Which resort is the most impressive?

[DJ Disney Kid]

My girlfriend and I are going to Disneyworld in May and I want to take her to the resort that will just blow her away. What resort do you think makes the biggest first impression?

 

[GEM]

I guess it depends, but, for us, it's the Wilderness Lodge. Walking into that lobby for the first time is an absolutely jaw-dropping, breathtaking experience. I'm sure others will say the Grand Floridian, but, for us, it doesn't top the Wilderness Lodge.

 

[momtobrynncess]

In my humble opinion, it is the Contemporary. With the newly refurbished rooms (take a look at the photos on this website or others), she will love it. And the fact that the monorail goes right through the hotel??? That's a pretty awesome sight. My husband stayed there for our first vacation together, and got engaged at California Grill (atop the Contemporary). You can request a view of the Magic Kingdom (seeing the castle from your room???). We have stayed at a lot of the Disney resorts, and we still say the Contemporary is our favorite!!!

 

[jcriket]

It really does depend on what impresses her. GF, WL, and AKL all have very impressive lobbies. I preffer AKL, or WL. All of these have a wow, when you walk in, but in GF you walk in and look down into the lobby. The other 2 you walk in surrounded by the whole lobby, with high ceilings.

 

[tampaguys]

My picks:

Wilderness Lodge is the most visually impressive from the outside and the lobby is AMAZING.

Animal Kingdom Lodge has an amazing lobby also, and then you can walk out the back door and look at the animals in the savannah.

 

[ducklite]

The ONLY totally unique hotel is the AKL. EVERY other WDW resort can be compared to any number of other hotels in the US.

For a true WOW, the AKL is the only answer.

Anne

 

[BillSears]

To me the most impressive is the WL. But that's because I like that style of architecture. If your GF hates rustic and loves fancy then take her to the GF. If she's a south seas type of girl she'll love the Poly. Me I hate the GF but again that's my preference. I do love the Poly especially at night, there aren't many more romantic spots then walking the grounds of the Poly late at night with the torches burning.

 

[Fionasmommy]

Even my 5 year old was impressed by Wilderness Lodge! I didn't think she'd even noticed the different WDW hotels until we went to WL for dinner one night! It was all she could talk about over dinner at WCC, and afterwards she demanded we take her on a tour of the grounds, lol. She loved the sheer size and beauty of it so much that we've booked it for our next trip. Can't wait!

 

[ploto]

Contemporary for sure!!!!! Get a Magic Kingdom view and the view will blow her away. Plus the monorail going through the lobby is amazing !!!!!

If you want any more info on CR feel free to PM me.

 

[stephen11]

I can't think of a more romantic, beautiful resort than the Boardwalk Inn or the Yacht and Beach CLub resorts...they are convenient to walk to the parks and the restaurants are outstanding...we love the Boardwalk!!

 

[Jrabbit910]

Hi DJ Dis,
It really all depends on the budget that you have for your trip.... This will help you choose the best for your $$. If money is no object then of course pick a Deluxe resort that has it all.... Of course everyone is going to have an opinion on what makes them love a certain resort but you know your girlfriend and what she likes... take it from there... Is she into animals?? If so pick the AKL w/ a savannah view, or maybe she is into more of a camping lodging feeling, then pick TWL... it really all depends on your budget and what she likes... IMO: it will be alot easier to choose it from that...
Remember when your there you can go into all the resorts and check them out; this way if you see something that you like and is different you know what to do for your next trip.
I hope this advise helped and please come back and tell us where you picked!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I absolutely adore the WL! My whole family does.

The only resort that topped that one, was the AKL. It is beautiful and very unique.

Unfortunately for us, we have five and there were no available rooms that would fit my family, so we're staying at the Polynesian in June.

People rave about it too... so we'll see!

 

[ransom]

DW and I spent a week at WL a few weeks ago. It was our first time to WDW. During the week, we toured the Contemporary, the Grand Floridian, the Yacht Club, the and the Beach Club. The only one she fell in love with (she actually cried tears of joy when we entered) was the Wilderness Lodge.

But, then, I can see some people really loving any of 'em. Depends on what the person likes.

 

[Samsma]

The WL and AKL tie for me for first impression, but for location, the WL wins between the two.

 

[KMLOVESWDW]

I think it depends upon her taste & your budget. What types of atmosphere do you think she would like the best. To me WL is breathtaking. It is romantic & there is plenty to do if you want it-not the most expensive either. CR has really nice refurbed rooms & if you can swing a MK view room, well... AKL is also very impressive, different style that WL, but designed by the same person. Poly is pretty inside & out, but like I said it is a matter of taste. I would pick the WL hands down, but they all have something nice for everyone. GOOD LUCK!!

 

[Snow Shoe]

Walking into the WL lobby is by far the most impressive, and definetly the most "Oh my....!!!!!" lobby that Disney has ever created IMO. I can still remember how I felt the first time walking in, looking around, listening to the background music, and soaking it all in. It's amazing!

 

[minijeanie]

my vote is WL....

there is nothing more impressive than the lobby.

nothing else compares,, you are just mystified by the huge fireplace in the corner that you never notice the check in area

why would anyone pick the CR....what a stainless steel boring place to walk into.

mind you I stayed there a few years ago & while the rooms were great there is actually no lobby at all.

my second choice would be GF or Poly

 

[buccikulju]

Grand Floridian, absolutely! Not just for it's beauty and the fact that you are so close to MK and the monorail and everything but because of the wonderful service. I still remember the free lemonade served by the pool and the cookies served in the lobby. Ah....luxury AND Disney World at your doorstep. Love it love it love it.

I should say that I have stayed at Fort Wilderness, the Poly, the Contemporary, GF, POR, and am planning POFQ...so I cannot weigh in on the popularity of the some of the others mentioned, however, when I think impressive I don't think Wilderness or Animals....however, tastes differ. You know your friend and probably can guess what will WOW her. Have fun!!!

Patty (onsite 7 times and a-counting down to February)

 

[Buzz2001]

I may be in the minority but I disagree that the most impressive resort has to be a deluxe. It all depends on what your looking for. I love the fell of being in cancun and love CSR. Being from the NE, WL does nothing for me.

Photo by Ducky4Disney

 

[plutospup]

Buzz makes a good point. It doesn't have to be a deluxe to make a big impression!

CSR is a great resort! I loved our stay there last year.

However, I can honestly say the same for AKL, WL , CR, BC , CBR ...and even FW Cabins! Each is wonderful in its own way, and left our family with lots of wonderful memories. Each resort can make a big impression.