Which Disney Resort???

[iluvwdw_2002]

I have never stayed at any of the Disney Resorts, but have gone to Disney many times, just stayed off site everytime.

In May 2004, I am graduating with my Masters degree (only took me 6 years!!). As a graduation present, my wonderful husband is taking me to see the MOUSE and I can pick any Disney hotel to stay in!!!

I am sooooo excited about it, but am now soooo lost as to which one I should pick. HELP!!

Which one do you recommend? I would greatly appreciate your thought!!

 

[princessmomma]

You need to give us more info...

Will it be just the two of you? How long is your stay?
How much do you want to spend a night? Rates can range from $49-$490 for a room only.

Check out wdwig.com for descriptions, pictures, etc of the resorts. You need to do a little research here first.

 

[jdads2]

Well, if I had my choice it would be AKL Concierge or Poly Concierge. I have had the opportunity to stay at the AKL and enjoy concierge level. WOW, what a treat! Al though I have not stay Poly concierge I have stayed at the Poly and have heard that the concierge level is the best at WDW.

The food at the AKL concierge lounge is tremendous. The staff is outstanding. You also have the opportunity to try the Sunrise Safari. Try this link: http://www.wdwinfo.com/aklodge/concierge.htm
I hope this helps and welcome to the DIS

 

[daannzzz]

Almost all of the Disney resorts are great and memorable. You will need to check out the various websites and look at pictures of the resorts. Many people choose based on what parks they are going to most. I pick based on what is appealing to me and then plan my parks around that. The Yacht and Beach Club, Boardwalk and Swan and Dolphin are a great area with fun pools, lots of restaurants and great proximity to Epcot and The Studios with boat transport or walking paths. It is a great "center" area to stay in.
My favorites are the Animal Kingdom Lodge just for the uniqueness of sitting on your balcony and watching giraffe, wildebeest and such wandering below you. I love the interior decor here as well. I also enjoy the Wilderness Lodge quite a bit.
Your enjoyment should be assisted by which theme you want to imerse yourself in for yuor accomodations.

 

[iluvwdw_2002]

From the little reading that I have done, most people seem to like the AKL or Poly. Thanks!

As far are more detail...it will just be the two of us (we are newlyweds) and have not gone to WDW just us two. We are going to 10 days and like something different...that you can't find anywhere else....

I would probably want to get the price range to no more than $200-$300/night.

Thanks!!

 

[Kimberle]

Congrats on your degree & becoming a newlywed!

For 2 young adults, I'd probably recommend an Epcot resort. The Swan & Dolphin have been offering pretty good deals. I think most people have been happy there. S/D also offer special discounts for occupations such as nurses, teachers, & gov't workers. You might want to see if you're eligable.

Basically, you've got to look at 2 major areas, what you are going to do and what "theming" most appeals to you. You also might want to consider splitting your stay. CM's will transfer your luggage so it's no problem if you don't have a car.

We have a young child, so we stay close to MK. Last time at CR, this time at WL.

Brouse around, read trip report & the "new" evaluation database. You're going to find some people "love" a resort & some people "hate" the same one.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time whereever you stay!! My *goal* is to stay at every Disney resort!!

 

[iluvwdw_2002]

Thanks!! I appreciate the ideas!!

I have been reading and looking at photos from all the websites that I have gotten off the various discussions, and I have it narrowed down!! Getting excited!!!

BWI
CBR
POR
WL
S/D


HMMMM...

Thanks again so much for your help!

 

[GoofItUp]

What a fun and well-deserved gift from your new DH! Congratulations!

Although I haven't stayed in the deluxe resorts (we usually go for cheaper accomodations since most of our time is in the parks), I think staying at the AKL would be my #1 pick personally. Off your list, though, I would try the BWI. DH and I spent some time on the BW last visit and had a great evening. Plus it's location to parks is spectacular. Whichever you choose, have loads of fun!

 

[swilphil]

Of your choices, I would pick the BWI. If that's too pricey, go with Swan/Dolphin. You will love the Epcot location. It's perfect for a young couple. Be sure to walk around Epcot's World Showcase and try one of the many great restaurants. Congrats on your Masters. Mine took 6 years, too. Now I'm working on my 2nd Masters, and I think this one is going to take me 8 years.

 

[Mercy]

Hi, congratulations!

Since you are going for 10 days you might want to split your stay between 2 resorts like maybe AKL then the S/D. I have not stayed there, but the AKL looks so exotic and gets great reviews here. I have stayed at the Dolphin and loved it! Beautiful resort with a great location. Like someone else said, you can get pretty good discounts at the S/D. I just booked for Aug 04 with an entertainment rate of $147.50.

Splitting a stay is like getting 2 vacations in one, I really enjoy it especially if you are going for any length of time. Something to think about.

 

[PamNC]

I would definitely stay at either Yacht or Beach Club. As newlyweds, I think the Epcot Resort area would be wonderful for you! My husband and I won't stay anywhere else again (and we've tried many a Disney resort hotel). We like walking to Epcot and MGM, or there's a boat if you don't want to walk. We love the Boardwalk area and all the dining options. And, the best pool on property is Stormalong Bay. You'll love the convenience! I think for an adult without kids, it's perfect. Not to mention, in my experience the CM's at these resorts are superior. We've never had one solitary issue on our trips. And, I think all rooms have been renovated at both resorts.

It might be fun to split your stay since you're staying for so long. But, if you do I would pick YC/BC for part of the stay and perhaps the Poly for the other part. That way you'll get a feel for the Epcot area and the Magic Kingdom area. The monorail access is very nice.

Me...I'm an Epcot Resort area gal!

PamNC

 

[iluvwdw_2002]

I agree with ya...I am totally an EPCOT gal, and my husband really likes EPCOT as well. I will definitely look into the BC/YC, because they do look awesome. Which one do you like best as far as rooms....the BC or the YC, or are they both same type of room?

Thanks for your thoughts! I never really honest thought about splitting my stay between two resorts...that's an awesome idea!

Thanks everyone, and thanks for your "congrats" comments.

 

[Disney Dee]

For us folks who go without small children and no car, we like the Epcot resorts, since we spend most of our time in these parks, plus you have the boardwalk at your fingertips. I like S/D as much as B/Y so if I wanted to spend alittle less, I would go for S/D. I haven't stayed at AKL, so if money was no object, I would split my stay and at least spend part of my time at a resort I haven't stayed at yet.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

The Boardwalk Inn is spectacular. It is beautiful, romantic, right next to Epcot and fronting the lake....there is the walkway to MGM, the most inviting themes of all the Epcot hotels (in my opinion). For young adults there is some action on the Boardwalk at night, a wonderful jacuzzi by the quiet pool or a more populated one by the main pool.

I have stayed at AKL, Grand Floridian, the Swan, Boardwalk, the Wilderness Lodge and the Yacht Club. My strongest recommendation would be the Boardwalk, second I would say the Wilderness Lodge or AKL (tied) if you were more interested in feeling romantic and secluded--both of these resorts are more removed in terms of location, are very beautiful w/ great service, and are also great for couples.

I was disappointed with the Yacht club, it is my least favorite deluxe resort, though others love it so its just a matter of preference.

My personal favorite is the Grand Floridian, but that is because of its proximity to the Magic Kingdom and I have a 4 year old son, so that is convenient.

I did enjoy the Swan but the theming wasn't as magical to me as the Disney resorts, still, I would recommend it as well for a lot of good deals and the location. I would say if you could swing it, the Boardwalk would be worth the extra cost.

Have a great time and congratulations .

 

[Grumpy37]

Congrats! I'm close to my masters as well, and it will also have taken 6 years. I notice a trend.

Over a 10 day stay I'd think it'd definitely be worth splitting the trip into two separate resorts in different areas. You already have some great suggestions (Poly) about which resort (Poly) you could stay at (Poly), so I'll leave you to decide which ones (Poly) to choose.

One thing to consider if you are trying to do this on a budget, I think 8.5 days is the breakeven between a regular PH (Park Hopper) pass vs. the regular Annual Pass. So if you bought the annual pass (you buy a voucher, the year doesn't start until you activate it at WDW) depending on when you went you could make regular reservations (maybe with the AAA discount rates or something) and change to the AP discount rates when/if those rates become available. Mousesavers has some info on when those rates are historically, but its only during off-peak seasons.

I'll warn you though, we bought APs and added a Thanksgiving trip, so I'm pretty sure in the end that I didn't save any money!

 

[Disneygurl588]

CONGRATS!!!!!! If i were you I would probabally pick the POLY or AKL!! Those two are my two favorute resotrts!! GOOD LUCK picking and have fun!!!