Which resort for one night, following a Disney cruise???

[SeaSpray]

We're going on a 7-night western Caribbean Disney cruise next summer, and then we'll be staying for one night at WDW. Which of these resorts would you recommend for one night, and why? We probably will not do a park. We just want to relax, eat, and maybe go to Downtown Disney/Disney Quest.

Thanks in advance for your opinions!!

 

[Bbgrizzle]

You might want to check and make sure you can tack on one night at a Disney hotel. We called to reserve one night (it was BEFORE the cruise, however) and they said the only place we were allowed to do one night was at the Dolphin. Maybe the policy has changed by now, as this was a year ago.

 

[SeaSpray]

I'm booking everything myself, it's not part of a package, so we can stay wherever we want, and I have called CRO already to find out rates, so I know I'll be able to book just one night.

 

[Patio]

Seaspray, I would choose AKL for 1 night. You can swim and have some drinks by the pool. Then you could explore the grounds and gift shop. Top it off with dinner at Boma's, then hit DTD or else, stay at AKL and enjoy its surroundings. I'm sure you will love it here. You and DH can enjoy the lounge at night, while your sons swim or explore on their own.
I have visited the other resorts, except WL, and while they all are gorgeous, for 1 night, I'd pick AKL.
Have fun deciding!!

 

[Disbug]

I would definitely choose the AKL. It is a resort that is only close to the AK, a straight shot to DTD and is perfect for just staying at the resort exploring, lounging, resting, swimming. BOMA's or JIKO's are two fabuous restaurants. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxing and exotic. After a cruise, I think it would be a perfect place to unwind!

 

[swilphil]

Given that you have young boys, I would do Yacht Club just to be able to swim at Stormalong Bay. It's like a water park! You also will be right next to the Boardwalk that has a lot of fun activities. I don't know if I would be able to resist not going to the parks though!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

The Polynesian - you're family will love it.

 

[Bbgrizzle]

SeaSpray, I didn't know it was different if you booked on your own! Next time I will try it! I voted for the Poly, but I think I would switch it to AKL, since you are only doing one day and the convenience to the parks doesn't factor into it. How are you getting to the DCL terminal? Do the DCL busses pick up at AKL? Curious, for future reference!

 

[Byrd]

Great view of the castle, eat upstairs at Cal. Grill, water mice for fun, and Chef Mickey's for breakfast before you leave. Can I go too?
Byrd


I'll help with the children.

 

[timC]

From your list, I would say that Yc has the most to offer.

- Best pool: SAB
- Best (non-park) dining options within walking distance
- Boardwalk fun. Who needs DtD
- More delux. They're all delux, but YC is most luxurious.
- Bigger rooms. Someone double check me here.

They're all great resorts. No bad pick here.

 

[Samsma]

SeaSpray - we stayed at AKL for 3 nights in July after the Magic Eastern. I think that would be the perfect place to just relax and enjoy the atmosphere. There's no place like it!!! Plus, its remote enough to not make you feel like you're missing out on the parks. I couldn't stay where I could see Spaceship Earth, or the Castle without feeling bad about not going!

 

[KarenB]

Hi! I would say Yacht Club because of SAB, especially if you are not going to be doing any parks. It is a great pool, you are right on the Boardwalk, and you can even catch a bit of the fireworks! Oh, and it will be hot, hot, hot when you are there.

I am trying to talk DH into doing a few days after our cruise. I think most of the deluxes are value season right after July 4. We have some days left on our passes to use up. We are so spoiled though with the DVC resorts....it will be hard to use cash for a room instead of points!

I still wish we were on the same cruise!!!!
Karen

 

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by KarenB
Hi! I would say Yacht Club because of SAB, especially if you are not going to be doing any parks. It is a great pool, you are right on the Boardwalk, and you can even catch a bit of the fireworks! Oh, and it will be hot, hot, hot when you are there.

I am trying to talk DH into doing a few days after our cruise. I think most of the deluxes are value season right after July 4. We have some days left on our passes to use up. We are so spoiled though with the DVC resorts....it will be hard to use cash for a room instead of points!

I still wish we were on the same cruise!!!!
Karen

Hi Karen!!! This is too funny because I just replied to your thread and said almost the same exact thing I really wish we were going on the same cruise as you!
We booked our airfare this weekend so we're definitely staying one extra night at Disney World. The question now is, which resort. I think I've narrowed it down to either the Yacht Club or the Polynesian. I do love the idea of the Animal Kingdom Lodge, but my DH and DSs said they'd rather be at a resort with a little more "action" going on since we won't be doing any of the parks. Then again, we may get there and decide to pick one of the parks to do afterall I can't imagine being that close and NOT at least going into one of the parks. I guess it'll all depend on how broke we are after the cruise. LOL

 

[justhat]

I would go with AKL, that's what we're doing after our cruise in June, but if you want more action, I would go with the YC. The Poly is beautiful and one of my favorite resorts (though it's been so long since I've stayed there since my fiancé doesn't like it that much), but YC definitely has more to do, especially for your sons. There's that ESPN arcade on the Boardwalk, you can rent those surrey bikes, see Illuminations without entering Epcot if you don't want to spend the money for 1 day's admission. Also, as many others said, the pool can't be beat, though after a week in the Caribbean your boys may not care that much about a pool. For relaxing though, I would still take AKL since you could just sit and watch animals forever!

 

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by Bbgrizzle
SeaSpray, I didn't know it was different if you booked on your own! Next time I will try it! I voted for the Poly, but I think I would switch it to AKL, since you are only doing one day and the convenience to the parks doesn't factor into it. How are you getting to the DCL terminal? Do the DCL busses pick up at AKL? Curious, for future reference!

Hi Bonnie:

I'm not sure about the DCL busses. We'll be using Tiffany Towncar for this trip. We'll have 3 different "legs" to this trip and I've had some great experiences with Tiffany, also now DH is leaning towards using their stretch limo again, while I'd be happy with one of their vans.

Leg 1: MCO to the Radisson at Port Canaveral (We're arriving the day before the cruise).
Leg 2: The Port to Disney World (Still undecided about which resort we'll be staying at).
Leg 3: WDW resort back to MCO for the flight home.

From the quotes I've gotten from Tiffany, it looks like it's only about $20. more for one of their large vans in comparison to using DCL busses. (As for the stretch limo, that's another $140. on top of that). We like having a driver waiting for us when we get off the plane, so we think it's worth the few extra $$$.