Which Resort to Try Next?

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I'm planning to return to WDW probably in late 2003 or early 2004 (I know I am planning early), but I'd like to check out a few possibilities when I am at WDW in a couple months. I have stayed at All-Star Music, Wilderness Lodge, Contemporary, Polynesian, and the Grand Floridian. What resort do you think I should try? Should I give someplace new a shot, or return to one of my favorites (I have really liked every place I've stayed so far - the Grand Floridian being my very favorite)? Should I give the Yacht/Beach Club or BoardWalk a try? Try the Animal Kingdom Lodge? Or, should I go for Coronado Springs or Caribbean Beach (never stayed at a moderate)?

Please shed some light! I've always said I want to only stay at the GF (because I love it!), but part of me likes to stay at other places!

Thanks!

 

[J. Thornhill]

I would recommend Animal Kingdom Lodge. It offers an experience unmatched by any resort, Disney or otherwise. I won't go into all the accolades about this resort that you've surely heard before, but for it's inimitable concept alone, I would think it the obvious next choice.

Jonathan

 

[bjakmom]

While you're down definitely take a spin around the Boardwalk area and check it out - we loved BWI on our last trip and think it's the best place yet for teens. This trip we're trying AKL just because it's new and looks so wonderful - maybe you could book a PS at Boma one night and check that out, too. We love to check out the hotels during our stays, too, usually try to have a meal and take a look around.

 

[SeaSpray]

Hi Cali!!!!

On my last trip in February I had the opportunity to check out the Boardwalk/Y&B Club area and I have to say, it does look like a fun, high-energy kind of place!

I think you would like staying in that area of WDW because it's so close to MGM and MK. Nice to have that boat access

Now, on the otherhand, I know it's hard to resist old favorites too! How long will that trip be for? Can you split between a new resort and an old favorite? Start out at the new one, then end at one of your favorites. That would be my suggestion

P.S. Of course if you consider a moderate, check out Caribbean Beach!

 

[angelaj]

I recommend splitting your stay between an Epcot resort and AKL. I love staying in the Epcot area for the ease of getting to Epcot and MGM (via boat or walking), and it's a beautiful and fun area to stay in! Be sure to catch the entertainment on the Boardwalk. Then you can finish your stay at AKL. It's a beautiful, peaceful resort. You'll feel a million miles away from the parks, but a quick bus ride will get you back into the action. Good luck deciding!

 

[eeyore0062]

I would go with one of the Epcot resorts. My favorite is the Beach Club...love the decor, and the pool is the best. Also, it is the closest to Epcot, so the walk takes no time!

 

[Diz-Me]

I agree with angelaj. Since you have not stayed at BC or AKL yet it would be nice to split your stay between the two.

That is exactly what we did two weeks ago. While at BC we went to MGM once and Epcot several times. Our room was very close to the Epcot International Gateway and in just a 5 minute walk we were between England and France. We enjoyed the location, pool, Cape May Cafe and of course Beaches & Cream at the BC!!!

When we were at the Animal Kingdom Lodge we never left the resort. We just relaxed and enjoyed the view, pool and Boma.

Hope this helps with your decision. Next trip we are thinking of doing another split stay. This time at the Boardwalk and either the Poly or the Wilderness Lodge.

 

[ead79]

Hi Cali!
Hmmm, that's a tough choice. I have often had a hard time choosing between an old favorite and something new. Perhaps you could split your stay between the GF and a new resort, that way you get the best of both worlds. As far as which other resort goes, I would recommend either the AKL or the BWI, depending on your personal preference. The AKL is actually my 2nd favorite resort (after the GF), though they are very different resorts. The AKL is very new and is just lovely. The lobby is so beautiful (of course in a much different way than the GF), and Boma, the buffet restaurant at the AKL, is outstanding. The smell of the restaurants drifts up into the lobby, and it makes me hungry every time! If you get a savannah view at the AKL watching the animals right outside your window is priceless. I really enjoyed watching them, and I'm not a real animal lover. Now, as far as convenience goes, the AKL is a big out of the way. Transportation is by bus only, and the bus ride is a bit long over to the MK or Epcot. Of course it's a short ride to the AK. You definitely feel like you're in Africa while at the AKL, but you don't feel like you're missing the Disney magic, IMO. Now, the BWI. I stayed there in May of 2000, and really liked this resort also. I think the decor is really relaxing and fun. Having all the entertainment of the BW right outside your door is also a great perk. Of course the convenience of the BWI is outstanding. A short 5 min. walk to Epcot can't be beat. The pool here is also really neat (though I've only seen it in pictures), so if you like to swim that might be a consideration. Also, you're really close to the YC and BC so you can easily eat at their restaurants too. Hope this helps!

 

[MJames41]

Hi Cali,

It depends on when you are going. If you are going late 2003 (like after Thanksgiving), I would suggest a split between Beach Club and Grand Floridian. The extras at Epcot during Christmas are great, and a Beach Club stay puts you right there. Just my 2 cents. Enjoy.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Thanks so much for all the opinions! My trip would probably be 5-7 nights, and we won't want to do the resort switching again (we've done it before, and really don't like doing it as we prefer to stay in the same place for the entire trip).

I'm thinking we might either do New Year's 2003/2004, or go near the end of January 2004 or President's Day Weekend 2004.

If we do New Year's, we'd probably stick to CBR, CSR, WL, CR, or AKL (standard rooms - we've paid holiday season prices before on the premium rooms, and won't want to do it again!).

If we can go January 2004, I'll defiently do 7 nights (Sat to Sat) and would probably want a nice room (as parks close early). Any of the deluxe resorts would be nice for that (hopefully with AP discount!). AKL and WL would probably be nice since it is winter.

For February 2004, I'd probably do 5 nights (Wed to Mon) in order to take advantage of value season rates. Any deluxe would be fine for that, too.

Basicly any resort would be fine for January or February, New Year's I'd probably have to get the least expensive deluxe room (which I'm sure will be well over $300/night + taxes) or a moderate (probably atleast $200/night + taxes).

Sounds like the BC and AKL are what have been most recommended. I'm a little concerned on the impact of the BCV's on the BC. Would the YC be a better choice since it is a little further from the BCV's?

The more I think about it, the more I think January might be a better time to go. Small crowds, low rates. Only thing is, the weather might not co-operate. I guess that is why the deluxe resorts offer so much to do!

Thanks everyone! I'd love to hear more opinions and suggestions!

Cali

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Yc/Bc I think I would wait, until the crowd situation with sab, is settled ( how crowded is it now, that the villas have opened). Have you considered the s/d? Starwood has some really great perks! And it is a deluxe with full amnenities. In the moderates I like po-rs & cbr. CSR really does not appeal to me, conventioneers @ a moderate, very spread out, resturant. Check them out, I love scouting hotels, that's how we have not stayed at csr, we walked all the way around the back circle, I would not be doing that to go to the digsite or main building too much. (My calf muscles are resting up for our next gf trip, to the self parking lot ). I would be interested on your take of the s/d. Also that hyatt behind wdw seems right up your alley, very opulent! MKY

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Hi mky! I guess I'd consider the Swan/Dolphin, I'll have to stop by on my next trip and ask to see a room (and the club level, too). I guess I just love the Disney resorts, I love them!!! I've walked around the S/D, and seeing the Dolphin when driving into WDW from the airport has always let me know that "I've arrived at WDW". We are Starwood members (haven't stayed at a Starwood in 2 years!), so atleast I'd be able to get points and possibly an upgrade. BTW, I will be using valet parking on my GF stay! LOL, they can park the Cadillac for us! (Avis better give me a Cadillac! Last trip, I got a Park Avenue from National. )

I'm seriously considering the AKL Deluxe Savanna or Concierge for January 2004. Who knows, I might end up at the Grand Floridian again! LOL! I'd still like to stay at the Polynesian or Contemporary again, as well as WL. I'd also like to try YC/BC, BWI, and AKL!!!

Cali

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hey Cali! If you read my trip report then you KNOW what I will suggest! You have GOT to try a villa. They are to DIE for!!! After you've stayed in a one or two bedroom you'll never go back to a regular hotel room again. Especially traveling with your parents, you could have your OWN room!! That's like a vacation within a vacation! You can't go wrong with BCV, BWV, VWL, or OKW... they are all going to blow you away.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Tigr, I read your TR!!! Sounds like you had a great trip!!! I have had the pleasure of seeing a 2BR at BWV and VWL, and they do look very nice. I'll definetly keep BCV and BWV as possibilities (I'll see what kind of rates come out for them).

I'll have to wait to see how many of us decide to go (It'll be my parents and myself, and I might decide to bring a friend along - in that case we'll go with 2 rooms or a 2BR villa).

 

[hmp2z]

Hi! We are going to split our trip up - 4 nights at GF, 4 nights at WL, and 1 night at AKL (had to try it!). I wanted to comment about the Swan & Dolphin. We walked around the lobby, just to check them out, last time we were at WDW, and the whole place reeked of cigarette smoke! We definitely noticed a difference between these 2 hotels and the Disney hotels, especially since on that trip, we were staying at the lovely GF (our favorite place, too). I have sinus problems, so am very sensitive to cigarette smoke, and find the smell very unpleasant - I'd hate to stay in a place that smelled like cigarettes every time we came home. I love the GF, b/c coming home from the parks is always such a delight.
On our trip last month, we stayed at CSR for the 1st time, and I don't think I would do a moderate again. I didn't see much difference between that and the All Stars, except for the hammocks on the beach. I really missed having a private balcony, so I guess I've been spoiled by the GF for any other hotel! We actually ended up just hanging out at the GF a lot, even though we weren't staying there. Hopefully the WL won't be a letdown for us on our next trip. We wanted to try it, b/c we want the honeymoon room and can't afford it at the GF
Cheers!
Heather P

 

[pixiechick]

I vote for a 2 bedroom at BWV!! Did I mention that is our next stop??
Having read many of your posts, I think you would like AKL. Concierge level, of course!
Good luck Cali!