which resort with toddlers?

[marmi3003]

I'm planning a trip to WDW in Oct for a week. My husband will be at a seminar Sun-Thur 9a-6p, so it will mostly be me and our two children ages 3.5 and 1 yo. His seminar is at the Dolphin. I'm planning on spending some time at the parks but also some time at the hotel. I would like a room with at least one bedroom (with a door-to put the kids to bed so we can stay up), other activities for kids (within walking distance), something nearby for us all to do when hubby gets back from his seminar (kids go to bed at 8, so getting to a park for some fun may be limited on these days) and not too expensive, less than $300 a night if that is possible. I probably asking too much here, but I thought I'd put it all out there!
Thanks in advance for your help!
aw:

 

[grimley1968]

You'd need at least a villas suite, if you really need a separate bedroom, or a FW cabin. Getting a villas 2-br suite for less than $300/night might be kind of difficult. If you can do with a regular resort room, I find that the Poly is best for getting to and from MK and EPCOT quickly, without having to fold up strollers, etc. Of course, you can walk to EPCOT from the Dolphin, or boat to MGM, without folding up strollers. But you'd need to take the bus to MK from there.

 

[mom2lilandem]

I'm traveling in October with my 2 1/2 and 1 year old. This will be my 2.5 year old's 4th trip. I'd definitely stay at a MK resort because my kids still nap and you have the convenience of the boat from WL or the monorail from the Contemporary, Poly or GF. That being said you may have a hard time getting a room at any of those for less than 300 a night let alone a villa. If you decide to go the villa route at WL you'll need a one bedroom. We stayed in a studio over Easter and they didn't have a sep. bedroom. It was basically a bigger room with a small microwave/refrigerator area.

HTH.

Liz

 

[marmi3003]

Thanks for your replies. I could do more than $300 if need be.. what about the Ft Wilderness Cabins? Would that be a good option?

 

[SSPrincessMom]

Hi! We were at DW in 03 with our 2 1/2 yr old dd. We stayed at the GF and loved it! Granted, we only had the one room, but it was so easy getting to the MK. Just walk right out to the monorail and 3 minutes later, you are there! It would probaby cost you more than $300 per night, but I think you might be able to get the CR or Poly for around that. Good luck!

 

[henrylovespooh]

I have two toddlers and they love the All Star Movies resort. There is a great playground, kiddie pool and a play area in the Toy Story section. My kids loved to watch the Mickey Sorcerer fountain in the big pool too. There are other things to see if you walk around the whole complex - huge dogs in the 101 Dalmations section, among other things. They have a tv screen in the food court seating area that shows Disney cartoons to keep kids still during meal time. Depending on when you are going, you can book two adjoining rooms from about $160-$240 depending on the season, which would give you the ability to put the kids to bed and still watch television in the other room. Some rooms in ASMo have king beds as well if you want one of those.

The bus transportation to and from the parks was easy and quick. We never waited long for a bus.

For nearby things to do, it's a $7.00 cab ride to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We like to go there for dinner at Boma (something for everyone, including kids) and it's a great place to walk around, see some animals, and relax. There are outdoor animal viewing areas and some really nice outdoor balconies where you can sit on rocking chairs and watch the animals out in the distance. They have storytelling around a fire at night, around 7:30 p.m. and it's only about a 10 minute cab ride back to the hotel.

Are you or your husband a teacher or government employee? If so, then you might be able to get discounts to stay at the Swan or Dolphin and get a suite at a cheaper price. Then you can walk around the Boardwalk area when you're not in the parks.

 

[Desnik]

For the things you want I would say renting points from a DVC member is the best bet for you. Either at the Beach Club or Boardwalk. Both are in walking distance to the Swan/Dolphin, MGM, and Epcot. There are a ton of restaurants, BC has the best pool area on site, BW has the community Hall where there are activities for little ones like crafts, toys and such. You could get a 1 or 2 bedroom at either. It is a busy month for DVC'ers but you might have luck getting a room.

Here's a link to the rent/trade board:
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29
Make sure you read the "sticky's" at the top for all info in how to go about renting from a member. We did this twice before becoming members and it worked out great.
Looking at the points charts a 2 bedroom (at $10 per point)would cost $320 per night, a 1 bedroom would be $240 per night(also at $10 per point) Also, no tax, that's the price. Keep in mind this is for week nights only. It increases on the weekends.(Fri & Sat) If you have any questions go to the DVC board there is a ton of info and helpful people. You could also do a search. I just checked the rack rates for a 2 bedroom at the BC through Disney and it is $725 per night not including 11.5%tax!! You save a ton renting!!

 

[Desnik]

Oh, to answer about FW cabins. It is alittle rustic and some love it, but it is not for everyone. The FW area is very large and spread out that you need one of those golf carts to get around or use the internal buses. I believe they have a ferry to take you to the MK and buses to the rest of the parks.

FYI, I didn't mention in my previous post that there is also a ferry at the BW to bring you to MGM and Epcot.

Also here is a link to Deb's site that has a ton of pictures and resort facts.
http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/faq_hot.htm

 

[Jaime]

We stayed at the Boardwalk Villa's in a two bedroom suite with our toddler. We loved the location as it was within walking distance of MGM and EPCOT and it took no time by bus to MK and AK. If we took the boats to EPCOT or MGM we never even had to take our dd our of her stroller. We spent time in our room for afternoon naps everyday and made most of our own meals. The atmosphere was great. It is also next door to the Swan & Dolphin hotel.

 

[rcraw45425]

IF you're talking this October you may have a hard time finding a deluxe resort for a week due to the popularity of Food & Wine Festival and Halloween Party. It took me some manuvering to arrange our October trip and it's only for four nights. I wish you luck!

 

[polyhm83]

We have stayed ar the cabins several times and I think you would enjoy it.
Lots of room, separate bedroom, full kithchen and a large deck outside. There is alot to do in fort wilderness for kids, such as the petting farm and lots of playgrounds. Also campfires with disney movies at night. The only negative is
you would have to take the internal bus to get around. Hope this helped.