Which Epcot resort should we choose?

[magicalmickey]

Hi! We are planning a trip to DisneyWorld in Nov 2003. I'm wanting to stay at one of the Epcot resorts. Which does everyone like the best? Swan, Dolphin, Yacht Club, Beach Club, or Boardwalk? Any opinions are appreciated! I would also like a great view from the room. I'd like a view of the Epcot ball too if possible. Which of these would have that type of view and what building or room should we suggest, if anyone knows of one?

 

[josierac]

I have stayed at the Yacht Club and the Boardwalk Inn.
I prefer the Yacht Club. It was an understated elegant hotel and we loved our view and our room.

 

[drusba]

YC/BC and BW are Disney owned and Disney run. S/D are owned and run by the same company that has the Westin hotels. S/D thus do not have the same Disney touches as the others but are very good hotels. Also, S/D rooms do not have balconies. S/D has numerous discount programs available -- for teachers, government employees, annual passholders, and others. As a result, if you fall within a discount category, you can get a very good rate there. Discounts at the others just depend on whether Disney is offering any at the time for those resorts. You should keep tabs on available discounts at www.mousesavers.com. The main pools at all the resorts are very good but the one for YC/BC is considered the best on site -- very large, like a mini waterpark, and a sand bottom. As for views, you should request view of EPCOT when you reserve but understand it is not guaranteed and the hotels only have a limited number of rooms that face Epcot. Beach Club probably has the fewest rooms that face EPCOT and YC and Swan the most. Best Epcot views from BW are the ones on the BW Villas side that overlook the boardwalk (a very limited number of rooms at BW). However, the lagoon view on the BW Inn side and many of the garden views on the BW Inn side also have decent view of EPCOT.

The main thing is that you should not choose resort based on possible view of EPCOT (because if you don't get it you will feel you made your choice for the wrong reason). My personal favorite is BW (of all resorts on site) as it gives you easy access to the boardwalk and its nightlife. Any would be a good choice.

 

[NHAnn]

Originally posted by drusba
Also, S/D rooms do not have balconies.

Just wanted to point out that the Dolphin and the Swan both DO have balcony rooms available, some with a very nice view of the YC/BC and/or BW as well as the Epcot ball, and you can reserve a balcony room.

 

[Aprille's Mom]

I'm always relucatant to offer an opinion on resorts when the view is as important as it seems to be for you. That being said, my favorite resort in all the World is the Boardwalk Villas. If I can just stay in a one or two bedroom villa, I don't really care what the view is. On the other hand, you are less likely to get much choice of view at the villas since it is a DVC resort and cash customers take what's left. We weren't real happy at the Beach Club but will quickly add that we were there during Easter and I don't think I would have been happy anywhere. Overall, I think any Epcot resort would be a winner just for location.

 

[Glenn]

I was just at the BWI and I loved it. I was in 3205 which had a view of Epcot but close to a road so you heard the buses if you sat out. Also at the end of the hall. The Boardwalk area was nice the grocery store there had a number of things priced about the same as home so that was good. The only negative is that they dont have anyplace inside to really it. Friends over at the Dolphin said they liked having a 24 hr place open inside.

 

[cindala]

My vote goes with the YC! It is our favorite WDW resort!

 

[jgates]

My fav's are the Swan & Dolphin. But I would also have no objection about the Boardwalk resorts either.

What do I love about the S/D?

1. Tubbis - 24 hour food. Good pizza. $10 refillable soda mugs that make a great souveneir.

2. Swan is quiet and relaxing. (I consider the Dolphin a little 'noisier'.)

3. Either resort is a 5 minute (or less?) walk from Boardwalk. So close, but yet so peaceful. Almost as if you escape to your own little world when you go 'home' for the night.

4. 15 minute walk to either Epcot or MGM (tops).

5. Easy, convenient parking access. In and out to your vehicle quickly.

6. Walk to Disney's mini-golf.

7. Great discount rates. Plus, if you upgrade to Club level, great breakfast and eve snaks.

8. Comfy rooms.

9. Wondeful pool area. Nice shaded place for me to sit while the kids swim.

I don't know, I could go on and on. I am very prejudice for Swan/Dolphin. Most all of this also probably applies to the other Boardwalk resorts. What do you lose? Mickey wake up calls, Mickey soap(?), and room-charging priviledges. Do those bother me? Nope. I'll take my oatmeal soap and run like the wind to the Swan!

I doubt you will be disappointed whatever your choice. Good luck.

 

[Simba's Mom]

The only one of these I've stayed at is BC, didn't see anyone "vote" for that one, but I absolutely loved it! Before I went I'd promised myself to try the Boardwalk next, but now I'm not sure I will. I just don't see how any other resort can be better than the BC. However, my view of the ball was not the closest or clearest.

 

[Ocean]

Originally posted by drusba

The main thing is that you should not choose resort based on possible view of EPCOT (because if you don't get it you will feel you made your choice for the wrong reason). My personal favorite is BW (of all resorts on site) as it gives you easy access to the boardwalk and its nightlife. Any would be a good choice.

I heartily agree with this. Choose your resort based on the theme that you like most. We've always done this, and it always works for us. You can request the view you want, but since it isn't guaranteed, it's important to choose a resort that you will enjoy regardless of view.