Which Disney Hotel

[Mumof2]

Hi

I'm hoping you guys can help.......

We're going to Orlando on 28 June and will be staying (mostly) in a villa for 16 nights. I've also booked 1 night at the RPR in Universal. I'm now thinking of booking 1 night in a Disney Hotel.

Its not so much for early entry but just to see what its like to stay on-site in the world (previous on-site stays have been in Disneyland in LA). For those of you who are experts a couple of questions?

Is it worth staying on-site for 1 nite (just to get a flavour)
Is there a hotel which in your opinion would capture the whole Disney experience?
can you see fireworks from any of the hotels?

Thanks

 

[UKDEB]

This is exactly what we did some years back. Like you, we had always wondered what it would be like to stay onsite and we took one night out of our 3 week trip to stay at the Beach Club (which we chose after posting a similar questions to yours!)

We felt that one night wasn't enough to really feel part of the whole experience. Having stayed onsite several times since, it wouldn't bother me now (for example we stayed one night at the Grand Floridian following a meal at V&As), but for a first time experience, I think two nights would have been better. You check in at 3pm one day and out at 11am the next, so you don't really feel as though you've 'stayed' onsite. Having said all that, if I was in your position (having already booked to stay at RPR, which, if you haven't done before, you won't regret), I think I'd be reluctant to do more than one night at WDW.

You can see Wishes from Wilderness Lodge and the monorail resorts (Grand Floridian, Contemporary and Polynesian), and both Wishes and IllumiNations from the Epcot resorts (BoardWalk, Yacht Club, Beach Club). However, the view of IllumiNations isn't great (unless your hotel room has a balcony which faces Epcot) because there are trees which obscure it. IMHO, the fireworks aren't the same without the music, anyway. It's a short walk from any of the Epcot resorts to the International Gateway entrance and you can watch the fireworks from the bridge between the UK and France (albeit that I don't think that's the best view either - too far from the action). The Ecpot resorts are all within walking distance, or water-taxi ride, of both Epcot and MGM.

Epcot is my favourite park, so that would probably be the overriding factor for me in choosing where to stay. All of those we've stayed at (check out my signature) are nice hotels for different reasons. The Contemporary and Poly have just had their rooms refurbished (or at least they are in the process of refurbishment). I always think it's nice to stay in a hotel when it's new, so now might be a good time to stay at one of those. I'm not sure about any one in particular capturing the entire Disney experience as such. AKL has a lovely ambiance, but it's a bit too far away from everything - definitely not one to do for one night for an onsite experience. I would say the same is true of all the moderates and values. You wouldn't go far wrong with any of the MK or Epcot resorts.

 

[Frances999]

Everyone's different but in my opinion one night would be far too short. You would have no sooner arrived before you were leaving. It could actually end up giving you a bad impression of staying on-site as you might feel rushed and unable to properly settle.

Personally, I would go for two (but preferably three) nights. This gives you just enough time to be able to properly enjoy the resort, its facilities and the overall on-site experience. IMO it wouldn't be worth it at all for just one night.

 

[alisonbestford]

A friend stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge last year and felt that one night was quite long enough

I, on the other hand, feel that 2 would be more relaxing and give you a chance to spend a full day there

We stayed at CSR for 5 nights last year and, whilst it was pleasant, I missed being off site
As Frances says everyone is different and I'm sure you'll get plenty of constructive views - both for and against a 1 night stay

 

[Miffy2003]

If there is a hotel which particularly appeals then go for it. I would be inclined to agree with the "do at least 2 nights" view though. However I can understand you might not want to give up a further 2 nights on top of your night at RPR already.

I love the Epcot Resort Area hotels

 

[Mumof2]

Thanks to you all, guys. I kind of think that 2 nights would be best but really don't want to do that as we're already paying out for the villa. Will think more about the Disney/EPCOT hotels.

Debbie - your post really has given me quite a lot to think about so it much appreciated.

 

[Mumof2]

Hi.

I thought I'd give you all a quick update. After discussing the pros and cons with DH, we've decided to switch from 1 night at RPR and stay 2 nights at HRH. After all you guys said I just felt 1 night on site wouldn't be enough and DH is much keener on Universal anyway

Thanks!

 

[Girlsontour]

HRH is so cool - we stayed there last year for 2 nights and this year have booked to stay for 5 nights!! We like to stay on-site at Disney and Universal to get the most of all the parks however the first year that we went we stayed on IDrive. Even though we enjoyed this holiday, and did loads of things at night that weren't associated to Disney, we wouldn't go there again. Some people say that staying on-site you are too immersed in Disney - but we just can't get enough of it

You will adore HRH - we do

 

[Mumof2]

You will adore HRH - we do

Thanks, I must admit since I called them earlier I am very excited!!!