Which hotels to visit?

[willis37862]

My husband and I will be spending 6 nights at the All Star movie resort in November. We chose that one to save money to use towards other stuff. We have time set aside to visit the other hotels, check out the pools and the other sights. So I was wondering who has a fave resort? And why? Fave pool, one that might be heated? Which resort is the most interesting to visit? Thanks to everyone who takes the time to reply.

 

[grimley1968]

I'd visit any of the deluxe resorts, but mostly to get a chance to eat in the featured restaurant.

Usage of resort pools, other than the one you have paid for (or sister resort pool), is not allowed. However, all WDW pools are heated.

 

[willis37862]

I guess I was misinformed. I thought you could use any of the pools as long as you were at one of the resorts. But that doesn't make a difference. Thanks for you reply.

 

[snowmouse]

The lobby at AKL really takes my breath away. All of the resorts really have a wow factor, however.

Even though you can't use the pools, resort visits are really fun. Just walk around the public areas and grab a bite to eat. Every one is a unique experience. Enjoy!!

 

[becka]

Resorts pools are only to be used by registered guests at the resorts but as a visitor you can still take a look around. It is a good way to try to decide which resort you would like to stay at in the future.

If you will be there in late November after the Christmas decorations are up then you will definitely want to visit the WL and the GF. Both of the lobbies are absolutely gorgeous at Christmas time.

 

[Buzz2001]

CSR!! It will be right down the street from the Allstars. Try the Maya Grill for the breakfast buffet. Check out my website below.

 

[jenrose66]

I would definately take a walk around the Grand Floridian. Me and dh ate at Kona Cafe one morning and decided to take a couple hours to just visit the different hotels and we just loved GF.

 

[willis37862]

Thanks everyone!!! I appreciate all the tips. I checked your site BUZZ2001. Looks like a neat resort, we'll have to check it out. Thanks also for any tips on which ones to eat at. I love to eat! Also I love shopping. Any with especially great shops? Also love photography. Any with great photo ops? Thanks again everyone.

 

[DukeStreetKing]

AKL has lots of great photo ops as long as the animals cooperate. Walk through the lobby and exit out the back and you will enter into an animal viewing area. Giraffes, zebras and few other animals should be there. Also, there is another viewing area near the main pool where you should be able to view giraffes, Thompson gazelles and other creatures.

There are so many other resorts that are wonderful, but the AKL's viewing areas are a special bonus.

 

[pbharris4]

I'd visit Beach N Yacht Club, Boardwalk, Wilderness Lodge and maybe the Poly and GF. The Beach N Yacht Club and Boardwalk have several restaurants between the 2 of them and Swan and Dolphin have several restaurants too. Wilderness Lodge is just so gorgeous inside and out. I love going to the Poly because the decor and smell remind me of my Hawaiian vacation years ago. And GF because it too is pretty and remind me of being at the Hotel Del Coronado near San Diego on a trip we took around 10 years ago (it was modeled after the Hotel Del). I know DVC members can pool hop, but I don't think anyone else is allowed. I think it's a "perk" reserved for members.

 

[willis37862]

Any one else have a favorite for breakfast among the disney resorts?

 

[pbharris4]

Chef Mickeys @ Contemporary Resort, Cape May Cafe @ Beach Club and O'Hanas at The Poly. Those are my faves.

 

[LadyDulcinea1]

Ohana's breakfast at the Poly is my fav, love the atmosphere of that resort (get lost every time hehe ) 1900 Park Faire at GF is a VERY close second, not the traditional characters that most of the others have (Mary Poppins and Alice guys) and very good food, buffet style, plus the resort is beautiful! Always a plus

 

[willis37862]

I am getting hungry just thinking about it. Thanks for all the replies. I will put this to use in my trip planning. Keep the suggestions coming. If anyone new has any input, I thank you in advance.

 

[newholidayx2]

During the VWL part of our vacation DS13 & I will be eating at GF, Poly, Contemp and FW (besides WL). Planning on pool hopping too (DVC).
During the BCV part of our vacation we'll be eating at Swan, Dolphin, Yacht and Boardwalk (besides BC). Again pool hopping.
We're also planning on checking out AKL after a day at Typhoon Lagoon

 

[goin2disneyagain]

Definetly visit AKL to see the animals. The resort is also beautiful.

 

[Tinkaroo]

AKL is awesome! Boma is also a great spot for either breakfast or dinner!

 

[SorcererDonald16]

AKL is nice to visit (they have chairs right inside the big glass window and you can try and see the animals from there or go outside and look). WL, where I just stayed, is BEAUTIFUL. i could've sat in that lobby for a week, LOL. if you go there, check out the geyser down by the lake that errupts on the hour. PO Riverside is great too... you could schedule a carriage ride or just take a walk around the very impressive grounds. wherever you wind up, have fun!

 

[Aimeedyan]

Universal hotels allow pool hopping, that might be where you had heard that

If you and your DH enjoy social drinking, you could do a monorail drink-a-thon, and stop at the lounge at each monorail hotel for their signature drink and to look around. OR even do a progressive dinner between the 3 hotels, appetizers and cocktails at one lounge, entrees at another hotel restaurant, and desserts at the last (monorail resorts consist of Poly, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary).

Wilderness Lodge is gorgeous, and an easy jump from MK by boat if you want to schedule a meal there or something and head over to check it out and dine. They have a geyser that goes off, a beautiful lobby with a stream going through it, and a pretty view of the lake. AKL is another gorgeous hotel, and of course you can see the animals on the savannah (though you're not as likely to see them in the heat of the day). AKL has some unique items in their giftshop, as well.

Lots of photo ops at all the resorts, IMO. Also, if you enjoy boating, you can rent a searaycer at one of the hotels and cruise the lagoon for awhile.

 

[minijeanie]

funny you should mention other resorts. my family did just that the last day of our trip.

we actually visited the all star resorts

we stayed at BW and I would highly recommend visiting the boardwalk area.
you can visit BW, YC,BC Dolphin & Swan.
Plus stroll the boardwalk,....Very pretty area and in my opinion the best place to stay while in disney

I love BOMA for Breakfast
I enjoyed spoodles as well which is on the boardwalk