Which DVC Resort is the Most Cozy?

laserpastry

Earning My Ears
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Feb 23, 2020
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Okay, as an introvert, I really appreciate the quieter indoor seating nooks at AKL and BC. I only recall seeing the one indoor seating area at Riviera (Voyageurs' Lounge), and it got me thinking: which DVC resort has the most indoor seating nooks? This is something that I think really contributes to the "coziness factor" of a resort. So, where have you noticed the most (not counting lobby seating or noisy bar areas)? Also, I know this is highly subjective, but which resort do you think is the most cozy, and why?
 
For cozy I would go with any of the Lodges based on the shared space/lobby experiences. Animal Kingdom Kidani has a great lobby feel and a room near the lobby that is very cozy with doors to the outside to overlook the Savannah. Sanaa bar/lounge also feels cozy. Animal Kingdom Jambo has my favorite cozy/relax spot at the fire pit where you overlook Victoria Falls bar area and Boma restaurant which sometimes includes amazing aroma from the food! Boulder Ridge has a cozy common area in and of itself and then you also have the lobby at Wilderness Lodge as well as Geyser Point Bar and Grill for a comfortable outdoor quite bite with TV's.
 
For cozy I would go with any of the Lodges based on the shared space/lobby experiences. Animal Kingdom Kidani has a great lobby feel and a room near the lobby that is very cozy with doors to the outside to overlook the Savannah. Sanaa bar/lounge also feels cozy. Animal Kingdom Jambo has my favorite cozy/relax spot at the fire pit where you overlook Victoria Falls bar area and Boma restaurant which sometimes includes amazing aroma from the food! Boulder Ridge has a cozy common area in and of itself and then you also have the lobby at Wilderness Lodge as well as Geyser Point Bar and Grill for a comfortable outdoor quite bite with TV's.
Yes! I love the fire pit area over Boma!
 

Wilderness Lodge. Feels remote even though it’s not. Plus, the little lobby are for the boulder ridge section is comfy but there is never anyone around. Tons of places to sit and relax alone
 
DHHIR. It was the most relaxing vacation I have ever had. The resort has a lot of off out of the way places on the grounds including hammocks. It feels isolated and serene even when others are there. The cast members make you feel like you are at home. There is something about walking through the Spanish Moss or on the pier that has a calming effect. This may not be what you are looking for since it is not near the parks, but even as a huge Disney parks fan our trip to DHHIR was one of my favorites.
 
AKL is very cozy, quiet and relaxed. I have never stayed at VWL... some day I will, but from the few times I've been there for dinner I can see it would feel similar to AKL.
 
I would agree with prior posters' recommendations. Still, here are my Top 3.
3. AKL (Jambo)--designed by the same architect (Peter Dominick) who "composed" WL, there are some nice spots to just sit and and reflect while savoring the warm feel of the inspired lobby or looking out over the savannah.
2. HHI--truly, the most intimate of Disney resorts. While there aren't many indoor locations to curl up with your thoughts or a book, the resort has an abundance of outdoor spaces to call your own including at least a half dozen hammocks, a few free-standing porch swing pergolas, and Adirondack chairs scattered throughout the property.
1. WL--WL now has two DVC properties, so I've included them as one entity. The main lobby has rockers, and while part of the main lobby, it's still generally quiet. Or, go up the steps above the main entrance and there is a fireplace nook there that is often overlooked. Go up another floor, and you can step out onto the naked verandah that sits just above and slightly to the rear of the drive through entrance to the Lodge--I say "naked" because there is no furniture out there, but you could bring a folding chair and be alone all day. I've never seen anyone out there when I've stepped out to it. On the opposite end of the lobby, there's an outside seating area off the 4th floor that overlooks the gurgling creek that starts inside the lobby area where the footbridge is located. Skip over to the VWL buildings small lobby, and it has even more: two fireplaces with rockers (one of them has room for only two small chairs), numerous chairs and couches in the Carrollwood Pacific Room (train room), as well as throughout the small lobby area, and then there are a few rockers that sit outside that building where you can sit back and soak up the ambiance.
 
I would agree with prior posters' recommendations. Still, here are my Top 3.
3. AKL (Jambo)--designed by the same architect (Peter Dominick) who "composed" WL, there are some nice spots to just sit and and reflect while savoring the warm feel of the inspired lobby or looking out over the savannah.
2. HHI--truly, the most intimate of Disney resorts. While there aren't many indoor locations to curl up with your thoughts or a book, the resort has an abundance of outdoor spaces to call your own including at least a half dozen hammocks, a few free-standing porch swing pergolas, and Adirondack chairs scattered throughout the property.
1. WL--WL now has two DVC properties, so I've included them as one entity. The main lobby has rockers, and while part of the main lobby, it's still generally quiet. Or, go up the steps above the main entrance and there is a fireplace nook there that is often overlooked. Go up another floor, and you can step out onto the naked verandah that sits just above and slightly to the rear of the drive through entrance to the Lodge--I say "naked" because there is no furniture out there, but you could bring a folding chair and be alone all day. I've never seen anyone out there when I've stepped out to it. On the opposite end of the lobby, there's an outside seating area off the 4th floor that overlooks the gurgling creek that starts inside the lobby area where the footbridge is located. Skip over to the VWL buildings small lobby, and it has even more: two fireplaces with rockers (one of them has room for only two small chairs), numerous chairs and couches in the Carrollwood Pacific Room (train room), as well as throughout the small lobby area, and then there are a few rockers that sit outside that building where you can sit back and soak up the ambiance.
Okay, I'm convinced. Now I feel like I need to plan stays at Hilton Head and Wilderness Lodge. I've never stayed at either one.
 
Wilderness Lodge.
The Carolwood Pacific Room in particular is nearly always empty. It's one of my favorite places anywhere in the World.
https://factsandfigment.com/2021/09...ic-railroad-room-at-disneys-wilderness-lodge/
On top of that, there are a couple of places where you can find some outdoor seating at the edge of the resort overlooking Bay Lake. If it matters to you, one of these is near a smoking area IIRC, but others are not. I remember showing a video I took sitting at one of them to my therapist, who said: "You found the singular peaceful place in WDW!"
 
Go up another floor, and you can step out onto the naked verandah that sits just above and slightly to the rear of the drive through entrance to the Lodge--I say "naked" because there is no furniture out there, but you could bring a folding chair and be alone all day. I've never seen anyone out there when I've stepped out to it.
When I scanned this at first I thought it said "Go up another floor, and you can step out naked onto the verandah that sits just above..." and I thought "Wow, that must really be secluded!" :p
 
I think the lobby of VWL (aka BRV) is hands-down the most intimate and cozy space at any resort I've visited. As has been said several times, the quiet lobby has several fireplaces, and a million little nooks and crannies with chairs to curl up in. The Carolwood Pacific Room is absolutely beautiful, with it's own fireplace and there's an outdoor veranda with chairs as well.
 
WL. I have yet to stay at AKV but I would probably say that would also be a contender. At WL, we found a cozy nook upstairs with a fireplace overlooking the lobby. It was perfect with a warm cup of cocoa! :cloud9: Lots of beautiful areas to sit and relax particularly during the holiday season. WL HOLIDAY.jpg
 
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Boulder Ridge for sure. We drove in from Cocoa Beach to eat Xmas Dinner at Whispering Canyon and afterwards walked to BR 'Rotunda" to sit and reminisce about life experiences. This trip we didn't stay there but that was always our place to unwind our minds. This visit was even more special as adult daughter (50) had us sit in the chairs by the fire as we read an emotional letter from her about how much we meant to her over the years. The love of Disney made the list high up as we passed it to both adult daughters. DH & I ended up crying but BR (and WL dinner overlooking the tree) was the absolute perfect Christmas experience.

There is something so special about Wilderness Lodge.
Like an Oasis for the Mind.
 



















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