Which Disney Hotel !!!

[tyke]

Hi gang

Still in planning mode for our December trip - the flights are sorted - now to focus on the accommodation.

As it is just the two of us this time around we are going to ditch the villa lifestyle and opt for hotels during our stay !

We have decided to split-up our lodging on the trip to allow us to sample a few hotels - we have already penciled in 3 nights at the Royal Pacific Resort in Universal - 3 nights at the Wyndham Orlando Resort - 1 night in St Augustine (hotel to be decided) - and 3 nights at a Disney resort.

This will be our first time staying on-site at Disney and so would appreciate your recommendations for accommodation !

We would prefer a hotel which -

- is more suited for couples.
- has nice grounds/pool area for relaxing.
- has a good selection of restaurants/bars.
- is moderatley priced.

What is the best option for booking Disney accommodation - I seem to recall posts relating to discount codes for hotel reservations booked direct with Disney - where can I find these !

tyke

 

[allie5]

The site that lists the codes is:

www.mousesavers.com

It maybe worthwhile one of you having a Disney Annual Pass, as discounts with these can be considerable. You say you are travelling in December...if that involves the Xmas period then you will need to book ASAP as it is one of the busiest times and there are very limited discounted rooms available. If you are going early Dec, then you will be able to get fantastic discounts at any of the resort hotels.

We are planning our first on site stay next year and have picked Animal Kingdom Lodge. The theming is fantastic and our children are big animal lovers, so this one was perfect! If it was just the two of us, then Port Orleans seems appealing for a moderate, or if funds allowed then the Grand Floridian is a perfect romantic spot for two!

Happy planning!
Allie

 

[SplashMtn]

Having done a LOT of research on accomodation myself, Port Orleans Riverside was always applauded for its relaxing scenery in that it is totally different from the bustle of the parks with trees a river and a choice between mansion building style rooms or those in the aligator bayou. The boat ride on the sassagoula river to DTD is also reccomended as being relaxing. Again though, this is just what ive read- mostly from the resorts board. Good luck with the choice!

Edit: just to say it has a foodcourt and a restaurant "Boatwrights" to meet the other one of your points.

 

[KayleeUK]

If you could get a good price on The Polynesian - I would pick here Very romantic, lovely grounds, on the monorail loop for great restaurants.

Or Caribbean Beach Resort, we stayed here on our honeymoon. again romantic, you can spend time sitting on the hammocks on the beach Haven't tried the restaurant here though.

Youe could try Dreams Unlimited they will give you a quote and look for great deals for you

 

[Hilary]

To fit all your requirements, I think you'd be happy with any Disney hotel except the AllStars. AStars are very child-friendly, so not as good if you want to escape for a romantic get-away

Of the moderates, I'd opt for POR or CBR as they both have good food courts and a restaurant and have quiet pools as well as the main themed pool. My vote would go to POR for that romantic moonlit river boat ride to DD

If the budget stretches further than the moderates, then AKL has to be a great choice for anyone, and I'd also suggest WL for some great chilling out spots and a boat ride to MK.

Have fun deciding!

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

We've only stayed (so far ) at the AKL and Poly.

Since you're already booked to stay at the RPR, then would I personally would consider AKL rather than the Poly as you'll get a similar "Poly" type ambience at RPR.

The AKL is a very relaxing resort - but the pool can get crowded, but all depends when you are going. We stayed there over October half term when half of the UK were also there.

If you can upgrade to a Savannah view room it's well worth the extra $$. We so enjoyed our stay here and will definitely be back. We tried the Poly last year - it was magnificent, but we all agreed we preferred the AKL. We don't normally use the hotel transportation, preferring to drive ourselves around, so this isn't an issue for us. I'd deliberately chosen the Poly since the only Disney parks we were doing last year was MK for MNSSHP and Epcot and the monorail for both these parks from the resort was great fun (we even got the I Rode up front cards ).

Sorry, but that's all I can recommend at this stage - my research of Disney and Universal Resorts is still on going (I can hear my DH groaning now ).

Good luck - you'll have fun whichever resort you choose.

 

[Bexx]

Another vote for Port Orleans Riverside - if you're happy to stay at a moderate. Beautiful place, good bus service, nice restaurant, great foodcourt there, and a pleasant stroll to the other foodcourt at PO French Quarter. Plus the boat ride to DD - we loved it.

 

[vernon]

Of the moderates I think Coronado Springs is the most aimed at adults, as it is a "convention" hotel destination. It has a great pool area and a really nice setting.

A lot more pricey is the Yacht club, which has a great pool area and is very conveniently situated for the restaurants along the Boardwalk area or Epcot. I prefer the more relaxed atmosphere of the Beach club out of the twin resorts Y+B club, but I do think the Yacht club feels more "adult" orientated than the Beach.

Another ( cheaper) option could be the Swan or Dolphin resort. Again great location for the Boardwalk and Epcot and some excellent restaurants of their own.

 

[tyke]

After much research I have narrowed down the options to -

Wilderness Lodge

$441 - 3 nights - Lodge View room
$498 - 3 nights - Courtyard View room

Coronado Springs

$334 - 3 nights - King Bed room or Water View room

We prefer the look of the WL - but is it worth the extra $$$ !

tyke

 

[Goofyish]

Another vote for POR - the grounds are lovely with some nice 'quiet pools'. The food court is great - large choice and plenty of tables. Boatwrights restaurant is ok for a nice dinner and the bar is also nice - with a nice cumfy lounge area. They have a live pianist in some nights which is fun

Another option is the Swan/Dolphin. You can get some good discounts to make them affordable if you shop around. They are in a great location - within walking distance of MGM, Epcot, Boardwalk and Yacht & Beach Club resorts. The rooms have recently been refurbished.

 

[Pootle]

We prefer the look of the WL - but is it worth the extra $$$ !

It definitely would be for me!

I haven't stayed at Wilderness Lodge yet (but it's top of my list) but have stayed at Coronado Springs. WL is a 'proper' hotel with interior corridors, balconies and lovely surroundings. CS is, like all the Disney value and moderate resorts; motel-type construction with external corridors (therefore people walking right by your window at times - there are curtains however ) but with pleasant grounds and theming. If you can afford it - no contest

 

[tyke]

Thanks for all the help guys.

I have just booked a Courtyard View room at Wilderness Lodge for 3 nights during our trip

Got a fantastic rate of £95 per night through the Disney.com special fall promotion offer - link

Saved over £250 compared to Disney.co.uk rates !!!!

Now to book for MVMCP !

tyke

 

[Merylj]

I`ve only visited the Wilderness Lodge - never stayed there though - it is a very beautiful resort. You also have the benefit of the boat to MK.

The rates you have sound good.

Have a great time whatever you decide to do.

merylj.

 

[Tartan Tigger]

I stayed at the Wilderness Lodge for 4 nights in July and loved it. It is a beautiful resort. I wanted to stay there again at Christmas but no discounts were available for my dates.

Hope you have a great time.

 

[TraceyL]

Inspired by Tyke I've just booked a night at WL too for the night we're doing MVMCP - AP room rate of approx £70 for standard view (as we'll be in the park til late didn't see the point of splurging on a view )