Which Deluxe?

[MadTownKatz]

In terms of the break factor, the return to AKL from AK is far shorter than taking the monorail from MK to the Poly....unless we just had fantastic luck taking the bus from the park to the resort. It literally took us longer to walk to the bus depot than it took for us to ride from the park back to the resort....which made taking breaks incredibly convenient. And as others have pointed out, AKL is not as out-of-the-way as you might expect. Your transport time to Epcot and Hollywood Studios will be much shorter from AKL than if you were in a MK resort...and the time to get to MK is perhaps five minutes longer than other resorts.

 

[moonshadow]

My vote is for WL. The theming is beautiful and relaxing and less expensive then Poly or Contemporary. The boat ride is quick to MK and I have never experienced any issues with the buses. Even though the Contemporary has the monorail running through it, it just seems to much like a hotel for my taste. I was watching a video on it a few days ago and there is just so much concrete outside. Again just my opinion. AKL is also wonderful, however WL is my go to resort these days.

 

[partigus]

we have stayed at all the deluxe including the Dolphin and Swan except for AKL (and 4 seasons if that counts)....love them all. WE prefer the Epcot resorts as out kids LOVE Epcot AND we love the ability to stroll around the lake at night visiting the 5 hotels on it (you know- cause we don't do enough during the day)....We have three kids- before out twins "counted as people" the WL was our favorite....not a walk into any park- but pretty easy buses to all and a good bit less expensive, while EVERY bit as nice......would echo others= don't sell the Contemp short- kids really liked it there- we did it once and were in the garden wing about as far away from things as you could be- pretty view of the water , but a HIKE- likely a vert different experience from being in the main building. Kids loved the pool and spray pad. While not a lot of theme -TONS of Disney heritage...

 

[Christine]

Just stayed at Contemporary GW room last month. Loved every minute of it. While the pool was more simple, I liked that it was super crowded. The lifeguards seemed to interact with the kids and had a few of them up doing some dance poolside. For adults, it is just a very relaxing resort outside.

Also, don't discount that the rooms at the Contemporary are a little larger than, say, AK and Beach Club. Not a lot but a little bit of square footage makes a big difference for a long stay!

 

[zobow02]

Boy this is tough to answer and I've only stayed at one Deluxe(WL)! Because there are so many resorts out of the MK area that are so nice!
Even if you don't go to EP that often, YC/BC has so much to do. And if you take long pool breaks I'd choose that one
If you want to be close to the theme park I'd recommend WL and even though you don't like the two very much, I recommend GF and CR.
OKW and SSR are not only close to DS but also a very short bus ride to MK. However they seem to be hard resorts to navigate at least to me (never stayed at those two).
Make sure to look at many pictures and videos and even maps of all the resorts!

 

[Monorail_Man_NJ]

Cost wise Poly will be the most expensive. But would be the best choice.
YC/BC would be great in July for the pool. Even Boardwalk has a nice pool.

I would not consider AKL. Rooms are VERY SMALL.