Which resort close to MK?

[Surgie2]

Early May 2018, planning trip with 6 adults (two are the grandparents) and four children who will be 5 1/2, 5 1/2, 4 and 13 months at time of the trip. We will stay 5-6 nights and the majority of our park time will be at Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, though we will likely visit all four.

Between GF, Polynesian and Contemporary, which resort offers most convenient transportation and pools that appeal to preschoolers? Likely the 13 mo old and a parent will have shorter park days than the other kids so trying to make it easy for them.

 

[Childs1stTime2Disney]

I would go with the POLY for sure. Something for everyone and a great pool.

 

[Nancyg56]

I would choose the Grand. The Splash Pad is cool. I think that the lobby holds so much for everyone, with the Grand Pianist in the afternoon and the Grand orchestra after, the Parasol Parade in the morning.

 

[Chrelaine]

My vote would be the Poly also. Ferries, the monorail and a short walk to the TTC. The pools are beautiful also.

 

[mickeynut1]

Early May 2018, planning trip with 6 adults (two are the grandparents) and four children who will be 5 1/2, 5 1/2, 4 and 13 months at time of the trip. We will stay 5-6 nights and the majority of our park time will be at Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, though we will likely visit all four.

Between GF, Polynesian and Contemporary, which resort offers most convenient transportation and pools that appeal to preschoolers? Likely the 13 mo old and a parent will have shorter park days than the other kids so trying to make it easy for them.

I would go with the Poly or GF. The Poly is our favorite overall for the tropical atmosphere and the beach for watching the fireworks (you can also see the fireworks while swimming in the pool), but the GF is also nice. The CR is great as you can walk to MK, but I think the Poly and GF are more appealing as far as theme/decor, pools, etc (just my opinion). With that said, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them, so I'd choose the one that appeals to you the most. Good luck!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I would get a 2BR or Grand Villa for the group, which puts you at the Floridian or Contemporary. You would need either 2-3 rooms or a suite at Poly, versus the potential of renting points for a 2BR at either CR or GF. You would also get a kitchen at either of those two, which can be nice for water, snacks, beer.

I prefer the water play area at GF but when you have a 2BR or GV at CR (really, Bay Lake Tower, but) you have access to two very nice pools and a splash pad.

 

[Surgie2]

Honestly I know nothing about renting points. The idea of a kitchen is appealing. Is there a good site to learn about renting points?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

When you "rent points" you are actually renting a reservation at a DVC resort made for you by a DVC member.

• The member will control the reservation until you check in.
• Your booking is generally non-refundable and cannot be cancelled for refund due to the restrictions of a timeshare booking by the owner.
• You will often need to pay in full up front, versus the $200/first night's stay deposit on a booking with Disney.
• Any changes, special room requests or adding the dining plan have to be done through the owner. Dining plans must be paid in full at the time that they are added to the reservation because that's the way that DVC works.
• Tickets, FP+ and ADRs are your own responsibility.
• DVC units are not the same as staying in a hotel room. 2BR units have various configurations, but will include a kitchen.
• You will have all of the advantages that any Disney resort guest gets (like EMH, access to the resort's theme pool, ADRs at 180+10, FP+ at 60 days prior to arrival, MBs) but none of the benefits that DVC members have (such as member discounts or events or Top of the World Lounge).
• You will not qualify for any additional Disney discounts. You also are unlikely to get any kind of upgrade (and should not ask for one, as the owner who made the reservation for you may be charged for it).
• Demand for DVC rental far exceeds the number of available units and owners willing to use their points for a rental. DVC is designed to be at or near 100% occupancy all year long.
• Your chances of getting exactly what you want are much greater if you have lined up someone, who owns at the resort that you are interested in booking, at least 11 months in advance of the day you wish to arrive. The probability of success goes down from there.
• In general, as a renter do not expect to book Boardwalk Standard Studios or 2BR, BLT Standard Studios or 2BR units, Grand Floridian studios, or Animal Kingdom Value or Club Level units. You can ask, but have backup plans (and budget, in the case of the Standard/Value units).
• If there is any issue, Disney will not be a part of any fix, as your transaction is not with them.

David's DVC Rentals is a sponsor of the DIS and quite reputable among renters and DVC owners.

 

[Surgie2]

Thanks so much for that info. Wow - so much in the world I don't know...Disney and otherwise LOL!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

When looking at something like a 2BR unit, if you can live with the restrictions you can save $$$. And a 2BR really is a nice option for a multi-generation trip with a toddler. Especially given that you're pre-thinking now, you have no idea what the baby will be eating at that point, and every kid is a little different. Having a fridge and a microwave (not to mention the rest of the kitchen) allows for some flexibility, and is also nice for the rest of the family.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would do the Grand or Poly. The Grand has a slight edge for me as there are more restaurants and the rooms have been recently renovated. They have two pools plus an adorable Alice in Wonderland splash pad.

Poly is gorgeous and has lovely pools and a splash pad, but I prefer the dining options at GF. Poly, however, will offer you the option of walking to TTC to catch the monorail to EP.

I would look at the Grand and Poly and see which one appeals to you more. You really can't go wrong with either one.

 

[caliope]

I would go with either Poly or GF. We've been to both. CR isn't as appealing to young children, at least in our experience. Our DS liked Chef Michey's but otherwise there wasn't enough to look at to hold his interest. He adored Poly and GF.