2.29

Bagel, Plain or Cinnamon - $2.29

Assorted Doughnuts - $.99

Fresh-baked Pastries $2.29 - $3.25


We usually just grab something in our room such as fruit, yogurt, cereal, etc.

Also, by staying at the BC/YC I think you really get more resorts for the price of one, so to speak, over the BW. You can still experience all the entertainment, restaurants, etc at the BW and still get the BC pool. We have been there twice and have not had any issue keeping track of our kids in the pool. They were 7, 7 and 6 the last time we went. I really think that you would be very happy at the BC.

We are doing the opposite of you. We are going to the Poly in January for the first time to explore a new area. We found it way too difficult to give up the BC however, so we are doing a split stay. I am trying to go to the Poly with the attitude to take it for it's own resort and not constantly compare it to the BC, our favorite. I think we will be ok, though since we haven't met a Disney resort yet, that we haven't liked.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

I voted for the BC. You are right about all new areas to explore. The pool is great, lots of eating options. There is some quick service breakfast items at the Marketplace:

Breakfast 7 - 11 a.m.

Ham and Cheese Omelet Croissant $5.79
Cheese Omelet Croissant $4.79
Made to Order Yogurt Parfait $3.79
Fresh Baked Pastries $2.19 - $2.79

Cinnamon Bun $2.79
Chocolate Croissant $2.49
Croissant $2.29
Bagel $2.29
Assorted Muffins $2.29
Coffee Cake $2.19


Also, you can easily walk over to the bakery at the Boardwalk Bakery:

Breakfast
6:30 -11 a.m.
Egg and Bacon Panini - $5.79
Egg and Tomato Panini $5.79
Assorted Muffins - $2.29

Bagel, Plain or Cinnamon - $2.29

Assorted Doughnuts - $.99

Fresh-baked Pastries $2.29 - $3.25


We usually just grab something in our room such as fruit, yogurt, cereal, etc.

Also, by staying at the BC/YC I think you really get more resorts for the price of one, so to speak, over the BW. You can still experience all the entertainment, restaurants, etc at the BW and still get the BC pool. We have been there twice and have not had any issue keeping track of our kids in the pool. They were 7, 7 and 6 the last time we went. I really think that you would be very happy at the BC.

We are doing the opposite of you. We are going to the Poly in January for the first time to explore a new area. We found it way too difficult to give up the BC however, so we are doing a split stay. I am trying to go to the Poly with the attitude to take it for it's own resort and not constantly compare it to the BC, our favorite. I think we will be ok, though since we haven't met a Disney resort yet, that we haven't liked.

Thanks for all the info. We're talking about doing a split as well between the Poly & BC. Focus on MK when at the Poly (and one other park as well probably AK) and eat at our favorite places over in that area and then at BC focus on MGM (maybe - kids weren't too impressed w/MGM this past time but they'll be a little older next time) & Epcot and try new places. Very exciting!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Hi, I voted for the BC and would like to address 2 of your concerns. The MARKETPLACE which is inside the BC store has quick breakfast items(lunch also) and if you go the YC side of the Main Pool there is a sand area right in the middle of the water that is a GREAT play area for younger children.It is also easier to get a seat/lounge on this side of the pool. We LOVE the BC and own at the BCVilllas. Also like to mention Beaches and Cream and Hurricane Hannahs Pool Bar both great for a quick meal(or DRINK )! Joan

Thanks for the info and tips - I appreciate it. This is the kind of info I'd be missing out on if I wasn't on the disboards! I looked at a map of YC/BC and everythings connected (which is great - one downside of the Poly) so it looks like all the restaurants are in the same area so thats very convenient. Thanks again!

 

[TiggerandBelleFanMom]

Voted for Beach Club, though I have not stayed at all of your options, so it's not an entirely informed vote.

Just back from Beach Club, and THRILLED at kid friendliness.

Pluses:
-Stormalong Bay--amazing!!! Sections for every age group, including a shallow sand area for the littlest kids and a shorter water slide (maybe 18 feet, and not too steep, yet big enough for grown-ups to go down). Big kids love the monster water slide, the lazy river, etc.

-Nightly s'mores on the beach, followed by a movie. You can buy a kit for $7 with enough marshmellows and chocolate and graham crackers for your whole family (and enough for several nights for a smaller family like mine!) I think the marshmellow roasting is 7-8, and the movie 8-10ish. Totally did not expect this.

-Lilo and Stitch seem to appear in the lobby every afternoon and play games or hula hoop with little kids! (Your older two may be too old to enjoy this, but some kids really seemed to enjoy it.)

-Character breakfast buffet featuring Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Chip, and Dale. Very good food too.

Downsides--very few!
-Obviously further from MK than some of your choices. (It's not terribly far...if you get lucky on buses, it may only take you around 15-17 mins. But if you narrowly miss a bus, could be longer.)
-I found the layout of the hotel a little confusing, and it took me a day or two to really learn how to navigate the corridors to my room.
-There are comparatively more toys at the Grand Floridian gift shop.
(Of course, as a parent, you may or may not see this as a downside!)

Becky

P.S. I also decided that I am the targeted demographic age group for parents for this resort. All the music at Hurricane Hannah's I loved except for one random country song. I owned a significant number of the CDs on which these songs appeared, which is funny, because I rarely buy CDs. And they played songs from the soundtrack to "Grease" w/John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John during part of the afternoon pool parties. Parents born in the late 1960s-early 1970s, they've got our number!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Voted for Beach Club, though I have not stayed at all of your options, so it's not an entirely informed vote.

Just back from Beach Club, and THRILLED at kid friendliness.

Pluses:
-Stormalong Bay--amazing!!! Sections for every age group, including a shallow sand area for the littlest kids and a shorter water slide (maybe 18 feet, and not too steep, yet big enough for grown-ups to go down). Big kids love the monster water slide, the lazy river, etc.

-Nightly s'mores on the beach, followed by a movie. You can buy a kit for $7 with enough marshmellows and chocolate and graham crackers for your whole family (and enough for several nights for a smaller family like mine!) I think the marshmellow roasting is 7-8, and the movie 8-10ish. Totally did not expect this.

-Lilo and Stitch seem to appear in the lobby every afternoon and play games or hula hoop with little kids! (Your older two may be too old to enjoy this, but some kids really seemed to enjoy it.)

-Character breakfast buffet featuring Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Chip, and Dale. Very good food too.

Downsides--very few!
-Obviously further from MK than some of your choices. (It's not terribly far...if you get lucky on buses, it may only take you around 15-17 mins. But if you narrowly miss a bus, could be longer.)
-I found the layout of the hotel a little confusing, and it took me a day or two to really learn how to navigate the corridors to my room.
-There are comparatively more toys at the Grand Floridian gift shop.
(Of course, as a parent, you may or may not see this as a downside!)

Becky

P.S. I also decided that I am the targeted demographic age group for parents for this resort. All the music at Hurricane Hannah's I loved except for one random country song. I owned a significant number of the CDs on which these songs appeared, which is funny, because I rarely buy CDs. And they played songs from the soundtrack to "Grease" w/John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John during part of the afternoon pool parties. Parents born in the late 1960s-early 1970s, they've got our number!

Love "Grease" - one of my favorite movies. Thanks for the info - nice to read its kid friendly. It is disney so I would think the hotels would be but you never know. Love the perks you mention - movies on the beach and smores sounds great. The Poly had quite a few toys in the resort shop but we seemed to spend more money at MouseGears in Epcot for souvenirs. Some really neat things. The buses always concern me at any resort. I was so concerned w/the buses at the Poly we thought about renting a car but we literally walked on the buses - maybe waited once for 5 - 10 minutes but not long. I really think its all in the timing and a little bit of luck. Thanks again. BC is definitely a hotel we want to try - hopefully in a couple of years.

 

[Colleen27]

We LOVED the Beach Club. The atmosphere is beautiful and quiet, but still fun. Art the Greeter is as nice as everyone says he is; he always had a "Happy Birthday" for DD and gave her the pin she wanted to trade for from his lanyard. The movies on the beach were great for my non-swimming mom, and we even had a through-the-trees view of Spaceship Earth from our balcony! But the best part was the 5 minute walk from our room to the International Gateway entrance to Epcot. It doesn't get any better than that, IMO.

Yes, the pool area is large, but I didn't have a hard time keeping my two close enough to be within sight because unlike the other resorts we've stayed at, the kiddie area of Stormalong Bay is appealing to older kids too because of the sand bottom & sand bar. And it is nicely broken up, in that the beach pool doesn't connect into the larger, deeper pools. DS9 was happy to build sandcastles in the shallow end of the beach pool so DD6 could splash around, and then DD6 was fine with putting on a lifejacket to cruise around the deeper parts that DS9 wanted to check out. My two are both good swimmers, but we still got a lifejacket for the younger (they're available to borrow for free from the poolside gift shop) just in case.

I think the lack of CS at the Beach Club is overstated. We found the Marketplace had everything we needed/wanted. They had enough of a selection of breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and snacks to get us going, and then we just had lunch in whatever park we were at that day.

Personally, I wasn't all that impressed with the Boardwalk area. The entertainment was fun, but seemed sporatic and I didn't see a schedule anywhere. We only caught one act - a sword swallower. There are only a couple midway-type games, and the main attraction of the area seems to be the shops, which my mother & I enjoyed, but the kids weren't so thrilled with. They did like the candy shop, though! But it is an easy walk or short boat ride from the Beach Club if you want to check it out without staying at the Boardwalk Inn.