Which resort to just relax at?

[Anal Annie]

We did not care for OKW but LOVE both AKV and VWL. I think you could really find a secluded spot to curl up and read or nap at VWL. The property is just amazing. On the other hand, at AKV you have the animals and the savannahs plus we find the restaurants at AKV to be THE BEST. We LOVE Boma! Both of these properties were designed by the same architect that designed the Grand Californian at DL if you're familiar with that hotel...so they're both strikingly beautiful and very warm and inviting. Lots of wood and special details.

 

[spiceycat]

AKV - VWL is great too - but once the fireworks start can't see myself staying away from the parks....

AKV is far enough away that the parks won't tempt you.

OKW is too.

but AKV is one building (right now) - so everything is walkable - and it has Boma's one my favorite restuarants.

of course, VWL has WCC another of my favorites.

 

[bobbiwoz]

It is going to be our pre-cruise stay! Can you get DCL transfers from Vero Beach?

No. But there are car rental agencies near the port for you to drop off a rental car.

Bobbi

 

[WaltEeyoreWorld]

We just got back 2 weeks ago from a "relaxing" Disney trip. There are two places I would recommend depending on your sense of relaxation that we like. Old Key West is very relaxing. We sat on the large deck overlooking the golf course with a bottle of wine and relaxed away an evening. Even skipped our dinner reservations and had them delivery a pizza instead as we were too lazy to move.

Although we have not stayed there yet, even though it is a home resort, the VWL are a joy for relaxing. Very quiet in the pine woods. I spend a morning sitting in front of the fire in the Train room next to the lobby reading a book. Maybe I saw 10 people in 3 hours and they were all going to us the pool. Comfortable oversized leather rocking chairs to relax in and I think they even turned the AC down so that the fire seemed cozy even though it was 80 degrees outside.

Side note, I spent one morning in Animal Kingdom park sitting on the discovery trail under the tree of life next to the river. I read most of a book listening to the 2 macaws talking to each other. I think maybe 4 people walked by in several hours. It was very nice spot and you could hear the excitement around you but still be in a tranquil setting.

 

[hakepb]

Now, I think of pool slide and relxation as oxymorons. To me, pool slides = crowded with noisy families. I think if you want a relaxing trip, spend time at both the pool slide pool and the quiet pools for chillin'

SSR - I though Grandstand was exceptionally relaxing (much more than Springs) The GS pool with bar was very nice and calm (but possilby more quiet as the kiddie play area was fenced off for referbishment) The main SSR pool looked crazy busy during that trip.

BCV - Not stayed there, but is is supposed to have, by far, the best slide (but I think that means busy) In visiting, I did discover at BCV you can sit on a lounge chair on a white sand beach looking at BWV, and I've never seen the beach area used much. BCV also has several internal and landscaped areas that I find exceptionally beautiful and relaxing.

AKV - Pool area has much lush tropical landscaping, cool, calm interior. Great animal viewing areas (including a public one with rocking chairs around a fire pit) The more time you relax, gazing at the savannah's the more you will enjoy the animals, because they are not just in a cage waiting for you to walk up at a moment's notice. I would say that the Jambo pool slide is not more exciting than SSR, though.

Another thing to consider, renting a boat. (At the YC if at BCV or Captain Jacks for SSR and OKW) You did mention a cruise, but nothing says relaxation more than boat time.