Which deluxe...

[PrincessBear]

We get to splurge and stay at a deluxe this trip! Which one is the best/ your favorite? We have done GF, YC, and BC. We also have two teens traveling with us, so no small children. Let me hear your opinions! Thanks!

 

[AKLFan3]

I think Animal Kingdom Lodge is the best if you really like animals and artwork. They have late night activities there such as viewing the animals after dark until 11 pm. Maybe since they don't have character breakfasts there, AKL doesn't have the "little kid" feel, although there are still plenty of things for kids to do there. I'm the youngest in our family, (I'm 25) and I absolutely love the resort. If the close proximity to Animal Kingdom is not your preference, I enjoyed staying at the Boardwalk Inn. The rooms were larger than at AKL, and being able to walk to Epcot is great, as you already know.

 

[Bear-N-Babe]

The Boardwalk would be nice if the teens would enjoy the features of the boardwalk. If they like the pool, either the Beach or Yacht club or maybe even the Polynesian. My choice between those would be based on what parks you are wanting to frequent. My family is wanting (for our upcoming trip) to be in easy access to the Magic Kingdom, so we are staying at the Poly in 13 days. If Epcot or MGM, then Yacht/Beach/BW would be maybe the better choice.

 

[DisneyJoo2008]

I've not stayed at any, but my Mum & Dad stayed at the GF once. They enjoyed it, but wouldn't stay again. I guess it goes that it suits some, not others.
We're staying at AKL for 4 nights in July next year. Mum is CRAZY about AK and all things Animal! So it seemed perfect and we can't wait.
I also love staying in what I class as a 'traditional hotel' where the rooms are all in one building. We stayed at POR in 2004 and whilst we had a BRILLIANT time, I missed staying in a 'traditional hotel' - i.e. they had numerous different room blocks. That was another reason I like the AKL.
If I ever get to travel to Disney with just me and hubby (unlikely tho!) then I'd like to stay at the Contemporary!xxx

 

[annie_in_wonderland]

They are all nice. I would think about what everyone wants to do the most. Are you letting them run around by themselves? Then I would choose an EPCOT one so that they can walk over to EPCOT by themselves. (Unless they are more into the MK, then choose a monorail one). From Boardwalk it is actually easy to walk to MGM too! (or take the boat.)

The Contemporary has a great arcade ( although I think it was closed for refurbishment when I was there in October so I don't know what the new one will be like.)

The rooms are bigger at the Poly and the CR, and for me, that makes a big difference when there are teens in a room.

Think about the group and what they like to do and that will help you decide.

 

[eliza61]

Our favorites are the BC & WL. We love the WL for the themeing. It is spectacular and since we usually go in the summer, we spend time at the resort. Beach club has a great pool Stromalong bay and they have Beaches and cream which my teenage boys love, plus it is close to Epcot and tons of dining options.

These are the kind of problems I love

 

[simonkodousek]

My favorites are the Wilderness Lodge and Polynesian. If you can afford it, I would go for the Polynesian. It is 100% worth it. The Wilderness Lodge is great too.

 

[PrincessBear]

Thank you so much for all of your advice! We enjoyed the GF and YC/BC so we are thinking maybe staying there again because we know we will be happy. However, I always love to try something new and have always wanted to stay at the Poly! Apparently though we will be spending most of our time in Epcot (World Showcase) so I guess maybe something over there! Are all of the rooms in the Poly and CR renovated? Does anyone have pictures from their recent stays? It might sound stupid but I'd hate to pay that much for an "old" room. Life is good when your biggest dilemma for the week is deciding between deluxe resorts!!

 

[ducklite]

Here is some food for thought.

You can get guaranteed bunkbed rooms at the WL and AKL.

At the Polynesian, GF, and Contemporary, there are daybeds that will comfortably sleep children or smaller adults. That would also give you the option of avoiding the kids having to share a bed.

The YC, BWI, and BC also have rooms with daybeds, but they are not all full lnegth, and I've heard of people being assigned to rooms with only two beds as opposed to the two beds and a daybed.

The YC/BC and BW have the distinct advantage of having a lot of recreation right there, and allowing you to walk to Epcot and MGM--which is where we found ourselves spending the most time as our son became a teen.

The pool area at the YC/BC is by far the best for teens.

The BW area is great for evening diversions.

The rooms at the GF/CR/PR are by far the largest, the rooms at the AKL/WL are by far the smallest.

The bathrooms at the PR do not have the split plan with the sinks outside the toilet/tub area.

Animal watching and the firepit at the AKL are good for an evening or two to keep the teens interested.

My son is 21, and his favorite resort is the AKL, followed by the BWV, but he's not a huge pool person. When he was in his early and mid-teens he really loved to swim and SB was "the" place, and the BC was his favorite resort.

Have a great trip whatever you decide.

 

[robinb]

Two teens? Spending you time at Epcot? I would go with Boardwalk. You may even look into renting some DVC points to stay on the villas side .

 

[PrincessBear]

Right now we are thinking (okay, I am thinking) AKL or Poly or CR in the tower. However when you stay at AKL do you feel as if you are further away from the action? Also, our teens (one boy & one girl) will probably share a room with two beds and hubby & I will be in an adjoining room. That said, do some of these resorts not offer connecting rooms? Where are the best suites? Ahh so many questions! Thanks again to everyone and their input & advice!

 

[ducklite]

Right now we are thinking (okay, I am thinking) AKL or Poly or CR in the tower. However when you stay at AKL do you feel as if you are further away from the action? Also, our teens (one boy & one girl) will probably share a room with two beds and hubby & I will be in an adjoining room. That said, do some of these resorts not offer connecting rooms? Where are the best suites? Ahh so many questions! Thanks again to everyone and their input & advice!

That changes everything. WDW does not guarantee connecting rooms unless little ones will be alone in the room.

I'd suggest renting points for a 2BR DVC unit. It will cost you less than two deluxe rooms, the locations are great, you'll have a huge amount of space to spread out in. Plus you'll have a washer/dryer, fully equipped kitchen (no, you don't have to cook, but the fridge and ability to warm up leftovers in the microwave is priceless. Plus the master BR has a king bed and jetted soaking tub.

 

[robinb]

Right now we are thinking (okay, I am thinking) AKL or Poly or CR in the tower. However when you stay at AKL do you feel as if you are further away from the action? Also, our teens (one boy & one girl) will probably share a room with two beds and hubby & I will be in an adjoining room. That said, do some of these resorts not offer connecting rooms? Where are the best suites? Ahh so many questions! Thanks again to everyone and their input & advice!

Wow! You are splurging! Two rooms at a deluxe is expensive.

I LOVE AKL so much that we added on there with DVC. But ... it is not, in any way shape or form, "in the action". The beauty of AKL, IMO, is that it is relaxed and quiet. I could sit on my balcony for hours and watch the peaceful animals. If you think you might like that, then let me recommend renting DVC points again. You can probably get a 2-BR villa for less than you would pay for two rooms or a suite. The same could be said for Boardwalk, Beach Club and Wilderness Lodge.

Here are photos from AKV:
http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/g_aklv.htm

A 2-BR is a 1BR with a connecting studio.

 

[PrincessBear]

Oooh okay, perfect! Any favorites?

PS I love your little greyhound signature! My last dog was part greyhound and she was the sweetest little girl. They are beautiful dogs!

 

[PrincessBear]

Yes we areeeee lucky enough to get to splurge on this one! We haven't gone as a family for years and we are only staying for a few nights, so we figured - lets do it!! I never thought about those AKL villas, I would sure like the quiet and relaxing atmosphere and my son loves animals...

 

[MickeyNicki]

We stayed at YC, Poly, WL and CR and our fav is the YC. It was super, the quiet pool was great because we were the only ones using it the 4 nights we stayed.

WL is great for the holidays, the best decor around

 

[ConcKahuna]

ALL of the Disney deluxe resorts are great, and they all have fans.

If you plan on spending a lot of time at Epcot, the only thing I might add is that Epcot transport is much easier from the Polynesian than it is from the Contemporary. From the Poly you just walk next door to the TTC and take the monorail, from the Contemporary, you have to take the monorail to the TTC then transfer.

The DD bus also leaves from the Contemporary then stops at the Poly on the way, so that's one fewer stop that way from the Poly too.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

If you plan on spending a lot of time at Epcot, the only thing I might add is that Epcot transport is much easier from the Polynesian than it is from the Contemporary. From the Poly you just walk next door to the TTC and take the monorail, from the Contemporary, you have to take the monorail to the TTC then transfer.

Don't forget that if a guest is to arrive at the Contemporary Monorail station when it's already there and is able to get on, it's a very short Monorail ride to the TTC and the walk to the Epcot Monorail is also easy. Of coruse the wait is a bit longer when the Monorail has not arrived at the Contemporary, but I am sure you understand what I am trying to say?

 

[ducklite]

ALL of the Disney deluxe resorts are great, and they all have fans.

If you plan on spending a lot of time at Epcot, the only thing I might add is that Epcot transport is much easier from the Polynesian than it is from the Contemporary. From the Poly you just walk next door to the TTC and take the monorail, from the Contemporary, you have to take the monorail to the TTC then transfer.

The DD bus also leaves from the Contemporary then stops at the Poly on the way, so that's one fewer stop that way from the Poly too.

The Polynesian also gives you a lot more dining options within walking distance. It's a five to ten minute walk from the PR to the GF, so that opens up three Signature, one character, one casual, and a counter service place, plus Mizners for cocktails.

 

[PrincessBear]

Ahhh okay, I got the OK to decide where we get to stay, so I have ruled out YC, BC, and GF because we have stayed there before. I'm thinking about CR, Poly, and AKL! Thanks for all of your help! I need to make a decision by the end of the day so I can call tonight and have everything set. This is kind of last minute since we will be going in March, so my top choices may not even be available! What are the best rooms/views in Poly, CR, and AKL? Thanks everyone sooo much