Which hotels to put on the short list?

[ChewyJ]

my family will be going the week before Thanksgiving, tagging along with my husband at the tail end of a convention he is attending. My family consists of my husband, our daughter, who will be 3 in December, and myself.

It's been over 20 years since I've been to WDW. Neither my daughter nor my husband have ever been, but we live in Southern California, so have been to DL a few times since my daughter has been born.

I'm just starting my research, so I know I have a lot of catching up to do! The last time I went to WDW years and years ago when I was a pre-teen, we stayed at CR, and loved it. I'm struggling with what to put on the 'short list' because I have a very picky SO, who would rather stay in a newly renovated hotel, even if it's off-site, rather than an on-site hotel for the theming/convenience, especially if the on-site hotel is older and not well kept. I would rather stay on-site because I have such amazing memories of staying onsite and I think my daughter would love it too, and even though she may not remember it, we'll remember seeing her take it all in. I'm raising a true Disney fan!!

Any recommendations or favorites? We're happy to look at both Deluxe and Moderate. Just at first glance, I'm thinking Polynesian Resort or Art of Animation. Two very different resorts, I know.

Thank you so much! Any tips/insights is much appreciated!

 

[Nancyg56]

SInce your DH has not been, he probably has no idea how convenient onsite really is. My DH first suggested offsite on our first trip back since our family was young. NO! He never looked back once he got a glimpse of wha offsite looked like in comparison to hopping on the monorail.

With a little one in tow, I would think about convenience over theme, and look at a monorail resort. If you can justify the cost I would suggest the Grand Floridian. It looks "stuffy" from te outside looking in, but nothing is further from the truth. This lovely resort has been refurbished and is immaculate. The rooms are clean and the amenities are amazing. Two pools and a "splash pad" for your little one to enjoy, a wide variety of onsite dining, and easy access to MK and Epcot. The bus will take you to AK and to DHS, which is a must if your little one is a character junkie like my DGD was. The cost is not cheap, but after my stay there last October, we booked it for this next trip. Every afternoon, in the Grand Lobby the Grand Pianist treats to guests to a lovely concert. I watched little Princesses dancing in the "ballroom" to Disney tunes, and decided right then that I was taking the two little girls on my street, and they were going to dance in that Ballroom in their Princess finery too!

WE loved AKL on our first trip. The theme is exotic and offers a respite from the stimulation WDW is. It is a distance from MK though, so if that may be a consideration for you. It si a gorgeous resort though, and offers so much in terms of amenities.

My family loves the Poly, and again, you cannot beat that resort for convenience and amenities, but it is undergoing some renovation. WE are not good with that kind of disruption, so we pass on it for now, but many people report that they have not been impacted by it.

If you are looking at a moderate, we love love love POFQ. it is our favorite moderate, and we choose it even if there are no discounts. (I do not like paying full price for anything!) The resort is compact and lovely, with a pool that is not overwhelming for a child. The slide is perfectly sized fo kids and is not enclosed. POFQ offers a water taxi to POR for dining and DTD for shopping and dining. It also has lovely pulush grounds and I don't remember that it was shabby.

 

[LaurEm378]

I adore Art of Animation but I'd take it right off the list if your husband is picky. My picky extended family did not like it when we stayed there. The resort is in excellent condition but it's a value and lacks the amenities of mods and deluxes. You'll find nicer outdoor spaces, more dining options, and easier transportation elsewhere.

Poly and Grand Floridian are great options. Beach Club is undergoing room renovations that should be complete by November, and the new rooms are gorgeous. It's also a little cheaper than GF/Poly, if cost is a consideration. You lose the easy access to MK but gain a 5-minute walk to Epcot's World Showcase.

Happy planning!

 

[DJFan88]

The BC or YC do look very nice, which should make your husband happy. Your daughter would likely love the sand bottom in the kids swimming section. You all will love walking or taking a boat into Epcot, and a boat to Hollywood Studios. the view, the boardwalk. Need I go on? Look at that thread, I think you will like what you see. Since you go to DL more frequently, Epcot and DHS, places you never see near you may be nice. Plus there will be a new frozen section in Norway at some time? Also, DHS may still have frozen stuff? You can also see higher fireworks and there is movie on the beach. There are many food options available to you, not only full service but quick service as well, when you consider the Dolphin and its Picabu are a short walk. Also, the Boardwalk bakery is quite nice.

 

[Darklord77]

Beach Club refurb has been put off until next year.

 

[DJFan88]

Beach Club refurb has been put off until next year.

Really? Only questioning, and would like to know more details, as it is inconsistent with what I read on allears and the BC thread.

 

[Aurora0427]

my family will be going the week before Thanksgiving, tagging along with my husband at the tail end of a convention he is attending. My family consists of my husband, our daughter, who will be 3 in December, and myself.

It's been over 20 years since I've been to WDW. Neither my daughter nor my husband have ever been, but we live in Southern California, so have been to DL a few times since my daughter has been born.

I'm just starting my research, so I know I have a lot of catching up to do! The last time I went to WDW years and years ago when I was a pre-teen, we stayed at CR, and loved it. I'm struggling with what to put on the 'short list' because I have a very picky SO, who would rather stay in a newly renovated hotel, even if it's off-site, rather than an on-site hotel for the theming/convenience, especially if the on-site hotel is older and not well kept. I would rather stay on-site because I have such amazing memories of staying onsite and I think my daughter would love it too, and even though she may not remember it, we'll remember seeing her take it all in. I'm raising a true Disney fan!!

Any recommendations or favorites? We're happy to look at both Deluxe and Moderate. Just at first glance, I'm thinking Polynesian Resort or Art of Animation. Two very different resorts, I know.

Thank you so much! Any tips/insights is much appreciated!

If you are looking at Thanksgiving this year, I would avoid the Polynesian. There is still a ton of construction going on and it will still be going on in November. Since you haven't been in 20 years, DH has never been, and he is picky- I would avoid Poly. Same with Wilderness Lodge. They are starting a ton of construction this fall.

If he really wants to be wowed, I would stay at The Grand Floridian. It's stunning and our favorite resort. Plus it's an easy monorail/boat ride to Magic Kingdom, which is the park you'll be going to most. It is stunningly gorgeous at the holidays. We stayed there last December, and our 3 year loved the resort and all the holiday magic.

If you are going Nov 2016, the Poly is a great choice. We do not stay value, which is the resort level of Art of Animation- the beds are double and the rooms are tiny. We enjoy all of the amenities offered at the deluxe resorts, and we always take a day just to spend at the resort.

 

[Aurora0427]

Beach Club refurb has been put off until next year.

This is not true. You can see photos of the refurbished rooms on the Beach Club thread. I believe they are at least halfway finished. We have several friends who have stayed in the new rooms.

 

[ChasingLeslie]

CBR is recently rehabbed, and CSR is currently undergoing an update.

 

[LaurEm378]

Really? Only questioning, and would like to know more details, as it is inconsistent with what I read on allears and the BC thread.

The Beach Club Villas refurb has been put off. The BC resort is being done now and floors 3, 4, and 5 are complete.