Which Resort for First Time Guests?

[crisi]

That’s a good point about studios versus 2BR, and I agree about prioritizing that, but not sure about SSR. Seriously, we’ve stayed there once and it was fine, but it’s not where I want to take a first timer.

I really do prefer Jambo pretty strongly over Kidani. The lobby, lounges, and dining are a huge part of what I love about the place, and I’d much rather have those a few steps away from my room than a 10 minute walk or shuttle ride away.

A little off topic - is there a drink refill station at Kidani?

I THINK there is a drink station somewhere, but its been five years since we stayed at Kidani. I agree that the lobby, lounges and dining are better over at Jambo, but with an adult trip, we tend to buy a bottle, have a few groceries, including the soda we want, delivered, and do our "lounging" in the room. And there are always cabs/rideshare available quickly if you don't want to walk or shuttle to get between the two resorts.

I think I'd make a list - book Poly now because you can, then when seven months come along, make a list of where you'd like to switch to. Somewhere in that priority list will be remaining at the Poly - as you make the list, you can discount the rooms where the point cost is too high or the resorts where you'd rather just keep the Poly.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

There is a drink station at Kidani, yes. It's not 24-hours but there is one.

 

[Maxwell42]

I think I'd make a list - book Poly now because you can, then when seven months come along, make a list of where you'd like to switch to. Somewhere in that priority list will be remaining at the Poly - as you make the list, you can discount the rooms where the point cost is too high or the resorts where you'd rather just keep the Poly.

I'd love to do that, but this stay will be entirely on borrowed points. So if I book 2 studios at Poly and then want to switch to a 2BR almost anywhere else, I will lose the difference in points and not be able to recover them. So if I make a reservation at Poly, I need to be committed to keeping that one.

I'm leaning toward waiting til the 7 month window opens and rolling the dice on getting a 2BR somewhere. I will have a prioritized list of resorts, and I feel comfortable that I can at least get Kidani if not something a bit more preferable. Then I can waitlist a couple of resorts if I don't get exactly what we want.

Wherever we end up, I'm sure we'll have a great time!

 

[peabody58]

Remember that September is HOT and prone to hurricanes. We enjoyed Ian back in 2022 while at the BWV, and they took great care of us. That being said, to really show them what is so great about WDW/DVC/Deluxe Resorts is to show them that there is so much more to WDW than the Theme Parks. We've been going to WDW since the '90's, DVC since 2010 - and there is still so much non-park things we want to do.

We enjoy the resorts and other offerings more these days than the parks. Having an AP lets us enjoy the parks for as much or as little as we want. We really enjoy our afternoon breaks (after sleeping in all morning) by taking a dip in the resort pool, and then going to a park later in the day/early evening when the crowds have thinned out and it's cooler. I wouldn't recommend commando park mode. Impress upon them that with your DVC/AP benefits, you don't stress the parks because you know you'll be back again soon. For us, DVC is about relaxing and getting to really enjoy your vacation time without needing a vacation when you get home.

If you can plan a trip when EEH or MM is available, that would be a WIN-WIN.

We appreciate the resort theming more and more these days, as well as catching a quick drink at the bars.
AK Jambo or Kidani will certainly WOW them, especially with a Savannah view while having your morning coffee with the giraffes. Don't sell Kidani short, we prefer it especially for it's underground parking and more laid back vibe. Plus AKL has some of the best opportunities for getting a 2 BR at 7 months.

Depending on your time schedule, maybe plan a day of touring various resorts. Use the bus/boat/monorail/skyliner systems to visit the resorts you want to share. Have lunch at one of them, and then plan for an evening meal at Disney Springs before returning to your Savannah view watching the animals.

With whatever you do, have fun!!

 

[Maxwell42]

We enjoy the resorts and other offerings more these days than the parks. Having an AP lets us enjoy the parks for as much or as little as we want. We really enjoy our afternoon breaks (after sleeping in all morning) by taking a dip in the resort pool, and then going to a park later in the day/early evening when the crowds have thinned out and it's cooler. I wouldn't recommend commando park mode. Impress upon them that with your DVC/AP benefits, you don't stress the parks because you know you'll be back again soon. For us, DVC is about relaxing and getting to really enjoy your vacation time without needing a vacation when you get home.

If you can plan a trip when EEH or MM is available, that would be a WIN-WIN.

We appreciate the resort theming more and more these days, as well as catching a quick drink at the bars.
AK Jambo or Kidani will certainly WOW them, especially with a Savannah view while having your morning coffee with the giraffes. Don't sell Kidani short, we prefer it especially for it's underground parking and more laid back vibe. Plus AKL has some of the best opportunities for getting a 2 BR at 7 months.

Depending on your time schedule, maybe plan a day of touring various resorts. Use the bus/boat/monorail/skyliner systems to visit the resorts you want to share. Have lunch at one of them, and then plan for an evening meal at Disney Springs before returning to your Savannah view watching the animals.

With whatever you do, have fun!!

Thanks for this - I agree with all of it! We've done plenty of commando touring with our kids, and I think we're over that now. A couple of rope drops along with a few days of using G+ to stack LL's at an evening park is plenty, allowing plenty of time for resort hopping, etc.

I made a discovery last night that MIGHT ease my mind a bit. I was really wanting Sept. 24-29 (Tuesday-Sunday) so that we could take advantage of EEH at MK on that Wednesday. But I realized that once MNSSHP starts, they don't do regular EEH there anymore, so I really can't count on that. I'm not as crazy about EEH at Epcot, so that's not a big factor. The problem with these dates is that there's already very little availability, presumably because it's the last week before the point costs increase sharply the next week.

Our other option for dates is Sept. 27 - Oct 2 (Friday-Wednesday), and I'm seeing a lot more availability for those dates. Does anyone have a feel for how competitive bookings for 2BR will be at 7 months for those dates? I can afford pretty much anything short of Riviera Preferred.

 

[crisi]

Thanks for this - I agree with all of it! We've done plenty of commando touring with our kids, and I think we're over that now. A couple of rope drops along with a few days of using G+ to stack LL's at an evening park is plenty, allowing plenty of time for resort hopping, etc.

Be on the same page with your "first time guests" about how to tour. They are leaving things in your hands, but communicate. I had a horrible "you are the expert, you make the decisions" trip - well two of them now (I didn't learn - it was fifteen years between the trips). If you are not going to commando, make sure that your friends understand that. They will pay a LOT for park tickets and may want to "maximize the value" of those tickets. If there are favorites from their trip years ago (that are still around), work them into your plans. Have them spend at least a few minutes looking at attractions/restaurants/etc. Make sure to understand if they don't like heights, or roller coasters, or whatever - don't waste G+ to discover that your guests hate thrill rides. Is there a need to get a photo with a Mouse? A need to take time to sit by the pool? A need to eat at nice restaurants? Or a desire to eat in the room because "oh my God! the PRICES!!!!"

 

[crisi]

I'd love to do that, but this stay will be entirely on borrowed points. So if I book 2 studios at Poly and then want to switch to a 2BR almost anywhere else, I will lose the difference in points and not be able to recover them. So if I make a reservation at Poly, I need to be committed to keeping that one.

So another "does it matter" question. You are willing to put XXX points towards this vacation. Does it matter if you book the Poly for XXX points, then switch because you like something else better and end up "wasting" a few points (or investing them in an insurance policy might be a better way of looking at it.)?

(And I'm a bad person for this - we are about to have the two of us in a two bedroom at HHI, because I had the points and hoped someone would come along. We couldn't find takers. And I've had four in a Grand Villa - but again, we'd hoped we'd have guests and well - my brother in law's cancer was more aggressive than we had hoped. So we "waste" points all the time).

 

[kboo]

I've thought about doing a "placeholder" reservation at PVB, but here's the downside - I'm borrowing points for this trip, and 2 studios there cost more than a 2BR elsewhere, so if I'm not committed to staying at PVB, I'll lose points if I change to another resort. Still, it's a possibility - I just need to decide before late February.

I think I am confused or doing the math wrong - looking at David's point calculator for late September and 2 poly standard studios are 152 points and the only 2BR that's at/less are OKW, SSR, AKV standard. Are you saying those are the only 2BRs you'd consider?

(note, this is sort of how I ended up with 2 points in holding)

If my math is correct, I would book the 2 studios now, before 7 mo, and waitlist some 2BR units at 7mo immediately - while BCV and BWV do come to mind, AKV Kidani savanna view is pretty awesome, as is a Riviera 2br standard (because Riviera is not sold out, you might get lucky at 7 mo, and if not, just WL) Having stayed at Riviera quite a bit, it is lovely for an adults-only stay, the standard rooms have fireworks views, and you can also go to Topolino's actual terrace.

 

[kboo]

I THINK there is a drink station somewhere, but its been five years since we stayed at Kidani.

It's at the lobby gift shop in Kidani. It's ok.

Another thing to consider - we had a Kidani 2br savanna last summer and requested the end (last elevator banks) closest to Jambo - it wasn't a 10 minute walk - and we didn't mind it at all. It was so peaceful watching the animals in the AM. We spent more time at Jambo but I like the room layout at Kidani better, so I would do that again. And after a week in a 2br std at BWV (yes, waitlists work!) it felt so peaceful and spacious!

I'd love to do that, but this stay will be entirely on borrowed points. So if I book 2 studios at Poly and then want to switch to a 2BR almost anywhere else, I will lose the difference in points and not be able to recover them. So if I make a reservation at Poly, I need to be committed to keeping that one.

^ again, I am not sure that this is the case? Can you check your math? The only challenge I think would be modifying two studios to combine the points at 7 mo - for that you might need to be on the phone with MS at 9am at 7 months. and you could book, say a 2br that costs the same # of points and then WL for a "better" 2br.

 

[DonMacGregor]

I think any first visit should be at a resort on Seven Seas Lagoon. It’s the iconic WDW, with the Monorail, the view of the castle across the water, the Contemporary Hotel, etc. Plus, you can hop on the Epcot Monorail as well.

For me, those need to be done first, then you can branch out to the other resorts. There’s nothing like that first view of MK, and the OG resorts.

 

[Maxwell42]

I think I am confused or doing the math wrong - looking at David's point calculator for late September and 2 poly standard studios are 152 points and the only 2BR that's at/less are OKW, SSR, AKV standard. Are you saying those are the only 2BRs you'd consider?

(note, this is sort of how I ended up with 2 points in holding)

If my math is correct, I would book the 2 studios now, before 7 mo, and waitlist some 2BR units at 7mo immediately - while BCV and BWV do come to mind, AKV Kidani savanna view is pretty awesome, as is a Riviera 2br standard (because Riviera is not sold out, you might get lucky at 7 mo, and if not, just WL) Having stayed at Riviera quite a bit, it is lovely for an adults-only stay, the standard rooms have fireworks views, and you can also go to Topolino's actual terrace.

Standard studios at Poly aren't available for my dates, so I'm looking at lake view. Total for 2 studios would be 222 points for my dates, which is more expensive than a 2BR pretty much anywhere except GF and Riviera.

Riviera 2BR standard is my first choice if I can get it at 7 months. I think AKV Jambo would be my 2nd choice, but Kidani isn't too far down the list. Riviera would be perfect for our group - I agree that it's a lovely resort for adults. We've stayed there once and visit it via skyliner every trip, either for dinner at Topolino's or a drink at Bar Riva.

As far as Poly goes, it would be great, but I've talked myself into a preference for a 2BR for this trip. I'm pretty sure I'll get something I'll be happy with at 7 months - Kidani appears to be a safe option if I don't get something higher on my list, and that's just fine.

 

[mort1331]

3 bathrooms at Kidani,,,,,that being said. I know its not on your list, but we took 1st timers down and loved the OKW 2bdrm, huge, relaxed atmosphere, golf close by if wanted. But 3 bathrooms at Kidani!

 

[Brian Noble]

If you were bringing someone to WDW for their first time, which resort would you choose and why?

It would depend entirely on those people. What are their interests? Are they more at home at the symphony or the grunge rock show? Fine dining or the hidden gem local pub?

That said, I think there is some merit in taking it relatively slowly for newbies. So, I might choose a resort that can be more of a respite from the craziness of the theme parks than something that keeps them in the middle of it all the time. Still Disney, but a little bit of a gentler experience. I would probably make an exception to this if they are, say, empty-nesters who subscribe to and watch a lot of Disney+, but it does not sound like that's who they are.

 

[Brian Noble]

t would depend entirely on those people.

To elaborate on this:

To most of us, the Poly absolutely is iconic. It represents some of the very best parts of the Vacation Kingdom. It just oozes classic Disney.

To someone who is not steeped in the lore of the place, the Poly can come off as a slightly off-color caricature of what people who have not visited the Pacific Islands think of when they think of the Pacific Islands. This could be especially true if, for example, your friends frequently visit the Hawaiian islands without limiting themselves to Honolulu.

 

[ReaperMouse]

That’s a good point about studios versus 2BR, and I agree about prioritizing that, but not sure about SSR. Seriously, we’ve stayed there once and it was fine, but it’s not where I want to take a first timer.

I really do prefer Jambo pretty strongly over Kidani. The lobby, lounges, and dining are a huge part of what I love about the place, and I’d much rather have those a few steps away from my room than a 10 minute walk or shuttle ride away.

A little off topic - is there a drink refill station at Kidani?

Yes, the drink refill station is in the market at Kidani.

 

[Genie+]

May I suggest 2 things? Pontoon and Wicked Wind Down (requires blue card).

We rented a pontoon at Grand Flo, ~$50 for 40 minutes or so. The perfect amount of time to run the whole loop at a relaxed pace. We went around from VGF to Poly to Contemporary, then over to the Fort and Wilderness Lodge area and back to VGF. I’m surprised more people don’t do this. It was a blast! Make sure whoever wants to share driving brings their auto license. It’s very safe because security comes to escort you anytime other traffic (like the ferry etc) is near. They are very nice and seem to just pop in and out of nowhere when needed, lol. The pontoons are gorgeous with plenty of room for 4 (up to 10ppl). Very memorable and fun. I think boats need to be back by 6pm.

Wicked Wind Down in BLT tower lounge, $55 each plus tax/tip. We planned a night with MK party fireworks. The view is great and the music and narration piped in through a quality speaker system. Between the food, the drinks, 7 layer cake (yes its that good), and fireworks - we were all impressed. It’s a cool lounge and was also a good opportunity to pop into Contemporary. Some of us had never been inside. Seeing the mural and monorail for the first time is special.

These were both big hits on our last adult trip. I’ll definitely try to do them again! We didn’t want to exhaust the adults joining that trip, and these were exciting things to do as a break from the mileage and crowds in the parks.