Which Epcot resort should I stay at? Please help

[Doede95]

Hi-
We are planning a trip to Disney for fall. We always stay at the Poly, and I would like to split our stay and try something new. We love Epcot, so I thought it would be fun to try an Epcot resort. I just don't know which one to pick. We have 2 kids- ages 4 and 9. Also, should we start are trip at the Poly or end it there? Is it fun to go to 2 different resorts or is it easier to just stay at one? I would just book the whole trip at an Epcot resort, but I am worried that I would miss the Poly. Any of your expert advice would be appreciated. Thanks so much!!

 

[ReninDetroit]

I wouldn't recommend staying at two different resorts, it's just alot of hassle to pack up and unpack halfway through your trip. (not to mention checking out and in). And you can always just have a meal at whatever hotel you want to experience. I've only stayed at 3 onsite Disney hotels but I've eaten at almost all of them and I've gotten a feel for which resorts I'd like to stay at and which ones I'll pass on lol!

The Boardwalk, Yacht Club, Beach Club and Dolphin and Swan are all Epcot-area resorts. You can get a boat launch from the Boardwalk directly to Epcot, but I'm not sure about transport to and from the other resorts.

I'd recommend all of them except the Swan and Dolphin. They just feel very business oriented (convention trade) and they're operated by non Disney companies (Westin for Dolphin and Hyatt for Swan I believe) so you don't get as much of the Disney "feel".

People have mixed opinions about the Boardwalk. Alot of people love it because there's lots to do (on the Boardwalk) but then some people have trouble getting kids to sleep because it can get noisy if you're on a low floor and if your room faces the Boardwalk there's alot of action outside, something that doesn't make little Billy want to go to bed! lol. This is why we haven't stayed at the BW yet.

The Yacht and Beach Clubs are what I would recommend investigating further, or if you don't mind the chaos then Boardwalk.

 

[Mymatisse]

I would totally recommend staying at two different resorts! It's a lot of fun and feels like you're having two vacations. As far as which EPCOT resort to stay at, I would pick the BC hands down! The entire boardwalk area is so nice, and there is so much to do there, but the BC is uber close to the international gateway and a lot of kids tend to really enjoy SAB.

Also, make sure you get over to Beaches and Cream for Ice Cream... Yum

 

[Minnie824]

We stayed at the Yacht Club for our honeymoon, and this Nov will be taking our DDs for the 1st time (then ages 4yo and 19mos). We debated between GF, Poly, & YC/BC, and ended up deciding on the Beach Club. We loved the area. At night, when the parks close earlier, we can take a walk to the Boardwalk Bakery or Beaches and Cream. The area is wonderful. I've never stayed at BC, but its very similar to YC which was excellent. The pool area is great too. I would say Beach Club.

 

[RAD]

Why not check over at the DVC rent section and see if you can get a 1BR villa at BWV or BCV? That way the kids can sleep in the living room on the hide a bed and you have your own bedroom and whirlpool to relax in. You'd also have a full kitchen and in room washer/dryer to do any cloths that need to be done. just a thought.

 

[Anthony1971]

I would (do) miss the Poly.
I own DVC and am now staying in thise resorts although they are nice they are not the Poly...... This was my main reson for us not buying for so long
You can take the Monorail faster to epcot then it will take you to walk form your room at BW or BC
The Poly has amazing food and Coffee and if you want a nice walk at night.... the Beach and walkay to GF. The grounds at BW and BC are a far cry from the Poly not to put them down but the Poly is on the seven seas lagoon and the paths and landscaping are amazing
My opinion is if you have stayed at the Poly all along then I think you will not enjoy BC or BW as much as the Poly
if you choose to stay at one I would go with BW as it has the most to offer unless you are pool people. The BW has a lot going on that is different from the Poly. If you are poll people then saty at the BC.
Good Luck

 

[DANAW]

I have always said if I could pick up the Poly and move it to where the Beach Club is, I would have the perfect resort. We LOVE the theming of the poly, and the Beach Club,is our favorite Epcot resort. I also would not recommend the Dolphin. I know some people really like it, but we have stayed there when a HUGE convention was going on, and it REALLY had a corporate feel to us. We have not stayed at the Boardwalk yet. My kids are older than your kids, and we really like walking around the Boardwalk, and having the ESPN club there, etc...we find we spend a lOT more time at Epcot since its super accessable. I think your kids would love the pool at the Beach Club, but, there are not great take out choices here, like you have at Captain Cooks. That is our main complaint of the Beach Club. I have always wanted to split my stay between resorts, and hear the hotels easily will transfer your luggage, but the hassle of unpacking, packing, unpacking and packing again have held me back!

 

[GIOny]

I love the BW, I stayed there last Easter and never encountered any chaos. It was really very charming. But of course so is the Beach Clubl. Does your family spend time at the pool. If so, show them pictures of both resorts and their pools and let them decide. Stormalong Bay at the BC is great, lots to do for the kids. The pool at the BW is nice to but not near as large. They are both about equal distance from the backdoor of Epcot (the YC would be a little further). Both are beautiful resorts and I don't think you could make a bad decision.

 

[copper68]

I would reccomend the split stay...DW, DS's (14yrs old twins boys) and DD (1 1/2) split every stay between the Poly and a BWV...The boys love staying in the concierge building at the Poly, and DW and I love the BW...Switching between resorts is no hassle at all...on the day you're going to switch (this summer we will be doing 3 days at each), we get up, have the bellman get our bags and send them to the BW...we go to a theme park and later in the day just take disney transportation back to the BW and check in...it's a snap...
We enjoy switching for several reasons...first off, it is fun to get a taste of 2 different resorts...each one is unique and has something to offer...also, the kids will enjoy trying out two different pools...secondly, there are transportation issues...when you're at the Poly, obviously you're close to MK...so for those first few days we will do MK and maybe AK...we also visit the other MK resorts and do the hoop de doo...then when we're at the BW, we're right at Epcot and MGM...the walk to Epcot from the BW or BC is about the same as the monorail ride from the Poly to the MK (between waiting, and a stop at the GF)...the bus rides to DTD, AK and MGM are almost intolerable from MK resorts...
we're a split family...DW and I enjoy Epcot and MGM, while the boys like MK more (DD hasn't formed an opinion yet)...so being close to each park for a few days allows us to visit those parks and be able to get back to the hotel quickly for an afternoon nap...
so I would reccomend the switch...

 

[madalex]

You can take the Monorail faster to epcot then it will take you to walk form your room at BW or BC

I don't think so. It is a 5 - 8 minute walk (at most) from BW or BC to the Epcot International Gateway. Even if you want to go to Future World, that's only another 5 - 8 minute walk.

I'm no Poly expert, but I don't think it is possible to walk or monorail from the Poly to the TTC, wait for another monorail to Epcot, take the ride to Epcot (which is at least 5 minutes) and then walk from the monorail station at Epcot to the gate (which is usually more crowded and, thus, slower to get through than the IG) in that same 15 minutes (max) that it takes from BW or BC.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Hi-
We are planning a trip to Disney for fall. We always stay at the Poly, and I would like to split our stay and try something new. We love Epcot, so I thought it would be fun to try an Epcot resort. I just don't know which one to pick. We have 2 kids- ages 4 and 9. Also, should we start are trip at the Poly or end it there? Is it fun to go to 2 different resorts or is it easier to just stay at one? I would just book the whole trip at an Epcot resort, but I am worried that I would miss the Poly. Any of your expert advice would be appreciated. Thanks so much!!

I always split our stays...and I am a single mom with a five year old. We love to experience several different resorts within a trip to have varying vantage points to the parks. I don't think its difficult to switch at all. The resort moves you and we just go to the park for the day when they move our stuff. I've never experienced a long check-in experience, and we've gone at all different times of the year. I'm sure its possible to wait for check-in, but we've been lucky so far with that.

I think a Poly stay split with the Boardwalk would be fantastic. I've stayed at the Swan, BWI, YC and BC, and the Boardwalk is my favorite based on theming, room decor and amenities. I love being right on the Boardwalk. While its true that you can just walk across the walkway or take a boat if you are at BC/YC, we found it silly to always find ourselves wanting to be on the other side of the lake when we first stayed in the Epcot area at the YC. We stayed in the Boardwalk next trip and it was The theme of the hotel is more appealing to me than the YC/ BC/ Swan or Dolphin, but that's just my personal preference. There are plenty of great pics on Debs site that will show you what the theming of the individual hotels look like. The Boardwalk is even more beautiful in real life. I remember feeling that I'd made a mistake in choosing the YC over the others once I'd seen them when I was there.

 

[pixie08]

I don't think splitting is such a bad idea unless you get carried away (i've heard of people staying at 3 resorts in 6 nights...too chaotic)

IMHO I would do BC first half and do poly 2nd half so if you do not LOVE BC as much as poly you still have something to look foward to! I've heard they move your bags for you(?) so you could pack up at bc go to a park and return to Poly!!!

I chose BC over BI and YC ..because that was the resort we like the best out of the 3 (we never stayed in any, but have done extensive tours of them all)

BI-as some one mentioned alot to do but noisy at night and EXTREMLY close to BC/YC so you can still take advantage...

YC-very nice but a little stuffy and masculine esque..but a GREAT pool which is shared with BC!!!!!!!!!!

Finally BC is beautiful and laid back!!!

 

[geetey]

Boardwalk!!!!

With a 4 yr old, I think the BW pool is easier to manage. I think stronger swimmers can enjoy SAB more. Plus, while the Boardwalk seems 'just over there' from YC/BC -- after a day at the parks, it seems sooooooooooo far away. We enjoyed the activity of the BW at night, and since we don't pay for anything other than a standard room, there is no noise to worry about.

Personally I don't think you can lose with an Epcot resort unless you are spending your entire trip in MK.

 

[Leota]

I would pick any of the Epcot deluxe resorts. I have stayed at BC, Swan & Dolphin & had Magical stays at each.
Even tho Swan/Dolphin aren't owned by Disney, they are fantastic, Magical resorts. Great amenities & service. The Grotto is second only to Stormalong Bay as far as pools go. I have had awesome views from my rooms in both. The dining options can't be beat. And the Heavenly Beds? Amazing!

I couldn't begin to pick one over the other as they are all so great. I would also stay at the YC or BWI in a heartbeat. I think that area is the most convienent of all in WDW.

I would also split the stay if you are staying 7 or more days. Less than that wouldn't be worth splitting IMHO.

 

[keys2kingdom]

I'd recommend all of them except the Swan and Dolphin. They just feel very business oriented (convention trade) and they're operated by non Disney companies (Westin for Dolphin and Hyatt for Swan I believe) so you don't get as much of the Disney "feel".

Purely for reference the Swan and Dolphin are operated by the Starwood Group. The Swan is a Westin and the Dolphin is a Sheraton.

 

[swilphil]

I would do the Poly first and then the Epcot resort, mainly because we like to do lots of MK during the first part of our trip. And we like touring World Showcase at the end to get away from the theme park atmosphere. Some people recommend staying at the nicer resort at the end of the trip. Since you love the Poly, it might be nice to end your trip there.

I don't think you can wrong with any of the Epcot area resorts. I am one who loves the Swan (the Dolphin is nice too). We weren't at all bothered by the convention goers and S/D is very much a deluxe resort. The Beach Club though might be more appealing to your family, especially with the SAB pool. I like the theming of the Boardwalk too.

 

[luvindisneyworld]

I don't think so. It is a 5 - 8 minute walk (at most) from BW or BC to the Epcot International Gateway. Even if you want to go to Future World, that's only another 5 - 8 minute walk.

I'm no Poly expert, but I don't think it is possible to walk or monorail from the Poly to the TTC, wait for another monorail to Epcot, take the ride to Epcot (which is at least 5 minutes) and then walk from the monorail station at Epcot to the gate (which is usually more crowded and, thus, slower to get through than the IG) in that same 15 minutes (max) that it takes from BW or BC.

I totally agree with this.We have been to the Poly and rode the monorail and it does take longer to get to epcot on the monorail than walking from BC andBW.We Love the Epcot resorts.We own at BCV and VWL and we have stayed at both but always go back to BCV.We just Love everything about it there.


Oh,BTW I would definetly check on renting points from a DVC member if your stay is going to fall in between Sunday- Thursday at BC or BW.You can get some really good deals renting ppoints.What are your dates of travel and what dates do you think you would stay at Epcot resorts?I will check and see how many points it would take for a studio and a 1 bedroom.

Misty